British Documentary Film Festival

August 9–13, 7:30 pm

New Holland and the British Council are proud to present St Petersburg's first In Focus documentary film festival, which includes screenings of award-winning works by contemporary directors, inspired by cult figures in British culture. The festival will take place in six cities across Russia from the 1st to the 15th of August 2017.

All films will be screened in English with Russian subtitles. Admission is free.

August 9, 7:30 pm

Ted Hughes: Stronger than Death

For the first time, the life events of Ted Hughes, one of the most acclaimed figures of world literature, have formed the basis of a full-length documentary film. Hughes' significance is immense, and yet during his life it was the scandalous events of his personal life that tended to take centre-stage — in particular the dramatic story of his relationship with Sylvia Plath, which led to a collision of creative and personal interests that ultimately ended in tragedy. The film includes the first television interview with Frieda Hughes – poet, painter, and daughter of Hughes and Plath. The picture is completed by comments and observations from other family members, friends and colleagues from the world of literature who knew Hughes personally.

Director: Richard Curson Smith, UK, 2015. Running time: 89 minutes

August 10, 7:30 pm

Hockney

The story of one of the most influential artists of his generation. For the first time ever, David Hockney granted access to his photo and film archives, enabling the creation of a candid and unrepeatable chronicle of his long creative career. The acclaimed documentary director Randall Wright affords the viewer a glimpse at some of the artist's extraordinary works, pieces that achieved the height of their popularity during our lifetime.

Director: Randall Wright, UK, 2015. Running time: 112 minutes

August 11, 7:30 pm

Oasis: Supersonic

The latest film from Matt Whitecross (The Road to Guantánamo, The Shock Doctrine, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll) plunges us into a heady world of rock music, wild revelry and the epic rivalry between capricious rockstars. The film interweaves unique footage of Oasis in concert with outspoken interviews and an extraordinay first-hand account of the conflict between the Gallagher brothers that led to the group's eventual break-up.

Director: Matt Whitecross, UK, 2016. Running time: 122 minutes

August 12, 7:30 pm

A film dedicated to the life and work of the virtuoso portrait artist Lucian Freud. Shortly before his death, Freud agreed to the making of a documentary film in which he was recorded working on his final canvas, a portrait of his assistant David Dawson. The film includes contributions from those who knew Freud best: members of his extensive family, and close friends including David Hockney and Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles.

Director: Randall Wright, UK, 2012. Running time: 90 minutes

August 13, 7:30 pm

Amy

A film by BAFTA award winning director Azif Kapadia (Senna, 2010) recounting the life story of six-time Grammy winner Amy Winehouse. This film-montage of interviews with the singer's friends and fellow artists, along with unique footage of her performances and even home movies, builds up into a deeply personal and intimate portrait, one that drew universal acclaim from the film world. 

Director: Azif Kapadia, UK, 2015. Running time: 128 minutes