Every year, FIPRESCI presents its "Revelation of the Year" at a special screening during the International Critics' Week in Cannes. One film is chosen out of the first or second films awarded by the Federation during the previous year, in the belief that it deserves the chance to be seen by the Cannes audience, and that the Cannes audience deserves the chance to see it.

This year's Revelation is Mexican filmmaker Fernando Eimbcke's second feature Lake Tahoe, awarded at the Berlinale, where it was selected in the official competition. His first film, Duck Season , had been revealed by the Critics' Week in 2004, and went on to have an impressive international career.

This year, the screening will begin with Andrea Hydake's short film The Runt , which received the FIPRESCI Prize at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

The screening, followed by a q&a with Fernando Eimbcke, will take place on Saturday, May 17th, at 15 h at the Espace Miramar.

For details, please visit our website http://www.fipresci.org/

"VoD - which licences for which markets?" is the theme of this year's European Audiovisual Observatory Afternoon in Cannes. This workshop has become a key part of the Cannes calendar and broke all records last year when over 350 cinema professionals crowded into the Salon des Ambassadeurs to hear the Observatory's latest industry-based analyses. This year's edition is, once again, freely accessible to everyone accredited to the market or festival. It will take place on Sunday 18th of May from 14.30 to 16.15 in the Salon des Ambassadeurs in Cannes' Palais des Festivals.

This year, the Observatory will be offering a practical and analytical approach to the VoD market in Europe. The often thorny question of which licences to attribute to which services for which territories and for which time frame will be examined by Dr. Susanne Nikoltchev, Head of the Observatory's Department for Legal Information. The practical minefield of licensing works for VoD will be explored by Dr. Michael Kühn, Head of the Legal Department of German Broadcaster Sat.1. The development of two major VoD markets - France and the UK - will be spotlighted by respectively Benoît Danard, Director of the Research, Statistics and Forecast Department of the CNC and David Steele, Head of the Research and Statistics Unit of the UK Film Council. The workshop would not be complete without the Observatory's traditional roundup of the 2007 film market trends, presented by Martin Kanzler, an analyst from the Observatory's Department for Information on Markets and Financing.

Dr. André Lange, the Observatory's Head of the Department for Information on Markets and Financing who will be moderating the workshop said "VoD is again this year's hot topic. The market is expanding at a lightening rate as the report we published with the Département des Médias (DDM) shows. VoD services are springing up like mushrooms. We therefore want to look at the practical aspects of this for those involved in the process of licensing as well as focusing on the recent trend of two major European markets. We look forward to the discussion afterwards with the film professionals in the room."

"The Observatory afternoon in Cannes has become a must-go event." said Wolfgang Closs, Executive Director of the Strasbourg-based Observatory. "Our audience ranges from film producers and distributors to representatives of funding bodies and decision-makers. Right across the board, the Cannes public is faithful to this event because they know they will get a reliable picture of the market trends and legal information from us."

The Observatory's Cannes programme also includes a contribution to the ICC's well-attended  legal conference, focusing this year on "Rights Clearance in 2008 - Towards Clearer Rights?". The Observatory's legal analyst, Francisco Cabrera, will zoom in on legal aspects of VoD, in particular licensing issues in Europe. The ICC conference takes place on Friday 16th of May in Cannes.

The Observatory will, of course, be publishing its much-awaited 11th edition of "FOCUS - World Film Market Trends" which provides an invaluable snapshot of the major international markets. FOCUS will be distributed to all market participants and limited numbers will be available as a giveaway on the Observatory's stand on the film market (A6 Riviera section).

Also presented on the Observatory's stand will be the new database on European television channels and companies - MAVISE - which the Observatory has developed for the European Commission (DG Communication). This (...)

54 feature films were selected among 1792 from 96 countries (up 11% over last year, and up 23% over 2 years).
The festival will once again offer a mix of veteran filmmakers returning to Cannes, along with a few VIP star studded red carpet events and the fresh blood and energy of newcomers.
Soderbergh, Eastwood, Wenders, Dardenne and many more previous award winners are competing for Golden Palm again.
Highly anticipated Indiana Jones, Woody Allen and Kung Fu Panda will bear the Hollywood Flag high on the steps of Palais dess Festivals. (PS our office are located at 5.10 in the media zone, come say hello to us!)

FILMS IN COMPETITION
"24 City," China, Jia Zhangke
"Adoration," Canada, Atom Egoyan
"Changeling," U.S., Clint Eastwood
"Che" ("The Argentine," "Guerrilla,") Spain, Steven Soderbergh
"Un Conte de noel," France, Arnaud Desplechin
"Daydreams," Turkey, Nuri Bilge Ceylan
"Delta," Germany-Hungary, Kornel Mundruczo
"Il Divo," Paolo Sorrentino, Italy
"Gomorra," Italy, Matteo Garrone
"La Frontiere de l'aube," France, Philippe Garrel
"Leonera," Argentina-South Korea, Pablo Trapero
"Linha de Passe," Brazil, Walter Salles, Daniela Thomas
"La Mujer sin cabeza," Argentina, Lucrecia Martel
"My Magic," Singapore, Eric Khoo
"The Palermo Shooting," Germany, Wim Wenders
"Serbis," Philippines, Brillante Mendoza
"The Silence of Lorna," U.K.-France, Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
"Synecdoche, New York," U.S., Charlie Kaufman
"Waltz With Bashir," Israel, Ari Folman

OUT OF COMPETITION
"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," U.S., Steven Spielberg
"Kung Fu Panda," U.S., Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
"The Good, the Bad, the Weird," South Korea, Kim Jee-woon
"Vicky Cristina Barcelona," U.S.-Spain, Woody Allen

MIDNIGHT SCREENINGS
"Maradona," Spain-France, Emir Kusturica
"Surveillance," U.S., Jennifer Lynch
"The Chaser," South Korea, Na Hong-jin

SPECIAL SCREENNGS
"Ashes of Time Redux," China, Wong Kar-wai
"Of Time and the City," U.K., Terence Davies
"Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired," U.S.-U.K., Marina Zenovich
"Sangue Pazzo" (Crazy Blood), Italy-France, Marco Tullio Giordana

SCREENING OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE JURY
"The Third Wave," U.S., Alison Thompson

UN CERTAIN REGARD
"A festa da menina morta," Brazil, Matheus Nachtergaele
"Afterschool," Antonio Campos
"De Ofrivilliga," Sweden, Ruben Ostlund
"Je veux voir," France, Joana Hadjithomas, Khalil Joreige
"Johnny Mad Dog," France, Jean-Stephane Sauvaire
"La vie moderne (profiles paysans)", France, Raymond Depardon
"Los Bastardos," Mexico, Amat Escalante
"Milh handha al-bahr," (Salt of This Sea), Palestine, Ann (...)

Two-time Palme d’Or winner for When Father was Away on Business in 1985 and Underground in 1995, Emir Kusturica is once again showing a film in the Official Competition entitled Promise Me This. The action takes place in the Serbian countryside and centers on the promises made by Tsane (Uros Milovanovic) to his aging grandfather (Aleksandar Bercek): go over the three hills into the nearest town and sell their cow at the market there. With the money, Tsane must buy a religious icon and then anything else he wants. Lastly, the biggest challenge: he must find a wife to bring home.

Promise Me This tells the story of a boy who promises his grandfather that he will return to his village a man. Kusturica, who was president of the Jury in 2005, is back in Cannes with offbeat tales of trials and tribulations of life in the Balkans and a glimpse of another world, while touching on universal values and issues.

Press conference: 

Director Emir Kusturica addressed the press, answering questions from the journalists about his latest film Promise Me This. He was flanked by producers Olivier Delbosc and Marc Missonnier and actors Miki Manojlovic, Marija Petronijevic, Uros Milovanovic, Ljiljana Blagojevic and Aleksandar Bercek.

Emir Kusturica on the origins of this film: “It reminded me of a Japanese fairy tale: do something and come back. This was a funny, short idea, which became more complicated. I must say that this is the first movie, among my nine features, which was under-budget and almost under-schedule; something very new in my cinema and in my life. I think one of the reasons was because my wife was producing the movie.” 

Emir Kusturica on the atmosphere of the shoot: "It was as long as usual, but in a much better atmosphere, with everybody who was in the movie. There is a special context that I created before making the film, that is to say, a movie that is outside any attachment to city life in Serbia or Europe. It’s near my village; it’s in the open space and I think it’s in the most beautiful part of Europe."

Emir Kusturica on his career:  “Since I started doing cinema I have been making one movie; I haven’t changed. So my first film, Do You Remember Dolly Bell?, I’m still making that picture; it’s like I’m doing my first movie which is still not finished."

Emir Kusturica on how cinema is changing: “I am absolutely devoted to the ideas of American cinema in the 70s that ended in the early 80s that was destroyed by technology. As I noticed in Naomi Klein’s book No Logo, where she defines today’s life as a global teenager’s life in which the crucial questions of humanity, Hollywood has left out. We are more or less diverted from these ideas of the 70s. Cinema today still has those who include this idea of humanity, but the problem is we are marginalized more and more – not me because I never wanted to be in the mainstream – but most of those who try to recreate the style of Taxi Driver or Raging Bull. The idea of outsiders, losers, the people who don’t win, they are taken out and become history. Today you need to cope with modernity, friends, and as Naomi Klein defines, you have to not be asking too many questions. You just have to enjoy, but you must include some vital aspects of human life. The Cannes Film Festival was always good to open the door for those who ask these questions. I am very pleased that I was almost all my life here and this is the place that still keeps alive the ideas that are contained in Taxi Driver.”

With Mogari No Mori (The Mourning Forest), the Japanese director Naomi Kawase is in Cannes once again, 10 year after her Camera d’Or for Moe No Suzaku, and four years after Shara was presented in Competition. In this new feature film, the young filmmaker focuses on an old man and his relationship with one of the home’s nursing staff. They are both heavily haunted by the loss of someone dear. Bereavement fuels The Mourning Forest: the word Mogari from the original title denotes the period of mourning or the place of mourning.

Director Naomi Kawase talks about the bond between the two main characters: “I think the bond between Shigeki & Machiko is empathy. They share something one cannot control: the time they spent with the departed. But it’s certainly not only a sharing of sadness. In human existence, those who’ve experienced loss often become kinder to others. This only happens, however, if there’s someone who understands them… After the two enter the forest, the forest becomes the force that supports them. It watches over the two of them, sometimes gently, sometimes more strictly.”

Press conference: 

Japanese director Naomi Kawase, presenting The Mourning Forest in Competition today, fielded questions from journalists at the traditional press conference. At her side were actors Shigeki Uda, Makiko Watanabe, and Machiko Ono, along with producers Christian Baute and Shunji Dodo. Selected excerpts:

Naomi Kawase on her personal experience: "My personal experience is based on my early childhood. I was raised by people who were far older than I, because my great-aunt is the person who raised me. I was thus two generations younger than she. She's the one who taught me to respect the sun, fire, and food. I was raised in a mystical relationship with nature and everything around me. I was also supposed to respect everything that is transmitted from generation to generation. In a way, this is the fruit of my personal experience, and this is what structured me."

Naomi Kawase on the genesis of the project: "I wanted to make this film because my grandmother was becoming slightly senile, and in today's world, these people are looked down upon somewhat, and pitied. We forget that it could happen to us someday. We also consider these people pitiful, whereas in fact, their soul has remained intact. They still have the soul of a human being, and human feelings, and we forget that feelings are something to be reckoned with. The soul should be returned to the center of human relationships."

On the fact that the film was selected at Cannes:
Shigeki Uda: "It's wonderful to see this film leap from the Japanese scene to the international scene. It was already enough, and wonderful, to have acted in a film that would be seen in Japan. So I am really quite happy and honored to be here."
Naomi Kawase: "I am very proud that this film was selected for the Competition. When I made it, I felt very strong and very sincere. The sincerity is something I passed on to my crew, who was wonderful. I placed a great deal of confidence in this film. I believe in it very much, and I believe in it even more, now that it has been selected. I am very honored that my film was chosen to be among the works that will go down in history as the 60th-anniversary works."

Shigeki Uda on preparing for his role: "I played the senile old man, and I think that every day that I live brings me closer to death. I think of death in a very natural way as being part of life. Right now, I am 60 years old, but (...)

Dream Balloon's Co-Chairman Joseph Anselmo has announced that Award Winning Director Michael Attardi's Once Upon A Christmas Village featuring the voices of Jim Belushi and Tim Curry " will be featured at the Short Film Corner during the Cannes Film Festival.

Telly Awards
At the 28th Annual Telly Awards, OUACV won in 10 categories: Best Animation, Best Musical Productions, Best Cinematography, Best CGI Animation Film, Best Art Direction, Best Director of Camera, Best Sound Design, Best Music & Lyrics, Best Special Effects in Animation and Best Animated Comedy.

Accolade Awards
Winner - "Award of Excellence" "Best Animation". This prestigious award recognizes filmmakers who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity.

Moving Picture Magazine Short Film Contest
1st Runner-up - animation
9th over all

Film Festivals
Washington DC Film Festival - Winner "Best Animation
Delray Film Festival - Winner "Best Animation"
Garden State Film Festival - Winner "Best Animation" and "Best Picture"
Rebel Planet Hollywood Film Festival - Winner "Best Animation" and "Best in Show"
Worldfest Houston Film Festival - Winner of a Remi Award for "Best Animation"
Nashville Film Festival - Finalist for "Best Animation"
Indie Producer Competition - Finalist for "Best Animation"
Swansea Bay Film Festival - Finalist for "best Animation"
Digital Festival - Finalist for "Best Animation"
Montclair International Film Festival Finalist
South Africa's Everglades Film Festival Finalist

Michael Attardi and Producer Joseph Anselmo joined forces and created Dream Balloon Productions to produce large scale animation productions both in 2d and 3d (CGI) (Motion Capture available). The company handles the management of production from development to the final cut. From script writing, storyboarding, musical composition and arrangements, to title sequences, editing, and sound design.

Dream Balloon Productions will develop and produce a full-length feature film, "Snowyville" based on the award-winning animated short which is slated to go into production no later than September 2007 for a November-December 2008 release.

SYNOPSIS: Santa Claus is having the worst night ever as he has a near miss with Air Force One and loses his magical pocket watch that stops time. The watch falls to earth and lands in a chimney then into a Christmas tree. Under the Christmas tree is a beautiful stained glass village with several happy village people. The magic of the watch brings to life the villagers as we meet the Mayor, School teacher, Baker, Butcher and lovers, Troy and Noelle. When an unexpected toy arrives (Dragasaurs) and wrecks havoc in the village, Troy is accidentally taken (by the Christmas train) to the back off the tree. Better known as the dark side, this is where a hidden gift, Sir Evil Medieval and his castle are opened. Troy learns that Sir Evil and his henchmen are going to melt down the village people in the Suzy bake set (a gift next to the castle). Troy warns the village only to be caught by Sir Evil. Troy defeats the evil villain with the help of the Christmas train. Troy and Noelle finally share a kiss and Santa finds his lost magical watch. This proves that the spirit of Christmas was saved with Loves first kiss. This is a romantic musical animated comedy.

TITLE: Once Upon a Christmas Village CATEGORY: Animation Short RUNNING TIME: 15 Minutes DIRECTOR: Michael Attardi SCREENWRITER: Michael Attardi PRODUCED BY: Michael Attardi EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Joseph Anselmo CAST: Jim Belushi and Tim Curry MUSIC BY: Michael Attardi & Dani Donadi

Leveraging on the strong bi-lateral relationship between Singapore and Australia, both countries announced at the Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market) today the intent to sign a Film Co-production Agreement by end of 2007.  The agreement will further enhance the cultural and creative exchange between the two countries and it will cover co-productions in films, television, video recordings, animations and digital format productions. In an effort to kick-start the collaboration, the Singapore Film Commission and the Australia Film Commission jointly hosted a co-production panel session at Cannes today to share information about both countries’ film incentives and investment opportunities with Singaporean and Australian filmmakers. The panel discussion was chaired by Mr. Mark Woods (Chief Executive of Ausfilm) and included Ms Carlene Tan of the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA), Ms Soo Wei Shaw from the Singapore Film Commission, Ms Catherine Waters from the Australian Film Commission and Mr Ross Matthews from the Film Finance Corporation Australia. The session, attended by about 50 film industry practitioners, focussed on how these incentives will apply to official co-productions. Mr Man Shu Sum, Director, Broadcast & Film of MDA and Director of Singapore Film Commission said: “Singapore and Australia have a long-standing and well-established history of cooperation in areas of defence, trade and investment, education and cultural exchanges. Industry interest in film co-production is already reflected by the growing number of partnerships between Australia and Singapore media companies. An example is Home Song Stories, a film co-produced by Singapore’s MediaCorp Raintree Pictures and Australia’s Film Finance Corporation scheduled for release later this year.  Ms Catherine Waters, Manager of the Legal Affairs and Co-productions Branch of the Australian Film Commission, said that such forums provide valuable platforms for exchanging information and initiating production relationships. “Australia and Singapore have a significant history of cultural and commercial co-operation. Once finalised, the Australia–Singapore Co-production Treaty will provide a welcome opportunity for further creative, commercial and cultural collaboration. Forums such as today’s event are an important part of the process and are the basis from which mutually beneficial production relationships will emerge.”

FESTIVAL NEWS - MAY 2007

Artistic Director Sandra Hebron and our Festival programmers are at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, searching for the best in new international film to bring to London in October for the Times BFI 51st London Film Festival. So we thought we'd bring a little taste of Cannes to the capital with some special BFI Southbank events and screenings.

Cannes & Film - 60 Glorious Years? Tue 12 June 6.15pm at BFI Southbank In the second Sight & Sound discussion event at London's BFI Southbank we turn our attention to Cannes - widely regarded as the world's most influential competitive film festival. Thierry Frémaux, Artistic Director of the Cannes Film Festival, talks about its purpose, achievements and failings. Hosted by Geoff Andrew, Head of Film Programme at BFI Southbank, this promises to be a fascinating evening.