SCI-FI-LONDON 9 - Day 1: The Opening Reception

This post is late and delaying me! It should have been up yesterday but because of the sheer awesomeness of SC-FI-LONDON 9's opening evening at the Apollo Piccadilly it has taken me a little while to recover as well as to make my way through the immense volume of photos & video taken on the night. The upside to this is that I have been able to select, edit and give the media from the evening the respect it deserves for what turned out to be a once in a lifetime event.

The downside is that I could not attend Day Two of SCI-FI-LONDON 9 and Day 3 is looking a little shaky as I write this a couple of hours before 8th Wonderland is screened to kick off SCI-FI-LONDON 9 Day 3.

Rather than as single long winded post I have split the events from the Opening Evening of SCI-FI-LONDON 9 into 3 bite size posts; The Opening Reception, The Arthur C Clarke Award Ceremony and finally my take on the first London screening of Vincenzo Natali's Splice.

If you are not a regular reader of my blog or do not know what SCI-FI-LONDON is - here is a quick primer from Wiki:

“SCI-FI-LONDON was originally designed to be a festival that “takes a serious look at sci-fi and fantasy, bringing new, classic and rare movies from around the world to the UK”, SCI-FI-LONDON (SFL) screens world and UK Premieres, seminal cult classics, as well as documentaries, debates and talk.”

SCI-FI-LONDON once the underground & secret domain of Sci-Fi fans is now the premiere calendar event for Science Fiction and fantastic film in the UK. Now in its 9th year and showing only signs of getting bigger and better year on year. This year's Opening Night was Gala by anyone's standards and I was lucky enough to be amongst the few that attended. The itinerary for the evening was:

6:30PM - Informal Drinks Reception
7:45PM - Arthur C Clarke Awards 2010
8:45PM - First official UK screening of Vincenzo Natali and Guillermo del Toro's Splice

I arrived a little early as I was hoping to soak up the atmosphere and take some pics before the Apollo Piccadilly got to full and typical film festival frenzy kicked in.

Sci-Fi London 9 : Opening Night Splice screening
Originally uploaded by Craig Grobler

If you have ever been to a film festival you know what I’m talking about, if you haven't it’s something akin to controlled chaos!

Sci-Fi London 9 : Opening Night Splice screening
Originally uploaded by Craig Grobler

The SCI-FI-LONDON team had done an admirable job of turning the Apollo into a Star Craft 2 zone. Blizzard one of the sponsors was launching Star Craft II and had supplied some great memorabilia and promo material including some Beta Keys for Star Craft 2 & a Star Craft playing zone. Sweet stuff! I’m not familiar with PC based Star Craft franchise as I dabble exclusively in Console gaming. But there was a real buzz about how good it was and the long 9 year wait for a sequel and the trailer screened a little later did wet my appetite

At this point the UK Garrison of Vader’s Fist the 501st Legion arrived and proceeded to invade SCI-FI-LONDON 9 accosting local Londonians causing a stir last experienced on Alderaan.

A staple at most SCI-FI-LONDON events the 501st Legion or Vader’s Fist are an all-volunteer organisation formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. Or rather they are an elite unit of clone troopers, and later stormtroopers, that came to symbolize the might of the Galactic Empire, the 501st Legion were the soldiers under the command of Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith. Also known as "Vader's Fist," they continued to enforce order and Imperial rule well after the death of Vader.- From the official Star Wars Databank

To recognize the dedication and contributions of the 501st Legion, Lucasfilm has immortalized them by incorporating the name "501st Legion" into many official materials (books, games and toys).

Sci-Fi London 9 : Opening Night Splice screening
Originally uploaded by Craig Grobler

Fortunately guests arriving for the Opening reception were spared. Surprisingly quickly the Apollo Piccadilly filled up and there was a real buzz in the air, not only was it the start of the SCI-FI-LONDON 9 Film Festival, the Arthur C Clarke Award winners announcement was moments away and the room was full with British Literati and notable guests from the Sci-Fi and Fantastic film world - showing their support for what has become the premiere event for Sci-Fi and Fantastic film in the UK.

Guests that I spotted and had the chance to chat with included; Directing Legends Joe Dante (about to release The Hole 3D and Thirst a vampire flick, not be confused with Chan-wook Park’s Thirst of the same name) and John Landis (currently finishing up post on Burke and Hare).

The son of a former Time Lord and Sci-Fi & Fantastic film legend in his own right Sean Pertwee (serendipitous, as SFL are hosting a special free screening of Invasion Earth 2150 AD on Sunday), fellow British Actor Craig Conway (currently Pertwee and Conway are in 4 upcoming features; Stand Well Back, The 4th Reich, Four and Devil's Playground).

Author China Miéville (nominated for a third Arthur C Clarke Award). Visual FX Legends Bill Pearson & Steve Begg and upcoming Director Mark Buchanan (check out his brilliant short The Search showing at SFL9 as well as online. I’ll also be interviewing Mark for theestablishingshot shortly).

I didn’t get a chance to chat or meet with Director/Writer Stuart Hazeldine (Exam currently out and in pre-production on Paradise Lost and Battle Chasers) or The Lone Gun Men Dean Haglund (who’s performing his stand up routine: Geek Night Out at SFL9 this evening) as well as many others that I did not recognise or I was too slow to spot.

I did notice that this year there was no DJ at the reception as with previous years and at the Life in 2050 exhibit opening earlier in the week. But the buzz seemed to get louder as guests chatted, propped the bar up and sampled the delicious floating canapés.

As is customary Festival Founder and Director Louis Savy was sporting his huge smile as he teleported between greeting guests and ensuring the smooth running of Opening night by the SCI-FI-LONDON team. Hats off to the SCI-FI-LONDON Volunteers as they did a brilliant and seamless job, with every thing running seemingly smoothly apart from a couple of expected and entertaining late starts. Louis is king of "the stall" and they usually end with the audience receiving a handful of goodies.

It’s worth noting that although there were notable guest at the opening Louis’s very down to earth stance is that SCI-FI-LONDON is about showing good films that happen to be Science Fiction and was recently quoted in the New York Times as saying “We have a few stormtroopers on hand to run security, but we are not a ‘Con’ or fan event in that way. We are a film festival first.”

What an absolutely epic Opening party and great start to SCI-FI-LONDON 9. Over and above and above any expectations I had. If the rest of the festival is half as good as the opening night this is going to be a difficult year to top.

SCI-FI-LONDON 9 - Day 1: The Opening Reception

Where
Apollo Piccadilly Circus
19 Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR

When
Weds 28 April - Mon 3 May, 2010

More info at SCI-FI-LONDON or get tickets at 0871 220 6000 or directly through the Apollo Cinemas Website

Q&A with Andrzej Klimowski - Sci-Fi-London 9

Each year SCI-FI-LONDON looks at a different country and explores its contribution to the science fiction genre. This year focus is given to the Cinema of Poland and they are screening science fiction from Poland with a specific focus on Stanislaw Lem. They are also hosting a Q&A session with the graphic novelist and film poster designer, Andrzej Klimowski.

If you don't know much about Andrzej Klimowski this is your chance to get up close and in the mind of a true visual legend.

Klimowski was born of Polish parents in London in 1949, he trained at the Saint Martin's School of Art before studying at the Academy of Fine Art and working professionally in Warsaw.

His east-European legacy deeply influences Klimowski's work. From the late 1970s to the near present he has designed film and theatre posters, directed short animated films in Warsaw and designed covers and book jackets - for novels by PG Wodehouse , Simon Louvish, Lionel Shriver, Milan Kundera and Kazuo Ishiguro, following his particular 'Polish School' of design.

Polish interpretations for their local audiences have become internationally sought after by fans of both film & art. With some Polish posters surpassing the original versions they have become a cult trend. Klimowski's posters have become highly praised and sought after.

His graphic novels The Depository and The Secret have been published by Faber, as was, Horace Dorlan, in 2007. Klimowski is the Professor of Illustration at the Royal College of Art, London.

The early twentieth century photo-collagists, Surrealism, Dada and Expressionism have obviously been an influence on part of Klimowski's work, but he has developed his own personal style with a combination of fantasy, anxiety, ambiguity and eroticism which keeps his works from becoming mere pastiches.

Q&A with Andrzej Klimowski - Sci-Fi-London 9

Where
Apollo Apollo Piccadilly Circus
19 Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR

When
6:30pm, Thurs 29 Apr, 2010

More info at SCI-FI-LONDON or get tickets at 0871 220 6000 or directly through the Apollo Cinemas Website

Erasing David : UK Premiere & QA

David Bond lives in one of the most intrusive surveillance states in the world. He decides to find out how much private companies and the government know about him by putting himself under surveillance and attempting to disappear – a decision that changes his life forever. Leaving his pregnant wife and young child behind, he is tracked across the database state on a chilling journey that forces him to contemplate the meaning of privacy – and the loss of it.

Erasing David trailer from Green Lions on Vimeo.

Once the bastion of freedom and civil liberties, the UK is now one of the most advanced surveillance societies in the world – ranked third after Russia and China. The average UK adult is now registered on over 700 databases and is caught daily on one of the 4 million CCTV cameras located on nearly every street corner in the country. Increasingly monitored, citizens are being turned into suspects. But if you’ve got nothing to hide, surely there’s nothing to fear?

When David receives a letter informing him that his daughter Ivy is among 25 million residents whose details have been lost by the government’s Child Benefit Office, he begins a journey that will see him hounded across Europe.

David soon discovers some alarming truths about what the government and private companies already know about ordinary citizens. He meets people who have been caught in the crossfire of the database state and have had their lives shattered.

As his concern grows, he makes a life-changing decision. He will leave his pregnant wife and child behind and put himself under surveillance for thirty days. The UK’s top Private Investigators are hired to discover everything they can about him and his family – and track David down as he attempts to vanish. Is it still possible to live a private, anonymous life in the UK? Or do the state and private companies already know too much about ordinary people?

Erasing David is playing in cinemas from the 29th April. The 29th April is the big premiere evening – after the film there will be a live Q&A from the Brixton Ritzy that will get beamed to their other screens. Taking part in the debate are David Davis, Shami Chakrabarti, Michael Nyman, Will Self and David Bond, the director. Venues include:

Aberdeen – The Belmont Picturehouse

Bath – Little Theatre Cinema

Brighton – Duke Of Yorks Picturehouse

Cambridge – Arts Picturehouse

Edinburgh – The Cameo Cinema

Exeter – Exeter Picturehouse

Henley-On-Thames – Regal Picturehouse

Lancaster – The Dukes

Liverpool – Picturehouse at FACT

London – Brixton Ritzy – SOLD OUT PLEASE TRY ELSEWHERE

London - Islington Screen on The Green

London – The Lexi Kensal Rise

London - Greenwich Picturehouse

London – Stratford East Picturehouse

London – The Gate Notting Hill

Newcastle – Tyneside Cinema

Norwich – Cinema City

Oxford – The Phoenix

Prestatyn – The Scala

Southampton – Harbour Lights Picturehouse

Stamford – Stamford Arts Centre

Straford-upon-Avon – Stratford Picturehouse

Winchester - Screen at Winchester

York – City Screen York

Following on from the launch event Erasing David will take a tour around other cinemas, including:

May

8-9th Newbury Corn Exchange

24-27th Dundee Contemporary Arts

Erasing David : UK Premiere

More info over at: http://erasingdavid.com/

Meet Bond Director Lewis Gilbert

In the wake of Fan Fest at the astounding London Film Museum, the home of all things film. James Bond movie director LEWIS GILBERT will be signing his autobiography, ALL MY FLASHBACKS, at the Forbidden Planet Megastore.

Reach for the Sky, Carve Her Name With Pride, Sink the Bismarck!, Alfie, You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine ... a remarkably varied collection of subjects and just some of the films directed by Lewis Gilbert during the course of seven decades in the industry.

In All My Flashbacks Lewis Gilbert recalls his tragic childhood as a music hall entertainer, his traumatic wartime service in the RAF and ultimately one of the most distinguished careers in British cinema. Along the way he describes working with such diverse personalities as Laurence Olivier, Alfred Hitchcock, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Liza Minnelli.

Lewis Gilbert was born in 1920 and began his career as a director while attached to the US Army Air Corps in the Second World War. He went on to direct over 40 films, including three James Bond movies and such classics as Sink the Bismarck! and Shirley Valentine. Also a prolific writer and producer, Gilbert’s numerous awards include two BAFTAs (Reach for the Sky and Educating Rita) and a Golden Globe (Friends). His 1966 movie Alfie was nominated for numerous Academy Awards.

Meet Bond Director Lewis Gilber

Where:
Forbidden Planet Megastore
179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR

When:
8:00pm, Thurs 29 Apr, 2010

More info at Forbidden Planet

Visit Avatar's Tree of Souls this weekend to celebrate Earth Day

To mark the Blu-ray and DVD release of AVATAR - the biggest film of all time – and Earth Day 2010, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (TCFHE) is erecting a giant, interactive, replica ‘Tree Of Souls’ at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, London. The visually spectacular exhibit will be live for three days between Saturday 24 – Monday 26 April and officially unveiled by STEPHEN LANG, who stars as Colonel Miles Quaritch in the film.

As the only tree of its kind ever created and the largest fibre optic installation in Europe, visitors will have the opportunity to ‘bring the tree to life’, manipulating its lights and colour by plugging their phones and iPods into the tree. Also, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of International Earth Day, TCFHE will be planting a ‘real’ tree for every person who directly connects with it (part of a global initiative to plant a million trees worldwide).

The Tree of Souls - which plays a pivotal role in AVATAR - is a giant, moving, interactive tree, with deep spiritual significance to the Na'vi people inhabiting the film’s fictional universe, Pandora. Throughout the film, the characters directly interact with their world through the seeds of the tree and communicate with the biological network that exists throughout Pandora.

How you'll be able to interact with the Tree of Souls:

- The tree is made up of 20 miles of fibre optic cable making it the largest fibre optic installation in Europe

- The tree has 10 movement sensors spread around the tree trunk’s circumference
To give the impression of the tree being ‘alive,’ and to further resemble the tree featured in the film, sensors will pick up movement in proximity to the tree and change the colour and intensity of its fronds the closer people get to or move away from it

- Each area will be autonomous so multiple people will be able to react with different areas
Local Wifi networks within the tree will deliver content to enabled Wifi phones, including:
o a website locally hosted in the tree will be enabled to deliver content/assets to compatible mobiles
o the website will have a form to link with the ‘plant a tree’ initiative.
o a screen embedded in the tree’s trunk will display the names of people who have had a tree planted
o through the website, members of the public will be able to turn the tree to a specific colour , chosen from a palette of colours

- A Bluetooth Network will allow members of the public to upload photos taken on camera phones which will be which will be displayed on the screen
Sound to light – members of the public will be able to plug their

The UK’s ‘real-life’ Tree of Souls will be re-created using 20 miles of fibre optic branches. Sensors within the tree’s trunk will change the colour and intensity of its glow in response to movements made by visitors to the tree. Local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks will allow members of the public to upload images and messages to a screen built into the tree, as well as being able to make social networking status updates with an Earth Day message, via their mobile phones. In addition, by plugging portable music systems including iPods, Mp3 players and phones into the tree, it will glow and pulsate in time with the music being played. Anyone who qualifies to have a tree planted will see their names displayed on the screen within the Tree of Souls.

Avatar is out on Blu-ray and DVD on April 26.

Visit Avatar's Tree of Souls this weekend to celebrate Earth Day

Where
Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, London.

When
6:10, Thurs 4 Feb, 2010 Sat 24 – Mon 26 April, 2010

Exclusive: Behind the scenes at Sci-Fi-London 9 & catchup

With only 6 days to go till SCI-FI-LONDON 9 kicks off - this post may be coming in a bit late. But a little while ago, just before Ay-yah-FYAH-plah-yer-kuh-duhl's eruption thew the world into disarray, SFL9 48hour Film Challenge started and ended (the shortlist of which can be found here!)

I was fortunate enough to pop into the Apollo Piccadilly Cinema for a brief chat with Sci-Fi-London legend & Founder Louis Savy.

I say fortunate because, well, it's always good to chat to a fellow Sci Fi aficionado but on this particular day SCI-FI-LONDON had just received some packages, this included some boxes from Last Exit to Nowhere that had the SCI-FI-LONDON 9 Festival's brand spanking new T-Shirts - featuring this year's theme in title Life in 2050. Louis led me into the most secret of secret places - behind the curtain of a cinema to SCI-FI-LONDON 9's satellite HQ where I got the chance to take these these pics. Apologies some of the pics were taken with my iPhone.

I think the design is very reminiscent of Tron. Anyone else see this? I mentioned this to Louis and in return he dropped that the Tron: Legacy Trailer will be screened at SCI-FI-LONDON 9. He also mentioned a couple of other tasty morsels which I can't talk about yet.

If you haven't seen it big screen yet I whole heartedly suggest that the some 2 minutes of pyroclastic visuals is worth the ticket of admission alone. While I was there Louis also unpacked some form fitting Ladies version of the T-shirts. And yes I was lucky enough to score one of the rather fetching Shirts for myself.

Louis had also just received (literally opening the new package in front of me) the full programme for the SCI-FI-LONDON 9 FESTIVAL. Which I took home and poured over. This year's line up is pretty damn spectacular and I hope to have my comments on the full programme up soon. Bear in mind that I as yet have not seen any of the new films that will be shown at the SFL Festival because they are that new.

The opening night screening of Vincenzo Natali & Guillermo del Toro's Splice has now sold out. Tickets for both the UK Premieres of Timer and cult classic Nothing are currently 50% sold out and tickets are going fast. Yay! The Drones screening has been moved to a bigger screen and more tickets are now available.

TIMER

DRONES

Just a note on Vincenzo Natali's Nothing - It has never been seen in the UK and there are no plans for a DVD release – this may be the only chance to see this movie.

NOTHING

There are tickets still available for the hot ticketed THE FAITH WARS - The ideological square-off between religion and science. This is sure to be the one debate not to miss.

Keep an eye out for my thoughts on each of the films to be screened at SFL9 right here. For up to date news on the SCI-FI-LONDON 9 Festival or to interact - follow @SCIFILONDON.

Exclusive: Behind the scenes at Sci-Fi-London 9 & catchup

Where
Apollo Piccadilly Circus
19 Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR

When
28 April - 3 May 2010

More info at SCI-FI-LONDON or book here!

First Look: Robin Hood in battle

Finally a battle scene from Robin Hood has emerged! The true test of how good this film is going to be. What do you think?

Russell Crowe plays Sir Robin Longstride / Robin Hood; it is his fifth collaboration with Scott. Having loved the character since childhood, Crowe joined the project despite being initially displeased with the script. He spent 10 months reading books about the character and his historical basis, noting "This has got to be the best [Robin Hood depiction] ever done, otherwise I should be doing something else."

Crowe put on weight for 2008's Body of Lies, so Universal considered sending an NBA trainer to Australia to coach him back into fitness. Crowe trained with a bow and arrow for four months and was able to hit a target from 45 meters.

Robin Hood stars; Russell Crowe, Kevin Durand, Cate Blanchett, Mark Strong, Vanessa Redgrave, William Hurt, Scott Grimes, Bronson Webb, Oscar Isaac, Léa Seydoux, Alan Doyle, and is directed by Ridley Scott.

First Look: Robin Hood in battle

Exclusive: Avatar DVD / Blu-Ray launch in London

Enter the world of Pandora this Sunday. Since its global theatrical release last December, AVATAR continues to make motion picture history. The Golden Globe® and Oscar winning epic is the highest grossing film of all time, taking in over $2.6 billion in worldwide box office, with over £91 million from the UK box office to date. Director James Cameron takes audiences to a spectacular world beyond imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization. Written by Cameron and produced with his long-time collaborator Jon Landau, AVATAR stars Sam Worthington, Zoë Saldana, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang; as well as Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi and Joel David Moore.

To Celebrate the launch of AVATAR on Blu-Ray & DVD a series of special events have been planned. The first event is:

This Sunday 25th April 2010 HMV's flagsore on Oxford street will be transformed into the world of PANDORA!

But wait there is more!

Actor Stephen Lang, who plays Colonel Miles Quaritch will be making a special guest appearance on the day and patricipate in a live QA session.

Attendees will receive exclusive AVATAR goodies, including the opportunity to have their pic taken in the world of Pandora using green screen technology, see Stephen Lang interviewed on stage, plus have the very first copies of the Blu-Ray and DVD autographed by an Avatar cast member.

Customers will receive exclusive AVATAR goodies, including the opportunity (using green screen technology) to have their picture taken in the world of Pandora, see Stephen interviewed live on stage, plus have the very first copies of the Blu-ray and DVD signed.

AVATAR, directed by James Cameron, is set in the year 2154, when humans are mining a precious mineral called unobtanium on Pandora, a lush moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system. The expansion of the mining colony threatens the continued existence of a local tribe of Na'vi—a sentient humanoid species indigenous to Pandora.

Amongst the 121 nominations and 50 awards, AVATAR was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director and won the awards for Art Direction, Cinematography, and Visual Effects. In the UK the film received eight nominations from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), including Best Film and Director, and won best Production Design and Special Visual Effects.

Please note: Due to anticipated high demand for the event, 400 wristbands will be issued for access to the signing queue. Wristbands will be available from the store on the day of the event from 10am on a first come first served basis, one per customer only, no reservations, subject to availability.

Avatar is out on Blu-ray and DVD on April 26.

Exclusive: Avatar DVD / Blu-Ray launch in London

Where
HMV London,
150 Oxford Street, W1

When
4:00pm, Sun 25 Apr, 2010

The Usual Suspects A Magnum Gold Carpet Screening

Glittering, precious and dangerously irresistible, New Magnum Gold?! is a priceless indulgence which Benicio Del Toro goes to extreme lengths to get his hands on in the new Magnum ads, directed by Bryan Singer.

To celebrate the launch of Magnum Gold?! Magnum invites you to attend an exclusive Gold?! Carpet screening of ‘The Usual Suspects’ - one of the best heist films of all time directed by Bryan Singer and starring Benicio Del Toro - taking place at selected ODEON cinemas on Thursday April 22nd.

The night will include:
A rare and exclusive screening of the classic heist movie 'The Usual Suspects' directed by Bryan Singer and starring Benicio Del Toro
The chance to win a glamorous weekend for two in Monte Carlo.
An opportunity to sample NEW Magnum Gold?! boasting an indulgent mix of smooth Madagascan vanilla ice cream with a swirl of delicious caramel, all covered in a cracking golden dipped milk chocolate
And much more

Limited seating available.

The Usual Suspects A Magnum Gold Carpet Screening

Where
ODEON Covent Garden
135 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8AH.

When
6:00pm, Thurs 22 Apr, 2010

Airplane Jameson Irish Whiskey presents a VIP Screening

The timing of this event couldn't be better! Together with their friends at Curzon Cinema Jameson will be showing an exclusive VIP screening of the classic film Airplane at the Curzon Soho tomorrow evening, Weds 21st April.

Loved by millions, this satirical take on the disaster movies of the 70s was an instant hit, with legendary performances from Leslie Nielson and the ensemble cast. Not only was the film a bench mark for future films of this genre, but many of the classic moments have been re-enacted in countless other spoof films and TV series. Who can forget the Auto-pilot, the grandma speaking jive, or the timeless “I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley”?

The screening will also be a fitting tribute to Peter Graves, the airplanes captain in the film, who sadly passed away in March this year and will be greatly missed by the film world.

If you would like to get a pair of exclusive free VIP tickets for this screening, along with a free Jameson Irish Whiskey, then please send the names of yourself and your guest to: editor@jamesoncultfilmclub.com

Jameson Irish Whiskey presents a VIP Screening of Airplane

Where
Curzon Soho
99 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 5DY

When
6:30, Weds 21 Apr, 2010

QA Olivia Williams & The Ghost Screening

Roman Polanski's The Ghost is a tense political thriller with Ewan McGregor leading a stellar ensemble as a ghost writer researching the shady past of an ex-British prime minister (Pierce Brosnan)

Ewan McGregor leads a stellar ensemble as a ghost writer researching the shady past of an ex-British prime minister (Pierce Brosnan) who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game in which he must battle for the truth against those with their own power agenda. The consistently excellent Olivia Williams steals the show as the PM’s manipulative, neurotic, highly intelligent wife, in a film that catapaults Polanski back into the limelight as a director at the top of his game. The Ghost also stars Kim Cattrall and Tom Wilkinson, with a screenplay co-written by Harris and Polanski himself.

In partnership with The Script Factory, Barbican Film will be hosting a Q&A with actress Olivia Williams (An Education, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll). The Ghost is on general release in the UK right now.



QA Olivia Williams & The Ghost Screening

Where
The Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

When
6:00pm, 16 - 22 April 2010, 2010

More info & tickets here Barbican.org.uk

Sci-Fi-London: What I needed to know before going - Sci-Fi-London 9

With the 48 Hour Film making Challenge submissions being judged and only 2 weeks to go until one of the UK’s premiere film & Sci-Fi events: SCI-FI-LONDON kicks off. I’m going to be bringing you news and information about SCI-FI-LONDON in the run up, as well as excitingly from the festival as it happens! I have already reserved some seats and earmarked others for closer investigation.

SCI-FI-LONDON festival ident
Uploaded by SFLTV. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.

However that’s the future this post is about stuff that I wanted to know before I visited the SCI-FI-LONDON festival for the first time.

What’s it all about?
SCI-FI-LONDON was started by Sci-Fi fan Louis Savy back in 2001. Borne out of an argument, in which the opposing side believed that Sci-Fi is too niche. To counter this Savy decided to start an event that showed good films (that happened to be Science Fiction) and talks about SCI-FI-LONDON as a Sci-Fi festival for non Sci-Fi fans.

Fast Forward to 2010 and now in its 9th year SCI-FI-LONDON is one of the UK’s premiere film events and is seen as the opening of London Film Season which ends with the London Film Festival in October. On my first visit it became apparent that SCI-FI-LONDON is more than just a film festival it's a platform that actively promotes thinking and engaging with real issues within the Sci-Fi realm as well as the real world. It also gives Sci-Fi aficionados the chance to interact with renowned Sci-Fi thinkers and Futurists! What does this all mean you may ask?

Well like Science Fiction, a single encompassing answer would do the festival a disservice so read on and hopefully it will become clearer.


When is it?
SCI-FI-LONDON is an annual event that typically stretches over a week at the end of April to make the most of the Bank holiday. This year the Festival runs from Weds 28 April till Mon 3 May. There are a couple of satellite events that take place at other times of the year including Oktoberfest a mini festival that takes place in October.

What happens?
Every year a central theme is chosen as focus for the festival. This year the festival looks at LIFE IN 2050.

From the SCI-FI-LONDON website:

“Okay, so it is 2010, but wouldn’t it be fun to get a glimpse of how life might feel in 2050? Recently we have focused on the achievements of 40 years ago: the moon landing, the start of Arpanet (the origin of the Internet) and the humble computer mouse, and even the launch of the Jumbo Jet. The way we live has certainly altered – we travel and communicate faster than ever; we touchscreen our way around information and carry 1000s of songs in our pockets.

But what next? In 2050 what will we be nostalgic about? How will our daily lives be different? Work, travel, socialising... will anyone still smoke?

For this edition of the festival, we put LIFE IN 2050 under the spotlight. We have put together a series of themed LAB sessions in which to investigate the future of science, society and culture over the next 40 years.”

The Festival itself consists of Film screenings and participatory events such as workshops, exhibitions or debates. This year the programme which is available in full here consists of:

Films
The film shown typically eschews big American style blockbusters (although they do surface occasionally) and focuses on good films that integrally have Sci-Fi at their core. Some of the screenings may have introductions or QA sessions after. Check individual listings.

Some of the films shown will be having their UK Premiere or preview screenings well in advance of their release date. The opening night and closing night screenings are special and tickets for Splice & Cargo will go quickly so get your orders in asap.


Other screenings include; special once off screenings, classic screenings, free screenings (you need to book before the screening). Some will be little known works from masters of the genre, this year SFL looks at Polish Cinema.

Some of the films will be shown In situ with others of its genus as part of an all-nighter marathon including; Starcraft II All-nighter, Comedy All-nighter, Japan Alive All-nighter and Manga All-nighter

There are also 2 short film sessions taking place. These sessions are about 2 hours in length and made of a variety of short films. As well as Documentary screenings.

Events
Most of the events are interactive and participation is encouraged. Some of the events are Gala opportunities to celebrate, some are invitation only events, others are debates, some hands on workshops and others the opportunity to interact with like minded individuals.


Where does SCI-FI-LONDON take place?
Nearly all of SCI-FI-LONDON 09 will take place in the centre of London at the space age Apollo Cinema Piccadilly Circus (19 Lower Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR). But some events will take place at other venues, do check individual listings before booking.

What do I need to come along to an event or a couple of events?
Two things: book or reserve your ticket and then turn up for the event.

For film screenings there are 4 price bands. Check the SCI-FI-LONDON site to ensure that prices are still current.

1. Screenings after 6.00pm - £12.00 (concs £8.50)
2. Screenings Before 6.00pm - £8.00 (concs £6.50)
3. All-nighters - £30.00 (no concs)
4. Special screenings – Free

Events

1. All SCI-FI-LONDON LAB events - £4.00 (concs £3.00)
2. Special events - Free

What if I want to attend a number of screenings or events?
There are details of multi ticket offers and discounts on the SCI-FI-LONDON website.

Information, booking details and details of special offers can be found over at the SCI-FI-LONDON website

What do I do if I'm going to 2 events a couple of hours apart, or have some time to kill before an event?
The Apollo Cinema Piccadilly Circus is comfortable and for the duration of SCI-FI-LONDON - a hub of activity there is; a bar, refreshment area, comfortable seating, possibly a DJ (some of the time), as well as demo Game consoles to try your hand at some of the latest and greatest games. Or you could explore nearby London you will after all be in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world.

What’s the general atmosphere of the festival? Do you have to dress up?
Laid back with lots of friendly new faces about. Think of it as a whole lot of people interested in aspects of the same thing converging in one place. Wear what ever you feel comfortable in (including Cosplay) although nakedness will probably be frowned upon. If you are going to be exploring London wear comfortable shoes. It’s probably worth noting that goody/SWAG bags are handed out randomly at screenings and events to add to the cheer. See laid back with lots of friendly new faces about. Often groups will hang around the bar area after screenings or head off to a nearby pub to discuss the days happenings.

What about travel, accommodation, etc.
SCI-FI-LONDON covers this on their website so head over here for more information.

I think that covers the basics for now but head over to the SCI-FI-LONDON website as there is a wealth of information, the full SCI-FI-LONDON 09 Programme, forums, more videos than you can shake a stick out, Podcasts and merchandise.

What I needed to know about Sci-Fi-London before going.

Where
Apollo Apollo Piccadilly Circus
19 Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR

When
Weds 28 April - Mon 3 May, 2010

More info at SCI-FI-LONDON or get tickets at 0871 220 6000 or directly through the Apollo Cinemas Website