Limelight Film and Arts Awards is the ground breaking annual short film competition, followed by an Oscar style, red carpet awards ceremony held in Canary Wharf. The event night in January, sees film makers receiving awards, an also aims to provide an opportunity to London based performers to share the stage with celebrities.
Set up as a not for profit organisation and already referred to as the Oscars of London, after the great success of the first round held on 17th of January 2008, hosted by TV presenter Konnie Huq, Limelight Film and Arts Awards aims to offers a platform for film makers and creative talents in London, providing them with a unique opportunity to gain recognition and publicity. “For talents to rise up and shine” – Konnie Huq
In its second, Limelight continues to offer a higher platform for film makers and performers, with the second year promising to provide an even greater night of entertainment. The 2009 awards night will not only be televised but will see more celebrity performers, awardees and guests.
Winning Film makers will be awarded on the night, with the main award, ‘Film of the Night’ offering £5,000 worth of production voucher for their next film, allowing them the use of HD Cameras, cranes, lighting and Avid Post Production.
Film makers can submit as many films they wish but only one film per application. Please go online for full rules and to download an application form.
Performers can now submit interests to perform on the awards night.
Please go online and download an application form and send post this to us with an example of your talent on DVD.
Deadlines for all submissions is the 14th of November 2008
The Awards night will be held in Canary Wharf on the 22nd of January 2009
So what are you waiting for, be a part of Limelight!
Web: www.limelightonline.org
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Friday, 19 September 2008
Digital Crib
Are you a filmmaker who knows someone using digital technology in
their home in an amazing way? Want to tell the world about it - in
your native language? Cisco and Filmaka want you to make a film about
a "Digital Crib" - a home that uses digital technology - and send it
to us. 10 winners will receive $7500 USD and another 10 will win
$5000. Winning Digital Crib clips will be placed on over 200 sites
across the internet, for the whole planet to see! Submissions are due
October 13 - go to www.filmaka.com/ciscodigitalcribs for more
information!
Thursday, 18 September 2008
4TH LONDON BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL
Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4 October
www.barbican.org.uk/film Cinema Hotline: 0845 120 7527
Now in its eigth year, the Bicycle Film Festival (BFF) rolls into the
Barbican from 1 to 4 October 2008 for the London leg of its 16 city
international tour. A carnival of films, music, seminars and events that
bring together diverse aspects of global cycling culture, LBFF celebrates
the numerous ways this beautiful machine is able to transport us; through
the city, the mountains and beyond. Or, as recent events in Beijing
illustrate, to Olympic gold!
Founder and director Brendt Barbur says ³We are thrilled that BFF has aided
to catalyze one of the largest youth movements in the world. We hope to show
everyone how huge and important bicycle culture is, and how many people live
for bikes. The bicycle film festival has been credited with pushing bicycle
culture forward throughout the world.²
2008 highlights at the Barbican include: the highly anticipated UK premiere
of Road to Roubaix; the UK premiere of Macaframa; a programme of Fun Bike
Shorts including footage of the day orange DKNY bike took over New York in
Orange Bikes Take Manhattan and Matthew McGuiness, George Bliss and Matthew
Modine talking about building a bike movement in Bicycle Stories; and Urban
Bike Shorts; a series of films that showcase the thrills and skills of city
cycling worldwide, including Japanese streetriders in Bang-King 2007 and
digital stop-motion animation in The Toolbox (Spare Parts Race).
See www.barbican.org.uk/film or visit www.bicyclefilmfestival.com for full
festival programme details.
www.barbican.org.uk/film Cinema Hotline: 0845 120 7527
Now in its eigth year, the Bicycle Film Festival (BFF) rolls into the
Barbican from 1 to 4 October 2008 for the London leg of its 16 city
international tour. A carnival of films, music, seminars and events that
bring together diverse aspects of global cycling culture, LBFF celebrates
the numerous ways this beautiful machine is able to transport us; through
the city, the mountains and beyond. Or, as recent events in Beijing
illustrate, to Olympic gold!
Founder and director Brendt Barbur says ³We are thrilled that BFF has aided
to catalyze one of the largest youth movements in the world. We hope to show
everyone how huge and important bicycle culture is, and how many people live
for bikes. The bicycle film festival has been credited with pushing bicycle
culture forward throughout the world.²
2008 highlights at the Barbican include: the highly anticipated UK premiere
of Road to Roubaix; the UK premiere of Macaframa; a programme of Fun Bike
Shorts including footage of the day orange DKNY bike took over New York in
Orange Bikes Take Manhattan and Matthew McGuiness, George Bliss and Matthew
Modine talking about building a bike movement in Bicycle Stories; and Urban
Bike Shorts; a series of films that showcase the thrills and skills of city
cycling worldwide, including Japanese streetriders in Bang-King 2007 and
digital stop-motion animation in The Toolbox (Spare Parts Race).
See www.barbican.org.uk/film or visit www.bicyclefilmfestival.com for full
festival programme details.
The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival
15 - 30 October 2008
We are pleased to announce the Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival programme,
including a record number of world premieres and a stellar line-up of special
events.
View the full programme online now at www.bfi.org.uk/lff
We are pleased to announce the Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival programme,
including a record number of world premieres and a stellar line-up of special
events.
View the full programme online now at www.bfi.org.uk/lff
CINEMA OF BRAZIL: Afro-Brazilian Perspectives
Thursday 9 - Wednesday 15 October 2008
www.barbican.org.uk/film Cinema Hotline: 0845 120 7527
Barbican Film, in partnership with the Embassy of Brazil, presents the 2nd
Brazilian Film Festival from Thursday 9 to Wednesday 15 October 2008, this
year celebrating the nation¹s foremost Afro-Brazilian actors and directors,
intellectuals and musicians, 120 years on from the abolition of slavery in
Brazil.
www.barbican.org.uk/film Cinema Hotline: 0845 120 7527
Barbican Film, in partnership with the Embassy of Brazil, presents the 2nd
Brazilian Film Festival from Thursday 9 to Wednesday 15 October 2008, this
year celebrating the nation¹s foremost Afro-Brazilian actors and directors,
intellectuals and musicians, 120 years on from the abolition of slavery in
Brazil.
Africa in Motion festival launches the AiM2008 film programme
Stop and Stir Arts Ltd is delighted to announce the programme for the third Africa in Motion film festival, taking place from 23 October - 2 November 2008 at Edinburgh Filmhouse. AiM 2008 will be a celebration of Africa's diverse cinematic output, with a greater focus on under-represented regions and a more adventurous programme than ever before.
AiM 2008 will open with Egyptian director Youssef Chahine's feature The Earth (El Ard), as a tribute to the pioneering filmmaker who passed away on 27 July this year. We are extremely excited to announce that two of the continent's most celebrated and distinguished directors will be joining us in person at the festival: Malian director Souleymane Cissé (whose extraordinary coming-of-age feature Yeelen was awarded the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987), and Burkinabe director Gaston Kaboré (whose feature film Buud Yam won the grand prize at the FESPACO film festival in 1997) will both be in attendance to present retrospectives of their work.
AiM 2008 will include a programme of animation short films from all over the continent, consisting of various types of animation such as 2D, 3D, cut-out, claymation, stop frame animation, and computer animation. Animation film screenings will be accompanied by African storytelling events and a film animation workshop.
Nollywood, the prolific Nigerian video industry that has taken the continent by storm over the last few years, will receive a special focus with the screening of Bleeding Rose, winner of Best Nigerian Feature Film at the 2007 Lagos International Film Festival, followed by a discussion with director Chucks Mordi afterwards.
For the first time at AiM, there will be a series of late-night screenings of African horrors, erotica and experimental work. This audacious programme will include the Namibian-set cult classic Dust Devil by South African director Richard Stanley, and SMS Sugar Man, the first feature-length film to be shot entirely on mobile phone cameras, by experimental South African director Aryan Kaganof.
Contemporary films will feature prominently; festival highlights are Nigerian director Newton Audaka's Ezra, a hard-hitting film that deals with the pressing issue of African child soldiers and won the grand prize at the FESPACO film festival in 2007; and Guinean director Cheick Fantamady Camara's Clouds over Conakry, the closing screening of the festival and a film which offers a romantic twist on the tradition-versus-modernity theme.
Feature films from East Africa will also be screened (an area hugely under-represented in African cinema), including the UK premiere of an exciting new film from Tanzania.
Documentaries screened at the festival will include a range of films exploring African identity through various themes such as sport, music and dance. The screening of Nigerian-born broadcaster and filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa's documentary This is My Africa will be accompanied by a discussion with Zina after the screening.
As part of AiM's commitment to supporting filmmaking activity on the continent, the festival is hosting a short film competition for young and emerging African directors. The eight shortlisted films will be screened during the festival, and the winner announced at a prize-giving ceremony; the winner is to be selected by a high-profile jury consisting of African filmmakers and Edinburgh-based film practitioners.
"This year we are hoping to challenge and delight our loyal audiences, and draw new audiences, with a programme more diverse and daring than ever before. AiM 2008 is a celebration and exploration of the multiplicity of forms, themes, styles and approaches we find in the African film industries today", says Lizelle Bisschoff, director and founder of Africa in Motion.
For full programme details please visit www.africa-in-motion.org.uk/programme.html
Tickets go on sale Friday 19th September from the Filmhouse: Box Office 0131 228 2688 or www.filmhousecinema.com. Concessionary discounts and ticket deals will be available.
AiM 2008 will open with Egyptian director Youssef Chahine's feature The Earth (El Ard), as a tribute to the pioneering filmmaker who passed away on 27 July this year. We are extremely excited to announce that two of the continent's most celebrated and distinguished directors will be joining us in person at the festival: Malian director Souleymane Cissé (whose extraordinary coming-of-age feature Yeelen was awarded the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987), and Burkinabe director Gaston Kaboré (whose feature film Buud Yam won the grand prize at the FESPACO film festival in 1997) will both be in attendance to present retrospectives of their work.
AiM 2008 will include a programme of animation short films from all over the continent, consisting of various types of animation such as 2D, 3D, cut-out, claymation, stop frame animation, and computer animation. Animation film screenings will be accompanied by African storytelling events and a film animation workshop.
Nollywood, the prolific Nigerian video industry that has taken the continent by storm over the last few years, will receive a special focus with the screening of Bleeding Rose, winner of Best Nigerian Feature Film at the 2007 Lagos International Film Festival, followed by a discussion with director Chucks Mordi afterwards.
For the first time at AiM, there will be a series of late-night screenings of African horrors, erotica and experimental work. This audacious programme will include the Namibian-set cult classic Dust Devil by South African director Richard Stanley, and SMS Sugar Man, the first feature-length film to be shot entirely on mobile phone cameras, by experimental South African director Aryan Kaganof.
Contemporary films will feature prominently; festival highlights are Nigerian director Newton Audaka's Ezra, a hard-hitting film that deals with the pressing issue of African child soldiers and won the grand prize at the FESPACO film festival in 2007; and Guinean director Cheick Fantamady Camara's Clouds over Conakry, the closing screening of the festival and a film which offers a romantic twist on the tradition-versus-modernity theme.
Feature films from East Africa will also be screened (an area hugely under-represented in African cinema), including the UK premiere of an exciting new film from Tanzania.
Documentaries screened at the festival will include a range of films exploring African identity through various themes such as sport, music and dance. The screening of Nigerian-born broadcaster and filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa's documentary This is My Africa will be accompanied by a discussion with Zina after the screening.
As part of AiM's commitment to supporting filmmaking activity on the continent, the festival is hosting a short film competition for young and emerging African directors. The eight shortlisted films will be screened during the festival, and the winner announced at a prize-giving ceremony; the winner is to be selected by a high-profile jury consisting of African filmmakers and Edinburgh-based film practitioners.
"This year we are hoping to challenge and delight our loyal audiences, and draw new audiences, with a programme more diverse and daring than ever before. AiM 2008 is a celebration and exploration of the multiplicity of forms, themes, styles and approaches we find in the African film industries today", says Lizelle Bisschoff, director and founder of Africa in Motion.
For full programme details please visit www.africa-in-motion.org.uk/programme.html
Tickets go on sale Friday 19th September from the Filmhouse: Box Office 0131 228 2688 or www.filmhousecinema.com. Concessionary discounts and ticket deals will be available.
11TH ANNUAL METHOD FEST SEEKS STRONG ACTING FILMS
• Indie fest slated for March 26 - April 2, 2009
The 11th annual The Method Fest independent film festival, scheduled for March 26 - April 2, 2009 in Calabasas, is looking for character and story-driven films featuring strong acting performances.
Entry fees are: $40 Early Bird entry ; $50 Regular entry; $60 Late entry, for features; $30 Early Bird entry; $35 Regular entry; $45 Late entry for short films; student entries are $20 Early Bird entry; $25 Regular and Late Entry. Screen formats accepted are 35 mm, DigiBetaCam and HDCam. For film submission information call (310) 535-9230 or visit the festival web site at www.methodfest.com Filmmakers are encouraged to register through www.withoutabox.com
The Method Fest takes great pride in being a discovery festival, looking to help launch the works of young fresh filmmakers and to discover breakthrough performances by young, bold new actors. More than 100 films that have premiered or played at The Method Fest have received distribution.
The Method Fest has also taken great delight in sharing career-defining performances of established performers and in showcasing a few chosen well-known directors to screen at the festival. "We've prided ourselves on not just following other festivals’ lineups. We screen world premieres and true discoveries, mixed with a few larger films, " said Don Franken, executive director of the Method Fest.
A variety of other activities will complement the Method Fest screenings - filmmaking seminars, daily/nightly parties and receptions, industry events, a variety of Indie Music events, Lifetime Achievement Tribute, and the Awards Ceremony. The Method fest’s Youth Outreach program include a short film and screenplay competition for middle school and high school students.
The Method Fest is sponsored by the City of Calabasas and presenting media partners, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications and the L.A. Daily News / LA.com. Lead sponsors include Corona, Prudential California Realty, the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley / Valley of the Stars, Sony, Christie, JetBlue, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Modern VideoFilm, FilmFinders, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Final Draft, Red Bull, Bernards, and Barefoot Winery.
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
On behalf of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, I am delighted to announce and invite submissions from filmmakers in general to send submissions to Cine Gaia, 1st Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden International Environmental Film Festival.
Would you please be so kind as to help us tell people about the Call for Submissions open until September 22, 2008?
Please find the information below:
Call for Submissions: Cine Gaia, 1st Rio de Janeiro Botanical GardenInternational Environmental Film Festival.
Deadline for receipt of submissions is September 22, 2008.
- There is no submission fee.
- One film per director.
- A film with an environmental theme is understood as a work that treats environmental questions be it a documentary or a fiction wherein the relationship between man and nature is one of the main elements.
- Films of all genres, durations, and techniques and without any restrictions on the date of production that treat the environmental theme will be accepted.
It is a great pleasure for us to announce this event during the Bicentennial of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. The event is entirely free of charge and will stimulate both discussions, promote the films and greatly benefit the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden that is part of the Ministry of the Environment.
Please be so kind as to see our website: www.cinegaia.org (or via the link on the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden homepage: www.jbrj.gov.br) where you will find the regulations and submission form.
Would you please be so kind as to help us tell people about the Call for Submissions open until September 22, 2008?
Please find the information below:
Call for Submissions: Cine Gaia, 1st Rio de Janeiro Botanical GardenInternational Environmental Film Festival.
Deadline for receipt of submissions is September 22, 2008.
- There is no submission fee.
- One film per director.
- A film with an environmental theme is understood as a work that treats environmental questions be it a documentary or a fiction wherein the relationship between man and nature is one of the main elements.
- Films of all genres, durations, and techniques and without any restrictions on the date of production that treat the environmental theme will be accepted.
It is a great pleasure for us to announce this event during the Bicentennial of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. The event is entirely free of charge and will stimulate both discussions, promote the films and greatly benefit the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden that is part of the Ministry of the Environment.
Please be so kind as to see our website: www.cinegaia.org (or via the link on the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden homepage: www.jbrj.gov.br) where you will find the regulations and submission form.
Free Seminars and Screenings on International Cinema with Film London
Beyond the Frame: Cinemas of the Far East, the Middle East and Africa
Beyond the Frame is an exciting series of free two hour introductoryseminars and screenings on cinemas of the Far East, the Middle East andAfrica led by leading experts at the School of Oriental and AfricanStudies, University of London, organised by InSight Education andsupported by Film London. Every Wednesday evening from 17th September -3rd December participants will have the chance to explore a nationalcinema through a screening of a key film and, the following week, aseminar examining the film and exploring its relationship with itsnational cinema. The season starts on the 17th with Nagisa Oshima'sseminal 'Night and Fog in Japan.'
These special events will be held at the SOAS campus, Vernon Square, Kings Cross from 18.30-20.30, but to attend them you must book first so please visit www.insighteducation.org.uk now for more information or email info@insighteducation.org.uk stating which screenings and seminars you would like to attend in the subject line.
Cinemas included in the series will be: Japan (17th and 24th Sept); China (1st and 8th Oct); Thailand (15th and 22nd Oct); Egypt (29th Oct and 5th Nov); Iran (12th and 19th Nov) and Africa (26th Nov and 3rd Dec). No prior knowledge is needed.
Beyond the Frame is an exciting series of free two hour introductoryseminars and screenings on cinemas of the Far East, the Middle East andAfrica led by leading experts at the School of Oriental and AfricanStudies, University of London, organised by InSight Education andsupported by Film London. Every Wednesday evening from 17th September -3rd December participants will have the chance to explore a nationalcinema through a screening of a key film and, the following week, aseminar examining the film and exploring its relationship with itsnational cinema. The season starts on the 17th with Nagisa Oshima'sseminal 'Night and Fog in Japan.'
These special events will be held at the SOAS campus, Vernon Square, Kings Cross from 18.30-20.30, but to attend them you must book first so please visit www.insighteducation.org.uk now for more information or email info@insighteducation.org.uk stating which screenings and seminars you would like to attend in the subject line.
Cinemas included in the series will be: Japan (17th and 24th Sept); China (1st and 8th Oct); Thailand (15th and 22nd Oct); Egypt (29th Oct and 5th Nov); Iran (12th and 19th Nov) and Africa (26th Nov and 3rd Dec). No prior knowledge is needed.
The 18th Films from the South Festival
OSLO OCTOBER 9 - 19 2008
Films from the South (FFS) is a unique international film festival based in the
capital of Norway. Since 1991 the festival has catered for a diversed audience, the
norwegian press and distributors by presenting the best films and filmmakers from
Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each year 140 feature films, documentaries and short
films are presented, over ten festival days and 330 screenings.
Films from the South is proud to present some of the highlights of this year´s
programme:
Disgrace
South Africa 2008Directed by Steve Jacobs
Films from the South presents the European premiere of Disgrace, based on the novel
of the same name by Nobel Prize winner in literature J. M. Coetzee. Disgrace
describes the degradation of University Professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) after
he starts an affair with a young student. Both film and book explore political and
social themes directly connected to the post-apartheid period that the country finds
itself in. The novel was a great success internationally but is highly controversial
in South Africa. The film’s world premiere is in Toronto in September.
Waltz With Bashir
Israel 2008
Directed by Ari Folman
Films from the South presents the Nordic premiere of the animation documentary Waltz
With Bashir, one of the films that received the highest attention during this
year’s Cannes festival. Against the backdrop of the massacres in Sabra and
Shatila, after the Israeli invasion of West Beirut in 1982, this highly original and
beautiful film portrays the memory of war and evil in an unexpected and honest
manner. To reawaken suppressed war memories from twenty years back, director Folman
calls on his old soldier friends.
Tokyo Sonata
Japan 2008
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Kiyoshi Kurosawa is one of Japan’s most interesting directors and a regular at
the world’s most important festivals, with films like Cure (1997), Charisma
(1999) and Pulse (2001). Kurosawa has made more than thirty films in as many years,
and even though he is best known for his horror movies, he is also good at
portraying the human soul. Films from the South presents the Nordic premiere of his
latest film Tokyo Sonata, which won the Jury Prize in the sidebar programme Un
Certain Regard at this year’s Cannes festival.
Stray Dog
Brazil 2007
Regi: Beto Brant
Stray Dog is a lively urban contemporary drama with strong performances and tightly
dynamic storytelling. It is a character-driven film about the intense relationship
between the protagonist Ciro and his girlfriend. Beto Brant is currently regarded as
one of the greatest talents in Brazilian cinema, and Stray Dog explores a passionate
love drama between two young poetic people, where the interaction between the two
leading actors creates great intensity and presence. The film has won a number of
awards in its home country and at Latin American festivals.
Films from the South (FFS) is a unique international film festival based in the
capital of Norway. Since 1991 the festival has catered for a diversed audience, the
norwegian press and distributors by presenting the best films and filmmakers from
Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each year 140 feature films, documentaries and short
films are presented, over ten festival days and 330 screenings.
Films from the South is proud to present some of the highlights of this year´s
programme:
Disgrace
South Africa 2008Directed by Steve Jacobs
Films from the South presents the European premiere of Disgrace, based on the novel
of the same name by Nobel Prize winner in literature J. M. Coetzee. Disgrace
describes the degradation of University Professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) after
he starts an affair with a young student. Both film and book explore political and
social themes directly connected to the post-apartheid period that the country finds
itself in. The novel was a great success internationally but is highly controversial
in South Africa. The film’s world premiere is in Toronto in September.
Waltz With Bashir
Israel 2008
Directed by Ari Folman
Films from the South presents the Nordic premiere of the animation documentary Waltz
With Bashir, one of the films that received the highest attention during this
year’s Cannes festival. Against the backdrop of the massacres in Sabra and
Shatila, after the Israeli invasion of West Beirut in 1982, this highly original and
beautiful film portrays the memory of war and evil in an unexpected and honest
manner. To reawaken suppressed war memories from twenty years back, director Folman
calls on his old soldier friends.
Tokyo Sonata
Japan 2008
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Kiyoshi Kurosawa is one of Japan’s most interesting directors and a regular at
the world’s most important festivals, with films like Cure (1997), Charisma
(1999) and Pulse (2001). Kurosawa has made more than thirty films in as many years,
and even though he is best known for his horror movies, he is also good at
portraying the human soul. Films from the South presents the Nordic premiere of his
latest film Tokyo Sonata, which won the Jury Prize in the sidebar programme Un
Certain Regard at this year’s Cannes festival.
Stray Dog
Brazil 2007
Regi: Beto Brant
Stray Dog is a lively urban contemporary drama with strong performances and tightly
dynamic storytelling. It is a character-driven film about the intense relationship
between the protagonist Ciro and his girlfriend. Beto Brant is currently regarded as
one of the greatest talents in Brazilian cinema, and Stray Dog explores a passionate
love drama between two young poetic people, where the interaction between the two
leading actors creates great intensity and presence. The film has won a number of
awards in its home country and at Latin American festivals.
Anthology Film Archives
32 Second Ave @ 2nd Street
Tuesday, September 2nd
NewFilmmakers presents two nights at the movie. Tonight the singer Esthero will be
attending the screening of HUSH, wa new film with her music.
6:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS SHORT FILM PROGRAM (PART ONE)
Bohdana Smyrnova RAMONA’S NEW DRESSER
David Joshua Smith CATHARSIS
William Michals LEAD SINGER
Kathleen Ruffalo MANY JANES
7:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS SHORT FILM PROGRAM (PART TWO)
Eva Minemar HUSH
Sara Colangelo UN ATTIMO DI RESPIRO
Sal Massari HEAVY DUTY
Leo Fiorica WINDOW SHOPPING
8:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS FEATURE PRESENTATION
Matthew Cade THE MISSING STORIES
Dave, a young man in his mid twenties, wanders alone along Ocean Parkway; connecting
only to the world seen through the lens of a video camera. Currently he is at a
cross roads in his life due to the tragic death of his mother. In the midst of this
he meets a young woman.
Wednesday, September 3rd
NewFilmmakers presents a second night at the movies
6:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS DOCUMENTARY SERIES
Gavin Heffernan GRAND WHEEL
Jarratt Taylor YESTERDAY’S CHARM
Andreas Troeger KILL THE ARTIST
7:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS SHORT FILM PROGRAM
Scott Jones PLAINVIEW
Jason Klein WASTED
Marc Homer DON’T DRINK POISON
8:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS FIRST FEATURE PRESENTATION
Greg Derasmo ONE LAST DREAM OF AMERICA
The abuse of justice and power by the US government is examined in the microcosm of
a crime thriller. Feeling powerless after his girlfriend is raped by a police
officer, Charlie turns to street crime and eventually terrorist acts so shocking
they garner him a cult like following of angry young Americans.
9:15PM NEWFILMMAKERS SECOND FEATURE PRESENTATION
Arie Ohayon NOTHING TO NOBODY
Set in a Dominican neighborhood of upper Manhattan, Nothing to Nobody tells the
story of Alfonso Raul, a tortured young man with the soul of a poet. Alfonso has
served an eighteen month prison sentence. He wants to put the past behind him.
For more information see www.newfilmmakers.com
Tuesday, September 2nd
NewFilmmakers presents two nights at the movie. Tonight the singer Esthero will be
attending the screening of HUSH, wa new film with her music.
6:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS SHORT FILM PROGRAM (PART ONE)
Bohdana Smyrnova RAMONA’S NEW DRESSER
David Joshua Smith CATHARSIS
William Michals LEAD SINGER
Kathleen Ruffalo MANY JANES
7:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS SHORT FILM PROGRAM (PART TWO)
Eva Minemar HUSH
Sara Colangelo UN ATTIMO DI RESPIRO
Sal Massari HEAVY DUTY
Leo Fiorica WINDOW SHOPPING
8:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS FEATURE PRESENTATION
Matthew Cade THE MISSING STORIES
Dave, a young man in his mid twenties, wanders alone along Ocean Parkway; connecting
only to the world seen through the lens of a video camera. Currently he is at a
cross roads in his life due to the tragic death of his mother. In the midst of this
he meets a young woman.
Wednesday, September 3rd
NewFilmmakers presents a second night at the movies
6:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS DOCUMENTARY SERIES
Gavin Heffernan GRAND WHEEL
Jarratt Taylor YESTERDAY’S CHARM
Andreas Troeger KILL THE ARTIST
7:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS SHORT FILM PROGRAM
Scott Jones PLAINVIEW
Jason Klein WASTED
Marc Homer DON’T DRINK POISON
8:00PM NEWFILMMAKERS FIRST FEATURE PRESENTATION
Greg Derasmo ONE LAST DREAM OF AMERICA
The abuse of justice and power by the US government is examined in the microcosm of
a crime thriller. Feeling powerless after his girlfriend is raped by a police
officer, Charlie turns to street crime and eventually terrorist acts so shocking
they garner him a cult like following of angry young Americans.
9:15PM NEWFILMMAKERS SECOND FEATURE PRESENTATION
Arie Ohayon NOTHING TO NOBODY
Set in a Dominican neighborhood of upper Manhattan, Nothing to Nobody tells the
story of Alfonso Raul, a tortured young man with the soul of a poet. Alfonso has
served an eighteen month prison sentence. He wants to put the past behind him.
For more information see www.newfilmmakers.com
Limelight launch press release 2008
The East end has officially begun its count down as it opened its doors for the limelight film and arts awards competition on the 3rd of June 2008.
Limelight is a ground breaking film and arts competition followed by a prestigious awards ceremony which was created by film company Spotlight UK! They are in joint partnership on this project with Canary Wharf Group. The ceremony which people are already referring to as an ‘Oscar style’ event, welcomed many guests and local talents to it’s prominent launch, addressing the expectations and goals for this years campaign.
The primary aim as it has always been is to give a platform to those who are deprived from recognition after working so hard to produce a short film or other creative works.
The night kicked off with Munsur Ali (Limelight Director & Co Event Director) welcoming and addressing the guests, expanding on the core aims and objectives limelight hopes to achieve this year. The main key developments are new categories & a new range of talented performers for the night.
‘There is unbelievable talent within our communities that are unrecognised, untapped, and unappreciated, Limelight is the platform that will be opening doors for local talents.’
- Munsur Ali
Richard Van Gramberg (Head of Production & Limelight Co Event Director) created an exhilarating promo teaser video which really captured the prestigious awards ceremony and gave us all a little taster of what we can all expect at the 2009 awards show.
‘With the tremendous success of the 2008 awards show, we are looking to continue and build on that success and really showcase the great talents that London has to offer.
– Richard Van Gramberg
The Annual film and Arts competition which is followed by an Oscar style Awards ceremony, has been commended by film critics, celebrities, dignitaries, performers and local talents.
Limelight is going to be exploding and reaching out further than last year with a whole new group of celebrity guests, attendees and performers. The Host for Limelight 2009 is being kept a secret as the interest has grown, while 2008’s event was hosted by the lovely Konnie Huq.
Limelight shows London talents it’s appreciation by giving out awards to the best crafted works, plus the mega prize for best film of the night which is £5000 worth of production for the winners next short film project.
So if you have a short film, submit it now! Deadline November 14th 2008
The countdown has begun!
For more info please visit: www.limelightonline.org
Limelight is a ground breaking film and arts competition followed by a prestigious awards ceremony which was created by film company Spotlight UK! They are in joint partnership on this project with Canary Wharf Group. The ceremony which people are already referring to as an ‘Oscar style’ event, welcomed many guests and local talents to it’s prominent launch, addressing the expectations and goals for this years campaign.
The primary aim as it has always been is to give a platform to those who are deprived from recognition after working so hard to produce a short film or other creative works.
The night kicked off with Munsur Ali (Limelight Director & Co Event Director) welcoming and addressing the guests, expanding on the core aims and objectives limelight hopes to achieve this year. The main key developments are new categories & a new range of talented performers for the night.
‘There is unbelievable talent within our communities that are unrecognised, untapped, and unappreciated, Limelight is the platform that will be opening doors for local talents.’
- Munsur Ali
Richard Van Gramberg (Head of Production & Limelight Co Event Director) created an exhilarating promo teaser video which really captured the prestigious awards ceremony and gave us all a little taster of what we can all expect at the 2009 awards show.
‘With the tremendous success of the 2008 awards show, we are looking to continue and build on that success and really showcase the great talents that London has to offer.
– Richard Van Gramberg
The Annual film and Arts competition which is followed by an Oscar style Awards ceremony, has been commended by film critics, celebrities, dignitaries, performers and local talents.
Limelight is going to be exploding and reaching out further than last year with a whole new group of celebrity guests, attendees and performers. The Host for Limelight 2009 is being kept a secret as the interest has grown, while 2008’s event was hosted by the lovely Konnie Huq.
Limelight shows London talents it’s appreciation by giving out awards to the best crafted works, plus the mega prize for best film of the night which is £5000 worth of production for the winners next short film project.
So if you have a short film, submit it now! Deadline November 14th 2008
The countdown has begun!
For more info please visit: www.limelightonline.org
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
MY HERO Film Festival
Dear Film Enthusiast,
Do you know someone who is looking for a venue for his or her short film?
The MY HERO Film Festival is currently accepting entries of up to 10
minutes in length for its 2008 competition. The festival is a component
of the MY HERO Project, an educational, not-for-profit organization that
celebrates heroes from all walks of life. The mission of the MY HERO Film
Festival is to encourage awareness of human rights and environmental
responsibility as well as to improve communication between people of all
cultures.
A screening and celebration takes place November 22 at the University of
Southern California’s School for Cinematic Arts. Winners will receive
prizes such as cash, video equipment and software, hotel accommodations
and round-trip airfare to attend the award ceremony in Los Angeles. In
addition to the screening, the winning films are presented to a global
audience on the MY HERO web site (www.myhero.com).
The MY HERO Film Festival welcomes entries from filmmakers of all ages and
levels of experience: Student, Elementary School, Middle School, High
School, College or Graduate School, Enthusiast, Community and
Professional. Judges are looking for originality, creativity,
storytelling, technical expertise and entertainment value.
Entries may be in DV (mini DV or DV Cam), DVD or CD (Mpeg or QuickTime
movie files only). The categories are as follows:
Narrative – a film that tells a story, uses actors, and is often fictional
Experimental – a film that combines several media to express a theme or
concept
Documentary – a true story about a real person or situation
Animation – a story that incorporates various animation techniques such as
stop motion, drawing, 3D, clay animation and Flash
The MY HERO web site also offers ideas and suggestions for every step of
the filmmaking process, from choosing a location to editing the final
project. Detailed lesson plans are available on the MY HERO web site for
educators who want to help and inspire young filmmakers.
Entries are accepted year-round, but to qualify for the 2008 competition,
entries must be received by October 1st. Films received after this date
will be entered into the following year’s Festival, and will not be
eligible for prizes in 2008. The $25 entry fee ($20 for students) may be
waived if you or your school are unable to pay. For more information,
festival rules, entry, consent and fee waiver forms, visit the website at
http://www.myhero.com and follow the Short Films link
to the Film Festival page. You can also email:media@myheroproject.org.
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Young Writers and Filmmakers Given the Chance to Showcase Talent to Key Players in British Film Industry
Get Connected, the charity that provides a helpline for young people, are launching Nobody’s Perfect, a new website for young writers, actors and directors to showcase their talents to professional writers, producers and directors. Young people between 16 and 25 can submit film, scripts and music to win the chance to produce six short films that address issues like self-harm, sexuality and bullying.
Top British movie producer Nick O'Hagan (Fever Pitch, Tideland) is supporting Nobody's Perfect by judging entrants and mentoring the winners.
“I’m always on the lookout for new British talent and I’m confident this competition will unearth some exciting young writers and directors and I look forward to working with them on the project.”
Nick O’Hagan will be joined on the judging panel by up-and-coming writer-director Paris Leonti (Daylight Robbery) and by actors Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter), Tom Hardy (Layer Cake, RocknRolla), Georgia Groome (London to Brighton, Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging) and JJ Feild (Northanger Abbey).
Get Connected will give the winners the chance to work on six short films in London in September. The finished films will then receive a premiere in the capital at the Odeon Covent Garden and be supported by numerous media partners including ITV Local, Tiscali and Raindance.
"Get Connected provides a confidential phone, email and web-chat service for under-25s and this competition will let them communicate their feelings in a way that's relevant to them," says Chloe Darlington, External Affairs Manager at Get Connected. "The support we’ve received from the media industry has been fantastic and we’re sure their enthusiasm for the project will really inspire the young people.”
The Nobody's Perfect website was officially launched today and can be viewed at www.nobodys-perfect.co.uk
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
The 14th Annual Brainwash Movie Festival
Come one, come all, to the 14th Annual Brainwash
Drive-In/Bike-In/Walk-In MovieFestival,
featuring original shorts from around the world! (Program
specifics are listed below.)
What: The 2008 14th Annual Brainwash Movie Festival
When: Fri. & Sat., July 25th and 26th at 9:00 p.m. each night.
Where: Mandela Village Arts Center,
1357 5th St., Oakland, California, USA.
How: $9/nite, discounts available on our site
-http://brainwashm.com
Wheelchair accessible.
NESTA/UK Film Council Digital Innovation in Film Participants Announced
NESTA and the UK Film Council have named the 12 independent British film businesses who will participate in the Digital Innovation in Film programme. The programme which is jointly run by the two organisations, in conjunction with national and regional screen agencies, is designed to help small independent British film companies to embrace new business growth opportunities through digital distribution.
The companies were selected from 50 entries and represent creative businesses at different stages –incorporating film production, distribution and sales. For the next 18 months they will be teamed up with specialist partners who will help them to develop the content, marketing and digital distribution potential of their films to audiences around the world in new ways. Each organisation will have a specially tailored programme which will include financial/business planning support, identifying and delivering opportunities for new forms of distribution, with the goal of improving the film business’s potential for growth and investment.
The 12 businesses are:
B3 Media
BreakThru Films
Film Export UK
Hollywood Classics
Lux
Metrodome Distribution
Mosaic Films
onedotzero
Revolver Entertainment
Vod Almighty
Warp Films
Zini Limited
Commenting on the announcement, John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council says “The digital world is already having a huge impact on the film industry and we will either adapt or fall by the wayside. This initiative is important because it helps to equip a diverse range of different film businesses to succeed on the new frontier.”
One of the chosen businesses Hollywood Classics said “This is a really exciting opportunity for us. We very much welcome access to digital distribution expertise to explore emerging opportunities for new revenue streams, but we also need to be linked in to a broader network of companies who can share their experiences and contacts”.
Jon Kingsbury, NESTA’s Creative Economy programme director added: “Independent film companies are the bedrock of our creative sector. The chosen companies will not only receive vital support for their own businesses, they will also be helping us to design a broader framework of intervention and support for independent film companies across the UK – positioning us as a key player in the global film industry”.
UK Film Council
The UK Film Council is the Government backed lead agency for film in the UK in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad. We invest Government grant-in-aid and Lottery money in developing new filmmakers, in funding exciting new British films and in getting a wider choice of films to audiences throughout the UK. We also invest in training, promoting Britain as an international filmmaking location and in raising the profile of British films abroad.
NESTA
NESTA is the National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts. With endowed funds of over £300 million, its mission is to transform the UK's capacity for innovation. It does this in three main ways: by working to build a more pervasive culture of innovation in this country; by providing innovators with access to early stage capital; and by driving forward research into innovation, with a view to influencing policy.
Digital Innovation in Film
This programme is a key part of the DCMS Creative Britain strategy, addresses a critical need identified by the UK Film Council and is a key strand of NESTA’s Creative Economy portfolio. It was launched and endorsed by Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MBE MP, Minister for Culture, Creative Industries & Tourism, the on 12 March. The pilot programme will assist a portfolio of twelve businesses to explore the opportunities of digital distribution across the independent film sector, improving their investment-readiness and providing strategies for sustainable growth. Key to this programme will be extracting vital learning and disseminating the learning for the industry as a whole. Further details of the launch event can be accessed via NESTA’s website: http://www.nesta.org.uk/digital-innovation-in-film-project-event
RUSHES SOHO SHORTS ANNOUNCE FESTIVAL FINALISTS
Rushes Soho Shorts Festival http://www.sohoshorts.com is pleased to announce the top three finalists in each of the categories
for the 10th year competition.
The winners will be announced at the awards night at Café de Paris on
Thursday 31st July. The ceremony is the grand finale of the ten-day
festival, and will be hosted by Terry Christian, who will be supported by
presenters including Joseph Fiennes, Jaye Griffiths, Magenta Devine and
award-winning director Tim Pope.
ANIMATION
³Standup²
Joseph Pierce
National Film and Television School
³The Control Master²
Run Wrake
Sclah Films
³Sony Bravia: Play Doh²
Frank Budgen and Darren Walsh
Passion Pictures
SHORT FILM
³Eel Girl²
Paul Campion
Chameleon Pictures
³El Hoppo!²
Marcus Shepherd
Dan Films Ltd
Souljah
Rikki Beadle-Blair
Team Angelica
BROADCAST DESIGN
³Don¹t Let It All Unravel²
Sarah Cox
Aardman Animations
³1 in 7 Children²
Susannah Hayes
Ferocious Films
³BBC iPlayer: Penguins²
Vince Squibb & Darren Walsh
Passion Pictures
MUSIC VIDEO
³Spektr: Things That Go Bump In The Night
Thomas Pors
Simulakrum
³Mika Lollipop²
Bonzom
Passion
³One Eskimo: Hometime²
Lucy Sullivan & Matt Latchford
Gravy Media
NEWCOMERS
³On The Upside²
Peter Bunzi
Peter Bunzl Films
³Love Does Grow On Trees²
Bevan Walsh
Keel Films
³Covered²
Jack Laurance
Covered
DOCUMENTARY
³A-Z²
Sally Arthur
Arthur Cox
³Adi Dassler²
Martin Krejci
Stink
³I Dreamt of Flying²
Alex Bland
Friday, 18 July 2008
Flanders International Film Festival-Ghent
Clint Mansell and Sonus Quartet to perform cult director Aronofsky soundtracks at
35th Ghent Int'l Film Festival
source: Ghent Int'l Film Festival
For the 35th edition of the Ghent Film Festival (7-18 October), Clint Mansell and
Sonus Quartet will be performing atmospheric tunes from Darren Aronofsky films (Pi,
Requiem For A Dream, The Fountain). Like Aronofsky in the film world, Mansell has
garnered an immense cult following for his soundtrack work, known for its dark,
hypnotic beauty. The concert will be held on 16 October in the theatre hall at the
Vooruit.
Clint Mansell started out as the front man for British electronica-punk group Pop
Will Eat Itself. He broke into the world of scoring when his friend, director Darren
Aronofsky, hired him to write the soundtrack for Pi, his debut feature film. Since
then, Mansell has scored Aronofsky’s two other films, Requiem for a Dream and The
Fountain.
Mansell’s unique sense of style is difficult to pin down, a mix of anything in the
minor-key palette available to him, from swelling strings to heavy electric guitar
and tribal drums. For his work on The Fountain, he teamed up with Scottish post-rock
band Mogwai and Kronos Quartet to produce the most exquisite, powerful soundtrack
experience of 2007. Not only did it win him Best Original Soundtrack at the World
Soundtrack Awards, but also the Public Choice Award, voted by film music fans from
around the world.
For his concert in Ghent, Mansell will be bringing a few special guests along: a
rock band and Sonus Quartet, a string ensemble. They will be performing Aronofsky
film tracks, complete with film clips pulsating in the background.
Tickets: € 16,5 (presale) / € 20 available from Fnac: www.fnac.be and Vooruit: www.vooruit.be
SHOWCOMOTION YOUNG PEOPLE'S FILM FESTIVAL: UNICEF UK AWARDS WINNERS
WINNING FILMS ANNOUNCED
Organisers of the Showcomotion Young People’s Film Festival have announced
the winners of their short film competition, the UNICEF UK AWARDS. The
UNICEF UK AWARDS are film awards specifically for short films on the theme
of human rights for children and young people.
Kathy Loizou, Festival Director said: ‘Our youth jury members worked long
and hard yesterday (Wednesday 9 July), viewing the 23 films in the
competition, and debating and discussing who would have the honour of
winning the prestigious UNICEF UK Awards.’
UNICEF UK YOUNG FILM MAKER AWARD
The first award is the UNICEF UK YOUNG FILM MAKER AWARD which is for young
film makers up to and including 18 years old. The Joint Winners are
Past-Caring by Zoe Kyriakou (age 14), Usman Zaman (age 13) & Aiden Troughton
(age 12) and Wrecked by Oscar Forshaw Swift (age 17).
Special Mentions go to Cube Xtra Movie: Friendship made by Sheffield based
Iman Hussain & Jodie Hobson (age 14) and Flash-Back by Cèlia Rozalén & Emili
Taroncher (age 16)
UNICEF UK SHORT FILM AWARD
The UNICEF UK SHORT FILM AWARD is for professional film makers. The winner
in this section is Doggie by Simone Van Dusseldorp and Special Mentions go
to Felix by Andreas Utta and Goldfish by Joe Wein.
UNICEF UK AUDIENCE AWARD
The UNICEF UK AUDIENCE AWARD is for the best film from both categories voted
by the audience. The winner is Doggie and Special Mentions go to Goldfish
and Past-Caring.
Showcomotion is at the Showroom Cinema, Paternoster Row, Sheffield S1 2BX
Box Office: 0114 275 7727 www.showcomotion.org.uk
<http://www.showcomotion.org.uk/>
Sheffield Doc/Fest¹s MeetMarket is now open for Project Submissions!
Doc /Fest presents the UK's biggest international documentary marketplace
and its unique pitching initiative: MeetMarket where, in pre-scheduled
match-made one-on-one meetings, documentary makers pitch their newest and
most unique projects to dozens of UK and international buyers, Executive
Producers, commissioning editors and distributors. MeetMarket provides high
quality, original ideas with the possibility to be fast-tracked from
development to production, in a supportive and dynamic setting. The
projected worth of sales in negotiation sparked at MeetMarket 2007 adds up
to £4,321,980, and rising. MeetMarket is a unique and exciting way to pitch
and discuss the projects you¹re most passionate about with the documentary
decision-makers who matter
Online project submissions are now open. Projects can be any stage of
development and applicants can be from any geographic location and
background. Interactive and cross-platform projects are also very welcome.
The deadline for project submissions is September 12th. To see the full list
of confirmed buyers, see http://www.sheffdocfest.com/view/buyerslist . For
more information on applying, email charlie@sidf.co.uk or visit
http://www.sheffdocfest.com/view/meetmarket
"MeetMarket surprised me: I had an extraordinarily creative response to my
film from 23 intelligent men and women who care passionately about
documentaries. They reflected my story back to me and I came out richer
not just financially, although I have already been offered money to complete
my film, but in terms of valuing my project." - MeetMarket participant 200
Darryl's Hard Liquor and P0rn Film Festival
Darryl's Hard Liquor and P0rn Film Festival is currently seeking short films for
it's Fall 2008 line-up.
Currently in it's 9th year, Darryl's Hard Liquor and P0rn Film Festival is quickly
becoming the counter culture event on the festival
circuit featuring brilliant short comedy films that spoof sex and porn.
Audiences typically dress up as their most innovative inner P0rn Star and drink
cocktails while watching the films - thus ensuring a good time by all no matter
what!
Always playing to sell out crowds, this year's fest will begin in Toronto on
September 6th (brave enough to go up against the Toronto Film Festival) and move on
to screenings
in New York, San Francisco, Montreal, Vancouver and London.
Submission deadline is August 15 2008.
Toronto Show Saturday September 6th at The Bloor Cinema
Go to www.hardliquorandporn.com for details on submissions.
Note: The 69 Hour Film Challenge will launch on August 20th 2008 - Details soon on
the website.
V International Film Festival «Eurasia»
One of the programmes of V IFF «Eurasia» would be dedicated to “Kazakh New Wave” which emerged 20 years ago and the year 1988 shall be considered the starting point with the release of “The Needle” by Rashid Nugmanov. What was the effect of this “wave”? Who was the part of it? What films did it include? What did it produce for Kazakhstan? This programme of the festival would allow to answer all these questions as well as to discuss the newest history of Kazakhstani cinema. The audience should also expect meetings with film directors – the creators of the “New Wave” films.
«There is no entrance but a magnificent one»
In the late 1980s a number of young people striving for a change in Kazakhstan’s cinema came to “Kazakhfilm” studio. Back then, a philosopher and culturist Murat Auezov was the chief editor and each session of artistic counsel resembled the construction of an intellectual building called cinematography. M. Auezov used to say: «With all absolute or relative achievements of our culture, for the last twenty years the cinema dropped out form the level of cultural Kazakhstani process. That’s why the field of cinematography is positioned as the artistic intelligence’s careful attention zone. It results in the entry of talented people, the accumulation of creative people ready for the breakthrough». He is also the one who said the words that «the state of cinema is so depressive, that there is no entrance but a magnificent one».
The deeds were following the words. Initiated by Goskino headed by Olzhas Suleimenov at that time, film director Sergey Solviev selected students to Kazakhstani workshop, set up at VGIK. And the first students became the representatives of young artistic intellectuals: architect Rashid Nugmanov, historian Abay Karpykov, poet Amir Karakulov, Arabist Bakhyt Kilibayev, philologist Ardak Amirkulov, mathematician Darezhan Omirbayev, playwrights Leyla Akhinzhanova and Alexander Baranov, painter Murat Musin and others. It wasn’t just a group of young men sent to study at VGIK, they were assigned a mission – to create new Kazakh cinema. And when studying came to an end, “Kazakhfilm” studio launched feature film productions of almost all of these students. Moreover, they supported the most challenging and the most unexpected projects. “The Needle” by Rashid Nugmanov emerged in such way becoming the banner of “reconstruction”, «Last Stop» by Serik Aprymov, «Little Fish in Love» by Abay Karpykov, «Home Wrecker» by Amir Karakulov, «The Fall of Otrar» by Ardak Amirkulov, «Kairat» by Darezhan Omirbayev and others. However the “New Kazakh Wave” wasn’t noticed in Kazakhstan, on the contrary the works by the young were harshly criticized. The Wave was spotted and promoted in Moscow and then further on to international film festivals. From the late 80s until the end of 90s almost every festival considered an honor to receive the new Kazakh film.
What did the “Wave” do for the country?
«Kazakh New Wave» was the first to mark independent Kazakhstan on world map. The cinematographers were the first ones to do that in the field of culture. Let’s recollect: when the independence was just declared, the film festivals were already giving out prizes to the films of the country which was absolutely unknown to everyone.
Second of all, it changed the paradigm of art from the soviet to none-soviet. Young independent people who wanted and were able to build their own lives emerged from the cinema. So the minds changed first and then the reality. It’s noteworthy, that our “wave” started earlier than the collapse of Soviet Union. In the late 80s the soviet distribution still operated and, let’s say, the film was watched by 13 million viewers. And that wasn’t just a film about a super hero, the film was about the coming of new time, new heroes, it showed the dying of the outmoded old system.
Third of all – it laid the basis of nation-construction, tearing us away from soviet past and making us look towards what new and independent Kazakhstan should be like.
Let’s take the works of Serik Aprymov as example. Each film of his is a stage in country’s life. “Last Stop” (1989) – the denial of old soviet experience. «Aksuat» (1998) – a very important film in establishing Kazakh self-awareness. «Three Brothers» (2000) – a film, showing post-colonial reflections and, at last, «The Hunter» (2003) – the creation of a new myth about the new\old nation of Kazakhs.
Films by Darezhan Omirbayev also portray the reflections of young individuals in the moment of entering new life. Through his films, the director speaks not only about the change of social formation but also touches upon particularly domestic problems in Kazakhstan. Thus, the films «Kairat» (1991) and «Cardiogram» (1995) concern different spheres – urban and village, and correspondingly, the people speaking Russian and Kazakh. Darezhan addresses the social criticism of the public in his film «Killer» (1998).
If Serik Aprymov works with myths and Darezhan Omirbayev with social problems, Amir Karakulov deals with models of family in his films such as “Home Wrecker”, “Pigeon Ringer”, “Zhylama”, and Ardak Amirkulov works with historical material: «The Fall of Otrar», «Abay», «Farewell, Gulsary». By means of their creations, almost every film director of the “New Wave” covered the entire layer of issues and problems, not to mention the stylistic and artistic quests.
What did it show to the World?
The phenomenon of “Kazakh New Wave” as a social event ended in 2000-2001 with the following films: “Three Brothers” by Serik Aprymov and “Zhylama” by Amir Karakulov. And the film “Zhol” by Darezhan Omirbayev has closed this chapter being an ironical story about the film directors of the “new wave”. Sure enough, we can’t say that “Kazakh New Wave” is twenty years old. We’d rather say that it’s been twenty years since the spring of the “wave” because there isn’t a single cultural movement that would last more than 10-12 years. Italian “neorealism” and the “French New Wave” existed for approximately the same period. The phenomenon is over but directors are still shooting films.
Today is time to take a newer look on the contribution of the “new-wavers” to the culture of independent Kazakhstan. Films by Darezhan Omirbayev participated in competitions of Cannes and Venice and “Killer” received Grand-Prix in the Un Certain Regard programme. Newspapers wrote the following headliners about Amir Karakulov: “Venice from Amir Karakulov to Nagisa Oshima”. Quentin Tarantino handed him the Grand-Prix award for “Pigeon Ringer” at the festival in Turin. Film “Lat Holidays” received Grand-Prix at the film festival in Tokyo. Serik Aprymov’s films ranged the whole world and received many prizes. One of the last prizes – “Nika” was given to his film “The Hunter” for the best foreign film.
The entrance was, indeed, a magnificent one and each one of these film directors deserve to be honored by Kazakh nation and all Kazakhstani citizens, for now Kazakhstan is not only famous for its oil but for highly intellectual cinema as well.
V IFF «Eurasia» programme will include such films as: “The Needle” by Rashid Nugmanov, «The Hunter» by Serik Aprymov, «The Fall of Otrar» by Ardak Amirkulov, “Zhol” by Darezhan Omirbayev, «The Tender One» by Abay Karpykov, «Zhylama» by Amir Karakulov, and also the shot films «Toro» by Talgat Temenov, «Shilde» by Darezhan Omirbayev. The viewers will also get a chance to meet with the creators of these films.
Gulnara Abikeyeva
IFF “Eurasia” Artistic Director
More detailed information on films, programmes, jury, prizes, participants and guests of the film festival “Eurasia” will be available in the next issues of the bulletin and at www.eurasiaiff.kz
LIMELIGHT FILM AND ARTS AWARDS 2009
The East end has officially begun its count down as it opened its doors
for the limelight film and arts awards competition on the 3rd of June 2008.
The ground breaking film and arts awards ceremony which people are
already referring to as the Oscar's of London, welcomed many guests and
local talents to it's prominent launch, addressing the expectations and
goals for this years campaign.
The primary aim is as it has always been to give a platform to those who
are deprived from recognition after working so hard to produce a short
film or other creative works.
The night kicked off with Munsur Ali (Director of Limelight) welcoming
and addressing the guests, expanding on the core aims and objectives
limelight hopes to achieve this year. The main key developments are new
categories, a diverse range of performers for the night which shall
provide all participants with further recognition for their chosen
creative medium.
As usual Richard A. Vangramberg (Head of Production & Limelight Co Event
Director) created a lively and exhilarating promo teaser video which
really captured the prestigious awards ceremony and gave us all a little
taster of what we all can expect at the 2009 awards show. 'With the
tremendous success of the 2008 awards show, we are looking for ways to
improve and continue to build on that success.' – Richard A. Vangramberg
The 2008 limelight Attendees of the launch included music producer Coco
Varma, Tower Hamlets Phil Maxwell, Zak from Canary and many other.
Phil Maxwell Tower Hamlets Waste Education Officer and last years winner
is now one of the official judges of limelight and he was surprised and
honored when he was approached by the limelight team.
Limelight asked him why he choose to be one of the judges and he replied
"Limelight gives people the platform they need and also limelight
cares the people who have no platform and support and I want to be a
part of something and anything that gives the people support and hand
they need to be recognized".
Zak from Canary Wharf the partner of Limelight was delighted that
Limelight has once again risen to give platforms to local film makers as
well as performers on its second year round. Zak's response to a
question from a guest which "was why are you backing Limelight"? He
replied "if businesses do not back events like limelight then how can we
expect people talents to progress".
Cherry Lee our very own performer of Limelight 2008 once again shared
her wonderful talent with us by giving another live performance for the
guests of Limelight which gave everyone a taste of what's to come on
January 22nd the Limelight film and arts awards night.
Limelight will always aim to be bigger and more fun for guests and
performers as well as submitters promising to provide a platform for
everyone.
The countdown has begun!!!!!!!!!!
22nd January 2009 - The countdown has begun
www.limelightonline.org
USER-GENERATED AND USER-OWNED FEATURE FILM COMPETITION
The Movie Mogul Fund ‘Micro Movie Lab’ competition to a create a user-generated feature film is about to enter its exciting second phase entitled ‘The Writer’s Brief’.
Round 1 – Cherry Bowl: Wining Pitch Announced!
| | “Negotiating Life” A melancholic life insurance salesman finds his attempts at committing suicide unwittingly thwarted by his disgruntled customers.© Movie Mogul Ltd |
Welsh Filmmaker Ryan Hooper won both the Members Award and the Jury Award with his pitch “Negotiating Life.” This idea now forms the basis of the next round of the competition.
Round 2 – The Writer’s Brief
Budding screenwriters have until 31st July to devise and submit their 500-1200 word story outline, incorporating the title, genre and essence of ‘Negotiating Life’. Subject to members voting throughout August ’08, the top ten ranking ideas then go before a Jury Panel consisting of industry professionals; Huw Penallt Jones from Capitol Films, Ed Thomas from the Fiction Factory, Mark Sandell from Trinity Filmed Entertainment, Olivier Lauchenauer from Pogo Films and John Shackleton of Movie Mogul Ltd.
‘The Writer’s Brief’ main prizes:
- Jury Award - £400 screenwriting commission
- £100 and a share in the film’s profits
- 1 year’s NPA membership (worth £85)
- Members Award - £200
- 1 year’s NPA membership (worth £85)
- Runner-up £50
Further rounds include an open Director and Producer’s call, to bring the vision to life. The production budget of £100k will be raised by members of the website purchasing affordable units at £4.95 each. All winners and unit holders will share in the film’s profits and own it jointly. The film aims to go into production towards the end of the year, under the supervision of participating Jury members.
For further information see www.moviemogulfund.com
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