Film Festivals

The Artist to close 2011 Hamptons International Film Festival

[caption id="attachment_1671" align="alignnone" width="550"]The Artist[/caption]

The Artist, a Weinstein Company release, will screen at Guild Hall in East Hampton on October 16th as the Closing Night Film of the 2011 Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF)

The Artist is set in Hollywood 1927. George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion. For young extra Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), it seems the sky’s the limit – major movie stardom awaits. The Artist tells the story of their interlinked destinies. The Artist stars Jean Dujardin, winner of this year’s Cannes Film Festival 2011 Best Actor award on behalf of the film, along with Berenice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Missi Pyle and Penelope Ann Miller. Film is penned, produced and directed by Michel Hazanavicius. The Weinstein Company plans a November 23, 2011 release.

[caption id="attachment_1641" align="alignnone" width="550"]Like Crazy[/caption]

Paramount Vantage’s Like Crazy will screen as this year’s Centerpiece Film in East Hampton on October 15th. A love story is both a physical and emotional tale, one that can be deeply personal and heartbreaking for an audience to experience. Director Drake Doremus’ film Like Crazy beautifully illustrates how your first real love is as thrilling and blissful as it is devastating. When a British college student (Felicity Jones) falls for her American classmate (Anton Yelchin) they embark on a passionate and life-changing journey only to be separated when she violates the terms of her visa. Like Crazy explores how a couple faces the real challenges of being together and of being apart. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and of the Special Jury Prize for Best Actress for Felicity Jones, Like Crazy depicts both the hopefulness and the heartbreak of love.

In addition, Anton Yelchin will be honored as one of this year’s Breakthrough Performers with additional honorees to be announced at a later date. The continued goal of the Breakthrough Performers Program is to highlight the work of up and coming young actors.

[caption id="attachment_1216" align="alignnone" width="560"]The Bully Project[/caption]

And finally, Lee Hirsch’s hard-hitting, revelatory documentary about bullying among American youth, The Bully Project, will receive the Brizzolara Family Foundation Award for a film of Conflict & Resolution. The Conflict & Resolution program has been a signature element of the Festival for 12 years, spotlighting films about the human realities of war and violence.

The 19th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival will take place this year from October 13th – 17th.

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2011 Zurich Film Festival Winners US films Take Shelter and Buck take the Top Prizes

[caption id="attachment_1669" align="alignnone" width="550"]Take Shelter[/caption]

After 10 days of screening attended by over more than 50’000 people, the 2011 Zurich Film Festival closed. The US box office hit THE HELP is billed as the festival’s Closing Film with Emma Stone, Viola Davies, Octavia Spencer and the film’s director Tate Taylor are expected to adorn the Green Carpet.

At the Award Night in Zurich’s Operahouse, the competition winners of 7th edition of the Zurich Film Festival were announced.

And the winners are…

International Feature Film Competition

Golden Eye: TAKE SHELTER (Jeff Nichols, USA)
Special mention of the jury: Actors Deon Lotz (BEAUTY) and Corinne Masiero (LOUISE WIMMER) for their outstanding performances

International Documentary Film Competition

Golden Eye: BUCK (Cindy Meehl, USA)
Special mentions of the jury: LEMON, RAW MATERIAL

German Language Feature Film Competition

Golden Eye: ATMEN / BREATHING (Karl Markovics, Austria)
Special mentions of the jury: KRIEGERIN / COMBAT GIRLS

German Language Documentary Film Competition

Golden Eye: DARWIN (Nick Brandestini, Switzerland)

Critic’s Choice Award

SYKT LYKKELIG / HAPPY, HAPPY (Anne Sewitsky, Norway)

Audience Award

UNTER WASSER ATMEN – DAS ZWEITE LEBEN DES DR. NILS JENT (Andri Hinnen, Stefan Muggli, Switzerland)

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The 2011 Reykjavik International Film Festival Winners with Twilight Portrait Taking Top Prize

[caption id="attachment_1667" align="alignnone" width="550"]Twilight Portrait[/caption]

Russian director Angelina Nikonova´s film TWILIGHT PORTRAIT (Portret V Sumerkakh) which tells a story of revenge between a social worker and a militia man against the modern day backdrop of a Russia ridden with social conflict, won the top award, the Golden Puffin Discovery Award at 2011 Reykjavik International Film Festival in Iceland.

The 2011 Reykjavik International Film Festival awards

THE GOLDEN PUFFIN

Discovery Award

Russian director Angelina Nikonova´s film TWILIGHT PORTRAIT (Portret V Sumerkakh) which tells a story of revenge between a social worker and a militia man against the modern day backdrop of a Russia ridden with social conflict.

Jury Statement

“For the extremely inspired use of cinematic language and storytelling while depicting an intriguing and provocative subject matter with unsettling, realist sensibility.”

Special Jury Mention:

Italian director Andrea Segre’s SHUN LI AND THE POET (Io Sono Li)

“For the poetry and grace employed in treating the subject of the integration (or lack of integration) of immigrants in western society.”

Norwegian director Joachim Trier’s OSLO, 31. AUGUST

“For the strong demonstration of directorial skills when dealing with a complicated and sensitive subject. “

First and second films are eligible.

The jury is led by Danish actor Ulrich Thomsen, and includes Tudor Giurgiu, Director of the Transilvanian International Film Festival and Irene Bignardi, journalist Il Messaggero (Rome).

FIPRESCI AWARD

International Critic’s Award

Icelandic director Rúnar Rúnarsson´s VOLCANO (Eldfjall).

Jury Statement

“For the sensitive yet unsentimental portrayal, built on powerful acting, of themes that are not usually the focus of filmmaking: aging with dignity in an intimate relationship, dealing with severe illness, caring and dying.”

Films from the New Visions program are eligible.

On the jury are Alison Elizabeth Frank, Ph.D. from the University of Oxford (England); Nicole Santé, Chair of Dutch Board of Film Journalists (Holland) and Susanne Schütz, Arts Editor Rheinpfalz (Germany).

THE CHURCH OF ICELAND AWARD

Icelandic director Rúnar Rúnarsson´s VOLCANO (Eldfjall), a love story that has transcended the years and now confronts the final chapter.

The Church of Iceland film award is presented for the sixth time this year.

Jury Statement

“Volcano is a realistic film, carried by a strong story, excellent acting and confident direction.

Volcano is a film about love in all of its diversity. It shows the intimacy and pleasure of lovers. It shows responsible and sacrifical love. Mesmerizing close-ups soften a harsh man and connect the audience and the protagonist.

Volcano is a film about family, about interaction that is both broken and whole. It shows despair, it mediates hope. It shows use closeness
and annoyance, warmth and coldness, joy and pain.

Volcano is a film about growing old and reminds us of the human need for care and presence.

Volcano is a film that leaves the viewer with questions and compels a conversation.”

Special Jury mention:

Brazilian director Julia Marat’s STORIES THAT ONLY EXIST WHEN REMEMBERED (Historias Que Só Existem Quando Lembradas) is a well made and mesmerizing film about closeness and community. It introduces us to a group of people who gather to break bread in church and at the table.
It is a unique testament to slow, calm society and stands as a witness against the stressed existence of our times.“

First and second films are eligible, from the New Visions category.

On the jury are Sr. Árni Svanur Daníelsson, (Deus Ex Cinema); Sr. Elín Hrund Kristjánsdóttir (Deus Ex Cinema, pastor at Reykhólar) and Guðni Mar Harðarson (pastor at Lindakirkja Church).

RIFF AUDIENCE AWARD

Most Popular Film Award

Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki’s film LE HAVRE which is a romantic tale of the triumph of the human spirit as a young African illegal immigrant passes through the fabled port city on his way to London.

Presented by Bjarni Guðmundsson, managing director of the National Broadcasting Company of Iceland, RÚV.

Audience award is tabulated by using admissions and taking into account the size of the screening room and the number of screenings.

RIFF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

Irish director’s Risteard Ó Domhnaill’s THE PIPE, a story of a small Irish community divided by the prospect of a oil pipeline that will bring economic gains but also destroy their way of life.

Jury Statement

“Risteard Ó Domhnail’s way of telling the story is powerful, yet simple. It contains all the good elements of a classic cinema. In the spirit of Cinema Verité he brings forth few but strong characters to lead the story forward, the style is effortless and clear. Although a local story from a remote area it speaks to us in a bigger context.The Pipe is a film that talks to our times and has a rendezvous with the future. ”

Special Jury Mention:

“Eco Pirate: The Paul Watson Story is an epic tale of a one man’s struggle against the exploitation of the oceans, and at the same time provides a unique observation of four decades of the environmental movement Greenpeace. The film is a traditional documentary that deals with its subject matter with profound care, well balanced structure and historical subplots”

Films from the Greendocs program are eligible.

On the jury are Hrönn Kristinsdóttir, producer; Ósk Vilhjámsdóttir, artist and Þorfinnur Guðnason, filmmaker.

BEST ICELANDIC SHORT FILM

Börkur Sigthorsson’s SKAÐI (Come To Harm)

Special Jury Mention:

Haukur M. Hrafnsson’s ÓSÝNILEG MÆRI (Invisible Border).

Films from the Icelandic Panorama are eligible.

The award is accompanied by the first grant from the Thor Vilhjalmsson Fund, founded by RIFF and the Icelandic Society of Filmmakers to honor the memory of renowned author Thor Vilhjálmsson.

The grant is 200,000 ÍSK line of credit with Iceland Express to fly anywhere in the world and a 150,000 ÍSK credit at the famed Eymundsson bookstores.

Jury: Árni Ólafur Ásgeirsson, director; Ásgeir H. Ingólfsson, critic and Silja Hauksdóttir, director.

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Perugia International Film Festival Preview 1st and 2nd of October 2011

On the 1st and 2nd of October, 2011, the PERUGIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (PIFF) held a Festival Preview in advance of its spring 2012 launch in Perugia, Italy. The Festival Preview presented three film programs over two days, free to the public, and a gala screening.

Guests for the Festival Preview included internationally renown documentary filmmakers D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus and acclaimed photographer and filmmaker, Bruce Weber.

The new Perugia International Film Festival will launch its first annual Festival from March 22nd to 25th, 2012.

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Director David Dusa wins Calgary International Film Festival 2011 Mavericks for FLEURS DU MAL (Flowers of Evil)

Director David Dusa’s FLEURS DU MAL (FLOWERS OF EVIL) earned him the coveted title as Calgary International Film Festival’s 2011 Maverick filmmaker. Dusa was one of the eight first-time feature filmmakers competing for the $5,000 cash prize.

Beginning with a man in Tunisia burning himself to death in December 2010, and continuing through the Syrian and Lybian revolutions, pro-democracy rebellions erupted across the Middle East in the “Arab Spring.” Dusa’s film is the first to document the on-the-ground reality of technology-fuelled social change now sending shockwaves through the Arab world. It also has the eternally captivating power of a good old-fashioned love story.

Gecko, a young, carefree Parisian street-dancer, meets Anahita, an Iranian in exile, and finds himself tangled up in her history and the live internet broadcasts of the chaos in Iran following the controversial election in June of 2009. When the Islamic government cracked down on the traditional media, the citizens started broadcasting information through the internet. These brutal images reached the world directly – and now David Dusa’s FLEURS DU MAL personalizes them.

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Luc Besson’s The Lady to close Third annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival

[caption id="attachment_1654" align="alignnone" width="550"]The Lady [/caption]

The 2011 Doha Tribeca Film Festival’s (DTFF) announced today that Luc Besson’s The Lady is the closing night film for the five-day Festival (October 25-29) along with the Contemporary World Cinema programme.

Starring Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis, William Hope and Sahajak Boonthanakit, The Lady is an epic biopic depicting the real life love story of Burmese activist Aung San Suu Kyi’s marriage to writer-academic, Michael Aris, as she fights against governmental oppression to instill democracy into Burma’s political system.

CONTEMPORARY WORLD CINEMA: FILM PROGRAMME

Almanya – Welcome To Germany (Yasemin Samdereli) – Narrative (GERMANY, TURKEY)
2010
MENA PREMIERE
A charming cross-cultural comedy about three generations of German-Turks, Almanya is the story of a Turkish family living in Germany who set off together for their homeland. Moving across the past and present, the journey is full of memories, arguments and reconciliations, until the family trip takes an unexpected turn …

The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius) – Narrative (FRANCE) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
A visually enthralling homage to the early years of cinema, The Artist is a black and white silent film set in Hollywood in the late 1920s. In an ambitious and beautifully executed celebration of the silver screen we follow the last great silent film star, George Valentin and his relationship with a beautiful extra, whose star is on the rise in the talkie circuit.

Bullhead (Rundskop) (Michaël R. Roskam) – Narrative (BELGIUM) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
A crime-drama about Jacky Vanmarsenille, a young Limburg cattle farmer who is approached by an unscrupulous veterinarian to make a shady deal with a notorious West-Flemish beef trader. A confrontation with a secret from Jacky’s past sets in motion a chain of events with far-reaching consequences.

Chinese Take Away (Un cuento chino) (Sebastián Borensztein) – Narrative (ARGENTINA,
SPAIN) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
A delightful and heartwarming Latin American comedy, Chinese Take-Away is the story of Jun, a Chinese man who has just landed in Argentina and doesn’t speak a word of Spanish, and Roberto, the grumpy shopkeeper who is forced to adopt him.

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope (Morgan Spurlock) – Documentary (USA) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
Morgan Spurlock explores the hopes and dreams of fans making the annual pilgrimage to Comic-Con – the San Diego convention which began as a fringe comic book meet in 1970 and has now become the pop culture event of the year. As we follow the aspiring punters we also meet the people who turned their passions into professions including Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, Frank Miller and Matt Groening and along the way, witness the spectacle that Comic-Con has become.

Declaration of War (La guerre est déclarée) (Valérie Donzelli) – Narrative (FRANCE) 2011
MENA PREMIERE

Based on the filmmaker’s personal experience, Declaration of War is an intimate portrait of the struggle endured by a young woman and the father of her child when they find out their son has a brain tumor. Thrust from their young, carefree love into a harsh and unexpected chaos, the traumatic experience reveals their strength, courage and heroism.

Headhunters (Hodejegerne) (Morten Tyldum) – Narrative (NORWAY) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
Based on the best-selling novel by Jo Nesbø, this Norwegian crime thriller follows Roger, a successful corporate headhunter and secret art thief. He risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary and when things go bad, he is forced to run for his life.

The Hunter (Daniel Nettheim) – Narrative (AUSTRALIA) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
Based on the acclaimed novel by Julia Leigh, The Hunter is a powerful psychological drama that tells the story of Martin, a mercenary sent from Europe by a mysterious biotech company to Australia’s Tasmanian wilderness on a dramatic hunt for the last Tasmanian Tiger.

In the Open (El campo) (Hernán Belón) – Narrative (ARGENTINA, ITALY, FRANCE) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
A young woman, Elisa, moves to the country with her husband and young daughter. She has a successful career, a happy family and plans for the future but when they arrive at the rundown provincial home, a strange feeling slowly takes over her and her sixth sense begins to awaken.

Mama Africa – (Mika Kaurismäki) – Documentary (GERMANY, SOUTH AFRICA, FINLAND)
2011
MENA PREMIERE
A documentary about the late, incredibly talented and charismatic South African musical icon, Miriam Makeba, who traveled the world with her powerful voice speaking a message against racism and poverty and for equality and peace. Mama Africa is homage to an extraordinary and impressive artist who, through more than 50 years of performing, incarnates the voice and the hope of Africa.

Toll Booth (Gise Memuru) (Tolga Karaçelik) – Narrative (TURKEY) 2010
MENA PREMIERE
Kenan is a reclusive toll booth attendant living with his ailing father. His reclusive, humdrum life takes a dramatic turn when the newly appointed toll booth manager visits for supervision in this darkly comedic tale of miscommunication, isolation and father/son conflict.

Tormented (Rabitto Horaa) (Takashi Shimizu) – Narrative (JAPAN) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
Tormented ventures into the terrifying corners of the mind through a young boy whose family seems to be falling apart around him. He manifests a dangerous friendship and reliance on a stuffed toy rabbit that comes to life. Is he crazy; is his sister alive or dead; is their storybook illustrating father going insane or are they all delusional?

Where Do We Go Now? (W Halla’ La Wein?) (Nadine Labaki) – Narrative (LEBANON,
FRANCE, ITALY, EGYPT) 2011
GULF PREMIERE
Set in a religiously mixed Lebanese village during the fall-out from a distant war, this poignant fable centers on a group of women as they unwaveringly attempt to preserve their town in the midst of inter-religious tensions.

The Woman in the Fifth (Pawel Pawlikowski) – Narrative (FRANCE, POLAND, UK) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
American writer Tom Ricks comes to Paris desperate to put his life back together and win back the love of his estranged wife and daughter. Things don’t go according to plan and when he gets involved with a beautiful and mysterious widow, an obscure force seems to take control of his life.

¡Vivan las Antípodas! (Long Live The Antipodes!) (Victor Kossakovsky) – Documentary
(GERMANY, ARGENTINA, NETHERLANDS, CHILE) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
A breathtakingly original documentary which views the world upside down by visiting four pairs of locations which are diametrically opposite to eachother on the earth’s surface. The pairs seem mythically connected, somehow united by their oppositeness: a peaceful sunset in Entre Rios to the bustling streets of Shanghai; fields of burning black lava in Hawaii to a village kiosk in Botswana – 8000 miles through the centre of the Earth.

Vol Spécial (Special Flight) (Fernand Melgar) – Documentary (SWITZERLAND) 2011
MENA PREMIERE
A powerful and moving documentary about the thousands of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers held every year at a Switzerland detention centre prior to being expelled from the country. Through the stories of six migrants, the film reveals the months of waiting, hope and despair and the relationships that form between the deeply human wardens, and immigrants at the end of their journeys.
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14th Arpa International Film Festival Award Winners

[caption id="attachment_1652" align="alignnone" width="550"]Best Picture -Three Veils [/caption]

The 14th Arpa International Film Festival wrapped on Saturday with a screening of FIVE MINARETS IN NEW YORK followed by a the awards ceremony. Taking top honors were THREE VEILS, MY UNCLE RAFAEL, THE LAST TIGHTROPE DANCER IN ARMENIA and BOLIS.

The Best Picture honor this year went to Rolla Selbak’s drama, THREE VEILS. BEST DIRECTOR and BEST SCREENPLAY kudos went to director Marc Fusco and writers Scott Yagemann and Vahik Pirhamzei for their comedy MY UNCLE RAFAEL.

Pirhamzei also received the festival’s 2011 Breakthrough Performance Award for his starring role in the film. Arman Yeritsyan and Inna Sahakyan’s THE LAST TIGHTROPE DANCER IN ARMENIA was given the award for Best Documentary with Eric Nazarian’s BOLIS winning BEST SHORT FILM.

List Of Winners:
Best Picture:
Three Veils (L.A. premiere)
USA
Director: Rolla Selbak
Producer: Ahmad Zahra
Writer: Rolla Selbek

Three Veils is a film about three young Middle-Eastern women living in the U.S., each with her own personal story. Leila is engaged to be married, however as the wedding night approaches, she becomes less and less sure of how her life is playing out. Amira is a very devout Muslim, but is dealing with her deep repressions about her intimate
feelings toward women. Nikki is acting out her promiscuity as she battles her own demons after a tragic death in the family. As the film progresses, all three stories unfold and blend into each other as connections are revealed between the three women.

Best Screenplay/Best Director:
My Uncle Rafael (North American premiere)
USA
Director: Marc Fusco
Producers: Michael Garrity, Vahik Pirhamzei
Writers: Scott Yagemann, Vahik Pirhamzei

A desperate TV producer convinces an old Armenian Uncle to star in a new reality show. Cultures collide when Uncle Rafael is thrown into the Schumacher family household where he has one week to save a broken and dysfunctional American family from falling apart. The only rule – everyone must follow his rules. Starring Vahik Pirhamzei, John
Michael Higgins, Missi Pyle, Anthony Clark, Rachel Blanchard, Joe Lo Truglio, Anahid Avanesian, Carly Chaikin, Sage Ryan, Ursula Taherian,
and Lupe Ontiveros.

Best Documentary:
The Last Tightrope Dancer In Armenia
Armenia
Directors: Arman Yeritsyan, Inna Sahakyan
Producer: Vardan Hovhannisyan
Writers: Arman Yeritsyan, Inna Sahakyan

Zhora and Knyaz were once the most celebrated masters of tightrope dancing in Armenia. Today, they are the only surviving performers who can keep this ancient art alive against the current of contemporary society, but all their students grow up and find other interests in life. Why is their art not important anymore?

Best Short Film
Bolis (World Premiere)
USA, Turkey
Director: Eric Nazarian
Writer: Eric Nazarian
Producers: Huseyin Karabey, Sevil Demirci.

Armenak is a successful oud player who is in Istanbul for the first time for an important musical event. His feelings toward the city, which his Armenian grandfather fled at the tip of the sword in 1915, are very complex. Armenak arrives full of prejudice, expecting to hate the place, but instead finds it very familiar. The decision comes naturally to him to search for his grandfather’s old musical instrument shop with only an old photo and a street name. Is it destiny or coincidence that leads him to his destination?

Special Awards
2011 Breakthrough Performance Award
Vahik Pirhamzei for My Uncle Rafael (USA)

AT&T Award for Environmental Conservation and Stewardship Marion Stoddart:

The Work of 1000 (WEST COAST PREMIERE)

Director: Susan Edwards – 2011 AT&T Award for Environmental Conservation and Stewardship Recipient
Producer: Dorie Clark
Writer: Susan Edwards

Marion Stoddart lived next to one of America’s most polluted rivers and transformed herself from a 1960s housewife to a citizen leader and environmental hero honored by the United Nations. The Work of 1000 is the documentary film chronicling her life, achievements, setbacks, and unwavering belief that one person can make a difference in the world.

Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award

Children of War (USA, Uganda)
Director: Bryan Single – 2011 Armin T. Wegner Award Recipient
Producers: Bryan Single, Farzad Karimi, Timothy Beckett
Associate Producers: Anahid Aramouni Keshishian, Shannon McBrien, Grant Inglett
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Toronto International Film Festival Supports Detained Iranian Filmmakers

The Toronto International Film Festival in a press release expressed its deep concern in response to the recent arrest of six Iranian filmmakers by the Iranian authorities on charges of espionage. The six filmmakers are Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, Katayoun Shahabi, Hadi Afarideh, Nasser Saffarian, Shahnama Bazdar and Mohsen Shahrnazdar.

The detaineed filmmakers have been accused of collaborating with the BBC network, forbidden in Iran, and of portraying a negative image of the country in their films.

Mr. Mojtaba Mirtahmasb is the co-director of banned Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s latest film THIS IS NOT A FILM, which was most recently screened as part of the 36th Toronto International Film Festival.

image via insideofiran
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Twin Cities Film Fest announces 2011 Awards “Like Crazy” wins Best Feature

[caption id="attachment_1641" align="alignnone" width="550"]2011 Twin Cities Film Fest Best Feature Award. [/caption]

The Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) wrapped and announced the audience and other special award-winners of the 2011 festival.

2011 Twin Cities Film Fest Best Feature Award

“Like Crazy,” directed by Drake Doremus

2011 Twin Cities Film Fest North Star Award for Excellence

Tom Sizemore (For an indelible body of work, including TCFF official selection “White Knight”)

2011 Twin Cities Film Fest Shorts Film Award

“14 Minutes,” directed by Elise Plakke

2011 Twin Cities Film Fest Audience Best Documentary Award

“Signing On: Stories of Deaf Breast Cancer Survivors, Their Families and the Deaf Community,” directed by Barbara Allen

2011 Twin Cities Film Fest Audience Best Minnesota Feature Award

“Lambent Fuse,” directed by Matt Cici

2011 Twin Cities Film Fest Audience Best Minnesota Shorts Award

“Sidewalk Sonata,” directed by Nicholas Clausen

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2011 Woodstock Film Festival Maverick Award Winners

[caption id="attachment_1639" align="alignnone" width="550"]BEST FEATURE NARRATIVE: On The Ice[/caption]

The 12th Anniversary Woodstock Film Festival which began Wednesday, Sept. 21st, will close Sunday September 25th, 2011, held its Maverick Awards Ceremony last night at the historic Backstage Studio Productions in Kingston, NY.

A special Tribute to Gary Winick was included in the ceremony, to honor the filmmaker and pioneering producer who passed away in February of this year from brain cancer at the age of 49.

The Lee Marvin Award for BEST FEATURE NARRATIVE: On The Ice, Dir. Andrew O. MacLean.

The Maverick Award for BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY: Semper Fi: Always Faithful, Dir: Tony Hardmon & Rachel Libert (Winner), Skateistan: Four Wheels and a Board in Kabul, Dir: Kai Sehr (Honorable Mention) and Dolphin Boy, Dir: Dani Menkin and Yonatan Nir (Honorable Mention).

The Maverick Award for BEST ANIMATION: Luminaris, Dir. Juan Pablo Zaramella.

The Diane Seligman Award for BEST SHORT NARRATIVE: We’re Leaving, Dir. Zachary Treitz (Winner), Block, Dir. Chadd Harbold (Honorable Mention).

The Diane Seligman Award for BEST STUDENT SHORT FILM: The Recorder Exam, Dir. Bora Kim (Winner), Manhattan Melody, Dir: Sasha Gordon (Runner Up), Babyland, Dir: Marc Fatello (Honorable Mention), Bayou Black, Dir. Jonas Carpignano (Honorable Mention), Gravity, Dir. Pamela Romanowsky (Honorable Mention).

The Diane Seligman Award for BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY: Poetry of Resilience, Dir: Katja Esson (Winner), The Thing That Happened, Dir. Andrew Walton (Honorable Mention).

The Haskell Wexler Award for BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: On The Ice, Director of Photography: Lol Crawley (Winner)

James Lyons Award for BEST EDITING of a FEATURE NARRATIVE: Tilt, Kostadin Kostadinov, Zorica Nikolova (Winners), 96 Minutes, Aram Nigoghossian (Honorable Mention).

James Lyons Award for BEST EDITING of a FEATURE DOCUMENTARY: Bombay Beach, Alma Har’el, Joe Lindquist (Winners), Semper Fi: Always Faithful, Purcell Carson (Honorable Mention)

The James Lyons Awards for BEST EDITING were presented by accomplished editors Sabine Hoffman, Sabine Krayenbuhl, and Doug Abel.

HONORARY TRAILBLAZER AWARD: CEO of The Creative Coalition Robin Bronk.

HONORARY MAVERICK AWARD: Director Tony Kaye (American History X).

MEERA GANDHI GIVING BACK AWARD: Actor Mark Ruffalo (Reservation Road, The Kids Are All Right).

EXCELLENCE IN ACTING AWARD: Actor Ellen Barkin (Another Happy Day, Sea of Love).

Audience awards in both Best Feature Narrative and Best Feature Documentary will be announced Sunday night Sept 25.
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Kevin Smith’s SMoviola, Presents the cult hit THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION at 2011 NY Film Festival

[caption id="attachment_1637" align="alignnone" width="550"]The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension [/caption]

The next presentation of Kevin Smith’s SMoviola will take place during the upcoming New York Film Festival with a celebration of the cult hit THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION featuring the film’s star Peter Weller, John Lithgow and additional guests. The festival also released the lineup of filmmakers set for NYFF’s celebrated HBO Films® Directors Dialogues and the complete lineup of films for the 15th edition of the film festival’s Views From the Avant-Garde series.

Returning to the Film Society after a special screening of VALLEY GIRL during the launch of the new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, Kevin Smith’s SMoviola will now be a continuing series of appearances by the popular filmmaker and film personality during which he will take a look at a classic, and personally beloved film, with the filmmakers and stars of the film.

Directed by W.D. Richter, THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION (1984) stars Peter Weller as an adventurer/surgeon/rock star who leads a band of men known as the Hong Kong Cavaliers versus nefarious alien invaders from the 8th dimension. Featuring a formidable cast including Ellen Barkin, Jeff Goldblum, John Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd as well as Russian comic Yakov Smirnoff and musician Billy Vera, the film was a made-to-order cult hit from its debut onward. The film will screen at the Walter Reade Theater on Saturday, October 15 at 7:30PM with Smith leading a discussion about the film with Weller, Lithgow and others following the screening.

The popular HBO Films® Directors Dialogues returns to the New York Film Festival with a new home, the state-of-the-art Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center (144 West 65th Street). The Directors Dialogues pair a director with a journalist as they discuss the filmmaker’s career, views on their own approach to making movies as well as the current state of the art of filmmaking. This year’s lineup will feature an eclectic group of filmmaking visionaries including the documentary directing duo of Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky (PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY), New York indie iconoclast Abel Ferrera (4:44 – LAST DAY ON EARTH), filmmaker and video artist Julia Loktev (THE LONELIEST PLANET) and German filmmaking auteur Wim Wenders (PINA).

Julia Loktev will be joined by Melissa Anderson (NYFF Selection Committee and contributor, The Village Voice) in conversation on Sunday, October 2 at 3:00PM.

Abel Ferrera will be joined by Dennis Lim (NYFF Selection Committee and Editor, Moving Image Source & Freelance Critic) in conversation on Tuesday, October 11 at 6:00PM.

Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky will be joined by Eugene Hernandez (FSLC Digital Strategies Director and former IndieWire Editor-in-Chief) in conversation on Thursday, October 13 at 6:00PM.

Wim Wenders will be joined by Scott Foundas (NYFF Selection Committee, FSLC Asociate Program Director and contributing editor, Film Comment) in conversation on Sunday, October 16 at 12:00PM.

For its 15th year, Views from the Avant-Garde returns with an expanded edition, presenting four nights of New York and world premieres from the frontiers of innovative moving-image making. Curated by Mark McElhatten and Gavin Smith, the program’s highlights include films by such notables of the experimental film world as James Benning, Kevin Jerome Everson, George Kuchar, and NYFF favorite Ben Rivers, as well as a first-time screening at NYFF of work by Daniel Eisenberg. The program also includes the return of the 3D film artists, OpenEndedGroup (following a screening of their work this summer during the launch of the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center), as well as the anticipated screening of JOHN ZORN: A FILM IN 15 SCENES, which features four different film interpretations of a list of shots (or “score”) provided by Zorn.

Gavin Smith, editor-in-chief of Film Comment, said “In our 15th edition of Views From the Avant-Garde, we have seen the program double in size due to the continuing expansion of work being made by experimental film artists and the growing demand for this kind of cinema. What is particularly exciting about this lineup is that it literally includes the work of five generations of filmmakers.”

Screening Schedule for VIEWS FROM THE AVANT-GARDE

Friday, October 7
Location: FRANCESCA BEALE THEATER
12:30PM
Screening program: The Soul and the Stem
Total running time: 99min

SENORA CON FLORES (Woman with Flowers) (1995/2011) 15min
Director: Chick Strand
Country: U.S./Mexico
(preservation print from the Academy Film Archives)
JAN VILLA (2010) 20min
Director: Natasha Mendonca
Country: India/U.S.
THE SOLE OF THE FOOT (2011) 34min
Director: Robert Fenz
Country: U.S/Israel/Chile/France
CORRESPONDENCE (2011) 30min
Director: Robert Fenz
Country: U.S./India

3:15PM
Screening Program: Ben Rivers
Total running time: 66min

SACK BARROW (2011) 21min
Country: U.K.
SLOW ACTION (2010) 45min
Country: U.K.

5:45PM
Screening Program: Bitches Brew
Total running time: 107min

POSTHASTE PERENNIAL PATTERN (2010) 3min 39sec
Director: Jodie Mack
Country: U.S.
BABOBILICONS (1982) 16min
Director: Daina Krumins
Country: U.S.
(new 35mm preservation by the Academy Film Archive)
YOU ARE NOW RUNNING ON RESERVE BATTERY POWER (2011) 11min
Director: Jessie Stead
Country: U.S.
HULL (2011) 7min 32sec
Director: Tara Merenda Nelson
Country: U.S.

From JHANA AND THE RATS OF JAMES OLDS (2011):
Director: Stephanie Barber
Country: U.S.
Telephone Call 1min
Billy and the Magician 3min 18sec
Little Kitten 42sec
Zero Buoyancy 4min 53sec
Romance Novels 1min 4sec

A PARTY RECORD PACKED WITH SEX AND SADNESS (2011) 10min 11sec
Director: Bobby Abate
Country: U.S.
PRAXIS 8 – 12 SCENES (2010) 25min
Director: Dietmar Brehm
Country: Austria
TASTE TEST (2011) 2min 30sec
Director: Andrew Lampert
Country: U.S.
BITCH-BEAUTY (2011) 7min
Director: MM Serra
Country: U.S.

8:45PM
Screening Program: Ladders and Tracks
Total running time: 104min

BERLIN TRACKS 18h00-20h00 (2011) 2min 7sec
Director: Shiloh Cinquemani
Country: U.S./Germany
(k)now (t)here (2011) 8min 50sec
Director: Hey–Yeun Jang
Country: U.S.
SUBWAY (2011) 7min 40sec
Director: Angela Ferraiolo
Country: U.S.
VILLAGE, SILENCED (2011) 4min 56min
Director: Deborah Stratman
Country: U.S.
SNAKES AND LADDERS (2011) 3min
Director: Katherin McInnis
Country: U.S.
LONGHORN TREMOLO (2010) 16min
Director: Scott Stark
Country: U.S.
LAND FILLL (2011) 8min 52sec
Director: Jennifer Reeves
Country: U.S.
BARREN (2010) 2min
Director: Katherin McInnis
Country: U.S.
BACK VIEW (2011) 17min
Director: Vincent Grenier
Country: U.S.
THE TOY SUN (2011) 33min
Director: Ken Kobland
Country: U.S.

Location: WALTER READE THEATER
1:00PM
UPENDING (2011) 65min
Director: OpenendedGroup
Country: U.S.
(digital 3-D)

3:30PM
SEEKING THE MONKEY KING (2011) 40min
Director: Ken Jacobs
Country: U.S.

5:30PM
Screening Program: Ernie Gehr
Total running time: 88min

CRYSTAL PALACE (2002-11) 28min
Country: U.S.
THANK YOU FOR VISITING (2010) 12min
Country: U.S.
MIST (2010) 9min
Country: U.S.
ABRACADABRA (2009) 39min
Country: U.S.

8:30PM
Screening Program: George Kuchar
Total running time: 87min

LINGO OF THE LOST (2010) 37min 45sec
Country: U.S.
EMPIRE OF EVIL (2011) 50min
Country: U.S.

Saturday October 8
Location: FRANCESCA BEALE THEATER
11:15AM
Screening Program: Cabinet of Curiosities
Total running time: 82min

BETWEEN GOLD (2011) 10min 42sec
Director: Jonathan Schwartz
Country: U.S.
TIN PRESSED (2011) 6min 23sec
Director: Dani Leventhal
Country: U.S.
FIFTEEN AN HOUR (2011) 6min
Director: Kevin Jerome Everson
Country: U.S.
TABLEAUX VIVANTS (2011) 10min 20sec
Director: Vincent Grenier
Country: U.S.
CURIOUS LIGHT (2011) 4min 12sec
Director: Charlotte Pryce
Country: U.S.
FORMS ARE NOT SELF-SUBSISTENT SUBSTANCES (2010) 22min
Director: Samantha Rebello
Country: U.K.
THE MATTER PROPOUNDED, OF ITS POSSIBILITY OR IMPOSSIBILITY, TREATED IN FOUR PARTS (2011) 13min
Director: David Gatten
Country: U.S.

From JHAMA AND THE RATS OF JAMES OLDS (2011):
Director: Stephanie Barber
Country: U.S.
Miniatures 2min
Degas 58sec
The Eclipse 33sec

RANSOM NOTES (2011) 4min
Director: Kelly Egan
Country: Canada
CONJUROR’S BOX (2011) 4min
Director: Kerry Laitala
Country: U.S.

1:45PM
Screening Program: Looking Through A Glass Onion
Total running time: 89min

PASSAGE UPON THE PLUME (2011) 6min 46sec
Director: Fern Silva
Country: U.S.
SHAYNE’S RECTANGLE (2011) 5min 4sec
Director: Dani Leventhal
Country: U.S.
LINE DESCRIBING YOUR MOM (2011) 5min 50sec
Director: Michael Robinson
Country: U.S.
GOSSIP ON THE WATER (2011) 8min 19sec
Director: Bobby Abate
Country: U.S.

From JHANA AND THE RATS OF JAMES OLDS
Director: Stephanie Barber
Country: U.S.
Tatum’s Ghost 3min 45sec

THE DEATH OF THE GORILLA (1966) 16min
Director: Peter Mays
Country: U.S.
(new restoration by the Academy Film Archive)
BY FOOT-CANDLE LIGHT (2011) 9min
Director: Mary Helena Clark
Country: U.S.
A LAX RIDDLE UNIT (2011) 9min
Director: Laida Lertxundi
Country: Spain
SOUNDING GLASS (2011) 7min
Director: Sylvia Schedelbauer
Country: Germany
THE EVIL EYES (2010) 18min
Director: Bobby Abate
Country: U.S.

4:15PM
VOLUPTUOUS SLEEP (2011) 95min
Director: Betzy Bromberg
Country: U.S.

7:15PM
Screening Program: Jerome Hiler & Nathaniel Dorsky
Total running time: 54min

WORDS OF MERCURY (2011) 25min
Director: Jerome Hiler
Country: U.S.
THE RETURN (2011) 27min
Director: Nathaniel Dorsky
Country: U.S.

9:30PM
Screening Program: John Zorn: A Film in 15 Scenes
Total running time: 97min

15 SCENES: 254 SHOTS (2011) 15min
Director: Gobolux
Country: U.S.
WELL THEN THERE NOW (2011) 19min 30sec
Director: Lewis Klahr
Country: U.S.
BARE ROOM (2011) 31min 33sec
Director: Joey Izzo
Country: U.S.
ARCANA (2011) 33min
Director: Henry Hills
Country: U.S./Austria

Location: WALTER READE THEATER
11:00AM
Screening Program: Jean-Marie Straub
Total running time: 66min

LOTHRINGEN! (1994) 20min
(co-directed with Danièle Huillet)
Country: France
UN HÉRITIER (2011) 20min
Country: France/South Korea
L’INCONSOLABLE (2011) 15min
Country: France
SCHAKALE UND ARABER (2011) 11min
Country: Switzerland

1:15PM
STUDIES FOR THE DECAY OF THE WEST (2010) 80min
Director: Klaus Wyborny
Country: Germany

4:00PM
Screening Program: Daniel Eisenberg: The Unstable Object
Total running time: 83min

LESS AND LESS/TOUJOURS MOINS (2010) 14min
Director: Luc Moullet
Country: France, 2010
THE UNSTABLE OBJECT (2011) 69min
Country: U.S./Germany/Turkey

6:45PM
Screening Program: Kevin Jerome Everson
Total running time: 82min

QUALITY CONTROL (2011) 70min 42sec
Country: U.S.
THE PRICHARD (2011) 11min 18sec
Country: U.S.

9:45PM
Screening Program: George Kuchar
Total running time: 87min

LINGO OF THE LOST (2010) 37min 45sec
Country: U.S.
EMPIRE OF EVIL (2011) 50min
Country: U.S.

Sunday October 9
Location: FRANCESCA BEALE THEATER
12:00PM
Screening program: The Soul and the Stem
Total running time: 99min

SENORA CON FLORES (Woman with Flowers) (1995/2011) 15min
Director: Chick Strand
Country: U.S./Mexico
(preservation print from the Academy Film Archives)
JAN VILLA (2010) 20min
Director: Natasha Mendonca
Country: India/U.S.
THE SOLE OF THE FOOT (2011) 34min
Director: Robert Fenz
Country: U.S/Israel/Chile/France
CORRESPONDENCE (2011) 30min
Director: Robert Fenz
Country: U.S./India

2:45PM
Screening Program: Jerome Hiler & Nathaniel Dorsky
Total running time: 54min

WORDS OF MERCURY (2011) 25min
Director: Jerome Hiler
Country: U.S.
THE RETURN (2011) 27min
Director: Nathaniel Dorsky
Country: U.S.

5:30PM
Screening Program: Ladders and Tracks
Total running time: 104min

BERLIN TRACKS 18h00-20h00 (2011) 2min 7sec
Director: Shiloh Cinquemani
Country: U.S./Germany
(k)now (t)here (2011) 8min 50sec
Director: Hey–Yeun Jang
Country: U.S.
SUBWAY (2011) 7min 40sec
Director: Angela Ferraiolo
Country: U.S.
VILLAGE, SILENCED (2011) 4min 56min
Director: Deborah Stratman
Country: U.S.
SNAKES AND LADDERS (2011) 3min
Director: Katherin McInnis
Country: U.S.
LONGHORN TREMOLO (2010) 16min
Director: Scott Stark
Country: U.S.
LAND FILLL (2011) 8min 52sec
Director: Jennifer Reeves
Country: U.S.
BARREN (2010) 2min
Director: Katherin McInnis
Country: U.S.
BACK VIEW (2011) 17min
Director: Vincent Grenier
Country: U.S.
THE TOY SUN (2011) 33min
Director: Ken Kobland
Country: U.S.

8:15PM
Screening Program: The Red and The Black
Total running time: 86min

RIVER RITES (2011) 11min 30sec
Director: Ben Russell
Country: U.S./Suriname
SHADOW, SEED, SPAGYRIC (2011) 5min 12sec
Director: David Baker
Country: U.S.
PERIL OF THE ANTILLES (2011) 5min 51sec
Director: Fern Silva
Country: U.S.
A PREFACE TO RED (2010) 6min
Director: Jonathan Schwartz
Country: U.S./Turkey
PROTOCOL (2011) 1min 15sec
Director: Lina Rodriguez
Country: Canada/Colombia
IMPERCEPTIHOLE (2011) 14min 37sec
Director: Lori Felker & Robert Todd
Country: U.S.
LIGHT LICKS: BY THE WATERS OF BABYLON: I WANT TO PAINT IT BLACK (2011) 12min
Director: Saul Levine
Country: U.S.
THIRD LAW: N KEDZIE BLVD. (2011) 7min 10sec
Director: Mike Gibisser
Country: U.S.
SLOW BURN (2011) 19min 46sec
Director: Jesse Cain
Country: U.S.

Location: WALTER READE THEATER
1:00PM
Screening Program: Virgin Springs
Total running time: 86min

BAPTISMAL STICKS AND STONES (2011) 6min 50sec
Director: April Simmons
Country: U.S.
DEVILS GATE (2011) 20min
Director: Laura Kraning
Country: U.S.
TWICE REMOVED (2011) 11min
Director: Leslie Thornton
Country: U.S.
RICKY (2011) 11min
Director: Janie Geiser
Country: U.S.
SILENT SPRINGS (2011) 12min 57sec
Director: Erin Espelie
Country: U.S.
GAZETTE (2009) 4min 12sec
Director: Eliénore de Montesquiou
Country: Russia/Estonia
KUDZU VINE (2011) 19min 52sec
Director: Josh Gibson
Country: U.S.

3:30PM
THE PETTIFOGGER (2011) 65min
Director: Lewis Klahr
Country: U.S.

6:00PM
Screening Program: John Zorn: A Film in 15 Scenes
Total running time: 97min

15 SCENES: 254 SHOTS (2011) 15min
Director: Gobolux
Country: U.S.
WELL THEN THERE NOW (2011) 19min 30sec
Director: Lewis Klahr
Country: U.S.
BARE ROOM (2011) 31min 33sec
Director: Joey Izzo
Country: U.S.
ARCANA (2011) 33min
Director: Henry Hills
Country: U.S./Austria

9:00PM
TWENTY CIGARETTES (2011) 99min
Director: James Benning
Country: U.S.

Monday October 10
Location: FRANCESCA BEALE THEATER
11:00AM
Screening Program: Cabinet of Curiosities
Total running time: 82min

BETWEEN GOLD (2011) 10min 42sec
Director: Jonathan Schwartz
Country: U.S.
TIN PRESSED (2011) 6min 23sec
Director: Dani Leventhal
Country: U.S.
FIFTEEN AN HOUR (2011) 6min
Director: Kevin Jerome Everson
Country: U.S.
TABLEAUX VIVANTS (2011) 10min 20sec
Director: Vincent Grenier
Country: U.S.
CURIOUS LIGHT (2011) 4min 12sec
Director: Charlotte Pryce
Country: U.S.
FORMS ARE NOT SELF-SUBSISTENT SUBSTANCES (2010) 22min
Director: Samantha Rebello
Country: U.K.
THE MATTER PROPOUNDED, OF ITS POSSIBILITY OR IMPOSSIBILITY, TREATED IN FOUR PARTS (2011) 13min
Director: David Gatten
Country: U.S.

From JHAMA AND THE RATS OF JAMES OLDS (2011):
Director: Stephanie Barber
Country: U.S.
Miniatures 2min
Degas 58sec
The Eclipse 33sec

RANSOM NOTES (2011) 4min
Director: Kelly Egan
Country: Canada
CONJUROR’S BOX (2011) 4min
Director: Kerry Laitala
Country: U.S.

1:30PM
Screening Program: Aurand/Muñoz/Sami
Total running time: 76min

VILLATALLA (2011) 21min 59sec
Director: Jeannette Muñoz
Country: Switzerland/Chile/Italy
A YEAR/EIN JAHR (2011) 12min
Director: Renate Sami
Country: Germany
YOUNG PINES/JUNGE TIEFERN (2011) 43min
Director: Ute Aurand
Country: Germany/Japan

3:45PM
Screening Program: Looking Through A Glass Onion
Total running time: 89min

PASSAGE UPON THE PLUME (2011) 6min 46sec
Director: Fern Silva
Country: U.S.
SHAYNE’S RECTANGLE (2011) 5min 4sec
Director: Dani Leventhal
Country: U.S.
LINE DESCRIBING YOUR MOM (2011) 5min 50sec
Director: Michael Robinson
Country: U.S.
GOSSIP ON THE WATER (2011) 8min 19sec
Director: Bobby Abate
Country: U.S.

From JHANA AND THE RATS OF JAMES OLDS
Director: Stephanie Barber
Country: U.S.
Tatum’s Ghost 3min 45sec

THE DEATH OF THE GORILLA (1966) 16min
Director: Peter Mays
Country: U.S.
(new restoration by the Academy Film Archive)
BY FOOT-CANDLE LIGHT (2011) 9min
Director: Mary Helena Clark
Country: U.S.
A LAX RIDDLE UNIT (2011) 9min
Director: Laida Lertxundi
Country: Spain
SOUNDING GLASS (2011) 7min
Director: Sylvia Schedelbauer
Country: Germany
THE EVIL EYES (2010) 18min
Director: Bobby Abate
Country: U.S.

6:30PM
Screening Program: Paul Clipson Super 8 performance
Total running time: 70min
CHORUS (2009/2011) 8min
Country: U.S.
COMPOUND EYES NO. 1-5 (2011) 27min
Country: U.S.
LIGHT FROM THE MESA (2010) 7min
Country: U.S.
CHORUS (2009/2011) 8min
Country: U.S.
(16mm version)
MORPHOLOGIES (2011) 20min
Country: U.S.

8:45PM
Screening Program: Bitches Brew
Total running time: 107min

POSTHASTE PERENNIAL PATTERN (2010) 3min 39sec
Director: Jodie Mack
Country: U.S.
BABOBILICONS (1982) 16min
Director: Daina Krumins
Country: U.S.
(new 35mm preservation by the Academy Film Archive)
YOU ARE NOW RUNNING ON RESERVE BATTERY POWER (2011) 11min
Director: Jessie Stead
Country: U.S.
HULL (2011) 7min 32sec
Director: Tara Merenda Nelson
Country: U.S.

From JHANA AND THE RATS OF JAMES OLDS (2011):
Director: Stephanie Barber
Country: U.S.
Telephone Call 1min
Billy and the Magician 3min 18sec
Little Kitten 42sec
Zero Buoyancy 4min 53sec
Romance Novels 1min 4sec

A PARTY RECORD PACKED WITH SEX AND SADNESS (2011) 10min 11sec
Director: Bobby Abate
Country: U.S.
PRAXIS 8 – 12 SCENES (2010) 25min
Director: Dietmar Brehm
Country: Austria
TASTE TEST (2011) 2min 30sec
Director: Andrew Lampert
Country: U.S.
BITCH-BEAUTY (2011) 7min
Director: MM Serra
Country: U.S.

Location: WALTER READE THEATER
11:30PM
Screening Program: Jean-Marie Straub
Total running time: 66min

LOTHRINGEN! (1994) 20min
(co-directed with Danièle Huillet)
Country: France
UN HÉRITIER (2011) 20min
Country: France/South Korea
L’INCONSOLABLE (2011) 15min
Country: France
SCHAKALE UND ARABER (2011) 11min
Country: Switzerland

1:45PM
SEEKING THE MONKEY KING (2011) 40min
Director: Ken Jacobs
Country: U.S.

3:00PM
THE PETTIFOGGER (2011) 65min
Director: Lewis Klahr
Country: U.S.

5:00PM
Screening Program: Virgin Springs
Total running time: 86min

BAPTISMAL STICKS AND STONES (2011) 6min 50sec
Director: April Simmons
Country: U.S.
DEVILS GATE (2011) 20min
Director: Laura Kraning
Country: U.S.
TWICE REMOVED (2011) 11min
Director: Leslie Thornton
Country: U.S.
RICKY (2011) 11min
Director: Janie Geiser
Country: U.S.
SILENT SPRINGS (2011) 12min 57sec
Director: Erin Espelie
Country: U.S.
GAZETTE (2009) 4min 12sec
Director: Eliénore de Montesquiou
Country: Russia/Estonia
KUDZU VINE (2011) 19min 52sec
Director: Josh Gibson
Country: U.S.

7:30PM
TWO DAYS AT SEA (2011) 86min
Director: Ben Rivers
Country: U.K.

Location: ELINORE BUNIN MUNROE AMPHITHEATRE
Daily Friday October 7-10
Open to the general public, with no admission charge. Each film will be repeated across the four days in groupings and individual rotations several times a day.

Films will include the following (in alphabetical order):

ARMOIRE (Four Parts) (2007-2011) 9min 5sec
Director: Vincent Grenier
Country: U.S.
JOHN KRIEG EXITING THE FALK CORPORATION IN 1971 (2011) 71min
Director: James Benning
Country: U.S
PICTURE TAKING (2011) 9min 30sec
Director: Ernie Gehr
Country: U.S.
SOFT PALATE (2010) 3min 10sec
Director: Martin Arnold
Country: Austria
SELF CONTROL (2011) 1min 56sec
Director: Martin Arnold
Country: Austria
TRADERS LEAVING THE EXCHANGE, A GUARD AND THE STREET (2011) 15min
Director: Les Leveque
Country: U.S.
Read more
2011 New York Film Festival Shorts Programs Lineup; Oliver Stone’s SALVADOR to replace “Untold History of the United States”

[caption id="attachment_1635" align="alignnone" width="550"]Oliver Stone[/caption]

The 2011 New York Film Festival announced two short films programs as well as late-breaking updates for the Oliver Stone presentation and the Masterworks screening of BEN HUR.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Oliver Stone’s “Untold History of the United States” will no longer screen at the 2011 New York Film Festival. However, Oliver Stone will still be appearing at NYFF to present a 25th Anniversary screening of SALVADOR, a film that burst onto the American film scene with a force that immediately established Stone as an artist to be reckoned with.

The Masterworks screening of BEN-HUR at Alice Tully Halll on Saturday, October 1 at 10:30AM will now be a family affair, with the attendance of Fraser Heston (the son of Charlton Heston), Catherine Wyler (the daughter of director William Wyler) and Toby Wyler, (the director’s great-grandson). The trio will take part in introductions of the film with FSLC’s Richard Pena and will also be available for interviews to discuss the careers of Heston and Wyler as well as the restoration of the cinema classic.

BEH-HUR has been given a meticulous frame-by-frame restoration from the original 65mm camera negative, completed from an 8K scan of the original 65mm camera negative, making this the highest-resolution restoration ever completed by Warner Bros. studio. The innumerable qualities of the William Wyler’s film will be on display on the giant screen in the original 2.76 aspect ratio, and this theatrical premiere of the restored version provides audiences of all ages the rare opportunity to marvel at Hollywood maximally lavish, stirring and exciting epic entertainment.

NYFF 2011 also announced the lineup for two shorts programs set to screen at FSLC’s new Film Center. Both programs feature original short films by exciting new talents on the world cinema stage.

SHORTS PROGRAM #1

Total running time: 92 minutes

Tuesday, October 4 at 1:30PM – Howard Gilman Theater

Saturday, October 15 at 2:30PM – Francesca Beale Theater

THE BIRD SPIDER (La Migala) (2011) 14min

Director: Jaime Dezcallar

Country: Spain

A lovelorn man enters into a deadly game of chance when he intentionally sets a poisonous arachnid loose in his apartment.

BLUE (2011) 14min

Director: Stephen Kang

Country: New Zealand

The life and hard times of a human-sized plush toy, formerly a children’s TV star, now a waiter in a Chinese restaurant. Winner, Grand Prix, Cannes Critics Week.

THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF (2011) 11min

Director: Jessica Brickman

Country: USA

Death is both an aid and an impediment to romantic bliss in this wry comedy about the mourning after, co-starring Fran Kranz and Jason Ritter.

GRAFFITIGER (2010) 10min

Director: Libor Pixa

Country: Czech Republic

A lonely graffiti-drawn tiger wanders the walls and sidewalks of Prague looking for companionship.

THE RUNNER (2011) 15min

Director: Ana Lazarevic

Country: Serbia and Montenegro/USA

In the lush and weedy Serbian countryside, a first time human trafficker becomes stranded with the Roma boy he is assigned to deliver.

THE STRANGE THING ABOUT THE JOHNSONS (2011) 28min

Director: Ari Aster

Country: USA

In the picture-perfect Johnson family, a scandalous secret bubbles to the surface with outrageous, darkly comic complications.

SHORTS PROGRAM #2

Total running time: 88 minutes

Wednesday, October 5 at 1:30PM – Howard Gilman Theater

Saturday, October 15 at 4:30PM – Francesca Beale Theater

AARON BURR, PART 2 (2011) 8min

Director: Dana O’Keefe

Country: USA

You only thought you knew all there was to know about the much-maligned third Vice President of the United States.

THE GREAT GATSBY IN FIVE MINUTES (2011) 10min

Director: Michael Almereyda

Country: USA

The Fitzgerald classic as you’ve never seen it, transposed to a Los Angeles of sleek modern architecture and strip-mall foot clinics.

MEMORY BY DESIGN (2011) 5min

Director: Nathan Punwar

Country: USA

A dazzling love letter to all things analog, as they recede into the horizon of the digital age.

MY BOW BREATHING (Il respiro dell’arco) (2011) 10min

Director: E.M. Artale

Country: Italy

Revenge has the sting of a perfectly aimed arrow as a young archer gets in touch with her primal instincts.

GRANDMOTHERS (Abuelas) (2011) 9min

Director: Afarin Eghbal

Country: UK

A lyrical animated documentary about the search by Argentinian grandmothers for the orphaned children of the “disappeared.”

FIRST MATCH (2011) 15min

Director: Olivia Newman

Country: USA

No amount of practice on the mat can prepare Mo for the challenge she faces at her first high school wrestling match.

TRAITORS (2011) 31min

Director: Sean Gullette

Country: Morocco/USA

A night in the lives of an all-girl punk band as they illicitly shoot their first music video on the streets of Tangier.
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