Film Festival News | Little White Lies

Festivals

Two men engaged in close conversation, one wearing a traditional Islamic cap and the other in casual attire.
Festivals

How contemporary Arab cinema is challenging perceptions of the region

by Matt Turner

The third annual SAFAR festival in London once again boasts a programme full of surprises.
Soldiers in camouflage uniforms and helmets, one soldier wearing glasses stands in the centre.
Festivals

Snowden – first look review

by Elena Lazic

Despite Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s best efforts, Oliver Stone’s whistleblower drama feels completely disconnected from reality.
A young woman with dark hair and a serious expression, wearing a black outfit.
Festivals

Lady Macbeth – first look review

by Elena Lazic

Florence Pugh shines in this smart period drama from director William Oldroyd and screenwriter Alice Birch.
Woman with curly hair looking serious while driving a car.
Festivals

Amanda Knox – first look review

by Elena Lazic

This compelling true-crime doc provides an intelligent take down of media sensationalism.
Three men sitting together on a wall, laughing and relaxed. Warm lighting and a gritty, aged setting suggest a casual, informal scene.
Festivals

Free Fire – first look review

by Manuela Lazic

Ben Wheatley shoots for full-on fun with this single location ensemble actioner. And he scores. Big time.
Two figures with curly dark hair wearing dark clothing, one in a yellow top, against a dark background with lights.
Festivals

Nocturama – first look review

by Manuela Lazic

Bertrand Bonello stuns with this coolly exacting, lightly experimental take on the impulse modern terrorism.
Woman in red dress standing in an ornate room with furniture and artwork.
Festivals

Jackie – first look review

by Katherine McLaughlin

Natalie Portman gives a stunning central performance in this emotional portrait of the iconic First Lady.
A man with dark hair and tattoos standing close to a woman with long blonde hair, both with serious expressions.
Festivals

The Bad Batch – first look review

by Katherine McLaughlin

Cannibals and Keanu Reeves abound in Ana Lily Amirpour’s crazed vision of post-society America.
Four individuals dining in a dimly lit, vintage-styled room. Candlelight illuminates the table, which is set with ornate silver tableware and dishes. The individuals are dressed in formal attire from an earlier era.
Festivals

A Woman’s Life – first look review

by Katherine McLaughlin

There’s shades of Lars von Trier in this exquisitely crafted period piece from director Stéphane Brizé.
Elderly man painting a large red cross on a white canvas in a dimly lit room.
Festivals

David Lynch: The Art Life – first look review

by Ed Gibbs

The cult filmmaker shares stories and archive from his childhood, while still managing to remain as elusive as ever.