It’s the start of another year, which is great news for movie goers and film fans everywhere. This is when the global cinema community announce the key dates for award ceremonies, upcoming film events and major festivals happening all over the world. Movie and upcoming film events attract a lot of attention and it can be almost as much fun watching the glitz and glamour on TV or on the big screen as it is actually being there live. Note, we said ‘almost!’
This year, Vision Cinema is proud to bring you details of some of the year’s movie-going highlights so that you can work out where you can watch them and what you’re going to wear. Each festival or award ceremony has its own unique character and focus. You never know, some or more of these elegant occasions might inspire you to plan your own outdoor cinema event this summer. If you get planning now, you can enjoy a glamorous night of your own, watching your favourite stars come out on screen, underneath a warm, summer’s night sky.
- Berlin International Film Festival, Germany
Berlin really fills up with film fans every February who are determined to wrap up against the cold to enjoy films that push boundaries, tell important stories and showcase tomorrow’s stars. Unlike some other festivals of this nature, there are several accessible public screenings available, so people can queue for hours in a bid to see some great cinema. The event happens between 13 and 23 February this year. The festival places great emphasis on audience opinions when choosing its winners, so it is a fine example of how regular filmgoers can have a voice alongside seasoned critics and movie insiders.
- BAFTA Film Awards
Another film highlight for February, the British Film and Television Awards (more commonly known as ‘the BAFTAs’) bursts onto our TV screens on 16 February. For those of us not fortunate enough to have exclusive tickets to the ceremony itself in London’s Royal Festival Hall, we can still enjoy the glamour, critique the attendees outfits as the stride the red carpet, try to predict the award-winners and generally soak up the atmosphere from afar. Some of the winning films might even feature in your next outdoor cinema event – you can’t go wrong with a BAFTA-winning movie for a great night out under the stars.
- Cannes Film Festival, France
This globally acclaimed film festival takes place in the glamourous south of France from 15 to 23 May this year. It’s top prize, the Palme d’Or has sent several filmmakers, directors and actors into global stardom. This trendy festival combines guaranteed blockbuster successes with edgy international art films for a truly surprising and exciting line-up of movies to suit every taste. The waterside location also provides stunning locations for luxury after-showing parties on yachts and beautiful sunsets reflected in the lapping water.
- Academy Awards
Two weeks after the BAFTAs come the 97th Academy Awards, America’s triumphant hymn to cinema’s global elite on 2 March in Hollywood. These prestigious awards are colloquially named ‘the Oscars’ after the gold statuette that winners are presented with during the ceremony. Categories are numerous, ranging from Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Director to Best Animated Feature Film, Best Filkm Editing and Best Costume Design. Plenty of inspiration for your next cinema-themed upcoming events here, even without the eye-watering designer outfits budget;.
- Edinburgh International Film Festival
Every August, Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital city, becomes a little more vibrant as it plays host to internationally popular festivals of theatre, comedy and film. The 78th Edinburgh Film Festival takes place from 14 to 20 August and showcases both Scottish movie talent and international films and film-makers alike. As well as a huge range of films to enjoy, audiences can attend talks, seminars, creative workshops, question and answer sessions and much, much more. The perfect way to embrace your love of film this summer.
- Tokyo International Film Festival, Japan
This grand tribute to cinema happens annually in Tokyo around late October or early November. A wide range of movie genres is showcased here, from anime to cutting-edge drama; traditional Japanese films to real-life documentaries. There is a major focus on technology and the future of film. Again, a great festival to find some new ideas for your own outdoor cinema event.ty of glorious musical highlights along the way.