The New Zealand Film Festival has announced its line-up for this year’s Autumn Events, and we’re frothing out our lips with what’s been revealed. But first, here are the key dates and locations…
NZIFF Autumn Events Dates:
Auckland, The Civic Theatre 13 – 17 April
Auckland, Academy Cinema 23 April – 3 May
Wellington, Paramount cinema 16 April – 3 May
Wellington, Embassy Theatre 22 April, 7–22 May
Dunedin, Regent Theatre 5–8 May
Christchurch, Hoyts Riccarton, 29 April – 22 May
Below is the list, split into two groups: the classics making their way back to cinemas, and new films making their NZ premieres.
UPDATE – David Farrier’s internationally-praised competitive tickling bizarro documentary Tickled has just been announced to open Autumn Events!
The Classic Films
Fargo
The Coen brothers’ Oscar-winning crime drama, which has gone on to become a Golden Globe-winning TV series.
“Fargo is a strikingly mature, unique entertainment that plays on many levels … all satisfying.” – Variety (written in 1996)
The Iron Giant: Signature Edition
A remastered version of Brad Bird’s classic animated adaptation of the children’s book about a young boy, Hogarth Hughes, who befriends a giant robot. Includes two new scenes.
“It works as a lot of animation does, to make you forget from time to time that these are moving drawings, because the story and characters are so compelling.” – Roger Ebert (written in 1999)
The King and I
It’s the 60th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning adaptation of the classic novel and stage musical starring Deborah Kerr (nominated for Best Lead Actress) and Yul Brynner (winner for Best Lead Actor).
“Whatever pictorial magnificence The King and I may have had upon the stage, it has twice as much in the film version.” – New York Times (written in 1956)
The Philadelphia Story
Classic 1940 romantic comedy from George Cukor, director of My Fair Lady, starring a triplet of Hollywood royalty in Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart.
“Utterly beguiling, funny and romantic.” – The Guardian (written in 2015)
Akira Kurosawa’s Ran
Akira Kurosawa’s (Seven Samurai) epic re-telling of Shakespearean tragedy King Lear.
“A film of the sort of grandeur that brings to mind Griffith’s Birth of a Nation, Napoleon Vu par Abel Gance and Eisenstein’s Ivan the Terrible. ” – New York Times (written in 1985)
Stop Making Sense
The 1984 concert film from Academy Award-winning director Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs) following Talking Heads.
“Rock concerts have become, for the performers, as much sporting events as musical and theatrical performances. Stop Making Sense understands that with great exuberance.” – Roger Ebert (written in 1984)
The Premiere Films
Bolshoi Babylon
(Auckland and Wellington only)
Documentary going inside Russia’s world-famous Bolshoi Ballet in the wake of an infamous attack on its artistic director, which saw acid thrown in his face by persons unknown.
“A shocking tale of dysfunction, showing that the discipline needed for classical music creates violence and pain as a hidden byproduct, like nuclear waste.” – Guardian
Ingrid Bergman in her Own Words
(Auckland and Wellington only)
Documentary on incomparable screen icon Ingrid Bergman, drawing upon letters, movie clips and Bergman’s own home movies, alongside contemporary interviews. Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander reads the letters of the young Swede.
“Cinephile catnip.” – New York Times
Janis: Little Girl Blue
Singer Janis Joplin’s evolution into a star is chronicled in this documentary drawing upon her letters to friends, family and peers. Narrated by musician Cat Power and directed by Amy Berg (West of Memphis).
“an engrossing journey from folk clubs to rock festival stages, while friends and relatives remember the force of nature that was Joplin with a song between her teeth.” – Observer
Putuparri and the Rainmakers
(Auckland and Wellington only)
Personal documentary, set against the backdrop of Aboriginal land rights, following Tom ‘Putuparri’ Lawford – a man caught between his past (where he battles with alcoholism and domestic violence) and his future (as a leader of his people).
“A stunning story of Aboriginal culture, life and law.” – The Conversation
Where to Invade Next
Michael Moore, playing the role of an American “invader”, undergoes a global tour where he experiences alternative methods to dealing with social and economic ills.
“Funny and always on-topic without going overboard, it’s an engaging film that could broaden Moore’s fan base.” – Hollywood Reporter
The Witch
Winner of the Directing Award at Sundance 2015 for first-timer Robert Eggers, this atmospheric thriller follows a devout family living in the wilderness of 1630 New England who fall victim to paranoia and superstition.
“Eggers makes an impressive feature debut with this gripping historical horror-thriller.” – Variety
