The Cambridge Film Festival has a long running relationship with American filmmaker and actor Woody Allen. Many of his films premiered at the festival including Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), Midnight in Paris (2011), Blue Jasmine (2013), and Magic in the Moonlight (2014). Other significant UK premieres at the festival include Reservoir Dogs by Quentin Tarantino (1992), Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl by Gore Verbinski (2003) and Broken Flowers by Jim Jarmusch (2005).
Special attention at the Cambridge Film Festival is paid to works of up-and-coming filmmakers because one of its main goals is to reveal and support new talents. For example, the 1996 selection featured Larceny, a short film made by then unknown Christopher Nolan who had filmed it over a weekend during his college years. And look at Nolan now!
The screenings take place at several venues across the city, including non-traditional ones. The festival prides itself on holding special outdoors screenings at one of Europe’s largest outdoor swimming pools Jesus Green Lido and on Grantchester Meadows (the Movies on the Meadows screening).
Although the Cambridge Film Festival isn’t officially a competitive festival, it awards audience awards. The best feature film gets the Golden Punt Award, the best documentary film is bestowed the Silver Punt Award, and the best short film is awarded the Crystal Punt Award.
The festival is known and loved for its informal and relaxed atmosphere. Although the event attracts big names from all over the world, its remains approachable and intimate. There are no red carpets, no overpriced designer tuxes and gowns. Attendees have a unique chance to stumble upon acclaimed filmmakers happily hanging out in the bar. The filmmakers actually love to meet their fans outside formal events.
Photo: theransomnote.co.uk
