Cinema of the World - Directorate of Film Festivals

Transcription

HOMAGE: VANMALA DEVI
IFFI-2007
Birth Centenaries
163
³ÖÖ¸üÖ úÖ 38 ¾ÖÖÑ Ö¸üÖÔÂÒüßµÖ ×±ú»´Ö ÃÖ´ÖÖ¸üÖêÆü 2007
38th International Film Festival
of
India - 2007
¯ÖÖÖß, ÖÖê¾ÖÖ, Ö¾Ö´²Ö¸ü 23 - ×¤üÃÖ´²Ö¸ü 3, 2007
Panaji, Goa, November 23 - December 3, 2007
Directorate of Film Festivals
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Government of India
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Director of the Festival
:
Neelam Kapur
Editor
Editorial Assistant
:
:
Utpal Borpujari
Kalyan Ray
Coordinators
:
Srinivasa Santhanam, N.K. Saini, Gautam Singh
Production
:
S. Roy, V.K. Meena, A.K. Gulati, Vilas Pagare
Film Selection Committee Members
:
Mike Pandey, Dr. Savita Bhakhry, Rashmi Doraiswamy, Aziz qureshi,
U Radhakrishnan, Maria Aurora Couto, Nandini Sardesai, Saroj Nagi,
Anita Katyal, Renu Mittal
We are grateful to the various film and festival
publications, the extracts from which have helped enrich
this brochure. The opinions expressed in this brochure
are not necessarily those of the Directorate of Film
Festivals or of the Editor.
Published by the Director of Film Festivals
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Siri Fort Auditorium, August Kranti Marg,
New Delhi - 110049
Produced by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity,
Printed at M/s. Aravali Printers & Publishers Pvt Ltd., New Delhi-110020.
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CHIEF MINISTER
GOA
MESSAGE
Goa is privileged to host the 38th International Film Festival of India
(IFFI)
this year. This is the fourth successive year that we are hosting IFFI in Goa.
For nearly 38 years, the International Film Festival of India has made cinema
enthusiasts journey afar, providing them with wonderful moments of cinematic
discoveries. IFFI has become a platform for the biggest screen legends,
launching many dreams and new talent of national and international repute.
In short, IFFI, has created a platform for true recognition of talent.
The International Film Festival of India plays a unique role in the life of
the cinema lover. As a showcase for masterpieces created the world over, it
provides a culturally diverse rich selection of cinematic fare, reflecting the
fabulous vitality and values of the film industry. With Goa having become the
permanent venue for IFFI, we deem it our responsibility to not only sustain,
but also add to its grandeur and help attract the best talent and best
entertainment products in the world of cinema to Goa. It is our intention to
ensure the State of Goa acts as a converging point of great creative ideas,
cutting across linguistic and geographic barriers.
Goa intends to utilize the opportunity of IFFI to build a stronger base of
quality entertainment and cultural integration of music and arts, as it goes
hand-in-hand with Goas repute as the tourism and hospitality destination of
the country.
On behalf of Goa and her hospitable people, the state Government would
like to roll the red carpet to cine buffs of India and abroad, the jury, delegates,
film personalities and media, who would be assembling in this tourist paradise
for meaningful interactions to showcase the best cinema from across the
globe.
Dated : 19/10/2007
Digambar V. Kamat
Chief Minister
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Contents
Opening Film
Romania
4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days
Cristian Mungiu
Competition Section
(Asia-Africa-Latin America)
Jury
1
6-7
Films
Argentina
Bangladesh
China
Colombia
India
Israel
Mexico
Morocco
Pakistan
Georgia
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Thailand
Cinema of the World
Argentina
Argentina
France-Germany
ArgentinaGermany
Bahrain
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Olga, Victoria Olga Time Without Time
On the Wngs of Dreams
The Postmodern Life of my Aunt
A Ton of Luck
Night Rain
Tale of a River
The Debt
More than Anything in the World
The Satanic Angels
In The Name of God
Svani
Cruel Embrace
The Wall
Me Myself
Mercedes Farriols
Golam Rabanny Biplab
Ann Hui
Rodrigo Triana
Lenin Rajendran
Samir Chanda
Assaf Bernstein
Andres Leon Becker & Javier Solar
Ahmed Boulane
Shoaib Mansoor
Soso & Badri Jachvliani
Anuruddha Jayasinghe
Lin Chih Ju
Pongpat Wachirabunjong
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Hunabku
The Other
Pablo Cesar
Ariel Rotter
25
26
Possible Lives
Sandra Gugliotta
27
A Bahraini Tale
Not By Chance
Emotional Arithmetic
Romeo & Juliette
The Ring
Pretending
Cherries
The Exam
The Tokyo Trial
Unfinished Girl
Bassam Al Thawadi
Philippe Barcinski
Paolo Barzman
Yves Desgagnes
Anais Barbeau Lavalette
Claudio Dabed
Zhang Jiabei
Pu Jian
Qunshu Gao
Cheng Er
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
x
Cuba
Denmark
Finland
France
Jorge Luis Sanchez
Fabian Wullenweber
Aki Kourismaki
Jan Kounen
Emmanuel Mouret
Christophe Honore
Roberto Ando
Florent Emilio Siri
Alain Corneau
Gérard Krawczyk
Daniel Thomson
Denis Decourt
Alexander Buravsky
Jan Bonny
Vanessa Van Houten
Felix Randau
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
GermanyGoodbye Bafana
France-BelgiumSouth Africa-ItalyBelgium-Luxembourg
Bille August
54
Greece-Italy
Hungary
Costas Kapakas
Zoltan Kamondi
Judit Elek
Mohammad Nourizad
Bijan Mirbagheri
Dror Sabo
Oded Davidoff
Raphael Nadjari
Mohsen Melliti
Silvana Maja
Cristiano Bortone
Vincenzo Marra
Paolo & Vittorio Taviani
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
Gianni Amelio
68
Masaki Hamamoto
Koji Kawano
Naomi Kawase
Una Celma
Shuhaimi Baba
Guillermo del Toro
Juan Pablo Villasenor
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
Russia
Germany
El Benny
Cecilie
Lights in the Dusk
99 Francs
Changement d Adresse
Love Songs
Strange Crime
The Intimate Enemy
The Second Wind
Taxi 4
Orchestra Seats
Turning Pages
Leningrad
Counterparts
Paperbird
The Calling Game
Uranya
Dolina
The Eighth Day of the Week
Iran
Iranian Prince
The Day Looms
Israel
No Exit
Someone to Run With
Israel-France
Tehilim
Italy
Me, The Other
Ossidiana
Red Like The Sky
Rush Hour
Italy-BulgariaThe Lark Farm
Spain-France
Italy-FranceThe Missing Star
Switzerland
Japan
Beyond the Crimson Sky
Love My Life
Japan-France
The Mourning Forest
Latvia
Don’t Talk About It
Malaysia
Heir to the Spiritual Tiger
Mexico
Pan’s Labyrinth
Wait for Me in another World
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The Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland-ItalyCanada
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Spain-UK
Sweden
Sweden-GermanyFrance-DenmarkNorway
SwitzerlandFinalnd-Germany
Thailand
Turkey
UK
USA
Black Book
Out of the blue
Reprise
Karol un Papa rimasto uomo
Paul Verhoeven
Robert Sarkies
Joachim Trier
Giacomo Battiato
76
77
78
79
Tricks
Dot.Com
12:08 East of Bucharest
Last Waltz in Sarajevo
Tsotsi
Psychopath
Under the Stars
Salvador Puig
When Darkness Falls
You, the living
Andrzej Jakimowski
Luis Galvao Teles
Corneliu Porumboiu
Nikole Stojanovica
Gavin Hood
Kim,Shin Hea
Felix Viscarret
Manuel Huerga
Anders Nilsson
Roy Andersson
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
Sonic Mirror
Mika Kaurismaki
90
Mid Road Gang
Pantham Thongsange
& Somkait Vituranich
Yavuz Turgul
Dervis Zaim
Michael Jaffer
Danny Hiller
Hesham Issawi
Neil Mandt
Kiran Merchant
Gil Kofman
Robin Swicord
91
Lovelorn
Waiting for Heaven
Full Circle
Love Me Still
American East
Last Stop For Paul
Quarter Life Crisis
The Memory Thief
The Jane Austen Book Club
Film India Worldwide
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101-103
AIDS Jaago
Amal
The Pool
Mira Nair
Richie Mehta
Chris Smith
Retrospectives
Ingmar Bergman
Biography
Films
Autumn Sonata
Fanny and Alexander
The Seventh Seal
The Virgin Spring
Through a Glass Darkly
106-110
xii
Shame
Wild Strawberries
Living together
111-113
Looking For Cheyenne
Quand Tu
Descendras Du Ciel
Samia
Voisins Voisines
Wesh Wesh - qu’est
ce qui se passe ?
Zim And Co
Flander’s Image
Belgium
Valerie Minetto
Eric Guirado
Philippe Faucon
Malik Chibane
Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche
Pierre Jolivet
114-117
Gilles
King of the World
Love belongs to everyone
The Intruder
Jan Verheyen
Guido Henderickx
Hilde Van Mieghem
Frank Van Mechelen
Award Winning Films From PFF
A Stranger of Mine
Border Line
Hole in the Sky
Timeless Melody
Yoshino’s Barber Shop
118-122
Volker Schlondorff
123-125
Circle of Deceit
Legends of Rita
The Voyager
Country Focus
Hungary
127-134
Black Brush
Dealer
Eastern Sugar
Hukkle
Temptations
The Porcelain Doll
Vagabond
Roland Vranik
Benedek Fliegauf
Ferenc Török
György Pálfi
Zoltán Kamondi
Peter Gardos
György Szomjas
IFFI Goa Film Treasures
135-142
Thomson Foundation for Film and TV Heritage,
National Film Archive of India
and Cinémathèque Française,
with support of Film and Television Institute of India
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Indian Retrospectives
Tapan Sinha
144-146
Biography
Kabuliwallah
Sagina Mahato
Adalt O Ekti Meye
Aadmi Aur Aurat
Vijay Anand
147-149
Biography
Guide
Tere Ghar Ke Samne
Jewel Thief
Nau Do Gyarah
Navya Movement
150-151
Samskara
Chomana Dudi
Ghatashradha
India@60
152-154
Biyalis (Bengali)
Nam Iruva (Tamil)
Shaheed (Hindi)
Kala Pani - A Pilgrimage
Gandhi An Emerging Reality
India Wins Freedom
Tribute
155
Aribam Syam Sharma
Homage
157-162
K K Mahajan
O P Nayar
Vanmala Devi
Birth Centenaries
163-166
Devika Rani
Khemchand Prakash
T R Sundaram
Master Class
168
Adoor Gopalkrishnan
Special Screening
India
Closing Film
Portugal-Spain
169
Last Lear
Rituparno Ghosh
171
Fados
Carlos Saura
Indian Panorama lists
Feature
Non-Feature
172-173
xiv
Opening Film
IFFI-2007
2
IFFI-2007
OPENING FILM
Romania
4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days / 4 luni,
3 Saptamani 2 Zile
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 113 mins, Romanian
Otilia and Gãbiþã share the same room in a student dormitory. They are colleagues
at the University in this small town in Romania, during the last years of
Communism. Otilia rents a room in a cheap hotel. In the afternoon, they are going
to meet a certain Mr. Bebe. Gãbiþã is pregnant, abortion is illegal and neither of
them have passed through something like this before. When the foul Bebe requests
something far more precious than money for his services, the girls descend into a
harrowing journey of the soul that is nothing short of shattering. Taking place
over a single Saturday in 1987, the film holds an enormous emotional gravitas. It
evolves into a profound exploration not only of sorority in harsh times but of
choices and responsibility when options are few. This film belongs to a larger
project called Tales from the Golden Age - a subjective history of Communism in
Romania told through its urban legends. The project’s aim is to talk about that
period with no direct reference to Communism but only through different stories
focused on personal options in a time of misfortunes that people had to live like
normal times. It is the first film of the series. Abortion was a crime in Romania
from 1966 until 1989. Mungiu’s dark tale brilliantly captures the decrepit spaces
of the dour Romanian 1980s. The dialogue is spare and authentic, music is nonexistent and each scene unfolds in a single take, shot with a steady camera that
captures the characters’ tortured hearts. While there is little relief from desperation
in Mungiu’s not-so-distant Romania, the note-perfect mastery of his filmmaking
offers no small degree of transcendence.
Cristian Mungiu was born in 1968 in Iasi, Romania. He studied English literature
at the University of Iasi and Film directing at the University of Film in Bucharest.
He worked as a teacher and a journalist for written press, radio and television
until 1994. During his film studies, he worked as an assistant director for foreign
productions shot in Romania. After his graduation, in 1998, he made several shorts.
His first feature, Occident, was premiered in Director’s Fortnight in Cannes in
2002 and later won prizes at several festivals. He co-founded Mobra Films in
2003. Mungiu is the brother of political analyst Alina Mungiu-Pippidi.
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Director
Cristian Mungiu
Screenplay
Cristian Mungiu
Cinematography
Oleg Mutu
Editor
Dana Bunescu
Cast
Anamaria Marinca (Otilia), Vlad Ivanov (Bebe), Laura Vasiliu
(Gabita), Alexandru Potoceanu (Adi)
Art
Mihaela Poenaru
Sound
Titi Fleancu, Dana Bunescu, Cristian Tarnoveþchi
Costumes
Dana Istrate
Production
Oleg Mutu, Cristian Mungiu
Mobra Films
5, Intrarea Serdarului, Sector 1, 011377
Bucharest, Romania
Tel/Fax: +40 21 666 48 27
email: [email protected]
www.mobrafilms.ro;
World Sales
Wild Bunch
99 rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France.
Tel: 33-1-5301-5030
Fax: 33-1-5301-5049
Festivals & Awards
Cannes (Palm d’Or), Toronto
Competition
(Asia-Africa-Latin America)
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Márta Mészáros
(Chairperson)
Meltem Cumbul
(Member)
Pablo Cesar
(Member)
Márta Mészáros is considered one of Hungary’s
best filmmakers and also one of most significant
woman directors to emerge from central Europe.
She began making films in 1970s drawing on the
oppression of both state and gender. Her two sons,
Nyika Jancsó and Miklós Jancsó Jr., have separately worked as director of photography on many
of her films. Her critically acclaimed film Napló
apámnak, anyámnak was produced in 1990. She
directed a film about Imre Nagy in 2003-2004,
titled The Unburied Dead.. Meszaros’ work has
directly confronted issues of gender, society, politics and identity and have been acknowledged
worldwide for its outspoken nature. Mészáros was
born in Hungary, she in 1936 moved to Russia
with her Hungarian parents, who had been lured
there by Stalin’s openness to “fellow travellers”
in his Socialist experiment. Once there, they were
sent to the barren plains of Kyrgyzstan and forced
to forge an existence for themselves. Stalin
changed his mind about these foreigners, though,
and a crackdown soon followed. Mészáros’s
mother died in childbirth and her father vanished
into a concentration camp following a trial. Although the awful truth of her father’s fate had long
been suspected, it was not until after 1999 that
Mészáros received confirmation from the authorities that he had been executed. These early traumatic experiences were to form the basis of her
autobiographical series of “Diary” films during
the 1980s, which broke new ground in Hungarian cinema in terms of what they showed politically as well as their being sensitive portrayals
of the petulance of youthful rebellion and the processes of personal and historical memory. By the
time she made the Diary films, though, Mészáros
was already famous. Her under-production fillm
is Hanna Wende, and earlier she has made films
like A Temetetlen halott (The Unburied Man),
Csodálatos mandarin (The Miraculous
Manderin), Kisvilma - Az utolsó napló (Little
Vilna: The Last Diary), A Szerencse lányai (Córy
szczescia), Siódmy pokój (The Seventh Room), etc.
Her films have won awards at prestigious festivals, including the ones in Cannes and Berlin.
A noted actor from Turkey, Meltem Cumbul
graduated with a major in drama when she was
21. She then worked as an actress for the
Shakespeare Company in London. Taking on a
career in television, she hosted the reality
programme Aþaðý Yukarý and the game show
Nereden Baºlasak. During this time, Meltem also
played a number of supporting roles in movies,
most notably Bay E and Böcek. In 1996, she
starred in a Sahte Dünyalar, a popular soap opera. Meltem was given her own show The Meltem
Cumbul Show, a year later. She did leading parts
in the movies Karýþýk Pizza, Geboren in
Absurdistan and the musical Anlat ªehrazat Anlat.
Meltem acted in the popular TV series Biz size
aþýk olduk, Beºik Kertmesi and Gurbet Kadýný.
She also starred in the extremely popular Yilan
Hikayesi, which is to date the highest-rated
programme ever in the history of Turkish television. Meltem’s role in the movie Abdülhamit
Düserken won her the Golden Orange Prize at the
Antalya Film Festival. She has also acted in the
award-winning and critically- acclaimed movies
Gegen die Wand and Gönül Yarasý. Her latest
films A Beautiful Life and The Alphabet Killer
are getting ready for release soon. She has won
the best actress award at Ankara International
Film Festival in 2000 for the film Durusma , and
the FIPRESCI prize for the best actress at the
Palm Springs International Film Festival for
Gönül yarasi in 2005.
The 1962-born Pablo Cesar has made films like
Blood, Aphrodite (the garden of the perfumes),
Unicorn (the garden of the fruits), Grey Fire,
Equinox and The Holy Family. He has also made
a number of short films. His latest film Hunabku
is being screened in the Cinema of the World section of this festival as an Asian Premiere. His
earlier films have been widely screened in various international film festivals in India. Cesar has
also made a large number of short films during
his career, which has also seen him as a Professor in the University of Cinema of Buenos Aires.
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IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Robert Sarkies
(Member)
Shaji N Karun
(Member)
New Zealand director Robert Sarkies has had a
passion for filmmaking since he first began making movies in his hometown of Dunedin as an
eight-year-old. Combining his love of drama,
technology and pyrotechnics, Rob’s commitment
to being a filmmaker saw him save his lunch
money at school and put it towards his student
films. The sacrifice paid off: by his early 20s, his
short Dream Makers had won him first prize at
the Semana de Cine Experimental Festival in
Madrid, and Signing Off picked up six international awards, including first prize at the Montreal
International Film Festival. He chose a true-life
story based on a tragedy for his second feature
Out of the Blue, which is being shown in this festival in the Cinema of the World section . His
debut feature Scarfies was a cult hit in New
Zealand in 2000, and also won seven awards at
the NZ Film Awards, including Best Picture and
Best Director.
Born in Kerala in 1952, Shaji N Karun is one of
India’s most-respected directors. Karun studied
Cinema and Television at the Film & Television
Institute of India at Pune, graduating to become
the cinematographer of nearly 40 films and almost all films of G Aravindan. His work won him
the Eastman Kodak Award for Excellence in 1990.
His directorial debut was not until 1988 with
Piravi (The Birth), which attracted tremendous
acclaim. Selected in no less than 70 international
film festivals, amongst them Cannes, it received
31 awards, including the prestigious Charlie
Chaplin Award at Edinburgh, the Silver Leopard
at Locarno, the Special Mention of Camera d’Or
at Cannes, the Silver Hugo at Chicago and President of India’s Gold Medal Award for the best
film in the year 1989. His second film Swaham
was received with equal praise, as it was selected
not only in the Official Competition at Cannes in
1994, but also invited to numerous international
festivals gathering a large number of awards.
Vanaprastham (The last dance), was his third
film. It was also his third to be selected at Cannes
Film Festival, an honour bestowed on only a
handful of directors in the world. It was adjudged
as the best film of the National film Festival of
India in 1999 and won several national and international recognitions. Nishad, was a film by him
in Hindi, unlike all his previous films in mother
tongue Malayalam, and it was premiered at the
Fukuoka International Film Festival in 2002 in
Japan. As a short filmmaker, he has been awarded
the gold medal from The President of India in
1996 and won many honours in international film
festivals. For his achievements in cinema, the
government of Kerala honoured him by granting
a Civilian Award ‘Prathibha Pranamam’ in 2000.
In the same year, he was decorated with the
Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres by the
Government of France. He has worked with reputed filmmakers like K G George and M T
Vasudevan Nair as a cinematographer. His camera work, especially in the films of Aravindan
from Kanchana Seeta to Chidambaram, for some
defines the look of Kerala’s New Wave Cinema.
He is right now making a film on the 19 th Century painter Raja Ravi Varma.
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IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Argentina
Olga, Victoria Olga (Time Without Time)
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 89 mins, Spanish
Director
Mercedes Farriols
Screenplay
Mercedes Farriols
Cinematography
Ricardo De Angelis
Editor
Pablo Colafrancesco
Music
Federico Jusid
Cast
Juana Hidalgo, Mariana Levy, Pepe Novoa, Adriana Salonia,
Beatriz Spelzini
Art
Santiago Elder
Sound
Fernando Soldevila
Costume
Marcela Vilarino
Production
Criacine Srl
Aguilar 2356 PISO 22 F
Tel: +541147814960
Festivals & Awards
2006: Trieste-Italy (Best Sound Track Award),
Israel (Best Foreign Film) 2007: Shanghai, Eilat (Best Film),
Lisbon Village Festival, Santiago
Described as a poetic drama in which the histories of three women, three
generations, interlace and overlap, this is a film with a history with iterations,
with paths of life that repeat themselves again and again; with similar dreams,
desires, hopes, frustrations… Barbara is overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by her
parents’ relationship, by the existing contradiction between her longings and the
society she has to live in, for the love, the lack of love, the misunderstandings…
One dawn she turns from a party driving at nearly 100 km per hour with her
boyfriend Federico, two friends and lots of alcohol. Last thing she sees before
sinking into water is a suspension bridge; a bridge from which will arise, in the
middle of death, impotence, incomprehension, the history of her grandmother,
Olga. In the precise moment, with the exact wisdom. For the record, says the
film’s makers, every 30 minutes one person dies in a car accident due to driving
under the influence of alcohol. This is the main cause of death among teenagers,
and a huge concern for many parents in Argentina.
Mercedes Farriols is a writer, director, actress and teacher. Prolific authoress,
she has written many texts in almost every genre: 17 theatre plays, novels, TV
scripts, short stories, poetry, essays and articles; all of them traversed with the
same commitment to non-violence, human rights and women rights. For this
intense commitment, she has been acknowledged around Europe and Latin
America. This is her first film. Farriols, who studied literature in the Universidad
de Buenos Aires specialising in classic and modern languages, and in the
Università degli Studi di Milano, has also been awarded a scholarship by the
government of France to study the French language, literature and history.
8
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Bangladesh
On the wings of Dreams / Swopnodanay
2007, 35mm, Colour, 88 mins,Bengali
A gossamer fable with a steely core, it couches its real-world economics in pastoral
beauty. Fazlu sells dubious medicines at local fairs, but can barely support his
family. His daughter has a bad leg and needs special care, and his son, Ratan, is
growing fast. So when Fazlu’s wife finds some money in a pair of second hand
trousers bought for Ratan, the whole family is thrilled. It looks like they have got
a fortune, but the money is in a foreign currency they’ve never seen before. How
can they turn it into cash they can use? From this simple premise, the film builds
a story that delves deep into the economic and emotional struggles of villagers in
Bangladesh. The family hopes to find a bank in the city that will exchange the
money, but that’s easier said than done. Fazlu enlists the help of his friend Siraj,
a man who knows the ways of the world. Siraj agrees to assist but demands 50 per
cent of the money. For Fazlu, this is only a minor inconvenience, as he expects to
be a rich man very soon – so rich, in fact, that he starts courting a pretty younger
woman in the village, imagining he will easily be able to afford a second wife.
Fazlu’s growing hubris demands a fall, but it is in how events play out for him
and his family that the film attains its grace and insight.
Golam Rabbany Biplob makes his directorial debut with this film. Following the
lead given by his countryman and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus,
Biplob shows how broad economic forces affect the most modest of Bangladeshi
villagers. Biplob, born in Naogaon, Bangladesh, in 1974, studied Bengali language
and literature, philosophy and English. He is the secretary general of the
International Federation of Film Societies and the founding director of the
International Film Festival Bangladesh.
9
Director
Golam Rabbany Biplob
Screenplay
Golam Rabbany Biplob, Anisul Huque
Cinematography
Mahfooz Ur Rahman Khan
Editor
Junaid Halim
Music
Bappa Mozumder
Cast
Mahmuduzzaman Babu (Fazlu Kabiraj), Rokeya Prachy
(Kabiraj’s wife), Fazlur Rahman Babu (Shiraj Member),
Momena Choudhury (Shiraj Member’s wife), Shamima Islam
Tusty (Rehana), Ratan (Ratan)
Art
Shahid Ahmed Mitu
Sound
Anup Mukharjee, G.D.Babu
Costumes
Shomser Ali
Production
Impress Telefilm Ltd
62-A Siddeswari Road, 2nd Floor
1217 Dhaka
Bangladesh
Tel: +8828322168
Fax: +8828313665
World Sales
MDC International Gmbh
Schillerstr. 7a, 10625 Berlin (Germany)
Tel: +493026497900
Fax: +493026497910
Festivals & Awards
Shanghai (Best Director Asian New Talent Award),
Rotterdam, Paramaribo (Surinam), Sofia, Festroia (Portugal),
Durban, Toronto, Rio Di Janeiro, Hamburg, Chicago, Warsaw,
Bangladesh’s official entry for the Foreign Language Oscar at
the 80th Annual Academy Awards.
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
China
The Postmodern Life of My Aunt /
Yi Ma de Hou Xian Dai Sheng Huo
2006, 35mm, Colour, 111 mins, Mandarin Chinese
Director
Ann Hui
Screenplay
Ann Hui, Qiang Li
Cinematography
Lu Lik-Wai, Kwan Pun-leung
Editor
Liao Ching-Song, Yang Hong Yu
Music
Joe Hisaishi
Cast
Siqin Gaowa (Ye Rutang), Chow Yun-fat (Pan Zhichang),
Vicky Zhao Wei, Lisa Lu, Shi Ke, Guan Wenshuo (Kuankuan)
Art
Wu Lizhong
Sound
Tu Du-Chih
Costumes
Ma Yutao
Production
Cheerland Entertainment Organisation
1-2F, Building 1
Madianjingdian Jiayuan, No. 8
Qijiahuozi, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100029 (China)
Tel: +861082015522/6641
Fax: +861062018669
Email: [email protected]
In this film, renowned director Ann Hui blends her humanist cinema with the
spirit of Chinese opera. She has created both a humorous look at China today and
a new genre of filmmaking: the post-Cultural Revolution satirical melodrama.
Cool and articulate, the film has a generous heart, a sensitive soul and a clever
mind. Featuring a first-class cast of China’s great actors, it is the story of oldfashioned Ye Rutang, a single woman in her 60s who struggles to maintain a
dignified life amid the dangers of Shanghai, a city that seems to have become the
receptacle for all kinds of con men. The first to pull a scam on Ye is her 12-yearold nephew Kuan-kuan. He moves to her old-fashioned apartment after breaking
a leg in an accident, but when he cannot bear her stinginess, he runs away and
pretends to have been kidnapped in order to get the ransom money. Then comes
Pan Zhichang, an amateur opera singer, who tricks Ye into a relationship and
steals most of her savings with a complicated swindle involving speculation in
the price of cemetery plots. Focusing the film on the experience of women in her
home country and around the world, Hui sketches a fine portrait of changing
values. She situates her story in a precise cultural moment - a time where the past
seems to carry meaning only in the stubborn memories of individuals. This
charming social tale takes an original approach to issues including the atrophy of
mores in a society that is no longer egalitarian; its freshness rests in its ironic yet
compassionate look at its curious protagonists.
Ann Hui was born in Anshan, China and moved to Hong Kong as a child. She
studied at the University of Hong Kong and the London Film School, and worked
as an assistant director before directing a series of shorts and television
programmes. One of Hong Kong’s most prominent and innovative filmmakers,
she has directed numerous features, including The Secret (1979), Woo Yuet’s Story
(1981), Boat People (1982), Love in a Fallen City (1984), Song of the Exile (1990),
Summer Snow (1994), The Stunt Woman (1996), Visible Secret (2001), July
Rhapsody (2002) and Goddess of Mercy (2003).
10
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Colombia
A Ton of Luck / Soñar no cuesta nada
2006, 35 mm, colour, 96 mins, Spanish
This black comedy recounts the antics of a battalion of underpaid, overworked
Columbian soldiers who come upon a cache of $40 million. When the 147 members
of the anti-guerrilla patrol, on a rescue mission in the jungles of Caqueta, stumble
on a staggering cache of drug money, the men face a tough moral dilemma: What
to do with loot? For the testosterone-fuelled soldiers, the answer is to shirk their
duty, divvy up the treasure, and — if they can — keep it secret. Based on a true
story of military corruption that happened in May 2003, Triana’s morality tale
takes a local incident and expands it into a smart, witty and sometimes
heartbreaking look at the ravages of greed and the foolishness of easy
opportunities. Flush with wealth, but stuck in the middle of nowhere, the grunts
start paying each other through the nose for the smallest conveniences, such as
hundreds for a roll of toilet paper or a radio. Some burn cash to make campfires.
Poor, uneducated and victims of their own naïve youth, the men are even more
careless when they return home from active duty. A smash hit at the domestic
box office last summer, topping even “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s
Chest”, Triana’s deft mix of comedy, absurdity and tragedy tells its story through
the eyes of four main characters, each of whom travel different routes in
reconciling their dream-come-true chance at happiness with their ultimate
misfortune. The result is a compelling look at human nature.
Rodrigo Triana’s first feature film, Como el gato y el ratón (2002), won a number
of awards in festivals around the world. This second feature film of his became
the biggest box office hit in Colombian history, was nominated for a Goya Award,
and was Colombia’s official submission for the Academy Awards’ Foreign
Language film category. He is currently working on his next projects, Espérame
en el Cielo and A Ton of Luck II.
11
Director
Rodrigo Triana
Screenplay
Jorge Hiller, Clara Maria Ochoa
Cinematography
Sergio Garcia
Editor
Alberto Ponce
Music
Nicolás Uribe
Cast
Diego Cadavid (Lloreda), Juan Sebastian Arangón (Venegas),
Manuel José Chavez (Buddies Porras), Carlos Manuel Vesga
(Perlaza), Marlon Moreno
Art
Gabriela Monroy
Sound
Gonzalo Guerra, Rafael Umana
Production
Clara María Ochoa Dominguez
Eva Carrillo Telesisteme Mejicaho
SA de CV Balderas
No 420 Mezanine Col Centro
Historico 06070 Mexico DF
World Sales
CMO Producciones SA
Festivals & Awards
2006: Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival
2007: Colombia’s entry for the Best Foreign Film Oscar, Palm
Spring, Miami, Cartagena (Best actor to Marlon Moreno),
Guadalajara, Chicago (Public Choice Award), Cannes
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
India
Night Rain / Rathri Mazha
2006, 35 mm, Colour, Malayalam
Director
Lenin Rajendran
Screenplay
Lenin Rajendran
Cinematography
Madhu Neelakantan
Music
Ramesh Narayan
Cast
Vineeth, Meera Jasmine, Manoj K Jayan, Biju Menon, Lalu
Alex, Cochin Haneefa
Two youngsters, Harikrishnan and Meera, come to know each other through a
matrimonial advertisement on a web site. Through intermittent chat sessions they
get drawn to each other. Though they have not met, love blossoms. But what they
love is what each imagines the other person to be. When they eventually meet,
however, the dreams are shattered. But their minds have been so bonded together,
they decide to marry and make the best of it. It is now society that looks askance
at the relationship.
Starting out as director P A Backer's assistant, Lenin Rajendran made his directorial debut with Venal (1982). Lenin has been consistent with the quality of his
films, by not surrendering to market forces even while using the form and stars
of popular cinema. An active member of the Communist party, his Meenamasithile
Sooryan (1985) was about the anti-feudal upheaval of the 1940s in Kerala from a
Communist viewpoint. Swathi Thirunal (1987), a period film was a biographical
work of a 19th century king of Travancore, better known as a musical composer,
Daivathinte Vikrithikal (1992) was the cinematic adoption of M Mukandan's novel
of the same name, Mazha (2001) was adopted from Madhavikutty's story, and
Annyar (2003) deals with the hot topic of communal polarisation in Kerala. His
other films are Chillu (1982), Prem Nazirine Kanmanilla (1983), Meenamasathile
Sooryan (1985), Puravrutham (1988), and Vachanam (1992).
12
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
India
Tale of a River / Ek Nadir Galpo
2007, 35mm, Colour, 127 mins, Bengali
‘Tale of a River’ celebrates the special relationship that fathers and daughters
share. Darakeshwar is Anu’s hero and she is her father’s pride and joy. The bond
that Darakeshwar and Anu share transcends time and even death. Darakeshwar’s
mission is to rename the river Keleghai as Anjana in memory of his daughter who
lost her life in the river. Is Darakeshwar right in wanting to rename the river?…
Can the names of rivers be changed so easily?… Who will help Darakeshwar in
his mission?… Will Darakeshwar ever manage to rename the river?…
Samir Chanda is a professional film, commercials and television designer with
almost 25 years of experience and across the wide range of both large and small
projects. He has worked with some the best directors in Indian cinema – Mrinal
Sen, Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Subhash Ghai, Mani Rathnam, Vishal
Bhardwaj and many others. He has made a significant, indelible and influential
contribution to the development of production design in the Indian film industry.
Chanda has also been instrumental in developing the postgraduate diploma in art
direction at the Film & Television institute of India, Pune. This is his directorial
debut.
13
Direction
Samir Chanda
Cinematography
Rajen Kothari
Editor
Sanjib Datta
Music
Nachiketa
Cast
Mithun Chakrabarty, Shweta Prasad, Nirmal Kumar, Anjan
Srivastava, Krishna Kishore, Jishu Sengupta
Production
Leela Chanda, Sangeeta Ajay Agrawal
World Sales
Lissac Entertainment
B 103, Uranus Apartments
Sai Baba Galaxy, Link Road
Goregaon (W), Mumbai 400004, India
Tel: (+91) (22) 28792093
Fax:(+91) (22) 66994202
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Israel
The Debt / Ha’Chov
2007, 35mm Colour, 93 mins, Hebrew/German/Russian
Director
Assaf Bernstein
Screenplay
Assaf Bernstein, Ido Rosenblum
Cinematography
Giora Bejach
Editor
Einat Glazer-Zarhin
Music
Jonathan Ber Giora
Cast
Gila Almagor (Rachel Brener), Netta Garti (young Rachel
Berner), Edgar Selge (Maximilian Reiner), Itay Tiran (young
Zvi), Yehezkel Lazarov (young Ehud)
Art
Illya Isupov, Ido Dolev
Sound
Aviv Aldema
Costumes
Galina Otenko, Inbal Shuki
Production
Eitan Evan
Evanstone Films
18 Beit Hillel
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel: 972-3-5612045
Fax: 972-3-5612492
World Sales
United King Films
Cinema City Complex
Zomet Glilot
Ramat Hasharon 47100
Tel: +97236909994
Fax: +97236997022
The year: 1965, Rachel Brener is one of three young Mossad agents who capture
the “Surgeon of Birkenau”, a monstrous Nazi war criminal. In their safe house, at
the outskirts of Berlin, the three agents wait for their return to Israel in order to
deliver “the Surgeon” for public trial. As they watch over their captive, a
psychological duel commences between the Nazi doctor and the young agents.
Matters rapidly deteriorate and “the Surgeon” manages to escape. Unable to face
their horrible failure, Rachel and her friends decide to fabricate the Surgeon’s
death and return to Israel as “national heroes”. In 1997, more than 30 years later,
“the Surgeon” suddenly resurfaces in Ukraine, determined to confess to his crimes
against humanity. Now, the three ex-Mossad agents need to protect their lie. The
mission falls on Rachel who must terminate a man known to be dead and to redeem
the debt against which she had built her life.
Assaf Bernstein is an New York University Film School graduate and an awardwinning writer-director. His short films won awards in the international film
festivals of Jerusalem, Chicago, San Francisco, Northampton and MannheimHidelberg. In 2001, Assaf won the Golden Trailer Award in the Best Trailer-No
Movie category for the trailer he directed for his soon-to-be-produced feature
film, a.k.a. The same year, Assaf completed Run, a crime drama shot on location
in a trailer park in Israel.
14
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Mexico
More than Anything in the World /
Mas Que A Nada En El Mundo
2006, 35mm, Colour, 90 mins, Spanish
The relationship between beautiful Emilia and her imaginative young daughter,
Alicia, is tested in this understated Mexican drama. Disoriented after moving to a
new apartment and left to herself when her mother starts bringing men home,
Alicia takes refuge in dreams that soon become nightmares, especially after she
begins to fear that her mom has become possessed by the vampirish man next
door. With a keen eye for the rhythms and struggles of contemporary Mexican
family life, this film illuminates the secret worlds of lonely children while never
straying from its true subject: the uncommon love.
Andres Leon Becker and Javier Solar are innovative storytellers with an
extraordinary sense of humour and visual flare. Their debut film is dramatic and
emotionally charged. Becker was born in Mexico City in 1970. He studied at the
Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica (CCC), where he specialised in
cinematography. Born in Puerto Rico in 1969, Solar also studied at the CCC,
specialising in screenplays and directing. The two co-directed the shorts Mi último
encuentro con Víctor (1995), UFO (1995), Cococobana (1997) and Cerebro
(2001). This film marks their feature-length directorial debut.
15
Director
Andres Leon Becker, Javier Solar
Screenplay
Andres Leon Becker, Javier Solar
Cinematography
Damian Garcia
Editor
Luciana Jauffred Gorostiza
Cast
Elizabeth Cervantes (Emilia), Juan Carlos Colombo (Hector),
Julia Urbini (Alicia), Andrés Montiel (Mario), Daniel
Martínez (Doctor), Silverio Palacios
Art
Barbara Enriquez, Alejandro Garcia
Sound
Pablo Tamez Sierra
Costumes
Fernanda Velez
Production
Ángeles Castro, Issa Guerra, Hugo Rodríguez
C.C.C./IMCINE, FOPROCINE
Mexican Film Institute
Insurgentes Sur 674,
2nd Floor
Del Valle 03100 Mexico City
Mexico
Festivals & Awards
best first film at both the Guadalajara (best first film), and
Montreal (best first film), Miami
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Morocco
The Satanic Angels / Les Anges de Satan
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 84 mins, French-Arabic
Director
Ahmed Boulane
Screenplay
Ahmed Boulane
Cinematography
Serge Hannecart
Editor
Arbi Ben Ali
Music
Joel Pelligrini
Cast
Mansour Badri (Hakim), Younes Megri (Momo’s Father),
Driss Roukhe (Kader), Rafik Boubker (Said), Amal Ayouch
(Lawyer), Amal Chabli (Meriam), Salah Dizane (Police Chief)
Art
Amine Mohamed Soulaymani
Sound
Mohamed Bounouar
Costumes
Dana Shondelmeyer
Production & World Sales
Ahmed Boulane
Boulane O’Bryne Production
Bvd Yacoub El Mansour
Résidence El Beida Imm H Appt 4
Casablanca, Morocco 20100
Tel: +212 61 298491
Fax: +212 22 230051
www.lesangesdesatan.com
Casablanca, Morocco, 2003. Fourteen young musicians are accused of shaking
the foundations of Islam because they play hard rock. They are sentenced to
prison for up to a year after a surrealistic trial. The civil society mobilizes to try
to free them... Based on actual events.
Ahmed Boulane was born in Sale, Morocco in 1956. He was expelled from school
three times, and was only 15 when they threw him out for good. However, this
did not stop him from learning to speak four languages fluently. During the past
30 years, he has worked on msore than 50 feature films and documentaries and
more than 100 commercials, both Moroccan and international. During the mid1990s Boulane began to feel restless, and decided to add a nationality: he became
an Irish citizen in 1995. And he decided he needed to direct his own projects.
The result... in 1996 he created his production company, Boulane-O’Bryne
Production (B’OB Prod), to produce Voyage dans le passé and Ali, Rabiaa et les
autres, two films that earned him both critical acclaim and the respect of the
public.
16
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Pakistan
In the Name of God / Khuda Ke Liye
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 170 mins, Urdu
It is the story of Mansoor who goes to the United States for higher education.
During his study years, the tragic events of 9/11 take place, and somehow the
young man gets arrested by the American authorities. Mansoor’s younger brother
Sarmad is being motivated by his old extremist friend Sher Shah on the ‘path of
God’ and to quit all musical activities in favour of the ‘straight path’. Meanwhile,
his uncle arrives from the UK with his only cousin Maryam who wanted to marry
her non-Muslim boyfriend back in the UK against her father’s wishes. He brings
her to Pakistan where Sher Shah trucks them to their village in a tribal area near
Afghanistan and leaves Maryam after forcibly getting her married to Sarmad.
She tries to escape but Sher Shah and Sarmad follow her and brings her back to
the village. Naseeruddin Shah plays the powerful cameo of a Muslim scholar
who clarifies oft misunderstood and misinterpreted tenets of Islam during the
course of a court case. The film is about the difficult situation in which the
Pakistanis in particular and the Muslims in general are caught up since 9/11.
Shoaib Mansoor is rated by critics as one of the most influential figures on the
Pakistan showbiz scene. He has produced and directed TV shows like Alpha Bravo
Charlie, Sunehre Din and Gulls & Guys for PTV, the national channel. He has
also successfully dabbled with song writing and has penned the stories and
screenplays for many of his drama productions that he also directed. Between
2001 and 2003, Shoaib directed the Supreme Ishq series of songs. He was the
backbone of songs by Junaid Jamshed and produced most of the albums by the
1980s pop sensation Vital Signs. He wrote and composed a number of their hit
numbers such as Dil Dil Pakistan and Aitebar. He has been awarded Pesidential
Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz award by the Government of Pakistan.
This is his first feature film.
17
Director
Shoaib Mansoor
Screenplay
Shoaib Mansoor
Cinematography
Ali Mohammad, Neil Lisk, Ken Seng, David Lemay
Editor
Ali Javed, Aamir Khan
Music
Khawar Jawad, Rohail Hayat
Cast
Shaan (Mansoor), Fawad Afzal Khan (Sarmad), Iman Ali
(Maryam), Naseeruddin Shah (Maulana Wali), Hameed
Sheikh (Sher Shah), Austin Marie Sayre (Janie), Humayun
Qazi (uncle)
Art
Jennifer Gerber, David Christopher Krause
Costumes
Ronald G Forsyth, Emma Potter, Kuba Zelazek
Production
Shoman Productions
House No. 311, Block S
DHA, Lahore (Pakistan)
Tel: +9242572511
Fax: +92212215378
Mobile: +923018469495
World Sales
Geo Films
Printing House
I.I.Chundrigar Road
Karachi (Pakistan)
Tel: +92212636961
Fax: +92212636066
Mobile: +923008489188, +923333536011
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Georgia
Svani
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 97 mins, Georgian
Director
Soso & Badri Jachvliani
Screenplay
Soso & Badri Jachvliani, Amiran Chichinadze, Amiran
Dolidze, Eka Jangveladze, Irma Pirtskhalaishvili
Cinematography
Evgeni Muzrukov
Editor
Paata Godziashvili, Temur Kotolashvili
Music
Tchabuka Amiranashvili
Cast
Badri Jachvliani (Jabeg), Darejan Kharshiladze (Martha),
Elena Velikanova (Vika)
Art
Temur Arjevandze
Sound
Paata Godziashvili
Costumes
Ketino Palavandishvili
Studio Tetnuldi
21/95 G. Brtskinvale street
Didi Digomi, 0131 Tbilisi, Georgia
Tel/Fax: +(995 32) 253335
Festivals
Venice
Svani is a legend about life, feud and love. All based on reality. In the highest
populated place of Europe, high up in the Georgian part of the Caucasus mountains,
resides an ancient Christian tribe of Georgians who still follow the traditions of
blood revenge. They are called the Svanetians...
Soso & Badri Jachvliani are well known directors from Georgia.
18
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Sri Lanka
Cruel Embrace / Dhawala Duwili
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 90 mins, Sinhalese
Yaso lives alone with her daughter after the death of her soldier husband
Ratnaweera who fought in Sri Lanka’s civil war. Ratnaweera’s mother Hinnihami,
who lives close by, is a typical hot-tempered but soft-hearted village woman. She
looks after Yaso but is also very much in control of Yaso’s life. Hinnihami’s eldest
son Amarasena does odd jobs in the capital city of Colombo. He is a drifter without
drive and ambition. No one knows he lives in Colombo and his arrivals and
departures are unpredictable. He returns home only after the traditional seventh
day almsgiving for his dead brother. When he learns that Yaso is pregnant again,
he starts to think about his brother’s unborn child, his niece Nayanakanthin and
about Yaso. He is emotionally and physically drawn towards Yaso. Hinnihami
notices this change in Amarasena. She believes that Ratnaweera died because of
the bad luck brought on by Yaso and feels the same thing will happen to her
eldest son as well. In this highly charged emotional climate, Yaso becomes
depressed. She realises that if she is to own the land she lives on, she must marry
Amarasena. If not, she will have to marry someone else and leave the house and
property. But Hinnihami makes sure that neither of these happen. Amarasena is
forced to agree to a marriage proposal negotiated by his mother in order to ease
the highly tense situation, not because he wants to get married to another woman.
But Yaso misunderstands him and breaks of their love affair to hurt him. Caught
between Yaso’s rejection and his mother’s marriage plans for him, Amarasena
disappears one day without telling anyone. Throughout the film, the many-faceted
cruel results of armed conflict are brought into stark focus in the life-struggles of
a war widow.
Anuruddha Jayasinghe made his foray into the world of cinema in the late 1980s,
as a schoolboy. Later, he worked with luminaries like Tissa Abeysekara, H D
Premaratne and Sudath Rohana, before commencing his own directing career in
television. Starting at Swarnawahini channel as a writer and producer of
documentaries, dramas and music videos, Anuruddha became the programming
director of Derana television, as it commenced operations in late 2005. Over the
years, he has won best director awards in all the local television award
presentations. His drama, such as Abi Samaya, Wiya Sidura, Dhawala Kanya and
Maya Ranga, has established him as an integral part of the new wave directors.
Sankranthi” was his first feature film.
19
Director
Anuruddha Jayasinghe
Screenplay
Nimal Senanayake
Cinematography
Ruwan Costa
Editor
Ravindra Guruge
Music
Navaratne Gamage
Cast
Dhlhani Ekanayake, Mahendra Perera, Grace Ariyawimal,
Sandali Welikanna,
Rebeca Nirmali, Sampath Jayaweera, Dimuthu Chinthaka
Art
Welegedera Ranasinghe
Sound
Kalinga Gihan Perera
Costumes
Athula Suthanagoda
NS Productions
No 16, 3/3, Falcon Court,
Amarasekera Mawatha
Colombo - 05 (Sri Lanka)
Tel: +94773580451
Fax: +94114410911
www.anujaya.com
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Taiwan
The Wall
2007, 35 mm, Colour, Mandarian-Japanese
Director
Lin Chih Ju
Screenplay
Wu Zhen Gang, Huang Shu Ling, Wu Luo Ying
Cinematography
Zeng Xian Zhong
Editor
Lin Chih Ju, Liao Ching Song
Music
Li Yi Cang
Cast
You An Shun, Huang Tsai Yi, Kage-Yama Yuki-Hiko
Sound
You Jia Shuo
Costume
Zhuang Hui Yi
Production
Fig Co. Ltd
7F, No. 11, Alley 20
Lane 61, Pusin St., Shenkeng Township
Taipei County 222 (Taiwan)
Tel: +886953378877
In the early 1950s, even the small villages in Taiwan were bathed in the atmosphere
of White Terror. It was a difficult time for all. There was a beautiful young woman
called A-zhen. She always felt that there was something weird in her house since
she got married to her husband, A-yi, the village glassblower. A-zhen was very
curious about the mystery surrounding the wall in her house. So, one day, she
decided to investigate the real secret behind the wall. Apparantly, there was a
Japanese man called Shouhei Kimura whom her husband respected as a master.
Kimura came to Taiwan before the Pacific War to advocate the socialist revolution.
Kimura enlightened A-yi, who had no idea about the world, the age and the class.
A-yi followed Kimura whereever he went and worshipped him like a God. To
prevent Kimura from being caught by the authorities, A-yi built a wall within his
house and let Kimura stay to protect him. Kimura could only sense the changes
around the outside world through the fissure of the wall.
Lin Chih Ju is a prominent filmmaker from Taiwan.
20
IFFI-2007
COMPETITION
Thailand
Me Myself / Khaw Hai Rak Jong Jaroen
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 117 mins, Thai
Tan suffers from amnesia, and he wants to know who he is. He lives with Oom,
the girl who is the reason behind his amnesia. Oom is heart broken after breaking
up from her boyfriend. She also has to look after her little nephew, the son of her
dead sister. At first, it seems Tan and Oom cannot get along well, but their relationship is amazingly changed by Oom’s nephew who brings them together, and
finally they fall in love. Later, Tan gradually recalls his memories and realises
who he was. His past seems to be the big twist of his present life because it could
hurt Oom’s feelings.
Pongpat Wachirabunjong is a Thai singer, actor and director. He is well-known in
Thailand for his role in the action films Heaven’s Seven and Seven Street Fighters. In addition, he has acted in many “lakorns” (Thai soap operas). This is his
debut feature film.
21
Director
Pongpat Wachirabunjong
Screenplay
Kongdej Jaturanrasamee
Cinematography
Sayombhu Mukdeeprom
Editor
Sunit Asvinikul
Music
Hualumpong Riddim
Cast
Ananda Everingham (Tan/Tanya), Chayanan
Manomaisnatiphap (Oom), Monton Arunpabmard (Ohm),
Puttachat Pongsuchat (Boss Oil), Piay Vimuktayou (Krit),
Direk Amatayakul (Dr Kriangkrai), Maria Dissayanand (Dr
Maria)
Production
Thanya Wachirabunjong, Piyalak Mahathanasap
Mono Film
200, Jasmine International Tower, 31st Floor
Mao 4 Chaengwattana Road\
Pakkred, Nonthaburi 11120 (Thailand)
Festivals
Bangkok
Cinema of the World
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
24
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
ASIAN PREMIERE
Argentina
Hunabku
At the very moment he begins to cross the line between childhood and adolescence,
Lucas has to leave his home at Buenos Aires and move, along with his parents,
Federico and Mabel, to the mysterious Patagonia, deep in the south of Argentina.
Seduced by a promising work opportunity, the family tries to recreate their home
in the isolated location. But Lucas quickly meets the immensity of the Glacier
and starts wandering along the gigantic ice extension, looking for answers to its
enigmas. Lucas believes something lies beneath the Glacier, something he cannot
translate into language. A vibration. A secret. His parents are unable to listen to
him. Federico is too busy pursuing his material goals while he digs into the land
to build a vacation resort. Mabel cannot sleep at night, so during the day she is
barely awake and stays in the house trying to fight her own daydreams. Soon,
what looked like enjoying an adventure while rapidly becoming rich turns out to
be a labyrinth of infinite directions where everyone has to look for his own way
out. But the warm voice of the anthropologist Nicolás, a lonely scientist who has
lived in Patagonia for many years, may help Lucas to find his road. He might also
help the whole family by revealing that behind all the mysteries and secrets there
lays a simple truth that many have chosen to forget. It is an agile and modern
reflection on middle class people who are estranged from their own selves, and
live in vicious circles of ambition and consumption.
The 1962-born Pablo Cesar has made films like Blood, Aphrodite (the garden of
the perfumes), Unicorn (the garden of the fruits), Grey Fire, Equinox and The
Holy Family. He has also made a number of short films.
25
Director
Pablo César
Screenplay
Jeronimo Toubes
Cinematography
Abel Peñalba
Editor
Liliana Nadal
Music
Héctor Magni
Cast
Raul Taibo (Federico), Florencia Raggi (Mabel), Boy Olmi
(Nicolas), Tahiel Arevalo (Lucas). Mauro Cesar Mori
(Mariano), Miwa Oshiro (Liu), Juan Martin Otegui
(Marcelo)
Art
Cecilia Figueredo
Sound
Adriano Salgado, Rodrigo Sánchez Mariño
Production
Mike César, with the support of Instituto Nacional de Cine y
Artes Audiovisuales (INCAA), Universidad del Cine
Festivals & Awards
Amiens, Cinemagic International Film Festival (Northern
Ireland), Cairo
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Argentina-France-Germany
The Other / El Otro
Director
Ariel Rotter
Screenplay
Ariel Rotter
Cinematography
Marcelo Lavintman
Editor
Eliane Katz
Cast
Julio Chavez (Juan Desouza), Ines Molina, Maria Ucedo,
Arturo Goetz
Art
Aili Chen
Sound
Martín Litmanovich
Costumes
Roberta Pesci
Production
Aquafilms
Cabello 3644
C1425APN Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Tel: +54 (11) 4802-4218
Tel/Fax: +54 (11) 4809-3698
email: [email protected];
AireCine (Argentina), Celluloid Dreams (France), Selavy
Productions (Germany)
Festivals & Awards
Berlin (Grand Jury Prize, Silver Bear for Best Actor),
Fribourg (Audience Award, Special Mention IFFS Jury - Don
Quijote Award), Alba-Italy (SIGNIS Award)
A run of the mill, one-day business trip to the country becomes another journey.
On reaching his destination, Juan Desouza - a lawyer in his late 40s, who’s happily
married and his wife is expecting a child – discovers that the man travelling at his
side is not sleeping. He is dead. Secretly, almost like a game, he decides to adopt
the dead man’s identity, inventing a profession for himself, finding a place to
stay: the possibility of not returning. Desouza undertakes an adventure into nature,
into the rediscovery of his tastes and his basic instincts. He tries to grasp the idea
that the life dealt out for him, and which he chose to live, is not the only one
possible. He eventually goes back home, stronger from the spiritual experience.
Born 1973 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ariel Rotter is a film director and
screenplay writer. His earlier film is Sólo por hoy (2001).
26
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Argentina-Germany
Possible Lives / Las Vidas Posibles
Luciano undertakes one of his regular business trips to the Patagonia. After days
when Carla receives no news of her husband, she begins to search for information about his whereabouts. Increasingly desperate, she decides to travel to where
he should have gone. There, she is totally disconcerted to find someone like
Luciano, who leads another life and is married to another woman. From that
moment Carla develops a set of strategies for achieving be close to that man, to
possess and return him to his previous life.
Sandra Gugliotta, whose latest film Tercera invasión (Third invasion) in under
production, has earlier made films like Un día de suerte (One lucky day) (2002)
and Noches áticas (Arctic Nights) (Short-1994).
27
Director
Sandra Gugliotta
Screenplay
Sandra Gugliotta, Pablo Fendrik
Cinematography
Lucio Bonelli
Editor
Juan Pablo Di Bitonto, Víctor Cruz
Music
Sebastian Escofet
Cast
German Palacios (Luis / Luciano), Ana Celentano (Carla),
Marina Glezer (Helena), Guillermo Arengo (Gutierrez),
Natalia Oreiro (Marcia), Osmar Nunez (Caretaker)
Art
Fabiana Piotti
Sound
Vincent D’Elia
Costumes
Mariela Fondevielle
Production
El Angel Films
Serrano 820 3-D
(1414) Buenos Aires
Argentina
Tel: +54 11 4775 4377
email: [email protected];
Fieber Film, Grünwald
Festivals & Awards
Berlin (First Prize of the World Cinema Fund)
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Bahrain
A Bahraini Tale / Hekaya Bahrainya
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 96 mins, Arabic
Director
Bassam Al Thawadi
Screenplay
Fareed Ramadan
Cinematography
Shamdat Saimudeen
Editor
Osama Al-Saif
Music
Mohammed Haddad
Cast
Maryam Zaiman, Mubarak Khamis, Jaman Alrowayai, Fatima
Abdulrahim, Yousif Buhalol, Nadeem Zaiman, Saad Abdullah,
Hassan Almajed
Sound
Giles Khan
Production
Bahrain Cinema Production Company
610, Building 203, Govt. Avenue
Manama 304, Bahrain
P.O.Box No. 33223 Isa Town, Bahrain
Tel: +97339721321
Fax: +97317224004
Mobile: +97339666466
email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Festivals & Awards
2006: Dubai, Alwan Film Festival (New York),
2007: Terra Di Siena (Italy), Emirates Film Competition (Abu
Dhabi), Arab Film Festival (Rotterdam), International Arab
Film Festival (Algeria), International Festival of Muslim
Cinema (Kazan), International Euro-Arab Film Festival
(Amal, 2007), Osian’s Cinefan (New Delhi)
Set during the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, this epic drama is both the personal
story of a middle-class Bahraini family and an account of the hopes and faith the
Arab world had in Jamal Abdul Nasser as its leader. Intimately told, it skillfully
interweaves the personal and the general to reveal a society built on male
domination and female sacrifice, as women attempt to enjoy freedom of choice.
This is the third feature film from Bahrain, all directed by Al-Thawadi, who shows
flexibility in both style and subject, always demonstrating a deep sense of reality
and romanticism. The social concerns here are clear and the storytelling simple,
yet help the film explore areas of Arab collective memory more powerfully than
any other film has done in a long time.
Bassam Mohammed Al Thawadi was born in Bahrain on December 13, 1960.
From 1974 to 1978 he made his own series of short films on 8mm - in 1979 he
went to Cairo to study film directing and graduated from the Higher Institute of
Cinema (Cairo) in 1982. In 1990, he produced and directed Al-Hajiz (The Barrier),
the first feature film ever produced in Bahrain. Fourteen years later, he directed
and co-produced Visitor (2004), considered the first Dolby sound system
production in the Gulf. Between those two films he directed many documentaries.
28
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Brazil
Not By Chance / Não Por Acaso
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 95 mins, Portuguese
It is a contemporary story about love, loneliness and the desire to control the
uncontrollable with Sao Paulo as one of its characters. Two men have never met,
but they have a common lifestyle based on precision, control and method, until
an unpredictable accident involving two women forever changes the course of
their lives. Ênio and Pedro are about to find that an unpredictable world can rob
them of something precious — then repay them with something else. In this drama
of love and loss, Barcinski films São Paulo with the intimacy of a lover — showing
its built-up streets in sweeping overhead shots during the clean, crisp daylight,
then returning after dark to show its city lights in wooly soft focus. The film
received the Alfred P. Sloan Grant at the Sundance Screenwriters Lab.
The 1972-born Philippe Barcinski studied physics at the University of Rio de
Janeiro before assisting director Luis Carlos Lacerda. In 1992, he decided to
study Film Production as a student of Jean Bernardet. At the University in 1996,
he directed his first short films: The Stairs and The Cage,The Cage a gagne le
prix du Festival de Brasilia, et le Prix spécial du Jury a Gramado. the latter winning
the prize of the Festival of Brasilia, and the Special Jury Prize at Gramado. During
1998 – 2003, he received numerous awards for his short films The White Postcard,
Palindrome and The Open Window, at the film festivals of San Francisco, Mexico
and Odense. He also participated in the festivals in Berlin, London and ClermontFerrand.
29
Director
Philippe Barcinski
Screenplay
Fabiana Werneck Barcinski, Philippe Barcinski, Eugenio
Puppo
Cinematography
Pedro Farkas
Editor
Marcio Canella
Music
Ed Cortes
Cast
Rodrigo Santoro (Pedro), Leonardo Medeiros (Ênio), Letícia
Sabatella (Lúcia), Branca Messina (Teresa), Rita Batata (Bia),
Graziela Moretto (Mônica)
Sound
Ana Chiarini
Costumes
Vero Julian
Production
02 Films
World Sales
Ondamax Films
(Eric Mathis/Donald Ranvaud)
1360, Monad Terrace
Suit 1, Miami Beach
FL 33139 (USA)
Tel: +13055353577, +13052152221
www.ondamaxfilms.com
Festivals & Awards
Middle East, Chicago
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Canada
Emotional Arithmetic
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 100 mins, English
Director
Paolo Barzman
Screenplay
Jefferson Lewis, based on the novel by Matt Cohen
Cinematography
Luc Montpellier
Editor
Arthur Tarnowski
Music
Normand Corbeil
Cast
Susan Sarandon (Melanie Lansing Winters), Gabriel Byrne
(Christopher Lewis), Max von Sydow (Jakob Bronski),
Christopher Plummer (David Winters), Roy Dupuis (Benjiman
Winters)
Art
Jean-François Campeau
Sound
Dimitri Ménard
Production
BBR Productions inc.
3430, rue Saint-Denis Bureau 300
Montreal, Quebec H2X 3L3
Tel: (514) 288-0080, (514) 288-0081
www.bbrprod.com
Triptych Media Inc.
788 King St. W.
2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 1N6
Tel: (416) 703-8866, (416) 703-8867
www.triptychmedia.ca
World Sales
Celluloïd Dreams
2, rue Turgot
Paris, France - 75009
Tel: 33 1 49 70 03 70
Fax: 33 1 49 70 03 71
www.celluloid-dreams.com
Festivals & Awards
Toronto, Atlanta, San Sebastian
A summer day, a lake, a house, a dinner table set outside, the promise of an
upcoming celebration. Melanie has fulfilled her life’s dream of reuniting Jakob
and Christopher. She hasn’t seen them in more than 40 years since the three of
them were freed in 1943 from a transit camp for those who were to be sent to the
death camps. Jakob was caught in the grips of history; having survived Auschwitz
and Soviet mental institutions, he has now become a poet. Christopher cut himself
off from the world; he studies insects and has buried deep down his untold love
for Melanie. Melanie married David and has survived endless depressions. In her
old age, she has become a lively, crazy nomad in her own story. Can we let past
suffering suffocate our present? And what about love in all of this?
Paolo Barzman began his creative career in painting and graphic arts at the
Académie Jullian in Paris and at the University of California in Los Angeles. At
19, he was hired by director Jean Renoir as his secretary in Los Angeles. Paolo’s
debut as a writer/director was with the feature film Time is Money starring Max
von Sydow, Charlotte Rampling and Martin Landau. A successful television
director in North America and Europe, he has made All Around Town, starring
Nastassja Kinski, and You Belong to Me, starring Lesley Anne Down. Other credits
include Adventure Inc., Highlander, Largo Winch, Relic Hunter, Lonesome Dove,
and 15/Love.
30
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Canada
Romeo & Juliette
Juliette, 15, is the only child of an eminent judge and has had the best of education
in the best of schools. Her father is in the limelight because he’s been chosen to
preside over one of the most important trials of the past 10 years: the case of Réal
Lamontagne, a notorious criminal accused of killing a child. Roméo, 17, is the
son of the accused. Even though they come from diametrically opposed universes,
Juliette and Roméo fall for each other. With the charm of Montreal adding a tragic
dimension to the story, love and hate, those polar opposites, find each other in an
ambience of rivalry and social incompatibility.
Yves Desgagnés, is one of Quebec’s most appreciated artistes. In his 30 years in
front of and behind the camera, Desgagnés has acted in more than 50 plays and
shows, in many television series and has acquired a solid reputation as a director.
In cinema, he has acted in such films as Yves Simoneau’s Pouvoir intime, JeanClaude Labrecque’s Les Années de rêves, and Denys Arcand’s Les invasions
barbares. In 2005, he directed his first feature film, Idole instantanée.
31
Director
Yves Desgagnes
Screenplay
Normand Chaurette
Cinematography
Pierre Mignot
Editor
Michel Arcand
Cast
Jeanne Moreau, Thomas Lalonde, Charlotte Aubin,
Pierre Curzi, Gilles Renaud
Sound
Marie-Claude Gagné
Production
Cinémaginaire inc.
5144, boul. Saint-Laurent
Montreal, Quebec
H2T 1R8
Tel: (514) 272-5505
Fax: (514) 272-9841
World Sales
Fun Film
5146 Boul St-Laurent Montreal
Quebec H2T 1RB Canada
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Canada
The Ring / Le Ring
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 90 mins, French
Director
Anais Barbeau-Lavalette
Screenplay
Renée Beaulieu
Cinematography
Philippe Lavalette
Editor
Carina Baccanale
Cast
Maxime Desjardins-Tremblay, Julianne Côté, Maxime
Dumontier, Jason Roy-Léveillée,
Stéphane Demers, Suzanne Lemoine, Jean-François
Casabonne
Sound
Olivier Léger
Production
Inis Relève inc.
301, rue de Maisonneuve Est
Montreal, Quebec
H2X 1K1
Tel: (514) 285-1840, 285-1953
www.inis.qc.ca
World Sales
Christal Films Distribution inc.
376, av. Victoria
Bureau 300
Westmount, Quebec
H3Z 1C3
Tel: (514) 336-9696, 336-0607
www.christalfilms.com
Festivals & Awards
Berlin, Montreal, Pusan
Jessy, age 11, dreams of becoming a wrestler. Already, life is a daily fight; home
is chaotic and his innocence is quickly disappearing. Reality hits hard in
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, a poor area of Montreal, but it cannot compete with the
Friday night wrestling that gives Jessy the courage to escape his destiny. Le Ring
tells the story of a little fighter determined to make his own way.
In 2000, while studying at Quebec’s Institut national de l’image et du son (INIS),
Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette made her first two documentary films, Sorcières comme
les autres and Les Mots bleus. She then made the documentary Buenos Aires, no
llores. In 2002, she represented Canada at the United Nation’s Volunteers’ Odyssey
where seven teams of young reporters had the opportunity to film nearly 50
volunteer sites in the world. Barbeau-Lavalette made 15 short documentaries.
Later, in Si j’avais un chapeau, she had poor children from Quebec, India, Tanzania
and Palestine create and film their own stories; in Les mains du monde, she
presented six people in their quest to overcome solitiude. Le Ring is BarbeauLavalette’s first fiction feature film.
32
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Chile
Pretending / Pretendiendo
When the beautiful Amanda is humiliated by her lover and fired from her job, she
decides to move to a new town and start over – this time, though, she makes
herself into an ugly woman to be taken seriously. When she meets Marcelo, a
cocky new coworker and quintessential ‘player,’ she decides to go one step further
and test him by playing both her ugly persona and her real one (whom she now
calls Helena) against him. But juggling a double life proves harder than she’d
imagined, and when real feelings begin to develop between both Marcelo and
Helena, as well as between Marcelo and Amanda, she finds her comedy of errors
has turned into an odd and sexy love triangle.
It is Claudio Dabed first feature film, and apart from directing it, he has also done
the art direction and produced the film. Dabed studied at UNIACC Film School
in Chile, and after graduating, he worked in advertising films for a short period.
He won the first prize in the Sony Video Art festival. When, during dictator
Pinochet’s period cinema was non-existent in Chile and advertising was the only
visual media produced, he at 24 moved to Bali, Indonesia, where he lived for 11
years designing clothes and furniture. After gathering experiences and releasing
creativity through other channels, he was inspired to return to his passion and
wrote, produced and directed his first feature film. Dabed lives in Los Angeles
and is developing of his second feature.
33
Director
Claudio Dabed
Screenplay
Claudio Dabed, Franklin McDonald
Cinematography
Masanobu Takayanagi
Editor
Danielle Fillios
Music
Justin Stanley
Cast
Barbara Mori, Marcelo Mazzarello, Amaya Forch, Gonzalo
Robles, Rodrigo Munoz, Jaime Azócar
Art
Claudio Dabed
Sound
Marcos De Aguirre
Costumes
Carol Raddatz
Cada Films
Avda, Jose Pedro Aleasandri 1880
Nunea, Santiago (Chile)
www.pretendicndo.com
Festivals & Awards
Miami, New York Latino
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
China
Cherries / Ying Tao
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 106min, Chinese
Director
Zhang Jiabei
Screenplay
Bao Shi
Cinematography
Maruike Osa Me
Editor
Chen Xiao Hong
Music
Yasuda Fu Mio
Cast
Miao Pu, Tuo Guoquan, Long Li
Art
Lou Zhongguo
Sound
Wu Hao, Zhan Xi
Production
Shanghai Film Group Corporation
No. 25, Sinwai St.
Tel: +861062261485
Fax: +861062264100
Festivals & Awards
Tokyo, Montreal
Maternal love is the most common and yet the greatest affection one can experience in the world. It defines sublimity with platitude. This is a story that happened in Southern China in the early 1980s. It’s about an intellectually delinquent young woman and a deserted girl’s deep affection… In a small village on a
mountain in Southern China, there was Cherrie, who was married to Ge Wang,
slim and crippled. He couldn’t walk straight. Because of her mental state, Cherrie
was unable to find a proper job except walking the hogs and feeding the chicken.
Ge Wang alone was hence responsible for feeding the entire family. Making the
ends meet wasn’t easy. Tough living hadn’t diminished Cherrie’s maternal nature. She adored children. On the night of this very day, Cherrie found a deserted
baby girl lying right next to her…Cherrie stopped making love to Ge Wang him
right after Hong Hong joined the family. Cherrie would carry Hong Hong with
her around the house, eating or sleeping. One day, Ge Wang took the baby in
Cherrie’s sound sleep and passed it to a city couple with a red car. After going
through all the hardships looking for the baby, Hong Hong finally came back to
Cherrie. Hong Hong had grown into a smart and lovely girl and also felt embarrassed for her mother who was intellectually delinquent. One day, to pick the
wild cherries for Hong Hong, something happened to Cherrie who was later declared missing.
Zhang Jiabei has earlier made Clay Fear in 2006.
34
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
China
The Exam / Kao Shi
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 104 mins, Chinese
Ms Qu, the only teacher of Zhaokaitun Primary School, has been working in the
class-mixed school in the lonely island for 20 years. The director general of the
District Education Bureau promised her that she would be transferred to work in
the city as long as her students would have got the first place in straight 10 years
after this examination. Ms Qu treasured the chance greatly as both of her daughters
worked and studied in the city. However, when the exam was finished, Qu found
that, totally not as usual, the students did a very bad job in the papers. After the
investigation, Qu realized the fact that the head of the village had told the students,
if they got the first place, Ms Qu would leave the island. All the kids didn’t want
their dear teacher to leave them, so they wrote the poor papers on the purpose. Qu
was deeply moved and made the final decision to stay on the island. It is based on
a true incident. None of the actors in the film are professionals. All of them are
people from the place where the incident happened and most of them portray
themselves in the movie. Because of the low budget, the movie has not received
substantial promotion and has not yet been released theatrically.
Pu Jian is an assistant professor at the School of Cinema and Television,
Communication University of China. Born in Guizhou Province of China in June,
1968, he received primary and middle school education there. In 1990, he graduated
from the Law Department of Wuhan University and in 1996 did his MA from
Beijing Film Academy. Though he has made several TV films earlier, this is his
first feature film.
35
Director
Pu Jian
Screenplay
Chen Bei-ni, Pu Jian
Cinematography
Ma Yong-cheng
Editor
Pu Jian
Music
Jiang An-qing
Cast
Qu Feng-qin (Ms Qu), Zhou Hai-chun (village head), Xu Bo,
Liu Laifu, Yang Xinyu, Xu Jiawen, Xu He, Xu Qiang, Xu
Mingliang, Xu Haoyue
Art
Tan Ze-en
Sound
Wang Jue
Costumes
Liu Yan-yan
Production
Communication University of China
No.1, East St., Dingfuzhuang
Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tele/Fax: +86-10-6578-3316;
Nanjing Film Studio
No.8, Suojincun,
Taipingmenwai, Nanjing
Tel/Fax: +86-25-8541-1477
Festivals
Tokyo, Barcelona Asian Film Fest, Fribourg
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
China
The Tokyo Trial / Dong Jing Shen Par
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 119 mins, English-Japanese-Chinese
Director
Gao Qunshu
Cast
Liu Songren, Zhu Xiatian, Lin Xilei, Ying Da, Zeng Zhiwei
Production
Shanghai Film Group Corporation
No. 25, Sinwai St.
Tel: +861062261485
Fax: +861062264100
The Tokyo Trial took place after World War II ended. It lasted two-and-a-half
years, from May, 1946 to November, 1948, about half a year after the start of the
Nuremberg Trials in Europe. All Japanese Class-A war criminals were tried by
the International Military Tribunal for the Far East in Tokyo. The prosecution
team was made up of justices from 11 Allied nations. Seven of the war criminals
were hanged after the trial, including Hideki Tojo, the prime minister of Japan
during the attack on Pearl Harbour in Hawaii in 1941.
Gao Qunshu did a lot of research of firsthand footage of the trial, including varied
video versions shot by the Japanese and Dutch press, to authentically portray the
historical scenes. He found a valuable trial diary in Japan, which recounts its
heated debates. As a result, in the movie, even the details of the actors’ costumes
and gestures at the tribunal strictly follow historical evidence. Ninety per cent of
the movie was shot in English and Japanese as it was in the trial. According to
Gao, the film shows how a Chinese judge involved in the case managed to sway
the opinion of an international panel of 11 judges to “narrowly avert a miscarriage
36
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
China
Unfinished Girl
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 90 mins, Mandarin Chinese
The film showcases the solicitude for truth. It is the story of a young girl who falls in
love with self brother-in-law secretly, leading to repercussions.
Cheng Er is a noted film director from China.
37
Director
Cheng Er
Screenplay
Cheng Er
Cinematography
Xu Wei
Editor
Yang Hongyu
Music
Lin Hai
Cast
Gao Yuanyuan, Xu Zheng, Yan Po, Tao Hong
Sound
Wang Danrong
Production
Cheerland Entertainment Organisation
1-2F, Building 1
Madianjingdian Jiayuan, No. 8
Qijiahuozi, Chaoyang District
Beijing (China)
Tel: +861082015522/5511
Fax: +861062018669
email: [email protected], [email protected]
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Cuba
El Benny
Director
Jorge Luis Sánchez
Screenplay
Jorge Luis Sánchez, Abrahan Rodríguez
Cinematography
José Manuel Riera Editor
Manuel Iglesias
Music
Juan Manuel Ceruto
Cast
Renny Arozarena (Benny More), Enrique Molina (Olimpio),
Mario Guerra (Monchy), Carlos Ever Fonseca (Angeluis),
Limara Meneses (Aida)
Art
Erik Grass
Sound
Osmani Olivare, Ricardo Iztueta
Costumes
Nanette Peña
Production
Iohamil Navarro Cuesta
CORAL CAPITAL ENTERTAINMENT, Ltd
Calle 23 No. 1111 e/ 8 y 10 , Vedado
Ciudad de La Habana, CUBA
Tel/Fax: : 00537 833-4826 /00537 833-3281
World Sales
ICAIC International Producter
Street 23 % 10 and 12
Vedado Havana City Cuba
TelFax: (5-37) 8383128/(5-37) 3833707
Festivals & Awards
Miami, Palm Springs, Locarno (Boccalino prize for best
performance to Arozarena)
It is the life story of Benny Moré, the greatest Cuban musician of all time, who
died far too young yet profoundly changed the course of Latin music forever.
More famous during his lifetime in Venezuela and Mexico than in his own home
country of Cuba, he was asked in 1957, not long before he died, to play at the
Oscars in Los Angeles. Never having formally studied music, he arranged big
band orchestras and combos from the music he heard in his head and felt in his
soul without being able to read or write music. A true musical genius, Benny was
a man of supreme charisma and passion, but his attraction to the night, the women
and the partying excesses led to his untimely death. His legacy is still felt today
in most contemporary Latin music.
Jorge Luis Sánchez, born in Havana in 1960, was a founder of the Federación
Nacional de Cine Clubes de Cuba - the National Federation of Cine Clubs of
Cuba.He started to work in ICAIC in 1981 as camera assistant, and later as assistant
director. This is his debut feature.
38
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Denmark
Cecilie
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 93 mins, Danish
Cecilie sees and hears things no one else does; places suddenly change appearance,
people aren’t really there. One night she experiences a rape, but no traces are to
be found. Her husband Mads commits her to a psychiatric hospital. With the help
of a psychiatrist, Per, she begins to see a frightening connection between her
condition and a brutal murder that happened more than 30 years before.
Born 1967 in Denmark, Hans Fabian Wullenweber graduated in direction from
the National Film School of Denmark, 1997. He then went to England for further
study. He wrote and directed the short film Udenfor/Still Around (2000), which
was awarded at the international short film festival in Montecatini. Klatretøsen/
Catch that Girl (2002), his feature film debut, was a hit at the domestic box office
and won awards at Berlin, Chicago and Amsterdam festivals. After that he made
Tvilling / Gemini.
39
Director
Hans Fabian Wullenweber
Screenplay
Nikolaj Arcel, Rasmus Heisterberg
Cinematography
Jacob Kusk
Editor
Kasper Leick
Music
Trond Bjerknaes
Cast
Sonja Richter, Anders W Berthelsen, Claus Riis Ostergaard
Art
Christian Svans Kolding
Sound
Bjørn Vidø
Production
Nimbus Film Productions Aps
World Sales
Danish Film Institute
55, Gothersgade DK 1123
Copenhagen K Denmark;
Trust Film Sales Aps
Filmbyen 12
DK-2650 Hvidovre
www.trust-film.dk
Festivals & Awards
Palm Springs
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Finland
Lights in the Dusk / Laitakaupungin valot
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 78 mins, Finnish
Director
Aki Kaurismäki
Screenplay
Aki Kaurismäki
Cinematography
Timo Salminen
Editor
Aki Kaurismäki
Cast
Janne Hyytiäinen, Maria Järvenhelmi, Ilkka Koivula, Maria
Heiskanen
Art
Markku Pätilä
Sound
Jouko Lumme, Tero Malmberg
Costumes
Outi Harjupatana
Production
Sputnik Oy (with support from The Finnish Film Foundation)
Museokatu 13 A
00100 Helsinki
Finland
Tel: +358 9 6877 100
Fax: +358 9 6877 1010
World Sales
The Match Factory GmbH
Michael Weber
www.the-match-factory.com
Festivals & Awards
2006: Cannes, Karlovy Vary, Pula (Croatia), Toronto,
Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro, Reykjavik, Haifa, Pusan, London,
Kiev, Bratislava, Jakarta, Istanbul, Jerusalem
2007: Adelaide, Hong Kong, Troia, Melbourne, Brisbane,
Buenos Aires
Lights in the Dusk concludes the trilogy that started with Drifting Clouds (Kauas
pilvet karkaavat, 1996) and continued with The Man Without a Past (Mies vailla
menneisyyttä, 2002). Where the trilogy’s first film was about unemployment and
the second about homelessness, the theme of Lights in the Dusk is loneliness. Like
Chaplin’s little tramp, the protagonist, a man named Koistinen, searches the hard
world for a small crack through which he could crawl in, but both his fellow
beings and the faceless apparatus of the society see it their business to crush his
modest hopes, one after another. Criminal elements exploit his longing for love
and his position as a night watchman in a robbery they pull off, leaving Koistinen
to face the consequences. This is done with the help of the most callous woman
in the history of cinema since Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s All About Eve (1950). As
a result Koistinen loses his job, his freedom and his dreams. Luckily for our
protagonist, the author of the film has a reputation of being a soft-hearted old
man, so we can assume there is a spark of hope illuminating the final scene.
The 1957-born Aki Kaurismäki has been directing films since early 1980s. His
filmography includes over 15 features and several short films. Among his films
are The Saimaa Gesture (Saimaa-ilmiö) done with his brother Mika Kaurismäki,
Crime and Punishment (Rikos ja rangaistus), Calamari Union, Shadows in
Paradise (Varjoja paratiisissa), Hamlet Goes Business (Hamlet liikemaailmassa),
Ariel and Leningrad Cowboys Go America.
40
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
France
99 Francs
Octave is the master of the universe. He is in the profession of copywriting. He
decides today what you will want tomorrow. For him, “man is a product like
everything else”. Octave works for the world’s largest advertising agency, Ross
& Witchcraft, nicknamed “The Ross”. He’s swimming in money, girls and coke.
Even so, he has his doubts. Two events will turn Octave’s life on its head: his love
affair with Sophie, the agency’s most beautiful employee, and a meeting at Madone
to sell an advertisement to this major company in the diary sector. Gifted Octave
loses the plot and decides to rebel against the system that created him, by botching
his greatest publicity campaign. From Paris, where agency bosses negotiate deals,
to Miami, where advertisements get shot while gulping anti-depressants, from
Saint-Germain-de-Près to an isolated island in Central America, will Octave
manage to escape his golden prison?
Jan Kounen was born in Utrecht, the Netherlands, in 1964 and first made a name
for himself by directing around 30 advertising films and music videos, mainly in
Great Britain. In 1989, he directed his first short film, Gisèle Kérosène, that won
the top prize for a short film at the following year’s Avoriaz Festival. In 1990, he
directed L’âge de plastic, a musical with the group Elmer Food Beat. In 1993,
Vibroboy, a “trash fantasy comedy” was awarded the Innovation Prize by the jury
at the Clermont-Ferrand Festival. In1996, he filmed Emmanuelle Béart in the tale
of The Last Red Riding Hood, another musical, with choreography by Philippe
Decouflé. Dobermann was his first feature film. He has since made films like
Blueberry, Darshan, a journey in India, and D’Autres mondes.
41
Director
Jan Kounen
Screenplay
Jan Kounen, Nicolas, Bruno
Cinematography
David Ungaro
Editor
Anny Danche
Cast
Jean Dujardin (Octave), Jocelyn Quivrin (Charlie), Patrick
Mille (Jeff), Vahina Giocante (Sophie), Elisa Tovati (Tamara),
Nicolas Marié (Dujer), Dominique Bettenfeld (Jean-Christian
Gagnant), Antoine Basler (Marc Maronnier), Fosco Perinti
(Giovanni)
Art
Michel Barthélémy
Costumes
Chattoune
Production
Equinoxe Films
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
France
Changement d Adresse
2006, 35mm, Colour, 85 mins, French
Director
Emmanuel Mouret
Screenplay
Emmanuel Mouret
Cinematography
Laurent Desmet
Editor
Martial Salomon
Music
Franck Sforza
Cast
Fanny Valette, Frédérique Bel, Dany Brillant,
Emmanuel Mouret, Ariane Ascaride
Art
David Faivre
Sound
Maxime Gavaudan
Production
Moby Dick Films, Les Films Pelléas, Shellac , Velvet Films
World Sales
Shellac
David, a shy, awkward musician who has just moved to Paris, falls madly in love
with his young student, Julia. He tries everything to win her heart. His roommate, Anne, provides encouragement, advice and consolation... passionately! A
film of great passion, the characters are endearing in their naivety.
A native of Marseille, Emmanuel Mouret directed his first short film when he
was 19, before heading for Paris. He started working in cinema as production and
directing assistant on various commercials, while also taking classes at the Drama
School in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. With writing manuals as a guide, he threw
himself into writing and entered the FEMIS, from which he graduated from the
Directing section in 1998. The same year, he directed the short film Promène toi
donc tout nu. Laissons Lucie faire was his first feature film. He has made films
like Un baiser s’il vous plait (2006), Venus & Fleur (2003), Laissons Lucie faire!
(2000), Caresse (1999), Il n’y a pas de mal (1997).
42
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
France
Love Songs / Les Chansons D’Amour
2007, 35mm, Colour, France
Every love song tells the same story: “Too many people love you”... “I could
never live without you”... “Sorry Angel”. This film tells that story too.
French director Christophe Honore was born on April 10, 1970 in Brittany. His
past three films were Seventeen Times Cecile Cassard (Dix-Sept Fois Cecile
Cassard) in 2002, My Mother (Ma Mere) in 2004 and Inside Paris (Dans Paris)
in 2006.
43
Director
Christophe Honore
Screenplay
Christophe Honore
Cinematography
Rémy Chevrin
Editor
Chantal Hymans
Music
Alex Beaupin
Cast
ActorsLouis Garrel (Ismael), Ludivine Sagnier (Julie), Chiara
MAstroianni (Jeanne), Clotilde Hesme (Alice)
Art
Samuel Deshors
Sound
Guillaume Le Braz
Costume
Pierre Canitrot
Production
Alma Films
176 rue du Temple
75003 Paris - France
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 01 07 05
World Sales
Alma Films
Paulo Branco
Tel: +33 (0)6 72 97 31 90
Festivals & Awards
Cannes, Toronto
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
France
Strange Crime / Le Prix du Desir
2007, 35 mm, Colour, French
Director
Roberto Ando
Screenplay
Roberto Ando
Cinematography
Salvatore Marcarelli, Maurizio Calvesi
Editor
Claudio Di Mauro
Music
Ludovico Einaudi
Cast
Daniel Auteuil (Daniel), Greta Scacchi (Nicoletta), Anna
Mouglalis (Mila), Giorgio Lupano (Fabrizio), Magda Mielcarz
(Ewa), Serge Merlin (Père de Daniel),
Art
Andrea Crisanti
Sound
Luc Yersin
Production
Vision International
Massimo SAIDEL
cel : 06 20 82 73 05
email : [email protected]
Juliette PHAM
Tel : 06 70 79 51 20
Gilles SOUSA
Tel : 06 32 51 00 25;
Canal +, Titti Film, Medusa Film, Agi.di – Italie, Vega Films Switzerland
World Sales
Vision Distribution
Sylvie GROSPERRIN
Tel : 06 19 68 21 64
Festivals & Awards
Venice (Best Script Pasinetti award & Youth Golden Lion
(jury of children); Nominated at Golden Globes (Best foreign
picture); Brussels (Golden Iris)
Famous for his best seller A Journey in Winter, Daniel Boltanski lives with his
wife Nicoletta and her son Fabrizio, to be married in Capri. Daniel has lived
secluded, in his luxurious house on the Lake of Geneva, overprotected by his
agent David Grinsberg. On the boat to Capri, Daniel meets a beautiful younger
girl, Mila and spends the night with her on the island. The next day, at the wedding,
he is surprised to discover that she is Fabrizio’s bride to be. She becomes his
obsession. Shortly thereafter, faced with mysterious blackmail, Daniel must
confront the multiple layers of his “double” life and sexual obsession.
Roberto Ando was born in Palermo in 1959. After studying philosophy, he became
Francesco Rosi and Federico Fellini’s young assistant, before working with
Michael Cimino and Francis Ford Coppola. During his training, he met the great
Sicilian writer Leonardo Scacia, who remained a close friend of him during all
his life. Since 1980, he alternates stage directions – which made him famous both
in Italy and abroad – and his movie projects. In 1994, he signed, with Daniele
Abado and Nicola Sani, the multimedia opera Piece of Apocalypse, with Moni
Ovadia, at the Roma Europa Festival. Between 1994 and 1996, he also directed
Robert Wilson‘s videos Memory Lost. In 1999, he directed his first feature for the
big screen, The Prince’s manuscript, in French, with Michel Bouquet, Jeanne
Moreau, Leopoldo Trieste and Paolo Briguglia. In 2001, he directed, in Palermo,
Harold Pinter’s The room -The birthday party, and Old Times with Greta Scacchi,
Umberto Orsini and Valentina Sperli. This is his second movie as writer-director.
44
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
France
The Intimate Enemy/ L’ Ennemi intime
2007. 35mm, Colour, 108 mins, French
Algeria, 1959. Military operations intensify. High in the mountains of Kabylia,
Terrien, an idealistic lieutenant takes command of a section of the French army.
Among the troops, he meets Sergeant Dougnac, a cynical soldier. Their differences
and the harsh reality of warfare quickly put both men to the test. Lost in a war
with no name, they discover that they have no worse enemy than themselves.
Florent Emilio Siri has directed around ten music videos, including the latest two
clips for the group IAM. In addition to Une minute de silence, his first feature
(winner of the Cyril Collard award), he also directed a documentary, La Mort
douce (1992), both of which explore the theme of miners in France’s Lorraine
region. In 1997, he wrote the screenplay for another feature film, Tour de cité.
45
Director
Florent Emilio Siri
Screenplay
Patrick Rotman, Florent Emilio Siri
Cinematography
Giovanni Fiore Coltellacci
Editor
Olivier Gajan
Music
Alexandre Desplat
Cast
Benoît Magimel, Albert Dupontel, Aurélien Recoing, Marc
Barbé, Éric Savin, Fellag, Vincent Rottiers, Lounes Tazaïrt,
Abdelhafid Metalsi
Art
Dominique Carrara
Sound
Antoine Deflandre
Costumes
Mimi Lempicka
Production
Les Films du Kiosque, France 2 Cinéma, SND, Canal +,
CinéCinémas, Agora Films Agora Films
World Sales
SND , France
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
France
The Second Wind / Le Deuxieme Souffle
Director
Alain Corneau
Screenplay
Alain Corneau, based on the novel by José Giovanni
Cinematography
Yves Angelo
Editor
Marie-Josèphe Yoyotte
Music
Bruno Coulais
Cast
Daniel Auteuil, Monica Bellucci, Michel Blanc, Jacques
Dutronc, Eric Cantona
Art
Thierry Flamand
Sound
Pierre Gamet, Laurent Quaglio, Gérard Lamps
Production
ARP Sélection/TF1 Films Production
13 rue Jean Mermoz,
75008 Paris, France
World Sales
Wild Bunch
99 rue de la Verrerie - 75004
Paris - France
Tel: +33 1 53 01 50 20
Fax: +33 1 53 01 50 49
Festivals & Awards
Rome, Toronto
It is the end of the 1950s. Gu is a vicious, infamous gangster who has just broken
out of jail, where he was serving a life sentence. He needs to do one last job to
secure enough money to leave the country with his girl, Manouche, whom he
wants to protect from harm at all costs. Despite every police officer in France
working at full-throttle to recapture him, Gu has the skills and the know-how of a
hardened criminal: he carries off the hold up perfectly. However, the police – led
by the steely Inspector Blot – have played dirty tricks behind the scenes, arranging
things in such a way so that Gu’s gang believe him to be an informer. Labelled a
traitor, Gu finds his gang’s loyalty evaporating. Luckily, Manouche reveals her
nerves of steel. She is willing to go to great lengths to defend her man, and so she
sets to work to save Gu and clear his name, whatever the cost.
Alain Corneau was born in Orleans, France, and studied at L’Institut des Hautes
Études Cinématographiques (IDHEC). His feature directorial debut was France
société anonyme (1974). His other features are Police Python 357, La Menace,
Série noire, Le Choix des armes, Fort Saganne, Le Môme, Nocturne indien, Tous
les matins du monde, Le Nouveau monde, Les Enfants de Lumière, Le Cousin, Le
Prince du Pacifique, Stupeur et tremblements and Les Mots bleus.
46
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
France
TAXI 4
Before being extradited to Africa to stand trial, a notorious Belgian criminal is entrusted
to the Marseilles police department for less than 24 hours. But the wily crook convinces
bumbling policeman Emilien he’s a lowly Belgian embassy employee who got railroaded
by the brilliant master criminal.
After graduating from the I.D.H.E.C. film school, Gérard Krawczyk directed three
short films between 1981 and 1984, all nominated for Cesar awards. The first, The
Subtle Concept, won him eight international prizes including the Grand Prix at the
Montreal World Film Festival. His second short film, Toro Moreno, was awarded the
Grand Prix for a Comedy at the Chamrousse Festival, and his third short, Homicide by
Night, took out the Grand Prix at the Rennes Fantasy Film Festival in 1984. He made
his feature film debut in 1986 with I Hate Actors, starring Jean Poiret, Michel Blanc
and Bertrand Blier. This film was nominated for a Cesar and won the Michel Audiard
Prize. L ‘Eté en pente douce, which he directed in 1987, features Jean-Pierre Bacri,
Jacques Villeret, Pauline Laffont and Guy Marchand. Since 1988 he has directed some
50 commercials and corporate films, and in 1992 he won the Bronze Lion Award at the
International Cannes Advertising Film Festival. From 1990 to 1994, Krawczyk cowrote numerous screenplays.
47
Director
Gérard Krawczyk
Screenplay
Luc Besson
Cinematography
Pierre Morel
Editor
Frederic Thoraval
Music
Simplet Tefane, Weallstar-Da-Octopusss
Cast
Damiens, Mourade Zeguendi, Édouard Montoute, Sidney
Zaoui, Henri Cohen
Art
Hugues Tissandier
Sound
Francois-Joseph Hors
Costumes
Fabienne Josserand
Production
EuropaCorp, ARP, TF1 Films Productions, Apipoulai
World Sales
EuropaCorp
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
France
Orchestra seats / Fauteuils d'orchestre
Director
Danièle Thompson
Screenplay
Danièle Thompson, Christopher Thompson
Cast
Cécileé De France, Valérie Lemercier,
Sydney Pollack, Albert Dupontel
A young woman arrives in Paris where she finds a job as a waitress in bar next to
a theatre. She will meet a pianist, a famous actress and a great art collector, and
begin to have her own dreams of fame...
Danièle Thompson is a French film director and screenwriter. She is the daughter
of film director Gérard Oury and actress Jacqueline Roma. Thompson has written
the screenplay for a number of highly-successful films including Cousin, cousine,
La Boum, Belphégor - Le fantôme du Louvre, La Reine Margot and Jet Lag which
she also directed. She was nominated for the 1976 Academy Award for Writing
Original Screenplay for Cousin, cousine. Her 2006 film Fauteuils d'orchestre was
France's entrant for the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.
48
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
France
Turning Pages / Tourneuse de pages, La
Director
Denis Dercourt
Screenplay
Denis Dercourt, Jacques Sotty
Cast
Deborah Francois, Catherine Frot, Pascal Greggory and Julie
Richalet
Production
Michel Saint-Jean
A small-town butcher daughter, Melanie (Deborah Francois) has a special gift for playing
the piano. She takes the Conservatory entrance exam, but fails after being distracted by
the thoughtless behaviour of the chairwoman of the jury, a well known concert pianist.
Bitterly disappointed, Melanie gives up her musical dream. Some ten years later, while
working as an intern with a law firm, Melanie meets Monsieur Fouchecourt, the husband
of the chairwoman who changed her life. Melanie efficiency and devotion are quickly
noticed and Monsieur Fouchecourt invites her into his home to look after his young
son. His wife, Madame Fouchecourt (Catherine Frot) soon warms to Melanie when her
musical sensitivity shows through, and the young woman becomes the former chaiwoman
page turner, waiting patiently for her revenged...
An outstanding filmmaker in French cinema, Denis Dercourt also moonlights as a
conservatory teacher. This is his first large-scale production.
49
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Russia
Leningrad
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 117 mins, Russian
Director
Alexander Buravsky
Screenplay
Alexander Buravsky
Cinematography
Vladimir Klimov
Editor
M.Scott Smith
Music
Yuri Poteyenko
Cast
Gabriel Byrne (Phillip Parker), Mira Sorvino (Kate
Davis), Aleksandr Abdulov, Vladimir Ilyin, Yuliya Rutberg,
Mikhail Yefremov, Mikhail Trukhin
Art
Alexander Boim, Alim Matvejchuk, Vera Zelinskaya
Sound
Rostislav Alimov, Alexander Kopeikin
Production
Aleksandr Buravsky, Peter Doyle
It is 1941, and World War II rages on; the German army has succeeded in
taking over half of Europe and is charging forward into Russia. The superiorlyequipped Germans are able to push back the Russian defences until they reach
Leningrad and Moscow. Facing a long and protracted struggle on the battlefield,
Hitler decides that he will disperse part of his armoured units from Leningrad to
Moscow, and, instead of taking Leningrad by force, he will surround the city and
starve three million people to death. In the midst of this horrific siege, a young
English journalist named Kate Davis finds herself isolated within the famished
city of Leningrad. “Leningrad” actually ended up in two different versions: a
four-hour television mini series and a two-hour feature film. Although that’s a
common practice in the local film industry, in this case the two resulting works
could hardly be more different in subject and tone. In an interview, Buravsky has
said they shared only about 10 per cent of their material. “When I wrote the
original script, it was as a feature film.When I took it to the producers, their
response was: You wrote ‘Schindler’s List,’ now add ‘Indiana Jones.’ So I wrote
around the original, and that was pretty difficult,” is what he has been quoted as
saying. Buravsky’s script blends the lives of ordinary Russians caught in the siege
with the story of two foreign journalists, the British Kate Davis and the American
Philip Parker.
Alexander Buravsky, a prominent Russian director, depended for his
research for the film on The Blockade Book, a 1981 compilation by the Soviet
writers Daniil Granin and Ales Adamovich, and The 900 Days, an earlier work
by British journalist Harrison Salisbury, the Moscow correspondent for The New
York
Times
during much of World War II. A third source was historian Nikita Lomagin’s
The Unknown Blockade from 2004.
50
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Germany
Counterparts / Gegenüber
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 96 mins, German
Police officer George is very popular amongst his colleagues for always being
calm and cool-hearted. His partner Michael also admires him for his apparently
harmonic marriage with Anne, an attractive primary school teacher. When a
promotion is announced to George, he begins to lose control over the carefully
maintained façade of his ‘intact’ family. During Christmas season, the conflicts
that have been dominating the couple’s life for years, start to surface: Anne’s
struggle for recognition, the patronising of her parents, George’s attempt to always
suit everybody, their children that helplessly look away - while the traces of
domestic violence can no longer be hidden. Under the Christmas tree tragedy
unfolds - “It ain’t no drama, Anne!“ – Well, yes, it is. The director developed the
idea from a newspaper article on a study on domestic violence.
Born in Düsseldorf in April 1979, Jan Bonny has lived and worked in the United
States, the Netherlands and Germany. He received his degree in media arts from
the Kunst-hochschule für Medien Köln and has directed the short film 2nd and A
as well as numerous commercials. This is his first feature.
51
Director
Jan Bonny
Screenplay
Jan Bonny, Christina Ebelt
Cinematography
Bernhard Keller
Editor
Stefan Stabenow
Cast
Matthias Brandt, Victoria Trauttmansdorff, Wotan Wilke
Mohring, Susanne Bormann, Anna Brass, Pablo Ben-Yakov
Art
Tim Pannen
Sound
Martin Witte
Costumes
Frauke Firl
Production
Heimatfilm
Lichtstr. 50
D-50825 Köln
Germany
Tel: +49 221 97 77 99
Fax: +49 221 97 77 99
World Sales
Wide Management
40 Rue Sainte Anne 75002 Paris
France
Festivals & Awards
Cannes (Special Mention “Art et Essai - CICAE” - Director’s
Fortnight), Munich, Pusan, Copenhagen
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Germany
Paperbird
2007, Digi Beta, Colour, 101 mins, English
Director
Vanessa van Houten
Screenplay
Vanessa van Houten, Korbinian Greiner, Natalie Lambsdorff
Cinematography
Philipp Kirsamer
Editor
Susanne Hartmann
Cast
Thomas Fränzel (Nic), Tschagsalmaa Borchuu (Coco), Lars
Rudolph (Charlie)
Art
Andrew Perry
Production
Dor Film-West, Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR),
Hochschule für Fernsehen und Film (HFF), Munich,
ARRI, Schesch Filmproduktion
World Sales
Atrix Films GmbH
Postfach 900702
81545 München, Germany
Beatrix Wesle
Tel: +49 8964282611
Fax: + 49 89 649 57 349
It is a story about love, lost childhood and the search for your own way. Nic, an
eclectic 23-year old young man is waiting in Bangkok for his lost luggage. Whilst
searching for necessities of daily life, he is pulled into Bangkok. Like Alice in
Wonderland, he stumbles with curiosity through a world unknown to him. When
Nic meets Coco her spirit reminds him of a person he once knew in his childhood.
He starts to remember his almost forgotten past und begins his journey to look for
his House of Wishes. Nic is mesmerized by Coco and a love story begins…
Vanessa van Houten was born in San Rafael, California in 1971. She grew up in
the Bahamas, Berlin and Augsburg, Germany. After completing studies of Photography and Photo Design at Polytechnic University in Dortmund, Vanessa van
Houten relocated to New York to study Anthology Film Archives in NYC. During 1997–2007 she studied at Hochschule für Fernsehen und Film, Munich, in the
Department of Feature Films and Telemovies. This is her first feature film and
final graduation film from Film School Munich. She works as a Photographer and
Filmmaker and lives in Melbourne, Australia. She has earlier made Karma Cowboy (2001), a docu-fiction, and numerous short films.
52
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Germany
The Calling Game / Die Anruferin
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 80 mins, German
“Please, can you tell me another story? No, not a bedtime story. A really exciting
one…,” the voice of a lonely child begs somebody on the telephone. Craving for
warmth and compassion, it is Irm, a woman in her early 30s. She calls strangers
and, imitating a child´s voice, pretends she is a young cancer patient. In heartrending conversations, she establishes relationships that she abruptly ends when
they threaten to become too close. This is Irm’s way of reaching out from her
life, a life in which she jobs in a laundrette and looks after her bed-ridden mother.
Though no longer able to talk, her mother still makes it clear that her favourite
was always Irm´s sister Margit. But now Irm has the upper hand and lets her
know it. When she meets the self-assured but emotionally vulnerable Sina, she
comes up against a woman who is in great need of a friend and thinks she´s found
her in Irm. Caught between the pull of her mother´s imminent death and her
manipulative play-acting, Irm is increasingly drawn to the strong, life-loving
woman who offers her friendship. She knows that Sina must learn the truth some
day and is afraid of losing her. But Sina is more tenacious than she thinks - and
believes in Irm more than she does herself...
Felix Randau was born in 1974 in Emden. After studies in German Literature and
Ethnology in Bonn, he enrolled in the directing programme at the German
Academy of Film & Television (dffb) in Berlin. He made several short films before
making his feature film debut with Northern Star (2003).
53
Director
Felix Randau
Screenplay
Vera Kissel
Cinematography
Jutta Pohlmann
Editor
Gergana Voigt
Music
Thies Mynther
Cast
Valerie Koch (Irm Krischka), Esther Schweins (Sina
Lehmann), Franziska Ponitz (The Mother)
Costumes
Sandra Fuhr
Production
Wuste Film West in co-production with ZDF | ARTE
World Sales
Bavaria Film International
Bavariafilmplatz 8
D-82031 Geiselgasteig
Tel: +49-89-6499-2686
Fax: +49-89-6499-3720
www.bavaria-film-international.com
Festivals & Awards
Munich (best actress), San Sebastian
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Germany-France-Belgium-South AfricaItaly-UK-Luxembourg
Goodbye Bafana
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 140 mins, English & Xhosa
Director
Bille August
Screenplay
Greg Latter & Bille August
Cinematography
Robert Fraisse
Editor
Hervé Schneid
Music
Dario Marianelli
Cast
Joseph Fiennes (James Gregory), Dennis Haysbert (Nelson
Mandela), Diane Kruger (Gloria Gregory), Shioh Henderson
(Brent Gregory), Megan Smith (Natasha Gregory), Faith
Ndukwana (Winnie Mandela), Lesley Mongezi (Walter Sisulu)
Art
Tom Hannam
Costumes
Diana Cilliers
Production
Jean-Luc Van Damme, Ilann Gorard, Andro Steinborn
South Africa – 1968. Twenty-five million Blacks are ruled by a minority of four
million Whites under the brutal Apartheid regime of the Nationalist Party
Government. Black people have no vote, no land rights, no rights to freedom of
movement, to own a business, to housing or education. Determined to retain power,
Whites ban all Black opposition organisations, forcing their leaders into exile or
imprisoning them for life on Robben Island. James Gregory, a typical White
Afrikaner, regards Blacks as sub-human. Having grown up on a farm in the
Transkei, he learned to speak Xhosa at an early age. This makes him an ideal
choice to become the warder in charge of Mandela and his comrades on Robben
Island. After all, Gregory speaks their language and can spy on them. However,
the plan backfires. Through Mandela’s influence, Gregory’s allegiance gradually
shifts from the racist government to the struggle for a free South Africa. Goodbye
Bafana tracks the unlikely but profound relationship between these two men.
Through their unique friendship, we witness not only Gregory’s growing
awareness of man’s inhumanity to man, but South Africa’s evolution from
Apartheid to a vibrant democracy. The story, which documents how Mandela
became the most inspirational political figure of the modern world, poses the
questions: Who is the prisoner? And who sets whom free?
Bille August was born in Denmark in 1948. In the late 1960s he attended Christer
Strömholm’s School of Photography in Stockholm and then went to the Danish
Film School in the early 1970s. He worked as a cinematographer on 14 movies
and TV-features, mainly in Sweden, before starting his directing career with films
like In My Life (1979), Zappa (1982) and Twist & Shout (1985). It was Pelle the
Conqueror (1987) which put Bille August firmly on the map of the international
movie world. In 1988, it was awarded the Palme d’Or in Cannes and in 1989 it
won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe as Best Foreign Language Film.
The legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman chose August to direct his script
about his parents, The Best Intentions, which won Bille a second Palme d’Or in
1992. August also directed two episodes in George Lucas’ TV-production The
Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. He has made films like The House of the Spirits
(1993), Jerusalem (1995), Smilla’s Sense of Snow (1996), Les Misérables (1997),
A Song for Martin (2001) and Return to Sender (2004). He has been honoured
for his work as a film director with both the Danish and the Swedish Royal Order
of Chivalry and the French order Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et Lettres.
54
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Greece-Italy
Uranya
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 98 mins, Greek
Five teenagers struggle to discover love but also the whole world. In a small
village, a group of young people are growing up on dreams, prejudices, secrets
and lies. And passions – both political and “family”. The summer of 1969 will
leave its mark on their dreams… Uranya is a very beautiful woman who lives on
the outskirts of the village, near the sea. The entire male population of the village
passes through her house. The children watch her, drool over her, dream about
her. They are bound by a common oath they have sworn in secret: to save money
so they can pay Uranya a visit and she can finally initiate them in the secrets of
love. Achilleas, a smart and sensitive boy, dreams more than the others. His dreams
to reach the moon: he wants to fly, he wants to see the man who set foot on the
moon, he wants to taste love with Uranya. When the kids are faced by the major
dilemma of whether to buy the first black-and-white television so they can watch
the moon landing or use the money to pay Uranya a visit, opinions differ and
Achilleas is left alone. Will they go back on the oath they gave for Uranya? But
dreams and fantasy prove more powerful. And the deus-ex-machina knows how
to do a good job... Uranya was the brand name of the first television sets in Greece
at the end of the 1960s as well as the name of the film’s lead female character, and
therefore, as Kapakas admits, “the movie title came only naturally”.
Born in 1953 in Rhodes, Costas Kapakas studied and worked in Berlin till 1983.
His first work in film was in animation. He has made several short films that have
won several international awards. He made his first feature film in 1999, called
Peppermint, which won a host of awards.
55
Director
Costas Kapakas
Screenplay
Costas Kapakas
Cinematography
Stefano Falivene
Editor
Giorgos Mavropsaridis
Music
Panayotis Kalantzopoulos
Cast
Maria Grazia Cucinotta (Uranya), Aria Tsapis, Andreas
Kyriakakis, Nikos Vassilikiotis,Yorgos Liatis
Art
Olga Leontiadou
Sound
Marinos Athanassopoulos
Costumes
Eva Nathena
Production
Cinegram S.A.
43, Gounari Street
153, 43, Ag. Paraskevi
Athens (Greece)
Tel: +302106078700
Fax: +302106391318
www.cinegram.gr
World Sales
FilmSharks Intl
43 Gounari Street
153 43 Ag. Paraskevi
Athens-Greece
Tel: +302106078700
Fax: +302106391318
www.filmsharks.com
Festivals & Awards
Houston
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Hungary
Dolina
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 122 mins, Hungarian & Romanian
Director
Zoltán Kamondi
Screenplay
Ádám Bodor, Zoltán Kamondi
Cinematography
Gábor Medvigy
Editor
Zsuzsa Pósán
Music
László Melis
Cast
Adriano Giannini, Piroska Molnár, Stefania Rivi, János
Derzsi, Ioana Abur, Milán Vajda, János Bán, Zsolt Trill, Mari
Törõcsik, Coca Bloos, Gábor Kocsó, Erika Molnár
Art
György Árvai
Sound
György Kovács
Costumes
János Breckl, Edit Szûcs
Production
Honeymood Ltd.
Festivals & Awards
2007: Bitola, Budapest, Karlovy Vary, London Raindance,
Warsaw
Bogdanski Dolina is a rundown town in a remote corner of the Earth that has
been overtaken by terror. At one time Dolina was a flourishing little place, but
now everything shows the signs of destruction and poverty, even though the
inhabitants are doing their best to smarten things up a bit for the arrival of a highranking guest in the person of the Archbishop. Instead of the Archbishop, however,
a certain Gabriel Ventuza arrives. On instructions from his brother, Gabriel has
left behind Western civilization and his medicinal plants, to take the long journey
to Dolina with the aim of exhuming their father Viktor Ventuza, the famous people
smuggler, and bringing back his earthly remains. Those in power of the strange
ecclesiastical unit, the Vicarage, don’t look favourably on the stranger’s arrival.
But Colentina Dunka, the head of one of the most important establishments in
Dolina, the hairdressing salon, takes Gabriel under her wing – at which her
combing ladies promptly fall in love for him. Even so Gabriel’s task is not easy.
It is very costly, and Petrus, Colentina’s jealous foster son, soon turns up on the
scene and does everything in his power to thwart Gabriel’s plans...Based on Ádám
Bodor’s The Archbishop’s Visit.
Zoltán Kamondi was born in 1960 in Budapest. After finishing his studies at the
Faculty of Art, he went on to get a degree in film directing at the Academy of
Theatre and Film Art Budapest, where he graduated in 1988. His examination
film Kiki and the Males won the Best Direction Award at the West-Berlin Short
Film Festival in 1985. In 1990, he made his first feature film Path of Death and
Angels which was screened in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes. In 1992,
he started to work in theatre and became a highly acclaimed theatre director in
Hungary. In 1997, he began shooting The Hungarian Speckled Variety, a
documentary series, considered by critics as one of the most important documents
of the years after the political changes in Hungary. In 1996, his video film The
Golden Deck Chair won the Best Direction Award at the 27th Hungarian Film
Week. In 1999, his second feature film The Alchemist and the Virgin won the
Best Independent Feature Award at the Manchester International Film Festival.
56
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Hungary
The Eighth Day of the Week /
A hét nyolcadik napja
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 103 mins, Hungarian
After her husband’s death, Hanna Szendrõy, the former prima donna, is caught in the
claws of the real estate mafia. She loses her lavish home and ends up homeless at the
Keleti train station. When she returns to her house, now full of homeless people moved
in by the real estate mafia, an unexpected relationship brings hope into her life again. It
is a tragicomedy that tells its story through the fate of the protagonist; sometimes it is
through the darkest hardships that the possibility of a cleaner and more truthful life
arises, and, that the miracle of love is ageless. The film focuses on today’s familiar form
of helplessness, the problem of the homeless.
Judit Elek graduated from the Academy of Theatre and Film Art - Budapest in 1961. At
the beginning, Elek worked as an assistant director, made several adaptations and
newsreels in Mafilm. Elek is a founding member of Studio Béla Balázs. Among the
films Elek made are La Dame de Constantinople / The Lady of Constantinople (1969).
Peut-être demain / Maybe Tomorrow (1978), La fête de Maria / Maria’s Day (1983),
and Mémoires d’un fleuve / Memories of a River (1989).
57
Director
Judit Elek
Screenplay
Judit Elek
Cinematography
László Berger
Editor
Judit Elek
Music
László Melis
Cast
Maja Komorowska (Hanna Szendrõy), Gyula Bodrogi, Franciszek
Pieczka, Judit Pogány, Sándor Zsótér, Eszter Csákányi, Ádám
Rajhona, Márta Martin
Art
Tamás Banovich
Sound
István Sipos
Costumes
Györgyi Szakács, János Breckl
Production
Dánielfilm Stúdió
Festivals & Awards
2006: Cairo
2007: Budapest, Lagow, Paris, Vienna
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Iran
Iranian Prince
2005, 35 mm, Colour, 101 mins, Persian
Director
Mokammad Nourizad
Screenplay
Mohammad Nourizad
Cinematography
Hosein Maleki Mohammad
Editor
Bahman Dadashi
Music
Mohammad Freshteh Nejad
Art
Iraj Raminfar
Cast
Dariush Arjmand, Yousef Moradian, Asghar Hemmat,
Parvanneh Ma’asoumi, Sorayya Ghasemi, Sirus Sabe
Production
Avini Cultural Institute
Old Golestan Market
Iran Zamin Ave.
Sanat Square
Tehran 1465845375 (Iran)
Tel: +982188572134
Fax: +982188572142
Festivals
Fajr (Iran)
Tender friendship - he convinces the small group of boys to sneak out of school
and go to the cinema down the street. For all of them, the experience is exhilarating.
But the consequences are grim. Mirco is expelled. In the meantime, a broader
struggle goes on. Once upon a time, an Iranian prince was assigned to arrest a
champion and take him to the capital . If he could do that, he would add to the
change in society that is taking place outside. The 1970s political protests are
erupting. Students are taking to the streets. From of his earlier escapades, Mirco
had made friends with Ettore, a blind university student with strong political
awareness. Hearing that Mirco has been expelled, Ettore pushes the whole city to
mobilize. Students and workers protest in front of the Cassone Institute,
threatening to shut down the city’s blast furnace if Mirco is not re-admitted. As a
consequence, the head of the institute is put under investigation. Mirco is finally
re-admitted and granted special permission: to change the year-end show. Instead
of reciting the usual religious poems, the children put on a performance of their
“fairy tale in sound”, before an audience of blind-folded, spellbound parents.
Mokammad Nourizad is a filmmaker who is taking forward Iran’s rich moviemaking traditions.
58
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Iran
A young couple makes a trip to a calm place to rest for few days. On the very first
night, however, an uninvited guest disturbs everything. It turns out that the guest
is not a stranger. The ensuing narrative opens a Pandora’s box, where the weight
of guilt and memory and the oppressions of the past bring each character into
confrontation with the other. A tense and at times a terrifying film, it is an
adaptation of the Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden to an Iranian context.
The 1968-born Bijan Mirbagheri has an Art diploma in sculpture and a photography
bachelor’s degree from The Art University. Since 1985, he has been as a painting
instructor in the Center of Artistic Creativity (related to the Children and
Adolescents Intellectual Development Center - CAIDC). He has been an animator
in Noghli and the Snow Flecks, and an assistant puppet-maker in The Playmate
directed by Mohammad-Reza Aabedi.
59
The Day Looms / Rooz Bar Miayad
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 90 mins, Persian
Director
Bijan Mirbagheri
Screenplay
Saeed Shahsavari, Bijan Mirbagheri
Cinematography
Mehdi Jafari
Editor
Saeed Shahsavari
Music
Keyvan Jahanshahi
Cast
Dariush Farhang, Amir Aghaee, Yekta Naser, Mehran Rajabi
Sound
Arash Boroumand
Production
IRIB, Channel 3
World Sales
Cima Media International
64 Hedayat St.
Yakhchal Ave.
Tehran 19497 (Iran)
www.cmi.ir
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Israel
No Exit
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 90 mins, Hebrew
Director
Dror Sabo
Screenplay
Amit Leor, Barak Salonim & Dror Sabo
Cinematography
Dror Lebendiger
Editor
Ayelet Gil
Music
Ran Bagno
Cast
Gal Zaid, Ofer Shechter, Noa Barkai, Amnon Wolf, Mali LeviGershon, Michael Moshonov, Yaron Motolla, Eran Sarel, Amit
Leor, Shiri Maimon
Art
Lee Levi
Sound
Michael Emet
Costumes
Maya Mor
Production
Ori Dickstein & Michal Dvash
Shamaim Content & Productions, Ltd
12 Hakeshem St, Herzeliya, 46100, Israel
Mobile: 972 54 522 55 43
email: [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected]
World Sales
Noa - International Film Marketing
146/10, Arlozorov St.
Tel Aviv, 62098 (Israel)
Tel: +97235233678
Mobile: +972523603660
Festivals & Awards
Jerusalem (Best Film, Best Actor), Melbourne, Shanghai
It’s the middle of summer, and Zacky Reibenbach, the creator of the reality-show
Choice of Heart, knows that without an excellent gimmick, there is no chance he
will repeat the success of the previous two seasons. He recalls his film student
from university –Yehuda, who has documented the rehabilitation of his friend
Ethan for the past three years. Ethan became blind under strange circumstances
during his military service. His exceptional rehabilitation process was developed
by Yael, Ethan’s personal trainer and Yehuda’s girlfriend. Yael is Ethan’s eyes,
and with her he is a true phenomenon, which is exactly what Reibenbach is
searching for. Hence, in this season, ten beautiful women will compete to gain
Ethan’s affection, but none of them knows that he is blind…
Dror Sabo graduated with honors from the Sam Spiegel School of Cinema,
Jerusalem. His graduate film Ancestral Desire represented the school in a
retrospective held in the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York in 1996,
and was screened at many film festivals worldwide and received several
international awards. In the last eight years, he has developed and directed
documentary features and TV series that were acclaimed in Israel. In 2004, he
directed one of Israel’s first reality programmes, Project Y . Since 2006, he has
been the head of Channel 10 Documentary Department. This is his first fiction
feature.
60
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Israel
Someone to Run With /
Mishehu Larutz Ito
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 118 mins, Hebrew
Two parallel stories drive this exhilarating coming-of-age tale set in a vibrant, at
times frightening, Jerusalem. Assaf is in search of the owner of a lost dog; Tamar
is in search of her missing brother. As their stories converge, the two discover
themselves and first love. The film is based on the bestselling novel by David
Grossman. The director spins the tale with two parallel story lines — one
representing Assaf’s journey in present day and the other of Tamar’s journey
unfolding from the past, starting two months before her disappearance. This device
is extremely effective in creating not only a context for the story, but also gives
the characters a depth that makes them come alive. The complexity of the story
complements the diversity of the characters in the film and the director succeeds
in defining the characters in his film as human, multi-faceted and real.
Oded Davidoff grew up in Jerusalem and graduated from the Sam Spiegel Film
and Television School. He has directed a number of television commercials for
many of Israel’s leading companies. His first feature film, the award-winning
Clean Sweep, was hailed as an instant cult classic. Oded and screenwriter Noah
Stollman have several new projects in development, including an adaptation of a
story by IB Singer.
61
Director
Oded Davidoff
Screenplay
Noah Stollman, based on a novel by David Grossman
Cinematography
Yaron Scharf
Editor
Ron Omer
Music
Ran Shem-Tov
Cast
Bar Belfer (Tamar), Yonatan Bar-Or (Asaf), Yuval Mendelson
(Shai), Rinat Matatov (Shelly), Tzahi Grad (Pesach), Danny
Steg (Tzahi)
Art
Shahar Bar-Adon
Sound
Aviv Aldema
Production
B&K Productions
18 Levontin Street
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel/Fax: +972-3-5664129
World Sales
Cinephil
18 Levontin Street
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel/Fax: +972-3-5664129
Festivals & Awards
Miami (Special Grand Jury Mention), Calgary, Atlantic,
Jerusalem, Melbourne, Warsaw, Atlantic, Chicago
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Israel-France
Tehilim
2007, 35mm, Colour
Director
Raphael Nadjari
Screenplay
Raphaël Nadjari, Vincent Poymiro
Cinematography
Laurent Brunet
Editor
Sean Foley
Music
Nathaniel Mechaly
Cast
Michael Moshonov (Menahem), Limor Goldstein (Alma), Reut
Lev (Dvora), Yonathan Alster (David)
Art
Dror Sarogati, Benny Afar
Production
Shilo Films
113, rue Vieille du
Temple 75003 Paris
France
Tel: +33 (0)1 48 78 98 36
www.shilofilms.com ;
Transfax Film
3 Yagia Kapayim
67778 Tel Aviv - Israël
Tel: +972 3 688 5210
www.transfax.co.il
World Sales:
Films Distribution
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 10 33 99
www.filmsdistribution.com
Festivals & Awards
Cannes
In today’s Jerusalem, a Jewish family leads an ordinary life. But following a car
accident, the father mysteriously disappears. They all deal with his absence and
the difficulties of everyday life as best they can. While the adults take refuge in
silence or traditions, the two children, Menachem and David, try in their own
way to find their father.
Writer and director Raphael Nadjari was born in 1971 in Marseille. In 1993,
Nadjari started working for French television and in 1997, he wrote the television
screenplay for TV drama Le P’tit Bleu. The same year he wrote and directed his
first US feature, The Shade which was released in 1999. At the end of 1999,
Raphael directed his second feature, I Am Josh Polonski’s Brother (2001). In
2004, Nadjari shot Avanim in Tel Aviv.
62
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Italy
Me, The Other / Io, L’ Altro
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 90 mins, Italian
When Yousef arrived from the Tunisia on exile, he began to work as fisherman,
and met who would become his best friend: Giuseppe. The two friends decide to
buy a small fishing boat, but after the 9/11 incident in the United States, the world
seems to have totally changed. Every dimension of the life is decided by this
factor of persisting war. Distant from the land, in the middle of the sea, the culture
of suspicion easily reaches the two friends who in 24 hours will become the two
new “collateral victims” of the so-called war of civility.
Mohsen Melliti was born in Tunisia in 1967 but moved to Rome in 1989. In
1991, he wrote the novel Pantanella hand along the street. This is his debut as a
screenwriter and director.
63
Director
Mohsen Melliti
Screenplay
Mohsen Melliti
Cinematography
Maurizio Calvesi
Editor
Marco Spoletini
Music
Louis Siciliano
Cast
Raoul Bova, Giovanni Martorana, Mario Pupella, Samia
Zibidi, Lina Besrat Assefa, Mohammed Alì
Sound
Gilberto Martinelli
Costumes
Carolina Olcese
Production
Trees Pictures, Sanmarco Film
World Sales
Ondamax Films
(Eric Mathis/Donald Ranvaud)
1360, Monad Terrace
Suit 1, Miami Beach
FL 33139 (USA)
Tel: +13055353577, +13052152221
www.ondamaxfilms.com
Festivals & Awards
Annecy-Italy (Special Jury Prize; Dauphiné Libéré Award),
Durban, Haifa, Rome
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Italy
Ossidiana
Director
Silvana Maja
Screenplay
Silvana Maja, Rolando Stefanelli
Cinematography
Roberta Allegrini
Editor
Giogio Franchini
Music
Davide Massropaow, Leandno Sorrentino
Cast
Teresa Saponangelo (Maria Palliggiano), Renato Carpentieri
(Emilio Notte), Andrea Renzi (Victor), Vincenza Modica
(Madre), Tina Femiano (Clelia), Marco Manchisi (Mario
Persico), Stefania de Francesco (Anna)
Art
Giancarlo Savino
Sound
Lilio Rosato
Costumes
Anna Facchino
Artimagiche / Thule Film
Via Loffredi, No. 7
80138, Napoli (Italy)
Tel: +39814421403/610
Fax: +39815571724
Naples 1957 – 1969. Maria is a young Neapolitan painter, caught up in the wave
of experimentation of the 1960s arts scene. She is a woman who lives her life
enthusiastically embracing the ideals of love and exploration, which for her are
also the most important guiding principles for an artist. She marries Emilio Notte,
director of the Naples Academy of Fine Arts and a leading light in the arts avantgarde. They have already had a son, Riccardo. During these years Maria tries to
reconcile the demands of being a mother, wife and artist, attempting to transform
her life in order to raise it beyond the crude facts of existence. However, the
withering grip of prejudice, the pressure to conform to what she considers to be
unacceptable mores eventually takes its toll, inflicting psychological anguish.
What for others is anxiety, is for her the desire to pursue that tantalising Utopia
of perfection, rigour and youth. During her brief time, Maria Palliggiano strived
to be that person who deep inside herself yearned to flourish. She committed
suicide in 1969.
Silvana Maja was born and raised in Naples, where she also studied law and
sociology of communication. She also trained as a writer and journalist. She had
written her first novel by the age of 18 and began working as a photo reporter,
initially documenting events from the class conflict, and in later years, the working
conditions of women in Southern Italy, India and South East Asia. By the end of
the 1980s, her photo journalism work had shifted its focus to mental illness in
women. At the same time, she wrote constantly, concentrating on themes related
to psychology and relationships. This line of research led her in the following
decade to take a comparative approach to her work, cross-fertilised with input
from painters, photographers and theatre artists, and marking the start of a course
of aesthetic development that would change her perception of her life. In 1997,
she moved to Rome where she now lives and works. The screenplay of Ossidiana
has been adapted from her eponymous novel, published at the end of 1999.
64
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Italy
Red Like The Sky / Rosso Come Il Cielo
Inspired by the true story of Mirco Mencacci, one of the most gifted Italian sound
editors working today, who happens to be blind. A small village in Tuscany,
1971. Mirco is a bright, lively 10-year-old, crazy about the movies - especially
Westerns and adventure films. His father, an incurable idealist, is a truck driver.
One day, while Mirco is playing with an old rifle, the gun accidentally goes off;
the boy is shot in the head. He survives, but loses his sight. At that time, Italian
law considered blind people hopelessly handicapped, and did not permit them to
attend public school. Hence, young Mirco’s parents are forced to shut their son
up in a “special school for the blind”: the David Chiossone Institute in Genoa. In
the beginning, Mirco does not accept his new condition. But he is feisty and
determined. When he finds an old tape recorder and a few used reels and discovers
that by cutting and splicing tape he can create little fairy tales made only of sounds,
a brand-new world opens up to him. His new adventure is opposed by the religious
authorities that run the boarding school, who are convinced that a blind boy is a
disabled person who must not be allowed to harbour illusions. But Mirco will not
give up. He continues to fight in every way possible, and he slowly involves his
classmates, leading them to rediscover their dreams and capacities.
Cristiano Bortone graduated in film and television from New York University
after attending the University of Southern California. In 1991, he formed the
independent production company Orisa Produzioni. Over the years, Bortone has
been involved in a number of professional endeavors as a visual artist and writer.
His work as a director, screenwriter and producer includes features, documentaries
and television programmes for major Italian networks.
65
Director
Cristiano Bortone
Screenplay
Cristiano Bortone, Monica Zapelli, Paolo Sassanelli
Cinematography
Vladan Fadovic
Editor
Carla Simoncelli
Music
Ezio Bosso
Cast
Luca Capriotti, Paolo Sassanelli, Marco Cocci, Simone
Colombari, Rosanna Gentili
Art
Davide Bassan
Costumes
Monica Simeone
Production
Orisa Produzioni
(Daniele Mazzocca, Cristiano Bortone)
Via Marsilio Ficino 5
00136 Rome (Italy)
Tel: +390639750996-64
Fax: +390639889715
www.orisa.it
World Sales
Adriana Chiesa Enterprises Srl
Via Barnaba Oriani
24/a - 00197 Roma (Italy)
Tel: +39068086052
Fax: 0390680687855
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Itlay
Rush Hour / L’ora di punta
2007, 35mm, Colour, 95 mins, Italian
Director
Vincenzo Marra
Screenplay
Vincenzo Marra
Cinematography
Luca Bigazzi
Editor
Luca Benedetti
Cast
Fanny Ardant (Caterina), Michele Lastella (Filippo), Giulia
Bevilacqua (Francesca), Augusto Zucchi (Captain Salvi),
Atonio Gerardi (Donati), Barba Valmorin (Anna)
Art
Beatrice Scarpato
Sound
Sandro Peticca, Remo Ugolinelli
Costumes
Daniella Ciancio
Production
R&C Prods., The French Connection, RAI Cinema
World Sales
Films Distribution
34 rue du Louvre, 75001 Paris, France.
T: (33-1) 5310-3399 F: (33-1) 5310-3398
[email protected]
Festivals & Awards
Venice, Toronto
Vincenzo Marra’s new film covers vast territory in the life of one man. With
often breathtaking, and unsettling, narrative leaps, it follows the singular path of
a protagonist who ultimately remains an enigma but whose choices profoundly
affect the lives of others. The film feels like an epic because of the ground we
travel, but the scale is intimate and small, intently focused on the central character.
Filippo has been commissioned into the Guardia di Finanza, an Italian military
police force under the authority of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Stiff,
alert, attentive, Filippo – who is proud to be following in the footsteps of his
father – has already caught the eye of his superior. Sent out to audit a company,
he immediately uncovers false invoices and illegal workers, and levies a significant
fine. When the owner approaches him with a bribe, Filippo makes his first key
decision. It is not long before he is a man on the move, confidently navigating the
shoals of Roman society, the only fly in the ointment being a messy split with his
girlfriend whom he is unable to forget. Soon, however, he meets the svelte,
charming, attractive – and older – owner of a gallery while conducting another
investigation. Caterina is well-connected, and before long Filippo is mingling in
society, rubbing shoulders with the high and mighty. Her many acquaintances
lead him to new heights and new aspirations. Will his reach exceed his grasp?
Marra’s previous films contained a subtle critique of Italian society, and this is
no different.
Vincenzo Marra was born in Naples. He has directed the short films Una Rosa
prego (1998) and La Vestizione (1998), and the documentaries Outsiders of the
Crowd (2001) and The Session Is Open (2006). His other feature films are Sailing
Home (2001), which won several awards at the Venice International Film Festival
in 2001, and Vento di terra (2004).
66
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Italy-Bulgaria-Spain-France
The Lark Farm /
La Messeria Delle Allodole
The Avakians are a rich Armenian family. Two family members are Aram, a landowner living in a small town in Turkey, and Assadour, a successful doctor from
Venice. The brothers have not seen each other for a long time and decide to meet
in Armenia. While Assadour prepares himself for his trip to his native land, Aram
began preparing the old family seat. Meanwhile, the political situation has grown
more acute as the times are volatile. Since coming to power in 1913, the
government of Young Turks has made it their goal to create one vast Turkish
empire. In 1915, Italy and France enter into an alliance against Turkey and Austria.
Assadour is hoping to be able to travel from Italy to his homeland when all hell
breaks loose in Armenia. The Young Turks order the massacre of the Armenians.
The two brothers never meet as they get caught in the genocide.
Vittorio Taviani (born 20.9.1929) and his brother Paolo (born 8.11.1931) were
both born in San Miniato, Italy. Vittorio studied law in Pisa and his brother, art.
Developing an interest in film, in 1954, the brothers made their first short film,
San Miniato Lugilo ‘ 44, about their own village. They made names for themselves
abroad with the 1977 work, Padre Padrone. In their long career, they have made
films like L’Italia Non E Un Paese Povero (1960), Un Uomo Da Bruciare (1962),
Il Prato (1979), La Notte Di San Lorenzo (1982), Kaos (1984), Good Morning
Babylon (1987).
67
Director
Paolo & Vittorio Taviani
Screenplay
Paolo Taviani & Vittorio Taviani, based on a book by Antonia
Arslan
Cinematography
Beppe Lanci
Editor
Roberto Perpignani
Music
Giuliano Taviani
Cast
Paz Vega, Moritz Bleibtreu, Angela Molina, Alessandro
Preziosi, Mohamed Bakri
Art
Andrea Crisanti
Sound
Daniel Fontrodona
Costume
Lina Nerli Taviani
Production
Ager 3, supported by MiBAC in collaboration with Rai
Cinema, Eagle Pictures co-production with Nimar Studios,
Sagrera TV TVE (Madrid); Flach Film, France 2 Cinema,
Canal+, 27 Films Production, Ard Degeto (Paris); supported
by Euroimages
World Sales
01Distribution
Festivals & Awards
Berlin, Copenhagen, Jerusalem, Montreal
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Italy-France-Switzerland
The Missing Star / La Stella Che Non C’E‘
Director
Gianni Amelio
Screenplay
Gianni Amelio, Umberto Contarello
Cinematography
Luca Bigazzi
Editor
Simona Paggi
Music
Franco Piersanti
Cast
Sergio Castellitto, Tai Ling, Hiu Sun Ha, Wang Biao
Art
Attilio Viti
Sound
Remo Ugolinelli
Costumes
Cristina Fracioni
Production
Cattleya, Rai Cinema, Babe Films, CaracFilm, RTSI Swiis
Television
Festivals & Awards
Copenhagen, Vancouver, Istanbul, Palm Springs, Seattle, Rio,
Stockholm, London, Toronto
Vincenzo, the maintenance manager of a steel mill in Bagnoli, is charged with
the responsibility of shutting down the plant and selling the molten metal to the
Chinese. When things are just wrapping up, Vincenzo realises that the Chinese
were sold a defective machine, which years earlier had caused the death of a
worker. Having discovered a way to fix to machine, Vincenzo leaves for China
where accompanied by an interpreter, Liu Hua, he will try to track down the plant
and fix the machine. As Vincenzo’s journey carries him deeper and deeper into
the country, Amelio gently teases out the lessons of the tale’s developing
metaphorical dimension. It is a story that serves to illuminate the cultural difference
between West and East. The movie is based on the novel La Dismissione by
Ermanno Rea.
Gianni Amelio was born in San Pietro Magisano, Italy. He has won many
international awards, including the Grand Prix du Jury at the 1992 Cannes Film
Festival for Stolen Children. Five of his features have screened at the Cannes
Festival: A Blow to the Heart (1982), Open Doors (1990), Lamerica (1994), The
Way We Laughed (1998) and The House Keys (2004).
68
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Japan
Beyond the Crimson Sky / Akanezora
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 120 mins, Japanese
Set in Edo (present-day Tokyo) in mid-18th century, it is a story of a way of life,
the subtleties of human nature, and intrigue. Based on an award-winning novel, it
is above all a story about family — the ties that bind husbands and wives, parents
and children, brother and sisters, and the quirks of fate that threaten to pull them
apart. The film opens on a crowded bridge where a little boy is separated from his
parents, and seems to disappear into thin air. He is the sole heir to a long-established
tofu shop. Twenty years later, a young man named Eikichi comes from Kyoto to
open a tofu shop in a friendly neighbourhood. He meets a feisty local girl Ofumi,
who befriends him as he sets up his shop. Kyo-ya, Eikichi immediately encounters
difficulties stemming from cultural differences between the two ancient capitals
— including the favoured taste of the tofu itself. Not easily deterred, Ofumi keeps
a positive attitude while Eikichi maintains his craftsman’s pride by continuing to
make tofu and do business the Kyoto way. Eventually, Eikichi and Ofumi marry.
They have become owners of the tofu shop on a more respectable street. Their
firstborn son, Eitaro beas the burn of other tofu shops’ animosity toward Kyoya’s refusal to comply with Edo’s way of running business. He starts to frequent
a gambling hall run by the mysterious ‘Boss’.
Masaki Hamamoto, born in 1963, earlier made Ekiden in 2000. he built his career
as an assistant director before making his directorial debut. He has previously
worked under Masahiro Shinoda, co-writer of Akanezora, in the renowed director’s
Owls’ Castle and Spy Sorge, and is regarded as one of the most promising directors
today.
69
Director
Masaki Hamamoto
Screenplay
Masaki Hamamoto, Masahiro Shinoda
Cinematography
Tatsuo Suzuki
Editor
Naoji Kawaguchi
Music
Taro Iwashiro
Cast
Masaaki Uchino, Miki Nakatani, Renji Ishibashi, Shima
Iwashita
Art
Naoji Kawaguchi
Production
Akanezora LLP
OLC Rights Entertainment (Japan) Inc
Kyobashi Mitsubishi Building, 8th Floor
1-7-3, Ginza Chou-ku
Tokyo 104-0061 (Japan)
Tel: +81351595050
Fax: +81351595051
World Sales
Open Sesame Co Ltd
Ritsuko Abe/Kaho Nakane
14-6, Ginza, Chuo-ku
Tel: +81351590871
Fax: +81335616262
Festivals & Awards
Taoramina
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Japan
Love My Life
Director
Koji Kawano
Screenplay
Hiroko Kanasugi
Cinematography
Jun Fukumoto
Editor
Hiroaki Morishita
Music
Noodles
Cast
Rei Yoshii, Asami Imajuku, Naomi Akimoto, Miyoko Asada,
Kami Hiraiwa, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi
Sound
Koji Yamada
Open Sesame Co Ltd
Ritsuko Abe/Kaho Nakane
14-6, Ginza, Chuo-ku
Tel: +81351590871
Fax: +81335616262
Festivals & Awards
Atlantic (Nova Scotia), Pusan
Ichiko Lzumiya, 18, goes to language school and works at a CD shop. She lives
with her translator father after her mother passed away. One day, she falls in love
with someone who is very smart, and shows her various worlds. The person’s
name is Ellie. Yes, she is a girl. When Ichiko introduced Ellie to her father, he is
surprised but he understood them at the same time. ‘Thank you Dad! I knew
you’d understand us’, thinks Ichiko. However, she did not know that he would
confess some secrets to her as well. ‘Ichiko, I am gay. And your mother was
lesbian’. She did not see this was coming. What is love? What is usual? What is
myself? Those questions never stops coming to her head, but no one gives her
answers. Is it so hard to live just as oneself? Adapted from the Yuri Manga comic
of the same name by popular female writer Ebine Yamaji.
Koji Kawano was born in Fukuoka in 1972. After graduating from Visual Arts
School, he worked at a film production company where he was involved in the
films of Toshiaki Toyoda, Naoto Takenaka and Edward Yang. This is his feature
directorial debut.
70
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Japan-France
The Mourning Forest / Mogari No Mori
Old Shigeki, suffering from senile dementia, lives in a small retirement home
filled with light and tranquility that sits on the edge of a mighty forest. He holds
on to a special relationship with his dead wife, Mako, his long letters to her the
silent testimony of his undying love. But now the 33 rd anniversary of Mako’s
death is approaching and, according to Japanese Buddhist beliefs, this means the
departed must travel to the land of Buddha. The time has come for the couple to
part forever. Harbinger of this ritual separation is Machiko, a young nurse at the
home who seems to devote special attention to Shigeki, even though she is still
shakily coping with the recent death of her son. Only one syllable separates
Machiko’s name from Mako’s, causing it to echo in Shigeki’s confused mind.
One day, disoriented in the woods, the young woman and the old man lose their
identities, then regain and redefine them. The weaker becomes the stronger, the
caregiver becomes the cared for. The film is set in the breathtaking mountainous
region of Tawara in western Japan, where villagers still perform archaic funerary
rites, and where a spirit of bereavement seems to dwell in the mystical, verdant
forest. Though grounded in the effortless performance of non-professional actor
Uda, the film refuses to rely on a purely anthropocentric narrative. Kawase’s
naturalistic touch creates an inner geography of emotion, gracefully linking it to
the region’s awe-inspiring topography in a way that recalls Japan’s long tradition
of landscape painting. It spotlights Kawase’s harmonious style of filmmaking,
giving us a modern reflection on ageing that also lyrically exalts nature’s primeval
majesty
Naomi Kawase was born in Nara, Japan, and graduated from the Osaka School of
Photography. She made her directorial debut with the short documentary
Embracing (1992), which received a FIPRESCI Special Mention Prize at the
Yamagata International Film Festival, and followed it with her first fiction film,
White Moon (1993). Her first fiction feature was Suzaku (1997), which won
multiple awards including the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Her other
films include This World (co-director, 1995), The Weald (1997), Kaleidoscope
(1999), Hotaru (2000), Shara (2003) and birth/mother (2006).
71
Director
Naomi Kawase
Screenplay
Naomi Kawase
Cinematography
Hideyo Nakano
Editor
Yuji Oshige, Tina Baz
Music
Masamichi Shigeno
Cast
Shigeki Uda (Shigeki), Machiko Ono (Machiko), Makiko
Watanabe ( Wakako), Kanako Masuda (Shigeki’s wife),
Yohichiro Saito (Machiko’s husband)
Art
Toshihiro Isomi
Sound
David Vranken, Vincent Maduit, Shigetake Ao
Production
Kumie Inc./ Celluloid Dreams Productions/ Visual Arts
College Osaka
1026-2 Horen-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8113 Japan.
Tel: (81-7) 4227-2216
Fax: (81-7) 4226-1830
World Sales
Dreammachine
Tel: +33 (0)1 49 70 03 70
www.celluloid-dreams.com
Festivals & Awards
Cannes (Grand Prix), Toronto, Karlovy Vary, Melbourne,
London
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Latvia
Don’t Talk About It / Par to nerunâ
2007, 35 mm, Colour, Latvian
Director
Una Celma
Screenplay
Dace Ruksane
Cinematography
Fanis Eclitis
Editor
Gunta Ikere
Music
Brauns Martins
Cast
Rçzija Kalniòa (Beatrise), Sandra Zvîgule, Ìirts Íesteris, Juris
Þagars, Harijs Spanovskis, Lenarda Íestere, Lâsma Buðmane
Art
Kaspars Karklins
Sound
A Krenbergi
Costumes
Roberts Kraule
Production
Latsfilma
Caka 33-43 Riga, Latvia
Tel: +371 7280111
World Sales
Screen Vision
Beatrise is in her thirties, drifting in her life. She has never made independent
decisions but based her life on unsuccessful relationships collapsing one after
another like sand castles. Forced to re-evaluate her life she realises that the only
way to reach harmony is to start making decisions by herself not relaying to
circumstances, illusory feelings and beautiful words.
Una Celma studied at the University of Latvia Faculty of Law, and at the Russian
State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) in the Film Directing department. She
has worked at the Riga Film Studio, freelanced for the TV channels NTV-5,
Swedish TV and BBC World Service, and as an audiovisual author’s rights
consultant for the AKKA/LAA (Latvian Copyright Association). As a director
she has made ten films, working in both the documentary and the feature film
fields. The biggest audience and critical response to date has been for her
documentary film, 1960.gada meitenes (The Girls of 1960, 1994) – a biting story
about her female classmates and their fates. Her feature film, Seko man (Follow
me, 1999), a Latvian-Swedish co-production – an ironically-toned domestic
comedy about a Latvian girl’s search for the perfect man in Sweden – provided
her with co-production experience. Olu kundze (Egg Lady, 2000), became an
international film festival bestseller, tugging at heartstrings with its charming
main character, its kind-hearted tone, and its ability to artistically utilise Soviet
Era newsreel material. Sauja lo•u (Handful of Bullets, 2003) was another LatvianSwedish co-production. Un tad es atgriezîðos pa îstam (And Then I’ll Be Back
For Good, 2003), is Una Celma’s documentary research on the Latvian guest
workers in Ireland who have been forced to go abroad to earn a subsistence for
their families. Work on the documentary film about the dreams and real lives of
Swedish women, A Holiday in the Sun (2004), has been completed.
72
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Malaysia
Heir to the Spiritual Tiger /
Waris Jari Hantu
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 110 mins, Malay
Tok Wan Rimau, the custodian of the spiritual tiger, is searching for a female heir
to inherit her powers. Tina and Ari are the relatives of Tok Wan. They are also
best friends. Tok Wan’s spiritual tiger protects her family and their village from
harm. Tina, who is in love with Ari, nurtures her secret dream of marrying him
even though the villagers often ridicule the effeminate Ari as a sissy. Deeply
traumatised by these insults, Ari continues to hide behind his close relationship
with Tina. Despite parental objections, Tina seems destined to be the next in line
as custodian of the mystical tiger. But Ari steps in, offering himself instead...
Based on local folkfore of “Rimau Datuk” (a guardian spirit in the form of tiger).
Shuhaimi Baba has made several feature films till date.
73
Director
Shuhaimi Baba
Screenplay
Shuhaimi Baba, Halina Abd Samad
Cinematography
Mohd Filus Ghazali
Editor
Kamaruddin Abu
Music
Shamsul Cairel Abdul Karim
Cast
Maya Karin Roelcke (Tina), Rusdi Ramli (Ari), Azean
Irdawaty, Kavita Sidhu, Nanu Baharudin
Sound
Ashley Ronald Grenville, Ibrahim Elias
Art
Aida Buyong, Kamarul Nizam
Costumes
Hasnan Yaccob
Production
Pesona Pictures Sdn Bhd
29, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman
7, Tmn Tun Dr Ismail
60000 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Tel: +60377282427, +60377282316
Fax: +60377291586, +60377281446
www.warisjarihantu.com
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Mexico
Pan’s Labyrinth / El Laberinto del fauno
Director
Guillermo del Toro
Screenplay
Guillermo del Toro
Cinematography
Guillermo Navarro
Editor
Bernat Vilaplana
Music
Javier Navarrete
Cast
Ivana Baquero (Ofelia), Sergi López (Capitán Vidal), Maribel
Verdú (Mercedes), Doug Jones (Pan / Pale Man), Ariadna Gil
(Carmen Vidal), Álex Angulo (Dr. Ferreiro), Manolo Solo
(Garcés)
Art
Eugenio Caballero
Costumes
Lala Huete, Rocío Redondo
Production
Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, Bertha Navarro, Frida
Torresblanco, Alvaro Augustin
Festivals & Awards
Oscar (Best Cinematography, Best Art, Best Make-up),
Cannes, BAFTA Awards (Best Foreign Language Film,
Costume, Make-up and Hair)
Spain, 1944. Officially, the Civil War has been over for five years, but a small
group of rebels fights on unbroken in the northern mountains of Navarra. Dreamy
10-year-old Ofelia moves to Navarra with her delicate, pregnant mother Carmen,
to become acquainted with her new stepfather, Captain Vidal, a Fascist officer
under orders to rid the territory of rebels. Ofelia, who is fascinated by fairy tales,
discovers an overgrown, tumbledown labyrinth behind the mill. In the heart of
the labyrinth she meets Pan, an ancient satyr who claims to know her true identity
and her secret destiny. But first, she must complete three tasks before the moon
grows full. And no one must know: not her ailing mother, or her new friend,
Mercedes. Time is running out, for Ofelia and for the rebels. Both will have to
battle hardship and cruelty in order to gain their freedom. But, who can be trusted
in a time of lies and danger? Is Pan telling the truth...? And if not, who is? Set
against the backdrop of fascist Spain in 1944, Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark fairy tale
that distils his distinctive mix of fact and fantasy, poetry and politics, pain and
pleasure. It’s an epic, poetic vision in which the grim realities of war are matched
and mirrored by a descent into an underworld populated by fearsomely beautiful
monsters - a transformative, life-affirming
Guillermo del Toro Gómez, born in 1964 in Guadalajara, Mexico, is an Academy
Award-nominated film director. Del Toro studied in the Instituto de Ciencias, and
was raised by his Catholic grandmother. Del Toro first got involved with
filmmaking when he was about eight years old. He executive produced his first
feature in 1986 , at the age of 21. Before that he spent nearly 10 years as a makeup designer, and formed his own company, Necropia, in the early 1980s. He also
co-founded the Guadalajara-based Mexican film festival. Later on in his directing
career, he formed his own production company, the Tequila Gang. In 1998, his
father was kidnapped in Mexico, which prompted del Toro to move abroad to
live as an expatriate. Del Toro currently lives in Westlake Village, a bedroom
community in Los Angeles. He has directed a wide variety of films, from comic
book adaptations (Hellboy and Blade II) to historical fantasy and horror films,
two of which are set in Spain during or in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War
under the authoritarian rule of Francisco Franco. These two films, El espinazo
del diablo (The Devil’s Backbone) and El laberinto del fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth),
are among his most critically-acclaimed works. They also share similar settings,
young children as protagonists, and themes . Del Toro, said in an interview about
lists several fascinations that have become regular features in his films: “I have a
sort of a fetish for insects, clockwork, monsters, dark places, and unborn things.”
74
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Mexico
Wait for Me in another World /
Esperame En Otro Mundo
Marcela lives in Mexico City and earns a living as a dance teacher. Her small
world seems to be going fine; there is a prospect of opening to her own academy
and there are love plans ahead. However, she finds out that something is not right
in her parents’ house: an underground discomfort that grows week by week. Her
mother Gloria has started to withdraw, talk about strange things out of the house’
everyday activities and memory drifts. At the same, her father Nacho loses his
job and with it his self-esteem. Marcela tries to do the impossible to save to her
family but how?
Juan Pablo Villasenor was born in Morelia, Michoacán, where he studied
Philosophy and Medicine. In 1982, he joined the Center of Cinematographic
Qualification, from where he graduated with the short film and I who I want so
much to it, winning an Ariel prize. His first film In case I do not return to see you,
won 30 prizes, among them the Ariel de Oro to the Best Mexican film, in 1997,
and several international awards. He is also a writer, and by all means a scriptwriter.
He has written three story books: The shipwrecks of the coffer of Noah, Brothers
and Hearts of smoke.
75
Director
Screenplay
Cinematography
Martin Boege
Editor
Miguel Lavandeira
Music
Jimena Jiménez Piece
Cast
Natalia Esperón (Marcela), Margarita Sanz (Gloria), Calf
Fernando (Nacho), Jorge Galván (Dr Zavala), Luis Rábago
(Dr Parra), Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez (Dra. Luengo), Carmen
Huete (Tere)
Art
Claudius Contreras
Sound
Antonio Diego, Ernesto Gaytán
Costumes
Alexander Gastélum
Production
Mexican Film Institute
Insurgentes Sur 674
2nd Floor Del Valle 03100
Mexico City, Mexico
Festivals & Awards
Guadalajara
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
The Netherlands
Black Book
2006, 35mm, Colour, 145 mins,
Dutch-German-English-Hebrew
Director
Paul Verhoeven
Screenplay
Gerard Soeteman, Paul Verhoeven
Cinematography
Karl Walter Lindenlaub
Editor
Job ter Burg, James Herbert
Music
Anne Dudley
Cast
Carice van Houten (Rachel/Ellis), Sebastian Koch (Ludwig
Müntze), Thom Hoffman (Hans Akkermans), Halina Reijn
(Ronnie), Waldemar Kobus (Günther Franken),
Derek de Lint (Gerben Kuipers), Christian Berkel (General
Käutner), Dolf de Vries (Notary Smaal)
Art
Wilbert Van Dorp, Maarten Piersma, Wilbert Van Dorp
Sound
Georges Bossaers
Costumes
Yan Tax
Production
Fu Works Productions, Hector, Motel Films, Clockwork
Pictures, Egoli Tossell Film
World Sales
Sony Pictures Classics
Carmelo Pirrone
550 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10022, USA
Tel: 212-833-8833
Fax: 212-833-8844
Festivals & Awards
Venice, Palm Springs, Toronto, Miami
Director Paul Verhoeven returns to Holland to direct this World War II thriller.
Rachel, a celebrated Jewish singer who joins the Dutch resistance to track down
the Nazis who killed her family, is caught in a web of seduction, betrayal, and
revenge. In this complex moral drama, no one is who they appear to be.
Paul Verhoeven directed his first film Een Hagedis Teveel in 1960, followed by
the TV series Floris and the box office hit Turks Fruit (Turkish Delight) starring
Monique van der Ven and Rutger Hauer. His next exploits were Keetje Tippel
(Katie Tippel), Soldier of Orange, Spetters and De Vierde Man (The Fourth Man).
In 1999 Turks Fruit (Turkish Delight) was honoured as the Best Dutch Film of
the Century; it was also nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.
Verhoeven’s international breakthrough came with RoboCop, followed by the box
office hits Total Recall and the trailblazing Basic Instinct. In 1997 he made Starship
Troopers, an indictment of the establishment. In 2000, he made Hollow Man.
76
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
New Zealand
Out of the Blue
Ordinary people find extraordinary courage in the face of madness. On 13-14
November 1990 that madness came to Aramoana, a small New Zealand seaside
village. It came in the form of a lone gunman with a high-powered automatic
rifle. As he stalked his victims the terrified and confused residents were trapped
in the village for 24 hours while a handful of under-resourced and under-armed
local policeman risked their lives trying to find him and save the survivors. It
remains the worst mass murder in New Zealand’s history. Terrified and confused
residents were trapped in their homes for 24 hours, not knowing where David
Gray was – or if they would become his next victim. There were great feats of
bravery on that terrible day – from ordinary people in the most extraordinary of
situations.
New Zealand director Robert Sarkies chose a true-life story based on a tragedy
for his second feature. His debut feature Scarfies was a cult hit in New Zealand in
2000, and also won seven awards at the NZ Film Awards, including Best Picture
and Best Director. Sarkies has had a passion for filmmaking since he first began
making movies in his hometown of Dunedin as an eight-year-old. Combining his
love of drama, technology and pyrotechnics, Rob’s commitment to being a
filmmaker saw him save his lunch money at school and put it towards his student
films. The sacrifice paid off: by his early 20s, his short Dream Makers had won
him first prize at the Semana de Cine Experimental Festival in Madrid, and Signing
Off picked up six international awards, including first prize at the Montreal
International Film Festival.
77
Director
Robert Sarkies
Screenplay
Robert Sarkies, Graeme Tetley
Cinematography
Greig Fraser
Editor
Annie Collins
Music
Victoria Kelly
Cast
Karl Urban (Harvey), Matthew Sunderland (David Gray), Lois
Lawn (Helen Dickson), Simon Ferry (Garry Holden), Tandi
Wright (Julie Ann Bryson), Paul Glover (Paul Knox)
Art
David Kolff, Ken Turner
Sound
Dave Whitehead
Costumes
Lesley Burkes-Harding
Production
Southern Light Films & Desert Road Films Production
World Sales
NZ FILM
Kathleen Drumm
Level 3, The Film centre
119 Ghuznee Street, Wellington 6011
New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 382 7680
Fax: +64 4 384 9719
www.nzfilm.co.nz
Festivals & Awards
Toronto, Goteborg, Dublin, Hong Kong, Natfilm Festival
(Denmark), Singapore, Sydney, Shanghai, Fantasy Film
Festival (Germany), Saint-Tropez Antipodes Film Festival
(France)
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Norway
Reprise / Auf Anfang
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 106 mins, Nordik
Director
Joachim Trier
Screenplay
Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier
Cinematography
Jakob Ihre
Editor
Olivier Bugge Couté
Music
Ola Fløttum and Knut Schreiner
Cast
Espen Klouman Høiner (Erik), Anders Danielsen Lie (Phillip),
Christian Rubeck (Lars), Odd Magnus Williamson (Morten),
Pål Stokka (Geir), Viktoria Winge (Kari), Silje Hagen
(Lillian), Henrik Elvestad (Henning), Thorbjørn Harr (Mathis
Wergeland), Sigmund Sæverud (Sten Egil Dahl), Elisabeth
Sand (Hanne, Erik’s mother), Tone Danielsen (Inger, Phillip’s
mother)
Art
Roger Rosenberg
Sound
Morten Solum
Costumes
Maria Bohlin
Production
4 1/2 AS
St. Olavsgt. 21C
N-0165 Oslo, Norway
Tel: +47 22 94 24 94
Fax: +47 22 94 24 99
World Sales
Nordisk Film International Sales
Mosedalsvej 14, DK-2500 Valby
Tel: +45 36 18 82 00
Fax: +45 36 18 95 50
www.sales.nordiskfilm.com
Festivals & Awards
2006: Karlovy Vary (Crystal Globe for Best Director, Don
Quijote Award from FICC (International Federation of Film
Societies), Norwegian International Film Festival (Haugesund),
Toronto (Diesel Discovery Award), London, Sundance
2007: Rotterdam (Young People’s Jury Award), Göteborg,
Cleveland, Stockholm, Istanbul (Grand Prize “Golden Tulip”),
Buenos Aires, Minneapolis, Linz, Jeonju (South Korea), San
Francisco, Seattle, Festroia (Portugal), Transilvania,
Melbourne, Milan (Best Film), Umeå (Sweden), Helsinki,
Haifa, Seville, Athens, Riga (Latvia)
It is a playful film about friendship, madness and creativity, about love and sorrow,
great ambitions and the often unpleasant clash between youthful presumptions
and reality. With its somewhat un-Norwegian structure, Reprise has a distinct
style and narrative technique which moves the story forward in a rich and
enthusiastic manner. Erik and Phillip are trying to make it as writers. Erik is
rejected by publishers as lacking in talent, while Phillip’s manuscript is accepted
and the young man becomes a major name on the Norwegian cultural scene
practically overnight. Six months later, Erik and his friends come to visit Phillip
at a psychiatric hospital to bring him home after long-term treatment. Writing is
the last thing on Phillip’s mind, but Erik is continuing his literary attempts and
tries to convince his friend to go back to writing. This film could be seen as a
subtle reflection on youth as a time of promise, plans and hopes which gradually
dissolve under the impact of life experiences. If the style of the narration is
reminiscent of the poetic works of the French New Wave, it’s no coincidence: the
director admits to the influence of François Truffaut, in particular, the latter’s
Jules and Jim, in which fundamental themes are treated with an enchantingly
light touch.
Norwegian-Danish director Joachim Trier makes his feature film debut with
Reprise. Trier, born in 1974, is a graduate of the National Film and Television
School in England. He has already made a string of celebrated short films. Three
of them, Procter (2002), Pietà (2000) and Still (2000), have been screened at
more than 30 international film festivals and won many awards. The most
important accolades include the Prix UIP and the Kodak Short Film Bureau Award
for Best British and Best European Film, which Procter garnered at the Edinburgh
Festival in 2002. Trier also directed commercials in England and Norway for the
company Moland Film AS. Joachim has twice been the National Skateboard
Champion in Norway.
78
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Poland-Italy-Canada
Karol - The Pope, the Man /
Karol un Papa rimasto uomo
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 200 mins, Polish
The sequel to Karol-a Man who Became Pope was long awaited among many
viewers since the director used his best endeavors to make the biopic of John
Paul II most accurate and touching. While the first part dealt with the 1939-1978
period and the early life of Karol Wojtyla, the sequel deals with his long, fruitful
1978-2005 pontiff. The director dynamically presents the Pontiff. The movie is
filled with wonderful symbolic moments.
Giacomo Battiato, born in 1943, is an Italian film director and writer. Born in
Verona, he started his career in 1973 on Italian Rai TV, Ten years later, he made
his debut in cinema with I paladini. He directed two fiction dedicated at Pope
John Paul II, Karol: A Man Who Became Pope (Karol, un uomo diventato Papa,
2005) and Karol: The Pope, The Man (Karol, un papa rimasto uomo, 2006).
79
Director
Giacomo Battiato
Screenplay
Giacomo Battiato, Gianfranco Svidercoschi
Cinematography
Giovanni Mammolotti
Editor
Alessandro Heffler
Music
Ennio Morricone
Cast
Piotr Adamczyk (Pope John Paul II), Dariusz Kwasnik
(Stanislaw Dziwisz), Michele Placido (Dr. Renato
Buzzonetti), Alberto Cracco (Agostino Casaroli), Adriana
Asti (Mother Theresa), Raoul Bova (Father Thomas), Leslie
Hope (Julia Ritter)
Art
Lorenzo D’Ambrosio
Sound
Dave Tinsley
Production
Pietro Valsecchi
World Sales
Jasna 10/120, 00-013
Warszawa Poland
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Poland
Tricks / Sztuczki
2007, 35 mm, Colour, Polish
Director
Andrzej Jakimowski
Screenplay
Andrzej Jakimowski
Cinematography
Adam Bajerski
Cast
Damian Ul, Ewelina Walendziak, Rafa³ Gu¿niczak, Tomasz
Sapryk
Production
Zjednoczenie Artystów i Rzemieœlników Sp. z o.o.,
Wytwórnia Filmów Dokumentalnych i Fabularnych, Telewizja
Polska S.A., Canal+ Cyfrowy, Opus Film
World Sales
Kino Œwiat
Belwederska Str 20/22
00762 Warsaw, Poland
Tel: +48 22 840 68 01
Fax: +48 22 840 68 06
http://www.kinoswiat.pl/
Festivals & Awards
Venice (Best Film)
Six-year-old Stefek challenges fate. He believes that the chain of events he sets
in motion will help him get closer to his father who abandoned his mother. His
sister Elka, 17, helps him learn how to “bribe” fate with small sacrifices. Tricks
and coincidences eventually bring the father to the mother’s doorstep but things
go wrong. In despair Stefek tries his good luck with the most risky of his tricks.
Andrzej Jakimowski, born 1963 in Warsaw, is director and screenwriter. He studied
philosophy at the Warsaw University and film directing at the Krzysztof
Kieœlowski Faculty of Radio and Television of the Silesian University in
Katowice. His debut feature Zmró¿ oczy (Squint Your Eyes) won numerous awards,
among others the Main SKYY Prize at San Francisco IFF 2004, Main Prize “White
Rose” at IFF Kinotavr in Sochi 2004, FIPRESCI Special Mention at MannheimHeidelberg IFF 2002, five awards at the Polish Feature Films Festival in Gdynia
2003: Special Jury Prize, Best Debut, Best Cinematography, Best Set Design,
Best Costumes, four Polish Academy Awards – Golden Eagles 2004: for Best
Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor. This is his second feature.
80
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Portugal
Dot.Com
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 103 mins, Portuguese
If Jesus were alive today, he would have his own website. Pedro, an engineer
posted in a village in the North of Portugal, waits desperately to be transferred
back to Lisbon. Ever since his road project was cancelled, has had nothing to do
except work in the village website he created. Just when a transfer seems imminent,
Pedro receives a letter from a large multinational. They summon Pedro to close
the site, citing domain name infringement. Failure to do so will result in a 5,00,000/
- Euro lawsuit. But only the village association can close the site. And the villagers
refuse. Their logic: if the site is worth 5,00,000 Euros in damages, then it’s worth
5,00,000 Euros. The situation spins out of control when the Press gets wind of the
story and the villagers plight becomes a cause celebre from New York to Hong
Kong. But as interest rises, so does dissension in the village. Under the media
spotlight, the villagers start to change… The film reflects upon the effect of new
technologies on the lives of people
Luís Galvão Teles was born in Lisbon in 1945, and graduated from law school
before studying film in Paris. He made his first feature film, A Confederação, in
1978 and subsequently directed A Vida é Bela? (1982), Retrato de Família (1992),
Elas (1997) and Tudo Isto é Fado (2003).
81
Director
Luis Galvao Teles
Screenplay
Suzanne Nagle
Cinematography
Miguel Sales Lopes
Editor
Carlos Domeque
Music
Guy Farley
Cast
Joao Tempera, Maria Adanez, Isabel Abreu, Marco Delgado,
Jose Eduardo,
Margarida Caprinteiro, Lia Gama
Art
Luis Costa
Sound
Eladio Reguero
Costumes
Cristina Camargo
Production
Fado Films
Rua Goncalves Zarco
N 18-5, Dto 1400-191
Lisbon (Portugal)
Tel: +351213021032
Fax: +351213021042;
Zanzibar Films
World Sales
Rua Dr. Archer de Lima
32, 1495-682 Cruz Quebrada
Dafundo (Portugal)
Tel: +351213021032
Fax: +351213021042
[email protected]
Festivals & Awards
Rio de Janeiro
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Romania
12:08 East of Bucharest /
A fost sau n-a fost?
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 89 min, Romanian
Direction
Corneliu Porumboiu
Screenplay
Corneliu Porumboiu
Cinematography
Marius Panduru
Editing
Roxana Szel
Music
Rotaria Group
Cast
Mircea Andreescu (Emanoil Piscosi), Teodor Corban (Virgil
Jderescu), Ion Sapdaru (Tiberiu Manescu)
Art
Daniel Raduta
Sound
Alexandru Dragomir, Sebastian Zsemlye
Costums
Monica Raduta
Production
42 km films
15, Costache Marinescu Street
Code 011285, District 1
Bucharest, ROMANIA
Tel/Fax:+4031-1006837
Mobile: +40740 011166
email:[email protected]
World Sales
The Coproduction Office
24, rue Lamartine
75009 Paris
Tel: +33 1 560 260 00
Fax: +33 1 560 260 01
Web: www.thecopro.de
Festivals & Awards
Cannes (Golden Camera & Europa Cinémas Award), Toronto,
Transilvania (Best Film, Audience Award & Romanian Days
Award for Best Romanian Feature)
At 12:08 p.m. on December 22, 1989, Romanians were glued onto their TV sets
watching Nicolae Ceausescu flee in a helicopter from his presidential palace.
Now it’s December 22 again. It’s been 16 years since the Revolution and Christmas
is approaching. Pisconi, an old retiree, is preparing to spend another lonely
Christmas. Manescu, a history teacher, does not want to lose his entire salary to
pay his debts. Jderescu, the owner of the local TV station, doesn’t seem very
interested in vacation. With Piscoci and Manescu’s help, he wants to find an answer
to a 16-year-old question: “Did a Revolution really take place in their city”?
Corneliu Porumboiu was born in 1975 in Vaslui (north-east from Bucharest, in
eastern Romania). A well-known film director and script writer, he has made
other films like Liviu’s Dream in 2004 and Trip to the City in 2003. In 2004, he
won the second prize at the Cinéfondation section with his student short film Trip
to the City and was selected in 2005 for the Résidence du Festival, a
cinematographic project development programme that brought him almost a halfyear stay in France. His last film, Liviu’s Dream, was based on a young man’s
recurrent nightmare about his unborn brother, aborted by his mother in the
Ceauºescu era.
82
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Serbia
Last Waltz In Sarajevo / Belle Epoque
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 135 mins,
Serbian-Bosnian-French-Italian-German
This is a story about the last days of the period known in Europe as “La Belle
Epoque”, the period of tumultuous events on the Balkans, between the years 1910
and 1914. This very important theme is seen from the point of view of the first
Bosnian motion picture cameraman Anton Walitz, who made several significant
film stories and an authentic documentary about the Sarajevo assassination. The
chief historical facts are primarily used as a pretext for the fanciful shaping of a
“dramatic comedy” about the epoch at the beginning of the last century, the epoch
which is, in its variety of aspects, an inverted picture of our epoch at the end of
the century. The cabaret numbers should offer a full range of information about
the setting to the uninformed spectator, utilising first class entertaiment, an erotic
atmosphere and sarcastic humour. This abundant and humorously flavoured picture
about an unusual age, bizarre ambient and dramatic events, combined with romantic
elements of melodrama, should offer excitement, joy and pure cinematic
amusement.
Born in 1942, Nikola Stojanoviæ is a film director and screenwriter, historian and
theorist of cinema, and founder-editor of the highly-esteemed film periodical Sineast. He has wrote and directed seven features and many short films and won a
lot of awards at the local and international festivals. Short and documentary films
include In the Kitchen (1969), The Act (1980), Triptych (1982), The Alternative
(1987), Quo Vadis? (1993), The End of Millennium (1995), Act Five (2002). Feature
films include Dear Irena (1970), Pollen Dust (1974), Autograph (TV, 1977),
Glimpse into the Night (1978), Great Talent (TV, 1984), Apple from Gold (1986),
Belle Epoque / Last Waltz in Sarajevo (l990-2004).
83
Director
Nikola Stojanoviæ
Screenplay
Nikola Stojanoviæ
Cinematography
Radoslav Vladiæ
Editor
Petar Putnikoviæ
Music
Arsen Dediæ
Cast
Davor Janjiæ, Radmila •ivkoviæ, Vita Mavriè, Petar
Bo•oviæ, Boro Stjepanoviæ, Nebojša Kundaèina, Alain
Noury
Art
Miodrag Nikoliæ
Sound
Velibor Hajdukovic, Nebojsa Zoric
Costumes
Emilija Kovaèeviæ
Production
Bosna film d.d.,Sarajevo, Maja film,U•ice
World Sales
Maja film
Bosanska 49
31000 U•ice, Srbija
Tel: +381 31 552 392
Fax: + 381 31 513 493
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
South Africa
Tsotsi
2005, 35 mm, Color, 90 mins, Tsotsitaal/English
Direction
Gavin Hood
Screenplay
Gavin Hood, based on the novel Tsotsi by Athol Fugard
Cinematography
Lance Gewer
Editor
Megan Gill
Music
Mark Kilian, Paul Hepker
Cast
Presley Chweneyagae, Terry Pheto, Kenneth Nkosi, Mothusi
Magano, Zenzo Ngqobe
Art
Mark Walker
Sound
Shaun Murdoch
Costumes
Nadia Kruger, Pierre Vienings
Production
The UK Film & TV Production Company Plc
3, Colville Place
London W1T 2BH (UK)
Tel: +442074191060
World Sales
The Little Film Company
12930, Ventura Boulevard #822
South City, CA 19604
Tel: +18087626999
Robbie Little
Festivals & Awards
2005: Toronto (People’s Choice Award), Edinburgh (The
Michael Powell Award For Best New British Feature Film,
Standard Life Audience Award), Thessaloniki (Greek
Parliament’s Human Values Award), Denver (Audience
Award), Cape Town (Critics Jury Award), St Louis (Audience
Award)
2006: Best Foreign Language Oscar, BAFTA Nomination,
Jury Prize for Best Feature, Pan African Film and Arts
Festival (Jury Prize for Best Feature), Santa Barbara
(Audience Award)
Set amidst the sprawling Johannesburg township of Soweto - where survival is
the primary objective – Tsotsi traces six days in the life of a ruthless young gang
leader who ends up caring for a baby accidentally kidnapped during a car-jacking.
It is a gritty and moving portrait of an angry young man living in a state of extreme
urban deprivation. His world pumps with the raw energy of “Kwaito music” - the
modern beat of the ghetto that reflects his troubled state of mind. The film is a
psychological thriller in which the protagonist is compelled to confront his own
brutal nature and face the consequences of his actions. It puts a human face on
both the victims and the perpetrators of violent crime and is ultimately a story of
hope and a triumph of love over rage.
After graduating with a degree in law in South Africa, Gavin Hood worked briefly
as an actor before heading to the US to study screenwriting and directing at the
University of California in LA. After completing his studies, he returned to South
Africa. In 1998 Gavin made his 35mm film directing debut with a 22-minute
short called The Storekeeper. His maiden feature, A Reasonable Man, starred Sir
Nigel Hawthorne.
84
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
South Korea
Psychopath
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 79 mins, Korean
Following the modus operandi of two serial rapists’ crimes, this film examines
the rapists’ psychology, the way they justify their crimes, and their manner of
selecting their next victim. Also, the film studies the viewpoint and psychology
of the women who became their victims. The film also questions the
appropriateness of the statutory limitations for sexual criminals.
Shin Hea Kim is among South Korea’s new filmmaking names.
85
Director
Shin Hea Kim
Screenplay
Shin Hea Kim
Cinematography
Sang Hoon Lee, Hak Jin Jeong
Editor
Mi Yeong Kim, Chang Rok Pak, In Yeong Kwon
Music
Wok Hyen Lee
Cast
Wuk Hyun Lee, Won Jo Jeong, Hee Yung Kim, Chol Min Lee,
Hyeon Jin Sa, Ju Na Lee, Lee Seel Lee, Sun Aa Jeong
Art
Jan Di Kim
Sound
Yong Hee Chen, Chang Ju Ji
Shin Hea Kim
E-1210, Sanho Apt
118-16, Wonhyoro 4ga
Yong Sangu
Seoul (South Korea)
Tel: +82112494880
Fax: +8227490754
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Spain-UK
Salvador Puig
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 134 mins, Catalan-Spanish-French
Director
Manuel Huerga
Screenplay
Lluis Arcarazo
Cinematography
David Omedes
Editor
Aixala, Santi Borricon
Music
Lluis Llach
Cast
Daniel Bruhl, Tristan Ulloa, Leonardo Sbaraglia, Joel Joan,
Celso Bugallo
Art
Antxón Gómez
Sound
Alastair Widgery and James Muñoz
Costume
Maria Gil
Production
Eva Carrillo
Telesisteme Mejicaho
SA de CV Balderas
No. 420 Mezanine Col Centro
World Sales
Beta Cinema
Isabelle Griessbach
Gruenwalder Weg 28d
Oberhaching, 82041 Germany
Tel: 49-89-6734-6980
Fax: 49-89-6734-6988
www.betacinema.com
Festivals and awards
Seattle, Palm Springs
On March 2, 1974, the young militant of the Movimiento Ibérico de Liberación
(Iberian Liberation Movement), Salvador Puig Antich, became the last political
prisoner to be executed in Spain under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. This
is his story and that of the desperate attempts of his family, colleagues and lawyers
to avoid his execution. The film is based on the Francesc Escribano book Cuenta
atrás. La historia de Salvador Puig Antich, which describes the execution of
Antich.
Manuel Huerga was born in Barcelona on October 20, 1957. A filmmaker from
an early age, his is a popular name in experimental and avant-garde circuits. Among
his films are Gaudí, which won the critics’ award at the Barcelona International
Film Festival and the documentary Les Variacions Gould. In 1992, he directed
the opening and closing ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympics. His other film
Antartida was released in 1995.
86
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Spain
Under the Stars / Bajo las Estrellas
When Benito Lacunza, a shiftless waiter cum aspiring jazz musician, returns to
his hometown Estella for a few days, he is surprised to learn that his cheerful
brother Lalo - who makes sculptures out of scrap metal - is about to marry. Benito
remembers the bride all too well from his adolescence days. She is Nines, a single
mom who’s seen her share of hard times. Benito decides to prevent the marriage
for his brother’s benefit. But unexpectedly he finds himself up against a formidable
foe in Nine’s daughter, Ainara. Benito ends up forging a one-of-a-kind friendship
with her despite her rebellious nature. When things take a turn for the worst in
this peculiar family, Benito decides for the first time in his life to take control
and offer his assistance - albeit, in his own way - to all those persons that he
genuinely cares for.
Félix Viscarret is one of the known Spanish directors who has made a name for
himself in short-feature length films. This is his first full length feature film.
Born at Pamplona in Spain in 1975, Felix studied on films in the United States.
87
Director
Félix Viscarret
Screenplay
Félix Viscarret
Cinematography
Álvaro Gutiérrez
Editor
Ángel Hernández Zoido
Music
Mikel Salas
Cast
Alberto San Juan, Emma Suárez, Julián Villagrán, Violeta
Rodríguez
Art
Gustavo G Ramirez
Sound
Licio Marcos DeOliveira
Costume
Laura Renau
Notro Films
Lincoln, 11-3-4
08006 Barcelona (Spain)
Tel: (+34) 93 567 05 05
Fax: (+34) 93 567 05 04
www.notrofilms.com
Festivals & Awards
Malaga (Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor),
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Sweden
When Darkness Falls /
Nar Morkret Faller
2006, 35 mm, Colour, 131 mins, Swedish
Director
Anders Nilsson
Screenplay
Anders Nilsson, Joakim Hansson
Cinematography
P A Svensson
Editor
Darek Hodor
Music
Bengt Nilsson
Cast
Lia Boysen, Reuben Sallmander, Per Graffman, Peter Engman,
Anja Lundqvist
Sound
Niklas Skarp
Costume
Marie Flyckt
Production
Swedish Film Institute
(P.O. Box 27126 / Borgvägen 1-5 SE-102 52
Stockholm, Sweden); TV3; PAN Vision (SE);
Multimedia Film und Fernseh;
Film Förderung Hamburg (DE); Sonet Film
World Sales
Sonet Film
Box 20105
161 02 BROMMA
Tel: +46 8 555 248 00
Fax: +46 8 28 58 34
Festivals & Awards
Berlin (Amnesty International Film Award), Mill Valley
(USA)
Two young sisters act against their family’s “code of honour” and their lives
become a deadly nightmare. Two bouncers at a popular club are attacked by
criminals igniting total war. An award-winning journalist presses charges of
spousal abuse against her husband only to become a hated pariah amongst their
common colleagues. But what none of their aggressors could have foreseen is the
enormous will to fight and prevail that is awake in the hearts of those threatened
one time too many. It is a gripping and intense thriller about honour, loyalty, and
the courage to fight for what you believe. It is the last of a trilogy, after Zero
Tolerance and Executive Protection.
Anders Nilsson is one of Sweden’s most-distinguished directors. Both critics and
audiences consider him to be Sweden’s number one director of action-thrillers.
His personal style and use of non-American crime themes has made his films
enormously successful and possibly spawned a new genre. Nilsson was born in
Kil, Sweden, in 1963. At the age of 19 Nilsson began as a camera assistant and
sound editor, but soon worked his way up to the studio’s chief film editor,
cinematographer, and second unit director. Before 30, he had racked up over 100
film credits. While these films where all low-budget action adventures, thrillers,
and comedies, the studio provided Nilsson with freedom to experiment with his
craft and his art, which allowed him to develop his unique personal style.
Currently, Nilsson is writing another trilogy: a historical epic about the ongoing
birth of democracy.
88
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Sweden-Germany-France-DenmarkNorway
You, The Living / Du Levande
You, the Living is about the human being, about her greatness and her
‘miserableness’, her joy and sorrow, her self-confidence and anxiety. A being at
whom we want to laugh and also cry for. It is simply a tragic comedy or a comic
tragedy about us.
Roy Andersson was born in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1943. His first feature A
Swedish Love Story won the main prize at the Berlin in 1970. Giliap, his second
film, was presented at the Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes 1976. In 1975 he started
making unusual and very successful commercials, which won a total of eight
Golden Lions at Cannes. In 1981, he founded Studio 24 in order to produce and
make his films in total freedom. After Something Happened (1987) and World of
Glory (1991), two shorts that returned with the most prestigious awards, he shot
Songs From The Second Floor in his studio (March 1996-May 2000) and won the
Special Jury Prize in Cannes 2000. You, the Living is his fourth feature film.
89
Director
Roy Andersson
Screenplay
Roy Andersson
Editor
Anna Märta Waern
Music
Robert Hefter
Cast
Jessica Lundberg, Elisabet Helander, Björn Englund, Leif
Larsson, Ollie Olson, Kemal Sener, Håkan Angser, Birgitta
Persson, Gunnar Ivarsson
Sound
Jan Alvermark, Robert Sörling
Costumes
Sophia Frykstam
Production
Roy Andersson Filmproduktion AB
Sibyllegatan 24
114 42 Stockholm
Tél. +46 8662 5700
Fax +46 8662 9240
www.royandersson.com
World Sales
Coproduction Office
24, rue Lamartine
75009 Paris, France
Tél. +331 5602 6000
Fax +331 5602 6001
Email [email protected]
A Cannes Riviera L6
Tél. +334 9299 3316
Festivals & Awards
Cannes
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Switzerland-Finland-Germany
Sonic Mirror
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 80 mins, Portuguese-German-English
Director
Mika Kaurismaki
Screenplay
Uwe Dresch, Marco Forster, Mika Kaurismaki
Cinematography
Jacques Cheuiche
Editor
Oli Weiss, Christian Krämer
Music
Billy Cobham, Male Debale Brazil, Okuta Percussion Nigeria,
Tunji Beier/Espoo Big Band Finland, Swiss Mix Switzerland
Cast
Bill Cobham, Randy Brecker
Sound
Uwe Dresch
Production
Marco Forster Productions, Vevey/CH - Marianna Films Oy,
Helsinki/Fi - Uwe Dresch Films Ltd., Köln/D - Doc
Productions GmbH, Zürich/CH
World Sales
WIDE Management
40, rue Sainte-Anne - 75002 Paris
France
Tel: +33 1 53 95 04 64
Fax: +33 1 53 95 04 65
Festivals & Awards
Nyon, Munich
For most people music is a marvellous experience and part of their life whether
or not they play an instrument themselves. They understand music and rhythm as
a fundamental communication tool of mankind. Sonic Mirror is an emotional dive
into the world of rhythm - an extraordinary trip to discover the magic relationship
between Life and Rhythm. Drum legend Billy Cobham takes us from the
bandstands of the Western world to the primal music of African origin with kids
in a Brazilian community and on to the completely secluded world of musical
experiences of artistes. These different worlds are connected in a mystical and
secret way.
Mika Kaurismäki studied cinema in Munich, Germany, and made his diploma
film The Liar in 1980 in Finland. His younger brother Aki Kaurismäki, a journalism
student, played the main role and co-wrote the screenplay. After the success of
The Liar, Mika Kaurismäki decided to stay in Finland and together with his brother
and friends he founded the production company Villealfa Filmproductions that
became a home of vital low- or no-budget film making. During the active Villealfa
years, Mika co-founded the legendary Midnight Sun Film Festival (1986) and the
distribution company Senso Films (1987) with Andorra cinemas (and some bars)
in Helsinki. In the 1990s, Mika started to produce through his company Marianna
Films. He also established his base and second home in Rio de Janeiro and
concentrated in international co-productions. Mika has just finished his last film
Honey Baby, a road movie in the Baltic and Russia.
90
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Thailand
Mid Road Gang / Ma Mha 4 Khaa Khrap
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 90 mins, Thai
The age-old tale of a hero or heroine overcoming humble beginnings to find a
successful and fulfilling future has inspired many a cinema and literary classic.
In the case of this delightfully antic story from Thailand, the hero who pulls
himself up by his bootstraps is a seventy-pound muscular russet mutt named
Makham. Makham becomes the involuntary leader of six stray dogs of various
ages and genetic cocktails: Uncle Kafe, Keng, Piak, Pikul and Sexy, the miniature
French poodle. The dogs are a pretty tight team, scratching out a living on the
mean streets of Bangkok. Catastrophe strikes, however, when the slum they call
home is razed to make way for a supermarket. Homeless, drifting and hungry, the
friends are hounded all over town by the dreaded dog catchers. After Uncle Kafe
is hurt by a speeding motorcycle, Makham realizes his canine family needs to
find a permanent safe harbour. Makham has heard a rumour he wants to believe
is true – that there exists a haven for canines, where every pooch and puppy has
a bed and never goes hungry; a place that some call “Dogtopia”. There’s only one
problem: this refuge lies on the other side of a busy ten-lane superhighway. How
Makham and his ragamuffin pack of friends navigate this treacherous road to
find sanctuary is a gripping adventure story laced with both wit and slapstick.
Pantham Thongsang was born in Bangkok and has a BA in film from
Chulalongkorn University. He has worked as a producer on several films, including
Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Tropical Malady. His feature filmography includes
Judgment and Mid Road Gang. Somkiat Vithuranich was born in Bangkok and
has a B.F.A. in film and video from the University of Regina in Saskatchewan.
He began his career working as an assistant director and producer.
91
Director
Pantham Thongsange, Somkait Vituranich
Screenplay
Somkait Vituranich
Cinematography
Wardhana Vunchuplou
Editor
Margenta Chumpol Porkar Karun Kumanuwong
Cast
Nitipaisalkul Pichaya, Maneerat Kham-uan, Channarong
Khuntee-tao, Pitchaya Nitipaisankul, Pavarisa Phenjati,
Panissara Phimpru
Art
Karanyapas Khamsin
Sound
Nakorn Kositpaisain
NGR Co. Ltd.
1 Soi Sannibattesabal Ratchadapisek Road
Chankasem Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
Tel: (66-2) 513 -2644
Fax: (66-2) 512-5535
Festivals & Awards
Toronto, Bangkok, Giffony-Italy
(Golden Gryphon best film award)
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Turkey
Lovelorn / Gonul Yarasi
2005, 35mm, Colour, 139 mins, Turkish
Director
Yavuz Turgul
Screenplay
Yavuz Turgul
Cinematography
Soykut Turan
Editor
Soykut Turan
Music
Tamer Çiray
Cast
Sener Sen, Meltem Cumbul, Timuçin Esen, Güven Kiraç,
Devin Özgün Çinar
World Sales
Filma-Cass Film Yapim ve Pazarlama A.S.
Festivals & Awards
Boston Turkish Film Fest, Turkey’s Official Entry
to the 2006 Academy Awards, Palm Springs
(FIPRESCI Award for Best Actress)
Idealist elementary school teacher Nazim (named after the great Turkish poet
Nazim Hikmet) retires and returns home to Istanbul after 15 years of teaching in
a poor, remote Kurdish village in Eastern Turkey. Politely ignored by his own
children who secretly despise him for having chosen his ideals over his family, he
begins a new life as a taxi driver. One night, he meets Dunya, a down-on-her-luck
divorcee who works as a “singer” in a sleazy nightclub. Before he knows it, Nazim
takes Dunya and her daughter in to protect them from Dunya’s stalker ex-husband
Halil.
Born in 1946 in Istanbul, Yavuz Turgul graduated from the Institute of Journalism
in Istanbul University. After working for six years as a journalist for six years, he
began writing scripts, many of which have won accolades. He directed his first
film in 1984. He directed The Bandit (Eskiya) in 1996 which was a great
commercial success in Turkey. Turgul returns after a nine-year absence with
Lovelorn. His other films include Golge Oyunu (1992), Ask Filmlerinin Unutulmaz
Yonetmeni (1990), Muhsin Bey (1987) and Fahriye Abla (1984).
92
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
Turkey
Waiting for Heaven / Cenneti Beklerken
2006, 35 mm. Colour, 107 mins, Turkish
Eflatun is a master miniature artist who is living in 17th century Istanbul. One
day, he is taken to the vizier’s mansion by force. There he learns that Danyal, one
of the Ottoman princes who has ignited an insurrection, has been arrested in a
far-off state and is to be executed soon. Eflatun is ordered to make a portrait of
the rebel prince who has been condemned to death in a Western manner to help
the authorities be certain on the identity of him. Acting upon the order, Eflatun
sets off for an arduous journey to Anatolia. He picks up a girl named Leyla en
route. Together, they find themselves in a great adventure fraught with dangers.
Derviº Zaim was born in 1964 in Famagusta, Cyprus. He graduated from Warwick
University in England. He attended a course in independent film production in
London, organised by the Hollywood Film Institute. In 1995, his first novel won
the prestigious Yunus Nadi literary prize in Turkey. Released in 1996, Tabutta
Rövaºata (Somersault in a Coffin) was his debut film as director and screenwriter.
93
Director
Derviº Zaim
Screenplay
Derviº Zaim
Cinematography
Mustafa Kuºçu
Editor
Ulaº Cihan ªimºek
Music
Rahman Altýn
Cast
Serhat Tutumluer (Eflatun), Melisa Sözen (Leila), Mesut
Akusta, Nihat Ýleri, Mehmet Ali Nuroðlu
Art
Elif Tasçioglu, Serdar Yilmaz
Sound
Sándor Balla, Murat Celikkol
Costume
Nadide Argun
Production
Hermes Film, Maraton Filmcilik
Festivals & Awards
Anatalya
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
UK
Full Circle
2007, 35mm, Colour, 115 mins, English
Direction
Michael Jaffer
Screenplay
Michael Jaffer and Tim Mills
Cinematography
Franz Pagot
Editor
Raimondo Aiello
Music
Roberto Martinelli
Cast
David Mazzeo (Paul Scott), Michael Howe (Philip
Brockenhurst), Irene Scaturro (Anna), Patrick Kelly (Max)
Sound
Jean-Raphael Dedieu
Simon Kay
Producer
c/o Sugarfree Films Ltd
Churchill House, 137 Brent Street
London NW4 4DJ, UK
Tel:+44-20-8349-1083
Fax:+44-20-8343-2185
www.sugarfreefilms.com
1978. The Wimbledon Tennis Championships. An unknown American qualifier
has the world at his feet as he serves at match point to beat the defending champion
for a place in the semi-finals. He goes on to win the match and the tournament.
The champion, Paul Scott, is now 48 and lives alone. He owes money to Mafioso
bookmaker and with payment due and not a cent to his name. Only a miracle can
save him. A knock at the door brings a visit from a private investigator with
some unexpected news: unbeknown to PAUL, 25 years ago whilst in Italy, he
may have fathered the child of an old flame; the recently-deceased Monica Sersale.
Monica has left him half a million dollars in her will. He travels first class to
Rome to meet with her lawyer. The lawyer introduces Paul to Philip Brockenhurst,
an English aristocrat and explains that as Monica was having affairs with both of
them at the same time her daughter was conceived and had no way of establishing
exactly who the real father was, she included them both in the will. Two men
return to Italy after a 25-year-absence to search for the daughter one of them
may have fathered. What starts as two lonely, bitter, middle-aged men’s race
against time in quest of selfish desire, becomes a journey of self-discovery and
enlightenment when they are forced to confront their past.
British filmmaker Michael Jaffer made his first film, Part Time Lover, in 1993,
primarily as an exercise in film making. He relocated himself to Paris in 1994, to
make his second film, L’Autre Femme (The Other Woman). Jaffer remained in
Paris for his next film, Une Journée Tranquille (A Quiet Day). Between 2000
and 2003, he directed a number of international television commercials.
94
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
UK
Love Me Still
Mickey Ronson is released from prison after serving an eight-year sentence for
armed robbery. On his release he finds that his life has been blown apart. His
wife Gemma and his little girl Lucy have gone missing. They have been kidnapped
by his elder brother Bobby. The untimely death of Lenny, his grandfather, brings
the family back together. This gives Mickey an opportunity to take revenge against
his brother Bobby, who is shot dead. Mickey finds himself back behind bars once
again because it was Gemma who actually shoots Bobby but Mickey protects her
and takes the rap.
As a BBC trained director, Danny Hiller directed the BBC feature-length television
drama Trip Trap, a story of domestic and sexual violence in the context of a
respectable middle-class household. Attracting an audience of 10 million viewers,
this programme received a BAFTA nomination for best film. In 2000, Hiller
directed the psychological drama Pretending to be Judith, a feature-length film
screened on ITV. He later worked as a development producer for the BBC,
commissioning, writing and producing for BBC Drama.
95
Director
Danny Hiller
Screenplay
Paul Munns
Cinematography
Shane Daley
Editor
Dei Reynolds
Music
Stewart Copeland
Cast
Andrew Howard (Mickey), Alex Reid (Gemma), Jeffery Bell
(Bobby), Camille Coduri (Maggie)
Art
Nick Somerville
Defiant Films
Danny Hiller
Tel: 07747 610 770
Festivals & Awards
Shanghai
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
USA
American East
Director
Hesham Issawi
Screenplay
Hesham Issaw, Sayed Badreya, Brian Cox
Cinematography
Michael G Wojciechowski
Editor
Chris Wright
Music
Tony Humecke
Cast
Sayed Badreya (Mustafa Marzoke), Sarah Shahi (Salwah
Marzoke), Tony Shalhoub (Sam), Anthony Azizi (Murad),
Kais Nashif (Omar)
Art
Frank Bolllinger
Costumes
Swinda Reichelt
Production
Anant Singh, Brian Cox, Ahmad Zahra
It is a poignant drama about Arab-Americans living in post-9/11 Los Angeles. The story
examines long-held misunderstandings about Arabic and Islamic culture, and puts a human
face on a segment of the US population whom most Americans know nothing about, but who
today are of particular interest to them, either from curiosity or suspicion. The story highlights
the pressures under which many Arab-Americans now live by focusing on the points-of-view
of three main characters. Mustafa is a widowed Egyptian immigrant and the owner of Habibe’s
Café, a popular hang-out for people in Los Angeles with Middle-Eastern backgrounds. He is
devoted to providing his children with a moral upbringing despite the pressures of
contemporary American urban life. He also finds himself cast in the role of protector to his
unwed sister Salweh, for whom, by family and tribal custom, he is responsible for finding a
traditional suitor. But his respect for tradition comes up against his own aspirations to adapt
to the American Dream when he decides to open a new restaurant with a Jewish partner – his
friend Sam. This “unholy alliance” is unpopular amongst the habitués of his café and the
insular Arab community in which Mustafa resides. It is one of several personal points of
tension that gradually build against the backdrop of larger, national events affecting the ArabAmerican community and lead to the explosive denouement of the story. It is also the story of
Mustafa’s friend Omar (Kais Nashif) is a struggling actor and Habibi’s Cafe regular, a young
Egyptian man who supports his dream of becoming a movie star by working as a part-time
cab driver for Mustafa’s ragged, one-car taxi company. Because of his Middle Eastern looks
and accent, however, he is constantly cast in the role of a terrorist in American TV shows that
portray only a shallow understanding of Arabs and their culture. When an opportunity for a
non-racially designated role arrives, Omar feels his chance for success - to be seen as an actor
first and not a Muslim - has finally arrived. It is the break he has been waiting for on many
levels: a chance at the financial freedom necessary to marry and support his pregnant American
girlfriend Kate, and a chance for him, and his future child, to be embraced as an American, in
the same way that he has embraced America. But misunderstandings and prejudices related
to his Arabic background conspire against him and his opportunity is lost, pushing Omar to
make a drastic, unreasoned decision that sets off a chain of events leading to a violent
conclusion that affects the lives of all the other characters. Will their American Dreams be
shattered by a climate of distrust and suspicion, or will their hopes and aspirations be embraced
by their fellow Americans?
Hesham Issawi was born in Egypt where he grew up with an insatiable appetite for American
movies. He moved to the US in 1990 to study anthropology, but after taking classes in
photography he changed his major in order to study filmmaking. He attended film school at
Columbia College, Chicago, where he graduated from in 1996, and began his career working
at a local TV station. His initial forays into independent filmmaking were in the documentary
world where he eventually directed a few short subjects of his own. In 1997, he co-produced
the documentary, Saving the Sphinx, for the Learning Channel. Hesham Issawi’s love of film
noir was the inspiration for his first short fictional film, The Interrogation, which he wrote
and directed in 2002. It won Best Creative Short Film at New York Film Festival. In 2003, he
co-wrote and directed the short film, T For Terrorist, which was the winner of the Best Short
Film awards at both the Boston and San Francisco film festivals. This is his feature debut.
96
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
USA
Last Stop For Paul
The greatest travel adventure movie of all time! Seriously! Cliff and Charlie live
boring lives in LA. In an effort to spice up their existence, Charlie suggests they
go to the famous Full Moon Party in Thailand. Cliff agrees with the condition
that in order to go they purchase around the world tickets and see the globe first.
Short on cash, the only way they can afford to pull of the trip is by posing as
travel writers for Frommers books so they can get free food and hotel rooms.
Together they embark on a trip of a lifetime as they travel to the Caribbean, South
America, Europe and Asia. Shot in over 20 countries, Cliff and Charlie have
unbelievable adventures in every location and their lives are changed for ever.
Filmed at locations all over the world and using a cast of real people in not so
real-life situations,
Neil Mandt began his career as a journalist winning the National College Emmy
during his junior year at the University of Detroit. After that he went on to be a
reporter for Nickelodeon and ESPN and later focused on Producing and Directing.
Eventually Neil decided filmmaking was what he wanted to do so in September
of 1995 he wrote, produced and directed the critically-acclaimed indie flick
Hijacking Hollywood (1997). Neil has continued directing feature films and short
films for the cinema and television. Over the years Neil has won a variety of
awards including the Audience Award for Best Picture at the 1997 Austin Film
Festival and an Emmy award for his Producing efforts with NBC at the 2000
summer Olympics in Australia.
97
Director
Neil Mandt
Screenplay
Neil Mandt
Cinematography
Marc Carter
Editor
Nick Scown, Eric Wing
Music
Douglas Spicka
Cast
Neil Mandt (Charlie), Marc Carter (Cliff), Gregory Poppen
(Will), Eric Wing (Craig), Heather Petrone (Amy), Ron
Carlson (Art)
Production
Neil Mandt
Festivals & Awards
Rome, Monaco, Edmonton
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
USA
Quarter Life Crisis
Dir
ector
Director
Kiran Merchant
Scr
eenpla
y
Screenpla
eenplay
Rehana Mirza, Kiran Merchant
Cinema
to
g ra ph
y
Cinemato
tog
phy
Kiran Deohans, Matthew Wachsman
Editor
Keith Croket
Music
Tim Bright
Cast
Maulik Pancholy (Neil), Lisa Ray (Angel), Russell Peters,
Manu Narayan (Jonathan)
Art
Steven Hall, Arati Nath
Sound
Andrew Halasz
Costume
Nikia Nelson
Pr
oduction
Production
Signs of Love Productions
Festi
vals & Awar
ds
estiv
ards
Atlanta Indo-American Film Festival,
Dominican International Film Festival
Dumped on his 27th birthday by his college sweetheart Angel for being indecisive,
Neil makes a silly bet that takes him on a wild ride through New York’s singles
scene, accompanied by four testosterone-packed imbecile buddies and one crazy
scheming New York taxi driver. On these madcap adventures Neil journeys from
life choice paralysis to real life manhood
Kiran Merchant, an architect in New Jersey, raised half a million dollars for this
first film of his, from several investors who are professionals like him. Merchant
has made an appearance in this film as an actor, as well as in films like Trust the
Man (2005), Fillum Star: The Peter Patel Story (2004) and 200 Cigarettes (1999).
He has also acted on TV.
98
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
USA
The Jane Austen Book Club
As five women and one enigmatic man meet to discuss the works of Jane Austen,
they find their love lives playing out in a 21st century version of her novels.
Sylvia is shocked when her husband Daniel, leaves her after 20 plus years and
three children. Jocelyn, her unmarried best friend, distracts herself from her
unacknowledged loneliness by breeding dogs. Prudie is a young French teacher,
in possession of a worthy husband yet distracted by persistent fantasies about sex
with another man. The many times married Bernadette develops a yearning for
one more chance at happiness. Beautiful, risk-taking Allegra, Sylvia and Daniel’s
lesbian daughter, has quit talking to her lover. And Grigg, a young science fiction
fan and computer whiz, seems horribly both out of place and obliviously at ease
as the only man to be invited into the book circle.
Robin Swicord was born in South Carolina and raised in rural Florida and Georgia.
She studied at Florida State University. She has written for both stage and screen
and is known for her screenplay adaptations of Little Women, Matilda, Practical
Magic and Memoirs of a Geisha among others. She directed her first short, The
Red Coat, in 1993. The Jane Austen Book Club, which she also wrote, is her first
feature film as director.
99
Director
Robin Swicord
Screenplay
Robin Swicord, based on the novel by Karen Joy Fowler
Cinematography
John Toon
Editor
Maryann Brandon
Music
Aaron Zigman
Cast
Kathy Baker, Maria Bello, Marc Blucas, Emily Blunt, Amy
Brenneman, Hugh Dancy
Art
Rusty Smith
Sound
Michael J. Benavente
Production
A John Calley/Robin Swicord Production & Mockingbird
Pictures
Festivals and Awards
Toronto
IFFI-2007
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
USA
The Memory Thief
Director
Gil Kofman
Screenplay
Gil Kofman
Cinematography
Richard Rutkowski
Editor
Curtiss Clayton
Music
Ted Reichman
Cast
Mark Webber, Rachel Miner, Jerry Adler, Patrick Bauchau,
Kevin Breznahan
Art
Francesco Luparello
Costumes
Kiki Van Adelsburg
Production
Stark Raving Films and Jane Doe Films
11922 Saltair Terrace
Los Angeles, Ca 90049 (USA)
Tel: +3109680277
Festivals & Awards
Philadelphia, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Seattle, Calgary , Sydney
Underground Film Festival, Edmonton, Tallgrass , St. Louis
Int’l Film Festival (upcoming), Denver, Atlanta
It is the story of Lukas - an aimless, young man in contemporary L.A. who buries
thoughts of his own past in the humdrum routine of a tollbooth clerk. A chance
encounter with a Holocaust survivor suddenly brings into focus a world and an
identity he embraces with frightening intensity - the victimised Jews of World
War II. As he begins to enthusiastically act out his newfound obsession, Lukas
discovers that survivor’s guilt isn’t just for the Jews anymore.
This is the first feature film by Gil Kofman. His connection with the Holocaust
was through his father-in-law, himself a survivor. In writing the script, he strove
to honour those who did and did not survive the Holocaust by actively avoiding
sentimentality and emotional manipulation of the audience.
100
Film India Worldwide
IFFI-2007
FILM INDIA WORLDWIDE
AIDS JAAGO
A
Mirabai Films production
In Association with AVAHAN
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Executive Producer: Mira Nair
Under the auspices of Mirabai Films and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the AIDS ‘JaaGO’ Project presents four short dramatic films by cutting-edge Indian
directors Mira Nair, Vishal Bhardwaj, Santosh Sivan and Farhan Akhtar that aim to dismantle myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Each film uses wellknown Indian movie stars to maximize the exposure of the films to audiences throughout India. Actors like Prabhu Deva, Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi, Shiney Ahuja,
Ayesha Takia, Boman Irani, Raima Sen, Siddarth and Sameera Reddy have joined a host of other known actors in the collective cast of the film.
This project was the brainchild of Mira Nair and is produced by her company, Mirabai Films. The four AIDS JAAGO films come from different parts of India - each
in its own genre, and each with a different point about HIV/AIDS. AIDS JaaGo literally means “AIDS Awake”. Though this is not the first time that a film has been
made in India with HIV/AIDS as the backdrop, this project is unique because it brings together four highly-talented storytellers on the big screen together, to tell a
story that depicts the impact of HIV/AIDS on the common India, in their own, inimitable way. While Nair herself has directed Migration, she enlisted ace
cinematographer-director Santosh Sivan who has come up with Prarambha, director-music composer Vishal Bharadwaj who has contributed to the project with
Blood Brothers and young Indian cinema’s mascot Farhan Akhtar who has taken a Positive look at the subject.
In Migration, Shiney Ahuja plays a rural labourer who leaves his wife (Raima Sen) for work in Mumbai, where he enters into a forbidden game with a frustrated
woman, played by Sameera Reddy, and her closeted husband, played by Irfan Khan. In Prarambha, ace choreographer Prabhu Deva, who is also an actor and director,
plays a a truck driver who helps a boy on a journey to find his HIV-positive mother. Blood Brothers, on the other hand, is a thriller about a man played by Siddharth
reacting to his HIV diagnosis, even as Positive deals with the tale of a young boy and his parents, played by Arjun Mathur, Boman Irani and Shabana Azmi coping
with the impact of AIDS.
Each of these four short films are planned to be screened before the main movie starts in cinema theatres in India, while all of them would be packaged together for
broadcast on national television.
About the directors:
Mira Nair: Director/Writer/Producer Mira Nair virtually needs no introduction, as
her highly-acclaimed body of work itself is her identity. Born in Bhubaneswar in
1957 and educated at Delhi University and Harvard University, Nair began her artistic
career as an actor before turning her attention to film. She found early success as a
documentary filmmaker, winning awards for So Far From India and India Cabaret.
In 1988, Nair’s debut feature, Salaam Bombay!, was nominated for an Academy
Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It also
won the Camera D’Or (for best first feature) and the Prix du Publique (for most
popular entry) at the Cannes Film Festival as well as 25 other international awards.
Each of her subsequent films - Mississippi Masala, The Perez Family, Kama Sutra:
A Tale of Love, The Laughing Club of India, Monsoon Wedding, Hysterical Blindness,
Vanity Fair and The Namesake, have been landmark films in more ways than one.
Nair also joined a group of 11 renowned filmmakers, each commissioned to direct a film that was 11 minutes,
9 seconds and one frame long, following the infamous 9/11 attacks on the US. Nair’s film is a retelling of
real events in the life of the Hamdani family in Queens, whose eldest son was missing after September 11,
and was then accused by the media of being a terrorist. Nair has been a mentor in film of the prestigious
Rolex Protégé Arts Initiative, to help guide young artists in critical stages of their development. Now preparing
for her next film Shantaram with Warner Brothers, starring Johnny Depp and Amitabh Bachchan, Nair has
also established an annual filmmaker’s laboratory, Maisha, dedicated to the support of visionary screenwriters
and directors in East Africa and South Asia.
© Antonio Martinelli
Santosh Sivan: Santosh Sivan is from Kerala and is a renowned cinematographer,
having shot a large number of acclaimed films – about 45 features and 41
documentaries. A five times National Award winner for cinematography and a couple
more for direction, his The Terrorist was internationally acclaimed. His latest film,
Before the Rains, had its world premiere at the 2007 Toronto International Film
Festival. He has directed films like Halo, Asoka, Malli, Navarasa and
Anandabhadram.
Vishal Bhardwaj: Bhardwaj, a cricketer who took up music as his profession, turned
a director with Makdee, a children’s film. He received critical and commercial success
from, Omkara, adapted from Shakespeare’s Othello. Arguably one of India’s most
recognized young directors, he has earlier adapted Macbeth to make Maqbool, and
has also made Blue Umbrella, based on a Ruskin Bond story.
Farhan Akhtar: The son of lyricist Javed Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar burst onto the
Indian cinema scene with Dil Chahta Hai, a film that almost became the emblem
for the urban India youth. He made a not-so-successful war movie Lakshya before
recently giving a remake twist to Amitabh Bachchan starrer Don with Shah Rukh
Khan in the lead role.
102
© Antonio Martinelli
IFFI-2007
Canada-India
Amal
2007, 35 mm, Colour, 71 mins, Hindi/Kannada
Richie Mehta’s debut film is an emotionally-evocative story about an
auto-rickshaw driver, Amal, living in New Delhi , who is content with
his small, but vital role in life. His regular client, the lovely Pooja, has
her bag stolen by a little street girl, who gets hit by a car. Amal takes
her to hospital determined to care for her. He drives an eccentric
billionaire, G K Jayaram, disguised as a vagabond. The despairing and
irascible old man is in search of a person who displays a true humanity
to whom he can bequeath his wealth. His own progeny though are
chasing his money. Amal unknowingly gets involved in this family
intrigue. Filmed on location in New Delhi, this modern day fable asks
the important question of what success means to each individual and
ultimately reveals to audiences that the poorest of men are sometimes
the richest.
Director
Richie Mehta
Screenplay
Richie Mehta, Shaun Mehta
Cinematography
Mitch Ness
Editor
Stuart Mcintyre
Music
Dr. Shiva
Sound
Sanjay Mehta
Cast
Rupinder Nagra (Amal), Koel Purie (Pooja), Naseeruddin Shah (G K
Jayaram), Seema Biswas (Sapna Agarawal), Vik Sahay (Vivek Jayaram),
Roshan Seth (Suresh)
Production
Poor Man’s Productions Ltd
1376 Daniel Creek Road
Mississauga ON L5V
1V3 Canada
www.poormansproductions.com
World Sales
Harish Vanjani
P.O.Box 2442
Springfield, Virginia 22152
Tel: 001 703-569-6967
Fax: 001 703-569-7775
Mobile: 001 703-395-6444(cell)
Festivals
Toronto
Richie Mehta was born in Toronto and has studied painting, sculpting
and directing. He has directed several short films that have screened
internationally, including System of Units (2004) and Amal (2004).
He has adapted the latter into his first feature film of the same name.
The concept of Amal was the winner of the Telefilm ‘Pitch This”
Competition at the Toronto 2005 film festival.
103
IFFI-2007
ASIA PREMIERE
USA
The Pool
2007, HD-Cam, Colour, 95 mins, Hindi
Director
Chris Smith
Screenplay
Chris Smith, Randy Russell
Cinematography
Chris Smith
Editor
Barry Poltermann
Music
Didier Leplae, Joe Wong
Cast
Jahangir Badshah (Jahangir), Venkatesh Chavan (Venkatesh), Ayesha
Mohan (Ayesha), Nana Patekar
Sound
Didier Leplae
World Sales
The Pool Film, LLC
220 East Buffalo St #400
Milwaukee WI 53202, USA
Festivals & and Awards
Sundance (Special Jury Award), Vienna
This American film has been shot entirely in Panaji, Goa by 36year-old Chris Smith, and is made in Hindi, a language the director
does not know. Its story follows Venkatesh, who works as a hotel houseboy alongside his staunch buddy, Jahangir. The two make extra money
selling plastic bags to pedestrians. Venkatesh is mesmerized by the
aquamarine glow of a backyard swimming pool, which he gazes from
a mango tree. He gets to know the owners, a wealthy man (Nana
Patekar) originally from Mumbai and his edgy daughter Ayesha, who
take to him in their separate ways. This encounter changes the lives of
the two boys, aspiring to better themselves without the benefit of any
education or skills. The film’s leisured pace and seemingly effortless
telling captures the essential spirit of Goan living, from its mansions,
its music, its street life and its work-force. Director Smith is known
for his searching, introspective documentaries and their natural setting
and universality of theme – attributes that he brings with gentle
understanding to his film, The Pool.
Chris Smith, based in Milwaukee, Philadelphia, is an accomplished
filmmaker whose previous films include his debut feature American
Job (1996), and his documentaries American Movie (1999, Grand Jury
Prize-Sundance Film Festival), Home Movie (2001) and The Yes Men
(2004). The Pool is his second feature film.
104
Retrospectives
Ingmar Bergman
Living Together / Vivre Ensemble!
Flander’s Image
Award Winning Films From PFF
Volker Schlondorff
IFFI-2007
INGMAR BERGMAN
One of the greatest artists on celluloid since the invention of motion
picture, Ingmar Bergman was born in Uppsala, to Erik Bergman and
Karin on July 14, 1918. His father was a conservative parish minister
and a strict father who used to lock up the young Bergman in dark
closets for hours for infractions such as wetting the bed. Those
childhood impressions remained with Bergman for life and influenced
his films. In school Bergman traded a set of tin soldiers for a battered
magic lantern, a possession that altered his life. By playing with this
toy he had created a private world of shadows and images in which he
felt completely at home. As a teenager, he was also influenced by Adolf
Hitler for many years. He wrote in his biography Laterna Magica that
“for many years, I was on Hitler’s side, delighted by his success and
saddened by his defeats”. In 1937, Bergman entered Stockholm
University College to study art and literature, but spent his time in
student theatre and movie halls. Although he did not graduate, he wrote
a number of plays, as well as an opera and became an assistant director
at a theatre. Working in films began in 1941 through script rewriting.
The first breakthrough came in 1944 when he wrote the screenplay for
Torment and assisted the director. The film’s success led to Bergman’s
first opportunity to direct next year. The first major success came with
Smiles of a Summer Night in 1955. This was followed two years later
with two of Bergman’s most well known films, The Seventh Seal and
Wild Strawberries. In the next 20 years, he created many classics
including Cries and Whispers and Persona. In the early 1960s, he
directed a trilogy – Through a Glass Darkly, Winter Light and The
Silence – that explored the theme of faith and doubt in God. Other
notable films of the period include The Virgin Spring, Hour of the Wolf,
Shame and A Passion/The Passion of Anna. Known for his emotionallycharged films, Bergman probed the darker territories of the human soul.
His films portrayed explicit pain and suffering, and examined the
fragility of both life and faith. Berman films are memorable for posing
existential questions on mortality, loneliness, and faith. After his muchpublicised arrest in 1976 for tax evasion, Bergman swore he would
never again make films in his native country. He shut down his film
studio on the island of Faro and went into exile. His next film, The
Serpent’s Egg, was his first and only English language film. It was
followed a year later with another of his finest works, Autumn Sonata.
Another film he directed was From the Life of the Marionettes. In 1982,
he temporarily returned to his homeland to direct Fanny and Alexander,
a film that was aimed at a broader audience but was also criticised for
its commercial nature. In the last part of his life he was more involved
with TV and theatre. The celebrated director passed away on July 30,
2007 at the age of 89. His repertoire of over 50 films in many ways set
the standard for future filmmakers.
106
IFFI-2007
INGMAR BERGMAN
Autumn Sonata / Höstsonaten
Autumn Sonata tells the story of a famous pianist who is confronted by her neglected
daughter. Eva, a timid and reserved wife of a countryman, invites her mother,
Charlotte, to stay with her after a seven-year separation. Charlotte is a concert pianist,
whose career has dictated prolonged separations from her family. Having recently
experienced the death of her husband, Charlotte is eager to rekindle her relationship
with her daughter. However, their congenial reunion is short-lived, as Eva begins to
confront her mother’s alienated affection.
Direction: Ingmar Bergman, Producer: Katinka Faragó, Writer: Ingmar Bergman, Cast:
Ingrid Bergman, Liv Ullmann, Lena Nyman, Halvar Björk, Music: Excerpts from Chopin’s
Preludium no. 2 in A minor, played by Käbi Laretei; Bach’s Suite no. 4 in E flat major,
performed by Claude Genetay; and Handel’s Sonata in F major, Opus 1, performed by F.
Bruggen, G. Leonhardt, Anne Bylsmå, Cinematography: Sven Nykvist, Editor: Sylvia
Ingemarsson
Fanny and Alexander / Fanny och Alexander
The story is set in the early 20th century in Sweden and deals with a young boy
named Alexander, his sister Fanny, and their well-to-do family the Ekdahls. Fanny
and Alexander’s parents are involved in theatre and are happily married until the
father’s sudden death. Shortly thereafter, the mother, Emilie, finds a new suitor in
the local bishop, a handsome widower, and accepts his proposal of marriage, moving
into his ascetic home and putting the children under his stern and unforgiving rule.
He is particularly hard on Alexander, trying to break his will by every means. The
children and their mother live as virtual prisoners in the bishop’s house until finally
the Ekdahl family intervenes. With help from an old friend, a Jewish antiques dealer,
as well as some magic, the children are smuggled out of the house, but the Ekdahls’
attempts to bribe or threaten the bishop into divorce fail. Emilie, by now pregnant,
slips her husband a sedative and flees as he sleeps, after which a fire breaks out and
the bishop is burnt to death. In the meantime, Alexander has met the Jewish
merchant’s mysterious son and fantasized about his stepfather’s death – it is as if
Alexander’s fantasy comes true as he dreams it. The story ends on a mainly happy,
life-affirming note, with the christening of Emilie’s and the late bishop’s daughter
and the illegitimate daughter of one of the Ekdahl men, but Alexander encounters
the bishop’s ghost, signalling that he will never be completely free of him.
Direction: Ingmar Bergman, Producer: Jörn Donner, Writer: Ingmar Bergman, Music:
Daniel Bell, Cinematography: Sven Nykvist, Cast: Pernilla Allwin, Bertil Guve, Börje
Ahlstedt, Editing: Sylvia Ingemarsson
107
IFFI-2007
INGMAR BERGMAN
The Seventh Seal / Det sjunde inseglet
1957, 35mm, B&W, 96 mins; Swedish
Antonius Block, a knight, returns with his squire Jöns from the Crusades and finds
that his home country is ravaged by the plague. To his dismay, he discovers that
Death has come for him too. In order to buy time he challenges Death to a chess
match, which allows him to reach his home and be reunited with his wife after ten
years away. Around him religion is becoming fanatical and society is collapsing. A
witch is burned, but not before he questions her. He takes under his protection his
squire, a troupe of travelling players and a deaf and dumb girl. Death takes his toll
one by one, but Block manages to stall him long enough that a young family of
players that reflects the Holy Family may get to safety. Then Death leads his prisoners
away doing their dance of death.
Direction: Ingmar Bergman, Producer: Allan Ekelund, Writer: Ingmar Bergman,
Cast: Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe,
Cinematography: Gunnar Fischer, Editing: Lennart Wallén
The Virgin Spring / Jungfrukällan
1960, 35 mm, B&W, 89 mins, Swedish
Set in medieval Sweden, the Virgin Spring tells the story of a prosperous Christian
whose daughter, Karin (the “light” child) is appointed to bring candles to the church.
She is accompanied by her foster sister, Ingeri (the dark child), who secretly worships
the ancient Norse deity Odin. Along the way the two part ways and Karin sets out
on her own. She meets three herdsmen, and invites them to eat her snack with her.
Two older herdsmen (but not the younger one) rape and murder Karin and leave
with her cloths. The herders then, unknowingly, seek shelter at the home of the
murdered girl. Her parents, discover that it was the goatherds who killed their
daughter when they try to sell the mother some of her daughter’s clothes. Locking
them in their chamber, the father then kills the two murderers, along with the innocent
younger brother. The next day, the parents set out to find their daughter’s body. Her
father vows that, although he cannot understand God, he will build a church at the
site of his daughter’s death. As her parents lift her head from the ground, a spring
begins to flow from where she was lying. Ingeri now wishes to wash herself with
the water.
Direction: Ingmar Bergman, Producer: Ingmar Bergman, Allan Ekelund, Writer: Ulla
Isaksson, Cast: Max von Sydow, Birgitta Valberg, Gunnel Lindblom, Birgitta Pettersson,
Music: Erik Nordgren, Cinematography: Sven Nykvist, Editing: Oscar Rosander
108
IFFI-2007
INGMAR BERGMAN
Through a Glass Darkly / Såsom i en spegel
1961, 35mm, B&W, 89 mins, Swedish
Four family members are vacationing on a remote island, shortly after one of them,
Karin, was released from an asylum. Karin’s brother, an adolescent playwright named
Minus, exhibits faint symptoms of the disease as well and their father David, a writer,
appears to take a perverse pleasure in observing the decline of his daughter, who, it
is hinted, may provide the material for David’s upcoming magnum opus. Although
sane, David is shown as severely alienated from his own family; the final scene
shows Minus shedding tears of joy because his father spoke to him briefly. Karin’s
illness leads her to have visions, which she believes will culminate in her seeing
God, but she is terrified when “God” turns out to be a giant spider. The title derives
from a Biblical passage in which seeing through a glass darkly refers to human
understanding of God when alive; the view clears only after death. The film is often
considered the first part of a trilogy focused on spiritual issues together with Winter
Light and The Silence.
Direction: Ingmar Bergman, Producer: Allan Ekelund, Writer: Ingmar Bergman, Cast:
Harriet Andersson, Gunnar Björnstrand, Max von Sydow, Lars Passgård, Music: Erik
Nordgren. Johann Sebastian Bach, Cinematography: Sven Nykvist, Editing: Ulla Ryghe
Shame / Skammen
1968, 35 mm, B&W, 103 mins, Swedish
The film is about follows two musicians, who, as a result of civil war, have moved
away from society to a farm on a rural island. They are apolitical and indifferent to
the war. A neighbour sometimes gives them a fish but wine is a luxury. They love
each other, but there are problems. The war upsets the sensitive Jan who cries
frequently. Eva wants children, he does not. The war suddenly arrives and the rebels
attack. The neighbours die. Jan and Eva are arrested as collaborators. After
frightening and roughing them up, the local colonel releases them. But the army
man tries to become cosy with Eva. Jan becomes violent and murderous and they
flee.
Direction: Ingmar Bergman, Producer: Lars-Owe Carlberg, Writer: Ingmar Bergman,
Cast: Liv Ullmann, Max von Sydow, Sigge Fürst, Gunnar Björnstrand, Ulf Johansson,
Editing: Ulla Ryghe, Music: Johann Sebastian Bach, Ingmar Bergman,
Cinematography: Sven Nykvist
109
IFFI-2007
INGMAR BERGMAN
Wild Strawberries / Smultronstället
1957, 35mm, B&W, 91 mins, Swedish
Isak Borg is a medical doctor and professor who drives with his daughter-in-law
Marianne from Stockholm to Lund to receive an honorary degree from Lund
University. On the 400-mile car journey the old man remembers his past - the girl he
loved who married his brother instead, and his own bitterly unsuccessful marriage.
Despite his benevolent exterior, to which everyone pays tribute, he recognises in
himself something arid and distant. During this trip, he is forced by nightmares,
daydreams, his old age, and his impending death to re-evaluate his life. He meets a
variety of people on the road, from Sara, a female hitcher travelling with her fiance
and escort, to a quarrelling married couple who remind Isak of his own life and
marriage.
Direction: Ingmar Bergman, Producer: Allan Ekelund, Writer: Ingmar Bergman,
Cast: Victor Sjöström, Bibi Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar Björnstrand, Music: Erik
Nordgren,Göte Lovén, Johann Sebastian Bach, Wilhelm Harteveld, Carl Axel Lundvall,
Alwin Müller, Herman Palm, Cinematography: Gunnar Fischer, Editing: Oscar Rosander
110
IFFI-2007
LIVING TOGETHER / VIVRE ENSEMBLE!
Looking For Cheyenne / Oublier Cheyenne
Sonia, a dedicated high school science teacher still hurting from a bad break-up,
spends the occasional night with other companions but is always scanning the horizon
for Cheyenne. She hooks up with Pierre, a cute young anarchist who declares his
love and Beatrice, a cool dyke with bad intentions whom she meets in a lesbian bar.
But Cheyenne is ever-present in her thoughts. A year after being laid off her job as
a journalist and with unemployment at an all-time high, Cheyenne still hasn’t found
a job. Unable to pay her heat or electric bill, she becomes disillusioned with “the
system” and decides to live independent from “the machine.” She packs all her
possessions into bags, secures them on her bike and starts peddling towards the
country, sleeping alongside the road on the way. It is a story of love and longing and
the difficulty of compromise, even in order to hold on to love. But it is also a clever
critique of the runaway unemployment situation in France and the resulting
disillusionment and despair of the French unemployed.
Director: Valerie Minetto, Screenplay: Valérie Minetto, Cécile Vargaftig,
Cinematography: Stephan Massis, Editing: Tina Baz, Music: Christophe Chevalier, Cast:
Aurelia Petit (Sonia), Mila Dekker (Cheyenne), Malik Zidi (Pierre), Guilaine Londez
(Beatrice), Art: Irène Galitzine, Michel Modaï, Costumes: Caroline Tavernier
Born in 1965 in Forcalquier, Alpes de Haute Provence, Valerie Minetto is a graduate
of the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs de Nice (Villa Arson) and the Fémis. She has
produced two documentaries on contemporary young dancers in Moscow, Beau Geste
in Moscow (1997) and Moscow between Heaven and Earth (2003), a short film,
Head Angel (1994), and a film, Teens (1998)
Quand Tu Descendras Du Ciel
Jerome and his mother struggle to keep their dairy farm running. One morning, he
heads for the town to look for work for a couple of months. Jerome strikes up a
friendship with La Chignole, a boisterous tramp, and gets hired by the local mayor
to assist another worker, Lucien, to decorate the town’s Christmas trees. But it is not
long before an unexpected and less pleasant aspect of his job is revealed when the
City Hall applies anti-begging laws to ‘clean out’ the town centre of its homeless
people and tramps during the Christmas period. Lucien puts pressure and Jerome,
fighting his conscience, reluctantly carries out his job. That is until the day he
discovers that La Chignole is one of the homeless.
Director: Eric Guirado, Cast: Benoit Giros, Serge Riaboukine, Jean-Francois Gallotte,
Anne Coesens
Eric Guirado is an actor, dialogue writer, director, scriptwriter. He has made films
like Le Fils de l’épicier (2006), From Heaven (2002), Un petit air de fête (1999),
Joyeux anniversaire mamie (1999), and Les Beaux Jours (1997).
111
IFFI-2007
Samia
Fifteen-year-old Samia lives in Marseille’s periphery. Sixth in a family of eight
children of Algerian descent, she suffocates in the moralistic atmosphere made
oppressive by beliefs and rules she respects but no longer shares… Yacine, her
unemployed older brother, justifies himself by upholding family and religious
traditions. Older sister Amel has excluded herself from family life by her involvement
with a boy from a different cultural background. Samia’s other sisters are completely
focused on academic achievement. And Samia, a series of school failures in her
wake, forced to take up technical studies that do not suit her, obliged to keep her
first romance secret, becomes aware that it is absolutely necessary that she alone
decides just what to do with her life. Based on the novel Ils disent que je suis une
beurette by Soraya Nini.
Director: Philippe Faucon, Cast: Lynda Benahouda, Mohamed Chaouch, Kheira Oualhaci,
Nadia Koutel El
Philippe Faucon was born in Morocco. He sat his masters in arts at Aix-en-Provence
university. He started out in film in the production department. In 1989 he directed
several episodes of the Portraits de Français series, co-produced by TV FNAC. In
1992, he made Sabine for Arte, and then Muriel Parents Have Had It Up to Here,
which was selected for the Cinéastes du Présents section at the 1995 Locarno Film
Festival. He went on to make All Is Not Black as part of a series about the prevention
of AIDS in 1996.
Voisins Voisines
In the suburbs of Paris, the residents of the Mozart Estate, a privatised former public
housing estate, get a new caretaker, Paco, and a new neighbour, a rap musician. The
rapper, lacking inspiration, only has three days to write his lyrics. Otherwise, he can
say goodbye to the advance he received from the record company. Ideas? Lyrics?
Music? But what if his inspiration were right there on the doorstep? The rap musician
observes, composes, writes and sings. The Mozart Estate becomes the stage for a
hip hop fable as the rapper turns into the good genie of his neighbours’ destiny.
Director: Malik Chibane, Cast: Anemone, Jackie Berroyer, Frederic Diefenthal, Mohamed
Fellag
Malik Chibane is a dialogue writer, director and scriptwriter who has made films
like Le bagagiste de Roissy (2008), Nés quelque part (1997), Douce France (1995)
and Tale of the Suburbs (1993).
112
IFFI-2007
Wesh Wesh - qu’est ce qui se passe?
2002, 35mm, Colour, 83 mins, French-Arabic
Cite Des Bosquets, a council estate in the Parisian suburbs. The life of a group of
young adults confronted with the social decomposition of their neighbourhood, seen
through the eyes of Kamel, a young man back in the estate after having been expelled.
Halfway between documentary and fiction, ‘Wesh wesh’ is a take on the everyday
life of an immigrant family which is struggling to integrate into France or, rather
into the ‘Cite des Bosquets’. Moving and touching, this movie does not try to be an
impressive fictional tale about the ghettos, but gives an exact testimony of the lives
of society’s left behind who survive through solidarity.
Director: Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche, Cast: Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche, Ahmed Hammoudi,
Brahim Ameur-Zaimeche, Farida Mouffok, Ali Mouffok
Rabah Ameur-Zaïmèche is an actor, director and scriptwriter who has made films
like Bled Number One (2006).
Zim And Co
After a banal motorbike accident, 20-year-old Zim must find a proper job if he wants
to avoid prison. Zim is not a lazy guy and he scans newspaper ads looking for a job.
But the only one he finds, starting in ten days and that he must absolutely get, requires
a car – and a driver’s licence. Of course, he does not have either. Fortunately, Zim is
good at inventing schemes, even better, he has got a gang of great buddies – Cheb,
Arthur and Safia – who are ready to do anything, or almost, to keep him out of jail.
Director: Pierre Jolivet, Cast: Adrien Jolivet, Mhamed Arezki, Yannick Nasso, Naidra Ayadi
Pierre Jolivet started out in cabaret with his brother Marc. For ten years, they worked
the vaudeville, movie, radio and TV circuits together as a team. Pierre split off in
1983 to co-produce, co-write and perform in Luc Besson’s The Final Combat, which
won the Jury’s Special Prize at the Avoriaz Festival. In 1984, he wrote, directed and
produced Strictly Personal with Pierre Arditi (nominated for the Cesar for Best First
Film) and teamed up again with Luc Besson to co-write Subway. Thereafter, he wrote
and directed Le Complexe du kangourou in 1986, Uncontrollable Circumstances in
1987, Simple mortel in 1991, When the Jungle Cats Go to Drink in 1992 (together
again with Marc), and Fred, with Vincent Lindon and Clotilde Courau in 1996, which
was widely acclaimed by the critics. In All Innocence followed in 1998. My Little
Business, Jolivet’s eighth feature, has been a popular hit and François Berléand won
a Cesar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in it.
113
IFFI-2007
FLANDER’S IMAGE
Belgium
Gilles / Buitenspe
2005, 35mm, Colour, 91 mins, Dutch
Director
Jan Verheyen
Screenplay
Ed Vanderweyden
Cinematography
Danny Elsen
Editor
Philippe Ravoet
Music
Jan Leyers
Cast
Ilya Van Malderghem, Filip Peeters, Joke Devynck,
Peter Bulckaen, Kris Piekaerts
Sound
Pedro Van der Eecken
Production
Flanders Image
Handelskaai 18/3
1000 Brussel
Tel: +3222260630
Fax: +3222191936
www.flandersimage.com
World Sales
Sola Media GmbH
Osumstr. 17
70599 Stuttgart
Germany
Tel: + 497114793666
Fax: + 497114792658
www.sola-media.net
Festivals & Awards
International film festival for children and young audience
“Schlingel” in 2006, Netherlands Film Festival
An offside ruling in soccer can be complicated and subjective, and for 12-yearold Gilles it’s more than a game penalty. Gilles is a talented soccer player whose
father Bert’s passionate support and coaching feed their dream that Gilles will
make the Red Devils pro team. When Bert’s enthusiasm causes a heart attack, a
grieving Gilles finds a way to bring his father back to life so that he (but no one
else) sees his dad everywhere, especially when playing soccer. But there’s a
downside to Bert’s continuing presence: When Gilles learns that soccer might
jeopardize his future, Bert still pushes Gilles to keep playing. Is this Gilles’ desire
too, or only his father’s? While his mother urges him to quit and his friends offer
encouragement, in the end Gilles must rule a buitenspel (“offside” in Dutch),
either as his penalty or his father’s trap.
Jan Verheyen started his career as a festival organizer, film critic and distributor.
He made his feature film debut with Boys (1991). In 1995, he directed the erotic
thriller The Little Death in the US. Back in Belgium, he directed Everything Must
Go (Alles moet weg), Team Spirit, the thriller Alias and Team Spirit II. Gilles
(Buitenspel) is his seventh feature.
114
IFFI-2007
FLANDER’S IMAGE
Belgium
King of the World / Koning Van De Wereld
2006, 16 mm, Colour, Dutch
The rise and fall of a young boxing champ, who, in the fag end of the World War
II, boxes his way to become the European champion. Will his shoulders be strong
enough to bear the weight of success?
Guido Henderickx was born in Antwerp in 1942.
115
Director
Guido Henderickx
Screenplay
Marc Didden, Frank Van Passel, Guido Henderickx
Cinematography
Jan Vancaillie
Editor
Karin Vaerenberg
Music
Hans Helewaut
Cast
Kevin Janssens, Koen de Bouw, Jan Decleir, Josse De Pauw,
Katelijne Damen
Sound
Griet Van Reeth
Production
Caviar
Arielle Sleutel
Havenlaan 75
B-1000 Brussel
Belgium
Tel: +3224232101
World Sales
High Point & Television
Elizabeth Mews 25
NW3 4UH London
United Kingdom
Tel: +442075863686
Fax: +442075863117
highpointfilms.co.uk
IFFI-2007
FLANDER’S IMAGE
Belgium
Love Belongs to Everyone /
Dennis Van Rita
2006, 16 mm, Colour, 80 mins, Dutch
Director
Hilde Van Mieghem
Screenplay
Hugo Van Laere
Cinematography
Jan Vancaille
Editor
Philippe Ravoet
Music
Helmut Lotti, Bert Joris
Cast
Els Dottermans, Matthias Schoenaerts,
Veerle Baetens, Damiaan De Schrijver
Sound
Gert Janssen
Production
Caviar
Arielle Sleutel
Havenlaan 75
B-1000 Brussel
Belgium
Tel: +3224232101
Festivals & Awards
Cairo, Emden, Montreal, Shanghai
(Best Director, Best Actress)
Rita is filled with joy when news breaks that her 26-year-old son Dennis will be
released. Having learning difficulties, Dennis has been serving a prison sentence
for the alleged rape of a minor girl. The neighbourhood, however, is all but happy
with Dennis’ homecoming. Barbara, the victim’s sister and mother of an eightyear-old girl, is her most combative opponent. But Rita fights like a lioness for
her son’s rehabilitation. Finally she will succeed in countering the community’s
fury into a united struggle for a humane future of her beloved son.
Hilde Van Mieghem was born in Antwerp in 1959. She is an accomplished Flemish
actress-producer-writer.
116
IFFI-2007
FLANDER’S IMAGE
Belgium
The Intruder / De Indringer
2004, 35 mm, Colour, 110 mins, Dutch
Tom Vansant, a 40-year-old doctor in Brussels, is desperately searching for traces
of his daughter Louise who disappeared 18 months ago. During his search, he
comes across another 16-year-old runaway who left her hometown in the Ardennes
at about the same time as Louise disappeared. Although the girl refuses to talk
about her past, Tom is convinced that she knows more about his daughter. He
follows the girl to the Ardennes and lands in an unknown and dangerous
environment where things are not what they seem and where hostile villagers
don’t really care for strangers.
This is the cinematic debut of TV director Frank van Mechelen.
117
Director
Frank Van Mechelen
Screenplay
Ward Hulselmans
Cinematography
Lou Bergmans
Editor
Joris Brouwers
Music
Steve Willaert
Cast
Koen De Bouw, Filip Peeters, Els Dottermans,
Axel Daeseleire, Maaike Neuville
Sound
Geert Engels
Skyline Entertainment
De Limburg Stirumlaan 243 1
B-1780 Wemmel
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 240 77 77
Fax: +32 2 242 26 68
www.tvskyline.com
Festivals & Awards
Netherlands, Hamburg, Montreal, Bangkok
IFFI-2007
AWARD WINNING FILMS FROM PFF
A Stranger of Mine / Unmei janai hito
Director
Kenji Uchida
Screenplay
Kenji Uchida
Cinematography
Keiichiro Inoue
Editor
Shinichi Fushima
Music
Mitsuharu Ishibashi
Cast
Yasuhi Nakamura, Reika Kirishima,
Sô Yamanaka, Yuka Itaya
Production
Mayumi Amano, Masaya Nakamura
PIA CORPORATION
PFF Headquarters
5-19, Sanban-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo, Japan 102-0075
Tel: 81-3-3265-1425
Fax: 81-3-3265-5659
It all started one Friday night when broken hearted and lacklustre businessman Miyata
returned home after losing the love of his life, only to be called out again by his
private investigator friend. The two meet at a restaurant, where Miyata runs into a
woman and falls in love, but in the shadows something unbelievable awaits them
all... Three episodes as seen from the viewpoints of five people - a devastated Miyata,
a detective who is tired of his job, a yakuza boss having trouble running his
organization, a woman thrown into despair by a two-timing fiance, and a con woman
who twists men around her finger - are sandwiched between a short prologue and
epilogue. The relationships between seemingly simple and isolated episodes begin to
surface one after the other as the story progresses, bringing friendships to light and
exposing the complicated nature of human beings. While Miyata remains oblivious to
the events happening around him, surely his kindness and bravery will encourage
broken hearted guys everywhere to keep trying.
Born in 1972 and an aspiring director since his high school years, Kenji Uchida enrolled in the undergraduate program in cinema at San Francisco State University in
1992, affording him the opportunity to learn script writing and film production techniques in everything from 8mm to 35mm. After graduating in 1998, Uchida returned
to Japan and completed his independent film Weekend Blues - recipient of both the
TBS “Planning Award” and the Nikkatsu “Brilliant Award”at the 24th annual Pia
Film Festival. Uchida then went on to receive the 14th PFF Scholarship in 2004 to
create his first feature A Stranger of Mine.
118
IFFI-2007
Border Line
Kurosawa Daigo, an unmotivated taxi driver on the job, runs over Matsuda
Shuji, who comes speeding by on his bicycle. Although the accident is not
serious, Shuji insists on heading north to Hokkaido with a shadowed look
about him. Daigo becomes worried and decides to go along. Miyaji Daizuke,
in his mid-40s, still leads a life of a good-for-nothing punk. Because of the
betrayal of his follower, he ends up being pursued by a yakuza (gangster)
leader. What crosses his mind when he realises that he has no future is his
daughter that he deserted when she was in junior high. For Aikawa Misa, a
house of her own is the symbol of a happy family. But her son is being beaten
up at school, her husband has been laid off, and the family ties no longer
exist. To protect the image of her family that is now only illusion, Misa’s life
begins to fall out of gear. Uehara Haruka, who has many friends, appears to
be ordinary high school girl. But she lives alone in an apartment and has a
secret that she never shares her friends. People who have wounds in their
relationship which their families meet for a fleeting moment, show sings of
making contacts, but then part away. The story of each character repeats the
pain of separation and becomes entangled with each other, and eventually
discovers something in the end.
Born in 1974, Lee Sang-Il studied at a Korean high school in Yokohama. Blue
chong, his graduation project for Japanese Academy of Moving Images, won
four prizes, including the Grand prize, at PFF Award 2000, from among 730
entrants. The film was subsequently shown at a commercial film theatre, where
it became a long-running hit.
119
Director
Lee Sang-Il
Screenplay
Lee Sang-Il & Matsuura Hajime
Cinematography
Hayasaka Shin
Editor
Aoyama Masafumi
Music
Ayuo
Cast
Sawaki Tetsu, Maeda Ayaka, Asou Yumi, Mitsuishi Ken,
Murakami Jun, Fukaura Kanako, Morishita Yoshiyuki, Tanaka
Yohji, Chiba Tetsuya, Sugiyama Tokuko, Miyako Harumi
Art
Kikuchi Akio
Sound
Kubota Yukio
Costume
Miyamoto Masae
Production
PFF Partners
PIA, Tokyo Broadcasting System, Rentrak Japan,
Tokyo FM Broadcasting, Nikkatsu, Imagica
IFFI-2007
Hole in the Sky / Sora No Ana
Director
Kazuyoshi Kumakiri
Cast
Susumu Terajima, Yuriko Kikuchi, Bunmei Tobayama,
Shunsuke Sawada, Shunsuke Gondo
Set in Hokkaido, this is the story of Tae, out on a road trip with her boyfriend.
They stop at an isolated roadside restaurant for a bathroom break, but when Tae
re-emerges, she finds in a none-too-subtle manner that she has been dumped; her
boyfriend has taken off, leaving only her luggage behind. Stranded in this desolate
landscape with no money, she goes into the restaurant and runs off without paying
for her meal. But with nowhere to go, she has no option but to spend the night in
the restaurant’s shed. The next night, trying to light a fire to keep herself warm,
she sets the whole shed ablaze. Ichio, who runs the restaurant with his temporarily
absent father, takes pity on her and allows her to stay in his house, on the condition
that she will work in the restaurant to settle the bill for the meal she never paid.
Having a woman around the house is new to Ichio, who has only ever lived with
his father and late mother. With Tae in emotional shambles, something develops
between them which slowly starts to resemble a relationship.
The low budget but ultra violent Kichiku (Kichiku Dai Enkai) introduced filmmaker
Kazuyoshi Kumakiri to an unsuspecting world in 1997. It was unflinchingly
graphic and offended as many souls as it mesmerized on its extended run around
the international festival circuit. Four years later, Kumakiri finally gives us his
second film with Hole in the Sky (Sora No Ana). And it’s a different exercise
indeed.
120
IFFI-2007
Timeless Melody
Director
Okuhara Hiroshi
Screenplay
Okuhara Hiroshi, Cinematography: Fukumoto Jun
Editor
Okuhara Hiroshi, Sento Takenori
Music
Aoyagi Takuji
Cast
Aoyagi Takuji, Ichikawa Mikako, Kondo Taro, Kimiko Yo,
Wakamatsu Takeshi
Sound
Nishioka Masami, Fukuda Shin
World Sales
PIA Film Festival
Improvised music is a metaphor for variety in the uncertain existence of several
regular visitors to a pool hall and rehearsal space. Meditative and visual portrait
of their lives focusing on the moments when nothing apparently happens. It is a
film that could only have been made at this time. Filled with puzzles and
uncertainties, the film makes elegant use of improvised music as a metaphor for
the way in which story and characters can introduce their own variation in rhythm.
The film is in the opulent tradition of the meditative, visual cinema that has fed
Japanese film, from Ozu to Kore-Eda. The young Kawamoto spends most of his
time in a pool hall and rehearsal space where people play pool and music. It has
become his home, at night he sleeps on one of the pool tables. Other regulars are
a girl who doesn’t go to school any more and predicts the future with cards, and
a man who lives on a boat. The girl works as waitress; she only has superficial
contact with her mother who lives in Los Angeles. The man turns out not to exist
officially any more; years ago he was lost at sea and assumed dead. In the street,
the underworld keeps an eye on him. It’s as if none of the characters in this film
has a real life: they are left to their fate, without a home.
Okuhara Hiroshi, born in 1968 in Japan, studied at the International Christian
University in Tokyo and first wanted to become a musician. His first short, Picnic,
won the audience award at the Japanese Pia Film Festival in 1993. His feature
début Timeless Melody was selected in 2000 for the Tiger Awards Competition.
His second feature Nami/Wave won the Netpac Award in Rotterdam in 2002. He
has made films like Picnic (1993, short), Kazhakh (1994, short), Nami/Wave
(2001), Aoi Kuruma/A Blue Automobile (2004)
121
IFFI-2007
Yoshino’s Barber Shop
Director
Naoko Ogigami
Cast
Masako Motaii, Ryo Yoneda, Kazuyuki Asano, Senri Sakurai
In a small town on the countryside, where everyone knows everyone, all the
children pay their respect to the middle-aged woman who runs “Barber Yoshino”.
An old tradition is rooted in this town. Every young boy is forced to have the
same ridiculous hairstyle to have their bangs cut straight, known as the “Yoshinogari” hairstyle. Of course they all get their hair done at the only barbershop in
town, “Barber Yoshino”. Then one day, a drastic change occurs when a transfer
student with bleached hair comes from Tokyo...
Born 1972 in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, Ogigami Naoko Graduated from Chiba
University’s Image Science programme. After graduation, she went to the United
States in 1994 to study film at the University of Southern California. During this
period, she worked as an assistant for TV commercials, promotional videos, and
films, and also created short films of her own. She returned to Japan in January,
2000. This is her feature length film debut.
122
IFFI-2007
VOLKER SCHLONDORFF
Volker Schlöndorff , born in Wiesbaden,
Germany on March 31, 1939, is a Berlin-based
filmmaker. He won an Oscar as well as the Palme
d’or at the Cannes Film Festival for The Tin Drum
(1979), the classic film version of the novel by
Nobel Prize-winning author Günter Grass.
Schlöndorff has adapted many literary works for
his movies, including some
critically well-received US
productions, but he is also
engaged in post-war German
politics. He served as the chief
executive for the UFA studio in
Babelsberg, and also teaches
film and literature at the
European Graduate School in
Saas-Fee, Switzerland, where he
conducts an Intensive Summer
Seminar. Born the son of a
doctor
in
Wiesbaden,
Schlöndorff left home in 1956 to
study in a Jesuit boarding school
in Brittany. After graduation, he
went to study political science
in Paris where, in 1959, he
formed a close relationship with the filmmakers
of the French nouvelle vague such as Louis Malle,
Alain Resnais and Jean-Pierre Melville. During
this time he was writing the screenplay to his first
feature, Der junge Toerless which became the first
international success of the New German Cinema
and won the International Film Critics Prize in
Cannes in 1996. With The Lost Honor Of
Katharina Blum (1975) based on the novel by
Heinrich Boell (co-directed with his wife at the
time, Margarethe von Tratta) Schlondorff made his
breakthrough into the German box office. Because
of this film and because of his political engagement
in general, he was attacked as a Communist
sympathizer. In 1983, he made
the
French/German
coproduction, Swann In Love
based on the novel by Marcel
Proust. In 1984, he went to New
York to make the film version of
Arthur Miller’s play Death of a
Salesman with Dustin Hoffman
and
John
Malkovich.
Schlondorff remained in the US
for some years after this where
he made the TV movie Murder
on the Bayou (1985) with Holly
Hunter and The Handmaid’s
Tale (1990) from the Harold
Pinter play. The fall of the
Berlin Wall brought Schlondorff
back to Germany where he made
Voyager in 1991. The Ogre (1996), based on the
Michael Tournier novel, was Schlondorff ’s first
film since 1991 and brought him back together with
John Malkovich. The film caused a controversy
in Germany, but received enthusiastic reviews in
America, where Schlondorff returned to make the
1998 crime drama, Palmetto.
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IFFI-2007
VOLKER SCHLONDORFF
Circle of Deceit / Die Faelschung
1981, 35 mm, Colour, 109 mins
Screenplay
Nicolas Born, Jean-Claude Carrière Kai Hermann,
Volker Schlöndorff, Margarethe von Trotta
Cinematography
Igor Luther, Michael Zens
Cast
Bruno Ganz, Hanna Schygulla, Jean Carmet, Jerzy
Skolimowsi, Gila von Weitershausen, Peter Martin
Awards
Nominated for Best Foreign Film Oscar (1982)
Bruno Ganz portrays a German journalist on assignment in Beirut, dealing with a
disintegrating marriage and the disintegrating reality around him. An affair with
a German woman (Hanna Schygulla) who is immersed in Arab life, and
observations of his world-weary photographer companion only confound his
comprehension of such sights as children playing on a beach with human sculls.
Shot on location with fighting going on nearby, the film provides provocative
authenticity.
Legends of Rita / Stille nach dem Schuß, Die
1999, 35 mm, Colour, 101 mins
Screenplay
Wolfgang Kohlhaase, Volker Schlöndorff
Cinematography
Andreas Höfer
Editor
Peter Przygodda
Cast
Bibiana Beglau, Martin Wuttke, Nadja Uhl, Harald Schrott,
Alexander Beyer, Jenny Schily, Mario Irrek
Production
Babelsberg FilmCo-Production, Mitteldeutsches Filmkontor,
Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk
Festivals & Awards
Berlin (2000, Blue Angel Award for direction, Silver Bear for
Best Actress), Brothers Manaki (Golden Camera 300 Award
cinematographer Andreas Höfer), Emden
The time is marked by a spirit of anarchy and rebellion. Rita Vogt is seduced into
the terrorist movement through her sense of justice and her love for Andi. A few
years later, realising that the movement is falling apart, she goes underground,
hiding out in East Germany. With the help of the Stasi Secret Service Agent,
Erwin Hull, she assumes a new identity amidst the everyday world of the working
class where she is befriended by a young co-worker, Tatjana. As much as Rita
wants to fit into her surroundings, Tatjana yearns to get out, to escape to the
West. Nonetheless, they form a deep friendship, which is brought to an abrupt
end when a report on West German television blows Rita´s cover. Rita must
disappear again, but this time a new name and a new city bring her luck. While
on vacation, Rita meets Jochen, a university student working as a lifeguard. When
he is posted to Moscow, he asks her to come with him, to be his wife and raise a
family. But in the end Rita´s past catches up with her - 1989 brings the fall of the
Berlin Wall. East Germany is gone, and with it, her new life.
124
IFFI-2007
VOLKER SCHLONDORFF
The Voyager / Homo Faber
1991, 35 mm, Colour, English
Cast
Sam Shepard (Walter Faber), Julie Delpy (Sabeth),
Barbara Sukowa (Hannah), Dieter Kirchlechner
(Herbert Hencke), Traci Lind (Charlene),
Deborra-Lee Furness (Ivy)
Set in the 1950s, Voyager is about the travels of American construction engineer
who is wandering throughout Europe, recounting his life story through a series of
flashbacks while meeting a variety of new characters. At first, he meets a man
whom he knew during his time as a student in Europe in the days before World
War 11. Shortly afterwards, he meets a beautiful young German woman whom he
accompanies on a journey to her home in Athens, Greece. The Voyager was adapted
from the 1957 novel Homo Faber by Max Frisch.
125
Country Focus-Hungary
COUNTRY FOCUS-HUNGARY
IFFI-2007
Black Brush / Fekete kefe
2005, 35mm, B&W, 80 mins
Director
Roland Vranik
Screenplay
Gergely Pohárnok, Roland Vranik
Cinematography
Gergely Pohárnok
Editor
Wanda Kiss
Music
Realistic Crew
Cast
Gergely Bánki, Károly Hajduk, Csaba Hernádi,
András Réthelyi
Art
Péter Mátyási
Sound
Tamás Zányi
Costume
Juristovszky Sosa
Production
Filmpartners, Filmteam, Inforg Stúdió
World Sales
Magyar Filmunió
1068 Budapest
Városligeti fasor 38, Hungary
Tel: +36 (1)351-7760, 351-7761
Fax: +36 (1)352-6734
Festivals
2005: Budapest, Chicago, Thessaloniki, Vancouver
2006: Annonay, Antwerp, Brussels, Buenos Aires,
Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Montevideo, Nashville, Palic,
Perth, Roma, Rotterdam, Taipei “Golden Horse” Film Festival
Four men posing as chimneysweepers are looking for the answer in a goat’s
stomach after a disastrous afternoon… And they find it!
Roland Vranik makes his directorial debut with this feature film.
128
IFFI-2007
Dealer
2004, 35mm, Colour, 135 mins
”When the night is in its darkest hour, it’s then that dawn is the closest.” Only for
adult audiences with strong nerves, it is the story of a day in a drug dealer’s life.
The main character moves around in different social milieus, but this film is
primarily not about the drugs and society, rather it is about a personal tragedy,
through which it examines ancient questions of fate. How much can we influence
our fate? When do we make our bad decisions, which can sometimes be fatal?
Benedek Fliegauf, born in 1974 in Budapest, started off as a set designer in the
“Hét Tükör” Studio Theatre. Since 1998, he has worked as assistant director with
Miklós Jancsó and Árpád Sopsits. In 2003, after the success of his short films, he
made his first feature Forest, which won Wolfgang Staudte Prize at the Forum of
the Berlinale. His films have been screened at several prestigious festivals all
over the world.
129
Director
Benedek Fliegauf
Screenplay
Benedek Fliegauf
Cinematography
Péter Szatmári
Editor
Károly Szalai
Music
Raptors’ Kollektíva
Cast
Felícián Keresztes, Anikó Szigeti, Lajos Szakács,
Edina Balogh, Barbara Thurzó
Art
Sound
Tamás Zányi
Costume
Production
Inforg Stúdió, Filmteam
Festivals
2004: Athens, Auckland, Barcelona, Berlin, Bratislava,
Brussels, Budapest, Chicago, Copenhagen, Geneva, Haifa,
Helsinki, Karlovy Vary, Linz, London, Mar del Plata,
Montreal, Rio de Janeiro, Stuttgart
2005: IFFI-Goa, Hong Kong, Montevideo, Prague, Pula,
Rome, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Taipei, Trieste
2006: Rotterdam
IFFI-2007
Eastern Sugar / Szezon
2004, 35mm, Colour, 92 min
Director
Ferenc Török
Screenplay
Szilárd Podmaniczky, Ferenc Török
Cinematography
Dániel Garas
Editor
Béla Barsi
Music
Zagar
Cast
Zsolt Nagy, Judit Rezes, Cast: Zsolt Nagy, Judit Rezes,
Ervin Nagy, Péter Kokics, Ági Szirtes, Imre Csuja,
Erzsébet Kútvölgyi, Zoltán Géczi, Gabriella Hámori,
László Sinkó, Éva Kerekes, Géza Hegedûs D., Péter Takátsy
Sound
Tamás Zányi
Costume
Juristovszky Sosa, Fruzsina Nagy
Production
Új Budapest Filmstúdió
Festivals
2004: Bratislava, Budapest, Cottbus, Locarno, Sevilla
2005: Antwerp, Belgrage, Bradford, Moscow, Palic, Pusan,
Rome, Rotterdam, Singapore, Taipei, Valencia
2006: Barcelona
2003. Hungary. The boys from the Plains region, who have just graduated from
the vocational school for catering, set out to discover the country. The only
important thing for them is that something should finally happen. However, they
have not the faintest idea what that ”something” should actually be. They set off
to Lake Balaton in the hope of finding what they are looking for…
The 1971-born Ferenc Török studied film history at the University of Esztergom
during 1991-1995. he graduated from the Hungarian Academy of Drama and Film
as a film director in 2000. His diploma film Moscow Square won the Best First
Film Prize and Audience Prize at the 32nd Hungarian Film Week. This is his
second feature film. In 2007, he made his latest film Overnight.
130
IFFI-2007
Hukkle
An old man sitting on a bench has the hiccups, a drunken youth snores on a carriage,
a kind old lady picks lilies of the valley, women sew in the dressmaker’s shop,
men are bowling in a pub, the bees make honey, a machine harvests the wheat
that in the mill will be made into flour, and then into dumplings in Grandma’s
kitchen – and throughout it all a policeman investigates a murder... A film with
the deceptive appearance of a documentary, where each scene contains clues to a
detective story. This popular festival film has accumulated a number of trophies
along the way, starting in its home country at the Hungarian Film Week where it
picked up the Critics Award and Best Debut Film. Since then, the film took home
four prizes at Cottbus including the Special Prize, Audience Award and the
FIPRESCI Critics Prize, a Special Mention at San Sebastian and the European
Film Awards European Discovery of the Year nod.
This is György Pálfi’s first feature film.
131
Director
György Pálfi
Screenplay
György Pálfi
Cinematography
Gergely Pohárnok
Editor
Gábor Marinkás
Music
Balázs Barna, Samu Gryllus
Cast
Ferenc Bandi, József Farkas, Attila Kaszás, Ági Margitai,
Ferenc Nagy, Jánosné Nagy, Eszter Ónodi, Józsefné Rácz
Sound
Tamás Zányi
Production
Mokep
Festivals
2002: Ankara, Belfort, Budapest, Chicago, Cottbus, Kiev,
London, Mahhheim, Paris, Pusan, San Sebastian, Santa Fe,
Sao Paulo, Stockholm, Thessaloniki, Torino, Toronto,
Vancouver, Warsaw
2003: Adelaide, Barcelona, Belgrade, Bogota, Brasilia,
Bratislava, Brisbane, Brussels, Calgary, Copenhagen,
Edmonton, Hong Kong, Houston, Istanbul, Leeds, Los
Angeles, Mar del Plata, Melbourne, IFFI-New Delhi,
Philadelphia, Rome, Rotterdam, San Francisco, San Jose,
Santa Barbara, Sarajevo, Seattle, Sydney
2004: Riga, Singapore
2005: Jakarta
2006: Barcelona, Bergen
2007: Skopje
IFFI-2007
Temptations / Kísértések
Director
Zoltán Kamondi
Screenplay
Zoltán Kamondi
Cinematography
Gábor Medvigy
Editor
Zsuzsa Pósán
Music
László Melis
Cast
Juli Básti, Kati Budai, János Derzsi, Julianna Kovács,
Marcell Miklós, Zoltán Seress
Art
György Árvai
Sound
István Sipos
Costume
János Breckl
Production
Nextreme Film
Festivals
2002: Ankara, Berlin, Bratislava, Budapest, Denver, Haifa,
Karlovy Vary. Kiev, Manchester, Minneapolis, Montreal,
Moscow, Pyongyang, Seattle, Shanghai
2003: Cleveland, Palm Springs, Prague
Anna brings up her son Marci on her own. Everyone predicts a great future for
him, but he isn't interested in his career. He is desperate to find his unknown
father and his place in the world. What sort of life should he lead? Should he
relax in Anna's loving devotion? Should he give in to the lure of Elvira, who
shows him the sensual side of life? Should he be a criminal, breaking codes at
banks? Should he follow the example of his father Tibor? Should he be an
alcoholic, a wasted talent who has preserved his sense of freedom, but has never
achieved anything? Or should he find himself in the love of the ten -year-old
gypsy girl with mysterious talent, Juli? Will the unselfish, deep and pure feelings
of this girl resolve his life? Juli accepts with unquestionable devotion and humility
that she belongs to Marci - however, he is incapable of identifying with this archaic
role and this proves to be fatal...
Zoltán Kamondi was born in 1960 in Budapest. After finishing his studies at the
Faculty of Art, he went on to get a degree in film directing at the Academy of
Theatre and Film Art Budapest, where he graduated in 1988. His examination
film Kiki and the Males won the Best Direction Award at the West-Berlin Short
Film Festival in 1985. In 1990, he made his first feature film Path of Death and
Angels which was screened in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes. In 1992,
he started to work in theatre and became a highly acclaimed theatre director in
Hungary. In 1997, he began shooting The Hungarian Speckled Variety, a
documentary series, considered by critics as one of the most important documents
of the years after the political changes in Hungary. In 1996, his video film The
Golden Deck Chair won the Best Direction Award at the 27th Hungarian Film
Week. In 1999, his second feature film The Alchemist and the Virgin won the
Best Independent Feature Award at the Manchester International Film Festival.
His latest film Dolina is being shown in the Cinema of the World section of this
festival.
132
IFFI-2007
The Porcelain Doll / A porcelánbaba
There was once the Farm. Somewhere in Hungary.More precisely: in Europe.
Even more precisely: on planet Earth. Farm folk, who are amiable and simple yet
cunning lived here on this Farm. From time to time strangers come to the Farm.
And it is then that all hell always breaks loose.Because the strangers have also
brought death with them. And destruction. And hate. And jealousy. And vanity.
And shame. And lies.
On this Farm strangers always just cause trouble…Based on Ervin Lázár’s
Csillagmajor Péter Gárdos, who has made a number of documentaries and shorts,
made his first feature film, The Philadelphia Attraction, in 1984. With his later
films he won several awards in film festivals from Montreal to Cairo. His theatrical
directions are also popular in Hungary.
133
Director
Péter Gárdos
Screenplay
Péter Gárdos
Cinematography
Tibor Máthé
Editor
Marianna Miklós
Music
Agens
Cast
Lajos Bertók, Sándor Csányi, Judit Németh
Art
Balázs Hujber
Sound
Ferenc Császár
Costume
János Breckl
Production
Duna Television, Tivoli Filmproduction
Festivals
2005: Ankara, Bratislava, Budapest, Kolkata, Istanbul,
Jerusalem, Montreal, Moscow, Munich, Pusan,
Reykjavik, Toronto, Vancouver
2006: Brussels, Hong Kong, Maine, Minneapolis,
Philadelphia, Seattle, Tampa
IFFI-2007
Vagabond
Director
György Szomjas
Screenplay
György Szomjas
Cinematography
Ferenc Grunwalsky
Editor
Anna Kornis
Music
Ferenc Kiss, folk music
Cast
Judit Ábrahám, Gráci Benke, Kata Horváth, Róbert Kerényi,
Enikõ Kocsis, Csaba Simon, Péter Simon, Réti Attila
Sound
György Kovács
Costume
Zsuzsa Stenger
Production
RF produkció
Festivals
2003: Amiens, Berlin, Bratislava, Karlovy Vary, Maine,
Moscow, Sarajevo, Seattle
2004: Mexico, Sofia, Trieste
Karesz’s childhood was spent in an orphanage. At the beginning, he is a member
of a gang of street urchins who wash car windscreens at traffic lights in the hope
of a tip. Besides this, they are involved in a host of evils offered by the capital:
in-fighting, burglary, drunkenness and drugs. In pursuit of a girl, Zsófi, Karesz
unintentionally finds himself in the dance house where young people practice
folk music and dance, and is smitten by its unique atmosphere. He becomes
friendly with Gráci, an immigrant, moonlighting worker who only ceases to feel
out of place in the big city when he can play the music of his home village at the
dance house. The trio is made up by Szerb, a Hungarian lad from Yugoslavia who
has come to Budapest to escape the Southern Slavonic wars. As Karesz tries to
bring himself to Zsófi’s attention, he learns the dances and even experiments
with some drumming. In this way, Karesz becomes acquainted with Zsófi, with
the group, the dances and the various percussion instruments which are used in
Hungarian, Southern Slavonic and Gypsy music. Meanwhile, his old cronies turn
up and hustle him into participating in a burglary. Later, they all get drunk and
the inebriated Karesz is knocked down by a car. He ends up in hospital, where he
is visited by Zsófi. Once back to health, he is received back into the dance house
circle as a member. He even lives with them. He is beginning to be a talented
percussionist and it is looking as though he will succeed in breaking away from
his old friends of the underworld when…
György Szomjas studied architecture at the Budapest Technical University between
1960 and 1964, and then graduated from the Academy of Performing Arts in 1968.
He was on the board of The Béla Balázs Studio between 1969 and 1974 and was
initiator of the sociological film programme. After his ironic documentaries made
in the early 1970s, he directed his first feature film, The Wind is Whistling under
Their Feet. He has been manager and organizer of Kõbánya Amateur Film Studio
since 1973. He has been chief secretary of the Association of Hungarian Filmand Television Artists since 1995. In the past five years, he has made portrait
films and documentaries about folk music and musicians as well as television
magazines about folk music.
134
IFFI-2007
135
IFFI GOA FILM TREASURES
IFFI-2007
The 38th International Film Festival of India, Goa
introduces
1st edition - November 27th to December 1st 2007
A new section dedicated to international film heritage
directed by
Thomson Foundation for Film and TV Heritage,
National Film Archive of India and Cinémathèque Française,
with the support of Film and TV Institute of India
***
"IFFI Goa Film Treasures" is a creation of a " classics " section entirely dedicated to film heritage, representing a key part of culture and history as well
as a strong basis for the cinema of tomorrow.
Programming of this first edition "IFFI Goa Film Treasures" 2007, has been designed on a common theme: "Freedom".
• Special Screenings. Treasures from the cinema world :
Nov. 27th : The Grand Illusion (Jean Renoir, France)
Nov. 28th: Modern Times (Charlie Chaplin, USA)
Nov. 29th: The Hole (Jacques Becker, France)
Nov. 30th: To be or not to be (Ernst Lubitsch, USA)
Dec. 1st: The Legend of Bailiff Sansho (Kenji Mizoguchi, Japan)
Venue: INOX Multiplex
• Interactive workshops / masterclasses with cinema personalities (filmmakers, actors, archivists...)
Nov 28th - 1.00-2.30 pm "Creating from scratch": With or without film heritage knowledge, what are the differences in creating a film…?
Nov 29th: 1.30-3.00 pm: "Catching the visible, tracking the invisible": How cinema is reflecting and modeling society
Nov 30th 1.30-3.00 pm: "There is no such thing as an old film!": Why films continue to change overtime to turn into new creations
Venue: INOX Multiplex
"IFFI Goa Film Treasures" partners
Thomson Foundation for Film & TV Heritage:
Thomson Foundation is a non-profit entity, acting worldwide in the field of preservation and promotion of film and TV heritage. Created in 2006 by its
founder Thomson (technologies, services and systems for media and entertainment industry), the Thomson foundation for Film and TV Heritage operates
with archive institutions or film collection entities, public or private, through annual programs run in priority on site, directly and pragmatically. Today, the
Foundation runs programs in more than 6 countries in Asia, Europe and America.
National Film Archive of India (NFAI)
The mission of the National Film Archive of India is to safeguard the heritage of Indian Cinema for posterity and act as a centre for dissemination of a
healthy film culture in the country. Promotion of film scholarship and research on various aspects of cinema also form part of its Charter. Familiarizing
foreign audiences with Indian Cinema and to make it more visible across the globe is another declared objective of the Archive.
La Cinémathèque française, Paris, France
Created in September 1936, the Cinemathèque française is a private organisation, financed by the state for a large part (Secretary of culture and communication
through the Cinematographic National Center), the "Cinémathèque française" is a non-profit association. Since 1981 the "Cinémathèque française" preserves
a part of its collections on security record, at the Saint Cyr Fort (40,000 titles). This collection reflects Henri Langlois' sharp tastes: the basis is international,
with a strong presence of German and American silent films, and 1920's avant-garde movies.
136
IFFI-2007
Film and Television Film Institute of India (FTII)
Established in the year 1960 on the erstwhile Prabhat studio premises at Pune and thereby inheriting a rich legacy in quality Cinema , the Film and
Television Institute of India (FTII) has truly lived up to its avowed objective in the field of imparting training in film making and television programme
production. Today the FTII is considered as a Center of Excellence not only in India but also in Asia and Europe. The FTII is an autonomous body under
the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India.
137
IFFI-2007
"IFFI Goa Film Treasures"
MOVIE PROGRAMMING
Day 1: Opening day: The Grand Illusion - Jean Renoir (France)
"If a French farmer found himself dining with a French financier, those two Frenchman would have nothing to say to each other. But if a French farmer
meets a Chinese farmer they will find any amount to talk about".
Jean Renoir.
DR: Crédit Photo Studio Canal
Plot:
A film about war without a single scene of combat, Jean Renoir's masterpiece suggests that the true divisions of that conflict were of class rather than
nationality. The point is embodied in the friendship between two aristocratic officers, a German (Erich von Stroheim), and a Frenchman (Pierre Fresnay),
both of whom ultimately become sacrificial victims after a nouveau riche Jewish officer (Marcel Dalio) and a French mechanic (Jean Gabin) manage to
escape from Stroheim's fortress to freedom. The relationship between the mechanic and a German widow, who barely speak each other's language, is no
less moving.
By Jonathan Rosenbaum, the Chicago Reader.
Cast:
Erich Von Stroheim, Jean Gabin, Pierre Fresnay, Marcel Dalio, Dita Parlo, Julien Carette, Gaston Modot, Jean Dasté, Jacques Becker.
Director's biography Jean Renoir
Born in Paris on September 15 1894, Jean Renoir was the son of the Impressionist painter Auguste Renoir. Renoir produced his first movie, Une Vie Sans
Joie in 1924, to star his wife, his father's former model, Catherine Hessling. He directed his first film, La Fille d'Eau, in the same year. In 1975 Jean Renoir
has received an honorary Academy Award for his lifetime contribution to film. He is considered one of the first great "auteurs," a cinematic master whose
distinctive style always contained a concern for human issues and a reverence for natural beauty. Jean Renoir died in California in 1979.
France, 35mm print with English subtitles, 113 min, B&W
Released in 1937, 1946, new editing in 1958, restored version in 1997.
Screening in INOX Movie Theater, on Thursday 27th, at 11:00am
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IFFI-2007
MOVIE PROGRAMMING
Day 2 : The Modern Times - Charlie Chaplin (USA)
"Modern Times marked the last screen appearance of the Little Tramp, the character which had brought Charles Chaplin world fame, and who still
remains the most universally recognized fictional image of a human being in the history of art."
David Robinson, Director of Pordenone Silent Film Festival
DR: Crédit photo Roy Export Company
DR: Crédit photo Roy Export Company
Plot:
Playing a tramp struggling to survive in a modern industrial society, Charlie Chaplin created with Modern Times, one of the most elaborate cinematic
critiques of the effects of mass production on 20th century life. With his usual charm and bad luck, Charlie Chaplin's most famous character The Tramp,
executes some of his most famous slapstick routines around massive/glorified machines, accidentally ends up in the middle of a communist rally, and falls
in love with a street waif played by Chaplin's then real-life partner Paulette Goddard.
Cast:
Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman, Stanley J. ('Tiny') Sandford, Chester Conklin, Hank Mann, Louis Natheaux, Stanley Blystone, Allan
Garcia
Director's biography Charlie Chaplin:
The first great screen comedian, Chaplin was the most important filmmaker of the silent film era, in addition to being a formidable talent as a writer and
composer. The son of music hall performers from England, he began working on the stage at age five. In 1919, he formed United Artists along with Douglas
Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and D.W. Griffith. In 1929, at the first Academy Awards, he was given the special award "for versatility and genius in writing,
acting, directing and producing" for The Circus (1928). Charlie Chaplin said: "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
USA, 35mm, 87 min, B&W.
Released in 1936.
Screening in INOX Movie Theater, on Wednesday 28th, at 11:00am
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IFFI-2007
MOVIE PROGRAMMING
Day 3: Le Trou - Jacques Becker (France)
"Becker was interested in what the cinema could do just as he was interested in what men and women do. Never searching for the extraordinary, he
would go to endless lengths to bring out not some abstract rhythm in the lives of people did but the true style and rhythm of their sensibilities."
Dudley Andrew (International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers, 1991)
Plot:
Marc Michel, the protagonist, plays an imprisoned man awaiting trial for the attempted murder of his wife. He is transferred to another cell, where his
fellow prisoners are planning a jailbreak. He decides to go along with the elaborate plan, and the cellmates attempt to tunnel their way to freedom.
The film is based on the true story of a prison escape plan in which the author, José Giovanni, took part. Becker wrote the script with Giovanni and cast the
film with nonprofessionals, one of whom, Jean Keraudy (Roland), played the same role in real life that he plays in the film. Le Trou represents the last film
of director Jacques Becker, who died shortly after its completion.
Cast:
Michel Constantin, Jean Keraudy, Philippe Leroy, Raymond Meunier, Marc Michel, Andre Bervil, J. Paul Coquelin, Eddy Rasimi
Director's biography Jacques Becker:
Jacques Becker was born in 1906. He began his film career in the early 1930s by working as an assistant to film director Jean Renoir on Boudu, sauvé des
eaux (in which Becker appeared as a young poet) and La Marseillaise. Over the next two decades he directed and co-scripted a dozen more films, most
notably the classic Casque D'Or, as well the crime film Touchez Pas Au Grisbi.
France, 35mm print with English subtitles, 132 min, B&W.
Released in 1960.
Screening in INOX Movie Theater, on Tuesday 29th, at 11:00am
140
IFFI-2007
MOVIE PROGRAMMING
Day 4 : To be or not to be - Ernst Lubitsch (USA)
"I let the audience use their imaginations. Can I help it if they misconstrue my suggestions?"
Ernst Lubitsch
Plot:
In Warsaw at the beginning of WWII, Maria Tura and husband Joseph perform anti-Nazi plays with their theatre troupe until they are forced to switch to
Shakespeare's Hamlet. Lt. Stanislav Sobinski falls for Maria and meets up with her during Joseph's famous "To Be or Not to Be" speech as Hamlet. When
Stanislav is eventually dispatched for war, he implicates Maria with Professor Siletsky, who has a secret plan to destroy the Warsaw resistance. The Polish
theatre troupe is then forced to use their theatrical skills to ensure their survival.
By Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
Cast:
Jack Benny, Carole Lombard, Robert Stack, Felix Bressart, Lionel Atwill, Stanley Ridges, Sig Ruman
Director's biography Ernst Lubitsch:
Lubitsch had turned his back on his father's business to enter the theater, and by 1911 he was a member of Max Reinhardt's Deutsches Theater. His first film
work came in 1912 as an actor. Gradually, he abandoned acting to concentrate on directing and in 1918 he made his mark as a serious director with The
Eyes of the Mummy starring Pola Negri. Lubitsch left Germany for Hollywood in 1922, invited by Mary Pickford. With the beginning of the sound era, he
created witty and sarcastic dialogue, and malicious and bizarre comedic situations. In 1939, Lubitsch moved to MGM, and directed Greta Garbo in
Ninotchka. In March of 1947 he has received a special Academy Award for his 25-year contribution to motion pictures.
USA, 35mm, 99 min, B&W.
Released in 1942.
Screening in INOX Movie Theater, on Friday 30th, at 11:00am
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IFFI-2007
MOVIE PROGRAMMING
Day 5: The Legend of Bailiff Sansho - Kenji Mizoguchi (Japan)
"Mizoguchi is cinema's Shakespeare, its Bach or Beethoven, its Rembrant, Titian or Picasso."
James Quandt, Mizoguchi the Master (Introduction)
Plot:
Sansho the Bailiff is based on an ancient legend and set in the harsh feudal world of eleventh-century Japan. The father of young Zushiô and Anju, is a wellregarded Governor, loved by the masses. Unfortunately, he has opposed the latest Government conscription demand, recognising that if he complies his
people may starve. Inevitably, he is struck from his post and dispatched into exile; all his wife Tamaki can do is wrap their children in the charity of
relatives. Several years later the trio is forced to embark on a difficult journey, to the distant province where the ex-Governor now lives. In a sequence of
heart-rending tragedy, Tamaki becomes separated from Zushiô and Anju. While she is sold into prostitution and they become the slaves of Sanshô dayû. A
decade later, Zushiô and Anju have become inured to their fate…
Cast:
Yashiaki Hanayagi, Kinuyo Tanaka, Kyoko Kagawa, Eitaro Shindo, Akitaka Kohno, Ichiro Sugai, Ken Mitsuda, Masahiko Kato, Keiko Enami
Director's biography Kenji Mizoguchi:
Kenji Mizoguchi was born in 1898, the middle child of a Tokyo family. The abrupt ending of the 1904-5 Russo-Japanese war, dashing his father's attempts
to sell raincoats to the army, precipitated a desperate financial crisis which forced Mizoguchi's older sister Suzu to be given up for adoption then sold to a
geisha house. Though she was fortunately "rescued" and later married by a wealthy patron, the event, along with the death when he was 17 of the mother
he idolised, had a huge impact on Mizoguchi's life and future career as a director- a principal theme of his films being the oppression and suffering of
women.
Japan, 35mm, 120 min, B&W.
Released in 1954.
Screening in INOX Movie Theater, on Saturday 1st, at 11:00am
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IFFI-2007
Indian Retrospectives
Tapan Sinha
Vijay Anand
Navya Movement
India @ 60
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TAPAN SINHA
IFFI-2007
Lest We Forget – Tapan Sinha
Tapan Sinha, born in Kolkata on October two, 1924, is considered by some as one of the most uncompromising
filmmakers of India. His awe-inspiring body of work can perhaps be matched by only a Mrinal Sen or a
Satyajit Ray. Sinha’s works have won 19 National Film Awards in various categories apart from laurels in
international film festivals like those in Berlin, Venice, London, Moscow, San Francisco and Locarno. A science
graduate from University of Calcutta – his and actress-wife Arundhati Devi’s son Anindya Sinha is a noted
scientist - Sinha began his film career as a sound engineer in Kolkata’s New Theatre in 1946. In 1950, he got
the opportunity of working at Pinewood Studios in the UK where he spent two years. On returning to India, he
turned his attention to film directing, making films in Bengali, Hindi and also Oriya. Influenced by American
and British styles of filmmaking and also by Rabindranath Tagore’s work, he made three films based on the
Nobel Laureate’s: Kabuliwala, Khudito Pashan and Atithi. His first Ankush was based on Narayan
Gangopadhyay’s story Sainik. A storyteller par excellence, his films are well-crafted in terms of structure and
technique. Sinha mentions in his memoirs Mone Pore that as a child in Bhagalpur, he had seen A Tale of Two
Cities – a Hollywood film starring Ronald Coleman – and it perhaps was “sub-consciously responsible for him
becoming a filmmaker”. In 1961, Sinha was to pay homage to Coleman in Jhinder Bandi – a lavish historical
melodrama about palace intrigue based on one of Coleman’s major hits, The Prisoner of Zenda. His other films
include Upahar (1955), Tonsil (1956), Louhakapat (1957), Kalomati (1957), Hansuli Banker Upakatha (1962),
Nirjan Saikate (1963), Jotugriha (1964), Aarohi (1965), Galpo Holeo Satyi (1966), Hatey Bazaare (1967),
Apanjan (1968), Sagina Mahato (1970), Ekhoni (1971), Zindagi Zindagi (1972), Aadhar Periye (1973) , Raja
(1975) Ek Je Chilo Desh (1977), Safed Hathi (1977), Sabuj Dwiper Raja (1979), Banchharamer Bagan (1980),
Adalat O Ekti Meye (1982), Atanka (1986), Aaj Ka Robinhood (1987), Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1991), Wheelchair
(1994), Aajab Gnayer Aajab Katha (1998), Anokha Moti (2000), Shatabdir Kanya (2001), exhibiting his
virtuosity and capability to handle all kinds of subjects with equal élan and sensitivity.
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IFFI-2007
Kabuliwala
1956, 35mm Colour, 116 mins, Bengali
Director
Tapan Sinha
Cinematography
Subodh Ray
Music
Ravi Shanker
Cast
Kali Bannerjee, Chhabi Biswas,
Tinku Thakur, Radhamohan Bhattacharya
Based on a Tagore story of the same name, the film is a touching tale of Rahmat
Sheikh, a Pathan who came from Afghanistan to Kolkata to make a living. However,
he is homesick and seeks the company of children, particularly little girls as they
remind him of his own daughter back home. One day he meets Mini, a five-year-old
daughter of a writer, and they become great friends. The beautiful friendship that
develops is suddenly interrupted by Rahmat’s being sent to prison for assaulting his
landlord. Years pass, and when Rahmat is released, he goes back to see Mini. Still
expecting to meet the charming little girl he had left behind, he is stunned to realise
that he has reached on Mini’s wedding day and that she no longer recognises him. He
also realises that his own daughter must also be of a similar age and tears well up in
his eyes. Mini’s father presents him the money kept for the decoration of the house
during the wedding and urges him to return as soon as possible to his house in
Afghanistan. Sinha’s version of a Tagore story remains one of the most acclaimed
version of the film, which was remade in other languages, including Hindi.
Sagina Mahato
1970, 35mm, B&W, 148 mins, Bengali
Director
Tapan Sinha
Cinematography
Subodh Ray
Music
Ravi Shanker
Cast
Kali Bannerjee, Chhabi Biswas, Tinku Thakur,
Radhamohan Bhattacharya
This movie was remade as a Hindi movie titled Sagina in 1974. The hero is a natural
leader who emerges during a period of industrial struggle when some poor and illiterate
workers at a Bengal factory in British-dominated India try to form a trade union.
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TAPAN SINHA
IFFI-2007
Adalat O Ekti Meye
1982, 35mm Colour, Bengali
Director
Tapan Sinha
Music
Tapan Sinha
Cast
Vishwa Guha Takurta, Nirmal Kumar, Manoj Mitra,
Devika Mukherjee, Tanuja
A hard-hitting film, it sought to expose the insensitive way rape cases are dealt
with in courts, even as it took the viewer through the trauma of a mental torture
that is perhaps even worse than the physical crime itself.
Aadmi Aur Aurat
1984, 35mm Colour, 56 mins, Bengali
Director
Tapan Sinha
Cinematography
Kamal Nayak
Music
Ashish Khan
Cast
Amol Palekar, Mahua Roychodhury
A young village girl waits on the highway for a bus into town. She looks tired
and ill, and carries a shapeless bundle in her arms. There are others waiting with
her, but she seems to know none of her companions. After a long futile wait for
the bus the men walk away in the group, the girl slowly rises helplessly, goes
after them. Bansi, a poacher, follows the group. He turns back curiously to look
at the girl struggling slowly up the hilly path, and decides to approach her. When
he comes close to her, he realizes that she is pregnant, and learns that her
destination is the hospital at Vakilganj. He decides to help her get there. It is
drizzling and in the process of conversation Bansi learns that her first child had
miscarried and she was ill for very long afterwards, her husband had taken a loan
to get her to the hospital. The rain has increased and tired girl is half-conscious.
Determined to save her, Bansi drags her and reaches to the hospital. Next morning,
Bansi goes to the hospital and is told that the woman has given birth to a baby
boy, and goes inside to have a look at the baby. He asks the woman the name of
her husband. Anwar Hossain, says the girl. Bansi frowns. It is muslim girl whose
life he saved, and he is good Hindu. He smiles again. The girlsmiles back gratefully
and raises her frail arms. I shall always pray to Allah for you, she says.
146
VIJAY ANAND
IFFI-2007
AN ETERNAL ROMANTIC
VIJAY ANAND
Vijay Anand (left) with his brothers Dev Anand and Chetan Anand
Vijay Anand (January 22, 1934 - February 23, 2004), was one of India’s,
particularly the Hindi film industry’s, most-acclaimed producer, director, writer,
editor and actor. Born in Gurdaspur, Punjab, he was the youngest of the Anand
siblings, with his elder brother Chetan and Dev etching out their own legendary
status within the film industry. Anand, who served a short but controversial stint
as the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, before resigning in
2002 after ideological differences with the government over introduction of ratings
for adult movies, wrote the script for Taxi Driver (1954) when he was barely 20.
In 1957, he made his directorial debut with Nau Do Gyarah. Some of his successful
movies as director were Johny Mera Naam (1970), Jewel Thief (1967), Teesri
Manzil (1966), Kala Bazar (1960), Tere Ghar Ke Saamne (1963), Tere Mere Sapne
(1971) and Guide (1965), the last being his most critically-acclaimed movie. His
most memorable acting roles were in Kora Kagaz (1974) and Main Tulsi Tere
Aangan Ki (1978), although he acted in several other films like Agra Road (1957),
Haqeeqat (1964) and Chhupa Rustom (1973). To the generation of the 1990s, he
is also known for playing detective Sam in the television series Tehkikaat. Anand’s
films shone with technical virtuosity and marvelous sense of storytelling, and
talent as a filmmaker came through even more forcefully in his picturisation of
songs. His use of creating unusual situations and sets, using long complicated
takes involving both character and camera movement (the entire Tere Mere Sapne
Ab Ek Rang Hai song from Guide comprise just three shots), incredible use of
foreground and background of the frame, dynamic camera work and making the
most of tightly-enclosed spaces created magic for the moviegoer. His other films
include Blackmail (1973), Chhupa Rustom (1973), Ram Balram (1980), Rajput
(1982), Hum Rahe Na Hum (1984) and Main Tere Liye (1988). Anand died in
Mumbai on February 23, 2004 due to a heart attack. His last film Jaana Na Dil Se
Door, which he completed just before his demise and stars his brother Dev Anand
and a fresh couple as the romantic lead, is awaiting commercial release.
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VIJAY ANAND
IFFI-2007
Guide
1965, 35mm, Colour, Hindi
Cinematography
Fali Mistry
Music
S D Burman
Cast
Dev Anand, Waheeda Rehman, Leela Chitnis, Kishore Sahu
Raju, once a successful tourist guide, hesitates to return to his hometown of
Udaipur after his is released from jail and decides to search for his fortunes
elsewhere. He ends up in a remote village temple wearing over his threadbare
clothes a saffron scarf which had once belonged to some passing mendicant, and
finds himself suddenly elevated to the position of a holy man. Six months pass;
Raju’s mother and Rosie, a dancer and Raju’s lover, arrive at the jail to take him
home but are told he was let off six months earlier. Rosie takes Raju’s mother
home and relates her own side of the story. Raju now has got accustomed to being
a holy man, but in that role he has actually helped the village to acquire its own
school, hospital and postal service. One day, he tells the villagers a story his
mother had told him about another holy man long ago who had kept a fast for 12
days to bring rain to a parched land. Unfortunately, before the story is forgotten,
drought hits the village. And then ..........
Tere Ghar Ke Samne
Cinematography
V Ratra
Music
S D Burman
Cast
Dev Anand, Nutan, Harindranath Chattopadhyay,
Om Prakash, Rajendranath
Two feuding millionaires Lala Jagannath and Seth Karamchand are always finding
ways to be one up on the other. They buy adjacent plots to each other and each
wants to make a better house them the other. Unknowingly they hire the same
architect, Rakesh and insist on the same design! Rakesh is Jaganath’s son whom
he had thrown out and to compound things further, he falls in love with
Karamchand’s daughter, Sulekha…
148
VIJAY ANAND
IFFI-2007
Jewel Thief
Music
S D Burman
Cast
Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar, Vyjayantimala,
Tanuja, Helen, Master Sachin
The whole country is rocked by a series of daring jewellery heists leaving the cops at
their wits’ end. The Police Commissioner of Bombay swears that he would solve the
case by 26th January. Meanwhile, his son Vinay gains employment with well-known
city jeweller Seth Bishwambar Das as an efficient ‘johari’ after gaining his trust. He
also wins the heart of his daughter Anjali. But soon, he is mistaken as a certain Amar
by a host of unknown people, including Shalini who has come down to Bombay from
Gangtok with her brother. She claims that Vinay is actually Amar, her fiancé. It appears
that there is actually somebody called Amar resembling Vinay who could be the real
jewel thief. Vinay gets involved in the plot to unearth the mystery by assuming the
identity of Amar and in the course of his investigation meets Amar’s companions,
who believe his is Amar, aka Prince. The hunt takes him to Sikkim where Amar/
Prince has his hideout. A big surprise awaits for him there.
Nau Do Gyarah
1957, 35mm, B&W, 170 mins Hindi
Music
S D Burman
Cast
Dev Anand, Kalpana Kartick, Shashikala, Madan Puri, Jeevan
It is a combination of the urban thrillers that Bollywood was churning out in the
1950s with the road film, and was a promising debut for the young director. It
remains one of the most enjoyable and likeable Hindi films of the 1950s that gave
early evidence of Vijay Anand’s craft.
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NAVYA MOVEMENT
IFFI-2007
Samskara
1970, 35mm, B&W, 113 mins, Kannanda
Director
Pattabhi Rama Reddy
Written by
U R Ananthamurthy
Cinematography
Tom Cowan
Music
S D Burman
Cast
Girish Karnad, Snehlata Reddy, P Lankesh, P R Jayarama
Set in a small South Karnataka village about half a century ago, the film revolves
around a group of Brahmins. A young, scrupulous priest, Praneshcharya leads them
in conducting their lives strictly by tradition. But Narayanappa is a rebel, leading
a dissolute life and regularly breaking their tenets. When he suddenly dies, his
mistress, Chandri, asks the Brahmins to conduct his funeral rites. The village elders
discuss the issue but evade performing the last rites. Praneshcharya is approached
for guidance, seeking which he in turn consults the holy texts. His task is further
complicated as he has surrendered himself to Chandri’s charms, passionately and
helplessly. Filled with remorse, he sets out to seek guidance. Wandering about, he
meets a low caste man, Putta, with whom he strikes a rapport and the two travel
together. At a fair, Putta urges Praneshcharya to eat at a nearby temple where a
free meal is being offered to Brahmins. While eating at a place he has no right to
be, Praneshcharya realises that having succumbed to his own weaknesses, he had
no right to judge others. He returns to perform the funeral rites. Adapted from U R
Ananthamurthy’s remarkable story and helped along by excellent scripting by Girish
Karnad, this landmark film launched the Navya Movement in Kannada cinema.
Chomana Dudi / Choma’s Drum
1975, 35mm, B&W, 141 mins, Kannada
Based on a 1931 novel by Shivaram Karanth, it deals with the
life of the untouchables and the problems they face. It is about
Choma, a low caste untouchable from a village in Karnataka in
South India. Unlike other sub-castes, the Maris are not allowed
to own land but Choma dreams about becoming a land owning
farmer. To achieve this, he must break with past traditions and
either become a Christian or lease land from the government which he will not do. The film traces the eventual tragic
disintegration of his family and highlights the inhuman nature
of the caste system when Choma’s younger son Nila drowns
because a Brahmin youth is prevented by others from saving
the ‘untouchable’ boy. Set during the time of the British rule in
India, it moves towards the finale as Choma takes refuge with
his dudi (a small drum) which he beats furiously even as he
loses his three sons, one by one.
Director
B V Karanth
Written by
Shivaram Karanth
Cinematography
S Ramachandra
Music
B V Karanth
Cast
M V Vasudeva Rao, Padma Kumta, Jayarajan,
Sunder Rajan, Nagraja
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NAVYA MOVEMENT
IFFI-2007
Ghatashradha
1977, 35mm, B&W, 144 mins, Kannada
Direction & Screenplay
Girish Kasravalli
Cinematography
S Ramachandra
Music
B V Karanth
Cast
Ajith Kumar, Meena Kuttappa, Narayana Bhatt,
Ramakrishna, Shanta Ramaswamy Iyengar
The story of a child widow seen through the eyes of a young boy, this film is set
in the 1920s rural Karnataka steeped in orthodoxy. Yamunakka as a widow, lives
with her father Udupa, who runs a traditional scripture school for young Brahmins.
She has to live within a lot of restrictions and cannot lead a normal life, and a
little boy is her only friend. However, she protects Nani, a young student who is
bullied by classmates and is later witness to Yamnua’s desperate attempts to end
an undesirable pregnancy, which the village elders discover leading to swift
retribution. Her father performs the ‘ghatashradha’, or death rites performed for
a living person, to mark her excommunication from the Brahminical society. Head
shaven, clad in a white sari, the little boy taken away, she is banished from the
village and tries to kill herself in the forests that surround the village. Meanwhile,
her father prepares to remarry a 16-year-old girl, young enough to be his daughter.
Based on a U R Ananthamurthy story, this was Girish Kasaravalli’s debut feature,
and one that was responsible for strengthening the Navya Movement in Kannada
cinema in a major way. The film has some wonderfully shot and enacted sequences,
especially when Yamuna, chased by the villagers, takes refuge among in the dark
forest, which seems far kinder than the village she has been thrown out of.
151
INDIA @ 60
IFFI-2007
Biyalis
1949, 35 mm, B&W, 156 mins, Bengali
Direction & Story
Hemen Gupta
Cinematography
G K Mehta
Music
Hemanta Mukherjee
Lyrics
Tarit Kumar Ghosh
Cast
Bikash Roy, Manju Dey, Sombhu Mitra, Suruchi
Sengupta, Pradeep Kumar
Production
Film Trust of India.
The film addresses the violent agitations against the colonial police in the Midnapore
district of Bengal in late 1942. Set against the Quit India agitation, it sees an aged
women activist explain that Mahatma Gandhi advocated non-violence but asked every
woman to carry a knife as well, just in case. Ajoy, his wife Bina and aged Grandmother
are fixed with the 'Karenge Ya Marenge' (Do or Die) zeal. Violence erupts when the
village blacksmith's daughter is killed. The blacksmith is tortured and killed by the
evil army officer Major Trivedi, providing one of Bengali Cinema's most enduring
images of untrammeled Villany. Bina, who becomes a courier for the terrorists, is
gang- raped by the army and goes insane, whereupon the entire village rises in anger.
The grandmother is shot while leading an unarmed procession. Ajoy is shot too. The
soldiers finally refuse to obey further orders to fire and eventually tramples over the
major to join the marchers in raising the Indian Tricolour.
Nam Iruvar
1947, 35 mm, B&W, 153 mins, Tamil
Director
A V Meiyappan
Cinematography
T Muthusamy
Music
R Sundarshanam
Cast
T A Jayalakshmi (Kannamma), Kamala Kumari
(Kannamma’s Sister), T R Mahalingam (Sukumar),
B Ramakrishnaiah Panthulu (Jayakumar)
Production
AVM Film Company
The first production of AVM Film Company, it is based on Sahasranamam’s stage
hit of the same name. It is a political and patriotic melodrama, replete with
nationalist symbols. The film begins with a Subramanya Bharati anniversary and
ends with Mahatma Gandhi’s 77th birthday celebrations. Even today, some of the
songs of in this film are standard fare on television and radio during occasions of
national importance. The film comes down heavily on the evils of black
marketeering and lust for money. The producer-director of the film, Meyyappan,
brought the rights to the patriotic poems of the great poet Subramanya Bharathi
and set them to tune in the film. Kamala Kumari was off to a great start with this
film, dancing to the tune of Bharathiyar.
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INDIA @ 60
IFFI-2007
Shaheed
1965, 35 mm, B&W, 163 mins, Hindi
This is a hugely-successful film version of revolutionary Bhagat Singh's life story.
Starring Manoj Kumar in the title role, the film shows how Bhagat Singh grew up
in a revolutionary household, went to the National College, and wrote essays in
revolutionary newspapers and pamphlets, before joining Chandra Shekhar Azad
and the Hindustan Republican Association. In October 1928 came the Simon
Commission, protests against which turned sour when Bhagat Singh's mentor Lala
Lajpat Rau died after being beaten up boy the police. Angry and seeing the
government do nothing after Lajpat Rai's death, a group of revolutionaries,
including Bhagat, decided they would kill the police chief, Scott, who had ordered
the attack. They waited for him in ambush, but the Assistant Superintendent of
Police, J P Saunders, emerged instead and was shot. Bhagat Singh later threw a
bomb into the National Assembly, especially designed not to be too powerful so
that it wouldn't kill anybody, to protest the passing of a Public Safety Bill. He
along with Rajbir and Sukhdev threw the bomb, then flyers describing their
position, then waited in the visitor's gallery to be arrested. They caught, tried,
and condemned to death, not for the bombing but for the murder of Saunders.
Bhagat Singh used his court appearances to continue delivering his revolutionary
message to the masses, who would read about the trial and so hear what he had to
say. Before long, he had a huge following. He staged a hunger strike while in
prison to improve conditions there, before being hanged on March 23, 1923.
153
Director
S Ram Sharma
Story
B K Dutt
Screenplay
Din Dayal Sharma
Cinematography
Ranjodh Thakur
Editor
B S Glaad, Vishnu Kumar Singh
Music
Prem Dhawan
Cast
Manoj Kumar, Prem Chopra, Kamini Kaushal, Nirupa Roy, Pran,
Anand Kumar, Manmohan, Sailesh Kumar, Madan Puri, Asit
Sen, Kamal Kapoor, Ifthekar, Anwar Hussain
Production
Kewal P Kashyap
INDIA @ 60
IFFI-2007
Kala Pani – A Pilgrimage
1985, 20 mins, English
Director
N S Thapa
Producer
Prem Vaidya
The Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal are over 1,200 km south
of Kolkata and 1,200 km east of Chennai. During India’s First War of
Independence in 1857, the British chose to send freedom fighters to these islands,
to the Cellular Jail in the Andamans. To be sent to the Andamans was considered
to be a living death and hence it came to be known as Kala Pani. This film
provides historical background to the islands.
Gandhi An Emerging Reality
Director
D Gautaman
Producer
Kuldeep Sinha
Emerging from the midst of people, Mahatma Gandhi came as a whirlwind to
Indian Politics. This film shows how he influenced the thinking of the people the
world over.
India Wins Freedom
Director
N S Thapa
Producer
Bhanumurthy Alur
This part 16 of the India’s Struggle for Freedom series deals with the arrival of
the new Governor General Lord Mountbatten and the series of events that took
place for the transfer of power from the King’s Government to the people of
India on August 15, 1947.
154
INDIA @ 60
IFFI-2007
Tribute
155
TRIBUTE
IFFI-2007
And miles to go… Aribam Syam Sharma
It is indeed rare to find an individual who expresses his artistic vision through different
media. One such consummate artiste from North-East India is Aribam Syam Sharma. Better
known for his landmark films like Imagi Ningthem and Ishanou, the artistic personality in
Sharma is more than his films. It would be impossible to fathom and understand his films
before knowing him in relation to his first love: music. Within his home state Manipur, he
is as much as synonymous with the modern music movement of Manipur as he is with his
films, if not more. The lyricism, rhythm and the earthiness of his films are a legacy of his
music. Though rooted in the socio-cultural milieu of Manipur, the universal appeal of the
subjects of his films has found favour globally, including in Cannes where Ishanou, which
created a stir when screened in the highly-respected Un Certain Regard section in 1991.
His films have represented India at the biggest of international films festivals, such as
Locarno, Montreal and London, and many other festivals. An 11-time winner of the National
Award, Sharma, trained as a musician in Shantiniketan, made his directorial debut with
Lamja Parshuram in 1974, which was followed by films like Saaphabee (1976),
Olangthagee Wangmadasoo (1979), Imagi Ningthem (1983) and Paokhum Ama (1983).
Sharma, who has authored an autobiographical book, Living Shadows, has always made
films with serious topics, but some of his films have been big Box Office hits in Manipur
while garnering honours all over the world. Sharma had the unique honour at the 37 th IFFI
when the Indian Panorama (Non-Feature section) screened a film by him and another on
him. In this 38th edition of IFFI too, his latest film in part of the same section.
Ishanou
1991, Colour, 35 mm, 95 mins, Manipuri
Director
Aribam Syam Sharma
Screenplay
M K Binodini Devi
Cinematography
Girish Padhiar
Editor
Ujjal Nandi
Music
Aribam Syam Sharma
Cast
Anoubam Kiranmala, Kangabam Tomba, Monbi
Sound
A Shantimo Sharma, Durgadas Mitra
Costumes
M K Binodini Devi
Production
Guwahati Doordarshan
Festivals & Awards
Cannes, Festival du 3 Continents (Nantes), IFFI, London,
Seattle, Singapore, Toroto, Vancouver, Fribourg, Hawaii.
A happy young couple is preparing for the ear-piercing ceremony for their first
child, a daughter. This is an important custom in Manipur, signifying the beginning
of a responsible stage in life. Things go awry when the wife begins talking to
flowers, singing odd songs, and having fits. In fact, the fits get so violent that she
has to be physically restrained and tied down to prevent her from hurting herself.
It eventually emerges that she has been chosen by a spirit which is special to a
particular religious cult, the Meibis. Things proceed swiftly with her new,
unsought, allegiance as she makes contact with the cult and its leader and prepares
to leave her husband and child behind.
156
TRIBUTE
IFFI-2007
Homage
157
HOMAGE: K K MAHAJAN
IFFI-2007
K K Mahajan
Select Filmography
Features
Directed by Mrinal Sen
Bhuvan Shome, 1969 (Hindi), Icchapuran (The Wish Fulfilment),
1970 (Bengali), Interview, 1970 (Bengali), Ek Adhuri Kahani,
1971 (Hindi), Calcutta 71, 1972 (Bengali), Padatik, 1973
(Bengali), Chorus, 1974 (Bengali), Mrigaya (The Royal Hunt),
1976 (Hindi), Oka Oorie Katha, 1977 (Hindi/Telugu), Ek Din
Pratidin, 1979 (Bengali), Akaler Sandhaney, 1980 (Bengali),
Chalchitra, 1981 (Bengali), Kharij, 1982 (Bengali), Khandhar,
1984 (Bengali), Ek Din Achana, 1988 (Hindi)
Directed By Basu Chatterji (All In Hindi)
Sara Akash (1969), Piya Ka Ghar (1971), Rajnigandha (19730, Us
Paar (1974), Chhoti Si Baat (1975), Chit Chor (1976), Swami
(1977), Safed Jhooth (1977), Priyatama (1977), Dillagi (1978),
Tumhare Liye (1978), Chakravyuha (1979), Do Ladke Dono
Kadke (1979), Manzil (1979), Apne Paraye (1980), Man
Pasand (1980), Jeena Yahaan (1981), Sara Jahan (1982),
Sheesha (1986), Directed by Kumar Shahani
Maya Darpan (1972), Tarang (1984), Khayal Gatha (1988), Kasba
(1990), Char Adhyay (1996)
Directed By Mani Kaul
Uski Roti (1970), Ashad Ka Ek Din (1971)
Directed By Mohan Kumar
Avtaar (1983), All Rounder (1984), Amrit (1986), Amba (1990)
Directed By Ramesh Sippy
Bhrashtachaar (1989), Akayla (1991), Zamana Deewana (1995)
Directed By Raj Tilak
Mukti (1977), Chehre Pe Chehra (1980), Jeevan Saathi (1988)
Directed By Mukul Dutt
Chhalia (1973), Aaj Ki Radha (1979)
Directed By Ravi Tandon
Waqt Ki Deewar, Jawab; Nadaniyan (1984)
Dir. Ved Rahi), Ek Pal (1986, Dir. Kalpana Lajmi)
Short Films & Documentaries
Directed By Kumar Shahani
The Glass Pane (1966), A Certain Childhood (1967), Rails For
The World (1970), Object (1971, Made For A Psychoanalyst’s
Thesis), Bamboo Flute (2001); Directed By Shyam Benegal
Child Of The Streets (1967), Indian Youth: An Exploration (1968)
Directed By B D Garga
Amrita Sher-gill (1968, Best Documentary Film, National Awards,
1969), Mahabalipuram (1968), Iron Ore Exports (1969)
Tanmay Agarwal
In this Subhash Nandy photograph, KK is seen taking a risky shot for the film Chorus as director
Mrinal Sen holds him from behind
K K Mahajan (1944-2007) is considered one of India’s best-ever cinematographers with a
body of work comprising over 80 feature films, about 100 commercials, over 20 significant
documentaries and several television serials. A four-time National Award winner, his
cinematographic contribution to both mainstream and art cinema has remained unparalleled.
His prolific virtuosity has rightly been considered a major factor in the Indian New Wave
which saw the emergence of path-breaking feature films like Mrinal Sen’s Bhuvan Shome
(1969), Basu Chatterji’s Sara Akash (1969), Mani Kaul’s Uski Roti (1970) and Kumar
Shahani’s Maya Darpan (1972). The one common factor to all these classics was brilliant
cinematography by ‘KK‘, as he was fondly known. Born on 2 nd October 1944, at Gurdaspur,
Punjab, India, Mahajan was a graduate in Physics from Punjab University (1963). He attended
the prestigious Film Institute of India, Pune (later known as the FTII) for a three-year
course in Motion Picture Photography and was a Gold Medalist in the class of 1966. As one
of the early graduates of the FTII, he began his career at a time when the film industry was
unwilling to believe that training in cinema could be imparted, since apprenticeship had
been the traditional entry route, right from the silent era. Trained and qualified technicians
from the FTII had a difficult time and felt constantly pressurised to prove themselves. In
more ways than one, Mahajan was a trailblazer. He began working as an independent
cinematographer in Mumbai in 1966, at first with advertising films and then with
documentaries and short films, with renowned directors. Fittingly, his first break into feature
films came as a result of the impact that his work at the FTII, with Kumar Shahani (their
avant garde graduation film The Glass Pane), had on Mrinal Sen. That led to Bhuvan
Shome , and the beginning of a long journey. Over the next three decades and more, KK’s
cinematographic oeuvre was quite impressive not only quantitatively but also in terms of its
qualitative variations. More than any other cinematographer, even as he worked with many
“off-beat” filmmakers, photographing acclaimed albeit low-budget films, he proved that he
had no problems in adjusting to the so-called gap between art and commercial films, with
his work in mainstream Hindi cinema. His ouvre included films by directors like Subhash
Ghai, Ravi Tandon, Mohan Kumar Ramesh Sippy and Basu Chatterji, to name a few. His
craft is said to “…evoke memories of impressionist painting, setting new standards in motion
picture photography, which even today remains a source of inspiration for all aspiring
cinematographers.” (From the citation, MAMI Award, 2000). Mahajan received his four
National Awards for Best Cinematography quite early in his career, for his work on films by
directors Basu Chatterji (Sara Akash 1969, which got him the first of his four National
Awards) ,Mani Kaul (Uski Roti 1970), Kumar Shahani (Maya Darpan 1972) and Mrinal
Sen (Chorus 1974). A record that he particularly valued, considering the near-feudal
conditions in which he started his own career, is that about 25 of those who assisted him
over the years went on to become cinematographers in their own independent capacity. Over
the years, along with his professional commitments, K K Mahajan continued his association
with the FTII, with the workshops he held for students. He was a member of the Governing
Council and of the Society of the FTII for two terms. He also conducted workshops at the
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. He was also on jury panels of
several major film awards and on the script advisory committee of the NFDC. In May
1999, he got together with a small group of concerned cinematographers in Mumbai, to
form Cinematographers’ Combine, a forum for cinematographers and those associated with
cinematography. Among the honours he received were the Mumbai Academy of the Moving
Image (MAMI)’s 1 st Kodak Technical Excellence Award for his “Innovative Contribution to
Cinematography and Enrichment of Indian Cinema” (2000), Honorary Membership of the
Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC) for his “Outstanding Contribution to Indian
Cinematography and Excellence in Professional Work” (2003), Honorary Life Membership
of the Western India Cinematographers’ Association (WICA) for his “Outstanding
Contribution in the field of Cinematic Art” (2005), and the Ezra Mir Award for Lifetime
Achievement by the Indian Documentary Producers’ Association (IDPA) for a “Lifetime of
Excellence and Inspiration” (2006). He also received the International Indian Film Academy
(IIFA) Award for “Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema” in 2006. In June 2007, he
was conferred the 1 st Katha Centre for Film Studies Lifetime Achievement Award given in
recognition of “Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema.” As KK had said once, “I am
lucky to be in this profession. This is a beautiful profession. I meet and work with a lot of
people. You travel a lot. And the best thing about this profession is that I am learning every
day. There is no end to learning … Nobody is the master of his craft. It changes every day
and you have to learn...”
158
HOMAGE: K K MAHAJAN
IFFI-2007
Sara Akash / The Whole Sky
1969, 35 mm, B&W, 100 mins, Hindi
Basu Chatterji
Cinematography
K K Mahajan
Editor
G G Mayekar
Music
Salil Chowdhury
Cast
Rakesh Pandey, Madhu Chanda, A K Hangal, Dina Pathak,
Mani Kaul, Tarla Mehta, Naditta Thakur, Jalal Agha
Production
Cineye Films
An authentic view of a lower middle class Indian family set in the 1950s. It is
about a young, immature man’s turmoil when forced into an arranged marriage.
The generation gap between young and old, the jealousies of women in the family,
the difference between the domesticated and the rebellious are well depicted in
this film. On the one hand, it is a satire on how unprepared young minds forced
into marriage are, and on the other it is about how two strangers locked into
matrimony slowly discover each other. Based on a novel by Rajendra Yadav, the
pioneer of the ‘Nai Kahani’ movement in Hindi literature.
159
HOMAGE: O P NAYYAR
IFFI-2007
O P Nayyar
Omkar Prasad Nayyar was born on January 16,
1926 in Lahore. He started his career in film
music with the background score for the film
Kaneez (1949), followed by Aasman (1952).
Guru Dutt’s Aar Paar (1954) was his first
success, and it led to a successful partnership
between the two in films like Mr. & Mrs. 55
and C.I.D. which was a runaway musical hit
1956. This was followed up by Tumsa Nahin
Dekha in 1958. With the practised ease of a
maestro, Nayyar went on to notch even bigger
success in Phir wohi dil laya hoon (“Banda
p a r w a r, t h a m l o j i g a r. . . ” ) and M e re S a n a m
(“Jaayiye aap kahan jaayenge” and “Pukarata
chala hoon main”). Around the
same time, his music helped
Kashmir Ki Kali become a super
hit. At the height of his reign as a
composer, he is reported to have
commanded the highest fee in the
industry. He was the first music
director to command the figure of
Rs 100,000, a very substantial
figure in the early 1950s. In
addition to this, he had a
reputation
for
stubborn
individuality all along. Many
remember him as being aloof and
imperious, but always generous
with struggling newcomers and
those marginalised in the industry.
The Press frequently referred to him as a rebel
composer, and many columnists labeled him a
maverick. During the 1950s, the statecontrolled All India Radio had put in place a
ban on most of his very famous tunes from
being broadcast, apparently for being too
trendy! The Sri Lanka Broadcasting
Corporation, then Radio Ceylon, however,
played his new hits. Nayyar worked extensively
with Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed
Rafi and was instrumental in building their
careers. But he never worked with Lata
Mangeshkar, the melody queen of India. After
a break up with Mohammed Rafi, he switched
to Mahendra Kapoor, then a newcomer, and also
engaged Mukesh in Sambandh much to the
surprise of the industry but delivering the
superhit “chal akela, chal akela, chal akela....”.
Nayyar had also recognised the talented
Kishore Kumar long before he became a
popular. The film Baap re Baap is full of
Kishore hits in the inimitable Nayyar style. But
the relationship did not endure. In the black and
white era. A parting of ways with Asha Bhonsle
in 1974 was to haunt Nayyar for the rest of his
life. Many in the industry felt the break up was
the start of Nayyar’s downslide. It was perhaps
a tradition started by Nayyar to
give a full length song to the
comedians in the films which
became more famous than any of
the songs sung. Remember Johnny
Walker in C.I.D with that famous
“Yeh dil hai muskil jeena yahan”
,and “Mein Bambai ka baboo, nam
mera anjana” in Naya Daur? O P
Nayyar was referred to as Opee by
the film industry in Mumbai and
his specialty was rhythm. His “Yeh
desh hai veer jawonon ka” ,
featuring Dilip Kumar and Ajit
from Naya Daur (1957) is an alltime hit among people of all ages,
50 years after he composed it.
Nayyar also composed music for a few South
Indian movies. Nayyar passed away on January
28, 2007, due to cardiac arrest. Among the major
films he composed music for are Aar Paar, Naya
Daur, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Kashmir Ki Kali,
Mere Sanam, Ek Musafir Ek Haseena, Phir Wohi
Dil Laya Hoon, C.I.D., Sawan Ki Ghata, Raagini
, Kismat, Phagun, Howrah Bridge, 12O’Clock,
Baap Re Baap, Humsaaya, Kalpana, Pran Jaye
P a r Va c h a n N a J a y a e , B a h a re n P h i r B h i
Aayaegi, Sambandh, Ek Bar Muskurado, Sone
ki Chidiya , Kahin Din Kahin Rat and Yeh Raat
Phir na Aayegi.
160
HOMAGE: O P NAYYAR
IFFI-2007
Aar Paar
1954, 35 mm, B&W, Hindi
It is the story of a taxi-driver in Mumbai who has two women falling for him.
The Taxi driver, however, wants to first establish himself and then consider
marriage. Father of one the girls is an outlaw. He offers the protagonist a job,
with a motive to exploit his talents and physical capabilities. The protagonist
has however different ideas. The film had several memorable songs, such as
“Kabhi aar kabhi paar”, “Hoon Abhi Main Jawan”, “Babu Ji Dheere Chalna”,
“Ja Ja Ja Bewafa Mohabbat Kar Lo”, “Na Na Na Tauba Tauba”, “Sun Sun
Sun Zalima” and “Yeh Lo Main Haari”
161
Director
Guru Dutt
Screenplay
Aar Paar
Cinematography
V K Murthy
Music
O P Nayyar
Editing
Y G Chawhan
Lyrics
Majrooh Sultanpuri
Cast
Shakila, Johnny Walker, Shyama, Jagdeep
Production
Guru Dutt
HOMAGE: VANMALA DEVI
IFFI-2007
Born as Susheeladevi Pawar in 1915 in Ujjain, this feisty
lady adopted the screen name Vanmala Devi and acted in
several Marathi and Hindi movies from the 1930s. Best
known for her title role in Marathi film Shyamchi Aai,
that fetched her the Best Actress award in 1953 when
India's first-ever National Awards were given away, she
began her film career when she was 21, a graduate and a
t e a c h e r. H e r d r e a m y e y e s w o n h e r t h e r o l e o f t h e
legendary Rukhsana in Minerva Movietone's blockbuster
Sikander in which she starred along with Sohrab Modi
and Prithviraj Kapoor. Vanmala acted in several films
produced and directed by Acharya Pralhad Keshav Atre,
including Payachi Dasi, Shyamchi Aai and Moruchi
Mavshi. The supposedly demure Vanmala was a staunch
nationalist and deeply involved in the freedom movement
along with stalwarts like Aruna Asaf Ali and Achyut
Patwardhan. Even at the age of 92, when she passed away,
she was running a school called The Haridas Kala
Sansthan to train children in traditional Indian arts and
culture. She was also a member of the Chhatrapati Shivaji
National Memorial Committee. Vanmala's filmography
includes films like Gharjavai (1941), Brahma Ghotala
(1949), Payachi Dasi / Charno Ki Daasi (1941), Sharbati
Ankhen (1945), Vasantasena (1942), Dil ki Baat (1944),
Hatim Tai (1947), Beete Din (1947) and Shree Ram
Bharat Milap (1965). She spent her final years involved
in social service in Gwalior, where she passed away on
May 30, 2007.
Vanmala Devi
Shyamchi Aai
1953, 35 mm, B&W, 153 mins, Marathi
Regarded as a cult classic today, this film is based on one of the most
influential Marathi novels of the 20th century, a fictionalised account of the
childhood years of Sane Guruji (1899-1950), a nationalist influenced by
Vinoba Bhave and Mahatma Gandhi. As the title suggests the central character
is Shyam's mother and the kind of enormous influence she has on Shyam's
upbringing. It involves sticking to one's ideals even though one is neck deep
in abject poverty. Like life, the book starts with Shyam's mother getting
married into a wealthy family and its slow progression into debt-ridden
poverty and ends with illness and tragic death of his mother.
Director & Producer: Acharya P K Atre; Screenplay: Acharya Atre,
Cinematography: R M Rele; Editor: Narayan Rao, Music: Vasant Desai;
Cast: Vanmala, Madhav Vaze, Shankar Kulkarni, Baburao Pendharkar, Sumati
Gupte, Saraswati Bodas.
162
BIRTH CENTENARIES: DEVIKA RANI
IFFI-2007
Devika Rani
Born in Vishakhapatnam (then Waltair),
Devika Rani came from a distinguished
background: she was the great-grand-niece
of the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore
and her father, Col M N Chaudhuri, was
the first Indian Surgeon-General of Madras.
Her mother’ was Leela Chaudhuri. After
completing her early schooling in the early
1920s, she studied drama at the Royal
Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and the
Royal Academy of Music in London with
scholarships. She also studied architecture,
textile and decor design, and apprenticed
under Elizabeth Arden. Here, through her
Brahmo Samaj connections, she met scriptwriter Niranjan Pal who would eventually
write many of her most successful screen roles. Devika Rani married producer-actor
Himanshu Rai in 1929. Together they starred in Karma. They soon founded the
Bombay Talkies film studio, along with retainers Niranjan Pal and Franz Osten whose
films challenged the caste system. Devika Rani’s most notable film was Achhut Kanya
(1936), costarring Ashok Kumar. Widowed in 1940, she fought for control of Bombay
Talkies. After Sashadhar Mukherjee, Ashok Kumar and a lot of Bombay Talkies
veterans left and formed a new studio – Filmistan – in 1943, the studio started to
fade and she married Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich in 1945, left films and joined
her husband in Bangalore. In 1970, she became the first recipient of India’s highest
film prize, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Achhut Kanya was among the early superhits in the Mumbai film industry, and is
considered a reformist period-piece. It
reflected the most representative features of the
Indian social film of the first decade of sound
and was made at a time when law and precedent
obstructed the inter-caste marriage and firmly
supported the ostracism of the untouchable.
Gandhi, Nehru and other leaders of Indian
National Congress had called for an end to this
with the argument that Independence in itself
would not be enough, that Hindu society must
also reform itself from within. Even today, this
film is surprisingly honest, evocative and
sensitive.
164
IFFI-2007
BIRTH CENTENARIES: KHEMCHAND PRAKASH
Khemchand Prakash
If anyone remembers Mahal (1949), the Ashok Kumar-Madhubala starring classic, perhaps
it is for the film’s immortal music. That musical magic was created by Khemchand Prakash,
a pioneer in the field of classical music and Rajasthani folk music. Prakash had a complete
grasp of folk songs from Marwar, thumris and ghazals. He was among the major music
directors in the Hindi film industry of the 1940s along with Ghulam Haider, C Ramchandra,
Anil Biswas and Naushad, with Naushad considering him as his guru. The brilliant Aaegaa
Aanewaalaa sung by Lata Mangeshkar in Mahal, which was used as the leitmotif for the
ghost, set the trend for a suspense and ghost film to always have a song that works as a
signing call of the ‘ghost’, be it in Madhumati (1958), Woh Kaun Thi (1964) or Mera
Saaya (1966). Prakash’s brilliance in orchestrisation comes through in this story about
recording of this song - it is said that the recording began with the mike placed in the
centre of a large hall with Mangeshkar in the corner of the room. As the prelude began, she
inched her way to the mike singing Khamosh Hai Zamana. Without any doubt, Mahal
represents the finest work of Prakash at his peak, and it is not known whether it is true or
an apocryphal tale, but the story goes that during the production of of the film, someone
carelessly remarked to the studio authorities that if the film did not prove to be a hit it
would be because of the music. Once the film was released, Prakash received innumerable
letters from all over India for his music, and despite being ill, he took a cab to the man’s
house and forced him to read all those letters. Besides turning around Lata Mangeshkar’s
career, Prakash was the composer who gave the brilliant Kishore Kumar his initial break
with Marne ki Duayen Kyon Mangoon in Ziddi in 1948 and gave him one of his earlier
assignments in Rhim Jhim (1948). Unfortunately, Prakash could not live for long to enjoy
Mahal’s stupendous success as he passed away the following year when still in his early
40s. But it was not before giving another scintillating musical score in the Raj KapoorNargis starrer Jan Pehchan (1950). Lata Mangeshkar has been quoted as saying in one of
her interviews that at the time when Mahal was made, it was the practice not to put the
name of the singer on the record, and only that of the character on whom the song was
filmed used to be named. When Aayega Aanewala’ was first played on All India Radio,
there was such a flood of calls asking for the name of the singer that AIR was forced to
find out from the record company and announce it on air! Prakash, in his short but brilliant
career, composed music for films like Tamasha (1952), Jai Shanker (1951), Shri Ganesh
Janma (1951), Bijli (1950), Muqaddar (1950), Sati Narmada (1950), Sawan Aya Re (1949),
Asha (1948), Chalte Chalte (1947), Gaon (1947), Mera Sohag (1947), Mulaqat (1947),
Samaj Ko Badal Dalo (1947), Dhanna Bhagat (1945), Bhanvara (1944), Bhartruhari
(1944), Mumtaz Mahal (1944), Shahenshah Babar (1944), Chirag (1943), Gauri (1943),
Kurbani (1943), Ladai Ke Baad (1943), Tansen (1943), Vish Kanya (1943), Chandni (1942),
Dukh Sukh (1942), Fariyad (1942), Khilauna (1942), Maheman (1942), Holiday In Bombay
(1941), Pardesi (1941), Pyas (1941), Ummeed (1941), Aaj Ka Hindustan (1940), Diwali
(1940), Holi (1940), Pagal (1940), Gazi Salauddin (1939), and Meri Ankhen (1939).
165
BIRTH CENTENARIES: T R SUNDARAM
IFFI-2007
T R Sundaram
Born in Tiruchengodu in Tamil Nadu, T R Sundaram was one of the earlier pioneers of the
Tamil film industry. He produced 98 films, including works by Duncan, C V Raman and T
R Raghunath, and approached filmmaking with a business-like attitude, importing foreign
technicians for his debut Sati Ahalya, of which he made two versions - one for Modern
Theatres Studio and the other for Chandra Bharathi Cineton. He also produced the first
Malayalam sound film, Balan (1938) as well as the first colour film in Tamil, Alibabavum
Narpathu Thirudargalum (1955), and in Malayalam, Kandam Bacha Coat (1961).
Sundaram worked at Angel Films, before taking it over and starting the Modern Theatres
Studio (1937) in Salem. He worked in several genres, most notably the swashbuckling
adventure movies of P V Chinnappa (Uthama Puthran, an adaptation of Alexander Duma’s
The Man in the Iron Mask), that later developed into filmic and political signature of
superstar M G Ramachandran. He also made the war movie, Burma Rani (1944). Going
with the story that Cleopatra used to took bath in donkey’s milk, he, in order to create a
similar scene in a Tamil movie, brought 1000 donkeys, milked them and took bath.
Sundaram’s film oeuvre includes 1000 Thalaivengia Apporva Cinthamani (1947),
Mayavathi (1949), Manthiri Kumari (1950), Baghdad Thirudan (1960). Born on July 16,
1907, he passed away on August 30, 1963 in Chennai.
166
BIRTH CENTENARIES: T R SUNDARAM
IFFI-2007
Master Class
167
MASTER CLASS
IFFI-2007
Adoor Gopalakrishnan
An unwavering flag bearer of the meaningful cinema movement in India, Adoor Moutatthu
Gopalakrishnan Unnithan is regarded internationally as a real master of cinema. Consistently
making films in his mother tongue Malayalam, Gopalakrishnan has been a recipient of India’s
highest cinematic honour, the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, in 2004. Born on June 3, 1941,
Gopalakrishnan is considered a master in his craft, as he keeps on focusing his directorial
vision on issues related to humanity and the society through stories set in the backdrop of his
home state Kerala in southern India. A staunch backer of the film society movement and an
author – his book Cinimayude Lokam (The World of Cinema) got him the National Award for
the Best Book on Cinema in 1983 – he was born into a family of patrons of the classical dance
form Kathakali, in a village called Adoor. He made his debut in theatre when he was just eight
years old, and since then he has been actively involved in stagecraft. After graduating from
Gandhigram Rural Institute, Madurai, with a degree in Political Science, he went to the Film
and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune from where he graduated in 1965. Immediately
thereafter, he founded the Chitralekha Film Cooperative along with other FTII graduates to
help in production and distribution of serious films. Influenced by the works of Satyajit Ray,
Gopalakrishnan’s work, like the Bengali maestro’s, also emphasize on the psychology of the
characters. His first feature film, Swayamvaram (One’s Own Choice, 1974), won the President’s
Gold Medal for the best film, best director, best cameraman and best actress. Through a story of two young rebels – one of them a woman fighting the despair and realities of small town life, it tackled a sensitive topic with the title being an allusion to the ancient practice of Royal
women selecting husbands of their own choosing. His Kodiyettam (Ascent, 1977) came as a breath of fresh air with its simple and sincere
approach to the crumbling Nair community who were once the lords of Kerala. He returned to the theme of feudalism with his critically
acclaimed Elipathayam (The Mouse Trap) in 1981, and then Communism and its conflict with the feudal system in Mukhamukham (“ace to
Face) in 1987. Gopalakrishnan, who has made a number of documentaries, has made other features Mathilukkal (Walls, 1989), Anantharam
(Monologue, 1987), Vidheyan (The Docile, 1993), Kathapurushan (The Protagonist, 1995), Nizhalkkuthu (Shadow Kill, 2003) and Naalu
Pennungal (2007), the last mentioned being part of the Indian Panorama section in this festival. Gopalakrishnan has been the recipient of Indian
government’s second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushana, and the French government’s Legion of Honour award.
Vidheyan
1993, 35 mm, Colour, 112 mins, Malayalam
Cinematography
Mankada Ravi Varma
Editing
M Mani
Music
Vijaya Bhaskar
Cast
Mammootty, M R Gopakumar, Tanvi Azmi, Sabitha Anand
Production
Festivals & Awards
National Film Award for best actor to Mammootty (1993);
Netpac Award at the Rotterdam International Film festival,
Interfilm Award - Honorable Mention - at the MannheimHeidelberg International Film Festival.
Bhaskara Patelar is a feudal relic, an autocrat in a south Indian village, ruling not
by traditional right but by virtue of his ability to create terror. Into this village
come the simple Thommi, a Christian migrant labourer from Kerala, and his wife.
And soon, the former is drawn into Patelar’s machinations as the autocrat decides
to do away with his wife. The plan goes awry; the perpetrator, Thommi, is injured.
Thommi and Patelar are forced to abscond - deep in the wilderness that is their
refuge, Thommi arrives at his own solution to problems not of his making. A
cinematic adaptation of the novel Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum by Paul
Zacharia, it explores the master-slave dialectic in a South Karnataka setting.
168
MASTER CLASS
IFFI-2007
Special Screening
169
SPECIAL SCREENING
IFFI-2007
India
The Last Lear
2007, 35mm, Colour, English
Director
Rituparno Ghosh
Screenplay
Rituparno Ghosh
Cinematography
Abhik Mukhopadhyay
Editor
Arghya Kamal Mitra
Music
Raja Narayan Deb, Sanjoy Das
Cast
Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal, Shefali Shah,
Divya Dutta, Jisshu Sengupta, Prosenjit Chatterjee
Art
Indranil Ghosh
Sound
Bishwadeep Chatterjee
Costume
Varsha-Shilpa
Producetion & Sales
Arindam Chaudhuri
Planman Motion Pictures production
Harry - 65. Recluse, Eccentric. Passionate. Besides being a Shakespearean stage actor
and an ardent fan of The Master, his life seems like a play after he meets Siddharth. A
play replete with action, drama, love, emotions, tension - and an expected friendship.
Siddharth is a new-age film director - his cool clothes and casual persona well disguise
his eccentricities. He is a visionary, a visionary who would stop at nothing to get what
he wants. As opposites attract, may be like-minded people get along well too. How else
would one explain the fast blossoming friendship between these two eccentrically
creative minds? When the cinema-ignorant Harry is offered a magnificent role in
Siddharths' next film, he is apprehensive at first, reluctant later and finally acceptable
to the idea. As the shoot takes them to the sprawling mountainous landscapes of India,
new relationships bloom. Upcoming actor Shabnam, who is struggling hard to cope
with her messy personal life, finds an unexpected mentor in Harry. He teaches her more
than merely the nuances of acting. From being a complete outsider to the world of
commercial cinema, Harry soon becomes one of them - open to learning new methods
of working, chatting with the unit members and sipping tea from a fancy thermos he
never knew was invented, he is enjoying! Little does he know that as the film rolls and
he gets into the skin of the character of the Joker that he is playing, he may be taking his
role a bit too seriously. Is he that good an actor, or is fate really making him out to be a
Joker on the set? As the intense moments unfold, which are even more engaging that
the film itself, masks would be taken off a few faces. Towards the sunset of his life,
long after the last shot is taken, as his memory fades, all that Harry can remember are
his Masters words.
Born in Kolkata in India on August 31, 1961, Rituparno Ghosh has been consistently
making award-winning contemporary Indian cinema. After completing his schooling,
he went on to pursue his studies in Economics from the Jadhavpur University in Kolkata.
In a short while, he realised that his calling lay elsewhere. He thus joined Anandalok
magazine and went on to become its editor. He then worked with response, a leading
creative agency, for a few years. It was in the early 1990's that he first took up direction.
Critical acclaim and astounding viewer response welcomed his maiden venture. The
rest, as they say, is history. He has to his credit 14 films, most of which have won
national level awards in India. Five of these have been National Awards, which is the
highest level of film awards in India. His cinema is cause-driven, modern, witty and
more often, an astute commentary of the times we live in, at the same time. His films
include Hirer Angti (The Diamond Ring, 1992), Unishe April (19th April, 1994), Dahan
(Crossfire, 1997), Bariwali (The Lady of the House, 1999), Asukh (Malaise, 1999),
Utsab (The Festival, 2000), Titli (The First Monsoon Day, 2002), Shubho Mahurat
(2003), Chokher Bali: A Passion Play (2003), Raincoat (2004), Antar Mahal (Views of
the Inner Chamber, 2005), Dosar (The Companion, 2006), The Last Lear (2007),
Sunglass (In Post Production).
170
SPECIAL SCREENING
IFFI-2007
Closing Film
171
CLOSING FILM
IFFI-2007
172
CLOSING FILM
CLOSING FILM
IFFI-2007
Portugal-Spain
Fados
Fados is the new masterpiece from Spanish legend Carlos Saura and the latest
installment in his musical cycle initiated more than 15 years ago through Sevillanas
(1992), Flamenco (1995), Tango (1998 - Oscar Nominee for best foreign film),
Salome (2002) and Iberia (2005). It opens a new chapter and sets new challenges
for the famous director – now 75 - as it attempts to capture the elusive nature of
the Portuguese “saudade” and to depict a faithful portrait of the Portuguese soul
through its most emblematic musical genre. Using Lisbon as its iconic backdrop,
the movie explores the intricate relationship between the music and the city, and
Fado´s evolution over the years from its African and Brazilian origins up to the
new wave of modern Fadistas. Under the musical supervision of Carlos do Carmo,
the movie features one of the finest “World Music” soundtracks to date, gathering
the best of new Portuguese talent like Mariza or Camané, together with foreign
legends Caetano Veloso and Chico Buarque or up-and-coming stars Lila Downs
and Lura. It is a film that hides much more than what one sees at first sight. It’s a
musical film, but it’s also full of internal codes that only those who know the
world of the Fado will recognize. The research for the film took four years.
A legendary Spanish director-writer who has also acted in and produced a couple
of films, Carlos Saura was born in 1932 at, Huesca, Aragón, Spain. His interest
on cinema started when he was very young. His mother, who was a pianist, instilled
in him the liking for music, and his brother, Antonio, who was a painter, the
passion for art. When he was a teenager he started to practice photography, and
in 1950 he made his first illustrated feature film with a 16 mm camera. Carlos
Saura is an excellent photographer, an activity that he shares in a sporadic way
with the making of films. He moved to Madrid to continue his Industrial
Engineering career, but his vocation for photography, cinema and journalism made
him leave his studies and matriculate at the Instituto de Investigaciones y Estudios
Cinematográficos (Cinematographic Study and Research Institute). Sporadically,
he combined his cinematographic studies with the courses at the Escuela de
Periodismo (Journalism School). In 1957 he finished studying and got the director
diploma. At the same time, he finished his end-of-career short film Tarde del
domingo, La (1957). He continued as a professor until 1963. In that year he was
removed from the school for strictly political reasons (Franco’s censorship). In
his first stage as director he tried to take a position in favour of outcast people,
and he got to make a both lyric and documentary-style cinema. Saura is a well
accepted director both nationally and internationally, and in proof of it he won
many awards, among which there are the Silver Bear in the Berlin Festival for
Caza, La (1966), in 1965, and for Peppermint Frappé (1967), in 1967, and Special
Jury Awards in Cannes for Prima Angélica, La in 1973, and for Cría cuervos in
1975. His feature films include Weeping for a Bandit (1964), The Garden of
Delights (1970), Cousin Angelica (1974), Cría Cuervos (1976), Faster, Faster
(1981), Carmen (1983), El Dorado (1988), The Dark Night (1989), Flamenco
(1995), Tango (1998), Goya in Bordeaux (2000) and Salomé (2002).
173
Director
Carlos Saura
Screenplay
Carlos Saura, Ivan Dias
Cinematography
Jose Luis Lopez-Linares, Eduardo Serra
Editor
Julia Juaniz
Cast
Mariza Camane, Carlos Do Carmo, Cuca Roseta, Catarina
Moura, Argentina Santos,
Maria De Nazare, Vicente Da Camara, Carmo Rebelo De
Andrade, Ana Sofia Varela
Art
Carlos Saura
Choreography
Patrick De Bana, Pedro Gomes
Sound
Daniel Beckerman
Production
Fado Filmes, Duvideo, Zebra Producciones, Ventas
Internacionales
Latido Films
C/ Veneras 9, 6º - 28013 Madrid - Spain
Tel: +34 91 548 88 77
Fax: +34 91 548 88 78
www.fados-saura.com
World Sales
Latido Films
C/ Veneras 9, 6º - 28013 Madrid - Spain
Tel: +34 91 548 88 77
Fax: +34 91 548 88 78
Festivals & Awards
Toronto, New York, Rio de Janeiro,
San Sebastián, Pusan, Stockholm
CLOSING FILM
IFFI-2007
Indian Panorama – Feature Films
Opening Film – Ore Kadal (Malayalam)
S.No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
FILM TITLE
Naalu Pennungal
Ore Kadal
Ratri Mazha
Ekti Nadir Galpo
Dharm
Kayyoppu
Jaatingaa Ityaadi
Tingya
Periyar Gnana
Jaara Brishtite Bhijechilo
Kada Beladingalu
Thaniye
Mai Baap
Moggina Jade
Daatu
Gafla
Ammuvagiya Naan
Aevdhe Se Aabhaal
Yenning Amadi Likia
Ami, Iyasin Ar Amar Madhubala
Kaalchakra
DIRECTOR
Shyama Prasad
Lenin Rajendran
Samir Chanda
Bhavna Talwar
Renjith
Sanjib Sabhapandit
Mangesh Hadawale
Rajasekaran
Anjan Das
B.S. Lingadevaru
Babu Thiruvalla
Gajendra Ahire
P.R. Ramdas Naidu
K. Shivarudraiah
Sameer Hanchate
Padma Magan
Bipin Nadkarni
Makhonmani Mongsaba
Buddhadeb Dasgupta
Vishal Bhandari
174
LANGUAGE
Malayalam
Malayalam
Malayalam
Bengali
Hindi
Malayalam
Assamese
Marathi
Tamil
Bengali
Kannada
Malayalam
Marathi
Kannada
Kannada
Hindi
Tamil
Marathi
Manipuri
Bengali
Marathi
CLOSING FILM
IFFI-2007
Indian Panorama – Non-Feature Films
Opening Film – Bagher Bachcha (Bengali)
S.No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
FILM TITLE
Rajashree Bhagya Chandra of
Manipur
Naushad Ali – The Melody Continues
Pandit Ramnarayan
Bagher Bachcha
Hope Dies Last In War
Whose Land Is It Anyway?
Masti Bhara Hai Sama
M-Tyude Kumaraneloorke Kulangal
Poomaram
Joy Ride
The Dance Of The Enchantress
Harvilele Indradhansh
Ngaihak Lambida
Nokpokliba
Mubarak Begum
175
DIRECTOR
Aribam Syam Sharma
LANGUAGE
English
Buddhadeb Dasgupta
V. Packriswamy
Bisnu Deb Halder
Supriyo Sen
Ladly Mukhopadhyay
Ashok Rane
M.A. Rehman
Vipin Vijay
Manisha Issrani Misra
Dhiraj Meshram
Haobam Paban Kumar
Meren Imchen
Bipin Choubal
Hindi
Hindi
Bengali
English
Hindi
Hindi
Malayalam
Malayalam
Bengali
Hindi
Malayalam
Manipuri
English
Hindi

Cinema of the World - Directorate of Film Festivals

Transcription

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