The East End Film Festival opened earlier this week and just happened to take place at one of my favourite cinemas in London: The Genesis, situated on Mile End Road. The public and press turned out in droves to attend what is described by Genesis’ owner Tyrone Walker-Hebborn as, “The London Film Festival’s naughty cousin.”

Taking place from the 1st to the 12th July the EEFF will host hundreds of films from over 40 different countries. These films cover many genres including (but certainly not limited to) comedies and dramas; feature films and shorts films are both accommodated for in equal measure.

Now in its 15th year (there is actually some to debate over when it began exactly) EEFF 2015 kicked off to a fantastic start. Despite it being the hottest day of the year (36°) there are always avid movie lovers content to sit in the dark and enjoy the magic of cinema.

The opening film was One Crazy Thing starring Ray Panthaki (director of Life Sentence, which won Best UK Short Film at the East End Film Festival 2013) as Jay, a former soap star trying to piece his career back together after he did ‘one crazy thing’ that pretty much ruined his life.

This ‘crazy thing’ was making a sex tape with his girlfriend at the time, who then proceeded to put that video online after their breakup. As a result Chloe Grainger (Jay’s ex – played by Riann Steele) becomes a Hollywood star. Jay, however, finds his career in the gutter and must resort to helping manage the family restaurant.

Whilst in the gutter (literally) Jay meets Hannah (Daisy Bevan), an American studying for her masters in London. The two fall for each other quickly but Hannah does not know about Jay’s past; a secret he is determined to keep for as long as possible.

One Crazy Thing is a classic rom-com and I mean this as a compliment. It was genuinely funny throughout with Panthaki channeling Woody Allen as the charmingly sweet Jay. It is also genuinely romantic; you feel the connection between the two leads and Jay’s old-fashioned ideas of romance seem wholeheartedly authentic, making him an instantly lovable character.

The film provides an interesting look at the idea of fame and celebrity in the modern world. Jay becomes a ‘YouTube sensation’ but not in the good way. This brings into question how we consume celebrity culture and One Crazy Thing perhaps acts as a warning of the pitfalls of instant success.

Jay’s one moment of spontaneity cost him his career and his family’s respect but gained him a ‘hero’ status amongst young (mostly men) in London, whom often recognise him and wax lyrical about how great they think his sex tape is.

Needless to say I really enjoyed this film, I loved the characters who were genuine and endearing. The story wasn’t exactly original per se but thoroughly enjoyable as a modern rom-com set against the beautiful back drop of London.

The city is strikingly shot and provides a look not just at the cliché London shots, but parts of London unspoiled (as of yet) by tourists.

I’m looking forward to the rest of the festival, which promises a plethora of interesting and contrasting films.

Niki Alexandrou
@nikialexandrou