We previously shared that our theme for this year's summer screenings is 'curious', and asked for your suggestions. We've decided to pile together some film recommendations from our ever-growing list, which can be found at the end of this post!
While piling together our list of films that make our team curious, we noted a through-line of films that focus on interpersonal relationships. This included films that examine familial and friendship relationships rather than just romantic ones. This list was expanded by honing in on what about these films makes us ‘curious’. We came to realise that these films are rooted in worlds much like our own that possess more than a hint of surrealism that allows viewers to question their own experiences and explore their relationships
Our shortlist of films includes a variety of filmmakers from across the globe who have built reputations for playing with genre and audience expectations. We have chosen films that engage audiences and ask them to think critically about what they are seeing on screen. Films such as Lanthimos’ ‘The Lobster’ and Lynch’s ‘Mulholland Drive’ ask viewers to question their own world and reality
Filmmakers often do this through surrealism, which can be used to portray a world much like our own with subtle differences. In surreal works, audiences are often challenged to find deeper meaning in the images displayed on the screen.
We have encouraged our followers’ curiosity by engaging them on social media, asking them to vote for their favourite of the titles we have suggested and asking for further suggestions. Beyond this, we will be encouraging audiences to engage further with the filmmaker’s work by providing information about their other films and works at the events and online.
Some further 'curious' picks include:
Her, The Truman Show, The Shape of Water, The Graduate, The Fly, Possession, Lars and the Real Girl and Chunking Express.
Our 'curious' film screenings will be coming to Cornwall this summer, but for now, stay curious!