LONDON ACTION FESTIVAL

Festival takes deep dive into action with diverse events

WHETHER it is Indian cinema or Hollywood blockbusters, action is by far the most popular genre commercially, yet there strangely doesn’t seem to have been a great film festival dedicated to it.

That all changed with the newly launched London Action Festival, which got off to a rip-roaring start with a fantastic four days of diverse events, ranging from workshops and insightful talks to a cool quiz and screenings of all-time classics.

The festival got off to a great start with arguably the most influential action film of the modern era,

Die Hard, followed by an onstage interview with director John McTiernan. A couple of days later there was a long queue for his cult classic Predator.

Other interesting films showing included a 25th anniversary screening of classic 1990s entertainer

Con Air, followed by an interview with its director Simon West. There was also a screening of an uncut version of classic Kung Fu movie The Legend Of Drunken Master in Cantonese with English subtitles, along with an exclusive first look footage preview from the forthcoming season two of drama series Gangs Of London.

Although there was a quiz night, surprise appearances from big names such as ace director Edgar Wright and the first Moving Target awards, perhaps the most interesting aspect was diverse panel events that took a deep dive into action. This included one for aspiring writers, a look at Asian cinema, a guide to making a low-budget action movie, how to become a stunt professional and the importance of a music score.

This was a great inaugural festival that laid a solid platform to expand and grow, which includes a likely inclusion of an Indian film aspect.

Unlike most film festivals filled with niche art house movies, this one was pure popcorn entertainment. It gets four stars, because the fabulous festival has the potential to grow significantly and reach greater heights.