MIFF Presents Adrian Wootton’s OBE Illustrated Film Talks.

Back for the first time since 2019, CEO of Film London former British Film Institute and London Film Festival Director Adrian Wootton OBE is back with more of his acclaimed Illustrated Film Talks, This year’s lectures, already acclaimed from outings at London’s Barbican and New York’s Lincoln Centre, celebrate the extraordinary lives and careers of four amazingly talented Hollywood legends, whose enduring iconic status transcend their various milestones: Cher (whose career clocks 60 years); Elvis (who left the building 45 years ago) and David Bowie (some 60 years after his professional debut); and Australia’s own Baz Luhrmann (and his 30 years in film).

Presented by MIFF 37ºSouth Market and MIFF Accelerator Lab, Adrian Wootton’s Illustrated Film Talks will be held at the NGVA Theatrette and comprise:

Luhrmann: 30 Years of Strictly Baz! (Monday 08 August- 5.15pm to 7.15pm)
Celebrating the release of Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis, Adrian Wootton, Film London CEO, film historian and long-time admirer of Luhrmann reflects on the career of the remarkable and brilliantly talented Australian filmmaker.

Cher: Strong Enough for 60 Years (Tuesday 09 August- 5.15pm to 7.15pm)
In this talk, Adrian Wootton explores the dramatic life and career of Cher – pop diva, stage and screen actress, gay icon, cultural giant and comeback queen. It is 60 years since Cher’s 1962 debut as a backup singer for the likes of the Crystals, Ronettes and the Righteous Brothers’ You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’. In the six decades since, Cher has become one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, with 100 million records sold, and a Billboard #1 single in every decade. In addition to being the “Goddess of Pop”, Cher is an accomplished actor, winning Oscar gold for her turn in Moonstruck.

Elvis: Enduring Icon 45 Years Later (Wednesday 10 August- 5pm to 7pm).
Some 45 years after he left the building, The King of Rock n Roll continues to inspire admirers, imitators and lookalikes. Baz Luhrmann’s new biopic Elvis is a reminder of the cultural impact and enduring relevance of Elvis as musician, performer and American icon. In this talk, Wootton – an Elvis aficionado, former president of the UK Elvis Fan Club was intimately involved in curating film and TV celebrations of Elvis’ Hollywood career for the BFI and Turner Classic Movies – looks back on Elvis Presley’s extensive career on the silver screen.

Bowie: 60 Years of Genius (Thursday 11 August- 5pm to 7pm).
Celebrating MIFF’s special IMAX presentation of Brett Morgen’s highly anticipated David Bowie documentary, Moonage Daydream, Wootton explores the dazzling career and complex life of the iconoclastic Bowie, who was widely hailed as the Picasso of Pop and a Master of Reinvention.