Film Festivals

“Life in a Fishbowl” Wins NDR Film Prize, “HelloHello” Wins Audience Prize at 2014 Nordic Film Days Lübeck

“Life in a Fishbowl” (“Vonarstræti”) directed by Iceland’s Baldvin Z is the big winner at the 56th Nordic Film Days Lübeck. On behalf of the director, the film’s lead actor, Thorsteinn Bachmann, accepted the NDR Film Prize. Life in a Fishbowl, a multiple-narrative drama that follows three people — a struggling single mother, a former athlete trying to scale the corporate ladder, and a once-acclaimed author turned full-time drunk — whose lives intersect in surprising ways, premiered internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, and is Iceland’s entry for the 2015 Best Foreign Language Oscar selection.

The Baltic Film Award for best Nordic feature went to Swedish director Ronnie Sandahl for his debut “Underdog” (“Svenskjævel”) and the director was at the gala ceremony to accept his award. The winner of the Documentary Film Prize went to the Finnish film “Once I Dreamt of Life” (“Näin Unta Elämästä”) by Jukka Kärkkäinen and Sini Liimatainen. The Interfilm Church Prize, went to the opening film, “1001 Grams” by Bent Hamer, and the CineStar Prize for best short film in the Film Forum section went to German director Paul Spengemann for his film “Blue Beneath” (“Unter uns das Blau”).

Winners and Honorable Mentions:

NDR Film Prize:

LIFE IN A FISHBOWL (VONARSTRÆTI), Dir: Baldvin Z., Iceland

Honourable Mention to:

LETTER TO THE KING (BREV TIL KONGEN), Dir: Hisham Zaman, Norway

THEY HAVE ESCAPED (HE OVAT PAENNEET), Dir: J-P Valkeapää, Finland

Audience Prize of the “Lübecker Nachrichten”:

HELLOHELLO (HALLÅHALLÅ), Dir: Maria Blom, Sweden

Baltic Film Prize:

UNDERDOG (SVENSKJÆVEL) Dir: Ronnie Sandahl, Sweden

Interfilm Church Prize:

1001 GRAMS (1001 GRAM), Dir: Bent Hamer, Norway

Documentary Film Prize:

ONCE I DREAMT OF LIFE (NÄIN UNTA ELÄMÄSTÄ) Dir: Jukka Kärkkäinen / Sini Liimatainen, Finland

Children’s jury prize:

THE BOY WITH THE GOLDEN PANTS (POJKEN MED GULDBYXORNA) Dir: Ella Lemhagen, Sweden

Honourable Mention to:

KICK IT! (KULE KIDZ GRÅTER IKKE), Dir: Katarina Launing, Norway

THE CHRISTMAS OF SOLAN & LUDVIG (SOLAN OG LUDVIG – JUL I FLÅKLYPA), Dir: Rasmus A. Sivertsen, Norway

Children’s and Youth jury prize:

THE DISCIPLE (OPPIPOIKA), Dir: Ulrika Bengts, Finland

Honourable Mention to:
THE CHRISTMAS OF SOLAN & LUDVIG (SOLAN OG LUDVIG – JUL I FLÅKLYPA), Dir: Rasmus A. Sivertsen, Norway

CineStar Prize:
BLUE BENEATH (UNTER UNS DAS BLAU), Dir: Paul Spengemann, Germany
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NY’s 2014 South Asian International Film Festival to Open with DR. CABBIE, starring The Big Bang Theory’s Kunal Navvar

DR. CABBIE

The Eleventh Annual South Asian International Film Festival runs from Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 to Sunday, November 23rd, 2014 in New York City, at the SVA Theater. SAIFF 2014 celebrates its Opening Night with the US premiere of DR. CABBIE, starring The Big Bang Theory’s Kunal Navvar, Centerpiece title, is the World Premiere of Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K.’s romantic comedy HAPPY ENDING, and on Closing Night, the festival hosts the World Premiere of X – a ten-part intertwining story from eleven of India’s most exciting directors… all of whom will be attending the festival.

Opening Night Premiere: DR. CABBIE
Directed by Jean-François Pouliot. 2014. Canada/India. In English. US Premiere. 101 min.

An unemployed doctor turned cab driver becomes a local hero when he converts his taxi into a mobile clinic. DR. CABBIE is the heartwarming journey of a young Indian doctor who immigrates to Canada with the selfless ambition of healing others while beginning a new life in the land of opportunity. Dr. Cabbie discovers his true purpose and true love when he embarks upon this journey of a doctor turned cabbie.

Centerpiece World Premiere: HAPPY ENDING
Directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K.. 2014. India. In Hindi (with English subtitles). World Premiere. 135 min.

Yudi is a writer who hasn’t written anything in the last few years because he’s caught between finding inspiration and finding love. Armaan is a fading movie star is desperate to save his stardom. He went to Hollywood to get a Bollywood script written in the Hollywood style. His solution? Approach Yudi and ask him to write a film. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend thinks that she’s still in a relationship with him after they’ve broken up!

Closing Night World Premiere: X
Directed by Abhinav Shiv Tiwari, Anu Menon, Hemant Gaba, Nalan Kumarasamy, Pratim D. Gupta, Q, Raja Sen, Rajshree Ojha, Sandeep Mohan, Sudhish Kamath, and Supran Verma. 2014. India. In Hindi (with English subtitles). World Premiere. 112 min.

X is a filmmaker’s journey through his past encounters with his 10 ex-girlfriends as he spends one surreal unforgettable night at a film festival after he meets a mysterious girl who intriguingly seems to have something to do with every woman in his life.

SAIFF 2014’s feature film lineup includes:

Dukhtar. Directed by Afia Serena Nathaniel. 2014. Pakistan/USA/Norway. In Urdu and Pashto (with English subtitles). New York Premiere. 93 min.

Ek Hazarachi Note. Directed by Shekhar Sathe. 2014. India. In Marathi (with English subtitles). New York Premiere. 89 min.

Killa. Directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware. 2014. India. In Marathi (with English subtitles). North American Premiere. 110 min.

Labour of Love. Directed by Aditya Vikram Sengupta. 2014. India. In Bengali (with English subtitles). New York Premiere. 93 min.

Titli. Directed by Kanu Behl. 2014. India. In Hindi (with English subtitles). New York Premiere. 127 min.
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“The Kings Surrender” “Once Upon a Crime: The Borrelli-Davis Conspiracy” Among Austin Film Festival 2014 Screenplay, Teleplay, Film Competition & Audience Award Winners

The Kings Surrender

Austin Film Festival (AFF) announced its 2014 Screenplay & Teleplay Competition winners, Jury and Audience Award Winners in Film. Awards recipients received an array of cash prizes, travel expenses, industry recognition and access. For the Screenplay & Teleplay Competition winners, a record number of 6,764 scripts were received this year and the Finalists were reviewed by an industry jury. For the Jury Award Winners The Kings Surrender written by Philipp Leinemann won the award for Best Narrative Feature and Once Upon a Crime: The Borrelli-Davis Conspiracy directed by Sheldon Wilson won the award for Best Documentary Feature Jury Award.

The following winners were selected by category:

Drama Screenplay Award presented by the Writers Guild of America, East: Dead River Girl by Morris Long

Comedy Screenplay Award: Three Months by Jared Frieder

Enderby Entertainment Award: Suicide Boy by Laura Hainke

Fade to Black Award: I Fucked James Bond by Josh Hallman

Darkwoods Productions Horror Award: The 700 Year Itch by Molly Stein & Moon Unit Zappa

Darkwoods Productions Sci-Fi Award: The Incomparable Donald Strange by James Fant & Zach Cannon

AMC One-Hour Teleplay Pilot: Ascension by Wes Brown

Sitcom Teleplay Pilot: Great Points Park by Danny Sullivan

One-Hour Teleplay Spec: The Americans: Barium Meals by Adam Turner

Sitcom Teleplay Spec: Bob’s Burgers: Mr. Whiskers by Damir Konjicija & Dario Konjicija

The following Jury Award winners were selected by category:

Narrative Feature: The Kings Surrender written by Philipp Leinemann

Documentary Feature Jury Award: Once Upon a Crime: The Borrelli-Davis Conspiracy directed by Sheldon Wilson

Dark Matters Feature: One Eyed Girl co-written by Nick Matthews and Craig Behenna,

Comedy Vanguard Feature: Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero co-written by Maz Jobrani and Amir Ohebsion

Narrative Short: Skunk written by Annie Silverstein

Documentary Short: The Next Part directed by Erin Sanger

Animated Short: Between Times co-written by Ru Kuwahata and Max Porter

Narrative Student Short: Luke written by Conor Hamill

Young Filmmakers Program Competition Grand Prize: Special Is Just a Word written by Abby Thompson

The following Audience Award winners were selected by category:

Narrative Feature: Terrible Love co-written by Luke Helmer and Christopher Thomas,

Documentary Feature: The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young, co-directed by Annika Iltis and Timothy Kane

Dark Matters Feature: The Suicide Theory written by Michael J Kospiah

Comedy Vanguard Feature: Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero co-written by Maz Jobrani and Amir Ohebsion

Narrative Short: Mimi & Me written by Marly Reed

Documentary Short: Albert directed by Daniel Jaffe

Animated Short: TIE The Dam Keeper written by Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi |The Last Resort written by Gillian Park

Student Short: Luke written by Conor Hamill

Heart of Film: Popovich and the Voice of the Fabled American West co-written by Mike Thompson, Jerry Thompson, and Gregory

Stories From Abroad: Taking it Back written by Andreas Schmied

Texas Independents: Flutter written by Eric Hueber

Marquee Feature: Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me directed by James Keach

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Whistler Film Festival Unveils Complete 2014 Film Lineup

THE IMITATION GAME

The Whistler Film Festival taking place December 3 to 7, unveiled its complete 2014 film lineup featuring original films from around the world and more feature premieres than ever before. THE IMITATION GAME (Western Canadian Premiere) and Audience Award winner at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival is this year’s Opening Night Gala presentation starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing in his efforts to break the Nazi’s Enigma Code during World War Two at Britain’s top secret Blectchley Park. WFF’s Closing Night Gala film is the World Premiere of SNOWMAN by Whistler filmmaker and ‘godfather of free skiing’, Mike Douglas, following avalanche controller Kevin Foglin’s close call with the mountains in Douglas’ tribute to mountain culture lifestyle and living in Whistler.

Five films make up this year’s Special Presentations including the Canadian Premiere of crime drama A MOST VIOLENT YEAR from director J.C. Chandor and starring Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac, as an immigrant and his family trying to expand their business in New York City’s most violent year in its history, 1981. The Western Canadian premieres include STILL ALICE directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland and starring Julianne Moore as the titular character battling Alzheimer, and thriller ’71, directed by Yann Demange, which has received nine nominations in the Independent British Awards, and follows a British solider accidentally abandoned by his unit following riots on the streets of Belfast. Other Special Presentations include the BC Premiere of American remake of Spanish language hit ELSA & FRED starring Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer directed by Michael Radford and the Whistler

Premiere of Academy Award front runner and portrait of a marriage, James Marsh’s THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING starring Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking and Felicity Jones as his wife Jane as they fight the odds of his ALS diagnosis to change the face of science in the 20th century.

Returning programming strands include the 11th annual Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature presented by the Directors Guild of Canada – British Columbia featuring six diverse titles competing for $15,000 cash prize and a $15,000 Post Production prize, the second highest award of its kind in Canada. This year’s Borsos competition will also showcase three World Premieres AFTER THE BALL, WOLVES (LES LOUPS) and MOUNTAIN MEN and three Western Canadian Premieres BANG BANG BABY, RELATIVE HAPPINESS and FELIX AND MEIRA, which won Best Canadian Film at TIFF14.

The World Documentary competition returns with five titles in addition to SNOWMAN, including A LIFE IN DIRTY MOVIES (Canadian Premiere) from director Wiktor Ericsson highlighting the lives sexploitation director Joe Sarno and his devoted wife Peggy, POINT AND SHOOT (Western Canadian Premiere) by two time Academy Award nominated documentarian Marshall Curry and winner of Best Documentary at Tribeca 2014 which follows Matt Van Dyke’s 35,000 mile motorcycle trip that leads to his involvement in the Libyan fight against Muammar Gaddadfi, and MERCHANTS OF DOUBT (Western Canadian Premiere) in whichRobert Kenner investigates the shadowy world of professional skeptics for corporations, think tanks and special interest groups who cast doubt on climate change. Other documentaries include the previously announced STAY AWHILE (World Premiere) directed by Jessica Edwards, the daughter of two of the members of the Canadian supergroup The Bells who are affectionately profiled, THE BACKWARD CLASS by Madeleine Grant following a class of students from India’s lowest Castes working toward college entrance exams, and THAT GUY DICK MILLER, following Hollywood character actor Dick Miller from Elijah Drenner.

WFF’s World Now will showcase four films from diverse corners of the world including the Western Canadian Premieres of IN HER PLACE (Canada/South Korea) directed by Albert Shin; GEMMA BOVERY(France) from Anne Fontaine; Hitchcockian thriller THE NEW GIRLFRIEND (France) directed by François Ozon, and the Simon Pegg starrer KILL ME THREE TIMES (Australia), directed by Kriv Stenders.

Late Night selections will showcase four great genre films including the World Premiere of BAD CITYdirected by Carl Bessai; the North American premiere of DEADLY VIRTUES directed by Ate de Jong; andthe Western Canadian premieres of TIFF14 Midnight Madness winner WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS directed by Jemaine Clement (one half of musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords) and Taika Waititi,and the UK’s THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY directed by Peter Strickland.

A selection of all age friendly flicks make up the Family program, including the Western Canadian Premiere of the 24th entry in the TALES FOR ALL series, legendary Canadian family content producer Rock Demers’ THE OUTLAW LEAGUE directed by Jean Beaudry, and the Whistler Premiere of Irish animated film SONG OF THE SEA by Academy Award Winner Tomm Moore (SECRET OF THE KELLS).

WFF’s second From The Vault strand includes the Western Canadian premiere of three long lost shorts featuring legendary comedic actor Peter Sellers in the Peters Sellers Trilogy, COLD COMFORT (1957),DEARTH OF A SALESMAN (1957), and INSOMNIA IS GOOD FOR YOU (1957).

New for 2014, the Gen Next strand features five Canadian titles including the World Premieres of AFTER FILM SCHOOL directed by Joel Ashton McCarthy, PRETEND WE’RE KISSING from director Matt Sadowski and produced by Whistler’s own Peter Harvey, THE COCKSURE LADS MOVIE directed and written by Murray Foster, and WHAT AN IDIOT directed and produced respectively by Vancouver couple Peter and Julia Benson. The Western Canadian premiere of BACKCOUNTRY directed by Adam McDonald and starring Missy Peregrym is also included.

The Discoveries strand includes the Western Canadian Premieres of I PUT A HIT ON YOU directed by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart, prairie noir BIG MUDDY directed by Jefferson Moneo and WE WERE WOLVES by Jordan Canning. Also included is the BC Premiere of ALLY WAS SCREAMING by Jeremy Thomas.

WFF’s American Indies strand covers the gamut from the ‘Do It Yourself’ filmmaking of Jeffrey P. Nesker’s ELSEWHERE NY to the major Hollywood production of Whistler Premiere THE HOMESMAN directed by Tommy Lee Jones starring Jones and Hilary Swank, to the Canadian Premiere of Jay Craven’s NORTHERN BORDERS starring 2013 Academy Award Nominee Bruce Dern and Geneviève Bujold in between.

This year’s ShortWork Competition is comprised of 44 diverse shorts curated into six programs, including strands devoted to comedy and Aboriginal shorts.

WFF 2014 Complete Feature Film Listing:

World Premieres:
AFTER FILM SCHOOL (Canada) Dir. Joel Ashton McCarthy
AFTER THE BALL (Canada) Dir. Sean Garrity
BAD CITY (Canada) Dir. Carl Bessai
ELSEWHERE NY (Canada) Dir. Jeffrey P. Nesker
THE COCKSURE LADS MOVIE (Canada) Dir. Murray Foster
MOUNTAIN MEN (Canada) Dir. Cameron Labine
PRETEND WE’RE KISSING (Canada) Dir. Matt Sadowski
SNOWMAN (Canada) Dir. Mike Douglas
STAY AWHILE (Canada) Dir. Jessica Edwards
WHAT AN IDIOT (Canada) Dir. Peter Benson
WOLVES (LES LOUPS) (Canada) Dir. Sophie Deraspe

North American Premieres:
DEADLY VIRTUES (Netherlands) Dir. Ate de Jong

Canadian Premieres:
A LIFE IN DIRTY MOVIES (Sweden) Dir. Wiktor Ericsson
A MOST VIOLENT YEAR (USA) Dir. J.C. Chandor
NORTHERN BORDERS (USA) Dir. Jay Craven
THAT GUY DICK MILLER (USA) Dir. Elijah Drenner

Western Canadian Premieres:
’71 (United Kingdom) Dir. Yann Demange
THE BACKWARD CLASS (Canada) Dir. Madeleine Grant
BANG BANG BABY (Canada) Dir. Jeffrey St Jules
BIG MUDDY (Canada) Dir. Jefferson Moneo
DUKE OF BURGUNDY (United Kingdom) Dir. Peter Strickland
FELIX AND MEIRA (Canada) Dir. Maxime Giroux
THE IMITATION GAME (United Kingdom) Dir. James Marsh
I PUT A HIT ON YOU (Canada) Dir. Dane Clark, Linsey Stewart
IN HER PLACE (Canada/South Korea) Dir. Albert Shin
KILL ME THREE TIMES (Australia) Dir. Kriv Stenders
PETER SELLERS TRILOGY (United Kingdom) Dir. James Hill, Leslie Arliss
THE NEW GIRLFRIEND (France) Dir. François Ozon
THE OUTLAW LEAGUE (Canada) Dir. Jean Beaudry
RELATIVE HAPPINESS (Canada) Dir. Deanne Foley
STILL ALICE (USA) Dir. Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland
WE WERE WOLVES (Canada) Dir. Jordan Canning
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (New Zealand) Dir. Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi

British Columbia Premieres:
ELSA & FRED (USA) Dir. Michael Radford
GEMMA BOVERY (France) Dir. Anne Fontaine
MERCHANTS OF DOUBT (USA) Dir. Robert Kenner
ALLY WAS SCREAMING (Canada) Dir. Jeremy Thomas

Whistler Premieres:
SONG OF THE SEA (Ireland) Dir. Tomm Moore
THE HOMESMAN (USA) Dir. Tommy Lee Jones
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (United Kingdom) Dir. James Marsh
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Jalopnik Film Festival Opens November 5 in NYC

IGNITION

The second annual Jalopnik Film Festival opens Wednesday, November 5th with a party at the Classic Car Club Manhattan. On November 6th, there will be a party in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at Nitehawk Cinema that will include premieres, cars, music, eating, and drinking. Films screened will include IGNITION, presented with Volvo Cars, in addition to the Official Selection and jury selections.

Some highlights from the Official Selection are:

AYRTON’S WISH by Tamir Moscivici (Spy Films)

A short film about the Senna foundation that shows the legacy of the deceased F1 driver’s generous contributions to the people of Brazil.

Hardigree describes AYRTON’S WISH as “a moving short film about Ayrton Senna that shows, in beautiful detail, just how important the F1 driver’s legacy was to the children of Brazil.”

This will be the film’s world premiere.

APEX: THE STORY OF THE HYPERCAR by J.F. Musial (Tangent Vector)

World premiere sneak preview of APEX: THE STORY OF THE HYPERCAR, the upcoming documentary about the world’s most extreme hypercars from Ferrari, Porsche, Pagani, Koenigsegg and more.

Hardigree says, “J.F. Musial is already one of the most talented directors in the automotive world, as his work with /DRIVE has shown, and we’re proud to be the first people to show his magnus opus to the world. After seeing a few of the mind blowing clips I knew we had to have it for the JFF.”

APEX: THE STORY OF THE HYPERCAR is the first documentary to be shot entirely in Sony 4K high definition. J.F. Musial also has a “Jury Selection” in the festival. Check out the trailer below

http://youtu.be/DMHLNcwysd8

These films join the already announced jury selections by judges writer/director/producer and investment professional James Glickenhaus, Bloomberg Television anchor Matt Miller, commercial film director Jeff Zwart, filmmaker Tamir Moscovici, writer and television personality Spike Ferensten, and actor Dax Shepard.

The winners are:

“Nagoya Streets” by Alexander Rosen

“One-Take Porsche Pit-Stop – /DRIVE MOMENT” by /DRIVE “

Regular Car Reviews: 2005 BMW 330Ci” by Regular Cars

“Turbine Truck vs Turbine Chopper- Bonneville” by Ole Schell

“Driving this Ferrari GTO is a Certain Kind of Ecstasy” by Petrolicious

“FY RACING – Oregon Trail Rally 2014” by Alex Tabaczka

“Where They Raced: Speed Demons in the City of Angels” by Harry Palenberg

This year’s festival will include the short film being produced with Volvo Cars, the seven films above, and the Official Selections.

http://youtu.be/picIdUCbyzE
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5th Williamsburg Independent Film Festival Opens November 20th

Like Sunday Like Rain

The Williamsburg Independent Film Festival celebrates its 5th year opening on Thursday, November 20 and running through Sunday, November 23, 2014. Launched in 2010, the festival has showcased independent films from around the world, many with a focus on Williamsburg and Brooklyn.

According to Peter Bloch, a Co-Director of the festival, “Final selections for the festival were completed on October 21, from among 272 entries by emerging film makers in 53 countries. This is the largest international response that WillFilm has had and it shows that Williamsburg and Brooklyn continue to inspire and draw creative people from around the globe.” After four very well received years at IndieScreen, the film festival looks forward to a move this November to its new home at the Wythe Hotel on the Northside. “Everyone will enjoy the screenings and celebrating these talented storytellers at the Wythe Hotel and they will feel right at home in this new venue.”

The schedule of festival screenings includes the premieres of Like Sunday Like Rain, directed by Frank Whaley and starring Debra Messing, Billie Joe Armstrong and Leighton Meester. The opening night spotlight film of WillFilm 5 is the NYC premier of LIKE SUNDAY LIKE RAIN, written and directed by Frank Whaley (PULP FICTION, SWIMMING WITH SHARKS). This is Mr. Whaley’s fourth film as writer/director- his first film, JOE THE KING premiered at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and won the prestigious Waldo Salt Award. As an actor he has appeared in over seventy-five films. The Festival will also feature the directorial debut of Skeet Ulrich (AS GOOD AS IT GETS, SCREAM). Ulrich’s film THE GIRL ON THE ROOF, stars Todd Lowe and Lenny James.

Also, featured, Recursion directed Tony & Olivier Award Nominee Sam Buntrock and starring Tony Nominee Rob McClure. Another notable entry includes “1946″ starring British actor Andrew Buchan. It depicts Jimmy Stewart’s life crisis before accepting his iconic role in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Other entries feature cameo performances by Doris Roberts and Courtney Cox. Past honorees and guests include Cathy Moriarty, Federico Castellucio, Skeet Ulrich, Keir Gilchrist, Chloe Dahl, Gail Lerner, Rene Balcer, Michael Urie,Illeana Douglas, Daryl Roth, and Julia Ormand.

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Andie MacDowell to Receive Inaugural Spirit & Pride of South Carolina Award at 2015 Beaufort International Film Festival

Multi-talented actress and model, Andie MacDowell, will be presented the inaugural Spirit & Pride of South Carolina Award at the 9th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival being held February 11 – 15, 2015.

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Bahamas International Film Festival Unveils 2014 Poster

The Bahamas International Film Festival, set for December 4th through 14th, has unveiled its 2014 promotional poster designed by artist Ryan “Duser” Stubbs.
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“HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT” Wins Top Prize at 2014 Tokyo International Film Festival

Heaven Knows What

Heaven Knows What, a drama that focuses on the bleak prospects of young junkies struggling to survive in New York, is the winner of the Tokyo Grand Prix at the 2014 Tokyo International Film Festival. The film’s directors Joshua Safdie and Benny Safdie also won the Award for Best Director. This raw depiction of young junkies struggling to stay alive was adapted for the screen by the Safdie Brothers (Benny and Joshua) based on a real-life account by the film’s female lead, Arielle Holmes. The audience picked Pale Moon directed by Daihachi Yoshida, about a normal housewife who unexpectedly becomes involved in a large embezzlement, for the Audience Award.

Awards of 27th Tokyo International Film Festival

Tokyo Grand Prix
“HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT“
Director:Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie

Special Jury Prize
“The Lesson“

Award for Best Director
Joshua Safdie, Benny Safdie
“HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT“

Award for Best Actress
Rie Miyazawa
“Pale Moon“

Award for Best Actor
Robert Więckiewicz
“The Mighty Angel“

Award for Best Artistic Contribution
“Test“

Audience Award
“Pale Moon“

WOWOW Viewer’s Choice Award
“Test“

Best Asian Future Film Award
“Borderless“

The Spirit of Asia Award
by the Japan Foundation Asia Center
Director: Sotho Kulikar（“The Last Reel”）

Japanese Film Splash, Best Picture Award
“100 Yen Love”

Japanese Film Splash, Special Mention
“Ecotherapy Getaway Holiday”

SAMURAI Award
Takeshi Kitano
Tim Burton

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Six Producers Selected for Whistler Film Festival Feature Project Lab

Six producers from across Canada have been selected to participate in the Whistler Film Festival’s annual Feature Project Lab, held from December 2 to 5, 2014 during the Whistler Film Festival + Summit. Designed to advance Canadian creative talent, the WFF Feature Project Lab focuses on strengthening dramatic feature projects from script to screen by facilitating feedback as well as collaboration on and investment in film projects that have US and international appeal.

The six producers and projects selected for WFF’s 2014 Feature Project Lab are:

Amber Ripley, Goodbye Productions (BC) with the darkly comedic DREAMLAND written by Tony Burgess.

Angela Heck, Fringe Filmworks, Inc. (MB) with the family drama BUMPERSHINES written by Cathryn Atkinson.

Farah Merani, Lifeguard Productions (ON) with the suspense drama GOOD NIGHT AMHERST written by James Fanizza.

Jason James, Resonance Films (BC) with the empty-nester road trip film THE MOTHER OUTLAWS written by Garfield Lindsey.

Luke Black, Pretty Okay Pictures (ON) with the Sci-Fi/Action story TO BE CONTINUED written by Grant & Stu Marks.

Martin de Valk, Chiaro Productions (BC) with the claustrophobic thriller CONTAINER written by Brian Paisley, Keith Digby and Martin de Valk.
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“Testament of Youth” Opens the 28th Leeds International Film Festival

Testament of Youth

Testament of Youth opens the 28th Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF28) on Wednesday 5th November, with very special guests James Kent (director) and Rosie Alison (producer) in attendance. Backed by Screen Yorkshire and filmed primarily in the region, Testament of Youth is the first big screen adaptation of Vera Brittain’s iconic and powerful WW1 memoir. Irrepressible and free-minded, Vera Brittain overcomes the prejudices of her family and hometown to win a scholarship to Oxford. With everything to live for, she falls in love with her brother’s close friend Roland Leighton as they go to university to pursue their literary dreams. But war is looming and everything will change. From award-winning television director James Kent, Testament of Youth stars Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Dominic West and Emily Watson.

LIFF28’s Opening Night will be a double Yorkshire spectacular of particular interest to fans of the festival’s Fanomenon horror and cult film strand, as we follow Testament of Youth with the World Premiere of The Taking. Two market stall holders’ dreams of opening a tea room are shattered when they fall foul of a sociopathic loan shark in this intense new thriller directed by Dominic Brunt, who will make a special guest appearance along with cast members. Known foremost for his role as Paddy on ITV’s Emmerdale, Brunt is an emerging filmmaking talent with a penchant for suspense.

Catch Me Daddy

Catch Me Daddy and X+Y, two other films which were supported with investment from Screen Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Content Fund also feature at the festival. Cast and crew will be in attendance for Cannes Film Festival selection Catch Me Daddy, a remarkable and visceral chase thriller by Daniel Wolfe (the award-winning director of Plan B’s music videos), in which a girl on the run from her family is hiding out in West Yorkshire when her brother arrives in town with a vicious gang to track her down. British screen favourite Sally Hawkins and Asa Butterfield star in Toronto International Film Festival hit X+Y, about an autistic maths prodigy who begins to experience the world differently under the guidance of an unconventional maths teacher.

Other screenings in LIFF28’s Yorkshire film line-up include Mr Somebody?, about eccentric Huddersfield resident Jake Mangle Wurzel; To Hell With Culture, exploring the life of Yorkshire poet Herbert Read and the Yorkshire Short Film Competition.

LIFF28’s Testament of Youth screening coincides with Remembrance Sunday this coming weekend, and leads an important programme of films and events commemorating the centenary of World War One in the festival’s War on Film programme.

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“Produce” “Becoming Bulletproof” Among Audience Choice Award Winners of 2014 Heartland Film Festival

In the final awards of the 2014 Heartland Film Festival, Produce directed by Chris Dowling is the Audience Choice Award Winner, Narrative Feature, and Becoming Bulletproof, directed by Michael Barnett is the Audience Choice Award Winner, Documentary Feature. The 23rd annual Heartland Film Festival ran October 16 to 25, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winners

Produce – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winner, Narrative Feature

In St. Matthews, Kentucky, Calvin, a professional baseball player sent to an early retirement due to his panic attacks at the plate, is struggling with the curveball life has thrown him. With his two best friends, he sleepwalks through his days and the challenge of raising his teenager daughter. His life is awakened and invigorated by the most unlikely person – a kid with Down syndrome named Produce who works at the local grocery store.

Calvin slowly loses the chip on his shoulder as he begins to see the world through Produce’s eyes. Family, faith and purpose work their way back into Calvin’s life as their friendship develops. The unlikely pair becomes intertwined in a way that gives Calvin meaning and purpose, ultimately leading to tragedy due to a single decision echoed from Calvin’s past.

Becoming Bulletproof – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winner, Documentary Feature

A.J. Murray, 29, has cerebral palsy and lives with his mother, Cynthia, who takes care of him full-time in their Atlanta home. To their great surprise, A.J., who has always dreamed of acting in films, is invited to participate in a camp designed to help build a community (rather than paid “staff and clients”) to support friendships between people with and without disabilities.

Weaving between 1890s period drama and behind-thescenes realities, this documentary follows A.J. mastering lines, pushing through take after take and showing up in costume on time. As A.J. grapples with these high expectations and grows and gains in spirit, he becomes part of a vibrant community of friends working together to produce a lasting artwork. Through his story we gain a moving vision of what a more inclusive, creative, desegregated world might look like.

Showfolk – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winner, Documentary Short

Till Then – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winner, Narrative Short

2014 Heartland Film Festival Best Premiere Award Winners

Highway to Dhampus – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Best Premiere Award Winner, Narrative Feature

Elizabeth James is in trouble in the tabloids again, and her parents (and publicist) have had enough. In an attempt to turn her image around, she has been sent to Ghandruk, Nepal to do charity work at an isolated orphanage with jaded photographer Colt Morgan in tow. The fastest way to reach Ghandruk is by air, and they are flown by young but accomplished mountain pilot Ajit Thapa, who bristles at Elizabeth’s caustic demeanor. When they reach Ghandruk they meet Laxmi, the beaming head matron of the village’s orphanage, which lies in the shadow of the majestic Mount Machhapuchchhre, or “Fish Tail” mountain.

These four individuals from four different worlds will learn what it means to be charitable, to give and to love, but what unfolds will change their lives forever.

Dukale’s Dream – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Best Premiere Award Winner, Documentary Feature

Actor Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness traveled to Ethiopia in their role as ambassadors for World Vision Australia in 2009. During that visit, they met Dukale, a coffee farmer. Growing up, poverty had deprived Dukale of an education, but he saw an opportunity to create a new future for his family when World Vision offered access to a new kind of economic empowerment. Jackman was so inspired by Dukale’s story, that he made – and kept – a promise to him that is revealed in the film.

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