As the editor of this site, I have the privilege of reviewing every piece we publish, whether from a long‑standing contributor or a one‑off submission. Looking back on 2017, I believe our writers produced some of the strongest, most thoughtful work we’ve run. To recognise that effort, a small panel of editors and I selected our eleven favourite features from the year (news items excluded). Below are the pieces that stood out for insight, originality, and craft. We welcome your opinions in the comments.
In no particular order…
Film as a Political Medium: Propaganda and ‘Triumph of the Will’
James Cullen’s essay examines film as an instrument of political persuasion through a close reading of Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph of the Will. The piece explores how documentary techniques can frame ideology as fact, and how cinematic language helps construct public perception.
The essay analyses the mechanisms that made Triumph of the Will effective as propaganda and draws careful parallels with the ongoing power of visual media to shape political narratives.
Excerpt: “Stella Bruzzi claims that ‘documentary [is] a perpetual negotiation between the real event and its representation.’ A documentary is therefore read based on how the audience perceives the events on screen. Hitler is portrayed as a godlike figure and the saviour of the German people following the devastation of WWI. The sea of adoring fans greeting him as he disembarks shows how film can usher a viewer into sympathy and even adoration.”
Read the full article on the site.
Author: James Cullen
‘1984’ Review ||| ’13th’ Review
Two politically charged reviews that go beyond judging craft to consider cultural relevance. Katie Doyle’s review of Michael Radford’s adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 argues for the film’s ageless warning about totalitarianism. Joseph Wade’s review of Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th analyses the film’s exploration of mass incarceration and racial injustice in America.
Excerpt from 1984 review: “The reason this film remains important is its ageless quality. Radford avoided drawing explicit parallels with contemporary regimes, allowing the audience to form independent, personal interpretations.”
Excerpt from 13th review: “The film is rooted in the present despite its historical references, and its damning story becomes almost hopeless when viewed alongside the rise of political forces that reinforce the ideologies it examines.”
Read the full reviews on the site.
Authors: Katie Doyle & Joseph Wade
10 Picks from ASFF 2017
Short films are a laboratory for innovation, and Joseph Wade highlights ten outstanding selections from the Aesthetica Short Film Festival in York. The list spotlights international talent and emerging filmmakers to watch from the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Finland, and Lebanon.
Excerpt: “We concluded the work on offer in York was among the best we’d seen all year, and we developed a list of our ten favourite picks in the hope of bringing more attention to those films.”
Read the full selection on the site.
Author: Joseph Wade
Astrid Goldsmith Interview ||| Mini Productions Interview
Two interviews with short‑film creators reveal creative journeys that differ in scale but share dedication. Astrid Goldsmith discusses the eight‑year path to completing Squirrel Island, and April Kelley and Sara Huxley of Mini Productions explain their approach to short films, gender issues in the industry, and recent work.
Excerpt: “End to end it took around eight years. There were gaps where I had to stop to earn money—working as a commercial model maker—so I could fund the film. I didn’t want to impose the usual tight deadline restrictions on this project.”
Excerpt: “Recent media attention on sexist pay has raised awareness. Talks from figures like Geena Davis and Meryl Streep have helped shift the conversation, and now major channels are beginning to listen.”
Read the full interviews on the site.
Author: Joseph Wade
The Dark Crystal and Why 80s Nostalgia Can Be Good
Katie Doyle argues that not all nostalgic revivals are creatively bankrupt. She examines Netflix’s series revival of The Dark Crystal as an example of how older techniques and heartfelt craftsmanship can coexist with modern technology to produce work with lasting visual and emotional impact.
Excerpt: “CG can create spine‑tingling visuals, but as it becomes normalised some studios will favour it because it’s cheaper. I love older practical techniques and the filmmakers who invest effort into craft; when you see that love in every frame, the film has greater, lasting impact.”
Read the full essay on the site.
Author: Katie Doyle
The Evil Dead (1981) — A Retrospective Review
For our Horror Film Week, Katie Doyle revisited Sam Raimi’s low‑budget classic The Evil Dead. The retrospective celebrates the film’s inventive spirit, its resourceful production, and the enduring influence it has had on aspiring filmmakers.
Excerpt: “Evil Dead is the defining Cabin in the Woods movie. It remains fresh after repeated viewings and stands as a shining example of what passion and ingenuity can achieve on the tightest of budgets.”
Read the full retrospective on the site.
Author: Katie Doyle
Every DreamWorks Animation Movie Ranked
Joseph Wade ranked all 35 DreamWorks Animation theatrical releases up to mid‑2017, from Antz to Captain Underpants. The list reflects on the studio’s successes, stylistic shifts, and their place in the modern animation landscape.
Excerpt: “Since debuting with Antz in 1998, DreamWorks have released dozens of films and grossed billions worldwide. Now part of a larger corporate group, they continue to plan sequels and maintain a strong presence in the animation market.”
Read the full ranking on the site.
Author: Joseph Wade
Blade Runner 2049: Why Is the Female Body the Future’s Prop?
Alex Morden Osborne offers a feminist critique of Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, interrogating how female bodies are presented and objectified in the film’s futuristic world. The piece asks readers to consider how design, marketing, and narrative choices shape gendered representation in science fiction.
Excerpt: “No male Joi is advertised—the female version appears stylised and sometimes nude, visually fulfilling stereotypical fantasies and promoting voyeuristic pleasure. Having seen this objectification many times before, I was unsurprised but no less frustrated.”
Read the full critique on the site.
Author: Alex Morden Osborne
You’ve Been Watching ‘Signs’ Wrong
Joseph Wade presents an alternative interpretation of M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs: what if the invaders are not extraterrestrials but spiritual or supernatural forces? The piece lays out clues and encourages a fresh reading of the film’s imagery and themes.
Excerpt: “Maybe the plot twist isn’t what you think. Perhaps the invading characters are not aliens at all, but demons or even angels conducting their own judgement.”
Explore the full theory on the site.
Author: Joseph Wade
Top 10 Ridley Scott Movies
Ridley Scott remains a prolific director with a career spanning decades. This top‑ten list collects his most memorable films, celebrating achievements from science fiction to historical drama and spotlighting why his work continues to resonate.
Excerpt: “Dubbed ‘Castaway in space’ by some online commentators, The Martian produced a standout Matt Damon performance and showcased Scott’s enduring strength in crafting compelling, visually rich science fiction.”
Read the full list on the site.
Author: Joseph Wade
Should ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Be Considered a Feminist Franchise?
Sophie Grant takes on a divisive topic, questioning whether the Fifty Shades franchise can be reconciled with feminist principles. The essay weighs consent, agency, and the ways the films portray power dynamics to arrive at a nuanced critique.
Excerpt: “Ana verbally consents to her relationship with Christian, but when she says ‘No,’ it often feels negotiable. Notice how scenes where she resists tend to end with coercion or pressure to change her mind.”
Read the full essay on the site.
Author: Sophie Grant
Many excellent pieces didn’t make this shortlist. We encourage you to visit our team page to discover more writers and work. If you’re interested in contributing regularly or submitting a one‑off piece, check our vacancies and contact pages on the site for details.
Thank you to everyone who wrote for us this year—your creativity and commitment make this publication possible.