CANNES '08 DISPATCH | Serious, Silly Intersect In First 24 Hours of 61st Cannes Festival

While attendees sat inside the Cannes Film Festival's Debussy theater on Wednesday watching the morning press screening of Fernando Meirelles' harrowing "Blindness," nearby on the Croisette dozens of costumed pandas danced with Jack Black to hype the animated festival entry, "Kung Fu Panda." Like the abandoned characters depicted in the horrific world of "Blindness," the French locals wearing the 100 lb. bear costumes yesterday had to be carefully escorted from the Carlton Beach pier because they were unable to see anything. Such was the scene during the first twenty-four hours of the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, an event comprised of serious films for cinephiles and PR stunts aimed at movie industry insiders and thousands of attending journalists.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '08 DISPATCH | Rain or Shine? Cannes Market Opens Amidst Changing Forecast

Rainy skies and industry-wide gloom-and-doom hover over this year's Cannes, but the nearly 11,000 registrants attending this year's festival and Market can't all be depressed. With thousands of new films on offer, from auteur visions to star-driven genre pictures, and hundreds of distributors in need of product, the supply-and-demand business of Cannes must go on. Along the Cote d'Azur Tuesday, in fact, the dreary weather finally broke to reveal sunny skies.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '08 | Skolimoski's "Four Nights" Leads Fortnight; Fest Roster Unveiled

Jerzi Skolimoski's "Four Nights With Anna" will open the 40th Director's Fortnight in Cannes. Organizers unveiled the entire roster for the annual independent sidebar to the Festival de Cannes, choosing thirty-three features for the 2008 festival. The event emerged amidst the tumult of 1968 when the fest was canceled in solidarity with striking French workers.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival News, Lead Story ]

CANNES '08 | International Critics' Week Line-up Announced

The International Critics' Week, a parallel section of the Cannes Film Festival, has dedicated itself to discovering new talents. Among the filmmakers whose first or second feature films were showcased during the program are Bernardo Bertolucci, Ken Loach, Wong Kar Wai and Francois Ozon. In the past few years, the program has received particular attention for winning 4 of last 5 Camera d'Or (which is awarded to best first feature film among all sections of Cannes). Last year, that winner was "Jellyfish" by Etgar Keret and Shira Geffen. The 47th line-up was announced Thursday, with 7 features and 7 shorts in competition, including the lone American entry, Jeff Vespa's short "Nosebleed." Ronit Elkabetz and Shlomi Elkabetz's "Les Sept Jours" was announced as the opening feature film, while Rodrigo Pla's "Desierto Adentro" will close the week.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival News ]

CANNES '08 | Dardennes, Desplechin, Egoyan, Eastwood, Martel, Salles, Soderbergh, and Wenders Among Those Set for 61st Festival de Cannes Competition

A number of familiar names are set to compete at the 61st Festival de Cannes organizers announced today in Paris, revealing the official selection of 52 feature films during a morning press conference. While the fest has yet to designate its opening and closing films, nineteen features are set to vie for the Palme d'Or. Among the films in competition are new work by The Dardenne Brothers, Arnaud Desplechin, Atom Egoyan, Clint Eastwood, Lucrecia Martel, Walter Salles, Steven Soderbergh, and Wim Wenders.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 1 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival News, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 | 10 Films To Watch from the 60th Festival de Cannes

Dozens of new films from the recent Cannes Film Festival will receive attention and acclaim at film festivals, and ultimately in distribution, around the world after launching earlier this month. In a final festival dispatch from France, indieWIRE offers a subjective hotlist of 10 films worth watching from this year's event. We invite indieWIRE readers to consider our favorites and offer, in the comments section at the end of the article, their own tips on other Cannes festival films worth watching.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 2 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DISPATCH: Mungiu's "4 Months..." Wins Palme d'Or; Schnabel Snaps Directing Prize and "Meduzot" Takes Camera d'Or

Cristian Mungiu's "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" from Romania won the Palme d'Or as the 60th Cannes Film Festival came to a close on Sunday night with winners taking their bows. The prizes were presented prior to the closing night screening of Denys Arcand's "L'Age Des Tenebres," marking the end of the 2007 festival. Selecting the winners in the '07 Cannes competition were jury president Stephen Frears, along with fellow jurors: actress Maggie Cheung, actress Toni Collette, director and actress Maria de Medeiros, director and actress Sarah Polley, director Marco Bellocchio, writer Orhan Pamuk, director and actor Michel Piccoli, and director Abderramane Sissako.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 2 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DISPATCH | Americans in Cannes Stir Fest; Schnabel, Van Sant, and Coens Lead Competition

A group of films from established American filmmakers, all adapted from books, are among the most acclaimed films in competition as the Cannes enters its final weekend in France. Critics, programmers and insiders all consider Julian Schnabel's "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," Gus Van Sant's "Paranoid Park" and The Coen Brothers' "No Country for Old Men," frontrunners for prizes at this year's festival and among the best films screening here at the 60th Festival de Cannes.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DISPATCH | Biz and Prize Buzzing as Cannes Fest Hits Home Stretch

Heading into the final four days of the 60th Cannes Film Festival, only a handful of competition titles have yet to screen for audiences and jurors here in France. Barring last minute surprises, observers have an idea of the film's they expect will win. Meanwhile, a handful of films are also on a track to secure a U.S. theatrical release. Among the hottest properties is Julian Schnabel's "The Diving Bell and the Butterlfly," a French language film that many rival buyers are saying will end up at Paramount Vantage or Miramax. The film will no doubt end up scoring a U.S. theatrical release, some saying that an announcement will come in the next day or so and many buzzing about the possibility that the film will take home a prize this Sunday The other top reviewed titles from the competition seem to be Christian Mungiu's "4 Months, 3 Weeks And 2 Days" (which was acquired this week by IFC for a U.S. release), the Coen Brothers' "No Country For Old Men" from Miramax, and Gus Van Sant's "Paranoid Park." (indieWIRE will have more on those films later this week)
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DISPATCH | Scorsese Foundation Aimed at Preservation, Distribution; New Line's "Compass"; and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Martin Scorsese, joined by group of leading international filmmakers on Tuesday in Cannes, officially announced the creation of The World Cinema Foundation. The not-for-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and ultimately, distribution of neglected films from around the world. Created by Scorsese, who has also launched a similar movement for American films, the foundation "supports and encourages efforts to save worldwide film patrimony and ensure that these films are preserved, shared and saved."
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DISPATCH | Winterbottom's Latest Stirs Cannes Fest

The true story of a murdered journalist was the high profile film in the Cannes spotlight on Monday. As expected, Michael Winterbottom's "A Mighty Heart," screening out of competition here at the Festival de Cannes, drew considerable attention for its world premiere. In a story that riveted news agencies around the world five years ago, Wall Street Journal South Asia Bureau chief Daniel Pearl was brutally murdered by al Qaeda days after his kidnapping in Karachi as he delved into research on a story relating to shoe bomber Richard Reid. Following his death, Pearl's wife Mariane recounted the story in her memoir A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Danny Pearl, which she hoped would introduce their son, Adam, to the father he would never meet. Brad Pitt eventually bought the rights to the book and set up the film at Paramount Vantage, tapping Michael Winterbottom to direct, with Angelina Jolie cast as the author.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DISPATCH | Considering 'Cinema' As Cannes Celebrates 60 Years; Climate Change Revisited; and Directors Insights

There were no easy answers about the state of cinema on Sunday when Cannes welcomed some of the world's leading filmmakers to celebrate the festival's 60th Anniversary. And finally, frustrated over the questions posed by journalists during an hour-long discussion featuring the thirty or so filmmakers, director Roman Polanski walked off the stage near the end of the session. The move created a particularly awkward public moment as the Cannes formally commemorate its anniversary on Sunday. Even before his early exit, Polanski was the center of attention during the discussion, fielding numerous questions and then engaging Atom Egoyan in a debate about the future of cinema.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 2 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DAILY DISPATCH | Michael Moore Unveils Kinder, Gentler "Sicko"; JA Media Announces Major Film Funding Expansion

"I decided to make a different film this time," director Michael Moore told a room full of journalists about "Sicko," his new film which screened for the first time this morning. "I wanted a different tone (and) to say things in a different way." Indeed, "Sicko" marks a distinctly different approach for a director who has been criticized for aggressive filmmaking tactics. Picking up on the more personal types of stories covered in his recent "Fahrenheit 9/11," Moore's moving new film is structured primarily around human interest tales of American's troubles with the U.S. health care system.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DAILY DISPATCH | Sex and Emotion in "Love Songs"; Marche Soiree; and More

One year ago here in Cannes the American film "Shortbus" captured sex, love and music among a group of New Yorkers. This year, a new French film hits some similar notes. While not as graphic in its depiction of sex, Christophe Honore's "Love Songs" (Les Chansons d'Amour), which premiered Friday night at the festival and opens in France next week, is a modern musical looking at the lives and loves of a group of young Parisians. A collaboration between Honore and musician Alex Beaupain, the film features Beaupain's songs sung by actors Louis Garrel, Ludivine Sagnier, Chiara Mastroianni, Clothide Hesme, and Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DAILY DISPATCH: Meet The Jury, IM Global Hits the Marche, Seinfeld Flies, "Blueberry" Night, and More

No sooner does the Festival de Cannes open than attendees start buzzing about the potential award-winners. Last year, Pedro Almodovar's "Volver," which screened early in the festival became the instant odds on favorite to win the top prize, the Palme d'Or, which it famously lost to Ken Loach's "The Wind That Shakes The Barley." So, its not surprise that the nine Cannes jurors were up for a grilling when they met the press yesterday afternoon prior to beginning their service here at the festival. Among the burning questions was whether actress Maggie Cheung will be able to remain impartial despite her close friendship with opening night director Wong Kar Wai, whom she has worked with many times. She noted that she won't let her personal fondness for the filmmaker affect her vote, noting, "I have been judged by many friends (on juries) before."
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 1 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DAILY DISPATCH | Fest Tastes "Blueberry" and Wong Kar Wai Reworks "Ashes" As 60th Cannes Opens

Not surprisingly, director Wong Kar Wai was in the Festival de Cannes spotlight today (Wednesday) as his "My Blueberry Nights" opened the 60th anniversary this evening (and he announced a key deal for a new version of an old film). An overflow crowd of journalists warmly greeted Wong, Jude Law and acting newcomer Norah Jones after the first press screening of the film at the Palais des Festivals. New York Times critic A.O. Scott sat in an aisle on the floor during this afternoon's conference, while North American distributor Harvey Weinstein stood beside the stage while Wong smiled broadly several times during the press conference. Joking early on that while he was still completing the movie in Los Angeles this week, he was thrilled to deliver a movie to Cannes on time for opening night.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 3 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 DAILY DISPATCH | Fest Poster Boy, WKW, Set for Cannes Close-Up; New Market Faces; IETFF in Monaco; and AmPav Unveiled

Typically quiet Cannes in the South of France perked up on Monday and Tuesday as workers with trucks and cranes placed signage, banners and large movie billboards along the Croisette in time for Wednesday's opening night. The Festival de Cannes is set to kick-off its 2007 edition with Wong Kar-wai's "My Blueberry Nights," the anticipated English language debut from the acclaimed Chinese filmmaker who is such a favorite of the festival that his image -- arms held high -- graces the Cannes poster this year (and a still from his "In the Mood for Love" served as last year's poster). On a warm Tuesday afternoon, Wong walked along the Croisette, seemingly unnoticed in his trademark dark glasses as he headed towards the Grand Hotel just about 24 hours before his premiere. Festival observers and fans certainly breathed a slight sigh of relief at the sight of the director. Just three years ago Wong arrived a day late with a wet print of "2046," forcing festival organizers to postpone the film's debut. His appearance is a good sign that Cannes will kick-off as scheduled.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 | Festival Hot List: 10 Foreign-Language Films to Watch For in Cannes

With the 60th edition of the Cannes Film Festival just days away, cinephiles and industryites the world over are preparing for a new round of the best movies from around the globe. But there's a curious trend at this year's special anniversary event: a preponderance of Hollywood and American indie cinema. Never particularly lacking in press coverage, a raft of U.S. auteurs -- Quentin Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, Gus Van Sant, Steven Soderbergh, Michael Moore, David Fincher, et. al. -- will likely once again grab the headlines in Cannes. But this being "le Festival international du film" (as it was once known) what about all those other countries' movies?
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 1 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Lead Story, Trends ]

CANNES '07 | Slate Set for 49th Directors' Fortnight; Corbijn's "Control" Opening Section

Anton Corbijn's "Control" will open the 39th Director' Fortnight, running from May 17 - 27 alongside the 2007 Festival de Cannes in France. The film, about former Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis, stars Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, and Alexandra Maria Lara. Corbijn is an acclaimed photographer and music video director who has worked with U2, Depeche Mode, Nirvana and others. Among the other filmmakers on tap for the section are Ramin Bahrani with his new film "Chop Shop U.S.A.," Pen-ek Ratanaruang presenting "Ploy," Tom Kalin with "Savage Grace," and from Sundance '07, Gregg Araki's "Smiley Face" and Robinson Devor's "Zoo."
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival Dispatches, Lead Story ]

CANNES '07 | With Bernal Leading The Way, Cannes Critics Week Sets '07 Slate

A total of 17 feature films and 10 shorts have been unveiled for the 46th International Critics' Week sidebar at this year's Cannes Film Festival. The section will open with Bruno Merle's "Heros" from France, the story of a TV warm-up comic who kidnaps a well known singer, and close with Cecilia Miniucchi's "Expired" from the U.S., starring Samantha Morton, Jason Patric, Teri Garr, and Illeana Douglas. On board as the ambassador of this year's event is Gael Garcia Bernal whose directorial debut, "Deficit," will also screen at the festival.
[ read more in On The Scene ]   [ 0 comments ]   [ filed under Cannes, Festival News, Lead Story ]