Film: A Cambodian Spring

Yesterday, it was either watch the England match (just because I have a stake, having drawn them in the office sweepstakes) or a film - for which the candidate was A Cambodian Spring, a documentary about activists in Cambodia. Regent Street Cinema only. Well, most people had left the office well before match time, so there wasn't much of an atmosphere - I headed for the cinema.

Wouldn't you know it, I just made the bus! Had to run - and thank goodness for the Routemasters, with entry via the rear door. Cue a highly frustrating trip, with surely the most relaxed driver in the whole system - not only did he stop at every stop, regardless of whether there was anyone there or anyone had requested the stop: but for goodness' sake, he hung on there for about 20 seconds! Perhaps he was deliberately slowing his journey - he did speed up as we got near Oxford Street, and there was so little traffic that, even with his earlier dawdling, we got there 10 minutes before Google Maps' estimate! Plenty of time, then, for me to get to the cinema, get a ticket, and get a glass of wine at the bar - there wasn't a queue anyway.

Inside was just a scattering of people. As the writer / director was to remark at the Q+A afterwards, he was delighted to be sharing a room with everyone in London who wasn't interested in the football! Free seating - and as I settled in, I noticed something I haven't before - they have little coat hangers on the seat backs! Now, low as they are, I don't know how useful they might be - but gosh, they're dinky! They're also on a spring, so they can be pushed in. Brass effect, very pretty, with a teeny picture of a coat hanger. Meantime, I'd been supplied with a survey to fill out - as usual, I didn't have a pen, and I didn't see anyone to collect it afterwards anyway; it did prove useful for fishing out a small fly that dive-bombed into my wine. (Flies are terrible alcoholics, did you know?)

A Cambodian Spring chronicles three activists over six years - the director, afterwards, explained that he hadn't wanted just to dip in, take a snapshot, and leave again. He really wanted to show the essence of the place. Did he have trouble with the authorities, filming over all this time? someone in the Q+A wanted to know. No, he said, given that he hadn't yet published anything at that stage - he thought things might be different now.

The activity is centred around a housing development at Beoung Kak, which until a few years ago was a lake in central Phnom Penh. Lots of people already lived around the lake, however, and many had no formal proof of their entitlement to their land - a legacy of the Khmer Rouge, who abolished all land ownership and destroyed the records. Well, now a construction company, owned by the wife of one of the governing party's senators, was granted a 99-year lease of the land, on which they are building a major new development. This is in clear contravention of a previous agreement brokered with the help of foreign governments, which both defined water bodies as state property, and limited the lease of state properties to 15 years - during which time, the property must not be damaged, or have its function changed.

The work has started by the time the film begins - we see them pumping in sand to fill in the lake, 24/7 - people living there are ignored, their homes flooded, demolished when they get in the way. We are told at the start of the film that three people have already been electrocuted in their own homes because of the floodwater. The government, apparently, offered them a pittance if they agreed to move away.. they refused. Some who are imprisoned for political activism agree to leave their land, in return for their release. D' you know, what occurred to me, watching this, was what a lottery birth is - God help people born into a corrupt regime, people without the money to buy their rights, whose rights are therefore trodden on. Money is, indeed, power.

We meet three people - two ladies who live on the lake, and have become vocal activists, and - of all things - a Buddhist monk, who's gotten into severe trouble with his superiors for dabbling in politics! (As the director pointed out afterwards, the church authorities are, of course, in the pay of the government.) This same monk had to flee the country for a few months, due to some credible death threats.

One of the first things that was brought up in the Q+A was how balanced the documentary was - as the interviewer said, most documentaries tend to have an agenda, while this film strives to show what's happening, with very little narrative or comment. The director confirmed that he preferred to sit back and let them tell their own stories - and nowhere is this most apparent than when divisions appear among the activists' community. As to the blatant corruption.. as he said, is it any different in the West? Here, it's more hidden, so you also have to go to the trouble of uncovering it. At least, in Cambodia, you can see what you're fighting. He also helpfully explained the origins of some of the divisions among activists, as shown in the film - the lack of commentary in the film itself leaves this as a confusing section.

So, an informative film, and an enlightening Q+A. Unfortunately, the interviewer was a bit dismissive of the audience - he spent ages interviewing the director himself before asking for questions from the floor, which he did in a tone that strongly suggested he didn't expect any! On the contrary, a couple of ladies at the back were very vocal, including one that lives in a Buddhist community herself. Anyway, if you want to see more of this for yourself, I've discovered that you can buy the film on their website. Funded by the Irish Film Board, BTW - glad to see they're spending their money well!

A chilly walk to the bus stop, after - nights are chilly, and I was glad I'd brought a coat. A cryptic Facebook post from Helen gave me that hint that England had won - they didn't need me watching, then! And another return after 11pm meant yet another trip to the 24-hour Co-Op - the guy behind the counter is beginning to recognise me!

Tonight, another late one - back with London Literary Walks, for the postponed Sculpture in the City walk. More people signed up for this one than last, which is nice.

I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, which is bookended by two Up in the Cheap Seats events! Both booked very recently too, I might add. Thursday is Infinite Joy, at Southwark Playhouse - could hardly say no to that venue!

And on Monday, I'm off with them to A Monster Calls, at the Old Vic.

For Tuesday, I'm thinking film again - the film list kept me up too late last night for me to blog!

Film: Maya Angelou - And Still I Rise

Last night, I booked some more storytelling with the Crick Crack Club. Nick Hennessy was to tell the story of The Ruined House of Skin - an Irish one, which I've heard before, but he's one of the best on the circuit, and always worth going to. This was on at the Arthouse in Crouch End again, and after the debacle the last time, with no confirmation email from them, I checked - and didn't have one for this either! So, when I was up there the last time, I asked them to print out my receipt, which I'd been holding onto carefully ever since. It was now a bit crumpled, but still intact..

Well, as sometimes happens, my plans changed completely. I wouldn't willingly have changed this - but yesterday afternoon, the Arthouse emailed to say that Nick had been hospitalised and wouldn't be appearing, and that instead Ben Haggerty would be performing Atalanta. Now, he's very good, and this is his speciality - but I've seen this not once, but twice, and didn't think it was worth traipsing all the way up to Crouch End to see it again. So I rang to get the promised refund - on a very bad line, they first tried to get me to swing by in person, but when I said that wouldn't be convenient (!) they fetched the manager, who processed my refund over the phone. So much for holding onto the receipt, which finally went in the bin. And the Meetup group cancelled the event, I suppose because I'd told them I wasn't going, which meant that there was now no-one scheduled to go.. Heavens, Crick Crack now has nothing scheduled that I can make! Roll on the next booking - I suppose they might take a break over summer.

Plan B was a film - and what a good job I'd done the film list. Top of what I had that was showing yesterday was Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, which I'd been thinking of seeing on Monday but hadn't booked. And yay, it was showing in Regent Street Cinema, quite close to home for me. So I booked that, since it seemed to be booking quite heavily. Took myself along just in time - I could walk, but popped to the loo just before I left, which left me a bit tight for time.

As usual, nobody checked my ticket, and I just wandered into the lobby bar, which was quite busy, and where service was quite slow. As the lady beside me remarked, she could die waiting. Now, by the time I eventually got in, a young lady was entertaining the crowd with a guitar, and a piece she'd apparently penned herself - this showing was, apparently, part of a "Phenomenal Women" festival (or something). And there'd apparently been another act on before her, while I was waiting at the bar - ah well. Seating was unassigned, but unfortunately, by this stage the place was pretty full, and I ended up dragging myself all the way up the long flight of stairs, trying not to spill my wine. Ended up in an aisle seat, somewhere in the rafters - had to lean to the side so as not to have a railing impede my view, but never mind.

The film, then, started a little late. The name Maya Angelou, though familiar to so many, didn't mean anything to me - but apparently she was what you might call a Big Name. I had seen Roots, in which she appeared - but she was also a nightclub dancer, calypso singer, poet, and celebrated author. A woman of unique spirit, I have to admit, she led a fascinating life, having affairs with B.B. King and James Baldwin, for goodness' sake, on whose work I Am Not Your Negro, which I saw recently, was based. And she wrote and performed a poem for Clinton's inauguration.

Fascinating to listen to her works, her speeches, and hear the details of her life, and it was a flattering documentary. But oh lordy, it was long!! And to my mind, a bit overly fawning at the end - no surprise that Oprah was one of the many celebrities interviewed in the course of the film. Anything she touches turns to schmaltz. I was glad to get up at the end - even having to navigate the long staircase down. And given that it was so long, I was home just in time to go to bed.

Helen's apparently finished her course, but bought a weekly train ticket - so she's taking the day in town today and we'll go for lunch. Tonight, London Dramatic Arts is seeing Gloria in Hampstead Theatre - and since they're getting us to buy our own tickets for once, so am I! Pulitzer-Prize-winning, apparently. The organiser messaged me on Wednesday to check I'd bought a ticket - she's used to buying them for us. Have to remember to take my laptop home for the weekend.

Tomorrow, I had my eye on Day Trips from London, who are headed on a Lulworth Cove Heritage Site, Corfe Castle Village + Warhead Quay Day Trip. But I was busy when the email came through to advertise it, and wouldn't you know it, by the time I got around to it, it had booked out! Always popular, it seems. Never mind - while I was at Soho Theatre the other night, I was facing the screen advertising future events, and what should I see but that Andrew Maxwell is performing a run there, ending that day. Now, I saw him live once before, and he was fall-off-your-seat hilarious! So I've booked. So much for my Westminster Residents' Card though, which is supposed to give £1 off at this venue - there was no mention of it when I came to book! Bah humbug.. Well, at least it means I can have a lie-in in the morning..

And on Sunday, I was thinking of a film. Hence why I did the film list. After I deleted all the stuff at the top of the list that isn't showing that day, I was left with The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson. Never heard of this person, but it turns out to be the story of a transgender gay activist, who died in mysterious circumstances. I couldn't even find a trailer, but the story sounds interesting enough. Showing at the Curzon Aldgate only, and practically sold out when I checked - so I booked.

For Monday, as I say, I'm thinking of a film again - and with the Maya Angelou film out of the way, I can go to something interesting. Watch this space..

Film: Rahm (Mercy)

The rescheduled talk on Brexit Vs. Trump from a few weeks ago was last night. But I decided I'd rather go to a film instead - being Funzing, I got my money back because I cancelled by Sunday. Top of the list was Rahm, a Pakistani film premiere, complete with reception and Q+A, based on Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Part of the London Asian Film Festival, at Regent Street Cinema. Good job I booked - it had sold out by yesterday. Anyhow, what with this, and the change of plans on Monday, that makes four days in a row I'll not have had to use my Oyster card.

Well, the reception started at 7, but as usual I got caught up doing stuff, and it was 20 past by the time I got there. Not hard to find - just head north from Oxford Street, along Regent Street, and it's on the left. A lady was giving an interview as I went in, stood in front of one of the posters for Rahm that lined the lobby. Nobody challenged me, and I just wandered up the stairs and into the bar. I've never been here before - turns out there's only one screen, with a bar in front - oh, and you can take your drinks in, which is nice. Anyhoo, if there had been free stuff, I'd missed it - the crowd milling about the bar area were buying drinks from the bar, so I passed and just went straight in - the film was to start in 10 minutes anyway. Seating was unassigned, so I took a seat in the second row, the front row being reserved.

After some brief speechifying, the film began. Set in Lahore, in "an imaginary time" - but quite modern - we meet the handsome young chap who's about to get in trouble with the law for "fornication" - now, both parties claim to have married in secret, but that the papers have been lost. Unfortunately for them, the kind and wise governor has taken a leave of absence, and left a sleazy underling in charge. Over-zealous in his application of religious laws, he sentences the young man to death - enter the condemned man's beautiful and virtuous sister. In an arresting performance by Sanam Saeed, she pleads for mercy - and the creep says he'll pardon her brother if she sleeps with him. But this is based on Shakespeare, and many things are not as they initially seem..

I can't say it really moved me, but it was well acted and the plot well adapted. Beautiful women's costumes, of course. In the Q+A afterwards, someone asked about the fact that they'd downplayed the comedy in the original - not that I ever found it to be a terribly funny play, but one of the producers pointed out that the comedy in the original was quite bawdy, which wouldn't have fitted with what they were trying to do. Someone also questioned them about their choice of setting - as they said, the story highlights the suppression of individual freedoms, and setting this film in Lahore reflects how such issues are currently topical there. True - it wouldn't have rung true in London, would it?

They also spoke about how they're trying to help the Pakistani film industry - not anywhere as powerful as that in India - and so the cast was comprised of Pakistani tv actors (who had to tone it down a bit). Showing in some London Cineworlds from this Friday, and Odeon cinemas in the north of England a week later..

I was intrigued, during the Q+A, by the guy who'd taken a seat in front of me, and took photo after photo of the panel of three, in front of him on stage. Good grief, how many identical  shots did he need? Digital cameras have a lot to answer for.. and, of course, we had the usual bore - an eccentric-looking guy in my row, who apparently knew the guys on stage, and just kept trying to start a chat with them, oblivious to the hundreds of other people in the room.. when they finally shut him up, we left, and I made my way to Tesco, fancying some Indian food. Guess what though, they didn't have any! Maybe it's because of Brexit.. who knows.

Tonight, the Man with the Hat is taking London for Less Than a Tenner to Top Secret. Be good to see some familiar faces - let's see whether we can make it a late one!

Tomorrow, he's back to the Opera House for the opening night of a mixed bill of ballet. As usual, he's in the slips with London for Less Than a Tenner, and in the amphitheatre with Let's Do London - for Less!

Friday, I got a cheap ticket to a very topical version of Twelfth Night, in the Drayton Arms. Ah, I remember when I was walking distance from there..

Saturday, I'm back with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts for an Oliver Twist walk. Back with Hazel, excellent!

Sunday.. not a Man with the Hat event, but one he's advertised. One member of his group plays Spanish guitar, and is giving a concert that night - so I've booked a ticket. Well hey, I do love Spanish music..

Monday, I'm off to a Funzing talk on The Science of Psychedelics. Courtesy of London Speaks Sessions, LDN Talks @ Night, and London for a Tenner or Less (nothing to do with the Man with the Hat). Unless I think of something better up to 48 hours beforehand..

Tuesday, I'm with London European Club (LEC) for Carradine's Cockney Singalong, at Hoxton Hall. Had some fun with this a couple of weeks ago, when I noticed another group member had confused it with something at a different venue, and thought it wasn't now happening..

Next Wednesday, I'm headed with LEC again - with a different organiser - to see 2 Cellos in concert in the London Palladium. Cool - never seen them before, never been there before, and I can probably walk there!

Thursday 23rd was another Funzing talk, with the same three groups, on The Science of Hypnosis. And then, wouldn't you know it, Henning from the LEC advertised.. Hypnosis - Altering Consciousness! With Pint of Science. (What is it about that day and hypnosis?!) Anyway, I do enjoy events with Henning, and as I say, I can cancel Funzing up to 48 hours in advance without penalty. So I did, and booked the other instead. And then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again..