Independent filmmakers don’t have the luxury of the publicity divisions employed by studios. Yet smart filmmaker know that a film’s marketing is crucial to its success or failure—and doing it well requires an enormous amount of time and effort.
Myth #4
“If the structure doesn’t work, put yourself in the film.” And everything will magically work? Not quite.
The myth in all its glory
Ben Lyons, E! Entertainment Television personality and co-host of the nationally syndicated, “At the Movies,” will host the 5th annual HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF) opening night celebration, which takes place on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at the DGA Theatre in Hollywood. NBC’s “Open House” and “1st Look” correspondent, Viviana Vigil, will be the special guest presenter. The announcement was made today by Daniel Sol, Festival Director, HollyShorts Film Festival.
“We are delighted to have Ben Lyons, one of the sharpest correspondents in the industry today hosting the HollyShorts Opening Night Celebration and can’t wait to gather the top and fastest rising talent in Hollywood all under one roof,” said festival organizers Theo Dumont and Daniel Sol.
Ben Lyons is one of the most sought after television personalities in Hollywood. At the age of 27, Ben is the resident film critic and an entertainment correspondent on E! Entertainment Television, co-host of Nickelodeon’s “My Family’s Got Guts” and co- host of televisions most popular and respected movie program, “At the Movies.” Ben is also a regular correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America.
“It is a great honor to be involved with the HollyShorts Film Festival this summer. I have always respected and admired short films and find that they are a great way to get familiar with the next generation of talented filmmakers,” said Lyons.
“HollyShorts is a place where up and comers can rub elbows with their mentors and opening night is the big kick off to a week of screenings, panels and major parties, a can’t miss opportunity for any filmmaker,” states Theo Dumont.
Ben’s movie reviews and celebrity interviews are seen on “E! News”, “The Daily 10″, and E! Online as well as in his signature segment and webpage called, “The Lyons Den”. Ben is no stranger to the red carpet. He covers film festivals, award shows, film premieres, and visits movie sets with Hollywood’s biggest stars for E! Entertainment Television.
5th Annual HollyShorts Opening Night at a Glance: (Thursday, August 6- DGA)
The HollyShorts Film Festival opening night celebration will feature a number of high profile short film projects shot by critically acclaimed cinematographer Darren Lew:
“Streak,” directed by Demi Moore (starring Rumer Willis and Brittany Snow)
“Welcome,” directed by Kristen Dunst (starring Winona Ryder and John Hawkes)
“Bugcrush” directed by Carter Smith (starring Josh Caras and Donald Cumming)
FEST TO HONOR DARREN LEW
The festival will honor the talented Darren Lew and will also present Eli Roth (Inglorious Basterds) with the inaugural HollyShorts Indie Film Visionary Award during the festival’s opening night celebration.
ELI ROTH INDIE FILM VISIONARY 2009
The HollyShorts Opening Night celebration also marks the Hollywood Premiere of “Kidnapping Caitlynn,” a short film directed by Katherine Cunningham-Eves, starring Jason Biggs (American Pie), Julie Benz (Dexter), Rhys Coiro (Entourage) and Jenny Mollen (My Best Friend’s Girl).
The evening will also feature a special screening of the award winning DVD producer David Prior’s (Zodiac, Fight Club) horror thriller “AM 1200.”
Tickets for the HollyShorts opening night celebration are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.hollyshorts.com or www.brownpapertickets.com.
Tickets for the August 7-13 HollyShorts programs at Laemmle Sunset 5 are now available and can be purchased by visiting www.hollyshorts.com or www.laemmle.com.
Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) today announced key members of the team that will head up the inaugural 2009 Festival. Amanda Palmer, head of entertainment for Al Jazeera English, has been named DTFF Executive Director. Palmer will lead the Festival and work with a team from Tribeca that includes Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises, to shape the program. Locally the team will include Arab documentary and short films expert Mohamed Maklouf, serving as the festival’s Regional Programs Advisor, and award-winning Palestinian filmmaker Scandar Copti serving as Community Outreach Programmer.
Doha Tribeca Film Festival will run October 29 to November 1, 2009 and is being produced by Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) in collaboration with the Tribeca Film Festival.
“Our vision is to create a festival that genuinely engages the Qatari people and supports regional filmmakers,” said Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of QMA. “This team is going to impact the way this region experiences film.”
“We are thrilled to have Amanda on board. Her relationships and her understanding of the region will be an enormous asset,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival®. “Together, Amanda and Geoff’s experience will help us engage the film world and the Qatari community in an exchange of ideas through the universal language of film.”
“When Her Excellency and I started talking about this possibility it was always clear that the festival vision was to create an authentic film event that truly serves the community,” said Palmer. “Film is such an amazing equalizer and we felt Tribeca was unique in how it creates an event where filmmakers and film-goers can equally celebrate film.”
As part of the collaboration with Tribeca, a team of Qatari nationals traveled to New York to learn how the organization runs an international film festival. Palmer is leading that group in Doha, modeling DTFF programming on the success of Tribeca while also creating an authentic, locally-driven, Middle Eastern film festival.
“Doha Tribeca Film Festival seeks to initiate a dialogue about the power of film that resonates long after the Festival’s conclusion and creates a sustainable foundation for the growth of a film industry in Qatar,” said Gilmore. “We hope that the Festival will help nurture and support area filmmakers and be an important step toward creating the next generation of filmmakers in Qatar.”
Copti and Maklouf are working to uncover local and regional film talent, while Palmer and Gilmore are exploring new works from established filmmakers to present works from emerging artists that appeals to the Qatari population, the majority of which is under 30 years old.
DTFF will include approximately 30 films, as well as special events. In its four days in Doha, DTFF will center its events around the city’s renowned Museum of Islamic Art.
“As the heart of culture and artistic scholarly vision in Doha, we’re delighted to host this Festival,” said Abdullah Al Najjar, chief executive officer at Qatar Museums Authority. “We look forward to welcoming new audiences.”
Up to date information can be found at www.dohatff.com. The official website will launch August 18.
Last Supper No. 3 won Best Film in the Full Length feature category of the all digital 2009 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition while Special Jury Prize in the same category was shared by two films—Colorum by Jon Steffan Ballesteros and Ang Panggahasa Kay Fe by Alvin Yapan.
Based on a true story, Last Supper No. 3 is a humorous look at the circuitous path the Philippine legal system takes to justice. The story’s lead character Wilson Nañawa (played by Joey Paras), an assistant production designer, is tasked to look for a Last Supper to use as a prop for a TV commercial. He finds three, but loses one. What happens next changes Wilson forever.
The Special Jury Prize was given to Colorum and Ang Panggahasa Kay Fefor “being exemplars of the possibilities of filmmaking.” Colorum was also winner of the Best Actor award, which went to veteran actor Lou Veloso who played the aging ex-convict Pedro.
Best Direction went to GB Sampedro for Astig. Astig also won three other awards for Best Supporting Actor (Arnold Reyes), Best Sound (Ditoy Aguila and Junnel Valencia) and Best Editing (Charliebebs Gohetia).
Other awards in the Full Length Feature category were: Best Actress-Ina Feleo for Sanglaan; Best Screenplay-Vic Acedillo for Nerseri; Best Supporting Actress-Tessie Tomas for Sanglaan; Best Cinematography-Pao Orendain for 24K; Best Production Design-Benjamin Padero for Mangatyanan; and Best Original Musical Score-Francisbrew Reyes for Dinig Sana Kita.
In the Short feature category, the Best Film award went to Bonsai by Borgy K. Torre. The Special Jury Prize in the short feature category went to Blogog by Milo Tolentino. Best Direction went to Dexter B. Cayanes for Musa and Best Screenplay went to Mark Philipp Espina for Behind Closed Doors.
Baseko Bakal Boys by Ralston Jover was winner of the 1st Cinemalaya Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (Netpac) prize, a new section of the Cinemalaya.
Michael Sandejas’ Dinig Sana Kita was winner of the National Council for Children’s Television Award which is given to the film that promotes family values. Dinig Sana Kita also won the Audience Choice Award in the Full length category.
Here is the complete list of Cinemalaya 2009 winners:
Best Film: “Last Supper No. 3″
Special Jury Award: “Colorum” and “Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe” (tie)
NETPAC Award: “Baseco Bakal Boys”
National Council for Children’s Television Award: “Dinig Sana Kita”
Audience Choice (Full Length): “Dinig Sana Kita”
Best Director: GB Sampedro (”Astig”)
Best Actress: Ina Feleo (”Sanglaan”)
Best Actor: Lou Veloso (”Colorum”)
Best Supporting Actress: Tessie Tomas (”Sanglaan”)
Best Supporting Actor: Arnold Reyes (”Astig”)
Best Screenplay: “Nerseri”
Best Cinematography: “24K”
Best Production Design: “Mangatyanan”
Best Editing: “Astig”
Best Musical Score: “Dinig Sana Kita”
Best Sound Recording: “Astig”
Best Short Film: “Bonsai”
Special Jury Award: “Blogog”
Audience Choice (Shorts): “Tatang”
Best Director (Shorts): Dexter B. Cayanes (”Musa”)
Best Screenplay (Shorts): “Behind Closed Doors”
The Toronto International Film Festival announces the addition of eight titles to its Special Presentations programming lineup for TIFF09, which runs September 10 to 19, 2009. These include works from Argentina, France, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. These new films join the nineteen previously announced Special Presentations.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
The Front Line Renato De Maria, Italy
World Premiere
Set during a turbulent period in 1970-80s Italy, the plot centres on passionate couple Sergio and Susanna, who have been living as fugitives. Pursuing an uncompromising cause as members of the notorious Prima Linea, they have become increasingly alienated from the real world. Their luck finally runs out when Susanna is captured and thrown in jail. Putting his life on the line, Sergio embarks on a radical plan.
Glorious 39 Stephen Poliakoff, United Kingdom
World Premiere
This tense conspiracy thriller set on the eve of World War II and based on disturbing real events, focuses on a young woman who stumbles across evidence of a sinister Nazi appeasement plot. As her close friends begin to die in suspicious circumstances, she finds her own life in danger from an increasingly menacing and powerful enemy.
Kamui Yoichi Sai, Japan
World Premiere
A crowd pleasing, sweeping epic brilliantly directed by one of Japan’s finest auteurs, Kamui is the adventurous story of a fugitive ninja played by superstar Kenichi Matsuyama.
Life During Wartime Todd Solondz, USA
North American Premiere
Happiness director Todd Solondz returns with another unsettling dark comedy about sexual obsession between friends, family and lovers struggling to find love, forgiveness and meaning in a war-torn world. Allison Janney and Ciarán Hinds star.
A Prophet Jacques Audiard, France
North American Premiere
A young Arab man, Malik, is sent to a French prison where he is cornered by the leader of the ruling Corsican gang. He is given a number of “missions” to carry out, toughening him up and gaining the gang leader’s confidence in the process. But Malik is brave and a fast learner, daring to secretly develop his own plans.
The Secret of Their Eyes Juan José Campanella, Argentina/Spain
International Premiere
Benjamín Chaparro, a secretary of a court in Buenos Aires, is about to retire and decides to write a novel based on a case that deeply affected him thirty years ago. Chaparro’s tale crosses Argentina’s turbulent years during the 1970s, when nothing was necessarily what it seemed to be.
The festival announced a slate of seventeen documentaries, to date, that will screen as part of the 34th edition of the Festival. Bridging programmes such as Vanguard, Real to Reel, Special Presentations and Sprockets Family Zone, this year’s docs expose diverse topics, from revelations in the realms of politics, justice, religion and arts to probing explorations of cultural phenomena and the natural world.
“This year’s documentaries have a sense of immediacy like never before,” said Thom Powers, TIFF documentary programmer. “Current events are getting a fresh perspective in films about the post-crash economy, Iran, Berlusconi, surrogate mothers, U.S. Army veterans and more. These films are sure to generate a lot of debate.”
DOCUMENTARIES
Vanguard
The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights Emmett Malloy, USA
World Premiere
An intimate look inside The White Stripes’ cross-Canada tour, as Jack and Meg White touch down in remote northern communities and surprising city venues.
Real to Reel
The Art of the Steal Don Argott, USA
World Premiere
This art-world whodunit investigates what happened to the Barnes collection of Post-Impressionist paintings?valued in the billions?that fell prey to a power struggle after the death of owner Albert Barnes.
Bassidji Mehran Tamadon, Iran/France/Switzerland
International Premiere
For three years, Mehran Tamadon immersed himself into the very heart of the most extremist supporters of the Islamic republic of Iran (the Bassidjis) to understand their ideas.
Cleanflix Andrew James and Joshua Ligairi, USA
World Premiere
The Mormon religion preaches against the content of R-rated films, so several Utah-based entrepreneurs started offering “clean” versions of Hollywood movies at specialty DVD stores. But the thriving industry runs into legal problems and its own sex scandal.
Collapse Chris Smith, USA
World Premiere
From the acclaimed director of American Movie, this portrait of radical thinker Michael Ruppert explores his apocalyptic vision of the future, spanning the crises in economics, energy, environment and more.
Colony Carter Gunn and Ross McDonnell, Ireland
World Premiere
Several beekeepers around the U.S. cope with colony collapse disorder - the phenomenon that has caused millions of bees to mysteriously disappear - in this beautifully shot debut from a gifted directing duo.
Google Baby Zippi Brand Frank, Israel
International Premiere
In India, the latest form of outsourcing is surrogate mothers who carry embryos for couples who can’t have a child. Director Zippi Brand Frank follows an entrepreneur who proposes a new service - baby production for western customers.
How to Fold a Flag Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein, USA
World Premiere
The makers of Gunner Palace follow U.S. soldiers as they create new lives post-Iraq?from a Congressional candidate in Buffalo to a cage fighter in Louisiana?set against the backdrop of the 2008 election.
L’Enfer de Henri-Georges Clouzot Serge Bromberg and Ruxandra Medrea, France
North American Premiere
Film archivist Serge Bromberg uncovers a treasure trove of imagery from an unfinished film called L’Enfer starring Romy Schneider and directed by the French master Henri-Georges Clouzot, known for Wages of Fear and Diabolique.
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers
Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, USA
World Premiere
Daniel Ellsberg was a valued strategist inside the American government until he leaked the Pentagon Papers and exposed the lies of the Vietnam War. This thrilling documentary chronicles this momentous chapter in history and how Richard Nixon’s obsession over the case brought down his own government.
Presumed Guilty Roberto Hernández and Geoffrey Smith, Mexico
World Premiere
Two young Mexican attorneys attempt to exonerate a wrongly convicted man by making a documentary. In the process, they expose the contradictions of a judicial system that presumes suspects guilty until proven innocent.
Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags Marc Levin, USA
World Premiere
Veteran filmmaker Mark Levin (Slam) looks at the past and present of New York’s garment district, from its heyday as a base for immigrant labour and unions to its recent decline.
Snowblind Vikram Jayanti, USA/United Kingdom
International Premiere
Rachael Scdoris, a blind 23-year-old, doesn’t let her disability stop her from competing in one of the most gruelling endurance contests in the world: the Iditarod dogsled race traversing 1,100 miles of Alaska’s most rugged terrain. But being blind is only the start of her challenges.
The Topp Twins Leanne Pooley, New Zealand
North American Premiere
Fun, disarming and musically provocative, the Topp Twins are New Zealand’s finest lesbian country-and-western singers and the country’s greatest export since rack of lamb and the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
Videocracy Erik Gandini, Sweden
North American Premiere
This penetrating look at the media empire of Italy’s prime minister Silvio Berlusconi reveals how his reality TV shows full of bikini-clad women enriched his friends and beguiled a nation.
Special Presentation
Good Hair Jeff Stilson, USA
Canadian Premiere
Rendered speechless by his daughter’s question?”Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair?”?comedian Chris Rock embarks on a quest to understand African American hair culture.
Sprockets Family Zone
Turtle: The Incredible Journey Nick Stringer, United Kingdom/Austria/Germany
Canadian Premiere Join a logger heard turtle on an extraordinary journey through the fascinating underwater world and witness how changes in the oceans are affecting marine life in this beautiful and spectacular ocean adventure.
The festival announced its complete 22nd Midnight Madness programme, a Festival favourite drawing legions of devoted fans for manic midnight screenings of wild and wicked films for the witching hour. Midnight Madness continues to offer films that you might not expect in a festival context, an eccentric mix of the weird and the wonderful, and this year’s features include crazed animation, chick fights, zombies, vampires, a possessed cheerleader, exhilarating martial arts and more!
“This year’s Midnight Madness lineup is a showcase of some of the most highly anticipated thrillers and chillers of the year,” said Colin Geddes, TIFF programmer. “Bloody proms and zombies seem to pop up as main themes, but I’ve made sure to inject some truly bizarre action into the mix with animated plastic toys from Belgium and Russ Meyer inspired fighting femme fatales.”
MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Midnight Madness Opening Night
Jennifer’s Body Karyn Kusama, USA
World Premiere
Jennifer’s Body tells the story of small-town high-school student Jennifer (Megan Fox) who is possessed by a hungry demon and transitions from being “high school evil”?gorgeous (and doesn’t she know it), stuck up and ultra-attitudinal?to the real deal: evil/evil. The glittering beauty becomes a pale and sickly creature jonesing for a meaty snack, and guys who never stood a chance with the heartless babe take on new lustre in the light of her insatiable appetite. Meanwhile, Jennifer’s best friend, Needy (Amanda Seyfried), long relegated to living in Jennifer’s shadow, must step-up to protect the town’s young men, including her nerdy boyfriend Chip (Johnny Simmons). Written and executive produced by Oscar®-winner Diablo Cody (Juno).
A Town Called Panic Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar, Belgium/Luxembourg/France
North American Premiere
An outlandish animation style captures the absurd wit and surreal adventures of plastic toys Cowboy, Indian and Horse.
Bitch Slap Rick Jacobson, USA
World Premiere
In this campy action comedy from the creators of Xena and Hercules, three hot-blooded women try to uncover some booty in the desert using feminine charms, fists and machine guns.
Daybreakers Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig, Australia/USA
World Premiere
Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe and Sam Neill star in this sci-fi horror about a future populated by vampires where humans are the minority.
George A. Romero’s Survival of the Dead George A. Romero, Canada
World Premiere
Master director George A. Romero returns to his world of the undead, this time pitting two feuding clans in the middle of the fallout of a zombie epidemic.
The Loved Ones Sean Byrne, Australia
International Premiere
A troubled teen’s prom dreams are shattered by a series of painful events that take place under the mirrored disco ball, involving syringes, nails, power drills and a secret admirer in this wild mash-up of Pretty in Pink and Misery.
Ong Bak 2: The Beginning Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai, Thailand
Canadian Premiere
Martial-arts superstar Tony Jaa stars in and directs this epic tale of revenge set hundreds of years in the past. Featuring a huge cast and hordes of elephants, this prequel takes Jaa’s skills to the next level, showcasing him as a master of a wide range of martial-arts styles - while proving him to be a promising director as well.
[REC] 2 Jaume Balagueró, Paco Plaza, Spain
North American Premiere
In the follow-up to the acclaimed [REC], a SWAT team enters the old apartment to control an epidemic with terrifying results.
Solomon Kane Michael J. Bassett, United Kingdom
World PremiereConan, comes this tale of a savage mercenary in sixteeth-century Century England who owes the devil his soul and seeks to redeem himself by fi
From Robert E. Howard, the legendary creator of ghting evil.
Symbol Hitoshi Matsumoto, Japan
International Premiere
Japanese comedy superstar Hitoshi Matsumoto (DAINIPPONJIN) stars in and directs this absurd and outlandish comedy about a man trying to escape a unique dilemma.
The 34th Toronto International Film Festival adds nine titles to its Vanguard programme.
Works presented under the Vanguard banner are bold films that challenge our social and cultural assumptions. This is where innovative filmmakers tend to blur the distinction between different genres, styles and narrative conventions - and where savvy film-goers can expect a satisfying challenge.
VANGUARD
Accident Soi Cheang, Hong Kong, China
North American Premiere
Gripping and smartly constructed, this unconventional crime thriller/psychological drama, revolves around assassins who commit murder by making perfectly staged crimes look like unfortunate accidents. Produced by Johnnie To.
The Ape Jesper Ganslandt, Sweden
World Premiere
A descent into hell, Jesper Ganslandt’s disturbing and suspenseful second feature begins with a man waking up in unfamiliar surroundings, only to find the life he knew the day before is gone.
Bunny and the Bull Paul King, United Kingdom
World Premiere
Shy Stephen and his totally disordered boozehound of a best friend, Bunny, show us how to embark on an adventure-filled road trip without leaving the room.
The Dirty Saints Luis Ortega, Argentina
World Premiere
Luis Ortega’s apocalyptic third feature follows a group of five survivors as they embark on a journey that will force them to face their fears, dreams and longings in their quest for salvation across the Fijman River.
Enter the Void Gaspar Noé, France/Germany/Italy
North American Premiere
Controversial filmmaker Gaspar Noé (Irreversible) is back with a mind-bending journey that transcends life and death as he follows the exploits of a young American drug dealer living in Japan.
Hipsters Valery Todorovsky, Russia
North American Premiere
In a fantastical 1950s Moscow, straight-laced Mels swaps his drab Communist uniform for a saxophone, pompadour and zoot suit in this vibrant musical that is bursting with razzle and dazzle and of course, rhythm.
The Misfortunates Felix Van Groeningen, Belgium/Holland
North American Premiere
From Belgium comes this rambunctious, vulgar story of a 13-year-old boy growing up in a small village with his father and three uncles, all drunken, incorrigible louts. Yet they are hilarious and they love Roy Orbison.
My Queen Karo Dorothée van den Berghe, Belgium
World Premiere
A young girl witnesses the moral dilemmas of free love when her parents join a squatter community in 1970s Amsterdam.
Spring Fever Lou Ye, China
North American Premiere
A lyrical and audacious portrait of a doomed gay love triangle that spins out of control, Spring Fever is inspired by prohibited Chinese novels from the 1920s and directed by controversial filmmaker Lou Ye.
The 34th Toronto International Film Festival announces twenty-one feature films for the Discovery programme, showcasing provocative feature films by new and emerging directors. This is where audiences can find the year’s most exciting debuts as the Festival shines a light on the works of up-and-coming filmmakers.
DISCOVERY
The Angel Margreth Olin, Norway/Sweden/Finland
World Premiere
A young mother (played brilliantly by Maria Bonnevie) struggles with a history of drug abuse in this exquisitely rendered and deeply compassionate piece, the first fiction film from one of Norway’s most respected documentary filmmakers.
Applause Martin Pieter Zandvliet, Denmark
North American Premiere
Paprika Steen delivers a tour-de-force performance in this devastating drama about an alcoholic actress trying to put her life back together.
Bare Essence of Life Satoko Yokohama, Japan
International Premiere
In this original fusion of black comedy, surreal fantasy and feel-good drama about a mentally challenged hero, Japanese heartthrob Kenichi Matsuyama plays a strange farmer who finds an unexpected path to the miracle of love.
Beautiful Kate Rachel Ward, Australia
International Premiere
In order to make peace with his combative, dying father, a writer must return to his childhood home and confront long-suppressed memories of the mysterious deaths of his brother and twin sister.
A Brand New Life Ounie Lecomte, South Korea/France
North American Premiere
An impressive debut by French-Korean filmmaker Ounie Lecomte who, inspired by her childhood, recounts the emotional journey of a little girl abandoned by her father in an orphanage.
The Disappearance of Alice Creed J. Blakeson, United Kingdom
World Premiere
Two ex-cons kidnap a woman, but the tables turn and turn again in this tight, smart tale. This film is a terrific little thriller starring Eddie Marsan, Martin Compston and Gemma Arterton.
Eamon Margaret Corkery, Ireland
North American Premiere
A family holiday brings to a head the destructive love triangle between Eamon, a little boy with behavioural problems, his selfish mother Grace and his sexually frustrated father Daniel.
Every Day Is a Holiday Dima El-Horr, France/Germany/Lebanon
North American Premiere
From Lebanon, this is a striking debut about three women on the road to visit their imprisoned men. Mixing real politics and stark absurdity, El-Horr announces herself as a major new voice in Middle Eastern cinema.
Five Hours from Paris Leon Prudovsky, Israel
World Premiere
In a suburb of Tel Aviv, an Israeli cab driver who longs to fly and a Russian music teacher who is soon to board a plane find out that romance is only a cab ride away.
Heliopolis Ahmad Abdalla, Egypt
World Premiere
An Egyptian art film with some major stars, Heliopolis weaves together portraits from one of Cairo’s most storied neighbourhoods.
The Day Will Come Susanne Schneider, Germany/France
International Premiere
Thirty years after giving her daughter up for adoption to join the terrorist underground in Germany, Judith is tracked down by her now adult daughter Alice to a vineyard in the Alsace where she is living with a new family and a new identity.
Le Jour où Dieu est parti en voyage Philippe van Leeuw, Belgium
World Premiere
Offering a new take on the Rwandan genocide, acclaimed cinematographer van Leeuw’s directorial debut recreates the first-person experience of one woman as the horror descends.
Last Ride Glendyn Ivin, Australia
International Premiere
A desperate father and his 10-year-old son flee into the wilderness of the desert and the human heart, battling the elements, the past and each other.
My Dog Tulip Paul Fierlinger and Sandra Fierlinger, USA
North American Premiere
Christopher Plummer and Isabella Rossellini voice this vividly animated, touching tale of friendship between an elderly bachelor and his German Shepherd.
My Tehran for Sale Granaz Moussavi, Australia/Iran
International Premiere Shot underground on location in Tehran, the film tells the story of modern-day Iranian youth struggling for cultural freedom.
Northless Rigoberto Perezcano, Mexico/Spain
World Premiere
Andrés reaches the Mexican border to cross into the United States. As he waits between crossing attempts, he discovers the complicated border world of Tijuana.
La Soga Josh Crook, Dominican Republic/USA
World Premiere
This gritty and gripping drama explores political intrigue, love, death and the power of memory, set in the Dominican Republic.
Shirley Adams Oliver Hermanus, South Africa/USA
North American Premiere
This intimate, precise portrait focuses on a mother in Cape Town, South Africa, whose son is disabled in a neighbourhood shooting.
Toad’s Oil Koji Yakusho, Japan
International Premiere
The story of Takuro Yazawa, a day-trader who claims he can earn hundreds of millions of yen in one day, and those around him as they attempt to cope with the death of his son and somehow find a way to benefit spiritually from the experience.
Together Matias Armand Jordal, Norway
International Premiere
The tragic death of a mother causes her family to shatter when they struggle to cope with the loss.
The Unloved Samantha Morton, United Kingdom
International Premiere
Morton shifts from actor to director in this stark portrait of a young British girl plucked from an abusive family and thrown into the hands of government care.
The Independent Features Film Festival announced their 2009 lineup. Films were selected via Independent Features signature web-based competition. The festival take place July 23-25 on the Upper West Side in New York City and will feature a groundbreaking convention. The Film Industry Networking Convention is a collaboration of Independent Features and NYC Premieres created with the sole purpose of bringing together the film community to help get productions off the ground. Independent Features was founded by two independent filmmakers who learned first hand how hard it is to find an independent film an audience. The company pioneered the Independent Features Film Festival which is the first in which film selection is done online via a web-based competition. Since the company launched in 2006 it has became one of the fastest growing in the film industry and has generated over 405 million media impressions. Find below the 2009 program of the Independent Features Film Festival:
Filmmaker Registration
July 23 - 6:00PM
Marrakech Hotel
2688 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
Opening Night Filmmaker Lounge
July 23 - 7:00PM
Marrakech Hotel
2688 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
July 24 - 2:45PM
The Day After Piece (Documentary, 1:21 Runtime)
The Day After Peace charts the remarkable 10-year journey taken by award winning filmmaker Jeremy Gilley to establish a day of Peace on September 21st. During the course of his mission the camera follows Gilley as he galvanizes the countries of the world to recognize this as an official day of ceasefire and non-violence.
A Change Is Gonna Come (Music Video, 5 Minutes) ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ featuring GRAMMY nominee Jana Mashonee and Juno winner Derek Miller.
July 24 - 5:00PM
Alice’s Attic (Short, 4 Minutes)
“Alice’s Attic” is a stop-motion animation film about a fragile character who has to face her fears that lie waiting in the silence of the darkness. In giving power to objects surrounding her and allowing them to overpower her, the result of her actions has unforeseen results.
Blood Trail (Horror, 1:43 Runtime)
When four hikers go missing in a small town, a sheriff is reminded of gruesome murders from ten years ago. Now with the town convinced the ‘Sackhead’ killer is back. Sheriff Bruce Camwell is forced to confront his past.
July 24 - 7:15pm
The Beneficiary (Short, 18 Minutes) Three lives are tragically altered when an ordinary event ignites a chain reaction of paranoia and murder. Life’s Passing Me By (Comedy, 1:29 Runtime) Dora Allen is a twenty-something young woman who has the unique ability to speak with people and provide them with helpful advice for their problems. Unfortunately, she is unable to help herself, and is tired of always ‘being there’ for her friends and family. To make matters worse, Dora’s personal life is in shambles. From a sister she never speaks to, to a mother she can’t stand, to a crazy best friend, to a boyfriend who may or may not actually be a boyfriend, Dora has everything under control but her own life. Dora feels trapped, and that life is passing her by. A romantic dramedy for anyone who as has ever acted like they have it all together, when they really don’t.
Red Carpet After-Party
July 24 - 10:00PM
420 Bar & Lounge
420 Amsterdam
New York, NY 10024
Film Industry Networking Convention
July 25 - 2:00PM
Upper West Side Pub Crawl
July 25 - 10:00PM
New York, NY
The Durban International Film Festival has worked to highlight the importance of the appreciation and understanding of the cinematic form for a younger generation. As part of this visual literacy effort the DIFF will transport more than 2000 school children to cinemas to view films on the big screen. But parents shouldn’t feel left out. There are ample opportunities for parents and children to share in the magic of film. The films selected here are both entertaining and of artistic merit, a rare combination in this age of the Hollywood blockbuster. In addition, in most of these screenings, the film’s director will be in attendance, and will conduct a post-film Q&A with audiences, giving a rare glimpse into the mechanics and inspiration behind what gets projected on the screen.
Intonga, directed by JJ Van Rensburg, is the first Xhosa-language feature film to emerge from South Africa and is an elegantly constructed tale of Siviwe, a young stick fighter from Fort Beaufort, who moves with his mother to Mdantsane after his father dies. As the new kid in school, Siviwe is bullied by a local boxing champion. One day while running away from the bully, he meets a priest. Siviwe and the priest, who is a former boxer, strike up a friendship and the priest guides the young stick fighter on his challenging journey into the world of boxing. Intonga screens on 24 July at 18h00 at Ekhaya, KwaMashu and on 26 July at 16h00 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
Madoda Ncayiyana’s My Secret Sky (Izulu Lami) tells the story of Thembi (10) and her brother Khwezi (8) who are left alone in their rural homestead after their mother’s death. All they have to remember her by is the traditional Zulu mat that she hoped to enter in a craft competition in the city. The children decide to take the mat to Durban but when they arrive in the city, their troubles escalate. Filmed in eThekwini and based on the experiences of the city’s homeless children, My Secret Sky is a heartrending tale of suffering and redemption. My Secret Sky screens on 23 July at Nu Metro Cinecentre Suncoast at 19h00, on 25 July at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at 18h00 and on 29 July at Ekhaya, KawMashu at 18h00.
In The Seven Of Daran - The Battle Of Pareo Rock, by Lourens Blok, Jimmy, an eleven-year-old boy, has his wallet stolen by a homeless young girl called Charita. He chases after her, arriving eventually at an animal market where the two children are surprised to see a white giraffe held captive. The giraffe is a mythical animal who protects Africa and he tells Jimmy that he needs to stop a battle between two rival tribes at Pareo Rock. The two children head off to the sacred rock for an exciting and magical adventure that explores themes of cooperation, self-confidence and the adverse consequences of greed. The public screening of The Seven Of Daran is on 2 August at Cinema Nouveau Gateway at 16h00.
DIFF presents the world premiere of White Lion (directed by Michael Swan), a heart-warming tale of the search for home and triumph over adversity. The film tells the story of a rare and revered albino cub, Letsatsi, who is ostracised for his pale hide and forced to live on the periphery of the pack. A Shangaan man named Gisani rescues him from a pack of hyenas attempting to have him for supper. To the Shangaan, Letsatsi’s white coat is seen as a good omen and Gisani thereafter dedicates his life to protecting the cub - in the end, placing himself in harm’s way. The public screening of White Lion is on 25 July at 18h00 at Nu Metro Cinecentre, Suncoast.
Another animal themed film is the multiple award-winning documentary Saving Luna, which teaches us that a life doesn’t have to be human to be great. Luna, a baby killer whale, gets separated from his family on the wild coast of Vancouver Island. All alone, he seems determined to make friends with humans. People fall in love with him. But the government decides that being friendly with Luna is bad for him, and tries to force him and people apart. This effort becomes hilarious and baffling, because Luna refuses to give up his search for a social life. An unforgettable and brilliant meditation on the extent to which man should interfere with nature, or let it take its own course. Bring your tissues. Saving Luna shows on 25 July at Ster Kinekor Musgrave at 14h00 and on 2 August at Cinema Nouveau Gateway at 14h00.
The festival has also curated two special short film packages entitled Karma Chameleon and Kwasuka Sukela that are suitable for children.
Principal screening venues of the festival are the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre; Nu Metro Cinecentre - Suncoast; Ster Kinekor Junction - Musgrave; Cinema Nouveau - Gateway; Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre in KwaMashu; and The Royal Hotel, with further screenings in township areas where cinemas are non-existent.
See all film synopses, screening schedules and workshop programme at www.cca.ukzn.ac.za
French cinema takes centre-stage at the 30th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). While the French have always had a strong presence at DIFF, 2009 is a particularly remarkable year given the excellent films available for selection this year from an assortment of styles and themes.
Winner of the Cannes Palmes d’Or, Laurent Cantet’s The Class is a well-crafted drama written by a real life Parisian teacher (François Bégaudeau) who also stars in the film alongside a cast of non-actors who play his students. Set in a tough neighbourhood, the film rejects genre typical stereotypes and presents a fresh look at culture and ethnicity.
The charming Audrey Tautou (Amelie) stars in the period drama Coco Before Chanel, Anne Fontaine’s sumptuous film about the legendary designer who from humble beginnings discovered a talent that would leave an unforgettable impression on the fashion world.
Rachid Bouchareb, a festival favourite, returns with London River, a prize-winner in Berlin, which takes a tender look at two parents from very different backgrounds searching for their respective children following the London underground bombings in 2005.
Culture, crisis and common ground are also themes in Philippe Lioret’s masterful Welcome. Bilal is a young Iraqi refugee who needs to get to London to meet his true love and is determined to swim the channel in order to do so. It is impossible, but a meeting with a swimming instructor provides him with hope. The film’s actors Firat Ayverdi and Derya Ayverdi will attend the festival to present their film.
Julie Delpy who charmed audiences with her 2007 directorial debut 2 Days In Paris, returns with the very dark The Countess in which she herself plays a legendary countess who is said to have bathed in the blood of virgins in order to preserve her looks.
French co-productions are plentiful at the DIFF this year and include Three Monkeys, the new masterpiece by the Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan, The Absence, a powerful tale of filial responsibility by Mama Këita, the legendary Dardenne brothers’ Lorna’s Silence (Belgium) and the Palestinian films Salt Of This Sea by Annemarie Jacir and Pomegranates and Myrrh by Najwa Najjar. French co-produced documentaries include Jean-Marie Teno’s Sacred Places, a compelling meditation on art, cinema, identity and popular culture; Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love, which follows the deeply religious star through a traumatic experience, and the enchanting Yandé Codou, The Griot Of Senghor, an intimate profile of a true diva who has travelled through Senegalese history.
Creativity, finesse and charm characterise this year’s French films screening at DIFF between 23August and 2July.Principal screening venues of the festival are the Nu Metro Cinecentre - Suncoast; Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre; Ster Kinekor Junction - Musgrave; Cinema Nouveau - Gateway; Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre in KwaMashu; and The Royal Hotel, with further screenings in township areas where cinemas are non-existent.
Programme booklets with the full screening schedule and synopses of all the films are available free at cinemas, Computicket, and other outlets. Call 031 2602506 or 031 2601650 or visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za for further details.
