04/09/2008

Festival patron Ken Loach has announced the programme for the 16th Raindance Film Festival (October 1-12). Clark Gregg’s Choke will open the festival.

The festival concludes with the world premiere of British director Mark Tonderai’s debut feature Hush, starring William Ash, Christine Bottomley and Guy Burnet.

The festival includes 75 features and over a 100 shorts along with several masterclasses and Q&As. This year’s jury including Oscar-winning Peter Capaldi, Beastie Boys’ filmmaker Adam Yauch, Rebecca O’Brien (The Wind that Shakes the Barley [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Ken Loach
interview: Rebecca O’Brien
film profile]) and the legendary Nicolas Roeg (Walkabout).

British highlights of the festival include Matthew Thompson’s directorial debut Dummy, David Howard’s Flick and Peter Greenaway’s Nightwatching [+see also:
trailer
film profile].

In keeping with the festival’s commitment to music there will be a special event with Giles Martin, son of renowned music producer Sir George Martin, at the London Premiere of All Together Now, a film that looks at the making of The Beatles/Cirque du Soleil collaboration Love. Other music highlights include the documentary Arctic Monkeys Live At The Apollo and mockumentary Electric Apricot: Quest For Festeroo.

Another festival patron Mike Figgis will present his new short film Life Captured.

Loach said, “It’s good news that Raindance looks set for another lovely festival. Let’s hope you make some mischief.”

Festival director Elliot Grove said, “We are excited to present a fantastic line-up of international films which represent the true nature of the festival and excellence within independent filmmaking.”