(via Shutterstock)
One of my happy places is a cinema.
Or perhaps more accurately, going to see movies; much of that has to do with the film itself of course, of which there are three fine upcoming titles showcased in this post, but it also means time with a good friend or friends, dinner out and a chance to leave the world behind for a few hours.
The job I do as a content writer is one I love but it’s high stress and films afford me a moment to just sit back, lose myself in a story and remember how good storytelling is for the soul …
(courtesy IMDb)
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The movie follows best friends Jane (Yara Shahidi) and Corinne (Odessa A’zion) navigating life in Los Angeles in their twenties. Corinne, the ultimate extrovert, convinces her shy-but-extremely-talented home baker best friend Jane to commit to a year of baking cakes and bringing them to bars, with the goal of meeting people & developing confidence – known as “cakebarring.” During their year of “cakebarring,” Corinne receives a life-altering diagnosis, and they face a challenge unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Sitting in Bars with Cake isn’t only a madcap joyride around some of LA’s most colorful watering holes, it’s a moving celebration of female friendship, forging identity, and finding joy in unexpected places. Sitting in Bars with Cake is directed by American filmmaker Trish Sie, director of the films Pitch Perfect 3 and The Sleepover previously, plus many music videos and short films. The screenplay is written by Audrey Shulman, adapted from Shulman’s own book of the same name. (courtesy First Showing)
Sitting in Bars With Cakes opens 8 September on Prime Video.
The Book of Solutions (Les livre de solutions)
(courtesy First Showing)
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Marc (Pierre Niney) is a director whose life and career are in upheaval. He takes his film crew to continue filming the small village in the Cévennes where his aunt, Denise, lives. There, Marc rediscovers his creativity and is full of ideas. He has so many ideas that he decides to write the Book of Solutions, a book full of advice. The Book of Solutions, originally known as Le Livre des Solutions in French, is both written and directed by acclaimed Frnech filmmaker Michel Gondry, director of the films Human Nature, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep, Be Kind Rewind, The Green Hornet, The We and the I, Mood Indigo, Microbe & Gasoline previously, plus tons of shorts and music videos. Produced by Georges Bermann. (courtesy First Showing)
The Book of Solutions (Les livre de solutions) premiered at at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar and opens in French cinemas on 13 September.
(courtesy First Showing)
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Shane (Patrick Kielty) has exiled himself in Ballywalter following the break-up of his marriage, but now he’s trying to get his life back on track by enrolling in a stand-up comedy course. When Shane calls a taxi to get him to his classes, Eileen (Seána Kerslake) answers and a surprising connection is made. As the two spend time together shuttling back and forth, a beautiful friendship develops, leading both to a moment of realisation. Shane reintegrates; Eileen makes peace with herself and who she really is. Finally, she can stop running and just drive. Ballywalter is directed by the British-Sri Lankan actor / filmmaker Prasanna Puwanarajah, making his feature directorial debut after a few other short films. The screenplay is written by Stacey Gregg. It’s produced by James Bierman and Nik Bower, and co-produced by Alan Maher and John Wallace. (courtesy First Showing)
Following its premiere at the 2022 Belfast Film Festival, Ballywalter releases on 22 September in UK cinemas.