THE 36TH ISTANBUL FILM FESTIVAL ON 5-15 APRIL

Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), Turkey’s biggest international cinema eventIstanbul Film Festival is getting ready to meet cinema lovers for the 36th time. The 36th Istanbul Film Festival, with a roster comprising highlights from Turkey and world cinema will take place between
5 and 15 April.

The Istanbul Film Festival presents a rich programme in its 36th edition as ever, running a gamut from the latest productions of world cinema to cult films, most recent Turkish films, and classics, new discoveries, masterpieces, and hidden treasures. The festival hosts 186 feature films, as well as 17 short films in 21 different categories and in addition to the screening of a total of 203 films by 207 directors from 61 countries, Q&As andfestival talks with guest filmmakers, concerts, and other special events.

The 36th Istanbul Film Festival Press Conference

The press conference of the 36th Istanbul Film Festival was held on Tuesday morning, 14 March at The Marmara Hotel Taksim, the Official Hotel Sponsor of İKSV. İKSV General Director Görgün Taner and Istanbul Film Festival Director Kerem Ayan hosted the conference.

In his opening speech, İKSV General Director Görgün Taner said: “The 36th Istanbul Film Festival will be the first festival that the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts will be realising in 2017. With its carefully designed sections and rich programme, the Festival will once again offer its viewers opportunities to explore the most unique examples of cinema from Turkey and abroad. We will also continue our contributions to the development of the film industry in Turkey with the Meetings on the Bridge workshops and awards. This year for the first time, we will offer 1 TL tickets for students, for daytime screenings on weekdays. This way we hope to increase the accessibility of the festival to students, and we invite all students to our screenings. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the patrons who enable this opportunity, as well as the corporations that support the festival awards with monetary contributions, all our sponsors, international collaborators, and all public institutions, including Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism who significantly increased their contributions to the festival.”

Istanbul Film Festival Director Kerem Ayan, introducing the 36^th edition of the festival and its programme, later disclosed the films to vie in the Golden Tulip International Competition, Golden Tulip National Competition, FACE Human Rights in Cinema Competition, National Documentary Competition and the National Short Film Competition.

Nine movie theatres to screen festival films

The 36th Istanbul Film Festival films will be screened at nine movie theatres: Atlas and Beyoğlu movie theatres, as well as Pera Museum Auditorium and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura hall in the Beyoğlu region, Rexx movie theatre (two halls) in Kadıköy, Cinemaximum Kanyon in Levent and Cinemaximum City’s (two halls) in Nişantaşı.

The screenings will be at 11.00, 13.30, 16.00, 19.00 and 21.30, with midnight sessions at 24.00 on 7 and 8 April. Also on 11 and 12 April, 19.00 and 21.30 sessions will be held at Zorlu Center Cinemaximum.

The festival has a gift for students this year. With the support of the patrons, student tickets for 11.00, 13.30 and 16.00 sessions on weekdays will be sold for 1 TL.

Cinema Honorary Awards

The Cinema Honorary Awards of the Istanbul Film Festival, presented to distinguished figures of cinema of Turkey, will be presented to five artists this year: one of the most productive scriptwriters of the Turkish cinema Barış Pirhasan, an unforgettable face with her natural and subtle acting Selma Güneri, beloved film and stage actor Macit Koper and an important contributor to the visual language of our cinema, the cinematography master Çetin Tunca. The awards will be presented at the Opening Ceremony of the 36th Istanbul Film Festival on Tuesday, 4 April 2017. Film instructor and cinephile Mithat Alam who was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award, unfortunately passed away in November 2016. Devoting himself to film literacy, Mithat Alam had established the Boğaziçi University Film Center under his name. The recipients will be presented their awards at the Opening Ceremony of the 36th Istanbul Film Festival at the TİM Maslak Show Center on Tuesday, 4 April.

Ian McKellen, revered stage and film actor is the Istanbul Film Festival's Honorary Guest

One of the most beloved actors on film with his memorable roles in Richard III, Gods and Monsters,Lord of the Rings, and X-Men series, Sir Ian McKellen will be the guest of the festival in cooperation with the British Council to receive the Cinema Honorary Award of the Istanbul Film Festival.

Ian McKellen will receive the award at the Opening Ceremony to be held on Tuesday, 4 April and will also meet film lovers at the screenings of Richard III to be shown in Beyoğlu Atlas and Rexx movie theatres. McKellen will also give a talk at Albert Long Hall at the Bosphorus University on Friday, 7 April.

Ian McKellen was honoured with the "Sir" title in 1990, and knighted for his contribution to the theatre in 1991. McKellen has won numerous prizes such as six Laurence Olivier Awards, a Tony Award, Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, BIF Awards, twice the Saturn Award, four times the Drama Desk Award, twice the Critics' Choice Film Award, and nominated twice for the Academy Award.

To date, British Council’s FiveFilms4Freedom Ambassador Sir Ian McKellen has acted in 108 films, written two film scripts and produced a film. He is recognised as a master in Shakespeare renditions in many stage plays he acted in.

The stage play No Man's Land, directed by Sean Mathias, written by Harold Pinter, starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, will also meet theatre lovers co-hosted with National Theatre Live on April 3, 10, 11, 17, 24 and 25 screened at Salon İKSV.

Competitions across the festival

The competitions of the 36th Istanbul Film Festival will begin on 8 April. The winners of the International and National Golden Tulip, FACE Human Rights in Cinema, the National Documentary and the National Short Film competitions will be announced at the 36th Istanbul Film Festival Award Ceremony to be held on Friday,14 April.

INTERNATIONAL GOLDEN TULIP COMPETITION

In the International Competition section of the Istanbul Film Festival, 13 films from 11 countries, under the “New Perspectives in Cinema” theme will vie for the Golden Tulip.

The International Competition Golden Tulip Award, presented in memory of Şakir Eczacıbaşı, will be supported with a 25,000 Euro monetary award given by the Eczacıbaşı Group. The director of the Best Film will be awarded with 10,000 Euros, the distribution company of the film in Turkey will be awarded 10,000 Euros, and the director of the film to receive the Special Jury Prize will be awarded 5,000 Euros.

The jury of the International Golden Tulip Competition, presided by Reha Erdem, comprises director Syllas Tzoumerkas, scriptwriter and producer Katayoon Shahabi, film critic Boyd Van Hoeij and director Gabe Klinger.

International Golden Tulip Competition films:

·       Chez Nous / This is Our Land / Lucas Belvaux / France-Belgium

·       Chemi Bednieri Ojakhi / My Happy Family / Nana Ekvtimishvili, Simon Gros / Georgia-Germany-France

·       Bar Bahr / In Between / Maysaloun Hamoud / Israel

·       La jeune fille sans mains / The Girl Without Hands / Sébastien Laudenbach / France

·       Weirdos / Bruce McDonald / Canada

·       Lady Macbeth / William Oldroyd / United Kingdom

·       Zer / Kazım Öz /Turkey-Germany

·       O Ornitólogo / The Ornithologist / João Pedro Rodrigues / Portugal-France-Brazil

·       Manifesto / Julian Rosefeldt / Germany-Australia

·       Estiu 1993 / Summer 1993 / Carla Simon / Spain

·       Home / Fien Troch / Belgium

·       Casting / Nicolas Wackerbarth / Germany

·       Tiere / Animals / Greg Zglinski / Switzerland-Austria-Poland

HUMAN RIGHTS IN CINEMA: THE FILM AWARD OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE (FACE)

The Film Award of the Council of Europe (FACE) is being presented only at the Istanbul Film Festival since 11 years. The FACE Award endorsed by the Council of Europe and its coproduction fund Eurimages comprises a 10,000 Euros monetary prize and a statuette. The FACE Award Jury is comprised of scriptwriter and director Jo Sol, director and actress Derya Durmaz, Council of Europe Media Officer and Spokesperson Can Fişek, and Eurimages fund project manager Susan Newman-Baudais.  

Human Rights in Cinema Competition films:

·       Last Men in Aleppo / Feras Fayyad, Steen Johannessen / Denmark-Germany

·       Félicité / Alain Gomis / France-Belgium-Senegal-Germany-Lebanon

·       Slava / Glory / Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov / Bulgaria-Greece

·       Raftan / Parting / Navid Mahmoudi / Afghanistan-Iran

·       Newton /  Amit Masurkar / India

·       Mavi Sessizlik / Blue Silence / Bülent Öztürk / Turkey-Belgium

·       Exil / Exile / Rithy Panh / France-Cambodia

·       I Am Not Your Negro / Raoul Peck / USA-France-Belgium

·       Plateia Amerikis / Amerika Square / Yannis Sakaridis / Greece-Germany-United Kingdom

·       Noces / A Wedding / Stephan Streker / Belgium-Pakistan-Luxembourg-France

NATIONAL GOLDEN TULIP COMPETITION

12films that were completed in the 2016-17 season will be vying for the Golden Tulip in the National Competition of the festival, 10 of them world premieres and 1 of them Turkey premiere.

The National Golden Tulip Competition Jury chaired by The Taylan Brothers will award prizes in 9 categories: Golden Tulip Best Film, Golden Tulip Best Director, Special Jury Award, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, Best Director of Photography, Best Editing, and Best Music.

Best Film selected by the National Competition Jury will be awarded 150,000 TL, the producer of the film winning the Special Jury Prizein memory of Onat Kutlar will be awarded 50,000 TL. The prizes for Best Actress and Best Actor will be 10.000 TL each. Best Director will be awarded 50.000 TL presented by Türk Tuborg A.Ş.

The National Competition Jury will be headed by directors The Taylan Brothers, with actor Nejat İşler, novelist, story writer and playwright Sema Kaygusuz, cinematographer Emre Erkmen, and editorÇiçek Kahraman as its members.

National Golden Tulip Competition films:

·       Taş / The Stone / Orhan Eskiköy

·       İşe Yarar Bir Şey / Something Useful / Pelin Esmer

·       Mahalle / Inside / Buğra Gülsoy, Serhat Teoman

·       Bütün Saadetler Mümkündür / All Felicities Are Possible / Selman Kılıçaslan

·       Zer / Kazım Öz

·       Kaygı / Inflame / Ceylan Özgün Özçelik

·       Mavi Sessizlik / Blue Silence / Bülent Öztürk

·       Sarı Sıcak / Yellow Heat / Fikret Reyhan

·       Murtaza / Özgür Sevimli

·       Martı / The Seagull / Erkan Tunç

·       Tereddüt / Clair Obscur / Yeşim Ustaoğlu

·       Kırık Kalpler Bankası / The Bank of Broken Hearts / Onur Ünlü

NATIONAL DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

The Istanbul Film Festival will be awarding a 10,000 TL worth Best Documentary Award, in order to support documentary film-makers and documentary film production in Turkey. The National Documentary Competition jury consists of documentarians Lusin Dink, Ayşe Polat, and Federica Di Giacomo. Seven Turkey premieres will be held within the Istanbul Film Festival National Documentary Competition. 8 of the documentaries will have their Turkey premieres at the Istanbul Film Festival.

National Documentary Competition films:

·       Mana Mou İstanbul / Nihan Arısoy

·       Son Yaprak / The Last Leaf / Handan Erdil

·       Yeşil Kırmızı / The Red Green / Ersin Kana

·       Aşk Bitti / Acabou o Amor / Love is Over / Mert Kaya

·       Sessizliğin Kardeşleri / Birayên Bêdengiyê / Brothers of Silence / Taylan Mintaş

·       Derdo Ana ve Ceviz Ağacı / Mother Derdo and The Walnut Tree / Serdar Önal

·       Üçüncü Bölgeden Hücum Varyasyonları / Attack Variations from the Third Region / Sedat Şahin, Murat Adıyaman

·       Ah / Mustafa Ünlü

·       Blue / Mehmet Sertan Ünver

NATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION

The National Short Film Competition will be held for the second time with the intent of encouraging short film making, supporting the development in this field, and bringing together the audience and short films of quality. The jury composed of directors Vincent Dieutre, Gürcan Keltek and Ziya Demirel will select the Best Short Film among 11 films which will be awarded 5,000 TL. FIPRESCI will also select a film to award the FIPRESCI Prize.

National Short Film Competition films:

·           Hinterlant / Sinan Kesova

·           Rodi / Gözde Yetişkin, Emre Sert

·           Siyah Çember / Hasan Can Dağlı

·           Evbark / Pınar Öğünç

·           Beyazperdeden Yeşil Sahaya / Özgür Demirci

·           İki Parça / Murat Uğurlu

·           Devrialem / Dilek Aydın

·           Nebile Hanımın Solucandeliği / Pınar Yorgancıoğlu

·           Zelal / Filiz Işık Bulut

·           Kot Farkı / Ayris Alptekin

·           Tavşan Kanı / Yağmur Altan

SEYFİ TEOMAN BEST DEBUT FILM PRIZE

The Istanbul Film Festival presents the Seyfi Teoman Best Debut Film Prize in memoriam director and producer Seyfi Teoman, who passed away in 2012. Director of the film awarded with the Seyfi Teoman Best Debut Film Prize will be presented 30,000 TL by CMYLMZ Fikirsanat. All the 13 debut feature fiction films from Turkey in the Turkish Cinema (National Golden Tulip Competition and “New Turkish Cinema”) sections are eligible for the prize. Seyfi Teoman Best Debut Film Prize jury consists of scriptwriter and director Ahu Öztürk, actress Şebnem Bozoklu and producer Sinan Yabgu Ünal.

Films to compete for the Seyfi Teoman Best Debut Film Award:

·           Mahalle / Inside / Buğra Gülsoy, Serhat Teoman

·           Bütün Saadetler Mümkündür / All Felicities Are Possible / Selman Kılıçaslan

·           Kaygı / Inflame / Ceylan Özgün Özçelik

·           Mavi Sessizlik / Blue Silence / Bülent Öztürk

·           Sarı Sıcak / Yellow Heat / Fikret Reyhan

·           Murtaza / Özgür Sevimli

·           Martı / The Seagull / Erkan Tunç

·           Paçi - Av Sanatı / Paçi - The Art Of Hunting / Elçin Elgür

·           Göçebe / Nomad / Emir Mavitan

·           Damat Koğuşu / Groom's Block / İlker Savaşkurt

·           Yeni Başlayanlar İçin Hayatta Kalma Sanatı / The Art Of Survival For Beginners / Burak Serbest / Turkey-Romania-Portugal

·           Orhan Pamuk’a Söylemeyin Kars’ta Çektiğim Filmde Kar Romanı da Var / Don’t Tell Orhan Pamuk That His Novel Snow Is in the Film I Made About Kars / Rıza Sönmez

·           Eşik / Verge / Erkan Tahhuşoğlu, Ayhan Salar / Turkey-Germany

FIPRESCI AWARD

The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) will award the FIPRESCI Award to a film each from the International Competition, the National Competition, and the National Short Film Competition. The FIPRESCI jury will be headed by Klaus Eder from Germany, and will include Alberto Castellano from Italy, Ofer Liebergall from Israel, Ladislav Volko from Slovakia and Abbas Bozkurt and Evrim Kaya from Turkey.

New Sections of the Festival

Cinemania

Originated from the love for the art of filmmaking, this section is constructed around “the passion for cinema,” “cinephilia,” and “Cinemania.” A portmanteau section, Cinemania comprises the highlights, the landmarks and milestones, the unforgettables of the world of cinema: masterpieces of a career in memoriam or in celebration; restored classics, lost films, cult movies, films on films, and surprises…

The Cinemania section line-up includes Abbas Kiarostami’s short film he made before he passed away last year, Take Me Home, and 76 Minutes and 15 Seconds with Abbas Kiarostami, the film about the master, directed by Kiarostami's co-worker, painter and photographer Seyfullah Samadian; Şerif Gören’s Yol written by Yılmaz Güney in Sinop Prison, to be shown in memory of Tarık Akan; the epic film of Francis Ford Coppola The Godfather to be shown in memory of Mithat Alam; Dario Argento’s best film and one of the best horror films of all time Suspiria; 1932 science fiction-horror cult film Island of Lost Souls to be shown in memory of Giovanni Scognamillo; 1984 based on George Orwell's classic novel to be shown in memory of John Hurt; Erdoğan Tokatlı’s drama Son Kuşlar / The Last Birds to be shown for the Cinema Honorary Award-recipient Selma Güneri; the original version of the cult cyberpunk manga adaptation Ghost in the Shell; one of the best films of the 2000s and the most original examples of the “new film noir” genre Mulholland Drive; and Minute Bodies: The Intimate World of F. Percy Smith directed by the frontman of Tindersticks, Stuart Staples.

Where are you my love?

Returning to the programme after a hiatus, Where Are You My Love? brings together films that say love has no age or gender and there are a thousand ways to find and look for love. Chavela, which had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, tells the story of the legendary singer Chavela Vargas, the brave, rebellious and lyrical voice; Irish scriptwriter and director John Butler’s impressive and moving coming-of-age film Handsome Devil, Bruce LaBruce’s provocative and avant-garde The Misandrists which had its first screening in Berlin, andTaekwondodirected by Marco Berger and Martín Farina are among the films in this section.

Festival’s stellar section: Galas

Istanbul Film Festival’s popular section Galas will include the Turkey premieres of 11 most anticipated films by celebrated directors and star actors. This year, the Galas section features a wide array of interesting, award-winning, and striking productions, including Personal Shopper, French director Olivier Assayas’ latest which stars Kristen Stewart; Lisa Azuelos’ Dalida which tells the tragic story of the famous singer; Rock’n Roll written, directed by and starring the acclaimed actor of the French cinema Guillaume Canet; The Midwife by Martin Provost, starring Catherine Frot and Catherine Deneuve; The Odyssey which tells the story of the relationship between “Captain” Jacques Cousteau with his son Philippe; Final Portrait, directed by veteran actor Stanley Tucci and starring Geoffrey Rush with Armie Hammer; Marc Webb’s Gifted starring Chris Evans; Ben Wheatley’s star-studded Free Fire, Jim Sheridan’s drama The Secret Scripturestarring Vanessa Redgrave and Rooney Mara, and Richard III written by and starring one of the most respected personalities of the British cinema, the veteran actor Ian McKellen, with his attendance.

Vincent Dieutre: Exercises in Solitude

The retrospective of Vincent Dieutre, the master of French experimental cinema will meet for the first time with the audience in Turkey in Vincent Dieutre: Exercises in Solitude. The audience will be able to watch films including the third episode of “Films of Europe” which Dieutre dedicates to Pasolini, Roland Wounded; focusing on several months of the Parisian refugees, Jaurés; a modern adaptation of Rossellini’s Journey to Italy, Journey into Post-history; a fragile and delicate story between France, the Netherlands and Belgium, Trilogy of Our Lives Undone; Vincent Dieutre’s first feature length film which he shot while he was writing and giving lectures at university, Rome désolée; a rediscovery of the neighbourhood he resides in Paris, Bonne Nouvelle; an emotional autobiographical documentary overlooking the 1970s Bologna, BolognaCentrale; the second episode of “Films of Europe” cycle in which Dieutre travelled to Berlin with the son of his friend, My Winter Journey; and the first episode of the “Films of Europe”, the emotional road movie Tenebrae Lessons.

A Turkish film classic, Ömer Kavur’s Motherland Hotel is on the screen with its restored copy

The Istanbul Film Festival has been running the project Turkish Classics Revisited for ten years now with the collaboration of Groupama, renovating significant works of the Turkish cinema and reintroducing them to modern viewers. This year sees the renovation of Anayurt Oteli / Motherland Hotel (1987), a film adaptation of Yusuf Atılgan’s novel of the same name directed by Ömer Kavur. The film, renovated by Fanatik Film, will meet the audience 30 years after its production. Anayurt Oteli /Motherland Hotel, regarded as Ömer Kavur’s masterpiece and accepted as one of the strongest literary adaptations in Turkish cinema, stars Macit Koper, and features Serra Yılmaz, Orhan Çağman andŞahika Tekand. The leading role Zebercet, one of the most unforgettable and iconic anti-heros of the Turkish cinema, is played by Macit Koper, one of the recipients of the Cinema Honorary Award of the Istanbul Film Festival this year. The gala screening of the restored version of Anayurt Oteli /Motherland Hotel will take place on Monday, April 10 at TİM Maslak Show Center.

Events of the festival

The 36th Istanbul Film Festival offers a dynamic schedule not only with its film programme, but also with its talks, concerts and events.

Festival Talk: Ian McKellen

Friday, 7 April, 16.00, Boğaziçi University Rectorate Conference Hall

Garnering more than 40 awards throughout his stage and film career, Sir Ian McKellen is a culture icon not only in the UK but also in the world. On stage, his memorable performances as Richard III, Napoleon and Hamlet are alongside the roles he took on in Shakespeare plays, modern theatre, fantasy or science fiction films, as well as two iconic figures: Magneto in the X-Men franchise, and Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings series. The British Council Films4Freedom Ambassador and an LGBTI activist, Ian McKellen will be meeting up at a festival talk with academic and film critic Melis Behlil, in collaboration with the British Council. Please e-mail filmcenter@boun.edu.tr for reservations.

Festival Talk: Yağmur Taylan & Durul Taylan

Wednesday, 12 April, 16.00, Salon İKSV

They have a versatility that encompasses genres such as psychological thrillers, dark comedy and period dramas both in their TV shows and films. They have also directed over 50 commercials. They currently are developing projects for Turkey-Middle East territories as well as for the United States. Heading this year’s jury for the Golden Tulip National Competition of the Istanbul Film Festival, Durul Taylan and Yağmur Taylan have accomplished on TV from Sır Dosyası / Secret Files to Muhteşem Yüzyıl / Magnificent Century, reportedly with an international audience of 200 million; and in cinema, from Okul / The School to Vavien–Best Turkish Film-winner at Istanbul Film Festival. The Taylan brothers will discuss their career in this festival talk, addressing film and TV, directing, genres and further projects. Reservations advised at rezervasyon.iksv.org to participate.

Vincent Deutre: Exercises in Solitude

Thursday, 13 April, 17.00, Pera Museum Auditorium

Vincent Dieutre’s films, which have garnered numerous awards, are both documentary and autobiographical; filled with music, painting and his own personal life, they constantly explore the borders between the cinema and contemporary art, theatrical screening and installation, and radio creation. The French experimental filmmaker who is also the part of the jury of this year’s National Short Film Competition, also has 9 films screened at this year’s festival programme in a special section. Following the screening of Bonne Nouvelle, his film about the neighbourhood he lives in Paris, Vincent Dieutre’s festival talk will take place at Pera Museum on Thursday, April 13 at 17.00. At this festival talk realised in collaboration with FOL Sinema, Dieutre will tell us about his artistic approach, and films adorned with sadness, journeys, observations of Europe, and solitude. Please make a reservation at info@folsinema.com to participate in the event.

Music from Films and Musicals

Saturday, 8 April, 21.00, Salon İKSV

In addition to the interviews and talks, a special concert themed "Music from Films and Musicals" will be realised with the participation of celebrated actors and musicians from Turkey within the scope of the 36th Istanbul Film Festival. Under the sponsorship of 100% Music, the concert will be held on Saturday evening, 8 April at Salon İKSV.

You can follow the up-to-date information on the festival events on film.iksv.org and on our social media accounts.

Meetings on the Bridge

Meetings on the Bridge, organised within the scope of the 36th Istanbul Film Festival for the 12th time, with the support of Istanbul Development Agency (ISTKA), brings filmmakers from Turkey and the neighbouring countries together with professionals from the international industry.

While providing an opportunity for filmmakers to hold the first international presentations of their new film projects at Film Development Workshop and films in post-production at Work in Progress, Meetings on the Bridge also aims to pave the way for co-productions and organises panels, master classes and forums. 

Neighbours platform was launched in 2015 in order to initiate new collaborations and enhance communication between filmmakers from Turkey and the neighbouring countries. The Neighbours platform builds a ground for institutions and individuals to co-operate while facilitating the development of common stories.

At the end of the workshop, projects and films to be selected by an international jury will be presented awards. Meetings on the Bridge Awardof 30,000 TL, Melodika Sound Post-Production Award, Mediterranean Film Institute (MFI) Script Workshop Award, and GeniusPark VFX Award will be given in Film Development Workshop; Color Up Award and Başka Sinema Award will be given in Work in Progress section. Also for the first time this year, Digiflame Post-production Award will be given in the Neighbours platform. The award reception of Meetings on the Bridge will take place on Tuesday, April 11.

Follow the festival on social media

All films in the festival programme were labelled with tags in 65 categories to ensure a smoother and easier selection process for our audiences while making their own itineraries for the Istanbul Film Festival. With this newly introduced system, you can easily distinguish the types and categories of the films with tags and choose the films you like.

You can follow all developments, all information on the films, events, and guests, and tips on the programme of the Istanbul Film Festival on our social media accounts and be the first to know. Enjoy the contests, get to know the programme well, get a chance to win surprise presents. Use the hashtag #istfilmfest17 to be part of the festival yourself. You can also access all information pertaining to the festival on İKSV Mobilapp, developed with the contributions of Vodafone Turkey and downloadable on AppStore and Google Play, and read the festival catalogue on your iPad on the İKSV Kitaplık app, downloadable on AppStore.

#istfilmfest17

#liftyourheadup

facebook.com/istanbulfilmfestivali

twitter.com/ist_filmfest

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youtube.com/user/iksvistanbul

When and where festival tickets go on sale

Festival tickets will be available for purchase as of Saturday, 25 March at10.30. The tickets can be purchased on Biletix sales channels and from the box offices at the Atlas and Rexx movie theatres, without any service charge.

Ticket Prices

Weekday daytime screenings (11.00, 13.30, 16.00) are only8 TL; for students only 1 TL!

Weekday 19.00 screenings and weekends (11.00, 13.30, 16.00, 19.00) are 20 TL; for students and seniors (over 65) 14 TL.

All 21.30 screenings are 20 TL.

Screenings at Pera Museum are 8 TL.

Tulip Card holders will, as always, benefit from the advance sales and special discounts up to25% on the festival tickets. During the advance sale period, tickets can be purchased at the Atlas and Rexx movie theatres, as well as from the Tulip Card Communications Centre (+90 216 556 98 56), and on the Biletix website(biletix.com) and Biletix sales points. Advance sales period for Tulip Card members: 21 March for Black and White Tulip Card members and 22-23-24 March for Red and Yellow Tulip Card members.

An essential guide for filmgoers during the festival, festival catalogue with film synopses, festival schedule, events and all the details, will be on sale for 8 TL at Atlas and Rexx movie theatres and at İKSV as of Monday, 20 March.

Students enjoy weekday daytime screenings at 1 TL

A total of 20,000 festival seats for weekday screenings at 11.00, 13.30, and 16.00 will be reserved for students for 1 TL. Please see film.iksv.org for a detailed list of patrons who have contributed towards the realisation of this project. Students who benefit from 1 TL tickets will be required to present valid student IDs at the entrance. Viewers who do not present a valid student ID will have to purchase additional tickets compensating the difference between full price and discount tickets. These tickets are limited in capacity.

Supporters of the 36th Istanbul Film Festival

The 36th Istanbul Film Festival is held with the support of more than 20 institutions. The festival is organised by the generous support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey General Directorate of Cinema. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Beşiktaş Municipality and Beyoğlu Municipality continue their publicity support for the festival.

There are 6 theme sponsors:

-     Türk Tuborg A.Ş.         “National Competition and Turkish Cinema”

-     Sabah Newspaper        “Best of the Fests”

-     ATV                             “Challenging the Years”

-     NTV                             “Documentary Time with NTV”

-     TLC                             “Antidepressant”

-     Nescafé Gold               “Young Masters”

The Istanbul Film Festival continues to reintroduce the distinguished works of the Turkish cinema on the silver screen in its “Special Screening: Turkish Classics Revisited” section, which was launched ten years ago under the sponsorship of the Groupama.

The Istanbul Film Festival continues its collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Istanbul, German Films, and Kino 2017, as it did in 2016, as well as numerous cultural institutes and foreign missions.

Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Institut Français Istanbul and many cultural institutes continue to support the festival this year.

The Leading Sponsor of all İKSV festivals is Eczacıbaşı Group, the Official Communications Sponsor is Vodafone Turkey, the Official Carrier is DHL Worldwide Express, and the Hotel Sponsor The Marmara Collection. The service sponsors are Zurich Sigorta, Memorial Health Group, Navitas, GFK, directComm and AGC.

21/29 April 2017 – Udine – Teatro Nuovo e Visionario

MADE IN HONG KONG

 The 19^th Far East Film Festival, Udine, Italy (April 21-29) will highlight 20 years of Hong Kong cinema in a specially curated programme “Creative Visions: Hong Kong Cinema 1997-2017” presented by Create Hong Kong in partnership with the Centro Espressioni Cinematografiche  which organizes the annual Far East Film Festival. The programme will kick off a series of similarly themed film programmes that Create Hong Kong is screening in 10 cities around the world to celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

“The Far East Film Festival began in 1998 with a programme of Hong Kong films,” explained the festival president Ms. Sabrina Baracetti. “The films were enthusiastically received by our audiences, not only from Italy but also from around Europe.” A highlight of the programme will be the international premiere of the 4K restored version of the first feature film by Fruit Chan. “Made in Hong Kong was one of the first films we presented from Hong Kong so we are very pleased to have been instrumental in the restoration of this seminal work. Fruit Chan has since gone on to make his name as one of Hong Kong’s leading filmmakers and producers. Fruit is a great friend of our festival and we are delighted to honour him in this way.” Fruit Chan will attend the screening of Made in Hong Kong in Udine.

Other films in the programme include works by Hong Kong filmmakers such as Johnnie To and Pang Ho-cheung, who have become regular visitors and supporters of the festival. The programme of 10 films also includes work by Ann Hui, Wong Kar-wai, and Soi Cheang among others.

“We are pleased to partner with the Centro Espressioni Cinematografiche and its Far East Film Festival which is now one of the premier showcases for popular Asian films in Europe” said Mr. Wellington Fung, Assistant Head of Create Hong Kong and Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, “Hong Kong filmmakers have shown themselves to be versatile and able to adapt to different trends, technologies and markets. They now make successful films in both China and Hong Kong for a range of markets. We are happy to celebrate 20 years of creativity and commercial instinct of our industry.”

Apart from the screenings, the programme will also include panel discussions with Hong Kong talents.

“Creative Visions: Hong Kong Cinema 1997-2017” is presented by Create Hong Kong, in partnership with the Centro Espressioni Cinematografiche Udine, with support from Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Brussels. For this series, the Hong Kong International Film Festival is the project manager.

Creative Visions: Hong Kong Cinema 1997-2017 is an accredited event celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).  

List of films

Made in Hong Kong (Fruit Chan, 1997)

A Simple Life (Ann Hui, 2011)

Love in a Puff (Pang Ho-cheung, 2010)

Infernal Affairs (Andrew Lau/Alan Mak, 2002)

Kung Fu Hustle (Stephen Chow, 2004)

The Grandmaster (Wong Kar-wai, 2013)

The Mission (Johnnie To, 1999)

After This Our Exile (Patrick Tam, 2006)

Ip Man (Wilson Yip, 2008)

Accident (Soi Cheang, 2009)

Create Hong Kong is a dedicated office established in June 2009 by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to lead, champion and drive the development of the creative economy in Hong Kong. It provides one-stop services and staunch support to the industries, including administration and management of funding schemes related to creative industries, providing facilitation services for location filming in Hong Kong for both local and overseas films, and is responsible for the regulatory control of special effects materials for film shooting and theatrical performances.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) is the official representation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to the European Union and 15 European countries, including Italy. The HKETO, Brussels promotes the bilateral relations between Italy and Hong Kong. 

Far East Film Festival is the world’s largest showcase of Asian popular cinema. More than 70 feature films in 9 days of tight screening programme, a chance to meet the artists, daily themed panel discussions and important retrospectives. Born in 1999 after the enthusiastic success achieved in 1998 by the Hong Kong Film focus, Far East Film is about to reach its 19th edition in Udine (Italy), still representing a unique opportunity to experience current trends in Eastern Asian film-making. Every year, during its nine days of screenings, Far East Film offers the chance to watch the most successful recent Asian releases as well as staging important retrospectives. In the pleasant, informal and relaxing Festival mood, the newest feature films from the Far East (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand) are presented along with tributes and focuses on specific directors.

CROSSING THE SCREEN is a new international film festival taking place in the evocative Town of Eastbourne, East Sussex, meant to showcase innovative and independent forms of visual art from all over the world. 

A successful 1^st year, in 2016, presented 81 International short films (34 UK premieres, 6 International premieres and 5 World premieres), including previous selections from Cannes IFF, Berlin IFF and Sundance IFF.
The Festival also displayed a Virtual Reality Filmmaking workshop, accredited by Creative Skillset, under the umbrella of the BFI.

CROSSING THE SCREEN 2017 (November 2017) will introduce for the first time a section for feature narrative films, running beside a strong short film programme.

Submissions for the 2017 edition are now open and will end on the 15^th of September 2017.

www.crossingthescreen.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/crossingthescreen/
Twitter: @CrossingScreen

Awards and Cash Prizes 2017:

CROSSING THE SCREEN AWARD (to the Best Overall Feature Production):
£400 + Crossing The Screen Statuette + Certificate

CROSSING THE SCREEN AWARD (to the Best Overall Short Production):
£200 + Crossing The Screen Statuette + Certificate

MMBF Rising Star Award:
£150 + MMBF plaque, opportunities to get work experience within the Film Industry (within the UK only), as well as tickets for film festivals & film related events.

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT FILM:
Award Statuette + Certificate

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM:
Award Statuette + Certificate

BEST ANIMATION SHORT FILM:
Award Statuette + Certificate

BEST EXPERIMENTAL SHORT FILM:
Award Statuette + Certificate

BEST STUDENT SHORT FILM:
Award Statuette + Certificate

BEST SUSSEX SHORT FILM:
Award Statuette + Certificate

The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival announces what is to come for its 17th edition’s NIFFF EXTENDED. Digital creation, audiovisual storytelling and contemporary literature are but some parts of this multidisciplinary brainstorming and networking forum dedicated to the fantasy genre. It will be composed of four main events: EPIC GAME JAM, IMAGING THE FUTURE, STORYWORLDS and NEW WORLDS OF FANTASY. In addition to being a free and complementary extension of the festival, NIFFF EXTENDED will gather together around 50 Swiss and international experts who will share their vision of the genre’s future.

Lifetime Achievement Award Bruce Bickford

The European Audiovisual Observatory publishes major new study – free to download here.

Media literacy – our capacity to access, have a critical understanding of and interact with the media - has never been as important as today. It seems that every day, some “fake news” sets the internet alight, only to be revealed later as a hoax. In the era of #badbuzz we are literally swimming in a sea of information, advertising and just plain fiction. So what is Europe doing to encourage our media literacy? What measures are being taken at national and European levels to foster our critical appreciation and understanding of the mass media? The European Audiovisual Observatory, part of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, has just published a brand new study. Download it here: Mapping of media literacy practices and actions in EU-28. Maja Cappello, Head of our Department for Legal Information talks about this new report here.

Watch our film presenting this project:

“True dialogue implies the recognition of the other for both his identity and his otherness!”

African Proverb

The 12th edition of the International Oriental Film Festival of Geneva (FIFOG) opens on April 1, with the projection of Chaâba, du Bled au Bidonville by Wahid Chaïb and Laurent Benitah, preceded by Make Art, Not War by Yannis Ben Jelloun. Azouz Begag, honorary president of FIFOG 2017 and two of the directors will attend this event.

During this Big Documentary Weekend, several movies dealing with topics like Daesh, Syria, Children rights and 'Living together' will be screened in presence of their directors. Among these movies, the world premiere of Fabrication d'un monstre by Paul Moreira, a Première Lignes production and Canal Plus participation.

FIFOG 2017 IN NUMBERS

·         100 movies

·         Special Documentary weekend: April 1st and 2nd at Fonction : Cinema

·         Opening Movie: Le Chant des hommes by Bénédicte Liénard and Mary Jiménez

·         Closing ceremony: My China Doll by Rachid Ferchiou.

·         3 categories: 16 documentaries, 40 feature films, 44 short films

·         Women directors : 8 documentaries, 11 feature films and 13 short films

·         3 movies by Youssef Chahine    

·         2 movies featuring Samy Naceri 

·         1 movie featuring Paul Riniker    

·         25 screening locations 

·         Partner Geneva Municipalities: Geneva, Vernier, Presinge, Grand-Saconnex, Vandoeuvres, Satigny, Perly-Certoux, Meinier.

·         30 countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Georgia, Great Britain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, Palestine, Netherlands, Qatar, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and the USA

·         109 directors: 35 women and 74 men

·         80 guests

·         8 competitions with 8 jurys : Competitions for feature films, shorts and documentaries; Golden Critic Award; Swiss Made Competition; 3 scholar competitions

·         More than 150 partners

TRAILER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk-93o2C5VU

CATALOGUE 

http://fifog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/CATALOGUE-FIFOG-2017.pdf

Website:

www.fifog.com

WESTWIND, EFP's special showcase to promote European films on the Russian market, is putting a spotlight on European Oscar submissions for Best Foreign Language Film to continue and intensify the cultural exchange with the Russian audience. The large interest in European films is reflected in sold out cinema screenings at the Angleterre Cinema Lounge - one of St. Petersburg's few independent arthouse cinemas - and a great deal of attention has been generated for "The Westwind Collection" on Russia's largest VoD platform ivi.ru. Since the launch of the online festival on ivi in 2015, the viewership for European films has increased significantly thanks to EFP's promotional activities. WESTWIND is financially supported by the Creative Europe - Media Programme of the European Union and the participating EFP member organisations.

The five-day event, which is being held from April 19 - 23 and featuring seven award-winning European Oscar submissions and two premieres

The awards go to those filmmakers, television producers and videographers who produce fresh, standout entertainment and compelling documentaries. The Accolade is an international awards competition that honors those who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity.

~ Best of Show ~

Kavi Raz  –  The Black Prince – Feature Film

Kavi Raz (India), The Black Prince, Film Feature – A tragic yet fascinating true story about the last King of of Punjab. Kidnapped from his throne at age 5, Duleep Singh grows up under the supervision of Queen Victoria as an English prince. After thirteen years, he meets his birth mother and uncovers his true past. His character, as it evolves, is torn between two cultures and faces constant dilemmas until he decides to embark on an extraordinary journey across the world to regain his kingdom in a fascinating tale of self-realization and identity. Featuring the acting premiere of Indian Punjabi, singer-songwriter, Satinder Sartaj and British stars Amanda Root (The Iron Lady), SAG Nominated Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) Ameet Chana (East Enders), Rup Magon (Bonjour Ji) with a standout performance by legendary Lifetime Award winning Indian actress Shabana Azmi (Neerja, City of Joy).  Opening in theaters May 16. 

~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~

Roberta Durrant, Krotoa, (South Africa) Film Feature – A Khoi tribe girl in the 1600’s is taken to live with the colonizing Dutch, rises to become an influential interpreter and becomes torn between cultures and loyalties. Beautiful cinematography, expert story-telling, powerful performances and Emmy Award crew. Stars Crystal Donna-Roberts, Armand Aucamp and Deon Lotz.

Alex Kronemer (USA), The Sultan and the Saint, Doc Short – Narrated by Oscar winner Jeremy Irons is the story of Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt in a search for mutual respect and common ground on a bloody battlefield during the Crusades. With a captivating narrative, striking cinematography and exciting reenactments.

Oleg Asadulin (Russia), Paranormal Drive, Film Feature – A married couple buys a used car, unaware there was a body of a murdered woman there before. On an overnight trip with their daughter they are possessed by a ghost and their route is forever changed.  Stars: Svetlana Ustinova & Pavel Chinaryov. Distributed by 20th Century Fox. 

Shamim Sarif (United Kingdom), Despite the Falling Snow, Film Feature – In 1950s Moscow, communist Katya (Rebecca Ferguson) spies on Alexander (Sam Reid) for the Americans, and falls in love with him. When he unwittingly closes the net around her, she makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect him. Intriguing and heart-breaking with memorable performances.  

Troy Thomas (USA), Liberty & Slavery: The Paradox of America’s Founding Fathers, Doc Feature – A compelling story exploring a deep-seeded paradox of the US Founding Fathers – while they were rallying the colonists to liberty, they simultaneously owned slaves. An intelligent and thought provoking work by Emmy-winner Thomas.

Fabrice Bracq (France), A Whole World for a Little World, Film Short – A woman tells her baby a great story of their lives as a fairy tale with princes and princesses to pass on memories. Deftly directed with superb acting it includes both humor and pathos in a creative and heart-warming way.  Stars Delphine Théodore and Stéphane Coulon.

Egor Baranov (Russia), Gogol, TV Program/Series – Gogol is a clerk in 1829 with epileptic fits that give him visions that solve crimes. With the legendary inspector Yako Guro, they travel to a small village where everyone has a secret to hide. A compelling storyline, beautiful cinematography and supernatural effects. Stars Alexander Petrov and Oleg Menshikov.

Fabien Colas (Luxembourg), Roxy, Film Short – Roxy is an aging prostitute, working in a lovemobile on the German-Luxembourgish border. After being rescued from a brutal rape, she meets Jeff, a young man, whose intentions seem unclear to her. With nuanced, authentic and touching performances by Milli Schlesser and Christiane Rausch.

Julien Homsy (France/Canada), Popsy, Film Short – In this adaptation of a Stephen King short story, Weber’s addiction to poker leads him into deep trouble. Forced to cover his debt to Mr Rudy, he reaches a point of no return. Credible acting, effective shooting and editing it successfully leads the viewer to the surprise ending.

Mao Qichao (China), Revelation- The City of Haze, Animation – In a dystopian future of darkness and despair we follow a young children as they age and face the dangers and destruction that are all around. With exceptional detail, remarkable animation and expert direction this film makes an impact about the important things in life.

~ Award of Excellence ~ 

Alexander Kronemer, Unity Productions Foundation (USA), The Sultan and The Saint, Christian, Islamic
 

Alon Chan (Hong Kong), Southern Edge of the Cloud, Asian
 

Assaf Ben Shetrit (USA), Elements of Matter, Actor: Leading (Ben Wise as Fritz), Actress: Leading (Holley Fain as Lilly Kent)
 

Bernadette Slowey (USA), Berni’s Journey, Documentary Feature
 

Cath Le Couteur (United Kingdom), Adrift, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
 

Damien de Bourguignon (France), REGRESSION, Film Short
 

Debi Lang (USA), CORNERSTONE, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Documentary Short, Direction
 

Deborah C. Hoard and Rachel Ferro, PhotoSynthesis Productions (USA), RE: Thinking, Documentary Feature
 

Ece Soydam (Turkey), Wolf, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
 

Gabriele Altobelli and Charles Randolph (USA), American Fango, Film Feature
 

Inga Bremer (Germany), Franco’s Legacy – Spain’s Stolen Children, Documentary Feature
 

Jacqueline Murphy (USA), The Admired, Web Series, Women Filmmakers (Jacqueline Murphy), Editing (David Bartlett)
 

Joel Gill (USA), CR7 Underwear Commercial, Commercial / Infomercial
 

Kavi Raz (India), The Black Prince, Asian
 

Kenn Bell, ASPCA (USA), Second Chance Dogs, Documentary Feature, Special Purpose Productions
 

Madeleine Gavin (USA), City of Joy, Documentary Feature
 

Merve Cirisoglu Cotur (United Kingdom), The Box, Animation (Student)
 

Michael Leoni (USA), American Street Kid, Documentary Feature
 

Nancy Wennan Zhang (China), A Little Memory, Animation (Student)
 

Niall Doran and Justin Smith (Australia), SIXTEEN LEGS, Documentary Feature, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Cinematography, Editing
 

Palesa Lebona (South Africa), Cream, Women Filmmakers
 

Paul Scott, Mindful Media Pty Ltd (Australia), Are You Racist?, Documentary Short, Direction
 

Richer Hu (Taiwan), Memories Of Dreams, Film Short
 

Seanwen Yang (Taiwan), Mountaineering to Yushan, Film Short
 

silberstern GmbH Filmproduktion (Germany), Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg state-of-the-art logistic services, Industrial / Technical / Business, Corporate / Employee Communication
 

Steven Rooke, Tile Films (Ireland), Sacred Sites: Chaco Canyon, Religion / Ethics and Sacred Sites: Templars, Documentary Program / Series and Sacred Sites: Petra, History / Biographical / Travel
 

Tammy-Anne Fortuin (USA), Aimee, Film Short
 

Tim Bathurst (USA), The Manny, Television – Pilot Program
 

Uranchimeg  Urtnasan (USA), Golden Treasure, Asian
 

Wilfried Méance (France), Unleavened Bread, Film Short

 ~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~

Babis Galanakis (Greece), A Journey, Film Short
 

Carlos Sargedas (Portugal), Cape Espichel – In Land of a Lost World, Documentary Feature
 

Christian Whittaker (United Kingdom), My Dearest Jean, Film Short
 

Connor Fitzgerald (USA), Succeeding at Life, Drama Program / Series
 

Danielle Kronenberg and Jay Palmieri Jr. (USA), Taste, LGBT
 

Danielle Kronenberg, Sandra Herlog and Jackie  Massar (USA), CANVAS, LGBT
 

Educational Television Unit, Education Bureau (Hong Kong), Surviving on the Strange Island (Argumentative Ability (2)), Educational / Instructional / How-To
 

Educational Television Unit, Education Bureau (Hong Kong), Super Intelligence Duel (Story Endings), Educational / Instructional / How-To
 

Hunt Burdick (USA), The White Bull, Film Short
 

INDEPENDENT INSTITUTE (USA), Love Gov: From First Date to Mandate, Film Short
 

Jacqueline Murphy (USA), The Admired, Actor: Leading (Steve Carnahan as Billy Nightingale), Actress: Leading (Jacqueline Murphy as Olivia Spencer), Television – Pilot Program, Television – Program / Series
 

James L. Perry (USA), The Cursed Man, Actor: Leading (Brahm Gallagher as Alister Kunkle), Actor: Supporting (Jim Tavaré as Terry)
 

Justin Krul (Netherlands), Unseen, Experimental
 

Kavi Raz (India), The Black Prince, Actor: Leading (Satinder Sartaaj as Maharajah Duleep Singh, Last King of Sikh Kingdom)
 

Nadav Mishali (Israel), Longing, Jewish (Student)
 

Niall Doran and Justin Smith (Australia), SIXTEEN LEGS, Original Score (Sixteen Legs & the Siren’s Song: Dean Stevenson and Kate Miller-Heidke)
 

Richard Anthony Dunford (United Kingdom), Heartbox, Film Short
 

Seanwen Yang (Taiwan), Postcards from Nanan, Film Short
 

Staci Layne Wilson, Philly Chick Pictures (USA), Psycho Therapy, Actress: Leading (Brooke Lewis as Tonia)
 

Tung Sun (Tiger) Tse (USA), Princess Yun, Film Short
 

Ty Coughenour (USA), Five Dollars, Native American / Aboriginal Peoples
 

Victoria Greene (USA), Forgotten Bayou, Documentary Feature

 ~ Award of Merit ~ 

Adam Gilbert (USA), On Softer Ground, Music Video
 

Alan De Herrera (USA), The Jumper Maybach Story, LGBT
 

Alicia Hayes (USA), THE LOOK, Film Short
 

Andrew Wall (Canada), THE LAST OBJECTORS, Christian, Documentary Short
 

Assaf Ben Shetrit (USA), Elements of Matter, Film Feature, Script / Writer
 

Aviv Kegen (Israel), Red Car, Film Short (Student)
 

bellopropello (Switzerland), cupid is not a terrorist, Animation
 

Catherine Ventura (USA), It’s All About Me, Music Video
 

Charles Mandracchia (USA), You Got A Problem…, Animation, Direction
 

Chris Flook, Ball State University (USA), Everlasting Light: The Story of Indiana’s Bicentennial Torch Relay, Documentary Short, Documentary / Program/ Series, History / Biographical / Travel, Cinematography
 

Chris Weatherhead, Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina’s Moving Images Group film division (USA), John Laurens War, Documentary Feature, Actor: Supporting (Clarence Felder as Henry Laurens), Cinematography (Richard Almes, UniMedia LLC)
 

Colin Graham and Laura Graham (United Kingdom), Outcaste – The House that Carol Built, Documentary Feature, Women Filmmakers
 

David Swift (USA), Mine is the Sunlight: Refugee Youth in Germany, Documentary Short
 

Deborah Espect (United Kingdom), As We Are, Web Series
 

Declan Lighthouse (USA), Edition X, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
 

Diana Boylston (USA), A Story Like Mine, Documentary Feature
 

Dieter – Michael Grohmann (Belgium), follow me, Experimental
 

Edgar Baghdasaryan (Armenia), The Simon’s way, Film Short, Script / Writer, Direction
 

Educational Television Unit, Education Bureau (Hong Kong), What kind of question, what kind of investigation?, Educational / Instructional / How-To
 

Educational Television Unit, Education Bureau (Hong Kong), One’s Conscience Asserts Itself (Selections from Mencius), Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays
 

Educational Television Unit, Education Bureau (Hong Kong), Areas (2), Educational / Instructional / How-To
 

Educational Television Unit, Education Bureau (Hong Kong), Defeating the King of Germs, Educational / Instructional / How-To
 

Educational Television Unit, Education Bureau (Hong Kong), Three-dimensional Shapes (I), Educational / Instructional / How-To
 

Educational Television Unit, Education Bureau (Hong Kong), Eye, Ear, Mouth, Educational / Instructional / How-To
 

Educational Television Unit, Education Bureau (Hong Kong), Humanity and Nature, Educational / Instructional / How-To
 

Elan J. Milkes (USA), Finding The Zone, Movie Trailer
 

Elizabeth Dean (USA), 1943, Women Filmmaker, Original Score (1943, composed by Shie Rozow), Dramatic Impact
 

Eric Heimbold (USA), BLIND SUSHI, Documentary Short
 

Fernanda  Dedavid and Renata Baldi (Brazil), TRANS, Documentary Short
 

Freddie Connor (USA), Sipped, Film Short, Direction, Creativity / Originality, Actor: Leading (Ralph Scott as George)
 

Han Zhang (USA), Stars, Animation (Student)
 

Imelda O’Reilly (USA), Eggs and Soldiers, Film Short
 

Ivan Ruiz Serrano (Spain), My tiredness hasn´t limit, Original Song (From The Enchanted, composed by Ivan Ruiz Serrano, lyrics by Ricardo Dávila and Ángela Boj)
 

Jacqueline Murphy (USA), The Admired, Actress: Supporting (Maria Elena Infantino as Starlet Moore), Film Short, Actor: Supporting (Leon Winters as Mr Z), Original Song (When Your Admired, Music & Lyrics-Bridget Brady), Costume Design (Sue Wong, Warden Neil and Rashon Wilson), Original Score (Composed by Ruy Folguera), Direction, Script / Writer (Jacqueline Murphy, Lynne Newton, Leonid Andronov)
 

James L. Perry (USA), The Cursed Man, Actress: Leading (Brinna Locke as Dr. Anna Lee), Actress: Supporting (Ruth Connell as Bonnie), Film Feature
 

James William Theres and Chris Windfield (USA), The 30th of May, African American
 

Jeffrey Teitler (USA), OFFICER DOWN, Documentary Short
 

Jenness Rouse (USA), Becca on Call, Television – Pilot Program, Webisode, Women Filmmakers
 

Jo Meuris (USA), Why Use Animation?, Educational / Instructional / Training and Marydean Martin Library, Educational / Instructional / Training
 

Johan Eriksson (Israel), Hoda’s Story, Documentary Feature
 

Josiah Engstrom, MotoVike Films (USA), Teach Us All, Movie Trailer
 

Judson Vaughan (United Kingdom), Soul Breaker, Actor: Leading (Judson Vaughan as Freddie Dale and the Cosmos Creature)
 

Kamen Casey (USA), Red City, Film Short
 

Ken Marsolais and Nancy Vick (USA), The Bullish Farmer, Documentary Feature
 

Kento Masuda and Tomo Oya (Japan), Godsend Rondo, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays
 

Marcelo Martindale (USA), The Other Place, Web Tube Length Video
 

Maria Alvarez (USA), Céline, Women Filmmaker (Student)
 

Maritza Brikisak (USA), The Lurking Man – FEATURE, Actor: Leading (Daniel Lench as Sariel), Actor: Supporting (Frank Krueger as Wilson)
 

Matt Cline (USA), Blue Eyes, Music Video
 

Melissa Troutman (USA), TRIPLE DIVIDE [REDACTED], Documentary Feature
 

Melody Shemtov (USA), The Activists: War, Peace, and Politics in the Streets, Documentary Feature, Women Filmmaker
 

Michael Boston (USA), Dress Rehearsal, Actor: Leading (Michael Boston as Abner Trust), Film Short
 

Mischa Marcus and Stephanie Bell (USA), I Am Still Here, Women Filmmakers
 

Nasser Aldhaheri (United Arab Emirates), A tale of water, palm trees and family, Documentary Feature
 

Nicole Albarelli (United Kingdom), To Dream, Women Filmmakers
 

Paula Neves (USA), Pumpkin, Women Filmmakers
 

Peter Zhaoyu Zhou (USA), Karma, Animation (Student)
 

Ramana Pmv (India), Living Idle, Film Short
 

Rebecca Gibson, Eagle Vision (Canada), TAKEN – Emily Osmond, Television – Program / Series
 

Richard T. Wilson (USA), Under the Flowers, Web Series
 

Rob Nichols (Australia), Australian Penguins, Penguin Island, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Cinematography
 

Robert Rooy (USA), DEEJ, Disability Issues
 

Ryan David Tsang (USA), Nocturne, Film Short
 

Sadhvi Siddhali Shree (USA), Stopping Traffic, Women Filmmakers
 

Samuel Rich (USA), Lost Kites, Documentary Short
 

Sherry Malone (USA), What’s My Price?, Documentary Feature
 

Silver Donald Cameron and Chris Beckett (Canada), Green Rights: The Human Right to a Healthy World, Documentary Feature
 

Sonia Bajaj (USA), Rose, Film Short
 

Stefanie Woodburn (USA), POLE, Film Short
 

Stephanie Neroes (USA), Fauk My Life: Pilot, Webisode
 

Steven Wishnoff (USA), Life Interrupted – Pilot, Actor: Leading (Mason Reese as Mason Bell), Actress: Leading (Alison Arngrim as Ally Hughes), Actress: Supporting (Dawn Wells as Annie Hughes), Television – Pilot Program
 

Sunny Tamber (Canada), Finding Spirit, Documentary Short
 

Tracy DuFlo, WPBS-TV (USA), Discovering Watertown, Documentary Program / Series
 

Tung Wu (USA), Butterfly, Film Short
 

Vladimir Kudryashov (Russia), Percent, Film Short (Student)
 

Ward Anderson, Alexynn Entertainment (Canada), Ward Anderson: Kind of, Sort of, Grown-Up., Humor / Humorist
 

We Make Movies, Inc. (USA), Off The Grid, Television – Pilot Program
 

Yeeshai Gross and Matt Scott (USA), Shattered, Educational / Instructional / Training, Jewish

~ Award of Recognition ~

Alan De Herrera (USA), The Jumper Maybach Story, Documentary Feature
 

Andrea Natale (Italy), Journey Notes, Film Short
 

April Campion (USA), Amoriph, Film Short
 

Arjun Chatterjee (Singapore), Julie, Film Short
 

Bryan  Fellows (USA), Missions Today, Women Filmmakers
 

Buchi Ogbonnaya (USA), The EXPERIENCE, Christian
 

Caleb Johnson and Clint Calvert (USA), Posi-Traction, Film Short
 

Campbell Dalglish (USA), Road Kill, Film Short
 

Chan Chow Wah (Singapore), We are not a nuisance!, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
 

Charles Gregory, Tisha Crippen and Daphnee Vieux (USA), We Talk Weekly, Television – Program / Series
 

Chris Weatherhead, Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina’s Moving Images Group film division (USA), John Laurens War, Actor Leading (Robbin Knight as John Laurens), Direction (Chris Weatherhead)
 

Daniel Selleck (USA), Bye Felicia: Wrath of the Girl Next Door, Film Short
 

David Mathew Walters (USA), Thalassemia: Life Without Boundaries, Disability Issues
 

Dennis Colligan (USA), House Of Dreams, Film Short
 

Dominic Carlo P. Nuesa (Philippines), The Sun Behind You, Actor: Leading (Bong Cabrera as Jamiluddin), Actor: Supporting (Mike Liwag as Omar), Asian, Film Feature, Islamic
 

Elvis delBagno (Brazil), The Man With the Orange Head, Film Feature, Direction, Actor: Leading (Adriano Süto as Walter)
 

Elza Zagreda and Dhimiter Ismailaj- Valona (USA), Growing up FAT and Albanian, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
 

Ethan Eng (Canada), Love Potion, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
 

Frank Zarrillo (USA), The Wrestler: A Q.T. Marshall Story, Documentary Feature
 

Hadeel Hadidi (USA), Raghad, Islamic
 

Harris Gurny, Vassar College (USA), Ciao, Documentary Short (Student)
 

Igor Malakhov (Canada), The Grand Duchess Olga in the land of the Maple Leaf, Documentary Short
 

Jessica Lisette (USA), The Other Side, Music Video
 

Joe Diamand (USA), The IBUR Connection, Jewish
 

Joe Zappa (USA), Clever Girl, Episode Nine, Webisode
 

John Chatwin (Australia), I Contacted Poison Control, Experimental
 

John Mendoza (USA), Pride and Fury, Film Short
 

Johnny Sepulveda (USA), GREY, Film Short
 

KB Kutz (USA), The Honey Badger, Documentary Short
 

Larry Rosen (USA), After the Outbreak, Script / Writer
 

Lesley Hoyt-Croft; Carlos Arzate (USA), The Ballad of Louis Taylor, Music Video
 

Luis Estrada Luna (USA), One Night In Mexico, Film Feature
 

Lynn Montgomery (USA), Don’t Sell My Guitars, Documentary Short
 

Mak Toriano (USA), Conspiracy 2020 ALIENS & DEMONS, African American
 

Marci Krown (USA), Thank God For Jelly, Children / Family Programming, Women Filmmaker
 

Maritza Brikisak (USA), The Lurking Man – FEATURE, Actress: Leading (Maritza Brikisak as Cailean/Orthon), Film Feature, Women Filmmakers (Maritza Brikisak), Art Direction (Luie P. Garcia)
 

Martin Helstáb (Hungary), Bug’s breakfast, Animation
 

Michael Hilf (USA), A Game of Chicken, Film Short
 

Michael Turner (USA), Heavy Nimbostratus Clouds, Film Short (Student)
 

Miroslav Nincic (USA), Departing, Documentary Feature
 

Mojtaba Bakhtiari Azad (USA), A Boy’s Own Stroy, Documentary Short (Student)
 

Nathaniel Krause (USA), The Real Drakoolavs, Web Series (Student)
 

Nicholas Frost (USA), Happy Places, Actor: Leading (Mardell Elmer as The Stranger)
 

Nikolay Bogomilov (Timoteo) (Bulgaria), BULGARIANUM (a documentary tale), Experimental
 

Rebecca Hardy (United Kingdom), DisPossess, Series 2, Web Series, Actress: Leading (Grace Dixon as Maxine), Actress: Supporting (Kelly Passaro as Perception), Actor: Supporting (Lex Lamprey as Felix)
 

Roger Hill (USA), Tribes, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
 

Sara Eustáquio (Portugal), Mirror, Actress: Leading (Jaimie Marchuk as Girl in the Mirror)
 

Sasha Sibley (USA), Thirteen, Film Short (Student)
 

Shuhe Wang (USA), Cartoon Book, Women Filmmakers (Student)
 

Sonja Bertucci (USA), A Hard World For Little Things, Film Short
 

Turner Browne and Elaine Partnow (USA), The Quotable Woman Speaks, Educational / Instructional / Training
 

Tyna Ezenma (USA), Ghostwriter, Women Filmmakers (Student)
 

Yeeshai Gross and Matt Scott (USA), Shattered, Experimental, Film Short, Public Service Programming / PSA

5 – 9 April 2017

Berlinale Award-winning Director Agnieszka HOLLAND to Head Young Cinema Jury

The 41st Hong Kong International Film Festival announced the international jury member lineup for its Firebird Awards in three competition sections: Young Cinema, Documentary and Short Film. The results will be announced in the Awards Gala Night, to be held on 23 April at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

The Young Cinema Competition jury will be led by distinguished Polish director Agnieszka HOLLAND, who has just won the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize for her film Spoor at the Berlin International Film Festival. She will be joined by Thomas SOTINEL of prestigious French newspaper Le Monde, ex-programmer of the Toronto International Film Festival Colin GEDDES, and two-time Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor Anthony WONG.

The Documentary Competition jury is composed of three industry professionals, including Wood LIN from Taiwan, a veteran documentary critic and festival curator; Mary STEPHEN, who was the film editor for French New Wave director Éric ROHMER and collaborated with many documentary filmmakers; and Dean NAPOLITANO, a Hong Kong-based journalist who has been covering the Asian film industry for more than 20 years.

Short Film Competition jury members include Canadian director Ann Marie FLEMING, whose animated film Window Horses just won the Best Canadian Film Award at the Vancouver International Film Festival; LEE Daw-Ming,  Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Filmmaking, Taipei National University of the Arts; and Jonathan HUNG, Director of InD Blue and Festival Director of InDPanda International Film Festival.

To download information and film stills:

FTP: ftp://hkiff.mtel.ws

Log In: Press

Password: HK1FFPress

Folder: HKIFF41/Press Releases/20170331 - List of Competition Juries

Firebird Awards Trophy Design

About The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF)

The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is one of the Asia’s oldest and most reputable platforms for filmmakers, film professionals and filmgoers from all over the world to launch new work and experience outstanding films.

Screening around 250 titles from more than 55 countries in over 11 major cultural venues across the territory, the Festival is Hong Kong’s largest cultural event. For the past seven years, HKIFF has also produced and premiered anthologies of short films by well-known award winning filmmakers from Asia such as Ann HUI, KUROSAWA Kiyoshi, JIA Zhangke, Brillante MENDOZA, NAKATA Hideo, TSAI Ming-liang, Apichatpong WEERASETHAKUL and among others. From 2017, HKIFF will collaborate with Heyi Pictures to produce two feature films a year by young Chinese filmmakers that will world premiere at HKIFF.

Committed to discovering new talent, the Festival premieres the breadth of Chinese cinema and showcases Asian talents. Festival-goers enjoy world-class films, attend seminars hosted by leading filmmakers from around the world, visit film exhibitions, participate in receptions and parties, and more.

The Festival draws extensive media coverage from over 300 local and international members of the press and continues to grow in importance as one of the premier platforms to launch films in Asia.

The 41^st Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF41) will be held from 11 to 25 April 2017.

About The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited (HKIFFS/Society) is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicated to the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.

The Society is committed to making world cinema accessible and affordable to the public. It organizes the annual flagship the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) and the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) in March and April. Another annual highlight is the Summer International Film Festival (SummerIFF) held every August. The repertory HKIFF Cine Fan Programme was launched in April 2013 with the aim to enrich and deepen the experience of Hong Kong moviegoers through a monthly programme of contemporary, retrospective and thematic showcases.

Through its annual programmes, the Society promotes international appreciation of Asian, Hong Kong and Chinese film culture; introduces world cinema to Hong Kong audiences; and continues to underline Hong Kong’s key position in the international film community.

HKIFFS’s dedication to quality and intelligent programming, its devotion to the discovery of new areas of filmmaking in Asia and China, its exceptional work for Hong Kong cinema, seminars and acclaimed publications, gives it a unique and respected international reputation that helps promote Hong Kong cinema at home and abroad.

Follow us! @HKIFFS

In War for the Planet of the Apes, the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.

In Theaters - July 14, 2017

Directed By Matt Reeves
Cast: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller, Karin Konoval, Judy Greer and Terry Notary

SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/FOXSubscribe

Watch the Teaser Trailer: http://fox.co/warfortheplanet

Visit the Official Site Here: http://WarForThePlanet.com
Like War for the Planet of the Apes on FACEBOOK: http://fox.co/ApesFacebook
Follow War for the Planet of the Apes on TWITTER: http://fox.co/ApesMoviesTwitter
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#WarForThePlanet

About 20th Century FOX:
Official YouTube Channel for 20th Century Fox Movies. Home of Avatar, Aliens, X-Men, Die Hard, Deadpool, Ice Age, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Rio, Peanuts, Maze Runner, Planet of the Apes, Wolverine and many more.

Connect with 20th Century FOX Online:
Visit the 20th Century FOX WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/FOXMovie
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War for the Planet of the Apes | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX
http://www.youtube.com/user/FoxMovies

The 15th annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles opens next week on Wednesday, April 5, and runs through Sunday, April 9. Passes and tickets are now on sale!

Our incredible lineup to celebrate this landmark year is filled with exciting in-person appearances, and has something for every taste.

Adil Hussain joins us for the Closing Night Gala of Shubhashish Bhutiani's debut feature HOTEL SALVATION. The film tells a wry but heartfelt story about an aging man who waits for the end of his life with his dutiful son in the holy city of Varanasi. Bhutiani is an IFFLA alum whose short film KUSH won our Audience Award in 2014. 

We're thrilled to welcome legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and Symphony Orchestra of India associate music director Zane Dalal to the festival, for a screening of short documentary AN INDIAN ACCENT, and then a discussion recounting their work on brilliant orchestra concerto Peshkar. 

Nisha Ganatra, a multitalented director, writer and actor who has proven herself to be one of the leading voices of the filmmaking community, joins us for a discussion of her career along with some of her collaborators including Elaine Hendrix, Parish Cheen and Jason George, following a screening of her dazzling 1999 debut featureCHUTNEY POPCORN.

Filmmaker Roundtable offers the rare opportunity to see many of IFFLA's filmmakers in person all at once. Hosted by Sundance senior programmer John Nein, this event promises to be a lively discussion about the state of the Indian film industry.

The full lineup is here.

Documentaries at IFFLA 2017 This year IFFLA features three stunning and eclectic documentaries. Shirley Abraham and Amit Madheshiya's THE CINEMA TRAVELLERS is a poignant elegy for the end of traditional film exhibition. Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla's AN INSIGNIFICANT MAN follows the AAP's yearlong campaign to wrestle power away from India's political establishment. And Rahul Jain's Sundance winner MACHINES gains almost unlimited access to the dehumanizing world of textile production.

Passes and tickets now on sale! All Access or Fest Pass are the best way to experience the festival. As a Pass holder you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in our entire five-day program of screenings and events (including opening night film LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA, and closing night film HOTEL SALVATION), meet filmmakers and fellow festival goers at parties, and enjoy the IFFLA lounge between screenings. Learn more.

participants from the 2016 edition of FEFF Campus.

Successful Candidates Announced: 10 young writers from Europe and Asia to gather for 19^th edition of FEFF!

UDINE – Education. Inspiration. Two words that might act as a mission statement for the Far East Film Festival over the 19 years of its existence. They are also the best words to describe the motivation behind the FEFF Campus, which this year returns for its third edition and will welcome 10 aspiring journalists from Europe and Asia into the FEFF family.

Across the course of the 19^th staging of FEFF– from 21^st to 29th April 2017 - these young talents will be offered education through a series of seminars and workshops designed to help bring the art of writing to life; they will also find inspiration by become a living, breathing part of FEFF itself, in amongst the acclaimed Asian filmmakers, and the fans of Asian film, who gather in Udine each year.

After putting out the call for Campus candidates in February, FEFF received around 70 applications from across the world, deciding eventually on 10 successful candidates who will now be fully hosted by the festival while engaging in a programme that will help them chart a course into the their future careers.

 “We are constantly surprised by the wealth of talent out there, as seen once again through the incredibly high standard of applications we received for this year’s FEFF Campus,” said Campus co-ordinatorMathew Scott. “The candidates have all shown an obvious love and enthusiasm for Asian cinema – and we can’t wait to welcome them to Udine. Last year showed just how valuable this cross-cultural experience can be for these young writers, as our graduates look to further their careers. Plus of course it is a lot of fun for everyone.”

The FEFF Campus programme was initiated with great success in 2015 and will this year continue its commitment to providing a unique opportunity for young journalists to go “behind the scenes” at a film festival, while learning from the expertise provided by a line-up of media and film industry veterans.

This year’s Campus will include special seminars relating to film-specific subjects such as “What it means to be a Critic”, while the successful candidates will also have the opportunity to interview a selection of the biggest stars in Asia and contribute to a special FEFF Newsletter. They will also have direct access to the ever-popular FEFF Talks series of seminars and guest appearance while having the opportunity also to explore life in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.

The “business of film” is also high on the agenda for 2017 and the Campus attendees will be able to gain a valuable insight into to the inner workings of the industry, as FEFF stages its Industry section ‘Focus Asia’, a market dedicated to genre films.

The FEFF Campus is also pleased to announce a partnership with Asia Times (atimes.com), which will present daily updates from FEFF – and from the Campus – and will offer Campus participants the opportunity to have their work published, and seen by the world.

The FEFF Campus 2017 has the privilege to be supported by important European and Asian associations and organizations such as Europa Cinemas, the Udine Chamber of Commerce, Asia Times, the Danieli Academy (‘100 Reporter’ project), the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club, and the Singapore-based ASEF (Asia-Europe Foundation), Coop Alleanza 3.0 and Porto Piccolo (Trieste).

FEFF Campus 2017 – successful candidates:

Europe: David Pountain (UK), Maja Korbecka (Poland), Polina Zelmanova (Cyprus), Barbara Sorger (Austria), Francesco Franz (Italy)

Asia: Natalie Ngai Tsz-lam (Hong Kong/China), Paige Lim (Singapore), Yuan Yingzi (China), Megumi Arita (Japan), Joshua Lim (Malaysia)

OMEGRANATE AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT OPENING NIGHT

Morocco’s culture of co-existence between Muslims and Jews will be celebrated on Opening Night of the NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival’s 20th Anniversary Edition on 30 March. The evening is dedicated to Mr. André Azoulay, who serves as Counsellor to His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco. US government officials, foreign diplomats, and leaders within the cultural, academic, philanthropic, and business communities will join the American Sephardi Federation (ASF) in honoring Mr. Azoulay.

Mr. Azoulay is receiving ASF’s Pomegranate Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his remarkable life’s work exemplifying the Moroccan tradition of tolerance through the arts, especially with the founding of the Essouira-Mogador Foundation for Arts, Culture, and Heritage and Essouira’s Festival des Andalousies Atlantiques, as well as his support of Association Mimouna, a movement of young Moroccan Muslims who preserve and promote the Moroccan Jewish heritage as an essential part of the Moroccan identity.

Mr. Azoulay’s fête, co-presented with Association Mimouna, will include a reception of kosher Moroccan delicacies and live musical performances, including by Israeli-Moroccan singer Neta Elkayam, who, with her partner Amit Cohen, creates original Moroccan Judeo-Arabic compositions.

The Pomegranate Award is designed by renowned Baghdad-born artist and ASF Board member Oded Halahmy, the proprietor of the Pomegranate Gallery in Soho and Jaffa.

Mr. André Azoulay

21/29 April 2017 – Udine – Teatro Nuovo and Visionario

First preview of the 2017 line-up: from the bizarre comedy - produced by Pang Ho-cheung - Nail Clipper Romance about a red-haired girl who lives off nail clippers through the amazing trans costumes of Die Beautiful to the splatter-horror-gore of The Sleep Curse;

from 52Hz, I Love You, the Taiwanese La La Land, to the International Premiere of Love Off The Cuff and Kung Fu Yoga with Jackie Chan, a packed programme from the most anarchic and surprising corners of Asian cinema.

Press release of the 31 March 2017

For immediate release

Ø  Click here to download hi-res photos

UDINE - Expect the unexpected isn't just the title of a (wonderful) old Hong Kong detective movie by Patrick Yau: it's the short, perfect chemical formula which captures the essence of all – absolutely all - of Asian cinema. There are places, like those we find in fairy tales or in dreams, where anything can happen, and Asian cinema is undoubtedly one of them. The fans know that, as does the Far East Film Festival in Udine  from the 21^st to the 29^th of April, which is about to declare its nineteenth edition open and which has never stopped exploring, experiencing and describing the unexpected.

Nearly twenty years of visions which are extreme, anarchic and unsettling whatever their genre or narrative slant: rather than being a question of technique or aesthetic, it's a question of soul. A natural inclination (and a formidable talent) for the unexpected, in fact, and once again this year visitors will have a great deal to admire. A great deal, running the gamut from comedy to splatter, for example as well as from love story to musical. A preview of the substantial 2017 line-up which, let's not forget, will be unveiled in full on the 13^th of April.

Unexpected is certainly the right word for Nail Clipper Romance by Jason Kwan, produced by one of the FEFF's dearest friends (and based on his own short story): we're talking about that bad boy Pang Ho-cheung, icon of indomitable made-in-Hong Kong creativity, who will also be presenting Love Off the Cuff (third chapter in the bizarre romantic saga that began with Love in a Puff and continued with Love in the Buff) at Udine. The debut film by Jason Kwan, filmed in Hawaii and with a score by Italian composer Gabriele Roberto, stars a girl who is on a slightly unusual diet: ...nail clippers! Is there anything else to say, except that Nail Clipper Romance is a romantic comedy?

Unexpected is definitely the word for the question mark that gave birth to Kung Fu Yoga by Stanley Tong (it will be released in Italy with Notorious): what happens when two completely different disciplines – two disciplines no one (let's be honest) imagines having anything in common – are brought together? His Majesty Jackie Chan makes an appearance is what happens – the super guest of the 2015 FEFF is once again a guarantee of full-power action and comedy! We're in the world of family-friendly popcorn movies here, of course, with the same dream team which in recent years has dominated the Asian box office (Police Story 3: Super Cop, Rumble in the Bronx) and delighted millions of viewers.

Unexpected is also definitely the right word for The Sleep Curse by Herman Yau, another old friend of the Festival, who, to the delight of his most fervent admirers, returns to his first (great) love: splatter. Or, to be precise, gore. If you think you're ready for anything, prepare yourselves to see the glorious duo from Untold Story (1993) and Ebola Syndrome (1996) back in action: yes, the legendary Herman has brought the equally legendary Anthony Wong back to the set ! An extreme film, not recommended for the easily-shocked, which rewrites - in blood - the rules of the genre. 

Unexpected is the perfect description of 52Hz, I Love You by Wei Te-sheng, which we can consider to all intents and purposes Taiwan's answer to La La Land (or should that be the other way round?), and just as unexpected is the Philippine Die Beautiful by Jun Robles Lana: an irresistible, chaotic, multicoloured transgender comedy that is already destined to become a cult! It is the story of Trisha, played by actor Paolo Ballesteros, a beauty queen who dies suddenly during her coronation ceremony. Her last wish is to have an unforgettable wake so, to get around her ultra-right wing father, her friends steal her corpse. They will leave it on display for ten days, as per Filipino tradition, and every night it will be transformed by make up into a different celebrity, from Madonna to Shakira!

Nearly twenty years of extreme, anarchic and unsettling visions bursting from the big screen of the Far East Film Festival, we were saying, and as happens only in fairy tales or in dreams, Asian cinema continues to fill our eyes with wonder...

4 nights of amazing indie films await you as FirstGlance Film Festivals celebrates its 17th year in Los Angeles in a brand new venue in the amazing North Hollywood Arts District at the Laemmle Theatre.

Get ready for more screenings, more films and more nights as FirstGlance expands due to popular demand!

Over 40 award winning films from features to shorts, to webseries and more! One of the most diverse array of filmmakers in our history and amazing films from all corners of the planet!

And for the first time in our history, a LIVE AWARDS CEREMONY on SUNDAY CLOSING NIGHT!

FirstGlance Film festivals began in 1996 in the basement of a small theater in Center City Philadelphia. It started as a small theatre company in Philadelphia that wanted to help fellow filmmakers get their projects shown in a public venue for others to enjoy. Its mission was a one time weekend to show projects that might otherwise not be seen by moviegoers in the Philadelphia area. With a rented video projector and a bunch of large screen TVs, they had a successful weekend showing about 20 projects to about 150 people...The FirstGlance Film Festival was born. FirstGlance decided to move forward and make its festival an annual event. With filmmaker interest, their sister festival opened in Burbank California in 2000 to a similar audience in a 35 seat screening room and has also become a growing annual event.

Having currently produced 34 independent film festivals, FirstGlance is Philadelphia's Independent Film Festival since 1996 and one of the fastest growing indie film fests in Los Angeles!