The Provincetown International Film Festival has announced that acclaimed writer and director David Cronenberg (The Fly, Videodrome, A History of Violence) will receive the Filmmaker on the Edge Award at this year’s 16th annual festival on Cape Cod.
The award will be presented by Piff’s resident artist John Waters at a special ceremony during the festival’s run June 17-23 in Provincetown, Mass.
From the Press Release
“We are thrilled to be honoring David Cronenberg – a compelling and transformative filmmaker who perfectly represents filmmaking on the edge,” said Mitch Levine, the newly-appointed Executive Director of the Provincetown International Film Festival and CEO of the Provincetown Film Society. “We look forward to both celebrating and learning from this great cinema artist at our festival.”
In honor of Cronenberg’s achievements as a filmmaker who pushes the limits, the festival will host a special drive-in double bill of Videodrome and The Fly on Thursday,...
The award will be presented by Piff’s resident artist John Waters at a special ceremony during the festival’s run June 17-23 in Provincetown, Mass.
From the Press Release
“We are thrilled to be honoring David Cronenberg – a compelling and transformative filmmaker who perfectly represents filmmaking on the edge,” said Mitch Levine, the newly-appointed Executive Director of the Provincetown International Film Festival and CEO of the Provincetown Film Society. “We look forward to both celebrating and learning from this great cinema artist at our festival.”
In honor of Cronenberg’s achievements as a filmmaker who pushes the limits, the festival will host a special drive-in double bill of Videodrome and The Fly on Thursday,...
- 3/28/2014
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
The Canadian auteur will collect the Filmmaker On The Edge Award at this year’s 16th annual festival on Cape Cod.
The award will be presented by Piff resident artist John Waters at a ceremony during the festival, set to run from June 17-23 in in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
The festival will host a special drive-in double bill of Videodrome and The Fly on June 19 and Naked Lunch will be added to the programme as a tribute.
“We are thrilled to be honouring David Cronenberg – a compelling and transformative filmmaker who perfectly represents filmmaking on the edge,” said Mitch Levine, newly-appointed executive director of the Provincetown International Film Festival and CEO of the Provincetown Film Society. “We look forward to both celebrating and learning from this great cinema artist at our festival.”...
The award will be presented by Piff resident artist John Waters at a ceremony during the festival, set to run from June 17-23 in in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
The festival will host a special drive-in double bill of Videodrome and The Fly on June 19 and Naked Lunch will be added to the programme as a tribute.
“We are thrilled to be honouring David Cronenberg – a compelling and transformative filmmaker who perfectly represents filmmaking on the edge,” said Mitch Levine, newly-appointed executive director of the Provincetown International Film Festival and CEO of the Provincetown Film Society. “We look forward to both celebrating and learning from this great cinema artist at our festival.”...
- 3/28/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Canadian auteur will collect the Filmmaker On The Edge Award at this year’s 16th annual festival on Cape Cod.
The award will be presented by Piff resident artist John Waters at a ceremony during the festival, set to run from June 17-23 in in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
The festival will host a special drive-in double bill of Videodrome and The Fly on June 19 and Naked Lunch will be added to the programme as a tribute.
“We are thrilled to be honouring David Cronenberg – a compelling and transformative filmmaker who perfectly represents filmmaking on the edge,” said Mitch Levine, newly-appointed executive director of the Provincetown International Film Festival and CEO of the Provincetown Film Society. “We look forward to both celebrating and learning from this great cinema artist at our festival.”...
The award will be presented by Piff resident artist John Waters at a ceremony during the festival, set to run from June 17-23 in in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
The festival will host a special drive-in double bill of Videodrome and The Fly on June 19 and Naked Lunch will be added to the programme as a tribute.
“We are thrilled to be honouring David Cronenberg – a compelling and transformative filmmaker who perfectly represents filmmaking on the edge,” said Mitch Levine, newly-appointed executive director of the Provincetown International Film Festival and CEO of the Provincetown Film Society. “We look forward to both celebrating and learning from this great cinema artist at our festival.”...
- 3/28/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Provincetown International Film Festival has announced that David Cronenberg will receive the Filmmaker on the Edge Award at this year’s 16th annual festival on Cape Cod. The award will be presented by Piff’s resident artist John Waters at a special ceremony during the festival’s run June 17-23 in Provincetown, Mass. "We are thrilled to be honoring David Cronenberg – a compelling and transformative filmmaker who perfectly represents filmmaking on the edge," said Mitch Levine, the newly-appointed Executive Director of the Provincetown International Film Festival and CEO of the Provincetown Film Society. "We look forward to both celebrating and learning from this great cinema artist at our festival." In honor of Cronenberg’s achievements as a filmmaker who pushes the limits, the festival will host a special drive-in double bill of "Videodrome" and "The Fly" on Thursday, June 19th, 2014. In addition to the drive-in screenings, Cronenberg’s "Naked Lunch" will be added.
- 3/27/2014
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
The Provincetown Film Society today announced that filmmaker and festival consultant Mitch Levine has been selected as their new CEO. Levine replaces Gabby Hanna, who retired from her post last summer. In his new position, Levine will also serve as Executive Director of the Provincetown International Film Festival, Waters Edge Cinema at Whalers Wharf and a new Institute of Cinema Arts. Rick McCarthy, President of the Pfs Board of Directors stated, "We are so pleased and excited to have Mitch as our new leader. We have every confidence that with Mitch's extraordinary experience and business acumen, he will lead the Festival and Society to new heights. His scholarly knowledge of cinema, his genuine love for his fellow artists, and his deep appreciation for the historical and cultural traditions that make Provincetown such a special gathering place for artists set him apart as a true friend to the art form." Piff's...
- 1/9/2014
- by Nigel M Smith
- Indiewire
I support this new NYC Film Fest which a lot of our friends attended and also support. I went to their inaugural event in NYC a few weeks back and it felt good and I certainly like their Indie lineup. The following is from a recent press release:
Celebrating first-time filmmakers with a grand prize of theatrical distribution, hosted by the historic Players Club, First Time Fest also had additional participants to this year's unique event.
Harry Belafonte, Gay Talese, Michael Shannon & Ellen Burstyn have joined Christine Vachon, Fred Schneider, Sofia Coppola, Todd Solondz, Barbara Kopple, Scott Foundas, Eric Kohn, Emily Russo, Jenny Lumet, Darren Aronofsky, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley, Peter Saraf, Nancy Savoca, Amy Ryan And Martin Scorsese participated In First Time Fest.
Belafonte & Shannon appeared onstage in the Ftf’s “Stand Alone! – Conversations With The Outstanding” series, one-on-one interview with notable cinema artists. Renowned author Gay Talese joined Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider as another of the Ftf’s five jurors (the entire live audience at each of the 12 competition films was the 5th juror). Together, the jury and audience ultimately selected Grand Prize winner, Sal, a modern-day Western by Argentinian writer-director Diego Rougier which was offered theatrical distribution and full international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio.
Acclaimed actress Ellen Burstyn, who worked with both Scorsese and Aronofsky served as the host of the Ftf Closing Night Awards program. As part of that festive evening, Martin Scorsese added his illustrious presence and belief in the art of cinema, presenting the first John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema to Darren Aronofsky. John Huston was one of the most prolific and versatile directors in the history of cinema. And with his mesmerizing debut film, Pi – made independently on black-and-white 16mm film – Darren Aronofsky was instantly recognized as a uniquely gifted new talent. His subsequent films: Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler and Black Swan, have more than fulfilled that promise.
In addition, Ftf had a special presentation of Andy Grieve and Lauren Lazin’s documentary about the band The Police, Can't Stand Losing You, featuring Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.
On an exciting party note, and in conjunction with Ftf’s presentation of the Australian/Mongolian documentary Mongolian Bling, First Time Fest and Hip Hop Saves Lives presented “Project Haiti,” an album release party for Zing Experience at Webster Hall.
Representing a hybrid between a traditional film festival and a highly motivated audience participation event, Ftf presented a dozen Competition Films, which were judged by a panel of industry luminaries and the Ftf audience. All competition screenings were followed by “hot-seat” discussions between the jury and filmmakers, and all audience members then voted on the films. It was truly a contest of the best emerging filmmakers competing for the Ultimate Audience Award.
Competition Films – (please visit here for competition films & descriptions).
In addition to the Competition Films, Ftf presented First Exposure, a series of first films from now prominent filmmakers. Joining the line-up - and mostly attending the fest - was the exciting Opening Night presentation of Sofia Coppola with The Virgin Suicides, Todd Solondz with Welcome to the Dollhouse, Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket, Barbara Kopple with Harlan County, USA, Melvin Van Peebles with The Story of a Three-Day Pass, Pi from Darren Aronofsky, The Maltese Falcon from director John Huston, Poison from Todd Haynes, Jack Goes Boating from director Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth, and True Love from Nancy Savoca.
First Exposure Films – (please visit here, for First Exposure descriptions)
First Exposure also includes a 60th Anniversary Tribute to Morris Engel’s The Little Fugitive, a cinema vérité classic from 1953 that was shot on Coney Island and has inspired countless filmmakers, from Jean-Luc Godard to the Coen brothers. The tribute included a panel hosted by film historian Foster Hirsch including Mary Engel, daughter of Morris Engel and Ruth Orkin, and James Sanders, author of Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies. In addition there was a Special Presentation of Everardo Gout’s thrillingly over-the-top action thriller Days Of Grace (Dĺas De Gracia), which won the Mexican Academy of Film’s prestigious Ariel Award for Best First Feature and was nominated for the Camera d’Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
First Time Fest included a series of panels called “How They Did It,” in which a diverse group of award-winning filmmakers moderated filmmaking case studies and spotlighted some of the most successful and accomplished masters of the industry.
First Time Fest is a four-day, multi-faceted event hosted in New York City’s Gramercy Park by the celebrated Players (16 Gramercy Park South), the club founded by Edwin Booth, Mark Twain and John Singer Sargent, the oldest and most exclusive arts organization of its kind whose membership includes the greatest stars of stage and screen. Each of First Time Fest’s twelve finalists receive high-level industry mentorship and a one-year membership to The Players. The Players was the location for all Ftf panels and events as well as the Filmmaker and VIP Lounge. First Time Fest’s screenings were all held at the Loews Village VII on Third Avenue (on 11th St. & 3rd Ave).
Among the Fest’s terrific sponsors is the delicious Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. "The forward-thinking Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte draws its inspiration from the call of ‘faraway lands.’ One of the youngest and most fashionable Champagne brands, Nicolas Feuillatte has captured the world's imagination by sharing its passion for creativity and arts in a record 37 years, becoming the #1 Champagne in France. In its role as discoverer of talent, the brand awards its prestige cuvée Palmes d'Or to First Time Fest's winners to complement the celebration in style."
Other terrific sponsors of the fest include Brooklyn Brewery, Moscot, Marquis Vodka and Technicolor Postworks.
For additional Festival Information - Visit The Festival Website at www.FirstTimeFest.com
Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward are the co-founders of First Time Fest. As an accomplished philanthropist, actor and social entrepreneur, as well as the daughter of singer Tony Bennett, Johanna Bennett has immersed herself within the entertainment and artistic community her entire life. Mandy Ward has worked in the film industry for the past decade in varied capacities, namely as a film producer of several projects. Mitch Levine, CEO of The Film Festival Group, is producing the festival. Through his company, Mitch offers consulting services and expertise to film festivals, film commissions, distribution companies and filmmakers around the world, and was formerly the CEO and Executive Director of the renowned Palm Springs International Film Festival. The Festival’s Director of Programming is David Schwartz, the Chief Curator of Museum of the Moving Image.
Celebrating first-time filmmakers with a grand prize of theatrical distribution, hosted by the historic Players Club, First Time Fest also had additional participants to this year's unique event.
Harry Belafonte, Gay Talese, Michael Shannon & Ellen Burstyn have joined Christine Vachon, Fred Schneider, Sofia Coppola, Todd Solondz, Barbara Kopple, Scott Foundas, Eric Kohn, Emily Russo, Jenny Lumet, Darren Aronofsky, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley, Peter Saraf, Nancy Savoca, Amy Ryan And Martin Scorsese participated In First Time Fest.
Belafonte & Shannon appeared onstage in the Ftf’s “Stand Alone! – Conversations With The Outstanding” series, one-on-one interview with notable cinema artists. Renowned author Gay Talese joined Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider as another of the Ftf’s five jurors (the entire live audience at each of the 12 competition films was the 5th juror). Together, the jury and audience ultimately selected Grand Prize winner, Sal, a modern-day Western by Argentinian writer-director Diego Rougier which was offered theatrical distribution and full international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio.
Acclaimed actress Ellen Burstyn, who worked with both Scorsese and Aronofsky served as the host of the Ftf Closing Night Awards program. As part of that festive evening, Martin Scorsese added his illustrious presence and belief in the art of cinema, presenting the first John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema to Darren Aronofsky. John Huston was one of the most prolific and versatile directors in the history of cinema. And with his mesmerizing debut film, Pi – made independently on black-and-white 16mm film – Darren Aronofsky was instantly recognized as a uniquely gifted new talent. His subsequent films: Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler and Black Swan, have more than fulfilled that promise.
In addition, Ftf had a special presentation of Andy Grieve and Lauren Lazin’s documentary about the band The Police, Can't Stand Losing You, featuring Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.
On an exciting party note, and in conjunction with Ftf’s presentation of the Australian/Mongolian documentary Mongolian Bling, First Time Fest and Hip Hop Saves Lives presented “Project Haiti,” an album release party for Zing Experience at Webster Hall.
Representing a hybrid between a traditional film festival and a highly motivated audience participation event, Ftf presented a dozen Competition Films, which were judged by a panel of industry luminaries and the Ftf audience. All competition screenings were followed by “hot-seat” discussions between the jury and filmmakers, and all audience members then voted on the films. It was truly a contest of the best emerging filmmakers competing for the Ultimate Audience Award.
Competition Films – (please visit here for competition films & descriptions).
In addition to the Competition Films, Ftf presented First Exposure, a series of first films from now prominent filmmakers. Joining the line-up - and mostly attending the fest - was the exciting Opening Night presentation of Sofia Coppola with The Virgin Suicides, Todd Solondz with Welcome to the Dollhouse, Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket, Barbara Kopple with Harlan County, USA, Melvin Van Peebles with The Story of a Three-Day Pass, Pi from Darren Aronofsky, The Maltese Falcon from director John Huston, Poison from Todd Haynes, Jack Goes Boating from director Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth, and True Love from Nancy Savoca.
First Exposure Films – (please visit here, for First Exposure descriptions)
First Exposure also includes a 60th Anniversary Tribute to Morris Engel’s The Little Fugitive, a cinema vérité classic from 1953 that was shot on Coney Island and has inspired countless filmmakers, from Jean-Luc Godard to the Coen brothers. The tribute included a panel hosted by film historian Foster Hirsch including Mary Engel, daughter of Morris Engel and Ruth Orkin, and James Sanders, author of Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies. In addition there was a Special Presentation of Everardo Gout’s thrillingly over-the-top action thriller Days Of Grace (Dĺas De Gracia), which won the Mexican Academy of Film’s prestigious Ariel Award for Best First Feature and was nominated for the Camera d’Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
First Time Fest included a series of panels called “How They Did It,” in which a diverse group of award-winning filmmakers moderated filmmaking case studies and spotlighted some of the most successful and accomplished masters of the industry.
First Time Fest is a four-day, multi-faceted event hosted in New York City’s Gramercy Park by the celebrated Players (16 Gramercy Park South), the club founded by Edwin Booth, Mark Twain and John Singer Sargent, the oldest and most exclusive arts organization of its kind whose membership includes the greatest stars of stage and screen. Each of First Time Fest’s twelve finalists receive high-level industry mentorship and a one-year membership to The Players. The Players was the location for all Ftf panels and events as well as the Filmmaker and VIP Lounge. First Time Fest’s screenings were all held at the Loews Village VII on Third Avenue (on 11th St. & 3rd Ave).
Among the Fest’s terrific sponsors is the delicious Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. "The forward-thinking Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte draws its inspiration from the call of ‘faraway lands.’ One of the youngest and most fashionable Champagne brands, Nicolas Feuillatte has captured the world's imagination by sharing its passion for creativity and arts in a record 37 years, becoming the #1 Champagne in France. In its role as discoverer of talent, the brand awards its prestige cuvée Palmes d'Or to First Time Fest's winners to complement the celebration in style."
Other terrific sponsors of the fest include Brooklyn Brewery, Moscot, Marquis Vodka and Technicolor Postworks.
For additional Festival Information - Visit The Festival Website at www.FirstTimeFest.com
Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward are the co-founders of First Time Fest. As an accomplished philanthropist, actor and social entrepreneur, as well as the daughter of singer Tony Bennett, Johanna Bennett has immersed herself within the entertainment and artistic community her entire life. Mandy Ward has worked in the film industry for the past decade in varied capacities, namely as a film producer of several projects. Mitch Levine, CEO of The Film Festival Group, is producing the festival. Through his company, Mitch offers consulting services and expertise to film festivals, film commissions, distribution companies and filmmakers around the world, and was formerly the CEO and Executive Director of the renowned Palm Springs International Film Festival. The Festival’s Director of Programming is David Schwartz, the Chief Curator of Museum of the Moving Image.
- 3/11/2013
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
For some years now Tom Prasek and I have commiserated about the need for a serious networking solution and overview organization about (for lack of a better term) 'the film festival world'.
I think Ffa might be on to something and I am really glad to lend support. I urge filmmakers, market participants and festival folks and press to pay close attention.
Where: Amphitheater, Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, Lincoln Center, NYC
When: 27th/28th September 2012
As each industry event produced by the Film Festival Academy is specifically curated in light of the requirements of the hosting festival or organisation, the first theme of our event in New York is New York film programming, looking at all the very many different institutions – festivals, cinemas, museums, galleries – involved in programming specifically for New York audiences.
The second theme focuses on film festival form, and here again we're looking to kick-start a debate that will run on longer via the Film Festival Academy website and related blogs etc.
Confirmed speakers and timetable:
Thursday 27th – Focus on New York-specific Film Programming
09:30–10:00 Registration, coffee
10:00–10:15 Welcome
10:15–12:15 Mapping the Landscape of New York Programming and Connecting with Audiences
Comprising a panel of NYC-based film programmers and moving image museum/gallery curators discussing various aspects of their responsibilities programming specifically for NYC audiences, and the various institutional freedoms and constraints they have, ie a general introduction to the practical context of NYC-specific film programming.
– Scott Foundas (New York Film Festival)
– David Schwartz (Museum of the Moving Image)
– Thom Powers (Doc NYC)
– Cristina Cacciopo (92Y Tribeca)
– Jon Dieringer (Screen Slate)
12:15–13:30 Lunch (provided, for all participants/attendees)
13:30–14:45 A Detailed Look at New York Cinephilia
A moderated conversation between Richard Peña (New York Film Festival) and Lisa Schwartzbaum (Entertainment Weekly) discussing in greater depth the theory and practice behind NYC-specific programming and festival programming more generally, from viewpoints that encompass experience in actual programming as well as academia/film history and film criticism.
14:45–15:00 Coffee
15:15–16:45 Programming for Niche Audiences
A session focusing on the specific issues involved in programming for target constituents, and exploring issues of reach and retention of interest from core communities, whether 'genre' focused or more 'ethnically/culturally' defined.
– Chair: Brian Gordon (festival consultant)
– Lisa Vandever (CineKink)
– Basil Tsiokos (festival consultant)
– Stephen Kent Jusick (Mix)
– Bradford Nordeen (Dirty Looks)
16:45–17:00 Coffee
17:00–18:30 Exploring the Nature of Contemporary Scholarly Film Festival Studies
Comprising a panel of scholars working in the fast-growing area of academic film festival studies, providing an overview of their area of research and thereby shedding light on more theoretical, historical issues, and developing the specific focus on NYC back out to wider considerations; note, these will Not be academic papers in any conventional sense, but rather informal accounts given by people professionally engaged in researching this field, providing insight into what, and why, and so balancing the NYC-specific practical considerations above with more theoretical considerations of the nature and role of film festivals generally.
– Faye Ginsburg (New York University)
– Toby Lee (Harvard University)
– Dennis Broe (Long Island University)
Friday 28th – Focus on Film Festival Form
09:45–10:00 Coffee
10:00–12:00 An Interrogation of Film Festival Form
A focus on theoretical and practical considerations of film festival form; this will be instigated by a manifesto on film festival form proposed by Mark Cousins that will then responded to by a panel that, again, represents the various interested constituents from festival programming, film criticism, and academic film festival studies, but will very much be an open session.
– Chair: Sean Farnel (festival consultant)
– David Sterritt (Columbia University)
– Ingrid Kopp (Tribeca Film Institute Digital Initiatives)
– Dan Nuxoll (Rooftop Films)
12:00 Closing remarks
Free registration is available to all Premium Members of the Film Festival Academy. Places currently remaining:32
Attendees already confirmed include:
– Mitch Levine (The Film Festival Group)
– Peter Belsito (festival consultant)
– Claus Mueller (Hunter College, City University of New York)
– Jose Augusto Barriga (Boston Latino International Film Festival)
– Goran Topalovic (New York Asian Film Festival)
– Elizabeth Weatherford (Native American Film and Video Festival)
– Michal Chacinski (Gdynia Film Festival, Poland)
– Joe Bateman (Rushes Short Film Festival, London, UK)
– Bryce Renninger (Rutgers University, indieWIRE)
– Christina Marouda (Los Angeles Indian Film Festival)
– Miriam Bale (freelance film curator)
– Ania Trebiatowska (Off Plus Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema, Krakow, Poland)
– Sylvie Vitaglione (New York University)...
I think Ffa might be on to something and I am really glad to lend support. I urge filmmakers, market participants and festival folks and press to pay close attention.
Where: Amphitheater, Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, Lincoln Center, NYC
When: 27th/28th September 2012
As each industry event produced by the Film Festival Academy is specifically curated in light of the requirements of the hosting festival or organisation, the first theme of our event in New York is New York film programming, looking at all the very many different institutions – festivals, cinemas, museums, galleries – involved in programming specifically for New York audiences.
The second theme focuses on film festival form, and here again we're looking to kick-start a debate that will run on longer via the Film Festival Academy website and related blogs etc.
Confirmed speakers and timetable:
Thursday 27th – Focus on New York-specific Film Programming
09:30–10:00 Registration, coffee
10:00–10:15 Welcome
10:15–12:15 Mapping the Landscape of New York Programming and Connecting with Audiences
Comprising a panel of NYC-based film programmers and moving image museum/gallery curators discussing various aspects of their responsibilities programming specifically for NYC audiences, and the various institutional freedoms and constraints they have, ie a general introduction to the practical context of NYC-specific film programming.
– Scott Foundas (New York Film Festival)
– David Schwartz (Museum of the Moving Image)
– Thom Powers (Doc NYC)
– Cristina Cacciopo (92Y Tribeca)
– Jon Dieringer (Screen Slate)
12:15–13:30 Lunch (provided, for all participants/attendees)
13:30–14:45 A Detailed Look at New York Cinephilia
A moderated conversation between Richard Peña (New York Film Festival) and Lisa Schwartzbaum (Entertainment Weekly) discussing in greater depth the theory and practice behind NYC-specific programming and festival programming more generally, from viewpoints that encompass experience in actual programming as well as academia/film history and film criticism.
14:45–15:00 Coffee
15:15–16:45 Programming for Niche Audiences
A session focusing on the specific issues involved in programming for target constituents, and exploring issues of reach and retention of interest from core communities, whether 'genre' focused or more 'ethnically/culturally' defined.
– Chair: Brian Gordon (festival consultant)
– Lisa Vandever (CineKink)
– Basil Tsiokos (festival consultant)
– Stephen Kent Jusick (Mix)
– Bradford Nordeen (Dirty Looks)
16:45–17:00 Coffee
17:00–18:30 Exploring the Nature of Contemporary Scholarly Film Festival Studies
Comprising a panel of scholars working in the fast-growing area of academic film festival studies, providing an overview of their area of research and thereby shedding light on more theoretical, historical issues, and developing the specific focus on NYC back out to wider considerations; note, these will Not be academic papers in any conventional sense, but rather informal accounts given by people professionally engaged in researching this field, providing insight into what, and why, and so balancing the NYC-specific practical considerations above with more theoretical considerations of the nature and role of film festivals generally.
– Faye Ginsburg (New York University)
– Toby Lee (Harvard University)
– Dennis Broe (Long Island University)
Friday 28th – Focus on Film Festival Form
09:45–10:00 Coffee
10:00–12:00 An Interrogation of Film Festival Form
A focus on theoretical and practical considerations of film festival form; this will be instigated by a manifesto on film festival form proposed by Mark Cousins that will then responded to by a panel that, again, represents the various interested constituents from festival programming, film criticism, and academic film festival studies, but will very much be an open session.
– Chair: Sean Farnel (festival consultant)
– David Sterritt (Columbia University)
– Ingrid Kopp (Tribeca Film Institute Digital Initiatives)
– Dan Nuxoll (Rooftop Films)
12:00 Closing remarks
Free registration is available to all Premium Members of the Film Festival Academy. Places currently remaining:32
Attendees already confirmed include:
– Mitch Levine (The Film Festival Group)
– Peter Belsito (festival consultant)
– Claus Mueller (Hunter College, City University of New York)
– Jose Augusto Barriga (Boston Latino International Film Festival)
– Goran Topalovic (New York Asian Film Festival)
– Elizabeth Weatherford (Native American Film and Video Festival)
– Michal Chacinski (Gdynia Film Festival, Poland)
– Joe Bateman (Rushes Short Film Festival, London, UK)
– Bryce Renninger (Rutgers University, indieWIRE)
– Christina Marouda (Los Angeles Indian Film Festival)
– Miriam Bale (freelance film curator)
– Ania Trebiatowska (Off Plus Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema, Krakow, Poland)
– Sylvie Vitaglione (New York University)...
- 9/25/2012
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
These days there is much going on in African filmmaking. Variety seems to be the only trade which covers the continent in a fairly consistent way. If Ron Burkle succeeds in buying it, there will be more good news coming from the near moribund trade paper. But read this article from August 6-12 on the ongoing activities of these African nations; it's heartening. It includes Tom Twyker's efforts in Nairobi, the Berlin Talent Campus in Durban, American Lee Isaac Chung's Almond Tree in Rwanda (where its Film Festival is currently taking place), Mira Nair's Maisha Film Lab in Kampala, Focus' ongoing shorts production program Africa First.
Locarno Film Festival just awarded cash through its Open Door Film Lab to six west African features out of 12 chosen films from the French speaking sub-Saharan former colonies.
Not covered in the article is The International Emerging Film Talent Association (Iefta) and the Ethiopian Film Initiative (Efi). Three talented young Ethiopian Filmmakers Henok Mebratu, Olisarali Olibui and Yidnekachew Shumete had a once-in a–lifetime experience when they spent a week in Monte Carlo and at the Cannes Film Festival, attending film screenings and premieres, participating in meetings, workshops, and seminars, and being feted at dinners and parties, and presenting their own work. Participants of an educational program sponsored by chosen after a rigorous competition among fellow Ethiopian filmmakers, the trio had the opportunity for the filmmakers to meet a range of influential distributors, sales agents, producers, directors and international film commissioners at the festival, and also for them to be given one-on-one sessions with film institutions, consultants, established producing & co-producing entities, and international distribution companies. I was happy giving them an in-depth tour of the market where we were able to spot the sales agents with interest in African films and to talk with several of them.
Ambassador Tadelech Haile-Michael, a founding member of the Efi in Ethiopia, welcomed the news, calling it a chance to raise the international profile of Ethiopian films. "This is a great opportunity for Ethiopian filmmakers to establish themselves in the international marketplace,” she said. "I am also delighted they will be able to present some images of our beautiful Ethiopian landscapes and culture, and show the rest of the world what an attractive location Ethiopia can be for international filmmakers.”
The filmmakers were selected from a significant group of applicants emerging from Ethiopia’s nascent film community. The criteria for participation mandates that the filmmaker be an Ethiopian national living and working in Ethiopia at least 6 months of the year and have produced or directed one fiction or documentary short or feature film. Prior to the filmmakers’ arrival in Cannes, they stopped in Monte Carlo – the home of the Iefta – for preparation meetings as well as a benefit event, on May 19th, where their films were screened.
"This is the second time the Iefta has brought filmmakers from Ethiopia to Cannes, and we are extremely excited about the caliber of this year's finalists,” says Marco Orsini, current President of the Iefta. “It demonstrates that there is a growing film market and community in Ethiopia that should be taken seriously. We are also very pleased in the partnership we have had with the Ethiopian Film Initiative which provides on the ground training in Addis Ababa and are looking forward to expanding our programs into other parts of the developing world."
Henok Mebratuis an experienced filmmaker and a well-known figure among the Ethiopian creative community. His talents include directing documentaries and teaching media skills. In Cannes he will present a new movie drama he is working on. It tells the story of Kidist and Dawit, who were both raised abroad and whose lives are completely transformed by returning to Ethiopia to say farewell to their dying father.
Olisarali Olibui Tongolu co-produced an award-winning film, "Shooting with the Mursi", which gives an intriguing insider's view of his own tribe. In Cannes he will pitch his next project proposal "My Enemy, My Brother". Filming has already started on this project, which will focus on issues facing neighboring tribes of the Mursi. The themes to be covered include uncontrolled tourism, climate change and land rights.
Yidnekachew Shumete Desalegn is a widely respected film director in Addis Ababa, as well as a cameraman, editor, teacher and scriptwriter. He has worked extensively in both fiction and documentary films. His first feature film "Siryet" (2007), achieved widespread popularity. In Cannes he will pitch his upcoming film "Nishan" or Medal of Honour. It tells the story of Nishan, a young girl, who receives the rare opportunity of a visa to go abroad and change her life for the better. However, perplexing problems soon beset her.
“We’re very proud of our 2012 Ethiopian Film Initiative finalists,” states Mitch Levine, Iefta Executive Consultant. “These filmmakers have demonstrated a passion for their art, excellence in filmmaking and a commitment to the advancement of Ethiopia’s – and Africa’s – filmmaking community. We are thrilled to host them for a week of education, workshops and screenings at the Cannes Film Festival and at the Iefta’s base in Monaco.”
The Iefta and Efi form an international / Ethiopian partnership committed to raising the professional standards of the Ethiopian film industry. The Efi provides capacity building support for Ethiopian documentary and feature film producers and directors as well as encouraging and training local and international entities to use local filmmakers.
The Iefta – through its Global Film Expression and programs like the Ethiopian Film Initative – is dedicated to the discovery, nurture and promotion of filmmakers throughout the developing world. The Iefta has been supporting Emerging talent since 2006 and has been specifically supporting Ethiopian film since 2008.
The VIP fund-raising event was held at a beautiful Belle Époque villa in the heart of Monte Carlo which was covered in an Architectural Digest feature on the Villa Nocturne mansion.
Their experience began in Monte Carlo, the home base of the Iefta, when they attended a Benefit Dinner in their honor at the beautiful Villa Nocturne hosted by Iefta President Marco Orsini. Funders and supporters of the Iefta and Efi program were on hand as well as members of the international press and film industry who came in from Cannes for the event and to meet the filmmakers. Actor Billy Zane (“Titanic”) flew in from the U.S. to support the event and to serve as mentor for the filmmakers. Marco Orsini, President of the Iefta announced that Mr. Zane has joined the organization’s Advisory Board. He also announced that in addition to the focus on Ethiopia (begun in 2008) and its filmmaking community, the Iefta would also be broadening its educational outreach and support to include young emerging talent from other African nations beginning in Sierra Leone. The next day was spent in workshops, and meetings preparing the three for theirtrip to the Festival in Cannes where they were to meet the industry. Veteran Producer Mitch Levine guided them through discussions, trial pitching sessions and filmmaking workshops. That evening at Crem in Monte Carlo, the filmmakers screened their short films, to the public, program supporters, and local Monaco media. Following the screenings Billy Zane led the three in a discussion of their work, their filmmaking vision and the passion for their art, and commitment to the advancement of Ethiopia’s – and Africa’s – filmmaking community. On to Cannes and the 65th Cannes Film Festival where the three were immersed in the industry. From morning to night they traversed the Festival, guided by Mitch Levine. I gave a tour of the market to Henok, Olisarali and Yidney in which we discussed the lack of people of African descent as well as of women in the festival offerings. Olisari belongs to one of many, many tribes in Ethiopia and has traveled extensively in groups making films about aborigines. His next film is My Brother, My Enemy. Yidney has made a film about a young woman. Their representing the unrepresented makes me an enthusiastic supporter of them, the Iefta and of Marco for carrying on his work. They met and spoke with industry professionals such as Co-Director of the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival Cameron Bailey and his team of programmers specializing in Africa; Film Fund representatives from France and Norway whose funding programs specifically benefit the filmmakers’ region; Film Commissioners and Film Festival directors and programmers from Scandinavia, Europe, India, Canada, U.S. and elsewhere to speak about co-production opportunities as well as presenting their work to the public; distributors and acquisition executives who explained what they were looking for from the global marketplace to bring to their countries and audiences; public relations and marketing executives, as well as journalists and many many others. They had numerous opportunities of networking and attending receptions – where the real work of the festival is done – and talked, met and mingled with the world’s film industry. “As a filmmaker from a developing country, I used to wonder how things worked in the developed world,” says Yidnekachew Shumete, “and this trip gave me the inside look and on how industry professionals operate and how I can best use this new knowledge in my career. It was magnificent! It will be interesting to see if things will be the same when I get back home?” “I can simply say that these were the most efficient six days for my career,” says Henok Mebratu. “The experience has completely raised my confidence in the contexts of developing my work and pitching, selling, marketing and showing my films. Now, better knowing how the film industry works, I can upgrade my products to meet international standards.” “This trip to Monaco and Cannes was very impressive,” states Olisarali Olibui. “I have travelled to a lot of festivals, but I have never seen this type of program with all the workshops, seminars, and meetings for a filmmaker. I have learned a lot about distribution, co-productions, etc. As an indigenous person - I can now be instrumental in helping other indigenous filmmakers. It was so amazing. I appreciate the Efi and Iefta efforts - and for selecting my projects and me!! It was very strong work, and was much more than just an organized visit - but provided me with education, training and important contacts. I am looking forward to what the future will bring for this program and for me.” Ambassador Tadelech Haile-Michael, a founding member of the Efi in Ethiopia, says, “I want to underline the unique opportunities brought to the Ethiopian filmmakers and the Efi by the Monaco and Cannes visit and that it is now up to them to pursue their contacts. This was a special new experience both for the filmmakers and myself and we all benefited. Billy Zane’s participation and the commitment and kindness of the people working with Iefta was so touching it has inspired me to work more to strengthen our common dream of the Efi. Meeting heads ofinstitutions, film commissions, fund providers, film school directors and instructors and other different role players that can become Efi partners and help support in the creation of a film fund and/or a film school to benefit our emerging filmmakers was incredibly valuable.”...
Locarno Film Festival just awarded cash through its Open Door Film Lab to six west African features out of 12 chosen films from the French speaking sub-Saharan former colonies.
Not covered in the article is The International Emerging Film Talent Association (Iefta) and the Ethiopian Film Initiative (Efi). Three talented young Ethiopian Filmmakers Henok Mebratu, Olisarali Olibui and Yidnekachew Shumete had a once-in a–lifetime experience when they spent a week in Monte Carlo and at the Cannes Film Festival, attending film screenings and premieres, participating in meetings, workshops, and seminars, and being feted at dinners and parties, and presenting their own work. Participants of an educational program sponsored by chosen after a rigorous competition among fellow Ethiopian filmmakers, the trio had the opportunity for the filmmakers to meet a range of influential distributors, sales agents, producers, directors and international film commissioners at the festival, and also for them to be given one-on-one sessions with film institutions, consultants, established producing & co-producing entities, and international distribution companies. I was happy giving them an in-depth tour of the market where we were able to spot the sales agents with interest in African films and to talk with several of them.
Ambassador Tadelech Haile-Michael, a founding member of the Efi in Ethiopia, welcomed the news, calling it a chance to raise the international profile of Ethiopian films. "This is a great opportunity for Ethiopian filmmakers to establish themselves in the international marketplace,” she said. "I am also delighted they will be able to present some images of our beautiful Ethiopian landscapes and culture, and show the rest of the world what an attractive location Ethiopia can be for international filmmakers.”
The filmmakers were selected from a significant group of applicants emerging from Ethiopia’s nascent film community. The criteria for participation mandates that the filmmaker be an Ethiopian national living and working in Ethiopia at least 6 months of the year and have produced or directed one fiction or documentary short or feature film. Prior to the filmmakers’ arrival in Cannes, they stopped in Monte Carlo – the home of the Iefta – for preparation meetings as well as a benefit event, on May 19th, where their films were screened.
"This is the second time the Iefta has brought filmmakers from Ethiopia to Cannes, and we are extremely excited about the caliber of this year's finalists,” says Marco Orsini, current President of the Iefta. “It demonstrates that there is a growing film market and community in Ethiopia that should be taken seriously. We are also very pleased in the partnership we have had with the Ethiopian Film Initiative which provides on the ground training in Addis Ababa and are looking forward to expanding our programs into other parts of the developing world."
Henok Mebratuis an experienced filmmaker and a well-known figure among the Ethiopian creative community. His talents include directing documentaries and teaching media skills. In Cannes he will present a new movie drama he is working on. It tells the story of Kidist and Dawit, who were both raised abroad and whose lives are completely transformed by returning to Ethiopia to say farewell to their dying father.
Olisarali Olibui Tongolu co-produced an award-winning film, "Shooting with the Mursi", which gives an intriguing insider's view of his own tribe. In Cannes he will pitch his next project proposal "My Enemy, My Brother". Filming has already started on this project, which will focus on issues facing neighboring tribes of the Mursi. The themes to be covered include uncontrolled tourism, climate change and land rights.
Yidnekachew Shumete Desalegn is a widely respected film director in Addis Ababa, as well as a cameraman, editor, teacher and scriptwriter. He has worked extensively in both fiction and documentary films. His first feature film "Siryet" (2007), achieved widespread popularity. In Cannes he will pitch his upcoming film "Nishan" or Medal of Honour. It tells the story of Nishan, a young girl, who receives the rare opportunity of a visa to go abroad and change her life for the better. However, perplexing problems soon beset her.
“We’re very proud of our 2012 Ethiopian Film Initiative finalists,” states Mitch Levine, Iefta Executive Consultant. “These filmmakers have demonstrated a passion for their art, excellence in filmmaking and a commitment to the advancement of Ethiopia’s – and Africa’s – filmmaking community. We are thrilled to host them for a week of education, workshops and screenings at the Cannes Film Festival and at the Iefta’s base in Monaco.”
The Iefta and Efi form an international / Ethiopian partnership committed to raising the professional standards of the Ethiopian film industry. The Efi provides capacity building support for Ethiopian documentary and feature film producers and directors as well as encouraging and training local and international entities to use local filmmakers.
The Iefta – through its Global Film Expression and programs like the Ethiopian Film Initative – is dedicated to the discovery, nurture and promotion of filmmakers throughout the developing world. The Iefta has been supporting Emerging talent since 2006 and has been specifically supporting Ethiopian film since 2008.
The VIP fund-raising event was held at a beautiful Belle Époque villa in the heart of Monte Carlo which was covered in an Architectural Digest feature on the Villa Nocturne mansion.
Their experience began in Monte Carlo, the home base of the Iefta, when they attended a Benefit Dinner in their honor at the beautiful Villa Nocturne hosted by Iefta President Marco Orsini. Funders and supporters of the Iefta and Efi program were on hand as well as members of the international press and film industry who came in from Cannes for the event and to meet the filmmakers. Actor Billy Zane (“Titanic”) flew in from the U.S. to support the event and to serve as mentor for the filmmakers. Marco Orsini, President of the Iefta announced that Mr. Zane has joined the organization’s Advisory Board. He also announced that in addition to the focus on Ethiopia (begun in 2008) and its filmmaking community, the Iefta would also be broadening its educational outreach and support to include young emerging talent from other African nations beginning in Sierra Leone. The next day was spent in workshops, and meetings preparing the three for theirtrip to the Festival in Cannes where they were to meet the industry. Veteran Producer Mitch Levine guided them through discussions, trial pitching sessions and filmmaking workshops. That evening at Crem in Monte Carlo, the filmmakers screened their short films, to the public, program supporters, and local Monaco media. Following the screenings Billy Zane led the three in a discussion of their work, their filmmaking vision and the passion for their art, and commitment to the advancement of Ethiopia’s – and Africa’s – filmmaking community. On to Cannes and the 65th Cannes Film Festival where the three were immersed in the industry. From morning to night they traversed the Festival, guided by Mitch Levine. I gave a tour of the market to Henok, Olisarali and Yidney in which we discussed the lack of people of African descent as well as of women in the festival offerings. Olisari belongs to one of many, many tribes in Ethiopia and has traveled extensively in groups making films about aborigines. His next film is My Brother, My Enemy. Yidney has made a film about a young woman. Their representing the unrepresented makes me an enthusiastic supporter of them, the Iefta and of Marco for carrying on his work. They met and spoke with industry professionals such as Co-Director of the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival Cameron Bailey and his team of programmers specializing in Africa; Film Fund representatives from France and Norway whose funding programs specifically benefit the filmmakers’ region; Film Commissioners and Film Festival directors and programmers from Scandinavia, Europe, India, Canada, U.S. and elsewhere to speak about co-production opportunities as well as presenting their work to the public; distributors and acquisition executives who explained what they were looking for from the global marketplace to bring to their countries and audiences; public relations and marketing executives, as well as journalists and many many others. They had numerous opportunities of networking and attending receptions – where the real work of the festival is done – and talked, met and mingled with the world’s film industry. “As a filmmaker from a developing country, I used to wonder how things worked in the developed world,” says Yidnekachew Shumete, “and this trip gave me the inside look and on how industry professionals operate and how I can best use this new knowledge in my career. It was magnificent! It will be interesting to see if things will be the same when I get back home?” “I can simply say that these were the most efficient six days for my career,” says Henok Mebratu. “The experience has completely raised my confidence in the contexts of developing my work and pitching, selling, marketing and showing my films. Now, better knowing how the film industry works, I can upgrade my products to meet international standards.” “This trip to Monaco and Cannes was very impressive,” states Olisarali Olibui. “I have travelled to a lot of festivals, but I have never seen this type of program with all the workshops, seminars, and meetings for a filmmaker. I have learned a lot about distribution, co-productions, etc. As an indigenous person - I can now be instrumental in helping other indigenous filmmakers. It was so amazing. I appreciate the Efi and Iefta efforts - and for selecting my projects and me!! It was very strong work, and was much more than just an organized visit - but provided me with education, training and important contacts. I am looking forward to what the future will bring for this program and for me.” Ambassador Tadelech Haile-Michael, a founding member of the Efi in Ethiopia, says, “I want to underline the unique opportunities brought to the Ethiopian filmmakers and the Efi by the Monaco and Cannes visit and that it is now up to them to pursue their contacts. This was a special new experience both for the filmmakers and myself and we all benefited. Billy Zane’s participation and the commitment and kindness of the people working with Iefta was so touching it has inspired me to work more to strengthen our common dream of the Efi. Meeting heads ofinstitutions, film commissions, fund providers, film school directors and instructors and other different role players that can become Efi partners and help support in the creation of a film fund and/or a film school to benefit our emerging filmmakers was incredibly valuable.”...
- 8/10/2012
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
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