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Lions Gate Set for December Release of Roth's "Hostel"

Quentin Tarantino is presenting Eli Roth's new film, "Hostel," the follow up to his film "Cabin Fever." The Lions Gate Films release from Screen Gems will hit theaters on December 21st. Sony/Screen Gems (handling DVD) and Lions Gate (handling theatrical) last worked together on "The Punisher." "Hostel" was executive produced by Quentin Tarantino, Scott Spiegel and Boaz Yakin, and produced by Mike Fleiss and Chris Briggs. In the film, Jay Hernandez stars as, in the words of an announcement, "an American backpacker who becomes entangled in a demented underground torture ring." Lions Gate said in an announcement, "Relentlessly graphic and deeply...

Austin Film Festival & Screenwriters Conference 2005

HR: Day-and-date VOD, theatrical bow for Rainbow pics

In yesterday's Hollywood Reporter, a look at a plan by Rainbow Media and IFC to release films in theaters and via video-on-demand. Films would be released at IFC Center in New York and also available through a new VOD service. The HR story says that some 18 - 24 films each year could be released as part of the strategy. "I have for a long time held the view that art houses as we know them are disappearing," said Rainbow CEO Josh Sapan, citing the opportunity to create "an electronic art house for a discreet, defined, limited audience in every village, town and city." IFC Films president Jonathan Sehring added, "We're recreating an art house o...

halloween!? Already?

Gothams Go For Broke, and Look Silly

Focus Features Enters Term Deal with New Garcia Bernal/Luna Production Company Canana Films

Focus Features has entered a two-year agreement with an option for a third year with Mexico City-based production company, Canana Films, the new venture by actors Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna as well as producer Pablo Cruz, Focus president of production John Lyons announced Monday. The deal will give Focus worldwide rights to Canana's planned slate of features. The three partners plan to make both modestly budgeted Spanish-language films in Mexico and higher-budget English-language films. "Our partnership with Canana promises to be a fruitful one, as Gael, Diego, and Pablo identify promising and fresh talent," said Lyons in a statement. ...

Excuse Me?

Films From 58 Countries Vying For Oscar Nod

A total of 58 countries are represented with submissions to the Foreign Language Film Award category for the 78th Academy Awards, to be presented March 5, 2006. This year's list includes new entrants Costa Rica, Fiji and Iraq, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The nominat...