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From her home in Copenhagen, Denmark, director Camilla Nielsson is fighting for justice. Justice in Zimbabwe.
The filmmaker has shot two acclaimed documentaries in the landlocked African nation: Democrats, which won the best documentary feature honor at Tribeca in 2015, and President, which premiered in Sundance in January, where it won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award.
The first looks at efforts by the opposition parties allied against long-serving dictator Robert Mugabe to reform the country’s constitution and push Zimbabwe towards democracy. Mugabe’s government banned it. Only in 2018, following Mugabe’s resignation and the election of former Mugabe supporter Emmerson Mnangagwa as the country’s new president, did the country’s courts lift the ban.
President follows that election, documenting the widespread fraud that accompanied it. The film contrasts the campaign of 79-year-old Mnangagwa, known by the moniker “the crocodile,” with...
From her home in Copenhagen, Denmark, director Camilla Nielsson is fighting for justice. Justice in Zimbabwe.
The filmmaker has shot two acclaimed documentaries in the landlocked African nation: Democrats, which won the best documentary feature honor at Tribeca in 2015, and President, which premiered in Sundance in January, where it won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award.
The first looks at efforts by the opposition parties allied against long-serving dictator Robert Mugabe to reform the country’s constitution and push Zimbabwe towards democracy. Mugabe’s government banned it. Only in 2018, following Mugabe’s resignation and the election of former Mugabe supporter Emmerson Mnangagwa as the country’s new president, did the country’s courts lift the ban.
President follows that election, documenting the widespread fraud that accompanied it. The film contrasts the campaign of 79-year-old Mnangagwa, known by the moniker “the crocodile,” with...
- 8/12/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has banned Camilla Nielsson’s award-winning political documentary President, saying the movie, which details alleged election fraud and violence during Zimbabwe’s 2018 presidential elections, has the “potential to incite violence.”
Nielsson’s documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last year, where it won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award. The film is set to have its on-demand premiere in the U.S. on PBS on Monday.
Calling the ban “a devastating blow to freedom of the press in Zimbabwe” the filmmakers filed a legal challenge to the decision with Zimbabwe’s constitutional court but, they reported Monday, it was rejected. In a statement, the filmmakers cited the Zimbabwe Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Censorship and Entertainment Control Unit, which said that the content of President “is likely to be contrary to...
The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has banned Camilla Nielsson’s award-winning political documentary President, saying the movie, which details alleged election fraud and violence during Zimbabwe’s 2018 presidential elections, has the “potential to incite violence.”
Nielsson’s documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last year, where it won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award. The film is set to have its on-demand premiere in the U.S. on PBS on Monday.
Calling the ban “a devastating blow to freedom of the press in Zimbabwe” the filmmakers filed a legal challenge to the decision with Zimbabwe’s constitutional court but, they reported Monday, it was rejected. In a statement, the filmmakers cited the Zimbabwe Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Censorship and Entertainment Control Unit, which said that the content of President “is likely to be contrary to...
- 8/8/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The government of Zimbabwe has banned “President,” Danish filmmaker Camilla Nielsson’s Oscar-shortlisted documentary about the African nation’s corrupt 2018 presidential election, Variety can exclusively reveal.
In a letter dated June 16, the country’s censorship board slapped a ban on the Sundance prize-winning documentary, insisting that it “has the potential to incite violence” as Zimbabwe gears up for presidential elections in 2023.
The filmmakers are now challenging the ruling in Zimbabwe’s constitutional court, promising a long legal battle ahead.
“President” is the follow-up to Nielsson’s critically acclaimed “Democrats,” which chronicled the laborious construction of Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution. It captures Zimbabwe at a crossroads, as it prepares for its first election since the ouster of Robert Mugabe, who was forced from power after nearly four decades in the wake of a 2017 military coup.
The film follows opposition leader Nelson Chamisa as he challenges the dictator’s successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, while...
In a letter dated June 16, the country’s censorship board slapped a ban on the Sundance prize-winning documentary, insisting that it “has the potential to incite violence” as Zimbabwe gears up for presidential elections in 2023.
The filmmakers are now challenging the ruling in Zimbabwe’s constitutional court, promising a long legal battle ahead.
“President” is the follow-up to Nielsson’s critically acclaimed “Democrats,” which chronicled the laborious construction of Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution. It captures Zimbabwe at a crossroads, as it prepares for its first election since the ouster of Robert Mugabe, who was forced from power after nearly four decades in the wake of a 2017 military coup.
The film follows opposition leader Nelson Chamisa as he challenges the dictator’s successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, while...
- 8/8/2022
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Julien Rejl replaces Paolo Moretti, who stepped down after Cannes.
Julien Rejl, former sales executive at French company Capricci, has been appointed the new delegate general of Directors’ Fortnight.
Rejl takes over from Paolo Moretti, who left after this year’s Cannes.
A graduate of both Paris’ European Business School and La Femis Cinema School, Rejl worked at production, distribution and sales firm Capricci from 2010 to 2021, rising to the role of head of sales.
Speaking of the new format the section is looking to adopt, Rejl said, ”This new identity is first and foremost an opportunity to reaffirm the role...
Julien Rejl, former sales executive at French company Capricci, has been appointed the new delegate general of Directors’ Fortnight.
Rejl takes over from Paolo Moretti, who left after this year’s Cannes.
A graduate of both Paris’ European Business School and La Femis Cinema School, Rejl worked at production, distribution and sales firm Capricci from 2010 to 2021, rising to the role of head of sales.
Speaking of the new format the section is looking to adopt, Rejl said, ”This new identity is first and foremost an opportunity to reaffirm the role...
- 6/27/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
A screening of ’Crimes Of The Future’ will play at the festival’s award ceremony in tribute.
David Cronenberg will receive the Donostia Award at the upcoming 70th edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
The award, the festival’s highest honour, will be presented at a ceremony on September 21 in the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, followed by the screening of Crimes Of The Future.
The film, starring Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux and Kristen Stewart premiered earlier this year in Cannes.
Cronenberg last attended San Sebastian in 2007 where he screened Eastern Promises in the Official Selection. His directing credits also include Scanners,...
David Cronenberg will receive the Donostia Award at the upcoming 70th edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
The award, the festival’s highest honour, will be presented at a ceremony on September 21 in the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, followed by the screening of Crimes Of The Future.
The film, starring Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux and Kristen Stewart premiered earlier this year in Cannes.
Cronenberg last attended San Sebastian in 2007 where he screened Eastern Promises in the Official Selection. His directing credits also include Scanners,...
- 6/24/2022
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
Berlinale Calls For Acquittal Of Filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga Following Protest Arrest
The directors of the Berlin International Film Festival are calling on the Zimbabwe government to clear filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga and journalist Julie Barnes or drop the case before an upcoming trial begins. Both women were arrested in Harare in July 2020 during a protest calling for for the release of journalists and for institutional reforms. Berlinale directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian said as “an institution that stands up for freedom of speech and freedom of artistic expression worldwide,” they were asking the government to end the charges against the women. “Both women have consistently campaigned for freedom in courageous and artistically compelling ways. The right to free speech is anchored in Zimbabwe’s constitution, and to deny that right to these women would be unconstitutional,” they added in their statement. Both are out on bail but were charged with inciting public violence,...
The directors of the Berlin International Film Festival are calling on the Zimbabwe government to clear filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga and journalist Julie Barnes or drop the case before an upcoming trial begins. Both women were arrested in Harare in July 2020 during a protest calling for for the release of journalists and for institutional reforms. Berlinale directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian said as “an institution that stands up for freedom of speech and freedom of artistic expression worldwide,” they were asking the government to end the charges against the women. “Both women have consistently campaigned for freedom in courageous and artistically compelling ways. The right to free speech is anchored in Zimbabwe’s constitution, and to deny that right to these women would be unconstitutional,” they added in their statement. Both are out on bail but were charged with inciting public violence,...
- 6/23/2022
- by Jesse Whittock and Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Acquittal
The Berlin International Film Festival has called for the acquittal of Zimbabwean author and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga (“I Want a Wedding Dress”) who served on the international jury of the festival earlier this year. Dangarembga was arrested in July 2020 at a protest in Harare along with journalist Julie Barnes, where both were calling for the release of journalists and for institutional reforms.
They are being charged with inciting public violence, disturbing the peace and bigotry, and with violations of Covid regulations. The women have since been released on bail, but they have also been subpoenaed 26 times. In the trial, now taking place before the anti-corruption Court in Harare, a decision will be made whether to drop the case or seek a verdict.
“As an institution that stands up for freedom of speech and freedom of artistic expression worldwide, we ask the government of Zimbabwe to clear Tsitsi Dangarembga and Julie Barnes of all charges,...
The Berlin International Film Festival has called for the acquittal of Zimbabwean author and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga (“I Want a Wedding Dress”) who served on the international jury of the festival earlier this year. Dangarembga was arrested in July 2020 at a protest in Harare along with journalist Julie Barnes, where both were calling for the release of journalists and for institutional reforms.
They are being charged with inciting public violence, disturbing the peace and bigotry, and with violations of Covid regulations. The women have since been released on bail, but they have also been subpoenaed 26 times. In the trial, now taking place before the anti-corruption Court in Harare, a decision will be made whether to drop the case or seek a verdict.
“As an institution that stands up for freedom of speech and freedom of artistic expression worldwide, we ask the government of Zimbabwe to clear Tsitsi Dangarembga and Julie Barnes of all charges,...
- 6/23/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Zimbabwean author and filmmaker was a member of the international jury at the 2022 Berlinale.
The Berlin International Film Festival has called for the exoneration of Zimbabwean writer and director Tsitsi Dangarembga, who is set to face charges of inciting violence in Harare.
Dangarembga was arrested on July 31, 2020 at a protest in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare alongside journalist Julie Barnes where they were calling for the release of journalists as well as institutional reforms.
Dangarembga was holding a poster demanding “a better Zimbabwe for everyone” but is being charged with inciting public violence, disturbing the peace and bigotry, as well...
The Berlin International Film Festival has called for the exoneration of Zimbabwean writer and director Tsitsi Dangarembga, who is set to face charges of inciting violence in Harare.
Dangarembga was arrested on July 31, 2020 at a protest in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare alongside journalist Julie Barnes where they were calling for the release of journalists as well as institutional reforms.
Dangarembga was holding a poster demanding “a better Zimbabwe for everyone” but is being charged with inciting public violence, disturbing the peace and bigotry, as well...
- 6/23/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The winners for the 2022 Berlin Film Festival have been revealed. The in-person event took place this year February 10–20. The competition jury, led by president M. Night Shyamalan, included filmmaker Karim Aïnouz, producer Saïd Ben Saïd, filmmaker Anne Zohra Berrached, filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga, Oscar-nominated “Drive My Car” director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, and actor Connie Nielsen.
The festival’s top prize, the Golden Bear for Best Film, was presented by Shyamalan. “For its extraordinary performances, from the child actors to the actors in their 80s, for the ability to show the tenderness and comedy and struggle,” he awarded Spanish drama “Alcarras,” from director Carla Simon.
The festival did away with gendered acting awards once again, instead offering Silver Bears for Best Supporting and Best Lead Performance. Beloved auteur Claire Denis won best director for her romantic psychodrama “Both Sides of the Blade” — or “Fire,” as it’s known in the United States. (IFC Films has stateside rights.
The festival’s top prize, the Golden Bear for Best Film, was presented by Shyamalan. “For its extraordinary performances, from the child actors to the actors in their 80s, for the ability to show the tenderness and comedy and struggle,” he awarded Spanish drama “Alcarras,” from director Carla Simon.
The festival did away with gendered acting awards once again, instead offering Silver Bears for Best Supporting and Best Lead Performance. Beloved auteur Claire Denis won best director for her romantic psychodrama “Both Sides of the Blade” — or “Fire,” as it’s known in the United States. (IFC Films has stateside rights.
- 2/16/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Competition(Jury: M. Night Shyamalan, Karim Aïnouz, Saïd Ben Saïd, Anne Zohra Berrached, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, Connie Nielsen)Golden BearAlcarràs (Carla Simón)Silver Bear — Grand Jury PrizeThe Novelist’s Film (Hong Sang-soo)Silver Bear — Jury PrizeRobe of Gems (Natalia Lopez Gallardo)Silver Bear for Best DirectorClaire Denis (Both Sides of the Blade)Silver Bear for Best Leading PerformanceMeltem Kaptan (Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush)Silver Bear for Best Supporting PerformanceLaura Basuki (Nana)Silver Bear for Best ScreenplayLaila Stieler (Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush)Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic ContributionRithy Panh (Everything Will Be Ok)Silver Bear — Special MentionA Piece of Sky (Michael Koch)Encounters(Jury: Chiara Marañón, Ben Rivers, Silvan Zürcher)Award for Best FilmMUTZENBACHER (Ruth Beckermann)Special Jury AwardSee You Friday, Robinson (Mitra Farahani)Award for Best DirectorCyril Schäublin (Unrest)Generation — Kplus(Jury: Daniela Cajías, Nicola Jones, Samuel Kishi Leopo)Grand Prix for Best Film The Quiet Girl...
- 2/16/2022
- MUBI
Winners have been announced at the 72nd Berlin Film Festival, with Carla Simon’s Alcarràs scooping the coveted Golden Bear prize as the best film of the festival’s International Competition. Scroll down for the full list of winners, which were revealed Wednesday night at the Berlinale Palast.
Alcarràs follows the life of a family of peach farmers in a small village in Catalonia, whose world changes when the owner of their large estate dies and his lifetime heir decides to sell the land, suddenly threatening their livelihood.
Simon previously picked up Berlin’s Best First Feature Award in 2017 for her debut Summer 1993.
Other winners in the International Competition included Hong Sang-soo’s The Novelist’s Film, which won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize (read Deadline’s review here); Natalia Lopez Gallardo, who picked up the Silver Bear Jury Prize for Robe of Gems (review here); and Claire Denis, who...
Alcarràs follows the life of a family of peach farmers in a small village in Catalonia, whose world changes when the owner of their large estate dies and his lifetime heir decides to sell the land, suddenly threatening their livelihood.
Simon previously picked up Berlin’s Best First Feature Award in 2017 for her debut Summer 1993.
Other winners in the International Competition included Hong Sang-soo’s The Novelist’s Film, which won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize (read Deadline’s review here); Natalia Lopez Gallardo, who picked up the Silver Bear Jury Prize for Robe of Gems (review here); and Claire Denis, who...
- 2/16/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The 72nd Berlin Film Festival begins in physical form today with M. Night Shyamalan leading the main competition jury. Also notable among panelists is Oscar nominee Ryusuke Hamaguchi whose Drive My Car this week became the first Japanese movie ever nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. Hamaguchi was actually on a plane heading to Berlin when the nominations were announced, and only learned of the results upon landing.
Today, he and the other jury members recalled the cinematic experiences that first sparked them to filmmaking. For Hamaguchi, it was Robert Zemeckis’ 1989 Back To The Future Part II. “It was a discovery for me. I never imagined such an interesting film existed in the world,” he said. “I was rather introverted, but inside the space of a movie theater I was able to be released from daily life and it was an important experience for me. What I’m doing now is totally different,...
Today, he and the other jury members recalled the cinematic experiences that first sparked them to filmmaking. For Hamaguchi, it was Robert Zemeckis’ 1989 Back To The Future Part II. “It was a discovery for me. I never imagined such an interesting film existed in the world,” he said. “I was rather introverted, but inside the space of a movie theater I was able to be released from daily life and it was an important experience for me. What I’m doing now is totally different,...
- 2/10/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
In a year when a festival darling like Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car” was able to garner four Oscar nominations, including best picture, questions for the Berlin Film Festival jury — which includes Hamaguchi — centered on the role of film festivals in connecting both arthouse and mainstream audiences.
Declaring that he “felt like a kid” at the Berlinale, where his jury will be watching 18 films in all, M. Night Shyamalan sat beaming next to Hamaguchi, who is fresh off his Oscar nomination for best director earlier this week. Other jury members present included director Karim Aïnouz, producer Saïd Ben Saïd, director-screenwriter Anne Zohra Berrached, author-director Tsitsi Dangarembga and actor Connie Nielsen.
“I’m very happy to be here,” said Hamaguchi. “I’m very honored that I belong to the team of Mr. Shyamalan because he creates independent blockbuster films — or something in between. The perfect mix of independent and [conventional]:...
Declaring that he “felt like a kid” at the Berlinale, where his jury will be watching 18 films in all, M. Night Shyamalan sat beaming next to Hamaguchi, who is fresh off his Oscar nomination for best director earlier this week. Other jury members present included director Karim Aïnouz, producer Saïd Ben Saïd, director-screenwriter Anne Zohra Berrached, author-director Tsitsi Dangarembga and actor Connie Nielsen.
“I’m very happy to be here,” said Hamaguchi. “I’m very honored that I belong to the team of Mr. Shyamalan because he creates independent blockbuster films — or something in between. The perfect mix of independent and [conventional]:...
- 2/10/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For daily updates follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSAbove: Casting board Polaroids from Heat (1995). (Courtesy of Michael Mann)Michael Mann's debut novel is titled Heat 2, which is both a prequel and sequel to his 1995 classic crime thriller. Co-written with novelist Meg Gardiner, Heat 2 will be published on August 9 through the HarperCollins-based Michael Mann Books imprint. Jonas Mekas 100! is a program dedicated to honoring the influential critic, writer, and filmmaker Jonas Mekas. The events of the program are currently underway and are taking place worldwide, from Sweden to Taiwan, with a focus on "[expanding] global recognition of his work." Bong Joon-ho is moving forward with his next English-language film, an adaptation of Edward Ashton's upcoming science fiction novel Mickey7, with Robert Pattinson set to star. The book is about a "disposable employee" on a space colony base who refuses to be replaced by a clone.
- 1/26/2022
- MUBI
“Drive My Car” filmmaker Hamaguchi Ryusuke, director Karim Ainouz (Berlin-winner “Central Airport Thf”) and actor Connie Nielsen (“Wonder Woman”) will join president M. Night Shyamalan on the international jury of the Berlin Film Festival.
Also serving on the international jury are producer Saïd Ben Saïd (“Benedetta”) and filmmakers Anne Zohra Berrached (“24 Weeeks”) and writer-director Tsitsi Dangarembga (“I Want a Wedding Dress”). The international jury decides the Golden and the Silver Bear winners.
The jury for the festival’s Encounters strand includes Mubi director of content Chiara Marañón and filmmakers Ben Rivers (Venice Fipresci prize winner “Two Years at Sea”) and Silvan Zürcher (Berlin Fipresci prize winner “The Girl and the Spider”). They will choose the winners for the strand’s best film, best director and the special jury awards.
The jury for the Gwff Best First Feature Award includes Gaia Furrer, artistic director of the Venice Film Festival’s Venice...
Also serving on the international jury are producer Saïd Ben Saïd (“Benedetta”) and filmmakers Anne Zohra Berrached (“24 Weeeks”) and writer-director Tsitsi Dangarembga (“I Want a Wedding Dress”). The international jury decides the Golden and the Silver Bear winners.
The jury for the festival’s Encounters strand includes Mubi director of content Chiara Marañón and filmmakers Ben Rivers (Venice Fipresci prize winner “Two Years at Sea”) and Silvan Zürcher (Berlin Fipresci prize winner “The Girl and the Spider”). They will choose the winners for the strand’s best film, best director and the special jury awards.
The jury for the Gwff Best First Feature Award includes Gaia Furrer, artistic director of the Venice Film Festival’s Venice...
- 1/26/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The 72nd Berlin International Film Festival has confirmed its various juries, including who will be joining M. Night Shyamalan to award the International Competition prizes.
Alongside International Jury president Shyamalan will be Karim Aïnouz (Brazil / Algeria), Anne Zohra Berrached (Germany), Saïd Ben Saïd (France / Tunisia), Tsitsi Dangarembga (Zimbabwe), Ryûsuke Hamaguchi (Japan), and Connie Nielsen (Denmark / USA).
In the competitive Encounters program, a three-member jury will choose the winners for Best Film, Best Director and a Special Jury Award: Director of Content Chiara Marañón (Spain), artist and filmmaker Ben Rivers (United Kingdom) as well as producer, screenwriter and director Silvan Zürcher (Switzerland).
Elsewhere, the Gff Best First Feature will be awarded to one debut film across Berlin’s various sections, and will be decided by a three-person jury: Gaia Furrer (Italy), Vimukthi Jayasundara (Sri Lanka) and Shahrbanoo Sadat (Afghanistan).
The Berlin Documentary Award jury this year are: Wang Bing (People’s...
Alongside International Jury president Shyamalan will be Karim Aïnouz (Brazil / Algeria), Anne Zohra Berrached (Germany), Saïd Ben Saïd (France / Tunisia), Tsitsi Dangarembga (Zimbabwe), Ryûsuke Hamaguchi (Japan), and Connie Nielsen (Denmark / USA).
In the competitive Encounters program, a three-member jury will choose the winners for Best Film, Best Director and a Special Jury Award: Director of Content Chiara Marañón (Spain), artist and filmmaker Ben Rivers (United Kingdom) as well as producer, screenwriter and director Silvan Zürcher (Switzerland).
Elsewhere, the Gff Best First Feature will be awarded to one debut film across Berlin’s various sections, and will be decided by a three-person jury: Gaia Furrer (Italy), Vimukthi Jayasundara (Sri Lanka) and Shahrbanoo Sadat (Afghanistan).
The Berlin Documentary Award jury this year are: Wang Bing (People’s...
- 1/26/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
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