Poll stars

It’s time to vote for the film of the year with The List and the Richard Attenborough Film Awards. Words: Paul Dale

cl‘ore we look forward to 200‘). we want List readers to look hack to their favourite films ol‘ yesteryear. well 2008 anyway. The List has joined the prestigious Richard Attenhorough Film Awards (RAFAsl to create an all new readers' poll for the best lilm ol‘ the year. The RAFAs are now in their third year and were originally devised to give a dedicated voice to regional media during the hiin prol'ile annual awards season. The six categories are voted for exclusively by regional journalists/ producers Film. Filmmaker. Actor.

Actress. Screenwriter and Newcomer ol'

the year.

This year the RAFAs are expanding with the addition of some puhlic vote categories. principally 'I'lu/ [.isr's readers Film ol' The Year poll. a public audiences’ vote in association with Focus. and Film .Music ol‘ the year sponsored by ('lussit' I'M (voted for by (‘lassic FM listeners).

()l‘ the new developments Lord Attenhorough says: ‘I have always

10 THE LIST 8 7’2 .12”: 2on9

helieved that the cinema‘s astonishing power to surprise. move. amuse and. above all. entertain can only he l‘ull'illed when films are experienced by audiences. The [K is the third most valuable country for cinemagoing in the world. and three- quarters of cinema admissions take place outside the London area. I am thrilled that the awards are expanding in 2009 with a public vote.’

So. il‘ your favourite l‘ilm ol‘ 2008 was Changeling. WILL-Ii. In Bruges. Hunger. Sex and the (try or Quantum of Solace then visit www.l‘ilmol'theyear.co.uk and follow the links to The List Film of the Year readers poll. It doesn‘t cost anything and it‘s your chance to show its silly critics a thing or two. The poll is open now and the vote closes at noon on Monday 26 January.

All the results -— the critics’ awards and the puhlic votes will he announced on Thursday 2‘) January. (io on. do it for the kids. do it for the wonder ol’ cinema.

I Vote now at i2/22/v./.til/nofUiey/ear.co.tik

BRINGING IT HOME

I Homecoming festivities finally kick off this month, timed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Burns’ birth. Activities running during the weekend of 23-25 Jan will introduce the ten-month long national programme of more than 300 events. The opening weekend includes an invitation to join the World Famous Burns Supper Celebration, wherever you are in the world. See listings for details.

Visit www.list.co.uk for daily arts & entertainment news

Book-One Edinburgh returns for its third campaign next month following successful reading campaigns with Kidnapped and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. This time round, Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World takes centre stage, with events and activities inspired by it throughout the UK.

THE FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL which takes place from 6-14 Mar has announced its

programme. Events include climbing, kayaking, and skiing, and the programme also boasts mountain sports, films, lectures, guided walks, skills workshops and fringe activities for all those who want to learn aboutand celebrate mountain culture. Big names include Adrian Burgess and Marko Prezelj.

current princes of the pop circuit, Take That have announced a third stadium show at Glasgow’s Hampden Park on 21 Jun. Check out www.ticketmaster .co.uk or www.se cxtra.com

YOUNG AT ART The RSA seeks applications for the Alastair Salvesen Art Scholarship, a major initiative aimed at young ainters who have ma e the transition from college to a working environment. For details visit www. royalscottishacademy. org

INTO THE HINTERLAND

I The Hinterland music event takes place on 30 Apr and 1 May with over 80 bands playing in 15 venues across Glasgow. Organisers are keen to ensure that around 50% of the final line-up is Scottish so that local talent gets showcased. Acts already announced include Glasgow based acoustic indie group Pearl and the Puppets who supported the Sugababes earlier this year, and Glaswegian trio Zoey Van Goey (pictured).

I A Scottish short film about a 73 year-old weightlifting champion has been selected for screening at the Sundance Film Festival. Ma Bar, about Bill McFadyen, took the Best Short Film prize at the Scottish BAFTAs in November.