Film: One Mile Down - Siberian Scramble

I was back to Ireland for the bank holiday weekend. And wouldn't you know it, not a single film showing in the afternoons that I was interested in seeing - I can't do evenings. Oh well, a quiet one for me then - I could do with it! Had enough errands to run anyway. TV finally provided an alternative though - in the form of a documentary, One Mile Down: Siberian Scramble, a documentary about the attempt of two Irishmen (one from Quin!), to break a couple of Guinness World Records at Lake Baikal: one for the longest distance travelled on a motorbike on ice, the other for the longest distance travelled in a 4x4 on ice in a week..

So, one was on a bike, the other in a 4x4 - which he customised himself and drove all the way from Ireland. When the other chap asked him - given that it was a Russian design anyway - why he didn't just get one there, his reply was "That wouldn't be any fun!". I should clarify that they weren't the only people on this trek - there were six bikers in all, and presumably some support crew - not to mention the cinematographer that worked on Long Way Round as executive producer for this!

So, expect some spectacular shots. Naturally, the attempt was made in the depths of winter - everything is pristine white. The lake is the deepest in the world, but still - remarkably - freezes over every year, and is 636km long. The blurb describes the documentary as "compelling" - and it is that, with the team members having to cope with extreme cold, as well as the sheer difficulty of the mission. The whole thing takes a week - they stop off at various small settlements en route, to refuel, eat, sleep.. one very sensibly buys a furry Russian-style hat!

It's beautifully directed, continually catching our attention, switching from team banter, to the practicalities of travelling for a week on a completely flat terrain of snow and ice, to wide shots of the beautiful scenery, and surreal shots taken from above, showing the bikes making trails in the snow. Sometimes, it's as though they're shooting in outer space.. Fascinating documentary about something I had previously never heard of! Do check it out if you get the chance..

Back in London now, and tomorrow, another of those cheap online ticket talks - this one is by Asne Seierstad, and is at The Conduit, on the subject of Afghanistan under Taliban rule. A How To Academy event, and quite expensive if you don't go with seat fillers.. I'll head to Cote in Hay's Galleria again, but haven't booked it - I'll wait to see how long the talk goes on.

On Wednesday, back with London Literary Walks at last - my Wednesdays are just so busy! This is a walk about Island Records - U2's old label, so of course I have an interest.. We're meeting in The Elgin, and I've booked a table there to eat beforehand.

On Thursday, back with London Hot 100 - we're at the New Wimbledon Theatre for Jimmy Carr Laughs Funny. So the laptop will be going on a little trek.. I also see it's got a nearby Nando's, so will look to go early and eat there.

On Friday, meeting an old acquaintance for drinks - he has to come to Waterloo anyway, so I said that location would be perfect, and suggested the BFI. I've booked to eat beforehand in Black & Blue.

On Saturday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for the matinee of May 35th at Southwark Playhouse's new venue! Now, this should be interesting.. basically referencing the Tiananmen Square massacre (35 years ago), and supported by Amnesty, there are different speakers every day. Saturday's matinee sees the head of Priority Campaigns at AIUK as host, with the Chief Executive of Hong Kong Watch as speaker..

And on Sunday, I'm back with Discover London - History Walks and Events for a walk all about Crime and Punishment: 16th to 19th Century..