Written by Kari Ann Shiff on . Posted in Festivals
The theme of the fifth Africa in Motion (AiM) Film Festival is "Celebrations" and African filmmakers are invited to submit documentaries relating to this theme to be considered for inclusion in the October 2010 festival. This is an opportunity for African filmmakers to showcase their work at one of the most prestigious African film festivals worldwide and to gain exposure to a wide audience in the UK.
This year 17 African countries are celebrating 50 years of independence, and the documentaries should explore the legacy of colonisation, liberation struggles, independence and nationalism of any of these countries.
Written by Sofija Trenchovska on . Posted in Festivals
from Sofija Trenchovska at AsterFest:
The new, sixth edition of our newest festival in the Macedonian country, as well as in the region and beyond, is dedicated to the professional film (documentary and fiction) culture and emphasizing its affirmation, popularization and valorization towards the audience.
Written by Suchandrika Chakrabarti on . Posted in Festivals
From the LFF press office...
Festival Artistic Director Sandra Hebron announced today that The 54th BFI London Film Festival will take place from Wednesday 13 October through Thursday 28 October 2010.
The University of Hull is to become the title sponsor of GLIMMER: The Hull International Short Film Festival in a partnership between the two organisations announced today. The renowned short film festival, which will run from 19th-25th April 2010, will bring a selection of screenings and special events to the University campus whilst showing off a number of eclectic and exciting screenings across the city in venues such as the Reel Hull Screen
If you would like your film to be considered for GLIMMER: The 8th Hull International Short Film Festival, then be quick as the deadline is Friday 5th February. For more information, visit www.hullfilm.co.uk where you’ll be able to download an entry form with everything that you need to know regarding entry rules and application criteria.
Film festivals around the world present thousands of outstanding new and archive films that don't get the exposure they deserve. Beyond film festivals, audiences are severely limited by what they can see in public venues, while talented filmmakers are frustrated, unable to reach them.
The Open Cinema Unconference, a free event at the Leeds International Film Festival today November 12, 2009 takes place from 2pm to 6pm at the Carriageworks to explore how access to the cinema experience can be transformed for all.
[*Louis le Prince, incidentally, was the Frenchman credited with making the first ever film in 1888 in Leeds (three years ahead of Edison and four years ahead of the Lumiere Brothers). See Roundhay Garden Scene, and the mashup version, Roundhay Deleted Scenes. He mysteriously disappeared on a train to Paris in 1890.]
The Men Who Stare at Goats and Keats biopic Bright Star opened the 23rd Leeds International Film Festival - the UK's largest film festival outside London and Edinburgh - last night. The writer of the book behind the movie, Jon Ronson joined fans at the screening at Leeds Town Hall. The festival, extended to run eighteen days this year, and the UK's largest outside of London and Edinburgh, is packed with new films, documentaries, special guests and events. Running across five strands, highlights include new films from the Coen Brothers (A Serious Man), Julian Temple (Oil City Confidential), Hiayao Miyazaki (Ponyo), Harmony Korine (Trash Humpers) and Catherine Breillet (Bluebeard).
Also screening is Colin, the £50 Britsih zombie movie that has wowed critics and the Bunny and the Bull from the Mighty Boosh director Paul King. The Cinema Versa strand returns featuring the best of documentaries covering music and human rights, while the Fanomonem fantasy strand delivers horror, action, sci-fi. Events include a Film Music Conference and an Open Cinema Unconference which we are helping to organise (more details to follow). During the first weekend at the Festival guests include include Julien Temple (Oil City Confidential), Éric Tessier (5150 Elm Street), Philip Ridley (Heartless), Marc Price (Colin), composer Ilan Eshkeri (Film Music Conference), Tom Six (The Human Centipede), Benoit & Julien Decaillon (Sodium Babies), and Felix Van Groeningen (The Misfortunates).
Written by Thierry Bonnaud on . Posted in Festivals
from Thierry Bonnaud:
The Festival is now accepting submissions for its next edition which will take place at the end of April 2010.
The Cambridge International Super 8 Film Festival is now accepting entries for its 2010 showcase. Films in any genre, including feature films, documentaries, short films, music videos, and student films are being accepted. The Festival accepts only films which have be shot on the Super 8 format (or at least 50% of the running time). Films must have been completed after January 1, 2003.
The festival will run from Thursday April 21, 2010 to Saturday April 24, 2010. Entry deadline is December 26, 2009 (final). No entry fees. Films 20 minutes or more are considered the panorama programme. Films under 20 min. are in the official competition. Information on how to apply can be found by visiting www.cambridge-super8.org
Written by Joe Pearshouse on . Posted in Festivals
Since 1998, Raindance Film Festival has continued in its strong support for Japanese filmmaking, with its Way Out East section the largest annual showcase for new Japanese cinema in the United Kingdom, screening at least ten recent features and documentaries annually. The 17th Raindance Festival, held between 30 September - 11 October 2009, this year turns its spotlight on the rising number of women filmmakers in Japan, with a special selection of five features and one shorts program from some of the country's most exciting talent.
Director Momoko Ando will be in attendance to introduce the World Premiere of her debut feature, A PIECE OF OUR LIFE - KAKERA -. The film, scored by Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, is a touching portrait of a romantic relationship between Haru, a college student whose relationship with her self-centred boyfriend is going nowhere, and Riko, a bisexual medical artist who makes prosthetic body parts. Born in 1982, Ando is the daughter of the acclaimed actor-director Eiji Okuda and the sister of rising starlet Sakura Ando (LOVE EXPOSURE, AIN'T NO TOMORROWS). A former student of the Slade School of Fine Art, her return to London to present her new film promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Written by Joe Pearshouse on . Posted in Festivals
From Raindance's Joe Pearshouse
The Box Office of the 17th Raindance Film Festival (30 September - 11 October 2009) opened on 15 September and some screenings are already sold out.
New this year: Raindance opens the Raindance Film Cafe on 2nd Oct for seminars/masterclasses/networking and live music events. Raindance's famous pitching event LIVE!AMMUNITION! as well as 'Plug and Play' - chances for you to screen your own work will also be held at the Cafe.
Highlights of this year's screenings include COLIN, the 45-pound micro-budget Zomebie feature and Steven Soderbergh (Ocean's Eleven, Che, Sex, Lies and Videotape) 's highly anticipated new feature 'The Girlfriend Experience'.
The University of Hull is to become the title sponsor of GLIMMER: The Hull International Short Film Festival in a partnership between the two organisations announced today. The renowned short film festival, which will run from 19th-25th April 2010, will bring a selection of screenings and special events to the University campus whilst showing off a number of eclectic and exciting screenings across the city in venues such as the Reel Hull Screen
Film festivals around the world present thousands of outstanding new and archive films that don't get the exposure they deserve. Beyond film festivals, audiences are severely limited by what they can see in public venues, while talented filmmakers are frustrated, unable to reach them.
The day is broken into three parts and includes speakers from Bristol's 
Also screening is Colin, the £50 Britsih zombie movie that has wowed critics and the Bunny and the Bull from the Mighty Boosh director Paul King. The Cinema Versa strand returns featuring the best of documentaries covering music and human rights, while the Fanomonem fantasy strand delivers horror, action, sci-fi. Events include a Film Music Conference and an Open Cinema Unconference which we are helping to organise (more details to follow). During the first weekend at the Festival guests include include Julien Temple (Oil City Confidential), Éric Tessier (5150 Elm Street), Philip Ridley (Heartless), Marc Price (Colin), composer Ilan Eshkeri (Film Music Conference), Tom Six (The Human Centipede), Benoit & Julien Decaillon (Sodium Babies), and Felix Van Groeningen (The Misfortunates).
Director Momoko Ando will be in attendance to introduce the World Premiere of her debut feature, A PIECE OF OUR LIFE - KAKERA -. The film, scored by Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, is a touching portrait of a romantic relationship between Haru, a college student whose relationship with her self-centred boyfriend is going nowhere, and Riko, a bisexual medical artist who makes prosthetic body parts. Born in 1982, Ando is the daughter of the acclaimed actor-director Eiji Okuda and the sister of rising starlet Sakura Ando (LOVE EXPOSURE, AIN'T NO TOMORROWS). A former student of the Slade School of Fine Art, her return to London to present her new film promises to be an unforgettable experience.