Orlando – A Fantastic Imagination of Virginia Woolf’s Classic  

As the first film in the focus on Virginia Woolf, we show Orlando, masterfully filmed by Sally Potter and recently restored at 4k. The 1928 book is arguably one of Woolf’s most accessible, but also most remarkable works. Woolf’s novel, characterised by exploration and imagination and gender identity, is rendered in the film with great attention to detail. Potter exploits Woolf’s extravagant fantasies to create a visually impressive experience, with sumptuous sets and beautiful musical accompaniment. The film follows Orlando, played by Tilda Swinton, who adapts to life through the ages, from the 16th century to the 20th century, and unexpectedly changes gender during a stay in Central Asia.  

Potter’s film adaptation is a visually and thematically rich adventure that transforms Woolf’s abstract concepts into a concrete and engaging cinematic experience. With remarkable artistic choices and an unmistakable influence of Peter Greenaway’s style, ‘Orlando’ offers a profound and emotional exploration of identity, time and gender. The film ends with a moving scene that offers Orlando, and thus the viewer, a sense of fulfilment and self-discovery…