BIFF Highlights: 2013

There was a joyful spirit filling the auditorium as the film concluded. I left my seat with an overwhelming appreciation for silent cinema. This tale of family, struggle and loss is heart-warming and captivating. A simple story is directed with precision and accuracy. The Dodge Brothers accompaniment, with Neil Brand, complimented the screening and made it an all round entertaining experience.

Without a doubt the most unexpected triumph of the festival, for me, was this dazzling documentary. It gives us an honest and bold image of Elvis as a performer and a star and demonstrates his passion for his craft and the music he was creating and performing. The introduction given by The Dodge Brothers set the tone of the screening and provided us with some background information. The film was pure musical/cinematic entertainment and a celebration of one man and the legacy he created. I was blown away by the film and have found a new appreciation of ‘The King’, thank you ever so much.

The festival had a lot more to offer other than film screenings and festival events. I thoroughly enjoyed both exhibitions that the Museum was holding whilst I was there. The photography of Tom Wood along with a historical collection of Bollywood film posters provided a relaxing and interesting distraction between screenings. The end of festival party was also a great event with an electric atmosphere. Not only is Bradford host to this diverse and fascinating festival but it is complimented by its location at the National Media Museum which hosts its own activities, screenings, exhibitions and events during the festival as well as throughout the year. The festival and the museum collaborated perfectly and successful created a fantastic atmosphere and environment for BIFF.

Thanks for reading and let’s all keep supporting our beloved film industry.