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FILMFESTIVALS | 24/7 world wide coverageWelcome ! Enjoy the best of both worlds: Film & Festival News, exploring the best of the film festivals community. Launched in 1995, relentlessly connecting films to festivals, documenting and promoting festivals worldwide. Working on an upgrade soon. For collaboration, editorial contributions, or publicity, please send us an email here. User login |
The Festival Beat Summer edition N°1105 |
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Silver Scream Con Brings a Weekend of Macabre Celebration for Genre Friends
Tickets Available Now at silverscreamcon.com
The body count is mounting as Silver Scream Con- The Three-quel, announced more celebrity guests for the third edition of the popular horror-convention at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA September 13th-15th. Tickets and information are available now at silverscreamcon.com.
The first two Silver Scream Cons in 2022 and 2023 were frightfully successful and having a 9-foot demon of Hell cosplayer walking around the lobby of a hotel in Danvers, MA carrying a Starbucks cup, was a sign that 2024’s Con needed a bigger venue.
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MATTEL AT COMIC CON 2024 by Emmanuel Itier
Once again, Mattel was back in full force at the legendary Comic Con of San Diego. Mattel has come a long way since I played with the “Big Jim” action figures in France in the early 80’s. They have managed to sign iconic brands and turn them into exclusives that everyone fights for, during the four days of the convention.
My sons spent a few hours, each day, to get their favorite items. Among a long list of collectors set, let’s mention the ‘Hot Wheels Batmobile collector set’ in celebration of 85 years of Batman; it contains 6 Batmobiles from the various movies everyone loves. My older son, Felix, went nuts for the ‘Jurassic World – Hammond collection bubbles up Jimmy Buffet’ in honor of the cameo appearance by Jimmy Buffet in Jurassic World. The set comes with a margarita stand with lights and sounds. And of course, you get your favorite blender noises and dinosaur roars! So cool. Finally, let’s not forget that, following Mattel worldwide box office domination with the BARBIE movie, fans were able, at this Comic Con, to get a collector:
‘Mini Mojo Dojo Casa House’. This is the house modeled after the movie. And it comes with a Ken figurine wearing a matching denim set.
Truly there was a treasure for everyone at this Comic Con and Mattel made tons of fans happy with their new acquisitions.
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Edinburgh International Film Festival announces Thelma Schoonmaker In Conversation event
The legendary film editor will speak as part of the EIFF 2024 Programme line-up
Festival also announces industry guests hosting tables at EIFF Networking Brunches
EIFF Industry events also include case study panels and distribution sessions in a wide-ranging programme focusing on cross arts conversations, Fringe partnerships and new talent support
The relaunched Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced details of a special in-conversation event with the legendary Thelma Schoonmaker who is celebrated for her iconic work as an editor on landmark moments in cinema history and for her collaborations with Martin Scorsese, including Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Wolf of Wall Street and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Thelma will be discussing her outstanding career on Tuesday 20 August at 3pm at Tollcross Central Hall. Tickets will go on sale Thursday 8 August at 3pm.
Whilst at the Festival, Thelma will also present the award for The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence Competition which showcases World Premieres of new exciting short form work from Scottish, the UK and international filmmakers. The award comes with a cash prize of £15,000 and will be decided by audience vote during EIFF with the winner announced on Wednesday 21 August.
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Submit to the New Media Film Festival honoring stories worth telling - top scripts read by HBO
CALL FOR SCRIPTS – www.NewMediaFilmFestival.com
New Media Film Festival® the film festival you’ll want to enter. Pushing the envelope is a big deal in the film industry but telling the same old stories will not get your name out there. You have to innovate and tell a new story. If this sounds like you, then the New Media Film Festival® is the perfect place to showcase your script. HBO has requested meetings with writers who have submitted to our festival outside of the festival process.
“With industry-leading judges and a long history of featuring groundbreaking new content, the New Media Film Festival’s call for scripts is one that every screenwriter should be answering." - Film Daily
More About the Festival. Honoring stories worth telling June 4-5 2025 in Los Angeles CA. The rationale behind the festival is clear. New Media Film Festival® continues to show its lasting power and potential to evolve - there is scope for truly groundbreaking and compelling work in the world of storytelling. The festival is designed to both discover and cultivate highly creative work from emerging and seasoned content creators. Your innovation will not go unnoticed. In fact, it will be seen by judges from Springer Publishing, Simon & Schuster, ABC, Marvel, PBS, HBO, BBC, Rolling Stone, the Television Academy and more.
Call for Scripts! All types and lengths considered in Script Category.
Animation – Book - Children’s – Comedy – Drama – Documentary – Episodic - Long Form - New Media – Novel – Pilot – Play – Screenplay - Scripted Reality – Series – Television – Videogame - Web Series and more.
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TIFF Announces its 2024 Centrepiece Programme with Titles from Over 40 Countries
TIFF ANNOUNCES ITS 2024 CENTREPIECE PROGRAMME WITH TITLES FROM OVER 40 COUNTRIES
FEATURING WORKS BY ACCLAIMED FILMMAKERS MERZAK ALLOUACHE, ANDRÉS BAIZ, SOFIA BOHDANOWICZ, HUO XIN, DAMIAN KOCUR, AND ALI SAMADI AHADI
TIFF is proud to unveil its 2024 Centrepiece programme lineup presented by Marriott Bonvoy,® featuring 43 titles from filmmakers representing 41 countries. The selection includes 18 World Premiere titles from Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and USA. Centrepiece honours and celebrates global cinematic achievements, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a dynamic array of contemporary films. The programme is a reflection of TIFF’s commitment to providing an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries. The 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place September 5-15, 2024.
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The Marrakech Short Film Festival returns for its fourth edition, taking place from September 27 to October 2, 2024
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Qatar Honored Country at the Fourth Edition of the Marrakech Short Film Festival
The Marrakech Short Film Festival returns strongly for its fourth edition, taking place from September 27 to October 2, 2024 in Marrakech.
This year, it stands out with two exceptional partnerships: firstly, integration into the Marrakech Capital of Islamic Culture program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication and ICESCO. Secondly, a notable participation in the Qatar X Morocco Year of Culture 2024 program.
This special edition highlights the rich cultural and cinematic diversity of Qatar. For the first time, the festival will host the renowned DFI (Doha Film Institute), Qatar's leading international organization dedicated to film financing, production, education, and film festivals. This collaboration enriches the international cinematic panorama presented during this edition.
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Berlinale World Cinema Fund: Current Funding Recommendations for Production and Distribution
Goodbye Julia von / by Mohamed Kordofani © Pierre de Villiers / Rushlake Media GmbH
At the 40th jury session of the Berlinale World Cinema Fund (WCF), the juries made ten funding recommendations for projects from Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Egypt, Iran, Lesotho, Nepal and Sudan. The current funding pot of eight production and two distribution grants amounts to a total of 260,000 euros.
“At a time when the complexity of the world is often suppressed, the WCF jury meetings provide a space for reflection where we can engage with the worlds around us in all their marvellous and intricate diversity. All of this is made possible by the countless projects of the highest quality that we receive. We have selected eight projects with great artistic potential that fascinate and move us. Many come from the African continent, many introduce us to unique characters who are able to withstand their often tragic fate. We are looking forward to the special films that will emerge from them,” says Vincenzo Bugno, head of WCF.
The Funding Recommendations of the 40th Jury Session
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Berlinale Launches Perspectives, a New International Competition for Feature-Length Fiction Debuts, Strengthening the Profile of New Talent Within the Festival
© Daniel Seiffert / Berlinale 2018
With the creation of an international competitive strand for fiction feature debuts, the Berlinale will shine a brighter spotlight on new filmmakers within the festival. This new stand-alone competition, Perspectives, will include up to 14 fiction debuts from all over the world, with a jury of three deciding on the Best First Feature Award. The award is endowed with 50,000 euros, funded by GWFF (Gesellschaft zur Wahrnehmung von Film- und Fernsehrechten), a society dedicated to safeguarding film and television rights. The prize money is to be split between the producers and the directors of the winning film.
Perspectives emerges from the Best First Feature Award at the Berlinale, run in partnership with GWFF since 2006. Previously nominations were embedded across all of the festival’s sections; this new strand brings the films together into a high profile focal point competition.
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FUNKO – Comic Con 2024 by Emmanuel Itier
www.Funko.com
by Emmanuel Itier
Thanks to Marisa Dabney and Briana Richard, our Funko experience was a total success, this year again, at Comic Con 2024. As always Funko had created a whole vast village within the wall of the San Diego convention center. One of the “must stop” was the Pop Yourself! experience. This year, and for the delight of my boys Max and Rex, they were able to create a unique personalized Pop! figurine of Wolverine and of Deadpool. To better explain us what was different this year at Funko Comic Con 2024, let’s have Marisa give us more information:
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LEGOLAND: Building memories, one brick at a time.
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Review of Legoland and the Lego Castle hotel – Summer 2024 by Emmanuel ITIER
“Everything is awesome!” such is the well-deserved mantra one shall award to Legoland and the Lego Castle hotel located in Carlsbad, California
To make your experience the best possible, at Legoland, may I suggest you get a day prior to your park visit and check yourself for one night at the Castle Lego hotel. Each room is super large and lodges up to 3 kids and 2 adults. The theme room we chose was “knights and dragons” and our boys had a blast. This new hotel also has a large pool and a jacuzzi. Pre-buy an early check in and enjoy the hotel from 1:00pm on. And of course, it includes the lavish breakfast buffet for the whole family as well as an early admittance into the park, one hour before everyone else.
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Atlantic International Film Festival announces three regional World Premieres
Atlantic International Film Festival announces three regional World Premieres for event in Halifax, September 11-18
AIFF presents LIVE! SCRIPTS OUT LOUD! and
FREE programming for all ages at the Halifax Public Library
Early Bird passes and ticket packages available today!
LAKEVIEW (2024) will have its World Premiere at AIFF '24.
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TIFF Unveils Fresh Talent and Showcases International Cinema with its 2024 Discovery Programme
TIFF is thrilled to announce its 2024 Discovery programme lineup, in which audiences will uncover hidden cinematic gems from around the globe. The Discovery programme, presented by Air France, premieres debut and sophomore films from emerging filmmakers, showcasing the best of contemporary international cinema.
This year’s robust programme encompasses 24 titles, with 20 World Premieres, representing more than 25 countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Colombia, Denmark, Greece, India, Italy, Kosovo, Nigeria, Romania, Somalia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, and Ukraine. From its opening night film Bonjour Tristesse, Durga Chew-Bose’s adaptation of Françoise Sagan’s novel, to other anticipated titles such as Afolabi Olalekan’s Freedom Way, Egil Pedersen’s My Fathers’ Daughter, Laura Carreira’s On Falling, and Pavlo Ostrikov’s U Are The Universe, this year’s Discovery lineup promises a blend of tour-de-force performances and captivating storytelling.
This programme has notably been a launching ground for filmmakers, many of whom have gone on to great acclaim. Discovery alumni include award-winning filmmakers such as Ildikó Enyedi, Alfonso Cuarón, Christopher Nolan, Maren Ade, Yorgos Lanthimos, Barry Jenkins, and Emma Seligman.
The 2024 Discovery selection has been programmed by Dorota Lech, Jason Anderson, Kelly Boutsalis, Diana Cadavid, Robyn Citizen, Nataleah Hunter-Young, June Kim, Jason Ryle, and Norm Wilner.
Watch the video of Dorota Lech, Discovery Lead Programmer, to learn more:
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20th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival Short Films Official Selection
HollyShorts received a record-breaking 6,100 submissions this year!
Discover the official list of selected films
in alphabetical order here
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Final Cut in Venice: The 7 selected work-in-progress films
FINAL CUT IN VENICE 2024
THE 7 SELECTED WORK-IN-PROGRESS FILMS
La Biennale di Venezia is pleased to announce that the seven work-in-progress films of the 12th edition of Final Cut in Venice have been selected.
Final Cut in Venice is the industry program that has been providing since 2013 concrete support in the completion of films from all African countries and from five countries of the Middle East: Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. Final Cut in Venice is one of the projects launched by the Venice Production Bridge of the 81. Venice International Film Festival (August 28- September 7, 2024), directed by Alberto Barbera and organised by La Biennale di Venezia.
The program offers the opportunity to present films still in production phase to international film professionals, in order to facilitate post-production and film market access.
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Orizzonti Short Films International Competition
The line-up has been finalised for the Orizzonti Short Films International Competition of the 81st Venice International Film Festival (28 August - 7 September 2024) of La Biennale di Venezia, directed by Alberto Barbera. The selection presents the world premiere screenings of 13 short films, competing for the Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film, assigned by the Jury of the Orizzonti section.
Below is the complete line-up of the 13 Orizzonti Short Films whose production involves 16 different countries around the world:
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The World’s Leading Sales & Production Companies Will be at AFM in Las Vegas
AFM 2024 is nearly four months away, but Registrations are surging for its first Las Vegas event taking place November 5-10 at the Palms Casino Resort, with early sign-ups far surpassing previous years.
Currently, sales and production companies, along with international trade organizations, national umbrella stands and film commissions from 25 countries, have secured exhibit spaces in The Palms, AFM’s designated hub, with more confirming each day.
Here are just some of the participants already confirmed for AFM this year:
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> FILMS IN FOCUS
Algerian thriller film ALGIERS won Best Film at Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival
Cementing its status as a must-see cinematic gem, the Algerian thriller film ALGIERS won Best Film at the prestigious Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival’s closing ceremony on August 11th.
Directed by Chakib Taleb-Bendiab, ALGIERS world premiered at the festival on August 9th to a rapturous response from the audience. Moreover, an insightful post-screening Q&A triggered a deep conversation about Algerian culture, the current state of Algerian cinema, and the brilliant work of Taleb-Bendiab as a storyteller and composer, with many praising Meriem Medjkane's portrayal of a bold and strong female character, as well.
Moreover, Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts Dr. Soraya Mouloudji released a statement to extend her heartfelt congratulations to the team behind ALGIERS for winning the top prize at a competition that saw the participation of over 7,000 films, saying, “This accolade represents a significant achievement for Algerian cinema and is another indication of the revival this vital sector has experienced in recent years.”
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The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson Closing film of the 8th edition of Film Noir au Canal
The Grand Budapest Hotel will close Film Noir au Canal with the collaboration of the Festival du nouveau cinéma
Film Noir au Canal is thrilled to announce its pick to close the 8th edition: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) by Wes Anderson. This work of contemporary cinema, which won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Berlinale and four Oscars the following year, will be screened on Sunday, August 18 at Square Saint-Patrick, in collaboration with the Festival du nouveau cinéma.
From 7 p.m., the event will begin with a musical performance by Femoir (Karen Myatt), followed by a presentation of the film by Justine Smith, film critic for various media (Cult MTL, Roger Ebert, Hyperallergic, Little White Lies), and programmer of the Underground section of the Fantasia Festival.
At 8:15 p.m., The Grand Budapest Hotel will be screened free of charge and outdoors, in the original English version with French subtitles. Featuring a star-studded cast, the film tells the story of M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes), concierge at the Grand Budapest Hotel located in the imaginary land of Zubrowka during the inter-war period.
TRAILER: bit.ly/FNAC_TheGrandBudapestHotel
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UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE by Matthew Rankin, opening the FNC 53rd edition in Montreal
Manitoba-born Quebec filmmaker Matthew Rankin's film Universal language will open our 53rd edition, following its selection at Cannes' Quinzaine des cinéastes, where it shone last May, winning the Chantal Akerman public award.
In Matthew Rankin's Winnipeg, people drink saffron tea at Tim Hortons, celebrate architectural heritage in the shopping mall, turkeys roam freely, and the young Negin and Nazgûl try to retrieve a 500 Riels note (currency named in honor of the great Louis Riel) trapped in ice. Meanwhile, Matthew, a civil servant from Montreal, returns home to take care of his sick mother...
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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice by Tim Burton to open the Venice Film Festival
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, directed by singular creative visionary Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, with Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe, is the Opening Film, Out of Competition, of the 81st Venice International Film Festival within La Biennale di Venezia, directed by Alberto Barbera (28 August > 7 September 2024).
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will have its world premiere on Wednesday August 28th, in the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema (Lido di Venezia), on the opening night of the 81st Venice Film Festival. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, will be released only in theaters and IMAX on September 6, 2024 in North America, and internationally beginning 4 September 2024. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
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Four Ukrainian filmmakers selected for residency at Göteborg Film Festival
Four Ukrainian filmmakers selected for residency at Göteborg Film Festival
For the third summer, a group of Ukrainian filmmakers will spend a few months in Göteborg. The residency program is funded by Region Västra Götaland with contributions from the Film Office, the City of Göteborg, and in collaboration with Företagsbostäder. The selected participants will spend August-September in Göteborg, working on their projects at the Göteborg Film Festival office, and networking with the local film industry.
"Last summer's residency program resulted in, among other things, a film that found a co-producer from Göteborg and premiered at the Berlinale in February; a short film that will soon be shot in Ukraine – and a filmmaker who moved to Göteborg permanently. We are now looking forward to welcoming four new interesting filmmakers to Göteborg, whose projects all deal with dedication and resistance," says Camilla Larsson, Head of Göteborg Film Fund at Göteborg Film Festival.
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STRIKE: AN UNCIVIL WAR WINS AUDIENCE AWARD AT THE 2024 SHEFFIELD DOCFEST
NATIONWIDE PREVIEW SCREENINGS TAKE PLACE TOMORROW, 18 JUNE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF ORGREAVE
Sheffield DocFest announced today that the 2024 Audience Award is presented to Strike: An Uncivil War directed by Daniel Gordon (UK).
The film had its World Premiere at the 31st edition of Sheffield DocFest on 16 June 2024, and director Daniel Gordon and contributors Morag Livingstone, Ian Mitchell, Jim Tierney and Jon McCure were in attendance for a special post-screening conversation.
Strike: An Uncivil War tells the story of the most violent confrontation between miners and police during the 1984/85 Miners’ Strike in Great Britain - The Battle of Orgreave. Nationwide preview screenings will play on 18 June marking the 40th anniversary of the events at Orgreave, before a general theatrical release on 21 June.
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> AWARDS WATCH
Locarno Pro Announces Industry Winners 2024
Locarno Pro, the industry platform of the Locarno Film Festival, has announced the winning projects for three of its landmark initiatives: work-in-progress section First Look with a focus on Spanish cinema this year, co-development program Alliance 4 Development, and the Heritage Restoration Contest.
First Look Winners 2024, Credits: Locarno Film Festival / Ti-Press
Dream of Another Summer by Irene Bartolomé and produced by Pere Marzo (Colibrí Studio), Irene Bartolomé (I.B. Films) and Elie Kamal (The Attic Productions) won the Antaviana Films First Look Award, covering post-production services up to € 50,000. The Music Library &SFX/Acorde Award worth € 45,000 in music supervision services went to Río abajo, un tigre by Víctor Diago and produced by Montse Pujol Solà (Boogaloo Films), which also nabbed the award by Laserfilm cine y vídeo, worth € 5,000. The Jannuzzi Smith Award, covering the design of an international poster worth € 10,000 was given to Mares by Ariadna Seuba and produced by Carles Brugeras and Marieke van der Bersselaar (Polar Star Films) and María Nova López (Intactes Films), whereas Le Film Français Award, worth € 5,600 of advertising space, was awarded to Bodegón con fantasmas by Enrique Buleo and produced by Alejandra Mora (Quatre Films Audiovisuales SL), Alicia Yubero (Cuidado con el perro), Snezana van Houwelingen (This and that) and Roberto Butragueño (Sideral).
First Look Winners 2024, Credits: Locarno Film Festival / Ti-Press
Dream of Another Summer by Irene Bartolomé and produced by Pere Marzo (Colibrí Studio), Irene Bartolomé (I.B. Films) and Elie Kamal (The Attic Productions) won the Antaviana Films First Look Award, covering post-production services up to € 50,000. The Music Library &SFX/Acorde Award worth € 45,000 in music supervision services went to Río abajo, un tigre by Víctor Diago and produced by Montse Pujol Solà (Boogaloo Films), which also nabbed the award by Laserfilm cine y vídeo, worth € 5,000. The Jannuzzi Smith Award, covering the design of an international poster worth € 10,000 was given to Mares by Ariadna Seuba and produced by Carles Brugeras and Marieke van der Bersselaar (Polar Star Films) and María Nova López (Intactes Films), whereas Le Film Français Award, worth € 5,600 of advertising space, was awarded to Bodegón con fantasmas by Enrique Buleo and produced by Alejandra Mora (Quatre Films Audiovisuales SL), Alicia Yubero (Cuidado con el perro), Snezana van Houwelingen (This and that) and Roberto Butragueño (Sideral).
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MUBI and Locarno Film Festival Partner on a New Award Given to A Promising First Feature
For its 77th edition this August, the Locarno Film Festival will partner with MUBI on a cross-section award, the MUBI Award – Debut Feature, given to a first-time director showing their film as a world or international premiere in the Festival’s official selection.
MUBI, the global film distributor, production company, and streaming service, was founded in 2007 by Efe Çakarel and creates, curates, acquires, and champions visionary films, bringing them to audiences all over the world. The Locarno Film Festival, now in its 77th edition, is one of the oldest and most prestigious A-list film festivals in the world, continuing through the decades to be a space for the talents of the future while shedding new light on the history of cinema.
Past and upcoming debut features released by MUBI across multiple countries include the BAFTA-winning Aftersun directed by Charlotte Wells (a member of the Concorso Internazionale Jury last year at Locarno), Molly Manning Walker’s multi award winning How to Have Sex, Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s Hot Milk starring Emma Mackey, Vicky Krieps, and Fiona Shaw, Thomas Hardiman’s Medusa Deluxe (which world premiered on the Locarno Piazza Grande in 2022), Ben Sharrock’s Limbo, and MUBI Productions’ Bring Them Down by Christopher Andrews, starring Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan, and My First Film by Zia Anger, starring Odessa Young and Devon Ross.
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"To kick off its 20th anniversary, the HollyShorts Institute will present Alta Global Media’s 2024 Film Summit at the festival.
This unparalleled panel schedule consists of innovative sessions with industry think tanks, film finance, distribution, marketing, conversations and workshops for filmmakers."
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Awards from the 19th Geneva International Oriental Film Festival (FIFOG)
The 19th Geneva International Oriental Film Festival (FIFOG) took place from June 10 to 16 in Geneva. The theme of this year’s edition was Knowledge and Recognition of the Other. It was chaired by Lebanese writer Joumana Haddad.
This year’s edition was a great success, marked by many emotional moments. Festival-goers rediscovered the joy and pleasure of watching a wide variety of films, and exchanging ideas with filmmakers, actors and journalists from all over the world.
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The 71st Sydney Film Festival awarded it's largest ever prize pool at our Closing Night ceremony, including the prestigious Sydney Film Prize to the Italian film There's Still Tomorrow directed by and starring Paola Cortellesi.
The 71st Sydney Film Festival awarded the prestigious Sydney Film Prize to Italian filmmaker Paola Cortellesi for her film There’s Still Tomorrow, a moving, empowering melodrama about an industrious woman in post-WWII Rome. Cortellesi directs and stars in the film, which became a box office phenomenon in Italy, outperforming the likes of Barbie and Oppenheimer.
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2024 BFF AWARDS AND HONORS!
We want to offer a special congratulations to our 2024 festival award winners:
Phoebe-Rae Taylor
2024 See It, Be It Award
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> PEOPLE IN FOCUS
Edinburgh International Film Festival expands board with new members
Joining the EIFF board are Teresa Moneo of Netflix, Isla Macgillivray of Saffrey and Romana Ramzan of No Code Studios
Current trustee producer Amy Jackson appointed Vice Chair
The relaunched EIFF runs from Thursday 15 August to Wednesday 21 August
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Cate Blanchett will receive a Donostia Award at the 72nd San Sebastian Festival
The Australian actress and producer, winner of two Academy Awards, will receive the event’s highest honorary award and will also feature on the official poster
The official poster is the work of graphic designer José Luis Lanzagorta based on a photograph by Gustavo Papaleo
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Kate Winslet © Frederic Auerbach
The Zurich Film Festival (October 3 – 13) honors the British Academy Award-winner for her successful career and versatility. On October 7, Winslet will accept the award and present her new film LEE directed by Ellen Kuras, in which she stars as the war photographer Lee Miller, and acts as a co-producer.
A household name: Kate Winslet is one of the most important actors of our time and has delivered brilliant performances as the leading actress in some of the most successful films in history: from TITANIC to ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, THE READER and SENSE AND SENSIBILITY to AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER. She has worked with legendary directors such as James Cameron, Peter Jackson, Sam Mendes, Jane Campion, Michel Gondry, Marc Forster, Todd Haynes and Danny Boyle. Winslet is the star guest at the 20th Zurich Film Festival and will be honoured with the Golden Icon Award for her outstanding acting achievement and her impressive career. “Kate Winslet is a true icon of cinema and shines through her versatility in big studio blockbusters as well as small indie productions. Her multifaceted choice of roles and her long Hollywood career make her a favourite with audiences of multiple generations,” explains Christian Jungen, Artistic Director of the ZFF. “We are therefore delighted to welcome her in the year of our 20th anniversary and to honour her with the Golden Icon Award for her achievements. We have attempted several times to welcome her as a guest at the ZFF, and now it has finally worked out - a great gift for our anniversary edition!”
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Meet the Juries of Locarno77
Some of the most distinctive voices of contemporary cinema feature in the juries of Locarno77, tasked with awarding the Pardo d’Oro and other coveted prizes on the closing day of the Festival, August 17.
As was previously announced, Austrian director Jessica Hausner will serve as president of the Jury that awards the Pardo d’Oro to the filmmakers in the Concorso Internazionale (International Competition). Hausner will be joined by Italian star Luca Marinelli (Martin Eden, The Eight Mountains, and the eagerly awaited tv series M. Il figlio del secolo), Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia – whose All We Imagine as Light (2024) won the Grand Prix at Cannes this spring – influential Belgian producer Diana Elbaum (Elle, Green Border), and US actor, writer, director, and producer, and regular Coen brothers collaborator Tim Blake Nelson, who also stars in Vincent Grashaw’s Bang Bang (2024), which premieres in Fuori Concorso (Out of Competition).
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Matthew Modine returns to Fest Forums for all things film
Early Bird pricing ends August 31st
We are so excited to announce acclaimed actor, filmmaker, director, and producer Matthew Modine, will be returning to FestForums in 2025!
Modine, a FestForums keynote in New York 7 years ago, will be joining us in Santa Barbara for a fireside (literally) chat with FestForums owner Laurie Kirby. We know him for being in front of the camera in films such as Full Metal Jacket, Birdy, Stranger Things, The Dark Knight Rises, & Oppenheimer to name a few, but now you will have the opportunity to hear his experiences behind the scenes and see clips from all of his "festival-ready" films.
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Co-Directors of Film Programming Jacqueline Lyanga and Michael Stütz
Tricia Tuttle Appoints Michael Stütz and Jacqueline Lyanga as Co-Directors of Film Programming and Announces Other New Executive Director Positions
Berlinale Director Tricia Tuttle has appointed two internationally respected programmers to share responsibilities as Co-Directors of Film Programming. Former US-delegate to the Berlinale, Jacqueline Lyanga, and Panorama section head Michael Stütz will assume these duties in July. This represents an expanded role for Stütz who will continue to head Panorama alongside his new position as Co-Director of Film Programming.
Tanja Meissner © duchili
Berlinale Festival Director Tricia Tuttle has appointed the highly regarded and experienced industry professional Tanja Meissner to join her Executive team as the Director of Berlinale Pro*. This reshaped role encompasses the directorship of the European Film Market (EFM) while also taking a strategic lead in developing the Berlinale Pro* consortium, together with the Heads of the Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents and World Cinema Fund, who will report directly to her.
German-French dual citizen Meissner brings over 25 years of experience and profound knowledge of the film industry, across production, distribution and exhibition. As Director of Berlinale Pro*, Meissner will contribute to the overarching strategic goals of the Berlinale as a vital part of Tuttle’s senior team. Tanja Meissner will take office on May 13 and attend the Cannes Film Festival with the team.
> PARTNERS FESTIVALS
SUPPORT BIFF's "Cinema In Paradise."
SUPPORT BIFF's "Cinema In Paradise." Enrich your cinematic life and network with diverse, multinational community of artists and audiences through exhibition and education.
Bruno Chatelin is one of BIFF Advisory Board Members.
The Reel Deal
The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF), a non-profit organization, is committed to exhibiting diverse films from The Bahamas and around the globe. The primary objective of BIFF is to enhance the cinematic experience for local Bahamian and global audiences, providing them an opportunity to explore diverse films which may not otherwise be available in Bahamian theaters. Additionally, it fosters educational programs and facilitates discussions on cinema's evolution and cultural viewpoints.
Since its establishment in 2004, BIFF has demonstrated remarkable progress, displaying over 1000 local and international films and successfully promoting Bahamian culture to more than a million film professionals and aficionados across the world.
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Submissions Are Now Open for SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival NY - SRFF 2025
SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York's 12th annual edition is underway. Following a successful 11th edition, which saw many winners and over 750 films screened to date
SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival is pleased to announce that submissions for its upcoming 2025 edition, #SRFF2025, are now open. This hybrid event provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers worldwide to showcase their socially engaged and relevant works from March 11 to 16, 2025, in person, in New York City, and online afterward. Submissions are accepted on FilmFreeway.
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Submissions are open for 45th Fantasporto
PORTO CITY OF CINEMA, CULTURE, ARCHITECTURE, LEISURE…
THE CITY OF FANTASPORTO
SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE 45th EDITION
Fantasporto 2025/45th Porto International Film Festival announces the opening of submissions. These take place until November 30th 2024. To do this, producers, sales agents, directors will have to send the film screener to info@fantasporto.com accompanied by the entry form which can be found on the festival website www.fantasporto.com. There, you go to the homepage menu, FESTIVAL 2025, where you can find the event regulations. You must download the entry form or fill it out directly on the website. The festival will take place at Batalha Centro de Cinema from February 28th to March 9th 2025 screening around 100 films, all premieres in Portugal, that is, in national, European, International and World Premieres.
As always, the program includes 4 official competitions: Fantasy Cinema, with competitions for features and short films, Director's Week (all genres, only features), Orient Express dedicated to Asian films (features only) and the Portuguese Cinema Award.
Also important are the retrospectives, the tributes, and the Fantas Classics. Another section called Première will present new but out of competition films.
Welcome to the 45th Fantasporto | Porto International Film Festival
PORTO, WHAT TO SEE, TO EAT, TO DO...
The city at its best
In Time Out - Time Out - Porto- 01-02-2024
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WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE VIDEO COVERAGE & FEST AMBIANCE FROM THE CIRCUIT
> FESTIVAL TRAILERS PARK > SUNDANCE CHANNEL
> THE CANNES CHANNEL > AFM CHANNEL
> BRUNO CHATELIN INTERVIEWED > TUTORIALS FOR FILMFESTIVALS.COM
> "THE BEST FOR FESTS :
ONES TO WATCH FOR FESTIVAL CONSIDERATION carefuly curated by Bruno Chatelin
ONES TO WATCH FOR FESTIVAL CONSIDERATION carefuly curated by Bruno Chatelin
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IRUVAN by Manoj Annadurai (GET HAPPY)
"Iruvam," where the darkness whispers your name, and the light awaits your decision.
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'IRUVAM' by Manoj Annadurai pre launched at Cannes from May 17-20, 2024, in the "Let's Spook Cannes 2024 Selection" (one of the 4 selected projects)!
It is currently gearing up to it's release on Indian mobile platforms. It is regarded as one the boldest and most creative initiatives bridging anticipation among cinema and game enthusiasts.
Available on Android and iPhone.Scheduled for late-June 2024. This ensures "Iruvam" delivers a fully immersive and polished gameplay experience. Scheduled for mid-June 2024. This ensures "Iruvam" delivers a fully immersive and polished gameplay experience.
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'LALA, MY REDHEAD' Feature film by Nellie K. and Deniz Nala
at development stage, with a finalised script
Love and poverty, betrayal and wealth - centuries of traditions put to the test! A compelling story intricately woven into a comprehensive exploration of women’s status against the backdrop of the Roma culture. From the director of an award-winning film in Cannes 2023.
“I worked in Cannes with Emir Kusturica as his Sony Distributor on his brilliant award winning film: “Time of The Gypsies”: when I read the script for “Lala, my redhead” I immediately saw the connection and the potential of a unique story: I trust you will like it too. “
Bruno Chatelin - filmfestivals.com founder
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WARRIOR SPIRIT by Will George, 44 mins, CANADA, 2023
A CBC DOCS Original Documentary Film by PROTECT THE INLET FILMS and COEXISTENCE FILMS
A simple window washer and fisherman, Will George’s life transformed when Tsleil-Waututh Elders chose him to protect his Nation's lands and waters against the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX). Will challenges leaders like Justin Trudeau, striving to halt the threat Canada imposed on stolen land. There is a traditional story of a threat like TMX. The voice of Elder Xwechtaal narrates the beginning of the Two-headed Serpent story. As pipeline construction advances and protests escalate, Will intensifies efforts, ultimately facing criminal charges. Despite courtroom racism, he advocates for his people and territory. Returning to the Two-headed Serpent story, the Warrior grapples with people’s doubts, and his own. Will urges people to stand up against injustice and criminalization of Indigenous peoples for protecting lands and waters.
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Wild Genius by Susan Kucera (Living in the future's past, Hot Money, 12th hour...)
Social impact documentary on evolutionary biologist Robert Travis, 1h:12minutes USA December 2023
Wild Genius portrays the exceptional life, career and mental health challenges of living legend Robert Trivers, the evolutionary biologist TIME magazine named as “one of the greatest scientists of the 20th Century”. Harvard psychologist and best selling Author, Steven Pinker calls him “an under-appreciated genius, and one of history’s greatest thinkers in the analysis of behavior and emotion.” An advocate for civil rights, Trivers’ straightforward logic makes an empowering case: understanding our evolutionary past isn't a life sentence but a liberating force. Wild Genius is an entertaining and intellectual odyssey that challenges us to confront our evolutionary roots and societal taboos, daring us to think differently about ourselves and our place in the natural world. This isn't just the story of a groundbreaking scientist; it's an invitation to transform our understanding of life itself. We have the cognitive tools to know ourselves better and, by extension, to make a better world.
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Maya by Julia Verdin
USA 2023 1hour 44 minutes written and directed by Julia Verdin
Teenage Maya is raised in a household stricken by her father’s abandonment.
Maya makes the wrong encounter on social media and meets Ray a handsome stranger she falls for: he encourages Maya to run away from home...she ends up being set up for appointments with Ray’s “clients” until Police finds her. Can Maya's mother help her get back on her feet, or will Maya be forever lost to the dark world she has fallen prey to?
Profile on filmfestivals.com I Trailer I Synopsis I Director's statement I Crew I Website
> NEWS IN FRENCH
Le jury et la compétition du festival de Deauville
Le jury
Photos : Benoit Magimel © Arno Lam - Charlette Studio / Ludivine Sagnier © Denis Boulze / Ibrahim Maalouf © Boby / Agathe Riedinger © Romain Rachlin / Damien Bonnard © Marie Rouge / Martin Bourboulon © Arno Lam
Benoit Magimel - Président (comédien)
Ludivine Sagnier (comédienne)
Ibrahim Maalouf (trompettiste, musicien & compositeur)
Elias Belkeddar (réalisateur, scénariste & producteur)
Émilie Dequenne (comédienne)
Agathe Riedinger (réalisatrice, scénariste & photographe)
Damien Bonnard (comédien)
Lou Lampros (comédienne)
Martin Bourboulon (réalisateur & scénariste)
La liste des films en compétition
BANG BANG de Vincent Grashaw
COLOR BOOK de David Fortune - Premier film
DADDIO de Christy Hall - Premier film
EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS de Titus Kaphar - Premier film
GAZER de Ryan J. Sloan - Premier film
IN THE SUMMERS d’Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio - Premier film
LA COCINA d’Alonso Ruizpalacios
LES DAMNÉS de Roberto Minervini
NOËL À MILLER’S POINT de Tyler Taormina
SING SING de Greg Kwedar
THE KNIFE de Nnamdi Asomugha - Premier film
THE SCHOOL DUEL de Todd Wiseman - Premier film
THE STRANGERS’ CASE de Brandt Andersen - Premier film
WE GROWN NOW de Minhal Baig
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Irène Jacob recevra le Leopard Club Award au 77e festival de Locarno
© Institut Lumière . Photo Léa Rener
Irène Jacob, Présidente de l'Institut Lumière, recevra vendredi 9 août le Leopard Club Award au 77e festival de Locarno (Suisse). Elle est honorée par ce Prix pour sa carrière d'actrice. Le lendemain, elle rencontrera le public du festival au Forum "Spazio Cinema"
Giona A. Nazzaro, Directeur artistique du festival, a déclaré : « Irène Jacob est l’une des étoiles les plus sublimes et mystérieuses du cinéma. Chacune de ses performances témoigne de la précision insaisissable d’une présence si intimement liée aux images du film qu’elle devient presque partie intégrante de la cinématographie. Sa capacité à se livrer au regard des cinéastes puis à incarner avec puissance ses personnages, à les habiter entièrement, révèle un art subtil, instinctif et une conscience aiguë. Tout au long de sa carrière, elle a collaboré avec des cinéastes de renom tels que Krzysztof Kieślowski, Michelangelo Antonioni, Wim Wenders, Theo Angelopoulos, Agnieszka Holland et Claude Lelouch, sans renoncer aux joies et aux divertissements de l’industrie cinématographique. Récemment encore avec des réalisateurs comme Amos Gitai et Rithy Panh, Irène Jacob poursuit d'incarner avec élégance et sensibilité le concept même du jeu d’acteur, tout en continuant à évoluer en tant qu’artiste. Irène Jacob est une perle rare du cinéma. »
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Par Michel Noll
C’est avec joie et fierté que j’ai le plaisir de reveler pour vous l’affiche de la 14e édition des Ecrans de Chine, festival européen de documentaires chinois de cette année. La version principale de l’événement aura lieu à Paris entre le 22 octobre et le 7 novembre 2024 au cinéma 5 Caumartin, Paris 9e. À nouveau, nous aurons le plaisir de proposer entre 6 et 8 documentaires sociétales, indépendants et inédits, sur la vie quotidienne des citoyens chinois. Ils sont proposés en VO avec sous-titres français. Ces films renforcent durablement nos connaissances sur la Chine contemporaine -avouons que ce pays n’est pas le plus actif quand il s’agit de divulguer des informations sur son réel- et se prêtent formidablement bien en soutien à l’apprentissage de la langue.
Indépendamment de cette initiative annuelle et parisienne, nous sommes disposés, voire même désireux, d’organiser dans votre ville et en partenariat avec vous des projections et ciné-clubs particuliers. Peut-être autour du nouvel ans chinois fin janvier 2025? Je suis convaincu qu’il est plus que jamais important de favoriser toute action qui peut aider à renforcer le dialogue culturel avec nos voisins lointains chinois. Dans certains cas, on peut même envisager de préparer des micros festivals avec 3 ou 4 films d’exception, et ce en puissant dans notre catalogue de plus d’une centaine de documentaires sur la Chine.
Le festival OFF COURTS de Trouville : 25ème Rencontre France / Québec autour du court métrage
Rencontre incontournable dans le réseau des festivals de court métrage, Off-Courts Trouville présente cette année sa 25ème rencontre France / Québec autour du court métrage. Néophytes, curieux, passionnés et professionnels se retrouvent en bord de mer pour une semaine de rencontres, découvertes et pratiques collaboratives.
Toute la programmation de l’événement est gratuite et ouverte à tous !
LA COMPÉTITION
33 FILMS DIVISÉS EN DEUX SECTIONS : FRANCE ET QUÉBEC SERONT EN LICE CETTE ANNÉE POUR 11 DIFFÉRENTS PRIX
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13.08.2024 | Newsletter's blog
Cat. : FESTIVALS
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