Professor Stefan Allesch-Taylor UK-based philanthropist Professor Stefan Allesch-Taylor Cbe has announced he is committing £1 million to short films with the aim of supporting diversity and inclusion in the UK film industry, and promoting upcoming talent from across the country.
Allesch-Taylor started out in stockbroking and forged a career as a serial entrepreneur, becoming involved in filmmaking in 2009, when a friend suggested he executive produce Africa United. Since 2010, he has executive produced 15 shorts, including Flyspy, Bricks and Ghosted.
Allesch-Taylor said: "It’s about promoting diversity and inclusion in the UK film industry at this critical time. It’s about producing short films which showcase best in class talent. The UK is proudly multi-cultural and if there’s any doubt about that remember there are over 300 languages spoken in this country.
"I don’t think the news cycle has ever been more daunting than it is now - much of which is.
Allesch-Taylor started out in stockbroking and forged a career as a serial entrepreneur, becoming involved in filmmaking in 2009, when a friend suggested he executive produce Africa United. Since 2010, he has executive produced 15 shorts, including Flyspy, Bricks and Ghosted.
Allesch-Taylor said: "It’s about promoting diversity and inclusion in the UK film industry at this critical time. It’s about producing short films which showcase best in class talent. The UK is proudly multi-cultural and if there’s any doubt about that remember there are over 300 languages spoken in this country.
"I don’t think the news cycle has ever been more daunting than it is now - much of which is.
- 10/31/2017
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Daniel Radcliffe is set to lead the upcoming prison breakout thriller Escape From Pretoria.
The film — which is being introduced to buyers in Cannes by The Works International — is based on Tim Jenkin’s autobiography. Radcliffe will star as the anti-apartheid activist who famously broke out of the Pretoria Maxium Security Prison alongside Stephen Lee in 1978.
David Barron (Cinderella, Harry Potter, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein) and Footprint Films’ Mark Blaney (This is Not a Love Song) and Jackie Sheppard (Africa United) will produce alongside The Works Film Group. Executive producers for The Works are Martin McCabe, Deepak Sikka and Mick...
The film — which is being introduced to buyers in Cannes by The Works International — is based on Tim Jenkin’s autobiography. Radcliffe will star as the anti-apartheid activist who famously broke out of the Pretoria Maxium Security Prison alongside Stephen Lee in 1978.
David Barron (Cinderella, Harry Potter, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein) and Footprint Films’ Mark Blaney (This is Not a Love Song) and Jackie Sheppard (Africa United) will produce alongside The Works Film Group. Executive producers for The Works are Martin McCabe, Deepak Sikka and Mick...
- 5/18/2017
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
An email mishap has spawned an online group dedicated to supporting women in film.
A group of UK female filmmakers have set up a Facebook group to support women in the industry following an email admin error involving a Bafta initiative.
The Twitter hashtag #BAFTAsLucky225 has already spawned almost 400 posts that have reached 220,156 people since it was instigated at 2pm today (April 4), according to a Twitter analytics tool.
Diane Jessie Miller, director of the Rik Mayall-starring drama One By One, kicked off the social media discussion:
Some days we get good news, some days we get bad news... and some days bad news turns to good news... #BAFTAsLUCKY225
— Diane Jessie Miller (@DianeJMiller) April 4, 2017
Kat Wood, writer-director of the Maggie Gyllenhaal-starring short Home, added her two cents:
Never has rejection come with such a silver lining #baftaslucky225
— Kat Wood (@katruthwood) April 4, 2017
As did Eva Sigurdardottir, a line producer on Rams:
Proud to be one of the...
A group of UK female filmmakers have set up a Facebook group to support women in the industry following an email admin error involving a Bafta initiative.
The Twitter hashtag #BAFTAsLucky225 has already spawned almost 400 posts that have reached 220,156 people since it was instigated at 2pm today (April 4), according to a Twitter analytics tool.
Diane Jessie Miller, director of the Rik Mayall-starring drama One By One, kicked off the social media discussion:
Some days we get good news, some days we get bad news... and some days bad news turns to good news... #BAFTAsLUCKY225
— Diane Jessie Miller (@DianeJMiller) April 4, 2017
Kat Wood, writer-director of the Maggie Gyllenhaal-starring short Home, added her two cents:
Never has rejection come with such a silver lining #baftaslucky225
— Kat Wood (@katruthwood) April 4, 2017
As did Eva Sigurdardottir, a line producer on Rams:
Proud to be one of the...
- 4/4/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
PremierComms
To celebrate release of The Good Lie on DVD, available now, we are giving 3 lucky WhatCulture readers the chance to win 1 of 3 copies courtesy of Entertainment One.
The Good Lie features heart-rendering and powerful performances led by; Oscar® winner Reese Witherspoon (Walk The Line, Wild) as strong and independent employment counsellor, Carrie; Corey Stoll (House Of Cards, Non-Stop) as Carrie’s boss and ex-husband, Jack; Arnold Oceng (My Brother The Devil, Adulthood) as ‘The Chief’ orphan, Mamere; Ger Duany (I Heart Huckabees, Isn’t It Delicious) as his orphan brother, Jeremiah; Emmanuel Jal (Africa United, War Child) as his other orphan brother, Paul; Sarah Baker (Tammy, The Campaign) as Carrie’s acquaintance and volunteer, Pamela; and introducing Kuoth Wiel as Abital, the orphan sister of “The Lost Boys”.
They were known simply as “The Lost Boys”. Orphaned during the Sudanese Civil War, a group of young refugees are given...
To celebrate release of The Good Lie on DVD, available now, we are giving 3 lucky WhatCulture readers the chance to win 1 of 3 copies courtesy of Entertainment One.
The Good Lie features heart-rendering and powerful performances led by; Oscar® winner Reese Witherspoon (Walk The Line, Wild) as strong and independent employment counsellor, Carrie; Corey Stoll (House Of Cards, Non-Stop) as Carrie’s boss and ex-husband, Jack; Arnold Oceng (My Brother The Devil, Adulthood) as ‘The Chief’ orphan, Mamere; Ger Duany (I Heart Huckabees, Isn’t It Delicious) as his orphan brother, Jeremiah; Emmanuel Jal (Africa United, War Child) as his other orphan brother, Paul; Sarah Baker (Tammy, The Campaign) as Carrie’s acquaintance and volunteer, Pamela; and introducing Kuoth Wiel as Abital, the orphan sister of “The Lost Boys”.
They were known simply as “The Lost Boys”. Orphaned during the Sudanese Civil War, a group of young refugees are given...
- 9/1/2015
- by Laura Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Sixteen, the debut feature from writer/director Rob Brown is to get a UK theatrical release in March, initially in London with further screenings around the UK.
Sixteen is an urban thriller about which stars Roger Jean Nsengiyumva as Jumah a former African child soldier, brought to London by Laura (played by Rachael Stirling), an aid worker who he now lives with.
Roger (represented by United Agents) starred in the Cbbc Drama Postcode and prior to that the acclaimed feature film Africa United.
Jumah is about to turn 16 in two days and wants to leave his violent past behind him. Things seem to have taken a turn for the better with Jumah now; he has a sweet but tentative romance blossoming with Chloe (played by Rosie Day) at school. But then Jumah witnesses a stabbing and the people involved want to make sure that Jumah says nothing to the police...
Sixteen is an urban thriller about which stars Roger Jean Nsengiyumva as Jumah a former African child soldier, brought to London by Laura (played by Rachael Stirling), an aid worker who he now lives with.
Roger (represented by United Agents) starred in the Cbbc Drama Postcode and prior to that the acclaimed feature film Africa United.
Jumah is about to turn 16 in two days and wants to leave his violent past behind him. Things seem to have taken a turn for the better with Jumah now; he has a sweet but tentative romance blossoming with Chloe (played by Rosie Day) at school. But then Jumah witnesses a stabbing and the people involved want to make sure that Jumah says nothing to the police...
- 1/13/2015
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Seize Films outline theatrical distribution plans for urban thriller.
Seize Films has released initial details for the theatrical release of its film Sixteen, which stars Roger Jean Nsengiyumva (Africa United), Rachael Stirling (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) and forner Screen International Star of Tomorrow Rosie Day.
Theatrical release will begin in London in March with further screenings around the UK, and there will also be a select number of screenings in the Us from April. The film will then be made available on VOD.
Sixteen is an urban thriller about a former African child soldier named Jumah (Nsengiyumva), brought to London by Laura (Stirling), an aid worker who he now lives with. Set to turn 16, Jumah is on the right path until a violent incident threatens to change things.
Shot in London over 18 days, it was screened at the BFI London Film Festival in 2013, where it picked up nominations for the Sutherland Award for Best Debut Feature...
Seize Films has released initial details for the theatrical release of its film Sixteen, which stars Roger Jean Nsengiyumva (Africa United), Rachael Stirling (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) and forner Screen International Star of Tomorrow Rosie Day.
Theatrical release will begin in London in March with further screenings around the UK, and there will also be a select number of screenings in the Us from April. The film will then be made available on VOD.
Sixteen is an urban thriller about a former African child soldier named Jumah (Nsengiyumva), brought to London by Laura (Stirling), an aid worker who he now lives with. Set to turn 16, Jumah is on the right path until a violent incident threatens to change things.
Shot in London over 18 days, it was screened at the BFI London Film Festival in 2013, where it picked up nominations for the Sutherland Award for Best Debut Feature...
- 1/8/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
A former child soldier from the Congo trying to fit into the English way of life promises an intriguing storyline and adaptation to the usual, tired, gritty, inner-city drama set on a London sink estate. Debut feature-filmmaker Rob Brown, whose background is award-winning short filmmaking, has all the possibilities at his finger tips but fails to make anything significant or groundbreaking to the usual depressing affair. Thin characterisation and some wooden acting mar the potential, even though you cannot help but want the best for lead character Jumah, played by Roger Nsengiyumva of Africa United fame.
Sixteen-year-old Jumah (Nsengiyumva), who is African born and has witness some brutal atrocities in his homeland, is brought to inner-city London by his adoptive mother Laura (Rachael Stirling), a nurse, to live a safer existence and prosper from the educational opportunities. However, after witnessing a local murder on the estate, Jumah’s child...
Sixteen-year-old Jumah (Nsengiyumva), who is African born and has witness some brutal atrocities in his homeland, is brought to inner-city London by his adoptive mother Laura (Rachael Stirling), a nurse, to live a safer existence and prosper from the educational opportunities. However, after witnessing a local murder on the estate, Jumah’s child...
- 10/20/2013
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
A children’s (or family) film with a largely African cast is rare. African children being depicted as anything other than victims of brutal, famine and poverty stricken environments they’ve been born into are almost non existent. So seeing an Africa United poster splashed on the side of a London double-decker bus was very refreshing to see. And while I was cynical about an English director making a film set in Africa and starring African children, it would seem that director Debs Gardner-Paterson (who qualifies for dual British/Rwandan citizenship) did go to great pains to show an Africa that’s more than the limited vision of the continent usually depicted in Western...
- 4/8/2013
- by Wendy Okoi-Obuli
- ShadowAndAct
Sixteen, the debut feature film from award-winning short film writer/director Rob Brown, is set to start shooting at the end of March, starring Roger Nsengiyumva, Rachel Stirling, Rosie Day and Josef Altin.
Sixteen is an urban thriller about Jumah, an African former child soldier now living in London.Things have taken a turn for the better with Jumah now; he even has a sweet but tentative romance blossoming with a girl called Chloe at school. But then Jumah witnesses a stabbing in an underpass, forcing him to confront his own violent past. The men involved make sure Jumah says nothing to the police. Violence forces its way back into Jumah life.
Roger Nsengiyumva (represented by United Agents) leads the cast as Jumah. Roger starred in the Cbbc Drama Postcode and prior to that the acclaimed feature film Africa United. As a baby, he survived the Rwandan genocide and his...
Sixteen is an urban thriller about Jumah, an African former child soldier now living in London.Things have taken a turn for the better with Jumah now; he even has a sweet but tentative romance blossoming with a girl called Chloe at school. But then Jumah witnesses a stabbing in an underpass, forcing him to confront his own violent past. The men involved make sure Jumah says nothing to the police. Violence forces its way back into Jumah life.
Roger Nsengiyumva (represented by United Agents) leads the cast as Jumah. Roger starred in the Cbbc Drama Postcode and prior to that the acclaimed feature film Africa United. As a baby, he survived the Rwandan genocide and his...
- 2/21/2013
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
With the exception of household names, most people in the creative arts need a day job to make ends meet. But should artists have to work or should they be supported by the state?
Jennie Rooney is the first to admit she has something of a split personality. By day, she is an in-house lawyer for a television company. By night, she is something different altogether: a novelist.
Typically, she will cycle into the office in central London, where she spends much of her day "drawing up contracts involving production companies buying formats such as The X Factor". At 5.30pm, Rooney returns home, eats an early supper and then sits down at her laptop for four hours to write, immersing herself in the world of cold war espionage that provides the backdrop for her third book.
Rooney would like her life to be different. She'd like to be a full-time novelist and,...
Jennie Rooney is the first to admit she has something of a split personality. By day, she is an in-house lawyer for a television company. By night, she is something different altogether: a novelist.
Typically, she will cycle into the office in central London, where she spends much of her day "drawing up contracts involving production companies buying formats such as The X Factor". At 5.30pm, Rooney returns home, eats an early supper and then sits down at her laptop for four hours to write, immersing herself in the world of cold war espionage that provides the backdrop for her third book.
Rooney would like her life to be different. She'd like to be a full-time novelist and,...
- 7/28/2012
- by Elizabeth Day
- The Guardian - Film News
Omnilab-financed action film Killer Elite continued its soft run at the local box office over the weekend, taking just $140,774 from 102 screens. This is a 50 per cent slip on its opening weekend . a typical second-week box office drop.
The film has grossed $526,008 in total, however it was made on a $80 million budget and stars icon Robert De Niro and British actors Clive Owen and Jason Statham.
Based on Sir Ranulph Fiennes' non-fiction novel The Feather Men, the film was shot in cities including Melbourne, Paris and London. It also had a disappointing run in North America, grossing just $US25 million last year, according to Box Office Mojo.
Also in the Us, Snowtown (known across the Pacific as The Snowtown Murders) opened on just one screen over the weekend, however box office figures aren.t yet available. New Zealand hit film Boy also opened in North America . it grossed $US23,400 on two screens.
The film has grossed $526,008 in total, however it was made on a $80 million budget and stars icon Robert De Niro and British actors Clive Owen and Jason Statham.
Based on Sir Ranulph Fiennes' non-fiction novel The Feather Men, the film was shot in cities including Melbourne, Paris and London. It also had a disappointing run in North America, grossing just $US25 million last year, according to Box Office Mojo.
Also in the Us, Snowtown (known across the Pacific as The Snowtown Murders) opened on just one screen over the weekend, however box office figures aren.t yet available. New Zealand hit film Boy also opened in North America . it grossed $US23,400 on two screens.
- 3/5/2012
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
The It Crowd’s Chris O’Dowd has been confirmed as host of The Moët British Independent Film Awards, taking place on Sunday 4 December at Old Billingsgate.
This will be the comedian’s first time presenting the ceremony which will cover 18 categories including the Best British Independent Film, sponsored by Moët & Chandon.
Competing for such a prestigious trophy on the night will be Senna, Shame, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Tyrannosaur and We Need to Talk About Kevin.
O’Dowd commented: “I am delighted to be the new host of the Moët British Independent Awards this year and I'm really looking forward to the 4 December. It's a ceremony which cherishes innovation, elegance and class so I’m humbled that they've chosen a host who so clearly lacks any of these things. Expect dancing girls.”
Also announced today was this year’s jury panel, with 2000’s Bifa Producer of the Year winner,...
This will be the comedian’s first time presenting the ceremony which will cover 18 categories including the Best British Independent Film, sponsored by Moët & Chandon.
Competing for such a prestigious trophy on the night will be Senna, Shame, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Tyrannosaur and We Need to Talk About Kevin.
O’Dowd commented: “I am delighted to be the new host of the Moët British Independent Awards this year and I'm really looking forward to the 4 December. It's a ceremony which cherishes innovation, elegance and class so I’m humbled that they've chosen a host who so clearly lacks any of these things. Expect dancing girls.”
Also announced today was this year’s jury panel, with 2000’s Bifa Producer of the Year winner,...
- 11/17/2011
- by jennifer.trevorrow@lovefilm.com (Jennifer Trevorrow)
- LOVEFiLM
Screenterrier posted the casting call for new Cbbc series Postcode back in May last year, and now the series is about to hit our screens.
Postcode stars a line-up of new talent:
Rwanda-born 17 year old Roger Nsengiyumva, from Norwich, who made his screen debut last year in feature film Africa United takes the lead role of Jamal. He is joined by newcomer Manpreet Bambra (represented by Kelly Management) as female lead Sheela and another newcomer 17 year old Robert Eades from London stars as Zak.
The three-part drama, written by the BAFTA-winning screenwriter Tony Marchant, follows a group of young people with diverse backgrounds who share a postcode – but very little else.
In the first episode of the three-part drama, viewers meet Jamal, a Somali refugee from the local estate, and Zac, who lives in a posh house just around the corner.
When their paths cross by accident at the local Mini Mart,...
Postcode stars a line-up of new talent:
Rwanda-born 17 year old Roger Nsengiyumva, from Norwich, who made his screen debut last year in feature film Africa United takes the lead role of Jamal. He is joined by newcomer Manpreet Bambra (represented by Kelly Management) as female lead Sheela and another newcomer 17 year old Robert Eades from London stars as Zak.
The three-part drama, written by the BAFTA-winning screenwriter Tony Marchant, follows a group of young people with diverse backgrounds who share a postcode – but very little else.
In the first episode of the three-part drama, viewers meet Jamal, a Somali refugee from the local estate, and Zac, who lives in a posh house just around the corner.
When their paths cross by accident at the local Mini Mart,...
- 11/10/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Filming started this week on new Cbbc drama Postcode. You can check out the casting call Screenterrier posted for this series back in May here.
Written by BAFTA-winning writer Tony Marchant, the specially-commissioned, three-part drama, is being filmed entirely on location in South London.
It's a contemporary, urban drama set in a neighbourhood in transition – a cosmopolitan melting pot where kids from well-heeled families live side-by-side with asylum seekers, Postcode will chart the ups and downs of a diverse set of characters as they rub shoulders on a daily basis.
Rwanda-born 17 year old Roger Nsengiyumva, from Norwich, who made his screen debut last year in feature film Africa United takes the lead role of Jamal.
He is joined by newcomer Manpreet Bambra as female lead Sheela, alongside Sebastian Nanena, who recently filmed Twenty8K.
Newcomer 17 year old Robert Eades from London plays Zak, with 15 year old Alice Sykes (represented by Troika) as his younger sister Alice.
Written by BAFTA-winning writer Tony Marchant, the specially-commissioned, three-part drama, is being filmed entirely on location in South London.
It's a contemporary, urban drama set in a neighbourhood in transition – a cosmopolitan melting pot where kids from well-heeled families live side-by-side with asylum seekers, Postcode will chart the ups and downs of a diverse set of characters as they rub shoulders on a daily basis.
Rwanda-born 17 year old Roger Nsengiyumva, from Norwich, who made his screen debut last year in feature film Africa United takes the lead role of Jamal.
He is joined by newcomer Manpreet Bambra as female lead Sheela, alongside Sebastian Nanena, who recently filmed Twenty8K.
Newcomer 17 year old Robert Eades from London plays Zak, with 15 year old Alice Sykes (represented by Troika) as his younger sister Alice.
- 7/13/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
From Britain With Love, a showcase of new independent British cinema, continues its run in New York and across the Us. After kicking off last week as part of the opening festivities at the splendid new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center at New York's Lincoln Center, From Britain With Love continues through July in NYC and beyond, including downtown at the IFC Center. From Britain With Love is a 6-film series presented by Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council, and Emerging Pictures, bringing the freshest British independent cinema 'across the pond' to Us art-house audiences. And the lineup has it all - stylish period production (Toast), fiercely intense performances (In Our Name), colorful adventures covering a continent (Africa United) - so whatever type of movie you fancy, we reckon this series has it. The festival officially began on June 11 at Lincoln Center with the Us premiere of Toast,...
- 6/15/2011
- TribecaFilm.com
Heart-warming movies make great crowd pleasers. At the Sydney Film Festival so far this year, a clear crowd favourite is Africa United, which stands a good chance of taking out the Audience Award. At its screening, the packed cinema was filled with laughs and at the end of the film, an enthusiastic round of applause from satisfied cinema-goers. Africa United follows a group of young people on a quest to get from Rwanda to South Africa to fulfil their dreams of going to the World Cup. The predominantly young cast is universally likeable. Eriya Ndayambaje, who plays the main character of Dudu, is disarmingly charming, and his great big eyes convey complex emotions. The journey Dudu and his friends go on is full of...
- 6/14/2011
- Screen Anarchy
Pathe have Main Comp titles in Paolo Sorrentino's This Must Be the Place and Alain Cavalier's Pater on their product list, but the sale agent might find both titles a difficult sell until they are unveiled to the film critic mass. I'd bet that Phyllida Lloyd's The Iron Lady with Meryl Steep is the most desired item on their inventory list. The Iron Lady by Phyllida Lloyd - Completed This Must Be The Place by Paolo Sorrentino - Completed Monsieur Papa by Kad Merad - Completed My Worst Nightmare by Anne Fontaine - Post-Production Pater by Alain Cavalier - Completed Switch by Frederic Schoendoerffer - Completed The Tuche Family (Les Tuche) by Olivier Baroux - Completed The Well-digger's Daughter (La Fille Du Puisatier) by Daniel Auteuil - Completed Titeuf, The Film (Titeuf, Le Film) by Zep - Completed Zarafa by Jean-Christophe Lie - Post-Production Africa United by...
- 5/13/2011
- IONCINEMA.com
“From Britain with Love” – a curated program of six independent UK films will screen across ten Us cities from June 11 – July 9, 2011, as part of a partnership between Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council and Emerging Pictures.
The showcase’s premiere constitutes a component of the Film Society’s celebration of its new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, and the screenings will run contemporaneously to online webcast conversations with the film’s key talent.
A similar program, named “From Blighty with Love” was run across India in 2010.
Featured in the program are the following films, three of which will be making their Us premieres:
· A Boy Called Dad (80min)
Director: Brian Percival
The debut feature from BAFTA short film winner Brian Percival follows the story of a boy thrust into early adulthood when he becomes a father at the age of 14. Newcomer, Kyle Ward, delivers an impressive performance as...
The showcase’s premiere constitutes a component of the Film Society’s celebration of its new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, and the screenings will run contemporaneously to online webcast conversations with the film’s key talent.
A similar program, named “From Blighty with Love” was run across India in 2010.
Featured in the program are the following films, three of which will be making their Us premieres:
· A Boy Called Dad (80min)
Director: Brian Percival
The debut feature from BAFTA short film winner Brian Percival follows the story of a boy thrust into early adulthood when he becomes a father at the age of 14. Newcomer, Kyle Ward, delivers an impressive performance as...
- 5/12/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
“From Britain with Love” – a curated program of six independent UK films will screen across ten Us cities from June 11 – July 9, 2011, as part of a partnership between Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council and Emerging Pictures.
The showcase’s premiere constitutes a component of the Film Society’s celebration of its new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, and the screenings will run contemporaneously to online webcast conversations with the film’s key talent.
A similar program, named “From Blighty with Love” was run across India in 2010.
Featured in the program are the following films, three of which will be making their Us premieres:
· A Boy Called Dad (80min)
Director: Brian Percival
The debut feature from BAFTA short film winner Brian Percival follows the story of a boy thrust into early adulthood when he becomes a father at the age of 14. Newcomer, Kyle Ward, delivers an impressive performance as...
The showcase’s premiere constitutes a component of the Film Society’s celebration of its new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, and the screenings will run contemporaneously to online webcast conversations with the film’s key talent.
A similar program, named “From Blighty with Love” was run across India in 2010.
Featured in the program are the following films, three of which will be making their Us premieres:
· A Boy Called Dad (80min)
Director: Brian Percival
The debut feature from BAFTA short film winner Brian Percival follows the story of a boy thrust into early adulthood when he becomes a father at the age of 14. Newcomer, Kyle Ward, delivers an impressive performance as...
- 5/12/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council & Emerging Pictures presents From Britain With Love
June 11 . July 9
6 indie UK films will screen in 10 Us cities launching with Toast starring Helena Bonham Carter
The Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council and Emerging Pictures announced the details today for plans to showcase six recent independent films produced in the United Kingdom for a release in more than ten cities stateside from June 11 . July 9.
Curated by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and in partnership with Emerging Pictures – the largest all-digital specialty film and alternate content theatre network in the United States – the showcase will premiere at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on June 11 as part of the opening celebration for its state-of-the art Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. Each of the films will be shown once at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and once downtown at the IFC Center.
June 11 . July 9
6 indie UK films will screen in 10 Us cities launching with Toast starring Helena Bonham Carter
The Film Society of Lincoln Center, UK Film Council and Emerging Pictures announced the details today for plans to showcase six recent independent films produced in the United Kingdom for a release in more than ten cities stateside from June 11 . July 9.
Curated by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and in partnership with Emerging Pictures – the largest all-digital specialty film and alternate content theatre network in the United States – the showcase will premiere at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on June 11 as part of the opening celebration for its state-of-the art Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. Each of the films will be shown once at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and once downtown at the IFC Center.
- 5/12/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Screening tonight at the New York African Film Festival; screened at the London Film Festival last fall; that review follows below….
A children’s (or family) film with a largely African cast is rare. African children being depicted as anything other than victims of brutal, famine and poverty stricken environments they’ve been born into are almost non existent. So seeing an Africa United poster splashed on the side of a London double-decker bus earlier in the week was very refreshing to see.
And while I was cynical about an English director making a film set in Africa and starring African children, it would seem that director Debs Gardner-Paterson (who qualifies for dual British/Rwandan citizenship) did go to great pains to show an Africa that’s more than the limited vision of the continent usually depicted in Western media. While we do have AIDS orphans, a former child soldier...
A children’s (or family) film with a largely African cast is rare. African children being depicted as anything other than victims of brutal, famine and poverty stricken environments they’ve been born into are almost non existent. So seeing an Africa United poster splashed on the side of a London double-decker bus earlier in the week was very refreshing to see.
And while I was cynical about an English director making a film set in Africa and starring African children, it would seem that director Debs Gardner-Paterson (who qualifies for dual British/Rwandan citizenship) did go to great pains to show an Africa that’s more than the limited vision of the continent usually depicted in Western media. While we do have AIDS orphans, a former child soldier...
- 4/10/2011
- by MsWOO
- ShadowAndAct
The New York African Film Festival begins Today New Yorkers, and the 2011 lineup is an impressive one!
Of note, several films that have been touted on this website (old and new) are scheduled to screen at this year’s festival, including, Andrew Dosunmu’s feature film directorial debut and Sundance 2011 entry, Restless City, in what I believe will be the film’s New York city premiere! I saw the film in January, and found it enchanting. You can read my full review of it Here.
Also, Congolese filmmaker Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s explosive Viva Riva!, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last fall, and swept the African Movie Academy Awards; a film that’s being referred to as “Congolese Avant-Garde.” I saw it a couple of weeks ago, and dug it! Read me review Here.
New Yorkers will also get to see Besouro (a Shadow And Act Film...
Of note, several films that have been touted on this website (old and new) are scheduled to screen at this year’s festival, including, Andrew Dosunmu’s feature film directorial debut and Sundance 2011 entry, Restless City, in what I believe will be the film’s New York city premiere! I saw the film in January, and found it enchanting. You can read my full review of it Here.
Also, Congolese filmmaker Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s explosive Viva Riva!, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last fall, and swept the African Movie Academy Awards; a film that’s being referred to as “Congolese Avant-Garde.” I saw it a couple of weeks ago, and dug it! Read me review Here.
New Yorkers will also get to see Besouro (a Shadow And Act Film...
- 4/6/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
The New York African Film Festival begins tomorrow New Yorkers, and the 2011 lineup is an impressive one!
Of note, several films that have been touted on this website (old and new) are scheduled to screen at this year’s festival, including, Andrew Dosunmu’s feature film directorial debut and Sundance 2011 entry, Restless City, in what I believe will be the film’s New York city premiere! I saw the film in January, and found it enchanting. You can read my full review of it Here.
Also, Congolese filmmaker Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s explosive Viva Riva!, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last fall, and swept the African Movie Academy Awards; a film that’s being referred to as “Congolese Avant-Garde.” I saw it a couple of weeks ago, and dug it! Read me review Here.
New Yorkers will also get to see Besouro (a Shadow And Act Film...
Of note, several films that have been touted on this website (old and new) are scheduled to screen at this year’s festival, including, Andrew Dosunmu’s feature film directorial debut and Sundance 2011 entry, Restless City, in what I believe will be the film’s New York city premiere! I saw the film in January, and found it enchanting. You can read my full review of it Here.
Also, Congolese filmmaker Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s explosive Viva Riva!, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last fall, and swept the African Movie Academy Awards; a film that’s being referred to as “Congolese Avant-Garde.” I saw it a couple of weeks ago, and dug it! Read me review Here.
New Yorkers will also get to see Besouro (a Shadow And Act Film...
- 4/6/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
News on the march…! Held over the weekend, in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State (Nigeria) on Saturday, March 26, 2011, the celebration announcing the winners of the 2011 African Movie Academy Awards (Amaa) – in just its 7th year.
This year’s nominations list boasted an even longer list of awards, compared to previous years, as the award ceremony continues to grow.
Viva Riva, a film I’ve touted on this website in recent days, after seeing it for the first time last week, rightfully dominated, winning 6 trophies, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design.
The rest of the story follows in the table below, lifted from the Amaa’s website Here:
Category
Nominated Films
Winners
Best Short Film Bougfen – Petra Baninla Sunjo (Cameroun)
Weakness – Wanjiru Kairu (Kenya)
No Jersey No Match – Daniel Ademinokan (Nigeria)
Duty – Mak Kusare (Nigeria)
Bomlambo – Zwelesizwe Ntuli (South Africa)
Zebu And...
This year’s nominations list boasted an even longer list of awards, compared to previous years, as the award ceremony continues to grow.
Viva Riva, a film I’ve touted on this website in recent days, after seeing it for the first time last week, rightfully dominated, winning 6 trophies, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design.
The rest of the story follows in the table below, lifted from the Amaa’s website Here:
Category
Nominated Films
Winners
Best Short Film Bougfen – Petra Baninla Sunjo (Cameroun)
Weakness – Wanjiru Kairu (Kenya)
No Jersey No Match – Daniel Ademinokan (Nigeria)
Duty – Mak Kusare (Nigeria)
Bomlambo – Zwelesizwe Ntuli (South Africa)
Zebu And...
- 3/28/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
If you’re in the UK you may have seen this DVD on the shelf of your local store over the last week or so but I’ve held off on this review until now for reasons that will hopefully become obvious further down.
Africa United came out last year and our original HeyUGuys review by Lisa Giles-Keddie said “it’s refreshing to watch a film that champions the power of positive thought, fuelling the story from beginning to end. It is a vibrant and positively charming journey that captures the true, fighting spirit of Africa, it is an amazing movie.”. I’m certainly not going to disagree with Lisa as I love the film with its colourful characters and places plus the inspiring story but also because of the fact that it’s a film that’s not afraid to look at the uncomfortable issues that exist in the...
Africa United came out last year and our original HeyUGuys review by Lisa Giles-Keddie said “it’s refreshing to watch a film that champions the power of positive thought, fuelling the story from beginning to end. It is a vibrant and positively charming journey that captures the true, fighting spirit of Africa, it is an amazing movie.”. I’m certainly not going to disagree with Lisa as I love the film with its colourful characters and places plus the inspiring story but also because of the fact that it’s a film that’s not afraid to look at the uncomfortable issues that exist in the...
- 3/18/2011
- by Colin Hart
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The New York African Film Festival has announced its 2011 lineup, and it’s an impressive one! I’m excited, and hopefully you will be too, especially if you live in New York.
Of note, several films that have been touted on this website (old and new) are scheduled to screen at this year’s festival, including, Andrew Dosunmu’s feature film directorial debut and Sundance 2011 entry, Restless City, in what I believe will be the film’s New York city premiere! I saw the film at Sundance in January, and found it enchanting. You can read my full review of it Here.
Also, Congolese filmmaker Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s Viva Riva!, which screened at the Toronto Film Festival last fall, and Fespaco last month, where it won some awards; a film that’s being referred to as “Congolese Avant-Garde.” I haven’t seen it, but I’m really looking forward to doing so.
Of note, several films that have been touted on this website (old and new) are scheduled to screen at this year’s festival, including, Andrew Dosunmu’s feature film directorial debut and Sundance 2011 entry, Restless City, in what I believe will be the film’s New York city premiere! I saw the film at Sundance in January, and found it enchanting. You can read my full review of it Here.
Also, Congolese filmmaker Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s Viva Riva!, which screened at the Toronto Film Festival last fall, and Fespaco last month, where it won some awards; a film that’s being referred to as “Congolese Avant-Garde.” I haven’t seen it, but I’m really looking forward to doing so.
- 3/15/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Over the weekend, as most of us were reveling in Academy Awards thrills and chills, the nominations for another major movie award ceremony were announced, many miles, across the Atlantic Ocean; I’m referring to the 7-year old (this year) Africa Movie Academy Awards (Amaa), which will be held in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State (Nigeria) on Saturday, March 26, 2011.
This year’s nominations list boasts an even longer list of awards, compared to previous years, as the award ceremony continues to grow.
I’ll have to thoroughly scrub this list to highlight as many titles as I can – especially in the feature film categories, and I’ll do that with individual posts over the next week, or so. In the meantime, however, I’ll quickly point out those few titles that we’ve previously given ink to on this website, that are nominated for Amaa awards, including the following: in the Best Diaspora Feature,...
This year’s nominations list boasts an even longer list of awards, compared to previous years, as the award ceremony continues to grow.
I’ll have to thoroughly scrub this list to highlight as many titles as I can – especially in the feature film categories, and I’ll do that with individual posts over the next week, or so. In the meantime, however, I’ll quickly point out those few titles that we’ve previously given ink to on this website, that are nominated for Amaa awards, including the following: in the Best Diaspora Feature,...
- 2/28/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Paranormal Activity 2; Easy A; Africa United; Due Date; Travellers
Oren Peli's (surprisingly un)original frightener Paranormal Activity was made for a reported $15,000 and scared hundreds of millions of dollars out of audiences who had presumably never seen The Blair Witch Project. Tod Williams's fatuous prequel, Paranormal Activity 2 (2010, Sony, 15), cost nearly 200 times as much and will surely bore the pants off even the most wide-eyed horror dilettante with its dreary, repetitive rehashing of an already derivative formula. Following an apparent burglary, a young family (including the diehard hackneyed horror triumvirate of teenage daughter, baby and dog) have their house fitted with security cameras which promptly start recording things going bump in the night. Or not.
Long periods of unbelievable boredom ensue, interspersed with sudden, loud, banging noises and the sight of kitchenware moving in a mysterious way, a tedious trope which repeats ad infinitum. Whereas Peli managed...
Oren Peli's (surprisingly un)original frightener Paranormal Activity was made for a reported $15,000 and scared hundreds of millions of dollars out of audiences who had presumably never seen The Blair Witch Project. Tod Williams's fatuous prequel, Paranormal Activity 2 (2010, Sony, 15), cost nearly 200 times as much and will surely bore the pants off even the most wide-eyed horror dilettante with its dreary, repetitive rehashing of an already derivative formula. Following an apparent burglary, a young family (including the diehard hackneyed horror triumvirate of teenage daughter, baby and dog) have their house fitted with security cameras which promptly start recording things going bump in the night. Or not.
Long periods of unbelievable boredom ensue, interspersed with sudden, loud, banging noises and the sight of kitchenware moving in a mysterious way, a tedious trope which repeats ad infinitum. Whereas Peli managed...
- 2/27/2011
- by Mark Kermode
- The Guardian - Film News
The New York African Diaspora Film Festival begins in about 2 1/2 weeks – November 26th – and will run for about 2 1/2 weeks, through December 14th.
Starting today, I’ll profile at least 1 film screening at the upcoming festival, until it actually begins.
The opening night film is one that we’ve mentioned previously on this blog. As a matter of fact, it recently screened at the London Film Festival where our own MsWOO saw it, and reviewed it for Shadow And Act (read her critique Here). The film is titled Africa United, and its story goes… Africa United tells the story of three Rwandan kids who walk 3000 miles to the Soccer World Cup in South Africa. Using a sack load of ingenuity and sass (and a World Cup wall chart for a map), they set off in pursuit of an unlikely dream, attracting followers along the way, who help them negotiate through a series of glorious,...
Starting today, I’ll profile at least 1 film screening at the upcoming festival, until it actually begins.
The opening night film is one that we’ve mentioned previously on this blog. As a matter of fact, it recently screened at the London Film Festival where our own MsWOO saw it, and reviewed it for Shadow And Act (read her critique Here). The film is titled Africa United, and its story goes… Africa United tells the story of three Rwandan kids who walk 3000 miles to the Soccer World Cup in South Africa. Using a sack load of ingenuity and sass (and a World Cup wall chart for a map), they set off in pursuit of an unlikely dream, attracting followers along the way, who help them negotiate through a series of glorious,...
- 11/9/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Colin Firth shortlisted for best actor prize as George VI drama picks up eight nominations for British Independent Film awards
Oscar-tipped period drama The King's Speech is the early frontrunner in the British Independent Film awards after securing eight nominations.
Tom Hooper's film, which stars Colin Firth as King George VI and Geoffrey Rush as Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, tells how the monarch overcame a stammer after unexpectedly becoming king in 1936 following the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII.
Firth picked up a best actor nod, while Rush, Guy Pearce and another co-star, Helena Bonham Carter, received best supporting actor and actress nominations. The film also won nominations in the best film, best director and best screenplay categories.
Other early leaders at the awards, which try to identify the best in British independent film-making, were the London film festival opener, Never Let Me Go, which garnered five nominations,...
Oscar-tipped period drama The King's Speech is the early frontrunner in the British Independent Film awards after securing eight nominations.
Tom Hooper's film, which stars Colin Firth as King George VI and Geoffrey Rush as Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, tells how the monarch overcame a stammer after unexpectedly becoming king in 1936 following the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII.
Firth picked up a best actor nod, while Rush, Guy Pearce and another co-star, Helena Bonham Carter, received best supporting actor and actress nominations. The film also won nominations in the best film, best director and best screenplay categories.
Other early leaders at the awards, which try to identify the best in British independent film-making, were the London film festival opener, Never Let Me Go, which garnered five nominations,...
- 11/2/2010
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Easy A (15)
(Will Gluck, 2010, Us) Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Patricia Clarkson. 92 mins
There's always room for a smart-mouthed high-school comedy in a Juno/Mean Girls vein – it's just a pity they come along so rarely. This doesn't quite make that grade but it aims for it, tackling issues of virginity and sluttishness through the story of a nice girl who lies about who she's laid and suffers the fallout – especially from the Jesus freaks.
Carlos (15)
(Olivier Assayas, 2010, Fra/Ger) Edgar Ramírez, Alexander Scheer. 159 mins/334 mins
The life of the terrorist serves as a thrilling survey of cold war-era geopolitics in Assayas's swift, stylish, serious biopic, which covers a staggering amount of ground. See feature, p10.
Red (12A)
(Robert Schwentke, 2010, Us) Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren. 111 mins
Senior-citizen assassin comedy that gets away with a lot thanks to its cast. As a ride, it's more stairmaster than a rollercoaster.
(Will Gluck, 2010, Us) Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Patricia Clarkson. 92 mins
There's always room for a smart-mouthed high-school comedy in a Juno/Mean Girls vein – it's just a pity they come along so rarely. This doesn't quite make that grade but it aims for it, tackling issues of virginity and sluttishness through the story of a nice girl who lies about who she's laid and suffers the fallout – especially from the Jesus freaks.
Carlos (15)
(Olivier Assayas, 2010, Fra/Ger) Edgar Ramírez, Alexander Scheer. 159 mins/334 mins
The life of the terrorist serves as a thrilling survey of cold war-era geopolitics in Assayas's swift, stylish, serious biopic, which covers a staggering amount of ground. See feature, p10.
Red (12A)
(Robert Schwentke, 2010, Us) Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren. 111 mins
Senior-citizen assassin comedy that gets away with a lot thanks to its cast. As a ride, it's more stairmaster than a rollercoaster.
- 10/22/2010
- by The guide
- The Guardian - Film News
Rhidian Brook took his family on an epic journey through Aids-torn Africa. Their experiences inspired him to write a film that's been dubbed the new Slumdog Millionaire
In 2005, I was writing an episode of Silent Witness, the BBC drama, when I received an email from a friend asking me if I would consider writing a book about the Salvation Army's response to HIV/Aids around the world. I knew little about Aids beyond the grim statistics and not much more about the Salvation Army beyond soup and trombones. I was about to bin the email when I made the mistake of mentioning it to my wife, Nicola, who suggested I follow it up.
A few days later, I called Dr Ian Campbell, who was the Salvation Army's international health programme consultant and something of a legend in the world of HIV/Aids response – one of the first people to see...
In 2005, I was writing an episode of Silent Witness, the BBC drama, when I received an email from a friend asking me if I would consider writing a book about the Salvation Army's response to HIV/Aids around the world. I knew little about Aids beyond the grim statistics and not much more about the Salvation Army beyond soup and trombones. I was about to bin the email when I made the mistake of mentioning it to my wife, Nicola, who suggested I follow it up.
A few days later, I called Dr Ian Campbell, who was the Salvation Army's international health programme consultant and something of a legend in the world of HIV/Aids response – one of the first people to see...
- 10/22/2010
- The Guardian - Film News
This is the daily news vodcast from the London Film Festival on Pure Movies covering the gala screening of Africa United, directed by Debs Gardner-Paterson and starring Roger Nsengiyumva, Sherrie Silver, Eriya Ndayambaje, Yves Dusenge and Sanyu Joanita Kintu. Africa United tells the extraordinary story of three Rwandan children and their bid to achieve their ultimate dream - to take part in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup in Johannesburg. On the way to the vital selection trial, disaster strikes when Fabrice, Dudu and Beatrice board the wrong bus and cross into the Congo. Without papers, money or a believable story, they are escorted to a children's refugee camp. But with considerable ingenuity and sass (and a World Cup wall chart for a map), our pint-sized heroes escape the camp and set off in pursuit of their dream, picking up along the way a “dream team” of displaced kids,...
- 10/22/2010
- by Dan Higgins
- Pure Movies
The director of Africa United has confirmed that the movie had the full support of FIFA. Speaking at a London Film Festival press conference, Debs Gardner-Paterson said that the world football federation is a fan of the movie. Gardner-Paterson said: "Obviously a big part of the thing was having their blessing to have the kids go over to the world cup in the first place. "Somebody from FIFA visited the set - do you remember that? And bought (more)...
- 10/21/2010
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
In a bumper edition of Film Weekly, Jason Solomons meets Anglophile actor Sam Rockwell (Moon, Frost/Nixon, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) who's in London to promote Conviction, in which he stars alongside Hilary Swank as a man wrongfully imprisoned for murder. Rockwell talks sibling love and justice in a film tipped for Oscar success.
Plus, director Clio Barnard speaks about her much-acclaimed hybrid of documentary and fiction, The Arbor.
Xan Brooks clocks on to review some of this week's other releases including Olivier Assayas's epic Carlos, the star-studded Red and Mary and Max, a downbeat Aussie animated drama featuring the voices of Toni Collette and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Finally Jason meets director Debs Gardner-Paterson and the cast of Africa United which premiered at the London film festival this week, telling the story of a feisty troupe of African children and their 3,000-mile journey to the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
Plus, director Clio Barnard speaks about her much-acclaimed hybrid of documentary and fiction, The Arbor.
Xan Brooks clocks on to review some of this week's other releases including Olivier Assayas's epic Carlos, the star-studded Red and Mary and Max, a downbeat Aussie animated drama featuring the voices of Toni Collette and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Finally Jason meets director Debs Gardner-Paterson and the cast of Africa United which premiered at the London film festival this week, telling the story of a feisty troupe of African children and their 3,000-mile journey to the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
- 10/21/2010
- by Jason Solomons, Xan Brooks, Jason Phipps
- The Guardian - Film News
In a gloomy world full of socio-political issues, especially in relation to screen portrayals of Africa, it’s refreshing to watch a film that champions the power of positive thought, fuelling the story from beginning to end. It is a vibrant and positively charming journey that captures the true, fighting spirit of Africa, it is an amazing movie.
Africa United from debut director Debs Gardner-Paterson is such an inspiring film as it takes young and old on a vibrant and charming journey through several African states (Rwanda, Congo, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa) to capture the true fighting spirit of Africa.
As the title suggests, it unites all who watch it because of its colourful vitality and infectious childlike awe that kids can relate to and adults can relive and this notion overshadows the football element. It’s like an African Enid Blyton tale, where anything can be...
Africa United from debut director Debs Gardner-Paterson is such an inspiring film as it takes young and old on a vibrant and charming journey through several African states (Rwanda, Congo, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa) to capture the true fighting spirit of Africa.
As the title suggests, it unites all who watch it because of its colourful vitality and infectious childlike awe that kids can relate to and adults can relive and this notion overshadows the football element. It’s like an African Enid Blyton tale, where anything can be...
- 10/15/2010
- by Guest
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Filmmaker Richard Curtis has helped organise a collaboration between upcoming drama Africa United and Comic Relief. Speaking at a London Film Festival press conference, the movie's director Debs Gardner-Paterson confirmed that a quarter of the net profit from the film would be donated to the charity. Gardner-Paterson said: "It was through BBC Films and Richard Curtis was really supportive in helping to put that together, which was really fantastic. "Amazingly the exec producers and financiers of the film have all agreed and rewritten their contracts so (more)...
- 10/15/2010
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
A children’s (or family) film with a largely African cast is rare. African children being depicted as anything other than victims of brutal, famine and poverty stricken environments they’ve been born into are almost non existent. So seeing an Africa United poster splashed on the side of a London double-decker bus earlier in the week was very refreshing to see (it hits cinemas in the UK and Ireland on October 22nd).
And while I was cynical about an English director making a film set in Africa and starring African children, it would seem that director Debs Gardner-Paterson (who qualifies for dual British/Rwandan citizenship) did go to great pains to show an Africa that’s more than the limited vision of the continent usually depicted in Western media. While we do have AIDS orphans, a former child soldier and a child sex worker (albeit with royal lineage), the...
And while I was cynical about an English director making a film set in Africa and starring African children, it would seem that director Debs Gardner-Paterson (who qualifies for dual British/Rwandan citizenship) did go to great pains to show an Africa that’s more than the limited vision of the continent usually depicted in Western media. While we do have AIDS orphans, a former child soldier and a child sex worker (albeit with royal lineage), the...
- 10/15/2010
- by MsWOO
- ShadowAndAct
Africa United isn’t a Ken Loach-style social tract on the contemporary ills of a vast and highly diverse continent. Debs Gardner-Paterson’s film is more like a fairytale about football and the joys it brings. And far from being a ‘lads’ film about the game, it is a road movie using the South Africa World Cup merely as a backdrop.
With its vibrant cinematography, fast paced style and symbolic characters, the movie attempts to charm you. Whether it does or not depends wholly on the viewer. Go with it and you’ll get a rewarding and moving experience. If you don’t like its tone you’ll probably dismiss it as feel-good schmaltz.
The film is more magical realist than social realist but there are several scenes that are disturbingly aggressive and perhaps veer too much away from the easy-going central thrust. That said, it isn’t the...
With its vibrant cinematography, fast paced style and symbolic characters, the movie attempts to charm you. Whether it does or not depends wholly on the viewer. Go with it and you’ll get a rewarding and moving experience. If you don’t like its tone you’ll probably dismiss it as feel-good schmaltz.
The film is more magical realist than social realist but there are several scenes that are disturbingly aggressive and perhaps veer too much away from the easy-going central thrust. That said, it isn’t the...
- 10/14/2010
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
Today is day 2nd of the London Film Festival and the film of the day is Africa United. The movie is directed by Debs Gardner-Paterson and is based on the book by Rhidian Brook. It’s out in UK cinemas next week, 22nd October and our review of the movie will be going online shortly.
Africa United stars Eriya Ndayambaje, Yves Dusenge, Sanyu Joanita Kintu, Roger Nsengiyumva, Sherrie Silver and read on for the synopsis then scroll down to view photos and the full press conference.
Synopsis: Three Rwandan children set off to Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, to audition for the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup. The children are Rwandan football prodigy Fabrice, his best friend and ‘manager’ Dudu, and Dudu’s little sister Beatrice. They sneak onto a bus…the wrong bus. Instead of arriving in Rwanda’s capital Kigali, they end up in the Congo. Lost in a dangerous country,...
Africa United stars Eriya Ndayambaje, Yves Dusenge, Sanyu Joanita Kintu, Roger Nsengiyumva, Sherrie Silver and read on for the synopsis then scroll down to view photos and the full press conference.
Synopsis: Three Rwandan children set off to Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, to audition for the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup. The children are Rwandan football prodigy Fabrice, his best friend and ‘manager’ Dudu, and Dudu’s little sister Beatrice. They sneak onto a bus…the wrong bus. Instead of arriving in Rwanda’s capital Kigali, they end up in the Congo. Lost in a dangerous country,...
- 10/14/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In the eyes of the world, the tiny country is a tragedy. The film-maker wants to tell the new story of Rwanda
Although I was made in Taiwan, and my mother was born and spent her childhood in Rwanda, I grew up in Yorkshire and look about as European as they come. My father is Scottish, but his passion is China. He is tall and white but speaks perfect Mandarin, and would rather be in Asia than anywhere else. That is his heart and his home.
Although I visited Rwanda for the first time aged 18, I am also Rwandan – proudly eligible for their passport, thanks to my mother's birth. And no one knows more than Rwandans about how much an accident of birth can cost.
Rwanda, in the eyes of the world, is a tragedy: a tiny country that tore itself apart 15 years ago. After that first trip in 1997, I...
Although I was made in Taiwan, and my mother was born and spent her childhood in Rwanda, I grew up in Yorkshire and look about as European as they come. My father is Scottish, but his passion is China. He is tall and white but speaks perfect Mandarin, and would rather be in Asia than anywhere else. That is his heart and his home.
Although I visited Rwanda for the first time aged 18, I am also Rwandan – proudly eligible for their passport, thanks to my mother's birth. And no one knows more than Rwandans about how much an accident of birth can cost.
Rwanda, in the eyes of the world, is a tragedy: a tiny country that tore itself apart 15 years ago. After that first trip in 1997, I...
- 10/8/2010
- The Guardian - Film News
A new movie starring five young unknowns is tipped to match the success of Slumdog Millionaire
Among the recent flurry of mainstream films set in Africa there has been an inescapable common thread. Blood Diamond, The Last King of Scotland, Shooting Dogs and The Constant Gardener: all well-received, all acclaimed, and all with white protagonists heroically engaging with a dangerous and savage continent.
That pattern may be about to change. Later this month five young, unknown Africans will walk up the red carpet in London's Leicester Square to the British premiere of a film which discards the usual Hollywood stereotypes.
Africa United, dubbed "the rookies' project" by its makers, features a cast of children aged 11 to 15 who had never acted before; a writer producing his first script and a director making her first feature film. It has already been compared favourably to Slumdog Millionaire, and indeed, is being distributed by Pathe,...
Among the recent flurry of mainstream films set in Africa there has been an inescapable common thread. Blood Diamond, The Last King of Scotland, Shooting Dogs and The Constant Gardener: all well-received, all acclaimed, and all with white protagonists heroically engaging with a dangerous and savage continent.
That pattern may be about to change. Later this month five young, unknown Africans will walk up the red carpet in London's Leicester Square to the British premiere of a film which discards the usual Hollywood stereotypes.
Africa United, dubbed "the rookies' project" by its makers, features a cast of children aged 11 to 15 who had never acted before; a writer producing his first script and a director making her first feature film. It has already been compared favourably to Slumdog Millionaire, and indeed, is being distributed by Pathe,...
- 10/5/2010
- by Vanessa Thorpe, Tracy McVeigh
- The Guardian - Film News
This is a clip from Africa United, directed by Debs Gardner-Paterson and starring Roger Nsengiyumva, Sherrie Silver, Eriya Ndayambaje, Yves Dusenge and Sanyu Joanita Kintu. Africa United tells the extraordinary story of three Rwandan children and their bid to achieve their ultimate dream - to take part in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup in Johannesburg. On the way to the vital selection trial, disaster strikes when Fabrice, Dudu and Beatrice board the wrong bus and cross into the Congo. Without papers, money or a believable story, they are escorted to a children's refugee camp. But with considerable ingenuity and sass (and a World Cup wall chart for a map), our pint-sized heroes escape the camp and set off in pursuit of their dream, picking up along the way a “dream team” of displaced kids, who help them negotiate a series of thrilling and hilarious adventures.
- 9/25/2010
- by Dan Higgins
- Pure Movies
This is the first trailer for Africa United, directed by Debs Gardner-Paterson and starring Roger Nsengiyumva, Sherrie Silver, Eriya Ndayambaje, Yves Dusenge and Sanyu Joanita Kintu. Africa United tells the extraordinary story of three Rwandan children and their bid to achieve their ultimate dream - to take part in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup in Johannesburg. On the way to the vital selection trial, disaster strikes when Fabrice, Dudu and Beatrice board the wrong bus and cross into the Congo. Without papers, money or a believable story, they are escorted to a children's refugee camp. But with considerable ingenuity and sass (and a World Cup wall chart for a map), our pint-sized heroes escape the camp and set off in pursuit of their dream, picking up along the way a “dream team” of displaced kids, who help them negotiate a series of thrilling and hilarious adventures.
- 9/24/2010
- by Dan Higgins
- Pure Movies
It's been a crazy couple of days at Tiff — yesterday's back-to-back interviews in our media lounge included Dustin Milligan, Amanda Crew and Richard de Klerk ("Repeaters"), "Bunraku’s" Josh Hartnett and Guy Moshe, Oscar-nominee Fridrik Thor Fridriksson (“Mamma Gógó”), Debs Gardner-Paterson (“Africa United”), and documentary filmmakers Risteard Ó Domhnaill ("The Pipe") and Shlomi Eldar ("Precious Life”).
Ron Perlman came by with Kevin McKidd for photos by Scott McDermott. Ron had his cigar in hand, apparently a crutch he rarely leaves home without.
We dropped down to the Creative Coalition's event for George Hickenlooper's "Casino Jack" — Hickenlooper was there, as was thesp and theater director Kevin Spacey. Hickenlooper addressed the assembled cocktailers, sharing tales of his remembrances of the enlisted men fighting to avoid the road to Vietnam and the education he absorbed from being around a father who, despite his brilliance politically, perhaps wasn't there emotionally.
Ron Perlman came by with Kevin McKidd for photos by Scott McDermott. Ron had his cigar in hand, apparently a crutch he rarely leaves home without.
We dropped down to the Creative Coalition's event for George Hickenlooper's "Casino Jack" — Hickenlooper was there, as was thesp and theater director Kevin Spacey. Hickenlooper addressed the assembled cocktailers, sharing tales of his remembrances of the enlisted men fighting to avoid the road to Vietnam and the education he absorbed from being around a father who, despite his brilliance politically, perhaps wasn't there emotionally.
- 9/13/2010
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Last week we were given a chance to see what the 54th BFI London Film Festival has in store, and kicking aside the disparaging comments about the lack of world premieres, a complaint which misses the point completely, there’s a real sense of excitement and discovery about the festival this year.
Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go will open the festival and there are other high profile films on offer in the capital this October. Of chief interest are Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan and Tom Hooper’s The King’s Speech with Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Whether it is a deliberate choice to wait for an English Language version, or for the curiousity value alone there will be a keen audience for Let Me In, Matt Reeves’ take on Let The Right One In, which is playing in the festival and hopefully surpassing expectations.
Mike Leigh...
Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go will open the festival and there are other high profile films on offer in the capital this October. Of chief interest are Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan and Tom Hooper’s The King’s Speech with Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Whether it is a deliberate choice to wait for an English Language version, or for the curiousity value alone there will be a keen audience for Let Me In, Matt Reeves’ take on Let The Right One In, which is playing in the festival and hopefully surpassing expectations.
Mike Leigh...
- 9/12/2010
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The story goes… Africa United tells the story of three Rwandan kids who walk 3000 miles to the Soccer World Cup in South Africa. Using a sack load of ingenuity and sass (and a World Cup wall chart for a map), they set off in pursuit of an unlikely dream, attracting followers along the way, who help them negotiate through a series of glorious, dangerous, hilarious and bizarre situations.
This road movie, directed by Brit Debs Gardner-Paterson, and written by Rhidian Brook (also a Brit), is screening at this month’s Toronto International Film Festival, and will be released across the UK on October 22nd. No USA dates yet.
Trailer below:...
This road movie, directed by Brit Debs Gardner-Paterson, and written by Rhidian Brook (also a Brit), is screening at this month’s Toronto International Film Festival, and will be released across the UK on October 22nd. No USA dates yet.
Trailer below:...
- 9/7/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
We have added the first trailer for Warner Brothers and Pathe films 'Africa United'. The African adventure follows four Rwandan youngsters on their incredible 3000 mile journey to the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa.Watch the trailer below in standard or high defintion;'Africa United' is yet to have an official release date in the Us but is released across the UK from October 22nd.From director Debs Gardner-Paterson and writer Rhidian Brook comes 'Africa United', the extraordinary story of three Rwandan kids who walk 3000 miles to the Soccer World Cup in South Africa. Using a sack load of ingenuity and sass (and a World Cup wall chart for a map), our pint-sized protagonists set off through the endless horizons...
- 9/6/2010
- by Anthony Pearson
- Monsters and Critics
Africa United is the feature-length directorial debut by Debs Gardner-Paterson and takes a look at the passions raised by not only football but the historical South Africa World Cup Tournament.
The film follows three kids travelling across the continent to sign up to take their role in the opening ceremony, only for things to go wrong. It looks to be an epic adventure!
A brand new trailer has been released, and we’ve also included a detailed synopsis – because we’re good like that. Whether or not you’re one for the ‘beautiful game’, this looks to be a great family film for everybody to enjoy, young or old. Oh, and well done for the young actor wearing a Liverpool Fc shirt… the lad’s got great taste.
Synopsis:
Africa United tells the extraordinary story of three Rwandan children and their bid to achieve their ultimate dream – to take part...
The film follows three kids travelling across the continent to sign up to take their role in the opening ceremony, only for things to go wrong. It looks to be an epic adventure!
A brand new trailer has been released, and we’ve also included a detailed synopsis – because we’re good like that. Whether or not you’re one for the ‘beautiful game’, this looks to be a great family film for everybody to enjoy, young or old. Oh, and well done for the young actor wearing a Liverpool Fc shirt… the lad’s got great taste.
Synopsis:
Africa United tells the extraordinary story of three Rwandan children and their bid to achieve their ultimate dream – to take part...
- 9/6/2010
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
Rachel Weisz in The Whistleblower The Toronto International Film Festival has added even more films to their line-up today as the complete line-up was announced, which ended up causing the festival's server to crash, but I was lucky enough to get in and get out before missing out on the information.
First off, the festival's Mavericks line-up is quite interesting, which includes a series of guest presentations and this year will see Edward Norton interview Bruce Springsteen, NBA All-Star and native Canadian Steve Nash will present his hour-long film Into the Wind, Apichatpong Weerasethakul will talk with the audience as his Cannes Palm d'Or-winning film Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall his Past Lives was just added to the Masters programme, Ken Loach and Paul Laverty will be interviewed by Michael Moore on politics and cinema and Philip Seymour Hoffman will have his own panel. Also on hand will be Bill Gates,...
First off, the festival's Mavericks line-up is quite interesting, which includes a series of guest presentations and this year will see Edward Norton interview Bruce Springsteen, NBA All-Star and native Canadian Steve Nash will present his hour-long film Into the Wind, Apichatpong Weerasethakul will talk with the audience as his Cannes Palm d'Or-winning film Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall his Past Lives was just added to the Masters programme, Ken Loach and Paul Laverty will be interviewed by Michael Moore on politics and cinema and Philip Seymour Hoffman will have his own panel. Also on hand will be Bill Gates,...
- 8/24/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
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