The atmosphere at this year’s LFF was alive and buzzing with a real sense that audiences were hungry for the opportunity to come together in the cinema and experience new stories.

Here are my highlights:

The Room Next Door

Almodóvar’s first English language film brings together Tilda Swinton and Julian Moore in this quiet but powerful story about friendship, life and our relationship with death. Drawing on his signature rich visual language where colour and light fill every shot like a work of art THE ROOM NEXT DOOR places trust in Swinton and Moore who’s relationship on screen swells and expands with every scene. The end result is a rich, believable drama that allows the audience space to gather their own thoughts about what awaits us all.

The audience boosted this viewing experience with shared laughter at the surprisingly, absurd moments that caught us by surprise. Much like life, and death itself.

Visiting Prince Charles Cinema

Unbelievably, this was the first opportunity I have ever had to attend the world famous Prince Charles Cinema. Up until now I have been a long-distance observer to this cult cinema space, which has built a home for rep, indie and a carefully curated selection of mainstream films. My first visit did not disappoint. I experienced a sense of community through friendly staff, bargain popcorn, filter coffee on tap and an auditorium to make your heart swoon. I will be back.

Piece by Piece

Simple, yet original, PIECE BY PIECE draws on the boundless creativity that LEGO has to offer by sharing Pharrell Williams’ highs and lows using bricks, colour and authentic first person storytelling. This inspiring biopic has heart, humour and, if LFF’s audience is anything to go by, it also has the potential for mass appeal. Using LEGO to tell his story Pharell has got people talking and the process allows audiences to experience an insight into his unique relationship with music. Despite the broad and diverse crowd who shared the screening with me I am still a little unsure how this will play in Exeter and how we might encourage the audience to see beyond the primary LEGO colours. But if we can build something I believe that even those who are new to Pharell will leave inspired and appreciate the central position he has played in shaping pop-culture.