Cook Off – a romantic comedy from Zimbabwe
I had no idea what to expect from this film other than what the title suggested, and its location.
What a treat! No politics, no bloodshed – just a happy reminder of Zimbabwe’s everyday decency.
Screening of ‘Klaus’ in the Soho House in London
I was invited to a screening of Klaus by the Writers’ Guild on a wet and windy election night in London.
The evening began with an introduction by director, Sergio Pablos. He praised the talents of the animators from around the world who worked on the film; he spoke of the skill of the stars who brought the characters to life – J K Simmons, Jason Schwarzman, and Rashida Jones; and he mentioned in particular the innovative way light had been painted into each scene.
Then we were whisked away to Smeerensburg to meet Mr Klaus and his neighbours, all in magical 2D animation.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
This is the story of a young Malawian boy, William Kamkwamba, who makes a windmill out of scraps to bring water to his father’s fields. William is at the heart of the film, surrounded by family, in a country approaching chaos.
The cast is excellent … and so is the windmill.
The Phraser 