This is it … September's Branchage Jersey International Film Festival has finally arrived and what an exciting programme it is too!
The festival kicks off with an exclusive screening of the double Sundance award-winning 'Man On Wire', James Marsh's documentary about one man's daring tightrope walk between the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Centre. A stunning portrayal of bravery and showmanship, and a true vertigo-inducing experience for the viewer. The screening will be taking place in the grand environment of Jersey's Opera House, making it a perfect opener to sum up the spirit of this new film festival.
An integral part of Jersey's heritage, the German occupation left an indelible mark on Jersey's landscape, including the notorious War Tunnels which will be the setting for a screening of a film made using Jersey archive and found-footage created by award-winning filmmaker Sarah Wood, with a grandiose live soundtrack provided by the classical electronica composer Zan Lyons.
Warp Records are hosting the Friday night party in the spectacular Spiegeltent which will be located at the Weighbridge (following a screening of Warp X Film's 'A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures' earlier in the evening at the Forum). Live music at the party in the Spiegeltent will be provided by psych-pop outfit The Oscillation, as well a DJ set from Broadcast. Broadcast are the electronica outfit whose dark and resonant sound has seen them release four full-length albums on Warp Records, each to great acclaim, and they will be flying the flag for the Warp label at Branchage. There will also be visual accompaniment from the brilliant light-show-artist Julian Hand. Jersey's finest disco proggers Velofax will be providing live support, plus there will be an eclectic DJ set of leftfield electro from Rough Trade's Phil Adams, well known in the island from his sub:ject days.
Sunday night's closing film is the world's first MySpace user-generated movie 'Faintheart', a new British "rom com" set against the backdrop of the battle re-enactment scene. The screening will be taking place at Mont Orgueil Castle and Vikings will be on hand to welcome you to the castle, with Early Music specialist Cally Noel providing music from her Medieval Lap Harp, Psalterie, and Sopranino.