Stage set for British movie marathon

PUNE: The British Council has planned to showcase 20 British films in the city as part of a nation-wide #20Films20Weeks programme. Films with themes ranging from children's favourites to gripping drama are expected to be a part of the line-up. They will be screened at the Council's library on Fergusson College Road. The festival is planned to extend till January 2017, a statement issued by the Council said.To celebrate Roald Dahl Day, which was on September 13, this month will commemorate his exceptional contributions in children's lives by screening two of his favourite works 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' on September 16, for which he wrote the screenplay, and another story about a small boy and a huge piece of fruit. Similarly, a critically acclaimed film would be showcased to coincide with the International Day of the Girl Child in October, the month dedicated to women in film.A documentary 'David Bowie: Five Years' is planned for November. It covers the five most important years of David Bowie's career using his songs and archived footage considered most creative and influential. Several other award winning films on influential UK artists are also line up for the month. Ringing bells at the time of Christmas is a showcase of children's cinema.January will witness the films of Ken Loach, including the British director's award-winning dramas.There will also be a series of #secretscreening films each month, where audiences will find out the film on the day, with hints being dropped on British Council India's Twitter @inBritish in the run-up to the event, the statement said. The festival schedule is available on the Council's website.#20Films20Weeks is our unique initiative to celebrate this shared love of films and familiarize the UK culture in India by showcasing the best works of British cinema