A one-night-only Halloween benefit concert presentation of the Tim Burton/Danny Elfman spooky 1993 classic The Nightmare Before Christmas is drawing top-notch Broadway talent, including James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin), Adrienne Warren (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical), Danny Burstein (Moulin Rouge!) and Rob McClure (Beetlejuice), for starters.
Iglehart, who won a Tony Award for his performance as the Genie in Disney Theatricals’s Aladdin, is presenting the event in cooperation with Burton, Elfman and Disney Music Group. The cast will use only items and clothing “found around their houses combined with their imaginations.”
The pay-per-view concert will benefit The Actors Fund and the Lymphoma Research Foundation. The event will be available to stream on The Actors Fund Vimeo Channel on Saturday, October 31 at 7 pm Et. Tickets are $4.99 and available here.
“We are extremely grateful to Tim Burton, Danny Elfman and the Disney Music Group for allowing us the opportunity to bring our...
Iglehart, who won a Tony Award for his performance as the Genie in Disney Theatricals’s Aladdin, is presenting the event in cooperation with Burton, Elfman and Disney Music Group. The cast will use only items and clothing “found around their houses combined with their imaginations.”
The pay-per-view concert will benefit The Actors Fund and the Lymphoma Research Foundation. The event will be available to stream on The Actors Fund Vimeo Channel on Saturday, October 31 at 7 pm Et. Tickets are $4.99 and available here.
“We are extremely grateful to Tim Burton, Danny Elfman and the Disney Music Group for allowing us the opportunity to bring our...
- 10/7/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Award-winning director Chen Yu-Hsun teams up with Taiwanese star Shu Qi to tickle your funny bone with the upcoming comedy film The Village of No Return.
Since his first feature Tropical Fish in 1995, this $9M feature is Chen’s sixth film foray in the comedy genre.
From his hilarious TV commercials to memorable shorts (Middle-Aged Juliet, Hippocamp Hair Salon), well received features like Love Go Go and Zone Pro Site: The Movable Feast, Chen takes the director’s seat again with this period action comedy flick.
The film is set sometime during the end of the Qing dynasty, a very strange event take place and turns a sleepy rural village’s life upside down–all while waiting for a railway to come.
The Village of No Return also reunites Chen with producers Yeh Jufeng, Lee Lieh, and Warner Brothers (Taiwan), following their breakout hit Zone Pro Site.
The Taiwanese comedy...
Since his first feature Tropical Fish in 1995, this $9M feature is Chen’s sixth film foray in the comedy genre.
From his hilarious TV commercials to memorable shorts (Middle-Aged Juliet, Hippocamp Hair Salon), well received features like Love Go Go and Zone Pro Site: The Movable Feast, Chen takes the director’s seat again with this period action comedy flick.
The film is set sometime during the end of the Qing dynasty, a very strange event take place and turns a sleepy rural village’s life upside down–all while waiting for a railway to come.
The Village of No Return also reunites Chen with producers Yeh Jufeng, Lee Lieh, and Warner Brothers (Taiwan), following their breakout hit Zone Pro Site.
The Taiwanese comedy...
- 9/5/2016
- by Kat Meneses
- AsianMoviePulse
On March 17, at Macau’s Venetian Theater the 10th Asian Film Awards will be underway. Winners from nearly 1,600 submissions from 32 countries will be announced. Since its inauguration in 2007, the award has grown in scale and is now largest film awards event in Asia.
This year, The Assassin has the most nominations (best film, director, actress, supporting actress, cinematography, original music, costume design, production design, and sound). This historical drama featuring Shu Qi has been hailed as “the most ravishingly beautiful film Hou [Hsiao-hsien] has ever made, and certainly one of his most deeply transporting” by Variety.
Bajirao Mastani by Sanjay Leela Bhansali follows with five nominations. This Indian historical romance is one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time. It will compete with The Assassin, Three Stories of Love (Koibito Tachi, Japan), Mr Six (Hu Guan, China) and Veteran (Ryoo Seung-wan, South Korea) in the Best film category.
Asian...
This year, The Assassin has the most nominations (best film, director, actress, supporting actress, cinematography, original music, costume design, production design, and sound). This historical drama featuring Shu Qi has been hailed as “the most ravishingly beautiful film Hou [Hsiao-hsien] has ever made, and certainly one of his most deeply transporting” by Variety.
Bajirao Mastani by Sanjay Leela Bhansali follows with five nominations. This Indian historical romance is one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time. It will compete with The Assassin, Three Stories of Love (Koibito Tachi, Japan), Mr Six (Hu Guan, China) and Veteran (Ryoo Seung-wan, South Korea) in the Best film category.
Asian...
- 2/27/2016
- by Stellarise
- AsianMoviePulse
The Berlin International Film Festival continued to challenge expectations in its 66th edition, landing another auteur heavy competition line-up, albeit a slightly less sensational one than the landmark 2015 program. Although an attempt continues to be made to establish grand motifs between films in competition and the more experimental sidebars, topical issues seemed to be the name of the game across the board, particularly immigration. This culminated with this year’s Golden Bear winner, Gianfranco Rosi’s Fire at Sea, a documentary which was the clear early favorite and remained so up until the awards ceremony. Rosi has now won two major film festivals with his documentary work (previously taking home the top prize at Venice 2013 for Sacro Gra), and further solidifies an argument for the Cannes Film Festival to follow suit and allow documentary titles to play in the main competition. Berlin notably had two documentaries in the main competition this year,...
- 2/22/2016
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Gianfranco Rosi’s migrant documentary Fire At Sea (Fuocoammare) took home the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival, which handed out its competition awards on Saturday night.Click here for full list of winners
Italian-American Rosi - who won the Golden Lion in Venice for his documentary Sacro Gra in 2013 - spent months on the island of Lampedusa capturing the everyday lives of its 6,000-strong population.
Situated closer to Africa than Europe, the Italian island of Lampedusa is one of the first points of call for hundreds of thousands of African and Middle Eastern refugees and migrants hoping to make a new life in Europe.
The film was a critics favourite during the Berlinale, leading the Screen Jury Grid into the final weekend of the festival, however during an interview with Screen director Rosi admitted a fear that his film might divide viewers.
Fire At Sea proved a hot seller for Doc & Film...
Italian-American Rosi - who won the Golden Lion in Venice for his documentary Sacro Gra in 2013 - spent months on the island of Lampedusa capturing the everyday lives of its 6,000-strong population.
Situated closer to Africa than Europe, the Italian island of Lampedusa is one of the first points of call for hundreds of thousands of African and Middle Eastern refugees and migrants hoping to make a new life in Europe.
The film was a critics favourite during the Berlinale, leading the Screen Jury Grid into the final weekend of the festival, however during an interview with Screen director Rosi admitted a fear that his film might divide viewers.
Fire At Sea proved a hot seller for Doc & Film...
- 2/20/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Documentary Fire At Sea wins Golden Bear; Death In Sarajevo wins Jury PrizeWinners of 66th Berlin International Film FestivalGolden Bear for Best Film
Fire At Sea (It-Fr), dir. Gianfranco Rosi
Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize
Death In Sarajevo (Fr-Bos), dir. Danis Tanovic
Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize
A Lullaby To The Sorrowful Mystery (Phil-Sing), dir. Lav Diaz
Silver Bear for Best Director
Mia Hansen-Love for Things To Come
Silver Bear for Best Actress
Trine Dyrholm in The Commune
Silver Bear for Best Actor
Majd Mastoura in Hedi
Silver Bear for Best Script
Tomasz Wasilewski for United States Of Love (Pol-Swe), dir. Tomasz Wasilewski
Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution
Mark Lee Ping-bing for cinematography of Crosscurrent (China), dir. Yang Chao
Best First Feature Award (€50,000)
Hedi (Tun-Bel-Fr), Mohamed Ben Attia
Golden Bear for Best Short Film
Batrachian’s Ballad (Balada de um Batráquio), Leonor Teles, Portugal
Berlin Short Film Nominee for the EFAs
A Man Returned, [link...
Fire At Sea (It-Fr), dir. Gianfranco Rosi
Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize
Death In Sarajevo (Fr-Bos), dir. Danis Tanovic
Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize
A Lullaby To The Sorrowful Mystery (Phil-Sing), dir. Lav Diaz
Silver Bear for Best Director
Mia Hansen-Love for Things To Come
Silver Bear for Best Actress
Trine Dyrholm in The Commune
Silver Bear for Best Actor
Majd Mastoura in Hedi
Silver Bear for Best Script
Tomasz Wasilewski for United States Of Love (Pol-Swe), dir. Tomasz Wasilewski
Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution
Mark Lee Ping-bing for cinematography of Crosscurrent (China), dir. Yang Chao
Best First Feature Award (€50,000)
Hedi (Tun-Bel-Fr), Mohamed Ben Attia
Golden Bear for Best Short Film
Batrachian’s Ballad (Balada de um Batráquio), Leonor Teles, Portugal
Berlin Short Film Nominee for the EFAs
A Man Returned, [link...
- 2/20/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The Golden and Silver Bears are set to be awarded shortly. Keep up with the latest here…
Refresh the page for the latest
Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize
Death In Sarajevo (Fr-Bos), dir. Danis Tanovic
Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize
A Lullaby To The Sorrowful Mystery (Phil-Sing), dir. Lav Diaz
Silver Bear for Best Director
Mia Hansen-Love for Things To Come
Silver Bear for Best Actress
Trine Dyrholm in The Commune
Silver Bear for Best Actor
Majd Mastoura in Hedi
Silver Bear for Best Script
Tomasz Wasilewski for United States Of Love (Pol-Swe), dir. Tomasz Wasilewski
Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution
Mark Lee Ping-bing for cinematography of Crosscurrent (China), dir. Yang Chao
Best First Feature Award (€50,000)
Hedi (Tun-Bel-Fr), Mohamed Ben Attia
Golden Bear for Best Short Film
Batrachian’s Ballad (Balada de um Batráquio), Leonor Teles, Portugal
Berlin Short Film Nominee for the EFAs
A Man Returned, Mahdi Fleifel (UK-Neth-Den)
Audi Short Film Award (€20,000)
Anchorage...
Refresh the page for the latest
Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize
Death In Sarajevo (Fr-Bos), dir. Danis Tanovic
Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize
A Lullaby To The Sorrowful Mystery (Phil-Sing), dir. Lav Diaz
Silver Bear for Best Director
Mia Hansen-Love for Things To Come
Silver Bear for Best Actress
Trine Dyrholm in The Commune
Silver Bear for Best Actor
Majd Mastoura in Hedi
Silver Bear for Best Script
Tomasz Wasilewski for United States Of Love (Pol-Swe), dir. Tomasz Wasilewski
Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution
Mark Lee Ping-bing for cinematography of Crosscurrent (China), dir. Yang Chao
Best First Feature Award (€50,000)
Hedi (Tun-Bel-Fr), Mohamed Ben Attia
Golden Bear for Best Short Film
Batrachian’s Ballad (Balada de um Batráquio), Leonor Teles, Portugal
Berlin Short Film Nominee for the EFAs
A Man Returned, Mahdi Fleifel (UK-Neth-Den)
Audi Short Film Award (€20,000)
Anchorage...
- 2/20/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
In an online free live stream conference the Asian Film Award Academy announced the list of nominees for the 10th Asian Film Awards. The Assassin (Taiwan) by Hsiao-Hsien Hou lead the list with 9 nominations (Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Original Music, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and Best Sound), Then comes Bajirao Mastani (India) by Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Best Film, Best Editing, Best Original Music, Best Costume Design and Best Visual Effects) and Port of Call (Hong Kong) by Philip Yung (Best Supporting Actress, Best Newcomer, Best Screenplay, Best Editing and Best Cinematography) with 5 nominations each. Mountains May Depart (China) by Jia Zhang Ke, Mr. Six (China) by Guan Hu and Veteran (South Korea) by Ryoo Seung-wan have 4 nominations each.
Best Film
The Assassin (Nie yin niang) by Hou Hsiao-Hsien
Hong Kong, China, Taiwan | 2015 Bajirao Mastani by Sanjay Leela Bhansali – India...
Best Film
The Assassin (Nie yin niang) by Hou Hsiao-Hsien
Hong Kong, China, Taiwan | 2015 Bajirao Mastani by Sanjay Leela Bhansali – India...
- 2/3/2016
- by Sebastian Nadilo
- AsianMoviePulse
Hou Hsiao-hsien’s The Assassin leads the nominations for the 10th Asian Film Awards with nine nods, followed by India’s Bajirao Mastani and Hong Kong’s Port Of Call with five apiece.
The Assassin, which won best director in Cannes last year, was nominated for best film, director, actress (Shu Qi), supporting actress (Zhou Yun), cinematography (Mark Lee Ping-bing) and four other technical categories.
Another sumptious period epic, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani, was also nominated for best film, along with best editing, original music, costume design and visual effects.
Philip Yung’s social drama Port Of Call, based on the true story of a mainland prostitute who was murdered in Hong Kong, picked up nods for best supporting actor (Michael Ning), newcomer (Jessie Li), screenplay, editing and Christopher Doyle’s cinematography.
Rounding out the best film category are Jia Zhangke’s Mountains May Depart (France-China); Hashiguchi Ryosuke’s Three Stories Of Love (Japan...
The Assassin, which won best director in Cannes last year, was nominated for best film, director, actress (Shu Qi), supporting actress (Zhou Yun), cinematography (Mark Lee Ping-bing) and four other technical categories.
Another sumptious period epic, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani, was also nominated for best film, along with best editing, original music, costume design and visual effects.
Philip Yung’s social drama Port Of Call, based on the true story of a mainland prostitute who was murdered in Hong Kong, picked up nods for best supporting actor (Michael Ning), newcomer (Jessie Li), screenplay, editing and Christopher Doyle’s cinematography.
Rounding out the best film category are Jia Zhangke’s Mountains May Depart (France-China); Hashiguchi Ryosuke’s Three Stories Of Love (Japan...
- 2/3/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Wang Bing, Adam Wong, Pema Tseden and Lav Diaz (pictured) among directors with projects in line-up.Scoll down for full line-up
The 14th Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) (March 14-16) has revealed its full line-up of 31 projects, including new works from renowned filmmakers such as Wang Bing, Pema Tseden and Lav Diaz as well as from new talents.
Hong Kong is well-represented with five projects, including The Way We Dance director Adam Wong’s new project Trains In The Night; 2012 Hong Kong Film Awards best new director Jessey Tsang’s erotic feature The Lady Improper; and Dot 2 Dot director Amos Why’s adaptation of award-winning suspense novel Napping Kid.
Other Chinese-language projects from Taiwan and China include Taiwan actress Rene Liu’s directorial debut Lieutenant Yi, which will be produced by her regular collaborator Sylvia Chang; new director Huang Zi’s From Black And White To Shades Of Grey, produced by Monga...
The 14th Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) (March 14-16) has revealed its full line-up of 31 projects, including new works from renowned filmmakers such as Wang Bing, Pema Tseden and Lav Diaz as well as from new talents.
Hong Kong is well-represented with five projects, including The Way We Dance director Adam Wong’s new project Trains In The Night; 2012 Hong Kong Film Awards best new director Jessey Tsang’s erotic feature The Lady Improper; and Dot 2 Dot director Amos Why’s adaptation of award-winning suspense novel Napping Kid.
Other Chinese-language projects from Taiwan and China include Taiwan actress Rene Liu’s directorial debut Lieutenant Yi, which will be produced by her regular collaborator Sylvia Chang; new director Huang Zi’s From Black And White To Shades Of Grey, produced by Monga...
- 1/18/2016
- ScreenDaily
The National Society of Film Critics has announced the winners of their annual awards and Tom McCarthy's "Spotlight" emerged as the Best Picture winner! In the acting categories, Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for "Creed" while the Best Actress award went to Charlotte Rampling for "45 Years."
Mark Rylance for "Bridge of Spies" took home the Best Supporting Actor trophy while Kristen Stewart for "Clouds of Sils Maria" won the Best Supporting Actress award! Way to go Kristen!
The National Society of Film Critics dedicated their meeting to pick the winners to the "late Richard Corliss, longtime critic at Time magazine, not just a writer of extraordinary intelligence, wit, and energy, but also a generous friend and colleague."
Here are the winners of the National Society of Film Critics awards (winners are bolded and includes the number of votes):
Best Actor:
*1. Michael B. Jordan (Creed) 29 points
Geza Rohrig...
Mark Rylance for "Bridge of Spies" took home the Best Supporting Actor trophy while Kristen Stewart for "Clouds of Sils Maria" won the Best Supporting Actress award! Way to go Kristen!
The National Society of Film Critics dedicated their meeting to pick the winners to the "late Richard Corliss, longtime critic at Time magazine, not just a writer of extraordinary intelligence, wit, and energy, but also a generous friend and colleague."
Here are the winners of the National Society of Film Critics awards (winners are bolded and includes the number of votes):
Best Actor:
*1. Michael B. Jordan (Creed) 29 points
Geza Rohrig...
- 1/5/2016
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The National Society Of Film Critics elected Tom McCarthy’s ensemble drama Best Picture of the Year 2015.
Michael B Jordan won best actor for Creed, Charlotte Rampling was named best actress for 45 Years and Todd Haynes won best director for Carol.
The 53-strong Society membership uses a weighted ballot system and held its 50th annual awards voting meeting on Sunday (Jan 3) at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Center as guests of the Film Society Of Lincoln Center.
Full results:
Best Actor
Michael B. Jordan (Creed) 29 pointsGeza Rohrig (Son Of Saul) 18Tom Courtenay (45 Years) 15
Best Actress
Charlotte Rampling (45 Years) 57Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn) 30Nina Hoss (Phoenix) 22
Best Supporting Actor
Mark Rylance (Bridge Of Spies) 56Michael Shannon (99 Homes) 16Sylvester Stallone (Creed) 14
Best Supporting Actress
Kristen Stewart (Clouds Of Sils Maria) 53Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina) 23Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs) 17
Elizabeth Banks (Love & Mercy) 17
Best Screenplay
Spotlight (Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy) 21Anomalisa (Charlie Kaufman) 15
The Big Short (Charles Randolph, Adam McKay) 15
Cinematography...
Michael B Jordan won best actor for Creed, Charlotte Rampling was named best actress for 45 Years and Todd Haynes won best director for Carol.
The 53-strong Society membership uses a weighted ballot system and held its 50th annual awards voting meeting on Sunday (Jan 3) at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Center as guests of the Film Society Of Lincoln Center.
Full results:
Best Actor
Michael B. Jordan (Creed) 29 pointsGeza Rohrig (Son Of Saul) 18Tom Courtenay (45 Years) 15
Best Actress
Charlotte Rampling (45 Years) 57Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn) 30Nina Hoss (Phoenix) 22
Best Supporting Actor
Mark Rylance (Bridge Of Spies) 56Michael Shannon (99 Homes) 16Sylvester Stallone (Creed) 14
Best Supporting Actress
Kristen Stewart (Clouds Of Sils Maria) 53Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina) 23Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs) 17
Elizabeth Banks (Love & Mercy) 17
Best Screenplay
Spotlight (Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy) 21Anomalisa (Charlie Kaufman) 15
The Big Short (Charles Randolph, Adam McKay) 15
Cinematography...
- 1/3/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
After singling out the great breakthrough performances of the year, it’s time to turn our eyes to the ensembles. Whether it’s a small supporting role or the leading gig, the decisions of a casting director are vital to a project’s success. This year saw a number of flawless casting line-ups, from overlooked dramas to some of 2015’s most-celebrated films. Check out our list of ten favorites and let us know yours in the comments below.
The Assassin
The Assassin is first and foremost a film belonging to Shu Qi — Hou Hsiao-hsien said as much when I interviewed him earlier this year — but a work of such lyricism requires more than one player. Because her Nie Yinniang floats over the film, always spoken of and most often appearing for the quick strike before receding, the fear that’s established by this picture’s co-stars — especially Chen Chang,...
The Assassin
The Assassin is first and foremost a film belonging to Shu Qi — Hou Hsiao-hsien said as much when I interviewed him earlier this year — but a work of such lyricism requires more than one player. Because her Nie Yinniang floats over the film, always spoken of and most often appearing for the quick strike before receding, the fear that’s established by this picture’s co-stars — especially Chen Chang,...
- 12/29/2015
- by TFS Staff
- The Film Stage
Online Critics Include Fassbender, Rampling, Stewart, Mara (Supporting!); Redmayne Missing in Action
Rooney Mara in 'Carol': Online Film Critics Awards' Best Supporting Actress nominee. With Cate Blanchett. Rooney Mara listed as supporting actress in Online Film Critics Society Award nominations The nominations for the 2015 Online Film Critics Society Awards have been announced. Although as much a lead in Todd Haynes' Carol as costar Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara has been shortlisted in the Best Supporting Actress category. The Weinstein Company's campaign, widely criticized for promoting awards season (particularly Oscar) category fraud, seems to be working. Yesterday, Mara was voted Best Supporting Actress at the New York Film Critics Online Awards. Not working so well is Focus Features' campaign for Tom Hooper's gender-bending biopic The Danish Girl. Long before the film's opening, pundits were asserting that this year's Best Actor Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) would be a shoo-in 2016 Best Actor Oscar nominee for playing Danish artist Einar Wegener,...
- 12/8/2015
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
The Assassin
Written by Zhong Acheng, T’ien-wen Chu, Hou Hsiao-Hsien Hai-Meng Hsieh
Directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien
Taiwan/China/Hong Kong, 2015
Those coming to The Assassin, the new wuxia from Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien (winner of the Best Director prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival), expecting an all-out action martial arts fest are in for a bit of a rude surprise. There certainly is action, and it carries considerable weight in the story. But rather than glorify the violence, the weight serves to magnify its importance and emphasize its effect upon those involved.
Hou’s lofty intentions are clear from the stunning prologue, in which gorgeous black and white photography introduces the ninth century Tang Dynasty setting. It also introduces Nie Yinniang (a superb Shu Qi), a woman who gets kidnapped at ten years old by nun Jiaxin (Sheu Fang-yi) and trained to be a brutal murderer,...
Written by Zhong Acheng, T’ien-wen Chu, Hou Hsiao-Hsien Hai-Meng Hsieh
Directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien
Taiwan/China/Hong Kong, 2015
Those coming to The Assassin, the new wuxia from Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien (winner of the Best Director prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival), expecting an all-out action martial arts fest are in for a bit of a rude surprise. There certainly is action, and it carries considerable weight in the story. But rather than glorify the violence, the weight serves to magnify its importance and emphasize its effect upon those involved.
Hou’s lofty intentions are clear from the stunning prologue, in which gorgeous black and white photography introduces the ninth century Tang Dynasty setting. It also introduces Nie Yinniang (a superb Shu Qi), a woman who gets kidnapped at ten years old by nun Jiaxin (Sheu Fang-yi) and trained to be a brutal murderer,...
- 10/13/2015
- by Max Bledstein
- SoundOnSight
Ewan McGregor, Jane Seymour, Malcolm McDowell and Hong Kong director Johnnie To among the guests set to attend the festival.Scroll down for competition titles
The line-up for the 69th Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff) has been unveiled this morning by new artistic director Mark Adams.
This year’s Eiff (June 17-28) will comprise 164 features from 36 countries, including 24 world premieres, eight international premieres, 16 European premieres and 84 UK premieres.
Highlights including the UK premiere of Asif Kapadia’s documentary Amy, about the life of singer Amy Winehouse; the latest Disney-Pixar animation Inside Out; Arnold Schwarzenegger in zombie drama Maggie; comedy The D-Train, starring Jack Black and James Marsden; and a biopic of The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Love & Mercy, in which John Cusack and Paul Dano play different aged versions of the musician.
Classic Screenings will include a rare outing for Noel Marshall’s Roar, a cult 1981 big cat movie.
Star power
This year’s Eiff will present...
The line-up for the 69th Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff) has been unveiled this morning by new artistic director Mark Adams.
This year’s Eiff (June 17-28) will comprise 164 features from 36 countries, including 24 world premieres, eight international premieres, 16 European premieres and 84 UK premieres.
Highlights including the UK premiere of Asif Kapadia’s documentary Amy, about the life of singer Amy Winehouse; the latest Disney-Pixar animation Inside Out; Arnold Schwarzenegger in zombie drama Maggie; comedy The D-Train, starring Jack Black and James Marsden; and a biopic of The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Love & Mercy, in which John Cusack and Paul Dano play different aged versions of the musician.
Classic Screenings will include a rare outing for Noel Marshall’s Roar, a cult 1981 big cat movie.
Star power
This year’s Eiff will present...
- 5/27/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The partners are moving ahead on their local-language co-production and Chinese remake of the rom-com in a move that will resonate with the global vision of new Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman Tom Rothman.
My Best Friend’s Wedding is scheduled to open in China on Valentine’s Day 2016 and stars Shu Qi, Feng Shaofeng, Song Qian aka Chinese singer and actress Victoria Song (pictured) and Ye Qing.
Alexi Tan of Blood Brothers and Color Me Love fame will direct and produce with his company Play Productions.
Principal photography is scheduled to commence in late July on location in London, Italy and Beijing.
My Best Friend’s Wedding centres on a journalist who sets off to London to visit her lifelong best friend and win his heart after he announces he is to be married to a wealthy Chinese girl.
Hong Jiu, Fu Linran and Tan co-wrote the screenplay.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Columbia Pictures on this...
My Best Friend’s Wedding is scheduled to open in China on Valentine’s Day 2016 and stars Shu Qi, Feng Shaofeng, Song Qian aka Chinese singer and actress Victoria Song (pictured) and Ye Qing.
Alexi Tan of Blood Brothers and Color Me Love fame will direct and produce with his company Play Productions.
Principal photography is scheduled to commence in late July on location in London, Italy and Beijing.
My Best Friend’s Wedding centres on a journalist who sets off to London to visit her lifelong best friend and win his heart after he announces he is to be married to a wealthy Chinese girl.
Hong Jiu, Fu Linran and Tan co-wrote the screenplay.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Columbia Pictures on this...
- 5/26/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Cannes — Even at a more civilized festival such as Cannes, it can be hard to catch every single movie in competition. There are always a few that will slip through the cracks and you can always count on the inevitable life drama moment to rear its ugly head. Unlike other festivals, Cannes has less repeat screenings across the board. That also makes things tough for one person to chronicle it all. With less than 24 hours left in the festival we’re happy to say we've been able to cover 10 Cannes selections in depth. Here are capsule reviews for another six selections you may still be curious about. [Expect full reviews of “Macbeth,” “The Little Prince” and “Chronic” by the end of the weekend as well as some thoughts on whether Oscar stepped out on la Croisette this year.] "Louder Than Bombs" Director: Joachim Trier Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Gabriel Byrne, Amy Ryan, Isabelle Huppert, David Strathairn, David Druid Reaction: Trier’s first English language film is sort of a mixed bag. On the one hand, he often has creative and new ideas on how to stage scenes.
- 5/22/2015
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
Neil Armfield.s Holding the Man, Simon Stone.s The Daughter, Jeremy Sims. Last Cab to Darwin and Jen Peedom.s feature doc Sherpa will have their world premieres at the Sydney Film Festival.
The festival program unveiled today includes 33 world premieres (including 22 shorts) and 135 Australian premieres (with 18 shorts) among 251 titles from 68 countries.
Among the other premieres will be Daina Reid.s The Secret River, Ruby Entertainment's. ABC-tv miniseries starring Oliver Jackson Cohen and Sarah Snook, and three Oz docs, Marc Eberle.s The Cambodian Space Project — Not Easy Rock .n. Roll, Steve Thomas. Freedom Stories and Lisa Nicol.s Wide Open Sky.
Festival director Nashen Moodley boasted. this year.s event will be far larger than 2014's when 183 films from 47 countries were screened, including 15 world premieres. The expansion is possible in part due to the addition of two new screening venues in Newtown and Liverpool.
As previously announced, Brendan Cowell...
The festival program unveiled today includes 33 world premieres (including 22 shorts) and 135 Australian premieres (with 18 shorts) among 251 titles from 68 countries.
Among the other premieres will be Daina Reid.s The Secret River, Ruby Entertainment's. ABC-tv miniseries starring Oliver Jackson Cohen and Sarah Snook, and three Oz docs, Marc Eberle.s The Cambodian Space Project — Not Easy Rock .n. Roll, Steve Thomas. Freedom Stories and Lisa Nicol.s Wide Open Sky.
Festival director Nashen Moodley boasted. this year.s event will be far larger than 2014's when 183 films from 47 countries were screened, including 15 world premieres. The expansion is possible in part due to the addition of two new screening venues in Newtown and Liverpool.
As previously announced, Brendan Cowell...
- 5/6/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The 19th Busan International Film Festival opened Thursday with Taiwanese war drama Paradise in Service, and director Doze Niu hopes his film, set amid Taiwan's 1960s-1970s military conflict with Mainland China, will help shed light on the two sides' relationship today. "Taiwan broke off from China in 1949 and many problems that emerged at the time have yet to be solved," said the Taiwanese director, whose previous film Love was a box-office success in Taiwan and China, earning a total $33 million. Read more Ferry Disaster Victims' Families Urge Busan to Cancel Documentary Screening "There have been
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- 10/2/2014
- by Lee Hyo-won
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 19th Busan International Film Festival (Biff) will open on Oct. 2 with the international premiere of Paradise in Service, a Taiwanese war romance directed by Doze Niu and produced by Hou Hsiao-Hsien. The film by the director of Love and Monga is about a young soldier's struggles amid military conflicts between China and Taiwan in the 1960s-'70s. The film's portrayal of modern history of evocative of 1980s New Wave Taiwanese films, as it depicts the pain of separated families and women's issues such as prostitution within military camps. Biff, which will run through Oct. 11 in the
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- 9/2/2014
- by Lee Hyo-won
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Once again the publicist/ producer Richard Lormand has made his picks for the Venice Film Festival. His choices invariably are top-notch and his notes on the films show a deep love for his work. I always gravitate toward his films, as I often gravitate toward others’, both publicists and critics, whom I know to be the best. Why? Because we tend to like the same films.
By Richard Lormand
Greetings Venice-bound (or not) Film Lovers!
Here’s what’s going on with us at this year’s Mostra del Cinema on the Venice Lido…
"Dearest"(Qui’ Ai De) is a powerhouse of emotion. The ensemble cast represents some of China’s finest acting talents – leading actresses Zhao Wei and Hao Lei and actors Huang Bo, Tong Dawei and Zhang Yi all give knockout performances. Director Peter Ho-Sun Chan has made such an intriguing film from newspaper headlines – children gone missing, searching for them, dealing with the loss and sometimes dealing with finding them again. These incidents might not be new, but "Dearest" fascinated me because of thevery original and respectful treatment of this material by its astute writer-director. I really didn’t know where I was being taken. But I liked each new path in this heartbreaking journey of a movie. I felt every one of this film’s thousands of carefully constructed emotional moments. And Zhao Wei’s performance as the foster mother:wow!
"Ich Seh Ich Seh" ("Goodnight Mommy") is a real discovery. It’s clever, playful and it’s really good filmmaking. It’s horror, it’s European art house, it’s Austrian. And produced by bad boy director himself Ulrich Seidl. And it’s a first feature co-directed by sort of an odd pairing – not really related, not a romantic couple. But Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala definitely got something going (talent, intelligence and a passion for cinema) with their mix because the results are all over the screen. I won’t pitch you the horror scenes, but they are real fun and mean like they should be. But what really struck me about this film is that it is so amazingly gorgeous. Such a consistent impeccable taste in all that is beautiful, even the ugly. Oh, the cornfields, the forest. Mom’s bruised and bandaged face and head. Those mischievous twin boys. (By the way, “Ich Seh” is the child’s game “I Spy.” "Ich Seh Ich Seh" because of the twin boys. "Goodnight Mommy" because… Well, you’ll see.)
"The Cut" is Fatih Akin’s much anticipated new feature. It was destined to be controversial in some way or another because of the material, Fatih himself, so many possible reasons. And here it is finally. It’s without a doubt an epic – a big topic, big crowd scenes, wide open spaces, world travels. But "The Cut" is a very intimate epic about a man alone. A man who cheats the Armenian genocide, but sometimes survival is simply not enough. He will only live again through the search for his twin daughters. I admire how Fatih Akin courageously focused on the human side – the blood, sweat and tears - of this potent political subject matter. Fatih’s hero is Nazaret, a sort of Armenian “Everyman”, incarnated by Tahar Rahim whose face tells so many stories without words. Equally remarkable are "The Cut’s" production values. I was especially moved by the haunting beauty of the Armenian shanty town, backdrop for one of Fatih’s boldest scenes, one of many. Still flashing in my mind’s eye: Nazaret watching Chaplin on screen is such a fine Fatih Akin moment of cinema. And the title reference scene in the desert is Fatih Akin intensity like no one else’s.
"Altman" is such an enjoyable and informative documentary about the career of late great Robert Altman. I was very surprised. I see a lot of short, medium and feature-length films about directors, and sadly, I am usually disappointed by something. But Ron Mann’s "Altman" satisfied my bio-doc needs: strong linear structure, interesting archival footage, good interviews and narration and no abuse of movie excerpts. "Altman" actually relies on its own solid research and editorial savvy to remain captivating for 95 minutes. Altman’s wife, Kathryn Reed Altman, served as a consultant on the production and her intermittent narration add both credibility and heart to the film. Not only did I learn some things about Robert Altman, the film made me feel like I even got to know him a bit personally. And it’s a great feeling to think about his films: "Mash," "Short Cuts", "Nashville" "The Player"… "Altman" actually made me want to go back and see all of his movies again. Now that’s what I call an homage to a filmmaker.
"Tsili" is Amos Gitai’s latest exploration of cinematographic language, another manifestation of his passion for cinema. Inspired by an Aharon Appelfield novel in Yiddish, "Tsili" is one of the rare instances when Yiddish is heard in a movie. Young Jewish woman Tsili, hiding out in a Central European forest with the sounds of WWII not so far away, is actually played by three different women in Gitai’s film. Once again, actress Sarah Adler ("Jellyfish" proves that she’s got one of the most beguiling screen presences around today. I loved the visual and emotional treatment of Tsili’s nest. For such sad and lonely subject matter, "Tsili" actually feels quite celebratory. A celebration of life and cinema. "Tsili" is another fine example that Amos Gitai is both an innovator who breaks the rules and a fierce defender of the traditions of pure cinema. He has played not only an essential role in Israeli cinema history, but also in European and international cinema.
"Bypass" is UK writer-director Duane Hopkins’ second film. He previously made the acclaimed "Better Things" (Cannes 2008 – Critics Week). Similarly in "Bypass," this young filmmaker continues to show a real talent for balancing bleakness and hope. I was particularly struck by the aesthetics of "Bypass," as I’m quite sure you will be too. "Bypass" is simply gorgeous to look at. It’s a true example of artistry applied to film. But Duane doesn’t sacrifice his love of the characters for the sake of the film’s beauty. Everything is centered around the outstanding leading performance by George MacKay as troubled Tim who works part-time as a criminal to keep his family afloat. MacKay’s Tim is calmly tense and fascinating to watch. As Tim’s situation becomes more dangerous, Duane shows a knack for crime genre. But just as important – perhaps even more – is Tim’s love for Lilly. It’s as if lovely actress Charlotte Spencer actually incarnated love and hope on the screen.
Quick note: I return to the Toronto Film Festival this year with four films: Christian Petzold’s "Phoenix", Ole Christian Madsen’s "Itsi Bitsi," Bent Hamer’s "1001 Grams" and Danis Tanovic’s "Tigers." More on these Toronto world premieres soon.
By Richard Lormand
Greetings Venice-bound (or not) Film Lovers!
Here’s what’s going on with us at this year’s Mostra del Cinema on the Venice Lido…
"Dearest"(Qui’ Ai De) is a powerhouse of emotion. The ensemble cast represents some of China’s finest acting talents – leading actresses Zhao Wei and Hao Lei and actors Huang Bo, Tong Dawei and Zhang Yi all give knockout performances. Director Peter Ho-Sun Chan has made such an intriguing film from newspaper headlines – children gone missing, searching for them, dealing with the loss and sometimes dealing with finding them again. These incidents might not be new, but "Dearest" fascinated me because of thevery original and respectful treatment of this material by its astute writer-director. I really didn’t know where I was being taken. But I liked each new path in this heartbreaking journey of a movie. I felt every one of this film’s thousands of carefully constructed emotional moments. And Zhao Wei’s performance as the foster mother:wow!
"Ich Seh Ich Seh" ("Goodnight Mommy") is a real discovery. It’s clever, playful and it’s really good filmmaking. It’s horror, it’s European art house, it’s Austrian. And produced by bad boy director himself Ulrich Seidl. And it’s a first feature co-directed by sort of an odd pairing – not really related, not a romantic couple. But Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala definitely got something going (talent, intelligence and a passion for cinema) with their mix because the results are all over the screen. I won’t pitch you the horror scenes, but they are real fun and mean like they should be. But what really struck me about this film is that it is so amazingly gorgeous. Such a consistent impeccable taste in all that is beautiful, even the ugly. Oh, the cornfields, the forest. Mom’s bruised and bandaged face and head. Those mischievous twin boys. (By the way, “Ich Seh” is the child’s game “I Spy.” "Ich Seh Ich Seh" because of the twin boys. "Goodnight Mommy" because… Well, you’ll see.)
"The Cut" is Fatih Akin’s much anticipated new feature. It was destined to be controversial in some way or another because of the material, Fatih himself, so many possible reasons. And here it is finally. It’s without a doubt an epic – a big topic, big crowd scenes, wide open spaces, world travels. But "The Cut" is a very intimate epic about a man alone. A man who cheats the Armenian genocide, but sometimes survival is simply not enough. He will only live again through the search for his twin daughters. I admire how Fatih Akin courageously focused on the human side – the blood, sweat and tears - of this potent political subject matter. Fatih’s hero is Nazaret, a sort of Armenian “Everyman”, incarnated by Tahar Rahim whose face tells so many stories without words. Equally remarkable are "The Cut’s" production values. I was especially moved by the haunting beauty of the Armenian shanty town, backdrop for one of Fatih’s boldest scenes, one of many. Still flashing in my mind’s eye: Nazaret watching Chaplin on screen is such a fine Fatih Akin moment of cinema. And the title reference scene in the desert is Fatih Akin intensity like no one else’s.
"Altman" is such an enjoyable and informative documentary about the career of late great Robert Altman. I was very surprised. I see a lot of short, medium and feature-length films about directors, and sadly, I am usually disappointed by something. But Ron Mann’s "Altman" satisfied my bio-doc needs: strong linear structure, interesting archival footage, good interviews and narration and no abuse of movie excerpts. "Altman" actually relies on its own solid research and editorial savvy to remain captivating for 95 minutes. Altman’s wife, Kathryn Reed Altman, served as a consultant on the production and her intermittent narration add both credibility and heart to the film. Not only did I learn some things about Robert Altman, the film made me feel like I even got to know him a bit personally. And it’s a great feeling to think about his films: "Mash," "Short Cuts", "Nashville" "The Player"… "Altman" actually made me want to go back and see all of his movies again. Now that’s what I call an homage to a filmmaker.
"Tsili" is Amos Gitai’s latest exploration of cinematographic language, another manifestation of his passion for cinema. Inspired by an Aharon Appelfield novel in Yiddish, "Tsili" is one of the rare instances when Yiddish is heard in a movie. Young Jewish woman Tsili, hiding out in a Central European forest with the sounds of WWII not so far away, is actually played by three different women in Gitai’s film. Once again, actress Sarah Adler ("Jellyfish" proves that she’s got one of the most beguiling screen presences around today. I loved the visual and emotional treatment of Tsili’s nest. For such sad and lonely subject matter, "Tsili" actually feels quite celebratory. A celebration of life and cinema. "Tsili" is another fine example that Amos Gitai is both an innovator who breaks the rules and a fierce defender of the traditions of pure cinema. He has played not only an essential role in Israeli cinema history, but also in European and international cinema.
"Bypass" is UK writer-director Duane Hopkins’ second film. He previously made the acclaimed "Better Things" (Cannes 2008 – Critics Week). Similarly in "Bypass," this young filmmaker continues to show a real talent for balancing bleakness and hope. I was particularly struck by the aesthetics of "Bypass," as I’m quite sure you will be too. "Bypass" is simply gorgeous to look at. It’s a true example of artistry applied to film. But Duane doesn’t sacrifice his love of the characters for the sake of the film’s beauty. Everything is centered around the outstanding leading performance by George MacKay as troubled Tim who works part-time as a criminal to keep his family afloat. MacKay’s Tim is calmly tense and fascinating to watch. As Tim’s situation becomes more dangerous, Duane shows a knack for crime genre. But just as important – perhaps even more – is Tim’s love for Lilly. It’s as if lovely actress Charlotte Spencer actually incarnated love and hope on the screen.
Quick note: I return to the Toronto Film Festival this year with four films: Christian Petzold’s "Phoenix", Ole Christian Madsen’s "Itsi Bitsi," Bent Hamer’s "1001 Grams" and Danis Tanovic’s "Tigers." More on these Toronto world premieres soon.
- 8/26/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The 39th Toronto International Film Festival has announced its initial slate of galas and special presentations, which includes 37 world premieres and several films with Oscar ambitions. The Judge, which stars Robert Downey Jr. as a big-city lawyer who reluctantly returns home and ends up defending his revered father (Robert Duvall) against criminal charges, will have its world premiere in Toronto. His Avengers pal, Chris Evans, will unveil his own directorial debut in Toronto, titled Before We Go.
Also noteworthy: James Gandolfini’s final film, The Drop, which also stars Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace; another Jason Reitman Toronto world premiere,...
Also noteworthy: James Gandolfini’s final film, The Drop, which also stars Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace; another Jason Reitman Toronto world premiere,...
- 7/22/2014
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW - Inside Movies
The Toronto International Film Festival announced its initial wave of 2014 premieres and galas this morning and it features some familiar awards titles, some big stars and some unexpected studio titles. Among the major studio films, David Dobkin's "The Judge" with Robert Downey Jr. and Antoine Fuqua's "The Equalizer" each received gala slots and should premiere over the festival's opening weekend. Other announced galas so far include Bennett Miller's acclaimed "Foxcatcher," which debuted at Cannes, and Mike Binder's "Black and White" starring Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer and Anthony Mackie. Toronto has also scheduled special gala screenings for David Cronenberg's "Map to the Stars" with Julianne Moore and Robert Pattinson, François Ozon's "The New Girlfriend," Ed Zwick's "Pawn Sacrifice" with Tobey Maguire, Lone Scherfig's "The Riot Club," Jean-Marc Vallée's "Wild," Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano's "Samba" and Shawn Levy's "This is Where I Leave You...
- 7/22/2014
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
Exclusive: Sales powerhouse also takes on Bertrand Bonello’s Paris Is Happening and Andrew Dominik’s Blonde.
Wild Bunch has picked up sales on the Selma Hayek-produced Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet ahead of its special presentation in Cannes.
Based on the inspirational poem by early 20th century, Lebanese writer Kahlil Gibran, the high profile adaptation is currently in post-production.
Hayek will present a work-in-progress in Cannes’ Official Selection on May 17. The actress also features in the voice cast alongside Liam Neeson, John Krasinski, Frank Langella, Alfred Molina and Quvenzhané Wallis.
The animated, portmanteau picture features the work of Roger Allers, Tomm Moore, Tichal Socha, Joan Gratz, Nina Paley, Joann Sfar, Bill Plympton, Mohammed Harib, and Paul and Gaetan Brizzi, who will all also be present at the event.
Other late additions to Wild Bunch’s slate include Paris Is Happening by Bertrand Bonello who is in competition with Saint Laurent.
The film kicks...
Wild Bunch has picked up sales on the Selma Hayek-produced Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet ahead of its special presentation in Cannes.
Based on the inspirational poem by early 20th century, Lebanese writer Kahlil Gibran, the high profile adaptation is currently in post-production.
Hayek will present a work-in-progress in Cannes’ Official Selection on May 17. The actress also features in the voice cast alongside Liam Neeson, John Krasinski, Frank Langella, Alfred Molina and Quvenzhané Wallis.
The animated, portmanteau picture features the work of Roger Allers, Tomm Moore, Tichal Socha, Joan Gratz, Nina Paley, Joann Sfar, Bill Plympton, Mohammed Harib, and Paul and Gaetan Brizzi, who will all also be present at the event.
Other late additions to Wild Bunch’s slate include Paris Is Happening by Bertrand Bonello who is in competition with Saint Laurent.
The film kicks...
- 5/14/2014
- ScreenDaily
Fully realizing its underdog appeal, the cheeky musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder slayed the competition this morning with a whopping 10 Tony nominations, including nods for both of its tireless leading men, Jefferson Mays and Bryce Pinkham. Neil Patrick Harris’ return to Broadway after a decade yielded him his first-ever Tony nomination for the celebrated revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which netted an impressive eight nods. (Had it been eligible as a new musical, Hedwig probably would have easily tied Guide, as score and book would have been slam dunks). Trailing these shows with seven...
- 4/29/2014
- by Jason Clark
- EW.com - PopWatch
Exclusive: Taiwanese star Richie Jen has attended Filmart to promote his directorial debut, All You Need Is Love, in which he stars with Shu Qi.
Produced by Taiwan’s Power Generation Entertainment and Shangri La Music, the film tells the story of a man who returns home to Penghu Island to open a bed & breakfast and look after his younger brother, but discovers that he faces losing the family home and property. Shu Qi plays a writer who turns up on the island to solve a mystery involving her mother.
Jen and Shu Qi are both Taiwanese actors who became famous working in the Hong Kong and mainland China film industries, but are finding more reasons to return home recently due to the recent production boom in Taiwan.
Jen recently starred in Arvin Chen’s Taipei-set Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?.
Produced by Taiwan’s Power Generation Entertainment and Shangri La Music, the film tells the story of a man who returns home to Penghu Island to open a bed & breakfast and look after his younger brother, but discovers that he faces losing the family home and property. Shu Qi plays a writer who turns up on the island to solve a mystery involving her mother.
Jen and Shu Qi are both Taiwanese actors who became famous working in the Hong Kong and mainland China film industries, but are finding more reasons to return home recently due to the recent production boom in Taiwan.
Jen recently starred in Arvin Chen’s Taipei-set Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?.
- 3/25/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Wong Kar Wai’s The Grandmaster scooped the most nominations for this year’s Asian Film Awards with 11 nods, followed by Bong Joon Ho’s Snowpiercer with five.
Nominations for The Grandmaster included best film, best director, best actor (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), best actress (Zhang Ziyi), best screenwriter and best cinemtographer (see full list below). Snowpiercer’s nominations included best film, best director, best screenwriter, best production designer and best costume designer.
Also nominated for best film are Chinese director Ning Hao’s No Man’s Land, which is screening at the Berlin film festival, The Great Passage from Japan, The Lunchbox from India and Taiwan’s Stray Dogs.
Rounding out the best director category are Stray Dogs director Tsai Ming-liang, Singapore’s Anthony Chen for Ilo Ilo and Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda for Like Father, Like Son.
Multiple nominees also included No Man’s Land, Stray Dogs, Cold Eyes and Rigor Mortis which each picked up four...
Nominations for The Grandmaster included best film, best director, best actor (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), best actress (Zhang Ziyi), best screenwriter and best cinemtographer (see full list below). Snowpiercer’s nominations included best film, best director, best screenwriter, best production designer and best costume designer.
Also nominated for best film are Chinese director Ning Hao’s No Man’s Land, which is screening at the Berlin film festival, The Great Passage from Japan, The Lunchbox from India and Taiwan’s Stray Dogs.
Rounding out the best director category are Stray Dogs director Tsai Ming-liang, Singapore’s Anthony Chen for Ilo Ilo and Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda for Like Father, Like Son.
Multiple nominees also included No Man’s Land, Stray Dogs, Cold Eyes and Rigor Mortis which each picked up four...
- 2/11/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
“Tiny Times” has been somewhat of a phenomenon over in China, originating as a trilogy of extremely popular novels from writer Guo Jingming, first published back in 2008 and following the experiences of a group of four female friends in Shanghai. Guo himself now brings the romance and drama of his books to the screen, serving as writer, director and narrator on the adaptations, perhaps marking the series as some kind of exercise in commercially minded auteurship. Despite a decidedly mixed reception from the critics and members of the public, the first instalment was a massive hit at the Chinese box office, which resulted in the release of its sequel being pushed forward to cash in on its considerable success. The film revolves around four friends at university in Shanghai – supposed ‘ordinary girl’ Lin Xiao (Mini Yang, “The Bullet Vanishes”), the wealthy and business-minded Lily (Amber Kuo, “Au Revoir Taipei”), arty Nan Xiang (Haden Kuo,...
- 2/4/2014
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave to open festival; director Peter Greenaway to receive Visionary Award.Scroll down for full line-up
Steve McQueen’s historic drama 12 Years a Slave is to open the Stockholm International Film Festival (Nov 6-17) and is nominated in the Stockholm Xxiv Competition.
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, the drama about free black man kidnapped from his family and sold into slavery in the 1850s debuted at Telluride and has received positive reactions throughout its festival tour of Toronto, New York and London among others.
It will be released in Sweden on Dec 20 by Ab Svensk Filmindustri.
Screenwriter John Ridley, who will be present during the festival, is nominated for the Aluminum Horse in the category Best Script.
McQueen’s Hunger won Best Directorial Debut at Stockholm in 2008.
Line-up
The 24th Siff includes more than 180 films from more than 50 countries.
As previously announced, the spotlight of this year’s festival is freedom but Chinese artist...
Steve McQueen’s historic drama 12 Years a Slave is to open the Stockholm International Film Festival (Nov 6-17) and is nominated in the Stockholm Xxiv Competition.
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, the drama about free black man kidnapped from his family and sold into slavery in the 1850s debuted at Telluride and has received positive reactions throughout its festival tour of Toronto, New York and London among others.
It will be released in Sweden on Dec 20 by Ab Svensk Filmindustri.
Screenwriter John Ridley, who will be present during the festival, is nominated for the Aluminum Horse in the category Best Script.
McQueen’s Hunger won Best Directorial Debut at Stockholm in 2008.
Line-up
The 24th Siff includes more than 180 films from more than 50 countries.
As previously announced, the spotlight of this year’s festival is freedom but Chinese artist...
- 10/22/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
“So Young” sees Chinese actress Zhao Wei stepping behind the camera to make her directorial debut, backed by veteran producer Stanley Kwan (“Rouge”, “Centre Stage”). For her first outing as helmer, the popular “Red Cliff” and “Painted Skin: The Resurrection” star chose to adapt a novel by Xin Yiwu, which follows a collection of friends as they experience love and loss at college and then again in later life. A surprise smash hit at the domestic box office (and recently having been chosen to screen at the 2013 London Film Festival), the film has a top ensemble cast of appropriately youthful talent, headed by Yang Zishan (“In Case of Love”), Mark Chao (“Caught in the Web”) and singer Han Geng (“My Kingdom”). The film begins in the mid-1990s, with Yang Zishan as Zheng Wei, a small town girl who heads to a big city university with hopes of reuniting with...
- 9/24/2013
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
Browse all the sections of the 57th London Film Festival (Oct 9-20) including the galas, competition titles and individual sections.
Alphabetical list of titles by section including feature premiere status
Wp = Wp
Ep = European Premiere
IP = International Premiere
UK = UK Premiere
Gala’s
Opening Night
Captain Phillips, Paul Greengrass (Us) Ep
Closing Night
Saving Mr Banks, John Lee Hancock (Us/UK) Ep
Philomena, Stephen Frears (UK) UK12 Years A Slave, Steve Mcqueen (UK) EPGravity, Alfonso Cuaron (Us) UKInside Llewyn Davis, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen (Us) UKLabor Day, Jason Reitman (Us) EPThe Invisible Woman, Ralph Fiennes (UK), EPThe Epic Of Everest, John Noel (UK) WPBlue Is The Warmest Colour, Abdellatif Kechiche (France) UKNight Moves, Kelly Reichardt (Us) UKStranger By The Lake, Alain Guiraudie (France) UKDon Jon, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Us) UKMystery Road, Ivan Sen (Australia) UKOnly Lovers Left Alive, Jim Jarmusch (Us) UKNebraska, Alexander Payne (Us) UKWe Are The Best!, Lukas Moodysson (Sweden) EPFoosball 3D, Juan Jose Campanella (Argentina...
Alphabetical list of titles by section including feature premiere status
Wp = Wp
Ep = European Premiere
IP = International Premiere
UK = UK Premiere
Gala’s
Opening Night
Captain Phillips, Paul Greengrass (Us) Ep
Closing Night
Saving Mr Banks, John Lee Hancock (Us/UK) Ep
Philomena, Stephen Frears (UK) UK12 Years A Slave, Steve Mcqueen (UK) EPGravity, Alfonso Cuaron (Us) UKInside Llewyn Davis, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen (Us) UKLabor Day, Jason Reitman (Us) EPThe Invisible Woman, Ralph Fiennes (UK), EPThe Epic Of Everest, John Noel (UK) WPBlue Is The Warmest Colour, Abdellatif Kechiche (France) UKNight Moves, Kelly Reichardt (Us) UKStranger By The Lake, Alain Guiraudie (France) UKDon Jon, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Us) UKMystery Road, Ivan Sen (Australia) UKOnly Lovers Left Alive, Jim Jarmusch (Us) UKNebraska, Alexander Payne (Us) UKWe Are The Best!, Lukas Moodysson (Sweden) EPFoosball 3D, Juan Jose Campanella (Argentina...
- 9/4/2013
- ScreenDaily
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed its 276-member-strong class of 2013.
The list, published by The Hollywood Reporter, includes actors, cinematographers, designers, directors, documentarians, executives, film editors, makeup artists and hairstylists, "members-at-large," musicians, producers, PR folks, short filmmakers and animators, sound technicians, visual effects artists, and writers.
Jason Bateman, Rosario Dawson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Milla Jovovich, Lucy Liu, Jennifer Lopez, Emily Mortimer, Sandra Oh, Jason Schwartzman, and Michael Peña are among the roster of actors, while "The Heat" and "Bridesmaids" helmer Paul Feig made the directors' cut.
"We did not change our criteria at all," says Academy president Hawk Koch of this year's larger-than-usual class. "Yes, this year there is a tremendous amount of women, a tremendous amount of people of color, people from all walks of life. This year, we asked the branches to look at everybody who wasn't in the Academy but who deserved to be.
The list, published by The Hollywood Reporter, includes actors, cinematographers, designers, directors, documentarians, executives, film editors, makeup artists and hairstylists, "members-at-large," musicians, producers, PR folks, short filmmakers and animators, sound technicians, visual effects artists, and writers.
Jason Bateman, Rosario Dawson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Milla Jovovich, Lucy Liu, Jennifer Lopez, Emily Mortimer, Sandra Oh, Jason Schwartzman, and Michael Peña are among the roster of actors, while "The Heat" and "Bridesmaids" helmer Paul Feig made the directors' cut.
"We did not change our criteria at all," says Academy president Hawk Koch of this year's larger-than-usual class. "Yes, this year there is a tremendous amount of women, a tremendous amount of people of color, people from all walks of life. This year, we asked the branches to look at everybody who wasn't in the Academy but who deserved to be.
- 7/4/2013
- by Laura Larson
- Moviefone
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today the 276 members of the entertainment industry invited to join organization. The list includes actors, directors, documentarians, executives, film editors, producers and more. Of those listed below, those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy's membership in 2013. "These individuals are among the best filmmakers working in the industry today," said Academy President Hawk Koch in a press release. "Their talent and creativity have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, and I am proud to welcome each of them to the Academy." Koch also told Variety, "In the past eight or nine years, each branch could only bring in X amount of members. There were people each branch would have liked to get in but couldn't. We asked them to be more inclusive of the best of the best, and each branch was excited, because they got...
- 6/28/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The Academy just added 276 Oscar voters.
That’s 100 more than last year, and part of an easing of a longstanding cap on the number of new members allowed to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences each year.
AMPAS usually adds between 130 and 180 new members, replacing those who have quit or passed away. The membership now stands around 6,000.
Jason Bateman, Jennifer Lopez, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emmanuelle Riva, and Chris Tucker are among the actors who have been invited to join, the organization announced today.
Other interesting additions: the musician Prince, Girls and Tiny Furniture writer/director/actress Lena Dunham,...
That’s 100 more than last year, and part of an easing of a longstanding cap on the number of new members allowed to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences each year.
AMPAS usually adds between 130 and 180 new members, replacing those who have quit or passed away. The membership now stands around 6,000.
Jason Bateman, Jennifer Lopez, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emmanuelle Riva, and Chris Tucker are among the actors who have been invited to join, the organization announced today.
Other interesting additions: the musician Prince, Girls and Tiny Furniture writer/director/actress Lena Dunham,...
- 6/28/2013
- by Anthony Breznican
- EW - Inside Movies
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 276 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2013.
“These individuals are among the best filmmakers working in the industry today,” said Academy President Hawk Koch. “Their talent and creativity have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, and I am proud to welcome each of them to the Academy.”
The 2013 invitees are:
Actors
Jason Bateman – “Up in the Air,” “Juno”
Miriam Colon – “City of Hope,” “Scarface”
Rosario Dawson – “Rent,” “Frank Miller’s Sin City”
Kimberly Elise – “For Colored Girls,” “Beloved”
Joseph Gordon-Levitt – “Lincoln,” “The Dark Knight Rises”
Charles Grodin – “Midnight Run,” “The Heartbreak Kid”
Rebecca Hall – “Iron Man 3,” “The Town”
Lance Henriksen – “Aliens,” “The Terminator”
Jack Huston – “Not Fade Away,” “Factory Girl”
Milla Jovovich – “Resident Evil,...
“These individuals are among the best filmmakers working in the industry today,” said Academy President Hawk Koch. “Their talent and creativity have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, and I am proud to welcome each of them to the Academy.”
The 2013 invitees are:
Actors
Jason Bateman – “Up in the Air,” “Juno”
Miriam Colon – “City of Hope,” “Scarface”
Rosario Dawson – “Rent,” “Frank Miller’s Sin City”
Kimberly Elise – “For Colored Girls,” “Beloved”
Joseph Gordon-Levitt – “Lincoln,” “The Dark Knight Rises”
Charles Grodin – “Midnight Run,” “The Heartbreak Kid”
Rebecca Hall – “Iron Man 3,” “The Town”
Lance Henriksen – “Aliens,” “The Terminator”
Jack Huston – “Not Fade Away,” “Factory Girl”
Milla Jovovich – “Resident Evil,...
- 6/28/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
For anyone who hasn’t seen “Tai Chi 0”, there are spoilers in the following review. Stephen Fung’s steampunk-martial arts epic “Tai Chi” continues with “Tai Chi Hero”, released hot on the heels of “Tai Chi 0”, with the third instalment apparently not due until 2014. Again directed by Fung and written and produced by Chen Kuo Fu (“Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame”, “Aftershock”), the film was shot in 3D back to back with the first outing, and continues the tale of Lu Chan (aka ‘The Freak’) as he tries to learn the Chen village Tai Chi and control his explosive inner strength. All of the original cast return, with real life Olympic gold medal-winning wushu champion Yuan Xiaochao, Angelababy (“First Time”), Fang Zijing (Eddie Peng, “Love”) and veteran favourite (Tony Leung Ka Fai, “Election”) again headlining, joined by newcomers William Feng (“Painted Skin: The Resurrection...
- 1/22/2013
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
Awards season has begun in Asia, with the nominees for the 49th Golden Horse Awards announced in Taipei this evening. Leading the pack is Yang Ya Che's period coming-of-age tale, Gf * Bf, and Lou Ye's Mystery, which both garnered seven nominations, and Doze Niu's Love with five. There was also a strong showing of Hong Kong talent, with Johnnie To's Life Without Principle being named in six categories and Pang Ho Cheung's Vulgaria bagging three noms. Also, kudos to Chapman To, who is nominated in both the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories, for Vulgaria and Heiward Mak's Diva respectively. The 49th Golden Horse Awards will be presented on Saturday, 24 November 2012.Here's the full list of nominees:Best Feature Film Beijing Blues Mystery...
- 10/2/2012
- Screen Anarchy
“First Time” is a Chinese youth romance offering and a remake of the 2003 Korean film “…ing”, helmed by Han Yan, whose part of the 2008 collection “Winds of September” ended up being refused release by the Chinese censors. The director is definitely on much safer ground here, teaming with noted producer William Kong (“Secret”, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”) and popular young stars actress model Angelababy (“Love in Space”) and Taiwanese actor Mark Chao (“Love”). The great-looking and surprisingly complicated film also has an eclectic supporting cast, including Jiang Shan, Tian Yuan (“Butterfly”) and Bai Baihe (“Love is Not Blind”), with American-Taiwanese singer and songwriter Cindy Yen making her big screen debut, and Mark Chao’s own real-life father, Allen Chao putting in an appearance. The film has a cassette tape style structure, Side A beginning by following Angelababy as Shiqiao, a college student with a terminal disease that means she can’t do anything too strenuous.
- 8/14/2012
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
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