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DISPATCH FROM LOS ANGELES: Famous Faces and FILMEX in Spotlight as AFI Opens 20th Fest

A long line of men in tuxedos and women in cocktail dresses gathered outside the Kodak Theater on Hollywood Blvd. last night in Los Angeles, but while it wasn't Oscar night, a nearby red carpet was filled with name Hollywood actors and rows of screaming fans. The big crowd of formally dressed guests...

JUMPING OFF BRIDGES

'Shortbus' Soundtrack Out November 7

Magnolia Gets Thai Martial Arts Title, "Dynamite Warrior"

With the American Film Market (AFM) kicking off in Southern California, Magnolia Pictures announced its acquisition of all North American rights to "Dynamite Warrior" (Tabunfire) from Thailand. The film will be released in Thailand next month and Magnolia will distribute the movie in U.S. theaters next summer. The martial arts film, produced by Prachya Pinkaew ("Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior") is described as the story of "a young man riddled with grief and bent on revenge after witnessing his parents' murder by a callous and malicious killer." In the words of an announcement Wednesday:"The only information Zieng has as to the killer's identity i...

in los angeles | overheard

REVIEW | Unknown White Males: Simon Brand's "Unknown"

Five characters in search of an author: That could be the subtitle for "Unknown," Columbian director Simon Brand's English-language feature debut, which is being released this Friday through the IFC First Take day-and-date program. Known for making music videos (Jessica Simpson's "Irresistible," Ric...

in los angeles | premiere

Introducing... Brian Atene

Cruise and Wagner to Relaunch United Artists

MGM's legendary United Artists label will return with Tom Cruise and his producing partner Paula Wagner at the helm, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. chairman and CEO Harry E. Sloan announced today. In the wake of ending their long relationship with Paramount, Wagner will serve as CEO of the new UA and she and Cruise will maintain a substantial ownership of the unit and control the company's production slate of about four films per year. The output may increase in the future according to an announcement, which added, "The talent friendly studio will be reborn as a place where producers, writers, directors and actors can thrive in a creative environme...