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British Film Festival Brings a Cinematic British Invasion to Poznań

Mark your calendars for 13-17 November 2024 — Poznań’s renowned Kino Muza will host the inaugural British Film Festival, a first-of-its-kind event in Poland dedicated entirely to the vast and diverse landscape of British cinema. With an exciting programme full of retrospectives, premieres, and interactive events, this festival promises to be a cinematic journey through the heart of British culture, both past and present.

A Festival with Unique Potential

The festival’s theme, “United Kingdom of Cinema”, perfectly captures its mission: to showcase not just films from England, but also the cinematic contributions of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Dorota Reksińska, one of the event’s organisers, emphasises that this festival is more than just a one-off affair — it is set to become a flagship event for Poznań, with future editions poised to expand into competitive formats and new partnerships.

A Striking Visual Identity Rooted in History

One of the most captivating aspects of the British Film Festival 2024 is its visual identity, which offers a fresh, symbolic approach to the UK’s cinematic legacy. Created by Kacper Krysiak from the agency LUCKYYOU, the design draws inspiration from a powerful symbol: the Prime Meridian that runs through London’s Greenwich district. This iconic line, which divides time zones, is a metaphor for Britain’s cultural influence across the globe.

The UK, once referred to as the “empire on which the sun never sets,” left a lasting imprint on global culture, including cinema. The festival’s visual identity embodies this influence through vertical stripes, each representing a time zone or cultural sphere impacted by British history. Every stripe is a distinct layer, reflecting the complex and often tumultuous effects of British colonialism, as well as its cinematic contributions. The design, bold and symbolic, avoids clichés like Union Jacks or royal crowns, opting instead for a more modern dialogue with the festival’s international audience.

Sara Wojciechowska adapted this key visual for the festival’s website, with Paweł Czamański ensuring its seamless implementation online. This sophisticated branding invites festival-goers to engage with British cinema in all its layers — from its celebrated successes to its darker historical undertones.

British Film Festival Visual Identification

Celebrating British Film Heritage

Among the highlights of the festival are two significant retrospectives. The first, honouring the 125th birthday of legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, will take audiences on a journey through his early British films and later Hollywood masterpieces. Special events include a live-scored silent screening of The Lodger and an atmospheric candle-lit Pop-Up Cinema showing of The Birds in a church — merging film with an immersive experience.

The second retrospective will celebrate the work of Lynne Ramsey, one of Scotland’s most acclaimed directors. Audiences will be treated to screenings of her iconic films such as We Need to Talk About Kevin and You Were Never Really Here, as well as some of her earlier, lesser-known works. Ramsey herself will be in attendance, offering a unique opportunity for festival-goers to engage directly with one of contemporary cinema’s most innovative voices.

Exciting Sections for Every Taste

For those eager to dive into the latest British film releases, the First Things First section offers a chance to see pre-release screenings and films rarely shown in Poland. A major highlight will be the screening of Last Swim, which recently won the Crystal Bear at Berlinale 2024.

In the High Season section, festival-goers can catch up on some of the standout British films from the 2023/2024 cinema season. This is a perfect opportunity to revisit recent favourites or discover hidden gems that may have flown under the radar.

Meanwhile, the Classics section will screen iconic films from British cinema’s storied past. A must-see is Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, which will be shown at the TAMA club alongside a themed music party — blending film with Poznań’s nightlife for a truly unforgettable experience.

Exploring Social and Cultural Realities

One of the more thought-provoking sections of the festival is Mind the Gap, which delves into the UK’s unique tradition of social realism in film. From the ground-breaking Free Cinema movement of the 1950s and 1960s to more modern examples, this section provides a window into Britain’s evolving social and political landscapes. Films such as My Beautiful Laundrette and Made in Britain will spark discussions about class, identity, and social divisions, issues that remain as relevant today as ever.

The festival’s tongue-in-cheek Five o’clock section will offer a selection of costume dramas reflecting Britain’s aristocratic and imperial past. The screenings will even coincide with traditional British tea time — an ideal way to indulge in films like Chariots of Fire, while sipping tea at 5 p.m.

A Lighter, More Hilarious Side

For those who enjoy B-movie thrills, the Bloody Hell! section presents a collection of British horror and sci-fi films that are as terrifying as they are absurd. These low-budget gems may not have won any Oscars, but they’ve cemented their place in cinematic history for all the wrong reasons — and audiences wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks to the collaboration with Octopus Film Festival and VHS Hell, these films will be shown in their original VHS format, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the fun.

What to Expect: A Sneak Peek

Though the full programme will be released at the end of October, festival organisers have already shared exciting details, such as the themed screenings in unexpected locations and the participation of high-profile international guests. With tens of films across multiple genres, special events, and workshops, the British Film Festival is set to become a must-attend event in Poznań’s cultural calendar.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of British cinema or someone looking to experience its magic for the first time, this festival has something for everyone. So, grab your cup of tea, hop on a double-decker bus, and make your way to Kino Muza for five days of cinematic brilliance.

Karolina Twardowska
Karolina Twardowskahttp://poznanmagazine.com
Hi there, I'm Karolina! I'm all about three things: travel, art, and food! Catch me wandering around the charming streets of Provence, checking out cool museums, or digging into some delicious poutine. Always curious, I love exploring my city and sharing my finds with PoznańMagazine readers. Come along for the ride as we uncover the hidden gems of Poznań!
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