I am interested in mental health because I am a mother to a 6-year-old daughter while simultaneously pursuing a full-time career in Marketing, Screenwriting, and as a Children’s Author. I need to be in my best shape to keep juggling these roles. And as someone who writes psychological suspense and explores themes of immigrant identity and patriarchy, I am excited to watch the following films.
One film I’m eagerly anticipating is “Another Body,” which delves into the life of a college student on a quest for answers and justice. In this cinematic experience, she stumbles upon the disturbing presence of deepfakes featuring herself circulating online. “Another Body” utilizes candid video diaries, synthetic media, and a blend of 2D and 3D animation to offer viewers an intimate glimpse into Taylor’s online and offline worlds, effectively humanizing a significant societal issue within a captivating personal narrative.
Next up is “Typist Artist Pirate King,” a darkly humorous exploration of the burgeoning friendship between two women on a road trip in an electric car in search of closure. This film seamlessly weaves together elements of a road trip and a buddy movie, transitioning from poignant social commentary to whimsical magical realism, all infused with humor, vivacity, and adventure.
Then there’s “Storm,” a gripping story of a single mother, Elin, whose world shatters during a fishing trip with her two young children when her son tragically drowns in the river. Struggling to rebuild their lives, whispers of her daughter’s involvement begin to circulate within their small community. The film delves into the mystery surrounding that fateful day, leaving us questioning what truly transpired.
Lastly, “Sweet Sixteen” introduces us to eight 16-year-old girls who bare their souls through poignant monologues. Set against an evocative and poetic backdrop, these characters touch on a variety of themes, including self-image, eating disorders, anxiety, first love, first kiss, friendship, sorority, sexuality, assault, social media, and social and political upheaval. Each monologue offers a unique perspective, creating a tapestry of adolescent experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
These films promise to be thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, addressing a range of complex themes that mirror the multifaceted aspects of life and society.
Typist Artist Pirate King
6/10 – 6.20pm – Curzon Soho – SOLD OUT – PASSHOLDERS ONLY
In a last-ditch mission to get recognition for her talent, a non-conformist, forgotten artist persuades her psychiatric nurse to take her on a road trip back to where her story began – but with so many deviations into the past along the way, will they ever make it?
Embers + Q&A
29/10 – 5.30pm – Curzon Soho – LAST FEW TICKETS
Director: Christian Cooke | UK 2023 | 102 minutes | World Premiere
Amy, a sexual surrogate, is employed to help a high-security psychiatric patient overcome his intimacy issues in order to make parole. Incarcerated for 18 years, Dan must confront his dark past if he is to have any chance of freedom. Amy is Daniel’s last chance.
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Silent Roar + Q&A
03/11 – 6.20pm – Curzon Soho – AVAILABLE
On the island of Lewis, Scotland, Dondo, a young surfer, refuses to accept the death of his fisherman dad, despite being missing at sea for over a year. A tale of unlikely friendship, Dondo and his classmate Sas find their path in their rural community, through waves, beliefs, and hellfire.
Parachute
03/11 – 6pm – Genesis – AVAILABLE
Nominated for Discovery Award
Content Warnings – depiction of eating disorders, substance use and mental illness
Ethan released from jail for throwing a wine bottle off a balcony and Riley released from rehab for an eating disorder, love addiction and suicide attempt, meet and just “click.” They are soulmates. The world makes sense when they take it on together. Doesn’t it?
Satan Wants You + Q&A
31/10 – 9pm – Vue – AVAILABLE
Nominated for Best Documentary Feature
Digging deep into the roots of moral panics and cult conspiracies, the untold story of how the Satanic Panic of the 1980s was ignited by Michelle Remembers, a lurid memoir by psychiatrist Larry Pazder and his patient Michelle Smith. Supported by the Catholic Church, the bestselling book still affects and distorts our reality today.
Sweet Sixteen
Nominated for Best International Feature
Content Warnings – discussion of rape, drugs, and violence
Sweet Sixteen presents eight 16-year-old girls that unveil themselves through their bittersweet monologues. All highlighted in an evocative and poetic setting, the characters deliver on different themes; self-image, eating disorders, anxiety, their first love, their first kiss, friendship, sorority, sex, rape, incest, social media, social and political revolts.
Want to Walk a Red Carpet?
Opening Night Gala: Day of the Fight + Party
Fresh off of Venice, Jack Huston’s directorial debut tells the story of a once-renowned boxer who takes a redemptive journey through his past and present on the day of his first fight since he left prison.
The film stars Michael Pitt alongside a cast including Ron Perlman, Joe Pesci and a cameo from Steve Buscemi which leads us right into our star-studded Opening Night Party.
Red carpets, literal icons, a 1920s swing band and an open bar – what’s to miss?
Limited tickets are available for our Opening Gala, now on sale at an early bird price. Snag them while you can!
Shyala Smith is a Screenwriter and Children’s Author with a day job in Marketing at Raindance Film School. She is the author of Sai’s Magic Silk and The Language of Flowers (2024). She hails from Sri Lanka, but currently lives in London with her family.
