Cecelia Ahern's books - must reads!

I was given a book by my sister called 'The Book of Tomorrow' by Cecelia Ahern. Initially I though that the book will just hold another typical romantic story. Once I started reading the book, however, I was pleasantly surprised the humanity of the book - rather than being a trash novel, the book deals with issues that are close to our hearts as human-beings. I could really identify with the characters in the book and what they were going through.

Cecelia Ahern is a very talented writer. Her writing style makes the reader want to read on and on. It is definitely worth checking out some of her novels:

http://cecelia-ahern.com/

Black Swan

one of the most talked about films of 2010 and 2011 is 'Black Swan'. I had wanted to see it for many weeks and finally had a chance a couple of days ago. I had not read any reviews of it, only heard some passing comments about the story line and the acting.

Feeling a tiny bit apprehensive about watching a Hollywood blockbuster film, I felt pleasantly surprised after watching it. The plot and special effects keep one focused on the film and take the viewer away into a slightly disturbing psychoelic world of an obsessed ballet dancer.

I don't want to give too much of the film away to those who haven't see it, but I would definitely recommend it.

The last thing for me to say about the film is that I started having some of the same problems that the main character of the film has - namely, I developed a rash on my arm similar to the one she has on her back... This really made me think if I identified with the film and the character too strongly - perhaps time for soul-searching?

www.imdb.com/title/tt0947798/

Event Gallery

A friend of mine took me to a tiny gallery in east London yesterday called the Event Gallery. It is located in Bethnal Green, hidden on a little side street. You would have to know about the place somehow, as it is in such a discreet location in a terrace house that you can't really find it by accident.

The gallery has a very intimate atmosphere, which intensified the visiting experience. At the moment, they have an intriguing exhibition on the effect of parasites living in the human brain on human behaviour. The exhibition illustrates through images how such parasites can totally control and change human behaviour. One is left with feelings of apprehension. Somehow the exhibition shows how there are factors out there out of our control and how we can't always know what is causing us to behave in the way that we do.

The exhibition is definitely worth a visit. Here is their website:

http://www.eventnetwork.org.uk/

Film Festival for young film makers

A good friend of mine, Filipe, started up a film festival for young, up and coming film makers in 2004. The festival has grown and developed from strength to strength over the past seven years. It is now the second biggest (closely following Berlin film festival) of its kind in the whole world.

The festival runs for one week in June-July. It consists of a variety of workshops, training sessions, networking events etc.. In the past, professionals in the field delivering workshops have included cast from 'Eyes wise shut' amongst other high profile names. It takes place in a beautiful beach town in norther Portugal. The whole package (incl. accommodation,access to all trainings etc.) costs a mere 130 euros!

Definitely a must for any young people wanting to get into the industry - an excellent opportunity for networking!

For more info, see:

http://vimeo.com/

http://www.fest.pt/2010/?lang=en

Helsinki - pearl in northern Europe

Having just spent a weekend in Helsinki area in Finland, I feel that I should fly the flag for the town. It is a lovely small-ish town located by the sea, with a fair share of old buildings mixd with more modern ones. There are several art galleries, museums, old markets and lots of cultural events on offer throughout the year.

Obviously, one's experience is rather different in the winter when the temperature is below freezing point and there is lots of snow, compared to summer-time when the average temperature is +25 with lots of sunshine. If you fancy doing some winter sport, January or February are the best times to go over. If you prefer sightseeing, go between June and September.

www.helsinki.fi/en/index.html

'Music is all around us. Just open your ears and listen.'

Any music lover would love the film 'August Rush'. The entire film is about the magic power of music.

The film is full of beautiful quotes on music and what music can give to us in today's world that is otherwise mad. Here are a couple tasters: ('How much do you love music?') 'More than food.'; 'Music is all around us. Just open your ears and listen.'.

I don't want to give too much away... Here is the trailer - try to find the full film as well and enjoy the magic touch of music:

www.imdb.com/title/tt0426931/

February is here!

February is here!

Doesn't it always feel like January drags on and that february goes very quickly?

This month holds some good celebrations in store. Here are some worth going to:

1. www.visitlondon.com/events/detail/4733685

2. www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/valentines-day-ideas-feature-604.html

3. www.brits.co.uk

Happy February, everyone!