A Place in the Sun: Sy’s Fascinating Debut on Ruinous Social Obligations
It takes a village…to put you in your place, or so it would seem in French-Senegalese director Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s commanding debut, Banel & Adama. A striking tale on the burden of lineage as a suffocating albatross, Sy conjures a wickedly enticing lead performance from newcomer Khady Mane as a woman who refuses to adhere to the expectations transposed upon her. An ethereal tone sets the stage for an increasingly desperate fable on dreams distilled and the eroding friction of resistance. There’s a timeless quality to its minimalist nature, but Sy’s film feels anything but spare.…...
It takes a village…to put you in your place, or so it would seem in French-Senegalese director Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s commanding debut, Banel & Adama. A striking tale on the burden of lineage as a suffocating albatross, Sy conjures a wickedly enticing lead performance from newcomer Khady Mane as a woman who refuses to adhere to the expectations transposed upon her. An ethereal tone sets the stage for an increasingly desperate fable on dreams distilled and the eroding friction of resistance. There’s a timeless quality to its minimalist nature, but Sy’s film feels anything but spare.…...
- 6/5/2024
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
A directorial debut programmed into the main Cannes competition is typically viewed with suspicion, if not overlooked altogether. Very rare is that lightning-in-a-bottle moment like the arrival of Son of Saul some years back. Typically, the only conversation these debuts generate is the critical debate as to why they’ve been elevated to the top of the pile when there are far more striking debuts buried deeper within the festival. This often means that accomplished films are overlooked and underappreciated by those on the ground, who may be subconsciously comparing a striking feature to the work of more established names it’s competing against for the Palme d’Or, approaching each debut with a “show me” attitude it wouldn’t be treated with if selected for placement in, say, Un Certain Regard.
Banel & Adama, the feature debut of Senegalese filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy, is an assured work that has been plagued...
Banel & Adama, the feature debut of Senegalese filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy, is an assured work that has been plagued...
- 6/4/2024
- by Alistair Ryder
- The Film Stage
In Banel & Adama, writer-director Ramata-Toulaye Sy expresses the delirium that comes with love and the downfall that’s doomed to follow it. This fable-like film about ephemeral bliss takes shape in a remote village in Senegal, where gender expectations are particularly pronounced. Crucial to the story isn’t only the expiration date that comes with feverish infatuation and society’s disciplinary powers, but the lack of synchrony between lovers—that is, when one lover’s allegiance to the relationship never seems to last as long as the other’s.
Per local tradition, Banel (Khady Mane) marries her deceased husband’s younger brother, Adama (Mamadou Diallo). If she’s to be left in peace, Banel is expected to excel as a wife. Which means doing the laundry, always sitting gracefully, working alongside the other women, and getting pregnant before her mother-in-law (Binta Racine Sy) threatens to find Adama a second wife.
Per local tradition, Banel (Khady Mane) marries her deceased husband’s younger brother, Adama (Mamadou Diallo). If she’s to be left in peace, Banel is expected to excel as a wife. Which means doing the laundry, always sitting gracefully, working alongside the other women, and getting pregnant before her mother-in-law (Binta Racine Sy) threatens to find Adama a second wife.
- 6/3/2024
- by Diego Semerene
- Slant Magazine
In our critics survey of the best movies at the Cannes Film Festival each year, it’s common to have the critics IndieWire’s polled disagree with the awards given by the festival jury itself. That is not the case for Cannes 2024. The best movies of the festival, picked by 55 critics, representing five continents, were topped by Sean Baker’s “Anora” in our poll, which, of course also won the Palme d’Or.
Last year, Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” topped our poll, differing from the Palme d’Or result, which went to Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall.” It must be said that voter enthusiasm in our poll for “The Zone of Interest” was even that much stronger: It received nearly half of all votes for best film. “Anora,” which stars Mikey Madison, received about a quarter of the overall votes for best film this time...
Last year, Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” topped our poll, differing from the Palme d’Or result, which went to Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall.” It must be said that voter enthusiasm in our poll for “The Zone of Interest” was even that much stronger: It received nearly half of all votes for best film. “Anora,” which stars Mikey Madison, received about a quarter of the overall votes for best film this time...
- 5/27/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Over 150 women came together in Cannes to celebrate Black women in international film, including producer and former Netflix exec Fiona Lamptey, Rocks producer Ameenah Ayub Allen and founders of distribution and exhibition specialist We Are Parable, Anthony and Teanne Andrews.
“’Do better’ was our message to Cannes Film Festival leadership in May 2022,” said Yolonda Brinkley, founder of grassroots equality movement, Diversity in Cannes, who also launched a new initiative at this year’s festival, Black Women Cannes, to celebrate, support and uplift Black women at the festival, and to start a film fund. ”In [the festival’s] 75-year history, they’d only selected one Black women in competition.
“’Do better’ was our message to Cannes Film Festival leadership in May 2022,” said Yolonda Brinkley, founder of grassroots equality movement, Diversity in Cannes, who also launched a new initiative at this year’s festival, Black Women Cannes, to celebrate, support and uplift Black women at the festival, and to start a film fund. ”In [the festival’s] 75-year history, they’d only selected one Black women in competition.
- 5/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
Deadline photo studio hosted talent at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival, as cast members of Cannes premiering films stopped by including David Cronenberg and Vincent Cassel for The Shrouds; Cayden Wyatt Costner, Jena Malone, Isabelle Fuhrman, Abbey Lee, Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Ella Hunt, Wase Chief, Georgia MacPhail, and Luke Wilson from Horizon: An American Saga, with Galen Johnson, Cate Blanchett, Guy Maddin and Evan Johnson attending for Rumours.
Sarocha Chankimha, Ramata-Toulaye Sy, Aseel Omran attended for Rsiff Women in Cinema; Francis Ford Coppola and Nathalie Emmanuel from Megalopolis; Willem Dafoe, Hong Chau, Hunter Schafer, Margaret Qualley and Mamoudou Athie for Kinds of Kindness; Ron Howard for Jim Henson Idea Man, George Miller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and many more.
Related: Cannes 2024 in Photos: Parties, Premieres, Pressers & More
The Deadline Studio at Cannes will run from May 14-22, where the...
Sarocha Chankimha, Ramata-Toulaye Sy, Aseel Omran attended for Rsiff Women in Cinema; Francis Ford Coppola and Nathalie Emmanuel from Megalopolis; Willem Dafoe, Hong Chau, Hunter Schafer, Margaret Qualley and Mamoudou Athie for Kinds of Kindness; Ron Howard for Jim Henson Idea Man, George Miller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and many more.
Related: Cannes 2024 in Photos: Parties, Premieres, Pressers & More
The Deadline Studio at Cannes will run from May 14-22, where the...
- 5/22/2024
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
For one of this year’s Variety Global Conversations Summit at Cannes, a group of leading women actors and filmmakers from around the world joined Variety’s Nick Vivarelli to discuss how they got into the business, what motivates them and some of the groundbreaking roles they’ve played.
Egyptian actor Salma Abu-Deif (“El-Asliyyin”) discussed her recent turn in the series “Highest Viewing Rate,” which tells the true story of a girl from a poor family who becomes obsessed with TikTok and uses the platform to escape her daily life.
According to Abu-Deif, the show has impacted some traditionally strict Arab parents who have watched it and gained a better understanding of some issues their children face. “I love that I saw Arab parents saying, ‘Oh, maybe we need to listen to our kids, even if it’s against how we were raised or how we think culture should be.
Egyptian actor Salma Abu-Deif (“El-Asliyyin”) discussed her recent turn in the series “Highest Viewing Rate,” which tells the true story of a girl from a poor family who becomes obsessed with TikTok and uses the platform to escape her daily life.
According to Abu-Deif, the show has impacted some traditionally strict Arab parents who have watched it and gained a better understanding of some issues their children face. “I love that I saw Arab parents saying, ‘Oh, maybe we need to listen to our kids, even if it’s against how we were raised or how we think culture should be.
- 5/21/2024
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Red Sea International Film Festival will present the Women In Cinema panel at the Variety Global Conversations event at the Cannes Film Festival.
The panel will take place at La Plage Des Palmes on Saturday, May 18, at 12pm Cet.
Below is a complete list of the panelists:
Salma Abu Deif is an Egyptian actress and model who both produced and played the lead role in “A Nose and Three Eyes” that screened at the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival.
Kiara Advani has starred in seven global blockbusters, including critically acclaimed “Shershaah.” She is set to appear in “Game Changer,” directed by S. Shankar, and “War 2” alongside Hrithik Roshan and in “Don 3” alongside Ranveer Singh.
Sarocha Chankimha (Aka Freen) is a Thai actress, model and singer, who in 2022 appeared in “Secret Crush” on “You and Gap: The Series,” which gained her international notice and multiple awards.
Adhwa Fahad...
The panel will take place at La Plage Des Palmes on Saturday, May 18, at 12pm Cet.
Below is a complete list of the panelists:
Salma Abu Deif is an Egyptian actress and model who both produced and played the lead role in “A Nose and Three Eyes” that screened at the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival.
Kiara Advani has starred in seven global blockbusters, including critically acclaimed “Shershaah.” She is set to appear in “Game Changer,” directed by S. Shankar, and “War 2” alongside Hrithik Roshan and in “Don 3” alongside Ranveer Singh.
Sarocha Chankimha (Aka Freen) is a Thai actress, model and singer, who in 2022 appeared in “Secret Crush” on “You and Gap: The Series,” which gained her international notice and multiple awards.
Adhwa Fahad...
- 5/17/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
We kicked off the competition of twenty-two films with a debut feature, which is worth noting given the rarity of newbies in the competition section. It marks two consecutive years for a first feature from a female filmmaker, following Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s Banel & Adama being selected for 2023. Perhaps this signals a new philosophical trend by Thierry Frémaux? Part of a very small French presence in the Palme d’Or comp this year, Agathe Riedinger‘s Wild Diamond (aka Diamant brute) was shot in May of last year and it was produced by Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora for Silex Films.…...
- 5/16/2024
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Brussels-based company Best Friend Forever has acquired international rights of Alireza Khatami’s “The Things You Kill.” The film is in post-production.
Khatami is already known for Cannes 2023 Un Certain Regard title “Terrestrial Verses” and “Oblivion Verses,” which was awarded best screenplay in Venice Horizons competition 2017 and won the Fipresci Prize.
Le Pacte will release “The Things You Kill” in France.
In the film, Ali, a university professor, is haunted by the suspicious death of his ailing mother, and coerces his enigmatic gardener to execute a cold-blooded act of vengeance. As long-buried family secrets resurface, the police tighten their noose, and doubts begin eroding his conscience, Ali has no choice but to look into the abyss of his own soul.
The star-studded Turkish cast includes Ekin Koç (“Burning Days”), Erkan Kolçakköstendil, Hazar Ergüçlü (“The Wild Pear Tree”) and Ercan Kesal (“Once Upon a Time in Anatolia”).
Khatami said: “‘The Things...
Khatami is already known for Cannes 2023 Un Certain Regard title “Terrestrial Verses” and “Oblivion Verses,” which was awarded best screenplay in Venice Horizons competition 2017 and won the Fipresci Prize.
Le Pacte will release “The Things You Kill” in France.
In the film, Ali, a university professor, is haunted by the suspicious death of his ailing mother, and coerces his enigmatic gardener to execute a cold-blooded act of vengeance. As long-buried family secrets resurface, the police tighten their noose, and doubts begin eroding his conscience, Ali has no choice but to look into the abyss of his own soul.
The star-studded Turkish cast includes Ekin Koç (“Burning Days”), Erkan Kolçakköstendil, Hazar Ergüçlü (“The Wild Pear Tree”) and Ercan Kesal (“Once Upon a Time in Anatolia”).
Khatami said: “‘The Things...
- 5/14/2024
- by Leo Barraclough and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Banel & Adama is a 2023 Senegalese romantic drama film directed by Ramata-Toulaye Sy. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and has been getting international recognition since then.
The film is a scorching romance between two young lovers, Banel and Adama, who live in a remote Senegalese village. They fight for their love and independence in the face of imperious traditions. The film also showcases the beauty of the Sahel region and the environmental challenges the area faces.
The post The movie Banel & Adama will be released on June 7. Trailer appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.
The film is a scorching romance between two young lovers, Banel and Adama, who live in a remote Senegalese village. They fight for their love and independence in the face of imperious traditions. The film also showcases the beauty of the Sahel region and the environmental challenges the area faces.
The post The movie Banel & Adama will be released on June 7. Trailer appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.
- 4/18/2024
- by Movies MCM
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
The only debut feature to premiere in competition at Cannes Film Festival last year, Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s West African love story Banel & Adama is now set for a a release this summer. I had the opportunity to catch up with Senegal’s Oscar entry and Rendez-Vous with Frenchi Cinema earlier this year and it’s quite a visual feast. Now, ahead of Kino Lorber’s release in New York on June 7 at Film Forum and in Los Angeles on June 14 at the Laemmle Royal, with more to follow, the first U.S. trailer has arrived.
Here’s the synopsis: “Banel and Adama are fiercely in love. The young married couple lives in a remote village in northern Senegal. For them, nothing else exists except each other. But for the rest of their tight-knit village, duty dictates that Adama soon accept the role of chief. The two lovers have their own plans…...
Here’s the synopsis: “Banel and Adama are fiercely in love. The young married couple lives in a remote village in northern Senegal. For them, nothing else exists except each other. But for the rest of their tight-knit village, duty dictates that Adama soon accept the role of chief. The two lovers have their own plans…...
- 4/18/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Cannes Film Festival is continuing its push to marry auteur cinema with films with commercial potential with its 2024 selection, announced by general delegate Thierry Fremaux during the event’s annual press conference in Paris today (April 11).
After last year’s Palme d’Or-winner Anatomy Of A Fall went on to win at the Oscars, Baftas and Cesar awards as well as earning upwards of $35m at the global box office to date, all eyes are on this year’s 77th event to find the next arthouse titles with breakout potential for critics and audiences.
Iris Knobloch, the festival’s president...
After last year’s Palme d’Or-winner Anatomy Of A Fall went on to win at the Oscars, Baftas and Cesar awards as well as earning upwards of $35m at the global box office to date, all eyes are on this year’s 77th event to find the next arthouse titles with breakout potential for critics and audiences.
Iris Knobloch, the festival’s president...
- 4/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
Ethan Coen’s action-comedy Drive-Away Dolls leads a quiet weekend at the UK and Ireland box office, opening in 533 cinemas for Universal, as Warner Bros’ Dune: Part Two continues to dominate with over £20m taken after two weeks on release.
The first solo narrative feature from one half of the Coen Brothers follows two lesbian roommates whose road trip quickly escalates to a crime caper when they find a valuable suitcase in the trunk. A notable ensemble cast, led by Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan, features appearances from Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal and Matt Damon.
The last time Ethan Coen...
The first solo narrative feature from one half of the Coen Brothers follows two lesbian roommates whose road trip quickly escalates to a crime caper when they find a valuable suitcase in the trunk. A notable ensemble cast, led by Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan, features appearances from Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal and Matt Damon.
The last time Ethan Coen...
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Senegalese director’s debut movie, Banel & Adama, propelled her to the red carpet. She explains why she wanted to show the world its flawed lead character
Nearly a decade ago, when Ramata-Toulaye Sy sat down to write her graduation script at the end of a screenwriting degree, her goal was simple. “I wanted to tell the most beautiful and greatest African love story,” says the 37-year-old French Senegalese film-maker with a smile. “When I was growing up a lot of African stories were about misery, poverty, war. I wanted to say: we can have African stories about people falling in love.”
She pauses, her grin widening. “Most importantly, I wanted to write the story of how Juliet became Lady Macbeth.” It’s a description that nails the film she’s now directed, based on that script, Banel & Adama. A subversive feminist romance set in Senegal, it was the...
Nearly a decade ago, when Ramata-Toulaye Sy sat down to write her graduation script at the end of a screenwriting degree, her goal was simple. “I wanted to tell the most beautiful and greatest African love story,” says the 37-year-old French Senegalese film-maker with a smile. “When I was growing up a lot of African stories were about misery, poverty, war. I wanted to say: we can have African stories about people falling in love.”
She pauses, her grin widening. “Most importantly, I wanted to write the story of how Juliet became Lady Macbeth.” It’s a description that nails the film she’s now directed, based on that script, Banel & Adama. A subversive feminist romance set in Senegal, it was the...
- 3/7/2024
- by Cath Clarke
- The Guardian - Film News
Taking place from February 29 through March 10, this popular annual festival showcases the verve, creativity, and depth of contemporary French cinema in a variety of genres. This year's opening night film is the critical and box office hit The Animal Kingdom, starring Romain Duris and Adèle Axarchopoulos. Others in the lineup include Little Girl Blue with Marion Cotillard; Book of Solutions, Michel Gondry's first new film in eight years; and loads of films by talented newcomers, such as Ama Gloria by Marie Amachoukeli, Banel & Adama by Ramata-Toulaye Sy and Nora El Hourch's Sisterhood (Hlm Pussy). With the recent critical success of Justine Triet's Anatomy of a Fall and Tran Anh Hung's The Taste of Things, French cinema is having a moment with American audiences. As always,...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 3/1/2024
- Screen Anarchy
One year after launching with an ambitious aim to become the premier industry confab for dealmakers on the African continent, the Jbx Content Market returns to Johannesburg with an expanded, three-day event that will touch on some of the key trends in the fast-growing African market.
Running parallel to the Joburg Film Festival, whose sixth edition takes place Feb. 27 – March 3, the Jbx will bring together producers, financiers, broadcasters, streaming platforms and other industry professionals to take stock of what many believe to be a pivotal moment in the African screen industries.
“Everyone says Africa is the future. Are we ready for this content demand that the world is looking for?” says Joburg Film Festival executive director Timothy Mangwedi. “Being ready is not just about talent. It’s about talent, it’s about infrastructure, it’s about technology. And it’s also about funding.”
The pressing question of how to pay...
Running parallel to the Joburg Film Festival, whose sixth edition takes place Feb. 27 – March 3, the Jbx will bring together producers, financiers, broadcasters, streaming platforms and other industry professionals to take stock of what many believe to be a pivotal moment in the African screen industries.
“Everyone says Africa is the future. Are we ready for this content demand that the world is looking for?” says Joburg Film Festival executive director Timothy Mangwedi. “Being ready is not just about talent. It’s about talent, it’s about infrastructure, it’s about technology. And it’s also about funding.”
The pressing question of how to pay...
- 2/26/2024
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Following on the heels of a successful post-pandemic reboot one year ago, the Joburg Film Festival kicks off its sixth edition on Feb. 27, with the glitzy capital of South Africa’s media and entertainment industry showcasing a selection of top talents from the host country and across the African continent.
The event opens with the world premiere of Gordon Main’s apartheid-era documentary “London Recruits,” a film that sheds light on a pivotal moment in the South African liberation struggle, and wraps March 3 with the premiere of “Snake,” a psychological thriller from veteran filmmaker Meg Rickards.
After returning to Johannesburg cinemas last year for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, this year’s edition looks to grow the event’s footprint, increasing the number of festival venues as well as the amount of films on offer, with a program that includes more than 60 titles from 30-plus countries.
The event opens with the world premiere of Gordon Main’s apartheid-era documentary “London Recruits,” a film that sheds light on a pivotal moment in the South African liberation struggle, and wraps March 3 with the premiere of “Snake,” a psychological thriller from veteran filmmaker Meg Rickards.
After returning to Johannesburg cinemas last year for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, this year’s edition looks to grow the event’s footprint, increasing the number of festival venues as well as the amount of films on offer, with a program that includes more than 60 titles from 30-plus countries.
- 2/26/2024
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Niclas Larsson’s “Mother, Couch” was awarded the Dragon Award for Best Nordic Film at Goteborg, taking home the considerable amount of Sek 400,000.
Led by Ewan McGregor – this year’s recipient of the Honorary Dragon Award – the U.S.-Swedish-Danish co-production also features Ellen Burstyn and “Bones and All” breakout Taylor Russell, making it one of the starriest Goteborg winners in recent years.
“My therapist was wrong! I pitched him this idea a few years ago and he said: ‘Don’t do it.’ I am from here and this festival has meant the world to me. Standing on this stage is a bit surreal,” said Larsson.
Jurors Lena Endre, Ramata-Toulaye Sy, William Spetz, Tonia Noyabrova and Anna Novion appreciated the way it shows “how difficult it is to let go of the past, accept loss and finally embrace the future.” They praised “original and bold storytelling, with a lot of humor,...
Led by Ewan McGregor – this year’s recipient of the Honorary Dragon Award – the U.S.-Swedish-Danish co-production also features Ellen Burstyn and “Bones and All” breakout Taylor Russell, making it one of the starriest Goteborg winners in recent years.
“My therapist was wrong! I pitched him this idea a few years ago and he said: ‘Don’t do it.’ I am from here and this festival has meant the world to me. Standing on this stage is a bit surreal,” said Larsson.
Jurors Lena Endre, Ramata-Toulaye Sy, William Spetz, Tonia Noyabrova and Anna Novion appreciated the way it shows “how difficult it is to let go of the past, accept loss and finally embrace the future.” They praised “original and bold storytelling, with a lot of humor,...
- 2/3/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Niclas Larsson’s Mother, Couch took the Dragon award for best Nordic film at Goteborg Film Festival, which held its closing ceremony this evening.
The Swedish-us drama received the 400,000 Sek prize from the five-person jury, consisting of actors Lena Endre and William Spetz, and directors Ramata-Toulaye Sy, Tonia Noyabrova and Anna Novion.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
The jury chose the film for its “original and bold storytelling with a lot of humour; with the use of creative cinematography and sharp and witty dialogue.”
Mother, Couch centres on three children who are brought together when their mother...
The Swedish-us drama received the 400,000 Sek prize from the five-person jury, consisting of actors Lena Endre and William Spetz, and directors Ramata-Toulaye Sy, Tonia Noyabrova and Anna Novion.
Scroll down for the full list of winners
The jury chose the film for its “original and bold storytelling with a lot of humour; with the use of creative cinematography and sharp and witty dialogue.”
Mother, Couch centres on three children who are brought together when their mother...
- 2/3/2024
- ScreenDaily
Unifrance and Film at Lincoln Center have unveiled the lineup for the 29th Rendez-Vous with French Cinema, a festival celebrating contemporary French film running from Feb. 29-March 10.
Thomas Cailley’s “The Animal Kingdom” will screen as the 2024 Opening Night Selection in its New York premiere. The film, which was nominated for 12 Cesar Awards, tells the story of an infection that mutates humans into animal hybrids.
“It is a great honor to open this year’s edition with the French critical and box-office hit ‘The Animal Kingdom’ with director Thomas Cailley in attendance,” said Daniela Elstner, executive director of Unifrance.
Elstner continued, “This remarkable film along with this year’s selection is a great example of the vitality and diversity of French cinema today. A mix of new and established filmmakers together with the stellar presence of actress Marion Cotillard indeed make for a rich 29th edition of this year’s Rendez-Vous With French Cinema.
Thomas Cailley’s “The Animal Kingdom” will screen as the 2024 Opening Night Selection in its New York premiere. The film, which was nominated for 12 Cesar Awards, tells the story of an infection that mutates humans into animal hybrids.
“It is a great honor to open this year’s edition with the French critical and box-office hit ‘The Animal Kingdom’ with director Thomas Cailley in attendance,” said Daniela Elstner, executive director of Unifrance.
Elstner continued, “This remarkable film along with this year’s selection is a great example of the vitality and diversity of French cinema today. A mix of new and established filmmakers together with the stellar presence of actress Marion Cotillard indeed make for a rich 29th edition of this year’s Rendez-Vous With French Cinema.
- 1/25/2024
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Dublin International Film Festival has unveiled its full programme for the upcoming edition, opening with the world premiere of Irish filmmaker Marian Quinn’s anti-war epic Twig.
This re-telling of Greek tragedy Antigone stars Sade Malone in the titular role and Brían F. O’Byrne, and is set in Dublin’s inner city, where an ancient city wall cordons off a neighbourhood which is rife with drugs. It is produced by Ireland’s Ruth Carter of Blue Ink Films and Tommy Weir for Janey Pictures.
Further Irish filmmaking talent showcased includes the previously announced closing night film, Pat Collins’ adaptation of...
This re-telling of Greek tragedy Antigone stars Sade Malone in the titular role and Brían F. O’Byrne, and is set in Dublin’s inner city, where an ancient city wall cordons off a neighbourhood which is rife with drugs. It is produced by Ireland’s Ruth Carter of Blue Ink Films and Tommy Weir for Janey Pictures.
Further Irish filmmaking talent showcased includes the previously announced closing night film, Pat Collins’ adaptation of...
- 1/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Brussels-based company Best Friend Forever has acquired international rights to Lenny and Harpo Guit’s new feature “Heads or Fails,” the duo’s follow-up to Sundance comedy “Mother Schmuckers.”
Now in post, “Heads or Fails” tells the story of Armande Pigeon, a queen of shenanigans in Brussels who struggles to make ends meet because she can’t stop gambling on everything, always ending up on the wrong side of luck. When she teams up with Ronnie one night, everything changes – they win it all. And when you hit a winning streak, you have to know when to stop.
Lenny and Harpo Guit’s previous film, “Mother Schmuckers,” premiered at Sundance in the Midnight section in 2021 and was critically lauded. Along with having directed numerous short films, they also have their own YouTube channel, Clubb Guitos.
“Heads or Fails” stars Maria Cavalier-Bazan, Axel Perin (“Mother Schmuckers”), Maxi Delmelle (“Mother Schmuckers”), Michael Zindel...
Now in post, “Heads or Fails” tells the story of Armande Pigeon, a queen of shenanigans in Brussels who struggles to make ends meet because she can’t stop gambling on everything, always ending up on the wrong side of luck. When she teams up with Ronnie one night, everything changes – they win it all. And when you hit a winning streak, you have to know when to stop.
Lenny and Harpo Guit’s previous film, “Mother Schmuckers,” premiered at Sundance in the Midnight section in 2021 and was critically lauded. Along with having directed numerous short films, they also have their own YouTube channel, Clubb Guitos.
“Heads or Fails” stars Maria Cavalier-Bazan, Axel Perin (“Mother Schmuckers”), Maxi Delmelle (“Mother Schmuckers”), Michael Zindel...
- 1/19/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Actors Ewan McGregor, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, directors Ruben Östlund, Ernst de Geer, Ramata-Toulaye Sy and Cannes Film Festival honcho Thierry Frémaux are some of the stellar guests set to walk the red carpet at the 47th edition of Sweden’s Göteborg Film Festival.
This year’s Göteborg Fest unspools from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4.
For his last run as artistic director of Scandinavia’s biggest film festival, Jonas Holmberg has selected 240 films from 82 countries, and what he calls “one of the strongest lineups ever” for Göteborg’s main Nordic competition strand. Among the highly anticipated titles vying for the coveted Best Nordic Film Dragon Award worth Sek 400,000, is Norway’s “Handling the Undead” by Thea Hvistendahl, set to kickstart the festival on the heels of its Sundance world premiere.
“This will be the first time we open with a zombie horror,” notes Holmberg, who looks forward...
This year’s Göteborg Fest unspools from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4.
For his last run as artistic director of Scandinavia’s biggest film festival, Jonas Holmberg has selected 240 films from 82 countries, and what he calls “one of the strongest lineups ever” for Göteborg’s main Nordic competition strand. Among the highly anticipated titles vying for the coveted Best Nordic Film Dragon Award worth Sek 400,000, is Norway’s “Handling the Undead” by Thea Hvistendahl, set to kickstart the festival on the heels of its Sundance world premiere.
“This will be the first time we open with a zombie horror,” notes Holmberg, who looks forward...
- 1/9/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Moroccan filmmaker Asmae El Moudir has made history at the 20th edition of Morocco’s Marrakech Film Festival as the first local director to win its top prize with her hybrid documentary The Mother Of All Lies.
Inspired by the bread riots in El Moudir’s home city of Casablanca in 1981, the work uses a replica of the neighborhood where it happened and figurines to explore the lasting trauma of the event.
The film world premiered at Cannes this year, where it shared the Golden Eye prize for the Best Documentary with Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s Four Daughters.
Morocco has since submitted the work as its candidate for Best International Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
In other Marrakech awards, the Jury Prize was shared by Moroccan director Kamal Lazraq’s kidnapping thriller Hounds and French-Palestinian-Algerian filmmaker Lina Soualem’s Bye Bye Tiberias, revisiting the story of her...
Inspired by the bread riots in El Moudir’s home city of Casablanca in 1981, the work uses a replica of the neighborhood where it happened and figurines to explore the lasting trauma of the event.
The film world premiered at Cannes this year, where it shared the Golden Eye prize for the Best Documentary with Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s Four Daughters.
Morocco has since submitted the work as its candidate for Best International Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
In other Marrakech awards, the Jury Prize was shared by Moroccan director Kamal Lazraq’s kidnapping thriller Hounds and French-Palestinian-Algerian filmmaker Lina Soualem’s Bye Bye Tiberias, revisiting the story of her...
- 12/2/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Asmae El Moudir’s “The Mother of All Lies” won top honors at the Marrakech Film Festival on Saturday, marking festival history as the first Moroccan film to claim the top trophy, while adding Marrakech’s Étoile d’Or to a list of accolades that also includes best director from Cannes’ Un Certain Regard and best film from the Sydney Film Festival.
El Moudir’s hybrid feature — which is also Morocco’s Oscar submission — finds the filmmaker and kin using dioramas and figurines to recreate and reenact painful memories set against the backdrop of the 1981 Casablanca Bread Riots, with the unsparing doc serving as art therapy exercise, family exposé and evocation of national trauma.
“Every society has a truth that’s been buried, burned, redacted and erased,” said jury president Jessica Chastain upon announcing the top prize. “But by a collective remembrance, we preserve the stories that cannot be undone…...
El Moudir’s hybrid feature — which is also Morocco’s Oscar submission — finds the filmmaker and kin using dioramas and figurines to recreate and reenact painful memories set against the backdrop of the 1981 Casablanca Bread Riots, with the unsparing doc serving as art therapy exercise, family exposé and evocation of national trauma.
“Every society has a truth that’s been buried, burned, redacted and erased,” said jury president Jessica Chastain upon announcing the top prize. “But by a collective remembrance, we preserve the stories that cannot be undone…...
- 12/2/2023
- by Ben Croll and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Kino Lorber Acquires North American Rights to Senegal’s Oscar Submission ‘Banel & Adama’ (Exclusive)
Kino Lorber has acquired from Best Friend Forever all North American distribution rights to Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s directorial debut “Banel & Adama,” a beautifully haunting story of young love and Senegal’s official entry for the 96th Academy Awards. Kino Lorber is planning a theatrical release in 2024, followed by a home video, educational and digital release on all major platforms.
“Banel & Adama” made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was the only first feature to premiere in Competition, and went on to play at the Toronto and London film festivals.
The film centers on young married couple Banel and Adama, who are fiercely in love. They live in a remote village in northern Senegal. For them, nothing else exists. Yet their perfect everlasting love is on a collision course with their community’s customs. Because in this world, there is no room for passion, let alone chaos.
“Banel & Adama” made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was the only first feature to premiere in Competition, and went on to play at the Toronto and London film festivals.
The film centers on young married couple Banel and Adama, who are fiercely in love. They live in a remote village in northern Senegal. For them, nothing else exists. Yet their perfect everlasting love is on a collision course with their community’s customs. Because in this world, there is no room for passion, let alone chaos.
- 11/28/2023
- by Leo Barraclough and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
As predicted, the 20th edition of the Marrakech Intl. Film Festival (November 24th to December 2nd) will highlight what was a solid year in Cannes this year for Moroccan cinema showcasing Kamal Lazraq’s Hounds, Faouzi Bensaïdi’s Deserts and Asmae El Moudir’s The Mother of All Lies and will get the festivities started with one of the top films from Venice in Richard Linklater’s Hit Man. The Official Competition section (14 films from first and second time filmmakers) will include the likes of Ramata-Toulaye Sy, Lina Soualem, Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir, Luck Razanajaona, Nehir Tuna, Una Gunjak, Juan Sebastián Quebrada, Luàna Bajrami, Felipe Carmona, Johnny Barrington, Carolina Markowicz and Daina O.…...
- 11/2/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Richard Linklater’s action comedy “Hit Man” is set to open the Marrakech International Film Festival, which has announced its lineup of more than 70 films mixing known titles and fresh fare.
The fest is forging ahead with its 20th edition, which will run Nov. 24- Dec.2 in the ancient Moroccan city despite the Israel-Hamas conflict that has caused cancellations of several other fests in the region, as well as the earthquake that hit the country in September.
“Hit Man,” for which organizers declined to specify whether talent will attend, will screen as part of Marrakech’s red carpet gala screenings. Italian director Matteo Garrone is expected to make the trek for the gala of his Venice prizewinning immigration drama “Io Capitano” and Michel Franco will be coming to present another Venice prizewinner, “Memory,” starring Jessica Chastain, who is presiding over the fest’s main jury.
Also expected on hand for...
The fest is forging ahead with its 20th edition, which will run Nov. 24- Dec.2 in the ancient Moroccan city despite the Israel-Hamas conflict that has caused cancellations of several other fests in the region, as well as the earthquake that hit the country in September.
“Hit Man,” for which organizers declined to specify whether talent will attend, will screen as part of Marrakech’s red carpet gala screenings. Italian director Matteo Garrone is expected to make the trek for the gala of his Venice prizewinning immigration drama “Io Capitano” and Michel Franco will be coming to present another Venice prizewinner, “Memory,” starring Jessica Chastain, who is presiding over the fest’s main jury.
Also expected on hand for...
- 11/2/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Jean-Michel Jarre previously announced as honorary awardee.
Geneva International Film Festival (Giff) has unveiled the juries for its 2023 edition, which runs from November 3-12.
Swiss director Stephanie Chuat heads up the jury for the international feature competition, alongside production manager Gabriel Grosclaude, videographer Anna Joos, programmer Timon Musy and Sofia Pasotti.
The international series competition jury is Justine Langlois, Damien Molineaux and Mathieu Roux. The trio are Giff attendees who were selected via a social media callout in the summer.
Curators Nora Nahid Khan and Giovanna Fossati, and journalist Keith Stuart make up the Future is Sensible competition jury; with Xr professionals Gaelle Mourre,...
Geneva International Film Festival (Giff) has unveiled the juries for its 2023 edition, which runs from November 3-12.
Swiss director Stephanie Chuat heads up the jury for the international feature competition, alongside production manager Gabriel Grosclaude, videographer Anna Joos, programmer Timon Musy and Sofia Pasotti.
The international series competition jury is Justine Langlois, Damien Molineaux and Mathieu Roux. The trio are Giff attendees who were selected via a social media callout in the summer.
Curators Nora Nahid Khan and Giovanna Fossati, and journalist Keith Stuart make up the Future is Sensible competition jury; with Xr professionals Gaelle Mourre,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Esperance Robert Colom in Mountains
This year's Indie Memphis Film Festival will open with Raven Jackson's All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, as it commits to new support for Bipoc filmmakers and puts Black women at the centre of its programming. Jackson will introduce her film and participate in a Q&a with the audience, and the festival will include work by women including Jessica Chaney, Lagueria Davis and Ramata-Toulaye Sy. It will also feature its sixth Black Filmmakers Forum, a three day mini-event which will include speeches by inspirational Black filmmakers and workshops for aspiring black filmmakers led by critics, scholars and industry professionals who have already enjoyed success.
The full festival line-up includes Todd Haynes' Memphis-set May December and locally born Princeton James Echols' horror film Queens Rising. Running from 24 to 29 October, it will also provide an opportunity to catch festival hits Mami Wata, Passages and [film id=42650]The Taste Of.
This year's Indie Memphis Film Festival will open with Raven Jackson's All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, as it commits to new support for Bipoc filmmakers and puts Black women at the centre of its programming. Jackson will introduce her film and participate in a Q&a with the audience, and the festival will include work by women including Jessica Chaney, Lagueria Davis and Ramata-Toulaye Sy. It will also feature its sixth Black Filmmakers Forum, a three day mini-event which will include speeches by inspirational Black filmmakers and workshops for aspiring black filmmakers led by critics, scholars and industry professionals who have already enjoyed success.
The full festival line-up includes Todd Haynes' Memphis-set May December and locally born Princeton James Echols' horror film Queens Rising. Running from 24 to 29 October, it will also provide an opportunity to catch festival hits Mami Wata, Passages and [film id=42650]The Taste Of.
- 10/18/2023
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Screen is profiling every submission for best international feature at the 96th Academy Awards.
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
- 10/17/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Screen is profiling every submission for best international feature at the 96th Academy Awards.
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
- 10/16/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Three festival-goers will choose the winner of the international series competition.
Switzerland’s Geneva International Film Festival (Giff) has unveiled the programme for its 29th edition, with festival hits including Polite Society and The Sweet East, and a new format for its international series competition.
The festival includes 110 works, of which 53 are films, 27 are series, 28 are immersive experiences and two are installations.
Scroll down for the feature and series competition titles
Giff includes four competition sections: international feature, international series, international immersive and the convergent competition – the latter section featuring projects from all three formats.
All 12 titles in the international...
Switzerland’s Geneva International Film Festival (Giff) has unveiled the programme for its 29th edition, with festival hits including Polite Society and The Sweet East, and a new format for its international series competition.
The festival includes 110 works, of which 53 are films, 27 are series, 28 are immersive experiences and two are installations.
Scroll down for the feature and series competition titles
Giff includes four competition sections: international feature, international series, international immersive and the convergent competition – the latter section featuring projects from all three formats.
All 12 titles in the international...
- 10/12/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Acquisition follows the company’s first pickup ‘Earth Mama’, which it will release in December.
Black cinema distributor and supporter We Are Parable has acquired UK-Ireland rights to Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s Cannes Competition title Banel And Adama from Brussels-based sales agent Best Friend Forever.
It is planning a 2024 theatrical release for the film that will have its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival this evening.
Set in remote northern Senegal, Banel And Adama is a romance following two lovers in their quest to carve a life for themselves beyond the expectations of others. Sy became only the second...
Black cinema distributor and supporter We Are Parable has acquired UK-Ireland rights to Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s Cannes Competition title Banel And Adama from Brussels-based sales agent Best Friend Forever.
It is planning a 2024 theatrical release for the film that will have its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival this evening.
Set in remote northern Senegal, Banel And Adama is a romance following two lovers in their quest to carve a life for themselves beyond the expectations of others. Sy became only the second...
- 10/9/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Prior selections Close, Drive My Car, The Worst Person In The World all garnered international feature film Oscar submissions.
Aki Kaurismäki’s Cannes jury prize winner Fallen Leaves and Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s About Dry Grasses starring Cannes best actress winner Merve Dizdar – both Oscar submissions this year – are among the international line-up at the upcoming 59th Chicago International Film Festival (October 11–22).
Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Pictures Of Ghosts are two other Cannes selections to feature in the roster, while Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist and Lina Soualem’s Bye Bye Tiberias both launched in Venice.
Aki Kaurismäki’s Cannes jury prize winner Fallen Leaves and Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s About Dry Grasses starring Cannes best actress winner Merve Dizdar – both Oscar submissions this year – are among the international line-up at the upcoming 59th Chicago International Film Festival (October 11–22).
Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Pictures Of Ghosts are two other Cannes selections to feature in the roster, while Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist and Lina Soualem’s Bye Bye Tiberias both launched in Venice.
- 9/14/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Brussels-based company Best Friend Forever has revealed a raft of deals for key territories for Ramata-Toulaye Sy‘s feature film debut, “Banel & Adama,” which played in competition in Cannes and makes its North American premiere in Toronto. Variety reviewed it as “a dreamlike debut” in May.
The film just won the Melbourne International Film Festival’s top prize, the Bright Horizons Award.
The film was sold in Benelux (Cherry Pickers), Switzerland (trigon-films), Scandinavia (Njuta Films), Australia and New Zealand (Ahi), South Korea (Green Narae Media), Spain (Filmin), Greece (Cinobo), Portugal (Alambique), Poland (Afrykamera), and Baltics (From Afar). North America, U.K. and Japan are in discussions among others.
Previously announced deals are Tandem Films for French distribution, who just released the title in France and Pathé BC Afrique is releasing in Senegal on Oct. 4.
Ahead of TIFF, Best Friend Forever also unveiled the international trailer in exclusivity with Variety.
The film just won the Melbourne International Film Festival’s top prize, the Bright Horizons Award.
The film was sold in Benelux (Cherry Pickers), Switzerland (trigon-films), Scandinavia (Njuta Films), Australia and New Zealand (Ahi), South Korea (Green Narae Media), Spain (Filmin), Greece (Cinobo), Portugal (Alambique), Poland (Afrykamera), and Baltics (From Afar). North America, U.K. and Japan are in discussions among others.
Previously announced deals are Tandem Films for French distribution, who just released the title in France and Pathé BC Afrique is releasing in Senegal on Oct. 4.
Ahead of TIFF, Best Friend Forever also unveiled the international trailer in exclusivity with Variety.
- 9/9/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Gala screenings include ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’, ‘The Holdovers’ and ‘Nyad’.
Martin Scorsese’s Killers Of The Flower Moon, David Fincher’s The Killer and Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla are among the titles screening at the 67th BFI London Film Festival.
The selection comprises 171 features, up from last year’s 164, and includes 14 world premieres, six international and 22 European.
This year’s festival marks the first edition under new director Kristy Matheson who officially took over the role from Tricia Tuttle in April. Matheson has kept the size and structure largely unchanged with thematic strands all still in place.
Scroll...
Martin Scorsese’s Killers Of The Flower Moon, David Fincher’s The Killer and Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla are among the titles screening at the 67th BFI London Film Festival.
The selection comprises 171 features, up from last year’s 164, and includes 14 world premieres, six international and 22 European.
This year’s festival marks the first edition under new director Kristy Matheson who officially took over the role from Tricia Tuttle in April. Matheson has kept the size and structure largely unchanged with thematic strands all still in place.
Scroll...
- 8/31/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Top award comes with a $96,500 prize.
Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s first feature, Banel & Adama, has won the $96,500 Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) Bright Horizons Award, it was announced at Forum Theatre at the closing night gala today (August 19).
Banel & Adama, which is in the Pulaar language and features a cast of non-professionals, was the only debut in competition in Cannes this year. Only first and second time directors are eligible for the Bright Horizons Award.
The director was born and raised in Paris but draws on her Senegalese ancestry to tell this story about Banel and Adama, who are passionately in love,...
Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s first feature, Banel & Adama, has won the $96,500 Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) Bright Horizons Award, it was announced at Forum Theatre at the closing night gala today (August 19).
Banel & Adama, which is in the Pulaar language and features a cast of non-professionals, was the only debut in competition in Cannes this year. Only first and second time directors are eligible for the Bright Horizons Award.
The director was born and raised in Paris but draws on her Senegalese ancestry to tell this story about Banel and Adama, who are passionately in love,...
- 8/19/2023
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
On the final weekend of a bustling 18-day event, the in-person edition of this year’s Melbourne Film Festival has drawn to a close with an awards ceremony that saw a whopping $300,000 Aud in prize money handed out across six categories. The biggest individual award of $140,000 Aud was presented to the winner of the fest’s international Bright Horizons competition: “Banel & Adama,” an arresting debut feature by Franco-Senegalese filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy.
It’s a notable coup for a small-scale rural love story that turned heads — but won no prizes — when it premiered in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May, and is still seeking distribution in the U.S. and other major territories. Reviewing the film out of Cannes, Variety critic Jessica Kiang commended the “subtly seductive power” of a “striking debut [that] revolves with graceful poetry around the inner experiences of a curious, unknowable woman.”
Its win came...
It’s a notable coup for a small-scale rural love story that turned heads — but won no prizes — when it premiered in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May, and is still seeking distribution in the U.S. and other major territories. Reviewing the film out of Cannes, Variety critic Jessica Kiang commended the “subtly seductive power” of a “striking debut [that] revolves with graceful poetry around the inner experiences of a curious, unknowable woman.”
Its win came...
- 8/19/2023
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
The Toronto Film Festival on Thursday revealed its Centerpiece program lineup that includes the Cannes Film Festival-winning Wim Wenders movie Perfect Days. The festival also revealed another couple of star-driven world premieres including Paramount’s Finestkind starring Jenna Ortega, Ben Foster and Tommy Lee Jones and 20th Century Studios/Hulu’s comedy Quiz Lady starring Awkwafina, Sandra Oh and Will Ferrell.
Finestkind comes from Oscar winner Brian Helgeland and follows two brothers who are pulled into a deal with an organized crime syndicate in Boston. The pic is playing as one of TIFF’s galas.
Quiz Lady follows a brilliant but tightly wound, game-show-obsessed woman Anne (Awkwafina) and her estranged, train-wreck of a sister Jenny (Oh) who must work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts. When Anne’s beloved dog is kidnapped, they set out on a wild cross-country trek to get the cash the only way...
Finestkind comes from Oscar winner Brian Helgeland and follows two brothers who are pulled into a deal with an organized crime syndicate in Boston. The pic is playing as one of TIFF’s galas.
Quiz Lady follows a brilliant but tightly wound, game-show-obsessed woman Anne (Awkwafina) and her estranged, train-wreck of a sister Jenny (Oh) who must work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts. When Anne’s beloved dog is kidnapped, they set out on a wild cross-country trek to get the cash the only way...
- 8/10/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Auteurs Agnieszka Holland, Wim Wenders, Hamaguchi Ryusuke and Aki Kaurismaki are among the filmmakers featured in the Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) Centrepiece program.
The strand, previously known as Contemporary World Cinema, which honors and celebrates global cinematic achievements, features 47 titles from filmmakers representing 45 countries.
TIFF has also revealed the additional lineup of galas, special presentations and documentaries, which feature star wattage from around the world including Tommy Lee Jones and Anil Kapoor.
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece program, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF chief programming officer. “The rebranding of the TIFF program, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.
The strand, previously known as Contemporary World Cinema, which honors and celebrates global cinematic achievements, features 47 titles from filmmakers representing 45 countries.
TIFF has also revealed the additional lineup of galas, special presentations and documentaries, which feature star wattage from around the world including Tommy Lee Jones and Anil Kapoor.
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece program, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF chief programming officer. “The rebranding of the TIFF program, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.
- 8/10/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Ahead of Toronto International Film Festival kicking off in less than a month, the festival announced more additions, including Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist, Close Your Eyes by Víctor Erice, Fallen Leaves by Aki Kaurismäki, Green Border by Agnieszka Holland, Perfect Days by Wim Wenders, About Dry Grasses by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, and more.
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece programme, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “The rebranding of the TIFF programme, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the Festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.”
See the lineup below.
Centrepiece Programme 2023
100 Yards Xu Haofeng, Xu Junfeng | China
International Premiere
About...
“We are very excited to present the new Centrepiece programme, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “The rebranding of the TIFF programme, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the Festival’s vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.”
See the lineup below.
Centrepiece Programme 2023
100 Yards Xu Haofeng, Xu Junfeng | China
International Premiere
About...
- 8/10/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
The Toronto International Film Festival has added 59 more films to the lineup of its 2023 festival, including 47 international films in the Centrepiece program, which in previous years was known as Contemporary World Cinema. New films were also added to the Galas, Special Presentations and Documentary sections.
World premieres among the new selections include “Finestkind,” a crime thriller from Brian Helgeland (screenwriter of “L.A. Confidential”) starring Tommy Lee Jones and Ben Foster; The Movie Teller,” a film set in Chile starring Berenice Bejo from “An Education” director Lone Scherfig; and Jessica Yu’s “Quiz Lady,” with Sandra Oh and Awkwafina.
The Centrepiece selections include a number of films from May’s Cannes Film Festival, among them Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days,” Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s “About Dry Grasses,” Aki Kaurismaki’s “Fallen Leaves,” Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s “Banel & Adama,” Amjad Al Rasheed’s “Inshallah a Boy,” Joanna Arnow’s “The Feeling That the...
World premieres among the new selections include “Finestkind,” a crime thriller from Brian Helgeland (screenwriter of “L.A. Confidential”) starring Tommy Lee Jones and Ben Foster; The Movie Teller,” a film set in Chile starring Berenice Bejo from “An Education” director Lone Scherfig; and Jessica Yu’s “Quiz Lady,” with Sandra Oh and Awkwafina.
The Centrepiece selections include a number of films from May’s Cannes Film Festival, among them Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days,” Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s “About Dry Grasses,” Aki Kaurismaki’s “Fallen Leaves,” Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s “Banel & Adama,” Amjad Al Rasheed’s “Inshallah a Boy,” Joanna Arnow’s “The Feeling That the...
- 8/10/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Melbourne International Film Festival has confirmed that it will provide $202,000 will go to the winner of its Bright Horizons competition for features by first- and second-time directors. Bragging rights to being the richest film competition in the country previously belonged to the smaller CinefestOZ festival in West Australia, which follows later in August.
The Melbourne festival (in cinemas Aug. 3-20) has this year added two significant prizes: the inaugural First Nations Film Creative Award in collaboration with Kearney Group, and the return of the Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award, worth $47,500 recognizing an outstanding Australian creative within a film playing in the Melbourne 2023 program.
Winners across long-form awards categories will be announced at Melbourne’s closing night gala on Aug. 19, These will include the juried prizes and the Miff Audience Award.
The First Nations Film Creative Award supports First Nations talent and storytelling with the recipient awarded a $13,500 cash prize and $16,900 worth of financial services.
The Melbourne festival (in cinemas Aug. 3-20) has this year added two significant prizes: the inaugural First Nations Film Creative Award in collaboration with Kearney Group, and the return of the Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award, worth $47,500 recognizing an outstanding Australian creative within a film playing in the Melbourne 2023 program.
Winners across long-form awards categories will be announced at Melbourne’s closing night gala on Aug. 19, These will include the juried prizes and the Miff Audience Award.
The First Nations Film Creative Award supports First Nations talent and storytelling with the recipient awarded a $13,500 cash prize and $16,900 worth of financial services.
- 7/27/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Cannes titles and debut features make strong appearances throughout the programme.
Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has revealed the 11 titles in the running for its $93,400 competition prize, and will open with Shayda by Australian-Iranian director Noora Niasari.
The festival, which runs August 3-20, unveiled the titles at a programme launch this evening (July 11). Debut and second features are eligible for the Bright Horizons competition, which was introduced last year for the 70th edition, but debuts undoubtedly dominate this year.
Scroll down for full list of competition titles
In fact, the only undeniably second film is Mexican director Lila Avilés’ Tótem.
Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has revealed the 11 titles in the running for its $93,400 competition prize, and will open with Shayda by Australian-Iranian director Noora Niasari.
The festival, which runs August 3-20, unveiled the titles at a programme launch this evening (July 11). Debut and second features are eligible for the Bright Horizons competition, which was introduced last year for the 70th edition, but debuts undoubtedly dominate this year.
Scroll down for full list of competition titles
In fact, the only undeniably second film is Mexican director Lila Avilés’ Tótem.
- 7/11/2023
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
Cannes titles and debut features make strong appearances throughout the programme.
Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has revealed the 11 titles in the running for its $93,400 competition prize, and will open with Shayda by Australian-Iranian director Noora Niasari.
The festival, which runs August 3-20, unveiled the titles at a programme launch this evening (July 11). Debut and second features are eligible for the Bright Horizons competition, which was introduced last year for the 70th edition, but debuts undoubtedly dominate this year.
Scroll down for full list of competition titles
In fact, the only undeniably second film is Mexican director Lila Avilés’ Tótem.
Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has revealed the 11 titles in the running for its $93,400 competition prize, and will open with Shayda by Australian-Iranian director Noora Niasari.
The festival, which runs August 3-20, unveiled the titles at a programme launch this evening (July 11). Debut and second features are eligible for the Bright Horizons competition, which was introduced last year for the 70th edition, but debuts undoubtedly dominate this year.
Scroll down for full list of competition titles
In fact, the only undeniably second film is Mexican director Lila Avilés’ Tótem.
- 7/11/2023
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
The Melbourne International Film Festival has unveiled the full lineup for its 2023 edition, with “Shayda,” by Iranian-Australian director Noora Niasari, set as the opening title.
The festival will run as a live event August 3-20, at venues around the city and its suburbs, and online Aug 18 – 27. The hybrid format was developed during the Covid pandemic and Miff found it useful as a tool to reach further away audiences and wider demographics than a strictly in-theater edition.
The ‘Bright Horizons’ competition section open to films by first- or second-time feature directors contains an 11-title mix of new and recently-debuted works.
As well as opening the festival, “Shayda” will play in competition. The competition’s other Australian-made title was announced as “The Rooster,” from actor turned writer-director Mark Leonard Winter.
International titles in competition include “Banel & Adama,” by Franco-Senegalese director Ramata-Toulaye Sy, which played in competition in Cannes; “How to Have Sex,...
The festival will run as a live event August 3-20, at venues around the city and its suburbs, and online Aug 18 – 27. The hybrid format was developed during the Covid pandemic and Miff found it useful as a tool to reach further away audiences and wider demographics than a strictly in-theater edition.
The ‘Bright Horizons’ competition section open to films by first- or second-time feature directors contains an 11-title mix of new and recently-debuted works.
As well as opening the festival, “Shayda” will play in competition. The competition’s other Australian-made title was announced as “The Rooster,” from actor turned writer-director Mark Leonard Winter.
International titles in competition include “Banel & Adama,” by Franco-Senegalese director Ramata-Toulaye Sy, which played in competition in Cannes; “How to Have Sex,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Red Sea Fund has partnered with Film AlUla to offer a production grant for filmmakers with projects set in the versatile and diverse landscape of AlUla. Film AlUla is driving the development of the film and TV industry in AlUla, located in northwest Arabia, and committed to championing talent from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. The partnership will help develop a strong ecosystem in Saudi while providing a platform that empowers a visionary approach amongst regional filmmakers.
As the newly appointed strategic partner of the Red Sea Fund's third production cycle, Film AlUla will support filmmakers from the Mena region with financial production support and the opportunity to complete a portion of filming in AlUla. Projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions, and Africa are eligible for Film AlUla's fund – with the aim of financing at least ten projects, with the possibility of increasing the number...
As the newly appointed strategic partner of the Red Sea Fund's third production cycle, Film AlUla will support filmmakers from the Mena region with financial production support and the opportunity to complete a portion of filming in AlUla. Projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions, and Africa are eligible for Film AlUla's fund – with the aim of financing at least ten projects, with the possibility of increasing the number...
- 6/15/2023
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
At least 10 projects from the Arab regions and Africa set to receive support.
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fund has partnered with the region’s Film AlUla to offer a production grant for filmmakers with projects set in AlUla.
At least 10 projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions and Africa will be selected to receive grants as part of Red Sea Fund’s third production cycle.
Submissions will be judged on the quality of the production, talent and script as well as basing a portion of the project in AlUla – at least 15% of screen time for features and 40% for shorts.
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fund has partnered with the region’s Film AlUla to offer a production grant for filmmakers with projects set in AlUla.
At least 10 projects from Saudi Arabia, the Arab regions and Africa will be selected to receive grants as part of Red Sea Fund’s third production cycle.
Submissions will be judged on the quality of the production, talent and script as well as basing a portion of the project in AlUla – at least 15% of screen time for features and 40% for shorts.
- 6/14/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
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