Verity: Movie Review

Cast: Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, Josh Hartnett, Ismael Cruz Córdova
Director: John Showalter

In the 1990s, the lurid, pulpy erotic thriller was a mainstay of straight-to-video releases and low-rent cinemas.

But for every Basic Instinct, there was a Jade, thrillers with potential, big names, lascivious moments and yet offering so little vicarious pleasure to those willing to endure their 90 minutes run time.

The latest one - which to be disrespectful to Jade - is quite frankly, a waste of everyone's time - both talent and audiences.

Based on Colleen Hoover's novel of the same name, Verity stars Anne Hathaway as ferociously successful writer Verity Crawford, an author who's made her fortune on pulpy novels from the villain's point of view. In contrast to Verity's stella success, a somewhat limp Johnson is struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who's giving book readings to a handful of people without joy. 

When she's asked to go to the Crawfords to write for a newly paralysed Verity, she's unsure of whether she has the talent to do so. But egged on by the enthusiasm of Verity's husband Jeremy (Hartnett, out to show Brandon Sklenar who came first), Lowen reluctantly moves to remote Vermont to take up the position. 

However, she soon discovers another side to the paradise she's elected to be part of.

Clearly aiming for trashy edges, and with some darkness hinting throughout (infanticide, murder, lust), Verity wants to be a great addition to the pantheon of pulp but in truth, this turgid, slow-moving trainwreck of a thriller is derailed early on by crucially forgetting to be a thriller first and foremost.

With the most obvious of twists signposted at the start and with a back third loaded with sudden revelatory exposition that will elicit a yawn rather than a gasp, Verity stumbles towards mediocrity with arms wide open.

Copious voiceovers as Hathaway reads from a discovered manuscript doesn't make for a compelling film and there's little chemistry between Hartnett and Johnson to cling onto either. With soundtrack-led jump scares, weird product placement for Call Her Daddy podcast and Hot Ones, the film's an odd mix of nothing seriously substantial, thrown together by a director whose TV work drips with suspense and drama.

Hathaway's largely confined to looking like a 1940s femme fatale with red lipstick and dress to match early on in flashbacks, before the endgame narrative thrusts her character into the spotlight. But by then, it's all too late to make anyone care at all.

At one point, Hartnett's Jeremy asks Johnson's Lowen if she's having fun. To which she replies, "Yes, but I have resting bored face." After nearly two hours of plodding tedium, most of the audience may disagree with the first part of that sentiment, but wholeheartedly will embrace the second half.

Samsung releases Galaxy Tab S12 series, TabS12+ and TabS12 Ultra and reveals pricing

Samsung Introduces Galaxy Tab S12 Series: The Ultimate Productivity Powerhouse Built for Growth

Packed into a remarkably slim, durable design with sustained peak performance, long-lasting battery life and the latest Galaxy AI, the Galaxy Tab S12 series empowers users to push their boundaries without limitations

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled the Galaxy Tab S12 series — Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+ — delivering Samsung’s most capable and versatile tablet experience yet. Packing breakthrough performance, long-lasting battery life, and the latest Galaxy AI  into Galaxy Tab’s signature ultra-thin design, the new line-up turns complex workflows into effortless, everydayachievements whether it’s mastering skills, pursuing career goals or exploring creative passions.

Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+ feature immersive displays and come bundled with the ergonomically designed S Pen for effortless note-taking and precise editing. With easy access to professional-grade apps and versatile accessories, users can pursue their passions and progress toward their goals with ease.

Combining portability with professional-grade power, the Galaxy Tab S12 series gives users instant access to powerful capabilities whenever inspiration strikes.

“The Galaxy Tab S12 series is designed for people who are constantly exploring new ideas, developing new skills and bringing their ambitions to life,” said Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Built with industry-leading hardware, the Galaxy Tab S12 series pairs an expansive screen with the power of Galaxy AI — removing

friction from complex tasks so users can stay focused on achieving impactful results.”

Peak Performance in an Ultra-Thin Design

The Galaxy Tab S12 series combines powerful performance and long-lasting battery life into a thin and light design, making it easy for users to achieve more, wherever ambition takes them. At a remarkably slim 5.1mm, Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is Samsung’s thinnest Galaxy Tab, while delivering the most powerful performance of any Galaxy Tab to date, supporting productive use throughout the day. For example, users taking an online course alongside a full-time job can catch up on a lesson during the commute, then work through course exercises on the large screen at a café or library later in the day.

Both models are built to go the distance, allowing users to keep going without losing momentum. On a single charge, the all-day battery lasts up to 23 hours on Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra 2 and up to 21 hours on Galaxy Tab S12+ 3 , supporting long stretches of productivity.

Beyond long-lasting battery life, the Galaxy Tab S12 series delivers the most powerful performance of any Galaxy Tab to date, keeping pace with even intensive tasks. The cutting-edge 3nm processor delivers up to 61% faster NPU processing, 19% faster CPU performance and 17% improved GPU power compared to Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra.  In everyday use, that means users can take on more demanding tasks with increased speed and responsiveness. Whether rendering complex creative projects or watching a lecture while taking notes and asking AI for clarification — the experience stays responsive and fast with fewer interruptions to break their focus.

A newly designed 3D Vapor Chamber efficiently dissipates heat to support more reliable performance during demanding tasks, whether users are editing video or designing graphics for hours. 5 Engineered for resilience and durability to withstand the elements and give users peace of mind, the Galaxy Tab S12 series also comes with IP68-rated water and dust resistance.

The Galaxy Tab S12 series comes with an expansive screen designed to help users think bigger and give ideas more room to unfold. Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a large 14.6-inch display, making it easy to explore complex topics and keep multiple perspectives in view. The Galaxy Tab S12+ features a larger 12.6-inch display and slimmer bezels than its predecessor, offering more screen space without sacrificing portability.

Both models feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays reaching up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness —delivering clear, vivid visuals indoor and out. The upgraded seamless Vision Booster now adjusts brightness in real time based on lighting conditions for comfortable viewing.

Sound gets a major upgrade as well, with 4-channel spatial audio — twice as many channels as the previous generation — delivering a richer, more immersive experience whether users are streaming content, following a tutorial or editing.

Making Everyday Tasks More Intuitive and Effortless

Building on an industry-leading hardware foundation, the Galaxy Tab S12 series turns its large screen into a flexible workspace that makes it easy to keep up with different tasks without missing a beat. 

Running Android 17 with One UI 9 and the latest Galaxy AI, it brings research, note-taking, creation and AI assistance into one place, giving users more freedom to explore new ideas, capture what matters and put what they learn into practice.

Thanks to the Galaxy Tab S12 series’ immersive screen, users can split the screen into up to three sections in  Multi Window layout. For example, users can take notes in Samsung Notes on one side while playing a lecture and opening an AI assistant on the other. As key takeaways or questions come up, users can capture them with the S Pen directly in Samsung Notes, while Note Assist 8 summarises their notes – all without pausing the lecture.

Both models come bundled with an ergonomic S Pen, offering precise, intuitive input for note-taking, annotating materials, and sketching concepts. For a more structured, professional workstation, the Pro Keyboard elevates productivity with a premium aluminum finish and a Galaxy AI Key that enables instant access to AI assistants, while the Book Cover Keyboard Slim delivers flexibility with comfortable viewing angles and an effortless typing experience.

The Galaxy Tab S12 series helps users bring information together and get real-time support the moment curiosity strikes. The Galaxy Tab S12 series comes equipped with a six-month trial of Google AI Pro 11 , providing expanded access to Google’s most capable AI models from day one. Users can ask Gemini about anything unclear or dive deeper into subjects they want to explore the moment a question comes up. 

With Gemini Notebook, users can bring together notes, images, recordings, and files in one workspace and create summaries, podcasts, and even quizzes to make key information easier to understand.

As exploration expands into deeper research, Samsung Browser helps users stay focused without losing track of what they have already discovered. By understanding webpage content, context across multiple tabs, and browsing history, it can summarise information across open pages or surface a relevant source viewed days earlier – helping users spend less time searching through past tabs and more time capturing the key insights that matter most.

A Complete Ecosystem Designed to Take Skills and Creativity Further

The Galaxy Tab S12 series gives users the ideal place to put knowledge into practice, bringing together professional-grade apps 13 alongside benefits worth approximately $600 14 to help them take their skills further.

Adobe Photoshop 15 comes pre-loaded on the Galaxy Tab S12 series — a first for Android tablets — bringing pro-grade image editing and design to the tablet. The interface is optimised for tablets, and S Pen support makes it more intuitive to move ideas from hand to screen. Photoshop includes AI-powered features including AI Assistant and generative AI features powered by Adobe Firefly like Generative Fill and Image to Video, helping creatives edit faster and effortlessly. Exclusively for the Galaxy Tab S12 series, users receive four months of free access to the Photoshop mobile plan.

Notability 16 , newly pre-loaded on Galaxy Tab, helps users capture their ideas, organise notes and build knowledge more efficiently with S Pen optimisation and AI-driven study tools with a six-month free trial, plus 20% off the first subscription. Goodnotes delivers clean note-taking and organisation with one year of free access and LumaFusion enables professional-grade video editing, offered at a 66% discount. And Notion supports flexible writing, planning and organisation with one month of its Plus plan free. Clip Studio Paint brings precision drawing and painting tools for digital art with a six-month trial and 20% off the first subscription.

In addition to these apps, users can explore a broader range of options that support different needs. MyScript Math instantly solves handwritten equations and shows the steps behind each one, while MyScript Notes summarises handwritten notes into study materials with built-in AI tools to explain concepts or generate quizzes. Noteshelf 3 offers customisable layouts for capturing and organising ideas, while ArcSite converts rough field sketches into precise CAD drawings.

Availability

The Galaxy Tab S12 series will be available starting Oct. 21 in New Zealand and offered in two colours, Grey and Silver. 23 Silver is only available in 256gb WiFi model for the Galaxy Tab S12+ and the Galaxy S12 Ultra.

The base prices for TabS12+ and TabS12 Ultra are below:

• RRP for TabS12+ starts at $2,299 for 256GB of storage for the WiFi model.
• RRP for TabS12 Ultra starts at $2,699 for 256GB of storage for the WiFi model. 

Built for lasting and confident use, Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ support up to seven times of OS upgrades and security updates. For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+ 25 offers comprehensive coverage tailored to users' device needs, including fast repairs for accidental damage, extended warranty, and certified expert support available both at home and abroad. Additionally, Galaxy mobile phone users running One UI 9 can easily check the Samsung Care+ status of their Galaxy Tab and enroll through the Warranty and care menu in the Settings. 

It providesquick access to warranty information, self-diagnostics, repair requests, and remote support for connected devices—all directly from the mobile phone.

Digger: Movie Review

Cast: Tom Cruise, John Goodman, Sandra Huller, Riz Ahmed
Director:Alejandro G. Iñárritu

It's hard to discuss Digger, a satire and meta commentary on the world we currently live in without revealing the big twist that comes some 30 minutes into the film.

Suffice to say this review will not do that.

It's an audacious move that upends what you've seen as the messy, sprawling film unfurls in front of you. Cruise, donning latex, a paunch and a thinning hairline, is Digger Rockwell, the owner of an oil company and eccentric billionaire who wears cowboy boots with pyjamas and nurses his clearly dying cat Maggie with the passion of someone who won't face the negatives in life.

When Digger's told the drilling he's doing in Alaska has caused the ice shelf to rupture from the coastline and is on a collision course with Europe, he races, along with the US President (Goodman) and his chief health and science safety officer (Ahmed, one of the film's bright points) to try and save the world.

As mentioned, Digger has a sprawling feel that meshes with its Dr Strangelove aspirations and its curiously odd edges.

There's a dark heart at play here, in a tale that mocks and exposes woke mentalities, along with the stale, male and pale world that makes up so much of it.

And while you could accuse parts of the film's narrative feeling shallow and only interested in highlighting concerns, there's a theme that emerges early on which the movie clings to and expands on. Plus, much of the film is people shouting, with their veins bulging as they Hector us into submission. It's grating in places, exhausting in others without any real reward.

Central to all of this is Cruise, channelling Midwestern drawl and billionaire bluster with gusto. Obnoxious, vulgar and arrogant, Digger is - like the film itself- a polarizing character that you may struggle to get to grips with. Certain revelations may adjust how you feel though - in a sign that Iñárritu and his actor have tried to make something deeper.

But Cruise makes him extremely compelling and intense in scenes where he's required to do so. One such moment sees his Digger address the United Nations as the disaster nears, and he exposes both the hypocrisy of the oil loving masses and the inadequacies that leaders have failed to address in tackling warning signs and finding alternatives.

Once Digger finds its groove, it settles into something that's unlike cinema has seem this year and it's no surprise the marketing has struggled to nail down exactly what this film is without destroying Iñárritu's vision for it.

What Iñárritu wants to say is partly up for discussion, but in some ways, there are parts of this which are a clarion call for action and a terrifying admission that ignorance continues to grow despite what art has to say about it. The post-release discussion should be fascinating. (And there needs to be recognition for the soundscape that's been created within - every single noise is amplified, affected and augmented in the soundtrack, an inescapable touch of visionary flair throughout.)

You won't see another movie like Digger this year and while it's nowhere near a lock for any kind of awards glory, it's a fascinating piece of occasionally experimental cinema whose last moments ring horrifically true to real world parallels and serve as a warning that we keep ignoring.

Minecraft Dungeons II: Xbox Series X Review

Developed by Double Fine and Mojang Studios
Published by Xbox Game Studios
Platform: Xbox Series X

It was back in July 2020 that Minecraft was given a Gauntlet-style makeover with a dungeon brawler that captured those who'd never played the Mojang mega hit and longed for some way into this world so beloved by many.

It's taken nearly six years for a sequel to emerge and to say it's been worth the wait is quite the understatement.

In the sequel, the Overworld has been at peace since the Arch-illager was defeated. But as ever, peace is somewhat fleeting in this world and a council of three Illagers have discovered a new portal to a soul-charged dimension known as the Sift and are using it for their own nefarious reasons.

As they meddle further, they unleash a series of corrupted creatures and rifts throughout the Overworld and it's upto you to take on the danger and survive the threats that are ahead.

Mojang Studios and Double Fine have crafted a much deeper and expansive experience this time around with both a depth of story and a map that's massive and opens up the further into the story you get. At its heart though, Minecraft Dungeons II takes everything that worked about the first game (Minecraft crafting, combat, blocky graphics) and ups it to 11, creating an experience that feels like it'll sap hours of your time before you've even realised.

Creating the first new Minecraft dimension in 15 years was a challenge for the studios, but they've carried it off with aplomb. It's not just combat that feels chunkier, but the level of personalisation as well.

With the options to equip gear on every part of your body, the inventory opens itself up to masses of gear that is scattered all over the Overworld. Initially it appears that there are too many red chests strewn around the world, giving you the chance to snag gems and new gear. But given how many different parts of you need clothing and equipping, it soon becomes clear that this is a minor gripe.

Combat has also had a bit of an overhaul too. With the chance to perform jump attacks, and more mobs that spawn in a seemingly never-ending array of ambushes, there's a need to be a little smarter with the fighting, rather than simply mashing buttons and hoping for the best. Enemies are more deadly than before and even though there are more weapon choices, there'll be bosses who can't be defeated until the game's allowed you to level up.

In terms of the map, it's much bigger than before and is packed with side quests throughout. But while there are plenty of side quests, most of them can be finished fairly quickly (around 10 minutes of combat and exploration) and bring some rewards. They're fruitful distractions which help to deepen the lore and enhance the world around your character. (And there are nice nods to the Minecraft world with some cliffs yielding homes to just chill in and look at.)

The dungeons are plentiful and offer challenges with various creatures to dispatch. This time around, it feels like the boss fights are harder and the skill levels are quick to traverse. Graphically the game's improved in some areas, with environments standing out a little more and explosions from the likes of TNT offering a chunkier explosion and after effect.

Fast travel also shows off the scope of a map that's more interconnected than its predecessor and one which gives a chance for endless replay. Whereas Minecraft Dungeons was a series of levels, Minecraft Dungeons II feels more like a wider world and it's a welcome touch for those looking to spend time in this game.

The entrance to the Sift dimension itself is nicely done, a kind of oily graphic that glows in the middle of a level, offering you a chance to explore a new world and a new set of combat opportunities. Visually, as opposed to the Overworld's lush greens and foliage, this is a world filled with stark colours and almost garish creations and critters. It's a vibrant contrast and one which feels like Mojang Studios have worked for a while to ensure the difference is obvious.

Crucially once again, Minecraft Dungeons II doesn't become so entrenched to the original game that it is not approachable for non-fans. You don't need to know your Illagers from your Zombies to be part of it. And along with an online team up and the chance to expand the leads out, the game really does owe a massive debt to Gauntlet.

Whether it's tackling soul-corrupted spiders or Evokers or spending time working out which gear is best to equip before a battle, Minecraft Dungeons II once again shows the blocky world is well worth exploring and with the depth and love that's been sunk in here, it'll be a long time before all of the game's secrets and thrills have been explored by gamers.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series to release on physical media on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch

Limited Run Games, a premium publisher of physical video games, announced today that time-limited pre-orders for the sci-fi narrative adventure The Expanse: A Telltale Series are still open for PlayStation®5 and Nintendo® Switch™, with the time-limited period ending on October 4th.

 

Beloved storytellers Telltale has upped the excitement and intrigue in this mysterious series of expeditions, set in the unforgiving brutality of space. Within these five episodes of atmospheric sci-fi, players will don the spacesuit of one of the beloved show’s key characters, Camina Drummer, voiced by returning show star Cara Gee. Hop aboard spaceship The Artemis and embark on a perilous adventure set before the events of the television series. 

 

In this narrative-driven title the universe has yet to experience civilization being flipped on its side by The Ring, a massive, alien megastructure that acts as a stable wormhole portal to a vast network of star systems.

 

In the hostile, zero-g environment, players will need to make difficult, world-changing decisions that decide the fate of their crew and everyone around them, while at the same time embarking on scavenging missions and combating terrifying pirates who have their eyes on your precious loot. 

 

There are no easy choices in a Telltale title, but every decision will have consequences…and players will have to guide Camina through a landscape shaped by the choices they make.

 

To commemorate the physical edition of The Expanse: A Telltale Series Limited Run Games has included the game case, with special cover art, the game disc or cartridge, and an eight-page booklet for an MSRP of of $39.99  / £40.00 / €44.95 / $56.99 CAD.

 

Pre orders for The Expanse: A Telltale Series are open right now and will finish on October 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET (3:59 AM UTC October 5, 2026) at https://limitedrungames.com/products/the-expanse-a-telltale-series-standard-edition-switch-ps5

 

Brave space and buckle up, beltalowda because it’s gonna be a wild ride.

Show Me Shorts Film Festival Announces 21st Programme

BUMPER LINE-UP OF AWARD-WINNING SHORT FILMS REVEALED

Show Me Shorts Film Festival has announced their 21st programme with the best new cinema from Aotearoa and around the world.

New Zealand’s top international short film festival, Show Me Shorts, will screen 65 short films for audiences across Aotearoa during 7–31 October. The programme brings together acclaimed international short films alongside a strong line-up of homegrown New Zealand films, with movies that have screened at some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Venice, Tribeca, Clermont-Ferrand, SXSW and Annecy.

Fourteen world premieres of New Zealand short films will take place during the festival. Comedic drama Lucky Luke, directed by Jesse Griffin; body-swap comedy Six Minute Supplement, directed by Sinead Lau; and horror Thicker than Water, directed by Pavel Kvatch will make their debuts at Auckland Opening Night on 7 October. Animation for children Seedlings, directed by Seung-Woo Hong; heart-warming documentary Bob & C-Nut: A Good Way to Start the Day, directed by Anna Frances Pearson; and relationship drama Breakfast For Dinner, directed by Tū Māia Curtis and Te Waiarangi Ratana will headline Wellington Opening Night on 8 October. Eight more New Zealand films will make their world premieres in the Day One Shorts collection.

 The 65 chosen short films were selected from almost 2,500 submissions. They have been divided into ten themed collections, spanning comedy, drama, animation, documentary, horror, science fiction, music videos and films for tamariki. The festival will include 120 screenings and events at 44 cinemas and community venues nationwide, making it one of the most widely available film festivals in Aotearoa.

Life Goes On - directed by Kat Butterfield and Daniel Audritt.

LIST OF SHORT FILM COLLECTIONS:

1.  The Sampler: Highlights of the festival, with inspiring, thoughtful and fun films from around the world.

2.  Aotearoa: Homegrown stories of our land and our people, showcasing talented upcoming creatives.

3.  Whānau Friendly: Cute and charming films for children and families to enjoy together.

4.  Norwegian Short Film Focus: Dark humour, dreamy landscapes and trolls. Showcasing iconic Norwegian filmmakers.

5.  Heartstrings: Bold stories of humanity, heart, and compassion in pressured situations.

6.  After the Robots: Lighthearted sci-fi, exploring possible apocalyptic futures when AI robots have taken over.

7.  Oddballs & Absurd Calls: Explore intriguing worlds one step from reality and meet amusingly unusual characters.

8.  Run for Your Life: Zombies give chase and killers stalk their prey. Thrills, scares, frights and fears brought to life.

9.  Day One Shorts: Films by young filmmakers about identity, memory, connection and overcoming challenges.

10.  Award Winners: All the winning films together - demonstrating excellence in craft and creativity.

“Short films are the embryo of the movie ecosystem, and I’m pleased to report thriving creativity in spite of ever reducing budgets,” says Festival Director Gina Dellabarca. “I invite you to come check out who the next top directors, actors, and other film creatives are. Every collection has been carefully curated to provide a thoughtful, entertaining and inspiring journey for viewers. Bring your mates or family for maximum enjoyment.”

 Highlight films in The Sampler, the collection that travels most widely around the country, include Life Goes On, starring BAFTA winner David Bradley as a man who finds himself stuck in a time loop; 113 Words for You Today, a science fiction romance set on a distant frozen planet; and Socks, a coming-of-age story about a Māori boy who forms an unexpected bond with a Mormon missionary.

Internationally recognised performers and filmmakers feature strongly across the programme, such as Emmy Award winner Alan Cumming who stars in Kiloran Bay, about a gay man returning to Scotland with his partner after years away. Renée Zellweger makes her directorial debut with They, a colourful animation with a positive message for children. While Australian director Nash Edgerton (who Show Me Shorts regulars will know from his Spider/Bear/Shark trilogy of shorts) stars in quirky drama Mr Adidos, and his most recently directed short comedy Candy Bar features in The Sampler collection.

They - directed by Renée Zellweger

The Aotearoa collection showcases eight local films, including Ana Chaya Scotney’s Kurī, which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and Marina Alofagia McCartney’s The Return, a story of ancestry and self-acceptance.

 Technology and our uncertain relationship with it is a recurring theme this year. After the Robots is a collection that brings together eight ambitious visions of possible futures shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and machines. Among them are Please and Thank You, in which a virtual assistant attempts to save its polite human user from an AI apocalypse; The Old Lady and the Eternity, about an 86-year-old woman who refuses to be uploaded to a digital afterlife; and おか (Okage), the first ever AI film to screen at Show Me Shorts – this is the story of a robot dog that must rely on the kindness of humans to complete its journey.

 

The Whānau Friendly collection is always one of the most popular, with seven short films for primary school aged children and their families. The films in this collection were chosen for children, by children, with young film lovers from Parnell District School helping to select the shorts they most wanted to see on the big screen.

 

Aspiring filmmakers attending Show Me Shorts can take advantage of educational industry events. Filmmaker Talks provide an opportunity to hear how films were made directly from the creators and ask questions about their process.

SHOW ME SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL SETS OFF ACROSS AOTEAROA DURING 7TH - 31ST OCTOBER.

Tickets for screenings and events are now available though www.showmeshorts.co.nz. Advance booking is recommended as some sessions will sell out quickly.

Some collections will also be available with captions to make them more accessible to people with hearing impairments.

About Show Me Shorts Film Festival

Show Me Shorts is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading international short film festival and is considered one of the top short film festivals globally. The festival is Oscar, BAFTA and Goya qualifying. It delivers an entertaining and thoughtful experience for audiences, with 120 screenings and events taking place in 44 cinemas and community venues nationwide each October. The festival also includes events and professional development opportunities for filmmakers.