Arthouse cinema project launch

An innovative project bringing arthouse cinema to St Andrews will officially launch next month, with the screening of the latest Polish box-office hit.

The screening of ‘Testosterone’ (with subtitles) marks the launch of the new ‘Cinema and Cultural Engagement’ project, spearheaded by the University’s Centre for Film Studies and supported by a Russell Trust Development Grant. The film will be shown at the NPH Cinema on Tuesday 9 October 2007 (6.10pm).

Through ‘Cinema and Cultural Engagement’, the Centre intends to bring arthouse films typically designated for larger cities and larger screens to St Andrews. While St Andrews is comparable to other British University towns, access to specialised films, whether the latest in art house cinema or simply the classics, is limited.

The screenings will take place throughout the academic year at the NPH Cinema, 117 North Street, St Andrews. Successful in their own bid to the UK Film Council to bring specialised films to St Andrews, NPH has signalled its interest in continuing to supply St Andrews with viewing options beyond Hollywood.

However, moving beyond Hollywood does not mean leaving humour or energy behind as the inaugural film, ‘Testosterone’ shows. At a wedding intended to be social event of the year, the proceedings are disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious (and rather badly beaten) stranger, setting off one complication after another, and providing the audience with a hilarious portrait of the battle between the sexes. Popular in Poland, the film, with the help of Polish Connection UK, has already enjoyed successful screenings in London and Edinburgh.

In the coming semester, the Centre for Film Studies plans to show such films as ‘Allegro’ (Christopher Boe, Denmark), a haunting and stunning love story; and ‘Eros’ which offers three short films by Michelangelo Antonioni, Steven Soderbergh and Wong Kar Wai on the theme of love and sex.

ENDS

Issued by University of St Andrews Press Office. For further information – Claire Grainger – 01334 462530/07730 415 015  or email [email protected]