With its program reduced to one day due to hurricane Sandy, the Sikh Art & Film Foundation presented 15 productions on November 3rd at the Asia society including several short films and documentaries which had their US or world premiere . In spite of New York’s transportation problems the late afternoon and evening screenings enjoyed a full house. Though India has a thriving domestic   and Diaspora film industry, comparatively few productions are made which are either aimed...

 .............                                                                                                                                                          WELCOME TO OUR NEWSLETTER N° 477: September 20, 2010 THE SUMMER WRAP NEWSLETTER Follow this LINK if you cannot read the newsletter properly Contact the Editor, Advertise on the sites.  Our newsletter...

  It has been a difficult few months for the British film industry. Not only has the economic recession made the film business even more challenging, but the controversy surrounding the shuttering of the UK Film Council has been acriminious, amidst charges of economic abuse and political favoritism. Even the venerable London Film Festival, which unspools next month, losts its main corporate sponsors and had to scramble to find replacements. However, based on the bounty of British film...

  What made you start Raindance? I had worked as a scenic artist and set designer on over 68 feature films and 700 commercials, both here at the BBC Shepherd's Bush 1974-77, and in my native Toronto in the early 80's. When I moved to London in 1986 with my family, I entertained a fantasy of becoming a property magnate, and went bust in the 1990 recession. After a year of wallowing in self-pity, my neighbour, an elderly retired farmer (who served as a barber in WW1) said to me: "Ell...

What made you start Raindance? I had worked as a scenic artist and set designer on over 68 feature films and 700 commercials, both here at the BBC Shepherd's Bush 1974-77, and in my native Toronto in the early 80's. When I moved to London in 1986 with my family, I entertained a fantasy of becoming a property magnate, and went bust in the 1990 recession. After a year of wallowing in self-pity, my neighbour, an elderly retired farmer (who served as a barber in WW1) said to me: "Elliot, as ...

The shortest month of the year is far from short on the movies front as news emerges with regards to the recent BAFTA nominations. Ahead of the big buff bash on Sunday February 21, the marmite film Avatar – so called because you either love it or you hate it – has been nominated for 8 awards including best film and best director. And having picked up the big one at the recent Golden Globes, Avatar looks set to sweep up much in the same way that Slumdog Millionaire did 12 months ago. Precious...

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2009 Cannes party on Yacht Greetings from Cannes! It's another gorgeous day in Cannes and I will say that we had a glorious very long afternoon and evening yesterday starting with a sneak screening of a documentary called Great Directors. It's a great academic piece especially for an American and someone who has not been to film school. Angela Ismailos, highlights several directors that have influenced her and/or she loves there work. This was her first film as...

 Monday, April 28---------One of the great pleasures of attending a film festival is the serendipity that often occurs when one sees one film after another, finding thematic connections or differences between them that delight the soul and stimulate the mind. I had just such an occurrence the other day, seeing two British films back to back. It just happened that the films were screening after one another, but it made me realize how much I love and appreciate both the high and the low in Britis...

One of the great pleasures of attending a film festival is the serendipity that often occurs when one sees one film after another, finding thematic connections or differences between them that delight the soul and stimulate the mind. I had just such an occurrence the other day, seeing two British films back to back. It just happened that the films were screening after one another, but it made me realize how much I love and appreciate both the high and the low in British cinema. I’ve been a fan...

When SICKO had its premiere screening at the Festival earlier this week, director Michael Moore had been expected to attend. However, due to family obligations, his trip to London had to be cancelled. However, he did send the following letter, which Festival Artistic Director Sandra Hebron read to a packed audience. SICKO opened in UK theaters this weekend.Please accept my sincerest apologies for not being able to be there tonight. All through the making of the film, I looked forward to this eve...

 Saturday, October 27-------When SICKO had its premiere screening at the Festival earlier this week, director Michael Moore had been expected to attend. However, due to family obligations, his trip to London had to be cancelled. However, he did send the following letter, which Festival Artistic Director Sandra Hebron read to a packed audience. SICKO opened in UK theaters this weekend.Please accept my sincerest apologies for not being able to be there tonight. All through the making of the film,...

Wednesday, February 14---The Brits were back as big winners (on their home turf) of the BAFTA Awards, more formally referred to as the Orange British Academy Film Awards. The Best Film honors went to THE QUEEN, as did the Best Actress nod to Helen Mirren (dust off that bookshelf for your Oscar, Mrs. Hackford), with the Best British Film prize going to THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND, and its lead actor Forrest Whitaker for his portrayal of Uganda strongman Idi Amin. Other Brits who shined include Best...

SYNOPSIS:In 1920 Ireland, the ordinary people of the land unite to form volunteer guerrilla armies to face the ruthless Black and Tan squads that are being shipped from Britain to block Ireland's bid for genuine independence. As the freedom fighters' bold tactics bring the British to breaking point, a treaty is declared. But, despite the apparent victory, civil war erupts and men who have fought side by side, now find themselves pitted against one another as enemies, in disagreement about the tr...

- A Wee CRAIC Set For September 18 -5th Annual Film Fleadh Shorts Night AnnouncedThe CRAIC is Back! The 5th Annual Film Fleadh Shorts Night, A Wee CRAIC, is scheduled for September 18 at Arlene’s Grocery (95 Stanton St.) in the Lower East Side. Halfway to St. Paddy’s Day, it will feature the best in Irish short films intertwined with some excellent acoustic live music all under one roof. It promises to be the most innovative festival yet. Having wrapped up a very successful 2 week Festival i...