Utah's Sundance Festival is undoubtedly one of the most recognised and celebrated film festivals in the world, a legacy that will hopefully be continued with Sundance London. Following last year's successful inaugural edition, the festival returns to The O2, again offering an impressive array of film and music screenings and events. Check out our top ten highlights below.
'Upstream Color' // Thurs 25th (8.45pm), Sat 27th (8.45pm), and Sun 28th (11.30am)
Writer/director Shane Carruth's 2004 debut feature 'Primer' quickly become a critical hit, and a cult sci-fi film. Carruth has bided his time before releasing follow-up, debuting 'Upstream Color' at Sundance 2013. Again taking on time travel, this romantic drama was one of the most popular efforts at the Utah festival.
Mt. Wolf live // Sun 28th (evening)
One of our favourite acts to emerge in the last couple of years, Mt. Wolf look set to continue their impressive rise in 2013. Catch their dream-folk in the relatively intimate Festival Hub - they'll be playing much bigger venues, before long.
Bands On Film - The Art Of The Music Video // Sat 27th (noon)
Adam Buxton's 'BUG' series of comedic music video deconstructions have brought a newly analytic viewpoint to the medium. Here, the British Music Experience will explore how music and cinema can combine effectively.
'The Look Of Love' // Thurs 25th (6pm)
The forthcoming 'Alan Partridge' movie might unfairly overshadow Steve Coogan's latest film, directed by the acclaimed Michael Winterbottom. A biopic covering the life of “king of Soho” Paul Raymond, 'The Look Of Love' is the latest collaborative effort between Winterbottom and Coogan following the amusing TV series 'The Trip'.
'Peaches Does Herself' // Fri 26th (6pm) and Sat 27th (11.30am)
Electro mistress Peaches offers a fantastical rock opera, charting her rise in popularity and an unexpected love affair. The Friday screening is followed by a live performance that is certain to be a talking point of Sundance London 2013.
'Mud' // Sat 27th (6pm) and Sun 28th (3pm)
Jeff Nichols follows his provocative 2011 drama 'Take Shelter' with a Mark Twain-inspired coming-of-age feature. Nichols is once again writer and director but with an added oomph in the casting department, with Reese Witherspoon and Matthew McConaughey joining 'Take Shelter' lead Michael Shannon.
The Art Of The Score: An Afternoon With David Arnold // Sun 28th (noon)
David Arnold is widely recognised as one of the greatest living composers for the screen, with credits ranging from a string of Bond films to the BBC TV adaptation of 'Sherlock'. Along with a panel of guests, Arnold will provide an insight into the creative process of composing.
'Muscle Shoals' // Thurs 25th (5.30pm), Sat 27th (6pm), and Sun 28th (2.30pm)
A documentary highlighting a studio in a small Alabama town that has seen the likes of Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones grace its presence. Following the Saturday screening, Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers Band and John Paul White of The Civil Wars will perform a special acoustic gig.
Wolf Alice live // Sat 27th (evening)
We enjoyed seeing Wolf Alice earlier in the year and suspect they've only gotten better in the time since. A rare British band to opt for the quiet-loud dynamic, they often veer between noise-pop and Joni Mitchell-esque melodies. A compelling, if occasionally confusing, combination.
British Sea Power + 'From The Sea To The Land Beyond' // 28th (6.30pm)
British Sea Power are firmly established as one of Britain's finest guitar-led outfits, and they spread their wings by providing the soundtrack to 'From The Sea To The Land Beyond'. Penny Woolcock's artful treatise on the British coastline is emboldened by the band, who will play the soundtrack live alongside a screening of the film at the indigO2.
Find more info and purchase tickets to Sundance London 2013 at sundance-london.com. Listed times subject to change.
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