 European
and world cinema was the focus for film experts Derek Malcolm and
Mostafa Kamal when they paid a visit to the Ormskirk Campus by invitation
from the International Centre for Development and Environmental
Studies (ICDES), Edge Hill’s research centre focusing mainly
on third world development and environmental issues.
Staff and students from Media, Film Studies and English met veteran
film critic Derek Malcolm who shared a snapshot of over 30 years
in the film business. Mostafa Kamal, independent filmmaker and organiser
of the Bangladesh Film Festival discussed the possibility of a collaborative
venture with Edge Hill, to co-host the annual Bangladesh Film Festival.
As one of Fleet Street’s longest serving critics, Derek Malcolm
was the lead film columnist for the Guardian newspaper for over
30 years and is President of the International Film Critics Association,
writing widely on world cinema.
Offering invaluable advice to students on what makes a good review
and how to break into the business, Derek entertained students and
staff with tales of his own career conversion from steeplechase
jockey to journalist.
Anna Claydon, Film Studies Lecturer was delighted to introduce the
experts to Edge Hill’s budding film writers; she said: “We
were thrilled to receive such distinguished guests. Derek amused
us all with anecdotes about celebrities like Robert Mitchum and
Harrison Ford, as well as passing on some very practical advice
to students on writing reviews and securing employment in print
media.”
The visit was the catalyst that led to the screening of the short
Bangladeshi films Shadinota (A Certain Liberation) and Images Under
the Shadows. Screenings were arranged by ICDES and Film Studies
following the fifth annual Bangladesh film festival based in London,
organised by Mostapha at the charitable Rainbow Film Society. Mostapha
is keen to promote Bangladeshi cinema outside London. He said:
“The Bangladeshi film industry is one of the biggest in South
Asia after Bollywood. It produces around 70 films a year of all
different genres, from short films and documentaries to romance,
comedy and action feature films. Most British people don’t
get to see them because the Bangladeshi marketing machine is not
as strong as its counterpart in Bombay. People only hear about Bollywood
but the Bangladeshi product is very similar.”
Dr Tasleem Shakur, Director of ICDES was pleased to see the progress
of a collaboration between the London based Rainbow Film Society
and Edge Hill. He said: “We are hoping to see the development
of a Bangladesh Film Festival here in the North West based at Edge
Hill, with special screenings in Oldham, at Manchester’s Cornerhouse
and at FACT in Liverpool".
Image courtesy of
Paul Ellis Photography |
Edgeways
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