My Favourite Films of 2021

A hastily cobbled together list: partly because I'm later than usual (I usually get it out of the way on New Year's day), but also because it's a snapshot of changing opinions and if I wait more than a few days I'll need to update it. Better to just get it down and move on. …

My Favourite Films of 2019

Last year, I stupidly said, "Let’s hope that sense and kindness prevails in 2019." Oh boy!   This year I'll only say, "Let's hope we just make it through 2020".   Anyway, there were lots of films I missed in 2019, but here are my favourites from those I saw, ordered alphabetically within each rating: …

My Favourite Films of 2018

Last year I said "It's been a pretty awful year in politics, so I find looking back at my year in film a pleasant diversion." Well, politics this year has been far far worse. Let's hope that sense and kindness prevails in 2019. Thankfully, there were some great films in 2018. Here's my list of …

My Favourite Films of 2017

It's been a pretty awful year in politics, so I find looking back at my year in film is a pleasant diversion. The following is a list of my current 2017 favourites, but before I go through them, there are a few special film-related highlights to mention: In January I hosted a Q&A with producer …

Screen St Ives and a Very Special Screen 2 Opening Event

In August 2017, community cinema Screen St Ives (SSI) launched 'Screen 2' - a new specially curated strand which Amanda Randall and myself are leading on - with a special screening of the British romantic comedy, Dead Cat. The local director of the film and good friend of SSI, Stefan Georgiou, came along to introduce …

My Favourite Films of 2016

I have a love/hate relationship with top film lists. Of course, their contents are dependent on the films actually seen, contingent on mood and atmosphere when seen, influenced by how others reacted, and much more. Yet, they hold an irresistible fascination, and often provide a useful opportunity to spot films which I need to check out, or …