Spanish film is back as one of the stars of the San Sebastian Festival. The 61st edition of the event will pay tribute with a Donostia Award to the actress Carmen Maura, recognising one of the most remarkable professional careers in the Spanish cinema of recent decades. The actress will receive the lifetime achievement award during presentation in the Official Selection, out-of-competition, of her latest participation: WITCHING AND BITCHING (Las brujas de Zugarramurdi), the new work from Álex de la Iglesia.

In the Official Selection, new works of famous directors such as Manuel Martín Cuenca (Caníbal), David Trueba (Vivir es fácil) and Denis Villeneuve (Enemy), added to the first work of Fernando Franco (La herida)  will be in competition.

Another four young talents will compete in the New Directors section: Fran Araujo, Ernesto de Nova, Isabel Ayguavives and Aarón Fernández.

El árbol magnético  Isabel Ayguavives (España - Chile)

LAS HORAS MUERTAS  Aarón Fernández (México - Francia - España)

El rayo  Fran Araújo, Ernesto De nova (España)

Zabaltegi will include the presentation of an interesting selection of feature films and documentaries produced this year.

Family Tour Liliana Torres Expósito (España)

Hotzanak, for your own safety  Izebene Oñederra (España)

MUJER CONEJO  Veronica Chen (Argentina - España)

el rey de canfranc  Manuel Priede González, Jose Antonio Blanco (España - Francia)

Serrat y Sabina: El símbolo y el cuate Francesc Relea (España)

SIGO SIENDO (KACHKANIRAQMI) Javier Corcuera (Perú - España)

Violet Luiso Berdejo (EEUU - España)

Zela Trovke (Cortando hierba)  Asier Altuna (España)

In Horizontes Latinos we will see Pensé que iba a haber fiesta, Victoria Galardi (Argentina - España) presented at the Foro de Coproducción at the 60th San Sebastian Festival and a couple of films shown in Un Certain Regarde de Cannes: La jaula de oro, Diego Quemada (México - España) and Wakolda, Lucía Puenzo (Argentina - Francia - España).

The premiere in the Velodrome of the film by Oskar Santos, Zipi y Zape y el club de la canica (Zip & Zap and the Marble Gang), and a contender for the Audience Award in the Pearls section round off the presence of Spanish movies at the 61st edition of the San Sebastian Festival.

Click here to submit your films to the North Hollywood CineFest by Friday, July 26 to get the Early Bird entry fee rates!  The North Hollywood CineFest will take place next April and will showcase both US and International films, offering a premiere venue in the heart of the Los Angeles film community and awards in multiple categories.   The final deadline for submissions is Feb 28, 2014.

Submit your film now to the North Hollywood CineFest before the Early Bird Deadline of July 26!  This is your chance to have your film screened in a state of the art theater in heart of Hollywood!  

The West Australian Premiere of Tenderness (La Tendresse) will be the French Selection to open the CinèfestOZ Film Festival (August 21 – 25) at Orana Cinemas, Busselton, Western Australia, on August 21, says festival director Malinda Nixon.

“Directed by accomplished Belgian born director Marion Hansel this film is destined to delight the CinèfestOZ audience, and we are thrilled to be able to have this as part of our French Programme,” she adds. The film stars Marilyne Canto, Olivier Gourmet, Margaux Chatellier, and tells a simple story about a long divorced couple who are pulled together when their ski instructor son has an accident and is hospitalised. The parents take a joint road trip to visit him. Awkward and touching in turns, full of quiet truths, the film has been acclaimed as a little gem.

“The French film will star alongside our Australian selection, the WA Premiere of The Rocket and director and writer of the festival acclaimed film, Kim Mordaunt will walk the red carpet on opening night.

Mordaunt’s film is set in Laos. Ten year old Laotian boy, Ahlo (Sitthiphon Disamoe) is believed to bring bad luck and is blamed for a string of disasters. When his family loses their home and is forced to move, Ahlo meets the spirited nine year old orphan Kia (Loungnam Kaosainam) and her eccentric uncle Purple (Thep Phongam), an ex-soldier with a purple suit, a rice-wine habit and a fetish for James Brown. Struggling to hang on to his father’s (Sumrit Warin) trust, Ahlo leads his family, Purple and Kia through a land scarred by war in search of a new home. In a last plea to try and prove he’s not cursed, Ahlo builds a giant explosive rocket to enter the most lucrative but dangerous competition of the year: the Rocket Festival.

This unique French & Australian film festival is a nod to the south-west’s early French exploration but also that country’s strong film making culture. Against this cultural backdrop Busselton comes alive for a celebration of engaging film, filmmaker forums, premiere and gala events.

Headquartered in Busselton, CinéfestOZ extends to Margaret River and Bunbury for extension premieres, additional screenings and a unique Schools Program.

The French program also includes celebrated master Olivier Assayas’ After May, a loosely autobiographical and incisive drama about a young French artist caught up in a whirlwind of politics, art and sex in the wake of the electrifying events of May 1968. The film stars Lola Créton, Clément Métayer, Félix Armand, Carole Combes, Hugo Conzelmann.

Winner of the Silver Bear at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival, and Switzerland’s official submission for the 2013 Academy Awards, writer/director Ursula Meier’s SISTER is a deeply affecting humanist drama of two siblings struggling to find a place in the world, and their determination to maintain self-sufficiency, no matter the cost. The intriguing cast is led by Lea Seydoux, Kacey Mottett Klein, Gillian Anderson, Martin Compston.

Andrew L. Urban

Editor & Publisher, Urban Cinefile

www.urbancinefile.com.au

A recent study has revealed that the Toronto International Film Festival® and year-round programming at TIFF Bell Lightbox brings incredible value to the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario, with $189 million in annual economic impact. The study took place between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 and found that TIFF’s aggregate impact totaled $189 million and that TIFF events and related activities created or maintained 2,295 jobs and generated $58.2 million in total tax revenue for governments.

With September 2013 marking three years since the opening of TIFF Bell Lightbox in 2010, TIFF has emerged as a key source of tourism, industry activity and media profile. TIFF’s economic impact has increased by $50 million since the organization’s previous study was conducted in 2008/09*.

“As we embark on our 38th annual Toronto International Film Festival and celebrate three years in our permanent home at TIFF Bell Lightbox, we are proud that TIFF has maintained a positive and growing impact on the economy,” said Piers Handling, Director and CEO of TIFF. “With increased year-round programming geared to engage new audiences and bring fresh faces to TIFF Bell Lightbox, I am confident that TIFF will continue to give back to the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and its citizens whose support has made us who we are today.”

In addition to the Festival held each September, TIFF’s year-round activities at TIFF Bell Lightbox include the TIFF Kids International Film Festival®, TIFF Cinematheque ®, New Releases and Exhibitions that attract local visitors, as well as tourists from around the world. The 2012 Festival attracted 27,434 out-of-town visitors, including 4,200 film industry professionals who came to Toronto specifically to participate in the Festival. Visitors from Ontario make up 62% of Festival public attendance, with 25% of its visitorscoming from USA, 10% from other provinces, and 2% from other countries. A third of the Festival’s industry delegation comes from outside Canada.TIFF’s year-round operating budget for 2012 was $38.73 million.

 * The 2008/2009 study revealed that TIFF’s economic impact at that time was $170 million which included $30.84 million from the construction of TIFF Bell Lightbox. About the StudyThe economic impact study was completed by TNS Canada Ltd., who also did work on TIFF’s previous 2008/09 study. The study included: 2,414 intercept surveys; 305 follow-up telephone surveys; 30 interviews with industry delegates. This study covers April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 (i.e. the government fiscal year).About TIFFTIFF is a charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit.

The organization generates an annual economic impact of $170 million CAD. TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including Founding Sponsor Bell, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.TIFF is generously supported by Lead Sponsor Bell, Major Sponsors RBC, L'Oréal Paris…

Piers Handling, CEO and Director of TIFF, and Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival, unveiled the first round of titles set to premiere in the Galas and Special Presentations programmes at the 38th Toronto International Film Festival®.

Of the 16 Galas and 55 Special Presentations revealed, this first slate of films includes 40 world premieres from filmmakers including:

Bill Condon, Steve McQueen, Sylvain Chomet, John Carney, Jean-Marc Vallée, Atom Egoyan, Amma Asante, Godfrey Reggio, Jason Reitman, John Wells, Denis Villeneuve, Don McKellar, Jasmila Žbanić, Justin Chadwick, Mike Myers, Liza Johnson, Richard Ayoade, David Gordon Green, Ralph Fiennes, Paul Haggis, Manuel Martín Cuenca, Jason Bateman, Bertrand Tavernier and Matthew Weiner.

"This first round of films offers a taste of the powerhouse lineup at this year’s Festival,” said Handling. “These are the works that will have everyone talking because they capture the mood of the times. They will captivate, excite and entertain the global film community and audiences alike.”

“An unparalleled caliber of international talent will illuminate the city for 11 spectacular days, to descend on the hottest red carpets representing productions from across the globe including South Africa, France, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Germany, USA, and the United Kingdom,” said Bailey.

We, at filmfestivals.com could not agree more, rarely have we seen a strong liune up, shodow on Cannes?

The 38th Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 5  to 15, 2013.

GALAS

American Dreams in China Peter Ho-Sun Chan, Hong Kong/China North American Premiere

1985. In the midst of China’s economic reform period, three college students — an overzealous hillbilly who refuses to accept his destiny of being a farmer; a cynical intellectual with a superiority complex; and a romantic idealist who wants to be a movie star — bond through a shared fascination with Western literature, music and movies, and an ambition to live the American dream. This sets the three on a roundabout course toward the foundation of a wildly successful English-language tutorial institute — but sudden fame and fortune could tear the friends and their vision apart.

The Art of the Steal Jonathan Sobol, Canada World Premiere

Crunch Calhoun, a third-rate motorcycle daredevil and part-time art thief, teams up with his snaky brother to steal one of the most valuable books in the world. But it's not just about the book for Crunch — he's keen to rewrite some chapters of his own past as well.

Starring Jay Baruchel, Matt Dillon, Kurt Russell, Terence Stamp, Katheryn Winnick, Chris Diamantopoulos, Kenneth Welsh and Jason Jones.

August: Osage County John Wells, USA World Premiere

August: Osage County tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Based on Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize– and Tony Award–winning 2007 play of the same name. Starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Abigail Breslin, Sam Shepard and Chris Cooper. Cold Eyes Cho Ui-seok and Kim Byung-seo, South Korea North American Premiere

A veteran leader of the Special Crime Department Surveillance Team, and a rookie female detective with gifted powers of reasoning, keep a close watch over a vicious criminal organization. After continuous surveillance and pursuit, they come close to arresting the organization but commit a fatal mistake. Starring Seol Kyung-gu, Jung Woo-sung, Han Hyo-joo, Lee Jun-ho and Jin Gyeong.

Opening Night Film

The Fifth Estate Bill Condon, USA World Premiere

Triggering an age of high-stakes secrecy, explosive news leaks and the trafficking of classified information, WikiLeaks forever changed the game. This dramatic thriller based on real events reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century’s most fiercely debated organization. The story begins as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Brühl) team up to become underground watchdogs of the privileged and powerful. On a shoestring, they create a platform that allows whistleblowers to anonymously leak covert data, shining a light on the dark recesses of government secrets and corporate crimes. Soon, they are breaking more hard news than the world’s most legendary media organizations combined. But when Assange and Berg gain access to the biggest trove of confidential intelligence documents in U.S. history, they battle each other and a defining question of modern time: what are the costs of keeping secrets in a free society — and what are the costs of exposing them? The film also stars David Thewlis, Stanley Tucci, Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie and Dan Stevens.

The Grand Seduction Don McKellar, Canada World Premiere

The tiny Newfoundland outport of Tickle Head is set for financial salvation if they can secure a petrochemical plant. Their odds are slim,

as a town doctor is needed to land the contract. When one candidate, Dr. Paul Lewis, lands in their lap, the town rallies to seduce him to stay beyond his one-month trial. Paul’s fondness for the village grows as the month passes — though he’s clueless to the fact that everything he has grown to love is an elaborate web of lies. Starring Brendan Gleeson, Taylor Kitsch, Gordon Pinsent, Liane Balaban and Mark Critch.

Kill Your Darlings John Krokidas, USA International Premiere

Kill Your Darlings is the true story of friendship and murder that led to the birth of an entire generation. This is the previously untold story of murder that brought together a young Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston), and William Burroughs (Ben Foster) at Columbia University in 1944, providing the spark that would lead to their Beat Revolution. Also stars Dane DeHaan, Michael C. Hall, David Cross, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Elizabeth Olsen, Kyra Sedgwick and John Cullum.

Closing Night Film

Life of Crime Daniel Schechter, USA World Premiere

Based on the novel The Switch, by Elmore Leonard, Louis (John Hawkes) and Ordell (yasiin bey, a.k.a. Mos Def) — two common criminals in 1970s Detroit — kidnap the housewife (Jennifer Aniston) of a corrupt real estate developer (Tim Robbins) and hold her for ransom. Also stars Isla Fisher, Will Forte, and Mark Boone Jr.

The Love Punch Joel Hopkins, France World Premiere

Retirement at last! Middle-aged and divorced, company owner Richard Jones is looking forward to a worry-free existence as he arrives at his office on his last day of work. Much to his dismay, he discovers that the management buyout of his company was fraudulent. The company is now bankrupt and the employee pension fund — including his own — has been embezzled. Enlisting the help of his ex-wife Kate, Richard sets out to track down the shady businessman behind the fraud. Before they know it, Richard and Kate are caught up in a cat-and-mouse caper across Europe in a whirlwind of intrigue, mad chases and jewellery theft that could restore Richard’s future —and might just rekindle the couple’s romance. Starring Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan. The Lunchbox Ritesh Batra, India/France/Germany North American Premiere

Middle class housewife Ila is trying once again to add some spice to her marriage, this time through her cooking. She desperately hopes this new recipe will finally arouse some kind of reaction from her neglectful husband. Unbeknownst to her, the special lunchbox she prepared is mistakenly delivered to miserable office worker Saajan, a lonely man on the verge of retirement. Curious about the lack of reaction from her husband, Ila puts a little note in the following day’s lunchbox which sparks a series of exchanged notes between Saajan and Ila. Evolving into an unexpected friendship between anonymous strangers, they become lost in a virtual relationship that could jeopardize both of their realities.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Justin Chadwick, South Africa World Premiere

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is based on South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education, and 27 years in prison before working to rebuild his country’s once-segregated society. Starring Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela, and Naomie Harris as Winnie Mandela. Parkland Peter Landesman, USA North American Premiere

November 22nd, 1963 was a day that changed the world forever — when young American President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This film follows, almost in real time, a handful of individuals forced to make split-second decisions after an event that would change their lives and forever alter the world’s landscape: the young doctors and nurses at Parkland Hospital, the chief of the Dallas Secret Service, the unwitting cameraman who captured what has become the most watched and examined film in history, the FBI Agents who had gunman Lee Harvey Oswald within their grasp and Vice President Lyndon Johnson who had to take control of a country in a moment’s notice. Thrust into a scenario of unprecedented drama with unimaginable consequences, these key characters respond with shock, outrage, determination and courage. Woven together, their seemingly disparate perspectives make one of the most thrilling and powerful stories never told. Starring Paul Giamatti, Colin Hanks, Zac Efron, Billy Bob Thornton, Jacki Weaver and Marcia Gay Harden.

The Railway Man Jonathan Teplitzky, Australia/United Kingdom World Premiere

Based on the bestselling novel, The Railway Man tells the extraordinary and epic true story of Eric Lomax, a British Army officer who is tormented as a prisoner of war at a Japanese labour camp during World War II. Decades later, Lomax discovers that the Japanese interpreter he holds responsible for much of his treatment is still alive and sets out to confront him, and his haunting past. Starring Academy Award–winner Colin Firth, Jeremy Irvine, and Academy Award–winner Nicole Kidman, the film is a powerful tale of survival, love and redemption.

The Right Kind of Wrong Jeremiah Chechik, Canada World Premiere

The Right Kind of Wrong is a romantic comedy about a failed-writer-turned-dishwasher and fearless dreamer who risks everything to show the girl of his dreams all that is right with the wrong guy. Starring Ryan Kwanten, Sara Canning and Catherine O'Hara.

Rush Ron Howard, United Kingdom/Germany International Premiere

Two-time Academy Award winner Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon) teams up once again with two-time Academy Award–nominated writer Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen) on Rush — a spectacular big-screen re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl). Also features Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara and Pierfrancesco Favino.

Shuddh Desi Romance Maneesh Sharma, India Canadian Premiere

Shuddh Desi Romance follows a fresh and very real love story about the hair-raising minefield between love, attraction and commitment. A romantic comedy that tells it like it is, providing a candid look at the affairs of the heart in today's desi heartland. Starring Rishi Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor. Supermensch The Legend of Shep Gordon Mike Myers, USA World Premiere

In 1991, music manager Shep Gordon held Mike Myers over a barrel a few weeks before shooting Wayne’s World regarding an Alice Cooper song Myers wanted to use in the film. They have been close friends ever since. Twenty-two years later, the story of Gordon’s legendary life in the über-fast lane is now told in Myers’ directorial debut. And this time it’s Myers who has Gordon over a barrel. Shep Gordon: capitalist, protector, hedonist, pioneer, showman, shaman… Supermensch!

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

12 Years a Slave Steve McQueen, USA World Premiere

12 Years a Slave tells the incredible true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841 and finally freed in 1853. The story is a triumphant tale of one man’s courage and perseverance to reunite with his family that serves as an important historical and cultural marker in American history. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong'o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Michael Kenneth Williams and Alfre Woodard.

All Is By My Side John Ridley, United Kingdom World Premiere

Jimmy James, an unknown backup guitarist, left New York City for London, England in 1966. A year later he returned — as Jimi Hendrix. All Is By My Side brings authenticity and poignancy to the story of the man behind the legend, and of the people who loved and inspired him. Starring Imogen Poots, Hayley Atwell, André Benjamin, Ruth Negga and Adrian Lester.

Attila Marcel Sylvain Chomet, France World Premiere

Paul is in his 30s. An orphan since the age of two, he lives with his aunts in a Parisian apartment and leads a reclusive existence as a pianist. That is, until the day he meets Madame Proust.

Bad Words Jason Bateman, USA World Premiere

After discovering a loophole in the rules of the National Spelling Bee, a disruptive 40-year-old, Guy Trilby, dominates the pre-pubescent competition. An unlikely friendship occurs, however, when an awkward Indian boy is taken with Guy's rough edges. Meanwhile, a female reporter uncovers Guy's true motivation for competing. Starring Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, Phillip Baker Hall, Kathryn Hahn and Rohan Chand.

Belle Amma Asante, United Kingdom World Premiere

Belle is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate bi-racial daughter of an aristocratic Royal Navy Admiral. Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet also prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Against the ridged boundaries of proper society, Belle finds both her true self and true romance — and influences her uncle to take a role in bringing an end to slavery. Starring Gugu Mbatha Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Reid, Sarah Gadon, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Tom Felton, James Norton, Matthew Goode and Emily Watson.

Blue Is the Warmest Color

Adèle: Chapters 1 & 2 Abdellatif Kechiche, France North American Premiere

At 15, Adèle doesn't question it: girls go out with boys. Her life is changed forever when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire, to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adèle grows, seeks herself, loses herself, and finds herself. Starring Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos.

Burning Bush Agnieszka Holland, Czech Republic North American Premiere

This epic, long-form docudrama chronicles the political, legal, and moral fallout that followed after Czech student protester Jan Palach set himself on fire in protest against government repression in 1969.

Can a Song Save Your Life? John Carney, USA World Premiere

Can a Song Save Your Life? finds Gretta (Keira Knightley) alone in New York City after being heartbroken by her musician boyfriend (Adam Levine). She finds laughter and rejuvenation with a down-on-his-luck record producer (Mark Ruffalo) who recognizes her musical talent and opens up an entire city of possibility for both of them.

Cannibal (Caníbal) Manuel Martín Cuenca, Spain/Romania/Russia/France World Premiere

Carlos is the most prestigious tailor in Granada, but he’s also a murderer in the shadows. He feels no remorse, no guilt, until Nina appears in his life. She will make him realize the true nature of his actions and, for the first time, love awakens. Carlos is evil incarnate. Nina is pure innocence. And Cannibal is a demon’s love story.

Dallas Buyers Club Jean-Marc Vallée, USA World Premiere

In this fact-based drama, Matthew McConaughey portrays real-life Texas electrician Ron Woodroof, an ordinary man who found himself in a life-or-death battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies. In 1985, Ron was blindsided with an

HIV diagnosis and given 30 days to live. With medications still restricted in the US and the country still divided over how to combat the virus, Ron procured non-toxic alternative treatments from all over the world through both legal and illegal means. To avoid government sanctions against selling non-approved medicines and supplements, Ron established a “buyers club” for fellow HIV-positive people, giving them access to his supplies. Also stars Jennifer Garner and Jared Leto.

Devil's Knot Atom Egoyan, USA World Premiere

A haunting true mystery about the infamous killing of three children in a small Arkansas town. The police charge and convict three teens, aka the West Memphis Three, for committing the murders during an alleged satanic ritual, but a mother and investigator suspect that the truth may be even worse. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Colin Firth, Kevin Durand, Bruce Greenwood, Mireille Enos, Dane DeHaan and Stephen Moyer.

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him and Her Ned Benson, USA

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him and Her is a two-part love story seen through the eyes of a New York couple trying to understand each other as they cope with personal hardship. The different perspectives of “Him” and “Her” result in two films with a unique look into one couple's attempt to reclaim the life and love they once had. Starring Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Nina Arianda, Viola Davis, Bill Hader, Ciarán Hinds, Isabelle Huppert, William Hurt, and Jess Weixler.

Dom Hemingway Richard Shepard, United Kingdom World Premiere

Dom Hemingway is a larger-than-life safecracker with a loose fuse who is funny, profane, and dangerous. After 12 years in prison, looking to collect what he's owed for keeping his mouth shut for protecting his rich mobster boss, he finds himself drawn back to the perils and pleasures of his criminal lifestyle — while trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter. Starring Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Demian Bichir, Emilia Clarke, Kerry Condon, Jumayn Hunter, Madalina Ghenea and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett.

Don Jon Joseph Gordon-Levitt, USA Canadian Premiere

Jon Martello (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a strong, handsome, good old fashioned guy. His buddies call him Don Jon due to his ability to "pull" a different woman every weekend, but even the finest fling doesn't compare to the bliss he finds alone in front of the computer watching pornography. Barbara Sugarman (Scarlett Johansson) is a bright, beautiful, good old fashioned girl. Raised on romantic Hollywood movies, she's determined to find her Prince Charming and ride off into the sunset. Wrestling with good old fashioned expectations of the opposite sex, Jon and Barbara struggle against a media culture full of false fantasies to try and find true intimacy in this unexpected comedy.

The Double Richard Ayoade, United Kingdom World Premiere

Simon is a timid man, scratching out an isolated existence in an indifferent world. He is overlooked at work, scorned by his mother, and ignored by the woman of his dreams. The arrival of a new co-worker, James, serves to upset the balance. James is both Simon's exact physical double and his opposite — confident, charismatic and good with women. To Simon's horror, James slowly starts taking over his life. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Wallace Shawn and Noah Taylor.

Enough Said Nicole Holofcener, USA World Premiere

Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is a divorced soon-to-be empty-nester wondering about her next act. Then she meets Marianne (Catherine Keener), the embodiment of her perfect self. Armed with a restored outlook on being middle-aged and single, Eva decides to take a chance on her new love interest Albert (James Gandolfini) — a sweet, funny and like-minded man. Things get complicated when Eva discovers that Albert is in fact the dreaded ex–husband of Marianne. This sharp insightful comedy follows Eva as she humorously tries to secretly juggle both relationships and wonders whether her new favourite friend's disastrous ex can be her cue for happiness. Also stars Toni Collette, Ben Falcone, Eve Hewson and Tavi Gevinson.

Exit Marrakech Caroline Link, Germany International Premiere

When 17-year-old Ben visits his father Heinrich in Marrakech, it is the start of an adventurous journey through a foreign country with a picturesque charm and a rough beauty where everything appears possible — including the chance that father and son will lose each other for good, or find one another again. Felony Matthew Saville, Australia World Premiere

Three detectives become embroiled in a tense struggle after a tragic accident that leaves a child in critical condition. One is guilty of a crime, one will try to cover it up, and the other attempts to expose it. How far will these men go to disguise and unravel the truth?

For Those Who Can Tell No Tales Jasmila Žbanić, Bosnia and Herzegovina World Premiere

Kym, an Australian tourist, decides to travel to Bosnia. Her guidebook leads her to Višegrad, a small town steeped in history, on the border of Bosnia and Serbia. After a night of insomnia in the 'romantic' Hotel Vilina Vlas, Kym discovers what happened there during the war. She can no longer be an ordinary tourist and her life will never be the same again.

Gloria Sebastián Lelio, Chile/Spain North American Premiere

Gloria is 58 years old and still feels young. Making a party out of her loneliness, she fills her nights seeking love in ballrooms for singles. This fragile happiness changes the day she meets Rodolfo. Their intense passion — to which Gloria gives everything, as she feels it may well be her last — leaves her dancing between hope and despair. Gloria will have to pull herself together and find a new strength to realize that in the last act of her life, she could burn brighter than ever.

Going Away (Il est parti dimanche) Nicole Garcia, France World Premiere

Two unlikely friends — a supply teacher and a lonely young boy suspended between two estranged parents — embark on a weekend motorcycle voyage full of surprises and unforeseen consequences in this surprisingly tough, unsentimental drama.

Gravity Alfonso Cuarón, USA/United Kingdom North American Premiere

Gravity is a heart-pounding thriller that pulls its audience into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space. Sandra Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a brilliant medical engineer accompanied on her first shuttle mission by veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney). On a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone— tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth… and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But their only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

The Great Beauty (La Grande Bellezza) Paolo Sorrentino, Italy North American Premiere

Rome, in the splendour of summer. Jep Gambardella — a handsome man with irresistible charm despite his advancing age — enjoys the city’s social life to the fullest. He attends chic dinners and parties where his sparkling wit is always welcome. A successful journalist, in his youth he wrote a novel that earned him a literary award and a reputation as a frustrated writer. Weary of his lifestyle, Jep sometimes dreams of taking up his pen again, haunted by memories of a youthful love which he still hangs on to. But can he overcome his profound disgust for himself and others in a city whose dazzling beauty sometimes leads to creative paralysis?

Half of a Yellow Sun Biyi Bandele, Nigeria/United Kingdom World Premiere

An epic love story: Olanna and Kainene are glamorous twins, living a privileged city life in newly independent 1960s Nigeria. The two women make very different choices of lovers, but rivalry and betrayal must be set aside as their lives are swept up in the turbulence of war. Starring Thandie Newton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Anika Noni Rose.

Hateship Loveship Liza Johnson, USA World Premiere

Johanna Parry moves to a new town to work for Mr. McCauley and his granddaughter, Sabitha. Sabitha and her friend trick Johanna into a one-way epistolary romance with Sabitha’s father Ken. Johanna lights on fire, and commits a criminal act to get to her lover, who barely knows she exists. Starring Kristen Wiig, Guy Pearce, Christine Lahti, Nick Nolte, Hailee Steinfeld, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Sami Gayle.

Ida Pawel Pawlikowski, Poland World Premiere

Poland, 1962. Anna is a novice, an orphan brought up by nuns in a convent. Before she takes her vows, she is determined to see Wanda, her only living relative. Wanda tells Anna that Anna is Jewish. Both women embark on a journey not only to discover their tragic family story, but who they really are and where they belong, questioning their religions and beliefs.

L'intrepido Gianni Amelio, Italy North American Premiere

This film is an affecting and timely story about a middle-aged, precariously employed jack-of-all-trades in Milan who doggedly tries to get by in an unfeeling city while trying to retain his dignity and his passions.

The Invisible Woman Ralph Fiennes, United Kingdom World Premiere

Nelly (Felicity Jones), a happily-married mother and schoolteacher, is haunted by her past. Her memories, provoked by remorse and guilt, go back in time to follow the story of her relationship with Charles Dickens (Ralph Fiennes), with whom she discovered an exciting but fragile complicity. Dickens — famous, controlling and emotionally isolated within his success — falls for Nelly, who comes from a family of actors. The theatre is a vital arena for Dickens, a brilliant amateur actor and a man more emotionally coherent on the page and on stage than in life. As Nelly becomes Dickens’ muse and the focus of his passion, for both of them secrecy is the price — and for Nelly a life of “invisibility”. Also stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Tom Hollander, Joanna Scanlan, Perdita Weeks, Amanda Hale, Tom Burke, John Kavanagh and Michael Marcus.

Joe David Gordon Green, USA North American Premiere

A gripping mix of friendship, violence and redemption erupts in the contemporary backwoods South in this adaptation of Larry Brown’s novel, celebrated at once for its grit and its deeply moving core. Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage comes back to his indie roots in the title role as the hard-living, hot-tempered ex-con Joe Ransom, who is just trying to dodge his own instinct for trouble until he meets a hard-luck kid (Tye Sheridan) who awakens in him a fierce and tender-hearted protector.

Labor Day Jason Reitman, USA World Premiere

Labor Day centres on 13-year-old Henry Wheeler as he confronts the pangs of adolescence while struggling to be the man of the house and care for his reclusive mother, Adele. On a back-to-school shopping trip, Henry and his mother encounter Frank Chambers, a man both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be an escaped convict. The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape all of them for the rest of their lives. Starring Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith, Tobey Maguire, Clark Gregg, JK Simmons, Brooke Smith and James Van Der Beek.

Like Father, Like Son Hirokazu Kore-eda, Japan North American Premiere (seriuously how many films have had that title already)

Two families are forced to choose between nature and nurture — between their natural sons and the sons they have raised.

Man of Tai Chi Keanu Reeves, USA/China North American Premiere

A young martial artist's unparalleled Tai Chi skills land him in a highly lucrative underworld fight club. Starring Keanu Reeves and Tiger Chen.

MARY Queen of Scots Thomas Imbach, France/Switzerland North American Premiere

A queen who lost three kingdoms. A wife who lost three husbands. A woman who lost her head.

Mystery Road Ivan Sen, Australia International Premiere

Detective Jay Swan returns to his outback hometown to investigate the brutal murder of a teenage girl found in a drain under a highway outside of town. Starring Aaron Pedersen, Ryan Kwanten and Hugo Weaving.

Night Moves Kelly Reichardt, USA North American Premiere

When do legitimate convictions demand illegal behaviors? What happens to a person’s political principles when they find their back against the wall? Night Moves is the story of three radical environmentalists coming together to execute the most spectacular direct action event of their lives: the explosion of a hydroelectric dam. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning and Peter Sarsgaard.

Omar Hany Abu-Assad, Palestine North American Premiere

Trust and identity are stretched like wire in an impossible West Bank love story. Desires for individual and collective freedom collide. Mere sacrifice isn’t enough; betrayal is the only way to survive.

One Chance David Frankel, USA World Premiere

This film follows the remarkable and inspirational true story of Paul Potts, a shy, bullied shop assistant by day and an amateur opera singer by night. Paul became an instant YouTube phenomenon after being chosen by Simon Cowell for Britain's Got Talent. Wowing audiences worldwide with his phenomenal voice, Paul went on to win the competition and the hearts of millions. BAFTA winner James Corden stars as Paul Potts and is supported by an ensemble cast that includes Julie Walters, Mackenzie Crook, Colm Meaney, Jemima Rooper and Alexandra Roach.

Only Lovers Left Alive Jim Jarmusch, USA North American Premiere

Set against the romantic desolation of Detroit and Tangier, an underground musician, deeply depressed by the direction of human activities, reunites with his resilient and enigmatic lover. Their love story has already endured several centuries at least, but their debauched idyll is soon disrupted by her wild and uncontrollable younger sister. Can these wise but fragile outsiders continue to survive as the modern world collapses around them? Starring Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton, Mia Wasikowska, John Hurt and Anton Yelchin.The Past (Le Passé) Asghar Farhadi, France/Italy North American Premiere

Following a four year separation, Ahmad returns to Paris from Tehran, upon his French wife Marie's request, in order to finalize their divorce proceedings. During his brief stay, Ahmad discovers the conflicting nature of Marie's relationship with her daughter Lucie. Ahmad's efforts to improve this relationship soon unveil a secret from their past.

Philomena Stephen Frears, United Kingdom North American Premiere

Based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, this film focuses on the efforts of Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock — something Philomena’s Irish-Catholic community didn’t have the highest opinion of — and given away for adoption in the United States. Following church doctrine, she was forced to sign a contract that wouldn’t allow for any sort of inquiry into her son’s whereabouts. After starting a family years later in England and, for the most part, moving on with her life, Philomena meets Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), a BBC reporter with whom she decides to track down her long-lost son.

Pioneer (Pionér) Erik Skjoldbjærg, Norway/Germany/Sweden/France/Finland International Premiere

Pioneer is set in the early 80s, at the beginning of the Norwegian oil boom. Enormous oil and gas deposits are discovered in the North Sea and the authorities aim to bring the oil ashore through a pipeline from depths of 500 meters. A professional diver, Petter is obsessed with reaching the bottom of the Norwegian Sea. Along with his brother Knut he has the discipline, strength and courage to take on the world's most dangerous mission. But a sudden, tragic accident changes everything. Petter is sent on a perilous journey where he loses sight of who's pulling the strings. Gradually he realizes that he is in way over his head and that his life is at stake.

Prisoners Denis Villeneuve, USA World Premiere

How far would you go to protect your family? Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) is facing every parent’s worst nightmare. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, is missing, together with her young friend, Joy, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had earlier been parked on their street. Heading the investigation, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) arrests its driver, Alex Jones (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces his release. As the police pursue multiple leads and pressure mounts, knowing his child’s life is at stake the frantic Dover decides he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family? Also features Melissa Leo, Maria Bello, Viola Davis and Terrence Howard.

Quai d'Orsay Bertrand Tavernier, France World Premiere

Alexandre Taillard de Vorms is a force to be reckoned with. With his silver mane and tanned, athletic body, he stalks the world stage as Minister of Foreign Affairs for France, waging his own war backed up by the holy trinity of diplomatic concepts: legitimacy, lucidity, and efficacy. Enter Arthur Vlaminck. Hired to write the minister's speeches, Arthur must contend with the sensibilities of his boss and the dirty dealings within the Quai d'Orsay, the ministry's home.

REAL Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Japan North American Premiere

Koichi and Atsumi are lovers who have known each other all their lives. A year ago, Atsumi apparently tried to commit suicide and has been in a coma since then. Through ‘sensing’, a type of neurological treatment allowing communication with a comatose patient, Koichi tries to find out why she tried to kill herself. Starring Takeru Satoh and Haruka Ayase.

Starred Up David Mackenzie, United Kingdom World Premiere

When troubled teenager Eric is transferred to an adult prison, the new environment serves only to amplify his ultra-violent behavior. He soon comes to the attention of the prison kingpin, who assigns his lieutenant Nev to keep the boy under control. The problem however is that Nev is Eric’s father. They have not seen each other for 12 years, and an uncomfortable stand-off begins as father and son battle to gain some kind of understanding after a decade of mistrust and separation.

Third Person Paul Haggis, Belgium World Premiere
 (Belgium, really? J)

Love, passion, mystery, betrayal and hope infuse Paul Haggis' new feature, which follows the interrelated stories of three couples in three cities, Rome, New York and Paris — each with its own secrets. Starring Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis, Adrien Brody, James Franco, Olivia Wilde, Maria Bello, Kim Basinger and Moran Atias.

Those Happy Years (Anni Felici) Daniele Luchetti, Italy World Premiere

Rome, 1974. Wannabe artist Guido feels trapped by his conventional life and beautiful, bourgeois wife, Serena. Their young sons, Dario and Paolo, are caught between their parents’ passion for each other, their rows and their infidelities. The film tells of those happy years, which seemed so unhappy at the time…

Tracks John Curran, United Kingdom/Australia North American Premiere

Tracks is the true story of Robyn Davidson who trekked from Alice Springs in Central Australia through almost 2,000 miles of sprawling desert to the Indian Ocean, accompanied only by her loyal dog and four unpredictable camels. This epic and remarkable journey into Australia’s last great frontier was captured by charismatic National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan. These challenging and emotional nine months in the desert marked a new beginning for Robyn that would change the rest of her life. Starring Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver.

Under the Skin Jonathan Glazer, USA/United Kingdom North American Premiere

The story of an alien in human form on a journey through Scotland. Part road movie, part science fiction, part real, it’s a film about seeing the world through alien eyes. Starring Scarlett Johansson.

Violette Martin Provost, France/Belgium World Premiere

Born out of wedlock early in the last century, Violette Leduc meets Simone de Beauvoir in postwar Saint-Germain-des-Près. An intense lifelong relationship develops between the two women authors, based on Violette's quest for freedom through writing and on Simone's conviction that she holds in her hands the destiny of an extraordinary writer.

Visitors Godfrey Reggio, USA World Premiere

Thirty years after Koyaanisqatsi, with support from Philip Glass and Jon Kane, Godfrey Reggio’s portrayal of modern life in Visitors leapfrogs beyond earth-bound filmmakers. Presented by Steven Soderbergh, Visitors offers an experience of technology and transcendental emotionality, taking viewers to the moon and back to confront them with themselves.

Walesa. Man of Hope. (Walesa. Czlowiek z nadziei.) Andrzej Wajda, Poland North American Premiere

How was it possible that a single man influenced contemporary world so significantly? This film is an attempt to capture the phenomenon of a common man’s metamorphosis into a charismatic leader — an attempt to see how a Gdansk shipyard electrician fighting for workers’ rights awakened a hidden desire for freedom in millions of people.

We are the Best! (Vi är bäst!) Lukas Moodysson, Sweden North American Premiere

Stockholm 1982. Bobo, Klara and Hedvig are three 13-year-old girls who roam the streets. Girls who are brave and tough and strong and weak and confused and weird. Girls who have to take care of themselves way too early. Girls who heat fish fingers in the toaster when mom is at the pub. Girls who start a punk band without any instruments, even though everybody says that punk is dead.

Le Week-End Roger Michell, United Kingdom World Premiere

Nick and Meg Burrows return to Paris, the city where they honeymooned, to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary and rediscover some romance in their long-lived marriage. The film follows the couple as long-established tensions in their marriage break out in humorous and often painful ways. Starring Jeff Goldblum, Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan.

You Are Here Matthew Weiner, USA World Premiere

When Steve Dallas (Owen Wilson), a womanizing local weatherman, hears that his off-the-grid best friend Ben Baker (Zach Galifianakis) has lost his estranged father, the two return to Ben's childhood home. Once there, they discover Ben has inherited the family fortune, and the ill-equipped duo must battle Ben's formidable sister (Amy Poehler) and deal with his father's gorgeous 25-year old widow (Laura Ramsey). You Are Here is a contemporary adult comedy about family, friendship, money, and the people who keep us afloat.

Young and Beautiful (Jeune & jolie) François Ozon, France/Belgium North American Premiere

(cannes was not enough to launch that weaker film from French author, let’s see how north American audience have to say)

A coming-of-age portrait of a 17-year-old French girl over four seasons and four songs — from her sexual awakening to her first time; from her exploration of love to her search for her identity.

Email us if you want to be featured in our Toronto Dailies. check the Details and prices

2013 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVEALS FIRST ROUND OF HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED GALAS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Piers Handling, CEO and Director of TIFF, and Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival, unveiled the first round of titles (16 Galas and 55 Special Presentations) set to premiere at the 38th Toronto International Film Festival® including 40 world premieres.

“An unparalleled caliber of international talent will illuminate the city for 11 spectacular days, to descend on the hottest red carpets representing productions from across the globe including South Africa, France, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Germany, USA, and the United Kingdom,” said Bailey.

We, at filmfestivals.com could not agree more, rarely have we seen such a strong line up ...from wikileaks to mike Myers...: check the titles below

The 38th Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 5  to 15, 2013.

GALAS

American Dreams in China Peter Ho-Sun Chan, Hong Kong/China North American Premiere

The Art of the Steal Jonathan Sobol, Canada World Premiere

August: Osage County John Wells, USA World Premiere

Cold Eyes Cho Ui-seok and Kim Byung-seo, South Korea North American Premiere

Opening Night Film

The Fifth Estate Bill Condon, USA World Premiere

The Grand Seduction Don McKellar, Canada World Premiere

Kill Your Darlings John Krokidas, USA International Premiere

Closing Night Film

Life of Crime Daniel Schechter, USA World Premiere

The Love Punch Joel Hopkins, France World Premiere

The Lunchbox Ritesh Batra, India/France/Germany North American Premiere

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Justin Chadwick, South Africa World Premiere

Parkland Peter Landesman, USA North American Premiere

The Railway Man Jonathan Teplitzky, Australia/United Kingdom World Premiere

The Right Kind of Wrong Jeremiah Chechik, Canada World Premiere

Rush Ron Howard, United Kingdom/Germany International Premiere

Shuddh Desi Romance Maneesh Sharma, India Canadian Premiere

The Legend of Shep Gordon Mike Myers, USA World Premiere

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

12 Years a Slave Steve McQueen, USA World Premiere

All Is By My Side John Ridley, United Kingdom World Premiere

Attila Marcel Sylvain Chomet, France World Premiere

Bad Words Jason Bateman, USA World Premiere

Belle Amma Asante, United Kingdom World Premiere

Blue Is the Warmest Color

Adèle: Chapters 1 & 2 Abdellatif Kechiche, France North American Premiere

Burning Bush Agnieszka Holland, Czech Republic North American Premiere

Can a Song Save Your Life? John Carney, USA World Premiere

Cannibal (Caníbal) Manuel Martín Cuenca, Spain/Romania/Russia/France World Premiere

Dallas Buyers Club Jean-Marc Vallée, USA World Premiere

Devil's Knot Atom Egoyan, USA World Premiere

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him and Her Ned Benson, USA

Dom Hemingway Richard Shepard, United Kingdom World Premiere

Don Jon Joseph Gordon-Levitt, USA Canadian Premiere

The Double Richard Ayoade, United Kingdom World Premiere

Enough Said Nicole Holofcener, USA World Premiere

Exit Marrakech Caroline Link, Germany International Premiere

For Those Who Can Tell No Tales Jasmila banić, Bosnia and Herzegovina World Premiere

Gloria Sebastián Lelio, Chile/Spain North American Premiere

Going Away (Il est parti dimanche) Nicole Garcia, France World Premiere

Gravity Alfonso Cuarón, USA/United Kingdom North American Premiere

The Great Beauty (La Grande Bellezza) Paolo Sorrentino, Italy North American Premiere

Half of a Yellow Sun Biyi Bandele, Nigeria/United Kingdom World Premiere

Hateship Loveship Liza Johnson, USA World Premiere

Ida Pawel Pawlikowski, Poland World Premiere

L'intrepido Gianni Amelio, Italy North American Premiere

The Invisible Woman Ralph Fiennes, United Kingdom World Premiere

Joe David Gordon Green, USA North American Premiere

Labor Day Jason Reitman, USA World Premiere

Like Father, Like Son Hirokazu Kore-eda, Japan North American Premiere (seriously how many films have had that title already)

Man of Tai Chi Keanu Reeves, USA/China North American Premiere

MARY Queen of Scots Thomas Imbach, France/Switzerland North American Premiere

Mystery Road Ivan Sen, Australia International Premiere

Night Moves Kelly Reichardt, USA North American Premiere

Omar Hany Abu-Assad, Palestine North American Premiere

One Chance David Frankel, USA World Premiere

Only Lovers Left Alive Jim Jarmusch, USA North American Premiere

The Past (Le Passé) Asghar Farhadi, France/Italy North American Premiere

Philomena Stephen Frears, United Kingdom North American Premiere

Pioneer (Pionér) Erik Skjoldbjærg, Norway/Germany/Sweden/France/Finland International Premiere

Prisoners Denis Villeneuve, USA World Premiere

Quai d'Orsay Bertrand Tavernier, France World Premiere

REAL Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Japan North American Premiere

Starred Up David Mackenzie, United Kingdom World Premiere

Third Person Paul Haggis, Belgium World Premiere
 (Belgium, really? J)

Those Happy Years (Anni Felici) Daniele Luchetti, Italy World Premiere

Tracks John Curran, United Kingdom/Australia North American Premiere

Under the Skin Jonathan Glazer, USA/United Kingdom North American Premiere

Violette Martin Provost, France/Belgium World Premiere

Visitors Godfrey Reggio, USA World Premiere

Walesa. Man of Hope. (Walesa. Czlowiek z nadziei.) Andrzej Wajda, Poland North American Premiere

We are the Best! (Vi är bäst!) Lukas Moodysson, Sweden North American Premiere

Le Week-End Roger Michell, United Kingdom World Premiere

You Are Here Matthew Weiner, USA World Premiere

Young and Beautiful (Jeune & jolie) François Ozon, France/Belgium North American Premiere

(cannes was not enough to launch that weaker film from French author, let’s see how north American audience have to say)

Get out your blankies, your lawn chairs, and some bug spray and grab a whole mess of snacks! August is almost here and with it comes the return of the Victoria Film Festival’s second most popular event, the Free-B Film Festival! 

Enjoy classic movies from the past to share with your kids, grandparents, aunts and uncles, grandchildren and friends! Every evening at 9:00pm, Beacon Hill comes alive with the sounds of Hollywood as we screen favourites such as The Karate Kid, The NeverEnding Story, Flash Gordon, UHF and so much more!

“This is a great way to bring our community together and share in a fun, free, family-friendly event,” says Festival Director Kathy Kay. “Every year, when we announce our line-up, the feedback from fans of the event is overwhelming. Everyone looks forward to participating, volunteers and audiences alike.”

Now in its 12th year, the Free-B Film Festival has become a beloved event of many in Victoria and outlying areas. This year, Festival organizers want to reach out to Free-B fans and hear about their sentimental stories of attending the festival, whether it be the place for a first date, or the meeting of new friends, organizers want to know what makes the Free-B Film Festival special to the community. 

Create new memories this year every Friday and Saturday from August 2nd to the 24th. The Festival also wants to encourage interaction with the event through picture sharing. Use the hashtag #FreeB with your photos and you could win tickets to the main Festival in February! With this being the 20th anniversary of the Victoria Film Festival, the events and screenings will be where you want to be!

For the full Free-B Film Festival line-up, please visit www.freebfilmfest.com or call 250-389-0444. Films are rated PG and begin in Beacon Hill Park at the Cameron Bandshell at 9:00pm.

THE FABULOUS INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

Burns Court Cinemas, Friday, August 23, Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2013.

Scheduled to be held at Burns Court Cinemas in downtown Sarasota, on Friday, August 23, Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, the c will mark its third anniversary with 3 days of cinema celebrating diversity in the LGBT community. In association with the Harvey Milk Festival, a non profit organization, the festival is organized by broken rules productions.  Tickets are $8.50, opening and closing night films are $10, available on www.fabulousiff.com and at Burns Court Cinemas on the days of the festival.

Films scheduled are GBF, presented by Watermark Media, the festival opens with Darren Stein’s hilarious high school comedy about a shy gay teen who becomes a must have accessory for three crafty beauties who desperately need a Gay Best Friend to complete their look.  HOT GUYS WITH GUNS, this frothy mystery caper centers on an aspiring actor and his party boy ex, who find themselves sucked into a crime spree targeting Hollywood’s so-called Velvet Mafia.  FIRST PERIOD, a hilarious comedy (think Heathers-meets-John Waters) follows a spunky teenage girl (played by Brandon Alexander III) as she plans her totally rad "Sweet 16" party despite scheming by the mean girls in school.  VALENTINE ROAD a powerful, thoughtful and tragic documentary tells the story of the 2008 killing of Lawrence "Larry" King, a grade eight student.  HAPPY SAD, relates the story of two young couples in New York—one black and gay, one white and heterosexual—finding themselves intertwined as they create new relationship norms.  Starring our own Charlie Barnett (Booker High graduate).  MARGARITA, told through the eyes of a hardworking undocumented Mexican nanny, is an award-winning dramedy, which captures a turning point in the life of a Canadian family.  INTERIOR. LEATHER BAR, James Franco and Travis Matthews (I Want Your Love) collaborate on this experimental and sexually explicit film imagining what was cut from the classic CRUISING. It created a huge controversy when screened at this year at the Sundance Film Festival.  GORE VIDAL: THE UNITED STATES OF AMNESIA, the life and world of Gore Vidal, one of the wittiest and most opinionated author, essayist and commentator of the 20th century, is revealed in this hugely entertaining documentary that was a smash hit when it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. REACHING FOR THE MOON chronicles the passionate yet tempestuous love affair between Pulitzer prize-winning American poet, Elizabeth Bishop, and Brazilian architect, Lota de Macedo Soares. DESPERATION LINGERS, a short, by our local multi talented boy wonder: Anthony Paull, will precede GBF.

Sarasota Film Society, Watermark Media, Janice & John Shelton, Embracing Our Differences, RCMoore Construction, Theodore A. Gollnick, PA, Throb, Clasico and Caragiulo’s are among the Fabulous IFF sponsors making this festival a reality. The complete list of sponsors is featured on the Fabulous IFF web site, www.fabulousiff.com.  The Fabulous IFF welcomes sponsors at all levels.

The Fabulous Independent Film Festival

Burns Court Cinemas (506 Burns Lane, Sarasota, FL 34236)

Friday, August 23, 2013

3:00 PM  VALENTINE ROAD (89 min.) 

5:15 PM  HAPPY SAD (87 min.)

7:30 PM  Watermark Media presents GBF (98 min.) Opening Night Film, preceded by DESPERATION LINGERS

Saturday, August 24, 2013

3:00 PM  FIRST PERIOD (100 min.) 

5:15 PM  MARGARITA (90 min.)

7:30 PM  INTERIOR. LEATHER BAR (60 min.) 

Sunday, August 25, 2013

3:00 PM  GORE VIDAL: THE UNITED STATES OF AMNESIA (83min.) 

5:00 PM  REACHING FOR THE MOON (118 min.)

7:30 PM  HOT GUYS WITH GUNS (105 min.) Closing Night Film

Opening Night Party

Clasico - RED (1341 Main St  Sarasota, FL 34236)

Friday, August 23, 2013

9:30 PM

Closing Night Reception

CARAGIULOS (69 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236)

Sunday, August 25, 2013

9:30 PM 

Astrid Cybele and Trevor Dunworth, the co-directors of the Kingston Film Festival are highlighting music along with cinema at this year’s offerings.  The two are the movie and energy ambassadors for the events.  Seven featured presentations along with shorts will run from August 2nd through August 11th 2013.  Ground zero for all the buzz and activities will be the BSP Lounge at 323 Wall Street, Kingston, N.Y.  12401.

The opening evening will present Werewolves Across America on Friday, August 2nd at 7:00 p.m.  Directed by Edward Lovelace and James Hall, one of the principals of the doc, Viking Moses, will perform after the film.  https://www.facebook.com/events/501572739917782/

Sunday, August 4th at 3:00 p.m. the Hawaiian production of Get A Job will showcase.  It will be a New York premier and stars Willie K and Eric Gilliom.  The full feature motion picture comedy has a well-reviewed musical soundtrack.  Written and directed by Brian Kohne, the film features the sounds of the Barefoot Natives, who also happen to be Willie K and Eric Gilliom, the stars of the film.  This indie produced by Stefan Schaefer boasts some great star-power, with many of the most prominent island entertainers.  One of the producers, Raymond Rolak, will do a Q & A after the showcase.  Sunday, August 4, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. BSP Lounge, 323 Wall Street, Kingston, New York  12401      http://www.getajobmovie.com/

“We’re excited to screen Get A Job at the Kingston Film Festival.  It seems so appropriate to share the first ever comedy motion picture from the 50th state with one of the most historic and treasured communities in America,” said Kohne.

Other special selections:

Furever by director Amy Finkel, Wed. August 7,

Who’s Afraid of Red White and Blue  by director Jeffrey Collins, Thursday August 8,

Greetings from Tim Buckley by director Daniel Algrant, Friday August 9, 7:00 p.m.

Afterglow with guitarist Gary Lucas

The Brass Teapot by Ramaa Mosley Saturday August 10, 5:00 p.m.

Afterglow Dance Party with DJ Sterling 9:00 p.m.

A Band Called Death  -the historical punk music docu-drama, Sunday August 11, 7:00 p.m.

www.kingstonfilmfestival.org/

The reception of works for the 5th International Children's Television Festival "Dytjatko" ends on August 15. And in September (25-28.09.2013) four unforgettable days in Kharkov (Ukraine) are waiting for finalists: workshops, meetings, games, and greeting with Slobozhanschina. Participation is free. Accommodation and meals are provided by the organizing committee.

The competition program of the festival has already more than 80 works of various genres. The working languages of the festival - Russian, Ukrainian, English.

Sarajevo Film Festival has the pleasure of announcing that this year's President of the Jury for Competition Programme – Feature Film will be Bosnian director Danis Tanović

DOKU.ARTS screens documentaries on the arts and on artists from all over the world and across all genres, such as architecture, visual art, music, literature, theatre, dance, cinema, and photography.

As a time-based medium, documentaries are ideally suited for capturing and reconstructing artistic works. Our 2013 programme focuses mainly on compilation films and new documentaries on art and artists working with archive material. In addition to compilations and archive art films, a special highlight of this year's programme will be a section comprising North African and Arab films on art.

Experience the Evolution of Iranian Cinema at PFF

Persian International Film Festival’s Retrospective program announced as tickets go on sale!

Watch 50 years of Iranian cinema evolve before your eyes at the Persian International Film Festival. A SpecialRetrospective Program has been carefully curated to showcase Iranian films spanning five decades, painting a vivid picture of how Iranian cinema and the societies and cultures it has reflected have changed over the years.

From 22 August until 1 September 2013, films from as early as 1969 right through to 2011 will be shown as part of the unique Retrospective Program alongside newer releases in the main program. The retrospective has been carefully chosen by festival directors Amin Palangi and Sanaz Fotouhi, in consultation with Dr. Michelle Langford one of the leading scholars of Iranian Cinema in Australia, to be juxtaposed against recent entrants, to demonstrate how general themes and storylines in Iranian cinema has changed along with the times.

Artistic Director Amin Palangi says the changing Persian cinematic themes have been caused by a general shift in societal and cultural values in the region. “Regardless of the social or political changes and pressures on Iranian cinema, Iranian filmmakers are one of the most influential in the world today.”

“Starting with films such as The Cow (1969) and Bashu, The Little Stranger(1986) to more recent films such as About Elly(2009) or Offside(2008) the diversity of individual voices have been captured through stories from the regions to middle class dramas in major cities which in a sense showcase the transformation of culture and society in the past few decades,” he explains.

The Cow (1969), a film about the bond between a villager and his cow, is considered the greatest and most important film of Iranian cinema history. Made just before the Islamic Revolution, the film showcases great symbolism and realism that would later become a defining characteristic of Iranian cinema. Similarly, Bashu, The Little Stranger(1969) explores the life of a little boy whose family is killed in a village during the Iran-Iraq war and who suddenly finds himself out of his local setting in a social and linguistic context that he does not understand.

These political and societal changes are seen in The Runner (1985), one of the first post-revolutionary Iranian films to attract International and Western audiences, about a young boy who dreams of new horizons after seeing airplanes and tankers come and go. Meanwhile in Two Women (1998), two best friends end up leading very different lives when one is free to become a successful engineer while the other has to deal with the social confines set by her conservative family.

A change in perspective from rural settings to urban settings is seen in About Elly (2009), a film considered to be one of the most grossly successful Iranian films on the international level. Setting new thresholds for other filmmakers, International audiences are now seeing previously unseen aspects of everyday life in Iran by exploring the experiences of young people.

The influence of the international Persian diaspora is explored in Kandahar (2001). Released during a time of great change around the world, the film tells the story of an Afghan journalist who fled from her country to escape the Taliban civil war, only to be faced with the ordeal of returning to help her sister. The film reflects similar themes in the PFF opening night film A Respectable Family (2012), an Iranian film noir about an academic who returns home after two decades in the West to a country he no longer recognises.

Persian films coming out of the region or made by international Persian filmmakers, are no strangers to the international film festival circuit today. Festival co-director Sanaz Fotouhi says the increase in attention to Iranian cinema really escalated in the early 1990s.

“As a region that has experienced so much change and turmoil over decades, it’s no surprise that it has produced such great films over the years,” Fotouhi adds. “Film allows international audiences to catch a glimpse of the everyday lives of Persian people not just in Afghanistan or Iran, but also from their diasporic communities across the globe.”

Not only has the subject matter changed throughout the evolution of Persian Cinema; the styles have also diversified. Close-Up (1990) is considered emblematic of the Iranian New Wave, and brought together two of its key figures, Abbas Kiarostami and Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Dark humour, as evident in A Few Kilos of Dates For a Funeral (2006), has also become a defining feature. This is contrasted by the whimsical and quite obviously French comedy of the closing night feature Chicken With Plums (2011), directed by internationally acclaimed director and cartoonist Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud.

There are more films on offer at the Persian International Film Festival as part of the Retrospective Program, Short Film program and main program. Recent films shown in the festival will be eligible to win the Audience Choice Awards. Audiences are invited to vote for the ‘Best Feature’ and ‘Best Short Film’. Voters will go into a draw to win a DVD set by Iranian master filmmakers thanks to Madman.

The Festival’s opening and closing nights are a tribute to Persian culture with pre and post film celebrations involving Persian Tea, dancers and the ever popular Persian sweets.

Managed by Palangi Productions, the Festival debuted last year and will screen films at Dendy Cinemas in Circular Quay and Newtown in Sydney. And

Stay tuned for more announcements around the Festival.

To see more of the Persian International Film Festival program, for information on other events and to buy tickets go to www.persianfilmfestival.com and http://www.dendy.com.au/Promotion/2nd-Persian-International-Film-Festival

Festival Screenings

August 7 -17, 2013

Throughout its 66 year history, the Festival del film Locarno has occupied a unique position in the landscape of the major film festivals. Every August, for eleven days the Swiss-Italian town of Locarno, right in the heart of Europe, becomes the world capital of auteur cinema.

Thousands of film fans and industry professionals meet here every summer to share their thirst for new discoveries and a passion for cinema in all its diversity.

At Locarno they find a quality programme, rich, eclectic, surprising, and where emerging talent rubs shoulders with prestigious guests. The audience is the soul of the Festival, as exemplified in the famous evenings on the Piazza Grande, whose magical setting can accommodate up to 8,000 filmgoers every night. Geographically located at the crossroads of three great European regions, (Italian, German and French), Locarno is, precisely because of its enormous and multi-cultural audience, a unique launch platform for new films from all over the world.

Thus for industry professionals Locarno is an unmissable rendezvous and a landmark in the festival calendar: an invaluable meeting-place, and opportunity to unearth the gems from a challenging selection of world premières, to take the pulse of new tendencies, and explore new terrain opening up in contemporary cinema.

Media coverage lives up the promise of the event. The Festival is closely chronicled by media from all over the world –including Le Monde, Libération, La Repubblica, Die Welt, El Pais, The Guardian, The Independent, all the specialist press –including Screen International, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Le Film français, Les Cahiers du cinéma, Sight and Sound, not to mention the whole of the Swiss press

LET’S CEE YOU AGAIN!

During the second instalment of the LET’S CEE Film Festival, a selection of around 50 extraordinary films from Central and Eastern Europe will be presented over a period of nine days, starting on September 13th. The organizers’ guest list features such prominent names as Academy Award winners Branko Lustig, Allan Starski and Istvan Szabo, as well as Russian virtuoso film director Alexander Sokurov. The festival still does not receive a single cent of support from neither the city of Vienna, nor the Federal Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture.

“We are starting on September 13th, on a Friday that marks the International Positive Thinking Day. That’s a perfect match – positive thinking is our distinguishing feature.” Magdalena Zelasko was born in Poland and lives in Vienna; the founder and director of the LET’S CEE Film Festival has not yet lost her optimism, despite there being plenty of reasons: Despite of a month-long odyssey that took her to various politicians and government offices, her festival will not receive any financial support for the second year running, neither from the city of Vienna, nor from the Federal Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture (BMUKK).

Nonetheless, Zelasko and her team, which consists entirely of volunteers, managed to put together an impressive line-up for this year’s iteration of the festival. The LET’S CEE Film Festival 2013 will present some 40 of the best feature films and documentaries from Central and Eastern Europe in the Wiener Urania and Actors Studio cinemas, many of which will be Austrian premieres featured as part of a Feature Film Competition and a Documentary Film Competition, as was the case last year. In addition to that, this year’s festival will also feature a Short Film Competition, the underlying theme of which will be the civil society. Most of the featured productions will again be presented in their original versions with German or English subtitles, while some will be available in dubbed versions for the first time.

The festival’s opening film will be Daria Onyshchenko’s drama Eastalgia, a Serbian-German-Ukrainian co-production starring Austrian actors Karl Markovics and Georg Friedrich in the leading roles. “Productions such as this one, which brought together a team of people from half of the CEE region, have become a trademark of sorts for our festival”, says Magdalena Zelasko, explaining her choice of that film. The Feature Film Competition, curated by Poland’s best-known film critic Tomasz Raczek, will include eight films, among them Istvan Szabo’s most recent work The Door (starring Helen Mirren and Martina Gedeck), Domestic by Adrian Sitaru, Circles by Srdan Golubovic, Jin by Reha Erdem and In the Name of by Magloska Szumowska. The Short Film Competition, curated by film directors Arash and Arman Riahi, will feature seven participants and the Documentary Film Competition, supervised by Croatian-born filmmaker Rada Sesic who now lives in Utrecht, will feature six contributions. Two retrospectives, one night line, several highlights (such as the probably most famous silent movie of all time, Battleship Potemkin, accompanied live by the band Russkaja), a country focus on Poland and several other film series will complete the film programme.

Just like last year, the organisers of the LET’S CEE Film Festival have tried to bring at least one special guest per film. Those guests will then be available to the audience for questions during Q&A sessions after each film screening. The names of those who have already confirmed their visit to Vienna sound like a list of the elite Central and Eastern European filmmakers. Several Academy Award winners will be paying a visit to the festival: Croatian producer Branko Lustig, who will come all the way from Zagreb to attend the screening of his masterpiece Schindler’s List, Polish set designer Allan Starski and Hungarian film director Istvan Szabo. There will be two retrospectives, one of which will be dedicated to Slovenian director Damjan Kozole, and the other to Russian virtuoso film director Alexander Sokurov, whose version of Faust was awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

A new element in the festival programme will be the Master Classes, most of which will be held in close cooperation with the renowned Andrzej Wajda School in Warsaw, which will allow young filmmakers a close look at the work of some of the filmmaking scene’s greatest for a very modest fee. Among the legends who will be holding the Master Classes are Allan Starski, Alexander Sokurov and Damjan Kozole, as well as the co-founder and programme director of the Wajda School, director and winner of the Silver Bear Wojciech Marczewski, legendary Bosnian musician and film score composer Sasa Losic, as well as producer and film director Blerta Zequiri, winner of multiple awards at several prestigious festivals, such as the Sundance Film Festival. There will also be a School Cinema (price: 5 Euros per ticket) which will be showing three films: Schindler’s List (the screening of which will be attended by its producer Branko Lustig who himself was interned in a concentration camp as a child), the children’s films Buta from Azerbaijan and the Lithuanian documentary How We Played the Revolution.

Christof Papousek, CFO of the Constantin Film Holding GmbH and of the Cineplexx International GmbH, the festival’s strategic partner for the second time runnung: “Our group has been active in many CEE countries for several years. Thus showing good films from that region here in Vienna seemed to us like an idea worth supporting and of course we will also support the second instalment with the highest commitment.” Film producer and culture manager Robert Hofferer, who is currently producing a new edition of Andre Heller’s legendary circus show Afrika! Afrika! for theatres, as well as a new film project in Slovenia together with ARTDELUXE, will remain as the LET’S CEE Film Festival’s award sponsor. Hofferer: “The LET’S CEE Film Festival is a committed, ambitious festival and it deserves all the support that public and private sponsors and the media can give. The festival enriches the cultural life of Vienna as a cosmopolitan city in a most refreshing and innovative way; being the pivot of an energetic, mindful and visionary perception of the contemporary filmmaking scene in Central and Eastern Europe, it defines an entire coordinate system of creative and economic dimensions.” It is still debatable whether the support by Cineplexx International GmbH and Artdeluxe GmbH, combined with the support from several other sponsors from the commercial sector (such as the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, Raiffeisen Bank International or Vienna International Hotelmanagement) as well as several foreign embassies and cultural institutions, will be sufficient to guarantee the survival of the festival in the long term.

Wolfgang P. Schwelle, deputy director at the LET’S CEE Film Festival: “As far as the cultural needs of film enthusiasts and migrants are concerned, and those are the groups we wish to address, political officials unfortunately appear most reluctant. However, an ambitious project such as ours can only survive if public authorities provide the bread, no matter how thin the slice. And the responsible decision makers know that of course. We will provide the butter with our sponsors, through ticket sales and the like. So if public authorities refuse to provide any financial support, then this raises suspicion that the goal is to starve out our initiative until it’s gone.”

Despite the challenging financial circumstances, the ticket prices for the screenings as well as the other events have been kept low consciously: Cinema tickets for students will cost only 6,50 Euros, regular tickets will cost 7 Euros and even the tickets for the premieres and Film Competition screenings will cost only 8 Euros per seat. The Q&As with one of the filmmakers after each screening are of course included in the price. Ticket sales will start in the first week of August.

Last but not least: The fringe events also pack a punch. Relaxed chilling and cool Party Lines in some of Vienna’s top locations, such as the Ost Klub, Strandbar Herrmann and Babenberger Passage, as well as several top-level music acts are all part of the offer. Further details are available on the festival’s web site www.letsceefilmfestival.com and on the LET’S CEE Facebook page.

Journalists and filmmakers have the opportunity to be accredited free of charge and to explore the LET’S CEE during film screenings and exclusive events. Accreditation requests will be accepted via mail to accreditations@letsceefilmfestival.com.

For further information please contact:

Mag. Wolfgang P. Schwelle
LET'S CEE Film Festival
E-Mail: pr@letsceefilmfestival.com
Homepage: www.letsceefilmfestival.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LetsCEE