What to see at Glasgow Film Festival 2018

If you happen to be in Glasgow between 21^st February and 4^th March, you’re in for a treat because this is when Glasgow Film Festival will be in full swing. Although it has a relatively short 13-year history, GFF is now one of the top three film festivals in the UK. Featuring a range of local and international movies from every genre, there really is something for everyone. Here are our top picks of the 2018 programme. 

Isle of Dogs

Wes Anderson’s latest feature about a small boy searching for his lost dog is opening the festival this year. The director’s unique approach to storytelling and filmmaking has been consistently remarkable and you can be one of the first to experience it in Glasgow.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower

With a selection of films ideal for families, there’s truly something for all ages. Our pick here has to go to Mary and the Witch’s Flower. Adapted from The Little Broomstick and directed by Studio Ghibli’s Hiromasa Yonebayashi (When Marnie Was There), this feature promises to be a magical animated adventure.

The Stuff (1985)

As well as being the place to see some of the best works of modern cinema, GFF also celebrates past generations of film. With a programme of cult classics on offer, this year’s festival will be home to midnight movies like Larry Cohen’s The Stuff  – just don’t bring anything to eat with you.

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Alongside celebrating cult classics, GFF is your chance to watch timeless cinema masterpieces on the big screen, one of which is Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause. This incredible movie sees rebellious teenager Jim Stark (James Dean) question and fight back against the authority and values he’s supposed to uphold. An unforgettable drama.

Pyewacket

The latest terrifying horror to come out the indie scene, Adam MacDonald’s Pyewacket is the tale of an angst-ridden teenager who summons a witch to kill her mother. This incredibly tense and unnerving flick recently petrified audiences at Toronto International Film Festival, and now UK horror fans will be able to give themselves nightmares as it screens as part of GFF18’s FrightFest strand.

All the Wild Horses

In this thrilling documentary by Ivo Marloh, a group of competitors are followed on their thousand-kilometre journey as they take part in the Mongol Derby. On this perilous trip, they’re tested to their limits as they face adverse weather, a sprawling wilderness and wolves, in the ultimate test of endurance and survival.

Village Rockstars

Winner of the GFF18 Audience Award, Village Rockstars comes to us all the way from India and tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a rockstar in a world that wishes to suppress her vibrant spirit. Shot entirely on location by director Rima Das using non-professional actors, this is a feature all about youthful dreams and female empowerment.

In Person: Ben Wheatley

It’s not just films you’ll find in Glasgow during GFF. The festival also provides opportunities to take part in interactive workshops and to talk to industry heavyweights. This year, attendees will have the chance to engage with Ben Wheatley (High Rise and Free Fire) to learn more about him and his career so far.

You, Me and Him

In this lesbian romcom directed by Daisy Atkins, Olivia (Lucy Punch) begins thinking about children whilst her younger partner, Alex (Faye Marsay), doesn’t feel the same way. With a cast featuring Sally Philips, Simon Bird, and David Tennent, You, Me and Him is set to be a great British romp.

The Party’s Just Beginning

In her first film as writer and director, Karen Gillian plays Lucy, a young woman in Inverness struggling with the aftermath of her best friend’s suicide. Caught up in an emotional tailspin, Lucy finds it difficult to make life worth living. The Party’s Just Beginning is being regarded as a poignant tale of grief told with humour and humanity.

Andrew Murray

Glasgow Film Festival is on from 21^st February until 4^th March 2018. For further information or to book an event visit the festival website here.

Read more reviews and interviews from our Glasgow Film Festival coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Glasgow Film Festival website here.