The 2nd Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) opened Saturday morning in Lagos with the Nigerian premiere of Faruk Lasaki‘s romantic thriller Changing Faces at the Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island. The feature of 92 minutes is on the psychological trauma of an illicit affair caused by the transference of spirits through sex.
Many people came for the opening day graced by top Nigerian entertainment journalists including Shaibu Husseini of The Guardian who was later joined by his boss Jahman Anikulapo, the Editor of The Guardian on Sunday, Victor Akande of The Nation, Wale Idowu Shadrach, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Movietainment, the leading magazine on Nollywood and other sectors of the Nigerian entertainment industry; and notable stakeholders present were Femi Odugbemi, the multiple award winning Nigerian filmmaker and head of DVWORX, who is also the Founder/Festival director the iRepresent International Documentary Film Festival, Mrs. Duro Oni representing the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), famous Nollywood director Fidelis Duker who is the Founder/Festival Director of Abuja International Film Festival, Alex Onyogho, President of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), Mrs. Busola Solanke, Chikezie Nkemdirim Donatus of Independent Field Advertisers Limited, Chris Nwankpa, the CEO of Fintel and an executive producer of the action movie Dangerous Men accompanied by the leading actress Onyekachi Anyajike with Kiki Deo, international award winning filmmaker Chike Ibekwe, and Bic Leu, a Fulbright Fellow at the University of Lagos, author of Finding Nollywood, who is in Nigeria to analyze Nollywood’s social impact through the Social Return on Investment (SROI). She has been liaising with Professor Duro Oni, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos, who has agreed to support and supervise her project and having access to Professor Oni’s ongoing project with the Open University in the United Kingdom to build a multimedia archive of all Nollywood films and related literary materials.
Faruk Lasaki spoke on the making of Changing Faces after the screening. The film critics praised the exceptional quality of his movie which they rated above the other movies in Nollywood. They wanted the movie to be shown at the various cinemas in Nigeria.
Hope Obioma Opara, President of the film festival and the Founder/Festival Director Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima were happy with the impressive turn out and agreed that with more sponsors the EKOIFF will attract more international filmmakers and tourists to Lagos for the benefit of the Nigerian film industry and boost tourism.
The five days film festival continues tomorrow Sunday with the African premiere of Emmanuel Itier‘s multiple award winning spiritual documenatary “The Invocation” narrated by Sharon Stone, the famous Hollywood actress of the Basic Instinct fame.
SATURDAY, July 9th OPENING DAY @ Silverbird Galleria, 133 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos
Hosted by __________
9:00am – 10:00am
Arrival of Guests, Participants and Attendants.
10:00am – 10:30am
National Anthem and Opening remarks
10:30am – 12:00 noon
CHANGING FACES/ Nigerian Premiere
By Faruk Lasaki/ Nigeria / 2009 / 92 min
Faruk Lasaki’s Changing Faces suggests personal angels and demons are not simply metaphorical, but wield a tangible influence on mortals which we cannot comprehend.
Marriage means little to Lola, the hedonistic journalist. Unmarried herself, she refuses to let a mere trifle like a wedding ring deter her from a promising sexual encounter. However, the devoutly Christian Dale Svenson takes marriage very seriously. He is even prim and proper with his own wife. Assigned to cover the painfully dull architectural conference he will address, the uptight Svenson catches her eye. Over the course of a week, Lola plays an elaborate game of sexual cat and mouse with her prey. Eventually, it indeed turns out that whatever Lola wants, Lola gets.
However, this time conquest comes with a price, both for Lola and Svenson. Faces posits a world in which sex not only occurs on a physical level, but on a spiritual level, involving the spirits people carry with them. By some fluke, Lola and Svenson swap their moral compasses during their night of passion. Now recklessly lecherous, Svenson recognizes something happened to him that night, which threatens to derail his marriage and career. On the wagon and living with integrity, Lola by contrast welcomes her new square life.
While Svenson resorts to a witch doctor’s services in a moment of desperation, Faces ultimately links salvation and faith. Lasaki’s debut narrative film, written by Yinka Ogun, is surprisingly overt in its Christian orientation. It is a morality tale in which morality matters. It suggests a life of rectitude is preferable to the ostensive pleasure of sin. However, like Christian films produced domestically, the production values are spotty and the acting is sometimes suspect. British actress Rachel Young fares the best as Lola, the former temptress. Unfortunately, as Svenson, her fellow countrymen, Marc Baylis comes across like an actor in a Christian film.
Still, in many ways Faces is an intriguing film. His scenes involving the unseen “angels” are particularly clever in their staging and Emmanuel Fagbure has a real screen presence as Lola’s leering supernatural companion. It also serves as an interesting reflection of contemporary Nigeria, in that the inter-racial relationships never raise eyebrows—at least for that specific reason. Though undercut by a weak lead, Faces suggests Lasaki might have some fascinating films in his future.
SUNDAY, July 10th
9:00am – 10:00am
THUNDERBOLT AND THE MERMAID
A short film by Diego Sanchidrian, Spain/ / 2010 / 11 min
Synopsis: It is said that dreams are unreachable for they are far away,hiding beyond the stars. But in order to make them come true you do not have to know where they hide, you just do not have to be bold enough to…
THE STORYMAKER
A short film by Jose Gomez Gaugo, Spain / 2009 / 15 min
Synopsis: With my hammer I forge the store of every life, of every person. The most wonderful moments, the most humble, the most fabulous… All of them have been conceived by me.
TROPE ZONES
A short film by David Macian and Eduardo Molinari, Spain / 2010 / 6 min
Synopsis: He’s crazy about food; she’ll do anything to please him. A perfect romance as long as something is in the fridge.
10:00am – 12:00 noon
THE INVOCATION – African Pemiere
By Emmanuel Itier/Narrated by Sharon Stone, U.S.A /2010 / 90 min
Synopsis: An exploration of the notion of ‘God’ and World Peace through Religion, Spirituality, History, Science, Politics and Arts.
MONDAY, July 11th
9:00am – 10:00am
THEME PAPER:NOLLYWOOD AND THE EMERGING CINEMA
DREAMS FOR NIGERIA
A short film by ARI, U.S.A/2010/ 26 min
Synopsis: “Dreams for Nigeria” highlights both the challenges and achievements of seven female members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, and the role they have played in their country’s political, social and economic development. The documentary follows the legislators as they meet with their constituents and discuss their goals for the future of Nigeria. Highlighting education and better access to healthcare as necessary tasks, these women hope to be models to Nigeria’s youth and present a diversely unified Nigeria where everyday dreams are attainable.
The representatives highlighted in the documentary include: Hon. Binta Garba Masi, Adamawa State; Hon. Saudatu Sani, Kaduna State; Hon. Titi Akindahunsi, Ekiti State; Hon. Maimuna Adaji, Kwara State; Hon. Florence Akinwale, Ekiti State; Hon. Nimota Oba Suleiman, Kwara State; Hon. Beni Lar, Plateau State.
10:00am – 12:00 noon
DUNDUN (TALKING DRUM)
By Kayode Ibisankale, Nigeria/ 2009 / 83 min
Synopsis: Dundun takes the viewer to the city of Oyo in Nigeria where the drum is believed to have originated. This comprehensive documentary shows the cultural and historical context surrounding the drum and an in-depth examination of its construction, from chopping down the correct tree to the finishing design touches. The film also presents many performances and demonstrates who may use the drum, when and for what it is used, and what is communicated.
TUESDAY, July 12th
9:00am – 10:00am
LA UNION
A short film by Carlos A. Sambricio, Spain / 2008 / 18 min
Synopsis: Sara encounters her boyfriend Fran, who died in a car crash six months earlier. A mysterous and breathtaking mood develops as Fran Employes a hypnotyc seduction game in order to convince Sara that he is real and that they can be together again.
OUT THERE
A short film by Chino Moya, Spain/UK, 2010/ 8 min
Synopsis: After a dispute, a young woman leaves her older boyfriend’s comfortable apartment.
She has nowhere to go, so she wanders the streets aimlessly, eventually ending up in a café where she has a random encounter.
10:00am – 12:00 noon
CULTURE OF RESISTANCE
By Iara Lee, U.S.A / 2010 / 73min
Synopsis: Does each gesture really make a difference? Can music and dance be weapons of peace? In 2003, on the eve of the Iraq war, director Iara Lee embarked on a journey to better understand a world increasingly embroiled in conflict and, as she saw it, heading for self-destruction. After several years, travelling over five continents, Iara encountered growing numbers of people who committed their lives to promoting change. This is their story. From IRAN, where graffiti and rap became tools in fighting government repression, to BURMA, where monks acting in the tradition of Gandhi take on a dictatorship, moving on to BRAZIL, where musicians reach out to slum kids and transform guns into guitars, and ending in PALESTINIAN refugee camps in LEBANON, where photography, music, and film have given a voice to those rarely heard, CULTURES OF RESISTANCE explores how art and creativity can be ammunition in the battle for peace and justice.
Featuring: Medellín poets for peace, Capoeira masters from Brazil, Niger Delta militants, Iranian graffiti artists, women’s movement leaders in Rwanda, Lebanon’s refugee filmmakers, U.S. political pranksters, indigenous Kayapó activists from the Xingu River, Israeli dissidents, hip-hop artists from Palestine, and many more…
Cultures of Resistance Awards:
ETHIOPIA/ ADDIS ABABA, Audience Award, Addis International Film Festival
USA/ CA, Best Documentary, Tiburon International Film Festival
INDIA/ JAIPUR, Green Rose Award, Jaipur International Film Festival
BENIN/ OUIDAH, Python Audience Prize, Jury Special Mentions, Ouidah International Film Festival
UKRAINE/ KIEV, Best Documentary on Human Rights, Steps International Film Festival
WEDNESDAY, July 13th
9:00am – 10:00am
DOLLS
A short film by Rosa Marquez, Spain/ 2009/ 14 min
Synopsis: Ana wakes up in an old abandoned stable; next to her, there is a mysterious girl who seems to have been there for a long time, but the only thing she can find out about her is her name: Irina. Ana will try desperately to get Irina’s help to escape from their captor.
ANSIEDAD (ANXIETY)
A short film by Eduardo Casanova, Spain / 2009 / 25 min
Synopsis: Violeta Largertija is a great prima donna with social phobia. Violeta can neither speak nor relate by anybody that knows her, with her lovesick character, she survives feeding on tranquillizers.
Bertlo is crazy in love with Violeta, but he knows her problem and has a plan to know her.
Anxiety is a story about tranquillizers, an eccentric story, egocentric, excessive, melodramatic, dark, but especially anxious
10:00am – 12:00 noon
LILIES OF THE GHETTO
By Ugochukwu Joseph Ubaka, Nigeria / 2009 / 84 min
Synopsis: IJALOKO an ex-convict and a ghetto monster, abducts five kids from his neighborhood, JOHNNIE, SMALL, KONKOLO, FRYO and BOBO, he brainwash them in view of giving them a good life.
IJALOKO introduces them into using of hard-drugs thereby destroying their human conscience and making them menace to the society in order for him to achieve his selfish desires.
Five of these kids die one after the other at different occasion in a miserable ways except JOHNNIE the luckiest of them all.
Through LILY, Madam JET’S Daughter whom JOHNNIE is dating, JOHNNIE realizes the importance of education and good life.
JOHNNIE makes up his mind to quit gangsterism and return to school, but IJALOKO being the obstacle because of the vow that they’ve taken until death does them part. JOHNNIE had no option but to kill IJALOKO in order for him to get a better life.
THURSDAY, July 14th
9.00am – 10:00am
CLOSING CEREMONY
10:00am – 12:00 noon
ETERNAL
By Chike Ibekwe, Nigeria/2009/ 94 min
Synopsis: Eternal, the 94 minutes film tells the unforgettable story of Dozie and Chima, two faithful Nigerian friends who were soldiers with the ECOMOG mission in West Africa and after returning from the peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone, they went to a social event. But on the way back, Chima was struck by a car and died on the spot. Dozie was heartbroken as he mourned the loss of his dearest buddy until one day the ghost of his faithful companion Chima inhabited his body to continue their eternal bond.
Chike got funding support from France to shoot Eternal. The film was selected and screened at Film festival d’armiens in France in 2008 and also at ZUMA Film festival in Nigeria in 2008. He is currently working on his second film Letter to the Professor featuring Prof. Wole Soyinka, the first African Nobel laureate in Literature.
Chike Ibekwe is a hardworking filmmaker/producer and writer. He created, produced and directed OFF CAMPUS a TV Sitcom series.
The African premiere of Emmanuel Itier’s multiple award winning movie THE INVOCATION narrated by the famous Hollywood actress Sharon Stone will be at the 2nd Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) on Saturday July 9, 2011, at the prestigious Silverbird Galleria, 133 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
THE INVOCATION is a thought provoking film about God and World Peace. An exploration of the notion of the Divine around the world and through Religion, Spirituality, Science, History, Politics and Arts.
It is an invitation to elevate our school of thought and to change the code of human interaction in relation to our perceptions of God. The film proposes answers to universal questions in both a religious and non-religious context: Who am I, where do I come from, and where am I going? Is there something beyond the here and now? What is the global idea of ‘God’ which has presented us with countless conflicts throughout human history? How can we live in Peace?
The project was filmed around the world by a team of talented religious and non-religious filmmakers, and challenges us to go beyond our differences in seeking the common goal of world peace. Without agenda, the film presents a message of global understanding, unity, and humanity. Featuring interviews with respected social and political lime lights, spiritual leaders, artists, entertainers and other influential figures, THE INVOCATION is a truly inspiring source of information that compels you to “be the change you want to see in the world.”
Credited cast:
Karen Armstrong …
Michael Beckwith …
Mustapha Cherif …
Deepak Chopra …
Chaim Cohen …
Stewart Copeland …
Brian Cox …
The Dalai Lama …
Rosario Dawson …
Veronica De Laurentiis …
Amit Goswami …
John Hagelin …
Ervin Laszlo …
Malcolm McDowell …
Dean Radin … (as Dean Radin Ph.D.)
Awards and Festivals:
LA International Film Festival 2010 – WINNER, Best Documentary
Bev.Hills Film, TV, & New Media Fest. 2010 – WINNER, Humanitarian Award
The Orlando Global Peace Film Festival
The Spiritual Festival of Mexico City
Tel Aviv Spirit Film Festival
Santa Fe Film Festival
Santa Barbara Film Festival
For Reservations and Tickets, call 08033036171, 07066379246.
Olu Jacobs receiving his award from the administrator and officials of the Écrans Noirs.
Accomplished Nigerian actor and Nollywood star Olu Jacobs was given a standing ovation at the closing ceremony of the 15th Écrans Noirs Film Festival, Saturday night of June 25, 2011 in Yaoundé, Cameroun. He was greeted with applause by the ecstatic audience as he mounted the stage to receive the Prix Charles Mensah (Ecran d’Honneur) for his outstanding life achievement as an actor of local and international success, especially for the great impact of Nollywood in Africa.
Olu Jacobs thanking the the administrator, officials and the audience at the 15th Écrans Noirs.
“African cinema and its actors” the theme of 15th edition of the Écrans noirs was a noble tribute to those who work in the continent to advance the seventh art according to the administrator Bassek Ba Kobhio. It attracted thousands of people from June 18-25, 2011.
Present at the closing ceremony were Nigerian filmmaker Chike Ibekwe who was a co-winner of the best film prize at the 14th Écrans Noirs and one of the appointed presidents of the jury in 2011 and Mr. Madu Chikwendu, Regional Secretary of the Pan-African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI), co-founder and member of the Board of Trustees of Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), and the sole Nigerian representative in the International Federation of Film Producers (FIAPF).
Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt again in the action packed movie series of Mission Impossible. This Episode called Mission Impossible Ghost Protocal starrinng Cruise, Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner is scheduled for a December release. This is sure to be a big action movie hit and we say GO SEE IT on Celebrity Wire Movie Reviews.
Christy Essien-Igbokwe (November, 18th. 1960 – June 30th. 2011)
Nigeria has lost one of her greatest women, the “Queen of Soul”, Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe, who passed away at about 9.15a.m. Thursday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos.
Popularly known by her maiden name Christy Essien before she got married, she was a great singer who was like a sister to millions of her fans in Nigeria.
She was the first Nigerian Queen of Soul music admired and loved by millions of music lovers in Nigeria and other countries.
I have been one of her countless fans since her successful acting career as a colourful TV actress in the popular TV comedy series Masquerade of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), playing the drama queen as “Apeno”, the wife of “Jegede”, played by the late Claude Eke.
The television series was created by James Iroha who played the role of “Gringory”, one of the houseboys of “Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo, alias 4:30.” played by Chika Okpala.
Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe was born on the 11th November, 1960, Her talents as an actress and singer were discovered in her teenage years in secondary school, acting and singing at various clubs until she passed the audition for one of the leading roles in the Masquerade in 1976. Christy was an instant hit and became a household name in Nigeria. In 1977 at only 17, she began her professional musical career and released several top selling albums and her 1981 hit album “Ever Liked My Person” produced by Lemmy Jackson was rated the best.
She was the first female President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Chairman and Managing Director of Soul Train Entertainment Limited. She was honoured with many laurels incuding the Nigerian Lady of Songs award, Africa Music Mother award, International Special Achievement award in Mexico, World Song Festival Award in Los Angeles, Queen of Music International award, Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners award and Outstanding Achievement in Female Uplifting award.
May God grant her peace in her transition to eternal glory and comfort her bereaved family, relations, friends, associates and millions of fans in Nigeria and abroad.
Sylvia Nduka, the winner of the 2011 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) Beauty Pageant
Black beauty Miss Taraba , Sylvia Nduka is the new Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN). She was the choice of the judges and by the popular votes of the public who had a challenging task of selecting from the bevy of 34 final contestants from different states in Nigeria.
The new beauty queen was crowned Saturday night at the Eko Expo Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos. She also got a brand new Hyundai car and N3 million cash prize and will also represent Nigeria at the 2011 Miss World Beauty Pageant in London, UK.
The other respective winners in other categories of the beauty pageant are the following.
MBGN Tourism 2011 – Obioma Isiwu (Miss Enugu)
MBGN ECOWAS 2011 – Grace Ndam (Miss Lagos)
MBGN 2011/BellaNaija Miss Photogenic – Tobi Banjoko (Miss Ondo)
MBGN 2011 Miss Amity – Delphine Okobah (Miss Ebonyi)
MBGN 2011 Miss La Casera – Nwando Ebeledike (Miss Adamawa)
MBGN 2011 Model – Oluchi Okafor (Miss Kogi)
MBGN 2011 Face of Select Pro – Gabriella Ndu (Miss Abia)
Faruk Lasaki’s Nigerian premiere of Changing Faces at 2011 EKOIFF
The Nigerian premiere of Faruk Lasaki’s spiritual thriller “Changing Faces” will definitely thrill the audience at the second Eko International Film Festival at the Silverbird Galleria from July 9-14, 2011.
Faruk Lasaki is one of the ambitious filmmakers who are making Nigeria proud in the international arena by making movies that are quite different from the common Nollywood flicks. He is also an accomplished producer of award winning commercials and documentaries who got his first break with his 15 minutes short documentary “Scars” (CICATRIZES) that won him $20,000 at the É Tudo Verdade – Festival Internacional de Documentários in Brazil in 1998.
“Changing Faces” is a 92 minutes metaphysical romantic thriller on the transference of spirits through sex as ‘Two unlikely bedfellows share a night of passion’ and their lives were never the same again. The film parades an international cast of professional British and notable Nigerian actors and actresses Alex Lopez, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey and Ayo Mogaji.
“Changing Faces” was premiered at the Pavillion les Cinema Du Sud of the 61st Cannes Film Festival., featured in competition at the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) in 2009, Cairo International Film Festival in 2009. Black Diaspora International Film Festival of New York in 2008.
“Changing Faces” was the first Nigerian film to be dubbed into French and screened at FESPACO and Ecrans Noirs in 2009. And on the 3rd and 6th of August 2009, Canal France International (CFI) presented it as the first Nigerian feature film on it’s network and interviewed the director Faruk Lasaki.
The HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival Presented by Bank of America Celebrates Its 19th Year
FREE OUTDOOR CLASSIC FILM SERIES JUNE 20 – AUGUST 22
Director, Milos Foreman, will attend on opening night to introduce “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest”
PR Newswire
NEW YORK, June 20, 2011
NEW YORK, June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Once again, Bryant Park will be a destination for film buffs on summer nights in New York City, with an all-star legendary film line up for the 19th year of the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival presented by Bank of America and in association with The Bryant Park Corporation.
Continuing the popular tradition of presenting “stars under the stars,” the free outdoor festival returns Monday evenings at sunset, beginning June 20 and running through August 22. The season kicks off on the first day of summer with ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, starring Jack Nicholson as a patient who leads a revolt at a mental facility in this 1975 favorite.
The film’s Oscar winning director Milos Foreman, will attend the opening night festivities in Bryant Park on June 20th to introduce the film.
The festival’s closing night film, DIRTY HARRY, stars Clint Eastwood who made movie history when he took the role of Harry Callahan. Other highlights of this year’s festival include Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, Paul Newman in COOL HAND LUKE, and Oscar winning film IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT.
A scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
“Support for the film festival reflects our belief that the arts, in all its forms, should be shared with the widest possible audience,” said Jeff Barker, Bank of America New York City president. “Only in New York can you spend a summer evening outdoors with legends of the screen and people from all walks of life amid the city’s skyscrapers.”
“It is with great pride that HBO enters its 19th year of showing classic films on the big screen in Bryant Park. The festival has turned into a favorite summertime tradition for many New Yorkers. As neighbors of Bryant Park, it is a great way for HBO and Bank of America to give back to the city,” said Bill Nelson, Chairman and CEO, HBO.
The films will be projected in 35mm onto a screen 20 feet high by 40 feet wide. Bryant Park is located at 42nd Street and the Avenue of the Americas. Snacks, meals and refreshments are available at Bryant Park food kiosks and restaurants. Each presentation will show on Monday evenings starting at sunset. The lawn opens at 5pm. Classic animation provided courtesy of Warner Bros.
For more information, call the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival hotline at (212) 512-5700. For film series information, visit the festival’s website at hbo.com/hbobryantparkfilmfestival (will be live by June 1st).
THE HBO BRYANT PARK SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL 2011
PRESENTED BY BANK OF AMERICA
JUNE 20 ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST (Saul Zaentz Co.)-Rebellious Jack Nicholson leads a patient revolt at a mental facility. He urges the inmates to rebel against the nasty Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). Based on the Ken Kesey novel, it has been directed with force, humanity and a sly smile by Milos Forman. It is the second film (after “It Happened One Night”) to score an Oscar Grand Slam, winning the five top prizes. Kirk Douglas owned the screen rights for years, but was too senior to play the lead when son Michael finally co-produced. The American Film Institute ranked “Cuckoo” as #33 Greatest Movie of All Time. (1975) 133 Min.
JUNE 27 THE 39 STEPS (MGM)-An innocent man goes on the run to prove he is not a murderer and that a spy ring exists in Scotland. The exuberant thriller is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s early British masterpieces. Robert Donat is the “everyman” in trouble and Madeleine Carroll is the classy blonde who lends a helping hand. It has been remade several times for big screen, small screen, even radio, but never as successfully. It even turned up recently as a cleverly conceived show on Broadway and in London’s West End. Watch out for a villain with a missing finger and a music hall performer named Mr. Memory. You won’t forget him. Special thanks to the British Academy of Film and Television Arts New York (BAFTA New York) (1935) 86 Min.
JULY 4 EASY RIDER (Sony/Col) Stoners Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper (he also directed) hit the road on their customized motorcycles to find the “real” America. 1960’s peace and love soon turn to fear and hate. The script was Oscar-nominated, though reportedly much was improvised between L.A. and New Orleans, as the low budget movie was being shot by Laszlo Kovacs. Rumor also has it that plenty of marijuana was smoked on this road trip, giving new meaning to the term “high”way. Steppenwolf, The Byrds, The Band, Jimi Hendrix and Little Eva are heard on the soundtrack. And yes, that is legendary record producer Phil Spector making a cameo appearance as a drug dealer. (1969) 94 Min.
JULY 11 GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (TCF)-They may be just “two little girls from Little Rock,” but Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell are on the trail of bigger stones. As we all know, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Two gold digging showgirls head for Paris in this brightly colored musical comedy based on the Anita Loos story and a Broadway hit starring Carol Channing. Fox intended it as a movie showcase for their biggest star Betty Grable, but Marilyn came cheaper. The musical number “Anyone Here For Love?” featuring the statuesque Russell and a gaggle of disinterested chorus boys (as the U.S. Olympic team!) is a genuine camp classic. (1953) 91 Min.
JULY 18 IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (MGM)-This taut murder mystery was the surprise Oscar winner for Best Picture over “Bonnie and Clyde” and “The Graduate.” Ironically, that very award ceremony was postponed due to the assassination of Martin Luther King. Rod Steiger plays a bigoted Mississippi sheriff who is reluctant to accept help from a black, big city detective Sidney (“Call me Mister Tibbs”) Poitier. Due to racial unrest in the South, filming necessarily took place in Illinois. The moody Quincy Jones score was Grammy nominated and Ray Charles made the title song an instant standard. (1967) 109 Min.
JULY 25 THE LADY EVE (Universal)-This sparkling romantic comedy is the work of a master, Preston Sturges. Barbara Stanwyck (at her most tempting) is a con artist/card shark out to dupe the clueless heir to a brewery fortune (Henry Fonda). He is an ophiologist by trade and knows more about snakes than girls. Just back from a year up the Amazon on a serpent hunt, he is an apple ripe for the plucking. The script is brimming with sophisticated banter (earning an Oscar nomination for Best Writing, Original Story), but Sturges is not above some well-placed slapstick and physical pratfalls. In 2002, the AFI placed it #26 on a list of Top 100 Greatest Love Stories in American cinema. (1941) 94 Min.
AUG. 1 COOL HAND LUKE (Warner Bros.)-“What we’ve got here is…failure to communicate.” So says a sadistic guard (Strother Martin) to Luke (Paul Newman) who is serving time on a Dixie chain gang. Luke has trouble with authority figures and will find countless ways to rebel against the system during his incarceration. You may never be able to face an egg again after the justifiably famous (and excruciating) eating scene in which Luke puts away over four dozen of the hard-boiled variety. Newman received his fourth Oscar nomination, but it was supporting actor George Kennedy, as a fellow inmate, who took home an acting prize. (1967) 126 Min. (Panavision)
AUG 8 AIRPLANE! (Paramount)-“You ever been in a cockpit before?” No? Well, now’s your chance. The gags just keep coming and coming in this raucous spoof of Hollywood’s all-star disaster epics. A Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker collaboration, it was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Comedy and won a WGA award for Best Comedy Script. These are the same wild and crazy guys responsible for the popular “Naked Gun” series. Star turns by Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves and the late, great Leslie (“Don’t call me Shirley”) Nielsen. Cameos are by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Maureen McGovern and an autopilot inflatable doll! (1980) 86 min.
AUG. 15 HIGH SIERRA (Warner Bros.)-The landmark crime drama by Raoul Walsh took Humphrey Bogart off the “B” list and propelled him into superstardom. His big hit “The Maltese Falcon” came out later the same year. Here he is Roy “Mad Dog” Earle, a hardened ex-con on the lam from the cops, who, way deep down, has a heart of gold. The part was intended for Paul Muni (contract dispute) or George Raft. Bogie himself convinced Raft to turn down the role. Good move. “Sierra” was co-scripted by his old friend and drinking buddy, John Huston. Top-billed Ida Lupino co-stars as the devoted moll and Bogart’s own pooch, Zero, appears as the cute mongrel Pard. (1941) 100 Min.
AUG. 22 DIRTY HARRY (Warner Bros.)-Clint Eastwood made movie history when he took the role of Harry Callahan. He went on to play the iconic cop four more times. Originally considered for the part were Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, but the “Gods of Hollywood Casting’ were smiling down on Clint. No more Italian westerns. Don Siegel’s direction packs quite a punch, as Harry goes about ridding the San Francisco streets of a serial sniper. His unique take on law enforcement involves carrying a very large .44 Magnum. Are ya feeling lucky, punk? Come on, make Harry’s day. (1971) 102 min. (Panavision)
HBO
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HBO’s philanthropic efforts are defined by a mission to cultivate and develop new talent through support of innovative educational organizations. We are committed to ensuring the stories we present reflect the diverse world in which we live and the voices from all communities are provided the access and resources to share their experiences with audiences around the world.
BANK OF AMERICA AND THE ARTS
As one of the world’s largest financial institutions and a major supporter of arts and culture, Bank of America has a vested interest and plays a meaningful role in the international dialogue on cultural understanding. As a global company, Bank of America demonstrates its commitment to the arts by supporting such efforts as after-school arts programs, grants to help expand libraries, programs to conserve artistic heritage as well as a campaign to encourage museum attendance. Bank of America offers customers free access to more than 150 of the nation’s finest cultural institutions through its acclaimed Museums on Us® program, while Art in our Communities® shares exhibits from the company’s corporate collection with communities across the globe through local museum partners. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation also provides philanthropic support to museums, theaters and other arts-related nonprofits to expand their services and offerings to schools and communities. Bank of America partners with more than six thousand arts institutions worldwide.
BRYANT PARK CORPORATION
Bryant Park Corporation (BPC), a private not-for-profit company, was founded in 1980 to renovate, finance, and operate Bryant Park in New York City. BPC is funded by income from events, concessions, and corporate sponsors, as well as an assessment on neighboring properties, and does not accept government or philanthropic monies. In addition to providing security and sanitation services, and tending the park’s lush lawn and seasonal garden displays, BPC provides public amenities and activities, including movable chairs and tables, café umbrellas, restaurants, food kiosks, world-class restrooms, and a wide range of free events throughout the year. The Midtown park, conveniently located at 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, is visited by over 5 million people each year and is one of the busiest public spaces in the world. BPC’s website, www.bryantpark.org, provides more detailed information and a schedule of upcoming events.
SOURCE HBO
CONTACT: Suzanne Pinto, HBO, +1-212-512-1904; T.J. Crawford, Bank of America, +1-646-855-3301
Web Site: http://www.hbo.com/hbobryantparkfilmfestival
Egyptian Ahmad Abdalla’s “Microphone” has won the 15 000 € best feature-length movie award at the 8th African Film Festival of Tarifa (FCAT) held from June 11th to the 19th, 2011, in Tarifa, Spain.
148 African movies from 23 African countries competed for 8 awards with a total 46 500 € cash prizes.
The jury said “Microphone” won “for its energy and shedding of light on the potential of the new Egypt and also because it reflects the role of art in political and social change.”
Ahmad Abdalla
“Microphone” was the winner of the coveted “Golden Tanit” Award of the official competition of feature films at the 23rd edition of Carthage Film Festival which was held in Tunis from October 23 to 31, 2010 and the movie was in the Official selection of the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival (Vanguard Program), Official selection of the 2010 Vancouver International Film Festival and Official Competition of the Dubai International Film Festival in 2010.
Synopsis: A bold example of new north African cinema, “Microphone” mixes and remixes fiction and cinema verité as it follows an Egyptian expatriate’s return to Alexandria, where he dives into a thriving underground music and arts scene. [Synopsis courtesy Toronto International Film Festival]
The details of the 8th African Film Festival of Tarifa (FCAT) are in the following press release.
The Awards of 8th African Film Festival Of Tarifa
June 19th, Tarifa, Spain – 8th African Film Festival of Tarifa (FCAT) awarded eight new African movies with awards endowed with 46 500 euros. The festival jury selected winners from more than 140 movies from 23 African countries.
1. The award for the best feature-length movie (15 000 €) goes to “MICROPHONE” (Ahmad Abdalla, Egypt)for its energy and shedding of light on the potential of the new Egypt and also because it reflects the role of art in political and social change.
2. The award for the best direction (10 000 €) goes to “A JAMA” (Daoud Aoulad-Syad, Morocco/France) for its naturalistic use of non-professional actors. Furthermore, the film found a way to speak about the taboo topic of religion with sensitivity and humour.
3. The award for the best actress (1 500 €) goes to DENISE NEWMAN for “SHIRLEY ADAMS” (Oliver Hermanus, South Africa). The actress is believable in her complex, sober and sombre portrayal of the film character. With her construction of the character she was able to access the most essential core of humanity.
4. The award for the best actor (1 500 €) goes to YOUSSOUF DJAORO for “UN HOMME QUI CRIE” (Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, Chad/France/Belgium). The actor’s portrayal is very charismatic and tender. It truly shows his mastery of the artform.
5. The award for the best documentary feature film (10 000 €) goes to “KOUNDI ET LE JEUDI NATIONAL” (Ariani Astrid Atodji, Cameroon) for his rigorous and tender look at the subject matter, which highlights the great opportunities that traditional cultures offer to Africa’s future.
6. The award for the best short movie (2 000 €) goes to “MWANSA THE GREAT” (Rungano Nyoni, Zambia/UK) for its ability to draw us into a child’s imagination and the world of magic, combining courage and talent.
7. The RTVA award for Audiovisual Creation, the best short film award (1 500 €) goes to “MWANSA THE GREAT” (Rungano Nyoni, Zambia/UK) for having been able to portray the noble nature of characters whose actions are imbued with a sense of social responsibility. The story is a metaphor of a certain social reality in a specific part of the world.
8. The audience award for the best feature length movie (5 000 €) goes to “UN HOMME QUI CRIE” (Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, Chad/France/Belgium).
9. The SIGNIS award for the best fiction feature film goes to “A JAMA” (Daoud Aoulad-Syad, Morocco/France) for its humorous look at injustice and corruption and for showing the courage and determination of a simple man who stands up to all who stand in his way in order to defend his rights and denounce the abuse of power by politicians and false prophets.
The special mentions of the jury go to:
● “HAWI” (fiction, Ibrahim El-Batout, Egypt/Qatar) for its serious research, its tender look at the past and its link with the current problematic political climate in Egypt.
● “ASHLAA” (document, Hakim Belabbes, Morocco) for its ability to reconcile magnificently a personal story and a topic of universal interest. A tribute to all filmmakers.
● “DREXCIYA” (document, Akosua Adoma Owusu, Ghana) for the radical nature of the project, its effective use of limited economic resourcesand its poetic insight.
● “STATE OF VIOLENCE” (fiction, Khalo Matabane, South Africa/France) for showing how peace can only be achieved through forgiveness and reconciliation.
● “MICROPHONE” (fiction, Ahmad Abdalla, Egypt) for reflecting the arrival of the wind of change in Egyptian society, as well as the importance of culture as part of a democratic system which respects freedom above all else.
FCAT, one of the biggest European festival of African cinema, welcomes this year over 200 African filmmakers including legendary African director Moustapha Alassane and focuses among others on African Diaspore in Latin America, the role of cinema in recent revolutions in Tunis and Egypt or restrospective of Congolese cinematography.
Festival was accompanied among others by 3rd Africa Produce Forum, where 10 African filmmakers competed with their projects to get funding from European producers including representatives of Al-Jazeera Docuemntary Channel. The winning projects will be announced soon.
In this year 4th Photoafrica, whose topic was “Urban Space”, competed twenty five photographers from eleven African countries. The winners are:
● 1st place award (€1,500) – Jessica MacLeod (South Africa) with the photograph titled “You see a shack, I see my house”
● 2nd place award (€1,000) – James Muriuki (Kenya) with the photograph titled “44”
● 3rd place award (€500) – Mimi Cherono (Kenya) with the photograph titled “Khusi and the Giraffes”
The exhibiton of altogether 27 large format photographs will be inaugurated and installed outdoors in Tarifa before and through the festival and after its closure will be travelling the whole year through Spanish and African cities.
About FCAT
African film festival of Tarifa (FCAT – Festival de Cine Africano de Tarifa) is an independent and competitive film festival and one of the biggest African film festivals in Europe. The FCAT celebrated its eighth edition from 11th to 19th June in Andalusian town Tarifa – the closest town of continental Europe to the African continent – the two continents are in fact only 14 km apart from one another in this geographical area. More on www.fcat.es
Contact:
Filip Hruby
International Press Officer
African Film Festival of Tarifa (FCAT)
Mobile: +420/775 011 550
Skype: filip.hruby2409
gabineteprensa2@fcat.es
