A unique partnership with Google on a new seminar series addressing gender and racial gaps in the film industry, particularly in technical cinematographic roles, is among new highlights unveiled today by Miami Dade College's Miami International Film Festival, as Festival organizers count down to the 33rd edition of the acclaimed annual event March 4 - 13, 2016. The Festival is the only major film festival produced and presented worldwide by a college or university.
"Google has changed the world of technology and information in swift and radical ways," noted the Festival’s Executive Director & Director of Programming Jaie Laplante. "Who better to lead a new charge at changing long-standing gender and racial inequalities in opportunities in the world of film and technology? We are incredibly honored that Google has chosen Miami International Film Festival as a forum to discuss solutions and inspire new filmmakers wanting to scale the heights of their chosen profession."
The Google Seminar Series on Gender & Racial Gaps In Film & Tech will take place in The Idea Center at Miami Dade College and other locations over four days, March 5 - 8, within the overall Festival program. Among the highlights of the series will be veteran cinematographer Kirsten Johnson's screening and discussion of her feature memoir, "Cameraperson," set to world premiere at Sundance Film Festival later this month. Johnson's film covers her extensive career working on such filmmakers as Laura Poitras and Michael Moore.
“Our research shows that when it comes to encouraging women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in computer science and other technical fields, positive role models matter, which makes the work of the film industry so powerful,” said Julie Ann Crommett, Google Cs Education in Media Program Manager. “We’re thrilled to support the Seminar Series on Gender & Racial Gaps In Film & Tech at The Idea Center at Miami Dade College to shed light on this important issue and inspire more creators to showcase positive portrayals of women and underrepresented minorities in tech.”
The Festival also unveiled 21 additional new feature films for the 2016 program, highlighting some of the year's most superb accomplishments. All films in today's announcement have the special distinction of having been directed by women. The films include:
John S. & James L. Knight Competition
Francesca Archibugi's "An Italian Name" (Il nome del figlio), starring Alessandro Gassman and Valeria Golino. Archibugi returns to Miami after having closed the Festival in 1989 with her film Mignon Has Left. Liz Garbus' "Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper" (also eligible for Knight Documentary Achievement Award). The celebrated CNN journalist interviews his famous mother, now 91, about her eventful life, romances and tragedies. Dawn Porter's "Trapped" (also eligible for Knight Documentary Achievement Award), a look at legislative moves at the state level attempting to turn back hard-fought women's rights from only 40 years ago. Knight Documentary Achievement Award
World Premiere: Shaina Koren's "The Rebound," a Miami-made film about the Miami Heat Wheels basketball team. American filmmakers and Oscar nominees Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady's "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," a candid look at the legendary barrier-breaking TV producer of the 1970s. Jennifer Redfearn’s "Tocando La Luz" (Touch the Light) (USA), which follows three interwoven stories of blind residents in Havana, Cuba. "Weiner," by American filmmaker Elyse Steinberg (directed with Josh Kreigman), a look at the entertainment spectacle of American politics through the media frenzy surrounding Anthony Weiner's 2013 comeback campaign. Marcia Tambutti "Allende's Beyond My Grandfather Allende" (Allende, mi abuelo Allende) , a Chilean/Mexican co-production that won the first-ever Documentary Award presented at 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Lexus Ibero-American Feature Film Competition
World Premiere: Brazilian screenwriter Vera Egito's "Restless Love" (Amores Urbanos), her feature film directorial debut, set in São Paulo. North American Premiere: Cuban filmmaker Jessica Rodriguez's "Dark Glasses" (Espejuelos oscuros), partially presented as a work-in-progress at the 2015 Festival in the Emerging Cuban Independent Film/Video Artist program presented by The Related Group. North American Premiere: Colombian filmmaker Angela Maria Osorio Rojas (directed with her partner Santiago Lozano Alvarez)'s "Siembra" (also competing for the Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award), a tale of an uprooted coastal fisherman learning to build a new life in the urban center of Cali. Daniela Goggi's "Abzurdah," a drama about a young high school student driven to anorexia over her affair with an older man, a box office smash hit in its native Argentina. Ana Katz’s "Mi amiga del parque," also from Argentina, a psychological drama workshopped in the Festival’s Encuentros program in 2015, and making its international debut at Sundance Film Festival 2016. Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award
Israel filmmaker Yaelle Kayam's debut film "Mountain," about the wife of an Orthodox scholar living next to Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, who discovers her own mountain of unexpressed sexual desire deep within. Cinema 360
U.S Premiere: German filmmaker Theresa von Eltz's "4 Kings" (4 Könige), a touching drama of four emotionally troubled youths learning to trust each other at a recovery facility. French filmmaker Catherine Corsini's "Summertime" (La belle saison), starringCécile de France as a Parisian at the forefront of the women's liberation movement in the early 1970s. French filmmaker Maïwann’s "My King" (Mon roi), which won a Best Actress award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival for Emmanuelle Bercot. Indian filmmaker Leena Yadav's "Parched," a luminous drama about three women from rural India liberating themselves from demeaning patriarchal traditions. Visions
World Premiere: Miami filmmaker Monica Peña's experimental sophomore feature film, "Hearts of Palm" (also competing in Knight Competition), featuring music by lead actor Brad Lovett. Lee Brian Schrager's Culinary Cinema
Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase's "Sweet Bean" (An), a beautiful story of an elderly dorayaki maker passing on the wisdom of her culinary craft. Megan Riakos' " Crushed," a murder-mystery thriller set on a vineyard in rural Australia. These titles join the previously announced women directors from Spain in the 2016 Official Selection:Paula Ortiz’s "The Bride" (La novia); Gracia Querejeta’s "Happy 140" (Felices 140), "We Are Pregnant" (Embarazados); and Veronica Escuer & Cristina Jolonch's "Snacks, Bites of a Revolution" (Snacks: Bocados de una revolución).
More announcements will follow as the Festival prepares to unveil its complete program. In addition to the sponsors acknowledged above, the Festival also thanks Telefilm Canada, Frederick Wildman & Sons, German Films, the Consulate General of Canada in Miamiand the Consulate General of Germany in Miami for program-specific support.
"Google has changed the world of technology and information in swift and radical ways," noted the Festival’s Executive Director & Director of Programming Jaie Laplante. "Who better to lead a new charge at changing long-standing gender and racial inequalities in opportunities in the world of film and technology? We are incredibly honored that Google has chosen Miami International Film Festival as a forum to discuss solutions and inspire new filmmakers wanting to scale the heights of their chosen profession."
The Google Seminar Series on Gender & Racial Gaps In Film & Tech will take place in The Idea Center at Miami Dade College and other locations over four days, March 5 - 8, within the overall Festival program. Among the highlights of the series will be veteran cinematographer Kirsten Johnson's screening and discussion of her feature memoir, "Cameraperson," set to world premiere at Sundance Film Festival later this month. Johnson's film covers her extensive career working on such filmmakers as Laura Poitras and Michael Moore.
“Our research shows that when it comes to encouraging women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in computer science and other technical fields, positive role models matter, which makes the work of the film industry so powerful,” said Julie Ann Crommett, Google Cs Education in Media Program Manager. “We’re thrilled to support the Seminar Series on Gender & Racial Gaps In Film & Tech at The Idea Center at Miami Dade College to shed light on this important issue and inspire more creators to showcase positive portrayals of women and underrepresented minorities in tech.”
The Festival also unveiled 21 additional new feature films for the 2016 program, highlighting some of the year's most superb accomplishments. All films in today's announcement have the special distinction of having been directed by women. The films include:
John S. & James L. Knight Competition
Francesca Archibugi's "An Italian Name" (Il nome del figlio), starring Alessandro Gassman and Valeria Golino. Archibugi returns to Miami after having closed the Festival in 1989 with her film Mignon Has Left. Liz Garbus' "Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper" (also eligible for Knight Documentary Achievement Award). The celebrated CNN journalist interviews his famous mother, now 91, about her eventful life, romances and tragedies. Dawn Porter's "Trapped" (also eligible for Knight Documentary Achievement Award), a look at legislative moves at the state level attempting to turn back hard-fought women's rights from only 40 years ago. Knight Documentary Achievement Award
World Premiere: Shaina Koren's "The Rebound," a Miami-made film about the Miami Heat Wheels basketball team. American filmmakers and Oscar nominees Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady's "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," a candid look at the legendary barrier-breaking TV producer of the 1970s. Jennifer Redfearn’s "Tocando La Luz" (Touch the Light) (USA), which follows three interwoven stories of blind residents in Havana, Cuba. "Weiner," by American filmmaker Elyse Steinberg (directed with Josh Kreigman), a look at the entertainment spectacle of American politics through the media frenzy surrounding Anthony Weiner's 2013 comeback campaign. Marcia Tambutti "Allende's Beyond My Grandfather Allende" (Allende, mi abuelo Allende) , a Chilean/Mexican co-production that won the first-ever Documentary Award presented at 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Lexus Ibero-American Feature Film Competition
World Premiere: Brazilian screenwriter Vera Egito's "Restless Love" (Amores Urbanos), her feature film directorial debut, set in São Paulo. North American Premiere: Cuban filmmaker Jessica Rodriguez's "Dark Glasses" (Espejuelos oscuros), partially presented as a work-in-progress at the 2015 Festival in the Emerging Cuban Independent Film/Video Artist program presented by The Related Group. North American Premiere: Colombian filmmaker Angela Maria Osorio Rojas (directed with her partner Santiago Lozano Alvarez)'s "Siembra" (also competing for the Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award), a tale of an uprooted coastal fisherman learning to build a new life in the urban center of Cali. Daniela Goggi's "Abzurdah," a drama about a young high school student driven to anorexia over her affair with an older man, a box office smash hit in its native Argentina. Ana Katz’s "Mi amiga del parque," also from Argentina, a psychological drama workshopped in the Festival’s Encuentros program in 2015, and making its international debut at Sundance Film Festival 2016. Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award
Israel filmmaker Yaelle Kayam's debut film "Mountain," about the wife of an Orthodox scholar living next to Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, who discovers her own mountain of unexpressed sexual desire deep within. Cinema 360
U.S Premiere: German filmmaker Theresa von Eltz's "4 Kings" (4 Könige), a touching drama of four emotionally troubled youths learning to trust each other at a recovery facility. French filmmaker Catherine Corsini's "Summertime" (La belle saison), starringCécile de France as a Parisian at the forefront of the women's liberation movement in the early 1970s. French filmmaker Maïwann’s "My King" (Mon roi), which won a Best Actress award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival for Emmanuelle Bercot. Indian filmmaker Leena Yadav's "Parched," a luminous drama about three women from rural India liberating themselves from demeaning patriarchal traditions. Visions
World Premiere: Miami filmmaker Monica Peña's experimental sophomore feature film, "Hearts of Palm" (also competing in Knight Competition), featuring music by lead actor Brad Lovett. Lee Brian Schrager's Culinary Cinema
Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase's "Sweet Bean" (An), a beautiful story of an elderly dorayaki maker passing on the wisdom of her culinary craft. Megan Riakos' " Crushed," a murder-mystery thriller set on a vineyard in rural Australia. These titles join the previously announced women directors from Spain in the 2016 Official Selection:Paula Ortiz’s "The Bride" (La novia); Gracia Querejeta’s "Happy 140" (Felices 140), "We Are Pregnant" (Embarazados); and Veronica Escuer & Cristina Jolonch's "Snacks, Bites of a Revolution" (Snacks: Bocados de una revolución).
More announcements will follow as the Festival prepares to unveil its complete program. In addition to the sponsors acknowledged above, the Festival also thanks Telefilm Canada, Frederick Wildman & Sons, German Films, the Consulate General of Canada in Miamiand the Consulate General of Germany in Miami for program-specific support.
- 1/12/2016
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
The Academia de las Artes y Ciencias Cinematográficas de España has announced the nominees for the 30th edition of the Goya Awards, to be presented on February 6.
The finalist with most nominations is "La Novia" (The Bride) , which had its world premiere in the Zabaltegi section at the last edition of the San Sebastian Festival. The film by Paula Ortiz is nominated in twelve categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress (Inma Cuesta), Best Actor (Asier Etxeandia), Best Supporting Actress (Luisa Gavasa), Best New Actor (Álex García), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Music, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Makeup and/or Hairstyles.
"Truman," the film by Cesc Gay which competed in the Official Selection and won the best actor award for Ricardo Darin and Javier Cámara at the last edition, earned six nominations: Best film, Best Director, Best Actor (Ricardo Darin), Best Supporting Actor (Javier Cámara), Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.
The winner of the best actress award at the last Festival, Yordanka Ariosa for Agustí Villaronga’s "El Rey de La Habana" (The King of Havana), received a Best New Actress nomination alongside another two in the Best Cinematography and Best Adapted Screenplay categories.
Another two titles screened in the Official Selection have landed nominations: "Amama" (When a Tree Falls) for Best New Actress (Iraia Elias), and the film by Álex de la Iglesia, "Mi Gran Noche" (My Big Night) , premiered out of competition, which competes for the Best Art Director, Best Costume Design, Best Sound and Best Special Effects Goya Awards.
Another two titles that premiered in this year’s Zabaltegi section are also among the finalists. Álvaro Longoria’s "The Propaganda Game" is nominated for best documentary, while Fernando Colomo competes for the best new actor award with his movie "Isla Bonita."
Dani de la Torre’s "El Desconocido" (Retribution) , screened in the Velodrome section, garnered eight candidacies: Best New Director, Best Actor (Luis Tosar), Best Supporting Actress (Elvira Mínguez), Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Supervision, Best Editing, Best Sound and Best Special Effects.
Furthermore, Borja Cobeaga's "Negociador" (Negociator), which premiered in the Zabaltegi section at the 62nd edition of the Festival, landed a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
"Un Otoño Sin Berlin" (An Autumn without Berlin) by Lara Izagirre, opening film of the Zinemira section, also got a nomination for Best new Actress for Irene Escolar.
Two films that also screened at the San Sebastian Festival compete for the Best Foreign Film in the Spanish Language Award: Pablo Trapero’s "El Clan" (The Clan) screened in the Pearls section following its premiere at the Venice Festival; and Salvador del Solar’s "Magallanes" winner of the Films in Progress Award at the 62nd edition of the Festival, before going on to form part of this year’s Horizontes Latinos selection.
Another three nominated were programmed as part of the Made in Spain section, following their premiere at the Malaga Festival: Daniel Guzmán’s "A Cambio de Nada" (Nothing in Return) , with six nominations, Leticia Dolera’s "Requisitos Para Ser Una Persona Normal," with three candidacies and Gracia Querejeta’s "Felices 140" (Happy 140) , which competes for two awards.
The finalist with most nominations is "La Novia" (The Bride) , which had its world premiere in the Zabaltegi section at the last edition of the San Sebastian Festival. The film by Paula Ortiz is nominated in twelve categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress (Inma Cuesta), Best Actor (Asier Etxeandia), Best Supporting Actress (Luisa Gavasa), Best New Actor (Álex García), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Music, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Makeup and/or Hairstyles.
"Truman," the film by Cesc Gay which competed in the Official Selection and won the best actor award for Ricardo Darin and Javier Cámara at the last edition, earned six nominations: Best film, Best Director, Best Actor (Ricardo Darin), Best Supporting Actor (Javier Cámara), Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.
The winner of the best actress award at the last Festival, Yordanka Ariosa for Agustí Villaronga’s "El Rey de La Habana" (The King of Havana), received a Best New Actress nomination alongside another two in the Best Cinematography and Best Adapted Screenplay categories.
Another two titles screened in the Official Selection have landed nominations: "Amama" (When a Tree Falls) for Best New Actress (Iraia Elias), and the film by Álex de la Iglesia, "Mi Gran Noche" (My Big Night) , premiered out of competition, which competes for the Best Art Director, Best Costume Design, Best Sound and Best Special Effects Goya Awards.
Another two titles that premiered in this year’s Zabaltegi section are also among the finalists. Álvaro Longoria’s "The Propaganda Game" is nominated for best documentary, while Fernando Colomo competes for the best new actor award with his movie "Isla Bonita."
Dani de la Torre’s "El Desconocido" (Retribution) , screened in the Velodrome section, garnered eight candidacies: Best New Director, Best Actor (Luis Tosar), Best Supporting Actress (Elvira Mínguez), Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Supervision, Best Editing, Best Sound and Best Special Effects.
Furthermore, Borja Cobeaga's "Negociador" (Negociator), which premiered in the Zabaltegi section at the 62nd edition of the Festival, landed a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
"Un Otoño Sin Berlin" (An Autumn without Berlin) by Lara Izagirre, opening film of the Zinemira section, also got a nomination for Best new Actress for Irene Escolar.
Two films that also screened at the San Sebastian Festival compete for the Best Foreign Film in the Spanish Language Award: Pablo Trapero’s "El Clan" (The Clan) screened in the Pearls section following its premiere at the Venice Festival; and Salvador del Solar’s "Magallanes" winner of the Films in Progress Award at the 62nd edition of the Festival, before going on to form part of this year’s Horizontes Latinos selection.
Another three nominated were programmed as part of the Made in Spain section, following their premiere at the Malaga Festival: Daniel Guzmán’s "A Cambio de Nada" (Nothing in Return) , with six nominations, Leticia Dolera’s "Requisitos Para Ser Una Persona Normal," with three candidacies and Gracia Querejeta’s "Felices 140" (Happy 140) , which competes for two awards.
- 12/15/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Álex de la Iglesia’s comedy will head a strand of Spanish films set to play at the 33rd Miami International Film Festival that runs from March 4-13, 2016.
My Big Night (Mi Gran Noche) follow the backstage shenanigans before a TV special celebrating a legendary pop singer. Star and Spanish pop icon Raphael is scheduled to attend the festival.
The film also stars Mario Casas, Santiago Segura, Carlos Areces, Blanca Suarez, Hugo Silva, Carmen Machi and Carolina Bang.
“Álex de la Iglesia has made a perfect pop movie with My Big Night,” said the festival’s executive director and director of programming Jaie Laplante. “This riotously funny film is much more than one of the very best films by de la Iglesia, it is a party!”
The Spanish line-up includes Cinedwntwn Galas Truman from Cesc Gay starring Ricardo Darín and Javier Cámara; Emilio Martínez Lázaro’s Spanish Affair 2 (Ocho Apellidos Catalanes) – now the biggest Spanish film of...
My Big Night (Mi Gran Noche) follow the backstage shenanigans before a TV special celebrating a legendary pop singer. Star and Spanish pop icon Raphael is scheduled to attend the festival.
The film also stars Mario Casas, Santiago Segura, Carlos Areces, Blanca Suarez, Hugo Silva, Carmen Machi and Carolina Bang.
“Álex de la Iglesia has made a perfect pop movie with My Big Night,” said the festival’s executive director and director of programming Jaie Laplante. “This riotously funny film is much more than one of the very best films by de la Iglesia, it is a party!”
The Spanish line-up includes Cinedwntwn Galas Truman from Cesc Gay starring Ricardo Darín and Javier Cámara; Emilio Martínez Lázaro’s Spanish Affair 2 (Ocho Apellidos Catalanes) – now the biggest Spanish film of...
- 12/10/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
This morning the Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences announced a shortlist of three films as potential Oscar submissions, one of these will be selected as the official entry later this month. The list is somewhat surprising given the great pool of films at hand, some of which included internationally renowned Spanish talent. However, it seems like the Spanish Academy went with three interesting choices, two of which have received extensive festival play and another by a filmmaker who represented the country not too long ago.
Read More: Recent Spanish Cinema Los Angeles 2015 Announces First Lineup of Films
These are the three candidates:
"Felices 140" (Happy 140)
Dir. Gracia Querejeta
Isa: Latido Films
U.S. Distribution: None Yet
Starring widely known actress Maribel Verdú ("Y Tu Mamá También") and an impressive ensemble cast, the latest film by Gracia Querejeta centers on a woman who has just won the lottery and decides to take her closest friends and family on a trip to celebrate her 40th birthday. Soon she will discover that becoming a millionaire has changed the way her loved ones perceive her. The filmmaker's previous feature "15 Years and One Day" represented her homeland at the 86th Academy Awards.
"Loreak" (Flowers)
Dir. Jon Garaño & Jose Mari Goenaga
Isa: Film Factory Entertainment
U.S. Distribution: None Yet
This Basque-language drama juxtaposes the lives of three women affected by a single death and connected by something as simple as a bouquet of flowers. "Loreak" was awarded in Palm Springs and San Sebastian, played at countless festivals including Miami, Seattle, and Ficg in La just last week, and earned a surprising Best Film nomination at this year's Goya Awards. If selected, the film would become the first-ever Basque-language Spanish Oscar submission.
"Magical Girl"
Dir. Carlos Vermut
Isa: Films Distribution
U.S. Distribution: None Yet
By far the most awarded of the pre-selected films, Vermut's dark tale about a desperate father trying to grant his ill daughter's last wish, which involves obtaining the dress used by a popular Japanese TV character, is also the most unique. "Magical Girl" was crowned Best Film at last year's San Sebastian Film Festival, while Vermut also took home the Best Director award. Numerous festivals, including Palm Springs and Rotterdam, and five Goya Award nominations followed, with Bárbara Lennie winning the Best Leading Actress trophy.
Read More: Recent Spanish Cinema Los Angeles 2015 Announces First Lineup of Films
These are the three candidates:
"Felices 140" (Happy 140)
Dir. Gracia Querejeta
Isa: Latido Films
U.S. Distribution: None Yet
Starring widely known actress Maribel Verdú ("Y Tu Mamá También") and an impressive ensemble cast, the latest film by Gracia Querejeta centers on a woman who has just won the lottery and decides to take her closest friends and family on a trip to celebrate her 40th birthday. Soon she will discover that becoming a millionaire has changed the way her loved ones perceive her. The filmmaker's previous feature "15 Years and One Day" represented her homeland at the 86th Academy Awards.
"Loreak" (Flowers)
Dir. Jon Garaño & Jose Mari Goenaga
Isa: Film Factory Entertainment
U.S. Distribution: None Yet
This Basque-language drama juxtaposes the lives of three women affected by a single death and connected by something as simple as a bouquet of flowers. "Loreak" was awarded in Palm Springs and San Sebastian, played at countless festivals including Miami, Seattle, and Ficg in La just last week, and earned a surprising Best Film nomination at this year's Goya Awards. If selected, the film would become the first-ever Basque-language Spanish Oscar submission.
"Magical Girl"
Dir. Carlos Vermut
Isa: Films Distribution
U.S. Distribution: None Yet
By far the most awarded of the pre-selected films, Vermut's dark tale about a desperate father trying to grant his ill daughter's last wish, which involves obtaining the dress used by a popular Japanese TV character, is also the most unique. "Magical Girl" was crowned Best Film at last year's San Sebastian Film Festival, while Vermut also took home the Best Director award. Numerous festivals, including Palm Springs and Rotterdam, and five Goya Award nominations followed, with Bárbara Lennie winning the Best Leading Actress trophy.
- 9/8/2015
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
The Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts of Spain (Icaa) alongsie the American Cinematheque and Egeda, announced the 21st edition of Recent Spanish Cinema series, a showcase of the most outstanding recent Spanish films at the Egyptian Theatre. The film screenings will take place October 15-18, 2015. This year the producers of this annual film series will collaborate with Spanish Filmmaker, journalist, writer and producer Guillermo Fesser, who has created the poster and the promo spot with theme “Let your Spanish side out” bringing his sense of humor and unique Spanish style to the marketing campaign.
Read More: MiamiFF Review: 'Marshland' is a Provocative Thriller with Unique Political Undertones
The full schedule will be announced October 1st , but several of the films to screen as part of this exciting program have already been revealed. Take a look at some of the highlights below including "Marshland," which our writer Carlos Aguilar described as "a technically immaculate production that feels like a major motion picture while retaining its art house appeal."
- "Off Course" (Perdiendo el Norte) , 2015, 102 min. Dir. Nacho G Velilla.International Distribution: DeAPlaneta International.Hugo (Yon González) and Braulio (Julián López) both have university degrees but no jobs, and think they can escape the economic doldrums by leaving Spain for Germany. But what looked like a land of opportunity on TV presents more challenges to the two friends than they expected in this sparkling comedy. In Castillan and German with English subtitles. One of the biggest Box office hits in 2015 .
- "Happy 140" (Felices 140), 2015, 98 min. Dir. Gracia Querejeta. International Sales: Latido Films. Elia (Maribel Verdu) has just hit the jackpot – literally. One of the things she spends her 140 million euro lottery prize on is a 40th birthday bash in the Canary Islands, to which she invites a motley group of family and friends, including the ex she still pines for. But proximity to wealth can warp even the closest relationships, and the reunion soon takes a shocking turn.
-"Shrew's Nest" (Musarañas), 2014, 95 min. International Sales: Film Factory. First-time feature directors Juan Fernando Andres and Esteban Roel (and producer Alex De La Iglesia) lead viewers through a terrifying psychological maze in 1950s Spain. At its center is the apartment of Montse (Macarena Gómez, in one of the wildest performances you’ll see all year), who has raised her younger sister to the brink of adulthood. But agoraphobia and religious ritual have taken their toll on Montse, and when an injured young man (Hugo Silva) turns up at the door, help is the last thing she gives him. With Luis Tosar as the spectral father figure. In Spanish with English subtitles.
-"Magical Girl," 2014, 127 min. Dir. Carlos Vermut. International Sales: Films Distribution. Luis (Luis Bermejo) has a 12-year-old daughter with a terminal illness and a last wish – to have a dress just like the main character of her favorite Japanese anime series. The unemployed professor doesn’t have the money to purchase the dress, but thinks he can get it with a little help from a former teacher (José Sacristán) and an unbalanced young woman (Goya and Feroz winner Bárbara Lennie). Vermut’s sure directorial hand weaves multiple storylines together in this haunting (and occasionally intense) drama. In Spanish with English subtitles.
"Sidetracked" (Las Overjas No Pierden El Tren), 2014, 103 min. Dir. Alvaro Fernandez Armero. International Sales: Film Factory. The mid-life crises of three Spanish couples provide the laughs in this gleeful ensemble comedy. Luisa (Inma Cuesta of Three Many Weddings) and Alberto (Raúl Arévalo) move to the countryside, thinking it a better place to raise kids, though the change puts a damper on their sex life. Luisa’s sister (Candela Peña) and Alberto’s brother (Alberto San Juan) have their own relationship challenges - her obsessive pursuit scares men away, while his much-younger girlfriend is a little on the impulsive side.
"Requirements to Be a Normal Person (Requisitos Para Ser Una Persona Norma), 2015, 90 min.Everybody tries to fit in, but few people go about it as methodically as Maria de la Montana (writer-director Leticia Dolera), who hopes to reach normality through a 7-item checklist. Her mentally challenged younger brother (Jordi Llodra) and overweight friend (Manuel Burque) seem to have most of the bases covered, and the success of Maria’s quest may boil down to just being herself. Brightly colored and boasting a jangly folk score from Luthea Salom, this romantic comedy is, as one might hope from its title, charmingly eccentric. Winner of the Best New Screenwriter, Cinematography and Editing Awards at the Málaga Spanish Film Festival.
"Marshland" (La Isla Minima), 2014, 105 min. Dir. Alberto Rodriguez. Us Distribution: Outsider Pictures. Spain’s democracy was still on wobbly legs in 1980, particularly in the backwater of Andalucia where this tense crime drama is set. City cops Juan (Javier Gutiérrez) and Pedro (Raúl Arévalo) are dispatched to the depressed rural area to investigate the disappearance of two sisters; their differing backgrounds – one a ruthless veteran and the other an idealistic rookie – lead to increasingly unsettling discoveries. Winner of 10 Goya Awards, including Best Film, Director, Lead Actor (Gutiérrez) and Cinematography (Alex Catalán’s aerial shots are truly dazzling).
Read More: MiamiFF Review: 'Marshland' is a Provocative Thriller with Unique Political Undertones
The full schedule will be announced October 1st , but several of the films to screen as part of this exciting program have already been revealed. Take a look at some of the highlights below including "Marshland," which our writer Carlos Aguilar described as "a technically immaculate production that feels like a major motion picture while retaining its art house appeal."
- "Off Course" (Perdiendo el Norte) , 2015, 102 min. Dir. Nacho G Velilla.International Distribution: DeAPlaneta International.Hugo (Yon González) and Braulio (Julián López) both have university degrees but no jobs, and think they can escape the economic doldrums by leaving Spain for Germany. But what looked like a land of opportunity on TV presents more challenges to the two friends than they expected in this sparkling comedy. In Castillan and German with English subtitles. One of the biggest Box office hits in 2015 .
- "Happy 140" (Felices 140), 2015, 98 min. Dir. Gracia Querejeta. International Sales: Latido Films. Elia (Maribel Verdu) has just hit the jackpot – literally. One of the things she spends her 140 million euro lottery prize on is a 40th birthday bash in the Canary Islands, to which she invites a motley group of family and friends, including the ex she still pines for. But proximity to wealth can warp even the closest relationships, and the reunion soon takes a shocking turn.
-"Shrew's Nest" (Musarañas), 2014, 95 min. International Sales: Film Factory. First-time feature directors Juan Fernando Andres and Esteban Roel (and producer Alex De La Iglesia) lead viewers through a terrifying psychological maze in 1950s Spain. At its center is the apartment of Montse (Macarena Gómez, in one of the wildest performances you’ll see all year), who has raised her younger sister to the brink of adulthood. But agoraphobia and religious ritual have taken their toll on Montse, and when an injured young man (Hugo Silva) turns up at the door, help is the last thing she gives him. With Luis Tosar as the spectral father figure. In Spanish with English subtitles.
-"Magical Girl," 2014, 127 min. Dir. Carlos Vermut. International Sales: Films Distribution. Luis (Luis Bermejo) has a 12-year-old daughter with a terminal illness and a last wish – to have a dress just like the main character of her favorite Japanese anime series. The unemployed professor doesn’t have the money to purchase the dress, but thinks he can get it with a little help from a former teacher (José Sacristán) and an unbalanced young woman (Goya and Feroz winner Bárbara Lennie). Vermut’s sure directorial hand weaves multiple storylines together in this haunting (and occasionally intense) drama. In Spanish with English subtitles.
"Sidetracked" (Las Overjas No Pierden El Tren), 2014, 103 min. Dir. Alvaro Fernandez Armero. International Sales: Film Factory. The mid-life crises of three Spanish couples provide the laughs in this gleeful ensemble comedy. Luisa (Inma Cuesta of Three Many Weddings) and Alberto (Raúl Arévalo) move to the countryside, thinking it a better place to raise kids, though the change puts a damper on their sex life. Luisa’s sister (Candela Peña) and Alberto’s brother (Alberto San Juan) have their own relationship challenges - her obsessive pursuit scares men away, while his much-younger girlfriend is a little on the impulsive side.
"Requirements to Be a Normal Person (Requisitos Para Ser Una Persona Norma), 2015, 90 min.Everybody tries to fit in, but few people go about it as methodically as Maria de la Montana (writer-director Leticia Dolera), who hopes to reach normality through a 7-item checklist. Her mentally challenged younger brother (Jordi Llodra) and overweight friend (Manuel Burque) seem to have most of the bases covered, and the success of Maria’s quest may boil down to just being herself. Brightly colored and boasting a jangly folk score from Luthea Salom, this romantic comedy is, as one might hope from its title, charmingly eccentric. Winner of the Best New Screenwriter, Cinematography and Editing Awards at the Málaga Spanish Film Festival.
"Marshland" (La Isla Minima), 2014, 105 min. Dir. Alberto Rodriguez. Us Distribution: Outsider Pictures. Spain’s democracy was still on wobbly legs in 1980, particularly in the backwater of Andalucia where this tense crime drama is set. City cops Juan (Javier Gutiérrez) and Pedro (Raúl Arévalo) are dispatched to the depressed rural area to investigate the disappearance of two sisters; their differing backgrounds – one a ruthless veteran and the other an idealistic rookie – lead to increasingly unsettling discoveries. Winner of 10 Goya Awards, including Best Film, Director, Lead Actor (Gutiérrez) and Cinematography (Alex Catalán’s aerial shots are truly dazzling).
- 9/7/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
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