CULTURE EDITION
MOVIES & SHAKERS As Cambridge Film Festival returns this month for its 43rd edition, Miriam Balanescu meets its new programmer, Teodosia Dobriyanova, to find out more
W ith over four decades to its name now, Cambridge Film Festival (CFF) has become a fixture of the local cultural scene. Though smaller than its London rival, it has all the markings of a major film festival, boasting the best releases from the festival circuit, as well as restored cinematic treasures and lesser-seen international gems. Its Camera Catalonia strand is also a unique showcase of cinema from the region. This year, two new programmers have been enlisted to join the team: Nathasha Orlando Kappler and Teodosia Dobriyanova. “One of the reasons I was excited to join was that the Cambridge programming panel is a horizontal one,” begins Teodosia. “It’s a conversation between all of us on the programming panel and the wider team. There’s a brilliant structure to it, which has been refreshing. It has been wonderful having regular meetings with the other programmers, talking about the films and listening to their own perspectives, as well.”
The festival reflects the broader context of reality At the helm of New East Cinema at the Barbican, Teodosia has fostered a special interest in curating Asian and eastern European cinema – something she has brought on-board at CFF. “We have people with a strong humanitarian focus in their programming that really pops up,” adds Teodosia. “There are people interested in collectives and programming for communities. All of that coming together brings the programme to life; it’s like a patchwork of all our interests and expertise.” Borrowing from the British Film Institute’s action-cinema season, Point Break will also be screened. However, the contemporary films selected speak to our changing world, shares Teodosia: “The festival reflects the broader context of our reality. Many of the films focus on war, conflict, displacement and migration.” On why local film festivals are so important, Teodosia reflects: “Something which has been interesting for me during the pandemic was the shift in online access to culture and cinema. It seemed like a hopeful transition, but unfortunately, many of these platforms began to close once cinemas reopened. This is an ongoing issue, I believe. “Seeing these films with people, listening and hearing their reactions, simply experiencing that together and then discussing the film – that’s priceless, and it’s why we’re doing this.”
FRAME BY FRAME CFF brings audiences together to discover, discuss and debate seminal cinema
Picturehouse Picks
Get your film fix with these recommendations from the Arts Picturehouse
11 November Few family films manage to truly appeal to the whole family, but the Paddington franchise is one of those rare gems. To relive the first two outings for our favourite bear once more on the big screen, don’t miss a series of screenings taking place next month. Paddington and Paddington 2
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take on Shakespeare’s play – where one man’s marriage is doomed by external forces and the fact he loves ‘not wisely but too well’ – tussles with themes of racism, toxic masculinity and a corrupt justice system.
Movie magic not to miss this month
22 OCTOBER 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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