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| Author | Zoe Aresti |
The Glasgow Film Festival is currently in full swing (16-26 February) in Scotland and below, DCM’s Exhbition Director, Steven Davis, talks us through his visit of the Opening Gala.
"Handsome Devil? No, not me. It was the European premiere that kicked off this year’s festival at a sell-out Opening Night Gala.
Long-time friends of DCM, Allison Gardener and Allan Hunter, Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) Co-Directors, gave a rousing opening address when the event kicked off last week. Echoing Emma Stone’s BAFTA acceptance speech, they pointed out that it’s been a crazy time since last year’s GFF, and in 2017 we need to hear more joyful, uplifting stories.
We need to laugh more, think more and celebrate stories that unite us and demonstrate that the possibly for change lies with us as individuals. Handsome Devil delivered exactly that. The film’s star, Fin O'Shea, and Director, John Butler, were on hand to give an introduction. Butler, who’s personal schoolboy experiences are what the film is based on, said “it was one of the best days of my festival life”.
GFF 17, one of the top three festivals on the UK calendar, will feature more than 300 events and screenings, showcasing more than 180 movies from 38 countries over 12 days! And it wouldn’t happen without the help of an army of volunteers.
The line-up this year also includes nine world and international premieres, three European premieres (including Handsome Devil), 65 UK premieres and 67 Scottish premieres. There are some really exciting films this year, with 10 nominated for the Audience Award in 2017. Also, there are some brilliant retrospectives – including my personal favourite, Dangerous Dames.
David Tennant will bring the curtain down on the festival on Sunday 26 February with the world premiere of his latest movie, Mad to Be Normal, about a pioneering Scottish psychiatrist.
As historic supporters of GFF, DCM’s Exhibition Account Manager, Rebecca Rau, and I were kindly invited along as guests of the event’s Opening Gala this year. We also had the pleasure or inviting some of our local exhibitor partners along for the ride and we all had a great time.
So, if you’re anywhere near Glasgow before Sunday get online and book some tickets, but even if you’re not, check out some of the amazing films on offer this year on the Festival’s website."
