Ant Timpson tells it like it is
Once again, there will be a section at the New Zealand
International Film Festival for Ant Timpson's selection of the
Incredibly Strange.
tvnz.co.nz caught up with Ant to ask him about this year's festival
- and the behind the scenes work which goes into it.
Another year, another festival it must be really
difficult having to see plenty of films and whittle the list down
how has it been this year?
Yes it's practically like Sophie's Choice when making the
final list. I started with around 40 titles and every year some
great films fall by the wayside only for last minute replacements
to pop up. Literally as I was typing this it looks like the most
sught after one of all maybe making an appearance now!
Has there been plenty of material out there to choose
from?
There's a glut of movies out there each year that appear to tick
all the Incredibly Strange boxes but 90% of them are utter sh*t and
I mean just 'sh*t' not 'good sh*t'.
Whats your criteria for including a film in Incredibly
Strange?
Do I want to see this with an audience? That's it in a nutshell. I
always instinctively know if the film is entertaining, polarising,
outrageous and sometimes shocking.
Have you ever been tempted to break those rules to
include a film?
All the time because some films do not easily fit into any
category. They simply stand alone, legs akimbo and say "Do you want
me?"
What is the one film you would have liked to have
screened but didnt get?
A UK film called MONSTERS. Keep an eye out for it.
The Incredibly Strange films you show usually end up
being events by getting actors or directors on the phone are you
planning the same this year? And can you tell us with whom? Or
even, hint?
All depends on what guests we can get over, or who is
available. I'm sure there might be some this year.
Its a strong line up this year which film stands head
and shoulders above the rest?
Honestly if people go see the "Twin Towers" of Badfilms. THE ROOM
and BIRDEMIC: SHOCK AND TERROR their lives will be forever altered.
In a good way.
Is there any director or actor you would have liked to
have included this year but didnt?
We would have loved to have Tommy Wiseau from THE ROOM down as a
guest but I think the NZFF was scared of him.
What plans do you have for 2011s film
festival?
Maybe we'll do completely foreign edition. No English speaking
films at all.
