Emma Heasman

Natalia Leite’s focus on female exploitation in her second feature film, M.F.A (Master of Fine Arts), comes as no surprise. Her previous work delved deep into themes of self-worth, such as stripping in her documentary series, Every Woman, and her first feature film, Bare, explored sexuality, romance and drugs. Leite’s latest film deals...

A documentary concerning the healthcare of New Orleans-based musicians in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is definitely a tough sell. As a niche subject, it sounds like it could work as a short film, but for a full 90 minutes, is there really enough material to cover? Fortunately, the...

This French film, directed by Richard Angers, follows the story of two brothers and a man – Adrien – (Marc Messier) who unintentionally becomes a part of their journey. Adrien drove by as the older brother, Ced (Emile Schneider), was in a fight with a gang member. It appears...

A film about coming-of-age, escapism and above all music, Access All Areas is a loud and colourful explosion of atmosphere that aims to hit a nostalgic note inside the minds of its audience, and conjure up memories of long golden summers of youth and discovery. Filmed over this year’s Bestival on the Isle of...

Superfood began their journey in 2014, and have now released their second album with Dirty Hit Records and it is funky fresh. They have originality, with samples from Prince and a touch of Reggae, and create complexity while remaining fun. The night started with Husky Loops, who were also...

The final film to grace the silver screen at the Nottingham International Film Festival was the Polish drama Rage (originally titled W?ciek?o??), directed by Michal Wegrzyn. Set in contemporary Warsaw, Rage follows one traumatic evening in the life of Adam (Jakub Swiderski), an arrogant, privileged, young TV journalist. Something...

A film split into two halves, each with little connection to the other, Tropical Malady is definitely a frustrating watch. But it’s only when you stop trying to rationalise it that you can finally take something from it. Tropical Malady begins with a group of Thai soldiers posing with...