Raindance Film Festival announced its’ 2014 programme today in central London and THN was there to check out the line-up. This year’s festival will take place from 24th September – 5th October and will screen 100 feature films and over 150 short films.
Now in its 22nd year, the festival has a strong legacy of showing alternative films and uncovering the hottest new filmmakers to hit the cinematic scene. Raindance-premiered hits include MEMENTO, OLD BOY, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, PUSHER, GHOST WORLD and LOVE EXPOSURE.
The opening night gala film, taking place on the 24th September, will be Mike Cahill’s sic-fi drama I ORIGINS starring Brit Marling. Cahill’s debut feature, ANOTHER EARTH (co-written by and also starring Brit Marling) premiered at Raindance in 2011. I ORIGINS follows the story of a molecular biologist and his laboratory partner who uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it. The film premiered at Sundance earlier this year and was awarded the Alfred P. Sloan prize for achievement in science or technology-based filmmaking. The trailer was released earlier this year and you can check it out here
Closing the festival this year is Dutch crime thriller WOLF, which sees a talented kick boxer facing increasing notoriety in-and outside the ring, bringing the worlds of kickboxing and organized crime to a collision.
Also on the menu is the UK premiere of Diego Luna’s Mexican film CESAR CHAVEZ, starring America Ferrera, Michael Pena and John Malkovich, Asia Argento’s MISUNDERSTOOD starring Charlotte Gainsbourg, THE BEAT BENEATH MY FEET starring Luke Perry and THE THINGS WE DO starring Wes Bentley and Jason Isaacs.
We could go on about the line-up but you can see the entire thing for yourself here – let us know if you find any must-see hidden gems. There’s always unexpected treats to be found at Raindance – perhaps the Macedonian Oscar submission CHILDREN OF THE SUN or Hong Kong documentary THE OTHERWORLD will come up trumps this year. The films have been divided by mood & tone providing us with spring, summer, autumn and winter. Documentaries will be focusing heavily on areas of conflict in the Middle East and women’s rights in Africa.
On 4th October the festival culminates in the annual Raindance Award Ceremony – jurors this year include Sherlock’s Andrew Scott and SIGHTSEERS & HOT FUZZ actress Alice Lowe. Awards include Best International Feature, Best UK Feature and several awards for the Short Film strand. The winner of the Short Film of the Festival qualifies for consideration in the Short Films category of the Oscars without the usual requirement of a theatrical release so expect a high quality of shorts on offer in addition to everything else on offer!
Raindance Film Festival runs from the 24th September – 5th October 2014. For more information on programme, ticketing and awards visit the Raindance Festival website.
