Saturday Tips From David

In three weeks time the 13th Keswick Film Festival will be well under way. With so much on offer, how do you pick your way through the programme? We asked David Miller, Festival Programmer, for his tips:

Saturday sees the widest range as well as a new venture with the inclusion of Rheged as an official venue. For early risers and those interested in human rights, The Kids Britain Doesn’t Want at the Theatre at 09.30 is a thought-provoking start to the day; you can then stay for the debate with Clare Sambrook and director Rachel Seifert or catch the bus to Rheged to catch up to three films that feature the great-outdoors in all its greatness – and use of the IMAX screen only enhances that experience.

In Keswick at the Alhambra at 11.00 we offer our free family-friendly screening – Ways To Live Forever – and star Alex Etel will be on hand to take questions. Although this is free entry, you will need a ticket so don’t leave it too late. For the early afternoon, do you want to see a collection of short films made by the cream of Cumbrian talent or see two films that feature John Hurt (Lou and Sailcloth)? Then mid-afternoon has a real treat for lovers of the music of Dolly Parton in the UK premiere of The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom. The film has many of her most famous songs interwoven into a heart-warming family-drama. Alternatively, you might be tempted by the poignant yet somehow uplifting story of a cancer patient’s battle to beat the disease in 50/50.

After what is sure to be an unmissable performance by the Lancaster Millennium Choir at 19.00 in the Theatre, the choice is between two of John Hurt’s best and most famous performances or an intense British drama. The John Hurt selection is The Naked Civil Servant (directed by last year’s star guest Jack Gold) and its follow-up An Englishman in New York. The British drama is Tyrannosaur with Peter Mullan at his intense best and a performance by Olivia Colman that will leave you dumbfounded. To finish the day, why not join us to witness Leonard Cohen’s 1972 concert Bird On A Wire, and with an introduction by radio star Tony Palmer.