Now that the festival has unfortunately come to an end, let’s take a look at the best moments from the 30th edition of Raindance Film Festival.
1) Jonathan Pryce and Vanessa Redgrave Receiving the Raindance Icon Award
Our opening night Gala at the Waldorf Hilton was a smashing success, with a star-studded red carpet, 1920’s swing band and the presentation of two icon awards to film legends Vanessa Redgrave and Johnathan Pryce.
2) Corner Office Opening Screening
We had the incredible opportunity to screen Corner Office, a new film starring Jon Hamm. After a wonderful Q&A with director Joachim Back, the sold-out screening was the perfect way to kick off the festival!
3) Razorlight Screening
The iconic 2000s band Razorlight reunited at Raindance Film Festival following the world premiere of a new documentary Razorlight: Fall to Pieces. Such an exciting night for the festival with the Sonica Party celebrating both the band and incredible filmmakers.
4) Industry Sessions
This year we had the chance to host an array of enlightening industry sessions, all of which took place at the backyard cinema behind Genesis. The talks ranged from subjects such as how to turn your screenplay into a film to the best ways to be signed by an agent.
5) Queer Prom
We sashayed the night away after the screening of Erin’s Guide to Kissing Girls, a fabulous new coming-of-age film from director Julianna Notten. Everyone showed up and showed out for this party.
6) Blair Witch Screening and Halloween Party
In 1999, Raindance hosted the UK premiere of The Blair Witch Project. The film went on to become synonymous with successful independent and guerilla filmmaking. We screened this again at our 30th anniversary to showcase our maverick films that have come through Raindance over the years. Following the screening, we hosted a Halloween party where guests showed up in creative and fun costumes!
7) Pulp Fiction Screening and Party
Pulp Fiction, arguably Quentin Tarantino’s most iconic film of all time, made its UK premiere at Raindance Film Festival 1994. This year we had the chance to celebrate our mavericks and following the screening we hosted a Tarantino themed party, everyone came dressed to nines in their best outfits.
8) Gemma Arterton at the Raindance Awards Ceremony
Gemma Arterton walked in, or should I say, strode in like a goddess ready to receive her Raindance Icon Award. She accepted the award at the beginning of our ceremony, which hosted and celebrated the many amazing filmmakers that screened their films at our festival. She also revealed her pregnancy while walking our red carpet, and it was such an exciting moment. As Elliot says, it’s great to be nominated, but better to be a winner!
9) Short film screening night
We hosted an open screening night for filmmakers to showcase their short films in the Genesis Backyard Cinema. The event was sold out, and many talented and excited filmmakers had the chance to screen their unique short films.
10) Closing Night Gala w/ Pinball the Man Who Saved the Game
Our closing night Gala and screening was a truly special occasion. With incredible lead actor Mike Faist and the actual man who saved the game, Roger Sharpe, in attendance, it was a whirlwind celebration of the festival. Featuring a Q&A with the cast and crew and a pinball-themed red carpet, it was a night that will go down in Raindance history!
If you are missing the festival as much as we are, don’t fear! The Raindance fun doesn’t have to come to an end. We have courses, both online and in-person, and networking events all year long to help you on your filmmaking journey. Be sure to check out the schedule to see what’s coming up at Raindance.
Ellen is an English and Film student at Samford University who is currently working for Raindance Film Festival this fall. She hopes to one day teach film at a university level.
