EVENTS/FILM: Cinecity
The fantastic Brighton film festival returns for another crammed year of premieres, talks, live music and more
There is a dizzying array of eye-catching events scheduled at Cinecity, so consider this preview a slight taster of some of the riches on offer.
Robert Stillman will be performing live, using a mesmeric approach to piano playing while drumming with his feet (Sun 24 Nov, The Basement). Stillman, like many other musicians, is inspired by ‘American Primitivist’ guitarist John Fahey, and performs before a screening of the insightful documentary In Search Of Blind Joe Death: The Saga Of John Fahey.
Jukebox Fury returns (Fri 22 Nov, The Basement) with an evening’s reflection on conspiracy theories, including experimental screenings, readings and tape loops. Fifty years to the day after the death of the iconic president, Jukebox Fury: The Assassination Of JFK should be enthralling with a nice arty/leftfield atmosphere if it’s anything like last year’s superb JG Ballard themed event.
Alongside an exhibition of his work at the University of Brighton, Cinecity is screening a complete retrospective of all 26 short films and six features from the animator and puppeteer Jan Švankmajer. For example, Little Otik (Sun 24 Nov, Duke of York’s Picturehouse) is both a wonderful tale about a wooden infant that comes to life and also a dark satire on parenting, based on a Czech folk tale. You can discuss the surreal beauty with a post-screening panel upstairs at Circus Circus.
The Man Whose Mind Exploded (Wed 27 Nov, Duke of York’s Picturehouse) is a documentary film about a true Brighton character, Drako Zarhazar. Drako’s Kemp Town flat is a phalllic-themed installation filled with relics from his fascinating past (including working with Salvador Dali and The Rolling Stones). The Q+A afterward with director Toby Amies should be a great opportunity to find out more about what Drako’s really like to hang out with.
Whether it’s puppets, musicians, conspiracy theories or Brighton outsiders you’re after, Cinecity has something for everyone.
Cinecity is running until 1st December, so pick up a brochure or go to www.cine-city.co.uk to browse your options for the festival.
Words: Joe Fuller
