Now in its 16th year, the East End Film Festival opens its doors once more on the 23 June for 10 jam-packed days of movie-related fun times. Here we distill the programmers vast array of selections down to just seven activities that we’d recommend taking a punt on…
Psych Space is an evening exploring the boundaries between sound and image, showcasing a range of live performances that look at the conjoining of music and film. A live reinterpretation of Pas de Deux kick-starts the night, followed by a mixture of manipulated funk/electronic music and live performances set against footage (including mind-melting French sci-fi Fantastic Planet) in what is set to be a remarkable evening of eye and ear candy. Friday 24 June: Details
If you’ve ever wondered what the city looks like without the commuting masses in your way (or haven’t yet made it home from Saturday night’s antics), this photography tour of East London is a great way to take advantage of having the streets to yourself. Beginning at 4:15am along the Thames and ending at Spitalfields Market before the markets open, the tour covers the history of East London at dawn, showing how art is affected by rising of the sun. Sunday 26 June: Details
In an age driven by so many of us trying to find love through dating apps (namely Tinder) and trying to maintain relationships spread across vast cities (namely London), we think Jan Hillman’s debut feature feels very timely. Bittersuite pivots around three friends across the English capital, portraying the intimacy of the friendships and relationships of a digital generation, tied together by the transportation of second-hand home furnishings. Monday 27 June: Details
Claire Leona Apps’ Brit thriller centres round self-discovery and the dangerous consequences of falling in love, or in this case, lust. The film traces the journey of Cara (Joanna Vanderham), a massage student who struggles to free herself from the pain of unreciprocated love when her new beau Jay becomes engulfed by the pulsating party scene (and other temptations) of East London. Wednesday 29 June: Details
Loss is something we’re all familiar with in some way, be it the mourning of a time gone by or the passing of a loved one. One of 12 shorts programs in the festival, In Passing comprises a series of films exploring this important and universal subject. Of the eight shorts featured, Matthew Hopper’s Rumble (the story of a deaf boxer who is faced with the decision of giving up boxing for an operation that could allow him to hear again) looks like a potential highlight. Thursday 30 June: Details
Kettling of the Voices unveils the reality behind policing in Britain after the attacks of 9/11. British filmmaker Chester Yang follows Brian and Ethan (two British students protesting against increasing tuition fees) as they unveil the shocking revelations behind the powers of the police force. Footage from the frontline and interviews with key activists identify a concerning level of surveillance, and the filmmakers investigate a worrying stance of those in power regarding the banning of political protest. This is definitely one to watch. Thursday 30 June: Details
Suj Ahmed’s The Gates of Vanity acts as a reminder of why so many of us are afraid to go out of our way to help a stranger. Based in the London borough of Hackney, this debut feature focuses on newly-employed Ben, who decides to take in a homeless man when his family goes away. A minor disagreement, however, instigates a disturbing turn of events after the disagreement causes a psychotic reaction from his guest, who then holds him captive and abuses him. Ben is left to find the strength to fight back, but will he succeed in reclaiming his life? Sunday 3 July: Details
For more info and to check out the full programme visit eastendfilmfestival.com
