The 2017 New Zealand International Film Festival kicks off this Thursday, July 20, and it’s easily one of the best things to do in winter. Featuring a wide range of superb films from around the world, there is a lot to see.
The film I am most looking forward to watching at this year’s festival is The Beguiled directed by Sofia Coppola. A remake (sort of) of Don Siegel’s 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood, The Beguiled tells the story of a Virginia all-girls boarding school that takes in a wounded enemy soldier during the Civil War.
I confess I shamelessly stalked the film’s press tour during the Cannes Film Festival back in May. I literally watched all of the cast interviews on YouTube. I could not get enough.
Based on the trailer, the film looks very intriguing and beautifully shot. And with an exciting cast led by Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, and Colin Farrell, I am hoping for good things for this film.
Kirsten Dunst did mention in an interview that The Beguiled was shot in Beyoncé’s Lemonade house. Isn’t that already a sure sign of greatness?
Showings for The Beguiled is scheduled for July 23 and 25 at The Civic. You can buy your tickets here.
The 2017 New Zealand International Festival is on July 20 to August 6. For an entire look at the films on offer at this year’s festival, check out their website here.
