12 articles

22 hours ago

James Schamus, who was one of the master teachers at the recent second edition of Doha Film Institute’s Qumra, says the new filmmakers are the most important and I agree.  Even when I was “new” I knew that and now that I am “old” I still do.

Qumra is the prime opportunity to see the new filmmakers of Mena as they create their early works.  Now three are here extending their visibility and learning more about the international film world.

Qumra’s second edition in March introduced an intensive workshop during which 10 Qatar-based filmmakers presented their short film projects, currently in development, to a group of international industry professionals, including script consultants, producers, lab representatives, programmers and buyers, all of whom are experts in the short form. Ten shorts is not too few so that the films are representative of a broad swatch of filmmakers and/ or stories but not too many for us to get to know all the projects and even the filmmakers on a more personal, deeper level.

The Qumra Shorts Group Tutorials gave me the chance to present “The International Festival Circuit”, which sets the stage for understanding how to present first films and next projects to film-business executives, possible co-producers, financiers, etc.  My objective was to provide a practical overview of the key issues to consider in choosing the best festivals and/or market events that best suit scripts, projects in pre-production, or completed films. Emerging filmmakers can then create the ideal marketing campaign to advance their films and further their career while approaching buyers, distributors and financiers.

All the filmmakers are creating stories out of issues of identity. Each of the projects is indicative of these young emerging filmmakers’ intensely personal searches for identity within their environments.  The transformation of the personal to the universal is, as we all know,  key to artistic creation.  I was deeply moved by these filmmakers daring to meet the challenge of every thinking person – young or old -- through their choices in creating works of fiction or documentaries which speak to this issue.  Their honesty in facing themselves in their society today is brave.

Watch videos of the short filmmakers here (and other videos of Qumra too).

The Shorts of Qumra

“The World Is Blue”

Amna Al-Binali, a graduate of Qatar University English Literature and Linguistics major, directed her first short film, “Doctor’s Office” at the La Fémis Gulf Summer School in 2015. “The Notebook”, her second short film, had its premiere at the Ajyal Youth Film Festival in 2015.

How people present themselves in our society today and how they feel about

it in reality is what this comedy/drama portrays.  A young bride prefers to read a book rather than attend her own engagement party. The book is the evil object that prevents her from playing her role and coming out to the stage as a bride.

What Amna said in explanation of this film reminded me of how our weddings and Bar Mitzvahs and Quinceanera’s work as well.

“In the film, we see the different parts women play in society. There are young women lavishly dressed, elderly women completely covered, little children with little care in the world and pregnant women. These are the usual sights in a Qatari engagement party.  Because I have been attending quite a few engagement parties recently, I have been observing how they all go on the same way, and how everyone acts and reacts the same. They don’t really talk to each other. They seem to be there only because it’s a social duty. You almost never feel that you are attending different engagement parties. It made me think about why these parties repeat themselves over and over. It felt like I was attending a play. Everyone was acting according to their assigned roles, whether it’s the bride, the mother of the bride, the cousin of the bride, etc.

The protagonists spends most of the story trying to finish the book she is reading. Through the narrative, she is trying to understand the fictional character’s emotional experience. Perhaps it will help her understand her own.”

She is dealing with psychological issues within the context of society’s strict adherence to engagement/ marital rules and customs. 

The issue of identity plays out with the heroine not wanting to fit the same mold as everyone else, not satisfied with her sister’s answer that she will understand once she gets married…what will she understand?  That she is now to have children who will take up her life?  I admire the heroine for her intense questioning and wonder how it will be resolved.

"Amer : The Arabian Legend"

Jassim Al-Rumaihi works as a reporter at Al-Jazeera News Channel, covering news from Tunisia to Nepal. While studying at Northwestern University in Qatar, he took several classes in film production. Since then, he has worked on a two short films, and he is currently working on his third with the support of the Doha Film Institute. His film “The Palm Tree” (Qatar, No Dialogue, 2015) was made as a part of a documentary workshop in just over a week. With the film winning the Made in Qatar – Best Documentary Award at the Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2015, it is now receiving interest from film festivals and critics.

“Amer : The Arabian Legend” is his third short.

Sent as a gift to the late Emir of Qatar in the 1980s, Amer seemed like an average purebred Arabian. After he was taken to the tracks of Umm Qarn to train other horses, however, he showed his class, changing the face of Arabian horseracing forever.

Besides being a champion horse – he won nine of his thirteen starts – Amer is the most influential stallion in Arabian horseracing history. With a current stud fee of Us $60,000, the grey horse from the deserts of Arabia has sired more than 130 champions. Yet Amer’s extraordinary story is almost unbelievable for many, who speculate as to the legitimacy of his legacy.

 “Amer” deals with the subject of identity.  First of all, I had always heard all great race horses called “Arabian horses” but I had not really thought about the term.  I find so many of my preconceptions are brought to consciousnss with my experience in Doha. I learned that what I have called Arabian is actually a western definition.  The true Arabian horse:  Is it built for racing or for endurance? Amer, a legendary Arabian stallion, is changing the definition of Arabian horse racing with Europeanized “Arabian” horses encountering the “upstart” genetically, and perhaps “out of line” horse Amer who most definitely is Arabian and his mixed progeny. 

“Buqsha”

Director, Fahad Al Obaidly, is a researcher at the National Museum of Qatar as well as a curator and fashion designer.  He introduced his brand Fahad Al-Obaidly in 2014. He completed his course in fashion design, specializing in casual menswear, at the Institute Marangoni. Being an Arab with a European vision of style in fashion greatly contributes to the philosophy behind his work. Al Obaidly has directed two short fashion films and directed one short documentary.

I had more time and more occasions to socialize with the film’s producer, Salwa Al Khalifa, during several activities at Qumra.  She is so outgoing and engaging and her background is unique as she is a Sudanese filmmaker whose father moved to Qatar before she was born and yet she still grapples with what it means to be Sudanese-Qatari.  She studied Mass Communication at Qatar University, and obtained a diploma in Documentary Filmmaking. She has directed a few short films, and has worked as an assistant director and script supervisor in a number of independent short films in Qatar.

“Buqsha”’s underpinning is modern day’s greatest philosophic dilemma:  How can we venture into the past to look to the future?  Here Fahad posits the question in terms of his own his wish to pursue a difficult line of artistic freedom as a designer which he knows has great import to his society, even though the society is not exactly eager for him to follow the path he has chosen.

Director-writer Fahad Al Obaldly and the producer Salwa Al Khalifa are both dealing with their personal issues of identity in an intense and creative way as seen in their previous autobiographical films.

Fahad is looking directly at his grandmother, a weaver of tents who incorporated coded language into the designs.  Fahad’s definition of himself is found in this grandmother’s weaving and the sense of design that weaving brings to societies around the world.  Design is not a trivial modern pursuit; it reflects society’s need for shelter and for clothing to protect us against the elements.  And within the designs is the secret language of the society itself.

Fahad and Sara Al Obaidly journey around Qatar, capturing the beauty of the Doha landscapes while exploring the rich diversity of arts and ancestral traditions, as well as the impact contemporary and traditional culture have on each other. During their travels, they focus on “sedu” weaving, one of the most important of Qatari traditional textile crafts. They meet with and interview an expert to discover and learn the historical background of “sedu” in Qatar. Along the way they visit artisans and cultural experts, and explore their roles in preserving and promoting the cultural and ethnic heritage of Qatar.

A treasure trove of talent is also remaining at home in Qatar but their films will have lives extending beyond in the coming year.  Here are the others which we discussed in Qumra.

“Love in the Middle East”

I loved this project.  I was amazed to learn that Arabic has about 99 words describing different degrees and types of love; way beyond our English vocabulary. Mostafa Sheshtawy is an emerging filmmaker I think will become an important interpreter of mores in Mena of interest to the world today.  His sense of humanity is very apparent.

To some people, love is the pursuit of happiness. Throughout the history of the Arab world, love has always been one of the most popular subjects of discussion, as we can see from poetry, literature and folktales. In a series of interviews and stories, the director, a 28-year-old Arab, explores what love means in the Middle East – how it is affected by culture and tradition, how much it is influenced by religion, and how it is perceived by different generations.

Filmmaker and photographer Mostafa Sheshtawy was born in Egypt and raised in Qatar. He began his film career by documenting the Egyptian revolution in 2011. Since then, he has worked on various productions in Egypt and Qatar with the Doha Film Institute, primarily in the camera department. His directorial debut was the short documentary ‘Immortalizing Memories’, which screened in the Ajyal Youth Film Festival in 2015. Sheshtawy’s first short narrative film is the romantic comedy ‘Love Blood Test’ (2015).

“A Ranged Marriage”

Dealing with society’s arranged marriages, and an unhappy one at that, this is daring and fantastical . Nora Al-Subai’s multi cultural upbringing -- a Qatari born and raised in France, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon in Computer Science – and her earlier film “My Hero” which already won for Best Short Film at the Ajyal Youth Film Festivla and was in Cannes, Clermont-Ferrand and other top festivals was a very well developed, well produced and well directed story about a little boy paying for his busy father’s time.  Her other film, a Middle Eastern Cinderella story for today was also very well told. She has a sure hand directing and a flair for storytelling. These two previous films, both of which make comedies out of current societal issues, bode well for her ability to tell this story. 

She does not tell her stories in a dark way; instead she uses lightness to illuminate what we would normally label “dark comedy”.  In a way this reminds me of “Of Kind Hearts and Coronets” a classic British comedy of in 1949 dealing with murder in a light-hearted funny way.

Nora Al Subai says, “I have always been intrigued by the concept of arranged marriages, and people agreeing to live the rest of their lives with another person simply because they are “good people” or come from a good family. I wanted to explore the comical concept of an arranged marriage in which one partner decides that the best anniversary gift of all would be the death of their spouse. Since she is in an arranged marriage, however, Sarah finds it difficult to kill her husband when she realizes she doesn’t know anything about him.

“Qafas”

Mayar Hamdan’s previous film in live action was about a girl caught cheating in school.  It was funny and whimsical in style, but is very subversive.  It reminded me of Todd Solondz’ “Welcome to the Dollhouse”.  Mayar said that people strongly objected to her film as if she were revealing something that should not be revealed.  And that is what made it a brave story to tell.

“Qafas” is toned down.  It is also to be animated.  Thematically it fits into the issue of finding one’s true identity when confined within strictures not of one’s own choosing.  It is the story of a young man who tries everything to escape the cage in which he is chained. Only when he realizes that the true obstacle to his release is not the chains, but rather his outlook on his situation, does he finally become free.

Mayar Hamdan is a recent graduate of Northwestern University in Qatar, where she studied Media Industries and Technology, with a concentration in Animation and Post-Production.

“More Than Two Days”

Ahmed Abdelnaser was born in Doha. A filmmaker and an editor, he became passionate about cinema at an early age. After winning two awards for best editing, he became a montage trainer with Avid. As a lecturer, he taught the art of film editing at the Aljazeera Media Training Centre. His first film, ‘Children of the Earthquake’ (2007) was shot in Pakistan with the support of Reach Out to Asia. His recent short film ‘I Exist’ (2014), filmed on the borders of Turkey, won five international awards for Best Short Film, and participated in more than 30 film festivals. ‘More Than Two Days’ (2015) was supported by the Film Training and Development Department of the Doha Film Institute.

Something has occurred that has cast a shadow on two brothers who are in the prime of their lives. Between silence, admonition, and a desire to reveal, the film dives into the implications of what has happened – a conflict that reflects on their lives, their relationship, and how each of them tries to deal with his new life. Over two days, the story focuses on the eruption of the conflict they face, and its weighty influence on the future of each of the brothers.

“Kashta”

A father takes his two sons out on a trip to the desert to go hunting, but the results are not quite what he was expecting.  The story has a primal quality as it unfolds in the most beautiful desert valley. I could see filmmaker Aj Al-Thani’s fascination with “Star Wars” as she told me when we spoke.  She and her producer Jaime Siordia are a unique team to watch.

Aj Al-Thani is a Qatar-born filmmaker. Her love for movies and moviemaking began at the age of six when she saw ‘Star Wars’ (1977) in the cinema in 1999. Al-Thani’s relationship with the Doha Film Institute began in 2010 when she participated in one of its first film workshops, which opened the door for many local filmmakers to pursue their passion. For almost six years Al-Thani has been developing her skills with the help of the Institute. She is now working on her first professional short film through a grant from the Institute.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jaime Siordia studied photography and cinema before beginning his film career. Spending several years on numerous sets, he wrote and produced television pilots and independent films throughout the United States. After spending a year as an event producer with Film Independent, he began working for film festivals including the Los Angeles Film Festival, Sundance and Tribeca, landing in New York where he returned to filmmaking. Now based in Doha, Siordia has produced films for clients including Qatar Airways, Vodafone, Barwa Bank and Al Jazeera.

“The Innocent Prisoner”

The story of a man trying to wash away his history of being a prisoner, determining his destiny by becoming a better person, and finding himself a place in his own society. ‘The Innocent Prisoner’ reveals stories of people who were jailed not because they committed a crime or broke the law, but rather because they were irresponsible or ignorant. When Yassir kindly took on a business loan taken out by his close friend Fadhil, all seemed well until his lost his job and was no longer able to make the necessary payments. Now he faces prison time for helping out his friend. This film asks why Yassir should face a future of unemployment after his release, and why society would punish him a second time by not accepting him.

Amina Ahmed Al Boluchi graduated from Qatar University with a BA in Mass Communication. She has directed ‘The Pearl of Qatar’s Concert: Abdulrahman Almanai’ (2013) and her graduation project, ‘Made in Qatar’ (2015). Most recently, working with the Doha Film Institute, she made ‘To My Mother’ (2015).

“I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. As such, society should support those of its members who need its understanding. It is the responsibility of every individual to help those with whom they share their community, and take into consideration that there will be always exceptional cases and irregular circumstances. With that in mind, I think people who experience being imprisoned deserve special treatment after finishing their years of punishment. They ought to be treated fairly and should have the rights of getting married and starting a new life, just like anyone else. I want this film to help those who have lost their chance to participate fully in their society because of their background.”

“I Want to Feel What I Feel When I Am Asleep”

In a post-apocalyptic world, in a ruined city, little of humanity remains. The residue of a poison has become a drug, which creates the illusion that life is still beautiful, and that everything is as it was before. The survivors wander through the rubble as though nothing had ever happened – except one woman. Unaffected by the poison, she sees the horrors around her. She begins to clean the streets and the buildings in the hope of recreating the reality that existed before the catastrophe.

Writer-DirectorAbdullah Al-Mulla grew up in Qatar until moving abroad to pursue his university studies. He first became involved in film through the Doha Film Institute, and has worked on 10 short films to date. He is currently working on his next screenplay and researching a larger work.

This version of a dystopian society is dealing with the same dilemma as “The World is Blue” though the circumstances differ.  Everyone is totally accepting of a condition of life which the protagonist finds unacceptable.

It has resonance today with the ruined cities of Damsascus, Hons, etc. although I cannot say everyone is walking around thinking all is well; perhaps they are walking around in a daze; most likely they are struggling to survive, but it still has resonance. 

And people in the fine world that has not been destroyed perhaps are the ones in a drugged state believing all is well in their world…when in fact, it is not, as in “The World is Blue”.  Again, there is a resonance with “I Want to Feel”, a surreal synthesis of these two co-existing worlds. 

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- Sydney Levine

23 hours ago

Dear Friends and Colleagues,  

Our beloved friend and independent film cohort, Mickey Cottrell, has suffered a debilitating stroke and needs urgent help from his community of loved ones and admirers.  He will require 24 hour care for the foreseeable future, and extensive physical therapy for a long time to come.  He will not be able to garner any income during this time, and so we beseech you to help him through this difficult time.

Actor, publicist, producer, champion, friend, and activist… Mickey is an invaluable member of our community and a unique soul.  All of you who know him know that.

We have set up a GoFundMe campaign at the following link and ask that you give whatever you can.

https://www.gofundme.com/InclusiveMickey

Donations will be used to cover immediate and future medical care.  All contributions are deeply appreciated and a speedy response would be very helpful - knowing how much money is available will help us plan and prioritize his care.

Please donate as well as send this link to anyone you know who knows Mickey.  And of course share on All your social media platform. 

If you are a part of the press, and would like to honor Mickey with a helpful feature article, his full bio and info can be found at:  www.http://inclusivepr.com/company-bio/ 

This campaign is set for 30 days. However the sooner the better.

 Thank you so much for your time, consideration and prayers! »

- Sydney Levine

5 May 2016 9:00 AM, PDT

The eighth annual Hola Mexican Film Festival, presented by DishLATINO,  the largest festival of cinema outside of Mexico, today announced a partial lineup of the 2016 festival schedule including opening and closing nights and four special showcase presentations. The festival runs May 13-22 with all screenings taking place at the Regal La Live Stadium 14 Theatre, except for closing night which will be at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.   

This year’s festival will open with "Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla)  nominated for 14 Premios Ariel Awards (Mexico’s “Oscars”). The film is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself. Directed by Celso R. Garcia, the film stars Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra. Confirmed to attend the premiere are Cosio and Palacios as well as other special guests.

Additional showcase screenings include "We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.) directed by Roberto Girault and starring Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm and "Mr. Pig" with star Danny Glover to attend, on Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 Pm.  

Closing the festival on Sunday, May 22 is "Panoramas," a unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. Members of band Zoé will attend and perform a DJ set. This special event screening will take place at La Plaza Cultura y Artes Theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles. 

Also this year marks the first time that films from a country outside of Mexico will be shown with special presentations of two films from Chile – "Sin Filtro" and "El Bosque de Karadima"  

Opening Night Premiere – Friday, May 13 at 7:00 Pm

Regal La Live Stadium 14

"The Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla)

Dir. Celso R. Garcia

Cast: Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra

Mexico 2015, 95 Min

Five men are hired to paint the yellow line of a road that will link two forgotten towns in Mexico. With less than 2 weeks to cover over 200 kilometers aboard a '76 pick-up truck, they will discover that painting at a speed of 1 km/hour will teach them about the lines between good and evil, laughter and despair, life and death. The challenges they face will change their lives forever. The Thin Yellow Line is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself. 

Closing Night Premiere – Sunday, May 22 At 7:00 Pm

La Plaza Cultura y Artes theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles. 

"Panoramas"

Dir. Rodrigo Guardiola y Gabriel Cruz Rivas

Cast: Zoé

Mexico 2016, 90 Min

A unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. “Panoramas” is a Cinéma Vérité-style portrait of Zoé that takes you on a contemplative audio/visual journey through some of the band's most decisive moments.  A film crew accompanies the band during a two-year period to provide us with an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band’s longest international tour to date, in their first real shot at becoming well-known and "making it big" outside their home country of México. The 15-year artistic career of Zoé completes its growth-cycle and reaches full circle as the musicians arrive at the quintessential question all bands face: What's next?

MÉXico Now

"We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.) 

Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm

Dir. Roberto Girault 

Cast: Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal

Mexico 2015, 90 Min

"We Fulfill Your Dreams" is a company that makes fantasies come to life. Made up of a group of actors and led by a ‘Director' (Jaime Camil), they create set-ups to re-enact real-life circumstances for the good of people. 

For their latest job, they are hired by Mr. Balboa to spend a week in the roles of a long-gone loving grandson and his wife. Portrayed as an angel to his grandmother through fictitious letters created by the elderly Mr. Balboa, the young man has in reality become a villainous character. But things go awry for actors Mauricio and Isabel when the real grandson turns up for a show-down with his grandparents.

"Mr. Pig" 

Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 Pm

Dir. Diego Luna

Cast: Danny Glover, Maya Rudolph, Jose Maria Yazpik

Mexico 2016, 100 Min 

Ambrose Eubanks (Danny Glover), is an old-school pig farmer from California. After the family farm is foreclosed, he sets off with Howard, his beloved (and very large) pig, on a road trip to Mexico. 

Ambrose must figure out how to smuggle "Howie" across the border and find him a new home. 

"In Your Eyes" (A los Ojos) 

Friday, May 20 at 7:00 Pm and Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 Pm

Dir. Victoria Franco y Michel Franco

Cast: Mónica del Carmen, Omar Moreno, Benjamín Espinoza, Jacobo Najman

Mexico 2015, 96 Min

Monica is a social worker from Mexico City, a single mother whose child is suffering from a degenerative illness of the eyes. Having exhausted all other options, a corneal transplant is the child's only hope. Overwhelmed by the ineffectiveness of the health system and the scarcity of resources, Monica is driven to an extreme solution... Found within the world of the street children. 

"The Aparicios" (Las Aparacio) 

Sunday, May 15 at 4:30 Pm  and Tuesday, May 17 at 9:00 Pm

Dir. Moisés Ortiz - Urquidi

Cast: Ana De La Reguera, María Del Carmen Farías, Liz Gallardo, Eréndia Ibarra, Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Paulina Gaitán y Tenoch Huerta 

México 2016,  

The Aparicios are a family made up entirely of women, all cursed to become widows and to never bear male children. At their ranch in Xico, in the state of Veracruz, they discover the body of the first husband of an Aparicio woman. This leads the Aparicios to search their past in an attempt to end the ancient curse, and finally face their present

"Parallel Roads" (Rumbos Paralelos) 

Saturday, May 14 at 7:00 Pm

Dir. Rafael Montero

Cast: Ludwika Paleta, Iliana Fox, Michel Brown, Arturo Barba

Mexico 2016, 

(Film in Spanish, no English subtitles)

Rumbos Paralelos (Parallel Roads) tells the emotional story of two young mothers whose lives change unexpectedly.

Silvia must suddenly confront both her son’s illness and the abrupt discovery that she is not his biological mother. Desperate to find a donor for a life-saving kidney transplant, Silvia will seek out Gaby, the child's true biological mother. The following actions will put the power of maternity to the test and challenge life as a whole. Are family ties made out of love? Or are they carried in our blood? 

"Paradise Lost" (Paraiso Perdido) 

Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 Pm

Dir. Humberto Hinojosa

Cast: Ana Claudia Talancón, Iván Sanchez, Andrés Almeida

México 2016, 87 Min 

Three friends are traveling by sailboat through Caribbean waters, when they come across a deserted paradise island and decide to explore it. What was supposed to be one of the best weekends of their lives will turn into a tireless fight for survival when they discover the island's hidden secret.

"She is Ramona" (Ella es Ramona) 

Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 Pm and Monday, May 16 at 5:00 Pm

Dir. Hugo Rodriguez

Cast: Andrea Ortega Lee, Daniel Giménez Cacho, María Rojo, Leticia Huijara

México 2015, 83 Min

Ramona is overweight, with too many kilos and not enough luck. She remembers a childhood as the victim of abuse at the hands of her mother, her sister, and even her friends.  She was Big Belly Ramona, Big Eater Ramona, Ramona the Pig.  Now an adult, things aren't looking much better. Her life seems to be crumbling. She gets fired for being fat; when she seeks liposuction, her doctor rejects as a candidate for the procedure because she is too overweight. Things begin falling into place, however, when she stumbles across a Tarot café which sells the magic beetles that will change her life.

"Elvira, I would Give You my Life, but I’m Using It" (Elvira, Te Daria Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando) 

Thursday, May 19 at 9:00 Pm

Dir. Manolo Caro

Cast: Cecilia Suárez, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Vanessa Bauche

Mexico 2015, 108 Min

Gustavo, husband of Elvira, goes out one night to buy cigarettes, never to return. Elvira, a 40-year-old mother of two, begins a relentless search for the love of her life. Clues lead her to the conclusion that her husband has kept a secret relationship.  The unfortunate discovery will not stop Elvira in her mission of finding him.

"The Chosen Ones" (Las Elegidas) 

Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm

Dir. David Pablos

Cast: Nancy Talamantes, Óscar Torres

Mexico 2015, 105 Min 

Sofia, 14 years old, is in love with Ulises. Because of him, in spite of him, she is forced into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To set her free, Ulises will have to find another girl to replace her...

New Voices

"Leaf Blower" (Sopladora de Hojas) 

Saturday, May 14 at 2:00 Pm, Monday, May 16 at 9:30 Pm and Friday, May 20 at 5:00 Pm

Dir. Alejandro Iglesias

Cast: Francisco Rueda, Alejandro Guerrero, Fabrizio Santini

Mexico 2015, 96 Min

Lucas, Emilio and Rubén are three friends united in a special quest: to find a set of lost keys in a pile of dead leaves. What appears to be a simple task will turn into a profound journey that forces the teenagers to confront their fears: of letting go of the past, of facing embarrassing truths, of taking risks... Of growing up.  This afternoon, as trivial as it may sound, could change the course of their lives.  Or maybe not.

"Amir"

Saturday, May 14 at 4:00 Pm and Thursday, May 19 at 5:00 Pm

Dir. José Paredes

Cast: Jorge Guevara, Tania Niebla y Lirio Karina

Mexico 2015, 90 Min

Amir, an aspiring musician, finds himself drawn to Jeanette, a beautiful singer he meets during a night out on the town with his friends. The attraction complicates his relationship with his current girlfriend, Elizabeth, who is expecting his child. Amir will attempt to work out his feelings towards his newfound love interest, music and maturity, as adulthood forces him to make some challenging choices along the way.

"The Arrival of Conrado Sierra" (El Arribo de Conrado Sierra) 

Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm

Dir. René Pereyra

Cast: Maite Perroni, Joaquín Cosío, Susana Dosamantes, Ana González, Rocío García, Jessica Mas

Mexico 2015, 120 Min

In 1940's "Torres Mochas" (the city of Torreón, Mexico), the widow Doña Josefina and her five spinster daughters await the arrival of a man aiming to marry the youngest of the sisters. The local townspeople, excited at the prospect of one of “Virgin Josefitas” finally marrying, prepare massive celebrations. When the mysterious suitor finally appears, circumstances take an unforeseen course. 

For The Children

"The Adventures of Itzel and Sonia" (Las Aventuras de Itzel y Sonia) 

Saturday, May 14 at 12:00 Pm

Dir. Fernanda Rivero

Cast: Arcelía Ramírez, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Joaquín Cosío, Bruno Bichir

Mexico 2016, 70 Min

This film was made as part of the “Cuéntamelo filmando” ("Tell it to me with the cameras rolling") workshop and was done with the support of 500 people from 10 rural communities in Mexico. 

Itzel, an 8-year-old girl, and her best friend ‘Sonia the Frog’ will embark on a mission to find the guardians of the water, before the city's supply runs out. With the help of her grandmother, they will search in the most remote areas of Mexico, while a faceless being stalks them.

"By My Mustache" (Por Mis Bigotes) 

Sunday, May 15 at 12:00 Pm

Dir. Manuel Carames

Cast: Jesus Ochoa, Santiago Torres, Fernando Becerril

Mexico 2015, 90 Min

Though it sounds unbelievable, little Ulises, at only nine years old, has grown an enormous mustache from one day to the next. So begins a series of extraordinary events for him, his mother and his best friends. From this moment forward, all of them, along with a cast of very curious characters, will find themselves caught up in a very hairy adventure.

Documentary

"Made in Bangkok"

Monday, May 16 at 7:00 Pm

Dir. Flavio Florencio

Cast: Morgana Love

Mexico 2015, 75 Min

Morgana is a Mexican transgender opera singer with a relentless determination to assert her identity, despite having to fight against social stigma and family prejudice. Her dream is to have gender-reassignment surgery. Her only chance to make happen is by winning a beauty pageant in Bangkok, and use the $10,000 cash prize to pay for the surgery. The documentary embarks on Morgana’s journey with her, while providing us with an intimate portrait of what it is to construct a long-dreamt-of identity.

"Mexican Fighting" (Lucha Mexico) 

Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 Pm

Dir. Alexandria Hammond & Ian Markiewicz

Cast: 1000% Guapo, Blue Demon, Hijo Del Perro Aguayo, Tony Salazar, Arkangel

México / USA 103 Min

The ultimate look behind the mask, Lucha Mexico documents the joyous spectacle of Lucha Libre wrestling, which has thrilled Mexican fans for generations. The story follows "El 1000% Guapo" (1000% Handsome) Shocker, one of the most successful Luchadores of the modern era. His life is consumed by the need of being in the ring. A supporting cast of fan-favorites further reveal the world of Lucha Libre from the inside, with Blue Demon Jr. discussing life from behind a legendary mask; the violent history of El Hijo del Perro Aguayo (the Son of "The Dog" Aguayo); as well as veterans like Tony Salazar and Archangel, as they pass on the secrets of the ring to a new generation of fighters. These stars and others will shed light on the intense physical and emotional challenges they must constantly face in order to stand inside the ropes and thrill every last fan. With its unprecedented access to the top Lucha performers and promoters, as well as other players of this grand spectacle, Lucha Mexico steps into the ring to show us the great power behind the mask, and leads us straight to the beating heart of Mexico. 

Hola Chile

"The Church Of Karadima" (El Bosque de Karadima) 

Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 Pm

Dir. Matías Lira

Cast: Benjamin Vicuña, Luis Gnecco, Ingrid Isensee

Chile 2015, 98 Min

Fernando Karadima, the pastor and leader of the most powerful Church of the Chilean upper class from the 1980's to 2000's, is considered a living saint. Thomas, a teenager in search of his vocation, finds himself drawn to Karadima and accepts him as a spiritual guide. For 20 years, Tommy will gradually be subjected to physical and psychological abuse by the priest, until he decides to speak out and confront both the charismatic priest and the power networks that protect him, finally uncovering the real Karadima hiding behind the investiture of God's representative on Earth.

"No Filter" (Sin Filtro) 

Wednesday, May 18 at 9:00 Pm

Dir. Nicolás López

Cast: Paz Bascuñán, Ignacia Allamand, Paulo Brunei

Chile 2016, 100 Min

Pía is on the verge of a nervous breakdown: Her boss humiliates her, her husband ignores her, her stepson is disrespectful, and her best friend no longer listens to what she says. 

Pía begins having strong chest pains and, after trying many different healing methods, decides to undergo an acupuncture treatment. The Chinese doctor discovers that Pía's pain is caused by repressed feelings, and, with an ancient technique, he "removes the filter". From now on, an uninhibited Pía will realize that the only way to heal herself is to speak everything that comes to mind -  which won't always bring her the best results.

Nocturnal/Genre

"Barrancas"

Saturday, May 14 at 12 Midnight and Wednesday, May 18 at 5:00 Pm

Dir. Juan De La Peña

Cast: Diego Sánchez, Esteban De la Isla, Ana Lucía Camacho, Julia Dávalos, Eduardo Romo, Gustavo Gascón, Inés Vachez

Mexico 2016, 88 Min

The owner of a huge house in the woods, in the town of Barrancas, has a reputation for not paying his employees. When the latest housekeeper goes missing, everyone simply assumes that yet another employee has quit. Meanwhile, back in the city, the owner's nephew Mario is tasked with going to Barrancas to hand over the keys to the new caretaker. Young Mario thinks it’s a good idea to secretly invite his friends from college, as well as the girl he likes, out to the country house for a fun weekend. What Mario doesn’t know is that this may turn out to be a very dangerous idea indeed.

"The Similars" (Los Parecidos) 

Sunday, May 15 at 9:30 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 5:00 Pm

Dir. Isaac Ezban

Cast: Gustavo Sánchez Parra, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Humberto Busto, Carmen Beato

Mexico 2015, 89 Min

In the rainy darkness of the early morning hours of October 2, 1968, eight people are waiting in a remote bus station in the middle of nowhere for the bus heading to Mexico City. They’ll soon find themselves experiencing a strange phenomenon.

For more information and ticket sales visit -  http://holamexicoff.com

  »

- Carlos Aguilar

5 May 2016 8:00 AM, PDT

This is a "go to" festival for international filmmakers with Jewish films who want to have their films premiere in Hollywood. The 11th L.A. Jewish Film Festival May 18th through May 25.

Opening night on May 18 will be a grand, red carpet, star-studded gala at the Steve Tisch Cinema Center at the Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills. Lajff will recognize the Laemmle Theater family with a special honor for their ongoing commitment to film and filmmakers. This family, headed by legendary Universal studio owner, Carl Laemmle and continuously run by subsequent three generations of Laemmles, is truly a force of nature. The Laemmle Theaters is a 75+ year old family run business which has established a sense of community through film in every neighborhood of Los Angeles they touch. The Laemmle family also supports many local organizations.

Watch this wonderful history of the Laemmle theaters in which Gregory Laemmle, the President of Laemmle Theaters, gives the Beverly Hills Historical Society a summary of the Laemmle family movie theater's history and his programming of the Fine Arts and Music Hall theaters in Beverly Hills.

Opening night film is the North American premiere of “False Flag” /”Kfulim”, a gripping espionage thriller TV series (now known as “filmed entertainment”) which premiered at the Berlinale’s inaugural Special Series section and won the Grand Prize at Series Mania. It comes from the makers of “Homeland” as it first appeared in Israel in 2015 before being remade for U.S. audiences.

Created by Amit Cohen and Maria Feldman, Amit will be present after the screening for a Q&A with actor Angel Bonanni.

Variety, October 2015 called it a “Thrill Ride. Keshet’s hot strike may continue with False Flag”

C21 Hot Picks for Mipcom 2015 said, “’False Flag’ has a touch of ‘Homeland’ about it and could be the next big Israeli drama”.

Directed by Oded Ruskin, it stars Ishai Golan, Ania Bukstein, Angel Bonanni, Roy Assaf and Orna Salinger who play five Israeli citizens who find themselves plunged into a gripping international espionage affair overnight. These ordinary people, going about their daily business, wake up one morning to discover that they are implicated in a ruthless kidnapping operation following the disappearance of the Iranian Defense Minister while on a secret visit to Moscow. News bulletins repeatedly flash their names and passport photos on screen, linking them to video footage from the kidnapping.

French pay TV channel Canal Plus acquired exclusive rights to “False Flag” for France from Keshet International. Will it be remade for U.S.??? We shall see.

In addition to the opening night ceremony, this year will be the first year for a new award. Lajff will establish the Marvin Paige Hollywood Legacy Award. Marvin Paige who died in 2014 was a classic Hollywood casting director, the go-to Hollywood star wrangler of anybody and everybody needing to get a hold of a celebrity. He worked with Lajff for its entire 11 years and his work continues with his former protégé.

Read Leonard Maltin on Marvin Paige

The Marvin Paige Hollywood Legacy Award will be presented on closing night, Wednesday, May 25th, at the iconic Beverly Hills theater, The Fine Arts, to legendary actress Marsha Hunt, formerly blacklisted and still known as a free speech and humanitarian activist today at age 98!).

Closing night film Wednesday, May 25th is the classic, 72 year old movie ”None Shall Escape” starring Marsha Hunt and directed by André De Toth, starring Marsha Hunt, Alexander Knox, Henry Travers, and written by Alfred Neumann and Joseph Than (Alfred Neumann and Joseph Than were nominated for an Academy Award for Best Story.)

"None Shall Escape" is a 1944 war film. Even though the film was made during World War II, the setting is a post-war Nuremberg-style war crimes trial. Production began August 31, 1943 and finished October 26, more than eighteen months before the war in Europe ended. About the career of a Nazi officer as shown as flashbacks from his trial as a war criminal, the film will be discussed by film historian, Professor Jan Christopher Horak with Marsha Hunt in person.

There will also be a very special screening of Israel’s beloved, 1966 film musical, “Sheni Kuni Lemel”/ “The Flying Matchmaker” featuring an appearance from L.A. local celebrity and star of the film, Mike Burstyn who starred in the film when he was just 19 years old. This is the first screening of the newly restored print from Israel - the first to be shown in the U.S. Lajff will honor this classic Israeli star with an award on the first night of the screening for “Sheni Kuni Lemel”. (Learn more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flying_Matchmaker)

Another film definitely to be seen is the first film made by Oscar-winning director of “Son of  Saul”, László Nemes. The 2008,14 minute short, “ With a Little Patience” will be playing before “Fever at Dawn” on May 23. Director László Nemes fixes the camera on the evocatively stoic face of a young female office clerk, capturing her every nuance as she methodically goes about her daily routine, which leads to a solemn revelation just outside the window, where a man is waiting. The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival

and was the winner at the 14th Drama International Short Film Festival.

Monday, May 23, 7:30 pm Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills program introduction by Consul General of Hungary, Laszlo Kalman

Another top film here is “The People Vs. Fritz Bauer”. If you saw the German submission for the Academy Award this year, “Labyrinth of Lies” you will know the story, but will find this film much,much more authentic and engrossing. It is the real story of the boss of the young man “Labyrinth” who is the true life hero.

Audience Award Winner at the Locarno International Film Festival, World Premiere Toronto International Film Festival 2015. Cohen Media has U.S. rights.

Its L.A. premiere will be Tuesday, May 24, 7:30 pm Laemmle’s Music Hall. Drama, Germany, 2015, 105 minutes, Director: Lars Kraume, in German with English subtitles

Top German actors Burghart Klaussner (“The White Ribbon”) and Ronald Zehrfeld (“Barbara”, “Phoenix”) star in this riveting historical thriller, which chronicles the staggering efforts of German district attorney Fritz Bauer to bring Nazi war criminal Adolph Eichmann to justice.

Few figures encapsulate the conflicted character of postwar Germany better than Fritz Bauer, the Attorney General who was instrumental in bringing the elusive Adolf Eichmann to trial in Israel. This film is both a portrait of this complex man and a riveting historical thriller that chronicles the Herculean efforts and tremendous risks undertaken en route to apprehending the chief engineer of the Nazis' Final Solution.

In the late 1950s, Germany flourishes under the economic miracle, and grows increasingly apathetic about confronting the horrors of its recent past. Nevertheless, Fritz Bauer (Burghart Klaussner) relentlessly devotes his energies to bringing the Third Reich to justice. One day Bauer receives a letter from Argentina, with information about Adolf Eichmann. He is excited by the promising lead, but obstructed at every turn by authorities with Nazi ties, many of them former higher-ups under Hitler, now in top government positions. Bauer journeys to Jerusalem to seek alliance with Mossad, the Israeli secret service. This is an act of treason — yet committing treason is the only way Bauer can serve his country.

Fritz Bauer was the Attorney General portrayed in “Labyrinth of Lies.” This is the story that led up to the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials.

Introduction: Deputy Consul General Stefan Biedermann of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany. Sponsored by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany

“A La Vie” / “To Life”

Drama, France, 2014, 104 minutes

Director: Jean-Jacques Zilbermann

Starring: Julie Depardieu, Johanna ter Steege, Suzanne Clément 

Audience Award Winner at Warsaw Jewish Ff 2015 

Breaking Glass has U.S. rights.

Veteran French writer/director Jean-Jacques Zilbermann (“He’s My Girl” - Lajff 2011) sets his engaging new drama in postwar Paris where Hélène (Julie Depardieu), a young Auschwitz survivor rebuilds her life while searching for her friends from the camp, Lily and Rose (Johanna ter Steege, Suzanne Clément). When the women are finally reunited, they share a watershed vacation in 1962 in a seaside resort, enjoying the intimacies of life, love and faith. This emotionally complex film about the sustaining power of women’s friendship was inspired by the director’s mother and her annual vacation with the friends she made in the camps. Don’t miss this masterful film starring a trio of award-winning actresses.

“Children Of Giant”

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqBYPp8IfQw

La Premiere    

Documentary, United States 2015, 85 minutes

Director: Hector Galan

Thursday, May 19 at the Laemmle's Town Center, Encino at 7:30 pm

Marilyn Moss, George Stevens biographer, M.G. Lord, Elizabeth Taylor biographer Plus Earl Holliman (actor from the film) and Jim Silke join the panel discussion, moderated by Nick Redman.

Sixty years after the Hollywood blockbuster that dared tackle the issue of prejudice against Mexican-Americans, “Children Of Giant” explores the cultural and social legacy of the landmark 1956 drama. Starring a legendary trio—Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean—Giant is the epic story of a powerful West Texas ranching dynasty, and the Anglo-Latino tensions their characters encounter. Edna Ferber, the daughter of a Hungarian-born Jewish storekeeper, whose own encounters with discrimination informed her work, bases the film on the novel. Similarly stirred to address human rights issues after his WWII military service, Oscar-winning director George Stevens embraced the book’s controversial themes of feminism, class division and racism in the post-war American Southwest. The lavish production had an enormous impact on the dusty little town of Marfa, Texas, and the Mexican-Americans who saw it as a first exposure to their second-class status.

Rare behind-the-scenes footage and clips from the movie complement interviews with surviving cast and crew, film historians, as well as residents whose lives mirrored the social issues explored onscreen.

“Golan: A Farewell To Mr. Cinema”

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evRsJy8GxrU&spfreload=10

La Premiere

Documentary, UK/Israel, 74 minutes

Directed by Christopher Sykes

Sunday, May 22, 7:00 pm, Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills

Speakers for Golan: Farewell to Mr. Cinema. Sam Firstenberg and Sybil Danning.

This film is the final chapter in the extraordinary life and career of Menahem Golan, Israeli movie director, producer, mogul and 'madman'. Golan and his cousin Yoram Globus, pursued the American Dream and turned the Hollywood power structure upside down, producing over 300 films and becoming the most powerful independent film company in the world; Cannon Films. Golan produced movies featuring such stars as Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Charles Bronson.

In his eighties and living in Jaffa, Golan looks back to his great days in Hollywood, forward to a new blockbuster, and dreams of the Oscar he has always wanted...

“In Search Of Israeli Cuisine”

La Premiere

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOd6cyFvBr8

 Documentary, United States 2015, 97 minutes

Thursday, May 19, 7:30 pm Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hill

Q&A with Amelia Saltsman, cookbook author and personality and Rob Eshman, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Journal.

Sunday, May 22, 4:30 pm, Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino

Q&A with Elana Horwich, owner of Meal with a Spiel

Director: Roger Sherman

Starring: Michael Solomonov

Michael Solomonov, the James Beard award-winning celebrity chef-restaurateur travels across Israel to savor a food revolution rooted in centuries-old tradition. Developed in only the last 30 years and using both ancient farming techniques and high-tech innovations, Israel’s food scene is among the most dynamic in the world. From Tel Aviv’s most exclusive eateries to street bazaars, Israeli-American Solomonov interviews chefs, home cooks, farmers, vintners, and cheese makers drawn from the more than 100 cultures that make up Israel today — Jewish, Arab, Muslim, Christian, and Druze. This journey to his homeland reaffirms that Israeli cuisine is a beautiful and delectable reflection of the country’s unique diversity.

In a gastronomical expedition, celebrity chef-restaurateur Michael Solomonov zigzags Israel to savor a food revolution rooted in centuries-old tradition.

Israel’s food scene is among the most dynamic in the world, extending beyond falafel and hummus to include tasty ethnic and regional specialties. Having won the James Beard award for embracing these authentic flavors, Israeli-American Solomonov returns to his homeland to discover his culinary heritage anew. From Tel Aviv’s most exclusive eateries, to street bazaars, to simmering pots in family kitchens, “In Search Of Israeli Cuisine” excites the taste buds with multi-cultural recipes passed on and elevated. But even food is not immune to sectarian conflict, as Palestinian cooks chafe when their savory secrets are adapted by Jewish chefs. Equally eye-opening is the story behind the ingredients that Israel produces using both ancient farming techniques and high-tech innovations. Combining a procession of mouthwatering dishes and interviews with chefs, home cooks and farmers of all backgrounds, Oscar-nominated documentarian Roger Sherman presents a diverse portrait of the Israeli people told through the very personal language of food.

Rob Eshman, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Journal, Blog “Foodaism” to lead discussion. Additional guests Tbd. Sponsored by the Jewish Journal and the Consulate General of Israel

Food sponsored by Mickey Fine Pharmacy & Grill and Yrf Darca

For the full array of programming go to: http://lajfilmfest.org/ »

- Sydney Levine

5 May 2016 7:00 AM, PDT

The documentary shorts presented at the Tribeca Film Festival included both human stories and New York’s past. The films delved into themes of chaos, survival, and a glimpse into a life of the city that forever evolves but a time past that cannot be forgotten. After the screening, the filmmakers joined in for a Q&A. 

About the Film: "Joe's Violin"

A 91-year-old Holocaust survivor donates his violin to an instrument drive, changing the life of a 12-year-old schoolgirl from the Bronx and unexpectedly, his own.

About the Director: Kahane Cooperman is the director/producer of "Joe's Violin." She has also directed several other documentaries. She is currently the showrunner/executive producer of "The New Yorker Presents." Prior to that role, she was a co-executive producer of ‘The Daily Show’ with Jon Stewart. She began her career at Maysles Films.

Kahane Cooperman talks about "Joe’s Violin"

Cooperman began by introducing the two subjects of her film who were seated in the audience, the violin owner Joseph Feingold and Brianna.

 “The way I got this idea was very simple. My car radio was on and I tuned on the classical radio station Wqxr and I heard a promo for their instrument drive; it said donate your instruments and the instruments are going to New York City school kids. They mentioned the donations they already had gotten and one of the instruments was Joseph’s violin. I just thought, 'I wonder if there's a story there with this violin and if the student who gets the violin will know the story.' I got in touch with the radio station and they allowed me the privilege of pursuing the story and this film is what unfolded. It was a very moving experience. I do love music but I don't play an instrument. I think music is incredibly powerful but I'm also moved by the idea of how a small gesture can make you dream and change someone’s life. Somehow the idea of this was very compelling to me and that it might play out in the context of this one instrument shared by two people who were born 80 years apart.

About the Film: "Mulberry" 

This cinematic portrait of Little Italy explores how a working class neighborhood of tenement buildings transformed into the third most expensive zip code in the United States. Part funny, part sad, the film investigates how gentrification and rent control are affecting the neighborhood’s long-term residents.

About the Director: Paul Stone

Brooklynite Paul Stone started his directing career in the edit room at Ridley Scott & Associates. In "Tales of Time Square," Paul recreated 1980’s Time Square. The footage was often mistaken for stock and went on to be screened at over 50 festivals in the U.S. and abroad. His previous short ‘Man Under’ (Tff 2015) explored the rise in NYC subway suicides.

Paul Stone talks about "Mulberry"

“I saw my neighborhood disappearing, changing. I have no problem with gentrification, but it’s gotten to a point of hyper gentrification. Little Italy in New York is known for its soul and its people, and it was rapidly disappearing. I wanted to tell the story about who inspired me in terms of my friends and that Little Italy is still alive and well, and that there are still a lot of characters left.

About the Film: "Starring Austin Pendleton" 

Austin Pendleton is that quintessential character actor you might recognize. We follow Austin as he reflects on his life and craft, while his A-list peers discuss his vast influence, dogged determination, and what it means to be an original in today's celebrity-obsessed world.

About the Directors Gene Gallerano and David H. Holmes

David H. Holmes has studied and acted under the direction of Mr. Pendleton. His film and television credits include ‘Birdman’, ‘Law and Order’, ‘Girls’, ‘Mr. Robot’, and ‘The Following’. Gene Gallerano is the co-founder of The Neboya Collective, and has produced and starred in works including, Occupy’, ‘Texas’, ‘Fireworks’, and ‘The Talk Men’, which he also directed.

Holmes and Gallerano talk about "Starring Austin Pendleton" 

The directors met ten years ago in an Off-Broadway show and studied with Austin Pendleton for about five years. They consider him a big mentor. “We look up to him a lot and we wanted to make sure in the end that we could look him in the eye. He was very happy we made the film. At the Tribeca Talks the other day it was the first time Austin saw it.  Someone asked him if he had any input into the film and he said no because then you start manipulating it and controlling it; particularly his stutter, he said I would have told them ‘cut that’.” He wasn’t preventing us from making art.”

About the Film: "Taylor and Ultra on the 60s, The Factory and Being a Warhol Superstar"  

Warhol superstar Ultra Violet (Isabelle Colin Dufresne) and Lower East Side icon Taylor Mead (poet/actor/artist) share their stories of Manhattan in the 1960s.

About the Director: Brian Bayerl

Brian Bayerl's documentary work includes ‘8: The Mormon Proposition’ (Sundance 2010), and ‘For Once in My Life’ (SXSW Audience Award Winner 2010). This is his third collaboration with producer Michael Huter, including ‘Datuna: Portrait of America’ (London's Raindance Winner 2015) and Full Circle.

Brian Bayerl talks about "Taylor and Ultra on the 60s, The Factory and Being a Warhol Superstar" 

“Our producer  came across photographs of Robert Indiana, Andy Warhol, Taylor Mead and Ultra Violet and a lot of other figures of the sixties Pop Art. When documenting those photographs we met Taylor Mead and Ultra Violet and instantly fell in love with them; they were just so captivating and charismatic and fun that over the next four years we had opportunities to interview them and gather footage. When we lost both of them, we were approached by the Warhol Museum about putting something together and that's exactly what we wanted to do. We put this film together as an homage to both of them.”

About the film "Dead Ringer" 

There are only four outdoor phone booths left in all of New York City—this is a late night conversation with one of them.

About the Directors: Alex Kliment, Dana O’Keefe, and Michael Tucker

Alex Kliment is a filmmaker and musician from New York. He is also a talking head. Dana O'Keefe is a filmmaker based in New York and Stockholm. Michael Tucker is a documentary filmmaker who lives in upstate New York.

Alex Kliment, Dana O’Keefe, and Michael Tucker talk about "Dead Ringer"

“Our film started with learning about the statistic that there were only four outdoor telephone booths left in New York City. The city's replacing them with Wi-Fi hotspots, We thought, ‘What's a fun way to dramatize the changing urban landscape that also reflects a lot of other changes of the human landscape and how we relate to each other. We thought about how to impersonate and put ourselves in the mind of a pay phone.  This film was an opportunity to visit with very tragic heroes of our sidewalk -- the payphones of New York City.”

Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, Susan Kouguell teaches screenwriting at Purchase College Suny, and presents international seminars on screenwriting and film.  Author of Savvy Characters Sell Screenplays! and The Savvy Screenwriter, she is chairperson of Su-City Pictures East, LLC, a consulting company founded in 1990 where she works with writers, filmmakers, and executives worldwide. www.su-city-pictures.com, http://su-city-pictures.com/wpblog

  »

- Susan Kouguell

5 May 2016 6:00 AM, PDT

Against the backdrop of the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War, a full-day conference, "Refugee Voices in Film," will be held on the 18th of May at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, presented by the International Emerging Film Talent Association (Iefta), in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Unhcr) and the Marché Du Film.

The global humanitarian tragedy has sparked the interest of the entertainment world, specifically on refugee-related films, with filmmakers, some of whom are refugees themselves, telling their own stories and those of affected populations. "Refugee Voices in Film," an all-day event, will explore the ways broadcasters, humanitarian agencies and filmmakers engage and portray refugees and their plight, creating a platform for engagement in the media and entertainment landscape. It will present voices of independent filmmakers and look at how the worldwide entertainment community is telling and sharing refugee stories.

The event will consist of conversations, screenings and panel discussions. It will examine the ways narrative and documentary filmmakers and the media have responded to the devastating worldwide crisis and how they have engaged and depicted refugees and their circumstances. It will look at how refugee experiences influence cinematic expression and new storytelling techniques and furthermore, how they create compelling television stories, documentaries and narrative films.

As part of this initiative, plans are also underway for the screening of films about or by refugees at the Doc Corner of the Marché du Film located in the Riviera. While films are still being selected, the programming will consist of films made by the participants in the conference, films by refugees and films depicting the lives of refugees, as well as addressing the multitude of challenges millions of refugees face daily.

“The real lives of refugees are by far more dramatic than anything a fictional film script can provide. So it does not come as a surprise that filmmakers all over the world are taking up the issue in documentaries and fictional films. Unhcr seeks the cooperation of the cinematic world. We intimately know the issues and have experience in communicating with individual refugees without doing harm. The filmmakers bring their stories to an influential audience. It is a perfect match.” – Ragnhild Ek on behalf of Unhcr Egypt.

“The Marché is honored to be the platform for such a significant encounter. The Festival de Cannes is a very symbolic place for the unheard voices to reach an international audience and to raise awareness on refugees across the industry. We are glad to include this topic at the Doc Corner which will showcase many films about displacement, human rights and social justice.” – Jérôme Paillard, Marché Du Film.

“As storytellers and presenters, we have a responsibility to respond to the unimaginable suffering of these peoples.'Refugee Voices in Film' is a critical event relevant to one of the most pressing humanitarian crisis of our time. It will make a vital difference in bringing refugee stories to an influential audience, and allow for valuable contributions to the landscape of refugees in film and documentaries.” – Marco Orsini, Iefta.

The mission of Iefta is to discover and promote emerging cinema talent from around the world, to encourage dialogue between filmmakers, to promote cultural diversity and international understanding and to engage the art of cinema. Focusing on the world’s developing regions, Iefta’s Global Film Expression provides opportunity and education to those who have no access to the resources for cinematic expression.

2016 will mark the 10th Anniversary of the activities of the Iefta, including its Global Film Expression, Ethiopian Film Initiative, Addis to Cannes workshop, and numerous other programs and initiatives. Iefta will be announcing exciting new initiatives and international programs and partnerships during the Festival. And, the Iefta will celebrate these remarkable achievements with the "Refugee Voices in Film" workshop, a Gala Party at Venue 61 on the Croisette during the Cannes Film Festival, and a special presentation in Monte-Carlo. »

- Sydney Levine

5 May 2016 5:00 AM, PDT

The second edition of the 'Women in Motion' program will take place in Cannes from May 11 to 22, 2016 at the 69th Festival de Cannes.

The year’s official poster is of Frances McDormand whose presentation at last year’s first edition illuminated gender bias practices within the film industry in the most captivating, funny and serious presentation of the several presentations given.

During her Talk on 22 May 2015, the actress addressed the impact gender discrimination had on budget negotiations for female filmmakers, the lack of money being one of the main issues faced within the industry. Frances McDormand made her point hit home:

"We don't need help, we need money. We don't need more initiatives; we need money."

"Women in motion - it's done! We are moving, we just need to catch up."

Read more on SydneysBuzz about the inaugural sessions of Women in Motion, Cannes 2015.

Launched jointly by Kering and the Festival de Cannes in 2015 as part of an official five year partnership, the 'Women in Motion' program celebrates women's talent in cinema. In keeping with the first edition, the 'Women in Motion' program will be comprised of its two founding pillars: the 'Women in Motion' Talks and the 'Women in Motion' Awards.

The Talks will be announced ahead of the Festival, and will highlight the contribution of women and discuss their role in the film industry.

In addition to the Talks, the first 'Women in Motion' Award will reward the exemplary contribution of a laureate to both the film industry and women's causes. The second Award will be attributed to one or several up-and-coming talents in the film industry, chosen from a shortlist of individuals compiled throughout 2015.

To watch Frances McDormand's Talk on 22 May 2015 visit Here

"I am proud that ‘Women in Motion’ has once again been given the chance to feature in the program of such a major event as the Festival de Cannes this year. In 2015, ‘Women in Motion’ proved to be a powerful platform for supporting women in cinema.

With ‘Women in Motion’ – and even more so this year, given the real support we are providing to several female directors – we are taking another step towards real awareness and tangible changes, promoting a film industry that is more representative of the richness and diversity of our societies." -François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of the Kering Group

The ‘Women in Motion’ Talks: discussing the role and importance of women in film

Taking place as morning sessions throughout the entire competition, this year’s ‘Women in Motion’ Talks will welcome guests from outside the film industry to enrich the discussions about the place and contribution of women in cinema and underline solutions which would make the industry more representative.

· During the first edition of the ‘Women in Motion’ Talks held in 2015, a number of high-profile men and women eagerly joined the debate. Isabella Rossellini, Claire Denis, Salma Hayek Pinault, Matthias Schoenaerts, Melvil Poupaud, Isabelle Huppert, Sylvie Pialat, Agnès Varda, Thierry Frémaux, Frances McDormand and Deniz Gamze Ergüven all expressed their views on women and cinema during a series of interviews open to journalists and industry professionals.

The ‘Women in Motion’ Awards: celebrating talented women

· In addition to the talks, the 69th Cannes International Film Festival will also be marked by the presentation of the ‘Women in Motion’ Awards.

· In 2015, two honorary awards were attributed; the first to actress, producer and committed philanthropist Jane Fonda, who also holds two Oscars for best actress; and the second to independent producer Megan Ellison to celebrate the launch of the ‘Women in Motion’ programme. Both women are emblematic of their cinematic generations.

· In 2016, the first award will be presented to a laureate who has made an exemplary contribution to both the film industry and women’s causes. The first award winner will then be offered the chance to choose the recipient(s) of the second award, intended to support up-and-coming talents in the film industry, from a shortlist of individuals compiled throughout 2015. The second award will be accompanied by financial support for an ongoing film project.

· The awards will be presented on 15 May 2016, during the ‘Presidential Dinner’ organised by Kering and the Festival de Cannes and hosted by François-Henri Pinault, Pierre Lescure and Thierry Frémaux. 

A long-term commitment to both Women and Cinema

Kering and cinema

· From financing films and restoring works to producing documentaries and supporting producers and feature films, Kering and its Corporate Foundation have supported a number of films with a strong message: “Desert Flower” by Sherry Hormann (2009), “Home” by Yann-Arthus Bertrand (2009), “Brave Miss World” by Cecilia Peck (2013), and “Ice and Sky” by Luc Jacquet (2015).

· Kering has also been a partner of the Ecole de la Cité film school, part of the Cité du Cinéma complex created by Luc Besson, since its launch in 2012.

· Through its brands, Kering has also supported high-profile film institutions and festivals, such as the Tribeca Film Institute (New York), Britdoc (London), the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Lacma) and the Lumière Festival (Lyon).

Kering and women

· Kering has been committed to empowering women for many years, primarily through the Kering Foundation, created and chaired by François-Henri Pinault, Kering Chairman and CEO, as well as the Chime for Change initiative launched by Gucci, to empower women and girls around the world.

About Kering

A world leader in apparel and accessories, Kering develops an ensemble of powerful Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle brands: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Brioni, Christopher Kane, McQ, Stella McCartney, Tomas Maier, Boucheron, Dodo, Girard-Perregaux, JeanRichard, Pomellato, Qeelin, Ulysse Nardin, Puma, Volcom, and Cobra. By 'empowering imagination' in the fullest sense, Kering encourages its brands to reach their potential, in the most sustainable manner.

Present in more than 120 countries, the Group generated revenues of more than €11.5 billion in 2015 and had more than 38,000 employees at year end. The Kering (previously Ppr) share is listed on Euronext Paris (Fr 0000121485, Ker.Pa, Ker.Fp). »

- Sydney Levine

3 May 2016 7:21 AM, PDT

"Designed to inspire, and it works!" These were the first words out of my friend Ian's mouth as we exited "The Idol," Hany Abu-Assad's newest film. Three days later I was still feeling its effect and recommending it to people here at the Toronto Film Festival whenever we discussed the films we had been seeing.

This Palestine/ UK/ Qatar/ Netherlands production was inspired by the true story of Mohammed Assaf, a Palestinian who grew up in Gaza and whose voice became the voice of the nation when he won the Arab Idol contest in 2013.

International sales by Seville (eOne’s arthouse branch) were made before Tiff to some 20 territories including Benelux (September Films is the former Wild Bunch Benelux), France (TF1), Germany (Koch), Japan (New Select), Hong Kong (Edko), Hungary (Mtva), Australia (Umbrella), Latin America (California Filmes), Portugal (Outsider Films), South Africa (Times Media) Switzerland (Praesens), China (Beijing Xiangjiang YiHua Films), India (PVR), Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore (Red Pictures), Taiwan (Spring International), Former Yugoslavia (Discovery Films), Romania (Independenta), South Korea (Kaon Contents & Media) and Airlines (Captive). eOne will directly release the film in Spain. Mbc will distribute throughout the Middle East, including in Palestine and North Africa. Adopt Films just picked up U.S. rights.

This is a feel-good movie which gives a human voice to the Palestinian dilemma without being political or religious. It’s pure heart.

“The Idol” was coproduced by Image Nation of Abu Dhabi, Enjaaz -- a Dubai Film Market initiative -- Doha Film institute with support from the Netherlands Film Fund. Mbc also coproduced and is handling the film’s release in the Middle East and North Africa. September was the Dutch coproducer and is handling it in Benelux.

Speaking in Toronto with Hany Abu-Assad, he agreed, this film was designed carefully. And at its world premiere here in Toronto, he was so nervous. When the laughter from the audience happened at exactly the right moment, he knew the film worked the way he had envisaged. “They laughed and cried at the same time,” he said. He did not know even though the editing if the emotion will carry it. “You don’t know until you show it. When I knew that people laughed with the kids then I knew I had succeeded. The little laugh when the kids were chased told me it worked.”

“From the small laugh to another point here, and another here, a domino effect starts.”

The original script was written by Sameh Zoabi whose earlier film, "Man Without a Cell Phone" won the Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival Award for Sameh as Best Director. Hany gave the finished script to his (and my own) friend, colleague and script consultant, Annemarie Jacir, whose own film, "When I Saw You" premiered in Toronto in 2012 and won many awards including the Audience Prize at L.A. Film Festival in 2013 and at Amiens and the Netpac Award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2013. “She gave me some notes and worked on some of the dialogue."

I remarked how much I liked the joke about the distance between Gaza and Egypt being the same as the distance between Cuba and Florida and told him about a parallel joke made in the Cuban film “Barrio Cuba” when the Havana people call those coming from the east (Santiago de Cuba) “Palestinians”. 

Aside from having a top-notch script, the entire film design was also successful because he worked with the same Dp Ehab Assal, Editor Eyas Salmon who was also editor of Tiff’s “Dégradé”, Production Designer and Art Director Nael Kanj and the Location Manager who all worked on his last film, the Academy Award nominated “Omar”. They have grown with him are now top quality artists and technicians who can work on both local and international productions.

“During ‘Omar’ we talked a lot about how the film would work, the concept, the core, the score, but on this film we spoke less. We knew each other better and it was much easier to shoot knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And it was joyful and almost telepathic. We hoped this approach behind the camera would also inform the on-screen experience,” said Hany who also insisted on shooting on location in both Beirut and Cairo for the exterior scenes set in those cities so that the film would look and feel real.

The key to this film has always been authenticity both in front of and behind the camera. That is why “The Idol” is one of the first, if not the first, international production to shoot on location in Gaza, despite the logistical difficulties to get a film crew in and out safely. Set in the devastated landscapes of a Gaza still reeling from the month-long bombardment in 2014, Abu-Assad and his crew were still able to find great moments of beauty and surprise. The Gaza Parkour Team, for example, supply their amazing acrobatic display in the most surprising way in one moment, proving that art can thrive in even the most challenging of situations.

For more on "The Idol" read the pre Toronto reportage.

That desire for authenticity is also why Hany insisted on finding and employing real kids from Gaza to act in the film. The crew did a Gaza-wide search, holding casting sessions and rehearsals in schools across the area. Ultimately, the production was blessed to find four amazing Gazan children to star in the film, all first time actors, and all incredible natural performers.

The first half of the film takes place in a war-torn Gaza city which for

Mohammed Assaf, his sister Nour and their best friends Ahmad and Omar is a playground where they freely ride their bikes, play music, football and dare to dream big. Their band might play on second hand, beaten up instruments but their ambitions are sky-high. Their ambition is to play at the world famous Cairo Opera Hall.

The world around Mohammed shatters. Through it all, however, he retains the hope that his voice will somehow deliver him from the pain that surrounds him and bring joy to others. He sings at weddings, he drives a taxi to pay for his university studies. Even as the siege around Gaza intensifies, the prison around them ever more forbidding, Mohammed knows he has a rare gift, the ability to make people smile and forget their anxieties about day to day living.

On TV one evening he watches as the auditions for Arab Idol, the most popular show in the Arab world, take place in Cairo. The borders are closed. There is no way out. Somehow, he finds a way and makes it in front of the judges in Egypt. From there, destiny awaits, a chance to change his life and give a voiceless people the greatest feeling of all: the freedom to love, live and feel free.

However success in the weekly competitions bring on anxieties of a new kind, to be the one responsible for being the voice of his people, Palestine takes on more importance than his personal reasons for surviving and succeeding.

This film plays well to children and adults equally. The boy becomes a man, played by Tawfeek Barhom who played in last year's "Dancing Arabs" and switches gears to his escape to Egypt and his competing in the Arab Idol talent contest. At the very end, Tawfeek’s character becomes the real star, Mohammed Assaf. His voice was always used, even when Tawfeek was supposedly singing.

“I always ask myself why I want to make a movie and spend almost two years of my life working very hard to complete that movie. In the case of ‘The Idol’, the answer was clear and simple. The story of this young man, Muhammad Assaf, is such an incredible story that even somebody like me who, just three weeks earlier had won the Jury Prize of Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival, was more excited for Assaf to win Arab Idol than for myself. I was caught on camera between thousands of people gathered in the square in Nazareth to hear the final results for Arab Idol; I was jumping in excitement like a little kid, and I have not had this kind of excitement for a very long time. When Ali Jaafar offered for me to direct Muhammad Assaf’s story, my arms were covered in goosebumps. I knew immediately that I would do everything to make this story a movie.”

“I see ‘The Idol’ as the story of fighting and the will to survive under extreme circumstances. It’s a story of hope and success, where a brother and a sister were able to make from their disadvantages an advantage, and from the impossible possible, who come from nowhere to overcome all odds, beating poverty, oppression, and occupation. They have the ability to convert ugliness to beauty, which, in the end, is the power behind all art and the fuel to nurture hope.”

“The film was designed as a movie with no cultural barriers. You could be Chinese, American or Palestinian and you can appreciate the film. The very old and the very young can all understand the journey. It crosses religious lines. I meant to take a very specific story into a broader context.”

“The story of Mohammed Assaf is a once in a lifetime event, an opportunity to put a human face on a people who have all too often been marginalized and misrepresented. “

“At a time of unprecedented upheaval in the Arab world, with revolutions, civil wars, strife and extremism, Mohammed’s journey from humble wedding singer in Gaza, to the region’s hottest young star played out before our eyes weekly. Every Friday and Saturday night, for a few minutes, viewers could release themselves from the daily struggles and remember how to smile again.”

“Mohammed Assaf represents the spirit and symbol of what might be; of dreams coming true; of the impossible becoming, for a precious moment at least, entirely possible.”

“The children in the first audience loved it.”

“The girl is now with her family as refugees. They escaped and are seeking asylum in Europe. The three boys were in Toronto and one wanted to stay.

I’m happy I gave four Gazan kids the chance to see beyond the ghetto. They have special talent and their exposure now allows the world to come to them. Audiences love these children so much that they have offered to pay for their education. There was even an offer to adopt one. With paid-for education their futures are now more hopeful,” Hany said.

“The girl is so talented. She never acted before but she understood and loved the logic of shooting, of decoupage. ‘Is this a wide shot?’ she would ask. She spent three days asking about the lenses. On the second day an actor off camera forgot his lines. She continued to talk as if he were talking, as if he were acting. She came out of war. Two of her uncles were killed in the war. When you loose your fear of death you are enormously naked, exposed and you become more sensitized. She could become a great actress.”

“I’m glad I could do something for these four children”.

The Filmmaker

Hany Abu-Assad is one of the world’s most distinctive filmmakers. The two-time Academy Award-nominated director – “Paradise Now” (2006) and “Omar” (2013)- has won countless other awards including the Berlin International Film Festival’s prestigious Blue Angel award, Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes and the Special Jury Prize in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard.

He was born in Nazareth, Palestine in 1961. After having studied and worked as an airplane engineer in The Netherlands for several years, Abu-Assad entered the world of cinema as a producer and produced the feature film “Curfew”, directed by Rashid Masharawi, in 1994.

In 1998 he directed his first film, “The Fourteenth Chick”, from a script by writer Arnon Grunberg, followed by his documentary “Nazareth 2000”, his second feature film “Rana’s Wedding” and his second documentary “Ford Transit”.

In 2006 his film “Paradise Now” about two Palestinian men preparing for a suicide attack in Tel Aviv, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign language film in 2006.

In 2011 Abu-Assad finished working on “The Courier”, a Hollywood movie starring Jeffery Dean Morgan, Til Schweiger and Mickey Rourke.

Most recently, Abu-Assad’s “Omar”, which featured star-making performances from Adam Bakri and Leem Lubany, garnered the director his second Academy Award nomination for the edge-of-your seat thriller. The film won several worldwide prizes including the Jury Prize of Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival. »

- Sydney Levine

2 May 2016 9:49 AM, PDT

Image Nation Abu Dhabi, one of the leading media and entertainment companies in the Arabic-speaking world, came onboard Hany Abu-Assad’s "The Idol" during the film’s final postproduction phase.

"The Idol" will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival today in the Special Presentations section.

Directed by acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad ("Paradise Now," "Omar"), "The Idol" tells the inspirational true life story of Mohammad Assaf, a wedding singer from Gaza who became a worldwide sensation after winning the live-singing competition Arab Idol in 2013.

Read More: Tiff Films from African and the Middle East

Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation said: “Hany Abu-Assad is one of the Arab region’s most gifted filmmakers and we greatly admire his work. Image Nation’s decision to join the project at this stage is a validation of the quality of that work. Not only is this a great team, but it’s a great film and we are thrilled to be part of it. ”

Added Abu-Assad: “This is the first time I’ve worked with Image Nation and I am very happy with our first collaboration on 'The Idol.' I hope this film will mark the beginning of a beautiful friendship".

"The Idol" is one of Image Nation’s two high-profile screenings at Toronto Film Festival, which will feature the highly-anticipated feature documentary "He Named Me Malala," directed by Academy Award®-winner Davis Guggenheim ("An Inconvenient Truth"). The film is being released by Fox Searchlight,  in association with Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Participant Media, and National Geographic Channel. The documentary was produced by Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald under their long-term partnership with Image Nation.

"The Idol" will then be showcased at BFI London Film Festival, where Image Nation will be celebrating the European premieres of three other titles – "He Named Me Malala," Majid Al Ansari’s "Zinzana" and Ali Mostafa’s "From A to B."

Garin added: “Image Nation is starting the festival season strong with notable lineups at Toronto Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival. It’s a particular high point for us to be able to bring the work of two gifted Emirati filmmakers to international audiences, and it’s a testament to the rapid development of our narrative and documentary slates.”

Read More: SydneysBuzz' Tiff's Feature Films Report Available Now!

"The Idol" has already made an impact in the market. Seville Sales is handling international rights to the film outside the Middle East and has already closed a number of deals in over 20 territories including France (TF1), Germany (Koch), Japan (New Select), Australia (Umbrella), Latin America (California Filmes), China (Beijing Xiangjiang YiHua Films), Hong Kong (Edko), India (PVR), Taiwan (Spring International), and South Korea (Kaon Contents & Media). Mbc is releasing in the Middle East and North Africa through its 03 production arm. EOne will distribute in Spain. U.S. rights are still available. »

- Sydney Levine

2 May 2016 8:26 AM, PDT

The 33rd edition of the International Dortmund | Cologne Women's Film Festival came to a successful conclusion after six days of films and events. At the awards ceremony on Sunday evening held in Cologne's Odeon Cinema, four prizes were awarded with prize money totaling €16,000.

The Ecuadorian director Ana Cristina Barragán convinced the international jury with her debut work "Alba" and was in Cologne in person to pick up the €10,000 prize. The jury consisted of screenwriter, director and producer Ana Cruz Navarro (Mexico), director and screenwriter Angelina Maccarone (Germany) and producer and director Marilyn Watelet (Belgium). They explained their decision as follows 

"Ana Cristina Barragán creates the intimate portrait of a girl on the verge of adulthood struggling to balance the yearning to belong against the price she has to pay for it. Thanks to the cinematographic verve and a tenderness of view, no explanatory dialogues are required to get under our skin. From the very first moment of the film, we see the world radically only through the eyes of this serious young girl – wonderfully played by Macarena Arias. Barragán tells a coming-of-age story that goes far beyond itself and thus becomes a strong expression of love."

Endowed with €1,000 and sponsored by choices, a listings magazine, the Audience Prize 2016 was awarded to film director Leona Goldstein for her documentary film "God is Not Working on Sunday!" (Rwa/De). Eligible for nomination was any film longer than sixty minutes to be shown at the festival.

The winners of the National Competition for Women Directors of Photography had been selected in the run-up to the festival. The award is shared by the directors of photography Katharina Diessner in the documentary category for the film "Arlette. Courage is a Muscle" (dir. Florian Hoffmann) and by Julia Hönemann in the feature film category for "Porn Punk Poetry" (dir. Maurice Hübner). Prizes were worth €2,500 each this year with the feature film award being sponsored by the Dfg German Film Insurance Pool. The jury comprised Sophie Maintigneux and Bella Halben, both directors of photography themselves, and Christiane Schmidt, last year's winner

Festival Director Silke J. Räbiger was more than pleased with the general feedback and the all-round successful collaboration with cooperation partners such as the Cologne Academy of Media Arts, medica mondiale, the Cologne International Film School Cologne, Gold + Concrete and the local cinemas – the Odeon, the Film Forum at the Museum Ludwig, the Filmpalette and the Altes Pfandhaus.

The next festival will be taking place from 4 to 9 April 2017 in Dortmund. »

- Sydney Levine

2 May 2016 8:00 AM, PDT

Out of 61 applications received, 9 productions were granted support by an international jury consisting of Rima Mismar (Lebanon), Dag Johan Haugerud (Norway) and Yngvild Sve Flikke (Norway). Among these films, 7 are fiction films and 2 are documentary. 

The jury said this year's selection included a great variety of projects, which made it possible for the jury to pick a diverse selection of films with an extensive geographical range and good gender balance. 

The majority of the projects are the directors feature film debut, in addition to some more established directors. The projects presents new views on important aspects of living; family ties, relationships across generations, homosexuality and aging - everything set against historical, political and social contexts of their respective countries. 

For more information on  Sørfond's grant support visit Here

The following productions received funding: 

"Map of Latin American Dreams" 

Docuemntary

Country: Argentina

Director: Martin Weber

Script: Martin Weber

Norwegian co-producer: Lightsource Film Production As - Arne Dahr

Main producer: Maravillacine

Amount of support: 280,000 Nok (approx. 30,400 Eur)

Project synopsis: Between 1992 and 2013, the photographer Martin Weber travelled through eight countries in Latin-America and asked people to write down their dreams on a blackboard. The film is a documentary road movie were Weber reflects on the people in the photographs, and we follow him on a new journey after the people he photographed to see how they have changed in line with their dreams. 

"Will She Win the War?" 

Documentary

Country: Iran

Director: Mina Keshavarz

Script: Mina Keshavarz

Norwegian co-producer: Gammaglimt As - Christian Falch

Main producer: MinDoc

Amount of support: 180,000 Nok (approx. 19,500 Eur)

Project synopsis: Roghieh, mother of five, decides to make a bazaar for female street vendors in her local community in South Iran. The bazaar is threatened by the new mayor, who want to tear it down and replace it with a shopping mall. Roghieh takes up the fight. 

"The Heiresses" 

Fiction

Country: Paraguay

Director: Marcelo Martinessi

Script: Marcelo Martinessi

Norwegian co-producer: Norsk Filmproduksjon As - Hilde Berg

Main producer: La Babosa Cine

Amount of support: 415,000 Nok (approx. 45,000 Eur)

Project synopsis: Asuncion, Paraguay. 2012. The Heiresses is the story of a woman of prosperous social background. She had inherited enough money to live comfortably. But at 60 years old she realizes that her inherited money is gone. This new reality alters the balance in which she has been living and forces her to transform a world that until then had seemed motionless.

"Where Life is Born" 

Fiction

Country: Mexico

Director: Carlos Reygadas

Script: Carlos Reygadas

Norwegian co-producer: Mer Film As - Maria Ekerhovd

Main producer: Mantarraya Producciones

Amount of support: 280,000 Nok (approx. 30,400 Eur)

Project synopsis: "Where Life is Born" is a simple, but strong story about love and loss of love in an open relationship. The story follow a married couple in a difficult period and unfolds on their ranch were they breed fighting bulls. 

"Retablo" 

Fiction

Country: Peru

Director: Alvaro Delgado Aparicio

Script: Hector Gálves and Alvaro Delgado Aparicio

Norwegian co-producer: Dag Hoel Filmprod As - Dag Hoel

Main producer: Siri prod

Amount of support: 460,000 Nok (approx. 50,000 Eur)

Project synopsis: An artisan family in the highlands of Peru makes traditional art. The respective master teaches his son, Segundo, the secrets of the art. The father is Segundo´s hero and and beacon in life, until Segundo discover his fathers secret life. 

"Candelaria"

Fiction

Country: Colombia

Director: Jhonny Hendrix

Script: Maria Camila Arias and Jhonny Hendrix

Norwegian co-producer: Dag Hoel Filmprod As - Dag Hoel

Main producer: Antorcha Films

Amount of support: 415,000 Nok (approx. 45,000 Eur)

Project synopsis: An old couple in Havana awakens their sleeping love life with a video camera. The films they make takes the couple out of a difficult economic situation. "Candelaria" is a film about love, moral and difficult decisions. 

"Cactus Flower"  

Fiction

Country: Egypt 

Director: Hala ElKoussy

Script: Hala ElKoussy

Norwegian co-producer: DUOfilm As - Marie Fuglestein Lægreid and Linda Bolstad

Main producer: Transit Films

Amount of support: 370,000 Nok (approx. 40,200 Eur)

Project synopsis: About three people in Kairo that is brought together in a moment of homelessness. The trio embark on a journey, which leads to an extraordinary friendship and self-discovery. 

"Wajib" 

Fiction

Country: Jordan/Palestine

Director: Annemarie Jacir

Script: Annemarie Jacir

Norwegian co-producer: Ape&Bjørn As - Ruben Thorkildsen

Main producer: Philistine Films

Amount of support: 550,000 Nok (approx. 59,700 Eur)

Project synopsis: Shadi has returned to his hometown Nasaret to help his father with hand-delivery of invitations to his sister´s wedding, a palestinian custom. As father and son spends their days together, walking from house to house, sore details of their relationship is brought to light and challenges their fragile and different lives. 

"The Immersed Family" 

Fiction

Country: Argentina

Director: Maria Alché

Script: Maria Alché

Norwegian co-producer: 4 ½ Fiksjon As - Turid Øversveen

Main producer: Pasto - Barbara Fransisco

Amount of support: 550,000 Nok (approx. 59,700 Eur)

Project synopsis: A film about a typical Argentinian family, who attempts to tackle the secrets of the past. The film is told through the eyes of a middle aged women, and the story starts with her sisters death.  »

- Sydney Levine

2 May 2016 7:41 AM, PDT

The European Women's Audiovisual Network has released a report supported by Kering focused on the issue of women in the entertainment industry. The report is titled "Where Are the Women Directors?"

To download the report in English or French visit Here

This new study was organized and managed by the Ewa Network and carried out with the support and collaboration of its research partners between 2006 and 2013. The network's representatives - Alessia Sonaglioni and Francine Raveney - will be in Cannes on the occasion of a Women in Motion talk, in the company of Anna Serner, CEO at the Swedish Film Institute.

This study is relevant at several levels:-          Offering data at European-level on the thematic.

-          Analyzing specifics and inequalities at national-level.

-          Ewa also offers best practice and policy recommendations that the network would like to promote at European institutions-level

 Some European key findings :

-          Only one in five films in the seven European countries studied is directed by a woman (21%). This means four out five films are Not directed by a woman.

-          The vast majority of funding resources (namely 84%) go into films that are Not directed by women. Low funding perpetuates the scarcity of female-directed films in circulation, in turn affecting the markets' willingness to invest and thus creating a vicious circle.

-          There is a significant difference between the proportion of female directors graduating from film schools (44%) and the overall proportion of female directors working in the industry (24%). That talent exist but the potential is not exploited.

»

- Sydney Levine

12 articles

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