Dear Readers, As The Kureishi Chronicles nears its eighteenth month, I would like to thank you, my audience, for all your love and attentiveness. With of a following of twenty-eight thousand people, we are one of the largest Substacks in the country, and that is down to you.
Once again Hanif a great piece. Awards are such bollocks but alas such fun as well. Never got that German film either but hey some people liked it! See you very soon I hope.
Such a magical and privileged life you've lead, gives a special quality to those dreams - keep on dreaming those dreams give the rest of us new insight and perspectives.
Oh Hanif! "I dream of places I will never go again. I miss it all, the able-bodied freedom of my former life." How those words hit me, and I'm left with immense sadness and empathy. How bitter-sweet to have had such glorious, outrageous (would your teenage self have ever imagined?) memories, and to compare them with your current limits. But as you must know by now, your words still have power and inspire love, so please keep up the good work, as long as it's helpful to you. We are here, will be here. Thank you for making me think and feel more.
Love the “inside dope” on the movie juries replete with name drops and gossipy details about people, places & process. Hope they invite you back soon. Better yet, why don’t you & sons & whoever make a movie —“Shattered” ?
Entertainingly candid as always, loved it, though it does not make one have much respect for international film competitions. I mean you say Venice was rigged from the start and Cannes to some extent also. I have always found nearly all competitions for any kind of art anathema anyway, oxymoronic and anti-art. As for Hopper, yeah what a let-down banging on about the flag and patriotism, him of all people, kind of pathetic.
I’ve always wondered if the judges had a special room to view undisturbed … this reads happily as a fine paid vacation with lots of viewing in private spaces w ‘friends’ to talk about your reactions/rejections of the films. Kind of an ‘academic’ experience including a dud or two that made the ultimate choices somewhat simpler. And being invited back over the years!… that must have been very special.. a lot of fun actually — becoming a member of the “insiders”… at a world renowned ‘king & queen maker’ ten day event !!
I’m a recipient - over years - of your efforts, talents, commitment to your art!
Once again Hanif a great piece. Awards are such bollocks but alas such fun as well. Never got that German film either but hey some people liked it! See you very soon I hope.
Such a magical and privileged life you've lead, gives a special quality to those dreams - keep on dreaming those dreams give the rest of us new insight and perspectives.
Oh Hanif! "I dream of places I will never go again. I miss it all, the able-bodied freedom of my former life." How those words hit me, and I'm left with immense sadness and empathy. How bitter-sweet to have had such glorious, outrageous (would your teenage self have ever imagined?) memories, and to compare them with your current limits. But as you must know by now, your words still have power and inspire love, so please keep up the good work, as long as it's helpful to you. We are here, will be here. Thank you for making me think and feel more.
Love the “inside dope” on the movie juries replete with name drops and gossipy details about people, places & process. Hope they invite you back soon. Better yet, why don’t you & sons & whoever make a movie —“Shattered” ?
Entertainingly candid as always, loved it, though it does not make one have much respect for international film competitions. I mean you say Venice was rigged from the start and Cannes to some extent also. I have always found nearly all competitions for any kind of art anathema anyway, oxymoronic and anti-art. As for Hopper, yeah what a let-down banging on about the flag and patriotism, him of all people, kind of pathetic.
I’ve always wondered if the judges had a special room to view undisturbed … this reads happily as a fine paid vacation with lots of viewing in private spaces w ‘friends’ to talk about your reactions/rejections of the films. Kind of an ‘academic’ experience including a dud or two that made the ultimate choices somewhat simpler. And being invited back over the years!… that must have been very special.. a lot of fun actually — becoming a member of the “insiders”… at a world renowned ‘king & queen maker’ ten day event !!
I’m a recipient - over years - of your efforts, talents, commitment to your art!
Thank you Hanif 💕🎶
Dear Hanif, thank you so much for so vividly describing a world that most of us will never inhabit.
Women !
PS when did wine join you in the jury?!