It’s been a long since the last edition, but here we are again: it’s time for another edition of Writer’s Block Happenings! Let’s see what’s up and happing in Amsterdam in the first months of the year:
International Film Festival Rotterdam, January 21st – February 1st . The biggest international film festival of The Netherlands. New films (of which some will be released in Dutch cinemas this year and some won’t) from all over the world, award shows and cool parties.
Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) in cinemas from January 22nd – Alejandro González Iñárritu’s (Biutiful, Babel) latest film tells the bizarre story of a washed-up actor in the days leading up to the opening of a new Broadway play. Starring Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts and many others.
Mr. Turner in cinemas now – with the releases of Whiplash, Birdman, The Theory of Everything, and The Imitation Game, there’s a substantial amount of geniuses playing the main role in films. It’ll be hard to choose if you don’t own a Cineville pass (so yes, buy one!). Mr. Turner, however, not showing cliché dialogues, but a natural and believable storyline of a painter who can be great without being socially awkward, is truly refreshing in this line of new films. O, and it’s very British (bonus!).
DAWG Review #3 Release Party, January 29th 19.00 @ De Nieuwe Anita – Our friends at Amsterdam Writer’s Guild are throwing a party to celebrate the release of their third publication. Expect booze, fantastic storytelling, moving poetry, and interesting people. Free entrance.
Food Soul Festival January 30th – February 1st @ Kromhouthal. If you’re fed up with this dreary weather Food Soul Festival might prove the antidote to your wintry blues. Foodtrucks, soul music, and a tropical vibe – what’s not to love? Free entrance.
Virunga (Human Rights Weekend) January 31st @ De Balie – In light of the Human Rights Weekend, De Balie is screening Virunga, previously shown at IDFA. In the forested depths of eastern Congo lies Virunga National Park, one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth and home to the planet’s last remaining mountain gorillas. In this wild, but enchanted environment, a small and embattled team of park rangers protect this UNESCO world heritage site from armed militia, poachers and the dark forces struggling to control Congo’s rich natural resources. Virunga is on the Academy Award short list for best documentary. HRW day passes and passe partouts @ debalie.nl
Firebird: Symphonic Cinema January 31st & February 3rd 20.15 @ Concertgebouw – Famous for his Symphonic Cinema series, Lucas van Woerkum will be showing his interpretation of this fairy tale in film alongside the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra. In collaboration with actors of Dutch theatre company Nationale Toneel, this will be an unforgettable evening out.
Etc’s book club presents: Americanah, February 3rd 20.00 @ Werkplaats – new month, new book. This time Etc’s cozy book club is all about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel that tells the story of a young Nigerian woman who emigrates to the US for a university education and stays there for work. Selected as one of the 10 Best Books of 2013 by the New York Times Book Review. Free entrance.
Inherent Vice in cinemas from February 5th – Paul Thomas Anderson’s much anticipated adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel of the same name.
Jean Desmet’s Dream Factory, exhibition until 12 April @ EYE – EYE’s exhibitions have always been fantastic. When they showed the works and films of the Quay Brothers, it was hard to leave the exhibition room at closing time. Now with Jean Desmet, EYE has become my new home. This pioneer of Dutch cinema just keeps you coming back for his witty and sharp silent movies. You’ll probably need a day or three to see it all. Entrance: €7,50 and EYE also accepts Museumkaart.
Don’t forget there’s a whole slew of events from the last few weeks that might still be going on! The complete list of events is always featured on the right of the page, so use the search function if you’re looking for info on a specific event that’s not on the above list. Do you happen to have a really good suggestion for the next edition of WB Happenings? Let us know through writerssblock@gmail.com, and we might include your suggestion in the next edition!
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