15 Best Italian Films of The 21st Century

1. I'm Not Scared (2003)
Genres: Crime / Mystery / Drama
Director: Gabriele Salvatores
Cast: Giuseppe Cristiano, Mattia Di Pierro, Adriana Conserva

Plot: While playing outside one day, nine-year-old Michele discovers Filippo, who is chained to the ground at the bottom of a hole. Michele witnesses town baddie Felice nearby and suspects something bad is happening. Michele is unsure whom he should tell about his discovery, eventually spilling the beans to his closest friend.

2. The Best Offer (2013)
Genres: Crime / Mystery / Drama
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore
Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess, Sylvia Hoeks

Plot: In the world of high-end art auctions and antiques, Virgil Oldman is an elderly and esteemed but eccentric genius expert, known and appreciated by the world. Oldman is hired by a solitary young heiress, Ibbetson, to auction off the large collection of art and antiques left to her by her parents. For some reason, Claire always refuses to be seen in person. Robert aids Oldman in restoring and reassembling some odd mechanical parts he finds amongst Claire's belongings, while also giving him advice on how to befriend her and deal with his feelings towards her. Also a friend of Oldman, Billy Whistler helps him to acquire a secret private collection of master paintings.

3. Baarìa (2009)
Genres: Comedy / Drama
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore
Cast: Francesco Scianna, Margareth Madè, Monica Bellucci

Plot: The film begins in the 1920's, in the Sicilian town of Bagheria (a.k.a. Baaria) where Giuseppe "Peppino" Torrenuova works as a shepherd to financially help his poor family. Over the next 50 years Giuseppe's life, as well as the life of the village, is observed. Giuseppe grows up, joins the Communist Party, marries a local girl (Mannina), has children and forges a political career for himself.

4. Youth (2015)
Genres: Comedy / Drama / Music
Director: Paolo Sorrentino
Cast: Michael Caine, Rachel Weisz, Harvey Keitel

Plot: Fred and Mick, two old friends, are on vacation in an elegant hotel at the foot of the Alps. Fred, a composer and conductor, is now retired. Mick, a film director, is still working. They look with curiosity and tenderness on their children's confused lives, Mick's enthusiastic young writers, and the other hotel guests. While Mick scrambles to finish the screenplay for what he imagines will be his last important film, Fred has no intention of resuming his musical career. But someone wants at all costs to hear him conduct again.

 5. Suburra (2015)
Genres: Crime / Romance / Thriller
Director: Stefano Sollima
Cast: Pierfrancesco Favino, Greta Scarano, Giulia Gorietti

Plot: A gangster known as "Samurai" wants to turn the waterfront of Rome into a new Las Vegas. All the local mob bosses have agreed to work for this common goal. But peace is not to last long.

6. The Great Beauty (2013)
Genre: Drama
Director: Paolo Sorrentino
Cast: Toni Servillo, Carlo Verdone, Sabrina Ferilli

Plot: Jep Gambardella has seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades, but after his 65th birthday and a shock from the past, Jep looks past the nightclubs and parties to find a timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty.

7. The Unknown Woman (2006)
Genres: Drama / Mystery / Thriller
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore
Cast: Kseniya Rappoport, Margherita Buy, Pierfrancesco Favino

Plot: A Ukrainian woman named Irena calculatedly insinuates herself into the lives of a young, affluent Italian family. Stopping at nothing to become the couple's trusted maid and the beloved nanny to their fragile young daughter, Irena risks everything in her quest to uncover the truth about the family. Like an intricately constructed jigsaw puzzle, The Unknown Woman reveals piece by piece the enigma of Irena's past.

8. Perfect Strangers (2016)
Genres: Comedy / Drama
Director: Paolo Genovese
Cast: Giuseppe Battiston, Alba Rohrwacher, Kasia Smutniak

Plot: Seven long-time friends get together for a dinner. When they decide to share with each other the content of every text message, email and phone call they receive, many secrets start to unveil and the equilibrium trembles.

9. Gladiators of Rome (2013)
Genres: Animation / Adventure/ Comedy
Director: Iginio Straffi
Cast: Stefano Alessandroni, Laura Chiatti, Daniela Abbruzzese

Plot: A new hero is born in this hilarious, animated adventure of epic proportions. Timo, a student at the Gladiators' Academy in Rome, has no desire to become a legendary gladiator like his stepfather. That is, until the mesmerizing Lucilla walks into his life. With the help of an unlikely band of sidekicks, Timo is determined to be the gladiator of her dreams and embarks on an action-packed journey to become the Colosseum's first victor.

10. Deadly Code (2013)
Genres: Crime / Drama
Director: Gabriele Salvatores
Cast: John Malkovich, Eleanor Tomlinson, Peter Stormare

Plot: A drama based on a memoir about growing up as a member of the Urka community in the small republic of Transnistria.

11. Twice Born (2012)
Genres: Drama / Romance / War
Director: Sergio Castellitto
Cast: Penélope Cruz, Emile Hirsch, Jane Birkin

Plot: A mother brings her teenage son to Sarajevo, where his father died in the Bosnian conflict years ago.

12. Tale of Tales (2015)
Genres: Drama / Fantasy
Director: Matteo Garrone
Cast: Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, Toby Jones

Plot: The film serves as Garrone's English-language debut and will interweave three separate story strands bookended by brief bits in which Italians Alba Rohrwacher and Massimo Ceccherini will play a street circus family. In one tale Salma Hayek will play a jealous queen who forfeits her husband's life. In another, Vincent Cassel plays a king whose passion is stoked by two mysterious sisters.

13. Gomorrah (2008)
Genre: Crime / Drama
Director: Matteo Garrone
Cast: Gianfelice Imparato, Toni Servillo, Maria Nazionale

Plot: "Gomorra" is a contemporary Neapolitan mob drama that exposes Italy's criminal underbelly by telling five stories of individuals who think they can make their own compact with Camorra, the area's Mafia.

14. Respiro (2002)
Genre: Drama
Director: Emanuele Crialese
Cast: Valeria Golino, Elio Germano, Vincenzo Amato

Plot: Grazia is a mother of three who spends suffocating days packing fish while her husband Pietro is at sea. Her oft-erratic behavior leads Pietro into thinking she may need medical attention, and he prepares to send her off to a psychiatric institute in Milan. Their son Pasquale, the one person who understand his mother the most, vows to do whatever it takes to foil his father's plan.

15. The Ages of Love (2011)
Genres: Comedy / Romance
Director: Giovanni Veronesi
Cast: Robert De Niro, Monica Bellucci, Laura Chiatti.

Plot: Roberto is a young and ambitious lawyer who is going to marry Sara. His whole life is perfectly planned out. During a expropriation which he is in charge of, he meets Micol, a gorgeous and provocative young woman from a small village in Tuscany. This is when things start to get complicated... Fabio, a famous anchorman, has been the perfect husband for twenty five years. At a party one night, he meets Eliana, a femme fatale full of surprises. This one-night stand proves to be more than what he bargained for when she refuses to leave... Adrian is an American art history professor who moved to Rome after his divorce. He is friends with Augusto, the building's concierge, whose ebullient daughter Viola is about to disrupt his peaceful existence and relight his fire...

Young British actresses to watch

Yasmin Paige

Best known so far for Richard Ayoade’s directorial debut Submarine, Paige’s career has frequently bounced between TV, film and theatre. Last seen in the E4 drama Glue and in Ayoade’s second feature film The Double alongside Jessie Eisenberg, Paige is a magnet for more left field offerings. Expect her to be a shoe-in for a future Wes Anderson/Tarantino project.

Florence Pugh

Earning a best British newcomer nomination at the London Film Festival last year for her part in Carol Morley’s The Falling opposite Maisie Williams, Pugh is already winning fans in high places. In an interview with the Independent, Morley commented: “After you [Pugh] left the room I said, ‘Oh wow’. All the casting people were really quiet and they all went, ‘We’ve got goosebumps; that was like a young Kate Winslet walking into the room’.”

Morfydd Clark

Whit Stillman’s upcoming “Love And Friendship” might be most exciting as a “Last Days Of Disco” reunion between the writer/director, Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny, but this Jane Austen adaptation looks to be a big launching pad for one of the young British actresses we’re tipping here, Morfydd Clark. Since the Welsh actress left drama school two years ago, she’s been extremely busy, initially coming to our attention as a teacher in Carol Morley’s “The Falling.” Since then, she’s wowed on stage in London in “Violence & Son,” and will seen as Mr. Darcy’s sister in the upcoming “Pride & Prejudice & Zombies” with Lily James and Matt Smith. Stillman’s more traditional, zombie-free Austen adaptation might be her biggest breakthough, with Clark playing Beckinsale’s character’s daughter. Brit List-topping sci-fi “The Call Up” is also on her dance card, meaning she’ll be near-omnipresent in 2016.

Phoebe Fox 

Following her training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art  in 2010 Fox appeared in A Month in the Country at Chichester Festival Theatre. The following year she starred in As You Like It at the Rose Theatre, The Acid Test at the Royal Court Theatre upstairs and There Is A War at the National Theatre as part of their Double Feature in the Paintframe. Based on these performances she was nominated for the 2011 Evening Standard Theatre Award for Outstanding Newcomer.

In 2012, Fox appeared as Grace in Switch, a TV series about witches living in a city. In 2014 she appeared in The Musketeers as the Duchess of Savoy; in A Poet in New York as Liz Reitell, and also as Eve Perkins in The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death.

In 2015, Fox starred as Vanessa Bell in Life in Squares, a BBC drama about the Bloomsbury Group and in the thriller film Eye in the Sky.

Sophie Hopkins

Sophie Lisa Hopkins in Sinagpore. Sophie grew up in East Yorkshire, attending York College (City of York) where she studied Performing Arts and Musical Theatre.

Sophie moved to London in 2010 to train with Repertory Theatre company Fourth Monkey.

Since then she has worked for ITV, BBC, The Discovery Channel U.S and is currently appearing in BBC's Doctor Who spin-off titled 'Class'.

Interview with Sam Malley

Sam Malley is an actor based in Birmingham who has starred in numerous theatre productions, short films and web series. He first caught the public eye in 2013 where he was cast as the villainous Bean in Fantastic Mr. Fox. Since then, he has gone on to play many complex characters both on stage and screen. He has trained in Stage Combat at Birmingham School of Acting in Rapier and Dagger, and Broadsword and is trained on stilts.

How did you get involved in Acting?

"I’ve always performed ever since I was five years old, performing in school plays. But the moment I started getting seriously involved was back in 2013, I was cast in Roald Dahls ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ at The Crescent Theatre in Birmingham. It was at that moment when I was about to step onto the stage on opening night that I knew acting was the job for me."

What’s been the biggest surprise or challenge about working as an actor?

"The biggest challenge for me is to always be doing something. It’s the hardest industry to get work in as it is never consistent and as a starting out actor in the industry it’s difficult to get a foot in the door. You have to persevere if you want to make a name for yourself, take any opportunity that comes your way."

Do you have a preference for theatre, TV or film?

"Film for me by far. I love the art of cinema. I always remember being a child watching action movies like ‘The Matrix’ wishing I could do those things. I love the feeling of being able to really get to grips with a character and the smallest emotions can be huge to the camera that’s what makes it feel real. Then being able to have people see the work not only that I have done but the director, writer and rest of the crew. Film is in its own world to me; the technology, the effects, the story making it all creates something so unique and captivating that makes me want to leave work that people can still watch and love in years to come."

What’s your dream role at the moment? 

"At the moment, it’s got to be the joker from Batman, I’m a massive fan of the character. His characteristics and lifestyle are so bizarre that make me want to play him on screen. I’ve seen portrayals of the joker from Mark Hamill in the animated series to the great Heath Ledger in The Dark Night. It’s a character that really entices you and to play that character would be a dream come true. "

Your all time favorite actors?

"I have a few so I’ll narrow it down. My favourite actor is Christian Bale, all the work he does I never see him, I always see the character as he creates a great sense of believability to the audience, he’s sublime by far my favourite actor. Second, has to be Benedict Cumberbatch. As a fan of film and theatre he ticks both boxes with ease for me. Seeing him portray Hamlet for the National theatre was a mesmerising experience and something I will never forget.  Third is Jared Leto, amazing screen actor who brings characters to life with ease and conviction. He’s the lead in my favourite film ‘Requiem for a dream’ amazing!"

What is the Greatest Decade for Film?

"I really can’t decide on this. I’m going to have to say after 2010. The reason is because of the advance in camera technology, and computers. Films have started to create mind blowing experiences for audiences. Not only the technology but the amount of talent coming through is insane, with actors, directors and writers. They are able to create better characters, be able to experiment more and have less restrictions, making the stories they tell feel like you’re in a different reality."

Who would be your dream crew?

"My director without a doubt, is Darren Aronofsky. For creating Requiem for a dream.He is a great film maker with a brilliant vision for screen. The actor I would love to work with is Heath Ledger, he was a sublime actor who sadly was taken from us. I know he had so much more to give and the joker is now his legacy. To be given the chance to work with him would be a dream come true. To work with writer Terrence Winter (Wold of wolf street) would be amazing as he produced a screenplay that was captivating to audiences. Of course, I can’t say no to Quentin Tarantino either. An all-round amazing film maker of his generation, sticks to what he knows and always delivers every time without fail!"

And finally, Give me a few tips to be a successful actor?

"Networking, first thing I got told. If you want to make it in this Industry you have to go out there and meet new people. Get contacts as these people can be your friends, directors and cast members in the future. Networking is something every actor has to do. Secondly, always stay busy. It’s what a lot of actors find hard when work is’nt coming their way and as a young actor starting out I’ve had this many times already. Look for short courses, read plays, see shows. Train your craft and improve yourself and don’t ever stop looking for the work. I’m currently training in stage combat at Birmingham School of Acting, with the training from there I will be better equipped for more advanced roles which require combat."

Interview with Leah Green

Leah is an actress, writer and director based in the West Midlands, UK.
​She began acting in 2010 after completing a drama course with the Birmingham Theatre School.
​After a series of short films, Leah co wrote and co directed her first feature film, "Checking In", with Dave Hastings, Kaushy Patel, Mark Adams and Troy Dennison. The film went on to win 'Best British Film' at the London Film and Television Awards in 2014.
​Since then she has acted in her first feature role in "The House of Screaming Death", starring RSC actor Ian McNeice, set to be released in 2017.

What inspired you to first get into acting?

"Well firstly, I have a very analytical mind and always wonder how things are made. So after looking into the behind the scenes aspect of film it immediately captivated me. Going back to school I initially had an interest in screenwriting and wanted to study it in college. I'm originally from Birmingham but my family lived in Ireland for nine years, so the plan was to move back to Birmingham and study screenwriting. I got offered a place at Sutton Sixform but unfortunately my UCAS grant fell through so that put a temporary halt to my plans. My family moved back to Birmingham in 2009 and I knew I still wanted to be involved in film or theatre in some shape or form. Somehow I found a course with the Birmingham Theatre School and that seemed to have kick started my journey into acting."

Who are your favorite actors/actresses?


"My favourite actress, hands down, is Bette Davis. I've watched a lot of her films and everytime she manages to create captivating and strong characters. As an actress/film maker it's hard to watch films/TV shows without analysing the craftmanship but whenever I watch a Bette Davis film I forget all about the technicalities and get drawn into the performance. I also admire how fiercly she stood up to the industry at the time and in my opinion, she is one of the greatest actresses of all time."

How hard is it to transition from being yourself to being your character?

"When I first started out, it was extremely hard. My first film role was in a horror fanfilm and I remember worrying myself sick, trying to remember my lines and speaking with a convincing enough American accent. I never thought about character thought process. I think it was only the last few years where I realized the difference between pretending to be someone opposed to actually being someone. That being said I don't think I've developed a set process where I transition in and out of character just yet. I'm still very much learning."

Outside of acting, what do you like to do with your time?

"Definitely writing. Anything creative really. I have a keen interest in comic books and hopefully one day I'll get around to finishing some of my graphic novel ideas. I also play guitar when the mood takes me and enjoy jamming with my best friend."

What are your favorite movies and why?

"Well, carrying on from my love of Bette Davis it's a tie between 'All About Eve' and 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?'. The dialogue in both, especially 'All About Eve' is what really drives the action and makes them a favourite of mine. Truly intelligent writing and very witty. There aren't a lot films made like that anymore. That being said a couple more recent films I like are 'Bright Star' directed by Jane Campion and 'Breathe In' directed by Drake Doremus."

What are things you love about your work?

"I assume you mean acting/filmaking as my day job is in retail and I can honestly say there is very little I enjoy about that. In regards to film making I have yet to actually have it feel like a chore or work. It's somethng that I enjoy immensely. Both behind the camera and in front. From the films that I have made, it's still amazing how passionate everyone is. A lot of the people I have had the pleasure of working with, have day jobs and still they are willing to give up their free time to create. The joy I guess when acting is stepping into another world and into someone else's shoes. It's almost like the rabbit hole. Who knows where it will take you."

If you could work with anyone,(director/writer/actor) who would you like to work with?

"That's a hard one. I do admire Darren Aronofsky's work, as a director. I would love to do an action film at some point so maybe something written by David S. Goyer (Blade) or Neil Marshall (Doomsday) and actor wise it's gotta be Melissa McCarthy. I think she's fantastic and very underrated."

What role would you love to play / your dream role?


"Maybe Lara Croft if they decide to reboot the film franchise. When I was younger I wanted to be an archaeologist. I honestly thought being an archaeologist was like Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones. Running around in ancient ruins, firing guns, getting chased by monsters and rival archaeologists. I was very disappointed when I realized that isn't the case."

And finally, where can people follow your progress online?


"My website is leahgreen.online and you can also find me on Facebook FB.com/leahgreenactress and on Twitter leah_m_green"

Interview with Pippa Harrison

Can you first introduce yourself to the reader?

"My name's Pippa Harrison, I'm 22 and I'm living in London at the moment!"

When and how did you know that you wanted to act?

"Erm, well I was young when I realised I wanted to be a performer. I trained as a dancer most of my life but I did pantomimes and drama club at school. In primary school I remember we were doing a scene from Midsummer Nights Dream and I did something that made everyone laugh and I realised that I loved it, I loved being able to make people laugh by acting so I just sort of never stopped. My GCSE drama teacher played a massive part as well, I got on with him so well that he was the reason I chose to take acting to the next level, I have a lot to thank him for!"

Who is your ideal role model in the acting industry?

"Emma Stone, hands down. I honestly love her. She has inspired me for years, maybe it's because of the comedy thing, like she is hilarious. She just sort of seems to have the right idea about how to own her career. She is absolutely hilarious!"

Do you have any hobbies?

"Sure! I love writing, like I've kept a journal since I was 11, I love looking back at everything that has happened to me through me life because at least 10 ridiculous things happen to me a day, it's funny to keep track. I really social as well, I am addicted to just being around people 24/7. I just love it."

What are your favorite movies?

"Oh god I have so many but why is it that on the spot I have forgotten every film I've watched in my life! I think my top three are probably The Parent Trap, We're the Millers and Girl Interrupted!"

What does a person need to be a good actress?

"Wow that's a hard one that I'm not sure I have the answer too. I think for me it's just really important to have thick skin. At the end of the day if you're not right for a role, then you're not going to get it. That doesn't mean you're not talented and I had to learn that. Coming from a dance background helped with that because it can be a lot more brutal sometimes. Also I think you need to be open minded and just try things out. I have absolutely no inhibitions whatsoever so I will literally try everything out until something works. So yeah I guess having thick skin and a willingness to try everything."

The best part of being an actress?

"It's exciting as hell. Like, you make sure fast bonds with casts and crew and it's amazing. I love how close everyone on a film set or in a theatre company get it is hands down my favourite part. I am normally always in streams of tears laughing before takes or during rehearsals, I don't know how it happens but it does and it is my favourite thing ever! Maybe I've just been really lucky with the people I've worked with so far!"

What's one thing you would change about the film industry?

"Some of the impossible standards that are out there. Everyone is sort of just turning into the same person. I was just reading an interview with Mila Kunis and she was mentioning how everyone has like the same facial features now. It's a weird thing to think about but it's kinda true everyone is just turning into one person. I don't know, it's not true for everyone but it's just something to think about."

What role would you love to play?

"I'd love to have played Lisa in Girl Interrupted, but Angelina Jolie already nailed that! I don't know, I'd love to be in a comedy and just play someone hilarious like Melissa McCarthy's character in Bridesmaids or any character Rebel Wilson has played ever! That's my goal really!"

And finally describe yourself in 3 words.

"Ridiculous, confident, unpredictable."

Check out & follow Pippa Harrison on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

The Best French Films of The 21st Century

France has always been a trailblazer for European cinema. To begin with, it played a key role in the birth of film with the Lumière brothers’ shorts, while in the ‘20s it became prominent with the French Impressionist Cinema and in the late 50s a new generation of French directors arrived to turn everything upside down, creating the French New Wave.

Since we are talking about French films, we can’t avoid mentioning the wild independent filmmakers or the directors that don’t fit in the bigger picture due to their unique style, such as François Ozon, Alain Resnais, Jean-Jacques Annaud and Jean-Luc Godard, the representatives of Auteurism.

1. The Intouchables (2011)
Genres: Biography / Comedy / Drama
Directors: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano
Cast: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Audrey Fleurot.

Plot: A rich quadriplegic, living in a mansion in Paris, requires a live-in carer. A young offender turns up for an interview, but he is not really looking to get the job. However, to his surprise, he is hired. The two men then develop a close friendship.

2. La Vie en Rose (2007)
Genres: Biography / Drama / Music
Director: Olivier Dahan
Cast: Marion Cotillard, Gérard Depardieu, Emmanuelle Seigner.

Plot: An un-chronological look at the life of the Little Sparrow, Édith Piaf. Her mother is an alcoholic street singer, her father a circus performer, her paternal grandmother a madam. During childhood she lives with each of them. At 20, she's a street singer discovered by a club owner who's soon murdered, coached by a musician who brings her to concert halls, and then quickly famous. Constant companions are alcohol and heartache.

3. Amelie (2001)
Genres: Comedy / Romance
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Cast: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Jamel Debbouze.

Plot: Amélie is a shy waitress in a Montmartre café. After returning a long-lost childhood treasure to a former occupant of her apartment, and seeing the effect it has on him, she decides to set out on a mission to make others happy and in the meantime pursues a quirky guy who collects discarded photo booth pictures.

4. Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)
Genres: Action / Drama / Adventure
Director: Christophe Gans
Cast: Samuel Le Bihan, Vincent Cassel, Monica Bellucci.

Plot: In 18th century France, the Chevalier de Fronsac and his native American friend Mani are sent by the King to the Gevaudan province to investigate the killings of hundreds by a mysterious beast.

5. Angel-A (2005)
Genres: Comedy / Drama / Fantasy
Director: Luc Besson
Cast: Rie Rasmussen, Jamel Debbouze, Gilbert Melki.

Plot: In Paris, André is a loser: a short disheveled Arab with a U.S. green card and a withered hand he keeps shoved in a pocket. He's a constant liar, spinning tales of Argentine olive oil. He owes lots of money to two thugs who both demand payment by midnight. In despair, he importunes God for forsaking him, and he climbs an abutment to jump off a bridge. Something distracts him - it's a leggy blonde in a short skirt about to leap off the same bridge. She jumps, he leaps and swims to her rescue, and thus begins their two-day odyssey. Can André ever tell the truth, accept himself, and express emotion? And the blonde - what's her history, and did she really need saving?

6. A Very Long Engagement (2004)
Genres: Romance / Drama / Mystery
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Cast: Audrey Tautou, Gaspard Ulliel, Marion Cotillard.

Plot: This film is inspiring, to follow what you believe and find your loved ones! A very moving film but very true to life! A story of five soldiers being summoned to No Mans Land and left to die. The film shows how these soldiers fought for their lives and how one particular solider, Manech, and his soon to be wife, played by Audrey Tautou, uncovers the truth to find out about his whereabouts.

7. The Artist (2011)
Genres: Comedy / Drama / Romance
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Cast: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman.

Plot: Outside a movie premiere, enthusiastic fan Peppy Miller literally bumps into the swashbuckling hero of the silent film, George Valentin. The star reacts graciously and Peppy plants a kiss on his cheek as they are surrounded by photographers. The headlines demand: "Who's That Girl?" and Peppy is inspired to audition for a dancing bit-part at the studio. However as Peppy slowly rises through the industry, the introduction of talking-pictures turns Valentin's world upside-down.

8. Coco Before Chanel (2009)
Genres: Biography / Drama
Director: Anne Fontaine
Cast: Audrey Tautou, Benoît Poelvoorde, Alessandro Nivola.

Plot: Several years after leaving the orphanage to which her father never returned for her, Gabrielle finds herself working in a provincial bar. She's both a seamstress for the performers and a singer, earning the nickname Coco from the song she sings nightly with her sister. A liaison with Balsan gives her an entrée into French society and a chance to develop her gift for designing increasingly popular hats. When she falls in love with businessman Capel further opportunities open up, though life becomes ever more complicated.

9. Swimming Pool (2003)
Genres: Crime / Drama / Mystery
Director: François Ozon
Cast: Ludivine Sagnier, Charlotte Rampling, Charles Dance.

Plot: Swimming Pool focuses on Sarah, a rigid and conservative, yet successful English mystery writer. Sarah's personal life and new novel take a dramatic twist when she meets her publisher's sexy, free-spirited daughter Julie at his gracious mansion in the French countryside.

10. Anything for Her (2008)
Genres: Crime / Drama / Thriller
Director: Fred Cavayé
Cast: Vincent Lindon, Diane Kruger, Liliane Rovère.

Plot: Lisa and Julien are married and lead a happy uneventful life with their son Oscar. But their life radically changes one morning, when the police comes to arrest Lisa on murder charges. She's sentenced to 20 years of prison. Convinced of his wife's innocence, Julien decides to act. How far will he be willing to go for her?

Interview with Matt Long

Matt is an English theatre, film & TV actor, writer and producer based in Norwich, he made his debut playing multiple roles on a National Geographic Documentary called UFO: Alien Invasion. Since then he has appeared in the comedy 'Z-Listers' and worked alongside Tony Denham in 'Age of Kill' (2015). Matt has appeared in Theatre Lead roles and is playing Jack Bishop in upcoming feature film 'Soldiers of Embers' produced by his Bulldog Films Company.

How did you get into acting?

"Like most people I've always been a fan of film and theatre. For a while I had this dream of getting into the industry but thought I wouldn't stand a chance as I'd never attended drama school, I was straight out of school and into a job. One day I thought to myself 'I've got nothing to lose' and started acting lessons with the Norwich Theatre Royal where I completed several terms and performed infront of live audiences. The buzz from a live audience fuelled my appetite. I then started getting involved in TV and Film. I always had a story I wanted to tell and after making some very useful industry contacts I decided to put my story on paper... several drafts and one year of prep 'Soldiers of Embers' is ready for filming from October 2016."

Who are your favourite actors/actresses and why?

"Wow where do I start. Johnny Depp is one of my favourites. I admire him as he can portray so many different characters with each role. John hurt, I could listen to him in awe all day, every performance is spot on and I love his voice. I respect the versatility of Al Pacino, he doesn't even have to speak but can say everything he wants with a look. Sometimes less is more."

Many British directors have achieved international fame and critical success, including Ridley Scott, Christopher Nolan, Danny Boyle, Duncan Jones etc. So, if you had a chance which UK director would you work with?

"So many great directors out there. Christoper Nolan is a genius, I admire what he puts into all his films. Interstellar was a masterpiece in my opinion aswell as the batman trilogy. I'd love to work with him."

Can you name your 3 favorite movie?

"Interstellar, Aliens, Young Guns 2"

What are some things that you love about your job?

"I love leaving myself behind and being someone else for a period of time. I also love networking and meeting people. I've met some fantastic talented people so far and that keeps things interesting for me. It's also nice to know one day If fame really took off I could use the gift to help other people less fortunate in life. I always believe in giving back."

What's your dream film role?

"I'd love to be involved in a historical WW2 film."

What do you like doing beside acting?

"I like to train at the gym a lot and spend time with my family. I'm also a self confessed techy geek so I'm gadget mad."

And finally describe yourself in 3 words.

"Ambitious, Fun, Caring."


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Suburra - Modern Italian neo-noir

Suburra - 2015 Italian neo-noir film production of Cattleya and Rai Cinema, directed by Stefano Sollima, who is a well-established director since his successful TV series Romanzo criminale and Gomorra. based on the novel by Carlo Bonini and Giancarlo De Cataldo of the same name. The film focuses on the connections between organized crime and politics in Rome in 2011. Suburra was the name of a suburb of Ancient Rome, populated by taverns and brothels, where noble senators met with criminals in secret to do business and make money. Two thousand years later, not much seems to have changed in the Italian capital, politics and criminality continue to do business and the real world is governed by laws drawn up by corrupt politicians.
In 2011, Ostia (suburb of Rome) is the subject of a giant real estate project intended to make the harbor of Ancient Rome the Las Vegas of today. But the place soon becomes a battlefield where criminals and politicians either join forces cynically or fight each other ruthlessly. The infernal showdown will last seven days, taking many lives.
The portrait of a humanity driven by money and extreme ambition, in which the law of the strongest prevails and there are no positive heroes, between the halls of parliament, rooms of the Vatican, luxury hotels, flashy villas, run-down suburbs, fierce executions, drugs, parties, and protests. There’s a lot going on in Suburra, perhaps too much for just two hours of film. The TV series that will be based on it and has already been announced (comprising 10 episodes produced by Netflix, currently in development) will make much better use of so much material.

Upcoming British Films of 2016

UK cinema in 2016 has plenty to recommend it. Here are 10 UK films of various genres to look forward to this year…

1. Their Finest Hour and a Half

Romantic comedy by Lone Scherfig(One Day, An Education). Set during the World War II in early 1940s, about some filmmakers try to make a patriotic film to boost morale of British army during The Blitz.

2. Genius

Biographical drama film about literary editor Max Perkins, based on the 1978 National Book Award-winner Max Perkins: Editor of Genius by A. Scott Berg. Colin Firth, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Dominic West and Guy Pearce.
Release Date: 29 July 2016.

3. Our Kind of Traitor

John Le Carré adaptation comes written by Drive’s Hossein Amini and directed by Jane Eyre, Parade’s End and Bleak House’s Susanna White. Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris star as a young academic and lawyer on a tropical holiday that leads them into a tangled story of millionaires, the Russian mafia and British Intelligence. Damian Lewis and Stellan Skarsgard also star.
Release Date: 13 May 2016.

4. Tulip Fever

A film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Deborah Moggach, directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom). The film stars Alicia Vikander, Cara Delevingne, Christoph Waltz.

5. The Survivalist

The Survivalist - A sci-fi thriller set in a "kill-or-be-killed world where starvation is rife and strangers are always dangerous." It tells the story of the titular Survivalist, a man who lives off the grid by his wits, and the uneasy deal he strikes up with a starving woman and her teenage daughter who stumble upon his forest refuge.

6. The Girl with All the Gifts

An upcoming post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller. Filmed in Birmingham and Stoke, having a Liverpudlian writer, a Scottish director, and a cast including Gemma Arterton and Paddy Considine.

7. Flying Horse

Gary Oldman made his directorial debut in 1997, with the critically-acclaimed "Nil by Mouth". The film went on to win the 'BAFTA Award for Best British Film', In 1999, it was adjudged by the British Academy as one of the best British films of the 90s.
So, now Oldman directing/writing "Flying Horse", a biopic of famous English photographer Eadweard Muybridge, lead by Ralph Fiennes. The film also stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Amanda Seyfried and Oldman himself.

8. The Limehouse Golem

Upcoming horror-thriller film directed by Juan Carlos Medina from a screenplay by Jane Goldman. The film, an adaptation of Peter Ackroyd's 1994 murder mystery novel Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem, stars Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, and Douglas Booth.

9. This Beautiful Fantastic

Upcoming romantic drama film directed and written by Simon Aboud. The film stars Jessica Brown Findlay, Tom Wilkinson, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Irvine, Anna Chancellor, Eileen Davies and Sheila Hancock. Principal photography began in London in July 2015.

10. Deep Water

Upcoming biographical drama by James Marsh (The Theory of Everything), based on the true story of the disastrous attempt by the amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst to complete the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968 and his subsequent attempts to cover up his failure.