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 December 17, 2008 iW NEWS | Berlinale Adds Doc To Generation Section
Thirteen films have already been selected to participate in the "Generation" section of the 2009 Berlinale - seven in "Kplus" and six in "14plus." A record number of more than 1000 films have been submitted this year. For the first time, Generation will screen a documentary for its younger audiences in the Kplus competition. Mexican director Eugenio Polgovsky's "Los herederos" explores how "hard work defines the lives and existence of children and their families." "We cannot ignore documentary material that has such an enormous impact on the screen," said section director Maryanne Redpath in a statement. The selection process for Generation will be completed in early January. To date, the following films have been invited: Phillippe Falardeau's "C'est pas moi, je le jure!," Fredrik Edfeldt's "Flickan," Lars Buechel's "Lippels Traum," Eugenio Polgovsky's "Los herederos," Lotte Svendsen's "Max Pinlig," Igor Veyshtagin's "Mamma Mu & Krakan," Atalay Tadiken's "Mommo," Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D'Sa's "Cherrybomb," Ning Jingwu's "Gun Lala de qiang," Mijke de Jong's "Het zusje van Katia," Cheng Hsiao-Tse's "Miao Miao," David Lee Miller's "My Suicide" and Aida Begi's "Snijeg." [Peter Knegt]  [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] December 16, 2008iW NEWS | Maurice Jarre To Receive Berlinale's Honorary Golden Bear
The Homage of the 59th Berlin International Film Festival will be dedicated to Maurice Jarre, the renowned French film composer and winner of multiple Academy Awards. On the occasion of the Homage, Maurice Jarre will be awarded the Honorary Golden Bear for his lifetime achievement on February 12, 2009. "Film composers often are in the shadows of great directors and acting stars. It's different with Maurice Jarre; the music of 'Doctor Zhivago,' like much of his work, is world-famous and remains unforgotten in the history of cinema," says Dieter Kosslick, director of the Berlinale, in a statement. Jarre's work also includes "A Passage To India," "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Ryan's Daughter." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Honors ] December 12, 2008 BERLINALE '09 | German Fest Sets Ten Titles for Next Fest
Ten films are joining the competition for the 2009 Berlin International Film Festival. The Berlinale, which will open with Tom Tykwer's out-of-competition title, "The International," kicks off on February 5th and continues through February 15th next year in the German capital. Of the ten competition titles announced, four will have their world premieres at the festival. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival News, Lead Story, On The Scene ] December 10, 2008iW NEWS | Berlin's "Culinary" Program To Open With "Food"
Robert Kenner's documentary film "Food, Inc." will open the 59th Berlin International Film Festival's Culinary Cinema programme as a Berlinale Special. The screening will take place February 8th at Friedrichstadtpalast and conclude with a discussion and a "true culinary treat." "Food" finds Kenner and the investigative protagonists Eric Schlosser and Michael Pollan exploring the depths of the food industry hidden from the consumer with the consent of governmental authorities. Following the presentation of "Food, Inc.," a panel discussion with director Kenner, Schlosser, Pollan, and German food experts will take place. To conclude the event, Berlin top chef Tim Raue will indulge guests in a "delicious culinary alternative to 'Food, Inc.'" [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] December 9, 2008iW NEWS | Berlin's "Shooting Stars" Announced
European Film Promotion (EFP) announced the ten "Shooting Stars of 2009," the annual new talent forum at the Berlin International Film Festival. This group of young actors who come from across Europe have been chosen from a broad list of potential candidates identified by the EFP's pan-European member organizations. The chosen actors are: Cyron Melville (Denmark), Samuli Vauramo (Finland), Hafsia Herzi (France), David Kross (Germany), Orsi Toth (Hungary), Sarah Bolger (Ireland), Alba Caterina Rohrwacher (Italy), Veronica Echegui (Spain), Celine Bolomey (Switzerland) and Carey Mulligan (United Kingdom). The 12th edition of the Shooting Stars will take place from February 7-9, 2009 at the Berlinale, where the ten chosen actors will be presented to leading filmmakers and industry personnel as well as attend high profile events at the Festival. During their time at the Festival they will be invited to attend master-classes and workshops to bring them into contact with industry professionals and decision makers. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Honors ] November 29, 2008 BERLINALE '09 | Tykwer's "The International" Gets Top Berlin Fest Slot
The world premiere of German filmmaker Tom Tykwer's "The International" will open the 59th Berlin International Film Festival on February 5, 2009. The fest launch is set days before the film opens in Germany. The event will continue through February 15th in the German capital. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival News, Lead Story ] February 26, 2008 DISPATCH FROM BRAZIL | Golden Bear Upset: A Look at the Controversy Behind "Tropa de Elite"
Shocking critics and industry insiders in a move that no one saw coming, the 58th Berlin International Film Festival awarded its top prize, the Golden Bear, to the Brazilian film "Elite Squad" (Tropa de Elite). The award was a remarkable coup for the film that made its international premiere with subtitle problems and that Variety had written off as "a one-note celebration of violence-for-good that plays like a recruitment film for fascist thugs." Yet, earlier this month the Berlin jury headed by Costa-Gavras, a renowned political filmmaker, defiantly gave the award in what they said was a unanimous decision. While it may seem like it came from nowhere, "Elite Squad"'s Golden Bear is far from the first time this provocative film has pushed buttons, nor will it be the last. [ read more in Biz ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Lead Story, Trends, World Cinema ] February 18, 2008EFM NEWS | Fortissimo Makes "Sparrows" Deal
=Fortissimo Films has acquired worldwide rights (outside of Iran) to Majid Majidi's "The Song of Sparrows," winner of the best actor award at the Berlinale. The film also recently won the best director, editing, original score and makeup prizes at the Fajr Film Festival. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ] EFM NEWS | NonStop Deals for "River," "Punch"
NonStop Entertainment has acquired Courtney Hunt's "Frozen River" (in a deal with Rezo Films) and Olly Blackburn's "Donkey Punch" (in a deal with Lumina Films) for distribution in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The company also acquired in Berlin this year, Trygve Allister Diesen's "Red" (from Bleiberg Entertainment), "Seven Days" (from Wild Bunch) and John Sayles "Honeydripper" (from Rezo). [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ] February 16, 2008  BERLIN '08 | Gondry on Gondry
Inside the Berlinale Palast tonight, Michel Gondry draws some hair on his own chest, when asked to autograph a large photo of himself hanging on a wall of the venue. Gondry's "Be Kind, Rewind" closed the Berlin International Film Festival tonight, with a screening after the awards ceremony. indieWIRE profiled the filmmaker during a recent Apple Store Soho in New York City. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  BERLIN '08 | "Tropa de Elite" Wins Golden Bear in Berlin; Silver Bears for Errol Morris (Grand Jury Prize) and P.T. Anderson (Best Director)
Jose Padilha's "Tropa de Elite" (The Elite Squad) won the the Golden Bear at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival tonight in the German capital city, while Errol Morris' "Standard Operating Procedure" won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize, in second place. Paul Thomas Anderson won the Silver Bear award for best director for "There Will Be Blood" and Wang Ziaoshuai won the Silver Bear for best screenplay for "In Love We Trust." [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] Reuters: Hollywood epic and UK comedy vie for Berlin honors
Dark Hollywood epic "There Will Be Blood," already awash with prizes and nominated for eight Oscars, takes on a light-hearted low-budget British comedy for top honors at the Berlin International Film Festival this year. Mike Collett-White reports. [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] February 15, 2008 BERLIN '08 NOTEBOOK | More Berlinale Disappointments: "Elite Squad," "La Rabia," "Quiet Chaos"; "Summer Book" and "Katyn" Are Rare Highlights
When a film festival disappoints, as the Berlinale has this year, you find yourself adopting a tone of consolation when speaking to your fellow attendees, like the friendly bartender with the mournful drunk: "Why the long face, chum?" And like that bartender, you hear much the same tales of woe repeated again and again: no films worth buying/programming/seeing; no point in hanging around; nothing to show for all those expenses. "I'm just sick of sitting through things that are OKAY," one Berlin veteran complained. "You don't feel angry. You don't feel exhilarated. You just think, well, there goes another hundred minutes of my life. And for what? This mediocre piece of shit? Why did I bother?" [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 3 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] February 14, 2008iW NEWS | "Queen Raquela" Wins Top Teddy Prize
Olaf de Fleur's "The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela" won the Teddy Award for best feature film at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival tonight in Germany, with Tanaz Eshagian's doc, "Be Like Others" winning both the jury prize and the Siegessaeule Reader's Choice Award. The prize for best documentary went to David Assmann and Ayat Najafi's "Football Under Cover." "This year's documentaries overwhelmingly won the hearts of the Teddy Jury by approaching challenging and thought-provoking subjects in an accessible and effective manner," said the jury, in a statement, "The most cinematic and gripping of them all subtly and humorously tackles gender-roles in sports in Islamic society." Felipe Sholl's "Ta" won the Teddy for best short film. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Documentary, Honors ]  BERLINALE '08 | "Wild Combination" in Germany
At the recent IFP dinner in Berlin (co-hosted by Kodak and both the NY state and NYC film offices), NY State film commissioner Pat Kaufman steps in to greet the team behind the Panorama section doc, "Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell." Pictured with Pat are (left to right) producers Kyle Martin and Ben Howe, with director Matt Wolf. The film, about the avant-garde composer, singer-songwriter, cellist, and disco producer debuted last night at the Berlin International Film Festival. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 1 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  BERLINALE '08 | Buoyed by Sundance and Berlin, "Ballast" Prepares for Unsteady Market with IFC
Lance Hammer's feature debut "Ballast" isn't the first American independent film to leap from laurels in Park City to a prestigious competition slot in Berlin. In 1999, Tony Bui's Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner "Three Seasons" went onto the Berlinale contest, while more recently, Joshua Marston's "Maria Full of Grace" (2004) and Mike Mills' "Thumbsucker" (2005) also made the double-play, winning acclaim at both festivals for their lead actors. [ read more in Biz ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Lead Story, Trends ] February 13, 2008 iW SNEAK PEEK: A Scene from Madonna's "Filth and Wisdom"
Having its world premiere at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival, Madonna's feature film directing debut, "Filth & Wisdom," looks at the intertwined lives of a group of Londoners. indieWIRE interviewed Madonna about the film in Berlin, which you can read here. Film clip published with the permission of HSI. [WARNING: The scenes from "Filth and Wisdom" contain language that some may find objectionable.] [ filed under Berlin, Sneak Peek ]  BERLIN '08 DISPATCH | Life in London: Madonna and Mike Leigh In Berlinale Spotlight
Her first feature may have been made relatively under the radar -- at least for a woman of her stature -- but iconic actress/author and all around uber pop star, now turned filmmaker, Madonna nevertheless made quite a splash in Berlin today. She landed on the cover of local tabloids ahead of the world premiere of her directorial debut "Filth & Wisdom" at the Berlinale tonight and huge crowds gathered wherever she went in public, from throngs of journalists at a press conference, a mob around the big screen TV broadcasting the live Q &A, a sea of fans outside the Berlin fest headquarters and later at the Zoo Palast theater. indieWIRE spent some quieter moments with Madonna during one of the few one-on-one interviews she gave earlier today. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 1 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]  BERLINALE '08 NOTEBOOK | Digging Past the Competition Where Austrian and Italian Films Shine
Personally, I'm always relieved to see a new Hong San Soo film -- perhaps because I know, when I do, that our friends at the New York Film Festival automatically have one less slot to fill. (And if there's a new Wes Anderson or Michael Haneke too, well, the programme practically selects itself!) Unusual in certain respects (it's set and shot in Paris), and utterly familiar in others (it's about, yes, a selfish male artist vacillating between two women), Hong's latest effort, "Night And Day", is a lovely, bittersweet 90-minute movie, whose only drawback is its 145-minute running time. What would be charming and acutely-observed at the lesser length, turns protracted and even tedious at full stretch. Still, you have to admire the Korean's chutzpah in opening with the second movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony -- a gesture which, whatever its intended ironic function, can't help but set the bar rather high for whatever follows it. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 1 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] February 12, 2008 BERLIN '08 | Stillman in da House
Director Whit Stillman ("The Last Days of Disco") hung out at the IFP filmmaker dinner Monday night in Berlin, meandering among the crowd and chatting. At this moment, iW snapped a photo with him and Troma guru Lloyd Kaufman. The dinner brought together filmmakers who are IFP alumni and co-hosted by Kodak and both the NY state and NYC film offices. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  BERLIN '08 | "England" and Cannes at IFP
Susan Boehm co-hosted the IFP's dinner for filmmakers Monday night in Potsdamer Platz along with Kodak and the NY state and NYC film offices. Among those in the crowd hanging out for the pre-dinner cocktails were Frederic Boyer (left), a member of the selection committee for the Directors Fortnight in Cannes and producer Mark Herbert, whose film "This is England" (directed by Shane Meadows) won the Best British film prize the other night at the BAFTAs. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  BERLINALE '08 | "Jihad" at the IFP
Director Parvez Sharma (right) and producer Sandi Dubowski head out of the IFP's annual dinner in Berlin celebrating their alumni attending the festival (co-hosted by Kodak, and the New York state as well as New York City film offices) to get ready for their party in celebration of "A Jihad for Love," which screened in the Panorama section of the Berlinale. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  BERLIN '08 DISPATCH | Image and Reality: Errol Morris' "Standard Operating Procedure"
Four years after the horrors within the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq were revealed through amateur photographs, the incidents are the subject of another documentary. Following in the footsteps of Rory Kennedy's "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" and Alex Gibney's Oscar nominated "Taxi To The Dark Side," comes the anticipated new film from Errol Morris, "Standard Operating Procedure." The horrors of war and the profileration of digital imagery are at the core of Morris' compelling new doc, which had its world premiere tonight (Tuesday) at the Berlinale, the first documentary ever to screen in competition at the festival. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] EFM NEWS | Seventh Art Takes "Two Lives" for North America
Seventh Art Releasing has picked up North American rights to French feature "Two Lives Plus One" at the European Film Market, a Seventh Art spokesperson told indieWIRE Tuesday. The deal was negotiated by Udy Epstein and Matt Henderson for Seventh Art and Sebastien Chesneau from Paris-based Rezo. The company plans a fall roll out after screening it in upcoming North American film festivals. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ] iW NEWS | Strand Resurrects "Otto" for the U.S.
Strand Releasing has acquired U.S. rights to Bruce LaBruce's "Otto; Or, Up with Dead People," Maximum Films has announced. The deal for the film, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and is having its European debut in Berlin Tuesday night, was negotiated by Jon Gerrans of Strand Releasing and Charlotte Mickie of Maximum Films International. Jey Crisfar portrays Otto, a young zombie who rises from the dead and hitches a ride to Berlin where he comes to reside at an amusement park and is discovered by a filmmaker who is completing her epic political porno movie. Millivres, meanwhile, has acquired all rights for the UK. Strand plans a fall 2008 release. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ] INSIDE WORD in Berlin | Miramax Making Deal for Mike Leigh's Latest?
"Happy" deal closing... Word on the festival circuit overnight, via a pair of competitors, has Miramax Films in the running to acquire Mike Leigh's Berlin International Film Festival entry, "Happy-Go-Lucky." The film, which was screened early for select buyers last week in Berlin, has its official premiere today (Tuesday) at the Berlinale. Trade reports in Screen and the Hollywood Reporter this morning reiterated the buzz, but reached late yesterday a Miramax spokesperson said talk of a pact was, "Still premature." [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ] February 11, 2008 BERLINALE '08 NOTEBOOK | Drink, Sex and Gynecology: "Julia," "Transsiberian," "Leo," "Black Ice" and Wakamatsu Koji
Ah, the sour taste of disappointment. Watching Erick Zonca's Berlinale competition entry "Julia" -- his first feature since his superb 1998 debut, "The Dream Life of Angels" -- the question became less, 'Where has he been?,' than 'What the hell HAPPENED to him?' Playing a tottery lush in a succession of cheap frocks, Tilda Swinton seemed to be channeling Kiki & Herb (was Justin Bond not available?), and while she struggled gamely with the material -- a loose updating of Cassavetes' "Gloria" -- she was unable to do very much with her badly underwritten, horribly cliched role. Sadly, this one seemed wrong from the very first scene, and what was disconcerting soon became ludicrous -- and then, finally, unendurable. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 1 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] iW NEWS | SPC Announces "12" Pact
Sony Pictures Classics has annonuced a deal for North American rights to Nikita Mikhalkov's "12," an Oscar nomineed in the best foreign language film category this year. The courtroom drama is loosely adapted from Sidney Lumet's "12 Angry Men." SPC also released Mikhalkov's Oscar-winner, "Burnt By The Sun." [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin, World Cinema ] February 10, 2008 BERLINALE '08 | Sir Ben Takes Two in Berlin
Sir Ben Kingsley is in Berlin with two films -- one portraying a corrupt Russian drug agent and the other an American college professor who embarks on an affair with a beautiful young student. In director Isabel Coixet's "Elegy," playing in competition here and based on the novel by Philip Roth, Sir Ben falls for former student Consuela, played by Penelope Cruz. "I wanted [the experience] to be vulnerable," said Kinglsely. "I didn't want there to be too many layers. I even asked if I could use my own voice even though [my character] is American." In the surprising thriller "Transsiberian" by Brad Anderson (starring Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer) Sir Ben takes on a Russian accent for his role as a wayward drug agent who happens upon an American couple who unknowingly find themselves being used as mules to transport heroin aboard the trans Siberian railway from Russia's Far East to Moscow. "The film starts as a travel adventure and transforms into a Dostoevsky novel and a dark adventure," says Kingsley. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  BERLINALE '08 | Arnold on the "Night"
After showing up in Park City for "The Good Dick," Tom Arnold (second from left) crossed the Atlantic for the Berlinale in support of a very serious role in Damien Harris' "Gardens of the Night." "Doing this role is tough," said Arnold in Berlin explaining his initial hesitation to take on a character that abuses children. "My agent and people around me told me 'no.' Then my publicist said, 'are you an actor or Tom Arnold?'" Arnold then revealed he had been abused as a child. "I just knew that there was candy at the end. I thought he was a peer, but he was 20 at the time. Then later, I found out he was a preacher living in Iowa..." Harris commented that the film took two years of research including visits to shelters in Hollywood, a destination for many homeless children. "Many kids are living on the Hollywood Walk of Fame," noted Arnold. "It's ironic because growing up in Iowa, it's not the impression you have of that place..." Pictured with Arnold (left to right) are: director Damian Harris, actors Gillian Jacobs and Evan Ross. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  BERLIN '08 DISPATCH | Optimism v. Skepticism, Independents v. Hollywood at EFM Talks About the Future of Film Distribution
At the Berlin International FIlm Festival, which kicked off on Thursday night here in the German capital, bold-faced names including Penelope Cruz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Tilda Swinton, Goldie Hawn and The Rolling Stones have been in the spotlight in Potsdamer Platz, while over at the nearby Martin Gropius Bau, thousands of buyers and sellers from around the world are making deals for finished films and pre-bought projects during the concurrent European Film Market. But, just under the radar leading industry insiders have been gathering daily over the weekend to discuss and debate the future of digital cinema, online distribution, and new technology for the home at an intimate series of sessions. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]  BERLINALE '08 | Canadians Celebrate in Germany
Imagine this one... U.S. directors and guests arrive at the heavily fortified U.S. embassy in Berlin for a reception in honor of American filmmakers at the Berlinale (yeah right! As if...) Well, our dear neighbors to the north did just that for their directors at the Canadian embassy just off Potsdamer Platz on Saturday night. Some of the filmmakers in attendance included Bruce LaBruce ("Otto; Or Up with Dead People"), Guy Maddin ("My Winnipeg"), Claudia Morgado ("No Bikini"), "My Winnipeg" producer Jody Shapiro, Telefilm Canada's Brigitte Hubmann, director Yves Christian Fournier ("Everything is Fine") and Gisele Gordon ("Miss Chief Trilogy"). [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ] February 9, 2008 BERLINALE '08 | Swinton on Zonca
Oscar nominee Tilda Swinton ("Michael Clayton") is at the Berlin International Film Festival with a pair of projects, starring in Erick Zonca's competition entry "Julia," which debuts tonight (Saturday) and as a producer and performer in Isaac Julien's "Derek." Asked about stretching to play such an extreme character -- a self-abusive alcoholic -- Swinton explained during today's press conference, "She is not that exotic, we all know people like Julia, let's face it." Continuing, she praised Zonca, "I call his cinema a kind of zoology, a cinema of zoology. He's a kind of David Attenborough, he takes three meters of this one animal's life and he gives it to you," and she added, "It's got that kind of scrutiny and it's that complicated and it's that amoral and it's that compassionate and it's really intense because it's examining what I was looking for in a cinema for many years. It's such a relief to find this sort of passionate amorality in the cinema at last, again." [Eugene Hernandez] [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  BERLINALE '08 | Araki, Speck, Hu
At Thursday's opening night party inside the massive Berlinale Palast, Panorama section head Weiland Speck (center) smiles alongside Gregg Araki (left) and Strand Releasing's Marcus Hu (right). Araki is in Berlin with a re-mastered version of his 1992 film, "The Living End." The $20,000 16mm indie, which also recently returned to Sundance, has been digitally restored for a new DVD release by Strand. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ] February 8, 2008EFM NEWS | Magnet Bucks a "Donkey Punch" for North America
North American rights to British thriller "Donkey Punch" have been acquired by Magnet Releasing, Magnolia Pictures' genre label. The film, directed by Olly Blackburn recently premiered at Sundance and will be released in the U.K. by Optimum Releasing this summer. Magnolia's SVP Tom Quinn and director of acquisitions Dori Begley, negotiated the deal with London-based Lumina Films' Samantha Holrley and Miles Ketley of Wiggin LLP. "Donkey" follows the travails of seven young adults who meet in a nightclub and decide to continue the party aboard a yacht in the Mediterranean. The fun is interrupted when one dies, leading to a ruthless fight for survival. The film is screening in the European Film Market currently underway in Berlin with Lumina handling international sales. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ] EFM NEWS | NonStop Gets "Frozen River"
Courtney Hunt's "Frozen River" has been acquired by NonStop Entertainment for distribution in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ] EFM NEWS | Scorsese Set With Marley Film
Announced at the European Film Market this morning in Berlin -- the day after the world premiere of "Shine A Light" -- is the news that Martin Scorsese will make an authorized documentary about musician Bob Marley. Produced by Tuff Gong Pictures and Steve Bing's Shangri-La Entertainment, the film is being sold internationally by Fortissimo Films. Marley's son Ziggy is an executive producer of the film. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Movies ] Calling Thursday's "Shine A Light" premiere at the 2008 Berlinale even more nervewracking than performing the concert back in New York City two years ago, Mick Jagger (pictured entering the Berlinale Palast on Thursday) beamed on stage last night at the honor of having the film selected as the first documentary ever to open the fest. Jagger stood alongside his bandmates, festival head Dieter Kosslick and director Martin Scorsese, who admitted that the last time he was at the Berlinale was in 1981 with "Raging Bull." "Do you remember that...what happened at the showing of 'Raging Bull'?" prodded Jagger. "There was a disturbance of some kind," Scorsese stammered, as some of The Rolling Stones laughed loudly on stage, "...it was delayed for awhile, but we finally got to screen the film...It was quite an event." "He still won't say what happened," Jagger interjected, amidst continued laughter as Kosslick, at the other end of the stage, motioned with his hands to let the matter go. On a more serious note, Scorsese offered, "This is a special night for us, we really hope that you enjoy the film and we're really greatful that we're here." [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ] February 7, 2008 BERLINALE '08 DISPATCH | Digging out the cool: Berlin Fest Opens with Scorsese's "Shine a Light"
Ask an inhabitant of Berlin today what's cool, and they might struggle to reply, so various are the options. Watching Ricardo Villalobos play a four-hour set at Watergate, perhaps. Catching the new Neo Rauch show at the Berlin Guggenheim. Or just sitting on the terrace at Spindler & Klatt, watching the sun decline by slow stages over the post-industrial wilds of Kreuzberg. Chances are, those answers wouldn't include catching a live gig, however bijou, by a gaggle of aging rock musicians -- once the Satanic majesties of rock, now its grizzled pensioners. However in this respect, it's worth recalling that Berlin International Film Festival chief Dieter Kosslick is not a Berliner by birth; he is from Pforzheim, in the hinterlands of Baden-Wurttemburg. And he is by inclination a cultural bureaucrat: a former funder and administrator. Bear these two factors in mind, and his choice for this year's opening night selection at Berlin -- Martin Scorsese's documentary "Shine A Light," catching the Rolling Stones in concert, back in October 2006, at New York's Beacon Theatre -- might seem a little less perplexing. It's a sixtysomething non-Berliner's idea of cool. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 1 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] BERLINALE '08 | Bier, Bonnaire Exit Berlin Jury
At the Berlin International Film Festival, jurors Susanne Bier and Sandrine Bonnaire dropped out on the first day of the event. Bier said, in a statement, that she had to stay in the U.S. due to "unforeseen circumstances related to her next film." Meanwhile, Bonnaire resigned from the jury because she will be unable to stay in Berlin for the duration of the festival, due to family reasons. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] EFM NEWS | Celluloid Signs "Wackness"
Celluloid Dreams has signed a deal to rep international sales for Jonathan Levine's "The Wackness," the recent dramatic audience award winner at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, recently acquired for North American distribution by Sony Pictures Classics, stars Ben Kingsley, Josh Peck, Famke Janssen, Mary Kate Olsen, Olivia Thirlby and Method Man. It was produced by Occupant Films partners Keith Calder, Felipe Marino and Joe Neurauter. The film is screening for buyers tomorrow and next week at the European Film Market in Berlin. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ] February 4, 2008IFC Gets "Ballast" Ahead of Berlinale
IFC Films today announced the acquisition of Lance Hammer's 2008 Sundance Film Festival dramatic competition debut, "Ballast." The company has acquired North American rights to the movie, which is set to screen in competition at the upcoming Berlinale. The deal was negotiated by VP of acquisitions Arianna Bocco and William Morris Independent's Cassian Elwes. Asked what prompted the idea for this film, in an interview with indieWIRE, director Hammer said recently, "The Mississippi Delta in winter is a cold and austere flatscape - almost lunar. Vast cotton acreages are fallow and devoid of human activity. The flatness is interrupted only by occasional hardwood outcroppings, which are grey and leafless. The skies are steel and saturated with rain. There is an energetic resonance in the Delta that moves me, especially in the winter. It is something that I cannot easily articulate but has to do with a sense of sorrow, and the dignity of endurance in the face of sorrow. It's quite palpable...I'm hopeful that some of this tone has been conveyed with this iteration." [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin, Park City ] January 30, 2008AFP: Abu Ghraib documentary to premiere at Berlinale
A picture about the prisoner abuse scandal at Iraq's Abu Ghraib jail will become the first documentary ever to enter the competition at the Berlin Film Festival next month, organisers said Tuesday. "Standard Operating Procedure" by Oscar-winning director Errol Morris uses recovered footage, reenactments and the notorious photographs published round the world... AFP reports. [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Documentary, Festivals ] AFP: Diane Kruger, Sandrine Bonnaire to join Berlin film festival jury
Hollywood actress Diane Kruger and French star Sandrine Bonnaire will join the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival next month, on a panel led by Greek-French director Costa-Gavras, organisers said Tuesday. AFP reports. [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] January 15, 2008iW NEWS | Scorsese's "Shine A Light" to Open the 58th Berlinale
Martin Scorsese's Rolling Stones concert film "Shine A Light" will open the 58th Berlin International Film Festival February 7, the event announced today. The film captures two concerts at New York's Beacon Theatre on October 29 and November 1 in 2006. Sixteen cameras and more than a half milion feet of concert footage were shot. The concerts also featured performances from Jack White of the White Stripes as well as appearances by Christina Aguilera and Buddy Guy in addition to behind the scenes coverage. "We are extremely excited to have the world premiere of this magnificent film as our opening gala," commented festival director Dieter Kosslick in a statement. "Martin Scorsese has captured the pure essence of an iconic band on the big screen." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] January 9, 2008iW NEWS | Berlinale Adds Nine to 2008 Competition
Nine titles have been added to the Berlinale line up, competing for the festival's Golden and Silver Bear Awards. Joining the eight titles previously announced are: "Feuerherz" (Heart of Fire) by Luigi Falomi, based on the bestselling novel by Senait Mehan; "Julia" by Erick Zonca starring Tilda Swinton; "Lady Jane" by Robert Guediguian; "Caos calmo" (Quiet Chaos) by Antonello Grimaldi (International premiere); "Happy-Go-Lucky" by Mike Leigh; "Restless" by Amos Kollek; "Elegy" by Isabel Coixet, starring Penelope Cruz, Ben Kingsley and Dennis Hopper; "Sparrow" by Johnnie To; and "Kabei" by Japanese filmmaker Yoji Yamada (International premiere). The 2008 Berlin International Film Festival takes place February 7 - 17 in the German capital. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] January 3, 2008Guardian: Madonna's directorial debut to take its bow in Berlin
In an intriguing selection that could well enthrall and appall in equal measure, programmers for spring's Berlin International Film Festival have selected Madonna's first film as director among its line-up. Jeremy Kay reports. [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] December 12, 2007iW NEWS | Maddin, Rossellino to Open Berlinale Forum
Guy Maddin's "My Winnipeg" and Isabella Rossellini's short films, "Green Porno" (made for mobile devices) will open the Forum section of the Berlin International Film Festival on February 8, 2008 in the German capital. "Fun in experimentation plays a shaping role in both 'Green Porno' and 'My Winnipeg'," noted the festival, in an announcement, adding that Maddin will narrate his film live at the event. [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] December 10, 2007iW NEWS | Eight Films Revealed for Berlinale 2008 Competition Program
Eight initial titles have been confirmed for the 2008 Berlinale competition program (with one screening out of competition), including films from China, Brazil, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., Poland and Germany. Included in the line up so far are: "Kirschbluten - Hanami" (Germany) by Doris Doerrie; "There Will Be Blood" by Paul Thomas Anderson (U.S.); "Zuo You" (In Love We Trust) by Wang Xiaoshuai (China); "Lake Tahoe" by Fernando Eimbcke (Mexico); "Gardens of the Night" by Damian Harris (U.K., U.S.); "Katyn" by Andrzej Wajda (out of competition); "Tropa de Elite" (The Elite Squad) by Jose Padiha (Brazil); "S.O.P. Standard Operating Procedure" by Errol Morris. The selection for the Berlinale competition program will be completed by mid-January. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] March 27, 2007"Tuya's Marriage" Set WIth NonStop
NonStop Entertainment recently acquired from CineClick the Berlinale Golden Bear winner, "Tuya's Marriage," from China. Wang Quanan's film, starring Yu Nan, is described by the company as, "an unconventional Chinese love story [about] a woman who divorces her crippled husband to find another who can support the family." Non Stop is distributing the film in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin, World Cinema ] March 6, 2007Berlinale Heads to Turin
Eight films from the recent Berlin International Film Festival are headed to Turin for a three-day showcase dubbed "Berlinale a Torino." The series will kick-off with Ryan Eslinger's Berlinale competition title "When A Man Falls in The Forest," starring Sharon Stone and Timothy Hutton, which will have its North American premiere at SXSW later this month. Also set to screen from the competition section are Li Yu's "Lost in Bejing," and Stefan Ruzowitsky's "The Counterfeiters." Other films set for the showcase are Paolo and Vittorio Taviani's "The Lark Farm," Hal Hartley's "Fay Grim," David Ondricek's "Grandhotel," and Uli M. Schueppel's "BerlinSong." The series, to be held at the Cinema Massimo in Piedmont's capital, will close Jay Anania's "Day on Fire." [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] February 23, 2007Wolfe Takes Rights to Berlinale Film "Riparo"
Wolfe Releasing has acquired Marco Simon Puccioni's "Riparo" (Shelter), the company announced Friday. The film screened at the recent Berlinale in the Panorama section and stars Maria de Medeiros. The deal was made at the festival between Wolfe's president Maria Lynn and Loic Magneron from Wide Management. The film is the story of a lesbian couple in Italy who take in a Moroccan teen; a decision that turns all three lives upside down. Wolfe is one of the largest distributors of LGBT content in the U.S. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ] February 20, 2007 BERLIN '07 CRITICS NOTEBOOK | At Berlinale '07, Women In The Spotlight - On Screen and Behind The Camera
The decision by the Paul Schrader-led jury to award this year's Berlinale Golden Bear to "Tuya's Marriage" came as no surprise. Chinese director Wang Quan'an's third feature, a socially conscious, colorfully ethnographic paean to peasant defiance, is in many ways tailor-made for festivals. But Wang's film, despite its predictable crowd-pleasing qualities, is rooted in the present-day economic realities of the region and essentially as tough-minded as its heroine (winningly played by Yu Nan). [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] February 17, 2007 BERLIN '07 | "Tuya's Wedding" Wins Golden Bear at '07 Berlinale; Joseph Cedar Wins Directing Prize for "Beaufort"
Wang Quan'an's "Tuya's Marriage" won the top prize, the Golden Bear, at the 2007 Berlinale, awarded tonight at the festival's closing ceremony in Germany's capital city. The film is the story of a woman (Yu Nan) living in rural northwestern Mongolia and facing pressure to abandon her life as a shepherd. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival News, Lead Story ] February 16, 2007"Spider Lillies" and "A Walk Into the Sea" Win Berlin Teddy Awards
The Berlinale's Teddy Awards, which honor gay content films screening in the festival, awarded three films in different categories, each with a 3000 euro cash prize. The Teddy for best feature went to Zero Chou's "Spider Lillies" (Ci-Qing), with "La Leon" by Santiago Otheguy receiving a special mention. Best doc went to Esther B. Robinson's "A Walk Into the Sea: Danny Williams and the Warhol Factory." Actor Helmut Berger (The Godfather Trilogy) received a Teddy in honor of his lifetime of work. "Notes On a Scandal" by Richard Eyre won the audience prize. This year, no prize was given for short film. The juried prizes were chosen by eight members of queer and other film festivals. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Honors ] Koch Lorber to Bring '05 Berlinale Winner "U-Carmen" to North America
2005 Berlinale Golden Bear winner "U-Carmen" by Mark Dornford-May has been picked up North American theatrical and home video rights by Koch Lorber Films in a deal with Fortissimo Films, Lorber president Richard Lorber announced Friday. The film will open in March at New York's Film Forum, followed by a roll out in select major markets with a DVD release planned for the third quarter of '07. The feature film is based on "Carmen," Bizet’s nineteenth century opera, with its classic "tale of love, jealousy, revenge and madness." "There are many reasons why Carmen is one of the world's most popular operas," commented Lorber in a statement. "But 'U-Carmen' takes an already powerful story and imbues it with a vibrancy, freshness and uniqueness and elevates the classic to a new level of modern-day relevancy." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ]  BERLIN '07 DAILY DISPATCH | In 3 New Berlinale Docs, Exploring Enigmatic Artists
Andy Warhol's mostly unknown former lover, an avant garde musician who can count some of the world's most famous artists in popular music among his legion of fans, and an eccentric symbol behind one of the world's most powerful fashion houses are the rather mysterious, but highly creative subjects of three new documentaries that screened during the Berlinale this week. To varying degrees, Danny Williams, Scott Walker and Karl Lagerfeld have garnered attention and etched an indelible mark on art and culture, though the three individuals remain enigmatic personalities. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] AFP: North Korean edge to third Asian entry at Berlin film festival
One man's bid to hold back the desertification of the Mongolian steppes set against the looming background of the North Korean nuclear programme has given Asia its third competition entry at the Berlin International Film Festival. "Hyazgar" (Desert Dream), a low-budget South Korean/French production, tells the story of Hangai, a farmer who is determined to continue planting trees to stem the march of the sands even when all his neighbours have given up the struggle. AFP reports. [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Movies ] AP: "Bordertown" shown at Berlin film fest
Jennifer Lopez brought "Bordertown," in which she plays a reporter trying to solve multiple killings of women in a Mexican border city, to the Berlin International Film Festival Thursday and said the role had been a life-changing experience. The movie, directed by Gregory Nava, aims to focus attention on killings around Ciudad Juarez over the past 14 years. Geir Moulson reports. [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] February 15, 2007 BERLIN '07 DAILY DISPATCH | With Eslinger's "Forest" in Competition, American Films (Indies In Particular) Gain Greater Attention at Berlinale
There was a significant moment inside the Berlinale Palast here in Germany this week when Berlin International Film Festival director Dieter Kosslick led twenty-five year-old American filmmaker Ryan Eslinger by the hand, directing him to walk in the spotlight to his seat for the world premiere of his second feature film, "When A Man Falls in The Forest." Eslinger paused momentarily before raising his head and walking with confidence to the VIP row where he was quickly joined by his film's co-stars Sharon Stone and Timothy Hutton. Eslinger's film is a rarity in the Berlinale's high-profile international competition; of the four American films being showcased, his is the only truly indie production, a small $2 million project alongside movies from Hollywood directors Gregory Nava ("Bordertown"), Steven Soderbergh ("The Good German") and Robert De Niro ("The Good Shepherd"). Kosslick, a proponent of emerging talent, has hailed Eslinger as the discovery of the festival this week, noting that he is among the youngest directors to compete at the event. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] NY Times: Whimsy, Pessimism and "Lady Chatterley" in Berlin
The 57th Berlinale, as the festival here is known, might best be thought of as an average festival. Not only because the films were generally so-so, with a few outright disasters balancing some high-quality work, but also because it seemed to typify what a film festival is these days. Once a bastion of difficulty and high seriousness--an identity that suited an event held in midwinter in a city with a vexed, often grim history--the Berlinale, which began last Thursday and concludes with awards on Sunday--has grown into something bigger, more varied and perhaps less distinctive. A.O. Scott gives his take on the Berlin International Film Festival, which concludes this weekend. [permalink] [ filed under Berlin, Festivals ] February 14, 2007 BERLIN '07 DAILY DISPATCH | Glamour, Politics, The Biz, and Young People: Dieter Kosslick Talks About the Berlinale
After a weekend of snow, ice and a cold biting wind here in Berlin, the skies cleared and temperatures warmed up a bit in the German capital, making the festival all the more manageable for visitors and locals alike. Sitting down to chat with indieWIRE at the mid-point of the annual Berlinale, festival director Dieter Kosslick, wearing a light festival hoodie, breathed a sigh of relief that the winter weather had eased up. Chatting about his role as the jovial goodwill ambassador atop one of the world's leading film festivals and markets, Kosslick said that he had spent the first first days in Berlin making any number of welcome speeches, setting the tone for the event with a mix of jokes and serious comments. And, as with any good host, he explained he has to make sure his guests are comfortable, "We have to take care of (people)," he smiled, "With the cold...making sure we have enough scarves, to keep them warm..." [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]  "Scott Walker" Crowd at Swedish Party
Director Stephen Kijak (right) joins his possee at the popular Swedish Film party in Berlin. Kijak's ("Cinemania") latest doc, "Scott Walker - 30 Century Man" is in Berlinale screening in the Panorama. He's joined by producer Mia Bays (next to him) and actor Gale Harold ("Queer As Folk," "Vanished") who served as associate producer on the film. And joining in on the fun is director Lucy Walker ("Blindsight"). "30 Century Man" profiles enigmatic musician/artist Scott Walker whose loyal following includes the likes of fellow musicians Johnny Marr and Sting, who appear in the film, as well as David Bowie, who is also executive producer of the film, which had its international premiere in the German capital. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  "Eagle Vs. Shark" in Berlin
"Eagle Vs. Shark" director Taika Waititi (left) joins Sundance Film Festival programmer Bird Runningwater and Loren Horsley, who stars in the comedy from New Zealand, at the reception in the European Film Market near Potsdamer Platz earlier this week. "Eagle Vs. Shark," which Miramax will open in the U.S., premiered in January at Sundance. The film is screening in the Berlinale's new Generation section. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  The Korean Dinner
Pusan International Film Festival director Kim Dong-ho (left), Korean Film Council (KOFIC) chair An Cheong sook and Asian Film Market director Park Kwang-su hosted a dinner for Korean cinema near Potsdamer Platz Monday night. AFM will host its second edition alongside Pusan, Asia's biggest film festival, in October. The Koreans scored this year in Berlin with numerous titles screening at the festival. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ]  EFM Party with David and Thom
Toronto International Film Festival doc programmer Thom Powers (right) and Newport Film Festival programmer David Nugent in Berlin and hanging out at the European Film Market party earlier this week. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Berlin, Berlin International Film Festival ] Kino Takes U.S. Rights to "Lady Chatterley" and "Crossing the Line" in Berlin
U.S. rights to Pascale Ferran's "Lady Chatterley" and Daniel Gordon's doc "Crossing the Line" have been picked up by Kino International, the company announced Wednesday from the Berlin International Film Festival. Ferran's film is described by Kino as a "lushly sensual new take on D.H. Lawrence's landmark novels of the passionate, tragic love affair between an unfulfilled aristocratic wife and a rural gamekeeper. Kino president Donald Krim negotiated the deal with Francois Yon of sales agent Films Distribution. A summer release is planned. In "Crossing the Line," Gordon profiles a small group of American soldiers that defected to the North Korea, and focusing on the life story of Joseph Dresnok with one on one interviews--a lowly American GI who in 1962 walked across the heavily fortified DMZ. Krim sealed the US license in Berlin with producer Paul Yi of E Pictures, on the heels of the film's international premieres in Pusan and Sundance. An early fall US release is scheduled. Read Dennis Lim's take on "Lady Chatterly" from Berlin in indieWIRE.com. [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under |