Amon Warmann, critic and programmer at this year’s Cambridge Film Festival, speaks to Miriam Balanescu about what’s in store for 2023
One of the key events in the Cambridge calendar, October ushers in a cinematic treat at the Arts Picturehouse, luring flocks of film lovers from near and far to catch a break from the cold outside and snuggle up with popcorn in front of a good movie. Cambridge Film Festival is the third-longest-running film fest in the country and wouldn’t exist without its core team of programmers. Empire critic Amon Warmann says this year’s line-up is all about ‘striking that balance’ between the golden oldies and fresh voices.
“We’ve got to celebrate acclaimed filmmakers, but we also want to champion the new talent on the scene and acknowledge some of the classics as well,” Amon says. “We want to start a little bit of excitement with the Powell and Pressburger representation to remind audiences of the magic created in Technicolor way back when. We also want to focus on themes like looking to the future, exploring our identities. The environment is a big one for us this year because art and the natural world have always had that symbiotic relationship.”
While the festival’s biggest releases are yet to be unveiled, Amon teases that “they have massive, massive stars in them, to the point where you will hear the title and be like: ‘Oh, yes, I wanted to see that.’
“It’s all about variety and quality wherever we can find it,” says Amon, explaining that the programming team are not dealt an easy task in selecting from hundreds – even thousands – of films. “It’s very intense but also very fun, talking with the team on a regular basis about what they’ve watched.”
At the crux of Cambridge Film Festival is a troupe of dedicated voluntary cinephiles who are involved in all aspects of creating and producing. As one of the UK’s smaller festivals, it would be impossible for it to run without them. “Programming smaller festivals provides us with interesting challenges, especially as it pertains to supporting independent filmmaking – and then trying to make exhibition sustainable,” adds Amon. “There needs to be more support for small creative products in the UK.
“Festivals such as this, they are not just about stating daily life, they are about celebrating life – and that’s what cinema can offer.”
‘Passion for cinema’ keeps the festival running year after year, says Amon. “The way the team talks about it – and the way they feel about it.”
Foe
This fraught romance between Irish Academy Award nominees Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan is set on a farm in a dystopia, questioning whether love is replaceable.
Where to Watch: UK cinemas
When: 20 October
Sumotherhood
This tongue-in-cheek take on a gritty urban drama is packed with cameos. In a quest to become serious roadmen, everything goes wrong for Riko and Kane.
Where to Watch: UK cinemas
When: 13 October
Golda
Helen Mirren plays a staunch leader during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. While director Guy Nattiv’s imagining can feel unsubtle, Mirren’s role stands firm.
Where to Watch: UK cinemas
When: 6 October
Killers of the Flower Moon
A tragedy wrought with pitch-black humour, the legendary Martin Scorsese adapts David Grann’s semi-fictionalised account of the Osage Indian murders, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert
De Niro and Lily Gladstone.
Where to Watch: UK cinemas
When: 20 October
Typist Artist Pirate King
Carol Morley’s compassionate caper is inspired by the real life of little-known artist Audrey Amiss. In a last snatch for recognition, Audrey persuades her psychiatric nurse to take her on a road trip.
Where to Watch: UK cinemas
When: 27 October
