ON FILM. As the world marks the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, the theme of the 24th Foyle Film Festival is On Film: Events That Shook The World. As well as exploring the impact of September 11, the festival broadens its focus to highlight other significant events that have had an impact on the local and global political stage. Events such as the Holocaust, the Civil Rights Movement (both domestic and international), Bloody Sunday, the Omagh bombing, the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, and the Rwandan crisis, all come under the festival spotlight this year. In addition to the special themed events, the programme includes the usual eclectic mix of contemporary, foreign language film, documentaries, competition short films and animations, as well as workshops and industry events. This year's programme also features a kids film club offering screenings and workshops for all the family over the weekend of the festival. The festival opens with the NI Premiere of THE ARTIST, a contemporary movie paying homage to the Golden Age of silent film, and to Tinseltown in the 1920s. Shot in black and white, THE ARTIST does what the medium of film does best by giving the audience a magical step back in time to a romantic bygone era. Lead actor Jean Dujardin received the Best Actor Award at this year's Cannes Film Festival for his outstanding performance, and has also been tipped as a contender for the Oscars in 2012. While ourclosing night film is the Irish premiere of SHAME, Steve McQueen's latest film collaboration with actor Michael Fassbender, and one of the most hotly anticipated releases of the year. Fassbender delivers a powerful performance as a young man struggling with sexual addiction. Festival guests this year include the very best talent the Irish film industry can offer, We are delighted this year to welcome the Omniplex Group as sponsors of the festival's education programme, and also our Opening Night Film, THE ARTIST. "Omniplex Cinemas are delighted to extend our participation with the 24th Foyle Film Festival. This year in addition to screening 7 features as part of the main festival we will sponsor the festival education programme. Over the last years we have seen the importance of the festival to the community and we are privileged to be involved yet again." Michael Bond and Derry City Crystal continue to support emerging young talent by sponsoring the CCEA Moving image Arts Awards. "Derry Crystal have supported the Foyle Film Festival now for a number of years and find the quality of entries from the schools has improved dramatically over the years. We are pleased to be able to support this and to foster the skills and imagination of the pupils, the film makers of the future." We do hope you enjoy the programme, and look forward to seeing you all at this year's festival. Bernie McLaughlin |
