Last night the north east rather than the south east coast of England was the setting for a special screening of Quadrophenia. The 1979 mod classic opened The Whitley Bay Film Festival 2011 which runs until next Sunday.
What an inspired choice for the first night! I missed the sea front scooter run scheduled for 6.30pm but arrived at biker-friendly venue, The Trojan Rooms as it filled with Ace Faces.
The venue is used to playing host to a variety of events from gigs to meditation classes but last night it was turned into a 1970s style local cinema. I loved the details: popcorn on sale, the Pearl and Dean theme tune and a spoof local business advert shown before the film. Nice touches.
It felt like I was watching the film with a bunch of mates rather than a room of strangers. Audience members shouted out quotes, sang or tapped feet along to the soundtrack and pointed at established Brit actors like Ray Winstone and Timothy Spall. How they’ve all changed in 30 years. Local-ish lad Sting is the only one who still looks good.
As the credits rolled we clapped both the film and the festival team. This is the festival’s second year and organisers, local film production company Primate Productions, should be proud of what they’ve achieved. They secured Whitley Bay-born screenwriting legend Ian La Frenais as festival patron and worked with local council and businesses to produce an imaginative programme utilising local buildings.
Festival highlights include tonight’s Secret Cinema. Meet at 8.30pm for a classic film at a site specific location. Apparently the screening “may not be suitable for persons of a nervous disposition.” On Monday evening The Fog will be screened at local landmark, St Mary’s Lighthouse.
Next Thursday a classic horror double bill: An American Werewolf in London and the Hammer Horror Dracula will be screened at iconic building, the century old Spanish City Dome. Dress code is “Naked, covered suspiciously in blood and lying, shivering in the foetal position.” Hmm I’ll have to see if I have anything suitable in my wardrobe..
The programme also includes an Ian La Frenais day plus screenings of work by local film makers. Oh yes and plenty of child-friendly events. Something for all the family. If you’re in the region, come along!
www.whitleybayfilmfestival.co.uk www.primateproductions.co.uk
