Contributor Phil Concannon

Three individuals, a man and two women, seated in a car.
Review

Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat review – a sprawling geopolitical tapestry

by Phil Concannon

Johan Grimonprez's documentary explores the circumstances that led two American jazz musicians to crash the UN Security Council in protest against the murder of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Two young African children, a boy and a girl, looking thoughtful.
Review

Tori and Lokita

by Phil Concannon

The Dardenne brothers return with a harrowing story of human trafficking in Belgium, centring on two young migrants.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Two people, one adult and one child, in formal attire, with the adult embracing the child in a comforting gesture.
Review

By the Grace of God

by Phil Concannon

François Ozon serves up his answer to Spotlight in this sobering study of sexual abuse in the Catholic church.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Elderly man in white medical uniform with serious facial expression.
Review

Apollo 11

by Phil Concannon

Half a century on from mankind’s giant leap, this documentary brings the mission back to life in stunning clarity.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Cartoon character with large eyes and a suited appearance sitting at a cluttered desk.
Review

Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story

by Phil Concannon

This playful documentary pays tribute to the eccentric comedy stylings of Frank Sidebottom.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Two people in dark coats sit on rocks in a forested setting, with one person operating a large camera.
Review

Bergman: A year in a Life

by Phil Concannon

This consummate documentary sheds new light on the life and career of the late Swedish master.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Nude figure of a person crouching on a beach, shown in black and white.
Review

Lek and the Dogs

by Phil Concannon

Maverick British filmmaker Andrew Kötting serves up another remarkable audio-visual experience.

2
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A close-up illustration of a woman with short dark hair, wearing a leather jacket, against a vibrant pink and blue background with streaks of light.
Interviews

Daniela Vega: ‘Trans people have existed for as long as humans have’

by Phil Concannon

The Chilean star of Sebastián Lelio’s A Fantastic Woman offers her take on the film’s powerful message.
Two men with female companions in an audience.
Review

Brad’s Status

by Phil Concannon

Ben Stiller playing another self-pitying white dude? Yes, but this is thought-provoking and rewarding comedy.

2
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A man with a grey beard wearing a hat and gloves, gesturing with his hand in a dimly lit environment.
In Praise Of

In praise of Orson Welles’ F For Fake

by Phil Concannon

Come and see the maestro's final big trick on a 35mm print at the ICA cinema with MUBI and Little White Lies.
Older woman and younger man seated at a table, looking at each other, with food and drink on the table in front of them.
Review

Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool

by Phil Concannon

Annette Bening and Jamie Bell prove a likeable pairing in this otherwise bland Gloria Grahame biopic.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Man in a dark suit sitting on a sofa, looking thoughtful.
Review

Marjorie Prime

by Phil Concannon

Michael Almereyda writes and directs this absorbing sci-fi themed meditation on loss and memory.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect

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