Determining Ben Stiller's best role is no easy task, as the prolific performer has more than a few borderline iconic characters to his name. Tony Perkis in "Heavyweights," Mr. Furious in "Mystery Men," White Goodman in "Dodgeball," Chas Tenenbaum in "The Royal Tenenbaums," Tugg Speedman in "Tropic Thunder," the titular Derek "Zoolander," and Ted Stroehmann in "There's Something About Mary" are all characters that feel synonymous with Stiller, and roles that no one else but him could pull off. And then there's Greg Focker in "Meet the Parents," a role Stiller has played in three different films, the lovable everyman who can't seem to impress his overbearing father-in-law Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro). For as much as Stiller has made a name for himself with distinctive characters like Hal the Orderly Guy in "Happy Gilmore," his genuine charm allowed him to flourish in relatable roles, with Greg arguably the best example of this.
- 5/25/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The Raindance Film Festival has announced its earlier-than-usual 2024 programme, with Hunter Schafer’s Cuckoo as the opening gala.
The 32nd Raindance Film Festival has announced its full programme for 2024, with Hunter Schafer’s horror-thriller Cuckoo serving as the indie festival’s opening gala film.
Moving away from its traditional autumn placement in the festival calendar, Raindance is occupying the (theoretically) sunnier mid-summer slot of 19th-28th June, with Curzon Mayfair, Curzon Soho, and The Prince Charles Cinema in central London, and Genesis Cinema in east London all putting on screenings.
2024’s opening gala film, Cuckoo, stars Hunter Schafer as a 17-year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her father and his new family as they move to a resort in the German Alps, managed by Dan Stevens as the resort’s mysterious boss.
Raindance founder Elliot Grove says: “Ever since Raindance launched back in 1993, year...
The 32nd Raindance Film Festival has announced its full programme for 2024, with Hunter Schafer’s horror-thriller Cuckoo serving as the indie festival’s opening gala film.
Moving away from its traditional autumn placement in the festival calendar, Raindance is occupying the (theoretically) sunnier mid-summer slot of 19th-28th June, with Curzon Mayfair, Curzon Soho, and The Prince Charles Cinema in central London, and Genesis Cinema in east London all putting on screenings.
2024’s opening gala film, Cuckoo, stars Hunter Schafer as a 17-year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her father and his new family as they move to a resort in the German Alps, managed by Dan Stevens as the resort’s mysterious boss.
Raindance founder Elliot Grove says: “Ever since Raindance launched back in 1993, year...
- 5/20/2024
- by James Harvey
- Film Stories
London’s Raindance Film Festival is making a significant calendar shift for its 32nd edition, moving from its traditional fall slot to a new summer schedule.
Raindance kicks off with the U.K. premiere of Tilman Singer’s “Cuckoo,” a horror feature starring Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens that previously played at Berlin and SXSW. Closing the festival is the European premiere of “National Anthem” by Luke Gilford, starring Charlie Plummer as a construction worker joining a community of queer rodeo performers. The film, which was at Toronto and SXSW, leads into the Pride in London weekend with a wild West End party.
This year, Germany is the festival’s guest of honor. The festival will showcase new German films, including “Cuckoo,” “Eternal You” and “What You See of Me.” A dedicated shorts program and industry panels, including a session with production designer Mona Cathleen Otterbach, will highlight Germany’s cinematic achievements.
Raindance kicks off with the U.K. premiere of Tilman Singer’s “Cuckoo,” a horror feature starring Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens that previously played at Berlin and SXSW. Closing the festival is the European premiere of “National Anthem” by Luke Gilford, starring Charlie Plummer as a construction worker joining a community of queer rodeo performers. The film, which was at Toronto and SXSW, leads into the Pride in London weekend with a wild West End party.
This year, Germany is the festival’s guest of honor. The festival will showcase new German films, including “Cuckoo,” “Eternal You” and “What You See of Me.” A dedicated shorts program and industry panels, including a session with production designer Mona Cathleen Otterbach, will highlight Germany’s cinematic achievements.
- 5/20/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The 32nd edition of the UK’s Raindance Film Festival is to open with horror-thriller Cuckoo, starring Hunter Schafer, as the festival shifts away from autumn to a midsummer slot, running June 19-28.
This year, 90% of the international films screening in competition are debut features. The jury includes actors Alice Englert, Claes Bang, Jared Harris and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and producers Ivana MacKinnon and Paul Sng.
Cuckoo is a German-us co-production that has played at Berlin and SXSW. Schafer plays a 17- year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her father and his new family as...
This year, 90% of the international films screening in competition are debut features. The jury includes actors Alice Englert, Claes Bang, Jared Harris and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and producers Ivana MacKinnon and Paul Sng.
Cuckoo is a German-us co-production that has played at Berlin and SXSW. Schafer plays a 17- year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her father and his new family as...
- 5/20/2024
- ScreenDaily
The 32nd edition of the UK’s Raindance Film Festival is to open with Tilman Singer’s horror-thriller Cuckoo, starring Hunter Schafer, as the festival shifts away from autumn to a midsummer slot, running June 19-28.
This year, 90% of the international films screening in competition are debut features.
The jury includes actors Alice Englert, Claes Bang, Jared Harris and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and producers Ivana MacKinnon and Paul Sng.
Opening night film Cuckoo is a German-us co-production, that has played at Berlin and SXSW. Schafer plays a 17- year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her...
This year, 90% of the international films screening in competition are debut features.
The jury includes actors Alice Englert, Claes Bang, Jared Harris and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and producers Ivana MacKinnon and Paul Sng.
Opening night film Cuckoo is a German-us co-production, that has played at Berlin and SXSW. Schafer plays a 17- year-old who is forced to leave her American home to live with her...
- 5/20/2024
- ScreenDaily
Kit Vincent’s debut ‘Red Herring’ also won best UK feature
US actor Michael Pitt was among the winners at the UK’s 31st Raindance Film Festival (October 25-November 4).
Pitt won best performance for his portrayal of a once-renowned boxer on a path to redemption in Jack Huston’s directorial debut Day Of The Fight. The UK drama premiered in Venice’s Horizons Extra strand earlier in September.
Best UK feature was won by Kit Vincent’s debut Red Herring, a documentary about his diagnosis with a terminal brain tumour. It is also one of the five films nominated for the Bifa Raindance Maverick award.
US actor Michael Pitt was among the winners at the UK’s 31st Raindance Film Festival (October 25-November 4).
Pitt won best performance for his portrayal of a once-renowned boxer on a path to redemption in Jack Huston’s directorial debut Day Of The Fight. The UK drama premiered in Venice’s Horizons Extra strand earlier in September.
Best UK feature was won by Kit Vincent’s debut Red Herring, a documentary about his diagnosis with a terminal brain tumour. It is also one of the five films nominated for the Bifa Raindance Maverick award.
- 11/6/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Kit Vincent’s debut ‘Red Herring’ also won best UK feature
US actor Michael Pitt was among the winners at the UK’s 31st Raindance Film Festival (October 25 – November 4).
Pitt won best performance for his portrayal of a once-renowned boxer on a path to redemption in Jack Hutson’s directorial debut Day Of The Fight. The UK drama premiered at Venice Horizons Extra earlier this year.
Best UK feature was won by Kit Vincent’s debut Red Herring, a documentary surrounding his diagnosis of a terminal brain tumour. It is also one of the five films nominated for the Bifa Raindance Maverick award.
US actor Michael Pitt was among the winners at the UK’s 31st Raindance Film Festival (October 25 – November 4).
Pitt won best performance for his portrayal of a once-renowned boxer on a path to redemption in Jack Hutson’s directorial debut Day Of The Fight. The UK drama premiered at Venice Horizons Extra earlier this year.
Best UK feature was won by Kit Vincent’s debut Red Herring, a documentary surrounding his diagnosis of a terminal brain tumour. It is also one of the five films nominated for the Bifa Raindance Maverick award.
- 11/6/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Director David Yates, who is best known for directing the last four films in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise all the way from ‘Order of the Phoenix’ to ‘The Deathly Hallows Part 2’, is set receive the Raindance Icon Award for his work in the film franchise as well as his contributions to cinema.
Talking on receiving the award, Yates said, quoted by ‘ Variety’, “The Raindance Festival has been part of our filmmaking landscape for over 30 years, championing and showcasing the work of emerging writers, producers and directors, from all over the world.
“Elliot and his team have encouraged, inspired and helped educate so many along the way, including me, and it’s an honour to be the recipient of a Raindance Icon Award as we celebrate and enjoy the work of this year’s latest generation of storytellers,” he added.
Previous recipients of the Raindance Film Festival award include Vanessa Redgrave,...
Talking on receiving the award, Yates said, quoted by ‘ Variety’, “The Raindance Festival has been part of our filmmaking landscape for over 30 years, championing and showcasing the work of emerging writers, producers and directors, from all over the world.
“Elliot and his team have encouraged, inspired and helped educate so many along the way, including me, and it’s an honour to be the recipient of a Raindance Icon Award as we celebrate and enjoy the work of this year’s latest generation of storytellers,” he added.
Previous recipients of the Raindance Film Festival award include Vanessa Redgrave,...
- 10/3/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Director David Yates, who is best known for directing the last four films in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise all the way from ‘Order of the Phoenix’ to ‘The Deathly Hallows Part 2’, is set receive the Raindance Icon Award for his work in the film franchise as well as his contributions to cinema.
Talking on receiving the award, Yates said, quoted by ‘ Variety’, “The Raindance Festival has been part of our filmmaking landscape for over 30 years, championing and showcasing the work of emerging writers, producers and directors, from all over the world.
“Elliot and his team have encouraged, inspired and helped educate so many along the way, including me, and it’s an honour to be the recipient of a Raindance Icon Award as we celebrate and enjoy the work of this year’s latest generation of storytellers,” he added.
Previous recipients of the Raindance Film Festival award include Vanessa Redgrave,...
Talking on receiving the award, Yates said, quoted by ‘ Variety’, “The Raindance Festival has been part of our filmmaking landscape for over 30 years, championing and showcasing the work of emerging writers, producers and directors, from all over the world.
“Elliot and his team have encouraged, inspired and helped educate so many along the way, including me, and it’s an honour to be the recipient of a Raindance Icon Award as we celebrate and enjoy the work of this year’s latest generation of storytellers,” he added.
Previous recipients of the Raindance Film Festival award include Vanessa Redgrave,...
- 10/3/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
British filmmaker David Yates, known for his extensive work across the “Harry Potter” universe, will be the 2023 recipient of the Raindance Icon Award.
Previous recipients of the Raindance Film Festival award include Vanessa Redgrave, Jonathan Pryce, Gemma Arterton, Michael Caine, Sally Hawkins, Jude Law, Olivia Colman, Terry Gilliam, Guy Richie and Ken Loach.
Yates won his first BAFTA for BBC miniseries “The Way We Live Now” (2002) and the Directors Guild of Great Britain Award for “State of Play” (2003). In 2004, Yates directed “Sex Traffic,” winning another BAFTA.
The filmmaker then directed the the last four of the “Harry Potter” films, culminating in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.” In 2016, he directed the action adventure “The Legend of Tarzan” and then returned to J.K. Rowling’s world of wizards with “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” the same year. “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” in 2018 and “The Secrets of Dumbledore” in 2022 followed.
Previous recipients of the Raindance Film Festival award include Vanessa Redgrave, Jonathan Pryce, Gemma Arterton, Michael Caine, Sally Hawkins, Jude Law, Olivia Colman, Terry Gilliam, Guy Richie and Ken Loach.
Yates won his first BAFTA for BBC miniseries “The Way We Live Now” (2002) and the Directors Guild of Great Britain Award for “State of Play” (2003). In 2004, Yates directed “Sex Traffic,” winning another BAFTA.
The filmmaker then directed the the last four of the “Harry Potter” films, culminating in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.” In 2016, he directed the action adventure “The Legend of Tarzan” and then returned to J.K. Rowling’s world of wizards with “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” the same year. “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” in 2018 and “The Secrets of Dumbledore” in 2022 followed.
- 10/3/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The 31st edition of London’s Raindance Film Festival will open with the U.K. premiere of British actor Jack Huston’s directorial debut “Day of the Fight.”
The film comes to Raindance fresh off its Venice debut, where Huston was honored by Variety as a breakthrough director.
The story of a once-renowned boxer who takes a redemptive journey through his past and present on the day of his first fight since he left prison stars Michael Pitt alongside a cast including Ron Perlman, Joe Pesci, and a cameo from Steve Buscemi.
The U.K. premiere of Isabel Coixet’s “Un Amor” will close the festival after it bows at San Sebastian. Based on Sara Mesa’s bestselling novel, Laia Costa plays a young woman who escapes her stressful life in the city and relocates to rural Spain. When she accepts a disturbing sexual proposal, it gives rise to an all-consuming and obsessive passion.
The film comes to Raindance fresh off its Venice debut, where Huston was honored by Variety as a breakthrough director.
The story of a once-renowned boxer who takes a redemptive journey through his past and present on the day of his first fight since he left prison stars Michael Pitt alongside a cast including Ron Perlman, Joe Pesci, and a cameo from Steve Buscemi.
The U.K. premiere of Isabel Coixet’s “Un Amor” will close the festival after it bows at San Sebastian. Based on Sara Mesa’s bestselling novel, Laia Costa plays a young woman who escapes her stressful life in the city and relocates to rural Spain. When she accepts a disturbing sexual proposal, it gives rise to an all-consuming and obsessive passion.
- 9/13/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
At the first British Independent Film Awards ceremony back in 1998, among the nominees for best British independent film was Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, the directorial debut of a young(ish) Guy Ritchie and a film that propelled him (plus Jason Statham and producer Matthew Vaughn) straight into the big league. It was Ritchie’s first brush with film awards. A few months later, Lock, Stock would land three BAFTA nominations. Within two years he had married Madonna.
Almost a quarter-century on and — with the possible exception of the marrying Madonna part — this is still what the BIFAs are doing best: providing rising talent with a very early (and often crucial) career boost and giving them a moment to celebrate their achievements in the often difficult world of independent film (Lock, Stock took 15 months to secure financial backing).
Heading into the 25th BIFAs on Sunday,...
At the first British Independent Film Awards ceremony back in 1998, among the nominees for best British independent film was Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, the directorial debut of a young(ish) Guy Ritchie and a film that propelled him (plus Jason Statham and producer Matthew Vaughn) straight into the big league. It was Ritchie’s first brush with film awards. A few months later, Lock, Stock would land three BAFTA nominations. Within two years he had married Madonna.
Almost a quarter-century on and — with the possible exception of the marrying Madonna part — this is still what the BIFAs are doing best: providing rising talent with a very early (and often crucial) career boost and giving them a moment to celebrate their achievements in the often difficult world of independent film (Lock, Stock took 15 months to secure financial backing).
Heading into the 25th BIFAs on Sunday,...
- 12/1/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Swallow’ takes best international feature; ‘My Name Is Andrea’ wins best documentary.
Michael Morris’ debut feature To Leslie and Moshe Rosenthal’s Israeli comedy Karaoke were the big winners at the UK’s Raindance Film Festival, which announced the prizes for its 30th edition in London today (November 4).
US drama To Leslie won the film of the festival award and best performance for Andrea Riseborough, who plays a Texan single mother who attempts to rebuild her life after squandering a lottery win. It premiered at SXSW in March. Morris was formerly director of London’s Old Vic Theatre and has...
Michael Morris’ debut feature To Leslie and Moshe Rosenthal’s Israeli comedy Karaoke were the big winners at the UK’s Raindance Film Festival, which announced the prizes for its 30th edition in London today (November 4).
US drama To Leslie won the film of the festival award and best performance for Andrea Riseborough, who plays a Texan single mother who attempts to rebuild her life after squandering a lottery win. It premiered at SXSW in March. Morris was formerly director of London’s Old Vic Theatre and has...
- 11/4/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
‘Swallow’ takes best international feature; ‘My Name Is Andrea’ wins best documentary.
Michael Morris’ debut feature To Leslie and Moshe Rosenthal’s Israeli comedy Karaoke were the big winners at Raindance Film Festival, which announced the prizes for its 30th edition at a ceremony in Covent Garden, London today (November 4).
US drama To Leslie won Film of the Festival and best performance for Andrea Riseborough, who plays a Texan single mother who attempts to rebuild her life after squandering a lottery win. It premiered at SXSW in March. Morris was formerly director of London’s Old Vic Theatre and previously...
Michael Morris’ debut feature To Leslie and Moshe Rosenthal’s Israeli comedy Karaoke were the big winners at Raindance Film Festival, which announced the prizes for its 30th edition at a ceremony in Covent Garden, London today (November 4).
US drama To Leslie won Film of the Festival and best performance for Andrea Riseborough, who plays a Texan single mother who attempts to rebuild her life after squandering a lottery win. It premiered at SXSW in March. Morris was formerly director of London’s Old Vic Theatre and previously...
- 11/4/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Martyna Szmytkowska, Malaika Bova promoted to artistic director roles.
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has promoted senior programmers Martyna Szmytkowska and Malaika Bova to artistic directors, as part of a restructure of the festival’s leading team.
They join existing artistic director Suzanne Ballantyne who also works as head of programming and co-founded the festival with Elliot Grove.
Festival producer David Martinez has been promoted to executive director, ahead of the festival’s 30th anniversary edition, which runs from October 26 to November 5 this year.
Ballantyne, Szmytkowska and Bova will head up the festival’s creative vision, leading the broader programming team.
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has promoted senior programmers Martyna Szmytkowska and Malaika Bova to artistic directors, as part of a restructure of the festival’s leading team.
They join existing artistic director Suzanne Ballantyne who also works as head of programming and co-founded the festival with Elliot Grove.
Festival producer David Martinez has been promoted to executive director, ahead of the festival’s 30th anniversary edition, which runs from October 26 to November 5 this year.
Ballantyne, Szmytkowska and Bova will head up the festival’s creative vision, leading the broader programming team.
- 10/17/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Martyna Szmytkowska, Malaika Bova promoted to artistic director roles.
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has promoted senior programmers Martyna Szmytkowska and Malaika Bova to artistic directors, as part of a restructure of the festival’s leading team.
They join existing artistic director Suzanne Ballantyne who also works as head of programming and co-founded the festival with Elliot Grove.
Festival producer David Martinez has been promoted to executive director, ahead of the festival’s 30th anniversary edition, which runs from October 26 to November 5 this year.
Ballantyne, Szmytkowska and Bova will head up the festival’s creative vision, leading the broader programming team.
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has promoted senior programmers Martyna Szmytkowska and Malaika Bova to artistic directors, as part of a restructure of the festival’s leading team.
They join existing artistic director Suzanne Ballantyne who also works as head of programming and co-founded the festival with Elliot Grove.
Festival producer David Martinez has been promoted to executive director, ahead of the festival’s 30th anniversary edition, which runs from October 26 to November 5 this year.
Ballantyne, Szmytkowska and Bova will head up the festival’s creative vision, leading the broader programming team.
- 10/17/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Return To Space
Australia’s Slr Productions has announced production on season two of the award-winning original CGI animated series, “Space Nova” for ABC Me. The 15 x 22-minute season has received significant production funding from both Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation as well as development funding from ABC Me and Create Nsw. “Space Nova” will be co-produced with Giggle Garage in Malaysia and distributed internationally by Zdf Studios, with Actf representing the series across Australia and New Zealand. Targeting a six- to ten-year-old global audience, the first season sold to broadcasters or streamers in Germany, the U.K., Norway, Finland, Sweden, Poland, the U.S, Singapore, East Asia, Indonesia, and Brazil.
Slr gives the logline as: “On the brink of their greatest mission ever – travelling to the incredible Stardustian’s planet – the Novas’ ship is almost destroyed, throwing them off course and stranding their new friend Ziggy in parts unknown.
Australia’s Slr Productions has announced production on season two of the award-winning original CGI animated series, “Space Nova” for ABC Me. The 15 x 22-minute season has received significant production funding from both Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation as well as development funding from ABC Me and Create Nsw. “Space Nova” will be co-produced with Giggle Garage in Malaysia and distributed internationally by Zdf Studios, with Actf representing the series across Australia and New Zealand. Targeting a six- to ten-year-old global audience, the first season sold to broadcasters or streamers in Germany, the U.K., Norway, Finland, Sweden, Poland, the U.S, Singapore, East Asia, Indonesia, and Brazil.
Slr gives the logline as: “On the brink of their greatest mission ever – travelling to the incredible Stardustian’s planet – the Novas’ ship is almost destroyed, throwing them off course and stranding their new friend Ziggy in parts unknown.
- 10/17/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
BFI London Film Festival Adds Trio Of Titles
The BFI London Film Festival (October 5-16) has added Luca Guadagnino’s Bones And All to its 2022 line-up as a special presentation. Further late additions include Billy Eichner’s TIFF breakout LGBTQ comedy Bros and Jafar Panahi’s No Bears. The festival has also revealed the first batch of high-profile speakers booked for its talks programme who will include Noah Baumbach, Mia Hansen-Løve, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Janelle Monáe, Bill Nighy and Aubrey Plaza.
Talent Group Ymu Expands Into Gaming And Sports Marketing
Global talent agency Ymu Group, which already represents a host of talent in film, TV, literature and music, has expanded its reach into the world of gaming and sports marketing with the acquisition of a majority stake in Digital Sports Mgmt (Dsm). Dsm was founded by Rob Wadsworth and Tom Henderson in 2016 with a focus on sports marketing, entertainment and the gaming industry.
The BFI London Film Festival (October 5-16) has added Luca Guadagnino’s Bones And All to its 2022 line-up as a special presentation. Further late additions include Billy Eichner’s TIFF breakout LGBTQ comedy Bros and Jafar Panahi’s No Bears. The festival has also revealed the first batch of high-profile speakers booked for its talks programme who will include Noah Baumbach, Mia Hansen-Løve, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Janelle Monáe, Bill Nighy and Aubrey Plaza.
Talent Group Ymu Expands Into Gaming And Sports Marketing
Global talent agency Ymu Group, which already represents a host of talent in film, TV, literature and music, has expanded its reach into the world of gaming and sports marketing with the acquisition of a majority stake in Digital Sports Mgmt (Dsm). Dsm was founded by Rob Wadsworth and Tom Henderson in 2016 with a focus on sports marketing, entertainment and the gaming industry.
- 9/21/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Joachim Back’s “Corner Office,” featuring “Mad Men” star John Hamm, will open the 30th edition of London’s Raindance Film Festival (Oct. 26-Nov. 5). Austin Bragg and Meredith Bragg’s “Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game” will close the festival.
To mark its 30th anniversary, Raindance will screen iconic independent films that had their U.K. premieres at the festival, including “Pulp Fiction,” “Memento,” “The Blair Witch Project” and “Oldboy.”
Special screenings of new films include the world premiere of Stephen Moyer’s “A Bit of Light” (U.K.), starring Anna Paquin and Ray Winstone; director Moshe Rosenthal will take part in a Raindance masterclass and present the U.K. premiere of “Karaoke” (Israel); and the world premiere of Dilshad Husain’s British Asian feature “Banglatown.”
The festival’s homegrown strand for U.K.-produced features include Pushan Kripalani’s “Goldfish,” Elisabeth Felson’s “Night Burns Like Cigarettes,” Finn...
To mark its 30th anniversary, Raindance will screen iconic independent films that had their U.K. premieres at the festival, including “Pulp Fiction,” “Memento,” “The Blair Witch Project” and “Oldboy.”
Special screenings of new films include the world premiere of Stephen Moyer’s “A Bit of Light” (U.K.), starring Anna Paquin and Ray Winstone; director Moshe Rosenthal will take part in a Raindance masterclass and present the U.K. premiere of “Karaoke” (Israel); and the world premiere of Dilshad Husain’s British Asian feature “Banglatown.”
The festival’s homegrown strand for U.K.-produced features include Pushan Kripalani’s “Goldfish,” Elisabeth Felson’s “Night Burns Like Cigarettes,” Finn...
- 9/21/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Filming will commence next week on contemporary British Asian comedy feature “The Effects of Lying,” directed by Isher Sahota (“Hollyoaks”).
The cast includes Ace Bhatti, Laila Rouass, Navin Chowdhry, Shaheen Khan (“Mogul Mowgli”), Lauren Patel (“Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”), Adam Bregman and Mark Williams (the Harry Potter franchise).
Based on a script by James Hey (“Doctors”), the film follows a dutiful husband and loving father (Bhatti) whose life falls apart when decades of festering secrets are exposed and he’s forced to face up to who he really is.
The Bonaparte Films production is produced by Jon Tarcy (“In Memoriam Dr. H.G.K.”), with Parmjit Gill serving as script editor and the casting director is Claudia Blunt.
“The Effects of Lying” “seeks to bring a new, urgent representation of contemporary British Asians to the cinema screen,” the production said in a statement.
In 2016, Sahota was selected for a place...
The cast includes Ace Bhatti, Laila Rouass, Navin Chowdhry, Shaheen Khan (“Mogul Mowgli”), Lauren Patel (“Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”), Adam Bregman and Mark Williams (the Harry Potter franchise).
Based on a script by James Hey (“Doctors”), the film follows a dutiful husband and loving father (Bhatti) whose life falls apart when decades of festering secrets are exposed and he’s forced to face up to who he really is.
The Bonaparte Films production is produced by Jon Tarcy (“In Memoriam Dr. H.G.K.”), with Parmjit Gill serving as script editor and the casting director is Claudia Blunt.
“The Effects of Lying” “seeks to bring a new, urgent representation of contemporary British Asians to the cinema screen,” the production said in a statement.
In 2016, Sahota was selected for a place...
- 3/15/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“Doctor Who” star Peter Capaldi and Raindance founder Elliot Grove have been honored at the first ever British Short Film Awards.
Capaldi was given the Icon Award while Grove was handed the Impact Award
The British Short Film Awards, in partnership with the HearArt Project, were hosted by presenter Alex Zane on Friday evening. The event streamed on YouTube due to pandemic restrictions.
The jury, who deliberated across 35 categories, were made up of Aimee Lou Wood (“Sex Education”), Samuel Adewumni (“The Last Tree”), Tom Rhys Harries (“White Lines”) and Elizabeth Lail (“You”) as well as Oscar-winning patron Rachel Shenton (“The Silent Child”).
Awards founder and short-film director Tommy Clark said in a statement: “Short films have been an incredible launchpad for some of the industry’s biggest actors and filmmakers today, yet there is no standalone awards ceremony in their honour. The British Short Film Awards aim to recognise, inspire...
Capaldi was given the Icon Award while Grove was handed the Impact Award
The British Short Film Awards, in partnership with the HearArt Project, were hosted by presenter Alex Zane on Friday evening. The event streamed on YouTube due to pandemic restrictions.
The jury, who deliberated across 35 categories, were made up of Aimee Lou Wood (“Sex Education”), Samuel Adewumni (“The Last Tree”), Tom Rhys Harries (“White Lines”) and Elizabeth Lail (“You”) as well as Oscar-winning patron Rachel Shenton (“The Silent Child”).
Awards founder and short-film director Tommy Clark said in a statement: “Short films have been an incredible launchpad for some of the industry’s biggest actors and filmmakers today, yet there is no standalone awards ceremony in their honour. The British Short Film Awards aim to recognise, inspire...
- 12/3/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Festival
Raindance Film Festival, Britain’s largest independent film festival, will return to cinemas this year, reimagined and restructured with a host of new partners and new films. Running Oct. 27 – Nov. 6, this year’s in-person event will partner with several cinemas across London and offer online screenings in the U.K., facilitated by Curzon Home Cinema.
After seeing last year’s data, which showed that about 70% of the festival’s online audience was located outside of London, Raindance has made a concerted effort to continue fostering its online reach, resulting in the new partnership with Curzon, which will host pay-per-view screenings of official competition films on its iOS, Android and Smart TV apps.
Kicking off on Oct. 27, the Raindance opening gala will feature a screening of Lina Roessler’s “Best Sellers,” starring Academy Award winner Michael Caine, Cary Elwes and Aubrey Plaza. Bookending the event on Nov. 6, the closing gala...
Raindance Film Festival, Britain’s largest independent film festival, will return to cinemas this year, reimagined and restructured with a host of new partners and new films. Running Oct. 27 – Nov. 6, this year’s in-person event will partner with several cinemas across London and offer online screenings in the U.K., facilitated by Curzon Home Cinema.
After seeing last year’s data, which showed that about 70% of the festival’s online audience was located outside of London, Raindance has made a concerted effort to continue fostering its online reach, resulting in the new partnership with Curzon, which will host pay-per-view screenings of official competition films on its iOS, Android and Smart TV apps.
Kicking off on Oct. 27, the Raindance opening gala will feature a screening of Lina Roessler’s “Best Sellers,” starring Academy Award winner Michael Caine, Cary Elwes and Aubrey Plaza. Bookending the event on Nov. 6, the closing gala...
- 9/15/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The 28th edition of the Raindance Film Festival will close with the U.K. premiere of “Here Are The Young men,” directed by Eoin Macken (“Cold”).
The film is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Rob Doyle, who co-wrote the screenplay with Macken. It follows three Dublin teenagers who leave school to a social vacuum of drinking and drugs, and fall into acts of transgression. It stars Dean-Charles Chapman (“1917”), Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Witch”), Finn Cole (“Slaughterhouse Rulez”), and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo (“Sing Street”).
The film previously played at the Galway Film Fleadh, where it won the Bingham Ray New Talent Award for co-producer Edwina Casey, and at the Giffoni Film Festival, where it was in official competition.
Macken will attend the premiere at London’s Vue West End cinema and participate in a Q&a. The venue will have reduced audience capacity in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines,...
The film is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Rob Doyle, who co-wrote the screenplay with Macken. It follows three Dublin teenagers who leave school to a social vacuum of drinking and drugs, and fall into acts of transgression. It stars Dean-Charles Chapman (“1917”), Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Witch”), Finn Cole (“Slaughterhouse Rulez”), and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo (“Sing Street”).
The film previously played at the Galway Film Fleadh, where it won the Bingham Ray New Talent Award for co-producer Edwina Casey, and at the Giffoni Film Festival, where it was in official competition.
Macken will attend the premiere at London’s Vue West End cinema and participate in a Q&a. The venue will have reduced audience capacity in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines,...
- 9/28/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“I Am Slave” director Gabriel Range’s “Stardust,” that chronicles the young David Bowie’s first visit to the U.S. in 1971, a trip that inspired the invention of his iconic alter ego Ziggy Stardust, will open the 28th Raindance Film Festival.
Like several other festivals this year, Raindance will be a hybrid version comprised of a strong online presence with some physical events and screenings. The festival’s 50-strong film program will be available online across the U.K. while live events will be confined to London. The films will be free, though financial contributions will be encouraged, 28% of which will be donated to charitable causes.
Range will participate in a physical red carpet event for “Stardust” in London, and in-person activity will also include an out-of-competition gala screening of Akabane Hiroshi’s Japanese film “Twiceborn,” with both events taking place at London’s The May Fair hotel.
A...
Like several other festivals this year, Raindance will be a hybrid version comprised of a strong online presence with some physical events and screenings. The festival’s 50-strong film program will be available online across the U.K. while live events will be confined to London. The films will be free, though financial contributions will be encouraged, 28% of which will be donated to charitable causes.
Range will participate in a physical red carpet event for “Stardust” in London, and in-person activity will also include an out-of-competition gala screening of Akabane Hiroshi’s Japanese film “Twiceborn,” with both events taking place at London’s The May Fair hotel.
A...
- 9/15/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the world of Film Festivals have had to adapt in ways most wouldn’t have expected with online and physical screenings and activities. The 28th Raindance Film Festival, which will run between the 28th October – 7th November, will also take this route to deliver some of the best independent films on the market.
The full line-up, due to be announced tomorrow, September the 15th, will include new independent features and documentaries in a cinematic snapshot of today’s world. Acknowledging that Covid-19 is just one of many issues impacting our planet, this year strands will include;
A Dirty World: an eye-opening presentation of environmental films screening in partnership with conservation organization The Nature Conservancy.
Politico: stories of social and political significance.
Arty: a cinematic canvas of diverse creative processes.
Female Gaze: a viewpoint covering everything from motherhood to relationships, desire to abuse.
Absurdities: surreal and unconventional narratives.
The full line-up, due to be announced tomorrow, September the 15th, will include new independent features and documentaries in a cinematic snapshot of today’s world. Acknowledging that Covid-19 is just one of many issues impacting our planet, this year strands will include;
A Dirty World: an eye-opening presentation of environmental films screening in partnership with conservation organization The Nature Conservancy.
Politico: stories of social and political significance.
Arty: a cinematic canvas of diverse creative processes.
Female Gaze: a viewpoint covering everything from motherhood to relationships, desire to abuse.
Absurdities: surreal and unconventional narratives.
- 9/14/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The London-based event will also stream live activities.
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has switched to an online event for its 2020 edition, running from October 28 to November 7.
The festival will consist of screenings and panels, including live industry sessions from central London venues which will be streamed to festival viewers.
Its online content is operating via the Shift72 platform, which has previously worked with the Cannes virtual Marché, Cph:dox, and Visions du Réel.
Raindance Immersive, the festival’s Vr strand, will operate via Viveport and include virtual gatherings.
The premiere status of films will continue as previously; all films...
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has switched to an online event for its 2020 edition, running from October 28 to November 7.
The festival will consist of screenings and panels, including live industry sessions from central London venues which will be streamed to festival viewers.
Its online content is operating via the Shift72 platform, which has previously worked with the Cannes virtual Marché, Cph:dox, and Visions du Réel.
Raindance Immersive, the festival’s Vr strand, will operate via Viveport and include virtual gatherings.
The premiere status of films will continue as previously; all films...
- 6/29/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: U.S. outfit Monument Releasing is returning to the ‘virtual theatrical’ model with SXSW 2019 Grand Jury winner Alice.
After trialing the release model with Sundance title Pahokee this past week, Monument will release Alice online with theatrical partners in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on May 15. A Tvod release will follow on August 4.
Consumers can buy a virtual ticket from a participating venue of their choice with Monument splitting revenue with theaters.
The film stars French actress Emilie Piponnier in a breakout performance as Alice, who discovers that her husband’s addiction to escorts has left their family penniless. After he abandons them, she becomes drawn into the world of high-end prostitution in order to care for herself and her son. Also starring are Martin Swabey and Chloe Boreham.
The film is written, directed, and produced by Josephine Mackerras and executive produced by Elliot Grove. Festival play also included Rio,...
After trialing the release model with Sundance title Pahokee this past week, Monument will release Alice online with theatrical partners in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on May 15. A Tvod release will follow on August 4.
Consumers can buy a virtual ticket from a participating venue of their choice with Monument splitting revenue with theaters.
The film stars French actress Emilie Piponnier in a breakout performance as Alice, who discovers that her husband’s addiction to escorts has left their family penniless. After he abandons them, she becomes drawn into the world of high-end prostitution in order to care for herself and her son. Also starring are Martin Swabey and Chloe Boreham.
The film is written, directed, and produced by Josephine Mackerras and executive produced by Elliot Grove. Festival play also included Rio,...
- 5/5/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The festival has moved from its previous September slot.
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has set October 28 – November 7 as its 2020 dates, moving from its previous September slot for its 28th edition.
At a time when many events are cancelling, postponing or changing their format due to the coronavirus pandemic, Raindance founder Elliot Grove has bullishly confirmed that this year’s event will take place, saying, “Raindance returns to London and is happening from 28 October – no ifs, no buts.”
Films in the competitive feature section will compete for eight awards, including best international feature, best UK feature and the Discovery award for debut films.
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has set October 28 – November 7 as its 2020 dates, moving from its previous September slot for its 28th edition.
At a time when many events are cancelling, postponing or changing their format due to the coronavirus pandemic, Raindance founder Elliot Grove has bullishly confirmed that this year’s event will take place, saying, “Raindance returns to London and is happening from 28 October – no ifs, no buts.”
Films in the competitive feature section will compete for eight awards, including best international feature, best UK feature and the Discovery award for debut films.
- 3/26/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
The 28th edition of the Raindance Film Festival will take place in London from Oct. 28 through Nov. 7. this year.
Known as a showcase for independent cinema, the festival normally attracts some 16,000 visitors annually. The 2019 edition took place in September, but organizers have likely moved the event back as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus pandemic and its knock-on effects on film releases.
Winners of best short, best animation short and best documentary short at the festival will qualify for the Academy Awards. British films accepted at Raindance may qualify for BAFTA consideration. British features and shorts in the official selection are eligible for entry for the 2020 British Independent Film Awards.
Festival strands this year include Raindance Immersive, Raindance Queer, Raindance Sonic for music documentaries and live music, A Dirty World for environmental films, Homegrown for U.K. films), Viva Voce: Stories of Women, Female Gaze featuring films by women behind the camera,...
Known as a showcase for independent cinema, the festival normally attracts some 16,000 visitors annually. The 2019 edition took place in September, but organizers have likely moved the event back as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus pandemic and its knock-on effects on film releases.
Winners of best short, best animation short and best documentary short at the festival will qualify for the Academy Awards. British films accepted at Raindance may qualify for BAFTA consideration. British features and shorts in the official selection are eligible for entry for the 2020 British Independent Film Awards.
Festival strands this year include Raindance Immersive, Raindance Queer, Raindance Sonic for music documentaries and live music, A Dirty World for environmental films, Homegrown for U.K. films), Viva Voce: Stories of Women, Female Gaze featuring films by women behind the camera,...
- 3/25/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The National Youth Film Academy (Nyfa) has named its advisory board for 2020 ahead of the Emerging Brits Industry Showcase, which highlights rising UK talent.
Joining are actor and filmmaker Simon Bird, known for his starring role in hit TV series The Inbetweeners and for directing his first feature Days Of Bagnold Summer this year, Stephen Kelliher, co-founder of sales outfit Bankside Films, and Matt Smith, head of distribution at Lionsgate UK, among others.
Every three years the Nyfa selects its Emerging Brits; talents from the next generation of British actors and filmmakers, aged between 16-25, supporting them with funding to create a short film which is put in front of industry. This year’s showcase takes place on February 5.
The board will oversee the participants as they complete a year-long program of career development.
This year’s board are: Simon Bird (Actor); Stephen Kelliher (Director & Co-Founder – Bankside Films); Matt...
Joining are actor and filmmaker Simon Bird, known for his starring role in hit TV series The Inbetweeners and for directing his first feature Days Of Bagnold Summer this year, Stephen Kelliher, co-founder of sales outfit Bankside Films, and Matt Smith, head of distribution at Lionsgate UK, among others.
Every three years the Nyfa selects its Emerging Brits; talents from the next generation of British actors and filmmakers, aged between 16-25, supporting them with funding to create a short film which is put in front of industry. This year’s showcase takes place on February 5.
The board will oversee the participants as they complete a year-long program of career development.
This year’s board are: Simon Bird (Actor); Stephen Kelliher (Director & Co-Founder – Bankside Films); Matt...
- 1/24/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The ceremony has also expanded the application of the BFI Diversity Standards.
The British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) has set December 1 as the date for its 2019 ceremony, appointed two new members to its board and expanded its application of the BFI Diversity Standards.
Dan Brooke, former chief marketing officer at Channel 4, will replace Laurence Green as chairperson; while Irish producer and Screen Star of Tomorrow 2016 and Future Leader 2018 Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly takes over Claire Jones’ spot as producer on the board.
Green and Jones were founding members of the Bifa board in 2015. Board members serve fixed terms of...
The British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) has set December 1 as the date for its 2019 ceremony, appointed two new members to its board and expanded its application of the BFI Diversity Standards.
Dan Brooke, former chief marketing officer at Channel 4, will replace Laurence Green as chairperson; while Irish producer and Screen Star of Tomorrow 2016 and Future Leader 2018 Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly takes over Claire Jones’ spot as producer on the board.
Green and Jones were founding members of the Bifa board in 2015. Board members serve fixed terms of...
- 6/21/2019
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Chilean drama “Princesita” will receive its U.K. premiere as the opening film of the 26th Raindance Film Festival. Announcing its full line-up Wednesday the independent film festival also revealed it would host the world premiere of the first feature-length cinematic Vr experience, U.S.-Italian co-production “7 Miracles.”
“Rogue One” director Gareth Edwards will serve on the festival’s jury for its official competition section. The jury will judge the best international film, best U.K. film and best documentary, as well as categories for director, screenplay, performance, cinematography and the Discovery Award.
Edwards will be joined on the jury by British actors Ray Winstone, Annabelle Wallis, Adrian Lester, Laura Carmichael, Sienna Guillory, Carmen Ejogo, Aisling Loftus, Judi Shekoni, Juliet Stevenson, Jenny Agutter, Rufus Sewell, Greta Scacchi, Karen Bryson, Genevieve O’Reilly, Rupert Evans, and Jonathan Pryce. Writer John Harris Dunning, dancer Michael Flatley and head of music for Vice U.
“Rogue One” director Gareth Edwards will serve on the festival’s jury for its official competition section. The jury will judge the best international film, best U.K. film and best documentary, as well as categories for director, screenplay, performance, cinematography and the Discovery Award.
Edwards will be joined on the jury by British actors Ray Winstone, Annabelle Wallis, Adrian Lester, Laura Carmichael, Sienna Guillory, Carmen Ejogo, Aisling Loftus, Judi Shekoni, Juliet Stevenson, Jenny Agutter, Rufus Sewell, Greta Scacchi, Karen Bryson, Genevieve O’Reilly, Rupert Evans, and Jonathan Pryce. Writer John Harris Dunning, dancer Michael Flatley and head of music for Vice U.
- 8/22/2018
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
Jamie Glazebrook, executive producer of BBC drama “Peaky Blinders,” will host a case study on the hit TV series, as the opening act of the 1st London TV Pitchbox, a pitching event dedicated to British drama series in development.
Fruit of a partnership between the Raindance Film Festival and online platform Filmarket Hub, London TV Pitchbox takes place Sept. 28 at The Century Club, as part of the Raindance Industry Forum.
Executives from companies such as Sky, Entertainment One, Red Arrow Studios, UKTV and Virgin Media have confirmed they will attend to field the showcased series projects.
The call for projects is still open, ends Aug. 22.
From submitted projects, seven will be selected to be pitched to senior TV executives and commissioners. The pitching session will be followed by a networking lunch, for projects’ representatives and company executives.
The event aims to replicate the established Madrid TV Pitchbox, where last December...
Fruit of a partnership between the Raindance Film Festival and online platform Filmarket Hub, London TV Pitchbox takes place Sept. 28 at The Century Club, as part of the Raindance Industry Forum.
Executives from companies such as Sky, Entertainment One, Red Arrow Studios, UKTV and Virgin Media have confirmed they will attend to field the showcased series projects.
The call for projects is still open, ends Aug. 22.
From submitted projects, seven will be selected to be pitched to senior TV executives and commissioners. The pitching session will be followed by a networking lunch, for projects’ representatives and company executives.
The event aims to replicate the established Madrid TV Pitchbox, where last December...
- 8/15/2018
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
Director to pick up award on August 22 in London.
Director Terry Gilliam will receive the annual Auteur Award at this year’s Raindance Film Festival (Sept 26 – Oct 7).
Gilliam will be presented with the accolade by Raindance founder Elliot Grove at a ceremony in The Dorchester on August 22. The full festival programme will be announced that morning at Vue West End.
Gilliam’s most recent film The Man Who Killed Don Quixote premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
His other films include Monty Python And The Holy Grail, Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life, Time Bandits, and Brazil.
Director Terry Gilliam will receive the annual Auteur Award at this year’s Raindance Film Festival (Sept 26 – Oct 7).
Gilliam will be presented with the accolade by Raindance founder Elliot Grove at a ceremony in The Dorchester on August 22. The full festival programme will be announced that morning at Vue West End.
Gilliam’s most recent film The Man Who Killed Don Quixote premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
His other films include Monty Python And The Holy Grail, Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life, Time Bandits, and Brazil.
- 8/6/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Here’s the latest episode of the The Filmmakers Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. If you haven’t heard the show yet, you can check out previous episodes on the official podcast site, whilst we’ll be featuring each and every new episode as it premieres.
For those unfamiliar, with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors. They also shoot the breeze about their new films, The Dare, World of Darkness,...
For those unfamiliar, with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors. They also shoot the breeze about their new films, The Dare, World of Darkness,...
- 6/21/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Hello and welcome back to the Backstage roundup of news from across the industry. From what’s happening to what’s casting, we pick the most important information for performers. It’s all you need to know and everything you can’t afford to miss! Winners of the Bifa Awards 2017 announced. Rural romance “God’s Own Country” triumphed at the British Independent Film Awards 2017 held in London last week. Recognising the most exciting and innovative emerging filmmakers in the UK, this year also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the awards. It was established in 1998 by Raindance founders Elliot Grove (who we interviewed earlier this year) and Suzanne Ballantyne in 1998. “God’s Own Country” beat Armando Iannucci's “The Death of Stalin” and Michael McDonagh’s “Three Billboards…” to win Best British Independent Film with star Josh O’Connor winning Best Actor for his portrayal of a young farmer in love with a Romanian farmhand.
- 12/19/2017
- backstage.com
Oh Lucy! The Raindance Film Festival has announced the line-up for the 25th edition of the London-based festival, which will open with the international premiere of Atsuko Hirayanagi’s Oh Lucy!, starring Josh Hartnett.
The competition at for the festival, which runs from September 20 to October 1, will be judged by a panel, including Ex-bifa director Johanna Von Fischer, Spanish producer Rosa Bosch, along with actors Jack O’Connell, Sean Bean, Christopher Eccleston, Ewen Bremner, Celia Imrie, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Josh Whitehouse, Neil Marshall and Rachel Portman.
Festival founder Elliot Grove said: “This year’s 25th-anniversary Festival has been made possible by a dynamic relationship with Lexus, who like Raindance, champion pioneering technology, innovation and craftsmanship.”
A full list of nominated UK features, documentaries, short films and web series are listed below (descriptions provided by the festival).
In Competition International Feature Films
Maya Dardel, Zachary Cotler and Magdalena Zyzak,...
The competition at for the festival, which runs from September 20 to October 1, will be judged by a panel, including Ex-bifa director Johanna Von Fischer, Spanish producer Rosa Bosch, along with actors Jack O’Connell, Sean Bean, Christopher Eccleston, Ewen Bremner, Celia Imrie, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Josh Whitehouse, Neil Marshall and Rachel Portman.
Festival founder Elliot Grove said: “This year’s 25th-anniversary Festival has been made possible by a dynamic relationship with Lexus, who like Raindance, champion pioneering technology, innovation and craftsmanship.”
A full list of nominated UK features, documentaries, short films and web series are listed below (descriptions provided by the festival).
In Competition International Feature Films
Maya Dardel, Zachary Cotler and Magdalena Zyzak,...
- 8/15/2017
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Guy Ritchie will receive Auteur Award Photo: Courtesy of Raindance Sherlock Holmes director Guy Ritchie - whose live-action remake of Disney's Aladdin starts shooting later this year - will receive the second Raindance Auteur Award, in recognition of his achievements in filmmaking and ongoing contribution to the film industry.
The award will be presented by Raindance Festival founder Elliot Grove on August 15 at an evening to celebrate the festival's 25th anniversary.
Ritchie's career - which began as a runner - has seen him helm hits including Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and RocknRolla.
Grove said: “We could not be more thrilled that Guy Ritchie will be the recipient of this year’s Raindance Auteur Award.
“Guy has always been a great supporter of ours, having attended Raindance back in the early 90s. Guy has gone onto become a prominent figure in film, breathing new life into the British...
The award will be presented by Raindance Festival founder Elliot Grove on August 15 at an evening to celebrate the festival's 25th anniversary.
Ritchie's career - which began as a runner - has seen him helm hits including Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and RocknRolla.
Grove said: “We could not be more thrilled that Guy Ritchie will be the recipient of this year’s Raindance Auteur Award.
“Guy has always been a great supporter of ours, having attended Raindance back in the early 90s. Guy has gone onto become a prominent figure in film, breathing new life into the British...
- 8/10/2017
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Lock, Stock director to follow in the footsteps of Ken Loach.
Guy Ritchie will receive the annual auteur award at the Raindance Film Festival (Sept 20 – Oct 1).
The award will be presented to Ritchie on August 15 by Raindance founder Elliot Grove at an event to mark the festival’s 25th anniversary.
The auteur award is for Ritchie’s achievements in filmmaking and ongoing contribution to the film industry. Last year’s recipient was Ken Loach.
Ritchie’s films include Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, RocknRolla, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and the Sherlock Holmes films. His next project is a live-action version of Aladdin for Disney.
The 25th Raindance Film Festival will take place from September 20th – October 1st in London’s West End and will screen over 200 feature films, documentaries, web series, music videos and virtual reality experiences.
Elliot Grove said: “Guy has always been a great supporter of ours, having attended...
Guy Ritchie will receive the annual auteur award at the Raindance Film Festival (Sept 20 – Oct 1).
The award will be presented to Ritchie on August 15 by Raindance founder Elliot Grove at an event to mark the festival’s 25th anniversary.
The auteur award is for Ritchie’s achievements in filmmaking and ongoing contribution to the film industry. Last year’s recipient was Ken Loach.
Ritchie’s films include Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, RocknRolla, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and the Sherlock Holmes films. His next project is a live-action version of Aladdin for Disney.
The 25th Raindance Film Festival will take place from September 20th – October 1st in London’s West End and will screen over 200 feature films, documentaries, web series, music videos and virtual reality experiences.
Elliot Grove said: “Guy has always been a great supporter of ours, having attended...
- 8/10/2017
- by orlando.parfitt@screendaily.com (Orlando Parfitt)
- ScreenDaily
The British Independent Film Awards have introduced nine new categories for the 2017 ceremony, intended to explicitly recognize “craft and technical disciplines” within the realm of British filmmaking. Among the new categories, which will be included when this year’s nominations are announced in November, are Best Casting, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design. Nominations for these awards will be selected by a special “craft” subgroup of Bifa voters, alongside professionals from all backgrounds in the film industry. The winners will be announced just before the main Bifa ceremony, which will be held Dec. 10. In a statement regarding the addition of the craft categories, Bifa said: “With nine new craft categories, we believe that we are much better-placed to recognize the wealth of exceptional British talent behind the camera, and many more craftspeople will benefit from the boost that a Bifa nomination or win can give to their career.” The BIFAs,...
- 6/7/2017
- backstage.com
American Honey, Notes On Blindness, Adult Life Skills, Under The Shadow also score multiple noms.
Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake leads this year’s British Independent Film Awards (Bifa) nominations, which were announced this morning by British actors Ophelia Lovibond and Douglas Booth in London.
Loach’s timely social drama - which won Cannes’ Palme d’Or earlier this year - was nominated in seven categories including Best British Independent Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Co-stars Hayley Squires and Dave Johns are each nominated twice – for Best Actress and Best Actor and will also go head to head in the Most Promising Newcomer category.
The other nominees in the Best British Independent Film category are American Honey (six nominations), Couple in a Hole (two nominations), Notes on Blindness (six nominations) and the Under The Shadow (six nominations).
Other titles with receiving multiple nominations but in other categories included Adult Life Skills (six nominations) and zombie...
Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake leads this year’s British Independent Film Awards (Bifa) nominations, which were announced this morning by British actors Ophelia Lovibond and Douglas Booth in London.
Loach’s timely social drama - which won Cannes’ Palme d’Or earlier this year - was nominated in seven categories including Best British Independent Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Co-stars Hayley Squires and Dave Johns are each nominated twice – for Best Actress and Best Actor and will also go head to head in the Most Promising Newcomer category.
The other nominees in the Best British Independent Film category are American Honey (six nominations), Couple in a Hole (two nominations), Notes on Blindness (six nominations) and the Under The Shadow (six nominations).
Other titles with receiving multiple nominations but in other categories included Adult Life Skills (six nominations) and zombie...
- 11/1/2016
- ScreenDaily
Jury including Joanna Lumley and Olivia Colman crowned The Shepherd as Best Film.
Jonathan Cenzual Burley’s drama The Shepherd has won three awards at the 24th Raindance Film Festival in London, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor for Miguel Martin, who plays a man taking on a ruthless construction company who want to take his land.
The 24-strong jury, which included actors Joanna Lumley, Olivia Colman and Jodie Whittaker alongside critics such as Screen’s Fionnuala Halligan and industry figures like Maria Rukasanov, Vr lead at Samsung Mobile, selected the winners from the 108 features and 85 shorts screened across the event.
Elsewhere, Best Screenplay went to Joaquin del Paso and Lucy Pawlak for Panamerican Machinery, a thriller in which a group of employees discover their dead boss in the back of a warehouse.
Camila Romagnolo was awarded Best Actress for her role in Hortensia, in which she plays a struggling woman who discovers a letter...
Jonathan Cenzual Burley’s drama The Shepherd has won three awards at the 24th Raindance Film Festival in London, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor for Miguel Martin, who plays a man taking on a ruthless construction company who want to take his land.
The 24-strong jury, which included actors Joanna Lumley, Olivia Colman and Jodie Whittaker alongside critics such as Screen’s Fionnuala Halligan and industry figures like Maria Rukasanov, Vr lead at Samsung Mobile, selected the winners from the 108 features and 85 shorts screened across the event.
Elsewhere, Best Screenplay went to Joaquin del Paso and Lucy Pawlak for Panamerican Machinery, a thriller in which a group of employees discover their dead boss in the back of a warehouse.
Camila Romagnolo was awarded Best Actress for her role in Hortensia, in which she plays a struggling woman who discovers a letter...
- 9/30/2016
- ScreenDaily
Jury including Joanna Lumley and Olivia Colman crowned The Shepherd as Best Film.
Jonathan Cenzual Burley’s drama The Shepherd has won three awards at the 24th Raindance Film Festival in London, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor for Miguel Martin, who plays a man taking on a ruthless construction company who want to take his land.
The 24-strong jury, which included actors Joanna Lumley, Olivia Colman and Jodie Whittaker alongside critics such as Screen’s Fionnuala Halligan and industry figures like Maria Rukasanov, Vr lead at Samsung Mobile, selected the winners from the 108 features and 85 shorts screened across the event.
Elsewhere, Best Screenplay went to Joaquin del Paso and Lucy Pawlak for Panamerican Machinery, a thriller in which a group of employees discover their dead boss in the back of a warehouse.
Camila Romagnolo was awarded Best Actress for her role in Hortensia, in which she plays a struggling woman who discovers a letter...
Jonathan Cenzual Burley’s drama The Shepherd has won three awards at the 24th Raindance Film Festival in London, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor for Miguel Martin, who plays a man taking on a ruthless construction company who want to take his land.
The 24-strong jury, which included actors Joanna Lumley, Olivia Colman and Jodie Whittaker alongside critics such as Screen’s Fionnuala Halligan and industry figures like Maria Rukasanov, Vr lead at Samsung Mobile, selected the winners from the 108 features and 85 shorts screened across the event.
Elsewhere, Best Screenplay went to Joaquin del Paso and Lucy Pawlak for Panamerican Machinery, a thriller in which a group of employees discover their dead boss in the back of a warehouse.
Camila Romagnolo was awarded Best Actress for her role in Hortensia, in which she plays a struggling woman who discovers a letter...
- 9/30/2016
- ScreenDaily
Keep up with the always-hopping film festival world with our weekly Film Festival Roundup column. Check out last week’s Roundup right here.
Full Lineup Announcements
– The sixth annual Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) has announced its complete line-up, Opening Night and Red Carpet screenings, special events and additional honorees for its Celebrity Tributes. Nvff returns in full force with a five-day festival showcasing the year’s best new independent films in 13 unique screening venues in the Wine Country towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga, running November 9 – 13.
The Festival will play host to a strong selection of films, including many of this year’s award contenders, like The Weinstein Company’s “Lion,” which will be this year’s Opening Night film, and Open Road Films’ “Bleed for This.” As the perfect bookend to the festival, the independent documentary “Pisco Punch: A Cocktail Comeback Story” will serve as the Closing Night film.
Full Lineup Announcements
– The sixth annual Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) has announced its complete line-up, Opening Night and Red Carpet screenings, special events and additional honorees for its Celebrity Tributes. Nvff returns in full force with a five-day festival showcasing the year’s best new independent films in 13 unique screening venues in the Wine Country towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga, running November 9 – 13.
The Festival will play host to a strong selection of films, including many of this year’s award contenders, like The Weinstein Company’s “Lion,” which will be this year’s Opening Night film, and Open Road Films’ “Bleed for This.” As the perfect bookend to the festival, the independent documentary “Pisco Punch: A Cocktail Comeback Story” will serve as the Closing Night film.
- 9/29/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
It’s every filmmaker’s dream that their work gets noticed. But getting into a film festival is difficult – and to qualify for Raindance you certainly have to tick all the right boxes to impress the ever knowledgeable and experienced festival founder, Elliot Grove. This year’s marks the 24th year the festival has been running and having […]
The post Exclusive Interview: Raindance Founder Elliot Grove on the Forthcoming Festival appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post Exclusive Interview: Raindance Founder Elliot Grove on the Forthcoming Festival appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 9/12/2016
- by Gloria Daniels-Moss
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Exclusive: Raindance chief picks five films to look out for at the forthcoming festival.Scroll down for picks
Raindance founder Elliot Grove has selected his five must-see films of this year’s edition (Sept 21 - Oct 2), which was unveiled yesterday.
Grove told Screen about this year’s selection: “This year, we received a record-breaking number of submissions from 98 countries. This has given our programmers the heart-breaking job of deciding which of the many films submitted should be shown. This has become a huge responsibility. Programmers know that a Raindance screening is a launch pad to Europe and America.
“The Raindance mission is to discover new talent from wherever it comes – and it does arrive from the most unexpected quarters. We also look for deeply passionate and personal stories told in an entertaining manner. We favour extreme topics told in extreme ways – the types of films that don’t get made inside the industry system. And of course...
Raindance founder Elliot Grove has selected his five must-see films of this year’s edition (Sept 21 - Oct 2), which was unveiled yesterday.
Grove told Screen about this year’s selection: “This year, we received a record-breaking number of submissions from 98 countries. This has given our programmers the heart-breaking job of deciding which of the many films submitted should be shown. This has become a huge responsibility. Programmers know that a Raindance screening is a launch pad to Europe and America.
“The Raindance mission is to discover new talent from wherever it comes – and it does arrive from the most unexpected quarters. We also look for deeply passionate and personal stories told in an entertaining manner. We favour extreme topics told in extreme ways – the types of films that don’t get made inside the industry system. And of course...
- 8/26/2016
- ScreenDaily
The International Film Festival in Guadalajara (FICG31) celebrated its 31th anniversary this year and moved to the center of town, a move toward regaining its early luster within the galaxy of younger festivals now competing for resources in México. With its myriad of activities beyond the mere programming of films, its mentoring other festivals such as Puerto Vallarta and Oaxaca, I would give it two thumbs up.
On Friday, March 11, it announced its awards and officially announced next year’s Guest of Honor, Germany, closing with the German film, Doris Dörrie’s “Fukushima Mon Amour” (Isa: The Match Factory). This film is a deeply moving homage to the spirit of humanity, recovery and love as a German clown, played by Rosalie Thomass and her clown partners, the wonderful Moshe Cohen of San Francisco and Nami Kamata, visit the people remaining at the devastated town of Fukushima and Rosalie bonds with the last geisha of Fukushima played by the beautiful Aya Irizuki. It premiered at the Panorama of the Berlinale where Doris won the C.I.C.A.E. Award and the Heiner Carow Prize.
Official Competition Winners FICG31
Mezcal Award for Best Mexican Film to “Maquinaria Panamericana”/ “Panamerican Machinery”
Mezcal jury
The jury consists of 30 students from related fields from universities or major schools of Mexico, Latin American, Europe and Canada. Serving as a sort of tutor, Jose Ramon Mikelajauregui, Director of Dis was responsible for the academic program held at FICG31.
The Mezcal Award consisting of 500,000 Mexican pesos went to the director, Joaquín del Paso for “Maquinaria Panamericana”/ “Panamerican Machinery”, a portrait of an inefficient factory on the edge of Mexico City where the workers lock themselves in when the owner is found dead in the back of the warehouse and they discover he has been bankrolling the wages out of his own pocket for years.
A coproduction of Mantarraya Producciones, it also won the Fipresci Prize at its premiere in the Forum of the Berlinale. International sales agent (Isa) is the new Paris-based sales and co-production company Luxbox whose
co-ceo Fiorella Moretti was formerly head of sales at Ndm, the Mexico City-based sales company she set up with director Carlos Reygadas and producer Jaime Romandia of Mantarraya Productions in 2012 to sell “Post Tenebras Lux”.
Co-ceo Hédi Zardi previously worked in sales for Fortissimo and went on to Unifrance, the French cinema promotions agency and then to the PR and events company Le Public Systeme, where he was in charge of industry initiatives at Marrakesh and Deauville festivals.
The pair got to know one another through Gabriel Ripstein’s “600 Miles”, winner of the best first feature last year at the Berlinale, which Zardi associate produced and Moretti sold.
Special Mention went to “Margarita” directed by Bruno Santamaría Razo
Infinitum Aaward Grante dby the Public, consisting of 150,000 pesos, went to " El Charro de Toluquilla" (Isa: Imcine) by José Villalobos Romero, a doc about mariachi singer Jaime Garcia Dominguez who became fascinated by the recklessness and ladies´ man lifestyle of the classic Mexican movie characters with one difference: he´s got HIV. Jaime faces an inner maturing process as he decides between keeping this lifestyle or becoming a family man. It also won the award for Best Iberoamerican Documentary of 150,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars to the director.
Best Latin American Fiction Film consisting of 250,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars went to the production company of Felipe Guerrero’s film “ Oscuro animal”, about three women forced to flee their homes in a war torn region in Colombia. The film also won Best Actress Award (s) for Marleyda Soto, Luisa Galiano and Jocelyn Vides Meneses and Best Photography Award to Fernando Lockett.
A coproduction of Argentina, Greece, Netherlands, Germany and Colombia, it is being sold internationally by FiGa. It previously played in the Rotterdam Film Festival’s Tiger Competition and Ficci Cartagena 2016’s Official Dramatic Competition. At the Berlinale’s Efm 2016 it was part of the World Cinema Fund’s First Look section. Financing for the film came from Colombia’s Proimágenes, Argentina’s Incaa, Netherlands’ Hubert Bals Fund, Fundación Typa, and Germany’s Nrw and World Cinema Fund.
It also won the award for Award for Best Iberoamerican Director consisting off 150,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars, because “almost wordlessly it portrays a complex and painful situation in Colombia which is all too common in Latin America.”
Special Feature Film Jury Award Iberoamerican Fiction of 125,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars, went to the production company of “The 4th Company”/ ”La 4a Compañía” by Amir Galván Cervera and Mitzi Vanessa Arreola, based upon a true story about an underdog prison (American-style) football team that, against all odds, wins against the police force team. The jury stated that it “considers it a cinematic achievement about a shameful moment in the history of Mexico to be remembered and not to be repeated”. Adrian Thief also won for Best Actor, and he is that! There is no Isa of record, so those ISAs reading this should check it out on Cinando! It’s a seller!
Award for Best Latin American Film of 125,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars went to the superb debuting director from Puerto Rico, Angel Manuel Soto for“La Granja”/ “The Farm”. Also the first film produced independently by Tom Davia’s Cinemaven (but check out his credits!), this film is a full-circle “Crash”-style story that rivals “Gemorrah” in its look at the barrio called “The Farm” or “La Granja” in which the lives of a midwife, a young boxer, a janitor, a mute kid and a young couple collide in a story about the desperate pursuit of happiness on the mean streets of La Granja. Shot on a budget of $250,000, this film took four years to complete as the Puerto Rican government film establishment sought to block its production and release – and you can see why. It previously played in Fantastic Fest.
This is another discovery film with no Isa, and I am sure the agents have already locked their eyes upon writer-director Angel Manuel Soto. He lives in Los Angeles. “Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Son of a car salesman and a flight attendant. Studied architecture and advertising. Always loved films. Now he makes them. He is a cinephile. He travels all over the world doing it, including Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, France, USA, and Puerto Rico. He is not planning on stopping.”
Best Screenplay Award went to Marina Seresesky for “La Puerta Abierta”/ “Open Door” (pictured above). Marina also directed this first film. She has made two shorts previously. After Ficg it will play at Sofia Iff 2016 in International Competition, San Diego Latino 2016 and Chicago Latino 2016 Film Festivals.
Movies Recommended for Selection for the Golden Globes Awards 2017 are “The 4th Company” and “Ciudades Desiertas” / “Deserted Cities” by Roberto Sneider.
Documentary Jury Special Award of 100,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars to the director Jorge Caballero for“Patient”/ "Paciente" Isa Rise and Shine, a new company in Germany, picked up the film at its world premiere in Competition at Idfa.
Best Iberoamerican Short Film Award D of 75,000 pesos or its equivalent in dollars to the directors Miguel de Olaso and Bruno Zacharias for the 10 minute short “ Los Angeles 1991”.
Special Mention went to “Juan's Sundown”/ "El Ocaso de Juan" by Omar Deneb Vargas Juárez
Rigo Mora Award for Best Mexican Animated Short Film of 100,000 Mexican pesos went to the director Alejandro Rios for “ The Cats”/"Los Gatos."
Maguey Award for best Lgbt film went to "Theo et Hugo dans le meme bateau"/ "Paris 05:59" of France, directed by Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau.
Special Mention went to “Neon Bull” of Brazil, directed by Gabriel Mascaro for its poetic and innovative illustrating of how traditional ideas of masculinity slowly have been made obsolete inviting us to question our own perspectives on gender bias.
After the Awards, Ficg gave a great closing night party. Lots of good people, new and old friends, great salsa band, danced til 3! Here’s me with my friend David Martinez of Raindance Film Festival. Coming from Guadalajara, living in London, this year he came home with Elliot Grove of Founder and Director of Raindance, and Aaron Wileman of Imaginative Exposure who gave a Master Class on Film Funds and Product Placement.
And of course I presented my own book in its abridged, Spanish language format, published by the University of Guadalajara Press, Cine Iberoamerican Industria y financiamiento por pais (Iberoamerican Cinema: Industry and Financing by Country). Read more about it here.
On Friday, March 11, it announced its awards and officially announced next year’s Guest of Honor, Germany, closing with the German film, Doris Dörrie’s “Fukushima Mon Amour” (Isa: The Match Factory). This film is a deeply moving homage to the spirit of humanity, recovery and love as a German clown, played by Rosalie Thomass and her clown partners, the wonderful Moshe Cohen of San Francisco and Nami Kamata, visit the people remaining at the devastated town of Fukushima and Rosalie bonds with the last geisha of Fukushima played by the beautiful Aya Irizuki. It premiered at the Panorama of the Berlinale where Doris won the C.I.C.A.E. Award and the Heiner Carow Prize.
Official Competition Winners FICG31
Mezcal Award for Best Mexican Film to “Maquinaria Panamericana”/ “Panamerican Machinery”
Mezcal jury
The jury consists of 30 students from related fields from universities or major schools of Mexico, Latin American, Europe and Canada. Serving as a sort of tutor, Jose Ramon Mikelajauregui, Director of Dis was responsible for the academic program held at FICG31.
The Mezcal Award consisting of 500,000 Mexican pesos went to the director, Joaquín del Paso for “Maquinaria Panamericana”/ “Panamerican Machinery”, a portrait of an inefficient factory on the edge of Mexico City where the workers lock themselves in when the owner is found dead in the back of the warehouse and they discover he has been bankrolling the wages out of his own pocket for years.
A coproduction of Mantarraya Producciones, it also won the Fipresci Prize at its premiere in the Forum of the Berlinale. International sales agent (Isa) is the new Paris-based sales and co-production company Luxbox whose
co-ceo Fiorella Moretti was formerly head of sales at Ndm, the Mexico City-based sales company she set up with director Carlos Reygadas and producer Jaime Romandia of Mantarraya Productions in 2012 to sell “Post Tenebras Lux”.
Co-ceo Hédi Zardi previously worked in sales for Fortissimo and went on to Unifrance, the French cinema promotions agency and then to the PR and events company Le Public Systeme, where he was in charge of industry initiatives at Marrakesh and Deauville festivals.
The pair got to know one another through Gabriel Ripstein’s “600 Miles”, winner of the best first feature last year at the Berlinale, which Zardi associate produced and Moretti sold.
Special Mention went to “Margarita” directed by Bruno Santamaría Razo
Infinitum Aaward Grante dby the Public, consisting of 150,000 pesos, went to " El Charro de Toluquilla" (Isa: Imcine) by José Villalobos Romero, a doc about mariachi singer Jaime Garcia Dominguez who became fascinated by the recklessness and ladies´ man lifestyle of the classic Mexican movie characters with one difference: he´s got HIV. Jaime faces an inner maturing process as he decides between keeping this lifestyle or becoming a family man. It also won the award for Best Iberoamerican Documentary of 150,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars to the director.
Best Latin American Fiction Film consisting of 250,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars went to the production company of Felipe Guerrero’s film “ Oscuro animal”, about three women forced to flee their homes in a war torn region in Colombia. The film also won Best Actress Award (s) for Marleyda Soto, Luisa Galiano and Jocelyn Vides Meneses and Best Photography Award to Fernando Lockett.
A coproduction of Argentina, Greece, Netherlands, Germany and Colombia, it is being sold internationally by FiGa. It previously played in the Rotterdam Film Festival’s Tiger Competition and Ficci Cartagena 2016’s Official Dramatic Competition. At the Berlinale’s Efm 2016 it was part of the World Cinema Fund’s First Look section. Financing for the film came from Colombia’s Proimágenes, Argentina’s Incaa, Netherlands’ Hubert Bals Fund, Fundación Typa, and Germany’s Nrw and World Cinema Fund.
It also won the award for Award for Best Iberoamerican Director consisting off 150,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars, because “almost wordlessly it portrays a complex and painful situation in Colombia which is all too common in Latin America.”
Special Feature Film Jury Award Iberoamerican Fiction of 125,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars, went to the production company of “The 4th Company”/ ”La 4a Compañía” by Amir Galván Cervera and Mitzi Vanessa Arreola, based upon a true story about an underdog prison (American-style) football team that, against all odds, wins against the police force team. The jury stated that it “considers it a cinematic achievement about a shameful moment in the history of Mexico to be remembered and not to be repeated”. Adrian Thief also won for Best Actor, and he is that! There is no Isa of record, so those ISAs reading this should check it out on Cinando! It’s a seller!
Award for Best Latin American Film of 125,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars went to the superb debuting director from Puerto Rico, Angel Manuel Soto for“La Granja”/ “The Farm”. Also the first film produced independently by Tom Davia’s Cinemaven (but check out his credits!), this film is a full-circle “Crash”-style story that rivals “Gemorrah” in its look at the barrio called “The Farm” or “La Granja” in which the lives of a midwife, a young boxer, a janitor, a mute kid and a young couple collide in a story about the desperate pursuit of happiness on the mean streets of La Granja. Shot on a budget of $250,000, this film took four years to complete as the Puerto Rican government film establishment sought to block its production and release – and you can see why. It previously played in Fantastic Fest.
This is another discovery film with no Isa, and I am sure the agents have already locked their eyes upon writer-director Angel Manuel Soto. He lives in Los Angeles. “Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Son of a car salesman and a flight attendant. Studied architecture and advertising. Always loved films. Now he makes them. He is a cinephile. He travels all over the world doing it, including Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, France, USA, and Puerto Rico. He is not planning on stopping.”
Best Screenplay Award went to Marina Seresesky for “La Puerta Abierta”/ “Open Door” (pictured above). Marina also directed this first film. She has made two shorts previously. After Ficg it will play at Sofia Iff 2016 in International Competition, San Diego Latino 2016 and Chicago Latino 2016 Film Festivals.
Movies Recommended for Selection for the Golden Globes Awards 2017 are “The 4th Company” and “Ciudades Desiertas” / “Deserted Cities” by Roberto Sneider.
Documentary Jury Special Award of 100,000 Mexican pesos or its equivalent in dollars to the director Jorge Caballero for“Patient”/ "Paciente" Isa Rise and Shine, a new company in Germany, picked up the film at its world premiere in Competition at Idfa.
Best Iberoamerican Short Film Award D of 75,000 pesos or its equivalent in dollars to the directors Miguel de Olaso and Bruno Zacharias for the 10 minute short “ Los Angeles 1991”.
Special Mention went to “Juan's Sundown”/ "El Ocaso de Juan" by Omar Deneb Vargas Juárez
Rigo Mora Award for Best Mexican Animated Short Film of 100,000 Mexican pesos went to the director Alejandro Rios for “ The Cats”/"Los Gatos."
Maguey Award for best Lgbt film went to "Theo et Hugo dans le meme bateau"/ "Paris 05:59" of France, directed by Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau.
Special Mention went to “Neon Bull” of Brazil, directed by Gabriel Mascaro for its poetic and innovative illustrating of how traditional ideas of masculinity slowly have been made obsolete inviting us to question our own perspectives on gender bias.
After the Awards, Ficg gave a great closing night party. Lots of good people, new and old friends, great salsa band, danced til 3! Here’s me with my friend David Martinez of Raindance Film Festival. Coming from Guadalajara, living in London, this year he came home with Elliot Grove of Founder and Director of Raindance, and Aaron Wileman of Imaginative Exposure who gave a Master Class on Film Funds and Product Placement.
And of course I presented my own book in its abridged, Spanish language format, published by the University of Guadalajara Press, Cine Iberoamerican Industria y financiamiento por pais (Iberoamerican Cinema: Industry and Financing by Country). Read more about it here.
- 3/17/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Read More: For You Consideration: 5 Takeaways From the British Independent Film Awards The Moët British Independent Film Awards has announced the long list of potential nominees for the ceremony's Douglas Hickox Award, which awards the year's best debut filmmaker and is named in memoriam of the director of "Entertaining Mr Sloane," "Theatre of Blood" and "Zulu Dawn." Celebrating its 18th year running, the Moët British Independent Film Awards showcase the innovative and superior filmmaking in the UK. Run by Elliot Grove and Suzanna Ballantyne of the Raindance Film Festival, the Bifa Awards has previously awarded films including,"Pride," Tyrannosaur," "The King's Speech," "Moon," "Slumdog Millionaire," "The Constant Gardener" and "This is England." Before this morning's announcement, Bifa has never announced a long list of entries, though they hope it will give...
- 11/2/2015
- by Elle Leonsis
- Indiewire
Read More: 2015 Raindance Web Fest Announces This Year's Slate, Along With Raindance Independent Series Award Nominees The Raindance Web Festival kicks off tonight in Leicester Square, London. In addition to showcasing feature-length films, such as the festival opener, Kai Berry's "Newcomer," Raindance will also celebrate a host of short films this season. American networking platform, Stage 32, has announced that it has partnered with this year's Raindance Film Fest to provide six of its short films from its recent contest judged by Andrew Beck, Production & Development Executive for The Weinstein Company, Scott Stoop, Manager at BenderSpink, Jairo Alvarado, Manager at Circle of Confusion, Stephanie Wilcox, VP of Development at Rumble Films, Jennifer Breslow, VP Scripted Series at Lifetime, Amanda Johnson Zetterstrom, Executive, Full Fathom Five, Nate Matteson, Producer & Manager, Gotham Group and Elliot Grove, Producer & Founder of...
- 9/22/2015
- by Elle Leonsis
- Indiewire
Here are a bunch of little bites to satisfy your hunger for movie culture: Filmmaking Tip of the Day: Not into product placement? Elliot Grove of Raindance instructs on how to use fake products in your movie with a link to some free labels and designs to use (via Filmmaker Iq): Movies in Real Life: Photographer Francois Dourlen mashes pictures from movies with images of the real world. Here is one with characters from Finding Nemo, appropriate for D23 time. See more at Design Taxi: Oldies but goodies A photo posted by @francoisdourlen on Aug 10, 2015 at 6:34am Pdt Supercut of the Day: Montages of the best bad guys in the movies are always enjoyable, so here's another one (via Cinematic Montage...
Read More...
Read More...
- 8/18/2015
- by Christopher Campbell
- Movies.com
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