by Joanna Orland In 1954, colonial conflict in Algeria is rife. Daru (Viggo Mortenson), a French teacher based in a small Algerian village, finds himself in the middle of this struggle when a prisoner named Mohamed (Reda Kateb) is handed over for Daru to escort him to his death. On their journey, Daru and Mohamed […]

by Joanna Orland The annual BFI London Film Festival returned for its 58th year with a host of stars descending upon the city to celebrate cinema. A large selection of diverse films were on offer at this year’s festival, with many prevalent themes running through the programme October 8th-19th, 2014 . Festival director Clare Stewart […]

by Joanna Orland In David Oelhofffen’s Loin des hommes (Far from Men) a French-speaking Viggo Mortensen plays Daru, a teacher in a small village school in the Algerian mountains in 1954 when colonial conflict is imminent as Algeria begins its struggle for independence. Mohamed (Reda Kateb) arrives at Daru’s doorstep, and the two men set […]

The 58th BFI London Film Festival Photo Gallery:

La Biennale di Venezia August 27th – September 6th, 2014 Venice, Italy by Joanna Orland & Ruth Thomson The Venice Film Festival once again took place on the city’s Lido with an array of films and talent on display.  With programming director Alberto Barbera returning for his second consecutive year, the festival which is organized […]

Directed by David Oelhoffen Starring Viggo Mortensen and Reda Kateb Screening at BFI London Film Festival October 18th, 2014 by Ruth Thomson (reviewed at the 71st Venice Film Festival) In writer/director David Oelhofffen’s Loin des hommes (Far from Men), Viggo Mortensen (speaking convincing French) plays Daru, a teacher in a small village school in the […]