We are over the moon exultant at the news of cinematographer Christopher Ripley’s achievement in the Venice Film Festival.
Chris is boon companion of our granddaughter, James Francis Whelan IV.
Last year, young Chris spent months in the Kalahari desert–pure perfect desert, every every everything had to be flown in—filming. The sand never stopped blowing, and thanks to Chris’s meticulous care, no camera ever stopped functioning.
A month or so ago, it was wildly exciting when we learned the resultant film, Straight Circle, had been invited to the Venice Film Festival. Thrilled for James and Chris who went, and of course Grandma Sylvia had a few dozen suggestions of What To Do In Venice…(they’re what made me think of Torcello, see my August 30th entry)…
Friday, my daughter Amanda emailed me:
! ! ! ! ! straight circle critics award venice, 2025.
This is how Nick Vivarelli reported the news in Variety* (bold face type is mine):
“British director Oscar Hudson‘s feature debut Straight Circle, an absurdist anti-war satire starring twins Elliott and Luke Tittensor as two soldiers of equal rank in opposing armies, is the big winner of the Venice Critics’ Week where it scooped the grand prize and the award for most innovative feature.
“Visually striking, the film particularly impressed us with the impeccable performances of its two protagonists,” he added, noting that Straight Circle is “an anti-war parable, at a time when border disputes are sowing discord across the globe.”
IMDB gives Straight Circle an 8.4. Gone with the Wind got 8.2.
Ain’t it marvelous and immensely gratifying in these discouraging degrading times watching someone young, worthy, and plucky–and dear…Chris is a very dear young man–making the most of his gifts?
And I might add (wherever they are), James’s grandfather, great-grandmother, and great-grandfather are quelling that the kids are carrying on a grand tradition of working in film…James oftentimes contributes her talents on the set and off…
Keep an eye on Cinematographer Christopher Ripley, folks! You can say you knew him when…
*https://variety.com/2025/film/global/british-oscar-hudson-straight-circle-venice-critics-week-1236509335/
