|
0 members and 96 visitors online
| |
|||||
  TORONTO '08 CRITICS NOTEBOOK | Intimate Moments with Denis, Kore-eda and Kim; and Linklater Channels "Orson Welles"
Not only can few Toronto attendees pronounce the name of this year's opening night film "Passchendaele," a Canadian WWI epic, but few among us have actually seen it. So much for a rousing start. Rather than major big-budget works (although the Coen brothers' "Burn After Reading," by most accounts, is an adequate romp), it's the festival's quieter, more intimate films that demand the most attention. On the first official day of screenings, for example, Claire Denis' latest "35 Rhums" ("35 Shots"), fresh from Venice, drew a packed press screening in the mid-afternoon. When Denis, the French maverick of "Chocolat" and "Beau Travail" fame, delivers the buzz picture of the moment, it gives heart to the endurance of art-house cinema, which, of late, has taken a beating in the industry press. [ read more in Movies ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Festival Dispatch, Lead Story, Toronto ]
indieWIRE: Recent Headlines
  TORONTO '08 | Tilda, Lyons and a Coen
"I'm not even sure it's an undertone," joked Ethan Coen at the press conference of "Burn After Reading" at Toronto's Park Hyatt Hotel. Half of the film's writing, directing and producing duo had been asked by a Toronto reporter about "Burn"'s "dark undertones," particular as portrayed through its characters. "They are pretty terrible [people]," he said. The film - which is having a generally warm but occasionally confused reception in Toronto - premiered last night. Ethan Coen (left) is pictured at the film's post-screening party with the film's co-star Tilda Swinton and distributor Focus Features' John Lyons. Swinton was also at the press conference, and remarked on her recent tendency to work with two of "Burn"'s leading men. "I'm working on having George Clooney in every contract," Swinton joked. "It's tough - but I'm trying. But I have the consolation prize of having Brad Pitt in two different films." Speaking on their upcoming "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Pitt responded: "I'm working on stealing Tilda away from George." [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Toronto: On The Scene ]  TORONTO '08 | Cera and Denning Play Nick and Norah
Kat Denning and Michael Cera strike a pose at Toronto for their new film, "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," which indieWIRE blogger Eric Kohn calls "an irresistibly cute, disarmingly smart depiction of a couple disaffected teens hanging out in NYC over the course of a single, booze-fueled night." "Nick and Norah" is Director Peter Sollett's followup to his 2002 indie hit, "Raising Victor Vargas," another film that explored NYC teenage romance and launched the careers of Victor Rasuk and Melonie Diaz. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Toronto, Toronto: On The Scene ]  TORONTO '08 | Rick and Zac and "Welles"
Director Richard Linklater and actor Zac Efron held court at their party for "Me and Orson Welles," screening as a Special Presentation in Toronto. The party was surprisingly low key considering the "High School Musical" star as well as co-star Claire Danes were around at the "Hollywood House" venue. In today's Critics Notebook, Anthony Kaufman described "Welles" "a portrait of New York 1937 in broad strokes, brilliant flourishes and a boyish, buoyant outlook." Our favorite part of the quick photo was Linklater "schooling" Efron on what iW is... [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Toronto, Toronto: On The Scene ]  TORONTO '08 | "Treeless" Team in Toronto
"Treeless Mountain" premiered in Toronto Friday night as part of the Contemporary World Cinema program. indieWIRE's Anthony Kaufman called the film "superbly realized" in is first Critic's Notebook. "Treeless"'s director and producers celebrated the warm response at Ben Wick's Pub in Toronto's Cabbagetown neighborhood last night. Pictured from left: Producers Ben Howe, Jay Van Hoy, Lars Knudsen, director So Yong Kim and producer Bradley Rust Gray. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Toronto: On The Scene ]  TORONTO '08 | SXSW in Toronto
SXSW founder Louis Black and its new producer Janet Pierson were among the party goers at the soiree for Richard Linklater's "Me and Orson Welles" in Toronto Friday night. The party at "Hollywood House" had quite a who's who there with Disney powerhouse Zac Efron and Claire Danes were among the "Orson" stars hanging at the party. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Toronto, Toronto: On The Scene ]  TORONTO '08 | Day Three Roundup
indieWIRE offers a select take of Toronto 2008 news around the world.
TIFF Elitist?
More Fun, Less Politics
Infinitely Lukewarm
Indie Finance Worries at TIFF
Tidbits
Asian Invasion
Get the latest from the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival in indieWIRE's special section.  SXSW Call For Entries! THE SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST FILM CONFERENCE & FESTIVAL has succeeded in its attempt to blend enthusiastic crowds with the leaders of the film industry. New filmmakers and veteran audiences come together with veteran filmmakers and new audiences, for a one-of-a-kind festival. Between educational panels and premiere screenings, SXSW Film has maintained its vision of celebrating ingenuity. For once, here's film independence you can depend on. Learn more at http://www.sxsw.com/film. SUBMIT YOUR FILM REGISTER TO ATTEND
iW NEWS | Jordan Joins Oscar Race With "Raed"
For the first time, the country fo Jordan is officially joining the race for the Academy Awards with the submission of Amin Matalqa's "Captain Abu Raed." An independent submission committee, recently constituted by the Royal Film Commission - Jordan according to the rules set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, convened on August 31, 2008 and selected the "Raed" to represent Jordan at the 81st Annual Academy Awards, due to be held on February 22, 2009. "These are exciting times. The mere fact that a Jordanian film will be submitted for the first time is an indication that the film industry in Jordan has matured," said Munir Nassar, Chairman of the Oscar Submission Committee for Jordan in a statement. "Raed" won Dramatic World Cinema Audience Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival [Peter Knegt]  [permalink] [ filed under Awards Watch, Honors ]  TORONTO '08 DISPATCH | Canadians Kick Off Fest; Venice - Telluride Stoke Pre-TIFF Buzz; and Discoveries
The local news here wondered during their early evening broadcasts if it would rain on the party Thursday night, but in the end, the Toronto International Film Festival's opening night went off with only a minimum amount of precipitation. The 33rd edition of the festival, which many consider the world's second most important, maintained tradition by launching with a Canadian film. Paul Gross' "Passchendaele," one of the country's largest productions ever. And the film received all the usual fanfare, including gawkers, press, fans and the usual trappings of an opening night gala. Canada's armed forces also turned out in the film's honor with a nod to the film's storyline complete with tanks and uniformed soldiers flanking the red carpet at the post-screening bash. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Festival Dispatches, Lead Story, Toronto ]  TORONTO '08 | Eating and Drinking Up the Opening Night Extravaganza
Hundreds of guests came out once again for the Toronto International Film Festival's opening night party to fete Paul Gross' "Passchendaele." If the popcorn didn't cut the mustard during the screening, there was plenty of food to be had at the party -- from meatloaf to spring rolls. And of course plenty of libation for those doing a liquid dinner. Taking part in all the festivities, German Films' Oliver Mahrdt, the Florida Film Festival's Matthew Curtis and Shannon Larimer and Nancy Collet from the Middle East Film Festival. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Toronto, Toronto: On The Scene ]  FIRST PERSON | "7 Days in September" Director Steven Rosenbaum on "The 9/11 Generation"
EDITORS NOTE: Filmmaker Steven Rosenbaum's "7 Days in September," the critically acclaimed documentary about the days after September 11th, is one of five films about 9/11 that are being screened via SnagFilms' first annual "September 11th Remembrance in Film" program, which also includes National Geographic's "Afghanistan Revealed," Beth Murphy's "Beyond Belief," Glenn Holsten's "Saint of 9-11," and Danny Schechter's "We Are Family." The films are available in their entirety, without commercial interruption, on both http://www.snagfilms.com and indieWIRE today and September 12th, 2008. And, SnagFilms is matching all viewer contributions during the Remembrance Week (Full press release). [ read more in People ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under First Person, Lead Story ]  TORONTO '08 | Short Filmmakers Celebrate
Hanging out at the Bravo!FACT(Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent) brunch honouring the directors of all the short films screening at this year's Toronto International Film Festival are "The Workout" director Sami Khan and writer Christian Magalhaes. The film is playing in the Short Cuts Canada program. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Toronto, Toronto: On The Scene ] TORONTO '08 | Day Two Roundup
TORONTO '08 | Day Two Roundup indieWIRE offers a snapshot of Toronto '08 news from around the world.
You Won't Have to Wrestle Through This
"Che" Finds a U.S. Home?
Toronto Readies For "Rachel," "Wrestler"
Lots of Pre-Fest Buys in Toronto
Canadian Government Skips TIFF Speech
Real-time mobile reports from TIFF
More coverage of the Toronto International Film Festival in indieWIRE's special section.
iW NEWS | Participant and Public Affairs To Collaborate
Participant Media, the entertainment company responsible for "The Visitor" and "Syriana, and book publisher PublicAffairs, are joining forces for a series of books, published by PublicAffairs, based on Participant's narrative and documentary films. Their first collaboration will be a paperback original that expands on the ideas presented in doc "Food, Inc.," which is currently screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. Each book in the series will provide context and background about the film’s themes and content, from both the makers of the movies as well as outside experts in the field, and resources offering various ways for people to become actively involved in the issues raised by the film. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Biz ] iW NEWS | Lee Launches 2nd Babelgum
The Babelgum Online Film Festival, a free, independent Web TV platform, has announced a second edition. The announcement will be made today by Spike Lee during a press conference at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Babelgum will also be premiering the trailer of its first original film production "Downstream", focusing on the controversy over the development of Alberta's oil sands. "The results from the 1st Babelgum Online Film Festival proved that audiences from all over the world are eager for new content and that independent filmmakers are excited to have found a new place to showcase their work," Spike Lee said in a statement. "I feel privileged to be part of the Babelgum Online Film Festival and excited that it has the potential to reach more audiences than any other film festival in the world because of the Internet's global reach." The 2nd Edition of the Babelgum Online Film Festival will be open to all short and mediumform content produced professionally or by enrolled film school students. Babelgum has decided to narrow the number of categories down from seven to four including "short," "animation," "mini-masterpiece" and "documentary." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] iW NEWS | Image Entertainment Takes "$5 a Day"
Image Entertainment announced today at the Toronto International Film Festival that it has acquired from all North American rights (except theatrical) to the comedy "$5 a Day" from Capitol Films, Ltd. The film stars Amanda Peet, Sharon Stone, Christopher Walken and Alessandro Nivola, and will screen in Toronto on Sept. 6, 7 and 12. "This film is certain to be an audience-pleaser with it all-star cast and funny storyline," said Bill Bromiley, Chief Acquisitions Officer of Image Entertainment, in a statement. "Amanda Peet, Sharon Stone and Christopher Walken are all hilarious in this tale of a crazy father and his not-so-crazy son." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Toronto ]  indieWIRE INTERVIEW | "Ping Pong Playa" Director Jessica Yu
Almost exactly a year ago, Jessica Yu's Ping Pong Playa premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Her first foray into feature fiction filmmaking after documentaries such as Academy Award winning short, "Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien" and last year's "Protagonist," "Playa" is about an Asian-American boy who dreams of playing professional basketball. "Playa" will open on nine screens Friday in the New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. indieWIRE talked to Yu about the film and its release. [ read more in People ] [ 6 comments ] [ filed under Interviews ]  TORONTO '08 | Eating, Drinking, and Shopping in Toronto: An indieWIRE Insiders Guide
Tens of thousands of people are about to converge upon Canada's largest city for one of the world's largest film events, socializing and networking all over town. indieWIRE surveyed a group of Toronto locals and insiders about their favorites places to eat, drink, shop and chill, including some of our own tips from indieWIRE staffer (and former Torontonian) Peter Knegt. The results of our informal, subjective survey follow. We invite readers and TIFF attendees alike to discuss, dispute and react to the suggestions offered. Comments and corrections are invited at the end of this article, so go for it. We'll take another look at it next year. But until then, here's to a lively, productive and fun 10 days in Toronto. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Festival Dispatches, Lead Story, Toronto ] Slamdance Film Festival alumni director Christopher Nolan is celebrating Slamdance's 15th anniversary through a screening and Q&A of his feature debut FOLLOWING. FOLLOWING, a captivating neo-noir drama centering around a writer who follows people to ignite his creativity, originally bowed at Slamdance in 1999. Nolan's debut, its multi-linear approach conveyed a voice that continued on in films like MEMENTO and THE DARK KNIGHT. $20 tickets sold online ONLY; no tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Q&A with Mr. Nolan and hosted reception for ticket holders to follow screening. Friday, September 5, 2008, Will Call 7pm / Screening 8pm
iW NEWS | Moore to Offer a "Slacker Uprising" Free Online
Michael Moore's film, "Slacker Uprising" will be available for download free of charge as a thank you to "his many fans." The free download will take place on the Internet in lieu of a theatrical release or DVD release (for now) and prior to other outlets such as television or streaming video, according to a release. "Slacker Uprising" traces Michael Moore’s 62-city tour of the swing states during the 2004 U.S. Presidential election and "records the thrilling -- and frightening -- response he received across the country." The high resolution 97 minute film is free download to any North American resident beginning on September 23. "Slacker Uprising" first appeared at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival as "Captain Mike Across America." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under People ] iW NEWS | Merilees Takes CFTPA Award at TIFF
The Canadian Film and Television Production Association announced that Rob Merilees is the recipient of the third annual CFTPA Producer's Award. The Award was presented at the 5th Elementt Restaurant at the opening of the Toronto International Film Festival earlier today. Merilees produced TIFF's Closing Night Gala film, "Stone of Destiny." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Honors, Toronto ] iW NEWS | "Of Time and City" For Strand
Strand Releasing has acquired all US rights to Terence Davies' "Of Time and City" from Hurricane Films in the UK. The deal was done via sales agent Hanway Films. The film is a "poetic ode to Liverpool" which is constructed with archival footage and narrated by Davies himself. It had its World Premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival and has its North American Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this Sunday. "We're thrilled to be working with Terence again, his loveletter to Liverpool is a true artistic inspiration to filmmaking," said Marcus Hu, Co-President of Strand Releasing, in a statement. The deal was concluded by Strand Releasing's Jon Gerrans and Hanway's Thorsten Schumacher. Strand Releasing is planning for a January 2009 release. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Toronto ] iW NEWS | Cinema Guild Takes "24 City"
The Cinema Guild announced today at the Toronto International Film Festival the acquisition of U.S. distribution rights to Jia Zhangke's "24 City," which documents the conversion of an old munitions factory into a sprawling complex of luxury high-rise apartments. The deal was negotiated by Ryan Krivoshey, Director of Distribution for The Cinema Guild with Matthieu Giblin of MK2. "24 City" will receive its North American premiere on Sunday, September 7, 2008 in Toronto and will screen later this month as part of the New York Film Festival. It will open theatrically in early 2009. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, Toronto ] iW NEWS | European Film Awards Announce 44 Finalists
The European Film Academy and EFA Productions gGmbH have announced the titles of the 44 films on this year's selection list, the list of films recommended for a nomination for the 2008 European Film Awards. Twenty-seven countries are represented on the list. Films include Joe Wright's "Atonement," Dany Boon's "Bienvenue Chez Les Ch'tis," Arnaud Desplechin's "Un Conte de Noel," Paolo Sorrentino's "Il Divo," Laurent Cantet's "The Class," Matteo Garrone's "Gomorra," Mike Leigh's "Happy-Go-Lucky," Steve McQueen's "Hunger," Sergei Bodrov's "Mongol," Bent Hamer's "O'Horten" and Ari Folman's "Waltz With Bashir." Check out the full list here. In the next few weeks, the 1,800 members of the European Film Academy will vote for the nominations in the different award categories. The nominations will then be announced on November 8, 2008 at the Sevilla European Film Festival in Spain. The awards will take place on December 6, 2008 in Copenhagen. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Awards Watch, Honors ]  indieWIRE INTERVIEW | "August Evening" Director Chris Eska
Director Chris Eska's "August Evening" revolves around an aging undocumented farm worker named Jaime and his young, widowed daughter-in-law, Lupe, who have their lives thrown into upheaval. Lupe happens to be more of a daughter to Jaime than his own children, and the two try to stick together but change is inevitable. At the heart of the story is the conflict between generations. Aging parents and grown children have difficulty expressing both their love and mutual disappointment in each other. "August Evening" won the John Cassavetes Award at the 2008 Independent Spirit Awards and took best dramatic feature at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2007. The film opens Friday, September 5 at New York's Village East Cinema. The film will open September 19 in San Antonio, TX and September 26 in Los Angeles followed by other roll outs in selected cities. [ read more in People ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Interviews ]  QUEER CINEMA NOTEBOOK | What We Learned on Our Summer Vacation
[EDITORS NOTE: This is part of a regular series of articles taking a critical look at the state of contemporary queer cinema. In developing this column, indieWIRE turned to New York City based writers Michael Koresky and Chris Wisniewski, inviting them to take a sort of "he said, he said" approach to discussing queer films.] Chris Wisniewski: There was something almost too easy about our first installment of this Queer Cinema Notebook. Frameline, NewFest, and Outfest provided more than a great excuse to get started; they also offered a glut of LGBT-themed content for us to sift through, debate, and, in a few happy cases, champion. But queer cinema's annual moment in the sun is fleeting, and as the summer stretched on, it became clear that our next installment posed a more serious challenge. [ read more in Movies ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Lead Story, Queer Cinema, Queer Cinema Column ] iW NEWS | Samuel Goldwyn Travels Down "Dark Streets" for the U.S.
Samuel Goldwyn Films has picked up U.S. rights to Rachel Samuels' "Dark Streets," for a planned release in the fourth quarter of the year. Peter Goldwyn, vice president of acquisitions negotiated the deal with Shaun Redick at The Collective on behalf of the filmmakers. Set in the 1930s, the film is the story of a "dashing but naive playboy who owns the hottest nightclub in town. Surrounded by the blues music he adores, and caught in a love triangle between two beautiful singers, he is the envy of every man; until, his charmed life starts to spiral out of control. As he is drawn deeper into a web of lies and betrayal, he no longer knows who to trust and who to fear." "We're excited to release a film in which stunning blues musical production numbers are an integral part; propelling the mood and pacing of the story," commented Samuel Goldwyn president Meyer Gottlieb in a statement. "Audiences will be simply blown away by the soundtrack which is sure to be an Awards' contender with the caliber of artists involved." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ]  TORONTO '08 DISCOVERY INTERVIEW | "Daytime Drinking" Director Young-seok Noh
EDITORS NOTE: For the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, indieWIRE will be publishing interviews with filmmakers in the Discovery section of the festival, which TIFF describes as a showcase for new and emerging filmmakers from contemporary international cinema. Young-seok Noh's "Daytime Drinking" is having its North American Premiere in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival. The South Korean production follows Hyuk-jin, who after a drunken attempt to heal a broken heart, decides to take a trip with his friends to small town of Jeongseon in the Gangwon province. But, as TIFF describes, "as the only one to actually make it on the bus, Hyuk-jin embarks on a strange journey that finds him in the middle of a snowy highway without his mobile phone, wallet or pants." indieWIRE spoke to "Drinking"'s director about the film and its screening in Toronto. [ read more in People ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Interviews, Toronto ]  REVIEW | Adult Swim: Chris Smith's "The Pool"
[An indieWIRE review from Reverse Shot.] The value of a film like Chris Smith's "The Pool" becomes more tangible when you begin to imagine what a lesser filmmaker might have wrought from the same material. Extending his sympathy for, and fascination with, the American working class beyond the boundaries of his home country, Smith, the director of "American Job," "Home Movie," and "American Movie," traveled to the small Indian state of Goa, its west coast the shores of the Arabian Sea, to make his latest film. [ read more in Movies ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Lead Story, Reviews ]  TORONTO '08 DISCOVERY INTERVIEW | "Hooked" Director Adrian Sitaru
EDITORS NOTE: For the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, indieWIRE will be publishing interviews with filmmakers in the Discovery section of the festival, which TIFF describes as a showcase for new and emerging filmmakers from contemporary international cinema. Adrian Sitaru's "Hooked" is having its North American Premiere in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival. The Romania-France co-production is described by TIFF: "A Sunday picnic seemed like the best way for Mihai and Sweetie to spend some quality time together and take their relationship to a new level. But a series of odd and unexpected events quickly turn this idyllic weekend getaway into the strangest day of their lives." indieWIRE talked to Sitaru about the film and its screening in Toronto. [ read more in People ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Interviews, Toronto ] TORONTO '08 | Day One Roundup
TORONTO '08 | Day One Roundup indieWIRE offers a snapshot of Toronto '08 news from around the world.
Toronto Film Festival Opens Amid Cautious Industry Climate
Toronto looks to lure the buy-curious
Award Hopefuls Road Test in Toronto
A Nostalgia for New York, by Way of the Toronto Film Festival
The Film Paris Hilton Doesn't Want You To See
More coverage of the Toronto International Film Festival in indieWIRE's special section.
iW NEWS | Regent Makes North American "Serbis" Deal
In a deal with Fortissimo Films, North American rights to Brillante Mendoza's "Serbis." have been acquired by Regent Releasing. The company is planning a limited winter release for the film, from the competition at this year's Cannes fest. It is now screening at the Toronto fest and is on tap for the upcoming New York Film Festival. Set in the Filipino city of Angeles, the film follows a family dealing with -- in the words of an announcement -- "bigamy, unwanted pregnancy, possible incest and bothersome skin irritations." [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions, World Cinema ] iW NEWS | Santa Barbara To Honor Harris
In recognition of his contributions to the world of film, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival has announced that they will present the third annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence in Film to actor-director Ed Harris. "Ed Harris is an actor's actor," commented Roger Durling, SBIFF Executive Director, in a statement. "His already legendary performances are passionate, thoughtful and so committed - qualities that he shares with Kirk Douglas. What an evening this is going to be!" The award's namesake, Kirk Douglas, will present the award to Harris on Thursday, October 2. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Honors ]  TELLURIDE '08 | Dvortsevoy and Gusciora
Hanging out at the Telluride Film Festival "Tulpan" director Sergey Dvortsevoy (right) with the festival's Gus Gusciora (left). A hit in Cannes, the film is also en route to this week's Toronto International Film Festival. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Telluride ]  TELLURIDE '08 | "Resurrected" Folks
On the road to the Toronto International Film Festival this week, the folks behind Paul Schrader's "Adam Resurrected" joined the filmmaker at the Telluride Film Festival. Pictured over the weekend are (left to right) producer Ehud Bleiberg, writer Yoram Kaniuk, and the film's star, Jeff Goldblum. [ read more in iPOP ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Telluride ] iW NEWS | "Slumdog" Closing London Fest
Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire," which garnered great buzz this weekend in Telluride and is headed to the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival, will close the 2008 London Film Festival on October 30, 2008. The story of a Mumbai orphan who strives for greatness on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," the film was adapted by Simon Beaufoy from the novel "Q and A" by Vikas Swarup. It was produced by Christian Colson and will be released by Fox Searchlight on November 28th in the U.S. The London fest opens on October 15th and the full lineup will be announced next week. [Eugene Hernandez] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] iW NEWS | Coombes Joins TLAvideo.com, Philadelphia Fest
TLAvideo.com has announced that the creative force behind the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Carol Coombes, will be joining TLAvideo.com as a Managing Editor. Coombes will be working to develop and nurture TLAvideo's lesbian catalogue. Her position begins in early October, 2008. Additionally, Coombes will serve as the Associate Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Film Festival, presented by the Philadelphia Film Society. "I am delighted to be joining TLAvideo.com as Manager Editor of Lesbian content," said Coombes in a statement. "I am looking forward to working with the terrifically dedicated team at TLAvideo.com." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Biz, Queer Cinema ] Film Independent's Fourth Annual Filmmaker Forum September 26 - 28, 2008 at the Directors Guild of America Don't be left behind in the changing world of independent film. Join us for the '08 Filmaker Forum for three important days that will both enlighten you on the current state of the industry, and empower you to help shape its future. A valuable guide to filmmaking success $300 for Film Independent members; $350 for non-members
iW NEWS | Arthouse Builds "Architect" for English and French Territories
English-speaking territories and French rights to Markus Heidingsfelder and Min Tesch's doc on renowned architect "Rem Koolhaas - A Kind of Architect" has been acquired by Arthouse Films. The deal was negotiated by David Koh and Lilly Bright on behalf of Arthouse Films and Curiously Bright Entertainment along with John Flahive of Wavelength Pictures in the UK on behalf of the filmmakers and producers of the German production. Arthouse Films plans a release later this year or early next year. "This is a fascinating portrait of one of the world's most renowned figures in modern architecture," commented David Koh and Lilly Bright in a joint statement. "The commercial audience and market and interest for art, architecture, and design is rapidly growing and maturing around the world." [Brian Brooks] [permalink] [ filed under Acquisitions ]  DISPATCH FROM VENICE '08 | Riding the Ups and Downs of National Cinemas
There was a feeling, immediately after Cannes, that we were in the grip of some unforeseen phenomenon: a sudden and perceptible upturn in the fortunes of Italian cinema. True, Matteo Garrone's "Gomorra" was excellent -- and Paolo Sorrentino's "Il Divo" was, to my mind, even better -- but to herald a fully-fleged renaissance, on the basis of these two films, seemed a little optimistic, not to say premature. One swallow, after all, doth not a summer make. Many within the Italian film industry were quick to wave the flag -- at least in public; privately, though, they would confide that this supposed "new wave" was in fact just a blip: a piece of fortuitous timing. Two good movies had simply arrived at the same time. For almost any other country, this would be unremarkable. But such is the state of modern Italian cinema, it carried the force of holy revelation. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ] iW NEWS | "Columbine," "Desert" Among Announced AFI Titles
AFI FEST 2008 announced a group of films that will screen at this year's festival. They include the World Premiere of Danny Ledonne's "Playing Columbine, the North American Premieres of Rodrigo Pla's "The Desert Within," Margarita Jimeno's "Gogol Bordello Non-Stop," and Fernando Eimbcke's "Lake Tahoe," and ten others that are playing at the Toronto International Film Festival and having their LA Premieres at AFI: Paul Schrader's "Adam Resurrected," Arnaud Desplechin's "A Christmas Tale," Matteo Garrone's "Gomorrah," Kim Kee Woon's "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly," Pablo Trapero's "Lion's Den," Lisandro Alonso's "Liverpool," Yulene Olaizola's "Shakespeare and Victor Hugo's Intimacies," Anthony Fabian's "Skin," Ari Folman's "Waltz With Bashir" and Kelly Reichardt's "Wendy and Lucy." The festival runs October 30-November 9, 2008. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ]  TORONTO '08 DISCOVERY INTERVIEW | "Vacation" Director Hajime Kadoi
EDITORS NOTE: For the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, indieWIRE will be publishing interviews with filmmakers in the Discovery section of the festival, which TIFF describes as a showcase for new and emerging filmmakers from contemporary international cinema. Hajime Kadoi's "Vacation" is having its International Premiere in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival. The film follows Hirai, a middle-aged prison guard, who follows an alienated work routine attending to Kaneda, a death row inmate. When Kaneda's execution is ordered, Hirai has an opportunity for a vacation. But as TIFF describes, "there is a price to pay for this well-deserved break, as Hirai must assist Kaneda during his final moments." indieWIRE talked to Kadoi about the film and its screening in Toronto. [ read more in People ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Interviews, Toronto ] iW BOT UPDATE | "Sukiyaki" At The Top
Box Office coverage presented by Rentrak Theatrical Takashi Miike's "Sukiyaki Western Django" is atop the weekly iW BOT box office chart, which was published this afternoon. The film earned $12,172 on 1 run. Rounding out the top of the iW BOT were "I Served The King of England," "Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild" and "Trouble The Water"[permalink] [ filed under Box Office ]  iW SNEAK PEEK - Mike Leigh's "Happy-Go-Lucky"
Screening at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, Mike Leigh's new film, "Happy-Go-Lucky" is the story of a persistently chipper and friendly school teacher (Sally Hawkins) and her unexpected search for love. You can also read indieWIRE's coverage of the film's premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. [This exclusive scene is courtesy of Miramax Films, which will be releasing "Happy-Go-Lucky" later this year.] [ filed under Film Festivals, Sneak Peek, Toronto ]  TORONTO '08 DISCOVERY INTERVIEW | "Apron Springs" Director Sima Urale
EDITORS NOTE: For the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, indieWIRE will be publishing interviews with filmmakers in the Discovery section of the festival, which TIFF describes as a showcase for new and emerging filmmakers from contemporary international cinema. Sima Urale's "Apron Springs" is having its International Premiere in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival. The New Zealand production is described by TIFF as "a parallel story of two families and two cultures set in suburban Otahuhu in South Auckland, New Zealand." Urale spoke to indieWIRE about the film and her hopes for its screening in Toronto. [ read more in People ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Interviews ]  REVIEW | I Wish I Was a Baller: Jessica Yu's "Ping Pong Playa"
[An indieWIRE review from Reverse Shot.] After a string of documentaries, including "In the Realms of the Unreal," and an Academy Award win for Best Documentary Short, Jessica Yu makes an unlikely, deceptively slight narrative feature debut with "Ping Pong Playa." What's perhaps most surprising about the film, however, is that Yu (who has also directed a fair amount of television drama) is actually quite adept as a comedy director. Adhering to well-worn underdog sports humor, her film follows the slow, amiable rise of Christopher "C-dub" Wang, a slacking Asian American with more of a penchant for the urban culture of hip-hop and basketball than for his family's business and passion: ping-pong. [ read more in Movies ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Reviews ] iW NEWS | "Together" To Open Nouveau's Focus Section
The Festival du Nouveau Cinema in Montreal announced that the feature-length documentary "All Together Now," directed by Adrian Wills will open the Focus section on October 9th. Immediately preceding it will be the World Premiere of the animation short "Spare Change," the late Ryan Larkin's final film about his life as an artist begging on St-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal. "All Together Now" is the story of the partnership between The Beatles and the Cirque du Soleil, and features interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison. The complete program for the 37th annual Festival du Nouveau Cinema will be announced at a press conference on Tuesday, September 23. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] indieWIRE Presents: Alan Ball and Summer Bishil, Towelhead Join filmmaker Alan Ball (American Beauty, Six Feet Under) and actress Summer Bishil at the Apple Store as they discuss their film, Towelhead. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Alicia Erian and written for the screen and directed by Alan Ball, Towelhead follows the dark, bold, and sometimes shockingly funny life of Jasira, a 13-year-old Arab-American girl, as she navigates the confusing and frightening path of adolescence and her own sexual awakening. The discussion will be moderated by indieWIRE writer, Eric Kohn. Warner Independent Pictures will release Towelhead in theaters on September 12. WHEN: Monday, September 8, 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Apple Store, SoHo, 103 Prince Street, NYC
 TORONTO '08 | Assessing the Business Landscape as TIFF Gets Underway this Week
Myths die hard in the film business. But the fairytale that says an independent movie goes into a film festival, sparks a bidding war and gets sold for millions and millions of dollars is fading fast. The dream may hold true for some rare exceptions (Sundance '08: "Hamlet 2"). But with several buyers out of the picture (from Netflix's Red Envelope to Warner Independent Pictures) and a cooling sales environment over the last year, filmmakers and backers are thinking about new ways to deliver their labors-of-love to audiences as they head into this year's Toronto International Film Festival. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 1 comments ] [ filed under Lead Story, Toronto, Trends ]  iW BOT | Summer Winners and Losers at the Specialty Box Office
Box Office coverage presented by Rentrak Theatrical [ read more in Biz ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Box Office, Lead Story ]  TORONTO '08 DISCOVERY INTERVIEW | "Cold Lunch" Director Eva Sorhaug
EDITORS NOTE: For the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, indieWIRE will be publishing interviews with filmmakers in the Discovery section of the festival, which TIFF describes as a showcase for new and emerging filmmakers from contemporary international cinema. Having its International Premiere in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival, Eva Sorhaug's "Cold Lunch" follows the paths of five characters who intersect in the Oslo district of Majorstua. TIFF describes that after one character, Christer, "disconnects a main fuse in his building in an attempt to save the rent money he mistakenly placed into the laundry, he sets off a chain reaction of consequential events that will change the lives of a caretaker and his daughter, and a new mother and her child." Sorhaug spoke to indieWIRE about "Cold Lunch," and her hopes for Toronto. [ read more in People ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Interviews, Toronto ] iW NEWS | Woodstock Unveils Lineup
The Woodstock Film Festival unveiled the programming for its 9th edition, with a collection of 150 "fiercely independent" films, panels, concerts and special events to run from October 1-5, 2008. The festival will present 10 world premieres and 4 North American premieres. Opening night will offer three films, Gavin O'Connor's "Pride and Glory," Mike Leigh's "Happy-Go-Lucky" and Marc Abraham's "Flash of Genius," while the fest will close with two, the East Coast Premieres of Kevin Smith's "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" and Sean McGinly's "The Great Buck Howard." Other films screening at Woodstock include Kelly Reichardt's "Wendy and Lucy," the U.S. Premiere of Erick Zonca's "Julia," Larry Charles' "Religulous," Joo-ho Bong, Leos Carax and Michel Gondry's "Tokyo!," Barry Jenkins' "Medicine For Melancholy," Joe Swanberg and Greta Gerwig's "Nights and Weekends," Tom Gustafson's "Were The World Mine," PJ Raval and Jay Hodges' "Trinidad," and Wendy Key's "Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight." "Each year brings with it a new crop of extraordinarily talented filmmakers who offer fresh and exciting approaches to filmmaking," said WFF Executive Director Meira Blaustein in a statement. "We are proud to celebrate the work of those who take on issues that effect our lives as they try to illuminate, in their own singular way, what lies in the dark, and what is hidden from our eyes and our hearts." The festival takes place in the arts colony of Woodstock, New York, and the neighboring towns of Rhinebeck and Rosendale. For the complete lineup, please visit the festival's website. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] iW NEWS | Hollywood Festival Announces Craft Honorees
The 12th Annual Hollywood Film Festival and Hollywood Awards announced their craft honorees for this year's Hollywood Awards. Composer Danny Elfman will be given the "Hollywood Composer of the Year Award," Cinematographer Mandy Walker will receive the "Hollywood Cinematographer of the Year Award," editors Daniel P. Hanley and Mike Hill will be honored with the "Hollywood Editor of the Year Award," production designer Sarah Greenwood will receive the "Hollywood Production Designer of the Year Award" and costume designer Deborah Hopper will be honored with the "Hollywood Costume Designer of the Year Award." The gala ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 27, 2008. [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Honors ] iW NEWS | TIFF Announces Free Screening of People's Choice
The Toronto International Film Festival has announced a new addition to the screening schedule. The Cadillac People's Choice Award winner will now screen for free on the closing night of the festival. "This is a gift back to the city of Toronto ," said Festival Co-Director, Cameron Bailey in a statement. "It's a big thank you to our audiences for their ongoing support and commitment to our Festival, which has made it one of the best in the world." The winner will be announced on the afternoon of September 13, with the screening occurring that night at the Visa Screening Room at the Elgin Theatre. Previous winners include "Eastern Promises," "Bella," "Tsotsi" and "Hotel Rwanda." [Peter Knegt] [permalink] [ filed under Festivals, Toronto ] CNN | "In a world" voiceover master dies at 68
Don LaFontaine, the voiceover king whose "In a world ..." phrase on movie trailers was much copied -- and much parodied -- has died, according to media reports. He was 68. CNN reports. [permalink] [ filed under People ] Recent On The Scene indieWIRE coverage:
The latest from iW: TELLURIDE: Lineup & Interview | Dearth of American Films | Doom & Gloom v. Optimism & Ingenuity | Telluride iPOP (2005 - present) VENICE: The Fest and the Coens | Confounding Competition MONTREAL: Fest Misses Mark AFP | Brazilian Indians in spotlight at Venice film festival
Fiction and fantasy gave way to harsh reality on Monday at the Venice film festival, with "BirdWatchers" exposing the plight of Brazil's Guarani Indians in the face of the biofuels boom. Gina Doggett reports. [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ] Reuters | Ethiopian film explores nation's recent violent past
"Teza" by Ethiopian director Haile Gerima, is one of 21 movies in competition at the Venice Film Festival, and warm applause after a press screening suggested it would be a contender for prizes at the closing ceremony on Saturday. Mike Collett-White reports. [permalink] [ filed under Festivals ]  TORONTO '08 DISCOVERY INTERVIEW | "Rain" Director Maria Govan
EDITORS NOTE: For the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, indieWIRE will be publishing interviews with filmmakers in the Discovery section of the festival, which TIFF describes as a showcase for new and emerging filmmakers from contemporary international cinema. Bahamian director Maria Govan's "Rain" will be having its World Premiere in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival. The film follows the titular character as she leaves her rural, sheltered life in search of the mother that abandoned her. Heading to Nassau, her dream is "quickly shattered," as TIFF describes, "when she meets Glory, a scarred, angry woman who bears no resemblance to the mother she had hoped for." Govan talked to indieWIRE about "Rain," and her aspirations for Toronto. [ read more in People ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Interviews, Toronto ]  REVIEW | Setting the Record Straight: Robert Cary's "Save Me"
[An indieWIRE review from Reverse Shot.] Robert Cary's "Save Me" is hardly the incendiary, ripped-from-the-headlines passion play that a short description of it might imply. And indeed its poster, depicting its star, Chad Allen, skull-capped and mouth slightly agape, pointing an inverted cross to his temple, revolver-style, likewise promises a scorching take-down of bullying American fundamentalism. Yet "Save Me" isn't a teeth-bared addition to the culture wars; surprisingly docile and rigorously even-handed in its portrait of a New Mexico Christian sexual "re-education" house for men, Cary and screenwriter Robert Desiderio are not courting controversy as much as curiously surveying a state of mind. Though the film is too hung up on tidy explanations and often seems desperate to create clear and quantifiable motivations for its characters' actions (there's a certain Screenwriting 101 going on here), "Save Me" is appealing in its refusal to demonize any of it characters. [ read more in Movies ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under Queer Cinema, Reviews ] AFP | Rare Marilyn Monroe footage surfaces in Australia
Rare behind-the-scenes footage of screen goddess Marilyn Monroe, taken while she was filming her iconic 1959 hit "Some Like it Hot," has been found in Australia, an auction house said Tuesday. AFP reports. [permalink] [ filed under People ]  DISPATCH FROM TELLURIDE | A Weekend of Discoveries and Buzz at the 35th Telluride Fest
Kimberly Reed's "Prodigal Sons," a documentary about estranged siblings struggling with their own identity and coming to grips with their past, was hailed by Telluride Film Festival organizers as one of the discoveries of this year's festival as the weekend event came to a close on Labor Day. Audiences responded to the film, filling its screenings and forcing organizers to add a number of additional showings of the movie. The filmmakers beamed all weekend that their festival debut exceeded even their greatest expectations. [ read more in On The Scene ] [ 0 comments ] [ filed under |
09/05/08 -