‘Record-breaking crowds, sold out screenings, live music, loud raucous parties and the very best independent film from the UK and around the world’—Raindance sets the bar high for the 17th Raindance Film Festival with this promise seen on all the pamphlets and books. Last night, during the seventh night of the festival, Raindance fulfilled promises of such.

After seeing the sold out screening and crowds with several films, including the opening night ‘Humpday’, I honestly had been waiting for the wild side of the festival that I’ve read so much about.

The night met all my anticipations—beginning with filming Terence Davies interview, a part of the Alexander Mackendrick Memorial Lecture. The charming, passionate, and entertaining man kept the audience completely enthralled with him throughout the forty-five minute lecture. I caught myself constantly forgetting about the camera and enjoying his detailed, lively recollections of his scarring childhood, life-changing films, and more. In the end, he made a plea to listeners to stop looking to Hollywood for validation and warned the audience that if the British film industry continues as it is, it is in danger of losing the British culture all together. His insight and enthusiasm were a true joy to listen to.

With my tiny flip camera in my pocket, I jetted from the Apollo to the Raindance café for the Japanese party. I had no idea what was in store for me!

Situating myself on the ground to get a good view of the Japanese alt-rock band, I waited. Four extremely lanky, thin, Japanese men with hair far surpassing their shoulders took the stage. I looked around to find the area completely packed. And then it happened—the music began and the rockers definitely rocked. Jumping around the stage, constantly head banging, the four men put on a high-energy rock show. Check out the pictures!

My ears are still buzzing…