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Interview: Luca D’Alberto

Modestas Mankus
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Interview: Luca D’Alberto

Luca D’Alberto, an Italian composer known for pieces such as Her Dreams, joined us for an interview to talk about his latest album Exile, 2019, and culture.

Hi, how are you?

Great, Modestas…so happy to be your “guest” at Our Culture Mag.

So, when did you realise you wanted to become a musician?

My first music memories lay in Abruzzo (Italy) and concern a carillon…the carillon was in the music room of my house, where my sister and my mother used to play the piano. The music room had no doors so the notes would expand throughout the floors and the stairs, invading the house. I would play the carillon every day so my mother, to prevent me from breaking it, would put it somewhere high where I would not be able to reach it, but somehow I always managed to. Maybe it was then that I realised I wanted to become a composer..create music was and still is for me like magic.

What was the first composition you remember writing?

I was 13 years old, my best friend had at his home an audio device to record music. So i started to go at my best friend’s house to record my creations with a very punk microphone; the first creation I think was for electric guitar and strings, just instrumental. This is for me a beautiful memory, thanks for asking.

And, how did it Exile come about?

It took me one year, it’s been a deep process and during this period the album has been obviously influenced by the events and the people that crossed my life. I imagine EXILE as the soundtrack of a film that lives in each one of us, a film about the endless relationship between Men and its feelings. I hope this album will become to the listener as a “Secret Place”, where it’s possible to feel free to remember without shame nor limits, a place to cherish and bring back to life our own deepest emotions.

What were the challenges of making Exile?

Having immersed myself in other artistic fields, my sources of inspiration are not music and listening, but rather images and feelings. In Exile music has two strands. On the one hand, there’s a sweetness, where I wanted to express the idea of a caress not given. On the other, there is a more aggressive, powerful side, which translates into the presence of hidden blades connected to an urgent composition that I can’t escape. In EXILE the idea was that of letting two armies collide: the army of sublime beauty and that of aggression; to allow those hidden blades in my music to emerge and thus create something new.”

Do you have a favourite composition from Exile?

If I have to choose just one track I think I could say Like We Were

2019 is on the brink. What are your plans for 2019?

In this moment, I’m working on several important projects: films, theatre and collaborations. About “albums” in 2019 I will start to work on a new solo album and other albums where I will collaborate in duo with international artists.

Our final question, what is your definition of culture?

Be honest with himself and with the audience, don’t be afraid to be a naked soul with all the strength and fragility.

Alice Phoebe Lou Presents New Single ‘Skin Crawl’

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Alice Phoebe Lou Presents New Single ‘Skin Crawl’

Alice Phoebe Lou, a South African singer-songwriter, has presented her latest single Skin Crawl. Skin Crawl comes from the upcoming album, Paper Castles, which is due to be released on the 8th of March.

Talking about the single Lou said “I was in the heart of Manhattan after taking myself on a solo date to watch Angel Olsen & I was feeling elated. I ended up at a bar, drinking a few drinks with strangers. I felt dizzy and left to call a cab. The last thing I remember, I was standing on a corner, unable to comprehend how my phone worked, feeling as though my world was upside down, panicking. A few hours are then lost and I never got them back. Then I’m suddenly in Brooklyn and it’s 4 AM, I’m barely able to walk, with a man I’ve never seen and he’s taking me somewhere. I remember thinking that he must be taking me to safety, because I was falling over and clearly needed to be in a safe place. Something kicked in and I realized I was in danger. I dropped my jacket and ran as fast as I could. Running and falling and crying and pissing my pants. I’ve never been that afraid. Kind strangers brought me to safety. The next day I was a wreck. Trying to rack my brain and understand how someone slipped something into my drink. But I was lucky. Many people aren’t.

It took me days to feel ok again. Physically and in my mind. But I realized how important it was for me to not let that moment define me and change something that was so important to me; the independence of going out alone. So, I did it again. Only a few days later. Trying to release the fear and not let it control me. I went to a Fela Kuti night and danced my feet off. But I remember being so acutely aware of the men around me on the dance floor; how often I was touched in places I didn’t want to be, how many times I was grabbed, told to smile, rubbed up against, you name it. I felt like I had to fend men off like it was some sort of sick game and the circumstances made it so difficult for me to just enjoy myself. I got home full of fire, ready to turn it all on its head, write a song from my perspective about what pisses me off, to get it off my chest and then set fire to it in my mind so it has no hold on me. It’s about the little things; the words, the comments, the feeling that ripples through your skin every time you’re told you’re a bitch because you don’t want to give him your number. Because for me, it’s the little things that are the starting point of a broader culture of non-consent and sexual aggression. And I guess I needed to write a song that was straight to the point. I find that when dealing with “heavy” subject matter that is important to you, it can be a tricky balance trying to get the message across while keeping up the poetry.

I went through a lot as a teenager and young woman, experiencing a range of extremely negative and traumatic incidences at the hands of men. This is not to say that I paint men with a single brush. I am lucky to have an incredible community of supportive, sensitive and wonderful men around me, in my band and social life, and I am so grateful for them. These are the same men that appear in my music video for “Skin Crawl,” close friends who were happy to play a role in a video where I could use them as my objects and my furniture in order to turn things on their head. The video was a joy to make; a DIY, low budget, full of love day. The song’s intention is to ask that we all work towards a world where we strive to make each other feel comfortable and safe at all times. That’s the dream really. Cozy and safe and equal.”

To support the release of her upcoming album, Lou will tour around the US and Europe.

The Paper Castles 2019 Tour Dates

North America

March 3 – Toronto, CAN – The Garrison

March 4 – Montreal, CAN – Bar Le Ritz PDB

March 5 – Boston, MA – Cafe 939

March 7 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

March 8 – Brooklyn, NY – Rough Trade

March 10 – Durham, NC – Motorco Music Hall

March 11 – Atlanta, GA – Vinyl AT Center Stage

March 13 – 17 – Austin, TX – SXSW

March 20 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah

March 21 – Los Angeles, CA – The Moroccan Lounge

March 23 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill

March 24 – Portland, OR – The Old Church Concert Hall

March 25 – Seattle, WA – Barboz

Europe

April 10 – Leipzig, DE – UT Connewitz

April 11 – Dresden, DE – Polimagie Festival

April 13 – Hannover, DE – Faust

April 15 – Bristol, UK – Thekla

April 16 – Manchester, UK – Deaf Institute

April 17 – London, UK – Earth

April 18 – Nottingham, UK – Bodega

April 20 – Utrecht, ND – Tivoli

April 21 – Amsterdam, ND – Zonnehuis

April 23 – Aachen, DE – Kulturbunker

April 24 – Brussels, BE – Botanique

April 26 – Vienna, AT – Flex

April 28 – Prague, CZ – Futrum

April 29 – Erlangen, DE – E-Werk

May 1 – Friberg, DE – Jazzhaus

May 2 – Munich, DE – Ampere

May 3 – Zurich, CH – Bogen F

May 4 – Stuttgart, DE – Im Wizemann

May 6 – Cologne, DE – Kulturkirche

May 7 – Mainz, DE – Kuz

May 8 -Kiel, DE – Pumpe

May 9 – Copenhagen, DK – Vega

May 11 – Berlin, DE – Columbiahalle

The Cinematic Orchestra Announce New Album ‘To Believe’

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The Cinematic Orchestra Announce New Album ‘To Believe’

After a twelve year break of not releasing an album, The Cinematic Orchestra have announced they will be releasing an album named To Believe, which is due to be released on the 15th of March.

To Believe Tracklist:

1. To Believe (feat. Moses Sumney)
2. A Caged Bird/Imitations of Life (feat. Roots Manuva)
3. Lessons
4. Wait for Now/Leave The World (feat. Tawiah)
5. The Workers of Art
6. Zero One/This Fantasy (feat. Grey Reverend)
7. A Promise (feat. Heidi Vogel)

The Cinematic Orchestra will also be touring to promote their upcoming album starting in March.

2019 Live Tour Dates (As of this moment):

13th March – AB – Brussels – Belgium
15th March – Philharmonie – Luxembourg
16th March – Paradiso – Amsterdam – Netherlands
18th March – Casino de Paris – Paris – France
20th March  – Roundhouse – London – UK
21st March – Roundhouse – London – UK
22nd March – Roundhouse – London – UK
25th March – Vicar Street – Dublin – Ireland
26th March – Royal Concert Hall – Glasgow – UK
27th March – Sage Gateshead – Newcastle – UK
29th March – O2 Institute – Birmingham – UK
30th March – Manchester Academy – UK
18th April – Sankei Hall Breeze – Osaka – Japan
19th April – Hitomi Memorial Hall – Tokyo Japan
17th May – A2- Wroclaw – Poland
18th May – Studio – Krakow – Poland
19th May Stary Manez – Gdansk – Poland
20th May – Palladium – Warsaw – Poland
21st May – Sala Ziemi – Poznan – Poland
23rd May – Astra – Berlin – Germany
24th May – Music Hall – Cologne – Germany
26th May – Les Docks – Lausanne – Switzerland

Monica Martin Releases Latest Single ‘Thoughtless’

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Monica Martin Releases Latest Single ‘Thoughtless’

Monica Martin, a Chicago-born, Los Angeles-based musician, has released her latest single Thoughtless, two days ago.

Talking about the song Monica said “So many of us remain floundering idiots, drowning in a sea of golden rules, pearls of wisdom and blue-ribbon lifestyle recipes. The best I can do (so far!) is share the feedback loop that results from me trying yet again to apply any of it. ‘Thoughtless’ is a stream of consciousness of receiving wisdom and panic-laughing my way through actually applying it.”

“We have had this song has been on the repeat for the past couple of days, this is a true gem.”

Thoughtless was released by Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

You can stream Thoughtless via Spotify here.

Nick Waterhouse Announces Self-titled Album

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Nick Waterhouse Announces Self-titled Album

Nick Waterhouse, a Los Angeles-based musician, has announced the release of his self-titled album. The album is due to be released on the 8th of March via Innovative Leisure. The album comes following his 2016 album Never Twice which was recorded at LA’s Electro-Vox Recorders and co-produced with Paul Butler (Michael Kiwanuka, St.Paul and the Broken Bones)

The single Song For Winners was released today via Consequence of Sound. It draws inspiration from Percy Bysshe Shelley, a British poet, and Nina Simone. The track combines an untamed R&B howl with graceful waves of club jazz with 60’s soul.

To support his upcoming album, Nick will tour around Europe and the UK.

2019 UK and European Live Dates:

March 18th – Manchester, UK – Gorilla
March 21st – London, UK – 229 The Venue
March 23rd – Brussels, BE – Botanique-Orangerie
March 24th – Paris, FR – Petit Bain
March 26th – Hamburg, DE – Mojo Club
March 27th – Berlin, DE – Columbia Theatre
March 28th – Amsterdam, NL – Het Zonnehuis
March 30th – Athens, GR – Fuzz Live Music Club
March 31st – Thessaloniki, GR – Fix Factory of Sound

MUBI Adds 50 Titles From Curzon’s Catalogue

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MUBI Adds 50 Titles From Curzon’s Catalogue

Chiara Marañon, MUBI’s UK programmer, has handpicked over fifty prestige titles from Curzon. Mubi’s decision to acquire titles will offer MUBI subscribers in the UK the chance to discover and see a wide-ranging mix of significant cinema titles from Curzon’s beloved catalogue.

MUBI’s Director of Acquisitions, Vanja Kaludjercic has said: “Curzon have long been a standard-bearer for excellence in arthouse, independent and world cinema and we are thrilled to bring their films to MUBI in UK.”

Louisa Dent, Managing Director, Curzon Artificial Eye, added: “We are delighted to offer this selection of films to MUBI, a company who’s ethos of sharing great cinema with its customers chimes strongly with our own.”

Active Bird Community Announce UK Tour Dates

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Active Bird Community Announce UK Tour Dates

Active Bird Community, a band which recently signed to Barsuk (Death Cab For Cutie, Charly Bliss and more), have announced dates for their January UK tour. The band will be touring in Glasgow, Manchester, London, Brighton and Birmingham.

The tour comes after the release of their new eleven-song album Amends, released via Barsuk. Among the songs, Unwind With Me, has already acquired over 800,000 plays via Spotify alone — making it one of the most listened tracks from the band.

Tour Dates

22nd Jan – Stereo – Glasgow
23rd Jan – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
24th Jan – Boston Music Room, London
25th Jan – The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
26th Jan – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

 

20 Best Films of 2018

Our Culture
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20 Best Films of 2018

Isle of Dogs (Dir. Wes Anderson)

Isle of Dogs, the latest animated film by the stylistically driven film director Wes Anderson, is the first film to enter our Best Films of 2018 list. Isle of Dogs became an instant hit after it opened at the cinemas in March of this year. Unsurprisingly the film has received two Golden Globe nominations as it looks to continue its award success into next year.

Crazy Rich Asians (Dir. Jon M. Chu)

Crazy Rich Asians, a rom-com drama directed by Jon M. Chu, is the second film to enter our list. The film cast a range of fantastic actors with great chemistry, who delivered top-notch comedic moments with a heart-warming ending. With a great achievement in creating an engaging storyline with interesting characters, we believe this film deserves a spot on our list.

Incredibles 2 (Dir. Brad Bird)

The long-awaited sequel to the original Incredibles came this year and did not let us down. Brad Bird’s Incredibles 2 holds right up there with the original and has deservedly earned its place in the best films of 2018 list with an entertaining story and heaps of adventure.

Creed II (Dir. Steven Caple Jr.)

The eighth instalment in the beloved Rocky series, Creed II, hit the cinemas late this year. Having big expectations and big shoes to fill since the first Creed, the film delivered an inspirational story which was lifted up by brilliant acting from Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone.

Burning (Dir. Lee Chang-dong)

Gavin Jenkins says “…it’s a visually stunning film that highlights class division in Seoul, contemporary misogyny, and the vulnerabilities and danger facing some young women who are driven to succeed. These themes are executed with brilliant realism. And while this couldn’t hold up to the eventual winner, Shoplifters, or other frontrunners for the 2018 Palme d’Or, it is a very good film nonetheless.”

Dogman (Dir. Matteo Garrone)

Gavin Jenkins says “Often, the quality of some filmmaker’s previous work and Cannes’ prestigious atmosphere can lead to a brief over-reaching from critics and audiences alike. Dogman, however, is not one of those films. Frankly, Dogman is a masterpiece of cinema and left viewers with an overwhelming sense of fulfilment. Garrone was visibly honoured with the reaction of the viewers inside the Lumiere.”

BlackKklansman (Dir. Spike Lee)

Christopher Stewardson says “Whilst perhaps too forceful for some, BlacKkKlansman is nonetheless an extremely well crafted film. Its potent parallels between the racism of the past with that of the present lend the film an undeniable sense of urgency. The largely ensemble cast gives form and depth to Lee’s vision with their considered performances. John David Washington and Adam Driver play off of one another, stirring each other’s character development. The juxtaposition of the film’s comedy with the horrifying views and actions of the KKK keep the audience unnerved throughout. With the audience unable to settle in, the film’s pace is tight. This is a remarkable piece of cinema, one that understands its position as a cultural artefact capable of change. BlacKkKlansman is an immense achievement for Spike Lee.”

Mandy (Dir. Panos Cosmatos)

Christopher Stewardson says “Mandy is indeed something else. It is an experience unlike anything else in release. Panos Cosmatos has constructed a surreal horror, at once repulsive and beautiful. With its simple story told through vivid, nightmarish visuals, Mandy is sure to become a cult favourite all of its own.”

A Quiet Place (Dir. John Krasinski)

John Krasinski’s horror debut A Quiet Place became an unexpected hit when it was released in early April of this year. With vastly tense scenes, powerful acting and an atmosphere that will have you hooked from the get-go. A Quiet Place deserves a spot on this list.

Halloween (Dir. David Gordon Green)

Christopher Stewardson says “Stripping away the excess of its sequels and remakes, David Gordon Green’s Halloween looks back at John Carpenter’s 1978 original with reverence. With the welcome return of Jamie Lee Curtis, this latest instalment in the series zeroes in on what made the original work, and whilst not always successfully, it intelligently appropriates those elements forty years on.”

Cold War (Dir. Paweł Pawlikowski)

Cold War is the latest Paweł Pawlikowski’s film since the release of the Oscar-winning Ida which wowed the audiences across the world with its stunning visuals and intriguing story. Cold War much-like Ida is visually striking and thus justifies a spot on this list.

Bohemian Rhapsody (Dir. Bryan Singer)

Bohemian Rhapsody, a biographical film on the British rock band Queen, has become a huge hit with its moderate budget of $55 million. Rami Malek, the actor, mostly known for his role as Elliot in Mr.Robot, delivered a brilliant performance with electrifying energy to bring back Freddie Mercury back to life, once more.

Avengers: Infinity War (Dir. Anthony Russo and Joe Russo)

Russo brother’s latest release Infinity War made quite the impact at the box office, making over two billion dollars worldwide. In this action-filled Marvel film, the Avengers and their allies team up in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos and do so with splendid humour and blazing action.

Hereditary (Dir. Ari Aster)

Ari Aster’s Hereditary made quite the impression during its festival run. Starring Toni Collette, Hereditary is a powerful and intense horror film that is perfectly supported and lifted by its brilliant sound design and Collette’s gripping acting.

A Star is Born (Dir. Bradley Cooper)

A Star is Born, the directorial debut of Bradley Cooper, became an instant Oscar-hit upon its release. Starring Cooper himself and Lady Gaga, the film features several song hits that have become playlist favourites and have become the frontrunners to get some wins at the Oscars next year.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman)

Christopher Stewardson says “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse may be one of the best superhero films to date. It’s funny, it’s thoughtful, and its visuals are a treat. You really feel that you’re watching a film made by dedicated Spider-Man fans who sincerely wanted to make a good film; and they delivered. Simultaneously, Into the Spider-Verse never feels as though its appeal is limited to diehard fans, its jokes and gags accessible to all. Perhaps that’s the film’s greatest strength: like its Spider heroes coming together, Into the Spider-Verse never feels like it’s excluding anyone. In today’s pop culture climate of staunch fan gate-keepers, Into the Spider-Verse is exciting, heartfelt, mind-blowing fun for all.”

Black Panther (Dir. Ryan Coogler)

Marvel’s Black Panther might just be the favourite audience film released this year. While it was expected to do well by some, the film smashed the Box Office as it made over $1.3 billion with a budget of around $200 million. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and many other great actors the film delivers a splendid storyline with great charismatic characters that flow with an effortlessness that is only seen in film classics.

Mission Impossible – Fallout (Dir. Christopher McQuarrie)

Elias Michael says “Mission: Impossible – Fallout is a spectacular blockbuster that deserves a viewing in the cinema; it deserves to a viewing on a big screen with clear sound (as all films should really). It is thrilling, remarkable and electrifying; it outdoes all previous Mission Impossible films and could be regarded as one of the best action films ever produced… until the next one.”

Roma (Dir. Alfonso Cuarón)

Roma, a film that focuses on a year in the life of a middle-class family’s maid in Mexico City in the early 70s, has become another film fanatic favourite. Cuarón’s Roma is an artistic journey that will make you want to re-watch it more than once with its magical visuals and moving storyline.

Deadpool 2 (Dir. David Leitch)

Deadpool 2, the adored superhero film that stars Ryan Reynolds, has become another fan favourite after its release in May this year. The fantastic comedy-filled superhero film has not let its fan base down with numerous memorable scenes and waves of comedy gold. Being the sequel to the first highly-successful film, the expectation was high; however, it delivered and thus deserves a spot on our list.

Top Reads: December

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Top Reads: December

The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse

From bestselling author Amanda Prowse comes the poignant tale of a woman who has always been there for her family. But will they be there for her?

Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.

Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?

The Winter Mystery by Faith Martin

Jenny Starling is spending Christmas in a snowed-in country house cooking all the traditional food she loves. But the family she’s working for are not full of the seasonal spirit. In fact, they seem to hate each other.

On Christmas Eve, someone is found dead on the kitchen table. And the head of the family is blaming Jenny!

But with an incompetent detective called in, and seemingly no motive for the murder, Jenny will have to give the police a hand.

She will stop at nothing to clear her name and find the real murderer.

How To Be Invisible by Kate Bush

‘For millions around the world, Kate is way more than another singer-songwriter: she is a creator of musical companions that travel with you through life. One paradox about Kate is that while her lyrics are proudly idiosyncratic, those same lyrics evoke emotions and sensations that feel universal. Literature works in similar mysterious ways. Kate’s the opposite of a confessional singer-songwriter … You don’t learn much about Kate from her songs. She’s fond of masks and costumes – lyrically and literally – and of yarns, fabulations and atypical narrative viewpoints. Yet, these fiercely singular songs, which nobody else could have authored, are also maps of the heart, the psyche, the imagination. In other words, art.’ David Mitchell

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare — poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse colored his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world’s top endurance athletes. The only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller, he went on to set records in numerous endurance events, inspiring Outside magazine to name him “The Fittest (Real) Man in America.”In Can’t Hurt Me, he shares his astonishing life story and reveals that most of us tap into only 40% of our capabilities. Goggins calls this The 40% Rule, and his story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to push past pain, demolish fear, and reach their full potential.

Beauchamp Hall by Danielle Steel

Winona Farmington can’t help but feel that life is passing her by in her backwater Michigan town. She hates her job, and her boyfriend won’t commit. But she escapes the dreariness of everyday life with her favourite TV show, Beauchamp Hall, an English period drama.

When she makes a shocking discovery, Winona knows it’s time to make a change and travels to the picturesque English village that’s home to the world of Beauchamp Hall, in pursuit of a new adventure…

Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King

How can you learn to truly love yourself? How can you transform negative emotions into positive ones? Is it possible to find lasting happiness?

In this book, Instagram guru Vex King answers all of these questions and more. Vex overcame adversity to become a source of hope for thousands of young people, and now draws from his personal experience and his intuitive wisdom to inspire you.

Twelve Days by Mark Dawson

John Milton hasn’t seen Elijah Warriner for three years. The last time they met, Milton’s efforts to keep the boy safe didn’t go exactly to plan. Now Elijah is a promising boxer, preparing for the bout that will take him to the big time. Milton decides that he will spend the week before Christmas in London so that he can watch the fight.

Surviving the Evacuation, Book 15: Where There’s Hope by Frank Tayell

There is always hope. Northern France is a frozen morass of mud and snow across which rampages a horde of the undead, a hundred million strong. That won’t stop Chester Carson and his comrades. Seeking a way across the Channel, they make for the coast, unaware that Britain has been abandoned, Belfast is a ruin, and that radiation is seeping into the Irish Sea. If they knew, that wouldn’t stop them either. They’re on a quest to save their family, their friends, and humanity itself; failure is not an option. As they journey through war-ravaged ports and storm-wrecked beaches, a new truth becomes clear. The flotilla that found refuge on Anglesey wasn’t the only group of sea-borne refugees to have survived the outbreak. There are other survivors. Some good, some evil, some just determined to do their duty no matter the cost. Danger lurks along the French and Belgian coasts. So do answers, and hope that humanity now has a future.

Rules of Prey by John Sandford

The killer was mad but brilliant.

He left notes with every woman he killed. Rules of murder: Never have a motive. Never follow a discernible pattern. Never carry a weapon after it has been used…So many rules to his sick, violent games of death.

But Lucas Davenport, the cop who’s out to get him, isn’t playing by the rules.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her – from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it – in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations – and whose story inspires us to do the same.

 

 

Interview: Róisín Chapman and Kieran Anscomb

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Interview: Róisín Chapman and Kieran Anscomb

Róisín Chapman and Kieran Anscomb, filmmakers and collaborators on the upcoming short film About That Girl, joined us for an interview to talk about the idea of the film and how it all came about.

Hi, how are you?

Róisín: Hi, we’re very well thank you. Excited for the break we’ll get over Christmas before we go into the final stages of pre-production before filming.

Kieran: I’m a high functioning drug addict currently detoxing over the Christmas break, how do you think I’m doing?

Pretty well? So, whose idea was About That Girl?

Róisín: About That Girl was primarily Megan and Aurora’s idea, they are our DoP and production designer. However, they let our writer, Kieran, do his first draft with no hints from then. Then from there, it seems to have been quite a collaborative process between the three of them.

Kieran: Okay let’s clear this up. They came up with the title and character names, and told me Fred fell in love with this mysterious girl, then spent the next day trying to find her. Oh and I also had to include a record store, that was vital apparently. But the further along we got developing the idea, we sort of formed this little team where we would spend hours upon hours bouncing ideas off each other, then I would go away, bang out a draft, and then go back and see what they thought of it first. We’ve repeated this process so many times I’ve actually forgotten what we’re supposed to be writing about, I think it’s still a romantic comedy, but I can’t be sure.

How did the crew come together?

Róisín: We were all quite good friends before we started the project. So once we found out that About That Girl had been chosen we just agreed who we thought would be best in which role. Then we started pre-production almost immediately and had our first group meeting only a day or so after.

Kieran: I knew of them and could tolerate them before the project. But I needed a gig, so I pestered and pestered them until they let me join. After having worked with them for about three months, I can still just about tolerate them.

Stylistically, what films and culture influenced this film?

Róisín: We have a few influences for this film. We have two aesthetic themes during night and day. At night we use a neon vibe, for that we looked at movies such as Nerve and Maniac, on Netflix. About That Girl is set in the alternative 80’s so there’ll be some retro elements to the film such as the clothes they wear and the fact that they listen to records, although records have made a comeback in the last couple of years, but it’s things like that which will just add to the bright and evocative colours bringing a distinct and personal style to our film. Then during the day, we want a more natural feel, so we focus on pastel colours. This was inspired by movies such as 500 Days of Summer and What If. I’m hoping this will make the night scenes seem more intense and passionate whereas the day will be softer and more comfortable. As for the edit, our main inspiration is Edgar Wright, especially, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World as when it comes to the transitions, that man is a genius. He can manage to transition a scene so seamlessly the audience barely even notices, and that is what we are trying to achieve in About That Girl.

Kieran: What she said.

How would you describe the film in three words?

Róisín: I would say, adventurous, comradery and charming

Kieran: Exceedingly well written.

Will there be a sequel to About That Girl?

Róisín: Not that I’m aware of however there may be a spin-off with the band in the film, The Frog and The Snail.

Kieran: Fuck me let us finish the first one first. Although we have had a couple of meetings about developing the relationship between Caleb and his hip flask in a further spin-off film, you’ll understand once you’ve seen the first one that we haven’t yet finished making.

When are you planning to film and release the film? Also, are you planning to have a film festival run?

Róisín: So the film will be screened on the 22nd of May at Vision’s Festival in the University of Hertfordshire. Then after that, we will be sending a private link to all of the kind people who donated generously to our IndieGoGo campaign.

Then we are hoping to submit it to as many film festivals as we can such as Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Raindance and then also I’ve been scouring the internet for lesser-known festivals such as the Flatpack Film Festival and Encounters, so we can apply to as many that’ll have us.

After the festival run, we will then release the film online for the world to watch but that will after all the festivals in 2020.

Thank you so much for speaking with us. I can’t wait for you to see the film and tell us what you think. If you want to find out more, you can go to our website here.

Thank you for joining us Kieran and Roisin!

If you would like to follow the progress of About That Girl, you can follow their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Donations to the film can be made here.

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