And the winner is: “Simon of the Mountain.”
The film, directed by Federico Luis – and marking his feature debut – was awarded Cannes’ Critics Week Grand Prix.
Sold by Luxbox, the Argentina-Chile-Uruguay production stars Lorenzo “Toto” Ferro, the lead in breakout “El Angel,” as Simon, 21, a lonely only son who falls in with a group of discapacitated kids, feigning a discapacity. Thanks to their friendship he flowers, discovering love, sex and a sense of belonging.
“I am thinking not only about what it means to us, but also about what it means to the people in Argentina who, over the course of the next four years, will struggle, trying to make local films,” said Luis, accepting the award.
“At home, there are people who still think we make films no one wants to see. I hope this will change it and that Argentinian people – and then the whole world – will watch Argentinian cinema.
The film, directed by Federico Luis – and marking his feature debut – was awarded Cannes’ Critics Week Grand Prix.
Sold by Luxbox, the Argentina-Chile-Uruguay production stars Lorenzo “Toto” Ferro, the lead in breakout “El Angel,” as Simon, 21, a lonely only son who falls in with a group of discapacitated kids, feigning a discapacity. Thanks to their friendship he flowers, discovering love, sex and a sense of belonging.
“I am thinking not only about what it means to us, but also about what it means to the people in Argentina who, over the course of the next four years, will struggle, trying to make local films,” said Luis, accepting the award.
“At home, there are people who still think we make films no one wants to see. I hope this will change it and that Argentinian people – and then the whole world – will watch Argentinian cinema.
- 5/22/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
The world premiere of Agathe Riedinger’s Wild Diamond in Cannes Competition is the only one by a first-time filmmaker and heralds Riedinger as part of a new wave of French female directors to arrive en force on the Croisette.
The film explores western society’s obsession with beauty and fame and the omnipresence of social media through the story of a 19 year-old girl who sets out to earn a spot on a reality TV show.
Also in Competitoin is France-born Coralie Fargeat’s second feature The Substance. The body horror is produced by the UK’s Working Title Films and stars Demi Moore,...
The film explores western society’s obsession with beauty and fame and the omnipresence of social media through the story of a 19 year-old girl who sets out to earn a spot on a reality TV show.
Also in Competitoin is France-born Coralie Fargeat’s second feature The Substance. The body horror is produced by the UK’s Working Title Films and stars Demi Moore,...
- 5/17/2024
- ScreenDaily
Cannes parallel section Critics’ Week opens Wednesday with French director Jonathan Millet’s psychological manhunt thriller Ghost Trail (Les Fantômes), starring Adam Bessa as man in in pursuit of a faceless, former torturer.
Running from May 15 to 23, the compact line-up will showcase 11 first and second works features by emerging directors, seven in competition, as well as 13 short films.
Deadline caught up with Artistic Director Ava Cahen on the eve of the 63rd edition.
Deadline: You’re on your third selection as Critics’ Week artistic director. How was it this year?
Ava Cahen: We always put the counters back to zero. So everything felt new, even if it’s my third year. We received a few more films than normal and screened 1,050 features. It’s hard when you’ve only got 11 slots. Obviously there were a lot more than 11 films that we would have liked to have welcomed. There was a lot of discussion.
Running from May 15 to 23, the compact line-up will showcase 11 first and second works features by emerging directors, seven in competition, as well as 13 short films.
Deadline caught up with Artistic Director Ava Cahen on the eve of the 63rd edition.
Deadline: You’re on your third selection as Critics’ Week artistic director. How was it this year?
Ava Cahen: We always put the counters back to zero. So everything felt new, even if it’s my third year. We received a few more films than normal and screened 1,050 features. It’s hard when you’ve only got 11 slots. Obviously there were a lot more than 11 films that we would have liked to have welcomed. There was a lot of discussion.
- 5/15/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Arizona Distribution has acquired French rights for Argentinian director Federico Luis’s first feature Simon of the Mountain ahead of its world premiere in Cannes Critics’ Week in May.
The coming-of-age tale stars rising Argentinian actor, singer and song writer Lorenzo Ferro as a young man grappling with the challenges of a mental disorder.
Cannes Critics’ Week Artistic Director Ava Cahen has described the film as a deeply human drama challenging the misperceptions around disability.
French arthouse distributor Arizona has a track record in handling independent Argentinian cinema having previously released Rodrigo Moreno’s The Delinquents, which debuted in Cannes Un Certain Regard in 2023.
“Federico Luis’ first feature film is an intense, masterful work of rare power. Its discovery was an emotional explosion for us, and we can’t wait to share it with French audiences,” said Arizona Distribution CEO Bénédicte Thomas.
“We’re delighted to once again be supporting an Argentinian film,...
The coming-of-age tale stars rising Argentinian actor, singer and song writer Lorenzo Ferro as a young man grappling with the challenges of a mental disorder.
Cannes Critics’ Week Artistic Director Ava Cahen has described the film as a deeply human drama challenging the misperceptions around disability.
French arthouse distributor Arizona has a track record in handling independent Argentinian cinema having previously released Rodrigo Moreno’s The Delinquents, which debuted in Cannes Un Certain Regard in 2023.
“Federico Luis’ first feature film is an intense, masterful work of rare power. Its discovery was an emotional explosion for us, and we can’t wait to share it with French audiences,” said Arizona Distribution CEO Bénédicte Thomas.
“We’re delighted to once again be supporting an Argentinian film,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
French sales powerhouse Charades has boarded Constance Tsang’s migrant drama “Blue Sun Palace” which is set to world premiere at Cannes’ Critics’ Week. WME Independent is representing domestic rights for the movie in North America.
“Blue Sun Palace” is set in the Chinese community of Queens with a vibrant cast led by award-winning Taiwanese actor Lee Kang Sheng (“Rebels of the Neon God”), Golden Horse award nominee Wu Ke-Xi (“The Road to Mandalay”) and Chinese actress Xu Haipeng (“Venus By Water”).
The film revolves around two migrants, Amy and Didi, who work together at a massage parlor in Flushing, Queens, and navigate romance, happiness and the obligations of family thousands of miles from home. A sudden act of violence will catalyze their unlikely bond. “Blue Sun Palace” is produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Sally Sujin Oh and Eli Raskin (Field Trip Media), alongside producer Tony Yang (Big Buddha Pictures...
“Blue Sun Palace” is set in the Chinese community of Queens with a vibrant cast led by award-winning Taiwanese actor Lee Kang Sheng (“Rebels of the Neon God”), Golden Horse award nominee Wu Ke-Xi (“The Road to Mandalay”) and Chinese actress Xu Haipeng (“Venus By Water”).
The film revolves around two migrants, Amy and Didi, who work together at a massage parlor in Flushing, Queens, and navigate romance, happiness and the obligations of family thousands of miles from home. A sudden act of violence will catalyze their unlikely bond. “Blue Sun Palace” is produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Sally Sujin Oh and Eli Raskin (Field Trip Media), alongside producer Tony Yang (Big Buddha Pictures...
- 4/25/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Charades has swooped in on Alexis Langlois’ debut feature Queens Of Drama (Les Reines du Drame), a French queer musical selected for a special screening slot at Cannes’ Critics’ Week.
Set in 2005, the film centres on the cursed and fiery romance between young pop idol Mimi Madamour and queer punk icon Billie Kohler as they navigate their desire for the spotlight with their passion for each other that leads them down a path of self-destruction.
Queens Of Drama is produced by Les Films du Poisson, the prolific Paris-based production house behind Mona Achache’s 2023 Cannes title Little Girl Blue starring Marion Cotillard.
Set in 2005, the film centres on the cursed and fiery romance between young pop idol Mimi Madamour and queer punk icon Billie Kohler as they navigate their desire for the spotlight with their passion for each other that leads them down a path of self-destruction.
Queens Of Drama is produced by Les Films du Poisson, the prolific Paris-based production house behind Mona Achache’s 2023 Cannes title Little Girl Blue starring Marion Cotillard.
- 4/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Last year the Critics’ Week section introduced us to first and second features from the likes of Vladimir Perišić, Iris Kaltenbäck, Amanda Nell Eu, Amjad Al Rasheed and Marie Amachoukeli. In 2024, Ava Cahen’s team viewed 1050 feature films have loaded up the competition (and Special Screenings section) with eleven features. France is unsurprisingly the dominant representation country with five selections and three co-productions. Opening with Jonathan Millet‘s Les Fantômes (aka Ghost Trail) which was coined as a Cairo Conspiracy meets the surveillance world of The Lives Of Others this stars Adam Bessa, Tawfeek Barhom, Julia Franz Richter, Hala Rajab and unfolds in modern-day Strasbourg.…...
- 4/15/2024
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
French-Tunisian star Adam Bessa takes one of the lead roles in the Cannes Critics’ Week opener Ghost Trail Photo: La Semaine de la Critique On song in Alexis Langlois’s first feature Queens of Drama, a pop musical Photo: La Semaine de la Critique Hot on the heels of the official Cannes Film Festival launch last week comes today’s announcement in Paris of the selection for this year’s 63rd edition of Critics’ Week, devoted to first and second features and running between May 15 and 23.
Ava Cahen, the Week’s artistic director, revealed a selection of 11 titles including the opener Ghost Trail, a psychological thriller, inspired by real events, by Jonathan Millet and the closing film by Emma Benestan, Animale, styled as a “genre piece” set in the Camargue and is described as “at the “crossroads between western, slasher, body horror, and revenge film.”
Constance Tsang’s Blue Sun...
Ava Cahen, the Week’s artistic director, revealed a selection of 11 titles including the opener Ghost Trail, a psychological thriller, inspired by real events, by Jonathan Millet and the closing film by Emma Benestan, Animale, styled as a “genre piece” set in the Camargue and is described as “at the “crossroads between western, slasher, body horror, and revenge film.”
Constance Tsang’s Blue Sun...
- 4/15/2024
- by Richard Mowe
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Cannes Critics’ Week, spotlighting first and second features, has unveiled the competition and special screenings selection for its 63rd edition running May 15-23.
Scroll down for full list of titles
Artistic director Ava Cahen, now in her third year in the position, announced the selection of 11 features chosen from 1,050 films screened. Seven films will vie for four top prizes in competition, chosen by a jury led by Spanish filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen. Nine are first films that will vie for the Camera d’Or and three are directed or co-directed by women.
The sidebar will open with French director Jonathan Millet...
Scroll down for full list of titles
Artistic director Ava Cahen, now in her third year in the position, announced the selection of 11 features chosen from 1,050 films screened. Seven films will vie for four top prizes in competition, chosen by a jury led by Spanish filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen. Nine are first films that will vie for the Camera d’Or and three are directed or co-directed by women.
The sidebar will open with French director Jonathan Millet...
- 4/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Cannes Critics’ Week, the sidebar dedicated to first and second films, will open with Jonathan Millet’s psychological thriller “Ghost Trail” and wrap with Emma Benestan’s genre film “Animale.”
“Ghost Trail” and “Animale” are two of the 11 features slated for Critics’ Week, which runs alongside the Cannes Film Festival.
The sole U.S. film of the selection is Constance Tsang’s “Blue Sun Palace,” a bittersweet film about two Chinese immigrants living in Queens who bond following a tragic death and find meaning in each other’s company. “As humble and dignified as its characters, this first, realistic and intimate, film sheds light on a community that is little seen,” said Ava Cahen, Critics’ Week’s artistic director. “Blue Sun Palace” stars Lee Kang-sheng whose recent credits include “Twisted Strings.”
Besides the opening and closing films, the Special Screenings section will comprise of Saïd Hamich Benlarbi’s “Across the...
“Ghost Trail” and “Animale” are two of the 11 features slated for Critics’ Week, which runs alongside the Cannes Film Festival.
The sole U.S. film of the selection is Constance Tsang’s “Blue Sun Palace,” a bittersweet film about two Chinese immigrants living in Queens who bond following a tragic death and find meaning in each other’s company. “As humble and dignified as its characters, this first, realistic and intimate, film sheds light on a community that is little seen,” said Ava Cahen, Critics’ Week’s artistic director. “Blue Sun Palace” stars Lee Kang-sheng whose recent credits include “Twisted Strings.”
Besides the opening and closing films, the Special Screenings section will comprise of Saïd Hamich Benlarbi’s “Across the...
- 4/15/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Cannes Critics’ Week championing work by emerging filmmakers has unveiled the line-up for its 63rd edition running from May 15 to 23.
The traditionally compact parallel selection will showcase 11 features, seven in competition, as well as 13 short films, selected from 1,050 features and 2,150 short films. (scroll down for full list)
The 2024 edition marks Artistic Director Ava Cahen’s third at the helm, with buzzy discoveries under her directorship to date including Tiger Stripes, The Rapture, Aftersun and Love According To Dalva.
Opening and closing films
French director Jonathan Millet’s psychological manhunt thriller Ghost Trail (Les Fantômes) will open the section. It marks his first feature after half a dozen shorts including Tell Me About The Stars.
Adam Bessa, who won the Un Certain Regard prize for his performance in Harka in 2022, stars as a man in pursuit of his former torturer. He never saw his oppressor’s face, but knows his smell,...
The traditionally compact parallel selection will showcase 11 features, seven in competition, as well as 13 short films, selected from 1,050 features and 2,150 short films. (scroll down for full list)
The 2024 edition marks Artistic Director Ava Cahen’s third at the helm, with buzzy discoveries under her directorship to date including Tiger Stripes, The Rapture, Aftersun and Love According To Dalva.
Opening and closing films
French director Jonathan Millet’s psychological manhunt thriller Ghost Trail (Les Fantômes) will open the section. It marks his first feature after half a dozen shorts including Tell Me About The Stars.
Adam Bessa, who won the Un Certain Regard prize for his performance in Harka in 2022, stars as a man in pursuit of his former torturer. He never saw his oppressor’s face, but knows his smell,...
- 4/15/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: French sales and production company Totem Films has boarded international sales on Somalia-set drama The Village Next To Paradise by Mo Harawe.
The movie was among 14 titles announced for the Un Certain Section of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival at the event’s press conference in Paris on Thursday.
Set in a remote Somali village, the feature revolves around a newly assembled family as its members navigate between their different aspirations and the complex world surrounding them. Only love, trust and resilience will power them through their life paths.
“It is a privilege to afford to dream, let alone to become a filmmaker,” said Harawe. following the news. “The Village Next to Paradise serves as a metaphor for a country that holds the potential for paradise, were it not for the circumstances that make such a reality impossible.”
The film stars Somalian actors Ahmed Ali Farah,...
The movie was among 14 titles announced for the Un Certain Section of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival at the event’s press conference in Paris on Thursday.
Set in a remote Somali village, the feature revolves around a newly assembled family as its members navigate between their different aspirations and the complex world surrounding them. Only love, trust and resilience will power them through their life paths.
“It is a privilege to afford to dream, let alone to become a filmmaker,” said Harawe. following the news. “The Village Next to Paradise serves as a metaphor for a country that holds the potential for paradise, were it not for the circumstances that make such a reality impossible.”
The film stars Somalian actors Ahmed Ali Farah,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Last year’s edition of Critics’ Week featured the likes of Ama Gloria, Tiger Stripes and Iris Kaltenbäck’s Le Ravissement — which would become the section’s identifier for the 63rd edition with actress Hafsia Herzi giving us the side-eye. Currently in year three of her mandate, Critics’ Week topper Ava Cahen will likely once again select first-time features only for the competition and will give extra visibility to French cinema with Special Screenings selections to popular industry figures (and France co-productions) perhaps a Céline Sallette’s Niki or a revisit of Jesse Eisenberg with A Real Pain. We don’t know when they’ll unveil the selections but it should be more or less around the second week of April.…...
- 3/25/2024
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
‘Motherhood’ is directed by Tunisa’s Meryam Joobeur while ‘Amnesia’ is by Palestine’s Dima Hamdam.
The sixth edition of the four-day Atlas Workshops of the Marrakech International Film Festival (Fifm) closed on Thursday (November 30) with the presentation of eight awards representing total cash prizes €126,000
The three prizes for films in post-production went to Meryam Joobeur’s Motherhood, Mo Harawe’s The Village Next To Paradise and Mia Bendrimia’s The Magma.
Motherhood is the anticipated feature debut of Oscar-nominated Tunisian-Canadian filmmaker Joobeur and is produced by Sarra Ben Hassen of Tunisia’s Instinct Blue.
Somalian filmmaker Harawe’s The...
The sixth edition of the four-day Atlas Workshops of the Marrakech International Film Festival (Fifm) closed on Thursday (November 30) with the presentation of eight awards representing total cash prizes €126,000
The three prizes for films in post-production went to Meryam Joobeur’s Motherhood, Mo Harawe’s The Village Next To Paradise and Mia Bendrimia’s The Magma.
Motherhood is the anticipated feature debut of Oscar-nominated Tunisian-Canadian filmmaker Joobeur and is produced by Sarra Ben Hassen of Tunisia’s Instinct Blue.
Somalian filmmaker Harawe’s The...
- 12/1/2023
- by E. Nina Rothe
- ScreenDaily
‘Motherhood’ is directed by Tunisa’s Meryam Joobeur while ‘Amnesia’ is by Palestine’s Dima Hamdam.
The sixth edition of the four-day Atlas Workshops of the Marrakech International Film Festival (Fifm) closed on Thursday (November 30) with the presentation of eight awards representing total cash prizes €126,000
The three prizes for films in post-production went to Meryam Joobeur’s Motherhood, Mo Harawe’s The Village Next To Paradise and Mia Bendrimia’s The Magma.
Motherhood is the anticipated feature debut of Oscar-nominated Tunisian-Canadian filmmaker Joobeur and is produced by Sarra Ben Hassen of Tunisia’s Instinct Blue.
Somalian filmmaker Harawe’s The...
The sixth edition of the four-day Atlas Workshops of the Marrakech International Film Festival (Fifm) closed on Thursday (November 30) with the presentation of eight awards representing total cash prizes €126,000
The three prizes for films in post-production went to Meryam Joobeur’s Motherhood, Mo Harawe’s The Village Next To Paradise and Mia Bendrimia’s The Magma.
Motherhood is the anticipated feature debut of Oscar-nominated Tunisian-Canadian filmmaker Joobeur and is produced by Sarra Ben Hassen of Tunisia’s Instinct Blue.
Somalian filmmaker Harawe’s The...
- 12/1/2023
- by E. Nina Rothe
- ScreenDaily
In addition to her duties serving on the jury of Busan’s New Currents competition, U.S.-based producer Christina Oh will be meeting a group of Korean filmmakers at the festival to talk about upcoming film projects and attempt to build more bridges between the film industries of Korea and the U.S.
Speaking at the Busan New Currents jury press conference, Oh said she feels that opportunities are growing for filmmakers from Korea and other diaspora communities to make films in North America.
“With the success of films like Parasite, Minari and Past Lives there’s an interesting trend towards being more inclusive of films from, not just Korea, but other countries,” said Oh, a Korean-American producer who has credits including Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari and Bong Joon Ho’s Okja.
While Minari was successful at the U.S. box office and won a best supporting actress Oscar for Youn Yuh-jung,...
Speaking at the Busan New Currents jury press conference, Oh said she feels that opportunities are growing for filmmakers from Korea and other diaspora communities to make films in North America.
“With the success of films like Parasite, Minari and Past Lives there’s an interesting trend towards being more inclusive of films from, not just Korea, but other countries,” said Oh, a Korean-American producer who has credits including Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari and Bong Joon Ho’s Okja.
While Minari was successful at the U.S. box office and won a best supporting actress Oscar for Youn Yuh-jung,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat receives Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.
A raft of star actors and directors from across Asia helped open the 28th Busan International Film Festival tonight (October 4), led by Hong Kong film icon Chow Yun-fat.
The acclaimed star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Killer took to the stage at the festival in South Korea to accept the honorary Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.
Speaking to a packed audience at the outdoor theatre of the Busan Cinema Center, Chow said: “It’s been exactly 50 years since I started my career as an actor.
A raft of star actors and directors from across Asia helped open the 28th Busan International Film Festival tonight (October 4), led by Hong Kong film icon Chow Yun-fat.
The acclaimed star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Killer took to the stage at the festival in South Korea to accept the honorary Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.
Speaking to a packed audience at the outdoor theatre of the Busan Cinema Center, Chow said: “It’s been exactly 50 years since I started my career as an actor.
- 10/4/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Tana Gilbert’s ‘Malqueridas’ the other key winner.
Luna Carmoon’s debut feature Hoard led the winners of the 38th Venice Critics’ Week, taking three prizes including the audience award.
The UK film, about a young girl living with her hoarder mother who then reconsiders her youth when a teenager, also won the prize for most innovative film. Lead actress Saura Lightfoot Leon shared a special mention for the grand prize with actress Ariane Labed for The Vourdalak.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
The main grand prize went to Tana Gilbert’s Malqueridas, selected by a jury of Belgian musician Baloji,...
Luna Carmoon’s debut feature Hoard led the winners of the 38th Venice Critics’ Week, taking three prizes including the audience award.
The UK film, about a young girl living with her hoarder mother who then reconsiders her youth when a teenager, also won the prize for most innovative film. Lead actress Saura Lightfoot Leon shared a special mention for the grand prize with actress Ariane Labed for The Vourdalak.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
The main grand prize went to Tana Gilbert’s Malqueridas, selected by a jury of Belgian musician Baloji,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The Busan International Film Festival put aside many of its recent internal and local political problems to Tuesday unveil a large selection ranging from bleeding edge art titles to international festival favorites.
“The difficult times are not behind us, but hard work has made this year’s festival better than ever,” said programmer and interim festival chief Nam Dong-chul, speaking at an online press conference.
International guests expected to attend the festival include Luc Besson, Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing, Japanese directors Hamaguchi Ryusuke and Kore-Eda Hirokazu, Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, and Korean Americans Justin Chon (“Gook”) and Lee Isaac Chung (“Minari”).
Hong Kong-based superstar Chow Yun-fat has been named as Busan’s Asian Filmmaker of the Year and will be in person to receive the award. The Korean Cinema Award will presented to the late Yun Jung-hee, the actress who starred in “The General’s Mustache” and Lee Chang-dong’s 2010 drama “Poetry.
“The difficult times are not behind us, but hard work has made this year’s festival better than ever,” said programmer and interim festival chief Nam Dong-chul, speaking at an online press conference.
International guests expected to attend the festival include Luc Besson, Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing, Japanese directors Hamaguchi Ryusuke and Kore-Eda Hirokazu, Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, and Korean Americans Justin Chon (“Gook”) and Lee Isaac Chung (“Minari”).
Hong Kong-based superstar Chow Yun-fat has been named as Busan’s Asian Filmmaker of the Year and will be in person to receive the award. The Korean Cinema Award will presented to the late Yun Jung-hee, the actress who starred in “The General’s Mustache” and Lee Chang-dong’s 2010 drama “Poetry.
- 9/5/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson’s ’Mother Vera’ and Sarah Lewis’ ’No Ifs Or Buts’ honoured in festival’s works-in-progress section.
Documentary filmmakers scooped the prizes in Locarno Pro’s First Look work-in-progress section, which is dedicated to UK films this year.
Mother Vera, co-directed by Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson, won the new Creativity Media First Look Award covering services towards the completion of films in post-production up to the value of € 50,000.
Mother Vera follows a young Orthodox nun making her way from the thick snow of the Belarusian forest to the heat of the reeds in the French Camargue.
Documentary filmmakers scooped the prizes in Locarno Pro’s First Look work-in-progress section, which is dedicated to UK films this year.
Mother Vera, co-directed by Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson, won the new Creativity Media First Look Award covering services towards the completion of films in post-production up to the value of € 50,000.
Mother Vera follows a young Orthodox nun making her way from the thick snow of the Belarusian forest to the heat of the reeds in the French Camargue.
- 8/7/2023
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
Belarusian-set pic Mother Vera has picked up Locarno’s Creativity Media First Look Award, the biggest prize handed out by the festival’s industry section.
The award comes with a €50,000 cash prize that covers services towards the completion of films in post-production. Filmmakers Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson co-directed the pic with producer Laura Shacham.
Discussing their choice, the Locarno Pro jury — comprised of Ava Cahen, Gaia Furrer, and Eugene Hernandez — said: “From the opening moments of this film, we were immediately drawn to the strikingly photographed stark portrait of a fascinating nun in Belarus who makes a journey to France. We congratulate filmmakers Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson and wish them the best with this new film, Mother Vera.”
Embleton is a London-based filmmaker who has predominantly worked in docs. Her debut film,...
The award comes with a €50,000 cash prize that covers services towards the completion of films in post-production. Filmmakers Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson co-directed the pic with producer Laura Shacham.
Discussing their choice, the Locarno Pro jury — comprised of Ava Cahen, Gaia Furrer, and Eugene Hernandez — said: “From the opening moments of this film, we were immediately drawn to the strikingly photographed stark portrait of a fascinating nun in Belarus who makes a journey to France. We congratulate filmmakers Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson and wish them the best with this new film, Mother Vera.”
Embleton is a London-based filmmaker who has predominantly worked in docs. Her debut film,...
- 8/6/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
It was a good day for female filmmakers – and documentaries – at Locarno Pro, with “Mother Vera” by Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson winning the Creativity Media First Look Award on Sunday at Locarno’s pix-in-post competition, dedicated this year to the U.K.
Dedicated to a young Orthodox nun, “Mother Vera” shows her turbulent past and fragile future as she faces inner conflict after 20 years as a monastic.
“From the opening moments of this film, we were immediately drawn to the strikingly photographed stark portrait of a fascinating nun in Belarus who makes a journey to France,” said jurors Ava Cahen, Gaia Furrer and Eugene Hernandez.
The award covers post production services up to the value of €50,000. Laura Shacham produces “Mother Vera” for She Makes Productions.
“About six years ago, they were working together on Alice’s photographic project documenting Christian pilgrimage sites in Eastern Europe. They saw this striking woman,...
Dedicated to a young Orthodox nun, “Mother Vera” shows her turbulent past and fragile future as she faces inner conflict after 20 years as a monastic.
“From the opening moments of this film, we were immediately drawn to the strikingly photographed stark portrait of a fascinating nun in Belarus who makes a journey to France,” said jurors Ava Cahen, Gaia Furrer and Eugene Hernandez.
The award covers post production services up to the value of €50,000. Laura Shacham produces “Mother Vera” for She Makes Productions.
“About six years ago, they were working together on Alice’s photographic project documenting Christian pilgrimage sites in Eastern Europe. They saw this striking woman,...
- 8/6/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
First Look, the works-in-progress strand of the Locarno film festival’s industry section, has revealed the six titles selected for its 2023 edition.
This year First Look will highlight independent projects from the UK. The festival has described each project as a work in progress “at the cusp of completion.” The selected works-in-progress, none of which currently have sales representation, will be presented to accredited industry professionals at the Cinema Rialto during the Locarno Film Festival.
Among the titles is All At Sea by the late filmmaker Mike Hodges. Produced by Solon Papadopoulos at Hurricane Films and directed, written, and narrated by Hodges, the pic explores Hodges’ story from his start in the Navy in the 1950s, to his work for Granada in the 1960s, through to his meteoric success with hits such as Get Carter and Flash Gordon in the 1970s onwards. Reflecting from his quiet Dorset home,...
This year First Look will highlight independent projects from the UK. The festival has described each project as a work in progress “at the cusp of completion.” The selected works-in-progress, none of which currently have sales representation, will be presented to accredited industry professionals at the Cinema Rialto during the Locarno Film Festival.
Among the titles is All At Sea by the late filmmaker Mike Hodges. Produced by Solon Papadopoulos at Hurricane Films and directed, written, and narrated by Hodges, the pic explores Hodges’ story from his start in the Navy in the 1950s, to his work for Granada in the 1960s, through to his meteoric success with hits such as Get Carter and Flash Gordon in the 1970s onwards. Reflecting from his quiet Dorset home,...
- 7/26/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Six U.K. works-in-progress have been selected for the 12th edition of Locarno’s First Look, an international launchpad for films in post-production taking place during Locarno Pro Days.
Since its introduction in 2012, First Look has already focused on Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Israel, Poland, the Baltic Countries, Portugal, Serbia, Switzerland and Germany
This year, the late Mike Hodges – known for “Get Carter” or “Flash Gordon” – will be celebrated in “All at Sea,” produced by Hurricane Films, a semi-autobiographical documentary depicting his life. The film was directed, written and narrated by Hodges himself.
“We have been working with Mike on this feature documentary over the past three, four years. We lost him in December, but luckily, we have a director’s cut and an even more pressing need to make sure his final film sees the light of the big screen,” says Solon Papadopoulos.
“Mike was a humble visionary and a delight to work with.
Since its introduction in 2012, First Look has already focused on Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Israel, Poland, the Baltic Countries, Portugal, Serbia, Switzerland and Germany
This year, the late Mike Hodges – known for “Get Carter” or “Flash Gordon” – will be celebrated in “All at Sea,” produced by Hurricane Films, a semi-autobiographical documentary depicting his life. The film was directed, written and narrated by Hodges himself.
“We have been working with Mike on this feature documentary over the past three, four years. We lost him in December, but luckily, we have a director’s cut and an even more pressing need to make sure his final film sees the light of the big screen,” says Solon Papadopoulos.
“Mike was a humble visionary and a delight to work with.
- 7/26/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Late director’s semi-autobiographical doc will be showcased alongside five other UK films.
All At Sea, a semi-autobiographical documentary by the late and acclaimed director and scriptwriter Mike Hodges, is one of six UK films selected for Locarno Pro’s works in progress strand First Look.
Thriller 7 Keys, the feature debut of Joy Wilkinson, a 2015 Screen Star of Tomorrow, will also be showcased in First Look.
Scroll down for full list of titles
Taking place at the Locarno Film Festival between August 4- 6, the 12th edition of Locarno Pro’s First Look is presenting works-in-progress from the UK through a...
All At Sea, a semi-autobiographical documentary by the late and acclaimed director and scriptwriter Mike Hodges, is one of six UK films selected for Locarno Pro’s works in progress strand First Look.
Thriller 7 Keys, the feature debut of Joy Wilkinson, a 2015 Screen Star of Tomorrow, will also be showcased in First Look.
Scroll down for full list of titles
Taking place at the Locarno Film Festival between August 4- 6, the 12th edition of Locarno Pro’s First Look is presenting works-in-progress from the UK through a...
- 7/26/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
This year’s Pitch Point includes new projects from Nir Bergman, Yona Rozenkier, Hadar Morag.
Jerusalem Film Festival has confirmed the Industry Days programme for its 40th-anniversary edition, including the 10 projects for its Pitch Point Competition for Israeli co-production features.
The Industry Days will run from July 13-15, and will also include the final pitching event of the Sam Spiegel International Film Lab on July 14.
Scroll down for the full list of Pitch Point projects.
Pitch Point pitches will run on July 13, to a jury presided over by Arte Cinema France’s Olivier Pere, and including Beta Cinema’s Thorsten Ritter,...
Jerusalem Film Festival has confirmed the Industry Days programme for its 40th-anniversary edition, including the 10 projects for its Pitch Point Competition for Israeli co-production features.
The Industry Days will run from July 13-15, and will also include the final pitching event of the Sam Spiegel International Film Lab on July 14.
Scroll down for the full list of Pitch Point projects.
Pitch Point pitches will run on July 13, to a jury presided over by Arte Cinema France’s Olivier Pere, and including Beta Cinema’s Thorsten Ritter,...
- 7/3/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
“Tiger Stripes,” the debut feature of Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu, won the Grand Prize at Cannes’ Critics’ Week, the Cannes sidebar dedicated to first or second films. The prize was awarded by a jury presided over by Audrey Diwan, the Venice prizewinning director of “Happening.”
The French Touch Jury Award went to Belgian director Paloma Sermon-Daï’s “It’s Raining in the House,” a film about adolescence, while the Revelation prize from the Louis Roederer Foundation was handed out to Jovan Ginic, the actor of Vladimir Perisic’s “Lost Country.” The Sacd prize, meanwhile, went to “The Rapture” by Iris Kaltenbäck.
“Tiger Stripes” tells the story of Zaffan, a 12 year-old girl who discovers a terrifying secret about her body. Ostracized by her community, Zaffan fights back, learning that in order to be free she must embrace the body she feared, emerging as a proud, strong woman.
The film stars Zafreen Zairizal,...
The French Touch Jury Award went to Belgian director Paloma Sermon-Daï’s “It’s Raining in the House,” a film about adolescence, while the Revelation prize from the Louis Roederer Foundation was handed out to Jovan Ginic, the actor of Vladimir Perisic’s “Lost Country.” The Sacd prize, meanwhile, went to “The Rapture” by Iris Kaltenbäck.
“Tiger Stripes” tells the story of Zaffan, a 12 year-old girl who discovers a terrifying secret about her body. Ostracized by her community, Zaffan fights back, learning that in order to be free she must embrace the body she feared, emerging as a proud, strong woman.
The film stars Zafreen Zairizal,...
- 5/24/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Amanda Nell Eu’s debut feature wins sidebar’s €10,000 grand prize.
Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu’s art horror Tiger Stripes won the top €10,000 grand prize of the 62nd edition of Cannes’ Critics Week sidebar.
Nell Eu’s debut feature explores themes of metamorphosis and rebellion in her film about a teenage girl whose body begins to morph at an alarming rate as she learns to embrace her true self. The film is a multi-territory co-production between Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Indonesia and Qatar.
Screen’s review said the film “truly growls in its depiction of the...
Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu’s art horror Tiger Stripes won the top €10,000 grand prize of the 62nd edition of Cannes’ Critics Week sidebar.
Nell Eu’s debut feature explores themes of metamorphosis and rebellion in her film about a teenage girl whose body begins to morph at an alarming rate as she learns to embrace her true self. The film is a multi-territory co-production between Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Indonesia and Qatar.
Screen’s review said the film “truly growls in its depiction of the...
- 5/24/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Roll up, roll up, Insiders. Cannes has been in the headlines for both film festival and Mip TV reasons this week, so plenty to follow. Jesse Whittock taking you through. Don’t forget to subscribe to this newsletter by clicking here.
Fremantle Moves On From Andreae Britains Got Talent
Allegations emerge: It’s been a rocky few weeks for Fremantle UK, the production giant behind the Got Talent franchise, Too Hot to Handle and The Responder. Early last Friday UK time, Jake broke the story that Fremantle UK CEO Simon Andreae was leaving his role, with the exec citing “health” issues. But Deadline then revealed the story could be a bit more complicated than that. In fact, the former Channel 4, Discovery and Fox unscripted boss had been investigated internally after facing complaints of workplace misconduct, one coming at a Fremantle diversity event in March. It was a shocking turn of events,...
Fremantle Moves On From Andreae Britains Got Talent
Allegations emerge: It’s been a rocky few weeks for Fremantle UK, the production giant behind the Got Talent franchise, Too Hot to Handle and The Responder. Early last Friday UK time, Jake broke the story that Fremantle UK CEO Simon Andreae was leaving his role, with the exec citing “health” issues. But Deadline then revealed the story could be a bit more complicated than that. In fact, the former Channel 4, Discovery and Fox unscripted boss had been investigated internally after facing complaints of workplace misconduct, one coming at a Fremantle diversity event in March. It was a shocking turn of events,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2023 Cannes Critics Week lineup has officially been unveiled.
Hot off of the world premiere of first-time filmmaker Charlotte Wells’ Oscar-nominated “Aftersun,” this year’s Critics Week marks seven highly-anticipated feature debuts from directors like Amanda Nell (“Tiger Stripes”) and Jason Yu (“Jam”).
The lineup kicks off with opening night film “Ama Gloria,” directed by French filmmaker Marie Amachoukeli, who previously won Cannes’ Camera d’Or for 2014’s “Party Girl” which Amachoukeli co-directed with Claire Burger and Samuel Theis. (Critics Week allows for both first and second films in its lineup.) “Ama Gloria” centers on six-year-old girl Cléo who copes with her nanny Gloria leaving to return to Cape Verde.
The closing night film is Erwan le Duc’s “La fille de son père,” billed as a “bittersweet comedy about paternity and filiation with a poetic and off-beat angle.” Le Duc previously helmed “Perdrix”; Nahuel Perez Biscayart and Céleste Brunnquell star as father and daughter.
Hot off of the world premiere of first-time filmmaker Charlotte Wells’ Oscar-nominated “Aftersun,” this year’s Critics Week marks seven highly-anticipated feature debuts from directors like Amanda Nell (“Tiger Stripes”) and Jason Yu (“Jam”).
The lineup kicks off with opening night film “Ama Gloria,” directed by French filmmaker Marie Amachoukeli, who previously won Cannes’ Camera d’Or for 2014’s “Party Girl” which Amachoukeli co-directed with Claire Burger and Samuel Theis. (Critics Week allows for both first and second films in its lineup.) “Ama Gloria” centers on six-year-old girl Cléo who copes with her nanny Gloria leaving to return to Cape Verde.
The closing night film is Erwan le Duc’s “La fille de son père,” billed as a “bittersweet comedy about paternity and filiation with a poetic and off-beat angle.” Le Duc previously helmed “Perdrix”; Nahuel Perez Biscayart and Céleste Brunnquell star as father and daughter.
- 4/17/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Cannes Critics’ Week Artistic Director Ava Cahen has unveiled the line-up for the 62nd edition of the parallel sidebar focused on first and second films, running May 17 to 25.
The compact selection will showcase 11 features, seven in Competition, and four as Special Screenings. Full details of the line-up can be found here. The short film line-up will be announced in the coming days.
This is Cahen’s second Selection as Artistic Director after a successful inaugural year in the role in 2022, topped by award-winning titles Aftersun, Alma Viva, Dalva and La Jauria.
Deadline talked to Cahen about the challenges of getting her second Selection over the line as well as some of the themes and trends to have emerged in the process.
Deadline: It’s your second Selection as Artistic Director after your well-received inaugural 2022 line-up. Did you find the process more difficult or easier this year?
Ava Cahen: It was different,...
The compact selection will showcase 11 features, seven in Competition, and four as Special Screenings. Full details of the line-up can be found here. The short film line-up will be announced in the coming days.
This is Cahen’s second Selection as Artistic Director after a successful inaugural year in the role in 2022, topped by award-winning titles Aftersun, Alma Viva, Dalva and La Jauria.
Deadline talked to Cahen about the challenges of getting her second Selection over the line as well as some of the themes and trends to have emerged in the process.
Deadline: It’s your second Selection as Artistic Director after your well-received inaugural 2022 line-up. Did you find the process more difficult or easier this year?
Ava Cahen: It was different,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
She couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin her mandate as the Artistic Director of the 2022 edition of the International Critics’ Week. La jauría topped the section and a little film called Aftersun silently slayed Cannes’ smallest section on the side and built the type of momentum that you’d have to see it to believe it. For year number deux, Ava Cahen’s competition films come from Belgium, Jordan, South Korea, Brazil, and France with the opening and closing selections adding a “French touch”. For the opening film, we have a Céline Sciamma production company-backed sophomore film in Marie Amachoukeli‘s Ama Gloria (#110 in our Most Anticipated list) – a film that has been described as a hybrid.…...
- 4/17/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Clockwise from top: Alma Gloria, Tiger Stripes, The (Ex)perience Of Love and No Love Lost Photo: Courtesy of La Semaine de la Critique Hot on the heels of last week’s unveiling of the official selection of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the artistic director of the 62nd Critics' Week, Ava Cahen, today set out her offerings.
She noted that the selectors had watched 1000 features. Among the 11 selected films for this year’s edition, seven are first films and six were directed by women.
Critics' Week artistic director Ava Cahen Photo: Courtesy of La Semaine de la Critique The opening film Ama Gloria, represents the first solo film by French director Marie Amachoukeli who won the Caméra d’Or for Party Girl which she co-directed with Claire Burger and Samuel Theis. She delivers a delicate, intimate film about the deep connection between six-year-old Cléo and Gloria, her nanny.
She noted that the selectors had watched 1000 features. Among the 11 selected films for this year’s edition, seven are first films and six were directed by women.
Critics' Week artistic director Ava Cahen Photo: Courtesy of La Semaine de la Critique The opening film Ama Gloria, represents the first solo film by French director Marie Amachoukeli who won the Caméra d’Or for Party Girl which she co-directed with Claire Burger and Samuel Theis. She delivers a delicate, intimate film about the deep connection between six-year-old Cléo and Gloria, her nanny.
- 4/17/2023
- by Richard Mowe
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Cannes Critics’ Week, a parallel film festival sidebar selected by the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics, has unveiled its 2023 selection of 11 features, including seven competition titles and four special screenings.
The section focuses on first and second features from emerging directors. The 62nd edition runs alongside the main Cannes festival May 17-25.
This year’s competition lineup includes two Asian horror movies: the Korean horror film Sleep (Jam) from first-time director, and former Bong Joon Ho assistant, Jason Yu, and Tiger Stripes from Malaysian director Amanda Eu. The former features Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun and Train to Busan‘s Jung Yu-mi as newlyweds whose lives descend into horror triggered by the husband’s strange behavior while asleep. Tiger Stripes, which draws inspiration from Southeast Asian folklore, is a coming-of-age tale about a 12-year-old girl whose body starts to change in alarming and horrifying ways as she hits puberty.
Physical changes...
The section focuses on first and second features from emerging directors. The 62nd edition runs alongside the main Cannes festival May 17-25.
This year’s competition lineup includes two Asian horror movies: the Korean horror film Sleep (Jam) from first-time director, and former Bong Joon Ho assistant, Jason Yu, and Tiger Stripes from Malaysian director Amanda Eu. The former features Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun and Train to Busan‘s Jung Yu-mi as newlyweds whose lives descend into horror triggered by the husband’s strange behavior while asleep. Tiger Stripes, which draws inspiration from Southeast Asian folklore, is a coming-of-age tale about a 12-year-old girl whose body starts to change in alarming and horrifying ways as she hits puberty.
Physical changes...
- 4/17/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sidebar devoted to first and second films runs May 17-25.
Cannes Critics’ Week, the sidebar devoted to first and second films, has unveiled the selection for its 62nd edition running May 17-25.
Scroll down for full list of titles
A selection committee led by Ava Cahen, now in her second year in the position, chose 11 titles from 1,000 films screened and seven were selected for the competition.
All of the films in selection are world premieres. Seven are first films that will vie for the Camera d’Or and six are directed by women, including four of the seven films in competition.
Cannes Critics’ Week, the sidebar devoted to first and second films, has unveiled the selection for its 62nd edition running May 17-25.
Scroll down for full list of titles
A selection committee led by Ava Cahen, now in her second year in the position, chose 11 titles from 1,000 films screened and seven were selected for the competition.
All of the films in selection are world premieres. Seven are first films that will vie for the Camera d’Or and six are directed by women, including four of the seven films in competition.
- 4/17/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Rolling off a successful edition that premiered Charlotte Wells’ celebrated film “Aftersun” with Paul Mescal, Cannes Critics’ Week is back with an international lineup spanning South Korea and Malaysia to France and Jordan, among others.
The Critics’ Week sidebar runs parallel to the Cannes Film Festival, and focuses on first and second films. Under the leadership of artistic director Ava Cahen since last year, the lineup will boast 11 feature films chosen from 1,000 submitted movies.
Out of these 11 movies, seven are feature debuts and six are directed by women. Among them is the opening night film, “Ama Gloria,” directed by French helmer Marie Amachoukeli, who previously won Cannes’ Golden Camera for “Party Girl” which she co-directed with Claire Burger and Samuel Theis.
“Ama Gloria” tells the story of Cléo, a six-year old girl who sees her beloved nanny, Gloria, leave town to return to Cape Verde.
This 62nd edition will wrap...
The Critics’ Week sidebar runs parallel to the Cannes Film Festival, and focuses on first and second films. Under the leadership of artistic director Ava Cahen since last year, the lineup will boast 11 feature films chosen from 1,000 submitted movies.
Out of these 11 movies, seven are feature debuts and six are directed by women. Among them is the opening night film, “Ama Gloria,” directed by French helmer Marie Amachoukeli, who previously won Cannes’ Golden Camera for “Party Girl” which she co-directed with Claire Burger and Samuel Theis.
“Ama Gloria” tells the story of Cléo, a six-year old girl who sees her beloved nanny, Gloria, leave town to return to Cape Verde.
This 62nd edition will wrap...
- 4/17/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Cannes Critics’ Week has announced the selection for its 62nd edition, running from May 17 to 25.
The parallel Cannes section will screen 11 features, seven in competition, and four as special screenings, selected from 1,000 submissions. Scroll down for the full list.
The section, which is overseen by the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics, focuses on first and second features as well as shorts by emerging talents.
Stories of couples, parenthood, family relationships and friendships unfolding against difficult political or societal realities abound in this year’s line-up.
In Competition, Brazilian director Lillah Halla’s Power Alley (Levante) follows a budding teenage volleyball champion who discovers she is pregnant on the eve of an important championship and then comes up against Brazil’s abortion ban.
Blocked in her attempts to seek an illegal termination, the girl’s future seems to be in everyone’s hands but hers, until help comes from an unexpected quarter.
The parallel Cannes section will screen 11 features, seven in competition, and four as special screenings, selected from 1,000 submissions. Scroll down for the full list.
The section, which is overseen by the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics, focuses on first and second features as well as shorts by emerging talents.
Stories of couples, parenthood, family relationships and friendships unfolding against difficult political or societal realities abound in this year’s line-up.
In Competition, Brazilian director Lillah Halla’s Power Alley (Levante) follows a budding teenage volleyball champion who discovers she is pregnant on the eve of an important championship and then comes up against Brazil’s abortion ban.
Blocked in her attempts to seek an illegal termination, the girl’s future seems to be in everyone’s hands but hers, until help comes from an unexpected quarter.
- 4/17/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the early signs that the Cannes Film Festival is around the corner is the reveals of the poster for the Official Selection as well as those for the main parallel sections of Cannes Critics’ Week (Semaine de la Critique) and Directors’ Fortnight.
Cannes Critics’ Week is first out the door this year with a poster celebrating Charlotte Wells’s award-winning debut feature Aftersun.
The drama won the section’s French Touch Prize in 2022 and then enjoyed a buzzy prize-winning run on the international festival circuit.
Co-star Paul Mescal went on to be Oscar-nominated for his performance, while Wells won the Bafta for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.
Mescal starred opposite newcomer Frankie Corio as a single father who takes his young daughter on holiday to a Turkish resort in the 1990s. The poster features an image by the production’s stills photographer Sarah Makharine...
Cannes Critics’ Week is first out the door this year with a poster celebrating Charlotte Wells’s award-winning debut feature Aftersun.
The drama won the section’s French Touch Prize in 2022 and then enjoyed a buzzy prize-winning run on the international festival circuit.
Co-star Paul Mescal went on to be Oscar-nominated for his performance, while Wells won the Bafta for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.
Mescal starred opposite newcomer Frankie Corio as a single father who takes his young daughter on holiday to a Turkish resort in the 1990s. The poster features an image by the production’s stills photographer Sarah Makharine...
- 3/24/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
In a decade from now, we might be looking at all the offerings at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and how Charlotte Well’s masterwork debut Aftersun was programmed (it won the inaugural Prix French Touch du Jury prize) at the “other end” of the Croisette. Not a bad legacy for Critics’ Week topper Ava Cahen who moves into year number two of her mandate. After programming a sturdy first edition, we expect just as many Euro items with an uptick of emerging female filmmaker talents.
In our predictions for all sections in Cannes, La Semaine de la Critique is always the toughest nut to crack with several under-the-radar gem selections (especially those coming from the South America and Asia continents).…...
In our predictions for all sections in Cannes, La Semaine de la Critique is always the toughest nut to crack with several under-the-radar gem selections (especially those coming from the South America and Asia continents).…...
- 3/21/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Les Arcs Film Festival’s industry sidebar has unveiled prizes for several projects at different stages, including Annarita Zambrano’s black comedy “Rossosperanza.”
“Rossosperanza” is being produced by Italy’s Mad Entertainment, Rai Cinema, Minnerva Pictures, and France’s Ts Productions. The movie is set in the 1980’s and unfolds at a luxurious villa turned into a rehabilitation center for troubled children from rich families.
The film was one of the 14 projects in post-production presented to film executives from top international banners and festivals as part of the work-in-progress section. The sidebar, now in its 12th edition, is curated by Frederic Boyer, the director artistic of both Tribeca and Les Arcs film festivals, alongside producer and fest co-founder Jeremy Zelnik, among others.
“Rossosperanza” won the TitraFilm Award, chosen by a jury comprising of Ava Cahen, the artistic director of Cannes Critics’ Week), Louisa Dent, managing director of Curzon Artificial Eye,...
“Rossosperanza” is being produced by Italy’s Mad Entertainment, Rai Cinema, Minnerva Pictures, and France’s Ts Productions. The movie is set in the 1980’s and unfolds at a luxurious villa turned into a rehabilitation center for troubled children from rich families.
The film was one of the 14 projects in post-production presented to film executives from top international banners and festivals as part of the work-in-progress section. The sidebar, now in its 12th edition, is curated by Frederic Boyer, the director artistic of both Tribeca and Les Arcs film festivals, alongside producer and fest co-founder Jeremy Zelnik, among others.
“Rossosperanza” won the TitraFilm Award, chosen by a jury comprising of Ava Cahen, the artistic director of Cannes Critics’ Week), Louisa Dent, managing director of Curzon Artificial Eye,...
- 12/14/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Les Arcs Industry Village Winners: ‘The Visitor’, ‘Rossosperanza’ & ‘Veni Vidi Vici’ Take Top Prizes
Lithuanian filmmaker Vytautas Katkus’s debut feature project The Visitor won the top €6,000 Artekino International Award at the Les Arcs Coproduction Village on Tuesday.
The award, decided by Rémi Burah, President of ArteKino Foundation and CEO of Arte France Cinéma, is granted to support the development of the project.
The project, which previously won Cannes Critics’ Week Next Step prize in May, revolves around a young man attempting to make a new life for himself in a foreign land where he does not speak the language or know anyone.
“For this 2022 edition, the ArteKino International Award supports a first feature by a director walking the line between fiction and documentary, social realism and fantastic poetry, with a subtle balance that he has demonstrated in his already very mastered short films,” said Burah.
The Visitor was among 18 feature projects participating in the Les Arcs Coproduction Village.
It is one element of...
The award, decided by Rémi Burah, President of ArteKino Foundation and CEO of Arte France Cinéma, is granted to support the development of the project.
The project, which previously won Cannes Critics’ Week Next Step prize in May, revolves around a young man attempting to make a new life for himself in a foreign land where he does not speak the language or know anyone.
“For this 2022 edition, the ArteKino International Award supports a first feature by a director walking the line between fiction and documentary, social realism and fantastic poetry, with a subtle balance that he has demonstrated in his already very mastered short films,” said Burah.
The Visitor was among 18 feature projects participating in the Les Arcs Coproduction Village.
It is one element of...
- 12/12/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Five Israeli projects won Pitch Point awards at the ceremony.
Zetjune, the upcoming second feature from Luzzu director Alex Camilleri, has won the Sam Spiegel International Film Lab Grand Prize on Saturday (July 23), at a joint ceremony in which Jerusalem Industry Days announced its Pitch Point winners.
Featuring real artists from the Maltese folk scene, musical Zejtune follows a 30-year-old woman whose life is reinvigorated by an encounter with an elderly troubadour.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
The 50,000 award was given to Maltese-us filmmaker Camilleri and his producers Rebecca Anastasi from Malta and Ramin Bahrami from the US.
Zetjune, the upcoming second feature from Luzzu director Alex Camilleri, has won the Sam Spiegel International Film Lab Grand Prize on Saturday (July 23), at a joint ceremony in which Jerusalem Industry Days announced its Pitch Point winners.
Featuring real artists from the Maltese folk scene, musical Zejtune follows a 30-year-old woman whose life is reinvigorated by an encounter with an elderly troubadour.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
The 50,000 award was given to Maltese-us filmmaker Camilleri and his producers Rebecca Anastasi from Malta and Ramin Bahrami from the US.
- 7/25/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Venice Critics’ Week Unveils 2022 Selection
The 37th edition of Venice Critics’ Week has unveiled its 2022 line-up. Films in competition comprise Theo Montoya’s Anhell69 (Colombia), Philippe Petit’s Beating Sun (France), Isabella Carbonell’s Dogborn (Sweden) and David Wagner’s Eismayer (Austria), Dušan Zorić and Matija Gluscevic’s Have You Seen This Woman (Serbia), Niccolò Falsetti’s Margins (Italy) and Alex Schaad’s Skin Deep (Germany). Out of Competition, French director Florent Gouëlou’s Three Nights A Week is the opening film and French-Moroccan director Yasmine Benkiran’s Queens will close the section. There will also be a special screening of established Portuguese director Pedro Costa’s Blood. The parallel Venice section devoted mainly to first and second films runs from August 31 to September 10.
Sky Greenlights Ricky Hatton Documentary
Sky is to tell the story of champion British boxer Ricky Hatton in a doc from 14 Peaks producer Noah Media Group.
The 37th edition of Venice Critics’ Week has unveiled its 2022 line-up. Films in competition comprise Theo Montoya’s Anhell69 (Colombia), Philippe Petit’s Beating Sun (France), Isabella Carbonell’s Dogborn (Sweden) and David Wagner’s Eismayer (Austria), Dušan Zorić and Matija Gluscevic’s Have You Seen This Woman (Serbia), Niccolò Falsetti’s Margins (Italy) and Alex Schaad’s Skin Deep (Germany). Out of Competition, French director Florent Gouëlou’s Three Nights A Week is the opening film and French-Moroccan director Yasmine Benkiran’s Queens will close the section. There will also be a special screening of established Portuguese director Pedro Costa’s Blood. The parallel Venice section devoted mainly to first and second films runs from August 31 to September 10.
Sky Greenlights Ricky Hatton Documentary
Sky is to tell the story of champion British boxer Ricky Hatton in a doc from 14 Peaks producer Noah Media Group.
- 7/25/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Susan Newman Baudais took up her role last month, replacing Roberto Olla.
European co-production fund Eurimages has promoted Irish-French executive Susan Newman Baudais to executive director, effective from March 1 last month.
Baudais has taken over from Roberto Olla, who stepped down in October 2021 after 13 years in the role to take up a gender equality role at the Council of Europe.
Baudais has worked at Eurimages since 2012. She was initially a project manager with special responsibility for first films and for the revised Council of Europe Convention on Cinematographic Co-production; and has been head of the fund’s co-production support programme...
European co-production fund Eurimages has promoted Irish-French executive Susan Newman Baudais to executive director, effective from March 1 last month.
Baudais has taken over from Roberto Olla, who stepped down in October 2021 after 13 years in the role to take up a gender equality role at the Council of Europe.
Baudais has worked at Eurimages since 2012. She was initially a project manager with special responsibility for first films and for the revised Council of Europe Convention on Cinematographic Co-production; and has been head of the fund’s co-production support programme...
- 4/25/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Cahen discusses love of American indie cinema, choice of Korean police thriller Next Sohee as closing film and being section’s youngest-ever artistic director.
Cannes Critics’ Week’s new artistic director Ava Cahen unveiled her inaugural selection earlier this week, for the 61st edition of the parallel section running May 18-26.
It will showcase an eclectic French and international line-up of 11 features, seven of them in competition, and another 13 shorts, kicking off with US actor Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut When You Finish Saving The World and closing with Korean female police detective thriller Next Sohee.
At 36, Cahen is the...
Cannes Critics’ Week’s new artistic director Ava Cahen unveiled her inaugural selection earlier this week, for the 61st edition of the parallel section running May 18-26.
It will showcase an eclectic French and international line-up of 11 features, seven of them in competition, and another 13 shorts, kicking off with US actor Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut When You Finish Saving The World and closing with Korean female police detective thriller Next Sohee.
At 36, Cahen is the...
- 4/22/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
The newly minted “French Touch” award could easily define Critics’ Week topper Ava Cahen’s first line-up edition – as the 2022 slate is full of promising France funded productions and co-productions. Eleven features in all is the tally for the 61st edition – with a competition filled only with first time features (and Camera d’Or hopefuls).
The section will open with the only filmed to have preemed elsewhere in Jesse Eisenberg‘s When You Finish Saving The World (read review). The sidebar is book-ended by closing film Next Sohee by South Korea helmer Jung July. Honored with special screening status are two items that are among our most anticipated films of 2022 in Clément Cogitore‘s sophomore feature Goutte d’Or (Sons Of Ramses) produced by Titane producer Jean-Christophe Reymond and starring Karim Leklou.…...
The section will open with the only filmed to have preemed elsewhere in Jesse Eisenberg‘s When You Finish Saving The World (read review). The sidebar is book-ended by closing film Next Sohee by South Korea helmer Jung July. Honored with special screening status are two items that are among our most anticipated films of 2022 in Clément Cogitore‘s sophomore feature Goutte d’Or (Sons Of Ramses) produced by Titane producer Jean-Christophe Reymond and starring Karim Leklou.…...
- 4/20/2022
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Jesse Eisenberg’s “When You Finish Saving the World” will be the opening-night film at this year’s International Critics Week (Semaine de la Critique), an independent sidebar at the Cannes Film Festival devoted to first and second films from up-and-coming directors.
The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, which because of the Covid-19 pandemic was held virtually rather than in person. New Critics Week head Ava Cahen described the booking of Eisenberg’s movie as “an act of solidarity” with that festival to give the film an in-person spotlight.
The seven films in competition include Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun,” Mikko Myllylahti’s “The Woodcutter Story,” Simon Roth’s “Summer Scars” and Ali Behrad’s “Imagine.” Three of the seven come from female directors.
International Critics Week, which launched in 1962, is the oldest independent section at the Cannes Film Festival, seven years older than Directors Fortnight. This year...
The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, which because of the Covid-19 pandemic was held virtually rather than in person. New Critics Week head Ava Cahen described the booking of Eisenberg’s movie as “an act of solidarity” with that festival to give the film an in-person spotlight.
The seven films in competition include Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun,” Mikko Myllylahti’s “The Woodcutter Story,” Simon Roth’s “Summer Scars” and Ali Behrad’s “Imagine.” Three of the seven come from female directors.
International Critics Week, which launched in 1962, is the oldest independent section at the Cannes Film Festival, seven years older than Directors Fortnight. This year...
- 4/20/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Finn Wolfhard and Julianne Moore make the sparks fly in Cannes Critics’ Week opening choice When You Finish Saving the World Photo: A24 The first selection by Ava Cahen, the new supremo of the Cannes Critics’ Week (La Semaine de la critique), reveals there are seven first features in the selection for the 61st edition.
Actor Jesse Eisenberg receives the privileged first place with his first film as a director When You Finish Saving The World starring Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard about a volatile mother-son relationship.
The closing film will be Next Sohee (Da-eum-so-hee), described as a feminist thriller, a second directorial outing for Korean director Jung July.
A quartet of French directors will be present with Alma Viva by the Franco-portuguese Cristèle Alves Meira (set in a strange and isolated village); Nos cérémonies by Simon Rieth about a respected and influential medium with Karim Leklou; and Tout le...
Actor Jesse Eisenberg receives the privileged first place with his first film as a director When You Finish Saving The World starring Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard about a volatile mother-son relationship.
The closing film will be Next Sohee (Da-eum-so-hee), described as a feminist thriller, a second directorial outing for Korean director Jung July.
A quartet of French directors will be present with Alma Viva by the Franco-portuguese Cristèle Alves Meira (set in a strange and isolated village); Nos cérémonies by Simon Rieth about a respected and influential medium with Karim Leklou; and Tout le...
- 4/20/2022
- by Richard Mowe
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Cannes Film Festival’s parallel sidebar Critics’ Week has unveiled the 11 features and 13 shorts that will comprise its 2022 edition. Scroll down to see the full lineup.
Opening the event will be Jesse Eisenberg’s comedy-drama When You Finish Saving the World, which premiered at Sundance this year and has its international premiere in Cannes. The film stars Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard as mother and son.
Closing the program will be Jung July’s Next Sohee, a detective drama starring Bae Doona.
This is the first selection for new Critics’ Week artistic director Ava Cahen, who becomes the second female director in the event’s history.
Cannes Critics’ Week runs May 18-26 this year.
Competition
Feature Films
Aftersun (UK / U.S.)
Dir. Charlotte Wells
Alma Viva (Portugal / France)
Dir. Cristèle Alves Meira
Dalva (Love according to Dalva) (Belgium / France)
Dir. Emmanuelle Nicot
La Jauría (Colombia / France)
Dir. Andrés Ramírez Pulido...
Opening the event will be Jesse Eisenberg’s comedy-drama When You Finish Saving the World, which premiered at Sundance this year and has its international premiere in Cannes. The film stars Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard as mother and son.
Closing the program will be Jung July’s Next Sohee, a detective drama starring Bae Doona.
This is the first selection for new Critics’ Week artistic director Ava Cahen, who becomes the second female director in the event’s history.
Cannes Critics’ Week runs May 18-26 this year.
Competition
Feature Films
Aftersun (UK / U.S.)
Dir. Charlotte Wells
Alma Viva (Portugal / France)
Dir. Cristèle Alves Meira
Dalva (Love according to Dalva) (Belgium / France)
Dir. Emmanuelle Nicot
La Jauría (Colombia / France)
Dir. Andrés Ramírez Pulido...
- 4/20/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Critics’ Week, the sidebar dedicated to first and second films running alongside the Cannes Film Festival, will be kicking off with Jesse Eisenberg’s feature debut “When You Finish Saving the World” and showcase four female-directed movies.
Selected out of 1100 submitted movies, the full roster includes 11 feature films, seven of which will compete and four will play as special screenings.
“When You Finish Saving the World,” which is headlined by Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard, revolves around the relationship between a politically-engaged mother and her fame-obsessed teenage son, who is also a burgeoning musician. The A24 movie is based on Eisenberg’s 2020 audio drama of the same name and was part of the Sundance 2022 selection.
“We already adored Eisenberg as an actor and discovered him as a true auteur with this film that’s both tender and contemporary and exposes a generational gap between a mother and her son,” said Ava Cahen,...
Selected out of 1100 submitted movies, the full roster includes 11 feature films, seven of which will compete and four will play as special screenings.
“When You Finish Saving the World,” which is headlined by Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard, revolves around the relationship between a politically-engaged mother and her fame-obsessed teenage son, who is also a burgeoning musician. The A24 movie is based on Eisenberg’s 2020 audio drama of the same name and was part of the Sundance 2022 selection.
“We already adored Eisenberg as an actor and discovered him as a true auteur with this film that’s both tender and contemporary and exposes a generational gap between a mother and her son,” said Ava Cahen,...
- 4/20/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
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