Sex, a provocative and candid look at constricting gender roles by Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud, has won the Europa Cinemas Label as best European film in the Panorama section of the 2024 Berlin Film Festival.
Jan Gunnar Roise and Thorbjorn Harr star in Sex as two married and ostensibly heterosexual chimney sweeps whose experiences lead them to question their supposedly fixed sexual and gender identities. The film was a critical hit in Berlin, with The Hollywood Reporter comparing its “gentle subversiveness” of the male character study to Joachim Trier’s twist on the traditional rom-com in the Oscar-nominated The Worst Person in the World. [Coincidentally, Worst Person in the World breakout Renate Reinsve was one of the big stars of the Berlinale this year, with two films in competition.]
The Europa Cinemas jury praised Sex as “fresh, original, and, above all, great fun,” adding: “Yes, it is a talky film, but we feel strongly that the open...
Jan Gunnar Roise and Thorbjorn Harr star in Sex as two married and ostensibly heterosexual chimney sweeps whose experiences lead them to question their supposedly fixed sexual and gender identities. The film was a critical hit in Berlin, with The Hollywood Reporter comparing its “gentle subversiveness” of the male character study to Joachim Trier’s twist on the traditional rom-com in the Oscar-nominated The Worst Person in the World. [Coincidentally, Worst Person in the World breakout Renate Reinsve was one of the big stars of the Berlinale this year, with two films in competition.]
The Europa Cinemas jury praised Sex as “fresh, original, and, above all, great fun,” adding: “Yes, it is a talky film, but we feel strongly that the open...
- 2/23/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Polish soldier and spy Witold Pilecki is getting the big-screen treatment via an international co-production between the United States and Poland.
Powder Hound Pictures and the Polish Film Institute have teamed up to finance and co-produce what is being titled Enemy Of My Enemy and being described as an epic drama.
Matt King wrote the script that adapts the acclaimed book Ochotnik (“The Volunteer”) by Marco Patricelli.
Jayne-Ann Tenggren, who acted as a producer on the Oscar-winning war drama 1917 and who was a protégé of Sam Mendes, is producing with Elizabeth Stillwell, who acted as an executive producer on 2018 Kristen Stewart period drama Lizzie.
A soldier with the Polish Army in World War II, Pilecki volunteered for a Polish resistance operation that involved infiltrating (and later escaping from) the Auschwitz concentration camp. In 1941, he penned what some say was the first comprehensive intelligence report on Auschwitz and the Holocaust, only...
Powder Hound Pictures and the Polish Film Institute have teamed up to finance and co-produce what is being titled Enemy Of My Enemy and being described as an epic drama.
Matt King wrote the script that adapts the acclaimed book Ochotnik (“The Volunteer”) by Marco Patricelli.
Jayne-Ann Tenggren, who acted as a producer on the Oscar-winning war drama 1917 and who was a protégé of Sam Mendes, is producing with Elizabeth Stillwell, who acted as an executive producer on 2018 Kristen Stewart period drama Lizzie.
A soldier with the Polish Army in World War II, Pilecki volunteered for a Polish resistance operation that involved infiltrating (and later escaping from) the Auschwitz concentration camp. In 1941, he penned what some say was the first comprehensive intelligence report on Auschwitz and the Holocaust, only...
- 8/15/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
İlker Çatak’s The Teachers‘ Lounge, a German drama set in a primary school, has won the Europa Cinemas Label as Best European film in the Panorama section of the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival.
Leonie Benesch (Babylon Berlin, Around the World in 80 Days) stars in The Teacher’s Lounge as an idealistic and ambitious young teacher who finds herself at odds with fellow teachers, parents and an inflexible and frustrating bureaucracy. Leonard Stettnisch, Eva Löbau, Michael Klammer, Anne-Kathrin Gummich, Kathrin Wehlisch, Uygar Tamer, and Özgür Karadeniz co-star.
“The film explores key subjects like the prevalence of bureaucracy in schools and issues of race and class, but above all it is a compelling rollercoaster of a drama,” the Europa Cinemas jury said in a statement.
The Europa Cinemas prize is backed the Europa Cinemas theatre network, an association of independent theater owners, representing more than 3,000 screens in over 700 cities across Europe,...
Leonie Benesch (Babylon Berlin, Around the World in 80 Days) stars in The Teacher’s Lounge as an idealistic and ambitious young teacher who finds herself at odds with fellow teachers, parents and an inflexible and frustrating bureaucracy. Leonard Stettnisch, Eva Löbau, Michael Klammer, Anne-Kathrin Gummich, Kathrin Wehlisch, Uygar Tamer, and Özgür Karadeniz co-star.
“The film explores key subjects like the prevalence of bureaucracy in schools and issues of race and class, but above all it is a compelling rollercoaster of a drama,” the Europa Cinemas jury said in a statement.
The Europa Cinemas prize is backed the Europa Cinemas theatre network, an association of independent theater owners, representing more than 3,000 screens in over 700 cities across Europe,...
- 2/25/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Speakers debated whether strict film funding rules were having a negative impact on the films greenlit.
What do Pablo Larrain’s Spencer and Kornel Mundruczó’s Evolution both have in common?
Technically, they are German films because they have German producers - Komplizen Film and Match Factory Productions respectively - serving as majority partners in the co-production structures.
But German film critics are hard to convince and report with almost undiluted Schadenfreude that “again, there’s no German film” when major international festivals announce their line-ups.
As Simone Baumann, CEO of German Films, explained, Germany was a partner in no...
What do Pablo Larrain’s Spencer and Kornel Mundruczó’s Evolution both have in common?
Technically, they are German films because they have German producers - Komplizen Film and Match Factory Productions respectively - serving as majority partners in the co-production structures.
But German film critics are hard to convince and report with almost undiluted Schadenfreude that “again, there’s no German film” when major international festivals announce their line-ups.
As Simone Baumann, CEO of German Films, explained, Germany was a partner in no...
- 10/6/2021
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
The producers were participating in an industry panel at the Munich Film Festival.
European producers were divided over how to position themselves in the new landscape created by the move into localised original production by the Us streaming platforms in a panel called ‘Euroflix? On the road to strong (T)VOD competitors in Europe’ at the Munich Film Festival on Friday (June 28).
Under the so-called ‘Netflix quota’, platforms including Netflix and Amazon as well as premium cable channels such as HBO, broadcasters, as well as Facebook. Apple and YouTube, will be required by EU law to ensure 30% of their on-demand...
European producers were divided over how to position themselves in the new landscape created by the move into localised original production by the Us streaming platforms in a panel called ‘Euroflix? On the road to strong (T)VOD competitors in Europe’ at the Munich Film Festival on Friday (June 28).
Under the so-called ‘Netflix quota’, platforms including Netflix and Amazon as well as premium cable channels such as HBO, broadcasters, as well as Facebook. Apple and YouTube, will be required by EU law to ensure 30% of their on-demand...
- 7/2/2019
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
The producers were participating in an industry panel at the Munich Film Festival.
European producers were divided over how to position themselves in the new landscape created by the move into localised original production by the Us streaming platforms in a panel called ‘Euroflix? On the road to strong (T)VOD competitors in Europe’ at the Munich Film Festival on Friday (June 28).
Under the so-called ‘Netflix quota’, platforms including Netflix and Amazon as well as premium cable channels such as HBO, broadcasters, as well as Facebook. Apple and YouTube, will be required by EU law to ensure 30% of their on-demand...
European producers were divided over how to position themselves in the new landscape created by the move into localised original production by the Us streaming platforms in a panel called ‘Euroflix? On the road to strong (T)VOD competitors in Europe’ at the Munich Film Festival on Friday (June 28).
Under the so-called ‘Netflix quota’, platforms including Netflix and Amazon as well as premium cable channels such as HBO, broadcasters, as well as Facebook. Apple and YouTube, will be required by EU law to ensure 30% of their on-demand...
- 7/1/2019
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Based on the same real-life “honor killing” that inspired fellow German Feo Aladag’s prize-winning 2010 feature “When We Leave,” Sherry Hormann’s “A Regular Woman” takes a compelling new approach to the contentious 2005 case that shocked Germany: By allowing the murdered woman — a 23-year-old German of Turkish-Kurdish ancestry shot point blank by her youngest brother — to narrate the action both before and after her death, the director (“Desert Flower”) restores the victim’s voice. Further fest screenings and niche arthouse play should follow the film’s Tribeca world premiere.
From a family of strict Sunni Muslims and the oldest daughter of nine siblings, Hatun “Aynur” Sürücü was forced to leave her Kreuzberg school in 1998, age 16, and marry a cousin in Istanbul. In her voiceover, which outlines the expectations assigned to a dutiful daughter, Aynur calls it “a change of owner,” as control over her person shifts from father to husband.
From a family of strict Sunni Muslims and the oldest daughter of nine siblings, Hatun “Aynur” Sürücü was forced to leave her Kreuzberg school in 1998, age 16, and marry a cousin in Istanbul. In her voiceover, which outlines the expectations assigned to a dutiful daughter, Aynur calls it “a change of owner,” as control over her person shifts from father to husband.
- 4/28/2019
- by Alissa Simon
- Variety Film + TV
Family Matters: Wolfe’s Unsettling Debut a Thriller with a Mean Streak
Premiering in the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, director Daniel Wolfe’s directorial debut, Catch Me Daddy, is most likely to inspire awe or ire as a denuded genre thriller, pared down to the barest essentials of abject miserabilism. There’s no one to innately empathize with, beyond being exposed to a central victim whom we must logically root for given her ambitious rebellion against the patriarchal straightjacket she was weaned from. Unfolding with methodical calm, the first time filmmaker manages to instill a mounting dread thanks to surprising, even shocking moments of gruesome violence, and that’s despite its lack of emotional posturing. Down and out working class folks thrust into dire straits is the name of the game here, and though a bit of additional context would’ve enhanced the basic premise,...
Premiering in the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, director Daniel Wolfe’s directorial debut, Catch Me Daddy, is most likely to inspire awe or ire as a denuded genre thriller, pared down to the barest essentials of abject miserabilism. There’s no one to innately empathize with, beyond being exposed to a central victim whom we must logically root for given her ambitious rebellion against the patriarchal straightjacket she was weaned from. Unfolding with methodical calm, the first time filmmaker manages to instill a mounting dread thanks to surprising, even shocking moments of gruesome violence, and that’s despite its lack of emotional posturing. Down and out working class folks thrust into dire straits is the name of the game here, and though a bit of additional context would’ve enhanced the basic premise,...
- 8/7/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Exclusive: Talks underway for a new European Audience Prize.
The European Commission (EC) has dropped its Media Prize, presented during the Cannes Film Festival since 2012.
The Prize had been awarded by a jury of independent experts, the EC and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (Eacea) to the best project with box office potential from applications submitted for Media development support.
The prize has previously gone to Asghar Farhadi’s The Past, which played in Competition in Cannes a year later in 2013; Thomas Vinterberg for his project The Commune; and Bosnian director Danis Tanović for What Are You Looking At?.
But despite discontinuing the award, there are talks underway with the European Parliament and European Film Academy to replace the prize with a new audience award.
Speaking exclusively to Screen Daily, an EC official said: “The European Commission considers that a unique European film prize, able to build on a more active participation of the European...
The European Commission (EC) has dropped its Media Prize, presented during the Cannes Film Festival since 2012.
The Prize had been awarded by a jury of independent experts, the EC and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (Eacea) to the best project with box office potential from applications submitted for Media development support.
The prize has previously gone to Asghar Farhadi’s The Past, which played in Competition in Cannes a year later in 2013; Thomas Vinterberg for his project The Commune; and Bosnian director Danis Tanović for What Are You Looking At?.
But despite discontinuing the award, there are talks underway with the European Parliament and European Film Academy to replace the prize with a new audience award.
Speaking exclusively to Screen Daily, an EC official said: “The European Commission considers that a unique European film prize, able to build on a more active participation of the European...
- 5/5/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The Festival of German Films in China is showing cinema from Germany this year for the second time. 16 internationally successful and award-winning films will be presented to the public and industry in the four Chinese cities of Peking, Chengdu , Shenzhen and Hangzhou in this important film market. Director Doris Dörrie is the event's patron, actor Florian Stetter and director Georg Maas will also be guests. German Films is organising the Festival of German Films in China together with the Goethe-Institut.
The festival will be opened on 14 November 2014 in Peking with a gala and the screening of "Stations of the Cross" (Ufa Fiction, cine plus Filmproduktion) in the presence of the lead actor Florian Stetter and the patron Doris Dörrie at the Broadway Cinema. The film by Dietrich Brüggemann will also open the festival in Hangzhou . "Suck Me Shakespeer" by Bora Dagtekin (Ratpack Filmproduktion, Constantin Film Produktion) will be the opening film in Chengdu and Shenzhen.
Doris Dörrie will be honored in Peking with a retrospective which will open on 15 November 2014 with "Bliss." The film-maker will then travel to Shenzhen to participate in a workshop discussion with the Chinese documentary film-makers Andrew Lone and Zhao Dayo.
Director Georg Maas will be presenting his film "Two Lives" (De/No, Zinnober Film, B&T Film), last year's German Oscar® candidate, in Chengdu , Shenzhen and Hangzhou as well as Peking .
Apart from new German productions, the Peking program will also include a newly restored version of the silent film classic
"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" by Robert Wiene with musical accompaniment by the Aljoscha Zimmermann ensemble. An accompanying program at the film archive in Peking aims to promote an exchange of views and experiences between Chinese and German film-makers.Christiane von Wahlert, the managing director of Spio, will speak here with Chinese industry representatives about the age rating for feature films, and Stefan Drößler, the director of Munich 's Film Museum , will talk about the digital restoration of films.
All of the films in the program of the Festival of German Films in China :
Peking (14 – 20 November 2014 ) Broadway Cinema:
"Stations of the Cross" (Kreuzweg) by Dietrich Brüggemann (Ufa Fiction, cine plus Filmproduktion) (opening film)
"Home from Home" (Die Andere Heimat) by Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
"Suck Me Shakespeer" (Fack Ju Gohte) von Bora Dagtekin (Rat Pack Filmproduktion, Constantin Film Produktion)
"The Woman Who Dares" (Die Frau Die Sich Traut) by Marc Rensing (Zum Goldenen Lamm Filmproduktion)
"Hanna's Journey" (Hannas Reise) by Julia von Heinz (2 Pilots Filmproduction, Kings&Queens Filmproduktion)
"Master of the Universe" by Marc Bauder (De/At, bauderfilm)
"Broken Glass Park" (Scherbenpark) by Bettina Blümner (Eyeworks Film Gemini)
"Two Lives" (Zwei Leben) by Georg Maas (De/No, Zinnober Film, B&T Film)
"Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten) by Feo Aladag (Independent Artists Filmproduktion, Geißendorfer Film- und Fernsehproduktion)
German School - Peking : Doris Dörrie retrospective:
"The Whole Shebang" (Alles Inklusive) by Doris Dörrie (Olga Film)
"The Hairdresser" (Die Friseuse) by Doris Dörrie (Collina Filmproduktion)
"Bliss" (Gluck) by Doris Dörrie (Constantin Film Produktion, Rainer Curdt Filmproduktion)
"Cherry Blossoms" (Kirschbluten- Hanami) by Doris Dörrie (Olga Film)
German Embassy:
"Beloved Sisters" (Die Geliebten Schwestern) by Dominik Graf (De/At, Bavariafilmverleih- und Produktion, Senator Film, Kiddinx Filmproduktion)
"West" (Westen) by Christian Schwochow (zero one film, Terz Film, öFilm, Senator Film)
Peking Film Archive:
"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" ( Das Cabinet Des Dr. Caligari) by Robert Wiene (Decla-Film)
-Chengdu (November 16 – 23, 2014) / Shenzhen (November 18 – 25, 2014):
"Suck Me Shakespeer" (Fack Ju Gohte, opening film) von Bora Dagtekin (Rat Pack Filmproduktion, Constantin Film Produktion)
"Home from Home" (Die Andere Heimat) by Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
"The Woman Who Dares" (Die Frau Die Sich Traut) by Marc Rensing (Zum Goldenen Lamm Filmproduktion)
"Hanna's Journey" (Hannas Reise) by Julia von Heinz (2 Pilots Filmproduction, Kings&Queens Filmproduktion)
"Master of the Universe" by Marc Bauder (De/At, bauderfilm)
"Two Lives" (Zwei Leben) by Georg Maas (De/No, Zinnober Film, B&T Film)
"Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten)) by Feo Aladag (Independent Artists Filmproduktion, Geißendorfer Film- und Fernsehproduktion)
-Hangzhou (20. – 29. November 2014 ):
"Stations of the Cross" by Dietrich Brüggemann (Ufa Fiction, cine plus Filmproduktion) (opening film)
"Home from Home" (Die Andere Heimat) by Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
"Suck Me Shakespeer" (Fack Ju Gohte) by Bora Dagtekin (Rat Pack Filmproduktion, Constantin Film Produktion)
"The Woman Who Dares" (Die Frau Die Sich Traut) by Marc Rensing (Zum Goldenen Lamm Filmproduktion)
"Hanna's Journey" (Hannas Reise) by Julia von Heinz (2 Pilots Filmproduction, Kings&Queens Filmproduktion)
"Master of the Universe" by Marc Bauder (De/At, bauderfilm)
"Two Lives" (Zwei Leben) by Georg Maas (De/No, Zinnober Film, B&T Film)
"Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten) by Feo Aladag (Independent Artists Filmproduktion, Geißendorfer Film- und Fernsehproduktion)
Further information about the festival can be found at www.festivalofgermancinema.com and in the festival brochure .
The Festival of German Films in China is supported by the German Embassy in Peking .
Sponsors of German Films and the Goethe Institut at the festival are: Audi, Kempinski Hotels, Lufthansa Center and Arri
The festival's partners are: The Art Gallery of Sichuan University, Beijing Film Academy , China Film Archive, Bookworm, the German Embassy School , EU Film Festival, Labor Berlin, Oca, Ucat and the Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Foundation
Media partners: MTime, Movie and Ent Qq
Cinema partners: Palace, Moma, Broadway and IMAX
China is a promising film market with an enormous potential for growth. German Films has been active in the Middle Kingdom for 11 years and is represented there in all affairs by Anke Redl. Apart from the Focus Germany at the Shanghai International Film Festival, German Films also regularly supports the presence of German films at the Shanghai TV Festival.
Further information about China 's film market in the German Films market study.
On German Films:
German Films Service + Marketing is the national information and advisory center for the international distribution of German films. The aim of German Films' activities is to raise the level of awareness for German cinema abroad via information services, lobbying, PR and marketing measures and to make it visible in the international media arena.
Website: www.german-films.de
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/German-Films
Twitter: https://twitter.com/German_Films
Instagram: http://instagram.com/germanfilms...
The festival will be opened on 14 November 2014 in Peking with a gala and the screening of "Stations of the Cross" (Ufa Fiction, cine plus Filmproduktion) in the presence of the lead actor Florian Stetter and the patron Doris Dörrie at the Broadway Cinema. The film by Dietrich Brüggemann will also open the festival in Hangzhou . "Suck Me Shakespeer" by Bora Dagtekin (Ratpack Filmproduktion, Constantin Film Produktion) will be the opening film in Chengdu and Shenzhen.
Doris Dörrie will be honored in Peking with a retrospective which will open on 15 November 2014 with "Bliss." The film-maker will then travel to Shenzhen to participate in a workshop discussion with the Chinese documentary film-makers Andrew Lone and Zhao Dayo.
Director Georg Maas will be presenting his film "Two Lives" (De/No, Zinnober Film, B&T Film), last year's German Oscar® candidate, in Chengdu , Shenzhen and Hangzhou as well as Peking .
Apart from new German productions, the Peking program will also include a newly restored version of the silent film classic
"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" by Robert Wiene with musical accompaniment by the Aljoscha Zimmermann ensemble. An accompanying program at the film archive in Peking aims to promote an exchange of views and experiences between Chinese and German film-makers.Christiane von Wahlert, the managing director of Spio, will speak here with Chinese industry representatives about the age rating for feature films, and Stefan Drößler, the director of Munich 's Film Museum , will talk about the digital restoration of films.
All of the films in the program of the Festival of German Films in China :
Peking (14 – 20 November 2014 ) Broadway Cinema:
"Stations of the Cross" (Kreuzweg) by Dietrich Brüggemann (Ufa Fiction, cine plus Filmproduktion) (opening film)
"Home from Home" (Die Andere Heimat) by Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
"Suck Me Shakespeer" (Fack Ju Gohte) von Bora Dagtekin (Rat Pack Filmproduktion, Constantin Film Produktion)
"The Woman Who Dares" (Die Frau Die Sich Traut) by Marc Rensing (Zum Goldenen Lamm Filmproduktion)
"Hanna's Journey" (Hannas Reise) by Julia von Heinz (2 Pilots Filmproduction, Kings&Queens Filmproduktion)
"Master of the Universe" by Marc Bauder (De/At, bauderfilm)
"Broken Glass Park" (Scherbenpark) by Bettina Blümner (Eyeworks Film Gemini)
"Two Lives" (Zwei Leben) by Georg Maas (De/No, Zinnober Film, B&T Film)
"Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten) by Feo Aladag (Independent Artists Filmproduktion, Geißendorfer Film- und Fernsehproduktion)
German School - Peking : Doris Dörrie retrospective:
"The Whole Shebang" (Alles Inklusive) by Doris Dörrie (Olga Film)
"The Hairdresser" (Die Friseuse) by Doris Dörrie (Collina Filmproduktion)
"Bliss" (Gluck) by Doris Dörrie (Constantin Film Produktion, Rainer Curdt Filmproduktion)
"Cherry Blossoms" (Kirschbluten- Hanami) by Doris Dörrie (Olga Film)
German Embassy:
"Beloved Sisters" (Die Geliebten Schwestern) by Dominik Graf (De/At, Bavariafilmverleih- und Produktion, Senator Film, Kiddinx Filmproduktion)
"West" (Westen) by Christian Schwochow (zero one film, Terz Film, öFilm, Senator Film)
Peking Film Archive:
"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" ( Das Cabinet Des Dr. Caligari) by Robert Wiene (Decla-Film)
-Chengdu (November 16 – 23, 2014) / Shenzhen (November 18 – 25, 2014):
"Suck Me Shakespeer" (Fack Ju Gohte, opening film) von Bora Dagtekin (Rat Pack Filmproduktion, Constantin Film Produktion)
"Home from Home" (Die Andere Heimat) by Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
"The Woman Who Dares" (Die Frau Die Sich Traut) by Marc Rensing (Zum Goldenen Lamm Filmproduktion)
"Hanna's Journey" (Hannas Reise) by Julia von Heinz (2 Pilots Filmproduction, Kings&Queens Filmproduktion)
"Master of the Universe" by Marc Bauder (De/At, bauderfilm)
"Two Lives" (Zwei Leben) by Georg Maas (De/No, Zinnober Film, B&T Film)
"Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten)) by Feo Aladag (Independent Artists Filmproduktion, Geißendorfer Film- und Fernsehproduktion)
-Hangzhou (20. – 29. November 2014 ):
"Stations of the Cross" by Dietrich Brüggemann (Ufa Fiction, cine plus Filmproduktion) (opening film)
"Home from Home" (Die Andere Heimat) by Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
"Suck Me Shakespeer" (Fack Ju Gohte) by Bora Dagtekin (Rat Pack Filmproduktion, Constantin Film Produktion)
"The Woman Who Dares" (Die Frau Die Sich Traut) by Marc Rensing (Zum Goldenen Lamm Filmproduktion)
"Hanna's Journey" (Hannas Reise) by Julia von Heinz (2 Pilots Filmproduction, Kings&Queens Filmproduktion)
"Master of the Universe" by Marc Bauder (De/At, bauderfilm)
"Two Lives" (Zwei Leben) by Georg Maas (De/No, Zinnober Film, B&T Film)
"Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten) by Feo Aladag (Independent Artists Filmproduktion, Geißendorfer Film- und Fernsehproduktion)
Further information about the festival can be found at www.festivalofgermancinema.com and in the festival brochure .
The Festival of German Films in China is supported by the German Embassy in Peking .
Sponsors of German Films and the Goethe Institut at the festival are: Audi, Kempinski Hotels, Lufthansa Center and Arri
The festival's partners are: The Art Gallery of Sichuan University, Beijing Film Academy , China Film Archive, Bookworm, the German Embassy School , EU Film Festival, Labor Berlin, Oca, Ucat and the Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Foundation
Media partners: MTime, Movie and Ent Qq
Cinema partners: Palace, Moma, Broadway and IMAX
China is a promising film market with an enormous potential for growth. German Films has been active in the Middle Kingdom for 11 years and is represented there in all affairs by Anke Redl. Apart from the Focus Germany at the Shanghai International Film Festival, German Films also regularly supports the presence of German films at the Shanghai TV Festival.
Further information about China 's film market in the German Films market study.
On German Films:
German Films Service + Marketing is the national information and advisory center for the international distribution of German films. The aim of German Films' activities is to raise the level of awareness for German cinema abroad via information services, lobbying, PR and marketing measures and to make it visible in the international media arena.
Website: www.german-films.de
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/German-Films
Twitter: https://twitter.com/German_Films
Instagram: http://instagram.com/germanfilms...
- 11/16/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Debut competition titles at cinematography festival unveiled.
Camerimage, the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography (Nov 15-22), has revealed the line-up of films screening in three of the festival’s competition sections including Cinematographers’ Debut, Directors’ Debut and Student Etudes.
The entries are:
Cinematographers’ Debut Competition
Duane Hopkins’ Bypass;
UK, 2014; Cinematographer: David Procter
Sidney Lexy Plaut’s Dark Samurai;
Denmark, 2014; Cinematographer: Sidney Lexy Plaut
Zeresenay Berhane Mehari’s Difret;
Ethiopia, USA, 2014; Cinematographer: Monika Lenczewska
Krzysztof Skonieczny’s Hardkor Disko;
Poland, 2014; Cinematographer: Kacper Fertacz
Arild Østin Ommundsen’s It’s Only Make Believe;
Norway, 2013; Cinematographer: Arild Østin Ommundsen
Michael Cody and Amiel Courtin-Wilson’s Ruin;
Australia, 2013; Cinematographer: Ari Wegner
Ester Martin Bergsmark’s Something Must Break;
Sweden, 2014; Cinematographers: Lisabi Fridell and Minka Jakerson
David Pablos’ The Life After;
Mexico, 2013; Cinematographer: José De- La-Torre
Saar Klein’s Things People Do;
USA, 2014; Cinematographer: Matthias Koenigswieser
Jonas Alexander Arnby’s When Animals Dream;
Denmark, 2013; Cinematographer: [link=nm...
Camerimage, the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography (Nov 15-22), has revealed the line-up of films screening in three of the festival’s competition sections including Cinematographers’ Debut, Directors’ Debut and Student Etudes.
The entries are:
Cinematographers’ Debut Competition
Duane Hopkins’ Bypass;
UK, 2014; Cinematographer: David Procter
Sidney Lexy Plaut’s Dark Samurai;
Denmark, 2014; Cinematographer: Sidney Lexy Plaut
Zeresenay Berhane Mehari’s Difret;
Ethiopia, USA, 2014; Cinematographer: Monika Lenczewska
Krzysztof Skonieczny’s Hardkor Disko;
Poland, 2014; Cinematographer: Kacper Fertacz
Arild Østin Ommundsen’s It’s Only Make Believe;
Norway, 2013; Cinematographer: Arild Østin Ommundsen
Michael Cody and Amiel Courtin-Wilson’s Ruin;
Australia, 2013; Cinematographer: Ari Wegner
Ester Martin Bergsmark’s Something Must Break;
Sweden, 2014; Cinematographers: Lisabi Fridell and Minka Jakerson
David Pablos’ The Life After;
Mexico, 2013; Cinematographer: José De- La-Torre
Saar Klein’s Things People Do;
USA, 2014; Cinematographer: Matthias Koenigswieser
Jonas Alexander Arnby’s When Animals Dream;
Denmark, 2013; Cinematographer: [link=nm...
- 10/16/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The 16th edition of the Mumbai Film Festival announced its line-up in a press conference today.
Here is the complete list of films which will be screened at the festival:-
International Competition
Difret
Dir.: Zeresenay Berhane Mehari (Ethiopia / 2014 / Col / 99)
History of Fear (Historia del miedo)
Dir.: Benjamin Naishtat (Argentina-France-Germany-Qatar-Uruguay / 2014 / Col / 79)
With Others (Ba Digaran)
Dir.: Nasser Zamiri (Iran / 2014 / Col / 85)
The Tree (Drevo)
Dir.: Sonja Prosenc (Slovenia / 2014 / Col / 90)
Next to Her (At li layla)
Dir.: Asaf Korman (Israel / 2014 / Col / 90)
Schimbare
Dir.: Alex Sampayo (Spain / 2014 / Col / 87)
Fever
Dir.: Raphaël Neal (France / 2014 / Col / 81)
Court
Dir.: Chaitanya Tamhane (India (Marathi-Gujarati-English-Hindi) / 2014 / Col / 116)
Macondo
Dir.: Sudabeh Mortezai (Austria / 2014 / Col / 98)
India Gold Competition 2014
The Fort (Killa)
Dir.: Avinash Arun (India (Marathi) / 2014 / Col / 107)
Unto the Dusk
Dir.: Sajin Baabu (India (Malayalam) / 2014 / Col / 118)
Names Unknown (Perariyathavar)
Dir.: Dr. Biju (India (Malayalam) / 2014 / Col / 110)
Buddha In a Traffic Jam
Dir.
Here is the complete list of films which will be screened at the festival:-
International Competition
Difret
Dir.: Zeresenay Berhane Mehari (Ethiopia / 2014 / Col / 99)
History of Fear (Historia del miedo)
Dir.: Benjamin Naishtat (Argentina-France-Germany-Qatar-Uruguay / 2014 / Col / 79)
With Others (Ba Digaran)
Dir.: Nasser Zamiri (Iran / 2014 / Col / 85)
The Tree (Drevo)
Dir.: Sonja Prosenc (Slovenia / 2014 / Col / 90)
Next to Her (At li layla)
Dir.: Asaf Korman (Israel / 2014 / Col / 90)
Schimbare
Dir.: Alex Sampayo (Spain / 2014 / Col / 87)
Fever
Dir.: Raphaël Neal (France / 2014 / Col / 81)
Court
Dir.: Chaitanya Tamhane (India (Marathi-Gujarati-English-Hindi) / 2014 / Col / 116)
Macondo
Dir.: Sudabeh Mortezai (Austria / 2014 / Col / 98)
India Gold Competition 2014
The Fort (Killa)
Dir.: Avinash Arun (India (Marathi) / 2014 / Col / 107)
Unto the Dusk
Dir.: Sajin Baabu (India (Malayalam) / 2014 / Col / 118)
Names Unknown (Perariyathavar)
Dir.: Dr. Biju (India (Malayalam) / 2014 / Col / 110)
Buddha In a Traffic Jam
Dir.
- 9/17/2014
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Early predictions have emerged for most Academy Award categories. As the studios reveal their hopeful offers to be released in the final months of the year, the speculation increases. But despite all the information available on the centerpiece awards, other more obscure races remain a complete mystery at this point. Among these, the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar is almost certainly the most complex to prognosticate. The lengthy process that precedes the announcement of the final nominees makes for a competition that begins months in advance in nations around the globe.Having the opportunity to submit only one film, each country must carry out its own selection process. Once these decisions have been made, their chosen works will compete to make it to the nine-film shortlist, and eventually into the final five slots. Although this procedure allows for a certain degree of democracy, it also excludes all those other films that were left behind in their homelands. This, in turn, gives us a narrow view of what is being produced abroad.
Therefore, after lots of research and arduous educated guessing to put it together, the list below offers a more insightful look at this race before the actual individual selections are announced. For the sake of time, the amount of films is limited to five per country, but in some cases the choices are scarcer and less films are listed. While trying to speculate is always an uncertain endeavor, the factors taken into account to determine which are some of this year’s most important films in each country and their prospects of being chosen as their representative at the Academy Awards, were varied. Festival exposure, release date, the country’s previous submissions, and even the thematic elements of a few of them were considered to create this piece.
Clearly nothing is definitive at this point, but at the very least, this compilation will provide a sense of what the film industries in these territories are putting out and sharing with the world.
Read More: Oscars 2015 : Best Foreign Language Film Contenders - The Americas
Here is the first part of the list on Europe (Albania -Lithuania)
Albania
Last year the Balkan state had one of its strongest contenders in recent history, Robert Budina’s “Agon,” a powerful drama dealing with the ethnic identity of the region. This time around, there are three films that qualify to be selected. The front-runner is “ Amsterdam Express, ” which has the highest international profile of the three being a co-production between Albania, U.K The Netherlands and Germany. The film explores the sociopolitical situation of the country through the eyes of an Albanian man who immigrates to Dutch territory illegally. Following along are two other dramas, “The Last Wish” (Amaneti) and “Ada.” Having three clearly viable options, it is almost certain that Albania will compete once again this year.
1. "Amsterdam Express" PC: F&Me
2. "The Last Wish" (Amaneti) PC: Media Vision
3. "Ada" PC: Concordia Pictures
Armenia
Having submitted only four times as an independent nation, it is difficult to predict whether Armenia will decide to participate this year. However, they do have a few films that could represent them at the Academy Awards. Even though the country’s film industry is still precarious and struggling, they have their own annual awards and consistently complete feature length works. Since many of them don’t fulfill the quality standards of major festivals, few of their offers ever get passed their border. The most feasible candidate this year is “Tevanik,” a film about the Karabakh war that screened at the Cannes film market and that has also screened theatrically in its home country. Another possible selection is dark comedy “The Romanticists,” which won the Best Screenplay award at the Hayak National Cinema Awards and had some international exposure. Drama “From Two Worlds as a Keepsake, ” could also be a good candidate as it premiered last year at the World Film Festival in Montreal. Less likely are comedy “The Heart in the House ,” a Russian co-production, and Hayak Best Film nominee “Caucho,” which might be a bit too avant-garde to be chosen.
1. "Tevanik" PC: Fish Eye Art
2. "The Romanticists" (Rromantiknery) PC: Aysor-Plus Film Productions
3. "From Two Worlds as a Keepsake" (Yerku ashkharhic i hishatak) PC: National Film Centr of Armenia
4. "The Heart in the House" (Domik v serdtse) PC: Berg Sound
5. "Caucho"
Austria
Since Austrian productions are heavily influenced by the German film industry and often intertwined with it, it is no surprise that the major winner at the German Film Awards was the co-production “The Dark Valley.” But given that the director Andreas Prochaska is Austrian, as well as most of the creative control and resources, the Germans couldn’t claim it as their own. This, and the fact that Sam Riley is in it, make it an ideal, high profile candidate to be Austria’s Oscar submission. Nominated for five awards in the past Austrian Film Awards, “October November” is also a descent candidate. A close third followed is “The Last Dance” the latest film by Houchang Allahyari, whose film “I Love Vienna” represented the country a couple decades ago. Then we have “ Soldier Jane,” which also nominated for Best Film at the National Awards. Lastly, “The Silent Mountain, “ an epic period piece about World War I is not entirely far fetched. Other films that have had positive receptions at festivals such as “Macondo,” or “Amour Fou” will be released closer to the end of the year.
1. "The Dark Valley" (Das Fisntere Tal) Isa: Films Distribution
2. "October November" (Oktober November) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "The Last Dance" (Der letzte Tanz) PC: Allahyari Filmproduktion
4. "Soldier Jane" (Soldate Jeannette) Isa: Premium Films
5. "The Silent Mountain" ( Der Stille Berg) Isa: Premiere Entertainment Group
Azerbaijan
It's always great to see a country like Azerbaijan submitting a film and making an attempt at getting exposure for their filmmakers and industry. Their films rarely make it to the world stage of glamorous festivals, thus they remain mostly obscure and inaccessible outside their homeland. Nevertheless, this year an Azerbaijani film, “Nabat,” could change that as it will screen at the Venice Film festival. This war film has already screened in the country at least at a special event, it is difficult to know if it will qualify this time around. If it does, it is their best bet. Should they decide to save it for next year, the country has another option of mild prestige. “Chameleon,” a small drama set in a remote village, screened last year at Locarno and that alone could help its chances. Lastly, there is “Down by the River,” which was part of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival selection. It will almost certainly be released until past the deadline, but might be a strong contender in the future. Two other dramas, one of epic proportions and a biopic could get in the mix but there is hardly any information available besides the fact that they have been screened in the capital city of Baku.
1. "Nabat" Isa: Dreamlab Films
2. "Chameleon" (Buqälämun) PC: Arizona Productions
3. "Down the River" (Axinla ashagi) PC: Azerbaijanfilm
Belarus
The small ex-Soviet state has been mostly producing documentaries for local viewing. Their output of material that can be successful abroad is minimal, and even when they have been presented with a great opportunity to participate at the Academy Awards, they simply don’t. This was the case of Sergey Loznitsa's “In the Fog” a couple years back, which could have represented them but was not entered. In fact, they have only participated on two occasions, the last one being in 1996. Although it is unlikely they will show interest, the country has a couple of promising choices. Belarus’ best bet would be the international coproduction “ The Role,” a solemn period piece that was nominated for five Nika Awards (the Russian Oscars) and actually won for Best Screenplay. Highly improbable, but given their small number of contenders, the country could also choose to send “BaBu,” an Azerbaijani coproduction about the kidnapping of a businessman’s daughter.
1. "The Role" (Rol) Isa: Reflexion Films
2. "BaBu"
Belgium
With the return to Cannes of the country’s most iconic filmmakers, the Dardenne Brothers, Belgium has an easy decision to make. Starring Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard, “Two Days, One Night” looks like the obvious favorite. Nevertheless, the Dardennes have been overlooked before, as it was the case two years ago when the Belgians decided to send “Bullhead” over the duo’s “The Kid with a Bike.” The only real threat could be “Marina” by Stijn Coninx, who was nominated for an Oscar in this category back in 1992 with “Daens.“ His latest work is a period piece about Rocco Granata’s life, an Italian singer who lived in Belgium in his youth. A more audacious decision, but not entirely impossible, would be to select the beautifully nightmarish “The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears,” which has had noticeable international presence. Two other titles, “ The Verdict” and “The Treatment” have been well received at home but since they are facing works by revered filmmakers, their chances are slight.
1. "Two Days, One Night" (Deux jours, une nuit) Isa: Wild Bunch
2. "Marina" Isa: Media Luna New Films
3. "The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears" (L'étrange couleur des larmes de ton corps) Isa: Bac Films International
4. "The Verdict" (Het Vonnis) Isa: Media Luna New Films
5. "The Treatment" (De Behandeling) Isa: Be for Films
Bosnia & Herzegovina
The last film by the poster child for Bosnian cinema, Danis Tanovic, managed to make it to the 9-film shortlist last December. This year, the country doesn’t have such a prominent candidate. Based on release date, festival exposure, and language, their safest selection would be the family drama “ With Mom.” Another title that could qualify is “Krivina,” which is technically a 2012 film, but did not premier in Bosnia until late last year. If eligible, it would definitively be a great runner-up. In third place is the incredibly small local film “ Krajina: Life or Death,” and it’s in that position simply because it meets all the minimum requirements to qualify - language included. The last two films mentioned here are longer shots not due to lack of quality, but because of their production details. One, “Bridges of Sarajevo,” is an anthology film created by over a dozen filmmakers from around the world. Even though one of the filmmakers is Bosnian and all sections are in a language other than English, it will be hard to consider it an actual Bosnian film. The other, “For Those Who Can Tell No Tales,” is a Bosnian production directed by Jasmila Zbanic, but the dialogue seems to be mostly in English, which would make it ineligible.
1. "With Mom" (Sa Mamom) PC: Scca/Pro.BA
2. "Krivina" Isa: Princ Films
3. "Krajina: Life and Death" (Ja sam iz Krajine, zemlje kestena) PC: Depo Production
4. "Bridges of Sarajevo" (Les Ponts de Sarajevo) Isa: Indie Sales
5."For Those Who Can Tell No Tales" (Za one koji ne mogu da govore) PC: Mpm
Bulgaria
In recent years the country has decided to send films that have won or have been nominated for their local film awards. This year the winner of the top award for Best Film was “Alienation,” seemingly making it the favorite to be submitted. This might actually not be the case. Premiering at Sundance earlier this year, “Viktoria,” an epic drama about a peculiar mother-daughter relationship, might actually be the frontrunner. The film has been rightfully hailed as the most important Bulgarian film of 2014 as it has been praised at several international festivals. The only concern was its release date, but that has been put to rest since the filmmakers have announced a one-week theatrical run of the film in Sofia this September. This might imply they are seriously considering the possibility of being chosen. Other less likely options are “Roseville,” another Best Film nominee at the local film awards, “Rat Poison,” which won Best Screenplay at those same awards, and the comedy “ Living Legends.” “The Judgement,” another important Bulgarian film that opened the Sofia International Film Festival in March, won’t opened theatrically until after the deadline.
1. "Viktoria" PC: Viktoria Films
2. "Alienation" PC: Red Carpet/ Bnt
3."Roseville" Isa: Wide
4. "Rat Poison" PC: Bulfilm Nfc
5. "Living Legends" PC: Euro Dialogue Productions
Croatia
Dominating last year’s Pula Film Festival with seven Golden Arena awards and presented at other international festivals, the drama “ A Stranger” is by far the most qualified choice. Bobo Jelcic’s film follows a man who returns to his hometown only to attend a funeral, but is forced to deal with several other issues from his past while there. Closely following is complex family drama “Hush…,” which also won several awards at the same festival. Other films that could come into play include “Vis-à-Vis,” a story about a film director and on his actor trying to write a screenplay, crime thriller “Not All About the Money, ”and the comedy “Handymen” by Dalibor Matanic, whose film “Fine Dead Girls” represented Croatia in 2002. It is important to note that three other relevant Croatian films, “The Bridge at the of the World,” "Number 55” and “The Reaper,” will probably be released in the next few months and will be in the running next year.
1. "A Stranger"(Obrana i zastita) Isa: Rendez-vous Pictures
2. "Hush..." (Šuti) PC: Kinorama
3. "Vis-a-Vis" PC: Copycat Production House
4. "Not All About the Money" (Nije sve u lovi) PC: Interfilm
5. "Handymen" (Majstori) PC: Hrvatska Radiotelevizija
Cyprus
As one of the few countries in Europe that has never submitted a film, it is likely they will continue on that path once again. Yet, if they decide otherwise, there is a film that could represent them. Crime drama “Stratos” directed by Cyprus-born Yannis Economides and produced with support from the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture could actually be the island nation’s lucky charm. Another Cypriot production, the romantic comedy “ Committed,” would be listed here as a possibility if it wasn’t for the fact that it is entirely in English.
1. "Stratos" (To Mikro Psari) Isa: The Match Factory
Czech Republic
Last year was rough for the Czechs. The ambitious historical courtroom drama “Burning Bush” by acclaimed filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, was disqualified as their submission because it was originally conceived as a TV miniseries. They were forced to select another film “The Don Juans,” which that didn’t do much them. This time around things are looking up with a wide array of films to choose from. Playing at Karlovy Vary recently and opening theatrically just in time to qualify is “Fair Play,” a sports drama about a sprinter attempting to make it to the Olympic Games in 1980. Then there is “Clownwise, ” a quirky dramedy that was nominated for Best Film and won Best Supporting actor at the local Czech Lion Awards. In the third spot is “Hany,” a film conformed of a single continuous shot depicting the madness occurring during a night out in the city. “The Way Out, ” a drama that screened in the Acid sidebar at Cannes, could also be picked based on that notable international exposure. Lastly, “Delight,” another Czech Lion Best Film nominee, could be the surprise selection, but it will probably prove to be a tad too abstract for voters.
1. "Fair Play" Isa: Intramovies
2. "Clownwise" (Klauni) Isa: Latido
3. "Hany" PC: Barletta
4. "The Way Out" (Cesta Ven) Isa: Premium Films
5. "Delight" (Rozkos) PC: Cineart TV Prague
Denmark
These days Denmark is a powerhouse in this category. After almost tasting glory once again with Vinterberg’s “The Hunt, ” the Danish will return to seek their third consecutive nomination. In order to continue their great streak, they need to choose wisely. “Someone in Love,” about a musician in crisis, has garnered praise from critics internationally, and will seem like the obvious choice. On the other hand, there is the mystery flick “ The Keeper of Lost Causes,” which opened in Denmark late last yearand was nominated for 4 Bodil Awards. Then there is “Sorrow and Joy” another powerful drama from Nils Malmros, whose film “Barbara” represented Denmark in 1992. Unique coming-of-age tale ”Speed Walking” could also be a contender. On the final slot there is the romantic drama “The Miracle,” a film that did well at the Montreal World Film Festival, unlikely but not impossible. Whichever it is, it will certainly be something to watch out for throughout the race.
1. "Someone You Love" (En du elsker) Isa: TrustNordisk
2. "The Keeper of Lost Causes" (Kvinden i buret) Isa: TrustNordisk
3. "Sorrow and Joy" (Sorg og glæde) PC: Nordisk Film Production
4. "Speed Walking" (Kapgang) PC: Nordisk Film Production
5. "The Miracle" (Miraklet) PC: Film i Vast
Estonia
This Baltic country’s film industry has increasingly become more consistent at delivering interesting films. Winning awards across festivals, their absolute frontrunner is “Tangerines, ” a Georgian coproduction about a Estonian man caught up in the middle of a war. Its biggest competition is the black and white historical film “In the Crosswind,” “which is a viable choice given that it deals with a painful episode in the region's history: the mass deportation of Baltic people to Siberia by Russia. Though it looks beautifully done, its particular visual aesthetic might seem to unconventional to some voters. It is still really possible they decide to send it regardless. Finally there is “ Kertu” a romantic drama about an unlikely relationship.
1. "Tangerines" (Mandariinid) Isa: Cinemavault
2. "In the Crosswind" (Risttuules) PC: Allfilm
3. "Kertu, Love is Blind" (Kertu) Isa: Paul Thiltges Distribution Sarl
Finland
Despite the countries long filmmaking tradition, the Finnish have only been nominated once for Aki Kaurismäki's “The Man Without a Past” in 2002. Fortunately for them, they have several great eligible films that will make for a difficult decision. Black and white philosophical drama “ Concrete Night” from Pirjo Honkasalo earned 6 Jussi Awards, given by Finland’s film professionals. Such overwhelming recognition will make it hard to ignore despite the serious competition. The film also had a great festival run. Right behind it are two films by prolific Dome Karukoski, who has represented his country at the Oscar previously. The first one is “The Grump,” a comedy based on the character created by Tuomas Kyro. It will screen at Tiff and will open locally just in time to qualify. Karukoski’s other film “Heart of a Lion,” tells a more serious story about a Neo-Nazi who reconsiders his views after falling in love. Either one of them could be picked as a way to honor the consistently great work this filmmaker puts out. Yet another interesting possibility is “Korso,” about a young man with big basketball dreams. The film was partially produced by the same company that created last year’s Oscar nominated short “Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?” There are several other plausible films, but from all those, the one that seems to have the best prospects is the historical comedy “August Fools.”
1. "Concrete Night" (Betoniyö) Isa: Film Republic
2. "The Grump" (Mielensäpahoittaja) Isa: The Yellow Affair
3. "Heart of a Lion" (Leijonasydän) Isa: The Yellow Affair
4. "Korso" PC: Bufo/Tuffi Films
5. "August Fools" (Mieletön elokuu) Isa: Insomnia World Sales
France
Narrowing down France’s possible selection to five titles is by far one of the must uncertain and difficult tasks. The French film industry releases a vast number of films every year in a variety of genres and sizes. This gives them endless possibilities. Yet, there are some indicators that provide insight to what they might end up choosing. First off, the Cesar Awards. This year’s big winner was Guillaume Gallienne's “Me, Myself and Mum, ” which is a delightfully funny film that shines with originality. It was released last November and could definitely be their selected entry. On the other hand, they could choose to honor legendary filmmaker Alain Resnais- who past away earlier this year - by submitting his last film “Life of Riley.” The film received mixed reactions, but won the Fipresci Prize and the Alfred Bauer Award in Berlin. If they want to go with some fresh young talent, there is Cannes Directors' Fortnight Winner “Love at First Sight, ” the debut feature by Thomas Cailley. Another award winner that qualifies is Katell Quillévéré’s “Suzanne” about a woman that loses it all for the love a deviant man. Last but not least, Mathieu Amalric’s latest directorial effort “The Blue Room” could be a surprise player given the actor’s prestige and talent both in front and behind the camera. It is still up in the air.
1. "Me, Myself and Mum" (Les Garçons et Guillaume, à table!) Isa: Gaumont
2. "Life of Riley" (Aimer, boire et chanter) PC: F Comme Film
3. "Love at First Sight" (Les Conbattants) PC: Nord-Ouest Productions
4. "Suzanne" Isa: Films Distribution
5. "The Blue Room" (La Chambre Bleue) Isa: Alfama Films
Georgia
Impressively on the rise, the Georgian film industry keeps on delivering great works that often make waves across international festivals. Last year’s submission “In Bloom,” was a great success and managed to get U.S. distribution for a small theatrical release. On this occasion, they have three films that have done well internationally. Out of the batch, the most successful has been Levan Koguashvili’s “Blind Dates, ” a charming story of a unique quest for love. A second strong competitor is “Brides,” a drama that screened both at the Berlinale and Tribeca this year. Then, just fresh from winning at Karlovy Vary, there is “Corn Island,” a poetic vision of life from the perspective of rural Georgia. It appears like all three titles will release at home in time to qualify. If that’s the case, Georgia has a tough decision to make
1. "Blind Dates" (Shemtkhveviti paemnebi) Isa: Films Boutique
2. "Brides" (Patardzlebi) Isa: Rezo
3. "Corn Island" (Simindis kundzuli) PC: Arizona Productions
Germany
After releasing a 15-film shortlist, Germany’s prospects look clearer. There are several titles on the list that won’t merit a nomination, but the prominent film that remain will make for a competitive final selection. Winning two prizes in Berlin, “Stations of the Cross,” a look at fundamentalist Catholicism, sounds like a front-runner. However, its subject matter might play against it. Feo Aladag’s latest film “Inbetween Worlds,” about a German soldier in Afghanistan, seems to be a powerful drama on the vein of Susanne Bier’s “In a Better World.” On the third slot is “West,” a moving film about a woman and her son escaping socialist East Germany to discover the other side also has its darkness. Then there is “Beloved Sisters,” a costume drama that seems like a safer choice. It might be too familiar to be selected, but not at all improbable. Lastly, “Home from Home,” which won several national awards. It'ss possible, but its narrative style and extensive running time (225 min.) might make it a much more harder sell.
1. "Stations of the Cross" (Kreuzweg) Isa: Beta Cinema
2. "Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "West" (Westen) Isa: Picture Tree International
4. "Beloved Sisters" (Die geliebten Schwestern) PC: Bavaria Film
5. "Home from Home - Chronicle of a Vision" (Die andere Heimat - Chronik einer Sehnsucht) Isa: Arri Worldsales
Greece
Even though it not an absolute rule, the Greeks tend to select the Hellenic Awards Best Film winner as their submission. Taking that into account, the clear favorite and almost certain choice is “Little England,” a period piece that won big locally. It’s biggest flaw; however, is the lack of international exposure. If for some reason they wanted to make a bold move and reward an impressive festival run, then Alexandros Avranas’s marvelously perverse “Miss Violence” would be ideal. Another great festival darling is Elina Psikou‘s feature debut “The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas,” a sardonic exploration on fame and identity. On the fourth spot, there is “ The Enemy Within,” a tense crime drama about a family in the aftermath of a home invasion. The film was also honored at the Hellenic Awards. Finally, “Standing Aside, Watching,” about corruption, sexism, and intimidation in a small village, could also be a great entry. Un Certain Regard film “Xenia” by Panos H. Koutras, won’t open in Greece until October, but will be a possible option next year.
1. "Little England" (Mikra Anglia) PC: Black Orange
2."Miss Violence" Isa: Elle Driver
3."The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas" (I Aionia Epistrofi tou Antoni Paraskeva) Isa: M-Appeal World Sales
4."The Enemy Within" (O Ehthros Mou) Isa: Patra Spanou
5. "Standing Aside, Watching" (Na kathesai kai na koitas) Isa: Patra Spanou
Hungary
Hungary’s last submission “The Notebook” managed to make it into the highly competitive 9-film shortlist. This year they have even brighter hopes with a slate of titles that have done very well around the world. Un Certain Regard winner “White God” is undoubtedly the one to beat. It is a rare occasion for the country to win such a high profile prize, thus making it almost impossible to ignore. Nevertheless, if that is not enough to convince the selection committee, “Free Fall” the latest film György Pálfi - whose films “ Hukkie” and “Taxidermia” have represented Hungary in the past - would be the next best choice. It also won several awards recently at Karlovy Vary, which could be of help. Less likely is Virág Zomborácz‘s “Afterlife” another drama that screened at the renowned Czech festival. Other possible titles include Lgbt romantic drama “Land of Storms, “ which screened in Berlin, and dark “ “Heavenly Shift,” which descent international presence.
1. "White God" (Fehér isten) Isa: The Match Factory
2. "Free Fall" (Szabadesés) PC: Jiff Project
3. "Afterlife" (Utóélet) Isa: Hungarian National Film Fund
4. "Land of Storms" (Viharsarok) Isa: M-Appeal World Sales
5. "Heavenly Shift" (Isteni müszak) Isa: Hungarian National Film Fund
Iceland
This small Scandinavian nation seems to have a very easy decision to make. The film “Life in a Fishbowl” has been dubbed by local critics as “the best Icelandic” film ever made” and it has also been an absolute box-office hit in its homeland. The multi-narrative film is by far the most likely to be submitted. However, its closest competitor is Ragnar Bragason‘s “ Metalhead,” a drama about a girl coping with her brother’s death. It was released late last year and won several Edda Awards. With far less possibilities given the two frontrunners is the dramedy “Paris of the North, ” which screened at Karlovy Vary, and comedy “ The Grandad,” which lacks exposure and buzz.
1. "Life in a Fishbowl" (Vonarstræti) Isa: Films Boutique
2. "Metalhead" (Málmhaus) Isa: Picture Tree International
3. "Paris of the North" (París Norðursins) PC: Arizona Productions
4. "The Grandad" (Afinn) PC: Thorsson Productions
Ireland
Since most of country’s releases are in English rather than in the Irish language, most years the country doesn’t have any candidates for this category. Ireland has only submitted to films for consideration as foreign language films. It is unlikely they’ll enter the race this year, but if it manages to be released in time, Irish director Johnny O'Reilly‘s Russian-language film “Moscow Never Sleeps” could be their selected candidate. The film was produced with the help of the Irish Film Funs, a fact that could help claim it as an Irish production. Another film in the Irish language, “An Bronntanas” (The Gift), would be a great choice, but it seems to be originally envisioned for TV as a five part miniseries. It’s hard to know if it will manage to qualify.
1. "Moscow Never Sleeps" (Москва никогда не спит) PC: Snapshot Films
Italy
Returning as current champion, Italy - which is the most successful nation ever in this category – has two main contenders and a couple other minor players. At the top of the list is “Human Capital,” which beat out “The Great Beauty” at the local David di Donatello Awards. Added to that, the film has won almost every award at home and several others abroad. It would be shocking to see the film be ignored. The biggest threat to its flawless run is Cannes Competition film “The Wonders.” It received mixed reviews but the Cannes pedigree could play a big role. Local success “The Mafia Only Kills in Summer” is less likely to have a chance. However, it also received tons of praise at home, so it shouldn’t be entirely disqualified. “Misunderstood,” by Asia Argento, played in the Un Certain Regard section but faces tough competition. Rounding up these five possibilities is “Those Happy Years, ” a personal film by Daniele Luchetti, which received very positive reviews internationally.
1. "Human Capital" (Il capitale umano) PC: Indiana Production Company
2. "The Wonders" (Le meraviglie) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "The Mafia Only Kills in Summer" (La mafia uccide solo d'estate) Isa: Rai Com
4. "Misunderstood" (Incompresa) Isa: Other Angle Pictures
5. "Those Happy Years" (Anni felici) Isa: Celluloid Dreams/Nightmares
Kosovo
The surprise submission could come from the recently independent, war-torn Balkan state. They have a promising feature film by Isa Qosja's “Three Windows and a Hanging,” which has been called “the best film from Kosovo to date.” Dealing with the forced silence and shame rape victims experience in a small village ruled by patriarchal norms, the film seems to be a perfect candidate to be their first submission. It recently premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival, so its biggest challenge would be qualifying based on its unknown release date at home.
1. "Three Windows and a Hanging"
Latvia
Unfortunately for Latvia, their possibilities are extremely limited this year. There are only two films that seem as possible candidates. One is the slasher horror film “The Man in the Orange Jacket.” It sports a great production value and might be an interesting offer, but it is hard to see it get far in the race. Nonetheless, it is still their best chance. The other film "Escaping Riga" is a documentary on historical figures Sergei Eisenstein and Sir Isaiah Berlin. Given its subject matter it wouldn’t be surprising if they chose to with this. Hopefully next year their output gives them more to pick from.
1. "The Man in the Orange Jacket" (M.O.Zh.) Isa: Wide
2. "Escaping Riga" PC: Mistrus Media
Lithuania
Opposite to its Baltic neighbor mentioned above, Lithuania has several notable films that could represent them. After winning the top prizes at the Lithuanian Silver Crane’ awards, “The Gambler” became the clear favorite. However, it is important to mention that despite having narrative features to choose from, Lithuania decided to send a small documentary to represent them last year. This curious fact could play in favor of “ Cenotaphs,” a doc focusing on the search for the remains of dead soldiers from World War II. The film won Best Documentary and was nominated in other categories at the local awards. Then there are three other Silver Crane nominated films. Coming-of-age flick “ Non-Present Time,” family drama “Santa,” and crime thriller “Name in the Dark.” The winner of several of these awards, “The Excursionist” was released too early last year to be considered this time around. Local financial success “Redirected” is mostly in English, thus ineligible.
1. "The Gambler" (Losejas) Isa: Wide
2. "Cenotaph" (Kenotafas) PC: Studio Uljana Kim
3. "Non-Present Time" (Nesamasis laikas) PC: Just a Moment
4. "Santa" PC: Artbox
5. "Name in the Dark" (Vardas tamsoje) PC: Fralita Films...
Therefore, after lots of research and arduous educated guessing to put it together, the list below offers a more insightful look at this race before the actual individual selections are announced. For the sake of time, the amount of films is limited to five per country, but in some cases the choices are scarcer and less films are listed. While trying to speculate is always an uncertain endeavor, the factors taken into account to determine which are some of this year’s most important films in each country and their prospects of being chosen as their representative at the Academy Awards, were varied. Festival exposure, release date, the country’s previous submissions, and even the thematic elements of a few of them were considered to create this piece.
Clearly nothing is definitive at this point, but at the very least, this compilation will provide a sense of what the film industries in these territories are putting out and sharing with the world.
Read More: Oscars 2015 : Best Foreign Language Film Contenders - The Americas
Here is the first part of the list on Europe (Albania -Lithuania)
Albania
Last year the Balkan state had one of its strongest contenders in recent history, Robert Budina’s “Agon,” a powerful drama dealing with the ethnic identity of the region. This time around, there are three films that qualify to be selected. The front-runner is “ Amsterdam Express, ” which has the highest international profile of the three being a co-production between Albania, U.K The Netherlands and Germany. The film explores the sociopolitical situation of the country through the eyes of an Albanian man who immigrates to Dutch territory illegally. Following along are two other dramas, “The Last Wish” (Amaneti) and “Ada.” Having three clearly viable options, it is almost certain that Albania will compete once again this year.
1. "Amsterdam Express" PC: F&Me
2. "The Last Wish" (Amaneti) PC: Media Vision
3. "Ada" PC: Concordia Pictures
Armenia
Having submitted only four times as an independent nation, it is difficult to predict whether Armenia will decide to participate this year. However, they do have a few films that could represent them at the Academy Awards. Even though the country’s film industry is still precarious and struggling, they have their own annual awards and consistently complete feature length works. Since many of them don’t fulfill the quality standards of major festivals, few of their offers ever get passed their border. The most feasible candidate this year is “Tevanik,” a film about the Karabakh war that screened at the Cannes film market and that has also screened theatrically in its home country. Another possible selection is dark comedy “The Romanticists,” which won the Best Screenplay award at the Hayak National Cinema Awards and had some international exposure. Drama “From Two Worlds as a Keepsake, ” could also be a good candidate as it premiered last year at the World Film Festival in Montreal. Less likely are comedy “The Heart in the House ,” a Russian co-production, and Hayak Best Film nominee “Caucho,” which might be a bit too avant-garde to be chosen.
1. "Tevanik" PC: Fish Eye Art
2. "The Romanticists" (Rromantiknery) PC: Aysor-Plus Film Productions
3. "From Two Worlds as a Keepsake" (Yerku ashkharhic i hishatak) PC: National Film Centr of Armenia
4. "The Heart in the House" (Domik v serdtse) PC: Berg Sound
5. "Caucho"
Austria
Since Austrian productions are heavily influenced by the German film industry and often intertwined with it, it is no surprise that the major winner at the German Film Awards was the co-production “The Dark Valley.” But given that the director Andreas Prochaska is Austrian, as well as most of the creative control and resources, the Germans couldn’t claim it as their own. This, and the fact that Sam Riley is in it, make it an ideal, high profile candidate to be Austria’s Oscar submission. Nominated for five awards in the past Austrian Film Awards, “October November” is also a descent candidate. A close third followed is “The Last Dance” the latest film by Houchang Allahyari, whose film “I Love Vienna” represented the country a couple decades ago. Then we have “ Soldier Jane,” which also nominated for Best Film at the National Awards. Lastly, “The Silent Mountain, “ an epic period piece about World War I is not entirely far fetched. Other films that have had positive receptions at festivals such as “Macondo,” or “Amour Fou” will be released closer to the end of the year.
1. "The Dark Valley" (Das Fisntere Tal) Isa: Films Distribution
2. "October November" (Oktober November) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "The Last Dance" (Der letzte Tanz) PC: Allahyari Filmproduktion
4. "Soldier Jane" (Soldate Jeannette) Isa: Premium Films
5. "The Silent Mountain" ( Der Stille Berg) Isa: Premiere Entertainment Group
Azerbaijan
It's always great to see a country like Azerbaijan submitting a film and making an attempt at getting exposure for their filmmakers and industry. Their films rarely make it to the world stage of glamorous festivals, thus they remain mostly obscure and inaccessible outside their homeland. Nevertheless, this year an Azerbaijani film, “Nabat,” could change that as it will screen at the Venice Film festival. This war film has already screened in the country at least at a special event, it is difficult to know if it will qualify this time around. If it does, it is their best bet. Should they decide to save it for next year, the country has another option of mild prestige. “Chameleon,” a small drama set in a remote village, screened last year at Locarno and that alone could help its chances. Lastly, there is “Down by the River,” which was part of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival selection. It will almost certainly be released until past the deadline, but might be a strong contender in the future. Two other dramas, one of epic proportions and a biopic could get in the mix but there is hardly any information available besides the fact that they have been screened in the capital city of Baku.
1. "Nabat" Isa: Dreamlab Films
2. "Chameleon" (Buqälämun) PC: Arizona Productions
3. "Down the River" (Axinla ashagi) PC: Azerbaijanfilm
Belarus
The small ex-Soviet state has been mostly producing documentaries for local viewing. Their output of material that can be successful abroad is minimal, and even when they have been presented with a great opportunity to participate at the Academy Awards, they simply don’t. This was the case of Sergey Loznitsa's “In the Fog” a couple years back, which could have represented them but was not entered. In fact, they have only participated on two occasions, the last one being in 1996. Although it is unlikely they will show interest, the country has a couple of promising choices. Belarus’ best bet would be the international coproduction “ The Role,” a solemn period piece that was nominated for five Nika Awards (the Russian Oscars) and actually won for Best Screenplay. Highly improbable, but given their small number of contenders, the country could also choose to send “BaBu,” an Azerbaijani coproduction about the kidnapping of a businessman’s daughter.
1. "The Role" (Rol) Isa: Reflexion Films
2. "BaBu"
Belgium
With the return to Cannes of the country’s most iconic filmmakers, the Dardenne Brothers, Belgium has an easy decision to make. Starring Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard, “Two Days, One Night” looks like the obvious favorite. Nevertheless, the Dardennes have been overlooked before, as it was the case two years ago when the Belgians decided to send “Bullhead” over the duo’s “The Kid with a Bike.” The only real threat could be “Marina” by Stijn Coninx, who was nominated for an Oscar in this category back in 1992 with “Daens.“ His latest work is a period piece about Rocco Granata’s life, an Italian singer who lived in Belgium in his youth. A more audacious decision, but not entirely impossible, would be to select the beautifully nightmarish “The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears,” which has had noticeable international presence. Two other titles, “ The Verdict” and “The Treatment” have been well received at home but since they are facing works by revered filmmakers, their chances are slight.
1. "Two Days, One Night" (Deux jours, une nuit) Isa: Wild Bunch
2. "Marina" Isa: Media Luna New Films
3. "The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears" (L'étrange couleur des larmes de ton corps) Isa: Bac Films International
4. "The Verdict" (Het Vonnis) Isa: Media Luna New Films
5. "The Treatment" (De Behandeling) Isa: Be for Films
Bosnia & Herzegovina
The last film by the poster child for Bosnian cinema, Danis Tanovic, managed to make it to the 9-film shortlist last December. This year, the country doesn’t have such a prominent candidate. Based on release date, festival exposure, and language, their safest selection would be the family drama “ With Mom.” Another title that could qualify is “Krivina,” which is technically a 2012 film, but did not premier in Bosnia until late last year. If eligible, it would definitively be a great runner-up. In third place is the incredibly small local film “ Krajina: Life or Death,” and it’s in that position simply because it meets all the minimum requirements to qualify - language included. The last two films mentioned here are longer shots not due to lack of quality, but because of their production details. One, “Bridges of Sarajevo,” is an anthology film created by over a dozen filmmakers from around the world. Even though one of the filmmakers is Bosnian and all sections are in a language other than English, it will be hard to consider it an actual Bosnian film. The other, “For Those Who Can Tell No Tales,” is a Bosnian production directed by Jasmila Zbanic, but the dialogue seems to be mostly in English, which would make it ineligible.
1. "With Mom" (Sa Mamom) PC: Scca/Pro.BA
2. "Krivina" Isa: Princ Films
3. "Krajina: Life and Death" (Ja sam iz Krajine, zemlje kestena) PC: Depo Production
4. "Bridges of Sarajevo" (Les Ponts de Sarajevo) Isa: Indie Sales
5."For Those Who Can Tell No Tales" (Za one koji ne mogu da govore) PC: Mpm
Bulgaria
In recent years the country has decided to send films that have won or have been nominated for their local film awards. This year the winner of the top award for Best Film was “Alienation,” seemingly making it the favorite to be submitted. This might actually not be the case. Premiering at Sundance earlier this year, “Viktoria,” an epic drama about a peculiar mother-daughter relationship, might actually be the frontrunner. The film has been rightfully hailed as the most important Bulgarian film of 2014 as it has been praised at several international festivals. The only concern was its release date, but that has been put to rest since the filmmakers have announced a one-week theatrical run of the film in Sofia this September. This might imply they are seriously considering the possibility of being chosen. Other less likely options are “Roseville,” another Best Film nominee at the local film awards, “Rat Poison,” which won Best Screenplay at those same awards, and the comedy “ Living Legends.” “The Judgement,” another important Bulgarian film that opened the Sofia International Film Festival in March, won’t opened theatrically until after the deadline.
1. "Viktoria" PC: Viktoria Films
2. "Alienation" PC: Red Carpet/ Bnt
3."Roseville" Isa: Wide
4. "Rat Poison" PC: Bulfilm Nfc
5. "Living Legends" PC: Euro Dialogue Productions
Croatia
Dominating last year’s Pula Film Festival with seven Golden Arena awards and presented at other international festivals, the drama “ A Stranger” is by far the most qualified choice. Bobo Jelcic’s film follows a man who returns to his hometown only to attend a funeral, but is forced to deal with several other issues from his past while there. Closely following is complex family drama “Hush…,” which also won several awards at the same festival. Other films that could come into play include “Vis-à-Vis,” a story about a film director and on his actor trying to write a screenplay, crime thriller “Not All About the Money, ”and the comedy “Handymen” by Dalibor Matanic, whose film “Fine Dead Girls” represented Croatia in 2002. It is important to note that three other relevant Croatian films, “The Bridge at the of the World,” "Number 55” and “The Reaper,” will probably be released in the next few months and will be in the running next year.
1. "A Stranger"(Obrana i zastita) Isa: Rendez-vous Pictures
2. "Hush..." (Šuti) PC: Kinorama
3. "Vis-a-Vis" PC: Copycat Production House
4. "Not All About the Money" (Nije sve u lovi) PC: Interfilm
5. "Handymen" (Majstori) PC: Hrvatska Radiotelevizija
Cyprus
As one of the few countries in Europe that has never submitted a film, it is likely they will continue on that path once again. Yet, if they decide otherwise, there is a film that could represent them. Crime drama “Stratos” directed by Cyprus-born Yannis Economides and produced with support from the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture could actually be the island nation’s lucky charm. Another Cypriot production, the romantic comedy “ Committed,” would be listed here as a possibility if it wasn’t for the fact that it is entirely in English.
1. "Stratos" (To Mikro Psari) Isa: The Match Factory
Czech Republic
Last year was rough for the Czechs. The ambitious historical courtroom drama “Burning Bush” by acclaimed filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, was disqualified as their submission because it was originally conceived as a TV miniseries. They were forced to select another film “The Don Juans,” which that didn’t do much them. This time around things are looking up with a wide array of films to choose from. Playing at Karlovy Vary recently and opening theatrically just in time to qualify is “Fair Play,” a sports drama about a sprinter attempting to make it to the Olympic Games in 1980. Then there is “Clownwise, ” a quirky dramedy that was nominated for Best Film and won Best Supporting actor at the local Czech Lion Awards. In the third spot is “Hany,” a film conformed of a single continuous shot depicting the madness occurring during a night out in the city. “The Way Out, ” a drama that screened in the Acid sidebar at Cannes, could also be picked based on that notable international exposure. Lastly, “Delight,” another Czech Lion Best Film nominee, could be the surprise selection, but it will probably prove to be a tad too abstract for voters.
1. "Fair Play" Isa: Intramovies
2. "Clownwise" (Klauni) Isa: Latido
3. "Hany" PC: Barletta
4. "The Way Out" (Cesta Ven) Isa: Premium Films
5. "Delight" (Rozkos) PC: Cineart TV Prague
Denmark
These days Denmark is a powerhouse in this category. After almost tasting glory once again with Vinterberg’s “The Hunt, ” the Danish will return to seek their third consecutive nomination. In order to continue their great streak, they need to choose wisely. “Someone in Love,” about a musician in crisis, has garnered praise from critics internationally, and will seem like the obvious choice. On the other hand, there is the mystery flick “ The Keeper of Lost Causes,” which opened in Denmark late last yearand was nominated for 4 Bodil Awards. Then there is “Sorrow and Joy” another powerful drama from Nils Malmros, whose film “Barbara” represented Denmark in 1992. Unique coming-of-age tale ”Speed Walking” could also be a contender. On the final slot there is the romantic drama “The Miracle,” a film that did well at the Montreal World Film Festival, unlikely but not impossible. Whichever it is, it will certainly be something to watch out for throughout the race.
1. "Someone You Love" (En du elsker) Isa: TrustNordisk
2. "The Keeper of Lost Causes" (Kvinden i buret) Isa: TrustNordisk
3. "Sorrow and Joy" (Sorg og glæde) PC: Nordisk Film Production
4. "Speed Walking" (Kapgang) PC: Nordisk Film Production
5. "The Miracle" (Miraklet) PC: Film i Vast
Estonia
This Baltic country’s film industry has increasingly become more consistent at delivering interesting films. Winning awards across festivals, their absolute frontrunner is “Tangerines, ” a Georgian coproduction about a Estonian man caught up in the middle of a war. Its biggest competition is the black and white historical film “In the Crosswind,” “which is a viable choice given that it deals with a painful episode in the region's history: the mass deportation of Baltic people to Siberia by Russia. Though it looks beautifully done, its particular visual aesthetic might seem to unconventional to some voters. It is still really possible they decide to send it regardless. Finally there is “ Kertu” a romantic drama about an unlikely relationship.
1. "Tangerines" (Mandariinid) Isa: Cinemavault
2. "In the Crosswind" (Risttuules) PC: Allfilm
3. "Kertu, Love is Blind" (Kertu) Isa: Paul Thiltges Distribution Sarl
Finland
Despite the countries long filmmaking tradition, the Finnish have only been nominated once for Aki Kaurismäki's “The Man Without a Past” in 2002. Fortunately for them, they have several great eligible films that will make for a difficult decision. Black and white philosophical drama “ Concrete Night” from Pirjo Honkasalo earned 6 Jussi Awards, given by Finland’s film professionals. Such overwhelming recognition will make it hard to ignore despite the serious competition. The film also had a great festival run. Right behind it are two films by prolific Dome Karukoski, who has represented his country at the Oscar previously. The first one is “The Grump,” a comedy based on the character created by Tuomas Kyro. It will screen at Tiff and will open locally just in time to qualify. Karukoski’s other film “Heart of a Lion,” tells a more serious story about a Neo-Nazi who reconsiders his views after falling in love. Either one of them could be picked as a way to honor the consistently great work this filmmaker puts out. Yet another interesting possibility is “Korso,” about a young man with big basketball dreams. The film was partially produced by the same company that created last year’s Oscar nominated short “Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?” There are several other plausible films, but from all those, the one that seems to have the best prospects is the historical comedy “August Fools.”
1. "Concrete Night" (Betoniyö) Isa: Film Republic
2. "The Grump" (Mielensäpahoittaja) Isa: The Yellow Affair
3. "Heart of a Lion" (Leijonasydän) Isa: The Yellow Affair
4. "Korso" PC: Bufo/Tuffi Films
5. "August Fools" (Mieletön elokuu) Isa: Insomnia World Sales
France
Narrowing down France’s possible selection to five titles is by far one of the must uncertain and difficult tasks. The French film industry releases a vast number of films every year in a variety of genres and sizes. This gives them endless possibilities. Yet, there are some indicators that provide insight to what they might end up choosing. First off, the Cesar Awards. This year’s big winner was Guillaume Gallienne's “Me, Myself and Mum, ” which is a delightfully funny film that shines with originality. It was released last November and could definitely be their selected entry. On the other hand, they could choose to honor legendary filmmaker Alain Resnais- who past away earlier this year - by submitting his last film “Life of Riley.” The film received mixed reactions, but won the Fipresci Prize and the Alfred Bauer Award in Berlin. If they want to go with some fresh young talent, there is Cannes Directors' Fortnight Winner “Love at First Sight, ” the debut feature by Thomas Cailley. Another award winner that qualifies is Katell Quillévéré’s “Suzanne” about a woman that loses it all for the love a deviant man. Last but not least, Mathieu Amalric’s latest directorial effort “The Blue Room” could be a surprise player given the actor’s prestige and talent both in front and behind the camera. It is still up in the air.
1. "Me, Myself and Mum" (Les Garçons et Guillaume, à table!) Isa: Gaumont
2. "Life of Riley" (Aimer, boire et chanter) PC: F Comme Film
3. "Love at First Sight" (Les Conbattants) PC: Nord-Ouest Productions
4. "Suzanne" Isa: Films Distribution
5. "The Blue Room" (La Chambre Bleue) Isa: Alfama Films
Georgia
Impressively on the rise, the Georgian film industry keeps on delivering great works that often make waves across international festivals. Last year’s submission “In Bloom,” was a great success and managed to get U.S. distribution for a small theatrical release. On this occasion, they have three films that have done well internationally. Out of the batch, the most successful has been Levan Koguashvili’s “Blind Dates, ” a charming story of a unique quest for love. A second strong competitor is “Brides,” a drama that screened both at the Berlinale and Tribeca this year. Then, just fresh from winning at Karlovy Vary, there is “Corn Island,” a poetic vision of life from the perspective of rural Georgia. It appears like all three titles will release at home in time to qualify. If that’s the case, Georgia has a tough decision to make
1. "Blind Dates" (Shemtkhveviti paemnebi) Isa: Films Boutique
2. "Brides" (Patardzlebi) Isa: Rezo
3. "Corn Island" (Simindis kundzuli) PC: Arizona Productions
Germany
After releasing a 15-film shortlist, Germany’s prospects look clearer. There are several titles on the list that won’t merit a nomination, but the prominent film that remain will make for a competitive final selection. Winning two prizes in Berlin, “Stations of the Cross,” a look at fundamentalist Catholicism, sounds like a front-runner. However, its subject matter might play against it. Feo Aladag’s latest film “Inbetween Worlds,” about a German soldier in Afghanistan, seems to be a powerful drama on the vein of Susanne Bier’s “In a Better World.” On the third slot is “West,” a moving film about a woman and her son escaping socialist East Germany to discover the other side also has its darkness. Then there is “Beloved Sisters,” a costume drama that seems like a safer choice. It might be too familiar to be selected, but not at all improbable. Lastly, “Home from Home,” which won several national awards. It'ss possible, but its narrative style and extensive running time (225 min.) might make it a much more harder sell.
1. "Stations of the Cross" (Kreuzweg) Isa: Beta Cinema
2. "Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "West" (Westen) Isa: Picture Tree International
4. "Beloved Sisters" (Die geliebten Schwestern) PC: Bavaria Film
5. "Home from Home - Chronicle of a Vision" (Die andere Heimat - Chronik einer Sehnsucht) Isa: Arri Worldsales
Greece
Even though it not an absolute rule, the Greeks tend to select the Hellenic Awards Best Film winner as their submission. Taking that into account, the clear favorite and almost certain choice is “Little England,” a period piece that won big locally. It’s biggest flaw; however, is the lack of international exposure. If for some reason they wanted to make a bold move and reward an impressive festival run, then Alexandros Avranas’s marvelously perverse “Miss Violence” would be ideal. Another great festival darling is Elina Psikou‘s feature debut “The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas,” a sardonic exploration on fame and identity. On the fourth spot, there is “ The Enemy Within,” a tense crime drama about a family in the aftermath of a home invasion. The film was also honored at the Hellenic Awards. Finally, “Standing Aside, Watching,” about corruption, sexism, and intimidation in a small village, could also be a great entry. Un Certain Regard film “Xenia” by Panos H. Koutras, won’t open in Greece until October, but will be a possible option next year.
1. "Little England" (Mikra Anglia) PC: Black Orange
2."Miss Violence" Isa: Elle Driver
3."The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas" (I Aionia Epistrofi tou Antoni Paraskeva) Isa: M-Appeal World Sales
4."The Enemy Within" (O Ehthros Mou) Isa: Patra Spanou
5. "Standing Aside, Watching" (Na kathesai kai na koitas) Isa: Patra Spanou
Hungary
Hungary’s last submission “The Notebook” managed to make it into the highly competitive 9-film shortlist. This year they have even brighter hopes with a slate of titles that have done very well around the world. Un Certain Regard winner “White God” is undoubtedly the one to beat. It is a rare occasion for the country to win such a high profile prize, thus making it almost impossible to ignore. Nevertheless, if that is not enough to convince the selection committee, “Free Fall” the latest film György Pálfi - whose films “ Hukkie” and “Taxidermia” have represented Hungary in the past - would be the next best choice. It also won several awards recently at Karlovy Vary, which could be of help. Less likely is Virág Zomborácz‘s “Afterlife” another drama that screened at the renowned Czech festival. Other possible titles include Lgbt romantic drama “Land of Storms, “ which screened in Berlin, and dark “ “Heavenly Shift,” which descent international presence.
1. "White God" (Fehér isten) Isa: The Match Factory
2. "Free Fall" (Szabadesés) PC: Jiff Project
3. "Afterlife" (Utóélet) Isa: Hungarian National Film Fund
4. "Land of Storms" (Viharsarok) Isa: M-Appeal World Sales
5. "Heavenly Shift" (Isteni müszak) Isa: Hungarian National Film Fund
Iceland
This small Scandinavian nation seems to have a very easy decision to make. The film “Life in a Fishbowl” has been dubbed by local critics as “the best Icelandic” film ever made” and it has also been an absolute box-office hit in its homeland. The multi-narrative film is by far the most likely to be submitted. However, its closest competitor is Ragnar Bragason‘s “ Metalhead,” a drama about a girl coping with her brother’s death. It was released late last year and won several Edda Awards. With far less possibilities given the two frontrunners is the dramedy “Paris of the North, ” which screened at Karlovy Vary, and comedy “ The Grandad,” which lacks exposure and buzz.
1. "Life in a Fishbowl" (Vonarstræti) Isa: Films Boutique
2. "Metalhead" (Málmhaus) Isa: Picture Tree International
3. "Paris of the North" (París Norðursins) PC: Arizona Productions
4. "The Grandad" (Afinn) PC: Thorsson Productions
Ireland
Since most of country’s releases are in English rather than in the Irish language, most years the country doesn’t have any candidates for this category. Ireland has only submitted to films for consideration as foreign language films. It is unlikely they’ll enter the race this year, but if it manages to be released in time, Irish director Johnny O'Reilly‘s Russian-language film “Moscow Never Sleeps” could be their selected candidate. The film was produced with the help of the Irish Film Funs, a fact that could help claim it as an Irish production. Another film in the Irish language, “An Bronntanas” (The Gift), would be a great choice, but it seems to be originally envisioned for TV as a five part miniseries. It’s hard to know if it will manage to qualify.
1. "Moscow Never Sleeps" (Москва никогда не спит) PC: Snapshot Films
Italy
Returning as current champion, Italy - which is the most successful nation ever in this category – has two main contenders and a couple other minor players. At the top of the list is “Human Capital,” which beat out “The Great Beauty” at the local David di Donatello Awards. Added to that, the film has won almost every award at home and several others abroad. It would be shocking to see the film be ignored. The biggest threat to its flawless run is Cannes Competition film “The Wonders.” It received mixed reviews but the Cannes pedigree could play a big role. Local success “The Mafia Only Kills in Summer” is less likely to have a chance. However, it also received tons of praise at home, so it shouldn’t be entirely disqualified. “Misunderstood,” by Asia Argento, played in the Un Certain Regard section but faces tough competition. Rounding up these five possibilities is “Those Happy Years, ” a personal film by Daniele Luchetti, which received very positive reviews internationally.
1. "Human Capital" (Il capitale umano) PC: Indiana Production Company
2. "The Wonders" (Le meraviglie) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "The Mafia Only Kills in Summer" (La mafia uccide solo d'estate) Isa: Rai Com
4. "Misunderstood" (Incompresa) Isa: Other Angle Pictures
5. "Those Happy Years" (Anni felici) Isa: Celluloid Dreams/Nightmares
Kosovo
The surprise submission could come from the recently independent, war-torn Balkan state. They have a promising feature film by Isa Qosja's “Three Windows and a Hanging,” which has been called “the best film from Kosovo to date.” Dealing with the forced silence and shame rape victims experience in a small village ruled by patriarchal norms, the film seems to be a perfect candidate to be their first submission. It recently premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival, so its biggest challenge would be qualifying based on its unknown release date at home.
1. "Three Windows and a Hanging"
Latvia
Unfortunately for Latvia, their possibilities are extremely limited this year. There are only two films that seem as possible candidates. One is the slasher horror film “The Man in the Orange Jacket.” It sports a great production value and might be an interesting offer, but it is hard to see it get far in the race. Nonetheless, it is still their best chance. The other film "Escaping Riga" is a documentary on historical figures Sergei Eisenstein and Sir Isaiah Berlin. Given its subject matter it wouldn’t be surprising if they chose to with this. Hopefully next year their output gives them more to pick from.
1. "The Man in the Orange Jacket" (M.O.Zh.) Isa: Wide
2. "Escaping Riga" PC: Mistrus Media
Lithuania
Opposite to its Baltic neighbor mentioned above, Lithuania has several notable films that could represent them. After winning the top prizes at the Lithuanian Silver Crane’ awards, “The Gambler” became the clear favorite. However, it is important to mention that despite having narrative features to choose from, Lithuania decided to send a small documentary to represent them last year. This curious fact could play in favor of “ Cenotaphs,” a doc focusing on the search for the remains of dead soldiers from World War II. The film won Best Documentary and was nominated in other categories at the local awards. Then there are three other Silver Crane nominated films. Coming-of-age flick “ Non-Present Time,” family drama “Santa,” and crime thriller “Name in the Dark.” The winner of several of these awards, “The Excursionist” was released too early last year to be considered this time around. Local financial success “Redirected” is mostly in English, thus ineligible.
1. "The Gambler" (Losejas) Isa: Wide
2. "Cenotaph" (Kenotafas) PC: Studio Uljana Kim
3. "Non-Present Time" (Nesamasis laikas) PC: Just a Moment
4. "Santa" PC: Artbox
5. "Name in the Dark" (Vardas tamsoje) PC: Fralita Films...
- 8/31/2014
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Now in its tenth year, the UK festival is to open with Momcilo Mrdakovic’s Mamarosh [pictured].
Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival has unveiled its full programme for this year’s tenth anniversary.
Momcilo Mrdakovic’s Mamarosh will receive its UK premiere as the opening film on Sept 17, one of 19 UK premieres and six world premieres at this year’s festival. Other UK premieres at the festival include Feo Aladag’s Inbetween Worlds and Barbara Miller’s Forbidden Voices.
The festival will close on Sept 21 with a preview of Pawel Pawlikowski’s Ida.
Coinciding with the referendum for an independent Scotland and with Berwick-upon-Tweed the border town between England and Scotland, this year’s edition will have a theme of “Border Crossing”.
For the full lineup, visit the festival’s website.
Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival has unveiled its full programme for this year’s tenth anniversary.
Momcilo Mrdakovic’s Mamarosh will receive its UK premiere as the opening film on Sept 17, one of 19 UK premieres and six world premieres at this year’s festival. Other UK premieres at the festival include Feo Aladag’s Inbetween Worlds and Barbara Miller’s Forbidden Voices.
The festival will close on Sept 21 with a preview of Pawel Pawlikowski’s Ida.
Coinciding with the referendum for an independent Scotland and with Berwick-upon-Tweed the border town between England and Scotland, this year’s edition will have a theme of “Border Crossing”.
For the full lineup, visit the festival’s website.
- 8/13/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
A total of 15 films have been submitted for consideration.
German producers have submitted 15 films for consideration to German Films as the country’s entry for the 87th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
An independent expert jury will decide on Aug 27 which film is to be sent into the race for Germany.
The following titles were submitted:
Home From Home – Chronicle Of A Vision
Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Erf Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
Beloved Sisters
Dominik Graf (Bavaria Filmverleih- und Produktion)
Finsterworld
Frauke Finsterwalder (Walker + Worm Film)
Hanna’s Journey
Julia von Heinz (De/Il, 2 Pilots Filmproduction)
Im Weissen Rössl – Wehe Du Singst
Christian Theede (Ziegler Film)
Stations Of The Cross
Dietrich Brüggemann (Ufa Fiction)
Run Boy Run
Pepe Danquart (De/Fr, bittersuess pictures, A Company Filmproduktion, B.A. Produktion, Quinte Film)
The Last Mentsch
Pierre-Henri Salfati (Elsani Film)
Stereo
Maximilian Erlenwein (Frisbeefilms, Kaissar Film, Wild Bunch Germany)
West
Christian Schwochow (zero one film, Terz...
German producers have submitted 15 films for consideration to German Films as the country’s entry for the 87th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
An independent expert jury will decide on Aug 27 which film is to be sent into the race for Germany.
The following titles were submitted:
Home From Home – Chronicle Of A Vision
Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Erf Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
Beloved Sisters
Dominik Graf (Bavaria Filmverleih- und Produktion)
Finsterworld
Frauke Finsterwalder (Walker + Worm Film)
Hanna’s Journey
Julia von Heinz (De/Il, 2 Pilots Filmproduction)
Im Weissen Rössl – Wehe Du Singst
Christian Theede (Ziegler Film)
Stations Of The Cross
Dietrich Brüggemann (Ufa Fiction)
Run Boy Run
Pepe Danquart (De/Fr, bittersuess pictures, A Company Filmproduktion, B.A. Produktion, Quinte Film)
The Last Mentsch
Pierre-Henri Salfati (Elsani Film)
Stereo
Maximilian Erlenwein (Frisbeefilms, Kaissar Film, Wild Bunch Germany)
West
Christian Schwochow (zero one film, Terz...
- 8/6/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
A total of 15 films have been submitted for consideration.
German producers have submitted 15 films for consideration to German Films as the country’s entry for the 87th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
An independent expert jury will decide on Aug 27 which film is to be sent into the race for Germany.
The following titles were submitted:
Home From Home – Chronicle Of A Vision
Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Erf Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
Beloved Sisters
Dominik Graf (Bavaria Filmverleih- und Produktion)
Finsterworld
Frauke Finsterwalder (Walker + Worm Film)
Hanna’s Journey
Julia von Heinz (De/Il, 2 Pilots Filmproduction)
Im Weissen Rössl – Wehe Du Singst
Christian Theede (Ziegler Film)
Stations Of The Cross
Dietrich Brüggemann (Ufa Fiction)
Run Boy Run
Pepe Danquart (De/Fr, bittersuess pictures, A Company Filmproduktion, B.A. Produktion, Quinte Film)
The Last Mentsch
Pierre-Henri Salfati (Elsani Film)
Stereo
Maximilian Erlenwein (Frisbeefilms, Kaissar Film, Wild Bunch Germany)
West
Christian Schwochow (zero one film, Terz...
German producers have submitted 15 films for consideration to German Films as the country’s entry for the 87th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
An independent expert jury will decide on Aug 27 which film is to be sent into the race for Germany.
The following titles were submitted:
Home From Home – Chronicle Of A Vision
Edgar Reitz (De/Fr, Erf Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion)
Beloved Sisters
Dominik Graf (Bavaria Filmverleih- und Produktion)
Finsterworld
Frauke Finsterwalder (Walker + Worm Film)
Hanna’s Journey
Julia von Heinz (De/Il, 2 Pilots Filmproduction)
Im Weissen Rössl – Wehe Du Singst
Christian Theede (Ziegler Film)
Stations Of The Cross
Dietrich Brüggemann (Ufa Fiction)
Run Boy Run
Pepe Danquart (De/Fr, bittersuess pictures, A Company Filmproduktion, B.A. Produktion, Quinte Film)
The Last Mentsch
Pierre-Henri Salfati (Elsani Film)
Stereo
Maximilian Erlenwein (Frisbeefilms, Kaissar Film, Wild Bunch Germany)
West
Christian Schwochow (zero one film, Terz...
- 8/6/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Saint Laurent
Director: Bertrand Bonello
Writers: Bertrand Bonello & Thomas Bidegain
Producers: Mandarin Cinéma’s Eric and Nicolas Altmayer
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available
Cast: Léa Seydoux, Louis Garrel, Jérémie Renier, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Jasmine Trinca, Helmut Berger, Dominique Sanda, Amira Casar
Coming off his career high-point in L’Apollonide (Souvenirs de la maison close) aka House of Tolerance (which our Blake Williams placed high above his 2011 Best List (here is our interview with the filmmaker), Bertrand Bonello curiously decided to move towards biopic terrain for his sixth feature film and it just so happens embark on a non-battle of dueling portraits on the fashion guru.
Gist: The film will focus on the period running 1965 to 1976 when Yves Saint Laurent was at the peak of his powers, culminating with the 1976 Russian collection, considered by many as his most influential.
Release Date: An October 1st release date in place in France easily...
Director: Bertrand Bonello
Writers: Bertrand Bonello & Thomas Bidegain
Producers: Mandarin Cinéma’s Eric and Nicolas Altmayer
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available
Cast: Léa Seydoux, Louis Garrel, Jérémie Renier, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Jasmine Trinca, Helmut Berger, Dominique Sanda, Amira Casar
Coming off his career high-point in L’Apollonide (Souvenirs de la maison close) aka House of Tolerance (which our Blake Williams placed high above his 2011 Best List (here is our interview with the filmmaker), Bertrand Bonello curiously decided to move towards biopic terrain for his sixth feature film and it just so happens embark on a non-battle of dueling portraits on the fashion guru.
Gist: The film will focus on the period running 1965 to 1976 when Yves Saint Laurent was at the peak of his powers, culminating with the 1976 Russian collection, considered by many as his most influential.
Release Date: An October 1st release date in place in France easily...
- 3/5/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Inbetween Worlds
Director: Feo Aladag
Writer: Feo Aladag, Judith Kaufmann, Matthias Kock
Producer: Feo Aladag
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available
Cast: Ronald Zehrfeld, Mohsin Ahmady, Saida Barmaki, Abdul Salim Yosofzai
Actress turned director Feo Aladag’s directorial debut, 2010’s When We Leave, won Best Actress and Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Fest, featuring actress Sibel Kikelli in a devastating performance. While it rather unceremoniously came to Us theaters in the Spring of 2011, we’ve been anticipating what Aladag would turn to next. So we were thrilled to hear in mid 2013 that Aladag had filmed a project in secret in the Hindu Kush, between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the first foreign film to be shot in the region. Featuring German actor Ronald Zehrfeld (from Petzold’s Barbara), we’re excited to see what promises to be a finely tuned and tense drama.
Gist: Set in the mountainous region between Afghanistan and Pakistan,...
Director: Feo Aladag
Writer: Feo Aladag, Judith Kaufmann, Matthias Kock
Producer: Feo Aladag
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available
Cast: Ronald Zehrfeld, Mohsin Ahmady, Saida Barmaki, Abdul Salim Yosofzai
Actress turned director Feo Aladag’s directorial debut, 2010’s When We Leave, won Best Actress and Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Fest, featuring actress Sibel Kikelli in a devastating performance. While it rather unceremoniously came to Us theaters in the Spring of 2011, we’ve been anticipating what Aladag would turn to next. So we were thrilled to hear in mid 2013 that Aladag had filmed a project in secret in the Hindu Kush, between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the first foreign film to be shot in the region. Featuring German actor Ronald Zehrfeld (from Petzold’s Barbara), we’re excited to see what promises to be a finely tuned and tense drama.
Gist: Set in the mountainous region between Afghanistan and Pakistan,...
- 3/5/2014
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
The Hollywood Reporter's sixth issue from the Berlin Film Festival features a lively interview with seven directors attending this year's festival, plus more reviews and news from the market. Directors Roundtable This year's director roundtable featured: Michel Gondry, Volker Schlondorff, Stuart Murdoch, David Wenham, Fisher Stevens, Feo Aladag and Margreth Olin. They sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss heartbreak, histrionics and learning to trust your gut. Aquamen Entertainment A collective run by Internet mogul Robin Li -- China's richest man -- is backing a new film production venture that will be run by Korean filmmaker Jeongjung Kim and Chinese producer
read more...
read more...
- 2/11/2014
- by Rebecca Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Parallel Venice section also planning out-of-festival activities to build new audiences for independent cinema.
Venice Days will launch a new €20,000 ($27,000) prize at its 11th edition which is due to unfold on the Venetian Lido Aug 27-Sept 6.
“Venice Days celebrated its 10th birthday in 2013. We’ve always held that our selection is our best calling card but as we enter a second decade we want to renew and refresh what we do,” Venice Days artistic director Giorgio Gosetti told Screen.
Up until now Venice Days, which runs parallel to the Venice Film Festival, has been non-competitive.
Prizes for films in the selection have been meted out independently by the Europa Cinemas Label and the Federation of Film Critics of Europe and the Mediterranean (Fedora).
Last year, Israeli espionage drama Bethlehem won the Fedora best film prize and French Jean Denizot’s child custody battle drama La Belle Vie clinched the Europa Cinemas award.
Gosetti said Venice...
Venice Days will launch a new €20,000 ($27,000) prize at its 11th edition which is due to unfold on the Venetian Lido Aug 27-Sept 6.
“Venice Days celebrated its 10th birthday in 2013. We’ve always held that our selection is our best calling card but as we enter a second decade we want to renew and refresh what we do,” Venice Days artistic director Giorgio Gosetti told Screen.
Up until now Venice Days, which runs parallel to the Venice Film Festival, has been non-competitive.
Prizes for films in the selection have been meted out independently by the Europa Cinemas Label and the Federation of Film Critics of Europe and the Mediterranean (Fedora).
Last year, Israeli espionage drama Bethlehem won the Fedora best film prize and French Jean Denizot’s child custody battle drama La Belle Vie clinched the Europa Cinemas award.
Gosetti said Venice...
- 2/10/2014
- ScreenDaily
Richard Lormand has been a friend on the circuit of ours for may years.
He has an exciting new lineup of women directed films at Berlin.
Wow!!
Can't wait to see them all!
Following is his press release on them. Now you now what to watch (and buy!!) at Berlin!!
from Richard -
Hola Film Lovers!
I've been prepping my Berlinale films in sunny, sumptuous Buenos Aires, but I'm still excited to get back to the European winter. After recent debates about the sparse presence of female directors in competition at major film festivals, I'm pleased to announce that I'm handling three Berlinale Competition films directed by women! Here's my bottom line on all four of my Berlinale 2014 films (in order of appearance):
Goran Hugo Olsson's Concerning Violence: Swedish filmmaker Goran Hugo Olsson is a true talent at turning archival footage into thought-provoking pertinent films, as in the 2011 Sundance hit The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975. His new film Concerning Violence was just shown at Sundance and will be presented in the Berlinale's Panorama Doc section. Based on radical political writer Frantz Fanon's post-colonial studies work, the film shows how the price of freedom in Africa has usually been paid with violence. Ms. Lauryn Hill's distinctive and asssertive voice bring extra force to the texts. Unique style and editing add to the powerful experience this important film offers.
Feo Aladag's Inbetween Worlds (Zwischen Welten): I admire directors for the persistence, focus and stamina the best of them demonstrate in sticking to the long and multifaceted process of making a film. Berlin-based director Feo Aladag is a fine example of a writer-director-producer's unshakeable commitment to a project. Feo puts the same passionate talent for cross-cultural interconnection into Inbetween Worlds as she did in the Tribeca winner When We Leave (Die Fremde). Ronald Zehrfeld (Christian Petzold's Barbara) as the troubled German soldier and the mostly non-professional Afghani cast are all terrific in this smart and compassionate human drama.
Celina Murga's The Third Side Of The River (La Tercera Orilla): Argentinian director Celina Murga gives us a tight exercise in teenage tension in her new film La Tercera Orilla (lit. The Third Bank). This rigorously-constructed film boasts a smoldering performance by first-timer Alian Devetec as the broody Nicolas. Celina keeps us guessing about her main character's path as his overbearing father begins to dictate Nicolas' future. Celina previously showed her knack for films about youth in her acclaimed features A Week Alone and Ana And The Others. Her former Rolex Arts Initiative mentor Martin Scorsese executive produced.
Sudabeh Mortezai's MacOndo: It's always a surprise when a first film makes it into Competition at a major festival. It's the prestigious festival way of saying "You must check out this amazing new filmmaker!" I definitely agree that's the case for Vienna-based Iranian Sudabeh Mortezai. She has successfully captured the heart and soul of the refugee condition in her touching first fiction feature. In the leading role, 11-year-old Ramasan Minkailov is phenomenal - sensitive, strong, charismatic.
Richard Lormand - Film|Press|Plus
www.FilmPressPlus.com...
He has an exciting new lineup of women directed films at Berlin.
Wow!!
Can't wait to see them all!
Following is his press release on them. Now you now what to watch (and buy!!) at Berlin!!
from Richard -
Hola Film Lovers!
I've been prepping my Berlinale films in sunny, sumptuous Buenos Aires, but I'm still excited to get back to the European winter. After recent debates about the sparse presence of female directors in competition at major film festivals, I'm pleased to announce that I'm handling three Berlinale Competition films directed by women! Here's my bottom line on all four of my Berlinale 2014 films (in order of appearance):
Goran Hugo Olsson's Concerning Violence: Swedish filmmaker Goran Hugo Olsson is a true talent at turning archival footage into thought-provoking pertinent films, as in the 2011 Sundance hit The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975. His new film Concerning Violence was just shown at Sundance and will be presented in the Berlinale's Panorama Doc section. Based on radical political writer Frantz Fanon's post-colonial studies work, the film shows how the price of freedom in Africa has usually been paid with violence. Ms. Lauryn Hill's distinctive and asssertive voice bring extra force to the texts. Unique style and editing add to the powerful experience this important film offers.
Feo Aladag's Inbetween Worlds (Zwischen Welten): I admire directors for the persistence, focus and stamina the best of them demonstrate in sticking to the long and multifaceted process of making a film. Berlin-based director Feo Aladag is a fine example of a writer-director-producer's unshakeable commitment to a project. Feo puts the same passionate talent for cross-cultural interconnection into Inbetween Worlds as she did in the Tribeca winner When We Leave (Die Fremde). Ronald Zehrfeld (Christian Petzold's Barbara) as the troubled German soldier and the mostly non-professional Afghani cast are all terrific in this smart and compassionate human drama.
Celina Murga's The Third Side Of The River (La Tercera Orilla): Argentinian director Celina Murga gives us a tight exercise in teenage tension in her new film La Tercera Orilla (lit. The Third Bank). This rigorously-constructed film boasts a smoldering performance by first-timer Alian Devetec as the broody Nicolas. Celina keeps us guessing about her main character's path as his overbearing father begins to dictate Nicolas' future. Celina previously showed her knack for films about youth in her acclaimed features A Week Alone and Ana And The Others. Her former Rolex Arts Initiative mentor Martin Scorsese executive produced.
Sudabeh Mortezai's MacOndo: It's always a surprise when a first film makes it into Competition at a major festival. It's the prestigious festival way of saying "You must check out this amazing new filmmaker!" I definitely agree that's the case for Vienna-based Iranian Sudabeh Mortezai. She has successfully captured the heart and soul of the refugee condition in her touching first fiction feature. In the leading role, 11-year-old Ramasan Minkailov is phenomenal - sensitive, strong, charismatic.
Richard Lormand - Film|Press|Plus
www.FilmPressPlus.com...
- 1/31/2014
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Exclusive: The return of the Zoo-Palast cinema to the Berlinale’s roster of screening venues is “the greatest challenge facing us this year,” according to festival director Dieter Kosslick.
Kosslick spoke exclusively to ScreenDaily less than three weeks before the 64th edition (Feb 6-16) kicks off with the world premiere of Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel on Feb 6, explaining that the festival will now have three centres throughout the city: at the Zoo-Palast where the Berlinale was based until 1999; at the Berlinale-Palast at Potsdamer Platz; and at the Friedrichstadtpalast in the former East Berlin.
“We now have a focus in the Western part of the city which is something we had always wanted: the Berlinale is back in the West! We have a balanced cinema situation in the whole of the city,” he said.
“We had to abandon the original idea of having the Friedrichstadtpalast only as a temporary venue while the Zoo-Palast was being...
Kosslick spoke exclusively to ScreenDaily less than three weeks before the 64th edition (Feb 6-16) kicks off with the world premiere of Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel on Feb 6, explaining that the festival will now have three centres throughout the city: at the Zoo-Palast where the Berlinale was based until 1999; at the Berlinale-Palast at Potsdamer Platz; and at the Friedrichstadtpalast in the former East Berlin.
“We now have a focus in the Western part of the city which is something we had always wanted: the Berlinale is back in the West! We have a balanced cinema situation in the whole of the city,” he said.
“We had to abandon the original idea of having the Friedrichstadtpalast only as a temporary venue while the Zoo-Palast was being...
- 1/20/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The 64th Berlin International Film Festival is now complete. Twenty of the 23 films in the Competition programme will be vying for the Golden Bear and Silver Bears, including new additions from directors Richard Linklater, Yinan Diao, Hans Petter Moland, Christophe Gans, Feo Aladag and Rachid Bouchareb. The program includes 18 world premieres and three feature debuts. The awards will take place at the Berlinale Palast on Saturday, February 15, 2014, with a jury led by James Schamus deciding the winners. The event will close with a screening of the winner of the Golden Bear. The following films complete the Competition programme: Bai Ri Yan Huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice) People’s Republic of China By Yinan Diao (Night Train, Uniform) With Fan Liao, Lun Mei Gwei, Xuebing Wang World premiere Boyhood USA By Richard Linklater (Before Midnight, Me & Orson Welles) With Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater International...
- 1/15/2014
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
Joining the titles already announced—including films by Alain Resnais and Dominik Graf—the following films complete the lineup for the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival's Competition section.
Bai Ri Yan Huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice)
People’s Republic of China
By Yinan Diao (Night Train, Uniform)
With Fan Liao, Lun Mei Gwei, Xuebing Wang
World premiere
Boyhood
USA
By Richard Linklater (Before Midnight, Me & Orson Welles)
With Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater
International premiere
Chiisai Ouchi (The Little House)
Japan
By Yoji Yamada (Tokyo Family, About Her Brother)
With Takako Matsu, Haru Kuroki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Chieko Baisho
International premiere
Historia del miedo (History of Fear)
Argentina / Uruguay / Germany / France
By Benjamin Naishtat - feature debut
With Jonathan Da Rosa, Claudia Cantero, Mirella Pascual, Cesar Bordon, Tatiana Gimenez
World premiere
Jack
Germany
By Edward Berger
With Ivo Pietzcker, Georg Arms, Luise Heyer, Vincent Redetzki, Jacob Matschenz,...
Bai Ri Yan Huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice)
People’s Republic of China
By Yinan Diao (Night Train, Uniform)
With Fan Liao, Lun Mei Gwei, Xuebing Wang
World premiere
Boyhood
USA
By Richard Linklater (Before Midnight, Me & Orson Welles)
With Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater
International premiere
Chiisai Ouchi (The Little House)
Japan
By Yoji Yamada (Tokyo Family, About Her Brother)
With Takako Matsu, Haru Kuroki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Chieko Baisho
International premiere
Historia del miedo (History of Fear)
Argentina / Uruguay / Germany / France
By Benjamin Naishtat - feature debut
With Jonathan Da Rosa, Claudia Cantero, Mirella Pascual, Cesar Bordon, Tatiana Gimenez
World premiere
Jack
Germany
By Edward Berger
With Ivo Pietzcker, Georg Arms, Luise Heyer, Vincent Redetzki, Jacob Matschenz,...
- 1/15/2014
- by Notebook
- MUBI
Richard Linklater’s Boyhood to compete for the Golden Bear; Beauty and the Beast, starring Vincent Cassel and Léa Seydoux, to play out of competition.
The 64th Berlin International Film Festival (Feb 6-16) has added 15 titles to its Competition programme, completing the line-up of 23 films - of which 20 will vye for the Golden Bear and Silver Bears.
The programme includes 18 world premieres and three feature debuts.
The line-up includes the international premiere of Boyhood, from Before Midnight director Richard Linklater. The film, which will premiere at Sundance, was shot over short periods from 2002 to 2013 and covers 12 years in the life of a family, featuring Mason and his sister Samantha. Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater star.
World premieres include In Order of Disappearance, directed by Hans Petter Moland, which stars Stellan Skarsgård as a snow plough driver whose son’s sudden death puts him in the middle of a drug war between theNorwegian mafia and the...
The 64th Berlin International Film Festival (Feb 6-16) has added 15 titles to its Competition programme, completing the line-up of 23 films - of which 20 will vye for the Golden Bear and Silver Bears.
The programme includes 18 world premieres and three feature debuts.
The line-up includes the international premiere of Boyhood, from Before Midnight director Richard Linklater. The film, which will premiere at Sundance, was shot over short periods from 2002 to 2013 and covers 12 years in the life of a family, featuring Mason and his sister Samantha. Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater star.
World premieres include In Order of Disappearance, directed by Hans Petter Moland, which stars Stellan Skarsgård as a snow plough driver whose son’s sudden death puts him in the middle of a drug war between theNorwegian mafia and the...
- 1/15/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Two’s Company: Dag’s Extraordinary Debut Perversely Compelling
Like Feo Aladag’s 2010 harrowing debut, When We Leave, Austrian-Kurdish director Umat Dag’s first film, Kuma, examines the strict traditions and cultural values of a Turkish immigrant community for a compelling story with an expertly scripted scenario and excellent lead performances. Every family has secrets, and there’s a doozy at the center of one immigrant family’s nuclear dynamic that’s rather insidiously revealed to us. And once that hooks us in, we slowly begin to learn others. An excellent portrait of the family as the ultimate microcosm of crippling dysfunction by way of its particular set of mores and traditions, this is a beautifully rendered portrait of profound repression.
Nineteen year-old Ayse (Begum Akkaya), a Turkish peasant girl, has just been married to the handsome young Hasan (Murathan Muslu), and is all set to be whisked off to...
Like Feo Aladag’s 2010 harrowing debut, When We Leave, Austrian-Kurdish director Umat Dag’s first film, Kuma, examines the strict traditions and cultural values of a Turkish immigrant community for a compelling story with an expertly scripted scenario and excellent lead performances. Every family has secrets, and there’s a doozy at the center of one immigrant family’s nuclear dynamic that’s rather insidiously revealed to us. And once that hooks us in, we slowly begin to learn others. An excellent portrait of the family as the ultimate microcosm of crippling dysfunction by way of its particular set of mores and traditions, this is a beautifully rendered portrait of profound repression.
Nineteen year-old Ayse (Begum Akkaya), a Turkish peasant girl, has just been married to the handsome young Hasan (Murathan Muslu), and is all set to be whisked off to...
- 4/22/2013
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Berlin -- Felix van Groeningen's The Broken Circle Breakdown has won the Best European Film honor from the Europa Cinemas Label, an association of European art house cinemas. Review: The Broken Circle Breakdown The prize, awarded to the best European film screening in the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival, has previously gone to such titles as Sally El Hosanini's My Brother the Devil (2012) and Feo Aladag's When We Leave (2010). The Broken Circle Breakdown is the story of the unlikely love between a romantic atheist and a religious realist whose beliefs, and love for one another, are
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- 2/15/2013
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Portuguese director Miguel Gomes's "Tabu" has come away from the 39th Ghent Film Festival with the Grand Prix for best film, the international festival jury announced Wednesday. Gomes, whose previous work includes "Our Beloved Month of August" and "The Face You Deserve," enchanted critics from the get-go when "Tabu," a poetic, black-and-white portrait of colonialism, premiered in February at the Berlin film festival. In naming the winner, the jury, which was chaired by U.S. critic Joan Dupont, cited a "highly original approach to a mysterious love story" and a "creative reflection on colonial history." Other Grand Prix recipients in recent years include Andrey Zvyagintsev's "Elena" and Feo Aladag's "When We Leave." "Tabu" screened last week at the New York Film Festival and will open in theaters via Adopt Films December 26. Check out Eric Kohn's review from...
- 10/17/2012
- by Chris Pomorski
- Indiewire
10) The Hedgehog The debut of director Mona Achache, The Hedgehog, based on a popular French novel, centers on Paloma (Garance Le Guillermic), an 11 year old girl that, fed up with her world, has decided to kill herself on her twelfth birthday. Formidably (and thankfully, not annoyingly) precocious, Paloma is fascinated with art and philosophy, decided to film her world around her as she moves forward with her plan, narrating her opinions to us on what’s wrong with her parents and the world at large. Paloma meets a kindred spirit in the form of the cranky and seemingly unhappy Renee (an absolutely fabulous Josiane Balasko), the building janitor. The arrival of a new tenant creates some ripples as he flirts with the avid reader Renee through Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina and the cinema of Ozu, and soon a very endearing and unpredictable romance ensues. Touching, tragic, and funny, The Hedgehog is an excellent debut,...
- 1/1/2012
- IONCINEMA.com
Not unlike other years, 2011 had its share of particular titles that dominated cinematic conversations (though I don’t recall ever having had more conversations about a new film than The Tree of Life), with the end of the year heralding shoe-in awards fodder for hotly anticipated, overbearing biopics, starring Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams. While many an auteur trotted out new, astounding masterworks, whether they be tempered with flaws (Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method) or arrived without much ado (Almodovar’s excellent The Skin I Live In), 2011 also really featured some excellent debuts and some auteurs-in-the-making returning with astounding second (Kenneth Lonergan’s devastingtly ignored Margaret, Oren Moverman’s brilliant Rampart) and third efforts (Lynne Ramsay’s bad-seed Swinton starrer, We Need to Talk About Kevin). And whereas 2009 was credited as an exceptional year for female directors, one could argue that 2011 announced some excellent new global female filmmakers, with spectacular...
- 1/1/2012
- IONCINEMA.com
Still from Lucky
Lucky (South Africa) directed by Avie Luthra won the Karnataka Government’s Golden Bherunda for Best Film at the 4th Bangalore International Film Festival which concluded on Thursday. The award had a cash component of Rs. 10 lakh.
When we Leave (Germany) directed by Feo Aladag won the Silver Berunda and Rs. 5 lakh.
Flying Fish from Sri Lanka by Sanjeewa Pushpa Kumar got the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (Netpac) award and a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh. Bengali film Noble Chor directed by Suman Ghosh bagged the Suchitra Sanman in the Indian cinema section, with a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh.
The Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy award was shared by Gandhi Smiles by Krish Joshi and Puttakkana Highway by B. Suresh. Chintu School by Sheshagiri Yelameli got a Jury Special Mention.
Lucky (South Africa) directed by Avie Luthra won the Karnataka Government’s Golden Bherunda for Best Film at the 4th Bangalore International Film Festival which concluded on Thursday. The award had a cash component of Rs. 10 lakh.
When we Leave (Germany) directed by Feo Aladag won the Silver Berunda and Rs. 5 lakh.
Flying Fish from Sri Lanka by Sanjeewa Pushpa Kumar got the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (Netpac) award and a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh. Bengali film Noble Chor directed by Suman Ghosh bagged the Suchitra Sanman in the Indian cinema section, with a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh.
The Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy award was shared by Gandhi Smiles by Krish Joshi and Puttakkana Highway by B. Suresh. Chintu School by Sheshagiri Yelameli got a Jury Special Mention.
- 12/24/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Dariush Mehrjui
4th Bengaluru International Film Festival (Biffes) that will commence on December 15 will hold a special Retrospective of Iran’s Dariush Mehrjui, who is the guest of honour at the festival. The retrospective will include The Lodgers, Sara, The Pear Tree and The Music Man.
Biffes has announced a competition section for the first time and received about 40 entries. The films in competition include When We Leave by Feo Aladag, Invisible by Michal Aviad, Apartment in Athens by Ruggero Dipaola and Lucky by Avie Luthra among others.
There will be a Retrospective of Michael Cacoyannis of Greece featuring Our Last Spring, The Trojan Woman, Iphigenia, The Cherry Orchard and Sweet Country.
Theodoros Angelopoulos Retrospective comprises Landscape in the Mist, Eternity and a Day and The Weeping Meadow.
Taiwanese director Hsiao-hsien Hou’s Retrospective comprises Cafe Lumiere, Goodbye South Goodbye, Good Men Good Women, A Summer at Grandpa and Daughter of the Nile.
4th Bengaluru International Film Festival (Biffes) that will commence on December 15 will hold a special Retrospective of Iran’s Dariush Mehrjui, who is the guest of honour at the festival. The retrospective will include The Lodgers, Sara, The Pear Tree and The Music Man.
Biffes has announced a competition section for the first time and received about 40 entries. The films in competition include When We Leave by Feo Aladag, Invisible by Michal Aviad, Apartment in Athens by Ruggero Dipaola and Lucky by Avie Luthra among others.
There will be a Retrospective of Michael Cacoyannis of Greece featuring Our Last Spring, The Trojan Woman, Iphigenia, The Cherry Orchard and Sweet Country.
Theodoros Angelopoulos Retrospective comprises Landscape in the Mist, Eternity and a Day and The Weeping Meadow.
Taiwanese director Hsiao-hsien Hou’s Retrospective comprises Cafe Lumiere, Goodbye South Goodbye, Good Men Good Women, A Summer at Grandpa and Daughter of the Nile.
- 12/14/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Once they were ten. Now they are three. Athina Rachel Tsangari’s Attenberg, Robert Guédiguian’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Ruben Östlund’s Play have gone thru into the final round of the European Parliament Lux Prize. Among the three chosen finalists we have a film about a women discovering her sexuality in an economically starved Greek town and more recently from Cannes, we have the perfectly executed crimes committed and "acted" by pre-teens in an otherwise very tolerant Swedish town. Two stunning features in my books that are indeed perfect examples of how cinema can examine social issues without suffocating itself with taking some by-the-books moral stance. I've yet to see Guédiguian’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro, but it to was presented at this year's Cannes Film Fest. The award will be given out in mid-November, so you can check back with us - as we'll be curious...
- 7/27/2011
- IONCINEMA.com
Adriano Luz in Raúl Ruiz's The Mysteries of Lisbon At the 46th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, European Parliament member Olga Sehnalová, filmmaker Feo Aladag, actress Sibel Kekilli, and the Karlovy Vary Festival's artistic consultant Eva Zaoralová announced the ten films competing for the 2011 Lux Prize. They are, in alphabetical order: A Torinói ló (The Turin Horse) by Béla Tarr (Hungary, France, Switzerland, Germany) Attenberg by Athina Rachel Tsangari (Greece) Essential Killing by Jerzy Skolimowski (Poland, Norway, Ireland, Hungary) Habemus Papam by Nanni Moretti (Italy, France) Le Havre by Aki Kaurismäki (Finland, France, Germany) Les neiges du Kilimandjaro (The snows of Kilimandjaro) by Robert Guédiguian (France) Morgen by Marian Crisan (France, Romania, Hungary) Mistérios de Lisboa (The Mysteries of Lisbon) by Raúl Ruiz (Portugal) Pina by Wim Wenders (Germany, France, UK) Play by Ruben Östlund (Sweden, France, Denmark) Established in 2007, the annual Lux Prize nominees are selected by a...
- 7/5/2011
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Ten films have been selected to compete for Europe's Lux prize. Details below. The European Parliament unveiled, in the frame of the 46th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Kviff), the ten films pre-selected to compete for this year’s Lux Prize. These films, (co)produced in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland or UK, all reflect the excellence and richness of European cinema which the European Parliament is very pleased to support. The Lux Prize 2011 Official Selection was unveiled in Karlovy Vary by Ms Olga SEHNALOVÁ, member of the European Parliament, Ms Feo Aladag, director of the Lux Prize 2010 winner Die Fremde, and its leading actress Ms Sibel Kekilli, as well as Ms Eva ZAORALOVÁ, artistic consultant ...
- 7/3/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Oliver Films will release the critically acclaimed drama When We Leave, Germany’s official selection for the 2010 Academy Awards, on DVD on June 7.
Sibel Kekilli deserves all happiness she can get in When We Leave.
Written and directed by German actress Feo Aladag, When We Leave concerns Umay (Sibel Kekilli), a German-born woman of Turkish descent, who flees from her oppressive marriage in Istanbul, taking her son with her. She hopes to find a better life with her family in Berlin, but her unexpected arrival creates intense conflicts. Umay’s family is trapped in their conventions and they’re torn between their love for her and the traditional values of their community.
A big winner at film festivals across the world (it picked up prizes in Berlin, Sao Paulo, Calgary, Athens and, or course, Germany), When We Leave played a bunch of festivals in the U.S. and received a...
Sibel Kekilli deserves all happiness she can get in When We Leave.
Written and directed by German actress Feo Aladag, When We Leave concerns Umay (Sibel Kekilli), a German-born woman of Turkish descent, who flees from her oppressive marriage in Istanbul, taking her son with her. She hopes to find a better life with her family in Berlin, but her unexpected arrival creates intense conflicts. Umay’s family is trapped in their conventions and they’re torn between their love for her and the traditional values of their community.
A big winner at film festivals across the world (it picked up prizes in Berlin, Sao Paulo, Calgary, Athens and, or course, Germany), When We Leave played a bunch of festivals in the U.S. and received a...
- 3/12/2011
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
When We Leave
Directed by Feo Aladag
Written by Feo Aladag,
Germany (2010)
Ironically, the winner of the European Parliament’s 2010 Lux prize, Feo Aladag’s feature debut “When We Leave”, would probably serve well the cause of some member states opposed to Turkey’s entrance into the Union (that the Parliament’s press release uses scare quotes around the egregious misnomer ‘honour killing’ is minorly heartening). The prize, which awards the winning film funding for subtitling into the 23 official EU languages, is in the case of “When We Leave” a double-edged recognition – in the four years of Lux’s existence, this is the second film treating the subject of intergenerational Turkish-German strife. While shedding zetetic light onto the cultural schism gnawing the union, “When We Leave” at times entangles its characters into ethno-cultural stereotyping, albeit as a counterpoint to its unmistakeably humanistic, not to say feminist drift.
And it doesn...
Directed by Feo Aladag
Written by Feo Aladag,
Germany (2010)
Ironically, the winner of the European Parliament’s 2010 Lux prize, Feo Aladag’s feature debut “When We Leave”, would probably serve well the cause of some member states opposed to Turkey’s entrance into the Union (that the Parliament’s press release uses scare quotes around the egregious misnomer ‘honour killing’ is minorly heartening). The prize, which awards the winning film funding for subtitling into the 23 official EU languages, is in the case of “When We Leave” a double-edged recognition – in the four years of Lux’s existence, this is the second film treating the subject of intergenerational Turkish-German strife. While shedding zetetic light onto the cultural schism gnawing the union, “When We Leave” at times entangles its characters into ethno-cultural stereotyping, albeit as a counterpoint to its unmistakeably humanistic, not to say feminist drift.
And it doesn...
- 2/14/2011
- by Zornitsa
- SoundOnSight
Weekly Box Office Wrap January 28-30 2011
There was a little strange movement in the past weekend box office. Two new films jumped into the top 3 and an oldie jumped back in to number 10. Warner Brothers new release The Rite, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, took possession of the top spot with $14,789,393 in 2,985 theaters with an average of $4,955 per location. The remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson flick The Mechanic, released by CBS and starring the rugged Jason Statham, put the hit out on the number three spot. Since it was a fairly slow weekend at the movies, it pulled in only $11,422,006 in 2,703 theaters averaging $4,226 per theater. Surprisingly, The Dilemma and Yogi Bear are still in the top ten. Perhaps the amount of theatres they are still in can account for this? One can only hope.
The remaining new releases for the weekend are not in the top ten, but a couple were close.
There was a little strange movement in the past weekend box office. Two new films jumped into the top 3 and an oldie jumped back in to number 10. Warner Brothers new release The Rite, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, took possession of the top spot with $14,789,393 in 2,985 theaters with an average of $4,955 per location. The remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson flick The Mechanic, released by CBS and starring the rugged Jason Statham, put the hit out on the number three spot. Since it was a fairly slow weekend at the movies, it pulled in only $11,422,006 in 2,703 theaters averaging $4,226 per theater. Surprisingly, The Dilemma and Yogi Bear are still in the top ten. Perhaps the amount of theatres they are still in can account for this? One can only hope.
The remaining new releases for the weekend are not in the top ten, but a couple were close.
- 2/2/2011
- by Allison Ritcher
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"When We Leave, the first feature written and directed by Feo Aladag, is a somber, sometimes powerful and frequently schematic drama about a woman trying to free herself from the emotional and physical violence of a cruel, patriarchal system," writes Ao Scott in the New York Times, where Ella Taylor profiles the director. "The violence is present from the very first shot, in which a young man (we will eventually learn that he is one of the main character's brothers) points a gun at a woman walking with her child. What follows flashes back from that moment, tracing a path of brutality, oppression and stifled individuality leavened by a few glimmers of tenderness and grace."...
- 1/28/2011
- MUBI
Reviewed by Amy R. Handler
(January 2011)
Directed/Written by: Feo Aladag
Starring: Sibel Kekilli, Nizam Schiller, Derya Alabora, Settar Tanriogen, Tamer Yigit, Serhad Can, Ufuk Bayraktar and Florian Lukas
“When We Leave” is a simple art-house drama that packs a huge sociopolitical wallop, one of those rare and tricky films in which all its component parts seem to work against each other but really move as fluidly as a well-oiled machine.
The plot is hardly a new one, though it is far reaching and, sadly, universal. A young Turkish woman named Umay (Siebel Kekilli) is forced to live with an abusive husband named Kemal (Ufuk Bayraktar) within the confines of an Old World culture. After one beating too many, Umay and her young son Cem (Nizam Schiller) board a plane to Germany and arrive at her parents’ front door. Unfortunately, life with her family is not as she hopes, and...
(January 2011)
Directed/Written by: Feo Aladag
Starring: Sibel Kekilli, Nizam Schiller, Derya Alabora, Settar Tanriogen, Tamer Yigit, Serhad Can, Ufuk Bayraktar and Florian Lukas
“When We Leave” is a simple art-house drama that packs a huge sociopolitical wallop, one of those rare and tricky films in which all its component parts seem to work against each other but really move as fluidly as a well-oiled machine.
The plot is hardly a new one, though it is far reaching and, sadly, universal. A young Turkish woman named Umay (Siebel Kekilli) is forced to live with an abusive husband named Kemal (Ufuk Bayraktar) within the confines of an Old World culture. After one beating too many, Umay and her young son Cem (Nizam Schiller) board a plane to Germany and arrive at her parents’ front door. Unfortunately, life with her family is not as she hopes, and...
- 1/27/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
Reviewed by Amy R. Handler
(January 2011)
Directed/Written by: Feo Aladag
Starring: Sibel Kekilli, Nizam Schiller, Derya Alabora, Settar Tanriogen, Tamer Yigit, Serhad Can, Ufuk Bayraktar and Florian Lukas
“When We Leave” is a simple art-house drama that packs a huge sociopolitical wallop, one of those rare and tricky films in which all its component parts seem to work against each other but really move as fluidly as a well-oiled machine.
The plot is hardly a new one, though it is far reaching and, sadly, universal. A young Turkish woman named Umay (Siebel Kekilli) is forced to live with an abusive husband named Kemal (Ufuk Bayraktar) within the confines of an Old World culture. After one beating too many, Umay and her young son Cem (Nizam Schiller) board a plane to Germany and arrive at her parents’ front door. Unfortunately, life with her family is not as she hopes, and...
(January 2011)
Directed/Written by: Feo Aladag
Starring: Sibel Kekilli, Nizam Schiller, Derya Alabora, Settar Tanriogen, Tamer Yigit, Serhad Can, Ufuk Bayraktar and Florian Lukas
“When We Leave” is a simple art-house drama that packs a huge sociopolitical wallop, one of those rare and tricky films in which all its component parts seem to work against each other but really move as fluidly as a well-oiled machine.
The plot is hardly a new one, though it is far reaching and, sadly, universal. A young Turkish woman named Umay (Siebel Kekilli) is forced to live with an abusive husband named Kemal (Ufuk Bayraktar) within the confines of an Old World culture. After one beating too many, Umay and her young son Cem (Nizam Schiller) board a plane to Germany and arrive at her parents’ front door. Unfortunately, life with her family is not as she hopes, and...
- 1/27/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
In a surprising number of cultures, when women break out of traditional (and sometimes religious) roles, or choose to leave situations in which they are in danger or unhappy, their families feel bound by honor to punish them - in many cases, with death. While this practice seems unthinkable to the majority of us in Western society, honor killings are still horrifically common - a fact that inspired German actress Feo Aladag to write and direct her debut feature film, When We Leave (Die Fremde). We promise to not give away pivotal plot points, but here are the basics: Umay (Sibel Kekilli, of Head-On) is a Turkish-German young woman who lives with her husband and his family in Istanbul. In an effort to escape domestic violence, she takes her 5-year-old son to her family home in Berlin, where she announces she is not returning. Her family, in disbelief, tries to persuade her to return.
- 1/26/2011
- TribecaFilm.com
The 10th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival will have a total of 15 films in their official competition this year, fronted by Malcolm Venville's "Henry's Crime," which will serve as the opening night film. Among the films in competition - which include Feo Aladag's "When We Leave," Talal Selhami's "Mirages," and Phillip Seymour Hoffman's "Jack Goes Boating" - ten are debut features. In addition to the official competition, ...
- 12/2/2010
- Indiewire
Currently making the rounds for a Foreign Oscar bid, Feo Aladag's Die Fremde (When We Leave) has just won the European Parliament's Lux prize beating out fellow nominees in Olivier Masset-Depasse "Illegal" and "Akadimia Platonos" by Greek helmer Filippos Tsitos. In previous years was awarded to: Fatih Akın's The Edge of Heaven, Dardenne Bros.' Lorna's Silence and last year's Philippe Lioret's Welcome. Olive Films will release When We Leave in January of next year. This win perhaps adds to the film's cred as an ideal dark horse pic for the first Foreign nom category shortlist. Gist: This examines one woman’s struggle for personal freedom. It is a riveting and heartbreaking story of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, who must not only free herself from that marriage, but also the cultural prejudices and judgments that would keep her there. Feo Aladag built the nuances of...
- 11/24/2010
- IONCINEMA.com
Ewan McGregor in Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer (top); Samuel Maoz's Lebanon (upper middle); Sibel Kekilli in Feo Aladag's When We Leave (lower middle); Elio Germano in Daniele Luchetti's Our Life (bottom) At the 2010 Seville European Film Festival, the European Film Academy and Efa Productions announced the nominations for this year's European Film Awards. Among the nominees are Semih Kaplanoglu's Berlin Film Festival winner Bal / Honey, Roman Polanski's thriller The Ghost Writer, Juan José Campanella's Oscar-winning Argentinean-Spanish co-production The Secret in Their Eyes, and Fatih Akin's comedy Soul Kitchen. (See full list below.) Now, (an unknown percentage of) the more than 2,300 Efa members will vote for the winners. Those will be announced at the European Film Awards ceremony on Dec. 4 in Tallinn, Estonia. European Film Awards 2010 Nominations European Film 2010: Bal (Honey), Turkey/Germany directed by Semih Kaplanoglu written by Semih Kaplanoglu...
- 11/7/2010
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Peter Weir's The Way Back will kick off Los Angeles' Museum of Tolerance International Film Festival (Motiff) on November 13, which runs six days and screens twenty-two films seeking to highlight human rights issues past and present. Clint Eastwood will be honored with the festival's first "Tolerance Award" at the festival Gala on November 14. Clinton's Gran Torino (2008) will have a special presentation during the festival. Among the other films are Nigel Cole's Made in Dagenham (2010), Matthew Asner and Danny Gold's documentary 100 Voices: A Journey Home (2010), Reconciliation: Mandela's Miracle (2010) from Michael Henry Wilson, When We Leave (2010, Germany) from Feo Aladag, plus special presentations of Kimberly Peirce's Boy's Don't Cry (1999), To Kill A Mockingbird (1962) and more.
- 11/3/2010
- Thompson on Hollywood
In its 15th edition, Berlin & Beyond (B&B) resituates itself from its previous mid-January slot to San Francisco's October film festival calendar, enrichening the Bay Area's autumnal palette of national cinemas with select films from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Running October 22-28 at San Francisco's historic Castro Theatre and October 30 at the Camera 12 Cinemas in San Jose, the festival's fresh disposition is being helmed by incoming Festival Director Sophoan Sorn. Saluting previous Festival Director Dr. Ingrid Eggers for her 14 years of creative spirit, dedicated service, and impassioned leadership, B&B turns its eye "to another 15 years and beyond!"
Berlin & Beyond's calendar shift to October affords the festival the opportunity to join forces with their sister festival, German Currents in Los Angeles, coordinated by each city's respective branches of the Goethe-Institut as "a united West Coast German Film Event". The rewards of such a maneuver are immediately apparent. Boasting 24 feature films...
Berlin & Beyond's calendar shift to October affords the festival the opportunity to join forces with their sister festival, German Currents in Los Angeles, coordinated by each city's respective branches of the Goethe-Institut as "a united West Coast German Film Event". The rewards of such a maneuver are immediately apparent. Boasting 24 feature films...
- 10/17/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Manolo Cardona, Cristian Mercado in Javier Fuentes-León's Undertow / Contracorriente (top); Gael Garcia Bernal, Luis Tosar in Iciar Bollain's Even the Rain (middle); Sibel Kekilli in Feo Aladag's When We Leave (bottom) Oscar 2011: Best Foreign Language Film Predictions: Biutiful, The First Beautiful Thing, Carancho Here are a few other possibilities for the 2011 Oscar's Best Foreign Language Film list of semi-finalists: Iciar Bollain's También la Lluvia / Even the Rain (Spain), about two filmmakers (Gael Garcia Bernal and Luis Tosar) exploiting Bolivian extras. The film also offers an analogy to Christopher Columbus' exploitation of American natives. Oliver Schmitz's mother-daughter drama Life, Above All (South Africa). South Africa has done well in the past decade, with a nomination for Yesterday (2004) and a victory for Tsotsi (2005). Javier Fuentes-León's Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner Undertow / Contracorriente (Peru), which deals with ghosts, forbidden gay love, and social conformism.
- 10/15/2010
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
While I do not think that something as edgy or unusual as Giorgos Lanthimos' Dogtooth (pictured above) will make the 'final five' short list, but kudos to Greece for throwing it out there. Perhaps something like Tetsuya Nakashima's Confessions will make the cut despite its similarly unsettling subject matter. Either way, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did put out a big release yesterday with all of their Foreign Language film submissions, 65 of them in total even Greenland, from various countries. Many of these films have reviews in our archives.
Albania, East West East, Gjergj Xhuvani
Algeria, Hors la Loi ("Outside the Law"), Rachid Bouchareb
Argentina, Carancho, Pablo Trapero
Austria, La Pivellina, Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel
Azerbaijan, The Precinct, Ilgar Safat
Bangladesh, Third Person Singular Number, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki
Belgium, Illegal, Olivier Masset-Depasse
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Circus Columbia, Danis Tanovic
Brazil, Lula the Son of Brazil,...
Albania, East West East, Gjergj Xhuvani
Algeria, Hors la Loi ("Outside the Law"), Rachid Bouchareb
Argentina, Carancho, Pablo Trapero
Austria, La Pivellina, Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel
Azerbaijan, The Precinct, Ilgar Safat
Bangladesh, Third Person Singular Number, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki
Belgium, Illegal, Olivier Masset-Depasse
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Circus Columbia, Danis Tanovic
Brazil, Lula the Son of Brazil,...
- 10/14/2010
- Screen Anarchy
65 Countries Enter Race for 2010 Foreign Language Film Oscar®
Beverly Hills, CA: Sixty-five countries, including first-time entrants Ethiopia and Greenland, have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 83rd Academy Awards®.
The 2010 submissions are:
.Albania, .East, West, East,. Gjergj Xhuvani, director;
.Algeria, .Hors la Loi. (.Outside the Law.), Rachid Bouchareb, director;
.Argentina, .Carancho,. Pablo Trapero, director;
.Austria, .La Pivellina,. Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel, directors;
.Azerbaijan, .The Precinct,. Ilgar Safat, director;
.Bangladesh, .Third Person Singular Number,. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, director;
.Belgium, .Illegal,. Olivier Masset-Depasse, director;
.Bosnia and Herzegovina, .Circus Columbia,. Danis Tanovic, director;
.Brazil, .Lula, the Son of Brazil,. Fabio Barreto, director;
.Bulgaria, .Eastern Plays,. Kamen Kalev, director;
.Canada, .Incendies,. Denis Villeneuve, director;
.Chile, .The Life of Fish,. Matias Bize, director;
.China, .Aftershock,. Feng Xiaogang, director;
.Colombia, .Crab Trap,. Oscar Ruiz Navia, director;
.Costa Rica, .Of Love and Other Demons,. Hilda Hidalgo, director;
.Croatia, .The Blacks,...
Beverly Hills, CA: Sixty-five countries, including first-time entrants Ethiopia and Greenland, have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 83rd Academy Awards®.
The 2010 submissions are:
.Albania, .East, West, East,. Gjergj Xhuvani, director;
.Algeria, .Hors la Loi. (.Outside the Law.), Rachid Bouchareb, director;
.Argentina, .Carancho,. Pablo Trapero, director;
.Austria, .La Pivellina,. Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel, directors;
.Azerbaijan, .The Precinct,. Ilgar Safat, director;
.Bangladesh, .Third Person Singular Number,. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, director;
.Belgium, .Illegal,. Olivier Masset-Depasse, director;
.Bosnia and Herzegovina, .Circus Columbia,. Danis Tanovic, director;
.Brazil, .Lula, the Son of Brazil,. Fabio Barreto, director;
.Bulgaria, .Eastern Plays,. Kamen Kalev, director;
.Canada, .Incendies,. Denis Villeneuve, director;
.Chile, .The Life of Fish,. Matias Bize, director;
.China, .Aftershock,. Feng Xiaogang, director;
.Colombia, .Crab Trap,. Oscar Ruiz Navia, director;
.Costa Rica, .Of Love and Other Demons,. Hilda Hidalgo, director;
.Croatia, .The Blacks,...
- 10/13/2010
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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