Everything On in February

Staying In 

This Is Me…Now: A Love Story by Jennifer Lopez

Lost interest in JLo’s film cameos? Think again, the popstar’s next will be in the movie directed by and based upon herself: This Is Me…Now: A Love Story. The Amazon original is set to release on Feburary 16th, the same day Jennifer Lopez’ album – her first in 10 years – titled This Is Me…Now drops. Sharing the trailer to instagram, Jennifer writes that her directorial debut is, ‘The most personal thing I’ve ever done’. There’s a star-studded cast, including Post Malone, Keke Palmer and, of course, Ben Affleck, as well as striking costumes and breathtaking choreography, backdropped by sun-blushed, surreal sets. 

Stream on Amazon Prime from 16th February.

Players, Netflix’s new rom-com

Netflix has got you this Valentine’s with a new rom-com dropping on February 14th. Titled Players, the film is expected to be massive, and maybe slightly corny, thanks to Marc Platt, who’s behind Hollywood hits La La Land and Bridge of Spies. Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) and Tom Ellis (Lucifer) star as the leads. How the plot develops is yet to be seen, but a bit of casual romance serves as ideal entertainment for those avoiding soppy Valentine’s affairs. 

Stream on Netflix from 14th February.

 Fourteen Days, edited by Margaret Atwood

An intriguing twist slates Fourteen Days as February’s book of the month. Rather than being in the plot, this twist is stylistic; each of the novel’s characters have been written by a different author. Edited by Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Douglas Preston (The Cabinet of Curiosities), and contributions from 36 authors including John Grisham and Celeste NG the story is an extraordinary feat of literary collaboration. Despite being set when the pandemic hits Manhattan, the story isn’t all doom and gloom. An apartment block of strangers becomes a community of bonded neighbours as residents congregate on the rooftop – a heartwarming ode to human connection. 

Available to buy at selected bookstores from 6th February.

Club Shy by Shygirl

If you’ve listened to Shygirl’s latest release, featuring Boys Noize, ‘Tell Me’, then you’re likely to already be pumped for this one. Next week, February 9th, Shygirl’s six-track EP Club Shy lands on streaming platforms. An extension of the Mercury Prize shortlister’s club experience, the tracklist features three new tracks which see her collaborate with more, exciting new exciting talents. Arriving last on the project, ‘mr useless’ with SG Lewis will no doubt be a hard-hitting highlight, all you need to bring the club to your bedroom. 

Released to streaming platforms 9th February. 

Going Out

Bob Marley: One Love

Quietly teeming in the background since 2018, the highly anticipated biographical musical drama film, Bob Marley: One Love, is finally hitting our screens in 2024. Celebrating the life and music of the reggae talisman, the movie pledges to unveil his message of love and unity while touching upon the mark he left on our culture. Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley as well as Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, the biopic vividly displays how Marley overcame adversity and brought the world together through the power of reggae. Co-produced by Marley’s family with Rita and his children at the helm, expect an authentic narrative to be woven as we trace back Bob’s steps breathing life into his timeless legacy.

Watch in cinemas from 16th February.

Body Movements Winter Festival

Celebrating Queer bodies in electronic music, Body Movements are firing up a hefty rave sprawling across 16 venues in Hackney. Uniting creative minds, movers and groovers, the day festival has a melting pot of homegrown and international talent—some of whom are Body Movements favourites. Among the stellar performers are eclectic artist 3DMA, legendary London crew, Adonis as well as Queer house activists, Pxssy Palace. With such a line-up, this all-day party is an event not worth missing.

Taking place on 3rd February.

BFI Future Film Festival

Are you an emerging filmmaker wanting to break into the industry? Then BFI Future Film Festival may be your gateway. Held at BFI Southbank, the four-day festival boasts masterclasses, workshops and various activities led by some of the biggest names in the game. All the film screenings running throughout the festival will be in contention for the prestigious BFI Future Film Festival awards, with the winners set to be revealed on the final day of the festival. Can’t make it in person? No worries—the UK’s largest festival for young talent, offers a hybrid format, allowing you to access the programmes from anywhere in the world.

Taking place between 15th – 18th February.

Pure London x JATC

Whether you’re working in fashion or just have a passion for it, the Pure London x JATC Festival of Fashion is a must-add to your agenda this month. Representing the inaugural joint showcase of Pure London and Just Around The Corner (JATC) the three-day festival—held at Kensington Olympia—is poised to reshape the future of fashion. Harnessing their sustainability initiatives, the event aims to promote ethical consumption throughout the revolutionary buying event. Featuring a catwalk, seminars, fashion forecasting and a cadre of emerging UK and international brands, the festival offers networking opportunities too valuable to overlook.

Taking place between 11th – 13th February.

Barbara Kruger: Thinking of You. I Mean Me. I Mean You.

Marking her first solo institutional show in London in over two decades Barbara Kruger brings her captivating body of work to adorn the walls of the Serpentine this month. Renowned for crafting graphic art that juxtaposes striking imagery with declarative statements, her propaganda-esque art—that addresses themes of anti-consumerism, women’s rights and equality—has seen Barbara push boundaries never pushed before. Expect to witness an array of video installations as well as reimagined takes on her past work, and even a TikTok filter she crafted herself, as she continues to stand the test of time.

Taking place from 1st February- 17th March.