Category: Features

The latest feature articles including Top 5 ____ … posts!

Berlin25 · Features

Top 5 Must-See Movies of Berlinale 2025

Garry ArnotLeave a comment

This year marks the 75th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, often referred to simply as Berlinale. It’s set to be a star-studded 11 days of cinema with festival favourite Tilda Swinton announced to collect an Honorary Golden Bear award and Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet in attendance to celebrate the German premiere of James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. I will be covering the event for the very first time, and have picked out five pieces from the programme that I have my eye on…

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EIFF24 · Features

Top 5 Must-See Movies of Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024

Garry ArnotLeave a comment

Another year, another fresh start for Edinburgh International Film Festival with a new look and new team at the helm in 2024. In the safe hands of director Paul Ridd and producer Emma Boa, the 77th edition will be woven into the festival fabric of the city throughout August, will include an exciting new Midnight Madness strand, and will have 10 world premieres compete for The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence. I previewed the programme during the July episode of the Cinetopia Radio Show which is now available as a podcast, but have also picked out five films to keep an eye on…

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Features

Top 10 British Soap Stars Making It in the Movies

Garry ArnotLeave a comment

Like fish and chips, waiting in queues, and talking about the weather, soap operas are totally ingrained within British culture. Even if you don’t watch them religiously or even regularly, programmes like EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale have been on UK TV guides for decades and their iconic characters have become household names. Now and again, soap stars break free from terrestrial telly and make their way to the big screen. I’ve picked out ten stand outs that are making it in the movies…

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EIFF23 · Features

Top 5 Must-See Movies of Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023

Garry ArnotLeave a comment

Shortly after last years’ edition, the future of EIFF was thrown into jeopardy when their funding company CMI went into administration. Thankfully the show will go on under the umbrella of the Edinburgh International Festival, with an eclectic stripped back schedule showcasing UK and world premieres, rare retrospectives, outdoor screenings, and more. Having perused the programme, I’ve picked out five films to keep an eye on…

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EIFF22 · Features · Interviews

Heading West Interview: A Chat About a Band Called Shooglenifty

Garry ArnotLeave a comment

Shooglenifty originated in the 1990s and slowly built a loyal fan base within the Celtic fusion scene. They’ve now released nine albums and have played all over the world. In 2016, their frontman Angus tragically passed away at the age of 49.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Don Coutts, the documentary titled Heading West: A Story About a Band Called Shooglenifty charts their highs and lows with heart and humour and has a genuine intimacy that could only be captured by a long-time peer of the group. 

As part of last year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, fans, friends, and family filed into Edinburgh’s iconic Filmhouse for the film’s world premiere. The atmosphere was electric as everyone waited with bated breath to see the band’s journey on the big screen. The next day, I was fortunate enough to sit down with founding member and guitarist Malcolm Crosbie to chat about the film and his experience in the band…

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Features

Top 5 Films by Quentin Tarantino…

Garry ArnotLeave a comment

Love him or loathe him, writer and director Quentin Tarantino has had a huge impact on the landscape of modern cinema. One of the most distinctive auteurs in the industry, his work is almost instantly recognisable through his razor-sharp scripts, excessive use of violence, and of course, extreme close-ups of manky feet. To mark the 30th anniversary of his feature-length directorial debut Reservoir Dogs, I’ve ranked my favourite five from his filmography…

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EIFF22 · Features

Top 5 Must-See Movies of Edinburgh Film Festival 2022

Garry ArnotLeave a comment

It’s been a long three years since we’ve had a proper film festival in the capital. After an online 2020 iteration and a clever hybrid version last year, EIFF is back in all its glory its 75th edition in 2022, albeit a little later in the calendar. Split into various strands including Heartbreakers, Night Moves, The Chamber, and Postcards from the Edge, the programme offers an eclectic mix of cinema that should have something to satisfy any film-goer. I’ve perused the brochure to pick out a selection that I have my eye on…

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Features

Top 10 Lockdown Recommendations You Might Not Have Seen: 2021 Edition

Garry ArnotLeave a comment

Another year, another lockdown, and so for those of us that aren’t home-schooling, another chunk of spare time on our hands. If you’ve already binged on The Queen’s Gambit, Bridgerton, and any other telly you’ve been told you must see, you might be on the lookout for some film recommendations. I’ve scoured Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and All4 to put together another list. Some quite old, some quite new, all absolutely brilliant.

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Features

Top 10 Netflix Gems You Might Not Have Seen…Volume 3: Coronavirus Special

Garry ArnotLeave a comment

In this strange and uncertain time of Coronavirus-induced isolation, we search for answers, toilet roll, and new things to watch on Netflix. I am here to help distract you from the sickness fears, hand-picking some of the best hidden gems Netflix (UK version) has to offer. Don’t worry, I washed my hands first.

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