Foyle Film Festival’s Intercultural and Anti-Racism Programme Puts the Spotlight on Global Issues
Date Posted: February 27, 2018
Over 30 acclaimed and award-winning films exploring issues of race, representation and diversity will be screened as part of the Foyle Film Festival’s annual Intercultural and Anti-Racism Programme in Derry~Londonderry next month.
From Tuesday 20 March to 6 April, the programme offers primary, post-primary schools, and the public, an opportunity to explore local and global issues such as racism, discrimination and harassment through the medium of film.
Key historic moments such as the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which gave some women the right to vote for the first time, will be marked with a special screenings of Suffragette.
The seismic shift in Hollywood and the film industry world-wide following the #MeToo and #TimesUp campaigns will be explored in Battle Of The Sexes, the true story of the 1973 highly-charged exhibition tennis match between the legendary Billie Jean King and former grand slam winner, and self-confessed ‘male chauvinist pig’ Bobby Riggs. While North Country is a fictional account of the first successful sexual harassment lawsuit.
A number of special ‘relaxed’ film screenings for groups and/or individuals living with physical and mental challenges such as older people and dementia sufferers are also on offer. Cinemagoers can choose from classics such as The Sound Of Music, The King And I, Lady And The Tramp and South Pacific.
Public screenings at Brunswick Moviebowl include Sanctuary, which follows Larry, a young man with Down’s syndrome and Sophie, a young woman with epilepsy, and the challenges they face when they fall in love. Until very recently (pre-2017), as a response to abuse scandals, it was illegal for people with special needs to have a physical relationship outside of marriage. This unique love story exposes how society fails to address the issue of the romantic lives of individuals with special needs.
Families will enjoy screenings of Moana and the original animated classic The Jungle Book. While Parent and Baby screenings of Paddington 2 and Despicable Me 3 gives parents the opportunity to watch a movie without worrying about disturbing other guests.
Educational highlights include special screenings of Disney Pixar’s latest animated feature Coco. This charming film follows the life of young Miguel who dreams of becoming a great musician. Coco explores the cultural and personal impact of music and its ability to inspire, spark memories, and bring people closer together through an uplifting shared experience. While Ferdinand tells the story of a giant bull with an even bigger heart. Raised to be a fighter, Ferdinand is instead a rather gentle creature who longs to find a place where he can be the bull he is meant to be.
Post-primary students will enjoy the inspirational movie Wonder – the unforgettable story of August Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, described as ‘a true modern classic’.
Bernie McLaughlin, Festival Director and Programmer said: ‘This year’s Intercultural & Anti-Racism Programme offers something for all ages and tastes across two main venues – Nerve Centre and Brunswick Moviebowl – with additional events taking place in primary and post-primary schools and colleges throughout the city and beyond.
‘We’ve brought together a wide-ranging programme of thought-provoking films and documentaries from around the world that will prompt some interesting conversations’.
Foyle Film Festival’s Intercultural & Anti-Racism Programme is funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen. Venue partner is Brunswick Moviebowl.
To book a Nerve Centre and/or outreach screening or workshop, please contact Christopher Morrison: email: [email protected]; tel: 028 7137 3456/ 028 7126 0562.
Tickets for all public screenings are available to book on www.foylefilmfestival.org .
