Preston Arts Festival Reflection ( 1st - 18th October 2015)
Oct, 23 2015
~We’re living in a cinematic age where 3D films seem to be thriving and reboots of old franchises are being produced. It would be good though to reflect on a week of films that took place during ‘Preston Arts Festival’ ( 1st - 18th October 2015)
These films were specific in that they focused on the art concept and how it is portrayed on screen with the help of several well known faces, an epic musical score and some stunning cinematography it proved to be a memorable week that people continued to discuss hours after it’s showing.
Set at the UCLAN Foster building lecture theatre 4, the public were invited to experience free Chinese tea tasting in the foyer from 7-7.30pm as a prelude to the film. Additionally, there was free car parking for the public and free entry upon arrival with optional retiring donation.
The wide diverse range of films covered the brotherly affection between Van Gogh and his brother to the bold interpretation of American painter Jackson Pollock.
Starring and directed by Ed Harris, Pollock is a 2000, 18 certificate film. Lasting over two hours it had the audience captivated on the Monday night ( Oct 12th )
On Tuesday evening, the art world took us to a 2004 Mick Davis film about the story of Amedeo Modigliani’s bitter rivalry with Pablo Picasso.
‘Modigliani’ was a film about envy and heartache.
Directed by Robert Altman the Wednesday evening film ( Oct 14th ) explored the life of Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo. In ‘Vincent and Theo’ , Tim Roth starred as Vincent and Paul Rhys starred as Theodore or Theo. The film exposes Vincent’s vulnerability yet sheds light on the brotherly affection he had with Theo.
For the penultimate evening ( Thursday 15th Oct), audiences were transfixed to ‘Goya’s Ghosts’. Starring Stelan Skarsgard as Francisco Goya, this 2006 film tells the story of painter Francisco Goya who is in the midst of a scandal with his muse. Also starring Javier Bardem and Natalie Portman this is a biographical and historical insight into the Spanish inquisition and the corruption that unfolds.
On the final showing ( Friday 16th Oct) audiences were enthralled with the concluding film ‘ Carrington’. Starring Emma Thompson as Dora Carrington and Jonathon Pryce as writer Lytton Strachey it captured the platonic relationship that took place between the two of the them. Platonic, in part, due to Lytton Strachey’s preference towards men yet he had an appreciation for Carrington.
Outside of the film week, as part of Preston Arts Festival, music fans were delighted to see the Leyland Band perform a series of songs together. Feet were stomping, voices were singing and hands were clapping as the public enjoyed their set at the UCLAN’S Vernon Building.
Gary Westwood, member of the Leyland Band had the following to say in gratitude to Russell Hogarth ( Lead of the CCG and main organiser behind the event ) and eagerness to get involved in events in the new year,
“Hello Russell,
may I pass the thanks and appreciation of all at Leyland Band for allowing the band to perform today at UCLAN's Vernon Building and for making us welcome. Your help and support meant the band could concentrate on delivering an enjoyable musical experience for the assembled audience. We value our association with the university and are delighted to be able to help you connect the community and university in our unique way.
As discussed, I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss with you any projects for 2016 and beyond.
Best wishes
Gary.”
I think we’d all agree it was another successful Preston Arts Festival, bringing the community of Preston together and celebrating, music, film and art in a creative and innovative way.
Thank you everybody for attending, participating and contributing to an excellent festival.
We, at the CCG appreciate your involvement.
Let art thrive!
