contact:
info@branchagefestival.com
press@branchagefestival.com
Spiegeltents are hand-hewn pavilions used as traveling dance halls, bars and entertainment salons since they were created in the early 20th century. More recently used as the backdrop for John Galliano fashion shows and International music and film festivals. We have imported this specially built tent from Belgium to act as the main hub for Branchage Jersey International Film Festival. There are only a hand-full of these unique and legendary ‘tents of mirrors’ left in the world today. Built of wood, mirrors, canvas, leaded glass and detailed in velvet and brocade, each has its own personality and style providing the perfect backdrop for many of the festival's parties and special events over the course of the weekend.
Formerly known as The Odeon, this is one of the main venues used for screenings at Branchage. The Forum Cinema is a smaller, friendly cinema, with four screens, run by film enthusiast Kevin Lewis.
Overlooking the picturesque harbour at Gorey and the Royal Bay of Grouville, Mont Orgueil Castle is Jersey’s most iconic building. The castle dates to the 13th century and was built to defend Jersey from the French when King John lost control of Normandy to King Philip of France.The castle was built at Mont Orgueil because sea and cliffs protected the castle on three sides. Also, the granite that the castle was built on meant that it was virtually impossible to undermine. During the next century it survived sporadic attacks and a 7 year occupation by the French and was the English Crown's administration centre, home to the Governor of Jersey. It was also a desolate home to debtors, criminals and the occasional suspected witch. Life-size wooden soldiers guard the castle from attack and a grisly wooden carving shows the fate that could await those fighting to save the castle from invasion. Make a wish at the Tudor well, climb to the top of the castle and imagine firing the mighty cannons or simply look out to the French coast only 14 miles away. The castle will be used for special events throughout the festival sure to create the perfect setting for what's in store.
Jersey Museum is the winner of two national awards; it uses modern technology and dramatic displays to tell the story of Jersey, its traditions and its industries. The Museum holds art and cultural exhibitions throughout the year and for the weekend of Branchage its audio visual theatre will be used for screenings.
The Jersey Arts Centre exists to foster the development and celebration of the arts island-wide and beyond. This is achieved by providing exciting, innovative, wide ranging, challenging, professional and community arts in welcoming, high quality and accessible environments. The Benjamin Meaker Theatre at the Arts Centre will be used for special events and screenings throughout Branchage Film Festival. The modern, intimate theatre which seats 250 people is a steeply raked auditorium offering excellent visibility.
The Old Magistrate’s Court, which was once the first port of call in the criminal justice system, will also be used as a venue for screenings, events and a special exhibition by the Le Gun collective during the festival period. The Court has had a bit of a facelift since it was last in official use but the original ornate Magistrates Bench is still in place....
The oldest theatre in Jersey is the Opera House. It's a striking building inside and out, with stalls, a dress circle and an upper circle. A few years ago it was renovated and at the same time disabled access was greatly improved. There is a constant program of some of the best shows touring the UK - drama, comedy and music - as well as local productions. The Opera House will be used for some of the most spectacular red carpet events during Branchage festival.
Höhlgangsanlage 8 was built between
1941 and 1944 by using forced labour from countries throughout conquered Europe and was part of Adolf Hitler's plan to make the Channel Islands into an impregnable fortress. Its construction involved the removal of 43,900 tonnes of rock and the laying of 6,000 cubic meters of concrete. It was designed to last the 1000 years of the Reich.
In 1944 it was converted from its original purpose as an underground artillery repair facility and barracks to a casualty clearing station capable of coping with up to 500 casualties. Today the tunnels of Ho8 is the definitive museum of the German Occupation of Jersey during WWII.