Documentary features are beginning to come into their own, not only on the festival circuit but in selected commercial cinemas as well, as more and more perceptive moviegoers, tired of paying ten dollars a shot for mainstream mindlessness, are beginning to look for films that actually have something to say. Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" was a real ground-breaker when it was awarded the top prize at Cannes two years ago, the first time a documentary film was so recognized at this topper of al...
In times of turmoil, the role of the documentary filmmaker becomes a thriving and essential function. When handled responsibly, their films can wake us up to a multitude of issues we haven't previously considered or been privey to.
With our country at war, several filmmakers have produced works aimed at knocking the current adminsitration's sloppy tactics and the senselessness of the war efforts they foster.
By far, it was the Vietnam-era film "Hearts and Minds" that became the beacon of what...
The Hollywood Film Festival will honor Oscar(r)-winning producer DOUGLAS WICK and producer LUCY FISHER with the "Hollywood Producers of the Year Award," Academy Award-winning screenwriter AKIVA GOLDSMAN with the "Hollywood Screenwriter of the Year Award," Lions Gate Films Releasing President TOM ORTENBERG with its "Hollywood Leadership Award," Librarian of Congress Dr. JAMES BILLNGTON with the "Hollywood Film Preservation Award" and award-winning composer HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS with the "Hollywo...
SOUTHEASTERN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION LEANS 'SIDEWAYS'The wine-fueled comedy-drama "Sideways" has harvested top honors from the Southeastern Film Critics Association. The road movie in which two old friends argue over wine and women was named Best Picture in the 13th annual SEFCA vote. "Sideways" also won for director Alexander Payne, supporting actor Thomas Haden Church, supporting actress Virginia Madsen and its screenplay, which was adapted by Payne and Jim Taylor from Rex Pickett's novel. P...
The Mill Valley Film Festival wrapped up here this week and as in years past the films themselves were the focus. Outside of New York, the Bay Area is one of the top markets for independent and foreign films, in part because the populace is diverse and highly educated. The Mill Valley festival draws more filmmakers and producers than celebrity-struck fans, which is just fine for the people showing the films -- they'd rather see word of mouth race through the industry, so they can get distributio...
HOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL BESTOWS KUDOS : WALTER SALLES' "THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES," ALEJANDRO AMENABAR'S "THE SEA INSIDE," & "FAHRENHEIT 9/11" AMONG WINNERS"Vinzent" Wins Best Feature"What Remains of Us" Wins Best Documentary"Automation" Wins Best Short SubjectThe 8th Annual Hollywood Film Festival's "Hollywood Awards" ceremony, honoring independent filmmakers and established Hollywood professionals, was held last night before a standing-room-only audience of over 1,200 Hollywood Film Festival atte...
The 15th Vermont International Film Festival will open October 13 - 18, 2004, to be held in downtown Burlington. The Vermont International Film Festival celebrates the independent spirit of films by providing a forum for stories dealing with issues of global concern. This year the Festival will present more than 70 films from around the world that will compete for the best film in three categories - War and Peace, Justice and Human Rights, and the Environment. Vermont filmmakers will be also...
There is nothing about this festival that is small from the giant projection halls in the Giant "CUBE" Building on the beachfront which houses the main events, to the big names that come and go every day. Hungarian director Istvan Szabo and his leading lady of "Being Julia", Annette Benning, took a side trip to Bilbao on Monday to see the new Guggenheim -- which is closed on Mondays -- but for these ultra special guests it was opened for a "private screening" of the collection. Yesterday it was ...
At the Cannes International Film Festival(France, May 12-23, 2004)The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI)awarded its prize to three films presented in different sections of the event.A. Prize for a film in the Official Selection (in and out of competition)"Fahrenheit 9/11" by Michael Moore (USA, 2004)B. Prize for a film in "Un certain regard""Whisky" by Juan-Pablo Rebella and Pablo StollC. Prize for a film in the Parallel SectionsDirectors Fortnight, Critics Week)"Atash" (Thirs...
