Another New Film Fest: Dialogue of Cultures

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Parent Category: Film Festivals

Category: Previews

Published on Friday, 14 October 2011 05:00

Written by L E Shannon

The inaugural Dialogue of Cultures International Film Festival (DCIFF) is taking place October 20 - 27, 2011 at The Quad and the SVA Theaters in Manhattan, New York City.

Dialogue of Cultures is the world’s first film festival dedicated to the impact of globalization. As millions of people are compelled to move to different countries, confronting or embracing new cultures, DCIFF focuses on this international spirit.

The Festival intends to launch a real dialogue between cultures through the universal language of cinema. After this first edition, the Festival will be held in a different country every year, with Paris, France scheduled for next year's location.

One might ask, what on earth does New York City need with yet another documentary film festival? Don‛t they already have several world-class festivals?

Indeed. But while the vast majority of documentary films are either expository, historical, or probe crime, corruption, abuse and other justice issues, as well as exploring relationships, this Festival is different:

The emphasis here is on how different people from other cultures relate to each other, as opposed to just us Americans. We are used to thinking the word "immigrant" refers to people coming here to the US, and tend to forget that thousands of people who leave home do not necessarily try to enter the States.

The films are intended to explore characters "who find themselves dealing with different cultures from their own in various dramatic ways."  Not one of these films is about anyone coming to America.

The Opening Night film is the East Coast premiere of Cirkus Columbia (Bosnia-Herzegovina), directed by Danis Tanovic, who is expected to attend.
After the fall of the Communist regime in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1991, a man returns to his former home after a 20-year exile in Germany.

A Special Screening is Bride Flight (Netherlands, Luxembourg), directed by Ben Sombogaart, and starring Anna Drijver, Karina Smulders, Elise Schaap and Rutger Hauer (who is attending)
Inspired by the true story of the 1953 "Last Great Air Race" from London to Christchurch, New Zealand, three young women are eager to escape post-WWII Holland and emigrate to New Zealand for what they hope will be a better life.

The Closing Night film is Sketch of Mujo (Japan), directed by Koichi Omiya (attending). "After the earth shook and the tsunami swept, what remains? One month has passed since the Great East Japan earthquake."

Some of the other films are:

Dance of Time (South Korea)
directed by Song Il-gon
"Back in 1905, just before the onset of the Japanese military occupation over Joseon (present day Korea), about 300 people fled to Cuba via Mexico. With hopes of returning home wealthy, they worked tenaciously at henequen farms. They established their own Korean schools and sent money back to finance the independence movements against Japan." Some of them later participated in the revolution of Che Guevara.

Shahada (Germany)
directed by Burkhan Qurbani
In today‛s Berlin, during a razzia for clandestine employees in a warehouse, "the fates of three young German-born Muslims collide."

Hi-So (Thailand)
directed by Aditya Assarat
A student returns home from studying abroad and, for lack of other ideas at first, he tries acting in a new movie for a famous director. During the filming, his girlfriend from University arrives for a visit, but soon finds herself frustrated there.

For more information, go to www.dciff.net.

Dialogue of Cultures International Film Festival
October 20 - 27, 2011

The Quad
34 West 13th St.
New York City
212-255-8800
www.quadcinema.com

SVA Theatre
School of Visual Arts
333 West 23rd St.
New York City
212-592-2980
www.svatheatre.com

Austin Film Festival - Without Limits

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Parent Category: Film Festivals

Category: Previews

Published on Friday, 14 October 2011 05:00

Written by L E Shannon

The 18th Annual Austin Film Festival is screening October 20 - 27, 2011 at theatres throughout downtown Austin, Texas and the surrounding area, including the Paramount Theatre, Alamo Lake Creek, Regal Arbor, Landmark Dobie, Long Center Rollins Theatre, Hideout Theater, Bob Bullock Texas State History Musuem IMAX Theater.

Running concurrently with the AFF is the Conference which provides over 80 inspiring and interactive panels, roundtables and meet-and-greets with established screenwriters and filmmakers. The Conference panels take place from October 20 - 23 at the Driskill Hotel and the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel in the heart of downtown Austin.

Read more: Austin Film Festival - Without...

New Media Fest in Beverly Hills

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Parent Category: Film Festivals

Category: Previews

Published on Thursday, 13 October 2011 05:00

Written by Film FestivalTraveler Staff

The 2nd Annual Beverly Hills Film, TV & New Media Festival (BHFTF) is taking place October 20 - 27, 2011 at the Laemmle Music Hall 3 Theater in Beverly Hills, California.

The Beverly Hills Film, TV & New Media Festival is a competitive international festival that strives to present an elite selection of independent film and television works as well as a forum for film and TV industry and independent filmmakers to meet and exchange ideas. The Festival is a nexus for traditional, established Hollywood and the newly emerging talent and technology of today‛s entertainment world.

The Opening Night film is Walk a Mile in My Pradas, directed by Joey Sylvester, starring Nathaniel Marston, Tom Archdeacon, Tom Arnold, Dee Wallace, Mike Starr, Bruce Vilanch, Kirsten Lea. Freaky Friday plus a little Christmas magic thrown in, but with a new twist: two coworkers with contrasting lifestyles -- as in, gay and straight -- switch sexual orientations.

The Closing Night film is Five Star Day, directed by Danny Buday, starring Cam Gigandet, Jena Malone, Julianna Guill, Will Yun Lee. A man sets out to disprove the theory of astrology, and finds himself facing bigger questions about life, love, fate and destiny.

Some of the Documentary films are:

Pink Skies
dir. Gulcin Gilbert (France/USA/UK)
This film covers an extraordinary event, Jump for the Cause, which brought together 181 women from 31 countries to create a World Record All-Women's Skydiving Formation. They also raised nearly $1 million for breast cancer research. The film also features breast cancer survivors, cutting edge researchers, doctors and healers, as well as revelations of breakthroughs that have not been widely publicized.

Mary and Bill
dir. Andrew Napier
A portrait of two elderly athletes: Mary Stroebe, a 90-year-old triathlete, and Bill Wambach, an 83-year-old high jumper. Despite doctors‛ orders following injury and illness, both decide to train and compete in their respective events. Mary hopes to complete the Lifetime Fitness triathlon and Bill will attempt to win 1st place and set the record for high jump at the National Senior Olympics.

Health Care Revolution
dir. Bailey Hollingsworth
The United States stands alone among industrialized nations in denying access to health care based on one‛s ability to pay. Organizations like the Saban Free Clinic provide comprehensive, affordable quality health care solutions -- free of judgment.

As Time Goes By
dir. Fred Breinersdorfer, Sigi Kamml (Germany)
In the heart of Berlin, one can find a very special place: the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Did the ambitious project to adequately honor the memory of the systematically, cruelly murdered 6 million Jews by Nazi Germany fail? This film pursues this question.

Suppressed Inventions
dir. Eric Hollerbach
Is there a hidden hand keeping the greatest technological and medical innovations a secret?

Slip Cue
dir. Robin Kupferman (USA/Canada)
featuring DJs Junior Vasquez, DJ Sneak, The Freestylers, Krafty Kuts, Telefon Tel Aviv, Kate Simko, Lady D, Kenneth Thomas
This glimpse into the electronic music industry and scene shows it as a catalyst for aspiring DJs and producers to transform a passion into a career.

Undivided: The Preston and Steve Experience
dir. Sean McKnight
Told from the point of view of a fan, this documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at morning radio. The focus is The Preston and Steve Show on 93.3FM WMMR in Philadelphia. Preston and Steve have a wildly devoted fan base that is not afraid to go to extremes to show just how much they love this show. Interviewees include Chris Hardwick, Sunny Leone, Teagan Presley, Eva Angelina.

Special Feature Festival Screening:

Ricky
dir. Kevin Wagner
A romantic comedy about an unlikely hero with a Rocky fixation. After getting dumped, he gets the "eye of the tiger" and makes himself over to snag the girl of his dreams.

Some other Narrative films screening are:

Mysteria
dir. Lucius C. Kuert
starring Robert Miano, Danny Glover, Billy Zane, Michael Rooker, Martin Landau, Meadow Williams, Peter Mark Richman
A once famous and now washed-up Hollywood screenwriter fights to finish his latest script with an unrealistic deadline. He finds himself in the center of a murder investigation involving a prominent politician's wife, which he turns into inspiration for his script.

Passengers
dir. Michael Bond (Australia/USA)
A married Australian couple living in Santa Monica set out to meet friends for dinner in Hollywood. It's a Friday night -- naturally, they hit traffic. By the time they arrive, their marriage is over.

Hero
dir. Alex Corrad
When Pete witnesses his classmate getting hit by a car and resuscitated by the local police and firemen, he turns to his mother and declares when he grows up, he wants to be one of "them". He learns years later, little did he know...

Boys
dir. Daryl C. Silva
Shot north of Boston and inspired by true events, the film is about the Ocasio crime family, who try to find redemption after living a notorious life of murder and mayhem.

Amy Alyson Fans
dir. Jonathan Bowen
"A struggling actor launches an unofficial fan site for his rising star girlfriend without her knowledge, growing her stardom and aiding her career. But when she finds out about his online endeavors, their relationship is put to the test."

Redemption
dir. Joseph Paul Stachura
It‛s 1865, the American Civil War is at an end, and the last surviving members of a Confederate family head for California hoping to start a new life.

TV Category:

Big Fat Gypsy Weddings
Executive Producers: Mark Soldinger, Jes Wilkins - Firecracker Films (UK/USA)
A portrait of the "secretive, extravagant and surprising world of gypsies and travellers in Britain today." Winner of the 2010 Cultural Diversity Network Award - Most Ground Breaking Program.

Paul Cruz: Latin Actor
dir. Paul Cruz
A clean cut, all-American Latin Actor hilariously struggles to fit into the stereotypical roles Hollywood has to offer, all while dealing with his crazy representation, psychotic friends, dysfunctional family members and bad dates.

One Sharp Girl
dir. Leah Mann
Crackerjack reporter Lei Mi Min punches and kicks her way through the criminal underworld on her quest for a great story, a fat paycheck, lots of excitement and -- just maybe -- love.

New Media screenings include:

Sketch 22
dir. Justin Marchert
This is the first installment of an animated sketch comedy show. "Sarah Failin's Disasta" follows the Failin family across the great state of Alaska.

Music Videos:

Tram Inspector
dir. Craig Melville (Australia)
Featuring Melbourne comedian The Bedroom Philosopher.

Thinking of You
dir. Paola Berta (UK)
A young girl has a boyfriend who is not respecting her. One night at a club, a new guy expresses interest in her, and she decides to concentrate on herself, being happy with her trustworthy and loyal girlfriends.

15x4 minute comedy series:

Papillon
dir. Kent Sobey, Mark Steinberg (Canada)
Papillon centers on the dysfunctional flight crew of an ultra discount airline.

Web Series include:

Keeping Up with the Kartrashians
dir. Whitney Houser
Episode 1 ("Parole Party"): After Bruce's release from jail, the Kartrashian family celebrates with a party and a new tattoo. When Momma's job and their public assistance run dry, Robbie has an idea that will make the family some money and make Kim a star.

Miracle Mile Girls
dir. Kate Marzullo
First Episode: "And Then There was One" follows the lives of Jessica and Courtney, two aspiring actresses who live together as they clumsily navigate the waters of Hollywood.

Webisodes:

Millie‛s 101 Things
dir. Claire Wasmund
When Millie realizes that her relationship (and life) was more fantasy than reality, she sets out to replace her once naive outlook with ambition and self discovery.

Scene of the Rhyme: Episode 1
dir. Sergio Rios
The comedic web series follows the daily life of breakout hip-hop star Pada, and the fumbling, chaos-fueled management team struggling to take him to the top.

The Wedding Party
dir. Amanda Jane (Australia)
Meet the Thompson Family, "whose individual love lives range from deviant to delicious to downright desperate."

The Special Podcast Event:

The PodBrother Comedy Showcase
Hosted by Steven E Kimbrough

The "Real 3D Access" Podcast
Co-Hosts Anna Lancaster, Jaylyn Bishop

Further New Media Screenings are:

• Practicing Murder by Di Tommasa
• Pinch by Steven E Kimbrough
• Bag A Cougar by Vanessa Peruda
• Lonely Girl by Kendra Cunningham and Vicky Kuperman
• Brian Floss by Jonathan Heap
• We The People by Jayne Bromberg
  
• The Best Comedy Show by Brandon Dunaway
• The Intervention by Jonathan Heap
• The American Dream by John Holloway

For more information, visit bhfilmtvnewmedia.com.

Beverly Hills Film, TV & New Media Festival
October 20 - 27, 2011

Laemmle Music Hall 3 Theater
9036 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA
310-478-3836

The Jon Lovitz Podcast Theater
1000 Universal Blvd. #222
Universal City, CA