What a delight the WOW Festival has brought on to us this year. My excitement was justified due to the buzz for the many great films featured. Wow! This year had a Cuban theme running throughout the festival listings as to celebrate 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. CUUUUUUUUUBA. At the heart of the festival was a certain climate change film (Age Of Stupid) touted to spread the word, open people eyes and expand their minds about the problem.

Last years WOW 2008 was quite successful with holding 182 screenings and over 7000 people gazing upon 22 cinemas throughout the UK. This years gathering of world films looks auspiciously varied. All things considered, I would say this is a successful local film festival for Cardiff. I just wish that more people were aware of what’s on offer more. The rule of thumb for this type of festival is excess on many films you like the look of, take risks and go with an open mind. Heck, you may uncover a few filmic gems in the process.

Films that fluttered their eyelashes at me this time around were the bright, light and cheery Viva Cuba for a breezy adventure. The dark, docile O’Horten for its subtle comedic touches raised an eyebrow. Director Bent Hamer has his trademark storyline that consists of getting screwed over by jobs or following set career paths that fade into nothingness (Factotum feat. Matt Dillon).

Finds Of The Festival
Captain Abu Raed impressed me so much it is only fair to grant this the nicest surprise out of the films watched. It was well shot, well acted and well worthy of picking up a World Cinema Audience Award at the last Sundance Film Festival. Following the story of an honest, humble man who changes the lives of many local children to dream of a better life.

Time To Die also impressed as it was so well composed and made with real compassion. It really gets you involved with the situation, as it tells the story of an old women on her last legs with nothing accept a grand family house full of old memories. The dog (Phila) is the best dog actress I have ever seen.

Most Important Film
Age Of Stupid is the outright most important film in show for how well organised in its structure, without spewing facts at you about the topic. This is a genuine climate change feature film, with a storyline aplomb Pete Postlewaite. After this screening Franny Armstrong held a Q+A afterwards, humble as ever impressed with her passion for the making people aware throughout the world. Franny is now taking on the world with gaining recognition for a great achievement of documentary film making with a bang. www.notstupid.org

So there we are my pretties, The Welsh One World Festival is always worthy of checking out. To follow this post will be full reviews of those films viewed upon. Let’s all raise an imaginary glass of Lidle Cava for the festival. Here, here.

© BRWC 2010.