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HUSTLERS CONVENTION
Hes been called the Grandfather of rap, while his 1973 album, Hustlers Convention, is one of the most sampled records of all time. Yet the name Jalal Nuriddin (aka Lightnin Rod, of seminal and impossibly influential African- American collective The Last Poets) is still relatively obscure to most. Exec-produced by Chuck D (who says of the album, it would be impossible to tell the story of the roots of rap without it), this fascinating and frankly beautiful film shines more light on this verbal street diary; its origins, importance and legacy in black culture; and on the charismatic poet/musician behind it. Director: Mike Todd Starring: Jalal Nuriddin, Ice-T, KRS-One, Chuck D, MC Lyte, Melle Mel Theatrical release: 26 June 2015 Ali Catterall
THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM
South Africas landscapes are lensed for maximum splendour in this coming-of-age drama, which weaves together themes of family, home and spirituality. Following the death of his estranged father, Atang (Zenzo Ngqobe) travels from the slums of Johannesburg to bury him in the remote village where he grew up, an act that forces him to confront his own memories, his fathers legacy and his childhood friend. While touching on mystical traditions in its third act, this is a refreshingly modern take on the hardships of life in the country, and a rich, complex debut by filmmaker Andrew Mudge. Director: Andrew Mudge Starring: Zenzo Ngqobe, Nozipho Nkelemba, Jerry Mofokeng, Lebohang Ntsane Theatrical release: 26 June 2015 Matt Looker
CONCRETE CLOUDS
This Thai drama marks the feature directing debut of Lee Chatametikool, regular editor for awards-magnet auteur Apichatpong Weerasethakul, which follows two brothers as they cope with their fathers suicide at the time of the 1997 Asian crash. The setting is interesting for west-centred audiences forgetful that the global economy is just that, and interesting points are made about the seeds of Thailands current political malaise. But occasional arthouse flourishes blend awkwardly with a plot that wouldnt be out of place on EastEnders. Director: Lee Chatametikool Starring: Ananda Everingham, Apinya Sakuljaroensuk, Janesuda Parnto, Prawith Hansten Theatrical release: 26 June 2015 Matt Looker
THE THIRD MAN
Post-war Viennas fract ured backdrop looms large in The Third Man, but its the cohesion that dazzles most in Carol Reeds top-ranking 1949 Britnoir. Graham Greenes script, Robert Kraskers photography, Anton Karas zither score... All are corralled into crisp shape as Joseph Cottens pulp scribbler uncovers betrayal and a diluted-penicillin racket involving his devilish friend, Harry Lime (Orson Welles). While Welles packs presence into fleeting screen time, Trevor Howard and a poignant Alida Vallis ace supports arent muffled. I want to be dead, too, Valli laments; but this is cinema to live for Director: Carol Reed Starring: Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles Theatrical release: 26 June 2015 Kevin Harley
THE WRECKING CREW
Director Denny Tedesco shines the spotlight on a gang of unsung LA session musos in a Muscle Shoals-style rockumentary with potent, personal things to say about work/life divides and changing tides. The Wrecking Crew were West Coast pops lifeblood; Beach Boy Brian Wilson freely tapped their spirit and know-how. They played crucial roles in bands silly (The Monkees) and sublime (The Byrds) and Tedesco has skin-tingling archive footage to prove it. The final winning licks are, fittingly, interviews with the Wreckers themselves. Director: Denny Tedesco Starring: Brian Wilson, Nancy Sinatra, Cher, Glen Campbell, Leon Russell, Dick Clark Theatrical release: 26 June 2015 Kevin Harley
THE TERMINATOR
James Camerons 1984 original feels a world away from the franchises later missteps (which hopefully the upcoming Genisys wont compound). Before the catchphrases and tied-inknots time travel, this low-fi sci-fi comes on as gritty, punk, Carpenter-like filmmaking. Arnold Schwarzeneggers killing machine sent from a machine-run future to prevent the birth of a resistance leader is a brilliantly sparse creation, cutting out his own damaged eyeball in the pursuit of Linda Hamiltons unsuspecting mother. Yes, T2 upped the ante but this is still one of the great 80s action movies. Director: James Cameron Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton Theatrical release: 23 June 2015 Kevin Harley
