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Fort Lauderdale, FL (September 25, 2006) The world-renowned Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), will reel out over 200 films during their 21st Annual event held from October 16 through November 14, 2006. The fest begins with a pre-fest kick-off week of films from October 16-19, with October 20 as the Official Opening Night. Whether intense or light and funny, FLIFF’s 2006 line-up offers a diverse selection of feature films, documentaries, shorts and tribute films from the U.S. and around the globe.
This year the fest will present nine (9) World Premieres including: Mrs. Worthington’s Party, where everyone is welcome and anything is possible and Trust Me, a con-man comedy starring Shelley Long (Cheers) who is expected to attend.
Two (2) North American Premieres: an inspiring true story from South Africa, FAITH LIKE POTATOES; and from France, THE TALMUD, which enlightens us on the destiny of a mythical book at the basis of Judaism.
Sixteen (16) U.S. Premieres includes: Ventura Pons’ Animales Heridos from Spain, action comedy from Sweden Baba’s Cars, hip-hop drama from Finland Beauty and the Bastard; a fascinating story of healing and love from the Philippines, Donsol; collaborative Columbian/U.S. romantic comedy Gringo Wedding; and one of three (3) Official Closing Night films held November 12, Sharkwater, recently featured at The Toronto Film Festival, offers extraordinary underwater imagery, a compelling original soundtrack, and interviews with renowned experts about the shark industry that could harm the ecological balance of our oceans. Rob Stewart, expert diver and underwater photographer who faced numerous challenges in making this film will attend the screening. The filmmakers are also bringing a 17ft Shark for fun photo ops.
Three (3) Southeast Premieres: the festival’s Centerpiece Gala, Pittsburgh, directed by Chris Bradley and Kyle LaBrachea, is a mockumentary style comedy starring Jeff Goldblum as Jeff Goldblum, who has fallen Tom-Cruise-crazy in love with a young musical theatre actress on a work visa in the U.S. Flannel Pajamas, written and directed by veteran distribution exec Jeff Lipsky, stars Tom Bower, Justin Kirk & Julianne Nicholson, and chronicles the two-year arc of a couple's relationship. Pianists Defining Chopin, is a breathtaking piece of musical entertainment that follows the four winners of the 2005 National Chopin Piano Competition, during their 30 grueling days of competition, as they represent the U.S. at the 2005 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw.
Seventy-two (72) Florida Premieres including: FLIFF’s Official Opening Night film on October 20, Pedro Almodovar’s Volver which just received the Best Film of the Year Award from the International Federation of Film Critics, as reported by The Associated Press. The film, which also walked away with Best Actress Awards for all five leading ladies and Best Screenplay at Cannes Film Festival, stars Pénelope Cruz, Carmen Maura, Lola Duenas, Blanca Portillo, Yohana Cobo. The film was written and directed by Almodóvar. Described as a meeting of Mildred Pierce and Arsenic and Old Lace, Volver (which means coming back) marks Almodovar’s return to comedy, the feminine world, working again with Carmen Maura and Penélope Cruz…and the theme of Volver.
FLIFF’s two of three Official Closing Night films, on November 12, are: Canvas shot in Hollywood Beach, Florida, is the heart-warming film that combines love and the magic of sailing. This character-driven story is about one family's struggle with mental illness. Canvas, filmed in 2005, survived two tropical storms and Hurricane Wilma during the four-week shoot. Film star Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Sopranos, Matrix) will attend the screening. George Gallo’s Local Color (Midnight Run, Wise Guys,The Whole Ten Yards) is a beautiful bio-based story about a successful artist who reflects back to a time when he was 18 and a summer spent learning the craft from an elderly Russian artist. In addition to his talent as writer and director, Gallo, is also an artist with exhibits in galleries across the nation. The paintings featured in the film are his. Gallo and stars Samantha Mathis (Pump Up The Volume, Broken Arrow), and Trevor Morgan (The Patriot, The Sixth Sense) are scheduled to attend.
FLIFF’s week of pre-fest kick-off films, begins October 16 and culminates on October 19, with the highly touted film and the Florida Premiere of A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints. This coming-of-age drama was inspired by writer/director, Dito Montiel's, mid-eighties youth in Astoria, Queens. The film exudes the rawness and authenticity of the classic urban dramas Mean Streets, Saturday Night Fever, Do The Right Thing and Kids and received two awards at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. The film features exceptional performances by Robert Downey Jr., Chazz Palmenteri, Dianne Wiest, Rosario Dawson, Shia LaBeouf, and Channing Tatum.
There will be a Children’s Mini Fest offering classic films including The Sound of Music, and the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The mini fest will also introduce the new animated comedy-adventure Happy Feet, with the voices of Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman, Elijah Wood, Nicole Kidman, and others.
Tribute films will celebrate the works of director Mel Stuart and film star/top recording artist Barbra Streisand. FLIFF will also present two films that benefit charitable organizations - Lunafest, offering 9 short films by, for and about women with proceeds going to The Breast Cancer Fund with a reception sponsored by WIFT (Women in Film & Television, Florida). And, the Southeast Premiere of Pianists Defining Chopin with a portion of the proceeds from this event going to The National Chopin Foundation of the United States. This event includes a reception and a live performance by Mei-Ting Sun (on a Yamaha Grand) winner of the 2005 competition in Miami and who is featured in the film.
FLIFF will also bring to the screen two powerful and controversial new documentary films: Tell Me Cuba, directed by Megan Williams and narrated by Gina Gershon, answers the question …”Why is Cuba off-limits to U.S. citizens?” And as part of the week-long pre-fest films, The Dixie Chicks: Shut up and Sing from two-time Academy Award® winning director Barbara Kopple (Harlan County USA, American Dream) and director Cecilia Peck who take us behind the scenes during a dramatic period of the best selling female group’s career. As bombs were falling on Iraq, lead singer Natalie Maines told a London audience, "We're embarrassed that the President is from Texas." With this remark the group made headlines all over the world in March 2003. Right-wing groups responded with radio boycotts, CD burnings and even death threats.
This year, FLIFF will present juried awards November 11 during The Awards Celebration to be held at the Westin Diplomat. Award-winning director, Mel Stuart (the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) will receive a Lifetime in Achievement Award for Directing. Awards for Best Film, Best Performer, Best Short, Best Documentary among others will also be presented.
FLIFF’s special guests include filmmakers and some of our favorite on-screen film stars who are scheduled for audience Q&As at screenings of their films. Other opportunities that provide time for more intimate chats with festival staff and guests include trendy parties and receptions at top area venues, aboard yachts, the Sundance Festival Café and Toast To Humanity Wine Lounge, and casual gatherings at the festival’s host hotel Gallery One Fort Lauderdale (a four-star guest suites hotel).
Expected to attend this year are:
Film star Ernie Hudson (Lackawanna Blues, Miss Congeniality 1&2 & Ghostbusters) at the Florida Premiere of the romantic comedy, Halfway Decent.
Actress Bridget Moynahan (I Robot, Sex and the City, Six Degrees) is expected to attend their Florida Premiere of the romantic comedy about a close, single brother and sister who, to their biggest surprise, end up finding love in the most unlikely place.
Shiva Rose (DysEnchanted, Woman at the Beach), co-star David Moscow (Big Honey with Jessica Alba, Nearing Grace) will attend the Florida Premiere of David and Layla, a Romeo and Juliet-esque romantic comedy with a political twist that send their families, one Jewish – one Muslim into a spin reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Accompanying David Moscow is actress Kerry Washington (Ray).
Film & star Geri Jewell (Facts of Life) will be at the Florida Premiere of her new comedy NIGHT OF WHITE PANTS about the patriarch of a distinguished but crumbling family who is forced to hit the town with his daughter's (Selma Blair) punk rock boyfriend (Nick Stahl).
Award –Winning director Mel Stuart (the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), will attend screenings of his films on November 9, including his outstanding documentaries - The Making of the President, Man Ray: Prophet of the Avant Garde, Billy Wilder: The Human Comedy, Wasstax, Sophia: A Portrait. FLIFF will present Stuart with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Directing on November 11, Awards Celebration beginning 7:00pm at Westin Diplomat.
Michelle Phillips (The Mamas & the Papas), will attend the screening of And The Sea Took Us, a documentary narrated by Phillips, that chronicles the devastating effects and wonderful relief efforts in one small fishing village community on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Artist Purvis Young and producer and owner of Gallery 721, Larry Clemons, will attend their showing of documentary Purvis of Overtown.
Robin Cowie, producer of the award winning, innovative and terrifying The Blair Witch Project will host a seminar titled Producing your first Indie Film at the October 21 High School Competition.
Writer and film star, Carl Andress will attend the showing of his film, A Very Serious Person, which is directed/co-written and stars Charles Busch (Die Mommie Die). The film is about a show tunes and old Hollywood-obsessed boy, his effete Danish mentor who bond and teach each other about self-acceptance over the course of one magical summer.
Popular actress from Columbia, Ana Lucia Dominguez (Te voy a enseñar a querer), will attend her U.S Premiere of Gringo Wedding, the hilarious, romantic comedy about finding true love through an international dating agency. Directed by Tas Salini (Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale) and Executive Producer Paul Lazarus (University of Miami) will also attend.
Stars of the U.S. Premiere of Donsol, Sid Lucero (TV series, Etheria: Ang ikalimang kaharian ng encantadia) and Angel Aquino (Crying Ladies) will attend this film from the Philippines about a young guide who swims with the whale sharks, and finds himself drawn to a woman as beautiful and mysterious of the sea.
Plus a host of actors from Sweden, Czech Republic, Croatia, Argentina, Colombia, Canada, UK, Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and … you never know who else may pay a surprise visit to the festival.
21st ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER14, 2006
FILM SYNOPSIS
Competition Films World Cinema Category The Aura Changement D’addresse Donsol Driving Lessons Every Other Week The Holiday Makers Leef! Local Color Son of Man Volver
All US & Canadian films compete for Best American Indie All Shorts (except Sunshine Celluloid) compete for Best Short All documentaries (except Sunshine Celluloid) compete for Best Documentary
World Premieres GLOBAL VOLUNTEERS / Sunshine Celluloid On December 26th 2004, the world's largest natural disaster wreaked havoc on the shores of Southeast Asia and has severely disrupted the lives of millions. Tim Gorski, writer/director, is a tsunami survivor. Take a journey with him to the Kingdom of Smiles and explore the human condition and the psychological aftermath of the 2004 Asian tsunami. This short documentary explores the unique ways that individuals are volunteering their time and services to aid in the recovery process. We visit the hardest hit areas and document the humanitarian efforts as well as the conflicts. It's an uplifting film promoting “Global Volunteering” as alternative travel.
THE GREEN ROOM / Short from the U.S. For the last fifteen years, Rex Welche has been singing his songs in any rock club that will have him. Always more of a critical darling than a chart topper, Rex has struggled lately to maintain an audience and his energy. Too many nights on the road, too many women with names he can't remember, too many half-empty clubs finally catch up with him one night before a concert. It's left to his tour manager, J.D., and his opening act, the up-and-coming Patty Danville, to do whatever it takes to force him onto the stage. Rex doesn't want to let down the several hundred waiting fans, but it becomes a monumental struggle for him just to leave the safety of The Green Room... Written and directed by Brent Boyd; starring Evans Forde, Carina Nilsson & Jim Loucks.
HAPPY TRAILS / Short Film from the U.S. Filmmaker Michael Goldburg's new comedy about a romantic weekend gone very bad. When Gareth and Sarah's car, as well as their relationship, breaks down on a remote country road, the last thing they need is to be picked up by the couple from hell. Soon, Gareth and Sarah are less concerned about fixing their car than they are about hanging on to their own relationship - and their lives! Starring Gareth Saxe, Sarah Franek, Barbara Miluski & George Spaventa.
LAST NIGHT / Short from the U.S. A hopeful young woman searches for love – one night stand at a time. Directed by Scott Patch; written by and starring Kathleen Rose Perkins
Mrs. Worthington’s Party / American Independent Father Jonathan Keene, a cold impatient Catholic priest, arrives in a tiny fishing village the week before Christmas to do what he does best - shut down a dying parish. But things take an unexpected turn as he becomes entangled in the various lives of the village’s eccentric characters, including the beautiful librarian and the childlike priest he is displacing. At Mrs. Worthington’s legendary Christmas Party, everyone is welcome and anything is possible. You should drop by… Written and directed by David Wall; starring David Wall, Kerry Wall, Sean Patrick Brennan, Brennan Wall & Jean Bates.
SHARK PARK / Documentary An international team of big wave surfers ride a newly discovered psycho wave on a remote offshore reef at the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. Directed by Greg Huglin.
SIMPLE JOYS / Short Film from the USA A story about a relationship between a young boy and older man brought together by their common love for musical theatre. Stephen is a teenage boy on the cusp of adulthood. Jerry is a crass theatre veteran who has isolated himself and given up what he used to love. From each other they learn that a good conversation and someone who understands you are a part of life's simple joys. Directed by Gary Entin; starring Barry Dennen and Thomas Dekker.
TRUST ME / American Independent Take a smart young con man and a talented but reluctant impressionist, let them loose among the natives in Hollywood and the result will amuse and amaze. A satire on celebrity, politics and the American Dream that proves you can fool all of the people all of the time.... trust Me! Written and directed by Andrew Kazamia; Starring Shelley Long, Cory Pendergast and Enn Reitel
TWILIGHT / Sunshine Celluloid, Short Film Echoing The Twilight Zone and the film classic The Incredible Shrinking Man, this is a tale about an affluent 37 year old stockbroker who contracts a strange virus that ages him in five short weeks to the age of 90.
North American Premieres FAITH LIKE POTATOES / World Cinema from South Africa One man's miracle journey to love, hope and faith. An inspiring true story. Directed by Regardt van den Bergh
THE TALMUD / From France This film tells the destiny of a mythical book at the basis of Judaism: the Talmud. More than two thousand years of intellectual adventures in the heart of a world which remains unknown untill now. Talmud had to bear the same fate as the Jewish people, which conditioned the Jewish mentality and spirit. Today, Jews, more and more, feel the need to go back to its study. Directed by Salfati Pierre Henry.
U.S. Premieres ANIMALES HERIDOS (Wounded Animals)/ World Cinema from Spain Acclaimed filmmaker from Spain, Ventura Pons, wrote, directed and produced this tragicomedy based on three stories in the book sad Animals (Animals tristos) by Jordi Puntí. The story follows Silvio Lisbon is a wealthy man who, a year ago, took a lover…the highly recognized interior decorator Claudia Riera. Silvio has a secret obsession; to remain hidden with her in room#1817 of the hotel Princess Sofía. But…Silvio also has a conventional life with his neurotic wife Marcia but, the tranquility of his family is about to be disrupted by a newspaper that plans a visit with Claudia for a story on Lisbon’s home. Starring José Coronado, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Cecilia Rossetto, Marc Cartes, Cristina Plazas.
BABA’S CARS / World Cinema from Sweden Baba's Cars is a thrilling action comedy with ordinary people in absurd situations. Jojo and Anso love each other but, when Jojo, without telling Anso, spends their money to buy a gearbox to his old Cadillac, their love suffers. Directed by Rafael Edholm. Starring Andreas Wilson, Sara Sommerfeld, Jarmo Mäkinen, & Peter Franzen.
BEAUTY AND THE BASTARD / World Cinema from Finland Nelli's life is right on track. She lives in a pristine suburb with her parents, she's been dating the same guy for years, and in a few months she'll be graduating from medical school. But there's one problem: Nelli has suddenly decided that she wants to be a singer. She's even got the voice to make her dream come true, but what she doesn't have is a demo tape for music producers, so she jumps at the chance to work with talented hip-hop artist Sune. What Nelli doesn't know is that Sune has bet his friends, who think he's a bit weak in the girlfriend department, that he can woo Nelli. The two eventually create a killer demo, which lands Nelli a record deal. But soon Nelli and Sune's relationship begins turning into something more than just musical, and Nelli's long-term boyfriend is not amused. Karukoski's powerful and inspiring debut feature is a film that everyone will be able to identify with. Synopsis by Sara Nodjoumi (The Tribeca Film Festival) Directed by Dome Karukoski; starring Pamela Tola, Samuli Vauramo, Joonas Saartamo, Eero Milonoff, Mikko Leppilampi, Mikko Kouki, Anna-Leena Härkönen & Eero Saarinen
THE BORDER POST/ World Cinema from Croatia A flashback to the playfully tender East Euro cinema of yore … Rajko Grlic's Border Post marks a virile comeback for the Croatian veteran. In the last years of the old Yugoslav republic, soldiers comically breeze through enlistment in a remote outpost until tragedy senselessly intervenes. Humorous tone recalls the outrageous horseplay of "MASH" with more joyful innocence. This is the first film after Yugoslavia's bloody break-up to be co-produced by all its former republics: Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Macedonia. Grlic, the director of Croatia's Motovun Film Fest, brings an experienced storyteller's sensitivity to the tale. Starring Toni Gojanovic, Sergej Trifunovic, Emir Hadzihafizbegovic, Verica Nedeska-Trajkova
CHALK / American Independent A class act among mockumentaries, "Chalk" takes a lovingly exaggerated look at the frustrations and rewards of being a high school teacher. Filtering one school year through the eyes of three young instructors and a rookie administrator, this loosely scripted satire mostly steers clear of cheap shots and over-the-top gags, balancing its comic observations with a real measure of affection for teachers and students alike. Their pencil-sharp ensemble took top acting honors at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Though clearly influenced by the faux-verite comedies of Christopher Guest, "Chalk" looks and plays more like an actual documentary. It was shot on digital video at an Austin, Texas, high school and features a supporting cast of real-life students and teachers. And where Guest's films have tended to skewer eccentric performers and prima donnas (the theater company in "Waiting for Guffman," the folk musicians in "A Mighty Wind") scribe-helmer Mike Akel and co-writer Chris Mass draw on their own teaching experience to essentially poke fun at themselves.
DONSOL / Competiton Film from the Philippines Whale sharks, magnificent creatures of the deep, visit once a year the turquoise waters of Donsol. Daniel, the young guide who swims with the whale sharks, finds himself drawn to Teresa, a woman as beautiful and mysterious as the depths of the sea. Burdened by past heartaches and uncertain of the future, the two find sanctuary in each other as love surfaces anew. As the tide rises and recedes in a cycle of loss and renewal, Donsol provides the breathtaking backdrop to a story of heartbreak, and the healing power of love. Directed by Written and directed by Adolfo B. Alix, Jr.; starring Sid Lucero, Angel Aquino, Cherie Gil, Jaclyn Jose, Bembol Roco and Simon Ibarra.
GRINGO WEDDING / World Cinema from Columbia / U.S. A hilarious, romantic comedy about finding true love at an international dating agency. Rebecca and Matt meet through such a dating agency in Bogota, Colombia, run by a cast of misfits, geared to make love a reality for many loveless souls. Matt and Rebecca soon fall in love despite the fact that they do not have a common language. Javier steps in as the translator extraordinaire to bring the couple together through his over the top translations and hilarious encounters. The families of both Rebecca and Matt oppose their wedding plans as they can only see disaster but the two love birds armed with their flamboyant translator venture into the pursuit of happiness and a long life together. Gringo Wedding is full of laughter and is an unforgettable movie. Written and directed by Tas Salini. Starring Ana Lucia Dominguez, Justin Kane, Sebastian Boscan, Adriana Campos, Luis Javier Posada & Julio Del Mar.
HAPPY AS ONE / World Cinema from Germany Actress Meret Becker is outstanding as a blaspheming, fire-spitting vixen—the embodiment of an urban Tasmanian devil—in a wry but entertaining story that follows various characters as they stumble around Berlin, faltering but finding their way towards each other in the never-ending quest for love. Directed by Vanessa Jopp; starring Meret Becker, Hinnerk Schönemann, Stefanie Stappenbeck, Marek Harloff, Fritz Roth
LOSE YOURSELF / Short Film What would you do if your lesbian best friend hit on your bosses wife ? Director: Neil Israel; starring Jonathan Silverman, Dinah Manoff, & Saul Rubinek
MAROA / World Cinema from Spain-Venezuela In this moving and powerful film, eleven-year-old petty teen criminal Maroa lives with her violent grandmother Brígida in Caracas. After her boyfriend Carlos is involved in a shooting, Maroa is arrested and sent to a school where Joaquín conducts the youth orchestra. He asks the naturally talented Maroa to join. Her days now revolve around the classes that Joaquín, the shy and unconventional teacher, gives her. He is immediately interested in this talented young girl, who lacks all notion of discipline. Joaquín, the only person to offer hope in the midst of her rejection and finds that through Maroa, his world has also changed forever. Written and directed by Solveig Hoogesteijn; starring Tristán Ulloa, Yorlis Domínguez, Elba Escobar, Luke Grande & Engel Alejo
ONE DEAD INDIAN/American Independent One Dead Indian is a gripping and timely drama about one of the most politically charged events in Canadian history: the Ipperwash Crisis and the 10-year campaign to seek justice for the death of native protestor Dudley George. Directed by Tim Southam; starring Eric Schweig, Dakota House, Gabrielle Miller &Stephen Mchattie.
ROBERTO ROSSELLINI: FRAMMENTI E BATTUTE / Documentary Directed and narrated by Director: Carlo Lizzani, this fascinating documentary about master director Roberto Rossellini, follows his life and childhood, and visits the places where he has lived and shot some of his most famous movies; wth Isabella Rossellini, Martin Scorsese, Ingrid Bergman & François Truffaut.
SHARKWATER /Documentary Sharkwater is a feature documentary about the relationship between sharks and humans. In an epic visual display, Sharkwater follows photographer and biologist Rob Stewart on a journey across the world's oceans uncovering the billion-dollar shark fishing industry currently threatening shark populations.In an effort to protect sharks, Stewart teamed up with renegade conservationist Paul Watson. Together, along with their team, they faced a series of life and death situations including pirate boat rammings, attempted murder charges, arrests, espionage, corruption and hospitalization. Through it all, Stewart discovers that the one creature feared the most is one of the most important animals for life on earth.
THIRTEEN AT THE TABLE / World Cinema from Italy Giulio, now a divorced middle-aged man, returns to the family villa in Tuscany. The place brings back bittersweet memories of his youth as the youngest of a large patriarchal family and of the beautiful Anna, relentlessly pursued by all his brothers but ultimately won over by him. The house that’s been a home to many, the walls that have witnessed the tide of three generations are presently just a costly object that the family wants to get rid of. Overcome with emotions, and now aware of the significance of the property, Giulio decides to buy all his relatives’ shares and move back to the villa with his family. Written and directed by Enrico Oldoini; starring Giancarlo Giannini, Gianna Giochetti, Alessandro Benvenuti, Maria Amelia Monti, Paolo Bonacelli, Angela Finocchiaro, Manuela Borlotti, Kasia Smutniak, Andrea Giuliano, Nicolas Vaporidis, Luca Angeletti, Silvia De Santis, Giada Miceli & Niccolò Enriquez
Una Causa Noble /Short from Mexico Ignacio and Marina, a young Mexican couple, have different perspectives on what's best for their young son's future. This conflict reaches a head when Ignacio, who has been working most of the time in the United States, learns of an executive order issued by President Bush in 2002 offering expedited citizenship to foreign nationals who agree to join the U.S. Military to fight against terrorism. Ignacio decides to join the U.S. Army and Marina is left behind with some heartrending decisions. Directed by Miles Merritt, Written and produced by Carlos Pascual; starring Montserrat De Leon,Marta Aura,Arnulfo Reyes,Sylvia Velazquez,Horacio Zeta,Fernando Guerra Elias
WHITE MAN’S BLUES / Short from Sweden A six-minute story set to a song by Sverige, Sweden's best country-pop group. It uses both old and new footage to tell the story of Jonas (Swedish star Michael Nykvist in one of his first roles) as he unravels the events leading up to his desertion by Karin (veteran Swedish actress Katarina Huldt), including a mysterious boy who may be his inner child. Images are sometimes intimate, sometimes startling and always thought-provoking as they explore the ways men and women idealize and objectify each other. Directed by Mikael Södersten Written and produced Cornelia Ravenal; starring Michael Nykvist, Katarina Huldt, Rickard Blom.
Southeast Premieres Flannel Pajamas / American Independent Written and directed by veteran distribution exec Jeff Lipsky, Flannel Pajamas is an American Scenes from A Marriage - honest, sexy, sad, comic and tragic in equal measures - just like life. The story chronicles the two-year arc of a couple's relationship. Written and directed by Jeff Lipsky; Starring Tom Bower, Justin Kirk & Julianne Nicholson
PITTSBURGH/American Independent Directed by Chris Bradley and Kyle LaBrache, this mockumentary style comedy stars Jeff Goldblum as Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Antkowiak, Ed Begley Jr., Illeana Douglas, Moby, Craig Kilborn & Conan O'Brien. In the film, Goldblum has fallen Tom-Cruise-crazy in love with a young musical theatre actress in the U.S. on a work visa. To keep her stateside, Goldblum agrees to take a role in a regional theatre production of The Music Man … a role for which he is totally wrong.
PIANISTS DEFINING CHOPIN/American Independent From director Tomasz Magierski, a cinematographer at the prestigious Lodz Film School, Magierski’s began his career with, The Making of Pirates, the documentary about Roman Polanski's "Pirates" in Tunisia. Pianists Defining Chopin is a breathtaking piece of musical entertainment that follows the four winners of the 2005 National Chopin Piano Competition, during their 30 grueling days of competition, as they represent the U.S. at the 2005 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. The subjects of the film include Mei-Ting Sun, Sean Kennard, Rachel Kudo and Esther Park
Florida Premieres 48 Shades/World Cinema from Australia Based on the Nick Earls novel 48 Shades of Brown, this coming of age story is about 16 year old Dan. He has to make a choice: go to Geneva with his parents for a year or move into a house with his aunt, Jacq, and her friend, Naomi. He picked Jacq's place. Now he's doing his last year at school, trying not to spin out of control, trying to be cool, and trying to pick up a few skills for surviving in the adult world. Problems occur when he falls for Naomi, and things become much, much more confusing. Directed by Daniel Lapaine, 48 Shades stars Richard Wilson, an up-and-comng new Aussie on-screen talents.
ACROSS THE HALL /Short Film A quiet night takes a dangerous turn when Julian receives a frantic phone call from his best friend Terry, who claims to have followed his unfaithful fiancée to a seedy hotel on the other side of town. To make matters worse, he's staked out the room across the hall from her with a gun in hand. Julian pleads with his friend to stay put while he rushes to avert disaster: but is Terry truly as desperate as he seems? Directed by Alex Merkin and starring Adrian Grenier, James Oliver, Natalie Smyka & Jamie Benge.
AND THE SEA TOOK US / Documentary Narrated by Michelle Phillips, this film chronicles the devastating effects and wonderful relief efforts in one small fishing village community on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Shot by an American volunteer, William Prosser, this story is presented in three parts with the heart of this documentary showing the small concentrated work by individuals making a great difference in helping disaster-affected people get back on their feet. Directed by William Prosser.
THE ARCHITECT / American Independent Based on Scottish playwright David Greig's The Architect, director Matt Tauber's debut feature pits an architect against a female community resident who lives in a dangerous housing project that he designed. By contrasting two Chicago families in divergent economic circumstances, The Architect ably explores political, sexual, and class issues. Starring Anthony LaPaglia, Viola Davis, Isabella Rossellini, Hayden Panettiere, Sebastian Stan and Walt Goggins.
THE AURA / World Cinema from Argentina Espinoza is a shy taxidermist who secretly dreams of executing the perfect robbery. On his first ever hunting trip, in the calm of the Patagonian forest, his dreams are made reality with one squeeze of the trigger. Espinoza accidentally kills a man who turns out to be a real criminal and inherits his scheme: the heist of an armored van carrying casino profits. Caught up in a world of complex new rules and frightening violence, Espinoza's lack of experience puts him in real danger. And he has another more dangerous liability: he is an epileptic. Before each seizure he is visited by the aura: a paradoxical moment of confusion and enlightenment where the past and future seem to blend. These attacks appear without notice when he least expects them. Written and Directed by Fabián Bielinksy. Starring Ricardo Darín, Dolores Fonzi, Pablo Cedrón, Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, Jorge D'Elía & Alejandro Awada
AVATAR / Short Film from U.S. Avatar is a stylish thriller about a beautiful wife’s resentment of her wheelchair-bound husband which is played out in their gorgeous black and white tiled bathroom. Written and directed by Lluis Quilez and starring Rosana Pastor, Sebastian Haro and Gerard Villegas.
BARNEY THE TERRIER / Short from Australia Barney, The White House Scottish Terrier, talks with his security guard about life in the White House. Written/directed/produced by Anny Slater. Starring Bonnie Slater and Simon Kennedy
THE BIG BAD SWIM /American Independent This hysterically funny ensemble comedy is about a group of people who bring their dysfunctional lives to an adult education swim class. Male and female, old and young, rich and poor, the one thing they have in common is a fear of the water and their desire to overcome that fear and learn to swim. Directed by Ishai Setton, the film stars Paget Brewster, Jeff Branson, Jess Weixler and Ricky Ullman.
BRATS: OUR JOURNEY HOME / Documentary The first non-fiction film about a little known subculture that is estimated to include 15 million Americans. There are 1.2 million children being raised in the military today. An estimated 15 million Americans are former BRATS. They include actors Jessica Alba and Robert Duvall, Senator John McCain, and basketball star Shaquille O'Neal. BRATS is the first cinematic glimpse into a global subculture whose journey to adulthood is a high-octane mixture of incredible excitement and enormous pain. Make no mistake - BRATS is not about the U.S. military - it's about their children. Directed by Donna Musil, the film is narrated by Singer/songwriter and Air Force brat Kris Kristofferson who leads us through the heart of their experiences, sharing intimate memories with fellow BRATS, including General Norman Schwarzkopf and author Mary Edwards Wertsch.
CANVAS /American Independent The love and the magic of sailing are interwoven in this character-driven story of one family's struggle with mental illness. Canvas" was shot in Hollywood Beach, Florida in October /November 2005. Our film is the proud survivor of two tropical storms and Hurricane Wilma during the four-week 35mm shoot. The true heroes of our film are the passionate cast and crew members who endured and sacrificed to bring "Canvas" to life. Written and Directed by Joseph Delgreco and starring Joe Pantoliano, Marcia Gay Harden, Devon Gearhart, Sophia Bairley, Marcus Johns and Antony Del Rio.
Changement d'aDdresse / Competition Film This delightful comedy from France is about a shy, awkward musician who has just moved to Paris and falls madly in love with his young student and tries everything to win her heart. Directed by Emmanuel Mouret, the film stars Frédérique Bel, Fanny Valette, Dany Brillant, Emmanuel Mouret & Ariane Ascaride.
Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars /Documentary Narrated By Susan Sarandon with songs by Carly Simon. Everyone knows how Christa McAuliffe’s story ended. Now see how this pioneering woman lived. For the first time, the heroic teacher’s family, friends, colleagues and even NASA speak candidly about the memories, the pain and events surrounding the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster that brought a nation to tears and tore a family apart. Written, directed and produced by Renee Sotile & Mary Jo Godges.
Christopher Brennan Saves The World / Short Film A young drive-thru attendant serves as a drive-thru counselor and gives advice to all his customers. Written and directed by Jesse Dykstra. Starring Andrew Seeley, Jamie Amaral and Evan Lee Dahl.
Chronicle of an Escape (Crónica de una fuga) /World Cinema A thriller from Argentina, the feature film is about the goalkeeper of a little-known soccer team who is kidnapped by an Argentinean government squad and sent to a detention center. After months of torture, he plots his escape with three other young men. Directed and co-writer by Adrián Caetano, the film stars Rodrigo De la Serna and Pablo Echarri.
CIVIL WAR /Short Puberty is poison. Written and Directed by C.C. Webster and starring Colby Minifie,Samantha Bilinkas, Miryam Coppersmith, Kimberly Parente, Samantha Zane, William Peden.
Comeback Season / American Independent A comedy about a cheating husband and an injured high school football star, who become court ordered roommates. Emotional carnage leads to unlikely alliances, as the two men scramble for a second chance at love and stardom. Directed by Bruce McCulloch the film offers wonderful performances by Ray Liotta, Glenne Headly, Shaun Sipos, Rachel Blanchard and Brooke Nevin.
Coming Home / Sunshine Celluloid Documentary This thrilling war documentary traces the experiences of Lt. Herbert Sennett, while he served as a MAT team leader in Vietnam. Herb Sennett shines as the director, writer, and producer of this insightful commentary about the war and the plight of Vietnam Vets. Herbert resides in Palm Beach County, FL and is production with other documentaries.
Con Lujo de Detalle / Short from Mexico As usual, Rita serves coffee at a restaurant. When her boyfriend Sergio shows up to demand an explanation for a dream she had, Rita can't help but drag him into a vivid narration, in which Gabriel is the helpless victim of her affectionate mischief. When seduction is about to consummate, a sudden intrusion fades the frontier between the characters' reality and Rita's fantasy. Directed by Héctor Falcón Villa. Starring Zamia Fandiño, Eduardo Ruy, Uriel Del Toro, Emilio Guerrero, Alain Kerriou.
The Consequences of Love /World Cinema from Italy Titta di Girolamo apparently has a regular and tedious life with nothing strange a part from his own name (as he uses to say). He lives in a Hotel in Lugano (Switzerland) since almost ten years, spending his days waiting for something we don't know. His life is too rigid, too detached following a flat routine. Titta ignore everyone and probably he has no emotions at all. Basically there is no story. But one day he decided, breaking all his personal rules, to exchange some words with Sofia, the hotel's barmaid. Incredibly all the situation change, emotions, love, mafia, death come back violently into Titta's life. Written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino; Starring Toni Servillo, Olivia Magnani, Adriano Giannini, Gianna Paola Scaffidi.
COUSINES /World Cinema from Haiti The latest drama from up and coming Haitian director Richard Senecal. Senecal portrays the harsh realities of being young and in a struggling country. Cousines proves to be nothing short of a movie with lots of heart and serves as a defining landmark film from the next generation of Haitian filmmakers. Spotlight performances by Jessica Geneus, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Rudolph Moise & Catherine Hubert.
Darfur Diaries: Message from Home /Documentary A provocative new documentary by U.S. filmmakers Adam Shapiro, Aisha Bain, and Jen Marlowe. This documentary goes behind the lines of the global social conscious and presents the real life stories of Darfurians and the terrible conflicts in Darfur.
DAVID & LAYLA / American Independent Inspired by a true story, David and Layla is a spicy “political romantic comedy”. Sparks fly when a Jew and a Muslim fall in love. David is a nice Jewish boy with a demanding mother and a Jewish American Princess fiancée. In a chance meeting he lays his eyes on Layla—a Kurdish refugee up for deportation—and the two immediately fall in love. Their families, however, are adamant about keeping them apart. The young lovers must decide whether to listen to their hearts or to let the constraints of family and politics run their lives. Directed by Jay Jonroy with sparkling dramatic performances by David Moscow, Shiva Rose, Callie Thorne, Peter van Wagner, Polly Adams, Will Janowitz, Ed Chemaly, Anna George, and Alexander Blaise.
DIXIE CHICKS: SHUT UP AND SING / Documentary – U.S A powerful documentary from two-time Academy Award(R)-winning director Barbara Kopple ("Harlan County USA," "American Dream") and director Cecilia Peck. The film travels with the Dixie Chicks, from the peak of their popularity as the national-anthem-singing darlings of country music and top-selling female recording artists of all time, through the now infamous anti-Bush comment made by the group’s lead singer Natalie Maines in 2003. The film follows the lives and careers of the Dixie Chicks over a period of three years during which they were under political attack and received death threats, while continuing to live their lives, have children, and of course make music. The film ultimately presents who the Dixie Chicks are as women, public figures, and musicians.
Driving Lessons /Competition from the U.K. This touching coming of age story, from director Jeremy Brock, is the tale of a shy teenage boy, Rupert Grint (Harry Potter), trying to escape from the influence of his domineering mother (Laura Linney). His world changes when he begins to work for a retired actress and finds himself on the journey of a lifetime.
Every Other Week (Varannan vecka) /Competition Film from Sweden In this wry Swedish comedy about two brothers, who try to deal with rocky relationships as they navigate their increasingly complex extended family. Standing in their way of clarity is an intricate whirlwind of divorced parents, live-in partners, and girlfriends—past, present and future. Directed by and starring Felix Herngren and Måns Herngren.
EXPIRATION DATE / American Independent Expiration Date is the romantic fable of Charles Silvercloud III. Charles, who is about to turn 25, is plagued with a bizarre family curse that caused the death of both his grandfather and father: death via milk truck on their 25th birthdays. Having accepted his fate, Charlie sets on to prepare for his death - buying a casket, selecting a grave plot, selling his furniture - when he meets a crazy girl who won't let him die in peace. Directed by the humorous mind of Rick Stevenson and starring Dee Wallace Stone, David Keith, Robert Guthrie, and Sascha Knopf.
Going With The Flow: Classic California Soul Surfing / Sunshine Celluloid Documentary An adventurous documentary, by director Arsen Brzostek, that provides a brief glimpse into the life of a surfer living in the United States. Join Mike Trzinski, the average joe surfer: he works a regular job, has a family and enjoys surfing to help him attain the much needed focus required to live a happy, balanced, and successful life. Kevin Connelly and Jesse Timm share their love and knowledge of surfing with him and discuss stylish, classic longboarding and great surf spots. Surfing Legends Linda Benson, Lance Carson, LJ Richards, Henry Ford, Hank Warner, and the son of Dewey Weber add to the unusually educational tale of discovery and love of surf.
GOLD DIGGER KILLERS / Sunshine Celluloid Feature Set the world of Hip Hop and poetry with cameos by some of HBO’s hottest poets and comics from BET. The story follows Imani who, after losing her job, finds the only type of man who is willing to support a woman, a Playa. Refusing to be a victim, she not only seeks revenge on the people that played her but, all Players! Directed by Roderick Giles. Starring Shatara Curry, Kareem Green, Erica Williams, Grei Booker, Tito Binett, Kalvin Cauthen, Tammy Carr, Flowmentalz
Gray Matters /American Independent A romantic comedy about a close, single, brother and sister who to their biggest surprise end up finding love in the most unlikely place. Set in New York, this witty, heartwarming tale has the style of a designer fashion show and the panache of a 1940's bantering comedy. Gray and Sam look like a couple in every way. They enjoy just about anything and everything together. The one thing they both don't have is that one right person. From director Sue Kramer. Starring: Heather Graham, Tom Cavanagh, Bridget Moynahan, Sissy Spacek, Alan Cumming,
Molly Shannon and Rachel Shelley
Guide Dog From director Bill Plympton, Guide Dog is a short film with a lot of bark.This twisted sequel to the Oscar-nominated film Guard Dog details the continuing adventures of an eager canine. This time he takes a job helping the blind, but still leaves a path of destruction in his wake.
A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS / American Independent Dito Montiel’s A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints, a coming-of-age drama inspired by Montiel's mid-eighties youth in Astoria, Queens, exudes the rawness and authenticity of the classic urban dramas Mean Streets, Saturday Night Fever, Do The Right Thing and Kids. Based on his memoir of the same name, GUIDE won both the Dramatic Directing Award and a Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Performance at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. By first-time director Montiel in collaboration with renowned director of photography Eric Gautier (The Motorcycle Diaries), A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints is an evocative and heartbreaking cinematic memory piece that packs an emotional wallop. The film features exceptional performances by Robert Downey Jr., Chazz Palmenteri, Dianne Wiest, Rosario Dawson, and Shia LaBeouf, as well as a breakout turn by Channing Tatum. The combined efforts of this cast of established talents and young, up-and-coming actors recalls the ensemble triumph of American Graffitti.
HALFWAY
DECENT
/ American Independent
Harnessing Speed /American Independent In 2002, Fast and the Furious and XXX Director Rob Cohen set out with his team of filmmakers to tackle the enormous process of creating the sci-fi action thriller Stealth. Documenting the overwhelming task of implementing cutting edge visual effects technologies with a 200 ton monstrous Gimble and live action shots aboard three fully operational Nimitz Class US Aircraft Carriers was no piece of cake. Harnessing Speed focuses on the truly unique characters behind the goal of creating a movie audiences have never seen. Harnessing Speed, as told through the eyes of Rob Cohen, is an introspective look at the emotional and physical challenges of filmmaking. With Oscar winning visual effects genius Joel Hynek, comedian/actor Jamie Foxx, and special effects wiz Jon Frazier, there is no doubt that the journey from Los Angeles to Sydney to Thailand to unchartered waters would bring about an entertaining and compelling tale. Also starring Jessica Biel.
Holiday Makers (Ucastnici zajezdu) / World Cinema from the Czech Republic In Holiday Makers a chance group of vacationers sets out by bus for the Adriatic Sea. The grueling journey provides ample time to get to know the individual characters: tense moments allow the travelers to reveal things about themselves that would have better remained hidden. As the kilometers roll by, the absurdities multiply. Not even the approach of their dream destination brings hope of improvement. Friendship, surprising situations, summer crushes, and wild vacation passions feature in a story full of humor and gentle irony. Things are indeed pretty hot by the sea! Holiday Makers is a timeless comedy about enjoying to the fullest even the most precarious vacation. It is also a lighthearted tale, full of hope, in which even the worst prognosis can turn itself entirely around. Directed by Jiri Vejdelek and starring Eva Holubova, Bohumil Klepl, and Anna Polivkova.
HUNTED /Sunshine Celluloid Short Film Emily wakes up to find herself in the middle of nowhere. Chased by a group of complete lunatics for reasons beyond her comprehension, instincts kick in as she tries to make sense of the mess she has stumbled into while surviving at the same time. From creative team Moe and Ahmad Charif, Hunted is a short thriller that stars Jessica Fuentes, John Trapani, David Peterson, Ahmad Haidar, Courtney Peterson and Leonard Krys.
In A Day / World Cinema from the U.K In a Day is a romantic comedy about life and all its unanticipated surprises. In this impulsive dialogue-driven character piece, Ashley Branstead, a young female musician, spends a curiously alluring and unpredictable day with a stranger named Michael, who's ulterior motive threatens to end their whirlwind romance once a mystery is revealed. Anything can happen in a day. Directed by Evan Richards; starring Finlay Robertson, Lorraine Pilkington, Rose Keegan, Jake Broder & Nolan Hemmings.
I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With Written and directed by Jeff Garlin, I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With is a romantic comedy about a man, the food he loves, and the woman who tortures him. Unsuspecting performances from an astonishing cast including Jeff Garlin, Sarah Silverman, Aaron Carter, Dan Castellaneta, Elle Fanning, Bonnie Hunt, Richard Kind, Amy Sedaris, and Joey Slotnick.
JEWS IN GERMANY / Documentary from This film takes viewers along a trip to explore Jewish history in Germany along with members of Hollywood’s Temple Solel, the first congregation to organize such a journey. Beautifully shot scenes take place in medieval hilltop towns such as Rothenberg as well as major cities including Munich, Leipzig and Berlin. Through images, narration, German experts and the group’s rabbi, stories are told about Jewish community, religious life, economic and cultural contributions Jews made to German society. Further, the film delves into periods of Jewish persecution from The Middle Ages through World War II. Particularly moving is the first hand account of the concentration camp Buchenwald as told by a member of the group who survived. His wife born in Nurenberg, the place of Hitler’s mass rallies and a newspaper which fostered anti-Semitism. She had lost her brother and her father in Buchenwald
JOHAN/World Cinemas from the Netherlands From the Netherlands, comes a romantic comedy from director Nicole van Kilsdonk. Johan is a heart warming tale of following ones heart. Johan is the story of a young man coming into his own while trying to live up to family expectations. In a family of soccer players, Johan becomes the outcast as his interests take him away from the field and into the world of music. Johan's life becomes increasingly more difficult when he meets his neighbor, Evy. The cast includes Michiel Huisman, Caro Lenssen & Johnny de Mol.
Joni's Promise /World Cinema from Indonesia Joni works as a film reel delivery man in Jakarta. One day, while waiting for the next pick-up, Joni meets a charming girl who is, ironically, going to catch a film with her boyfriend Otto. The girl will only reveal her name to Joni if he successfully delivers the reels on time. However, things do not turn out well on that day as Joni faces obstacles such as the city's notorious traffic and various people that may disrupt his task. Director Joko Anwar is supported by a cast that includes Mariana Renata, Nicholas Saputra, Rachel Maryam, Ria Irawan and Barry Prima & Surya Saputra.
JUST LIKE THE SON / American Independent Mark Webber, Rosie Perez, Antonio Ortiz and Brendan Sexton III star in this story directed by Morgan J. Freeman in this heartwarming drama about an unexpected journey and the lessons learned. While doing community service at a school Daniel, attempts to help a quirky little boy, Boone, who suffers from a broken home. When Boone ends up missing from class, Daniel learns that Boone has been placed in an orphanage, despite having family in Texas. The story then takes to the road as Daniel decides to break Boone out of foster care and head out to find Boone's sister in Dallas.
Karmma/World Cinema from Columbia &n | |
