Festival Director Introduction
23 Jul 2024
23 Jul 2024
I am delighted – and humbled – to be taking on the responsibility of programming the Chichester International Film Festival. A Festival that has garnered so much attention and praise from both the UK and abroad, due mainly to Roger Gibson’s tireless work as Artistic Director since the inaugural Festival in 1992. I thank Roger for everything he has taught me since my arrival in Chichester in 2003.
My initial focus is to spread this love of film that I see on a day-to-day basis at Chichester Cinema, and by going out to more venues in the region, this Film Festival can be the vehicle to achieve this objective. This year we are collaborating with The Spring Arts Centre (Havant), The Havana (Chichester), The Windmill Cinema (Littlehampton), St. Paul’s Church (Chichester) and El Matador (Chichester), all for the first time, and will be returning to St. John’s Chapel (Chichester) and Priory Park (Chichester) for our annual silent film and open air screenings respectively. VENUES
As for new film choices, you can expect many premieres and previews from Europe especially, as well as a great selection from the rest of the world. Many films may not be screened here in the UK – so make the most of your opportunity this August, as you may not get it again. In the same vein, look out for the visiting filmmakers (including Rory Kinnear, Juliet Stevenson, Jared Harris and Tony Palmer) whom we are delighted to host, and do join us in giving them a very warm Chichester welcome. Most of our past visiting filmmakers have made a point of saying how much they enjoyed their visit, and how an audience with so much love and knowledge of film gives them a rewarding and refreshing experience. VISITING FILMMAKERS
The retrospective part of the Festival is made up of a focus on the work of three giants (in their own way) of cinema. Marlon Brando, who would have been 100 this year, needs no introduction. Greta Gerwig exploded last year with ‘Barbie’, and we will focus on her work not only as a director, but also as a writer and actress – she truly is the “modern-day triple threat”. We also present five films from Aki Kaurismäki, the master of droll cinema who gave us ‘Fallen Leaves’ at the end of 2023. BRANDO – GERWIG – KAURISMÄKI
You must excuse my indulgence, but I have also chosen strands focusing on music films (Sound & Vision), a genre I have always loved, as well as the cinema of Spain and Portugal, a vibrant and passionate selection that is very close to my heart. Our final strand is another centenary celebration, not of a person, but of the two giants of golden-age Hollywood – MGM and Columbia Studios – between them, responsible for countless classics that we will all be aware of, and frequently even be able to recite whole scenes from memory. SOUND & VISION – ALMA IBERICA – MGM & COLUMBIA
I truly hope that you will enjoy this year’s Chichester International Film Festival, an event of immense scale staged by a skilful and extremely dedicated team of film lovers. Just as I keep saying (to anyone who will listen!), that film is the most collaborative of all art forms, everyone involved in producing this event (cinema staff, trustees, volunteers, patrons, sponsors, partner venues, and also you, the viewers) hope that it will not only be a huge success, but will also spread the love of this art form to which we are all addicted.
See the world through a different lens.
Walter Francisco, Artistic Director
July 2024
The printed brochure will arrive at New Park on Wed 31 Jul, and will be available at all usual outlets by Mon 5 Aug.
Click on the image below to see a digital version of the brochure
