21 September 2010
One of the most influential films in cinema history will sail into St Helier Harbour this week to treat movie fans to a nautical screening. The Duke of Normandy tug, more accustomed to riding the waves on pilotage duties, buoy and beacon maintenance, will beam the 1925 Soviet propaganda film, ‘Battleship Potemkin’, across the harbour on Sunday evening (26 September).
For the first time the Port of Jersey tug, the Duke of Normandy, will clear her decks and play host to a giant film screen. Boat owners are invited to moor their vessels alongside pontoons 4 and 5 and enjoy a unique experience afloat. Those who prefer dry land can park along the Albert Pier and watch from the comfort of their cars.
The Port of Jersey's Commercial Director, Myra Shacklady said “Over the years our marinas have played host to some unusual sights, ships and vessels, while our 7-tonne Duke of Normandy tug has helped out with everything from fires to rescues, but this is the first time she has screened a movie.
"We are delighted to be involved in the Branchage Festival and are looking forward to hosting the Island’s very first ‘sail-in.’ We hope people who love the sea will share this unique experience.”
The classic Sergei Eisenstein film, 'Battleship Potemkin', is regarded as one of the most influential movies of all time and was rated among the top ten films that changed the world by the British Film Institute during the centenary celebrations of cinema in 1995.
Over the decades directors – like Brian Di Palma in 'The Untouchables' – have paid homage to Eisenstein by copying the classic scene of the massacre on the Odessa Steps.
The silent film will be brought to life by French musical duo, ‘Zombie Zombie.’ Etienne Jaumet and Cosmic Neman made their recording debut in 2006 and premiered the Battleship Potemkin soundtrack in Paris in 2009, before taking it to the British Film Institute in London in the summer of 2010.
Festival spokesman, Chris Bell, said: "This is a really exciting event for Branchage and is another example of our ongoing commitment to push the boat out - literally in this case - with an exciting programme of unusual events.
"A sail-in cinema is a first for the Island as far as I'm aware, and I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday evening than enjoying this spectacular film, from the comfort of your boat, or from the side of the pier. It's certainly not something that happens every day.
“This should appeal to people of all ages. For fans of classic cinema, it doesn't get much more classic than this 1925 Russian propaganda film, and for young music fans, this will be an audiovisual delight: 'Zombie Zombie' are one of the most exciting and original bands in Europe.”
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