Following the recent release of the iconic ‘The BFG’ directed by Stephen Spielberg, Dahl stories and their adaptations are once again a topic of celebration for audiences and readers alike.
Melissa Mathison has adapted the 1982 children’s book for the screen, with Mark Rylance taking on the role of the formidable but lovable giant. Young Ruby Barnhill portrays the lost child Sophie, whose fear of the giant quickly turns to friendship.
The film released to Irish cinemas on last Friday July 22nd, with audiences and critics alike praising the magical translation of Dahl’s timeless storytelling to screen.
Cinemagic is hosting a series of screenings to celebrate the centenary of the writer’s birth in the Ulster Museum, Queen’s Film Theatre and Strand Arts Centre, Belfast.
The classic films to be screened include ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘James and the Giant Peach’ and ‘The Witches’.
Interestingly the line-up also includes an interactive screening of ‘Matilda’, which in turn celebrates two decades as a family favourite this year.
Guest speakers include Julie Dawn Cole, who played the unpleasant Veruca Salt during Charlie’s visit to the chocolate factory. The season also includes an educational workshop for young animators to take the first steps toward learning the crafts of storyboarding and character design.
Claire Shaw from Cinemagic has stated: “We can’t wait for our special screenings in September which will be fun-filled, and interactive, inspiring a new generation of cinema-goers and celebrating one of the world’s greatest children’s storytellers”
Hana Lewis of Film Hub Wales also reminds us that, “We were all inevitably inspired by Roald Dahl as children and as we grow into adults, his stories remain with us. The season will offer a rare opportunity for parents to enjoy his films together with their children, on the big screen.
The project is taking place with the support of the BFI (British Film Institute), which has awarded National Lottery funding, and in collaboration with the Roald Dahl Estate.