Enjoy & Entertainment http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org Film, Music and Entertainment Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:50:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc en hourly 1 Celebrating 25 Years of the Miami International Film Festival http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/celebrating-25-years-of-the-miami-international-film-festival/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/celebrating-25-years-of-the-miami-international-film-festival/index.html#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:50:45 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=20 Centered on the campus of Miami Dade College, the annual Miami International Film Festival began in 1983, promoting not only thought provoking film but also encouraging cultural understanding and tolerance; a fact made evident by the festival’s emphasis on Latin film making, set against the backdrop of Miami’s multi cultural communities.

Throughout the years, the Miami Film Festival has been the breeding ground for a selection of diverse films and events, offering not only new film makers the opportunity to showcase their efforts in a multi cultural metropolis, but industry professionals too. Influential film makers, including Spike Lee and Luc Besson, have screened their work at the festival in the past, while distributors such as HBO, Fox Searchlight and Miramax have taken part in the presentation of some of the business programs available at the festival.

The diverse and unique nature of the films on offer during the festival is reflected in the choice of screening venues, with three of the theatres used being historic landmarks, including the Gusman Center – a grand, elegant movie theatre ideal for the major red carpet events and the Tower Theatre, conveniently situated in the Little Havana neighbourhood of Miami and vibrant with different cultures. Other theatres include the Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco district, as well as screenings at the University of Miami’s central campus.

The 25th anniversary of the festival also marks the fifth year of the ground breaking Encuentros program; giving Spanish and Latin American artists the opportunity to present their latest projects to U.S and International industry professionals, helping to build connections and contacts in the industry. With the Festival boasting more than 1300 relationships with national and international press organisations, the Miami Film Festival is the ideal platform for new artists to showcase their talent.

Outstanding work is encouraged with a $25,000 prize going to the leaders in a number of categories, with prize-money donated by the Knight Foundation, an organisation promoting journalistic excellence worldwide. One of the biggest supporters of the Miami area in general, the foundation has invested over $148 million in the vitality of Miami since 1950.

Last year’s event saw the hotels in Miami packed with more than three hundred directors, actors, film makers and writers as well as 70,000 film fans who flocked to the city to sample the 120 films being screened. This year is set to be even bigger with an educational and thought-provoking experience on offer to all the visitors to the 25th Miami International Film Festival this February.

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]]> http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/celebrating-25-years-of-the-miami-international-film-festival/index.html/feed 0 Live Music in Barcelona http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/live-music/live-music-in-barcelona/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/live-music/live-music-in-barcelona/index.html#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:51:18 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=42 Apolo and Sala Apolo are located in the Theatre district of Paral·lel and have been rocking the beat on the Barcelona music scene for years. Booked as a live venue for artists such as Paul Weller, the grungy old theatre serves as a perfect backdrop for the alternative crowd. This is also one of the venues selected for the warm-up parties for some of the summer festivals such as Primavera sound and the Sonar music festival. Mid-week sees Flamenco and Rumba sessions, as well as the “Nasty Mondays” night which has earned its fame on the circuit. Sala Apolo is located on Nou de la Rambla, number 111- just across the main Paral·lel Avenue.

Just a short stroll away from Apolo, and perhaps a place to start the night, or definitely on the way there is London Bar. London Bar is an institution in the city (as bears the Council floor plaque to boot) and has been serving up impromptu concerts and great bands for the old town residents for decades. London bar is a narrow and deep bar, with Becks on tap (one of the few places in town), friendly owners and staff and great music crammed in on a weekend. Expect anything from a 2 piece guitar combo to a full brass swing band. London Bar is also on Carrer Nou de la Rambla, number 34.

If Jazz is your thing, then you can do no wrong visiting Jamboree – housed inside Plaça Reial, halfway down the famous Las Ramblas street. With such greats as Ella Fitzgerald having graced the stage, this underground jazz club is much more trendy and touristy on a weekend, but mid-week still pulls the jazz crowd in and Jamboree has won several awards for its eclectic mix of acts. Another ace in the pack is the Harlem Jazz club, located in the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, and host to some of the best jazz fusions in town, including Brazilian, Gypsy, Cuban, Swing and just about anything else you can imagine. Free entrance apart from Tuesdays and weekends, when the entrance fee will also get you a drink at the bar. Located on Comtessa de Sobradiel, number 8 in the Gothic Quarter.

Moving out of town slightly, to the industrial estate of PobleNou, and Razzmatazz looms over the neighbourhood bars. With 5 nightclubs in 1, Razzmatazz is the usual venue for breakthrough bands which haven’t quite made the grade in Spain  – who then usually return to play bigger venues. Think Coldplay, Keane, Travis – all played late in the year and then came back the following summer to headline in the sports Arenas and FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium. That’s not to say that there isn’t some great local and international music, too. Located on Carrer Pamplona, number 88.

Another place worth a mention is Sala Bikini, located just below the Avenida Diagonal, on Carrer de Deu I Mata, number 105. Whilst the venue is fairly small, there’s plenty of room for rock, and this has seen the likes of Supergrass wail out to the locals and always has a packed calendar with some of the funkiest live music around.

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]]> http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/live-music/live-music-in-barcelona/index.html/feed 0 Make the Smart Choice for Great Entertainment at an Affordable Price – Choose Comcast! http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/great-entertain/make-the-smart-choice-for-great-entertainment-at-an-affordable-price-choose-comcast/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/great-entertain/make-the-smart-choice-for-great-entertainment-at-an-affordable-price-choose-comcast/index.html#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:51:24 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=47 You should stop paying too much for your cable tv, broadband internet access and telephone service.  Comcast, one of the nation’s foremost providers of digital cable services, can offer you all of these in one bundle, and at one low price.  You’ll enjoy the kind of quality you’ve come to expect, but without the high price tag. When you switch to Comcast’s Triple Play bundle, you will be surprised not only by the price, but at the good service you have been depriving yourself of.

Comcast makes your entertainment choices simple by offering the Comcast Triple Play bundle.  Download and watch movies on your PC, enjoy digital cable television, HDTV, and On Demand service.  Comcast offers access to many HD movies and shows whenever you want to watch them.  With Comcast HD packages, there are around two hundred HD programs available at any given time.

Save Now By Ordering Comcast Digital TV Today

With the Triple Play Package, your cost is only $33 per month for each one of the services, including crystal clear TV.  With Comcast, you not only have a cable company that supports HDTV, but we allow you to chose your own channels, and watch TV and movies on demand.  Pausing, fast forwarding or rewinding a show can happen whenever you like, when you watch On Demand TV.  That’s a lot of options for just thirty dollars!

Comcast Broadband Delivers Outstanding Value And Unbelievable Download Speeds!

Comcast who provides email, Internet access, and more, is at the top of the list for these services.  You’ll get fast access without paying a lot.  With Comcast Internet you can get speeds that are up to eight megabit per second, that is about six times faster than  DSL service that is given through a telephone company. You will find that Comcast Internet is about 100x faster than dial up connections.  With Comcast’s high speed broadband internet service you can say goodbye to slow downloads, lag when page loads, patchy connections, and every other downside of dial up Internet access you can think of.

Comcast Digital Phone Service Puts An End To Per Minute Phone Charges

Some of the options you will find with Comcast include high speed broadband internet, terrific digital voice options, and a wonderful digital cable television service.  Now, because of this private network, you can have access to dependable phone service all across America at no added charge.  Local or long distance, the cost is the same low rate.  You will have the ability to make all the calls that you desire since the Triple Pay package charges one flat fee.  You’ll also enjoy great features like call forwarding, call waiting, speed dial, caller ID, and free voice mail.  With Comcast Digital Voice, you get can keep your phone number but lose the high cost of your current telephone provider.

When you order Comcast’s services you will find that the way you watch TV, talk on the phone, and use the internet will improve dramatically.  You’ll gain more access and it costs less.  It would be great to know what to do, if I am interested in this great offer (and who wouldn’t be),just call now to talk to one of our friendly customer service representatives.  Once you have the low cost service from Comcast you’ll have a hard time imagining life without it and will never want to go to anything else.

With Comcast Triple Play, change the way you watch TV, contact your friends and family, and go online.

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]]> http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/great-entertain/make-the-smart-choice-for-great-entertainment-at-an-affordable-price-choose-comcast/index.html/feed 0 Austin, the “live Music Capital of the World” http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/live-music/austin-the-live-music-capital-of-the-world/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/live-music/austin-the-live-music-capital-of-the-world/index.html#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:51:25 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=48 Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World”, is a slogan based on the very essence of this city that is supported by residents and local government alike. There are virtually hundreds of venues where locals and visitors can enjoy every type of live music imaginable.

In 1991, blues musician Lillian Standfield approached the City’s Music Commission to propose Austin be labeled the “Music Capital of the USA”. After extensive research, city officials discovered that Austin had more live music venues per capita than any of the major cities including Nashville, New York City or Las Vegas. It was suggested the city slogan be upgraded to the “Live Music Capital of the Universe”, but the council compromised, and on August 29, 1991, the “Live Music Capital of the World” became Austin’s official slogan.

Since that day, Austin has more than ‘walked its talk’. Not only do they organize a number of regular musical events, they have integrated music into the day to day running of the local government. City officials have also developed various programs to assist up-and-coming musicians with the promotion of their music. Here are just a few of the events and programs supported by this city.

Events

Live from the Plaza provides a series of free concerts on the plaza at City Hall.
Parks and Recreation provides an extensive calendar of events that have musical performances. They sponsor annual events such as the Trail of Lights (a holiday music venue) and a number of summer concerts.
South by Southwest is a major annual film and music festival.
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is a three-day music and art festival held in the fall.
In the summer, local businesses support a series of free blues shows in Zilker Park

Memorials:

Austin Music Memorial at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts honors deceased individuals who have contributed to the music community in some way.
Stevie Ray Vaughan has a striking life size memorial at Lady Bird Lake.

Local Promotion:

Music on Hold is a program where local music is played in the City’s telephone hold music system.
Austin Music Channel is a local station devoted to showcasing local talent.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has live music throughout three different venues in the terminal.
City council meetings include live music in their weekly sessions.
Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau actively promote “Live Music Capital of the World” as a travel destination and also provide assistance in booking local musicians.
Texas Music Office – Texas Talent Registry provides a listing of over 1700 bands and their contact information.

Local Government Support:

Creative Industries Loan Guarantee Program provides loans to individuals or companies involved in music, film, art and technology.
The Austin Music Economic Impact Study describes how music affects the economy and discusses various ideas to promote the music community.
Austin Energy is a rebate program that provides energy savings incentives to over 220 of Austin’s live music venues.

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]]> http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/live-music/austin-the-live-music-capital-of-the-world/index.html/feed 0 Movies Reviews on the Web http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/good-film/movies-reviews-on-the-web/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/good-film/movies-reviews-on-the-web/index.html#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:03:46 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=272 Sophisticated technology has allowed movie creators to manifest a story to become some kinds of scene that are really similar to real condition. Consequently, we can enjoy movie on various genres which have been made by the use of advanced 3D technology. So, if you really like indulge in watching movies, just take your time to watch your favorites at home theater or cinema.

When you have lack information of a movie, just come to Movies.piczo.Com since it has provided you with reviews of various genres of movies.  At this website, you will be able to know what people’s opinions about a movie so that you can have references before watching the movies.  All about Matt Mazer filmography is also available at this website. So, if you one of his fans, please check out his overview and bibliography at this website. Aside from reviews of movies, this website also provides reports of holywood and Bollywood celebrities.

Do you want to have updated news of several celebrities whose movies are famous? If you do, this website is the precise place for you.  There is no need to wait any longer when you are a movie lover since all about movies will be disclosed at this website.

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]]> http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/good-film/movies-reviews-on-the-web/index.html/feed 0 The First Greek Online Radio http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/live-music/the-first-greek-online-radio/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/live-music/the-first-greek-online-radio/index.html#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:42:57 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=267 Are you looking for one cool channel to accompany your travelling time or to help you dealing with traffic jam? Well, radio is always becoming a good company that is highly recommendation. From radio you are not only able to gain more information about the latest news but also listen or even request all of the favourite music that you are going to hear.

Talking about radio there is one cool station that is highly recommended to you which is offering you everything about Greek music; it is greek radio( ???????? ????????? ) in this radio you can request all of your favourite Greek song from your favourite Greek singer. To find out more about the complete on air schedule, you can visit their site in Mygreek.fm for the details and further information. Furthermore, by visiting their site or blog you will be provided with the latest information about upcoming music events, recent gossip or about upcoming album launch from your favourite Greek singer.

So, what are you waiting for visit the site right away and become the member of this greek online radio ( ???????? online ????????? ) because you will get nothing but the fresh and latest information about music world in Greek.

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]]> http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/live-music/the-first-greek-online-radio/index.html/feed 0 Dirty Dancing the Musical Concert in London http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/music-concert/dirty-dancing-the-musical-concert-in-london/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/music-concert/dirty-dancing-the-musical-concert-in-london/index.html#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:51:26 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=49 Londoner’s love for the theatre needs no elaboration upon. Now one can easily imagine what tumult it would have created there after the announcement that the worldwide smash hit Dirty Dancing the musical is going to hit London soon! After its release in 1987, the film went on to gain an iconic status and its theatre version is creating no fewer waves in venues throughout the world.

The film Dirty Dancing starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze is a film dedicated to dancing and its songs created such rage that they still top people’s favourite lists. All the swashbuckling hits from the film’s soundtrack, including Do You Love Me, She’s like the Wind and Time of My Life, are featured in the stage show along with some new numbers. With over 41 million soundtrack albums sold to date, the theatre is expected to witness roaring applauses at the beginning of each blockbuster song that the artists would be performing on. The story of the film has been rewritten for the stage, but certain magical moments and beautiful scenes of the original script are retained.

A Romantic musical, Dirty Dancing is the story of Baby and the love she shared with her dance teacher Johnny. The end of this classic love story demonstrates the strength of love to conquer all barriers. Since the movie is dedicated to dance, the moves in the movie are breathtakingly sensual and the same has been replicated in the theatre version of the story.

In Australia the show has already enjoyed runaway success. The shows were consistently sold out for the entire period of 14 months. In London too, if advance bookings are any indications, the show would be spectacularly successful and stampedes are predicted at the entrance gate of the theatres!

Dirty Dancing tickets are on sale now for London shows at the Aldwych Theatre. Preview shows begin from 29th September with Dirty Dancing the Musical having a grand opening on 24th October.

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]]> http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/music-concert/dirty-dancing-the-musical-concert-in-london/index.html/feed 0 44th Chicago International Film Festival Announces Roster of Films From More Than 45 Countries http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/44th-chicago-international-film-festival-announces-roster-of-films-from-more-than-45-countries/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/44th-chicago-international-film-festival-announces-roster-of-films-from-more-than-45-countries/index.html#comments Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:51:28 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=50 Laura Silverman / Heather Connor

The Silverman Group, Inc.

312.932.9965 / 312.932.9911

laura@silvermangroupchicago.com

Lori Hile

Chicago International Film Festival

312.683.0121 ext. 103

publicity@chicagofilmfestival.com

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival, October 16 – 29, 2008, presented by Cinema/Chicago, will offer moviegoers the best new films from around the world, with several exciting additions, including a “Festival Village” and the launch of Green Screen, a program celebrating our natural environment, the power and artistry of filmmaking, and the intersection between the two. In its fifth decade, the Festival continues to present special appearances by legendary international actors and directors, along with the impressive film line-up for which the Festival is known. Audiences this year will be captivated by 116 feature films, 38 short and student films, and 18 documentaries from more than 45 countries, showcasing both established and promising new filmmakers. ”

For 44 years, we’ve been committed to taking you all across the globe to discover some of the most exciting cinema the world has to offer, right here in Chicago for two weeks only,” said Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival. “This isn’t your typical Saturday night out at the movies – these are once-in-a-lifetime events. And this year we’ve set up camp in a new Festival Village to create an even stronger sense of community where you can come out, see the films, meet the people who make them, mingle with your fellow film fans, and most importantly see the world in a whole new way.”

SCREENING LOCATIONS The 44th Chicago International Film Festival will screen films at four locations. The majority of films will be shown at AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois Street, and AMC 600 N. Michigan 9, 600 N. Michigan Avenue. Both the Opening Night (October 16) and Closing Night (October 29) screenings take place at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive. Screenings of films in the Rediscovered and Restored Series will be held at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, on October 26, 27, and 28.

TICKETS Film Festival passes are on sale now. Individual tickets for the 44th Chicago International Film Festival screenings and events will go on sale the beginning of October. Passes and tickets can be purchased by visiting www.chicagofilmfestival.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 312-902-1500.

ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGO Cinema/Chicago, a not for profit, tax exempt cultural and educational organization, presents the annual Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s oldest competitive international film festival, organized to encourage better understanding between cultures and its people and to make a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. Subscribers to Cinema/Chicago’s membership program form a loyal core audience for the organization and are granted access to more than 15 free film screenings and sneak previews throughout the year. Cinema/Chicago also offers year-round educational programs designed for students and the deaf and hard of hearing to provide new film experiences and offer insight into other cultures, languages, and ideas. These programs include the Educational Outreach Program, the Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Black Perspectives Program. For up-to-date and detailed Festival information, call 312-332-FILM or visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Posted by: ERICK LASECA

Junior Board Member

Chicago International Film Festival

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]]> http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/44th-chicago-international-film-festival-announces-roster-of-films-from-more-than-45-countries/index.html/feed 0 Here Is Something About Filmmakers And Film Festivals http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/here-is-something-about-filmmakers-and-film-festivals/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/here-is-something-about-filmmakers-and-film-festivals/index.html#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:47:21 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=9 “I don’t know about you, but this sounds like heaven to me. Whether you are a film aficionado or a filmmaker with a film entered, a film festival is an exciting experience and one you will want to repeat as often as possible.” These words are the experience of Chris Gore that he writes in the first 10 pages of his book “The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide”. In this book he talks about going to Film Festivals all over the world and enjoying each and every one of them.
There was a time when there were only few film festivals and people were not enthusiasts enough as the studios controlled every aspect of film making. However, with the rise of Indie films every state in the country had its own film festival. In California alone there is around twenty or more film festivals.
There was a time when films did not happen at all unless they were under the sponsorship of the some studios. There was no chance at all for a little guy getting his or her film out there. But now the whole thing has been changed. The little guy can show his films anywhere he want, this gave a call to the rise of independent film festivals all over the world.
The first few film festivals where people submitted their films were the Sundance, The Tribeca, and The Toronto Film Festivals. Later however there came lots of other film festivals where people could submit their films and show their talent. This is rather like a lottery; if you don’t play you can’t win. If you don’t enter your film you can’t get it shown. You must continue to present your motion picture as many times as you can until you finally get approval into a festival.
Always remember that film festival board may have 800 submissions and only 40 spots for a film to be shown. So in the beginning you might get few rejection letters until you get your first acceptance letters. Many a refusal letter has given the reason that they had far too many submissions to even view them all. My advice to you is that once you have your film done and you have the very first date they are opening for submissions then put forward your film. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Make sure that your film has entered the right festival. I am not sure about the category, but you can get your film into the general drift. Also do not forget to read your application cautiously. It may require your entry to be mailed, done online, or even in person.
While presenting an independent motion picture, be very careful about the timings. If it is too long then do some trimming work. Just to be on the safer side if the film is say about 10 minutes long, make it 9 minutes. Do not let them a chance to give you a rejection letter for any cause.
Rejections can be a bit funny at the same time tricky. The “Slamdance” film festival came about as an answer to the rejections from “Sundance”. The Sundance Festival shows its plays in Park City, Utah at the same time in Park City, Utah Slamdance also shows it plays. This is a purposeful attempt to show the films that have been over looked or rejected by Sundance.
Go ahead and do your own search of film festivals and check out their application processes. Do these research sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until the last minute.

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]]> http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/here-is-something-about-filmmakers-and-film-festivals/index.html/feed 0 London Film Festival: a True Celebration of Films http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/london-film-festival-a-true-celebration-of-films/index.html http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/film-festival/london-film-festival-a-true-celebration-of-films/index.html#comments Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:48:51 +0000 admin http://www.bergencountyfilmcommission.org/?p=10 The love of films becomes a celebration in London for two weeks during ‘The Times BFI 51st London Film Festival’. The capital city is buzzing with people who love films and filmmakers from all over the world. This festival gives a chance to view films, documentaries and provide opportunity to meet filmmakers and celebrity artists. It also promotes world films that may not be available for screening in the cinemas across the nation. The festival is an important venue for development and promotion of films from UK and abroad and it showed around 184 feature films and 133 short films from 43 countries, at various venues in London. The Festival Started with the opening night gala showing David Cronenberg’s ‘Eastern Promises’ and finished with the closing night gala showing Wes Anderson’s ‘The Darjeeling Limited’, a train voyage across India. Few films from the festival are reviewed below.

Closing The Ring: Richard Attenborough/ UK-Canada

Richard Attenborough has done it again. ‘Closing the ring’ is one of the most beautiful films I have seen in a long time. This film is about the value of love and the loss of it, inability to grieve, loyalty among friends and above all, the heartache and suffering brought on by war. Shirley MacLain and Christopher Plummer have excelled in their performance. Christopher Plummer showed his adoring fans that he could still win hearts, just as he did all those years ago as the handsome captain in ‘Sound of Music’! ‘Jimmy’ (Martin Mac Cann) was a delight to watch along with Pete Postlethwaite. Richard Attenborough shows us that there is no shame in falling love and keep it live, no matter what your age is. ‘A film that touches your heart and tells you something’, that’s what ‘Closing the Ring’ does and therefore, an example of good cinema truly at its best. Question & Answer time with Lord Attenborough after the screening was sheer delight.

The Darjeeling Limited: Wes Anderson/USA

A light hearted film that tells the story of three brothers who haven’t seen each other for a year going on a train journey through the deserts of India. They are trying to bond with each other and with the beautiful but unknown conditions in India. Wes Anderson’s film brings comedy, conflict among siblings and some hilarious moments. These brothers who love each other don’t like each other very much and their odd behaviour comes as no surprise once you meet their mother (Angelica Houston), who gives a great performance along with Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson. A good laugh and a film you don’t want to miss.

I’m Not There: Todd Haynes/USA

‘I’m not There’ means just that! It’s a biographical journey into Bob Dylan’s life, portrayed by six actors, but Bob Dylan, as the title says, is not there! If you think an 11-year-old black boy, Marcus Carl Franklin, who is splendid as Bob Dylan is odd, the worse is yet to come; but that’s surely the best, Dylan played by a woman! Cate Blanchett in black and white turns up as Bob Dylan and you don’t for a moment suspect that it’s a woman. She is just magnificent and puts the other ‘Bobs’ in the shade. It’s confusing and chaotic if you are not a Dylan fan, but entertaining till the closing credits. The music however is real stuff and as the closing credits roll in, songs like the original ‘Knock knock knock’n on heaven’s door’ keeps you on your seat.

The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford: Andrew Domonik /USA

Definitely ‘a Brad Pitt film’ and everyone else fades away in the background. The film is based on the legend of Jesse James, ‘the gentleman outlaw’ who became an American icon. Brad Pitt has shown his acting ability yet again, only more so this time. He has graduated in the ‘Jack Nicholson School of acting’! A film worth watching and the cinematography is at its best. Perhaps the film would have been even better, if it did not stretch that long after the assassination of Jesse James; great film, in spite of this and not to be missed.

In Memory of Me: Saverio Costanzo/ Italy

As the film is set in Venice one expects to see at least a bit of this beautiful city; but that was not to be. The camera has eyes for the outside world only when a large ship slips by the window of the seminary. ‘In Memory of me’ is a very intense film that goes into the inner depth of spirituality and the conflicts encountered. The story is about Andrea who is accepted into a Jesuit seminary, isolated in an island. The recruits undergo very strict training to prepare them for the disciplined work that awaits these soldiers of Christ. The rituals are repeated in a methodical fashion everyday and that includes cleaning of the corridors of that magnificent monastic building. The inmates’ personality is analyzed to such an extent that they start to doubt their own spirituality and whether such mental cruelty is justified.

The silence that lingers in the magnificent corridors is mesmerizing, to say the least! We have heard of severe Mother Superiors, but the Father Superior in this film is frightening. Some find this fearsome training unbearable and decide to leave. Andrea too reaches his turning point, but finally realizes that he is made for better things and God has a purpose for him and decides to follow Him. This film is a lesson in itself in how one gives himself to God, then loose that faith and ultimately regaining the love of God and the faith. An intense film that makes one think.

Things We Lost in the Fire: Susanne Bier/USA

It tells the story of Audrey (Halle Berry), her loss and how she tries to rebuild her life after loosing the love of her life in a tragic accident. Her envious life with her husband ‘Brian’ and the two beautiful children are shown as flashback. Audrey decides to seek help from her husband’s childhood friend, Jerry (Benicio Del Toro), who is a drug addict and quite dangerous at times. Though she did not like him to be her husband’s friend in the past, she felt drawn to him now as they both had one thing in common- the love they both shared for Brian. She asks Jerry to move into the converted garage that was refurnished following a fire at the house and Audrey and the children form a bond with him. Anyone would wish to have somebody like Jerry in a situation like this, but not a drug addict though! Complications set in and the emotional turmoil in dealing with the sense of loss, drug addiction, rehabilitation and the society’s role in all this are portrayed very well.

Halle Berry has given a magnificent performance. Benicio Del Toro was dazzling and he has given his best ever. It was a delight to see Halle Berry at the screening, looking gorgeous in a brilliant blue backless gown! Susanne Bier (Director) and Halle Berry answered questions from the audience after the film: a beautiful film not to be missed.

Richard Attenborough, Wes Anderson, Susanne Bier, Saverio Constanzo, Andrew Dominik, Shivajee Chandrabhushan, Shamim Sarif, Amitab Bachan, Robert Redford, Tom Cruise, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody were among the celebrities who attended the screening of their films. It was truly a festival of films, films that touched the audience and made them think. The two weeks of the festival was a stage for meeting the best filmmakers from all over the world, listen to them and see films of extreme diversity.

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