Kim Nguyen explains it like this: "When I was fifteen I liked to write stories, and then in art class I developed my first black and white picture. As the white paper went in the chemical bath and an image appeared under the red light of the lab, I was hooked! Stories + pictures = movies." And so it was that Nguyan became a filmmaker; in 2002 he debuted with "Le Marais," which received six Jutra Award nominations in Canada, and his second feature, "Truffe," won Best Film at the Karlovy Vary Fresh Film Festival. He also directed "La Cite" in 2009. And now, "War Witch"... What it's about: Komona, a 14-year-old girl, tells her unborn child growing inside her the story of her life since she has been at war. Everything started when she was abducted by the rebel army at the age of 12. For two years she was forced to carry an Ak 47 and kill people.
- 4/17/2012
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire
Shadow Dancer
It's been a good week for festival news junkies. Sundance has opened, Rotterdam's full schedule is now online, Cannes has named Nanni Moretti as President of the Jury for the 65th edition in May, and the Berlinale's been rolling out lineup after lineup. Today's addition: "With seven more films, the Competition program of the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival is nearing completion. To date it includes 22 films, of which 17 are vying for the Golden and Silver Bears. 18 films will celebrate their world premieres in the Competition of the Berlinale 2012."
So, the story so far:
À moi seule (Coming Home). France. By Frédéric Videau (Le fils de Jean-Claude Videau, Variéte Francaise). With Agathe Bonitzer and Reda Kateb. World premiere.
Bel Ami. Great Britain. By Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod (feature debut). With Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas and Christina Ricci. World premiere / Out of Competition.
En kongelig affære...
It's been a good week for festival news junkies. Sundance has opened, Rotterdam's full schedule is now online, Cannes has named Nanni Moretti as President of the Jury for the 65th edition in May, and the Berlinale's been rolling out lineup after lineup. Today's addition: "With seven more films, the Competition program of the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival is nearing completion. To date it includes 22 films, of which 17 are vying for the Golden and Silver Bears. 18 films will celebrate their world premieres in the Competition of the Berlinale 2012."
So, the story so far:
À moi seule (Coming Home). France. By Frédéric Videau (Le fils de Jean-Claude Videau, Variéte Francaise). With Agathe Bonitzer and Reda Kateb. World premiere.
Bel Ami. Great Britain. By Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod (feature debut). With Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas and Christina Ricci. World premiere / Out of Competition.
En kongelig affære...
- 1/21/2012
- MUBI
Andrea Riseborough in James Marsh's Shadow Dancer Robert Pattinson/Bel Ami, Michael Fassbender/Haywire: Berlin Film Festival 2012 Below is the list of the latest movie additions to the Berlin Film Festival's Official Competition line-up: À moi seule (Coming Home). France. By Frédéric Videau (Le fils de Jean-Claude Videau, Varieté Française). With Agathe Bonitzer, Reda Kateb. World premiere. Bel Ami, Great Britain. By Declan Donnellan, Nick Ormerod (feature debut). With Robert Pattinson (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Breaking Dawn Part 2, Eclipse, New Moon, Twilight, Remember Me, Water for Elephants, Cosmopolis), Uma Thurman (Henry & June, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Gattaca, Playing the Field), Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient, Dans la maison, Sarah's Key, Love Crime, Nowhere Boy, Tell No One, Gosford Park, The Horse Whisperer, Mission: Impossible), Christina Ricci (Speed Racer, Fear and the Loathing in Las Vegas, The Opposite of Sex,...
- 1/20/2012
- by Anna Robinson
- Alt Film Guide
If more people in Canada made films like Nicolas Bolduc makes films then more people in Canada would go see Canadian films. It's that simple.
I've just seen Bolduc's short film King Chicken and it made me laugh so hard it hurt. Then I watched it again. Same result. Bolduc has been a highly in-demand cinematographer for a few years now - he shot Kim Nguyen's Fantastic Fest award winning feature Truffe, among others - and now he's taking the lead himself.
Can't show you the whole thing, unfortunately, but I can share this brief teaser. Yeah, it's all this good. Pay attention to the level of detail in the costuming and art design. It's really something special.
I've just seen Bolduc's short film King Chicken and it made me laugh so hard it hurt. Then I watched it again. Same result. Bolduc has been a highly in-demand cinematographer for a few years now - he shot Kim Nguyen's Fantastic Fest award winning feature Truffe, among others - and now he's taking the lead himself.
Can't show you the whole thing, unfortunately, but I can share this brief teaser. Yeah, it's all this good. Pay attention to the level of detail in the costuming and art design. It's really something special.
- 6/4/2010
- Screen Anarchy
The Quebec film industry here in Canada is so alarmingly good at what is does it is a shame that the rest of our country remains largely unawares of it. Director Kim Nguyen's is following up his previous feature Truffe, it was the opening film of Fantasia 2008 and got him best director nod at Fantastic Fest 2009, with the drama La Cité.
North Africa, the Aures Mountains, 1895. Max Orswell, doctor of war, returned from the front in a city he no longer recognizes. The army has invaded the colonial city, the streets are deserted, the ancestral community hérénite is subject to systematic checks of soldiers. One day, without warning, things switch. Max has to face the terrible facts: the horror is back, she followed him home.
La Cité opens in Quebec on April 9th. When we know of other dates in Canada we'll let you know. Hint, hint.
North Africa, the Aures Mountains, 1895. Max Orswell, doctor of war, returned from the front in a city he no longer recognizes. The army has invaded the colonial city, the streets are deserted, the ancestral community hérénite is subject to systematic checks of soldiers. One day, without warning, things switch. Max has to face the terrible facts: the horror is back, she followed him home.
La Cité opens in Quebec on April 9th. When we know of other dates in Canada we'll let you know. Hint, hint.
- 1/10/2010
- Screen Anarchy
A black and white film in French that's from Canada basically has three strikes against it before it gets out of the starting gate, but Truffe gives more than enough reasons to give it a chance. Funny, insane, and randomly poignant, the film has a lot going for it and has some strong performances to back it up. After that damned Global Warming has messed up the environment, it's also created a massive boon in truffles in Montreal where a new business has taken over. Unfortunately, supplies are finite, and a new company has moved in under the guise of a pelt-selling shop that, of course, is more intent on sending out furry mind-control drones to take over the wealth of the truffle-hunting biz. On the outskirts of the war is freelance truffle-miner Charles (Roy Dupuis) who has to struggle to make a living and not get choked by a muppet. This...
- 10/12/2009
- by Dr. Cole Abaius
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
For those of you who weren't in Austin, TX from September 23-30, you missed out. Fantastic Fest lived up to its name and presented some of the newest, most anticipated, and best films of the year. From the comfort and coolness of the Alamo Drafthouse (which serves Awesome food during movies) to the palatial Paramount Theater, Austin showed that it knows how to treat fans of genre films.
Think about it: Seven days filled with movies like Zombieland, Paranormal Activity, and Survival of the Dead, side-by-side with some truly creative short films, foreign films, low-budget indie movies, and stars, all put within a mile of each other. It was a movie-lover's paradise. But alas, all good things must come to an end (until next year), but not without a few parting shots.
Below are the announced winners of the various Fantastic Fest contests, and while I can't say I agree with all the decisions,...
Think about it: Seven days filled with movies like Zombieland, Paranormal Activity, and Survival of the Dead, side-by-side with some truly creative short films, foreign films, low-budget indie movies, and stars, all put within a mile of each other. It was a movie-lover's paradise. But alas, all good things must come to an end (until next year), but not without a few parting shots.
Below are the announced winners of the various Fantastic Fest contests, and while I can't say I agree with all the decisions,...
- 9/30/2009
- by Sifu Scott
- DreadCentral.com
At a ceremony Monday night hosted by Fantastic Fest co-founder Tim League, the festival gave out awards to some of the top films and filmmakers in attendance. Awards given out this year include ones for animated and live action short film, horror and “fantastic” shorts, horror and “fantastic” features and the next wave award which showcases emerging talent.
In addition, in conjunction with G4 TV and writer/director Uwe Boll, the fest gave out the “Filmmaking Frenzy” award for the best video game trailer with a “fantastic” twist. Winners of some of these prestigious awards included the comedic drama Down Terrace, which took home the Next Wave award, Human Centipede, which won for best horror film and Mandrill, which was given the Fantastic Feature award.
Check out a list of all the winners below.
Jury results – Shorts Awards
Animated Shorts:
Best Animated Short – I Am So Proud Of You (Don Hertzfeldt...
In addition, in conjunction with G4 TV and writer/director Uwe Boll, the fest gave out the “Filmmaking Frenzy” award for the best video game trailer with a “fantastic” twist. Winners of some of these prestigious awards included the comedic drama Down Terrace, which took home the Next Wave award, Human Centipede, which won for best horror film and Mandrill, which was given the Fantastic Feature award.
Check out a list of all the winners below.
Jury results – Shorts Awards
Animated Shorts:
Best Animated Short – I Am So Proud Of You (Don Hertzfeldt...
- 9/30/2009
- by Chris Ullrich
- The Flickcast
Film festivals are often a conumdrum for me because I sometimes wonder how they get started and, more to the point, who picks the films that get shown at them. My problem is that the films selected for many of the festivals don’t usually seem all that appealing (at least to me) and are often a collection of “art for art’s sake” films overwhelmed by their own sense of self-importance.
Fortunately, I don’t have this problem with the Fantastic Fest in Austin, which runs from September 24th to October 1st. The films selected for this festival represent an eclectic mix of genres and filmmakers and what I consider to be some of the most interesting, innovative and creative films being produced today. Sure, they’re not all potential Hollywood blockbusters, nor are they for everyone, but they are all pretty much guaranteed to be interesting, entertaining and in their own way,...
Fortunately, I don’t have this problem with the Fantastic Fest in Austin, which runs from September 24th to October 1st. The films selected for this festival represent an eclectic mix of genres and filmmakers and what I consider to be some of the most interesting, innovative and creative films being produced today. Sure, they’re not all potential Hollywood blockbusters, nor are they for everyone, but they are all pretty much guaranteed to be interesting, entertaining and in their own way,...
- 7/13/2009
- by Chris Ullrich
- The Flickcast
That's right, the first 32 titles have been announced for Austin's Fantastic Fest and the opening film will be the latest from Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) which stars Jemaine Clement (Eagle vs Shark)! I think I'm going this year!
Also playing will be the likes of...
Nicholas Refn's Bronson (review)
Pieter Van Hees Dirty Mind (review)
Esther Gronenborn's Kaifeck Murder (review coming shortly)
Lawrence Gough's Salvage (review)
Cory McAbee's Stingray Sam (review)
Full list of features and shorts after the break.
42nd Street Forever Volume 5: The Alamo Drafthouse Edition
The hugely popular Synapse trailer compilation series 42nd Street Forever is featuring the Alamo Film Archive for it's fifth volume. Here's your chance to check out a sneak preview screening of the actual 35mm trailers which are featured in the DVD compilation
Breathless
(dir. Yang Ik-june, 2009, South Korea)
Breathless is a foul-mouthed drama that delivers an unlikely mix of pathos,...
Also playing will be the likes of...
Nicholas Refn's Bronson (review)
Pieter Van Hees Dirty Mind (review)
Esther Gronenborn's Kaifeck Murder (review coming shortly)
Lawrence Gough's Salvage (review)
Cory McAbee's Stingray Sam (review)
Full list of features and shorts after the break.
42nd Street Forever Volume 5: The Alamo Drafthouse Edition
The hugely popular Synapse trailer compilation series 42nd Street Forever is featuring the Alamo Film Archive for it's fifth volume. Here's your chance to check out a sneak preview screening of the actual 35mm trailers which are featured in the DVD compilation
Breathless
(dir. Yang Ik-june, 2009, South Korea)
Breathless is a foul-mouthed drama that delivers an unlikely mix of pathos,...
- 7/13/2009
- QuietEarth.us
It is time boys and girls, the first wave lineup for Fantastic Fest 2009 has been announced, and we are bringing it to you right… now:
Also, Do Not forget to go buy your damn tickets!
Features:
42nd Street Forever Volume 5: The Alamo Drafthouse Edition. The hugely popular Synapse trailer compilation series 42nd Street Forever is featuring the Alamo Film Archive for it’s fifth volume. Here’s your chance to check out a sneak preview screening of the actual 35mm trailers which are featured in the DVD compilation.
Breathless
(dir. Yang Ik-june,
2009, South Korea)
Breathless is a foul-mouthed drama that delivers an unlikely mix of pathos, brutality and humor. First-time director Yang Ik-June plays an angry thug named who gets involved in a dysfunctional relationship with a high-school girl. It eventually becomes apparent that the pair are linked in ways that neither of them realize.
Bronson
(dir. Nicholas Winding Refn,...
Also, Do Not forget to go buy your damn tickets!
Features:
42nd Street Forever Volume 5: The Alamo Drafthouse Edition. The hugely popular Synapse trailer compilation series 42nd Street Forever is featuring the Alamo Film Archive for it’s fifth volume. Here’s your chance to check out a sneak preview screening of the actual 35mm trailers which are featured in the DVD compilation.
Breathless
(dir. Yang Ik-june,
2009, South Korea)
Breathless is a foul-mouthed drama that delivers an unlikely mix of pathos, brutality and humor. First-time director Yang Ik-June plays an angry thug named who gets involved in a dysfunctional relationship with a high-school girl. It eventually becomes apparent that the pair are linked in ways that neither of them realize.
Bronson
(dir. Nicholas Winding Refn,...
- 7/13/2009
- by Scott
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In a near and uneasy future, global warming has had an unexpected impact on the city of Montreal. Very suddenly, the ground of the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district has begun sprouting vast quantities of precious, pricey truffles. They are an immediate sensation worldwide with gourmands, bringing prosperity to Montrealers. When a fur-stole factory sets up shop in the neighbourhood, no one doubts that it’s a front for a greedy corporation seeking a monopoly over the valuable truffles. Before long, the earth begins to give up the last of its riches and poverty returns to the working class. The enigmatic company does have one challenger—Charles (Roy Dupuis), an independent truffle-hunter with an exceptional sense of smell, permitting him to make great hauls of truffles. Ready to do anything to block the competition, the company sets in motion furious diabolical plots to undo Charles and his companion Alice (Céline Bonnier). Alone again the powerful organization,...
- 7/20/2008
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
Toronto -- Canadian distributor Seville Pictures has received court permission to acquire the domestic rights to 27 films from a reorganizing Christal Films.
The Quebec Superior Court on Friday approved a bid from Montreal-based Seville to take over the distribution contracts to the Christal titles, which include Kim Nguyen's "Truffe," which bows Aug. 22, Philippe Falardeau's "C'est pas moi je le jure," Erik Canuel's "Cadavres" and Jaco van Dormel's "Mr. Nobody," which stars Diane Kruger, Jared Leto and Sarah Polley.
In May, Christal Films secured court protection from its creditors after losing a sublicensing deal for the Quebec market with Maple Pictures and Lionsgate.
Terms of the deal, which will enlarge Seville's share of the Quebec distribution market compared with Alliance Vivafilm, were not disclosed.
The Quebec Superior Court on Friday approved a bid from Montreal-based Seville to take over the distribution contracts to the Christal titles, which include Kim Nguyen's "Truffe," which bows Aug. 22, Philippe Falardeau's "C'est pas moi je le jure," Erik Canuel's "Cadavres" and Jaco van Dormel's "Mr. Nobody," which stars Diane Kruger, Jared Leto and Sarah Polley.
In May, Christal Films secured court protection from its creditors after losing a sublicensing deal for the Quebec market with Maple Pictures and Lionsgate.
Terms of the deal, which will enlarge Seville's share of the Quebec distribution market compared with Alliance Vivafilm, were not disclosed.
- 7/18/2008
- by By Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- With a substantial increase in local funding and the continued financial support from corporate sponsorships, this festival is a big player, (perhaps the most prestigious of the festivals in the North American Fantasy Film Alliance (which includes (Nyaff, Austin's Fantastic Fest, Screamfest La, Phillies' Danger after Dark, Dead Channels from San Fran and Canadian cousin's Toronto After Dark). With their usual bubbling enthusiasm, festival programmer Marc Lamothe, co-director of international programming Mitch Davis (see below) and a slew of speakers presented the make up of this year's edition of the Fantasia Film Festival. Now in it's 12th year, the fantasy/horror/animation/experimental/short/Asian genre film festival feels like a family affair. They'll have their usual number of patrons coming in droves and their close linkage with local and world filmmaker community is paying off once again. Championing and fostering relationships with directors before the became "known", this
- 6/26/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
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