This weekend I was lucky enough to travel up to London, where i had won tickets (through 02 priority moments) to the Sundance London Film Festival at the 02 in Greenwich. The tickets were actually for a private screening of the Indie, Rom-Com 'They Came Together' - followed by a Q&A with Director David Wain. Being a bit of a movie buff and lover of most things American, this felt like an ideal opportunity to do something slightly different on a Sunday and to head up to the Capital, a place which is always seems to inspire and get the creative cloggs turning. It seems wherever you go in London or whatever corner your turn there's always something - be it a poster, piece of street art or a strangers street style - that captures the eye and doesn't leave you short of interesting things to look at.
Having not been to the 02 before i didn't quite know what to expect; perhaps it was because it was the last day of the festival (and a Sunday evening) or it just isn't a popular event (most likely appealing to film students or film lovers like myself) but it seemed to lack a certain buzz and atmosphere. Regardless of this however, there were still a few other things besides the film viewings that were available for free - an interactive Nissan exhibition gave you the opportunity to try out the Daytona PS3 racing game and share ideas about transport for the future.
Whilst in the evening, after the film - ,in the new venue, The Brooklyn Bowl - they had live music from Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra 'a blend of complex funk grooves, Nigerian traditional music (including hi-life), African percussion, underpinning the jazz horns and solos from other instruments, as well as rhythmical singing.' It was a great venue with a vibrant, but relaxed atmosphere - a place which you could casually stroll along to following a few drinks or meal in one of the many restaurants and bars in the 02.
All in all, it was a great way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon and had i lived a bit more central to London it would have been great to see some of the many other films showing such as 'Frank' and 'The one i love', as well as attending more of the independent talks and workshops. Guess there's always next year.....thanks 02!
