Sleeping Dogs Film Review

sleepingdogsfilmreview

London. Eve spends her days caring for her almost vegetative fiance Tommy while struggling to make ends meet. Tommy’s only hope of recovery is a radical new treatment, but it’s expensive. Running out of time, Eve turns to Tommy’s old friends for help. Little does she know that journeying into Tommy’s murky past will unravel a chain of deception that will prove the ultimate test of her devotion.

This film was shot as a collaborative project by a crew of two and a core cast of five for a production budget of £100. It went on to be nominated for a BiFA.

Floris Ramaekers co-wrote, directed, was DOP, camera operator and editor. Pretty impressive stuff. Now for the film…

Dark and heavy, the film is beautifully shot and looks far more expensive than it is. I cannot tell this is a low budget, scaled back production. The acting is great. While some of the characters are not exactly likeable, each is well-written and the actors do an excellent job. Special mention to veteran British actor Jon Campling who has been in so many great films he has probably lost count himself. He is a star who is destined for great things. Liberty Mills is also amazing in the title role.

Sleeping Dogs is an entertaining, gritty British film in the way only Brits can do. It is no surprise it has received nominations. I loved it and was incredibly impressed at what was achieved. I hope this team of cast and crew make another film as this one really is excellent.

Go and see it.

50 Kisses at BAFTA for Guinness World Records

I recently attended the 50 Kisses screening event at BAFTA. It was also to celebrate 50 Kisses getting into Guinness Book of Records as the film with the most co-writers. The writers of 50 Kisses gathered at BAFTA to celebrate the news that they had collectively entered the Guinness Book Of Records for the most co-writers on a feature film. The video, from 50 Kisses and director Chris Jones, is below. Congratulations all. It was a great event and we also caught up with British actor Jon Campling and film distributor David Wilkinson.

50 kisses BAFTA _chris jones, living spirit  50 Kisses World Record22 50 Kisses World Record108 Jon Campling
http://www.50kissesfilm.com/

 

 

21st Raindance Film Festival Opening Gala & How To Make Money Selling Drugs Premiere

The 21st Raindance Film Festival started with a richter scale bang. The great and the good of the International Film Industry congregated at the Vue West End in the iconic film centre of Leicester Square.

Elliott Grove, Raindance founder and champion of independent cinema, was in his element and shiny with success. Elliot looked incredibly happy and rightly so; his achievement is vast.

After the red carpet we were greeted with champagne and mingled.

Deatheater and prominent British Actor Jon Campling

Deatheater and prominent British Actor Jon Campling

 

Raindance founder Eliott Grove.

Raindance founder Eliott Grove.

 

Catherine Balavage, editor of Frost, and James Yardley, Frost Writer.

Catherine Balavage, editor of Frost, and James Yardley, Frost Writer.

We then headed into the cinema, grabbed our goody bags filled with popcorn and Pop Chips and waited to watch Michael Cooke’s documentary How to Make Money Selling Drug. 

The controversial titled documentary, supported by  addiction services is a brilliant satire on how to sell drugs, but don’t worry, it is an anti-drug film. With an excellent format of going from street dealer to kingpin, it highlights the injustice of law enforcement and social economics. I cannot rave about this documentary enough. It completely changed my thinking and is now my favourite documentary. This is a very important documentary and everyone should see it. It starts off in a light-hearted way but it carries a very serious message. It does not shy away from difficult issues. Definitely go and see it.

 

The Opening Night After Party Gala at Café de Paris from 9pm with a performance from the wonderfully unique and talented band, Pepe Deluxé. was also great. Raindance is now part of the London fabric, a film festival deeply in the very fabric of the British Film Industry itself. Don’t miss it.