Film festival by DMU students projects a dystopian future


From the violent future of Mad Max to the clash of idyll and anarchy in Brazil, the Dystopian Film Festival (17-20 March) will explore films depicting the destruction of civilisation, and why we love to watch them.

Now in its third year, the festival is organised by second year Film Studies students at De Montfort University (DMU), working in partnership with Phoenix, Leicester’s independent cinema and art centre.

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With a carefully curated programme of films to appeal to a wide audience, the festival kicks off with an already sold-out school screening of Pixar’s Oscar-winning animation, Wall-E.

The long-awaited Mad Max: Fury Road which recently scooped six Oscars will be preceded with a talk by Dr James Russell, Principal Lecturer in Film Studies at DMU.

Dr Russell will be looking at Hollywood’s many depictions of the apocalypse, from 1950s science fiction to modern action movies.

Cult classic Escape from New York will be followed by The Social Cinema DJ Set, with music specially selected to complement the film’s soundtrack.

A double bill from visionary filmmaker Terry Gilliam will feature Brazil and Twelve Monkeys.

The festival will end with the rare chance to see sci-fi classic Silent Running on the big screen, and a Lazy Sunday offer complete with a full English breakfast.

Stuart Peters, one of the students who helped organise the festival, also works as a DMU intern at Phoenix helping to put together and promote the centre’s film schedule.

He said: “Having an insight into the distribution and marketing side of the industry, as well as the challenges facing an independent cinema, has been really helpful for this project.

“We’ve worked closely with Phoenix to line-up some exciting films that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and we can’t wait to welcome people to Phoenix to take part in the fun we’ve planned.”

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Andreas Morgan and Bradley Parsons are also second year Film Studies students that were involved in organising the festival.

Andreas said: “The whole event management experience has been an eye opener to this side of the film industry for me. It’s opened up a different area of the industry I'd be happy to work in.”

Bradley said: “Working with Phoenix was a great opportunity to develop my skills, especially learning about briefing a design agency and the marketing process.”

Senior Lecturer in Film at DMU, Laraine Porter, said: “We’re delighted to build on our long-standing relationship with Phoenix. Exposing our students to the expertise of their staff is great for developing their skills and employability.”

Posted on Tuesday 15 March 2016

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