With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit the interwebs. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
Born to Be Blue (Robert Budreau)
I played jazz trumpet growing up in Oklahoma, so Chet Baker’s somber swing always brought our ensemble back to earth when Dizzy Gillespie’s flying fingers sent us noodling in quick cacophony. We thought Baker was the romantic trumpeter, the kind you’d play when you wanted to impress a date — and whose pretty-boy face on the album cover...
Born to Be Blue (Robert Budreau)
I played jazz trumpet growing up in Oklahoma, so Chet Baker’s somber swing always brought our ensemble back to earth when Dizzy Gillespie’s flying fingers sent us noodling in quick cacophony. We thought Baker was the romantic trumpeter, the kind you’d play when you wanted to impress a date — and whose pretty-boy face on the album cover...
- 7/29/2016
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
Lorenzo Vigas’ Venice Golden Lion winner From Afar and César Augusto Acevedo’s Cannes Critics Week France 4 Visionary Award winner Land And Shade will screen at the International Film Festival of Panama.
Both selections will play in the Ibero American Showcase under the auspices of Iff Panama 2016, which runs from April 7-13.
Italian actress Lucía Bosé will be guest of honour at the festival’s fifth edition when three of films will screen — Death Of A Cyclist, Story Of A Love Affair, and No Peace Under The Olive Tree. High Heels will screen in special presentation.
Ibero American Showcase entries include Anna Muylaert’s Brazilian foreign language Oscar submission My Second Mother, Álex de la Iglesia’s My Big Night (Spain), 3 Beauties (Venezuela) by Carlos Caridad-Montero, and Spy Time (Spain) by Javier Ruiz Caldera.
Rounding out the section are: The Apostate (Spain-France-Uruguay) by Federico Veiroj; Road To La Paz (Argentina) by Francisco Varone; Semana Santa (Mexico) by [link...
Both selections will play in the Ibero American Showcase under the auspices of Iff Panama 2016, which runs from April 7-13.
Italian actress Lucía Bosé will be guest of honour at the festival’s fifth edition when three of films will screen — Death Of A Cyclist, Story Of A Love Affair, and No Peace Under The Olive Tree. High Heels will screen in special presentation.
Ibero American Showcase entries include Anna Muylaert’s Brazilian foreign language Oscar submission My Second Mother, Álex de la Iglesia’s My Big Night (Spain), 3 Beauties (Venezuela) by Carlos Caridad-Montero, and Spy Time (Spain) by Javier Ruiz Caldera.
Rounding out the section are: The Apostate (Spain-France-Uruguay) by Federico Veiroj; Road To La Paz (Argentina) by Francisco Varone; Semana Santa (Mexico) by [link...
- 3/23/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Now in its 26th year, Washington Jewish Film Festival (February 24 – March 6) explores gender, migration, the supernatural, Arab citizens of Israel, artists’ lives, and Lgbtq themes. In addition to the groundbreaking lineup of films, the Festival will host talkbacks and panel discussions with over 50 domestic and international filmmaker guests. The Festival is one of the region’s preeminent showcases for international and independent cinema.
A project of the Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center (Dcjcc), the Washington Jewish Film Festival (Wjff) is the largest Jewish cultural event in the greater Washington, D.C. area. This year’s Festival includes 69 films and over 150 screenings at the AFI Silver Theatre, the Avalon Theatre, Bethesda Row Cinema, E Street Cinema, the Jcc of Greater Washington, the National Gallery of Art, West End Cinema, and the Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater at the Dcjcc.
“We are excited to present our most ambitious Festival yet,” said Ilya Tovbis, Director of the Washington Jewish Film Festival. “The Washington Jewish Film Festival is a highlight on our city’s cultural calendar. This has been a banner year for original cinematic visions hitting the screen. It is a genuine pleasure to share this crop of bold, independent, film voices that have been garnering praise at Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, and elsewhere, with DC audiences. This year’s Festival simultaneously challenges and expands on our understanding of Jewish identity.”
The lineup includes new and classic films, encompassing a wide range of Jewish perspectives from the United States, Israel, Europe, Asia, and Africa. While the Festival touches a broad set of themes, this year’s lineup offers two programmatic focuses – one on the lives of artists (“Re-framing the Artists”) and the other on Lgbtq individuals (“Rated Lgbtq”). “Reframing the Artist” features an in-depth exploration of artists’ lives, accomplishments, and inspiration. The seven-film “Rated Lgbtq” series explores sexuality, gender, and identity on screen.
The Festival will also engage attendees with off-screen programming including “Story District Presents: God Loves You? True Stories about Faith and Sexuality,” an evening of true stories presented in partnership with Story District, and the 6th Annual Community Education Day on Arab Citizens of Israel. Kicked off by a screening of "Women in Sink," this day features in-depth conversations with Reem Younis, co-founder of Nazareth-based global high-tech company Alpha Omega, and Tziona Koenig-Yair, Israel’s first Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner.
A full Festival schedule can be found at www.wjff.org . Select highlights are included below:
Opening Night: "Baba Joon"
Opening Night features Israel’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award®, "Baba Joon," a tender tale of a generational divide and the immigrant experience. Yitzhak (Navid Negahban of Showtime’s Emmy Award-winning original series “Homeland”) runs the turkey farm his father built after they emigrated from Iran to Israel.
When his son Moti turns 13, Yitzhak teaches him the trade in hopes that he will take over the family business — but Moti’s dreams lie elsewhere. The arrival of an uncle from America further ratchets up the tension and the family’s tight bonds are put to the test. Opening Night will be held at the AFI Silver Theatre on Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. The Opening Night Party, with DirectorYuval Delshad, will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza immediately following the screening.
Closing Night : "A Tale of Love and Darkness"
Closing Night centers on Academy Award®-winning actress Natalie Portman in her debut as a director (and screenwriter) in a hauntingly beautiful adaptation of Amos Oz’s best-selling memoir, "A Tale of Love and Darkness." In this dream-like tale, Portman inhabits Fania—Oz’s mother—who brings up her son in Jerusalem during the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of the State of Israel. Dissatisfied with her marriage, and disoriented by the foreign land surrounding her, Fania escapes into elaborate, fanciful stories of make-believe — bringing her adoring, wide-eyed son along. Closing Night will be held at the Dcjcc on Sunday, March 6 at 6:45 p.m. Followed by a Closing Night Reception and the Audience Award Ceremony.
Wjff Visionary Award Presented to Armin Mueller-Stahl
The Wjff’s Annual Visionary Award recognizes creativity and insight in presenting the full diversity of the Jewish experience through moving image. The 2016 honoree is Armin Mueller-Stahl, who will join us for a special extended Q&A and the presentation of the Wjff Visionary Award. The award will be presented alongside a screening of Barry Levinson’s 1990 film "Avalon," an evocative, nostalgic film that celebrates the virtues of family life. “Avalon” begins with Jewish immigrant Sam Krichinsky (portrayed by Armin Mueller-Stahl) arriving in America on July 4th. He settles in Baltimore with his brothers and raises a family. Director Barry Levinson traces various transitions within the Krichinsky family and conveys his appreciation for the anxieties that afflict the suburban middle-class – and multiple generations of immigrants in particular.
Armin Mueller-Stahl is a German actor, painter, writer and musician. He began acting in East Berlin in 1950, winning the Gdr State Prize for his film work. By 1977, however, he was blacklisted by the communist regime due to his persistent activism in protesting government suppression of the arts. After relocating to the West in 1980, he starred in groundbreaking independent European films, such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s “Lola” and “Veronika Voss” and Agnieszka Holland’s “Angry Harvest.” He gained major recognition stateside with two radically different characterizations: an aging Nazi war criminal in Costa-Gavras’ “The Music Box” and Jewish grandpa Sam Krischinsky in Barry Levinson’s “Avalon.” He went on to earn an Oscar® nomination for his role in Scott Hicks’ Shine and appeared in such varied work as “Eastern Promises,” “The Game,” “The West Wing,” “The X Files” and “Knight of Cups.”
The Wjff Visionary Award program will take place at the AFI Silver Theatre on Thursday, March 3 at 6:45 p.m.
Spotlight Evening:
Compared to What? The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank
A polarizing, revolutionary, effective and a most-singular figure in American politics, Barney Frank shaped the debate around progressive values and gay rights in the U.S. Congress for over 40 years. A fresh and contemporary political drama with unparalleled access to one of Congress’ first openly gay Representatives and easily one of the most captivating public figures in recent memory.
Born Jewish, and a longtime friend to the Jewish community and supporter of Israel, Frank is refreshingly honest, likeable and passionate – a beacon of statesmanship that politicians and citizens alike, can look to for inspiration.
Screenings will take place on Tuesday, March 1st at the Avalon Theatre at 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday, March 2 at the Dcjcc at 6:15 p.m. Both screenings followed by a discussion with Barney Frank, husband Jim Ready and filmmakers Sheila Canavan and Michael Chandler.
Spotlight Evening:
Gary Lucas’ Fleischerei: Music From Max Fleischer Cartoons
Celebrating the release of the titular album—on Silver Spring-based label Cuneiform—legendary guitarist Gary Lucas joins forces with Tony®-nominated singer and actress Sarah Stiles (Q Street,Hand to God) for a loving musical tribute to the swinging, jazzy soundtracks that adorned master animator Max Fleischer’s surreal, wacky and Yiddish-inflected "Betty Boop" and "Popeye" cartoons of the 1930’s.
Backed by the cartoons themselves, and the cream of NYC’s jazz performers (Jeff Lederer on reeds, Michael Bates on bass, Rob Garcia on drums and Mingus Big Band’s Joe Fiedler on trombone), Lucas and Stiles have a rare evening in store. Get ready for a swirling melting-pot of jungle-band jazz, Tin Pan Alley torch songs, raucous vaudeville turns, and Dixieland mixed with a pinch of Klezmer.
This event will take place at AFI Silver Theatre on Saturday, March 5 at 8:30 p.m.
Additional Films of Note
The Wjff will present the mid-Atlantic premiere of "Barash." In the film, seventeen-year-old Naama Barash enjoys drugs, alcohol and hanging out with like-minded friends. Her activities are an escape from a strained home life where her parents fight and her rebellious, army-enrolled sister wreaks havoc by dating a Palestinian before going Awol all together. As her parents fret about their older daughter’s disappearance, Naama meets a wild girl in school and discovers the intoxicating rush of first love. “Barash” will be screened three times during the festival, on February 27 at 8:45 p.m. at E Street Cinema, on March 2 at 8:45 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre and on March 3 at 6:15 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema.
"Black Jews: The Roots of the Olive Tree" will have its World Premiere at Wjff. The documentary offers a fascinating exploration of African tribes with Jewish roots – in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Cameroon. Some claim to be descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes; others believe their ancestors were Jews who immigrated from Judea to Yemen. Far from a dry archaeological account, the film focuses on the modern-day personal and institutional practice of Judaism throughout Africa, as well as of recent African immigrants in Israel. This film will be screened on March 2 at 6:45 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and on March 3 at 6:30 p.m. at E Street Cinema.
The mid-Atlantic premiere of "Demon," from director Marcin Wrona, features a chilling, modern interpretation of the Dybbuk legend. Piotr’s joy at visiting his bride-to-be at her Polish home is quickly upended by his discovery of human bones on the property. Since his future father-in-law plans to gift the newlyweds the land, Piotr at first overlooks this ominous find. The disturbed spirit inhabiting these remains isn’t willing to let him off so easily however. Marcin Wrona’s wickedly sharp and creepy story of possession is set against a bacchanal celebration of blissful union. “Demon” will be screened on February 25th at 8:45 p.m. at E Street Cinema and on March 1 at 9:15 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre.
From Spain, the mid-Atlantic premiere of "Dirty Wolves" is a WWII thriller imbued with notes of magical realism. Director Simón Casal works in the Wolfram (aka tungsten) mines in rural Galicia. A ruthless Nazi brigade, intent on harvesting the rare metal to feed the Third Reich’s war machine, has captured the mines. When Manuela’s sister helps a Jewish prisoner cross the border to Portugal, they are unwittingly forced into a desperate test, which puts their survival squarely at odds with their sense of justice. “Dirty Wolves” will be screened on February 27 at 6:15 p.m. at West End Cinema, on March 1 at 8:45 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre and on March 2 at 6:45 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre.
In "The Hebrew Superhero," directors Saul Betser and Asaf Galay examine how Israelis long shunned comics as something on the cultural fringe – they were deemed childish, trivial and, perhaps most cuttingly, un-Israeli. Shaul Betser and Asaf Galay (“The Muses of Isaac Bashevis Singer”) outline the medium’s origins, tracing its evolution from quirky upstart to an indelible reflection on the various forms of Israeli heroes. Featuring gorgeous animation and interviews with Daniella London Dekel, Etgar Keret and Dudu Geva, Wjff is presenting the mid-Atlantic premiere of this documentary, which will be screened on February 25 at 7:15 p.m. at the AFI Silver Theatre, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 3 at 8:30 p.m. at E Street Cinema.
Simone Veil’s intrepid fight to legalize abortion in France is brilliantly brought to life in "The Law." In 1974, Veil was charged with decriminalizing abortion and easing access to contraceptives. Facing strong opposition from politicians, an enraged public and the Catholic Church, Veil— an Auschwitz survivor—refused to give up. Fighting for justice amidst a swirl of anti-Semitic sentiment, sexism and personal attacks, her perseverance struck at the heart of national bigotry in a rallying cry for a woman’s right to choose. Wjff will present the D.C. premiere of this French film. It will be screened on February 25 at 8:15 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema, on February 29 at 8:45 p.m. at E Street Cinema and on March 5 at 4:45 p.m. at the Dcjcc.
At 90, Miriam Beerman is a survivor. This groundbreaking artist and Potomac, Maryland resident has overcome personal tragedy to inspire friends, family, peers, patrons and students about how to remain defiant, creative and strong. Miriam has struggled with her artistic demons to create haunting images that evoke the suffering of generations of victims. "Miriam Beerman: Expressing the Chaosis" a memorable profile of an artist who has elevated her empathy for the plight of the world’s cast-offs into powerful portrayals of dignity. The Wjff is hosting the mid-Atlantic premiere of this documentary. Screenings will take place on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 3 at 6:15 p.m. at the Dcjcc.
Author and director David Bezmozgis brings his film "Natasha" to Wjff for its D.C. premiere. Adapting his prize-winning story collection,Natasha and Other Stories, to screen, Bezmogis delivers a tragic story of young love. Sixteen-year-old Mark Berman, the son of Latvian-Jewish immigrants, wiles away his hours reading Nietzsche, smoking pot and watching porn. His slacker lifestyle is upended when a 14-year-old hurricane, named Natasha, enters the picture. Drawn to her reckless ways and whispers of her promiscuous past, Mark enters an illicit romance with calamitous consequences. Screenings will take place on February 28 at 5:00 p.m. at West End Cinema, March 3 at 8:30 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 5 at 6:15 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre.
If you believe the fastest way to the heart is through the stomach, "In Search of Israeli Cuisine" offers a delectable, eye-popping culinary journey through Israel is your personal valentine. Weaving through bustling markets, restaurants, kitchens and farms, we meet cooks, vintners and cheese makers drawn from the wide gamut of cultures making up Israel today — Jewish, Arab, Muslim, Christian and Druze. With James Beard award-winning chef Michael Solomonov as your guide, get ready for a cinematic buffet that’s humorous, heady, and of course, delicious! Wjff will be showing the mid-Atlantic premiere of this new documentary. Screenings will take place on February 28 at 5:15 p.m. at E Street Cinema, March 1 at 8:15 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 4 at 12:30 p.m. at the Dcjcc.
A complete festival schedule can be found online at www.wjff.org...
A project of the Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center (Dcjcc), the Washington Jewish Film Festival (Wjff) is the largest Jewish cultural event in the greater Washington, D.C. area. This year’s Festival includes 69 films and over 150 screenings at the AFI Silver Theatre, the Avalon Theatre, Bethesda Row Cinema, E Street Cinema, the Jcc of Greater Washington, the National Gallery of Art, West End Cinema, and the Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater at the Dcjcc.
“We are excited to present our most ambitious Festival yet,” said Ilya Tovbis, Director of the Washington Jewish Film Festival. “The Washington Jewish Film Festival is a highlight on our city’s cultural calendar. This has been a banner year for original cinematic visions hitting the screen. It is a genuine pleasure to share this crop of bold, independent, film voices that have been garnering praise at Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, and elsewhere, with DC audiences. This year’s Festival simultaneously challenges and expands on our understanding of Jewish identity.”
The lineup includes new and classic films, encompassing a wide range of Jewish perspectives from the United States, Israel, Europe, Asia, and Africa. While the Festival touches a broad set of themes, this year’s lineup offers two programmatic focuses – one on the lives of artists (“Re-framing the Artists”) and the other on Lgbtq individuals (“Rated Lgbtq”). “Reframing the Artist” features an in-depth exploration of artists’ lives, accomplishments, and inspiration. The seven-film “Rated Lgbtq” series explores sexuality, gender, and identity on screen.
The Festival will also engage attendees with off-screen programming including “Story District Presents: God Loves You? True Stories about Faith and Sexuality,” an evening of true stories presented in partnership with Story District, and the 6th Annual Community Education Day on Arab Citizens of Israel. Kicked off by a screening of "Women in Sink," this day features in-depth conversations with Reem Younis, co-founder of Nazareth-based global high-tech company Alpha Omega, and Tziona Koenig-Yair, Israel’s first Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner.
A full Festival schedule can be found at www.wjff.org . Select highlights are included below:
Opening Night: "Baba Joon"
Opening Night features Israel’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award®, "Baba Joon," a tender tale of a generational divide and the immigrant experience. Yitzhak (Navid Negahban of Showtime’s Emmy Award-winning original series “Homeland”) runs the turkey farm his father built after they emigrated from Iran to Israel.
When his son Moti turns 13, Yitzhak teaches him the trade in hopes that he will take over the family business — but Moti’s dreams lie elsewhere. The arrival of an uncle from America further ratchets up the tension and the family’s tight bonds are put to the test. Opening Night will be held at the AFI Silver Theatre on Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. The Opening Night Party, with DirectorYuval Delshad, will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza immediately following the screening.
Closing Night : "A Tale of Love and Darkness"
Closing Night centers on Academy Award®-winning actress Natalie Portman in her debut as a director (and screenwriter) in a hauntingly beautiful adaptation of Amos Oz’s best-selling memoir, "A Tale of Love and Darkness." In this dream-like tale, Portman inhabits Fania—Oz’s mother—who brings up her son in Jerusalem during the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of the State of Israel. Dissatisfied with her marriage, and disoriented by the foreign land surrounding her, Fania escapes into elaborate, fanciful stories of make-believe — bringing her adoring, wide-eyed son along. Closing Night will be held at the Dcjcc on Sunday, March 6 at 6:45 p.m. Followed by a Closing Night Reception and the Audience Award Ceremony.
Wjff Visionary Award Presented to Armin Mueller-Stahl
The Wjff’s Annual Visionary Award recognizes creativity and insight in presenting the full diversity of the Jewish experience through moving image. The 2016 honoree is Armin Mueller-Stahl, who will join us for a special extended Q&A and the presentation of the Wjff Visionary Award. The award will be presented alongside a screening of Barry Levinson’s 1990 film "Avalon," an evocative, nostalgic film that celebrates the virtues of family life. “Avalon” begins with Jewish immigrant Sam Krichinsky (portrayed by Armin Mueller-Stahl) arriving in America on July 4th. He settles in Baltimore with his brothers and raises a family. Director Barry Levinson traces various transitions within the Krichinsky family and conveys his appreciation for the anxieties that afflict the suburban middle-class – and multiple generations of immigrants in particular.
Armin Mueller-Stahl is a German actor, painter, writer and musician. He began acting in East Berlin in 1950, winning the Gdr State Prize for his film work. By 1977, however, he was blacklisted by the communist regime due to his persistent activism in protesting government suppression of the arts. After relocating to the West in 1980, he starred in groundbreaking independent European films, such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s “Lola” and “Veronika Voss” and Agnieszka Holland’s “Angry Harvest.” He gained major recognition stateside with two radically different characterizations: an aging Nazi war criminal in Costa-Gavras’ “The Music Box” and Jewish grandpa Sam Krischinsky in Barry Levinson’s “Avalon.” He went on to earn an Oscar® nomination for his role in Scott Hicks’ Shine and appeared in such varied work as “Eastern Promises,” “The Game,” “The West Wing,” “The X Files” and “Knight of Cups.”
The Wjff Visionary Award program will take place at the AFI Silver Theatre on Thursday, March 3 at 6:45 p.m.
Spotlight Evening:
Compared to What? The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank
A polarizing, revolutionary, effective and a most-singular figure in American politics, Barney Frank shaped the debate around progressive values and gay rights in the U.S. Congress for over 40 years. A fresh and contemporary political drama with unparalleled access to one of Congress’ first openly gay Representatives and easily one of the most captivating public figures in recent memory.
Born Jewish, and a longtime friend to the Jewish community and supporter of Israel, Frank is refreshingly honest, likeable and passionate – a beacon of statesmanship that politicians and citizens alike, can look to for inspiration.
Screenings will take place on Tuesday, March 1st at the Avalon Theatre at 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday, March 2 at the Dcjcc at 6:15 p.m. Both screenings followed by a discussion with Barney Frank, husband Jim Ready and filmmakers Sheila Canavan and Michael Chandler.
Spotlight Evening:
Gary Lucas’ Fleischerei: Music From Max Fleischer Cartoons
Celebrating the release of the titular album—on Silver Spring-based label Cuneiform—legendary guitarist Gary Lucas joins forces with Tony®-nominated singer and actress Sarah Stiles (Q Street,Hand to God) for a loving musical tribute to the swinging, jazzy soundtracks that adorned master animator Max Fleischer’s surreal, wacky and Yiddish-inflected "Betty Boop" and "Popeye" cartoons of the 1930’s.
Backed by the cartoons themselves, and the cream of NYC’s jazz performers (Jeff Lederer on reeds, Michael Bates on bass, Rob Garcia on drums and Mingus Big Band’s Joe Fiedler on trombone), Lucas and Stiles have a rare evening in store. Get ready for a swirling melting-pot of jungle-band jazz, Tin Pan Alley torch songs, raucous vaudeville turns, and Dixieland mixed with a pinch of Klezmer.
This event will take place at AFI Silver Theatre on Saturday, March 5 at 8:30 p.m.
Additional Films of Note
The Wjff will present the mid-Atlantic premiere of "Barash." In the film, seventeen-year-old Naama Barash enjoys drugs, alcohol and hanging out with like-minded friends. Her activities are an escape from a strained home life where her parents fight and her rebellious, army-enrolled sister wreaks havoc by dating a Palestinian before going Awol all together. As her parents fret about their older daughter’s disappearance, Naama meets a wild girl in school and discovers the intoxicating rush of first love. “Barash” will be screened three times during the festival, on February 27 at 8:45 p.m. at E Street Cinema, on March 2 at 8:45 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre and on March 3 at 6:15 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema.
"Black Jews: The Roots of the Olive Tree" will have its World Premiere at Wjff. The documentary offers a fascinating exploration of African tribes with Jewish roots – in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Cameroon. Some claim to be descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes; others believe their ancestors were Jews who immigrated from Judea to Yemen. Far from a dry archaeological account, the film focuses on the modern-day personal and institutional practice of Judaism throughout Africa, as well as of recent African immigrants in Israel. This film will be screened on March 2 at 6:45 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and on March 3 at 6:30 p.m. at E Street Cinema.
The mid-Atlantic premiere of "Demon," from director Marcin Wrona, features a chilling, modern interpretation of the Dybbuk legend. Piotr’s joy at visiting his bride-to-be at her Polish home is quickly upended by his discovery of human bones on the property. Since his future father-in-law plans to gift the newlyweds the land, Piotr at first overlooks this ominous find. The disturbed spirit inhabiting these remains isn’t willing to let him off so easily however. Marcin Wrona’s wickedly sharp and creepy story of possession is set against a bacchanal celebration of blissful union. “Demon” will be screened on February 25th at 8:45 p.m. at E Street Cinema and on March 1 at 9:15 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre.
From Spain, the mid-Atlantic premiere of "Dirty Wolves" is a WWII thriller imbued with notes of magical realism. Director Simón Casal works in the Wolfram (aka tungsten) mines in rural Galicia. A ruthless Nazi brigade, intent on harvesting the rare metal to feed the Third Reich’s war machine, has captured the mines. When Manuela’s sister helps a Jewish prisoner cross the border to Portugal, they are unwittingly forced into a desperate test, which puts their survival squarely at odds with their sense of justice. “Dirty Wolves” will be screened on February 27 at 6:15 p.m. at West End Cinema, on March 1 at 8:45 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre and on March 2 at 6:45 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre.
In "The Hebrew Superhero," directors Saul Betser and Asaf Galay examine how Israelis long shunned comics as something on the cultural fringe – they were deemed childish, trivial and, perhaps most cuttingly, un-Israeli. Shaul Betser and Asaf Galay (“The Muses of Isaac Bashevis Singer”) outline the medium’s origins, tracing its evolution from quirky upstart to an indelible reflection on the various forms of Israeli heroes. Featuring gorgeous animation and interviews with Daniella London Dekel, Etgar Keret and Dudu Geva, Wjff is presenting the mid-Atlantic premiere of this documentary, which will be screened on February 25 at 7:15 p.m. at the AFI Silver Theatre, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 3 at 8:30 p.m. at E Street Cinema.
Simone Veil’s intrepid fight to legalize abortion in France is brilliantly brought to life in "The Law." In 1974, Veil was charged with decriminalizing abortion and easing access to contraceptives. Facing strong opposition from politicians, an enraged public and the Catholic Church, Veil— an Auschwitz survivor—refused to give up. Fighting for justice amidst a swirl of anti-Semitic sentiment, sexism and personal attacks, her perseverance struck at the heart of national bigotry in a rallying cry for a woman’s right to choose. Wjff will present the D.C. premiere of this French film. It will be screened on February 25 at 8:15 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema, on February 29 at 8:45 p.m. at E Street Cinema and on March 5 at 4:45 p.m. at the Dcjcc.
At 90, Miriam Beerman is a survivor. This groundbreaking artist and Potomac, Maryland resident has overcome personal tragedy to inspire friends, family, peers, patrons and students about how to remain defiant, creative and strong. Miriam has struggled with her artistic demons to create haunting images that evoke the suffering of generations of victims. "Miriam Beerman: Expressing the Chaosis" a memorable profile of an artist who has elevated her empathy for the plight of the world’s cast-offs into powerful portrayals of dignity. The Wjff is hosting the mid-Atlantic premiere of this documentary. Screenings will take place on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 3 at 6:15 p.m. at the Dcjcc.
Author and director David Bezmozgis brings his film "Natasha" to Wjff for its D.C. premiere. Adapting his prize-winning story collection,Natasha and Other Stories, to screen, Bezmogis delivers a tragic story of young love. Sixteen-year-old Mark Berman, the son of Latvian-Jewish immigrants, wiles away his hours reading Nietzsche, smoking pot and watching porn. His slacker lifestyle is upended when a 14-year-old hurricane, named Natasha, enters the picture. Drawn to her reckless ways and whispers of her promiscuous past, Mark enters an illicit romance with calamitous consequences. Screenings will take place on February 28 at 5:00 p.m. at West End Cinema, March 3 at 8:30 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 5 at 6:15 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre.
If you believe the fastest way to the heart is through the stomach, "In Search of Israeli Cuisine" offers a delectable, eye-popping culinary journey through Israel is your personal valentine. Weaving through bustling markets, restaurants, kitchens and farms, we meet cooks, vintners and cheese makers drawn from the wide gamut of cultures making up Israel today — Jewish, Arab, Muslim, Christian and Druze. With James Beard award-winning chef Michael Solomonov as your guide, get ready for a cinematic buffet that’s humorous, heady, and of course, delicious! Wjff will be showing the mid-Atlantic premiere of this new documentary. Screenings will take place on February 28 at 5:15 p.m. at E Street Cinema, March 1 at 8:15 p.m. at Bethesda Row Cinema and March 4 at 12:30 p.m. at the Dcjcc.
A complete festival schedule can be found online at www.wjff.org...
- 1/15/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
If the Academy is on the same time table they were last year with the Foreign Language Film volunteer committee we should know the 9 finalists from the 80-wide foreign submission list before the weekend. But before we get there, let's look back on where we've been. It's the most coverage we've ever done for one of our favorite categories so we hope you've been reading along and trying to see what you could (these films are often elusive, we know).
Much thanks to Jose who has been invaluable in seeking out interviews. Catch up on the coverage like so...
"everything u ever wanted to know about the foreign film category *...but were afraid to ask" Pt 1 81 Trailers | Pt 2 Female Directors & Debuts | Pt 3 Zoology | Pt 4 I know that face! | Pt 5 More Trivia!
goodnight mommyTHE Films
Afghanistan, Utopia Disqualified | Albania, Bota | Algeria, Twilight of Shadows
Argentina, The Clan Reviewed | Australia, Arrows of the Thunder Dragon
Austria,...
Much thanks to Jose who has been invaluable in seeking out interviews. Catch up on the coverage like so...
"everything u ever wanted to know about the foreign film category *...but were afraid to ask" Pt 1 81 Trailers | Pt 2 Female Directors & Debuts | Pt 3 Zoology | Pt 4 I know that face! | Pt 5 More Trivia!
goodnight mommyTHE Films
Afghanistan, Utopia Disqualified | Albania, Bota | Algeria, Twilight of Shadows
Argentina, The Clan Reviewed | Australia, Arrows of the Thunder Dragon
Austria,...
- 12/17/2015
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Lucrative prize goes to the Indian director of Parched.
Leena Yadav, the Indian director of drama Parched, has been chosen as the winner of the new Stockholm Impact Award, from the Stockholm International Film Festival (Nov 11-22) and the City of Stockholm.
Yadav is given $114,000 (1 million Sek) to support upcoming film projects.
Parched, which had its world premiere in Toronto Special Presentations, is set in a rural Indian village, where three women begin to break from misogynistic traditions.
The jury for the award included artist Ai Weiwei (who designed the trophy), filmmaker Ida Panahandeh, and Linus Tunstrom director of Uppsala City Theatre.
The jury said, “Through superb acting, giving a unique insight into the minds and hearts of women in rural India, told with colorful, sensual cinematography, this film is a paradoxical celebration of life, in spite of tough circumstances, creating both anger and joy, giving fuel for debate as well as hope for change, when addressing...
Leena Yadav, the Indian director of drama Parched, has been chosen as the winner of the new Stockholm Impact Award, from the Stockholm International Film Festival (Nov 11-22) and the City of Stockholm.
Yadav is given $114,000 (1 million Sek) to support upcoming film projects.
Parched, which had its world premiere in Toronto Special Presentations, is set in a rural Indian village, where three women begin to break from misogynistic traditions.
The jury for the award included artist Ai Weiwei (who designed the trophy), filmmaker Ida Panahandeh, and Linus Tunstrom director of Uppsala City Theatre.
The jury said, “Through superb acting, giving a unique insight into the minds and hearts of women in rural India, told with colorful, sensual cinematography, this film is a paradoxical celebration of life, in spite of tough circumstances, creating both anger and joy, giving fuel for debate as well as hope for change, when addressing...
- 11/18/2015
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
The Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles is coinciding with the Afm to showcase Israeli films and TV shows during the market for the first time.
Meir Fenigstein, Founder and Executive Director of the Festival noted that the Iff usually runs for two weeks but had extended its run this year (Oct 28-Nov 19) to also run concurrently with the Afm.
During the overlapping time frame, the Iff will run at the nearby Laemmle Royal theatre (there are free shuttles for Afm attendees). The festival will also have a booth at the market.
Including the Royal, the Iff — in its 29th year — now has four venues.
Films playing the festival this year include Baba Joon [pictured], Censored Voices, Firebirds, Ibiza, Paris on the Water, The Kozalchic Affair, and Woman in Gold.
“The Israeli film and television industries have happily enjoyed tremendous huge growth in parts of Europe and North America,” said Fenigstein, “with audiences...
Meir Fenigstein, Founder and Executive Director of the Festival noted that the Iff usually runs for two weeks but had extended its run this year (Oct 28-Nov 19) to also run concurrently with the Afm.
During the overlapping time frame, the Iff will run at the nearby Laemmle Royal theatre (there are free shuttles for Afm attendees). The festival will also have a booth at the market.
Including the Royal, the Iff — in its 29th year — now has four venues.
Films playing the festival this year include Baba Joon [pictured], Censored Voices, Firebirds, Ibiza, Paris on the Water, The Kozalchic Affair, and Woman in Gold.
“The Israeli film and television industries have happily enjoyed tremendous huge growth in parts of Europe and North America,” said Fenigstein, “with audiences...
- 11/6/2015
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Movies about father-son dynamics tend to transcend language — but what about when the father and son in question don’t speak in the same tongue? That was one of the impressive feats of “Baba Joon,” Israel’s Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film, director Yuval Delshad revealed at TheWrap’s Screening Series on Monday. Moderating the affair at Los Angeles’ iPic Theater, TheWrap founder and editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman welcomed Delshad and cast members Navid Negahban (“Homeland”), Viss Elliot Safavi and David Diaan for a panel following the film. Also Read: TheWrap Screening Series: Why Kurt Cobain's Art Mattered...
- 11/4/2015
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Helen Mirren takes center stage once more at this year's 2015 Israeli Film Festival, where she'll be honored with the Iff Career Achievement Award. She joins fellow honoree Aaron Sorkin, whose quest for a second Oscar for adapted screenplay—this time for the well-reviewed "Steve Jobs"—will also pass through Iff. The festival's opening night selection is Yuval Deshad's "Baba Joon," Israel's official foreign Oscar pick, as its opening movie. Mirren most recently starred as Maria Altmann in Simon Curtis’ “Woman in Gold,” which the Weinstein Co. is pushing for Oscar contention, has a fierce turn as Hedda Hopper in Jay Roach's upcoming “Trumbo” and also stars in Gavin Hood's Brit thriller “Eye in the Sky." The 29th Israeli Film Festival runs from Oct. 28 through Nov. 19. Read More: "L.A.'s Israel Gives Oscar Platform to Aaron Sorkin, Foreign Submission 'Baba Joon'"...
- 10/14/2015
- by Ruben Guevara
- Thompson on Hollywood
Read More: Israel Film Festival to Honor Aaron Sorkin for Achievement in Film and Television At the Opening Night Gala of the 29th Israel Film Festival, Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren will be honored with the 2015 Iff Career Achievement Award. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 28 at the Steve Tisch Cinema Center at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Mirren has won international recognition for her work on stage, screen and television. "We are very proud to honor such an extraordinary talent as Helen Mirren whose work inspires and emotionally moves millions of filmgoers around the world," said Meir Fenigstein, Founder and Executive Director of IsraFest Foundation, Inc. Helen Mirren joins previously announced honoree Aaron Sorkin, who will be receiving the 2015 Iff Achievement in Film & Television Award. "Baba Joon," Israel’s entry for the 2016 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and winner of the Israel...
- 10/14/2015
- by Sonya Saepoff
- Indiewire
Films from 81 countries have been subitted for this year’s Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The figure is down on last year, when a record 83 countries submitted features and the eventual winner was Polish feature Ida, directed by Pawel Pawlikowski.
Nine finalists will be shortlisted, which will be whittled down to five nominees that will be announced on Jan 14, 2016.
The 88th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb 28, 2016, televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan Utopia, Hassan Nazer
Albania Bota, Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci
Algeria Twilight of Shadows, Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina
Argentina The Clan, Pablo Trapero
Australia Arrows of the Thunder, Dragon Greg Sneddon
Austria Goodnight Mommy, Veronika Franz, [link...
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The figure is down on last year, when a record 83 countries submitted features and the eventual winner was Polish feature Ida, directed by Pawel Pawlikowski.
Nine finalists will be shortlisted, which will be whittled down to five nominees that will be announced on Jan 14, 2016.
The 88th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb 28, 2016, televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan Utopia, Hassan Nazer
Albania Bota, Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci
Algeria Twilight of Shadows, Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina
Argentina The Clan, Pablo Trapero
Australia Arrows of the Thunder, Dragon Greg Sneddon
Austria Goodnight Mommy, Veronika Franz, [link...
- 10/8/2015
- ScreenDaily
Films from 81 countries have been subitted for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar, among them Felix and Meira, Under Milk Wood, Labyrinth of Lies and Sunstroke (click through for full list).
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director.
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors.
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director.
Argentina: “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director.
Australia: “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director.
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho...
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director.
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors.
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director.
Argentina: “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director.
Australia: “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director.
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho...
- 10/8/2015
- ScreenDaily
Films from 81 countries have been subitted for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar, among them Felix and Meira, Under Milk Wood, Labyrinth of Lies and Sunstroke (click through for full list).
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director.
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors.
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director.
Argentina: “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director.
Australia: “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director.
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho...
The Us Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that 81 countries have submitted films for consideration for this year’s Foreign Language Film Oscar.
Paraguay is the only first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director.
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors.
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director.
Argentina: “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director.
Australia: “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director.
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho...
- 10/8/2015
- ScreenDaily
Son Of Saul
The Academy has announced that eighty-one countries have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 88th Oscars.
The Holocaust drama, Son Of Saul, won the Grand Prix at Cannes in May.
Paraguay is a first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director;
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors;
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director;
Argentina, “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director;
Australia, “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director;
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho Kulikar, director;
Canada, “Félix and Meira,” Maxime Giroux, director;
Chile, “The Club,” Pablo Larraín, director;
China,...
The Academy has announced that eighty-one countries have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 88th Oscars.
The Holocaust drama, Son Of Saul, won the Grand Prix at Cannes in May.
Paraguay is a first-time entrant.
The 2015 submissions are:
Afghanistan, “Utopia,” Hassan Nazer, director;
Albania, “Bota,” Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci, directors;
Algeria, “Twilight of Shadows,” Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina, director;
Argentina, “The Clan,” Pablo Trapero, director;
Australia, “Arrows of the Thunder Dragon,” Greg Sneddon, director;
Austria, “Goodnight Mommy,” Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, directors;
Bangladesh, “Jalal’s Story,” Abu Shahed Emon, director;
Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Our Everyday Story,” Ines Tanović, director;
Brazil, “The Second Mother,” Anna Muylaert, director;
Bulgaria, “The Judgment,” Stephan Komandarev, director;
Cambodia, “The Last Reel,” Sotho Kulikar, director;
Canada, “Félix and Meira,” Maxime Giroux, director;
Chile, “The Club,” Pablo Larraín, director;
China,...
- 10/8/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"Steve Jobs" screenwriter and Oscar contender Aaron Sorkin will receive the 2015 Achievement in Film and Television Award from L.A.'s Israel Film Festival later this month, giving he and opening night selection "Baba Joon," Israel's Oscar submission, an opportunity to curry favor in the awards race. And in this ultra-competitive season, even the smallest edge helps. Read More: "'Steve Jobs' Soars: Danny Boyle and His Cast Ride Aaron Sorkin's Exhilarating Screenplay" The 29th edition of the festival, which runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 19, will showcase more than 30 new Israeli productions, including narrative features, documentaries, TV series, and shorts. Past Iff honorees include Martin landau, Richard Dreyfuss, and Bob Balaban. In addition to aiding Sorkin's cause, as he looks to follow up his Adapted Screenplay win for "The Social Network" with another for "Steve Jobs," the opening night attention may provide a boost to "Baba...
- 10/8/2015
- by Matt Brennan
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Israel Film Festival in Beverly Hills is giving its film and television achievement award to the the Steve Jobs screenwriter.
Aaron Sorkin will be the recipient of the 2015 Iff Achievement in Film & Television Award at the opening night of the 29th Israel Film Festival on Oct 28 in Beverly Hills.
Baba Joon, Israeli submission for this year’s foreign language film Oscar, will have its Us premiere as the festival’s opening night film.
The festival, which runs Oct 28 to Nov 19, will showcase more than 30 new Israeli features, documentaries, TV series and shorts.
Sorkin’s credits include A Few Good Men, The Social Network, Moneyball, and the upcoming Steve Jobs.
Meir Fenigstein, founder and executive director of IsraFest Foundation,said: “We are thrilled to honour writer and producer Aaron Sorkin this year for his impressive individual contributions to the film and television industries. His iconic films and TV shows have entertained audiences around the world.”...
Aaron Sorkin will be the recipient of the 2015 Iff Achievement in Film & Television Award at the opening night of the 29th Israel Film Festival on Oct 28 in Beverly Hills.
Baba Joon, Israeli submission for this year’s foreign language film Oscar, will have its Us premiere as the festival’s opening night film.
The festival, which runs Oct 28 to Nov 19, will showcase more than 30 new Israeli features, documentaries, TV series and shorts.
Sorkin’s credits include A Few Good Men, The Social Network, Moneyball, and the upcoming Steve Jobs.
Meir Fenigstein, founder and executive director of IsraFest Foundation,said: “We are thrilled to honour writer and producer Aaron Sorkin this year for his impressive individual contributions to the film and television industries. His iconic films and TV shows have entertained audiences around the world.”...
- 10/8/2015
- ScreenDaily
Read More: Ophir Award-Winner 'Baba Joon' Becomes Israel's First-Ever Farsi-Language Oscar Entry Aaron Sorkin, screenwriter of "The Social Network," "Moneyball," "The West Wing" and recent Nyff premiere "Steve Jobs," will be honored with the Iff Achievement in Film & Television Award at the Opening Night Gala of the 2015 Israel Film Festival in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. "We are thrilled to honor writer and producer Aaron Sorkin this year for his impressive individual contributions to the film and television industries. His iconic films and TV shows have entertained audiences around the world," commented Israel Film Festival founder Meir Fenigstein. The festival will also include the U.S. premiere of Israel's Best Foreign Language Oscar submission "Baba Joon," which tells the story of three successive generations of Iranian-Jewish turkey farmers. The 2015 Israel Film Festival will run from October 28 - November...
- 10/7/2015
- by Ryan Anielski
- Indiewire
"Baba Joon," winner of five Ophir Awards from the Israeli Academy of Film and Television and Israel's 2016 Oscar submission, stars Navid Negahban ("Homeland") as Yitzhak, an Iranian immigrant in Israel who hopes his teenage son, Moti (Asher Avrahami), will take an interest in the family turkey farm. When Moti refuses, preferring instead to fix up junked cars, the ensuing conflict exposes the generation gap, as a son's demands for independence come up against his father's determination to honor tradition. The film is directed by Yuval Delshad and costars David Diaan ("The Stoning of Soraya M.") as Moti's uncle, Darius. The poster, following the film's appearance in Toronto, offers a glimpse of Ofer Inov's Ophir Award-winning cinematography, with a striking image of Yitzhak and Moti, eyes downcast, amid a sea of turkeys—and the trailer features a similar sense of inter-generational drama. "I want to do what I love," Moti tells his father.
- 10/5/2015
- by Matt Brennan
- Thompson on Hollywood
Baba Joon
Written by Yuval Delshad
Directed by Yuval Delshad
Israel, 2015
This year’s edition of the Haifa International Film Festival has a strong Iranian inflection, highlighting a Mohsen Makhmalbaf retrospective and Yuval Delshad’s Baba Joon, the first Farsi-language Israeli feature film. Baba Joon premiered internationally at this year’s Tiff and is Israel’s submission to the Academy Awards foreign language category. Yuval Delshad’s feature debut stars Homeland’s Navid Naghaban as Yitzhak and British actress Viss Elliot Safavi as Sarah, an Iranian-born turkey farming couple in an early 1980’s agricultural settlement somewhere in the Negev desert of Southern Israel, and newcomer Asher Avrahami as Moti, their only child.
The crux of the drama is a time-worn premise of inter-generational conflict and changing times – thirteen-year-old Moti’s distaste for turkey farming goes against his father’s and grandfather’s ambitions of continuing the family business. In fact,...
Written by Yuval Delshad
Directed by Yuval Delshad
Israel, 2015
This year’s edition of the Haifa International Film Festival has a strong Iranian inflection, highlighting a Mohsen Makhmalbaf retrospective and Yuval Delshad’s Baba Joon, the first Farsi-language Israeli feature film. Baba Joon premiered internationally at this year’s Tiff and is Israel’s submission to the Academy Awards foreign language category. Yuval Delshad’s feature debut stars Homeland’s Navid Naghaban as Yitzhak and British actress Viss Elliot Safavi as Sarah, an Iranian-born turkey farming couple in an early 1980’s agricultural settlement somewhere in the Negev desert of Southern Israel, and newcomer Asher Avrahami as Moti, their only child.
The crux of the drama is a time-worn premise of inter-generational conflict and changing times – thirteen-year-old Moti’s distaste for turkey farming goes against his father’s and grandfather’s ambitions of continuing the family business. In fact,...
- 10/2/2015
- by Zornitsa Staneva
- SoundOnSight
Entries for the Best Foreign-Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.
Submissions for the Best Foreign-Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards are coming in and will continue until October, when the full list of eligible submissions will be revealed.
Last year, a record 83 countries submitted features and the eventual winner was Polish feature Ida, directed by Pawel Pawlikowski.
This year’s nominations must be submitted by Oct 1.
Nine finalists will be shortlisted, which will be whittled down to five nominees that will be announced on Jan 14, 2016.
The 88th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb 28, 2016.
Afghanistan: Utopia, Hassan Nazer
Albania: Bota, Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci
Austria: Goodnight Mommy, Severin Fiala, Veronika Franz
Bangladesh: Jalal’s Story, Abu Shahed Emon
Belgium: The Brand New Testament, Jaco Van Dormael
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Our Everyday Life, Ines Tanović
Brazil: The Second Mother, Anna Muylaert
Bulgaria: The Judgement, Stephan Komandarev
Cambodia:...
Submissions for the Best Foreign-Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards are coming in and will continue until October, when the full list of eligible submissions will be revealed.
Last year, a record 83 countries submitted features and the eventual winner was Polish feature Ida, directed by Pawel Pawlikowski.
This year’s nominations must be submitted by Oct 1.
Nine finalists will be shortlisted, which will be whittled down to five nominees that will be announced on Jan 14, 2016.
The 88th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb 28, 2016.
Afghanistan: Utopia, Hassan Nazer
Albania: Bota, Iris Elezi, Thomas Logoreci
Austria: Goodnight Mommy, Severin Fiala, Veronika Franz
Bangladesh: Jalal’s Story, Abu Shahed Emon
Belgium: The Brand New Testament, Jaco Van Dormael
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Our Everyday Life, Ines Tanović
Brazil: The Second Mother, Anna Muylaert
Bulgaria: The Judgement, Stephan Komandarev
Cambodia:...
- 9/25/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The Polish Film Institute announced today that an expert committee led by Oscar-winner Pawel Pawlikowski unanimously selected the thriller "11 Minutes" as the country's Oscar submission in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 88th Academy Awards. The film prevailed over more traditional period pieces that were released in the European nation this year.
Read More: Ophir Award-Winner 'Baba Joon' Becomes Israel's Firs-Ever Farsi Language Oscar Entry
"11 Minutes" is the latest film by veteran Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski and recently screened at the Venice Film Festival were it won a Special Mention award. This is Skolimowski's first directorial effort since 2010's "Essential Killing," and the one he considers his most personal film to date as it's inspired by personal tragedy.
The filmmaker has also played small roles in American films such as "The Avengers" and "Eastern Promises."
The festival's synopsis of the film describes it as a story about "a jealous husband out of control, his sexy actress wife, a sleazy Hollywood director, a reckless drug messenger, a disoriented young woman, an ex-con hot dog vendor, a troubled student on a mysterious mission, a high-rise window cleaner on an illicit break, an elderly sketch artist, a hectic paramedics team and a group of hungry nuns. A cross-section of contemporary urbanites whose lives and loves intertwine. They live in an unsure world where anything could happen at any time. An unexpected chain of events can seal many fates in a mere 11 minutes."
Read More: France Surprisingly Picks Turkish-Language 'Mustang' as Oscar Submission
International rights are being handled by HanWay Films. U.S. rights are still available.
Poland is the returning champion in the category having won the award for the first time this year with "Ida." ...
Read More: Ophir Award-Winner 'Baba Joon' Becomes Israel's Firs-Ever Farsi Language Oscar Entry
"11 Minutes" is the latest film by veteran Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski and recently screened at the Venice Film Festival were it won a Special Mention award. This is Skolimowski's first directorial effort since 2010's "Essential Killing," and the one he considers his most personal film to date as it's inspired by personal tragedy.
The filmmaker has also played small roles in American films such as "The Avengers" and "Eastern Promises."
The festival's synopsis of the film describes it as a story about "a jealous husband out of control, his sexy actress wife, a sleazy Hollywood director, a reckless drug messenger, a disoriented young woman, an ex-con hot dog vendor, a troubled student on a mysterious mission, a high-rise window cleaner on an illicit break, an elderly sketch artist, a hectic paramedics team and a group of hungry nuns. A cross-section of contemporary urbanites whose lives and loves intertwine. They live in an unsure world where anything could happen at any time. An unexpected chain of events can seal many fates in a mere 11 minutes."
Read More: France Surprisingly Picks Turkish-Language 'Mustang' as Oscar Submission
International rights are being handled by HanWay Films. U.S. rights are still available.
Poland is the returning champion in the category having won the award for the first time this year with "Ida." ...
- 9/22/2015
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Israel's Ophir Awards were handed out yesterday and the results were definitely unexpected. With more nomination than any other film "The Kind Words" seemed like the favorite to take home the Best Film award, thus automatically becoming Israel's Oscar entry, but that was not the case. Instead, "Baba Joon" a smaller film in Farsi about the Iranian Jewish population, became the winner of the top award and is now the country's official entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 88th Academy Awards.
Read More: France Surprisingly Picks Turkish-Language 'Mustang' as Oscar Submission
"Baba Joon" is the firs-ever Farsi-language film to represent Israel and stars Iranian actor Navid Negahban, who has had several roles in American TV shows such as "Homeland" and "The Messengers." Directed by Yuval Delshad, the film tells the story of an Iranian immigrant in Israel who runs a turkey farm and wants to teach his teenage son the trade and other traditions so that they can live on after he is gone. "Baba Joon" recently screened at Tiff.
International sales are being handled by Eastgate Pictures. U.S. rights are still available.
Read More: Mexico Picks '600 Miles' Starring Tim Roth as Oscar Entry
Israel has received a total of 10 nominations in the category, the most recent one in 2012 with "Footnote." The country has never won the statuette. ...
Read More: France Surprisingly Picks Turkish-Language 'Mustang' as Oscar Submission
"Baba Joon" is the firs-ever Farsi-language film to represent Israel and stars Iranian actor Navid Negahban, who has had several roles in American TV shows such as "Homeland" and "The Messengers." Directed by Yuval Delshad, the film tells the story of an Iranian immigrant in Israel who runs a turkey farm and wants to teach his teenage son the trade and other traditions so that they can live on after he is gone. "Baba Joon" recently screened at Tiff.
International sales are being handled by Eastgate Pictures. U.S. rights are still available.
Read More: Mexico Picks '600 Miles' Starring Tim Roth as Oscar Entry
Israel has received a total of 10 nominations in the category, the most recent one in 2012 with "Footnote." The country has never won the statuette. ...
- 9/22/2015
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Yuval Delshad’s debut centres on a a family of Iranian immigrants.
Fresh from its Toronto world premiere and still unreleased at home, Yuval Delshad’s debut feature, Baba Joon beat all the competition in sight to be crowned Israel’s best film of the year at the annual Israeli Film Academy Awards ceremony.
As such, it will represent Israel for next year’s Foreign Language Oscars.
Delshad’s Farsi-spoken drama portraying the conflicts inside a family of Iranian immigrants living off a turkey farm in the south of Israel picked up five Ophir awards, including best film, best music, best cinematography, production design and casting.
Significantly, all three of the film’s adult leads, including Navid Negabhan (Homeland) are non-Israeli Iranian actors living in the West.
Sharing second place, Erez Tadmor’s Eretz Petzhuah (Wounded Land), took home three awards for best director, best actor and best make-up while Elad Keidan’s Hayored lemaala (Afterthought) collected...
Fresh from its Toronto world premiere and still unreleased at home, Yuval Delshad’s debut feature, Baba Joon beat all the competition in sight to be crowned Israel’s best film of the year at the annual Israeli Film Academy Awards ceremony.
As such, it will represent Israel for next year’s Foreign Language Oscars.
Delshad’s Farsi-spoken drama portraying the conflicts inside a family of Iranian immigrants living off a turkey farm in the south of Israel picked up five Ophir awards, including best film, best music, best cinematography, production design and casting.
Significantly, all three of the film’s adult leads, including Navid Negabhan (Homeland) are non-Israeli Iranian actors living in the West.
Sharing second place, Erez Tadmor’s Eretz Petzhuah (Wounded Land), took home three awards for best director, best actor and best make-up while Elad Keidan’s Hayored lemaala (Afterthought) collected...
- 9/22/2015
- by dfainaru@netvision.net.il (Edna Fainaru)
- ScreenDaily
As expected, Tiff entry "Baba Joon," a rural family drama about Iranian immigrant farmers, won the Ophir Award for Best Picture Monday night and is therefore Israel's Oscar submission. It's the first Israeli film in Farsi. North American rights are available. Here's the synopsis: Yitzhak runs the turkey farm his father built with his own two hands after they emigrated from Iran to Israel. When his son Moti turns thirteen, Yitzhak teaches him the trade, hoping that he will continue the proud family tradition. But Moti doesn't like working in the turkey barn; his passion is fixing up junkyard cars and bringing them back to life. Moti's mother Sarah tries to reconcile between the two, while his grandfather pushes Yitzhak to take a firm hand with his son. Yitzhak takes Moti's refusal to work in the turkey barn as a personal rejection. Though he loves his son dearly, he makes...
- 9/21/2015
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
“Baba Joon” has been named the year’s best film at the Ophir Awards, the Israeli version of the Academy Awards. The victory makes director Yuval Delshad’s drama about Iranian immigrants the official Israeli entry in the Oscar foreign-language race. The film also won awards for its cinematography, music, art direction and casting. “Wounded Land” won awards for its director, Erez Tadmor, and leading actor, Roy Assaf. Moran Rosenblatt was named Best Actress for “Wedding Doll.” Israel has received four Oscar nominations in the category in the last eight years and 10 nominations overall, though it has never won. It has made more.
- 9/21/2015
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Trio of films to explore theme of the “the past”.
Israeli film-maker Avi Nesher is due to start shooting the first film in a trilogy of works devoted to the theme of ‘the past’ this autumn.
“They’re all based on really strange true stories,” Nesher told ScreenDaily.
“In Past Life, the past is a villain, in Past Tense it is a mystery and in the final film it will be a lover.
“I was a film critic before I became a director. I figure that if I invent anything I’m probably ripping off old movies I once saw which is why I like to work with real-life flights of fantasy,” continued Nesher, whose credits include The Wonders(2013), The Matchmaker (2010) and The Secrets (2007).
“The past is a complicated issue in Israel. We deal with a Jewish past and an Israeli past. Sometimes they’re parallel, sometimes they’re the same, sometimes they’re...
Israeli film-maker Avi Nesher is due to start shooting the first film in a trilogy of works devoted to the theme of ‘the past’ this autumn.
“They’re all based on really strange true stories,” Nesher told ScreenDaily.
“In Past Life, the past is a villain, in Past Tense it is a mystery and in the final film it will be a lover.
“I was a film critic before I became a director. I figure that if I invent anything I’m probably ripping off old movies I once saw which is why I like to work with real-life flights of fantasy,” continued Nesher, whose credits include The Wonders(2013), The Matchmaker (2010) and The Secrets (2007).
“The past is a complicated issue in Israel. We deal with a Jewish past and an Israeli past. Sometimes they’re parallel, sometimes they’re the same, sometimes they’re...
- 9/13/2015
- ScreenDaily
Anne Sewitsky‘s Sundance preemed Homesick, Cannes preemed Romanian imports from Radu Muntean‘s One Floor Below and Corneliu Porumboiu‘s The Treasure along with Athina Rachel Tsangari‘s Locarno shown Chevalier are just four of the film titles in the just announced Contemporary World Cinema programme for Tiff. Among the other noteworthy titles in what is mostly a mix of world preems and North American premieres we find Grímur Hákonarson‘s Rams (just picked up by Cohen Media), Alex van Warmerdam well-received Locarno comedy Schneider vs. Bax , the world preem for Sion Sono’s The Whispering Star, and the Oscilloscope Laboratories picked up Ciro Guerra‘s Embrace Of The Serpent. Here are today’s selections that were added to the already announced Canadian items.
25 April (New Zealand), Leanne Pooley Wp
3000 Nights (Palestine-France-Jordan-Lebanon-uae-Qatar), Mai Masri Wp
An (Japan-France-Germany), Naomi Kawase Nap
The Apostate (Spain-France-Uruguay), Federico Veiroj Wp
As I Open...
25 April (New Zealand), Leanne Pooley Wp
3000 Nights (Palestine-France-Jordan-Lebanon-uae-Qatar), Mai Masri Wp
An (Japan-France-Germany), Naomi Kawase Nap
The Apostate (Spain-France-Uruguay), Federico Veiroj Wp
As I Open...
- 8/18/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Due to the large volume of films that the Toronto International Film Festival screens every year, participants often find themselves unsure of how to decide what to see. To that end, festival organisers often distribute the films into numerous programmes to reflect commonalities among them. The Contemporary World Cinema Programme, to that end, looks at the features from filmmakers from around the world, showcasing the talents being displayed from numerous countries.
The full lineup for the 2015 Tiff Contemporary World Cinema Programme has now been announced, adding to the previously announced slate of Canadian Films in the Programme. The films, as well as their official synopses, can be seen below.
25 April, directed by Leanne Pooley, making its World Premiere
Award-winning filmmaker Leanne Pooley utilizes the letters and memoirs of New Zealand soldiers and nurses along with state of the art animation to tell the true story of the 1915 battle of Gallipoli.
The full lineup for the 2015 Tiff Contemporary World Cinema Programme has now been announced, adding to the previously announced slate of Canadian Films in the Programme. The films, as well as their official synopses, can be seen below.
25 April, directed by Leanne Pooley, making its World Premiere
Award-winning filmmaker Leanne Pooley utilizes the letters and memoirs of New Zealand soldiers and nurses along with state of the art animation to tell the true story of the 1915 battle of Gallipoli.
- 8/18/2015
- by Deepayan Sengupta
- SoundOnSight
Potential awards season contenders Truth from James Vanderbilt and Marc Abraham’s I Saw The Light starring Tom Hiddleston as Hank Williams land world premiere slots, while Paco Cabezas’s Mr. Right will close the festival.
London is the subject of the seventh annual City To City programme that features world premieres of Tom Geens’ Couple In A Hole starring Paul Higgins and Kate Dickie and Michael Caton-Jones’ Urban Hymn with Letitia Wright and Shirley Henderson. Elaine Constantine’s Northern Soul gets a North American premiere.
The world premiere of Catherine Hardwicke’s Miss You Already is among five additions to the galas alongside Mr. Right, an action comedy starring Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick.
Matthew Cullen’s Martin Amis adaptation London Fields and David Gordon Green’s Our Brand Is Crisis get first public screenings in the Special Presentations roster with I Saw The Light.
Tiff top brass also unveiled the Contemporary World Cinema section, featuring...
London is the subject of the seventh annual City To City programme that features world premieres of Tom Geens’ Couple In A Hole starring Paul Higgins and Kate Dickie and Michael Caton-Jones’ Urban Hymn with Letitia Wright and Shirley Henderson. Elaine Constantine’s Northern Soul gets a North American premiere.
The world premiere of Catherine Hardwicke’s Miss You Already is among five additions to the galas alongside Mr. Right, an action comedy starring Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick.
Matthew Cullen’s Martin Amis adaptation London Fields and David Gordon Green’s Our Brand Is Crisis get first public screenings in the Special Presentations roster with I Saw The Light.
Tiff top brass also unveiled the Contemporary World Cinema section, featuring...
- 8/18/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
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