I have my friend Blanche to thank for introducing me to European cinema. (She's the one with shades in the photo, taken at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival).
I was a HK & Hollywood film junkie before Blanche came into my life. Met her on the street one day and we just caught on like dry sticks to bonfire. She was studying textile, but much preferred fine art and wasn't really sure what she would do with her degree.
We spent most weekends scouring the library dry renting every piece of European film we could lay our hands on. Never mind we could not understand what was spoken (thank God for subtitles!), it felt close to heaven just soaking in the ambience from the 14-inch noisebox at home, which became a ritual of sorts after a while. We were living and breathing films and even had people over to share the obsession, although some of them petered out after a while.
My first European movie was White from Kieslovsky's classic epic Three Colours. Had a strange feeling after watching it, and then I wanted more. And more. Discussions would ensue after each viewing and it got more intense and stimulating over time.
Blanche and I parted when I left England for good after finishing my 2-year commitment with a Christian organisation. The day before I left, she stayed over for the night and helped me pack. As my transport to the airport arrived, we hugged and said goodbye. She watched me get in the vehicle and I looked as she disappeared around the corner.
Whilst I grew to appreciate the depth, realism and stark reality often portrayed in independant films, Blanche, the last I heard, has gone back to Hong Kong (her birthplace) and enrolled in a Bible seminary. She is now working with young people trying to find their place and meaning in this world.
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