Movies from the Glasgow Festival that shouldn’t be missed

Most people have heard about Venice, Berlin and Cannes, but UK movie buffs don’t need to look so far to enjoy all the latest movies to hit the roster.

Held in the iconic Glasgow Film Theatre, the Glasgow Film Festival is an experience plucked right out of old Hollywood, in a venue where visiting feels like walking back in time. It has an opening gala that could match the Oscars red carpet, with a few special guests in attendance.

For film fan, this article is a guide to some of the best flicks that shouldn’t be missed from this year’s festival, which will all be released soon. With most modern media available online, after completing any unfinished work, it’s easy to turn one’s attention to Glasgow to enjoy films from one of the biggest industry events of the year

For animation fans: Where Is Anne Frank?

From the director of Waltz with Bashir comes another equally devastating animation about the horrors of war.

Kitty finds herself materialising in the Anne Frank Museum in the midst of a raging storm in Amsterdam. Looking at the famed diary, she realises that Anne was addressing her, and she has manifested in modern-day Amsterdam. Assuming that Anne, too, has appeared somewhere in the city, Kitty is off on a journey to find her friend. The movie blends modern Dutch life with wartime flashbacks of Anne’s experiences. All this puts together a love letter to refugees of the past of present that will tug at heartstrings as the beautiful animation moves the story forward.

For romance fans: Fire (Both Sides of the Blade)

For anyone into melancholy film, Fire (Both Sides of the Blade) should be seen. Radio journalist Sara has a happy life with her husband, Jean, that she wouldn’t trade for anything… except maybe a happy life with Francois. The three share a history, where Sara once loved Francois before she met Jean. When Jean is offered a business opportunity that puts the three of them in the same circles again, Sara has to grapple with her old feelings that are smouldering and rising to the surface.

For fans of French wave: Cleo from 5 to 7

Cleo has been told by a fortuneteller that she has cancer and has to waste a couple of hours until her test results confirm or dispute the idea. Viewers join her as she wanders around Paris.

And yet, this isn’t a tragedy: Cleo is followed around the movie by mirrors, where she admires her own beauty, which she is scared is temporary. But her journey around the city in the afternoon brings her to some personal revelations that ultimately turn her hopeful – no matter what the diagnosis says.

For a movie made in the 60s, this is quite an impressive statement against beauty standards, championing individualism and loving oneself – flaws and all.

For nostalgia fans: Spy Kids

There has to be something light in there to tickle a childish funny bone. Whether looking to share an old favourite with the little ones, wishing to indulge in the madcap fun – or even a renewed appreciation for Antonio Banderas – viewers will find there’s something for everyone in this spy adventure film.

A Dick and Dom-style TV presenter is creating an army of innocent-looking children that will take over governments and only Mr and Mrs Cortez can stop them. Until they don’t. Meanwhile, their two kids are at home wondering what happened to them and stumbling across a secret lair of gadgets, including a plane, a jetpack and even a set of smart glasses and smart watches – which were so cool at the time.

The editorial unit