Watercolor

Review: Into the Wind By Ben Dalby Although it is this magazine’s mission to promote our city, the fact that filmmaker Steven Hatton grew up here is purely incidental, as this documentary should be celebrated by any culturally motivated publication. In simple terms Into the Wind is a documentary that sets its lens on RAF Bomber Command veterans from the Second World War; many of whom have never been interviewed about their experiences before. It is the debut work of a young and inspirational filmmaker who has carried out the majority of the filmmaking process alone. This lone approach is astonishing, not only when considering the film’s delicate and, at times, poetic construction, but also the range of veterans that contribute to the narrative; men who have been drawn from Australia, Canada, Guyana, New Zealand, Poland, Trinidad and the United Kingdom. Let this much be clear though, this is not a film for those wishing to gain fresh historical insights into the history of Bomber Command. Rather, the film offers a window into the minds of men who carry personal memories of this unique period in an ever-changing present. You will hear of their regrets, their private victories and, most importantly, you will meet the men as they are today. The famous aviator, Ken Wallis, for example, is still able to amaze and amuse with a spectacular exhibition in his self-designed autogyro. By exclusively using the words of the veterans to create the film’s voice, Hatton is able to deliberately toss the viewer between disparate views and emotions as well as changeable modes of expression that range from the philosophical to the candid. Herein lies the strength of Into the Wind; a collage of personal journeys that fly parallel to one another to create a sincere, poignant and often charming whole. Into the Wind is available now from Amazon.co.uk. For more information visit: www.intothewind.co.uk. Also, look out for screenings of Hatton’s short film ‘Heilig’: www .heilig.co.uk

Pop Up Cinema: Minicine in early April By Mike McKenny April not only brings the Bradford International Film Festival, but to whet the appetites of Bradfordian cineastes, the month kicks off with a pair of pop-up cinema events in Bradford venues. The first will be a splatter-fest Cult Horror Night at Glyde House on Wednesday 4th April. The film will be decided by a public poll found at Minicine.org. uk and will include titles such as Evil Dead 2, Braindead and Evil Ed.

The other event will see a whole day of Polish cinema at the Polish Parish Club on Saturday 7th April. There will be three films in total with various speakers presenting and introducing the films. Both events will have a fully licensed bar and will be unique, community focused cinematic experiences. For up to date information on both events, plus ticket information, screening times and further information on the venues, see Minicine.org.uk.

Immersed in Ken Russell By Jamie McHale

Before Ken Russell became a film director he was a ballet dancer. That’s just one of the facts I learnt last week at the National Media Museum’s Ken Russell immersion day. Following his sad passing last year the museum put on an education programme entitled “Ken Russell: Enfant Terrible of British Cinema”, the British director’s beginnings and film career. Starting with a lecture taking in Russell’s early stint in photography, through to TV work and ultimately his move into cinema, the morning provided a comprehensive look at the life and work of the much debated director. In the afternoon we were treated/subjected - depending on your viewpoint - to a feature screening and discussion of his 1969 adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s Women in Love. Driven by an incredibly knowledgeable course leader, Keith Withall, the day was perfectly suited to all knowledge levels, with Russell advocates chatting to Russell virgins on a completely even playing field. I myself had only ever seen one of his features and never felt patronised or out of my depth in the supportive and collaborative environment.

At £19.50, £16 for concessions, the ticket price can seem a little steep on first glance but when you consider it buys you a full day with an expert and a screening as well as the opportunity to discuss and dissect with fellow cinéphiles it really isn’t bad value at all.

Jamie is a film programmer at Minicine (Minicine.org.uk) and runs the culture blog TQS Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter @Jamie_McHale

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