In association with FOCAL International, the Federation of Commercial Audio-Visual Libraries, the London Archive Film Festival celebrates and promotes the use of archival footage in the creative media. We aim to screen outstanding films that use the unique power of archival footage to drive their narrative. Our ethos is very much international and the choice of this year’s films reflects the diverse subjects and themes of films using archive footage, from a virtual Tour de France race to the Ed Wood of 60s soft-core porn.
- Thu 1 May 2014 @ 19:30 The King of Mont Ventoux plus Q&A with director Fons Feyaert
‘The King of Mont Ventoux’ is a synchronized virtual race using archival footage and featuring the major Tour de France contenders over the past 40 years: Merckx, Bernard, Pantani, Virenque and Garate. Alongside the imaginary race, this innovative film also offers a unique reflection on the history of cycling as a sport. At the same time, the riders look back on their own careers, the evolution of the cycling competition, the philosophy of their sport and what boundaries they pushed in order to achieve their ultimate victory. Running time: 72 mins
- Fri 2 May 2014 @ 19:30 Lebanese Rocket Society (2013) plus Q&A with the directors, Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige
In the early 60’s, during the cold war and the apex of Pan Arabism, a group of students and researchers enters the race to space and create the Lebanese Rocket Society. Sometimes, and especially nowadays, dreams can overtake a tormented history… Running time: 93 mins
- Sat 3 May 2014 @ 19:30 Dad Made Dirty Movies (2011) and Orgy of the Dead (1965). Introduced by David McGillivray, plus Q&A with the writer and director of Dad Made Dirty Movies, Jordan Todorov
‘Dad Made Dirty Movies’ traces A.C. Stephen’s escape from the Communist dictatorship in Bulgaria and his journey to Hollywood where he made his American dream come true. Over the course of a film career that lasted two turbulent decades A.C. Stephen made seventeen low-brow, low budget soft-core films, many of which are included in this hilarious tale of the “Ed Wood of erotic cinema”. Running time: 57 mins
Orgy Of The Dead is directed by A.C. Stephen, the subject of ‘Dad Made Dirty Movies’. While driving, Bob and his girlfriend Shirley crash on a dark road and wander into a nearby graveyard to find help. There they witness a bizarre orgy of the dead ruled by the Emperor of the Night and his lovely Empress. Taken prisoner by their minions, Bob and Shirley are tied to stakes and forced to watch beautiful half-naked ghouls dance for the Emperor’s entertainment. What fate awaits Bob and Shirley? That will be up to the Empress, who wants Shirley for their own erotic pleasure. Running time: 92 mins
- Sun 4 May 2014 @ 19:30 All This Can Happen (2012) by Siobhan Davies and David Hinton plus Q&A with the directors
A flickering dance of intriguing imagery brings to light the possibilities of ordinary movements from the everyday which appear, evolve and freeze before your eyes. Made entirely from archive photographs and footage from the earliest days of moving image, ‘All This Can Happen’ follows the footsteps of the protagonist from the short story ‘The Walk’ by Robert Walser. Juxtapositions, different speeds and split frame techniques convey the walker’s state of mind as he encounters a world of hilarity, despair and ceaseless variety. Running time: 50 mins
More details can be found on the Festival’s Facebook page.
TIMING & REFRESHMENTS
Doors open at 18.30 for a 19.30 start. Refreshments will be available in our licensed café/bar.
TICKETS & PRICING
Spring Season 2014 ticketing applies.
Advance tickets may be purchased from WeGotTickets, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.
