An extensive film programme – It’s a Great Big Wonderful World – spans the many high points of Lynch’s unique oeuvre (6 July – 25 August), from his earliest forays into short filmmaking to the seminal TV series Twin Peaks. In September, a programme of films chosen by Lynch, David Lynch’s True Favourites (13 – 29 September) will include screenings of cult films such as Fellini’s 8½, Fleming’s The Wizard of Oz, and Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard.
Musician, actress, and Lynch collaborator Chrysta Bell will host a three-night series of one-off and specially prepared live shows from Lynch-inspired musicians. Anna Calvi will perform tracks from across her career in a rare, intimate solo show, joined by Dorset singer-songwriter Douglas Dare (Friday 12 July). These New Puritans will present a specially devised set of reimagined pieces from David Lynch films, including music by Angelo Badalamenti and David Bowie, along with their own works. They are joined by psych-rock band Whyte Horses who will perform a set inspired by the Roadhouse in Lynch’s Twin Peaks (Saturday 13 July). On the final evening, cellist Oliver Coates will perform music inspired by pioneering cult electronic musician Enno Velthuys, following a set by vocalist Hatis Noit, showcasing her blend of Japanese classical music and avant-garde pop (Sunday 14 July). All sets will feature a specially devised performance and introductions by Chrysta Bell.
As part of the programme of talks and events accompanying the season, David Lynch will join Manchester audiences via video link for a panel discussion in partnership with Guardian Live, The Power of Transcendental Meditation (Saturday 13 July), with musician Tim Burgess and the executive director of the David Lynch Foundation UK, Deirdre Parsons.
Curated by Sarah Perks and Omar Kholeif with Mary Anne Hobbs and Jason Wood, events are also in association with the David Lynch Foundation UK.
David Lynch said: “I was talking to Auntie Em, and she said there’s no place like HOME.”
John McGrath, MIF Artistic Director and Chief Executive said: “I am delighted to be bringing David Lynch’s unique sensibility to Manchester for MIF this year. Although he is primarily known for his film and TV work, Lynch is an artist with an incredible range. Straddling film, music and his visual art, this is an opportunity to discover more about the work of one of today’s most fascinating and creative talents and to see and experience how he continues to influence other artists and musicians.”
Dave Moutrey, Director and CEO of HOME and Director of Culture, Manchester said: “We're excited for David Lynch's takeover of HOME this Summer. Alongside presenting his first major UK visual art exhibition in collaboration with MIF, we're thrilled with the eclectic music line-up hosted by Chrysta Bell and the diverse film and events programme that includes cult Lynch classics alongside films personally selected by Lynch himself. Welcome HOME, David.”
Professor Sarah Perks, curator of My Head is Disconnected said: “David is an artist in the widest sense, whilst curating his prolific and fascinating body of visual art work, I became more and more conscious of his tight relationship between forms, and the importance of sound and music in his oeuvre. You have to embrace the creative energy and immerse yourself sensually across this Lynchian feast of still image, moving image, sound, music, theatricality and never to be omitted, meditation.”
Commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival and HOME, Manchester, in association with David Lynch Foundation UK. With thanks to David Lynch Studio and Kayne Griffin Corcoran, Los Angeles. MIF19 runs from 4–21 July 2019 with artists from across the globe premiering a variety of new work in spaces throughout the city.
For more details about this year’s programme, please visit mif.co.uk
