Exclusive: A day before the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, Cinema Libre Studio announced the acquisition of a documentary about one of the most famous men to be held at the U.S.-operated prison.
Guantanamo Diary Revisited recounts the experience of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a citizen of Mauritania, who was imprisoned at the Guantánamo Bay facility from 2002 to 2016, accused by American authorities of aiding al Qaeda. He was never charged with a crime. Slahi told his story in Guantanamo Diary, a memoir that was adapted into the 2021 film The Mauritanian, starring Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch and Shailene Woodley.
Cinema Libre Studio intends to release Guantanamo Diary Revisited, directed by journalist John Goetz, in North America on March 29. But on Tuesday the studio will present a virtual sneak preview of the documentary two decades to the day after the Bush administration opened the Gitmo...
Guantanamo Diary Revisited recounts the experience of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a citizen of Mauritania, who was imprisoned at the Guantánamo Bay facility from 2002 to 2016, accused by American authorities of aiding al Qaeda. He was never charged with a crime. Slahi told his story in Guantanamo Diary, a memoir that was adapted into the 2021 film The Mauritanian, starring Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch and Shailene Woodley.
Cinema Libre Studio intends to release Guantanamo Diary Revisited, directed by journalist John Goetz, in North America on March 29. But on Tuesday the studio will present a virtual sneak preview of the documentary two decades to the day after the Bush administration opened the Gitmo...
- 1/10/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, South African drama “A Chain of Voices” gets financing, Korean drama “Yourself and Yours” gets a home and “Hope Gap” is coming to digital a month early.
Movie Financing
The Fight to Fame group will finance “A Chain of Voices,” a feature film based on the novel of the same name by South African author André Brink. Cinema Libre Studio will produce the film along with with Moja Media, Variety has learned exclusively.
The screenplay was written by Jay Cocks, who received Academy Award screenplay nominations for “The Age of Innocence” and “Gangs of New York.” A new entity, Cinema Libre Studio South Africa, will be formed between Cinema Libre Studio and Moja Media to produce this film and other content. Moja Media is represented by Marius Fransman, who has held various government positions in South Africa.
“A Chain of Voices,” published in 1982, depicts...
Movie Financing
The Fight to Fame group will finance “A Chain of Voices,” a feature film based on the novel of the same name by South African author André Brink. Cinema Libre Studio will produce the film along with with Moja Media, Variety has learned exclusively.
The screenplay was written by Jay Cocks, who received Academy Award screenplay nominations for “The Age of Innocence” and “Gangs of New York.” A new entity, Cinema Libre Studio South Africa, will be formed between Cinema Libre Studio and Moja Media to produce this film and other content. Moja Media is represented by Marius Fransman, who has held various government positions in South Africa.
“A Chain of Voices,” published in 1982, depicts...
- 4/28/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
For only the second time, Jamie Foxx is heading behind the camera to helm the faith-based project ‘When We Pray’ for Cinema Libre Studio and Hong Kong-based Fight to Fame Films.
The story will centre around two brothers who become pastors at different churches in the same community. One brother develops his church into a modern, high-tech congregation that uses digital devices and ATMs. The other brother follows a humbler path but soon finds his church in decline and in need of financial help.
Foxx will also pen the script alongside Donald Ray “Speedy” Caldwell.
Also in news – Movie release schedule takes a hit due to Coronavirus fears – ‘A Quiet Place 2’ and ‘Fast and Furious 9’ delayed
Founder and Chairman of Cinema Libre Studio Philippe Diaz said, “It’s a great honour to work with such a talented and passionate man as Jamie Foxx and I’m pleased to have our new,...
The story will centre around two brothers who become pastors at different churches in the same community. One brother develops his church into a modern, high-tech congregation that uses digital devices and ATMs. The other brother follows a humbler path but soon finds his church in decline and in need of financial help.
Foxx will also pen the script alongside Donald Ray “Speedy” Caldwell.
Also in news – Movie release schedule takes a hit due to Coronavirus fears – ‘A Quiet Place 2’ and ‘Fast and Furious 9’ delayed
Founder and Chairman of Cinema Libre Studio Philippe Diaz said, “It’s a great honour to work with such a talented and passionate man as Jamie Foxx and I’m pleased to have our new,...
- 3/19/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In today’s film news roundup, Jamie Foxx signs on to direct “When We Pray,” the Garden State Film Festival is going to stream all 240 of its films rather than holding physical events and Courtney B. Vance pitches for the new Covid-19 fund for SAG-aftra members.
Financing
Jamie Foxx has come on board to direct faith-based drama “When We Pray” for Fight to Fame Films and Cinema Libre Studio agreeing to finance.
“When We Pray” is about two brothers who become pastors at different churches in the same community. One brother develops his church into a modern, high-tech congregation that uses digital devices and Atm machines. The other brother follows a humbler path but soon finds his church in decline and in need of financial help.
The screenplay is written by Foxx and Donald Ray “Speedy” Caldwell. Production is scheduled to start before the end of the year. The budget will be under $5 million.
Financing
Jamie Foxx has come on board to direct faith-based drama “When We Pray” for Fight to Fame Films and Cinema Libre Studio agreeing to finance.
“When We Pray” is about two brothers who become pastors at different churches in the same community. One brother develops his church into a modern, high-tech congregation that uses digital devices and Atm machines. The other brother follows a humbler path but soon finds his church in decline and in need of financial help.
The screenplay is written by Foxx and Donald Ray “Speedy” Caldwell. Production is scheduled to start before the end of the year. The budget will be under $5 million.
- 3/18/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx has signed on to direct When We Pray, a faith-based feature from Cinema Libre Studio and Hong Kong-based Fight to Fame Films. Foxx co-wrote the script with Donald Ray “Speedy” Caldwell. The pic marks Foxx’s sophomore directorial outing following his debut film, All-Star Weekend.
The plot is about two brothers who become pastors at different churches in the same community. One brother develops his church into a modern, high-tech congregation that uses digital devices and ATMs. The other brother follows a humbler path but soon finds his church in decline and in need of financial help.
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Production will commence sometime before the end of the year.
The plot is about two brothers who become pastors at different churches in the same community. One brother develops his church into a modern, high-tech congregation that uses digital devices and ATMs. The other brother follows a humbler path but soon finds his church in decline and in need of financial help.
More from DeadlineNetflix Is A Joke Fest Sets Live Shows With Ali Wong, Amy Schumer, Jamie Foxx, David Letterman, Wanda Sykes And More Comedy LegendsLeonardo DiCaprio Makes Surprise Appearance At 4th Annual Abff HonorsJamie Foxx To Be Feted At The 2020 Abff Honors
Production will commence sometime before the end of the year.
- 3/17/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles-based production-distribution house Cinema Libre Studio has acquired U.S. rights to Frédéric Choffat and Julie Gilbert’s “My Little One,” in the wake of its U.S. premiere at the Miami Film Festival.
The deal was closed by Philippe Diaz, Cinema Libre Studio chairman and Loic Magneron, founder of Paris’ Wide Management, the film’s sales agent.
Produced by Anne Deluz and Jessica Huppert Berman for Luc Peter’s Intermezzo Films and Les Films du Tigre, and co-produced by public broadcaster Radio Télévision Suisse (Rts), “My Little One” has been seen to date, of festivals, at Germany’s Frankfurt Biennal, Tübingen and Stuttgart and Mannheim-Heidelberg, as well as France’s Beaujolais French-Language Cinema Meetings and Switzerland’s Solothurn Film Festival, before its theatrical release in Switzerland.
“My Little One” has been licensed to South Korea in an all rights deal and to Eastern Europe, for premium pay TV and VOD.
The deal was closed by Philippe Diaz, Cinema Libre Studio chairman and Loic Magneron, founder of Paris’ Wide Management, the film’s sales agent.
Produced by Anne Deluz and Jessica Huppert Berman for Luc Peter’s Intermezzo Films and Les Films du Tigre, and co-produced by public broadcaster Radio Télévision Suisse (Rts), “My Little One” has been seen to date, of festivals, at Germany’s Frankfurt Biennal, Tübingen and Stuttgart and Mannheim-Heidelberg, as well as France’s Beaujolais French-Language Cinema Meetings and Switzerland’s Solothurn Film Festival, before its theatrical release in Switzerland.
“My Little One” has been licensed to South Korea in an all rights deal and to Eastern Europe, for premium pay TV and VOD.
- 3/11/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Cinema Libre Studio has acquired a pair of films for its upcoming release slate: At War, the French-language drama about French union workers who battle their corporate bosses to save their jobs, and Piripkura, a Brazilian documentary about the uncontacted people of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest. The latter is on the long list for this year’s Best Documentary Oscar race and is getting a qualifying U.S. release later this month.
At War, which is aiming for a March 2019 theatrical bow, reteams director Stéphane Brizé and Vincent Lindon. The semi-improvised social drama stars Lindon as a blue-collar union rep who acts as spokesperson for the 1100 employees of Perrin Industries, an automotive parts plant in southwest France who have waived bonuses and unpaid hours to keep the operation going for an additional five years. After German management orders the plant closed, the workers begin a labor strike,...
At War, which is aiming for a March 2019 theatrical bow, reteams director Stéphane Brizé and Vincent Lindon. The semi-improvised social drama stars Lindon as a blue-collar union rep who acts as spokesperson for the 1100 employees of Perrin Industries, an automotive parts plant in southwest France who have waived bonuses and unpaid hours to keep the operation going for an additional five years. After German management orders the plant closed, the workers begin a labor strike,...
- 11/19/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard competition, the Marion Cotillard-starring Angel Face, which marked the feature directorial debut for French director Vaness Filho (Love Punch) was just picked up for North American distribution by Cinema Libre Studio.
Angel Face, based on an original screenplay developed by Filho with Alain Dias, will open later this year in the states via Cinema Libre after it already premiered in theaters in France last month.
The film stars Oscar-winner Cotillard as Marlene, a single mother who lives with her 8-year-old daughter, Elli, on the French Riviera. Marlene is more interested in partying and reality TV shows than taking care of her child, although she loves her dearly. Elli, with her mother as her only role model, starts to mirror behaviors, including wearing makeup and drinking alcohol. One day Marlene suddenly...
Angel Face, based on an original screenplay developed by Filho with Alain Dias, will open later this year in the states via Cinema Libre after it already premiered in theaters in France last month.
The film stars Oscar-winner Cotillard as Marlene, a single mother who lives with her 8-year-old daughter, Elli, on the French Riviera. Marlene is more interested in partying and reality TV shows than taking care of her child, although she loves her dearly. Elli, with her mother as her only role model, starts to mirror behaviors, including wearing makeup and drinking alcohol. One day Marlene suddenly...
- 6/27/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Cinema Libre Studio has acquired North American rights to “Angel Face” (Gueule d’Ange), starring Marion Cotillard, Variety has learned exclusively.
The drama marks the first feature-length film for French director Vanessa Filho (“Love Punch”), based on an original screenplay developed by Filho with Alain Dias. The movie was produced by Moana Films’ Marc Missonnier (“Marguerite”) and Carole Lambert (“Free Angela and All Political Prisoners”) via Windy Production with Mars Films co-producing and distributing in France, where it premiered in theaters on May 23.
The pic, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in Un Certain Regard, stars Cotillard as a single mother who lives with her 8-year-old daughter on the French Riviera, where she is more interested in partying and reality TV shows than taking care of her child. The daughter starts to wear makeup and drink alcohol, and the mother suddenly abandons her for a man she has just...
The drama marks the first feature-length film for French director Vanessa Filho (“Love Punch”), based on an original screenplay developed by Filho with Alain Dias. The movie was produced by Moana Films’ Marc Missonnier (“Marguerite”) and Carole Lambert (“Free Angela and All Political Prisoners”) via Windy Production with Mars Films co-producing and distributing in France, where it premiered in theaters on May 23.
The pic, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in Un Certain Regard, stars Cotillard as a single mother who lives with her 8-year-old daughter on the French Riviera, where she is more interested in partying and reality TV shows than taking care of her child. The daughter starts to wear makeup and drink alcohol, and the mother suddenly abandons her for a man she has just...
- 6/26/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Los Angeles-based mini-studio Cinema Libre has entered into a wide-ranging film and TV co-production partnership with Chinese entertainment company Datang Brilliant Media.
Following months of discussion between Cinema Libre chairman Philippe Diaz and Datang chairman Wang Hui, the partners reached a deal this weekend in Cannes to co-produce film and TV projects in Europe and the U.S. The companies also will work together to acquire and distribute foreign films in China and North America.
Cinema Libre has released over 200 films, but it is best known for its newsmaking social documentaries including Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism and the...
Following months of discussion between Cinema Libre chairman Philippe Diaz and Datang chairman Wang Hui, the partners reached a deal this weekend in Cannes to co-produce film and TV projects in Europe and the U.S. The companies also will work together to acquire and distribute foreign films in China and North America.
Cinema Libre has released over 200 films, but it is best known for its newsmaking social documentaries including Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism and the...
- 5/21/2017
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cinema Libre Studio and China’s Gaia Studio are teaming up to distribute the controversial documentary "Vaxxed" to U.S. theaters. The film was directed by Andrew Wakefield, former UK surgeon and medical researcher, known for claiming that there was a direct link between vaccination and autism in his 1998 research paper, which later was declared fraudulent. It was originally set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival but was pulled from the schedule over outcries against it. The topic sparked controversy for being anti-vaccine, with not enough credible proof that the result of the shots would lead to autism. "We recognized early on that the false controversy associated with the film would influence the big players that might normally partner with us to expand this film in the U.S," Philippe Diaz, founder of Cinema Libre Studio stated. "I looked for a partner who would believe in the compelling messages,...
- 5/6/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Distributor Cinema Libre has hailed a successful opening weekend for the documentary that lost its Tribeca world premiere berth following an outcry over the veracity of its scientific claims.
Vaxxed: From Cover-Up To Catastrophe by Andrew Wakefield, which among other things discusses a causal link between the Mmr vaccine and autism and an alleged cover-up by a Us medical organisation, grossed $28,339 over three days at New York’s Angelika Film Center.
Tribeca Film Festival top brass pulled the film from the line-up last week when co-founder Robert De Niro, who has a child with autism, consulted colleagues and members of the scientific community and determined the film did not adequately contribute to the ongoing discussion about autism.
In an open letter to Filmmaker magazine, director Penny Lane called Wakefield a “discredited and dangerous anti-vaccination quack.”
Wakefield, who published research into an alleged link between the vaccine and autism, lost his license in the UK and a number...
Vaxxed: From Cover-Up To Catastrophe by Andrew Wakefield, which among other things discusses a causal link between the Mmr vaccine and autism and an alleged cover-up by a Us medical organisation, grossed $28,339 over three days at New York’s Angelika Film Center.
Tribeca Film Festival top brass pulled the film from the line-up last week when co-founder Robert De Niro, who has a child with autism, consulted colleagues and members of the scientific community and determined the film did not adequately contribute to the ongoing discussion about autism.
In an open letter to Filmmaker magazine, director Penny Lane called Wakefield a “discredited and dangerous anti-vaccination quack.”
Wakefield, who published research into an alleged link between the vaccine and autism, lost his license in the UK and a number...
- 4/4/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Everardo Gout’s feature debut premiered at Cannes 2011 and will be released day-and-date in cinemas and on HBO on May 1.
Cinema Libre Studio has acquired Us rights to Days of Grace (Dias de Gracia).
Everardo Gout’s feature debut premiered at Cannes 2011 and will be released day-and-date in cinemas and on HBO on May 1, with DVD/Blu-ray and On Demand releases on May 5.
Winner of eight Ariel awards, Days of Grace is set in Mexico City over 12 years and weaves together three tales of kidnappings for ransom that take place during consecutive World Cup tournaments.
Cinema Libre’s chairman Philippe Diaz, who acquired the film, commneted: “When I saw the film at Cannes I was mesmerised by the creativity of the director. I’ve not seen such a brilliant achievement in the last ten years. As we focus on acquiring films with a social message, we were thrilled to become involved with this one, which conveys...
Cinema Libre Studio has acquired Us rights to Days of Grace (Dias de Gracia).
Everardo Gout’s feature debut premiered at Cannes 2011 and will be released day-and-date in cinemas and on HBO on May 1, with DVD/Blu-ray and On Demand releases on May 5.
Winner of eight Ariel awards, Days of Grace is set in Mexico City over 12 years and weaves together three tales of kidnappings for ransom that take place during consecutive World Cup tournaments.
Cinema Libre’s chairman Philippe Diaz, who acquired the film, commneted: “When I saw the film at Cannes I was mesmerised by the creativity of the director. I’ve not seen such a brilliant achievement in the last ten years. As we focus on acquiring films with a social message, we were thrilled to become involved with this one, which conveys...
- 3/20/2015
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Cinema Libre Studio has acquired all North American rights, minus broadcast, to the documentary “Lemon,” directed and produced by Laura Brownson and Beth Levison. “Lemon” will next screen August 18 as the closing-night film of the New York International Latino Film Festival, followed by DVD and VOD releases October 16 and a broadcast premiere on the PBS series “Voces” October 19 for Hispanic Heritage Month. Executive produced by Russell Simmons, Stan Lathan and Dan Cogan of Impact Partners, “Lemon” takes a look at the life of New York poet and playwright Lemon Andersen, who left a life in prison to find his voice through poetry and win a Tony award. The film had its premiere at the Zurich International Film Festival and subsequently screened at the Doc NYC Festival, where it won a special jury prize. Spike Lee, Kanye West, Mos Def and Talib Kweli make appearances in the film. Cinema Libre’s Philippe Diaz and Richard.
- 8/14/2012
- by Jay A. Fernandez
- Indiewire
Your Weekly Source for the Newest Releases to Blu-Ray Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 Andrew Scott & Fiona Glascott star in Anton Chekhov’S The Duel (2011) Richard Grieco & Kevin Nash star in Asylum’s The Almighty Thor (2011) Antonio Banderas stars in The Big Bang (2011) “5 Stories That Will Mess You Up For Life” Burning Palms (2010) Philippe Diaz’s documentary The End Of Poverty? (2010) Tom Berenger & Martin Sheen star in Gettysburg: Director’s Cut: Blu-Ray Book (1993) Gnomeo & Juliet: 3-Disc Combo (2011) Gods & Generals: Extended Director’s Cut: Blu-Ray Book (2003) James Garner & Eva Marie Saint star in Jerry Frankenheimer’s Grand Prix (1966) Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator: Criterion Collection (1940) Happiness Is A Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown (2011) D.J. Caruso’s I Am Number Four: 3-Disc Combo (2011) Steve McQueen stars in Le Mans (1971) Steve McQueen & Dustin Hoffman star in Papillon: Blu-Ray Book (1973) Charlie Sheen stars in Oliver Stone’s Platoon: 2-Disc Combo (1986) Andrei...
- 5/23/2011
- by Travis Keune
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Critics' Week has already begun celebrating its 50th anniversary by posting 50 video interviews with directors and actors who've seen their work debut in this section at Cannes. We're celebrating, too. In association with the 4+1 Film Festival, Mubi is presenting a retrospective of some of the greatest films first seen in Critics' Week over the past half-century. And even though the first 1000 views of each of the films will be free to you, the viewer, the rights holders will carry on receiving their duly earned revenue.
The retrospective encompasses over 100 titles in all, but please do keep in mind that rights issues can get complicated and not every film can be available in every country. That said, here's a quick overview of just some of the highlights:
Over in the Garage, a La Semaine Blogathon is already on the roll, starting with Kj Farrington's entry on Miranda July's Me and You and Everyone We Know,...
The retrospective encompasses over 100 titles in all, but please do keep in mind that rights issues can get complicated and not every film can be available in every country. That said, here's a quick overview of just some of the highlights:
Over in the Garage, a La Semaine Blogathon is already on the roll, starting with Kj Farrington's entry on Miranda July's Me and You and Everyone We Know,...
- 5/14/2011
- MUBI
Reviewed by Andra Zadnik
(February 2011)
Directed/Written by: Philippe Diaz
Starring: Shari Solanis and James Wortham
Topics never to be discussed at family dinners: sex, politics and religion. Philippe Diaz’s first feature, “Now & Later,” at least shies away from religion. Everything else is fair game.
Bill (James Wortham), a white-collar banker who skipped out on bail, is on the run out of the country. Before his ride out leaves, he stays a few nights with a feisty Latina, Angela (Shari Solanis). The two have an awkward beginning in Angela’s one-room loft atop an old hotel before they begin experimenting with sex and politics. Angela becomes “Now” the professor meant to school Bill (“Later”) in the wrongdoing of his futuristic planning. Bill leaves transformed in both mind and soul.
The film is a two-man show and could easily be adapted into a stage play. Most action takes place either...
(February 2011)
Directed/Written by: Philippe Diaz
Starring: Shari Solanis and James Wortham
Topics never to be discussed at family dinners: sex, politics and religion. Philippe Diaz’s first feature, “Now & Later,” at least shies away from religion. Everything else is fair game.
Bill (James Wortham), a white-collar banker who skipped out on bail, is on the run out of the country. Before his ride out leaves, he stays a few nights with a feisty Latina, Angela (Shari Solanis). The two have an awkward beginning in Angela’s one-room loft atop an old hotel before they begin experimenting with sex and politics. Angela becomes “Now” the professor meant to school Bill (“Later”) in the wrongdoing of his futuristic planning. Bill leaves transformed in both mind and soul.
The film is a two-man show and could easily be adapted into a stage play. Most action takes place either...
- 2/17/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Reviewed by Andra Zadnik
(February 2011)
Directed/Written by: Philippe Diaz
Starring: Shari Solanis and James Wortham
Topics never to be discussed at family dinners: sex, politics and religion. Philippe Diaz’s first feature, “Now & Later,” at least shies away from religion. Everything else is fair game.
Bill (James Wortham), a white-collar banker who skipped out on bail, is on the run out of the country. Before his ride out leaves, he stays a few nights with a feisty Latina, Angela (Shari Solanis). The two have an awkward beginning in Angela’s one-room loft atop an old hotel before they begin experimenting with sex and politics. Angela becomes “Now” the professor meant to school Bill (“Later”) in the wrongdoing of his futuristic planning. Bill leaves transformed in both mind and soul.
The film is a two-man show and could easily be adapted into a stage play. Most action takes place either...
(February 2011)
Directed/Written by: Philippe Diaz
Starring: Shari Solanis and James Wortham
Topics never to be discussed at family dinners: sex, politics and religion. Philippe Diaz’s first feature, “Now & Later,” at least shies away from religion. Everything else is fair game.
Bill (James Wortham), a white-collar banker who skipped out on bail, is on the run out of the country. Before his ride out leaves, he stays a few nights with a feisty Latina, Angela (Shari Solanis). The two have an awkward beginning in Angela’s one-room loft atop an old hotel before they begin experimenting with sex and politics. Angela becomes “Now” the professor meant to school Bill (“Later”) in the wrongdoing of his futuristic planning. Bill leaves transformed in both mind and soul.
The film is a two-man show and could easily be adapted into a stage play. Most action takes place either...
- 2/17/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
The opening credits cite Wilhelm Reich, the Austrian-American psychiatrist/author who brought us such marvels of technology as the orgone box. Reich is known for his position that sexual repression leads to violence in a culture, though despite the highfalutin quoting of the shrink by writer-director Philippe Diaz, the point-of-view, which echoes Freud himself, is merely an excuse for cinematic soft-core porn. Not that the eight sexual escapades are a bore: if such activity were dull, people would not pay stiff (so to speak) money in hotels to channel such films.
- 2/5/2011
- Arizona Reporter
It was not my intention to post on Bastille Day a column on films that will make you want to start a revolution. It did not even occur to me that by watching Chris Smith's Collapse, which has just arrived on DVD, that I might be inspired to then finally check out both Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story and Philippe Diaz' The End of Poverty?, each of which I figured alone would make me angry about the state of the world and so had been avoiding for the betterment of my mental health.
In actuality, though, I have no greater desire to round up a rebel communist army now than ever, and in fact I am instead more aware that it would do no good. Thanks to Collapse I realize that we as a species are just completely doomed. There is nothing we can do about it.
In actuality, though, I have no greater desire to round up a rebel communist army now than ever, and in fact I am instead more aware that it would do no good. Thanks to Collapse I realize that we as a species are just completely doomed. There is nothing we can do about it.
- 7/17/2010
- by Christopher Campbell
- Cinematical
Cinema Libre has acquired North American rights to Oliver Stone's documentary "South of the Border," which chronicles the rise to power of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and other South American leaders.
The distributor plans to launch the film with a June 25 bow in New York City, followed by a July 2 opening in Los Angeles.
"Not only is it a genuine honor to work with one of the greatest American directors but his insightful documentary shows how these leaders of Latin America are being intentionally villanized by the Us mass media," Philippe Diaz, founder of Cinema Libre, said, "This unique dialogue needed the eye and the courage of a director like Stone to convince us that these leaders are fighting for a more humane society which means defending themselves against American corporate interests."
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, was produced by Fernando Sulichin, Rob Wilson and Jose Ibanez.
The distributor plans to launch the film with a June 25 bow in New York City, followed by a July 2 opening in Los Angeles.
"Not only is it a genuine honor to work with one of the greatest American directors but his insightful documentary shows how these leaders of Latin America are being intentionally villanized by the Us mass media," Philippe Diaz, founder of Cinema Libre, said, "This unique dialogue needed the eye and the courage of a director like Stone to convince us that these leaders are fighting for a more humane society which means defending themselves against American corporate interests."
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, was produced by Fernando Sulichin, Rob Wilson and Jose Ibanez.
- 3/24/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine from Canada was in town on business and stayed with me for the weekend. As we looked through a Los Angeles guidebook, he told me he wanted to make sure we stopped at a Target. Apparently there are no Targets in Canada, and he wanted to buy some clothes there before he left. I rarely shop at Target (and don't buy clothes when I do) and I was shocked at how low the prices were for clothes -- in many cases, lower than I remember them being as a kid when my mom would take me shopping there. How could Target be turning a profit? I had recently seen the documentary The End of Poverty? (see part 1 of my interview with Teop writer/director/cinematographer Philippe Diaz), and something that had been on my...
- 12/16/2009
- by Jonathan Kim
- Huffington Post
The most articulate film to date describing the modern means and methods of the free market enslavement of undeveloped countries This film does not so much expose poverty as it attempts to get to the root cause of it. Exposing poverty often takes the form of videos of starving children and first person stories of those existing on the verge of death from day to day. There is some of that in this film but it develops those scenes into a compelling argument exposing what might be called planned poverty. The movie has to walk a fine line in appealing to a broad audience by not getting too theoretical and detached. At the same time director Philippe Diaz and producer...
- 12/2/2009
- by Ron Wilkinson
- Monsters and Critics
By Terry Keefe
(This article is currently appearing in this month's Venice Magazine.)
And now we pause for some startling statistics: 20% of the planet's population uses 80% of its resources…and consumes 30% more than the planet can regenerate.
Those numbers are at the heart of filmmaker Philippe Diaz’s documentary, The End of Poverty?, which sets out to examine the actual root causes of global poverty, and the film is the antithesis of a feel-good capitalism love story. A major part of Diaz’s conclusion is that capitalism doesn’t work without free, or at least very cheap, labor. His argument follows that the conquest of poorer countries in the South, by wealthier ones in the North, began with slavery and colonization hundreds of years ago, but continues today, even though many of those countries technically now have their independence. According to the theories laid out in the film, servitude comes now in a different form,...
(This article is currently appearing in this month's Venice Magazine.)
And now we pause for some startling statistics: 20% of the planet's population uses 80% of its resources…and consumes 30% more than the planet can regenerate.
Those numbers are at the heart of filmmaker Philippe Diaz’s documentary, The End of Poverty?, which sets out to examine the actual root causes of global poverty, and the film is the antithesis of a feel-good capitalism love story. A major part of Diaz’s conclusion is that capitalism doesn’t work without free, or at least very cheap, labor. His argument follows that the conquest of poorer countries in the South, by wealthier ones in the North, began with slavery and colonization hundreds of years ago, but continues today, even though many of those countries technically now have their independence. According to the theories laid out in the film, servitude comes now in a different form,...
- 11/23/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
In his new documentary “The End of Poverty,” filmmaker Philippe Diaz examines the root causes of global poverty and challenges the effectiveness our current economic system. The film opens in New York on November 13 and in Los Angeles on November 25. indieWIRE contacted Diaz via email to discuss the film and his career. Please introduce yourself. I started as a director and became a producer very early on, ending up …...
- 11/10/2009
- indieWIRE - People
In his new documentary “The End of Poverty,” filmmaker Philippe Diaz examines the root causes of global poverty and challenges the effectiveness our current economic system. The film opens in New York on November 13 and in Los Angeles on November 25. indieWIRE contacted Diaz via email to discuss the film and his career. Please introduce yourself. I started as a director and became a producer very early on, ending up …...
- 11/10/2009
- Indiewire
Philippe Diaz didn't set out to direct a Hollywood blockbuster with The End of Poverty? He intended to initiate a sober, serious dialogue and suggest a solution rather than merely present an immediate palliative. The film isn't a visual refrain of "We Are the World," projecting a simple but stirring message that excites audiences' heartstrings with an emotive, escalating chorus and a promise of donated proceeds. The End of Poverty? prompts more disturbing emotions and requests greater sacrifices than purchasing a recording or ticket. The film is a blistering probe into historical and enduring capitalistic manipulation and the type of systemic exploitation and subjugation that most Americans consider ancient past, predating abolition and the Emancipation Proclamation. Central to the film's thesis is an ingrained North/South economic model that Diaz and his experts present as an enduring and odious spillover from...
- 11/9/2009
- by Wayne Trujillo
- Huffington Post
Richard Curtis sets out to the high seas to rock our world, Roland Emmerich just obliterates it and Wes Anderson reenvisions it in stop-motion animation, while as a group of documentaries ponder real world issues of war, God, poverty and Glenn Gould.
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"2012"
On behalf of moviegoers everywhere, we here at IFC would like to thank that schoolyard bully who must have so traumatized a young Roland Emmerich that he has spent his recent career ritualistically laying waste to our world one famous landmark at a time. Having previous employed such excuses for mass destruction as alien invasions and global warming, this time cinema's most destructive director turns to an ancient Mayan prophecy that foretells the end of all mankind, and once again batters humanity -- specifically John Cusack and assorted stragglers -- like the...
Download this in audio form (MP3: 16:59 minutes, 15.6 Mb)
Subscribe to the In Theaters podcast: [Xml] [iTunes]
"2012"
On behalf of moviegoers everywhere, we here at IFC would like to thank that schoolyard bully who must have so traumatized a young Roland Emmerich that he has spent his recent career ritualistically laying waste to our world one famous landmark at a time. Having previous employed such excuses for mass destruction as alien invasions and global warming, this time cinema's most destructive director turns to an ancient Mayan prophecy that foretells the end of all mankind, and once again batters humanity -- specifically John Cusack and assorted stragglers -- like the...
- 11/9/2009
- by Neil Pedley
- ifc.com
Philippe Diaz’s documentary The End of Poverty?, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival’s Critics’ Week sidebar and has been screened at more than two dozen international film festivals, will be released nationwide by Cinema Libre starting in New York City on November 13 (at the Village East Cinema), followed by Los Angeles on November 25 (at the Laemmle Sunset 5 and Culver Plaza Theaters), with a platform release to follow including runs in Seattle, Portland, and Austin, and later in Boston, San Francisco, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. "Most of the experts interviewed in the film had predicted the current economic crisis more than two years ago, when we started to film, explaining that a system based on a [...]...
- 10/20/2009
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The lineup at the 2009 Downtown Film Festival-Los Angeles will range from Jeffrey Jay Orgill's "Boppin' at the Glue Factory," a dark comedy about a junkie nurse working the night shift of a convalescent hospital, to Barbara Ettinger's doc "A Sea Change," about the acidification of the oceans. The fest runs from Aug. 12-22 at the At&T Center Theater.
"The year's feature film line-up reflects themes of personal discovery and societal angst -- perhaps a sign of the times. How the individual films tackle these broad themes is wildly divergent, from illuminating nonfiction to dark comedies and unconventional dramas," festival programming director Roger M. Mayer said.
Other films on tap include Mickey Blaine's "Commit," David Russo's "The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle," Richard Sears' "In the Drink," Gabriel Sunday's "My Suicide," Philippe Diaz's "Now & Later," and Nina Menkes' "Phantom Love."...
"The year's feature film line-up reflects themes of personal discovery and societal angst -- perhaps a sign of the times. How the individual films tackle these broad themes is wildly divergent, from illuminating nonfiction to dark comedies and unconventional dramas," festival programming director Roger M. Mayer said.
Other films on tap include Mickey Blaine's "Commit," David Russo's "The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle," Richard Sears' "In the Drink," Gabriel Sunday's "My Suicide," Philippe Diaz's "Now & Later," and Nina Menkes' "Phantom Love."...
More Cannes coverage
Cannes -- Los Angeles-based Cinema Libre Studio has struck a production partnership with Belgium-based Corsan to produce three feature films a year through new production entity Global Talent Laboratory.
The projects will focus on the work of new directors with fresh perspectives.
The first film, to begin production in November, is Philippe Diaz's "The Last Days of Karl Marx," a co–production between Paul Breuls' Corsan and Jean-Jacques Beineix's Cargo Films. Diaz, based in Los Angeles, is the founder of Cinema Libre.
Production responsibilities will be shared by Cargo's Carine Leblanc and Corsan's Catherine Vandeleene.
Two other projects will help launch Global Talent Lab: Robert Leroy will direct a film about the death penalty, based on his original screenplay "Toy Soldier," and a project about euthanasia, based on the screenplay "The Sacrifice," by Hope Perello.
Under the agreement, three projects budgeted at $1 million-...
Cannes -- Los Angeles-based Cinema Libre Studio has struck a production partnership with Belgium-based Corsan to produce three feature films a year through new production entity Global Talent Laboratory.
The projects will focus on the work of new directors with fresh perspectives.
The first film, to begin production in November, is Philippe Diaz's "The Last Days of Karl Marx," a co–production between Paul Breuls' Corsan and Jean-Jacques Beineix's Cargo Films. Diaz, based in Los Angeles, is the founder of Cinema Libre.
Production responsibilities will be shared by Cargo's Carine Leblanc and Corsan's Catherine Vandeleene.
Two other projects will help launch Global Talent Lab: Robert Leroy will direct a film about the death penalty, based on his original screenplay "Toy Soldier," and a project about euthanasia, based on the screenplay "The Sacrifice," by Hope Perello.
Under the agreement, three projects budgeted at $1 million-...
- 5/19/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- Before we begin what should be a grueling, exhausting, yet painlessly pleasurable coverage of the 61st edition of the Cannes film festival (I've got north of 40 films/events that I ambitiously want to cover), I first wanted to begin Ioncinema.com's coverage of the fest with an overview of the four sections of the festival and what I predict should be critically well-received pictures to look out for. We first begin with the Critic's Week (47th Semaine Int. de la Critique) sidebar which has a distinctive Euro-flavoring this year. Home (Ursula Meier) Workshopped at Cannes, this is a world premiere and last minute addition to the section. Starring Isabelle Huppert and Olivier Gourmet, this follows a family whose peaceful existence in an isolated country home is threatened with the reconstruction of a busy highway nearby. Lake Tahoe (Fernando Eimbcke) Selected as Fipresci Revelation of the year, this coming of
- 5/13/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
The Hollywood Film Festival, which runs from Oct. 18-22 at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, will spotlight 18 world premieres, including 20th Century Fox's horse drama Flicka, starring Alison Lohman and Tim McGraw; the documentary Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride: Hunter S. Thompson on Film by Tom Thurman; and DreamWorks Animation's Flushed Away, directed by David Bowers and Sam Fell. The festival's closing night screenings include Phillip Noyce's Catch a Fire, a drama about terrorism in Apartheid-era South Africa, starring Tim Robbins and Derek Luke. Several other films will highlight contemporary Africa, including Mette Zeruneith's In a Soldier's Footsteps, Jesse James Miller's Uganda Rising and Philippe Diaz's The Empire in Africa.
- 10/10/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lynn Shelton's We Go Way Back took the grand jury award for best narrative feature at the Slamdance Film Festival's Sparky Awards Ceremony at the club Suede in Park City. The prize included a Panavision Camera Rental Package valued at $60,000. Also at the ceremony, held Friday and overseen by festival director Peter Baxter, special jury recognition was awarded to Todd Rohal's The Guatemalan Handshake. The grand jury award for best documentary feature went to Philippe Diaz's Empire in Africa, with Bob Hercules and Cheri Pugh's Forgiving Dr. Mengele receiving special jury recognition.
- 1/30/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lynn Shelton's We Go Way Back took the grand jury award for best narrative feature at the Slamdance Film Festival's Sparky Awards Ceremony at the club Suede in Park City. The prize included a Panavision Camera Rental Package valued at $60,000. Also at the ceremony, held Friday and overseen by festival director Peter Baxter, special jury recognition was awarded to Todd Rohal's The Guatemalan Handshake. The grand jury award for best documentary feature went to Philippe Diaz's Empire in Africa, with Bob Hercules and Cheri Pugh's Forgiving Dr. Mengele receiving special jury recognition.
- 1/29/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
From John Huston's "The Dead" to Thomas Vinterberg's "The Celebration", large family gatherings on special occasions have been potent subject matter in the hands of an accomplished moviemaker. While rookie writer-director Hope Perello is a little woozy in her direction, the low-budget U.S. indie "St. Patrick's Day" is a satisfying mix of comedy and drama with excellent performances by headliners Piper Laurie and Joanne Baron.
St. Patrick's Day the holiday, the tradition, is a time for singing and wailing, lovemaking and fighting, drinking and praying. These activities and more occur in Perello's mostly gentle, civilized film that has no shocking family secrets like in Huston and Vinterberg's more ambitious but gloomier films.
But the payoffs in "St. Patrick's Day" are well worth spending 105 minutes with the Donnellys and McDonoughs, Irish-Americans who are not far removed from the immigrant experience. Life has been good to the dozen or so characters in the film, but in the tradition of such scenarios, many big and little crises and epiphanies occur. Perello opts for matter-of-fact portraits of individuals, their talents and failings, with some wonderfully intimate moments and singing performances.
Second cousins surrender to their lustful desires, a married couple of 15 years announce their pending divorce, the matriarch of the family declares at the start of dinner that she has taken the "pledge" and forbids any drinking of alcohol, an unpopular but cheerfully honored restriction that is eventually resolved in favor of the imbibers.
Perello keeps the pace moving along nicely but allows the actors to have many unhurried moments where the characters come into focus. The most endearing and satisfying story line relates the long-overdue coming together of widow Mary Pat (Laurie) and gentlemanly Thomas (Redmond M. Gleeson), two great friends who in a exquisitely filmed scene, the film's best, become great lovers.
Both actors are thoroughly engaging in their roles thanks more to Perello's writing than often too-conservative directing. Baron is likewise terrific as Mary Pat's daughter, who is in the middle of breaking up with her husband (Jim Metzler). He delivers a heart-felt and eloquent farewell to the assembled family in another splendid scene.
Working out the story's constraints of time and locale, Perello overall gets the job done nicely. The all-around superb cast includes David Ault, Herta Ware and Colleen Fitzpatrick.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Sceneries International
Sceneries Euorpe, Enrique Cerezo Producciones
Cinematograficas, Marvel Movies
Writer-director: Hope Perello
Producers: Hope Perello, Kindra Anne Ruocco
Executive producers: Philippe Diaz, Philippe Lenglet
Director of photography: Denise Brassard
Production designer: Timothy Bride Keating
Editor: Ann Nervin Job
Music: Michael Muhlfriedel
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mary Pat: Piper Laurie
Priss: Joanne Baron
Adam: Jim Metzler
Thomas: Redmond M. Gleeson
Running time -- 105 minutes
No MPAA rating...
St. Patrick's Day the holiday, the tradition, is a time for singing and wailing, lovemaking and fighting, drinking and praying. These activities and more occur in Perello's mostly gentle, civilized film that has no shocking family secrets like in Huston and Vinterberg's more ambitious but gloomier films.
But the payoffs in "St. Patrick's Day" are well worth spending 105 minutes with the Donnellys and McDonoughs, Irish-Americans who are not far removed from the immigrant experience. Life has been good to the dozen or so characters in the film, but in the tradition of such scenarios, many big and little crises and epiphanies occur. Perello opts for matter-of-fact portraits of individuals, their talents and failings, with some wonderfully intimate moments and singing performances.
Second cousins surrender to their lustful desires, a married couple of 15 years announce their pending divorce, the matriarch of the family declares at the start of dinner that she has taken the "pledge" and forbids any drinking of alcohol, an unpopular but cheerfully honored restriction that is eventually resolved in favor of the imbibers.
Perello keeps the pace moving along nicely but allows the actors to have many unhurried moments where the characters come into focus. The most endearing and satisfying story line relates the long-overdue coming together of widow Mary Pat (Laurie) and gentlemanly Thomas (Redmond M. Gleeson), two great friends who in a exquisitely filmed scene, the film's best, become great lovers.
Both actors are thoroughly engaging in their roles thanks more to Perello's writing than often too-conservative directing. Baron is likewise terrific as Mary Pat's daughter, who is in the middle of breaking up with her husband (Jim Metzler). He delivers a heart-felt and eloquent farewell to the assembled family in another splendid scene.
Working out the story's constraints of time and locale, Perello overall gets the job done nicely. The all-around superb cast includes David Ault, Herta Ware and Colleen Fitzpatrick.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Sceneries International
Sceneries Euorpe, Enrique Cerezo Producciones
Cinematograficas, Marvel Movies
Writer-director: Hope Perello
Producers: Hope Perello, Kindra Anne Ruocco
Executive producers: Philippe Diaz, Philippe Lenglet
Director of photography: Denise Brassard
Production designer: Timothy Bride Keating
Editor: Ann Nervin Job
Music: Michael Muhlfriedel
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mary Pat: Piper Laurie
Priss: Joanne Baron
Adam: Jim Metzler
Thomas: Redmond M. Gleeson
Running time -- 105 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 3/17/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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