Yes, there really is a documentary poised to hit the festival circuit about Paul the octopus. In case you forgot, Paul rose to fame after making a string of eight correct predictions during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Life and Times of Paul the Psychic Octopus will, according to the press release, tell the “rags-to-riches story of the world’s most beloved and scorned cephalopod.”
The official Paul the octopus biopic will have the world premiere of its TV version at the Sheffield Doc/Fest, followed by a premiere of the feature-length version at the 66th Edinburgh International Film Festival (June 20–July 1). It will then hit the Filmfest München (June 29–July 7) for a very special screening on July 1st (hours before the Euro Cup final). Paul will also screen at the Munich Film Festival.
“The timing simply couldn’t be any better for Paul, who’s fondly remembered by millions of football fans, and whose remarkable story deserved to be told,” stated director Alexandre O. Philippe. “I can’t think of a stronger combination of world class events for this series of premieres. It will be fun to share this documentary fairy tale with kids and adults alike.”
Paul the Psychic Octopus includes exclusive footage of Paul (including his never-before-seen regal funeral) as well as testimonies from bookmakers, psychics, statistics experts and animal communicators. …I kid you not – no way could I make this up.
Screening dates and times:
Sheffield Doc/Fest:
June 15 @ 4:00pm (The Howard Street Screen) [Outdoor Screening!]
June 17 @ 4:00pm (Showroom 4)
Edinburgh International Film Festival:
June 22 @ 8:45pm
June 23 @ 3:05pm
Filmfest München:
Exact screening dates and times TBA June 11 on www.filmfest-‐muenchen.de
