Reincarnation, artificial consciousness and augmented reality intersect in U.S. director Jake Wachtel’s Cambodia-set “Karmalink,” for which Variety can reveal the first trailer.
The sci-fi mystery will have its world premiere as the opening film of the Venice Film Festival’s Critics’ Week on Sept. 1.
Set in a near-future Phnom Penh, “Karmalink” is about a 13-year-old boy and his street-smart female friend who team up to search for a gold statue from the boy’s past lives, while traveling across town and also back in time.
But what begins as a hunt for a Buddhist treasure soon leads to greater discoveries in the digital realm that could be either enlightening or obliterating.
Wachtel, who grew up in Palo Alto, started developing the film in 2015, while teaching filmmaking in Phnom Penh. He cast two former students as his leads and shot the film on location after living in their community for several years.
The sci-fi mystery will have its world premiere as the opening film of the Venice Film Festival’s Critics’ Week on Sept. 1.
Set in a near-future Phnom Penh, “Karmalink” is about a 13-year-old boy and his street-smart female friend who team up to search for a gold statue from the boy’s past lives, while traveling across town and also back in time.
But what begins as a hunt for a Buddhist treasure soon leads to greater discoveries in the digital realm that could be either enlightening or obliterating.
Wachtel, who grew up in Palo Alto, started developing the film in 2015, while teaching filmmaking in Phnom Penh. He cast two former students as his leads and shot the film on location after living in their community for several years.
- 8/20/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Venice Critics’ Week to Open With U.S. Director Jake Wachtel’s Cambodia-set ‘Karmalink,’ Full Lineup
The Venice Film Festival’s Critics’ Week has unveiled its lineup of nine international first works, all of them world premieres, with U.S. director Jake Wachtel’s Cambodia-set Buddhist sci-fier “Karamalink,” set as the out-of-competition opener.
Set in a near-future Phnom Penh, “Karmalink” (pictured) is about a 13-year-old boy and his street-smart female friend who team up to search for a gold statue from the boy’s past lives, while traveling across town and also back in time.
Wachtel, who grew up in Palo Alto, started developing the film in 2015, while teaching filmmaking in Phnom Penh. He cast two former students as his leads and shot the film on location after living in their community for several years. Pic is produced by Los Angeles-based Valerie Steinberg Productions. Co-producers are Cambodian director-producer Sok Visal of 802 Films and Christopher Rompré of littleBIG Films.
In June U.S. company XYZ Films and...
Set in a near-future Phnom Penh, “Karmalink” (pictured) is about a 13-year-old boy and his street-smart female friend who team up to search for a gold statue from the boy’s past lives, while traveling across town and also back in time.
Wachtel, who grew up in Palo Alto, started developing the film in 2015, while teaching filmmaking in Phnom Penh. He cast two former students as his leads and shot the film on location after living in their community for several years. Pic is produced by Los Angeles-based Valerie Steinberg Productions. Co-producers are Cambodian director-producer Sok Visal of 802 Films and Christopher Rompré of littleBIG Films.
In June U.S. company XYZ Films and...
- 7/22/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Jake Wachtel’s debut feature deals with artificial consciousness and reincarnation.
Cambodia-us sci-fi Karmalink, the debut feature of director Jake Wachtel, will be the opening night film for the autonomous Critics’ Week section at Venice International Film Festival (September 1-11).
The film is written by Wachtel and Christopher Seán Larsen; it is produced by US first-time feature producer Valerie Steinberg for Valerie Steinberg Productions, whose previous credits include Sundance shorts Hair Wolf and Blocks, and Tribeca short Coffee Shop Names.
LevelK is handling world sales on the film, with XYZ Films handling North America.
Set in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh in the near-future,...
Cambodia-us sci-fi Karmalink, the debut feature of director Jake Wachtel, will be the opening night film for the autonomous Critics’ Week section at Venice International Film Festival (September 1-11).
The film is written by Wachtel and Christopher Seán Larsen; it is produced by US first-time feature producer Valerie Steinberg for Valerie Steinberg Productions, whose previous credits include Sundance shorts Hair Wolf and Blocks, and Tribeca short Coffee Shop Names.
LevelK is handling world sales on the film, with XYZ Films handling North America.
Set in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh in the near-future,...
- 7/22/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Jake Wachtel makes feature directorial debut on “Buddhist sci-fi mystery”.
XYZ Films and LevelK are joining forces for the first time to work on Cambodian sci-fi feature Karmalink. LevelK will handle international sales while XYZ represents North American rights.
Jake Wachtel makes his feature directorial debut on the film, described as a “Buddhist sci-fi mystery”. The story follows a 13-year-old boy and his detective friend searching for a gold statue from the boy’s past lives, while navigating a high-tech, near-future Cambodia.
Los Angeles-based Valerie Steinberg produces for Valerie Steinberg Productions. Co-producers are Cambodian director-producer Sok Visal of 802 Films, as...
XYZ Films and LevelK are joining forces for the first time to work on Cambodian sci-fi feature Karmalink. LevelK will handle international sales while XYZ represents North American rights.
Jake Wachtel makes his feature directorial debut on the film, described as a “Buddhist sci-fi mystery”. The story follows a 13-year-old boy and his detective friend searching for a gold statue from the boy’s past lives, while navigating a high-tech, near-future Cambodia.
Los Angeles-based Valerie Steinberg produces for Valerie Steinberg Productions. Co-producers are Cambodian director-producer Sok Visal of 802 Films, as...
- 6/3/2021
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
Cambodia’s first action road-trip comedy “Gems on the Run” is Sok Visal’s directorial debut, co-directed with Quentin Clausin. The movie premiered at the Cambodia International Film Festival and was shown in numerous festivals around Southeast Asia.
At the end of the 90s, Rith, Dara, and Sovan promise each other they will stay friends forever. Fifteen years on, they have drifted apart and are leading completely different lives. Rith (Cheki Athiporn) spinelessly follows his father’s wishes both by becoming a policeman and almost marrying the annoying and bossy Pretty (Noun Lihoung), all while hoping of becoming a pop singer. Sovan (Vandy Piseth) has become a member of one of the biggest crime syndicates in Cambodia and is living ruthlessly while dreaming of emigrating to America. And Dara has died. In a word, there is no prospect for the three to ever meet again.
However, after a botched robbery...
At the end of the 90s, Rith, Dara, and Sovan promise each other they will stay friends forever. Fifteen years on, they have drifted apart and are leading completely different lives. Rith (Cheki Athiporn) spinelessly follows his father’s wishes both by becoming a policeman and almost marrying the annoying and bossy Pretty (Noun Lihoung), all while hoping of becoming a pop singer. Sovan (Vandy Piseth) has become a member of one of the biggest crime syndicates in Cambodia and is living ruthlessly while dreaming of emigrating to America. And Dara has died. In a word, there is no prospect for the three to ever meet again.
However, after a botched robbery...
- 6/25/2020
- by martin
- AsianMoviePulse
Cambodia’S Largest International Cultural Event Celebrates 10 Years!
The 10th Ciff presents film from 44 countries through a selection of 157 films, including short and feature films, documentaries, and animation.
From March 13 to 22nd, Ciff offers 150+ screenings in all major cinemas of Phnom Penh; venues included this year are Legend Cinemas, Major Cineplex, Bophana Center, Chaktomuk Theater, Rosewood Hotel & The Ciff Village @ Echange Square.
Ciff Is Possible Thanks to all partners and industry supporters and we are glad to announce Cellcard as Presenting Partner of the Festival.
Opening Ceremony On March 13th will host Cellcard’s Ambassador Suzanna Reth.
Cambodian Cinema – Films made-in and About Cambodia
Buoyancy
– Stories In Cambodia includes fictions related to Cambodia including the recent feature films shot in the Kingdom such as Buoyancy (multi Awarded Film in Festivals around the word) dealing with the topic of human trafficking in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Also The Clock: Spirits Awakening...
The 10th Ciff presents film from 44 countries through a selection of 157 films, including short and feature films, documentaries, and animation.
From March 13 to 22nd, Ciff offers 150+ screenings in all major cinemas of Phnom Penh; venues included this year are Legend Cinemas, Major Cineplex, Bophana Center, Chaktomuk Theater, Rosewood Hotel & The Ciff Village @ Echange Square.
Ciff Is Possible Thanks to all partners and industry supporters and we are glad to announce Cellcard as Presenting Partner of the Festival.
Opening Ceremony On March 13th will host Cellcard’s Ambassador Suzanna Reth.
Cambodian Cinema – Films made-in and About Cambodia
Buoyancy
– Stories In Cambodia includes fictions related to Cambodia including the recent feature films shot in the Kingdom such as Buoyancy (multi Awarded Film in Festivals around the word) dealing with the topic of human trafficking in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Also The Clock: Spirits Awakening...
- 3/12/2020
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Among the record 92 submissions this year, 27 titles are directed or co-directed by women. There are six documentaries in the mix, as well as two animated features. Moreover, for the first time, Ghana and Uzbekistan are each fielding an entry. However, Nigeria’s submission was disqualified by the Academy as being mostly in the English language. Here’s a guide to the films, including logline and sales or production contact.
Albania
“The Delegation”
Director: Bujar Alimani
Logline: In autumn 1990,
a political prisoner is secretly taken out of jail to meet the head of the European delegation investigating human-rights violations. But nothing goes according to plan.
Key Cast: Viktor Zhusti, Ndriçim Xhepa, Xhevdet Feri
Sales: Art Film
Algeria
“Papicha”
Director: Mounia Meddour
Logline: A female student rebels against the bans set by radicals during the civil war and plans a fashion show.
Key Cast: Lyna Khoudri, Shirine Boutella, Amira Hilda Douaouda
Sales:...
Albania
“The Delegation”
Director: Bujar Alimani
Logline: In autumn 1990,
a political prisoner is secretly taken out of jail to meet the head of the European delegation investigating human-rights violations. But nothing goes according to plan.
Key Cast: Viktor Zhusti, Ndriçim Xhepa, Xhevdet Feri
Sales: Art Film
Algeria
“Papicha”
Director: Mounia Meddour
Logline: A female student rebels against the bans set by radicals during the civil war and plans a fashion show.
Key Cast: Lyna Khoudri, Shirine Boutella, Amira Hilda Douaouda
Sales:...
- 11/6/2019
- by Alissa Simon
- Variety Film + TV
Earlier in the week, we finally learned which films would be selected by all of the countries in search of Academy Award love in Best International Feature. Not only did we get the answers to some questions regarding what each nation would pick, but we found that a record breaking 93 submissions have been made here in 2019. It’s truly the largest slate ever for voters to sift through. Talk about a good problem to have! Below you can see all of the titles in competition for the Best International Feature Oscar. Right now, only Parasite from South Korea and Pain and Glory from Spain seem like safe bets, with the former almost assured of winning the Academy Award. Aside from them? Anything goes in this category, which has potential nominees like Atlantics from Senegal, Beanpole from Russia, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind from the United Kingdom, The Chambermaid from Mexico,...
- 10/12/2019
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Every year since its creation in 1956, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) invites the film industries of various countries to submit their best film for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The award is presented annually by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States that contains primarily non-English dialogue and that was released theatrically in their respective countries between 1 October 2018 and 30 September 2019.
Here are the Asian Submissions for Best Foreign Language Film. There are some excellent movies in this bunch and we have seen and reviewed already some of them.
Afghanistan
“Hava, Maryam, Ayesha” by Sahraa Karimi
Hava, Maryam, Ayesha
Armenia
“Lengthy Night” by Edgar Baghdasaryan
Lenghty Night
Bangladesh
“Alpha” by Nasiruddin Yousuff
Alpha
Cambodia
“In The Life of Music” by Caylee So and Sok Visal
In The Life of Music
China
“Ne Zha” by Jiaozi
Ne Zha
Georgia
“Shindisi...
Here are the Asian Submissions for Best Foreign Language Film. There are some excellent movies in this bunch and we have seen and reviewed already some of them.
Afghanistan
“Hava, Maryam, Ayesha” by Sahraa Karimi
Hava, Maryam, Ayesha
Armenia
“Lengthy Night” by Edgar Baghdasaryan
Lenghty Night
Bangladesh
“Alpha” by Nasiruddin Yousuff
Alpha
Cambodia
“In The Life of Music” by Caylee So and Sok Visal
In The Life of Music
China
“Ne Zha” by Jiaozi
Ne Zha
Georgia
“Shindisi...
- 10/10/2019
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
A record 93 countries submitted entries in the International Feature Film race at the 2020 Oscars. That is up by six from last year,when the category was still called Best Foreign-Language Film, and eclipses the record 92 submissions in 2018. The nations represented ranged from A (Albania) to V (Vietnam). Predicting the eventual five Oscar nominees is made difficult by the two-step process.
First, the several hundred academy members of the Foreign-Language Film screening committee are required to watch a number of the submissions (upwards of a dozen) over a two-month period that ends in mid December. They will rate them from 6 to 10 and their top six vote-getters make it to the next round, as will three films added by the 20 members of the executive committee.
Those nine semi-finalists will be screened three per day beginning in early January by select committee members in Gotham, Hollywood, London and San Francisco. These 40 folks will...
First, the several hundred academy members of the Foreign-Language Film screening committee are required to watch a number of the submissions (upwards of a dozen) over a two-month period that ends in mid December. They will rate them from 6 to 10 and their top six vote-getters make it to the next round, as will three films added by the 20 members of the executive committee.
Those nine semi-finalists will be screened three per day beginning in early January by select committee members in Gotham, Hollywood, London and San Francisco. These 40 folks will...
- 10/7/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
A record-breaking total of 93 countries have submitted entries to be considered for best international film nominations at the Academy Awards.
The Academy announced the full list of eligible films and countries on Monday. Ghana, Nigeria and Uzbekisztan are competing for the first time in the category, which was previously known as the best foreign-language film category.
The previous high for submissions was 92 in 2017. A total of 87 films were submitted last year. Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma” won the category this year, becoming the first Mexican entry to win the award.
High-profile entries include South Korea’s “Parasite,” Bong Joon Ho’s black comedy which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival; Spain’s “Pain and Glory” from Pedro Almodovar with Antonio Banderas starring as a film director; Japan’s “Weathering With You,” the country’s first animated entry since “Princess Mononoke”; Senegal’s “Atlantics” from director Mati Diop,...
The Academy announced the full list of eligible films and countries on Monday. Ghana, Nigeria and Uzbekisztan are competing for the first time in the category, which was previously known as the best foreign-language film category.
The previous high for submissions was 92 in 2017. A total of 87 films were submitted last year. Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma” won the category this year, becoming the first Mexican entry to win the award.
High-profile entries include South Korea’s “Parasite,” Bong Joon Ho’s black comedy which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival; Spain’s “Pain and Glory” from Pedro Almodovar with Antonio Banderas starring as a film director; Japan’s “Weathering With You,” the country’s first animated entry since “Princess Mononoke”; Senegal’s “Atlantics” from director Mati Diop,...
- 10/7/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The 2020 foreign-language Oscar nominees will come from submissions from 93 countries, up from last year’s 87, and breaking the record 92 from 2017. A contender for the renamed Best International Feature must be a feature-length motion picture (more than 40 minutes) produced outside the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track.
Ghana, Nigeria, and Uzbekistan are first-time entrants, but Uganda did not qualify. China (Yu Yang’s “Ne Zha”) and Senegal (Mati Diop’s “Atlantics”) submitted their films under the wire on the deadline of October 1.
Earlier this year, the Academy’s Board of Governors voted not only to rename the Foreign Language Film category, but to expand the shortlist from nine films to 10.
The 2019 submissions, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:
Albania, “The Delegation,” Bujar Alimani, director;
Algeria, “Papicha,” Mounia Meddour, director;
Argentina, “Heroic Losers,” Sebastián Borensztein, director;
Armenia, “Lengthy Night,” Edgar Baghdasaryan, director;
Australia, “Buoyancy,” Rodd Rathjen, director;
Austria, “Joy,...
Ghana, Nigeria, and Uzbekistan are first-time entrants, but Uganda did not qualify. China (Yu Yang’s “Ne Zha”) and Senegal (Mati Diop’s “Atlantics”) submitted their films under the wire on the deadline of October 1.
Earlier this year, the Academy’s Board of Governors voted not only to rename the Foreign Language Film category, but to expand the shortlist from nine films to 10.
The 2019 submissions, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:
Albania, “The Delegation,” Bujar Alimani, director;
Algeria, “Papicha,” Mounia Meddour, director;
Argentina, “Heroic Losers,” Sebastián Borensztein, director;
Armenia, “Lengthy Night,” Edgar Baghdasaryan, director;
Australia, “Buoyancy,” Rodd Rathjen, director;
Austria, “Joy,...
- 10/7/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The 2020 foreign-language Oscar nominees will come from submissions from 93 countries, up from last year’s 87, and breaking the record 92 from 2017. A contender for the renamed Best International Feature must be a feature-length motion picture (more than 40 minutes) produced outside the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track.
Ghana, Nigeria, and Uzbekistan are first-time entrants, but Uganda did not qualify. China (Yu Yang’s “Ne Zha”) and Senegal (Mati Diop’s “Atlantics”) submitted their films under the wire on the deadline of October 1.
Earlier this year, the Academy’s Board of Governors voted not only to rename the Foreign Language Film category, but to expand the shortlist from nine films to 10.
The 2019 submissions, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:
Albania, “The Delegation,” Bujar Alimani, director;
Algeria, “Papicha,” Mounia Meddour, director;
Argentina, “Heroic Losers,” Sebastián Borensztein, director;
Armenia, “Lengthy Night,” Edgar Baghdasaryan, director;
Australia, “Buoyancy,” Rodd Rathjen, director;
Austria, “Joy,...
Ghana, Nigeria, and Uzbekistan are first-time entrants, but Uganda did not qualify. China (Yu Yang’s “Ne Zha”) and Senegal (Mati Diop’s “Atlantics”) submitted their films under the wire on the deadline of October 1.
Earlier this year, the Academy’s Board of Governors voted not only to rename the Foreign Language Film category, but to expand the shortlist from nine films to 10.
The 2019 submissions, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:
Albania, “The Delegation,” Bujar Alimani, director;
Algeria, “Papicha,” Mounia Meddour, director;
Argentina, “Heroic Losers,” Sebastián Borensztein, director;
Armenia, “Lengthy Night,” Edgar Baghdasaryan, director;
Australia, “Buoyancy,” Rodd Rathjen, director;
Austria, “Joy,...
- 10/7/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released the full list of countries that have submitted a pic for consideration for the new International Feature Film Oscar category.
Here are the 93 nations and their hopefuls, in alphabetical order:
Albania, The Delegation, Bujar Alimani, director;
Algeria, Papicha, Mounia Meddour, director;
Argentina, Heroic Losers, Sebastián Borensztein, director;
Armenia, Lengthy Night, Edgar Baghdasaryan, director;
Australia, Buoyancy, Rodd Rathjen, director;
Austria, Joy, Sudabeh Mortezai, director;
Bangladesh, Alpha, Nasiruddin Yousuff, director;
Belarus, Debut, Anastasiya Miroshnichenko, director;
Belgium, Our Mothers, César Díaz, director;
Bolivia, I Miss You, Rodrigo Bellott, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, The Son, Ines Tanovic, director;
Brazil, Invisible Life, Karim Aïnouz, director;
Bulgaria, Ága, Milko Lazarov, director;
Cambodia, In the Life of Music, Caylee So, Sok Visal, directors;
Canada, Antigone, Sophie Deraspe, director;
Chile, Spider, Andrés Wood, director;
China, Ne Zha, Yu Yang, director;
Colombia, Monos, Alejandro Landes, director;
Costa Rica, The Awakening of the Ants,...
Here are the 93 nations and their hopefuls, in alphabetical order:
Albania, The Delegation, Bujar Alimani, director;
Algeria, Papicha, Mounia Meddour, director;
Argentina, Heroic Losers, Sebastián Borensztein, director;
Armenia, Lengthy Night, Edgar Baghdasaryan, director;
Australia, Buoyancy, Rodd Rathjen, director;
Austria, Joy, Sudabeh Mortezai, director;
Bangladesh, Alpha, Nasiruddin Yousuff, director;
Belarus, Debut, Anastasiya Miroshnichenko, director;
Belgium, Our Mothers, César Díaz, director;
Bolivia, I Miss You, Rodrigo Bellott, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, The Son, Ines Tanovic, director;
Brazil, Invisible Life, Karim Aïnouz, director;
Bulgaria, Ága, Milko Lazarov, director;
Cambodia, In the Life of Music, Caylee So, Sok Visal, directors;
Canada, Antigone, Sophie Deraspe, director;
Chile, Spider, Andrés Wood, director;
China, Ne Zha, Yu Yang, director;
Colombia, Monos, Alejandro Landes, director;
Costa Rica, The Awakening of the Ants,...
- 10/7/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
A record-breaking total of 93 countries will be competing in the Oscar race for Best International Feature Film, the new name for what previously has been known as the Best Foreign-Language Film category.
The Academy announced the full list of eligible films and countries on Monday, with three countries — Ghana, Nigeria and Uzbekistan — competing in the category for the first time.
The previous high for submissions was 92 films, which was set in 2017. This year’s field also sets a new record for the number of women with films in the race, with 29 female directors responsible for 28 of the qualifying films.
One film, Algeria’s “Papicha,” needed a special ruling from the Academy to retain its eligibility. The film was scheduled to open in Algeria in late September, but the Algerian government cancelled the screenings without explanation just before they were scheduled to happen, presumably because it was uncomfortable with a film...
The Academy announced the full list of eligible films and countries on Monday, with three countries — Ghana, Nigeria and Uzbekistan — competing in the category for the first time.
The previous high for submissions was 92 films, which was set in 2017. This year’s field also sets a new record for the number of women with films in the race, with 29 female directors responsible for 28 of the qualifying films.
One film, Algeria’s “Papicha,” needed a special ruling from the Academy to retain its eligibility. The film was scheduled to open in Algeria in late September, but the Algerian government cancelled the screenings without explanation just before they were scheduled to happen, presumably because it was uncomfortable with a film...
- 10/7/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Cambodia has chosen In the Life of Music — a drama that follows the fortunes of a family across three generations — as its entry for the best international feature film category at the 2020 Oscars.
Co-directed by Caylee So and Sok Visal, the narrative plays out across three time periods — beginning in 1968, then picking up the thread in 1976, soon after the brutal Khmer Rouge regime took hold of Cambodia, and, finally, turning attention to 2007.
The film stars Sreynan Chea, Vandarith Phem, Ellen Wong and Arn-Chorn Pond and binds its characters together through their love of ...
Co-directed by Caylee So and Sok Visal, the narrative plays out across three time periods — beginning in 1968, then picking up the thread in 1976, soon after the brutal Khmer Rouge regime took hold of Cambodia, and, finally, turning attention to 2007.
The film stars Sreynan Chea, Vandarith Phem, Ellen Wong and Arn-Chorn Pond and binds its characters together through their love of ...
- 8/22/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Cambodia has chosen In the Life of Music — a drama that follows the fortunes of a family across three generations — as its entry for the best international feature film category at the 2020 Oscars.
Co-directed by Caylee So and Sok Visal, the narrative plays out across three time periods — beginning in 1968, then picking up the thread in 1976, soon after the brutal Khmer Rouge regime took hold of Cambodia, and, finally, turning attention to 2007.
The film stars Sreynan Chea, Vandarith Phem, Ellen Wong and Arn-Chorn Pond and binds its characters together through their love of ...
Co-directed by Caylee So and Sok Visal, the narrative plays out across three time periods — beginning in 1968, then picking up the thread in 1976, soon after the brutal Khmer Rouge regime took hold of Cambodia, and, finally, turning attention to 2007.
The film stars Sreynan Chea, Vandarith Phem, Ellen Wong and Arn-Chorn Pond and binds its characters together through their love of ...
- 8/22/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Germany has chosen Nora Fingscheidt’s “System Crasher” as its entry for the newly re-branded International Feature Film award at the 92nd Academy Awards, it was announced Wednesday by promotional body German Films.
Produced by Kineo Filmproduktion and Weydemann Bros, the film won a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, where it received its world premiere in February, and has since gone on to be a fixture on the festival circuit picking up a number of other prizes. It stars Helena Zengel as nine-year-old Benni, whose untamed energy in her wild quest for love drives everyone around her to despair.
The film was chosen from a list of seven films, submitted by their producers, by the eight members of the German selection committee, which consists of representatives from eight German cinema trade associations and institutions. German Films organizes the selection procedure for the German candidate for the Oscars’ International...
Produced by Kineo Filmproduktion and Weydemann Bros, the film won a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, where it received its world premiere in February, and has since gone on to be a fixture on the festival circuit picking up a number of other prizes. It stars Helena Zengel as nine-year-old Benni, whose untamed energy in her wild quest for love drives everyone around her to despair.
The film was chosen from a list of seven films, submitted by their producers, by the eight members of the German selection committee, which consists of representatives from eight German cinema trade associations and institutions. German Films organizes the selection procedure for the German candidate for the Oscars’ International...
- 8/21/2019
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
“We’re together now. It’ll be fine.”
For director Denis Do the task of making his first film is closely linked to his family’s history. Born in 1985 in Paris, Do is a child of three different cultures; the French, the Chinese and the Cambodian. His first feature “Funan” – as the closing credits state – is dedicated to his mother, his brother as well as the survivors of the Khmer Rouge regimes in Cambodia between 1975 to 1979. In an interview with Zippy Frames from 2013, the director mentions how his mother lost his brother in the turmoils of the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power. Only after the regime ended the family was eventually able to re-connect, a fate which many Cambodians shared, while others never saw their relatives again.
“Funan” is screening at the 27th Art Film Fest Kosice
However, “Funan” is not a political film in the mind of its director.
For director Denis Do the task of making his first film is closely linked to his family’s history. Born in 1985 in Paris, Do is a child of three different cultures; the French, the Chinese and the Cambodian. His first feature “Funan” – as the closing credits state – is dedicated to his mother, his brother as well as the survivors of the Khmer Rouge regimes in Cambodia between 1975 to 1979. In an interview with Zippy Frames from 2013, the director mentions how his mother lost his brother in the turmoils of the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power. Only after the regime ended the family was eventually able to re-connect, a fate which many Cambodians shared, while others never saw their relatives again.
“Funan” is screening at the 27th Art Film Fest Kosice
However, “Funan” is not a political film in the mind of its director.
- 6/18/2019
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
The Festival runs February 14-23 in New York City with a jam-packed schedule of 89 fantastic films from 32 countries, seriously amazing discussion panels, cool networking events and super-fun parties
We’ve got something for everyone, with a diverse mixture of shorts and features, animations, documentaries, thrillers, comedies, romances, dramas, horror, sci-fi, music videos and web series!
Filmmakers come from 32 countries; 50% of the films were created by women, 53% were created by or about people of color. Hollywood continues to ignore women and people of color, but Winter Film Awards celebrates everyone!
“I think that when everybody’s story is told, then that makes for better art, that makes for better entertainment. It makes everybody feel part of one family.” — President Obama.
In The Land of Pomegranates
All The Asian Titles:
Dance Dance – Music Video by Andrew Hachem
Dhrma-Ciaxxo – Music Video by Kotaro Saito
Difference – Short Film by Ali Asadollahi
Fatimah – Documentary by...
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In The Land of Pomegranates
All The Asian Titles:
Dance Dance – Music Video by Andrew Hachem
Dhrma-Ciaxxo – Music Video by Kotaro Saito
Difference – Short Film by Ali Asadollahi
Fatimah – Documentary by...
- 1/29/2019
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
“We’re together now. It’ll be fine.”
For director Denis Do the task of making his first film is closely linked to his family’s history. Born in 1985 in Paris, Do is a child of three different cultures; the French, the Chinese and the Cambodian. His first feature “Funan” – as the closing credits state – is dedicated to his mother, his brother as well as the survivors of the Khmer Rouge regimes in Cambodia between 1975 to 1979. In an interview with Zippy Frames from 2013, the director mentions how his mother lost his brother in the turmoils of the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power. Only after the regime ended the family was eventually able to re-connect, a fate which many Cambodians shared, while others never saw their relatives again.
“Funan” is screening at Five Flavours Asian Film Festival
However, “Funan” is not a political film in the mind of its director.
For director Denis Do the task of making his first film is closely linked to his family’s history. Born in 1985 in Paris, Do is a child of three different cultures; the French, the Chinese and the Cambodian. His first feature “Funan” – as the closing credits state – is dedicated to his mother, his brother as well as the survivors of the Khmer Rouge regimes in Cambodia between 1975 to 1979. In an interview with Zippy Frames from 2013, the director mentions how his mother lost his brother in the turmoils of the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power. Only after the regime ended the family was eventually able to re-connect, a fate which many Cambodians shared, while others never saw their relatives again.
“Funan” is screening at Five Flavours Asian Film Festival
However, “Funan” is not a political film in the mind of its director.
- 11/22/2018
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
“All the stars tell me we should go to the concert.”
Usually when we think about the connection of music to our lives, there is always the link towards certain images or episodes. For decades artists have come up with songs and lyrics, which have shaped our world, or even they way we view certain times. No one would argue the link between the upheavals of the 1960s and the way the feelings, longings and rage of that time was expressed in the tunes played by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix or The Doors. At the same time, music served also as a path to explore philosophical questions about ourselves and our world dating as far back as composers like Mozart, Bach and Beethoven to name just a few.
“In the Life of Music” is screening at Five Flavours Festival
In their film “In the Life of Music” Cambodian directors Sok Visal...
Usually when we think about the connection of music to our lives, there is always the link towards certain images or episodes. For decades artists have come up with songs and lyrics, which have shaped our world, or even they way we view certain times. No one would argue the link between the upheavals of the 1960s and the way the feelings, longings and rage of that time was expressed in the tunes played by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix or The Doors. At the same time, music served also as a path to explore philosophical questions about ourselves and our world dating as far back as composers like Mozart, Bach and Beethoven to name just a few.
“In the Life of Music” is screening at Five Flavours Festival
In their film “In the Life of Music” Cambodian directors Sok Visal...
- 11/16/2018
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: Titles include Cambodia’s first Lgbt-themed film.
Hong Kong-based sales company Asian Shadows has picked up its first two Cambodian titles: Sok Visal’s Poppy Goes To Hollywood and Gems On The Run, co-directed by Sok and Quentin Clausin.
Cambodia’s first Lgbt-themed film, Poppy Goes To Hollywood follows a loser on the streets of Phnom Penh, who is forced to go into hiding with his older brother, a transgender performer, when he witnesses a gangland murder.
A director’s cut of the film, which was released in Cambodia last year, is currently in post-production. Gems On The Run, which was Sok’s 2013 debut feature, revolves around a cop who travels with a gangster to the funeral of a mutual friend, unaware his companion is smuggling stolen jewelry.
Anne-Sophie Lehec, Asian Shadows head of sales and festivals, said: “The way Sok addresses Cambodia’s changing society convinced us to get on board and help his films...
Hong Kong-based sales company Asian Shadows has picked up its first two Cambodian titles: Sok Visal’s Poppy Goes To Hollywood and Gems On The Run, co-directed by Sok and Quentin Clausin.
Cambodia’s first Lgbt-themed film, Poppy Goes To Hollywood follows a loser on the streets of Phnom Penh, who is forced to go into hiding with his older brother, a transgender performer, when he witnesses a gangland murder.
A director’s cut of the film, which was released in Cambodia last year, is currently in post-production. Gems On The Run, which was Sok’s 2013 debut feature, revolves around a cop who travels with a gangster to the funeral of a mutual friend, unaware his companion is smuggling stolen jewelry.
Anne-Sophie Lehec, Asian Shadows head of sales and festivals, said: “The way Sok addresses Cambodia’s changing society convinced us to get on board and help his films...
- 3/13/2017
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
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