The March 2024 lineup at BFI Southbank promises a delightful culmination of Magical Realism: The Film Fables of the Taviani Brothers. Renowned for over 60 years, Paolo and Vittorio Taviani’s creations, blending Italian politics, history, and literature with cinematic invention and satirical wit, have enthralled audiences worldwide.
Curated by Adrian Wootton and presented alongside Cinecittà, this concluding retrospective showcases the Taviani brothers’ distinctive contributions to Italian cinema. It features iconic works like The Subversives (1967) and Rainbow: A Private Affair (2017), exploring their profound love for cinema and real-life conflicts that inspired their narratives.
Continuing until March 12, BFI Southbank’s tribute to the legendary film composer John Barry, Soundtracking Bond and Beyond, curated by Bob Stanley, highlights Barry’s evocative scores for spy films and social realism classics, including On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) and Walkabout (1971).
BFI IMAX will exclusively showcase Dune: Part Two (Denis Villeneuve, 2024) on an IMAX 70MM print starting from March 1st. In this sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi masterpiece, House Atreides faces its downfall. Paul, the rightful heir, seeks refuge with his mother Jessica among the Fremen of Arrakis, where a prophecy awaits fulfillment. Now, Paul must embrace the ways of the Fremen, lead them against formidable adversaries like the Harkonnen and the Emperor’s armies, and confront the perilous giant worms of Arrakis. To heighten anticipation, BFI IMAX will also screen Dune: Part One (Denis Villeneuve, 2019) on February 29th.
Exciting Events
High & Low – John Galliano (2023) provides insights into the life and career of the renowned fashion designer, while Woman with a Movie Camera celebrates International Women’s Day with captivating previews like Banel & Adama (2023) and Elaha (2023). Inside No. 9: The Final Series preview on March 11 offers reflections from the creative team, Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, and Adam Tandy, on their journey over the past decade. BFI Flare: Film Festival returns from March 13 to 24, offering the best of contemporary queer cinema globally.
TV Previews
Mandy (Diane Morgan, 2024) presents Mandy’s micro-aggressive adventures, while Doctor Who: The Celestial Toymaker (Bill Sellars/Chloe Grech, 1966/2024) debuts a new animated version of the classic.
Kinoteka Polish Film Festival premieres Green Border (Agnieszka Holland, 2023), exploring refugee experiences, while Special People (Justin Edgar, 2007) challenges stereotypes with wit and self-parody.
Special Previews
Frank Capra: Mr America (Matthew Wells, 2023) revisits the filmmaker’s timeless works, offering comfort during times of hardship.
La chimera (Alice Rohrwacher, 2023) captivates with its blend of social drama and magical realism, while Robot Dreams (Pablo Berger, 2023) enchants audiences of all ages with its joyful, dialogue-free narrative.
BFI Southbank’s monthly event, Mark Kermode Live in 3D, promises engaging discussions with industry guests on current and upcoming releases.
New and Re-releases
Evil Does Not Exist (Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, 2023) and Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World (Radu Jude, 2023) challenge societal norms with compelling narratives and satire.
