Film4 Summer Screen At Somerset House: Extra Special Experiences Announced, Bringing Audiences Closer To Cinema Makers

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House – the original open-air cinema in central London – returns for a fortnight this August with its most star-studded season yet.  Each year, stars of the film world come to Somerset House to share the stories behind the season’s selection and 2018 is no different.  Alongside the main courtyard screenings, a series of incredible on-stage introductions, specially-curated DJ sets, panel discussions and interactive workshops offer the rare opportunity to get closer to those at the very centre of cinema.  No other outdoor cinema has the same access as Film4 Summer Screen to present its audiences with such exclusive experiences, making it one of the hottest tickets this summer.

INTRODUCTIONS

Film4 Summer Screen is thrilled to announce that film royalty Michael Caine will come to Somerset House and introduce INCEPTION, Christopher Nolan’s visually stunning dream-heist thriller.  Caine is considered to be Nolan’s “lucky charm”, having appeared in some capacity in each of his films since Batman Begins, and plays Stephen Miles, the mentor of Leonardo DiCaprio’s protagonist Dominick Cobb, in INCEPTION.

Producer Elizabeth Karlsen will celebrate the screening of CAROL by speaking about her ‘passion’ project on-stage.  As well as the story of forbidden love starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, Karlsen has also produced landmark successes such as Little Voice and Made in Dagenham and recent releases with Their Finest and On Chesil Beach.

Introductions already announced also include Hollywood icon Glenn Close and director Björn Runge for the festival’s opening night film THE WIFE and award-winning director Bart Layton for the festival’s closing night film AMERICAN ANIMALS, which like his debut feature, The Imposter, takes on a jaw-dropping true crime story.  More special guests are expected throughout the season.

BEHIND THE SCREEN WITH GREY GOOSE

Behind the Screen with Grey Goose is a series of insightful talks from the brightest minds in film-making, which take place on selected evenings ahead of the courtyard event in Somerset House’s intimate Screening Room. 

Delving deeper into the themes behind this year’s line-up, Behind the Screen will feature panel discussions and conversations from industry insiders, who are shaping the world of cinema today, by bringing inspirational stories and unconventional concepts to the screen.  This season’s stellar line-up includes leading producers, directors, writers and collectives, such as British star Jodie Whittaker, director and writer of God’s Own Country Francis Lee, Stars Wars set decorator Stella Fox, BAFTA-nominated CAROL producer Elizabeth Karlsen, AMERICAN ANIMALS director Bart Layton, as well as creative collectives such as Bechdel Test Fest and Channel 4’s Random Acts. 

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Daphne Du Maurier’s novel REBECCA, writers Bidisha and Sophie Monks Kaufman muse on marriage and murder in writing by women ahead of Hitchcock’s cinematic reimagining to complete a sensational Sunday night of entertainment. 

For a family day of fantasy at Somerset House, children and adults can unleash their imaginations to create dream-like figures through drawing and 3-D modelling with animator Lauren Orme before attending the screening of SLEEPING BEAUTY.

Closing the Behind the Screen series, Little White Lies present a live version of its Truth & Movies podcast with special guest Bart Layton.

This season, Behind the Screen has teamed up with GREY GOOSE. To complement this year’s celebration of ‘dreams, fantasies, nocturnes and reveries’ on screen, audiences attending talks can enjoy complimentary dream-themed cocktails, and extra special spaces reserved in the courtyard, as well as preview exclusive clips of GREY GOOSE OFF SCRIPT, an online content series hosted by Oscar-winning Jamie Foxx with guests such as Benicio del Toro and Chadwick Boseman.

LIVE DJ SETS & EAST WING EDIT RESIDENCIES

Each evening as the sun sets (from 18.30 to 21.00), Film4 Summer Screen festivalgoers can soak up the atmosphere, as special guest DJs set the scene with the perfect soundtrack to the upcoming screening. Presenting an eclectic mix of musical genres, this year’s line-up features the likes of renowned backing singer Denise Johnson (20 FEET FROM STARDOM), Mercury nominated musician and composer Barry Adamson (BLUE VELVET), Worldwide FM’s Tina Edwards (THE WIFE), NTS’ Paul Camo (SELMA) and Soho Radio’s Iraina Mancini (LABYRINTH + THE WIZARD OF OZ).

Filmgoers who arrive early can also take full advantage of free film-inspired activity presented by bi-monthly film magazine Little White Lies (15 – 22 August) and short-film specialists Discover.film (9 – 14 August), as part of the East Wing Edit, which opens late especially for Film4 Summer Screen ticket holders.  The pioneering industry collectives take up residency in Somerset House’s East Wing for the festival, offering a series of creative sessions, such as a make your own ‘zine on the life and times of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the final product of which will be handed out at the double-bill screening of TOTAL RECALL and A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET.

ALSO SHOWING

FRIDAY NIGHT DOUBLE-FEATURE: BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN + BEAUTY & THE BEAST (LA BELLE ET LA BETE)

For one starry and spellbinding summer night, Somerset House is transformed into a Gothic dream-world with two poetic black & white masterpieces, both widely considered to be amongst the greatest fantasy films of all-time (as well as inescapable influences on this year’s multi-Oscar-winner The Shape of Water). Supported by an atmospheric and transporting pre-film set from the evening’s DJs Pye Audio Corner, audiences can dress in their best belle or beast outfits and escape into a world of fairy-tales, nightmares and romance, featuring special-effects created by genuine movie magic.  Film fans can discover what dreams used to look like - before digital took over - in this unique double-bill of ‘fantastic’ cinema that ends on the stroke of midnight.

SHORT FILM, FOR SOOTH

New this year, Somerset House has commissioned a short film to be screened ahead of each evening’s feature film, setting the atmosphere for the fantastical stories ahead. Starring David Cann (Brass Eye), FOR SOOTH has been created by performance artist Mel Brimfield and filmmaker Ewan Jones Morris - both are artists in Somerset House Studios, the experimental workspace inside Somerset House, which encourages multi-disciplinary collaboration. FOR SOOTH temporarily transforms 

Somerset House’s courtyard into an ancient ruined temple, housing the vast disembodied head of an Oracle. Casting the filmgoers as attendants from the four corners of the city to hear his Word, FOR SOOTH features elaborate psychedelic animated sequences, combined with live action, and centres on the virtuoso performance of a scripted monologue.

FOOD, DRINK AND COMFORT

Film4 Summer Screen audiences are welcome to bring along snacks for screenings, though to make it an extra special experience, handcrafted hampers from Bryn Williams – Somerset House’s new restaurant – can be ordered and ready on arrival. They feature a feast of picnic favourites from Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon platters with soda bread and pear chutney, Ham, pea and mint tarts, Rahut squash and quinoa salad, Truffle crisps, Strawberry and Chantilly cream and Macarons.  Fantastic hot food, from artisan sourdough pizzas to showstopper nachos with homemade salsas, is also served up on site throughout the season, alongside tasty confectionary treats, a fully-stocked bar and a pop-up GREY GOOSE bar with specially crafted cocktails and refreshing vodka ice pops.

For the ultimate comfort experience, back-rests and blankets can be pre-ordered in advance and for those who want a seat, a limited number of seated tickets are available at the rear of the courtyard for all screenings.

EVENT LISTINGS FROM 9-22 AUGUST

BEHIND THE SCREEN WITH GREY GOOSE

GREY GOOSE Presents: Reality Bites: Meet the Dream Makers

10 August | 19.00-20.00 | £10.00

Award-winning set designer Stella Fox (Bright Star, Star Wars, The Force Awakens) joins journalist Bridget Arsenault in conversation, revealing the creative endeavours and processes which take place behind the scenes to bring dreams to life on the big screen. More special guests to be announced.

Jodie Whittaker: Films of My Life

11 August | 19.00-20.00 | £10.00

Beloved British star Jodie Whittaker joins Somerset House to discuss the films, and characters, she loves that have shaped her own approach to acting, and inspired her over the course of her life and career.

Dead Wives and Poor Darlings:  Marriage and Murder in Writing by Women

12 August | 19.00-20.00 | £10.00

Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Daphne Du Maurier’s best-selling novel REBECCA and screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Oscar-winning adaption at Somerset House, a panel of female industry leaders, led by broadcaster and journalist Bidisha, explore the complexities and ambiguities of the gothic genre.

Random Acts Presents: Miniature Mindblowers

13 August | 19.00-20.00 | £10.00

Age restriction 16+

Channel 4’s weekly late-night TV show Random Acts presents an evening of brilliant, beautiful and bewildering short-films from the Class of 2018 to coincide with the screening of BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, with the series commissioner Catherine Bray, as well as the directors, stars and writers of the shorts on hand, to discuss their work.

Elizabeth Karlsen: In Conversation

15 August | 19.00-20.00 | £10.00

Film producer Elizabeth Karlsen reflects on a career in British film ranging from the late 80s to recent hits, including a special look at her ‘passion project’ Carol, screening on this evening. Bechdel Test Fest, a film collective celebrating women in film, co-host this on-stage interview. 

Panel Event: The Art of Discovering Movies

16 August | 19.00 – 20.00 | £10.00

Little White Lies and MUBI power a discussion on the art of movie discovery with Little White Lies editor David Jenkins, artistic director of HOME Manchester, Jason Wood, film writer Kelli Weston and MUBI’s director of programming Chaira Marañón.  These panellists will talk about their most treasured movie discoveries and the entry points for certain "great" directors.

Sleeping Beauty Dreams – Family Animation Workshop

19 August | 13.30-16.30 | Free

Suitable for ages 6+

To celebrate the screening of the Disney classic SLEEPING BEAUTY, families are invited to join animator Lauren Orme to unleash their imaginations and create dream-like figures through drawing and 3d modelling.

Emotion Pictures: A Filmmaker’s Guide to Falling in Love

20 August | 19.00-20.00 | £10.00

Writer and director Francis Lee presents an in-depth look at his directorial debut, God’s Own Country, exploring what it takes to establish a convincing on-screen romantic relationship and how to bring emotion to motion pictures.

Truth & Movies: A Little White Lies Podcast Live with Special Guest Bart Layton

22 August | 19.00-20.00 | £10.00

Director Bart Layton joins the Little White Lies team for a special live recording of their popular weekly reviews podcast ahead of the premiere of his second feature film AMERICAN ANIMALS.

EAST WING EDIT

Discover.film Presents: Discover the Sound Of Film

11 August | 11.00-14.00 | Free

Discover.film hosts an interactive day of informal discussions, screenings, demonstrations and live performances from a variety of professionals working in both film and music. Highlights include a special live performance from British singer and songwriter Sasha Keable, who explains the importance of film in her latest single release, and UK Music Video Awards’ director of the year, Hector Dockrill, who shares his inspirations through screening some of his music videos.  

Discover.film Presents: Discover Storytelling

14 August | 13.00-14.00 | Free

A panel of creatives from writing, music, TV and film, chaired by Jaine Green, Head of Content at Discover.film, reveal their secrets on creating a powerful narrative.

Little White Lies Presents: Drawing from the Movies with Sharm Murugiah

21 August | 13.00-14.00 | Free

London-based illustrator, graphic designer and regular contributor to Little White Lies, Sharm Murugiah, presents an intimate masterclass discussing his film-inspired work and offering first-hand advice on how to make it as a freelance illustrator.

Little White Lies Presents: Make Your Own ‘Zine – Celebrating Arnie

18 August | 11.00-14.00 | Free

The Little White Lies team holds a fanzine-making session to celebrate the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

DJS

Tina Edwards: Worldwide FM

The Wife, 9 August

Daniel Brandt (Erased Tapes)

Inception, 10 August

Iraina Mancini: Soho Radio

Labyrinth & The Wizard of Oz, 11 August

Stav Bee

Rebecca, 12 August

Sam Donnison

Being John Malkovich, 13 August

Denise Johnson

20 Feet of Stardom, 14 August

Rhythm Sister

Carol, 15 August

Barry Adamson

Blue Velvet, 16 August

Pye Corner Audio

Bride of Frankenstein + Beauty and the Beast, 17 August

Raw Silk

Total Recall + A Nightmare on Elm Street, 18 August

Nathan Cromer (Non-Classical)

Sleeping Beauty, 19 August

Jonjo Jury

Call Me By Your Name, 20 August

Paul Camo

Selma, 21 August

Dan Savidge

American Animals, 22 August

Ends

ABOUT SOMERSET HOUSE

Inspiring contemporary culture

One of the city’s most spectacular and well-loved spaces, Somerset House is a new kind of arts centre in the heart of London, designed for today’s audiences, artists and creatives – an inspirational community where contemporary culture is imagined, created and experienced.

From its 18th Century origins, Somerset House has played a central role in our society as a place where our culture and collective understanding of the world is shaped and defined. In 2000, it began its reinvention as a cultural powerhouse and home for arts and culture today, creating unique and stimulating experiences for the public, bringing them into direct contact with ideas from the greatest artists, makers and thinkers of our time. Our distinctive and dynamic year-round programme spans the contemporary arts in all its forms, from cutting-edge exhibitions and installations to annual festivals, seasonal events in the courtyard including Film4 Summer Screen, Summer Series and Skate, and an extensive learning and engagement programme.

As well as welcoming over 3million visitors annually, Somerset House houses the largest and most diverse creative communities in the country – from one-person start-ups to successful creative enterprises including MOBO, British Fashion Council, Dance Umbrella, Improbable Theatre, Hofesh Shechter Company, and Dartmouth Films.

In 2016 we launched Somerset House Studios – a new experimental workspace connecting artists, makers and thinkers with audiences. Currently housing over 80 artists and Makerversity (a community of over 250 emergent makers), the Studios are a platform for the development of new creative projects and collaboration, promoting work that pushes bold ideas, engages with urgent issues and pioneers new technologies. www.somersethouse.org.uk

ABOUT FILM4

Film4 is available for free to everyone with digital TV. A daily line-up of great movies guarantees a choice for every type of film fan, including the best of British film-making, US independent films, Hollywood blockbusters, mainstream drama and comedy. Film4 is Channel 4 Television’s feature film division, which develops and co-finances films and has an established track record for working with the most distinctive and innovative talent in UK and international filmmaking. Film4 has developed and/or co-financed many of the most successful UK films of recent years – Academy Award-winners such as Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, Alex Garland’s Ex Machina, Asif Kapadia’s Amy, Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire and Phyllida Lloyd’s The Iron Lady, in addition to critically-acclaimed award-winners such as Lynne Ramsay’s You Were Never Really Here, Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Rungano Nyoni’s I Am Not a Witch, Andrew Haigh’s Lean On Pete, Andrea Arnold’s American Honey, Todd Haynes’ Carol, Mike Leigh’s Mr. Turner, Shane Meadows’ This is England, Clio Barnard’s The Selfish Giant, Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin and David Mackenzie’s Starred Up. www.film4.com | @Film4