Film Special: "British Arrows Awards"
An annual Hop Film favorite, this eclectic mix of the best UK commercials offers riveting drama, unparalleled creativity and distinctly British wit. Cheerio
For 40 years the British Arrow Awards have been presented annually to the best TV advertising in England. For the past 30 years, these winners have been shown at Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis to literally thousands of people (88 screenings drew over 27,000 people last December!) Over the past decade, a few select arts centers have been able to share in this glorious and quirky program and this year marks the fifth annual show at the Hop. It’s a unique and cross cultural experience for American audiences to view ads that are not invested in the hard sell; rather, gaining interest in unfamiliar products and services through humor, pathos and a dynamic cinematography.
From high-tech extravaganzas to wacky British comedy—including outstanding performances by children, animals, and A-Listers—this celebration of commercial creativity presents the UK’s most innovative and daring pieces of advertising.
The 71-minute program starts with some of the top British Arrows commercials over the last four decades, including a brilliant 2008 winner featuring the Phil Collins’ song “In the Air Tonight.” This year’s winners (divided into Bronze, Silver, Gold and best commercial of the year), run from silly Swedish skaters to razzle-dazzle Honda commercials to “Mog’s Christmas Calamity,” the inventive piece that was all over the internet last Christmas. Bring a tissue for the commercials with the message: “Cancer is happening now. Research is happening now.” The David Beckham/Kevin Hart piece is nearly a short film. And recurring commercials featuring Jeff Goldblum showing up at family holiday events are good fun (and a little creepy).
