Screen
25 September 2009

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Cold Skin

An Antarctic set horror/thriller
Focus starts production in Italy on Clooney thriller The American

Filming got underway in Italy this week on Focus Features’ thriller The American starring George Clooney.
Jennifer Can

A hospital caretaker develops a relationship with a young patient confined to a water tank due to a rare skin disease
Jianyu Jianghu

A female assassin retires after killing a monk she had fallen in love with, and marries an ordinary postman, hoping to lead a peaceful family life. But the postman is actually the son of an official she might had killed, and their past soon catch up with them…
Julia’s Eyes

A woman goes blind as she investigates the mysterious death of her twin sister
La Muerte Lenta De Luciana B

The film tells the story of an assassin who methodically kills off everyone close to a young woman, Luciana. She suspects a famous writer, Kloster to be behind the deaths, but the police don’t believe her, so she turns to the help of a rival writer
La Mula

A Spanish farmer is forced to fight as a soldier for Franco’s Falange in Andalucia where he comes across a donkey that he tries to help survive through Spain’s civil war.
Swinging With The Finkels

Romantic comedy about a married couple going through a turbulent time
The Joneses

Dir. Derrick Borte. US. 2009. 93 mins
Thirteen Assassins

Based on a true story about a samurai who leads a band of thirteen warriors on a suicide mission to kill an evil young lord in order to assume a high political post. A remake of Eichi Kudo’s 1963 box office hit
[REC]2

Dirs: Jaume Balaguero, Paco Plaza. Spain. 2009.85 mins.
120dB Films, Tax Credit Finance merge

Leading independent financers 120dB Films and Tax Credit Finance have merged to form 120dB Films Tax Finance.
2009 delivers record summer despite heavy second weekend drops

Summer 2009 has been declared the biggest in history as receipts through the end of August 30 totalled $4.17bn, beating the $4.16bn set in 2008.
37

A corporate executive mother and her child involuntarily venture to a small town at the end of the earth, meet a granny artist and 37 overactive and talented children, their lives are about to change.
A New Model For Discovery And Distribution

Lance Weiler, award-winning filmmaker and digital innovator at Power To the Pixel’s London Forum 2008.
A Serious Man

Dir/prod/scr. Joel and Ethan Coen, U.S. 2009. 105 min.
Academy brings back preferential voting for best picture Oscar

The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has introduced preferential voting to determine the best picture in the second radical transformation to affect the category.
Accident (Yi Ngoi)

Dir. Soi Cheang. Hong Kong, China, 2009, 86 mins.
Acting for US intelligence

At a time when internet-savvy teenagers are the key movie-going demographic, George Clooney has used his celebrity to become the standard-bearer for smart, political cinema.
Adam Elliot wins best feature at Australian Directors Guild Awards

Film-maker Adam Elliot has won the Australian Directors Guild Award for best feature Mary And Max.
AFI FEST books North American premiere of Fantastic Mr Fox

The North American premiere of Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox will open the AFI FEST 2009 on October 30.
AFI to unveil top ten films, TV programmes of 2009 on December 13

The American Film Institute will announce its top ten films and television programmes of the year on December 13 and honour the selections at a lunch ceremony in Los Angeles on January 15, 2010.
Ajami beats Lebanon as Israel's foreign language Oscar choice

Ajami has collected five Ophirs (Israel’s version of the Oscar) for best film, best director, best script, best editing and best music (Rabih Boukhari) at the annual awards ceremony of the Israeli Film Academy, which took place last night (September 26) in Haifa.
Alessandro Nivola, Abigail Breslin shoot Janie Jones for Unified, Absurda

Shooting is underway in Iowa on the drama Janie Jones starring Alessandro Nivola, Abigail Breslin and Elizabeth Shue.
Alliance signs Canadian output deal with Apparition

Alliance Films has signed a Canadian output deal with Bob Berney and Bill Pohlad’s new distribution outfit Apparition, which opened its doors in August.
Amador

A young woman takes a summer job looking after a bed ridden old man and the two share life secrets
Amanda Crew, Adrianne Palicki join Myriad's Breaking The Girl

Santa Monica-based Myriad Pictures has set Amanda Crew and Adrianne Palicki to star in Jamie Babbit’s thriller Breaking The Girl.
And Us (working title)

Although her boyfriend died a few months ago, Mi-soo still calls his mobile out of habit. When Ha-won, a fashion model trying to fulfil a dying friend’s wish from Japan, accidentally answers one of these calls, the two decide to take a journey into each others’ lives.
Antoine Fuqua in talks to board Prisoners for Alcon, Warner Bros

Antoine Fuqua is in final negotiations to direct Warner Bros-based Alcon Entertainment’s kidnapping thriller Prisoners based on a screenplay by newcomer Aaron Guzikowski.
Apparition, SPWAG swoop on Boondock Saints sequel

Apparition and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG) have moved quickly to acquire The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day following its Comic-Con presentation and will release in the US on October 30.
Aronofsky eyes Securitas heist thriller for XYZ, Time Inc Studios and Protozoa

XYZ Films and partner Time Inc Studios have joined Protozoa Pictures on a heist project about the 2006 Securitas robbery in the UK that Darren Aronofsky is eyeing to direct.
Around a Small Mountain (36 vues du Pic Saint Loup)

Dir. Jacques Rivette. France / Italy, 2009. 84 min.
Australia selects Samson for foreign-language Oscar

Warwick Thornton’s Samson & Delilah is Australia’s official entry in the best foreign-language film category of the 82nd Academy Awards.
Australian actor Ray Barrett dies aged 82

One of Australia’s best-known veteran actors, Ray Barrett, who most recently starred in Baz Luhrman’s Australia, died this morning as a result of a brain haemorrhage at the age of 82.
Baaria

Dir/scr. Giuseppe Tornatore. Italy. 2009. 163 mins.
Baaria to represent Italy at the Oscars

Giuseppe Tornatore’s Baaria, a complex family saga that spans the lives of three generations of a Sicilian family, will represent Italy in its bid for the Foreign Oscar.
Baaria, Vincere shortlisted for Italy’s Oscar entry

The Italian film body Anica has shortlisted list five films –including Giuseppe Tornatore’s Scilian drama Baaria and Marco Bellocchio’s Vincere about the secret life of Benito Mussolini – for its entry to the foreign-language Academy Award.
Babelgum releases Rage in pioneering mobile launch

Web and mobile content platform Babelgum will release Sally Potter’s new film Rage on September 21, marking the first launch of a feature-length film on a mobile platform.
Backyard

Dir. Carlos Carrera. Mexico. 2009. 122 minutes.
Bafta appoints Duncan Kenworthy as vice president

UK producer Duncan Kenworthy OBE has been appointed as vice president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta).
Bangkok film festival to open with Bad Lieutenant

Werner Herzog’s Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans will open this year’s Bangkok International Film Festival (BKIFF), fresh from its Venice premiere, while local production Sawasdee Bangkok will close the event.
Beijing Screenings postponed to October

The Beijing Screenings, China Film Group’s annual showcase of recent Chinese film production, has been postponed from September to October.
Ben Chaplin joins cast of Peggy Glanville-Hicks biopic Owl Song

Ben Chaplin will play the young Yehudi Menuhin in Owl Song, the story of Australian composer Peggy Glanville-Hicks which is being produced by MusicArt Dance Films in Australia.
Between Two Worlds

Dir/scr. Vimukthi Jayasundara. Sri Lanka-France. 2009. 86 mins.
Bill Mechanic named keynote speaker at IFTA production conference

Pandemonium CEO and former chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment Bill Mechanic will deliver the keynote address at the 11th Annual Independent Film & Television Alliance’s (IFTA) Production Conference on September 29.
Branchage Jersey Film Festival unveils line-up

The Branchage Jersey Film Festival has unveiled the programme for its second edition, which takes place on the island from October 1.
Brian Oliver and Cross Creek Pictures launch $40m film fund

Former Arthaus Pictures principal Brian Oliver is collaborating on a fund with Louisianan investors to make three to five films a year in the $5m-$100m range.
Broken Embraces to open 13th LA Latino Int'l Film Festival

Pedro Almodovar’s Broken Embraces will kick off the 13th Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) on October 11.
California wine country to host premiere of Japanese Sideways

The world premiere of Fox International’s Japanese re-imagining of Alexander Payne’s Sideways will close the Napa Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival on September 27.
Carmel

Dir/scr. Amos Gitai. Israel / France / Italy, 2009. 93 min.
Caviar lines up first English-language feature Missoura

Belgium, LA and Amsterdam-based production company Caviar Films, whose My Queen Karo recently received its world premiere in Toronto, has lined up its first English-language feature Missoura.
Chico & Rita

An animation about a young pianist and his lover who hit the jazz bebop scene on their way from Cuba to New York
China appeals WTO ruling

As expected, China has appealed against a recent World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that would open the country’s market for US movies, music and books.
China, Philippines make Oscar selections

China has selected Chen Kaige’s Forever Enthralled as its entry for the best foreign-language film category of the Academy Awards, while the Philippines has picked Soxie Topacio’s Grandfather Is Dead.
Chloe

Dir. Atom Egoyan. France/Canada. 2009. 99 mins
Cho appointed as head of Korean Film Council

South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sports has named critic and professor Cho Hee-moon as the new chairman of the Korean Film Council (KOFIC).
Chopra named as PIFF’s Asian Filmmaker of the Year

The 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) has announced that legendary Bollywood director-producer Yash Chopra will receive its Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.
Chow Yun Fat to star in Zip Film's Dancing With Strangers

Barcelona based producers Zip Films are set to make the $15m Dancing With Strangers, which will be a co-production with the US, Germany and China and is set to star Chow Yun Fat.
Christoph Waltz to play villain opposite Seth Rogen's Green Hornet

Christoph Waltz, in the running for Oscar consideration for his star turn in Inglourious Basterds, will play the villain in The Green Hornet.
Cindy Liebt Mich Nicht

Adaptation of Jochen-Martin Gutsch and Juan Moreno’s novel of the same name about two men in love with the same elusive woman.
Cinemanx finalises US distribution for Me And Orson Welles

One year after it launched at Toronto, Richard Linklater’s Me And Orson Welles has found US distribution through an alliance assembled by UK finance and production company Cinemanx (NX).
Cinemavault closes key sales on Mirageman and The Blackout

Toronto-based Cinemavault has concluded a raft of sales on Ernesto Diaz Espinoza’s superhero film Mirageman, which played at last year’s Sitges International Film Festival.
Cinemavault reports further deals on Where God Left His Shoes

Toronto-based Cinemavault has closed key territory sales on the John Leguizamo drama Where God Left His Shoes from Paul Allen’s Vulcan Productions.
Cinereach names 12 latest grant recipients

Cinereach, the non-profit dedicated to supporting film-makers, has awarded grants totalling $250,000 to 12 films from a pool of 636 submissions.
Cinereach names 2010 Reach Film Fellows

Cinereach has announced the names of the 2010 Reach Film Fellows and their mentors, launching the third year of the programme designed to nurture socially conscious film-makers.
CineVegas cancels 2010 event due to poor economy

The CineVegas Film Festival has cancelled its 2010 edition due to the impact of the economic downturn, festival president Robin Greenspun and artistic director Trevor Groth announced.
City Of Life And Death (Nanjing Nanjing)

Dir. Lu Chuan. China. 2009. 135mins.
City Of Life And Death takes San Sebastian's Golden Shell

Lu Chuan’s harrowing drama City Of Life And Death was the surprise winner as San Sebastian came to a close on Saturday, claiming the Golden Shell and shutting out Spanish-language productions including The S
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs stays top for Sony on $24.6m

Sony’s Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs held on to the number one spot thanks to an estimated $24.6m haul in an otherwise subdued weekend that raised the animated film’s ten-day tally to $60m.
CMG boosts acquisitions clout as The Cleveland Family buys minority stake

Cinema Management Group (CMG) president and CEO Edward Noeltner has sold a stake in his LA-based foreign sales company to The Cleveland Family LP.
ContentFilm sells French rights to Doors doc to MK2

ContentFilm has sold French rights to When You’re Strange: A Film About The Doors to MK2.
Convergence signs up Singapore’s Chai Yee-wei

Los Angeles-based Convergence Entertainment has signed a deal with Singaporean filmmaker Chai Yee-wei to represent him as a director outside Singapore under the company’s management division.
Cracks

Dir: Jordan Scott. UK/Ireland. 2009. 104 mins.
Craig Dehmel promoted to Fox Int'l svp sales and strategic planning

Craig Dehmel has been promoted to senior vice president of sales and strategic planning for Fox International.
Croatia sends Donkey to the Oscars

Antonio Nuic’s Donkey, one of the hits of this summer’s Pula International Film Festival, has been chosen as Croatia’s entry to the foreign-language Academy Award.
Dana Adam Shapiro wraps shoot on narrative debut Monogamy

Principal photography has wrapped in New York on Monogamy, the debut narrative feature from Oscar nominated Murderball director Dana Adam Shapiro.
Danis Tanovic's Triage to open the Rome Film Festival

The International Rome Film Festival has announced the line-up of their fourth edition, in a pivotal year for the festival, which has a new team led by president Gian Luigi Rondi.
Darius starts production on Dennis Hopper comedy A Beginner's Guide To Endings

LA and Toronto-based Darius Films has commenced production on the dark comedy A Beginner’s Guide To Endings with Dennis Hopper, JK Simmons and Scott Caan.
Daybreakers

Dir/scr. Michael and Peter Spierig. Australia/US. 2009. 98 mins.
Der Albaner

Migration drama seen from the perspective of an illegal immigrant who loses everything at home in Albania because he has looked for his luck abroad.
Des Filles En Noir

Two 17-year-old girls from modest backgrounds live in a provincial French city and worry their families as they seem capable of anything.
Designer Paul Smith to be first patron of EM Media

British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith is to become the first patron of UK regional screen agency EM Media.
Dick Cook steps down as Disney chairman

In a shock announcement buried late on Friday evening [18], Dick Cook said he was stepping down as chairman of Disney, effective immediately.
Dirty Hearts

When Japan lost World War II, a new war started in Brazil. A war between the Japanese immigrants who accepted and those who did not accept the defeat.
Disney unleashes Surrogates in nine key markets

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International (WDSMPI) launches sci-fi thriller Surrogates day-and-date with North American in nine territories this weekend.
Disney/Pixar's Up stays aloft overseas with $12.3m haul

Disney/Pixar’s Up led Hollywood’s international pack at the weekend with a $12.3m estimated gross that raised the tally to $215.4m with the UK to come on October 9.
Dogwoof takes UK rights to Mettler's Petropolis

Austria-based Autlook Filmsales has sold UK rights to Dogwoof for Peter Mettler’s documentary Petropolis: Aerial Perspectives On The Alberta Tar Sand.
Dolan's I Killed My Mother named Canada's 2010 Oscar submission

Xavier Dolan’s I Killed My Mother (J’ai Tue Ma Mere) has been selected as Canada’s submission for the best foreign language film at the 82nd Academy Awards in March 2010.
Dolan's Mother takes Golden Puffin in Reykjavik

Milos Forman receives Lifetime Achievement Award; other winners include Together from Norway and The Girl from Sweden.
Dori Begley, Peter Van Steemburg move up Magnolia acquisitions ladder

Dori Begley has been promoted from director to vice-president of acquisitions at Magnolia Pictures.
Dorian Gray

Dir: Oliver Parker. UK. 2009.
E1 nets UK rights to Icelandic whale watching horror RWWM

E1 has picked up UK rights from The Icelandic Film Company and Film And Music Entertainment to Julius Kemp’s horror tale Reykjavik Whale Watching Massacre (RWWM).
Emperor hires Ivy Ho to head marketing

Hong Kong’s Emperor Motion Pictures (EMP) has appointed Ivy Ho as general manager of marketing, responsible for all marketing activities relating to the company’s production and acquisition activities.
Energy Behind the Heart

A group of drama school graduates in Shanghai struggling to survive in show business.
Eric Canuel to direct My Oma for January Films

Bon Cop, Bad Cop director Erik Canuel has signed to direct My Oma for Toronto-based January Films.
European Film Academy announced nominess for Discovery award

The European Film Academy has announced the nominations for this year’s European Discovery award, which recognises a director’s first full length feature film.
Eva Green to star with Ewan McGregor in Last Word

Fast rising European star Eva Green signs to play the female lead in Last Word (working title), the new feature marking the reunion between director David Mackenzie and actor Ewan McGregor.
Ex-Fox chief Bill Mechanic tells IFTA producers: adapt or die

Independent film-makers need to find original material that distinguishes their product from studio fare or face extinction, Pandemonium CEO Bill Mechanic has told producers.
Exorcismus

A priest’s attempts to deal with a young girl’s erratic behaviour is secretly filmed on camera
Fame

Dir. Kevin Tancharoen. US. 2009. 107 mins.
Fantomas

A new adaptation of Fantômas by the son of Claude Berri. These detective stories centred around the ‘master of crime’ and were first created in 1911 by Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain.
Fatal

Fatal Bazooka is the undisputed number 1 of the music world. But his status is challenged when a prodigy of electric pop arrives on the scene.
Father, Son & Holy Cow

Bogdan has recently lost his wife. Full of grief, he retreats to his mother’s farm. When one of his cows begins to act strangely, Bogdan believes that his missed love has come back.
Film critics Tioseco, Bohinc killed in Manila robbery

Renowned Filipino-Canadian film critic Alexis Tioseco and his partner, Slovenian critic and programmer Nika Bohinc, were shot dead during a robbery at their home in Quezon City on Tuesday night.
Film Sales Company goes South Of The Border with Oliver Stone

Andrew Herwitz’ The Film Sales Company has signed on to represent North American rights to Oliver Stone’s documentary South Of The Border on the eve of the film’s US premiere.
FilmNation's overseas buyers keep up with The Joneses

Glen Basner’s FilmNation has virtually sold out international territories on The Joneses, Derrick Borte’s social satire that received its world premiere in Toronto.
Final Destination closes $4.31bn record summer as number one title

Warner Bros’ horror release The Final Destination just about held on to pole position as summer drew to a close over the Labor Day public holiday.
Final Destination on top overseas with $17.3m weekend haul

The Final Destination led Hollywood’s overseas box office charge with a $17.3m haul from approximately 2,900 screens in 28 territories through Warner Bros Pictures International and independent distributors for a $55.25m running total.
First Run takes US rights to Bulletproof Salesman

First Run Features has acquired Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein’s documentary Bulletproof Salesman, about arms dealer Fidelis Cloer.
Fish Tank

Dir: Andrea Arnold. UK. 2009.
Five times Favela – Now by Ourselves

Based on the classic “Five times Favela” (1961), the film is split in five episodes, all written, directed and produced by young filmmakers who live in the Rio de Janeiro’s favelas.
Focus Features International, 02 reunite on Brazilian conman thriller VIPs

Focus Features International and Brazilian production company 02 Filmes are collaborating on the thriller VIPs in their first joint venture since Adrift.
Fortissimo closes Italian deal on Venice prizewinner Wartime

Archibald Enterprise Film has picked up Italian rights to Todd Solondz’s Life During Wartime just a day before the film won the Golden Osella for best screenplay at the Venice Film Festival.
Fortissimo does strong festival trade with Labyrinth, Wartime

Fortissimo Films has announced a wave of sales closed on its current slate after the Venice and Toronto film festivals.
Founding Of A Republic has record-breaking opening day

China Film Group’s The Founding Of A Republic, a patriotic film made to celebrate the 60th anniversary of People’s Republic of China, was given the widest release ever in China on Sep 16, and unsurprisingly scored a record-breaking opening half day.
Fox, STAR, Huayi Brothers line up China rom-com Hot Summer Days

Fox International Productions (FIP), Star Television Asia Limited (STAR) and China’s Huayi Brothers Media are collaborating on the Chinese romantic comedy Hot Summer Days starring Hong Kong idol Jacky Cheung.
Gaia

Dir/scr/cin. Jason Lehel. USA. 2009. 117mins.
Get Him To The Greek

A record company intern (Hill) is hired to accompany out-of-control British rock star Aldous Snow (Brand) to a concert at L.A.’s Greek Theater.
GFI announces six summer grant cycle recipients

The Global Film Initiative (GFI) has announced the six recipients of its summer granting cycle, selected from a pool of 71 applications from 32 countries.
Ghent to honour Kevin Costner with career award

Kevin Costner will receive the Joseph Plateau Honorary Award for Career Achievement at the upcoming 36th Ghent International Film Festival in Ghent, Belgium.
Glorious 39

Dir/scr. Stephen Poliakoff. UK. 2009. 130 mins
Golden Horse fest to open with Warrior and Tears

The 2009 Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival (Nov 5-26) will open with local filmmaker Cheng Wen-tang’s Tears and Tian Zhuangzhuang’s Warrior And The Wolf.
Grondin signs for Le Bomin’s Insoupconnable

Quebecois actor Marc-Andre Grondin is set to star alongside French actress Laura Smet in Gabriel Le Bomin’s second film Insoupconnable for Paris-based Films Oblige and StudioCanal.
Hadewijch

Dir/scr. Bruno Dumont. France, 2009. 120 min.
Haunted Heart

A remake of Irving Pichel’s 1947 thriller They Won’t Believe Me about a man on trial for murder
Hausner's Lourdes sells to Palisades in the US

Philippe Bober’s CoProduction Office has closed a raft of deals on Jessica Hausner’s Lourdes, which earlier this week won the FIPRESCI Award in Venice.
Herwitz picks up US sales rights on Toronto premiere Cooking With Stella

Andrew Herwitz’ Film Sales Company has picked up US sales rights to Dilip Mehta’s directorial debut Cooking With Stella ahead of this evening’s (September 16) world premiere in Toronto.
Herzog scores two films in Venice competition

Werner Herzog’s My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done? was revealed as the first surprise film, in competition, at the 66th edition of the Venice Film Festival.
High Point takes international rights to A Passionate Woman

High Point Films, the theatrical sales arm of High Point Media Group, has taken international rights to the feature version of Kay Mellor’s A Passionate Woman.
High Point takes on sales to The Be All And End All

High Point Films is in Toronto to introduce Bruce Webb’s bittersweet drama to buyers.
Hindi film Black scores at Korean box office

South Korea’s box office is seeing a new phenomenon with Hindi film Black clocking up over 700,000 admissions and staying ahead of all other foreign releases in its third week.
Hiroshima

Dir/scr. Pablo Stoll. Uruguay/Colombia/Argentina/Spain. 2009. 80mins.
Hollywood Awards to fete Carey Mulligan, Lee Daniels

Carey Mulligan, Jeremy Renner, Lee Daniels, Gabourey Sidibe and screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H Weber will be honoured in the 13th Annual Hollywood Film Festival’s Hollywood Awards presented by Starz.
Hollywood Film Festival unveils crafts honourees

Cinematographer Roger Deakins, film composer Alexandre Desplat, editor Dana Glauberman, production designer Rick Carter and costume designer Colleen Atwood will be honoured at this autumn’s Hollywood Awards Gala.
Honeymoons

Dir. Goran Paskaljevic. Serbia / Albania, 2009. 95 min.
Hong Kong’s Filmko to produce 3D period drama

Hong Kong-based Filmko Holdings is producing a 3D period drama adapted from Spanish classic Don Quixote, to be directed by Chinese filmmaker Agan.
Huayi Bros plans to raise $91m in ChiNext listing

Huayi Brothers Media, one of China’s largest private film companies, is planning to raise $91m (RMB620m) via a listing on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange’s ChiNext board for smaller companies.
Hybrid

Two young scientists become famous after combining the DNAs of two different animals and creating a new, fantastic species. They then break legal and ethical rules by mixing animal DNA with that of human beings.
Hyde Park International wields Machete from Rodriguez

LA-based sales outfit takes on action thriller starring Danny Trejo and his Heat compadre Robert De Niro.
I Am Love (Io Sono L'Amore)

Dir. Luca Guadagnino. Italy, 2009. 119 mins
Iceland submits Reykjavik-Rotterdam for Oscar race

Iceland has chosen Oskar Jonasson’s Reykjavik-Rotterdam as its foreign-language Oscar submission this year.
Icon to handle worldwide sales on East Is East sequel

Sales outfit has come on board to handle worldwide sales on West Is West, the sequel to BAFTA-award winner East Is East which grossed over £10m in the UK in 1999.
IFC Films acquires US rights to Last Stop 174

IFC Films has picked up US rights to Last Stop 174, which premiered here a year ago and was Brazil’s foreign-language Oscar contender.
IFC Films teams up with Criterion Collection for prestige DVD series

IFC Films has signed a deal with The Criterion Collection licensing the prestige DVD label sell-through home entertainment rights for select IFC titles.
IFC takes US rights to Cannes entry Father Of My Children

In the latest in a growing line of Cannes acquisitions, IFC Films has taken US rights to Mia Hansen-Love’s Un Certain Regard jury special prize winner Father Of My Children (La Pere De Mes Enfants).
Il Grande Sogno

Dir: Michele Placido. Italy-France. 2009. 104 mins.
IM Global does roaring trade overseas on A Single Man

Stuart Ford’s IM Global has closed multi-territory sales on A Single Man in the wake of the film’s North American premiere in Toronto.
Imagi cleared to release Astro Boy in China on October 23

US and Hong Kong-based CG animated studio Imagi International Holdings has secured mainland China co-production status for its upcoming release Astro Boy.
Inaugural Doha Tribeca Film Festival 'building a culture'

The inaugural Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) will open in Qatar on October 29 with a special screening of Mira Nair’s Amelia Earhart biopic Amelia starring Hilary Swank and Richard Gere.
Indonesian filmmakers condemn new film law

The Indonesian film industry is protesting against a film bill, passed into law on Tuesday, that increases censorship of local production and limits the distribution of foreign films.
Inglourious Basterds stays top overseas, nears $100m

Quentin Tarantino’s rambunctious warriors held on to their number one international berth thanks to an estimated $14.3m gross through Universal/UPI that raised the tally to $83.3m.
Inglourious Basterds to cross $100m overseas this weekend

Inglourious Basterds looks well placed to cross $100m overseas this weekend although retaining the box office crown will be tricky with major launches for District 9, Sorority Row and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
Ip Man

Dir: Wilson Yip. Hong Kong. 2008.
Jay Baruchel reteams with Tierney on Notre Dame De Grace

Jacob Tierney’s next picture is a dark comedy from Montreal-based production company Park Ex Pictures, makers of the all-time Canadian box office champion Bon Cop Bad Cop.
Jean Charles

Dir. Henrique Goldman. UK/Brazil. 2009. 93 mins
Jeremy Thomas to deliver keynote address at FIND's Filmmaker Forum

Oscar winning producer Jeremy Thomas will be the keynote speaker at Film Independent’s fifth-annual Filmmaker Forum in Los Angeles from October 9-11.
Jiri Chlumsky's Broken Promise selected as Slovakia's Oscar entry

Slovakia has selected Jiri Chlumsky’s Broken Promise as its selection for the foreign language category of the 2009 Academy Awards.
John Calley, Lauren Bacall among Academy honorary award recipients

Producer and former Sony executive John Calley will receive the Academy’s Irving G Thalberg Memorial Award while Lauren Bacall, independent film-making stalwart Roger Corman and cinematographer Gordon Willis will each receive an Honorary Award.
John Rodsett launches internet education scheme

John Rodsett, a veteran of both the studio and independent business, has launched an internet education programme called Mr Film Biz aimed at teaching aspiring film-makers, producers and executives the business side of the industry.
Joseph Et La Fille

Joseph has just been released from prison and is in ailing health, Julie is living a reckless life of extreme hedonism. Their relationship mixes desire, friendship and love.
Kaohsiung fest removes controversial doc from line-up

In an attempt to minimise controversy, Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City Government has decided to separate the screening of documentary 10 Conditions Of Love from the upcoming Kaohsiung Film Festival in October.
Kaohsiung film fest to screen Kadeer documentary

Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Film Festival will screen controversial documentary The 10 Conditions Of Love, about exiled Uyghur leader Rebiya Kadeer, in a move that looks set to strain relations with mainland China.
Karaoke

Dir: Chris Chong Chan Fui. Malaysia. 2009
Kathryn Bigelow, Working Title among Gothams honourees

Kathryn Bigelow, Natalie Portman, Stanley Tucci and Working Title founders Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will receive career tributes at the 19th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards on November 30 in New York.
Kimmel, Bigger Boat and GreeneStreet board Mourning After

Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, A Bigger Boat and GreeneStreet Films have acquired Obsessed screenwriter David Loughery’s supernatural thriller pitch Mourning After.
L’Italien (The Italian)

Life is good for Dino Fabrizzi, who has just been promoted and is due to marry his girlfriend - if only it weren’t all based on a lie. His real name is Khalid Ben Saoud and with the month of Ramadan fast approaching, Dino’s secret may not last much longer.
La Rafle

Production companies: Gaumont, LégendeInternational Sales: GaumontDirector: Roselyne BoschScreenplay: Roselyne BoschDoP: David UngaroSet Designer: Olivier RaouxCast: Mélanie Laurent, Jean Reno, Gad ElmalehLocations: Paris, HungaryContact: Carole Dourlant, Gaumont (33) 1 46 43 20 37
La Robe Du Soir

A shy and complicated 12 year-old is convinced she is the apple of her French teacher’s eye. But one day she spots her good-looking classmate leaving Mrs Solenska’s house.
Labadie's Le Pacte opens library sales division

Jean Labadie’s Paris-based sales and distribution outfit Le Pacte is launching a library sales division.
Lady of the Images - Nise da Silveira

The story of a psychiatrist who develops an unprecedented work, showing that schizophrenic people can express their “countless states of being” through art.
Last Night

The fragile and complex life of a couple is overturned one night when one goes on a business trip with an attractive colleague, whilst the other meets up with an old lover.
Le Caméléon

True story of Frédéric Bourdin the young deliquent who posed as Nicolas Barclay, a 13-year-old who had disappeared three years previously. To Frédéric’s astonishment, Nicolas’s family welcome him like their own son, leaving the police and FBI baffled and concerned. A race against time thus ensues, between the investigators and the two boys’ families.
Le Dernier Vol

In the French Sahara in 1933 adventurer and aviator Marie Vallières de Beaumont Partie goes in search of the man she loves, who disappeared in an attempted London–Le cap plane trip.
Le Donk & Scor-Zay-Zee

Dir: Shane Meadows. UK. 2009.
Le Mac

A man discovers he has a twin brother who works as a hustler. To avoid a prison sentence he agrees to work with the police and pose as his sibling. But he discovers a real taste for the hustler’s life.
Le Pedaleur De Charme

Docufiction about the rise and fall of the Zurich racing cyclist Hugo Koblet who the first international star Switzerland had after the Second World War.
Leading film-makers join calls for Polanski's release

Pedro Almodovar, Walter Salles, Bertrand Tavernier and Fatih Akin are among the film-makers that have joined Harvey Weinstein in signing the petition calling for the release of Roman Polanski.
Leaves of Grass

Dir/scr.Tim Blake Nelson. US. 2009. 105 minutes.
Lebanon

Dir/scr. Samuel Maoz. Israel/ France/ Germany, 2009. 92 min.
Lebanon, Colin Firth take top Venice honours

Lebanon, directed by Samuel Maoz and set largely inside a tank stranded inside enemy territory on the first day of the Lebanon War in June 1982, has won the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion for Best Film.
Lena's Liebe (aka Der Flur)

An arthouse film about German history as three people travel in a red Volvo from Poland to Germany
Les Gardiens De L’ordre

Two junior police officers injure a young recruit who had shot, unprovoked, another member of their team.
Les Meilleurs Amis Du Monde

One mistaken press of a button on a mobile phone and all the secret opinions harboured by friends are revealed to one just before he sets off for a weekend away with everyone.
Lionsgate evp and general sales manager David Spitz extends contract

Lionsgate’s executive vice-president and general sales manager David Spitz has greed to a new long-term contract with Lionsgate.
Lionsgate unites with Stephen Gaghan on action thriller

Lionsgate has taken worldwide rights to an untitled action thriller that Stephen Gaghan will direct and produce.
Lionsgate, Tyler Perry team up on Rainbow

Lionsgate has confirmed it has taken worldwide rights to its prolific collaborator Tyler Perry’s adaptation of Ntozake Shange’s 1975 play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf.
Locarno's new artistic director Olivier Pere reveals fest overhaul

In his first move as artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival, Olivier Pere has overhauled the selection committee and dropped a competitive strand – Ici Ailleurs will not be a part of the 63rd Locarno fest, which runs from August 4-14 next year.
Lola

Dir: Brillante Mendoza. Philippines-France. 2009. 110 mins.
Love And Other Impossible Pursuits

Dir. Don Roos. US. 2009. 119 mins
Love Happens

Dir: Brandon Camp. US. 2009. 109 mins.
Magnet launches Six Shooter V2 genre series with Ong Bak 2

Magnet Releasing will launch the second volume of its Six Shooter Film Series with Ong Bak 2: The Beginning on VOD this week.
Magnolia acquires North American rights to I Am Love

In the latest North American deal to come out of Toronto, Magnolia Pictures has picked up Luca Guadagnino’s much fancied I Am Love (Io Sono L’Amore), starring Tilda Swinton.
Magnolia takes North America on Matthew Broderick comedy Wonderful World

Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Ambush Entertainment’s dark comedy Wonderful World starring Matthew Broderick.
Making Plans for Lena (Non ma fille, tu n'iras pas danser)

Dir: Christophe Honore. France. 2009. 107 minutes.
Mao’s Last Dancer

Dir: Bruce Beresford. Aust. 2009. 117 mins
Marc Spivey to head business development at Aon/Albert G Ruben

Marc Spivey has been appointed director of new business development at Aon/Albert G Ruben Insurance Services.
Mark Lindsay joins Arclight as head of sales and acquisitions

Mark Lindsay has been named president of sales and acquisitions for Arclight Films and will head up the company’s New York office.
Me Too (Yo, tambien)

Dirs/scr. Alvaro Pastor and Antonio Naharro. Spain, 2009, 103 minutes
Media Asia scores deals on Venice title Accident

Hong Kong’s Media Asia Distribution had a busy Toronto, sealing a string of deals on Soi Cheang’s Accident, which recently premiered in competition at Venice.
Medianeras

A drama about two neighbours with completely different lives who cross paths but never meet.
Melbourne fest announces support for two films

The Melbourne International Film Festival’s production fund has announced support for two projects – Michael Henry’s revenge-gone-wrong thriller Blame and Mark Hartley’s feature documentary Machete Maidens Unleashed.
Memorial set for former MGM and Fox executive Francisco ‘Paco’ Rodriguez Sr

A memorial will be held in Santa Monica for former MGM and Fox international executive Francisco ‘Paco’ Rodriguez Sr, who died on August 18.
Mendoza's Lola revealed as second surprise film in Venice

Filipino director Brillante Mendoza’s latest project Lola is the second surprise film added to the Venice Film Festival main competition line-up.
Metrodome, Rialto buy I Am Love

UK distributor Metrodome Distribution has teamed with Rialto Distribution to acquire rights in UK/Ireland and Australia/New Zealand to Luca Guadagnino’s breakout Venice title I Am Love (Io Sono Amore) starring Tilda Swinton.
Metrodome, Rialto team up to buy hot Venice title Lebanon

Metrodrome has taken rights to the Samuel Maoz’s debut feature Lebanon for the UK and Ireland, while Rialto will handle Australia and New Zealand. The film also screens at TIFF this weekend.
Meyer's Sierra launches with Play, Day

Nick Meyer is assembling the initial slate on his Los Angeles-based international sales company Sierra Pictures and is talking to buyers in Toronto about Passion Play and Mother’s Day.
Micmacs (Micmacs A Tire-Larigot)

Dir: Jean-Pierre Jeunet. France. 2009. 105 mins.
Middle East Int'l Film Festival unveils 33 narrative, doc Black Pearl contenders

The Middle East International Film Festival’s (MEIFF) new executive director Peter Scarlet has hailed a “stong slate” of films at next month’s event that draws from established and emerging Middle Eastern and North African talent.
Mira Nair to speak at IFP Independent Film Week

Mira Nair, The September Issue director RJ Cutler and Away We Go producer and Big Beach Films co-founder Peter Saraf will address the IFP Independent Film Week conference in New York this week.
MK2 picks up Gondry's Thorn and Siddon's Turn It Loose

MK2 has announced a deal with Michel Gondry’s Partizan Films to acquire international sales rights to Alastair Siddons’ breakdance documentary Turn It Loose and Gondry’s documentary The Thorn in the Heart.
Moon scoops Golden Athena as 15th Athens Film Festival wraps

Moon, by UK director Duncan Jones, won the Golden Athena for best film at the 15th Athens International Film Festival on Sunday (September 27).
Morris dances in UK, France opens The Hurt Locker

ScreenDaily takes a look at the local and independent openings in key markets this week.
Mother And Child

Dir/scr. Rodrigo Garcia. US. 2009. 125 mins.
Mother, The Hole among AFI FEST's Halloween sextet

AFI FEST 2009 will release five films for Halloween on October 31, including Sean Byrne’s Toronto hit The LovedOnes and the Red Riding Trilogy.
MPAA joins anti-camcord piracy initiative in India

The Motion Picture Association Of America (MPAA) has teamed up with Adlabs and PVR Cinemas in India in a bid to stop camcord piracy.
Mr Nice

A biopic about renowned Welsh drugs smuggler Howard Marks
Mr Nobody

Dir/scr. Jaco van Dormael. Belgium-Canada-France-Germany. 2008. 137 mins.
Mumbai police make arrests in piracy crackdown

Mumbai police have arrested employees of UFO Moviez, Reliance Big Cinemas, Adlabs and Shemaroo Entertainment in connection with a plot to pirate UTV Motion Pictures’ What’s Your Rashee?, which is being released today.
My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?

Dir: Werner Herzog. US. 2009. 90 mins.
Myriad boards international sales on Women In Trouble

Santa Monica-based Myriad Pictures has picked up all international rights to Sebastian Gutierrez’ comedy Women In Trouble and will commence sales here.
Myriad promotes Elias Axume to svp distribution and operations

Elias Axume has been promoted to senior vice-president of distribution and operations at Santa Monica-based Myriad Pictures.
National Geographic plans global IMAX launch for Wildest Dream

National Geographic Entertainment has acquired The Wildest Dream, Anthony Geffen’s account of mountaineer George Mallory’s obsession with Everest.
National Society Of Film Critics to announce winners on January 3, 2010

The National Society Of Film Critics will select and announce its annual award winners at Sardi’s in New York on January 3, 2010.
NATO elects key officers, restructures board

Kerasotes Showplace Theatres chairman and CEO Tony Kerasotes has been elected chairman of the National Association Of Theatre Owners (NATO) following the group’s annual general meeting.
New Wave picks up Rivette, Dumont films for UK

UK art house distributor New Wave Films has picked up a title apiece from Venice and Toronto.
New York Film Critics Circle sets annual vote for December 14

New York Film Critics Circle chairman Armond White announced the group will hold its annual vote on December 14.
Newmarket takes US rights to Toronto opener Creation

Newmarket Films has acquired US rights to Jon Amiel’s Creation, following its world premiere as the opening night gala at Toronto.
Noel Clarke, The Works, Universal team up on 4.3.2.1

Noel Clarke has commenced principal photography on the heist thriller 4.3.2.1 for The Works UK Distribution and Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE).
Nordisk Film quits family films as it shuts Norwegian arm

Danish production company Nordisk Film is closing its Norwegian division due to changes in the country’s film financing structure.
Norway sends in Max Manus for Oscar battle

Norway has selected local blockbuster Max Manus, directed by Espen Sandberg and Joachim Rønning, as its contender for the foreign-language Oscar.
Nostalgie De La Lumière

Production companies: Atacama Productions, Blinker Filmproduktion, Lupe Films, ICTJ ProductionsBudget: $1mInternational Sales: Pyramide FilmsDirector Patricio GuzmanContact: Yoann Ubermulhin, yoann@pyramidefilms.com
Odd Lot Int'l sells B-Girl to Screen Media in North America

Odd Lot International has sold North American rights to its drama B-Girl to Screen Media Films and closed a raft of key international sales.
Odin’s Eye sells Crush into North America

Australian sales agent Odin’s Eye has sold North American rights for Australian thriller Crush to Phase 4 (formerly Peace Arch Home Entertainment).
Ondine

Dir. Neil Jordan. Ireland/US. 2009. 111 mins
Ong Bak 2: The Beginning

Dir: Tony Jaa and Panna Rittikrai. Thailand. 2009. 110 mins.
Optimum chews on Fine Cut’s Chaw

South Korean sales agent Fine Cut has announced its first deal at the Toronto festival, selling the man-eating boar comedy Chaw to Optimum Releasing for UK.
Overture adopts North American rights to Brooklyn's Finest

Overture Films has taken over distribution of Antoine Fuqua’s crime thriller Brooklyn’s Finest from Marco Weber’s moribund Senator Entertainment.
Oz board to review rating of pot-smoking comedy

The filmmakers behind Australia’s first indigenous comedy, Stone Bros, which was classified MA15+ due to its depiction of drug use, have succeeded in persuading a government minister to order a review of the rating.
Painting the town Red

Upstart retail player Redbox is revolutionising the DVD business, but not everyone is pleased.
Paladin adds Teardrop Diamond, Handsome Harry to release slate

Mark Urman’s new distributor Paladin has acquired US rights to period romance The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond and road movie Handsome Harry , bringing its initial slate to four.
Pandorum

Dir Christian Alvart. US/Germany. 2009. 108 mins
Participant, Submarine agree documentary sales alliance

Participant Media has signed a deal whereby Josh Braun’s Submarine will handle North American sales and consult on its upcoming documentary slate.
Patrick Swayze loses battle with cancer at 57

Patrick Swayze, the Houston-born star of such hits as Ghost and Dirty Dancing, died last night (September 14) following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.
Perrier’s Bounty

Dir. Ian Fitzgibbon. Ireland/UK. 2009. 88 mins.
PGA doubles number of best produced film nominees to ten

The Producers Guild Of America (PGA) has followed the Academy’s lead and announced that the number of film nominees in the 2010 Darryl F Zanuck Producer Of The Year Award will expand from five to ten.
Phantom Pain

Dir. Matthias Emcke. Germany. 2009. 98 minutes
Pieds Nus Sur Les Limaces

Clara enjoys a normal, happy marriage with Pierre, a young lawyer with a bright future. When her mother dies suddenly, Clara finds herself lumbered with the care of her younger sister, Lily, and learns, over time, that ‘normal’ is subjective.
Polanski asks to be freed from Swiss custody

Lawyers acting for imprisoned director Roman Polanski have filed a motion today (September 29) to the Swiss Federal Criminal Court requesting his release.
Power to the Pixel's Cross-Media Film Forum

Power to the Pixel: The Cross-Media Film Forum at the Times BFI London Film Festival, 14 – 15 October 2009.
Precious takes coveted audience award at Toronto

Lee Daniel’s Precious: Based On The Novel “Push” By Sapphire won the Cadillac People’s Choice Award as the 34th Toronto International Film Festival wrapped on the weekend.
Precious to open 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival

The 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival (SDFF32) will open o November 12 with a gala screening of Lee Daniels’ acclaimed drama Precious: Based On The Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire.
Prescience and Ralph Kamp form Metropolis, Timeless sales pact

UK financier Prescience has launched Metropolis International Sales and has announced a joint venture with Timeless Films, led by former Odyssey chief Ralph Kamp.
Prince Of Tears, No Puedo submitted for Oscars

Hong Kong has selected Yonfan’s Prince Of Tears as its entry for the best foreign-language film category of the Academy Awards, while Taiwan has chosen Leon Dai’s award-winning No Puedo Vivir Sin Ti.
Promenade, ACI to distribute 3D animated Ollie The Otter

Promenade Pictures and American Cinema International (ACI) have taken rights to Northern California-based CritterPix Studios’ first animated 3D project, Ollie The Otter.
Pusan film festival to screen record 355 films

The 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) will screen a record 355 films from 70 countries, including with 98 world premieres and 46 international premieres.
Putting art before politics

The recent decision by Taiwan’s Government Information Office to revoke its subsidy for Miao Miao does not help the long-term development of the Taiwanese film industry.
Que Se Mueron Los Feos (Death To Ugly People)

Relates the story of an ugly, single boy called Elisio who has never found love, but after his mum dies he comes across Nati, who has separated from her husband, and could change everything.
Rabia

Dir. Sebastian Cordero. Spain/Colombia. 2009. 95mins.
Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler join Super for Ted Hope

Rainn Wilson will reunite with Juno star Ellen Page and Liv Tyler for producer Ted Hope’s This Is That on the comical superhero project Super.
Red Riding Trilogy, Precious to play at MEIFF

Top brass at the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) have unveiled the selections that will screen out of competition in the World Cinema Showcase line-up next month.
Revolver appoints Lucy Savage as head of TV and new media

Revolver Entertainment has appointed Lucy Savage to the new role of head of TV and new media. It is part of the distributor’s ongoing expansion.
Revolver takes UK, US and Irish rights to Gerard Johnson's debut, Tony

Revolver has picked up the UK, Irish and North American rights to Gerard Johnson’s debut film Tony, which had its world premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival in June.
Rezende's Salve Geral gets Brazilian nod for Oscars

Brazil has named Sergio Rezende’s true life drama Salve Geral as the country’s entry for the foreign language Oscar.
Rio de Janeiro revamps film commission

The State Government of Rio de Janeiro and the local Mayor’s office have revamped the Rio Film Commission (Filme No Rio), in a bid to offer better support to productions looking to shoot in the state.
RioMarket 2009 kicks off with 30% year-on-year rise in participants

More than 300 companies are expected to attend RioMarket 2009, which opened on September 25 and continues until October 6.
Rising Singapore star signs two-year deal with Scorpio East

Singaporean actor Christopher Lee is signing an exclusive two-year film contract with local producer-distributor Scorpio East Pictures, which will represent the rising star in exploring movie options both locally and across the region.
Robert De Niro to receive BAFTA/LA's Britannia Award

Robert De Niro will receive BAFTA/LA’s most prestigious film award the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award For Excellence In Film at the 2009 BAFTA/LA Britannia Awards in Los Angeles.
RTL Television, Universal extend licensing deal

RTL Television and NBC Universal International Television Distribution have entered a new multiple-year licensing agreement.
SAG votes in Ken Howard as president, Amy Aquino secretary-treasurer

Ken Howard has been elected president of the Screen Actors Guild and Amy Aquino will serve as secretary-treasurer. Both will serve two-year terms starting on September 25.
San Francisco Film Society announces FilmHouse residents

The San Francisco Film Society announced today the third round of film-makers who have been awarded SFFS FilmHouse Residencies.
San Francisco Film Society names Joanne Parsont education chief

The San Francisco Film Society has appointed Joanne Parsont to the newly created position of director of education.
San Qiang Pai An Jing Qi

Set in a Chinese noodle shop in desert, the noodle shop owner schemes to murder his adulterous wife and her lover
Sarah Polley will play Queen Kristina for Mika Kaurismaki

The story of the legendary Swedish monarch is being structured as a Canada-Nordic co-production produced by Toronto-based Triptych Media, Helsinki-based Marianna Films and German production house Hank Levine Film.
Save the American Dream

Production companies: Les Films Pelléas, Saga ProductionBudget: $1.9mInternational Sales: Pyramide InternationalDirector: Jean-Stéphane BronShooting dates: 2009Contact: Yoann, Ubermulhin, Head of Sales (Pyramide Films) yoann@pyramidefilms.com
Sawasdee Bangkok

Dirs. Wisit Sasanatieng, Aditya Assarat, Kongdej Jaturanrasamee, Pen-Ek Ratanaruang. Thailand, 2009. 98 min.
Scheherazade, Tell Me A Story

Dir. Yousry Nasrallah. Egypt, 2009. 135 min.
Schwarzer Strand (Black Beach)

A young couple in love must escape their lives as addicts in order to survive. Their plans to start afresh in New Zealand are threatened when fate tears the lovers apart.
Screen Australia announces funding for 12 companies

Hopscotch Features and Jan Chapman’s Waking Dream Productions are among the 12 production companies that will receive a combined $7.8m (A$9m) under Screen Australia’s much touted Enterprise Program.
Screen Gems, Constantin commence 3D Resident Evil: Afterlife

Screen Gems and Constantin Film have started production in Toronto on Resident Evil: Afterlife, the first 3D instalment in the hit horror franchise.
Screen Media takes US rights to Sonny Liston biopic Phantom Punch

Screen Media has acquired US rights from Toronto-based sales agent Cinesavvy to Robert Townsend’s biopic Phantom Punch.
Screen Virtual Film Market
Screen Virtual Film Market - Landing page for Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC)
Screen Virtual Film Market - OMDC - Cairo Time
Screen Virtual Film Market - OMDC - Cooking with Stella
Screen Virtual Film Market - OMDC - High Life
Screen Virtual Film Market - OMDC - Huge Hefner
Screen Virtual Film Market - OMDC - Year of the Carnivore
Screen Virtual Film Market- OMDC - Defendor
Screen Virtual Film Market- OMDC - Leslie, My name is Evil
Screen Virtual Film Market- OMDC - Suck
ScreenDaily named one of the world's top ten film sites

ScreenDaily has been named one of the top ten film sites in world by The Sunday Times.
Serbia reconsiders Oscar selection over English dialogue concerns

Serbia is reconsidering its decision to submit Darko Lungulov’s Here And There as its nominee for foreign-language Oscar over concerns about the level of English dialogue it contains.
Shakhnazarov’s Ward No.6 to represent Russia at the Oscars

Karen Shakhnazarov’s Ward No.6 has been selected as the Russian foreign-language Oscar contender for next year’s Academy Awards.
Should We? Could We? Would We? – Films In The Age Of Cross-Media Production

Speech by Christy Dena, Cross-media specialist at the Power to the Pixel London Forum 2008.
Signs of Toronto thaw as IFC takes US on Valhalla Rising

In the first major deal at Toronto IFC Films has bought US rights to Nicolas Winding Refn’s Viking action-adventure Valhalla Rising.
Singapore-Oz financing facility launched to cashflow offset

Encouraging more co-production between Australia, China and Singapore is one of the underlying aims behind the launch of SAPO Media Finance, which will cashflow films using Australia’s 40% producer offset along with distribution guarantees and gap financing.
Siren

Psychological thriller – first part of a trilogy of films set off the North African coast
Soderbergh to forgo upfront fee on Knockout with Relativity

Steven Soderbergh will direct and produce the female spy action project Knockout for Relativity Media and has opted to forgo his upfront salary and jointly own the film with Relativity.
Solitary Man

Dirs. Brian Koppelman, David Levien. US. 2009. 90 min.
Sony basks in sunny $30.1m launch for Meatballs

Sony’s 3D family film Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs eclipsed the competition in a weekend that also saw Inglourious Basterds become Quentin Tarantino’s biggest domestic hit.
Sony reports record global advance ticket sales on This Is It

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment executives claim the Michael Jackson tribute film This Is It has set a string of advance ticket sale records around the world.
Soul Kitchen

Dir: Fatih Akin. Germany-France-Italy. 2009. 99 mins.
South Of The Border

Dir. Oliver Stone. US/Spain 2009. 78 mins.
Spain picks The Dancer And The Thief for Oscars

Fernando Trueba’s heist drama The Dancer And The Thief has beaten off competition from Daniel Sanchez Arevalo’s Gordos and Isabel Coixet’s Map Of The Sounds Of Tokyo to be selected as Spain’s entry for the foreign-language Ac
SPC acquires Toronto pair Lebanon, Get Low

Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has acquired two Toronto titles, taking all US rights to Samuel Maoz’ Golden Lion winner Lebanon and North American rights to Aaron Schneider’s Get Low.
SPC takes North and Latin American rights to Stephen Frears' Tamara Drewe

Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has taken North American and Latin American rights to Stephen Frears’ Tamara Drewe at script stage.
SPC takes US and Latin America on Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Micmacs

Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has acquired US and Latin American rights to Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs from Paris-based TF1 International.
SPRI promotes Alex Kostich to vp creative advertising

Alex Kostich has been promoted to vice-president of creative advertising at Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI).
SPRI serves up Meatballs in 23 territories

Warner Bros’ overseas champion The Final Destination will be showered with Sony’s challenger Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs this weekend.
SPWAG acquires bulk of overseas rights to Hyde Park International's Machete

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG) has acquired most international rights from Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park International to Machete, written and co-directed by Robert Rodriguez.
SPWAG takes US and most overseas rights to Defendor

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG) has acquired all US and most international rights to Darius Films’ Defendor starring Woody Harrelson following its world premiere in Toronto last weekend.
Strand picks up US rights to Lou Ye's Spring Fever

US independent sets spring 2010 release for Chinese drama which played in competition at Cannes and is in TIFF this week.
Studios chase overseas box office record as summer fades

The summer season may be coming to an end in most markets but it’s put Hollywood in a good position to set a record year at the international box office.
Summertime

Set against the backdrop of a tough estate during a blisteringly hot summer, Summertime is a film musical that captures the sprit of folk-operas such as Porgy And Bess, with the grit of contemporary fables such as Dancer In The Dark
Summit hires Justin Lin to direct and Neal Moritz to produce Highlander

Summit Entertainment has hired Fast & Furious director Justin Lin and producer Neal H Moritz to the reimagining of Highlander.
Summit promotes key international distribution and marketing trio

Summit Entertainment has promoted Brad Kembel to executive vice-president of international distribution and Deborah Tellis to senior vice-president of international distribution, while Jill Jones rises to senior vice-president of international marketing and publicity.
Sundance introduces Next section for low budget film-makers

Sundance Film Festival top brass have launched Next, a section dedicated to the work of cash-strapped film-makers who find new ways to tell their stories.
Sundance Selects takes North America on Toronto premiere The Art Of The Steal

Rainbow Media’s new theatrical and VOD label Sundance Selects has beaten out three other buyers to pick up North American rights from Submarine to Don Argott’s documentary The Art of The Steal.
Sursaut Gamma

Prod companies: EZ Films, July-August ProductionsBudget: $1.5mInternational Sales: Pyramide FilmsDirector: Eitan ZorCast: Yossi Polack, Melanie PressContact: Yoann Ubermulhin, yoann@pyramidefilms.com
Survival Of The Dead

Dir/scr George A. Romero. US-Canada. 2009. 88mins.
Switzerland submits Meier's Home to Academy

Ursula Meier’s feature debut Home has been selected by Switzerland to be entered for the Academy Award in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
Taipei Golden Horse reveals 25 projects for third FTPP

Taiwan’s Leon Dai, French filmmaker Lorenzo Recio and Israel’s Micha Kinsbruner are among the filmmakers who have had projects selected for the third edition of the Taipei Golden Horse’s co-production market.
Taiwan’s GIO to revoke Prince Of Tears subsidy

Taiwan’s Government Information Office (GIO) has informed Prince Of Tears director Yonfan that it will take back the film’s $306,000 (NT$10m) subsidy unless it withdraws as Hong Kong’s selection for the foreign-language category of the Academy Awards.
Taking Woodstock, Inglourious Basterds bookend Rio de Janeiro Film Festival

More than 300 films from more than 60 countries will screen over 15 days at the Rio de Janeiro Film Festival starting on September 24.
Tales form a digital frontier

Mdot Strange, award-winning animation director at Power to The Pixel’s Tales Form The Digital Frontier at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Tallinn Black Nights festival launches regional film market

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival is launching a regional film market – the Black Market Industry Screenings – from November 30 to December 3 this year, with up to 48 screenings of new films from central and eastern Europe, Nordic territories and Russia.
Tamara Drewe

A live action feature adaptation of Posy Simmonds’ graphic novel Tamara Drewe about a sexy young girl whoreturns to her small country village and stirs up dark passions among the locals.
Tante Hilda Contre Attilem

This modern environmental animation follows the parallel projects of nature-lover Aunt Hilda, who conserves thousands of plants and agro-industrialists who are developing a new super-crop, Attilem.
The Boys Are Back

Dir. Scott Hicks. Australia/UK. 2009. 104 mins
The Dancer and the Thief (El Baile de la Victoria)

Dir. Fernando Trueba. Spain, 2009. 127mins.
The Disappearance Of Alice Creed

Dir: J Blakeson. UK. 2009. 98 mins.
The Double Hour (La Doppia Ora)

Dir: Giuseppe Capotondi. Italy. 2009. 94 mins.
The great entertainer

Ivan Reitman has directed some of the biggest comedies of the last 30 years,but he is more focused these days on producing films for the likes of hisson Jason and auteur Atom Egoyan, writes Denis Seguin.
The Hole

Dir: Joe Dante. USA. 2009. 91 mins.
The Host 2 to receive funding for CGI development

The Korea Creative Contents Agency (KOCCA) has announced that The Host 2 is the winner of its Global Projects Technology Development Support Program.
The Invention Of Lying

Dirs. Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson. US. 2009. 99 mins
The Invention Of Lying

Dirs: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson. US. 2009.
The Last Station, A Prophet among initial dozen in AFI FEST line-up

Organisers at the AFI FEST 2009 have selected Lee Daniels’ Precious as their first gala presentation.
The means of production

UK distributors are moving into local production. But, on the eve of the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 10-19), will it be at the expense of their acquisition of third-party and international titles?
The Men Who Stare At Goats

Dir: Grant Heslov. US. 2009.
The Men Who Stare At Goats

Dir: Grant Heslov. 2009. US. 90 mins.
The Refuge (Le Refuge)

Dir: Francois Ozon. France. 2009. 90 mins.
The Road

Dir. John Hillcoat. US. 2009. 113 mins.
The Scouting Book For Boys

Dir: Tom Harper. UK. 2009. 92 minutes
The Secret In Their Eyes (El Secreto De Sus Ojos)

Dir: Juan Jose Campanella. Spain/Argentina. 2009. 129 mins.
The Trotsky

Dir/scr: Jacob Tierney Canada 2009 120 min
The Unloved

Dir. Samantha Morton. UK, 2009, 108 minutes
The Vintner's Luck

Dir: Niki Caro. New Zealand/France. 2009. 126 mins.
The Waiting City

Dir/scr. Claire McCarthy. Australia, 2009, 108 minutes
The Warrior and the Wolf (Lang Zai Ji)

Dir/scr. Tian Zhuangzhuang. China, 2009. 100 min
The White Meadows (Keshtzarhaye Sepid)

Dir/scr. Mohammad Rasoulof. Iran, 2009. 92 mins.
The White Space (Lo Spazio Bianco)

Dir: Francesca Comencini. Italy. 2009. 99 mins.
The Works International picks up hot Swinton title at Venice

London-based sales outfit picks up Luca Guadagnino’s I Am Love (Io Sono L’Amore) about a Milanese family dynasty.
The Friends

An architect who lives in the city of São Paulo starts his day going to the funeral of a childhood friend, when things begin to change in his life.
Thierry Fremaux enlists Harvey Weinstein in Polanski petition

Harvey Weinstein has leant his support to a move by the French film-making community to petition against the possible US extradition of Roman Polanski following the Oscar winning director’s arrest in Zurich late on Saturday.
This Is Love

Dir/scr: Matthias Glasner. Germany. 2009. 107 minutes
TIFF: Sales deals round up

ScreenDaily rounds up the sales deals from the 34th Toronto International Film Festival.
Tiger Gate completes financing, launches channels

Tiger Gate, the Lionsgate-backed Asian film and TV venture, has brought on board two additional financial partners and started the roll-out of its two genre channels Thrill and KIX.
TLA's Rich Wolff and Richard Ross launch Breaking Glass

Former TLA Releasing duo Rich Wolff and Richard Ross today have launched the North American distributor Breaking Glass Pictures, aimed at bringing an eclectic roster of films to theatres.
Today's Special to open Mahindra IAAC Film Festival

David Kaplan’s comedy Today’s Special and Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s romance Antaheen – The Endless Wait bookend the Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council (MIAAC) Film Festival.
Tokyo Filmex to open with Tsai Ming-liang's Face

Taiwanese director Tsai Ming-liang’s Face will open the 10th anniversary edition of Tokyo Filmex, which runs from November 21-29 in the city’s Yurakucho and Tsukiji districts.
Tokyo International Film Festival to screen The Cove

The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has unveiled the line-up for this year’s edition (Oct 17-25), including the last-minute addition of controversial documentary The Cove, which chronicles the annual dolphin hunt in the Japanese town of Taiji.
Tolkien Trust, New Line settle Lord Of The Rings saga

The Hobbit and its companion film have been cleared to go ahead after New Line settled its legal wrangle with UK charity The Tolkien Trust and HarperCollins Publishers over proceeds relating to The Lord Of The Rings trilogy.
Tom Ortenberg departs Weinsteins after eight months

Tom Ortenberg is stepping down as president of theatrical film at The Weinstein Company (TWC) after barely eight months in the role.
Triage

Dir: Danis Tanovic. Ireland/Spain/France. 2009. 98 mins.
Troma president Lloyd Kaufman reelected IFTA chairman

Troma Entertainment president Lloyd Kaufman has been reelected chairman of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), IFTA president and CEO Jean Prewitt has announced.
Turtle sets out on seven territory European launch after TIFF

Wildlife documentary Turtle:The Incredible Journey has its world premiere in Toronto this weekend, then sets out on a theatrical journey starting in Germany, Austria, Italy and Benelux in October.
Twelve

Bret Easton Ellis meets Gus Van Sant’s Elephant in this story of rich and bored teenagers who party without fun, never see their parents, and find solace only in smoking dope together.
Tyler Perry scores second North American number one debut of 2009

Tyler Perry pulled of his second number one launch of the year as Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself opened top through Lionsgate on an estimated $24m.
UK Film Council, Telefilm Canada return with showcases at IFP Independent Film Week

IFP has announced two international showcase screenings as part of its industry services at the 31st Annual Independent Film Week in New York in September.
UK ISPs unite to fight hardline anti-piracy plans

The chief executives of the UK’s leading internet service providers (ISPs) have joined forces to protest against plans to cut off users who illegally download content.
UK minister David Lammy calls for US/UK collaboration on digital piracy

UK Minister of State for Intellectual Property David Lammy has called for the UK and US film industries work together to tackle illegal downloading.
UMedia and Brazil's Dezenove sign three year, multi-picture deal

Brazilian production company Dezenove and UMedia, the French independent production and distribution company, have signed a three-year, multi-picture deal.
Un Homme Très Recherché

A thriller about a fugitive hiding out in hides in an abandoned barge near an isolated hamlet on the canal who must committ murder to stay hidden.
Up flies high overseas for Disney as $200m beckons

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International (WDSMPI) celebrated a return to the top of the overseas charts as Up led the way on an estimated $13.7m.
Up In The Air, The Young Victoria, Ajami join Hamptons line-up

Jason Reitman’s comedy Up In The Air starring George Clooney and Jean-Marc Vallee’s period drama The Young Victoria with Emily Blunt have been added to the Hamptons International Film Festival line-up.
US buyers cautious as Toronto's first weekend ends

A stong reaction and best actor prize for Colin Firth place Tom Ford’s A Single Man in the vanguard of hot titles that are expected to inject life into an otherwise muted first few days for US buyers in Toronto.
USC film school earns star from Hollywood Chamber Of Commerce

The USC School Of Cinematic Arts (SCA) will receive a “star of recognition” from the Hollywood Chamber Of Commerce on September 10 to mark the school’s 80th anniversary.
Vallée lines up Café De Flore for Item7

Jean-Marc Vallée, director of Toronto closing night film Young Victoria, is preparing production on Café De Flore with Montreal-based start-up production house Item7.
Vision

Dir/scr. Margarethe von Trotta. Germany. 2009. 110 minutes.
Visit Films adds Shirley Adams, Dear Lemon Lima to Toronto sales slate

Ryan Kampe and Sylvain Tron’s Visit Films has acquired international sales rights to Toronto entry Shirley Adams and Dear Lemon Lima.
Wang Xiaoshuai starts work on Mosaic

Chinese film-maker Wang Xiaoshuai has started shooting his new drama Mosaic, with backing from Beijing-based entertainment group Tempo Films Investment.
Warner Bros unlocks fanboy vaults with DC Entertainment

Warner Bros Entertainment has restructured its DC Comics division and announced the launch of DC Entertainment (DCE) to be run by former Warner Premiere chief Diane Nelson.
Warner Bros wins battle of summer with 23% market share

Warner Bros films have claimed the lion’s share of the record $4.2bn summer box office days before the season comes to an official close with the Labor Day weekend.
Weekly international box office – September 25

Screen brings you the weekly international box-office news.
Weinsteins pounce on US, German rights for A Single Man

The Weinstein Company has paid a little under $2.5m for US and German rights to Tom Ford’s A Single Man following an all-night negotiating session.
Weinsteins take North America and select territories on The King's Speech

The Weinstein Company has acquired North America and select territory rights from See-Saw Films and Bedlam Productions to The King’s Speech starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush.
Weinsteins to lay off around 30 staff, bringing employee level to 90

The Weinstein Company is laying off approximately 30 people in line with the recommendations of its restructuring consultants Miller Buckfire.
Weinsteins, Vivendi sign home entertainment pact

The Weinstein Company has signed a deal granting Vivendi Entertainment (VE) exclusive home entertainment distribution rights to its library.
Werc Werk Works to back Jill Sprecher's latest

Werc Werk Works, the independent production and finance outfit behind Todd Solondz’s Life During Wartime, will produce and fully finance The Convincer, the latest film from Jill Sprecher (13 Conversations About One Thing)
WestEndFilms closes raft of sales on Tamara Drewe

WestEnd Films, the London-based sales and film financing outfit, has closed a number of deals on Stephen Frears’ new feature, Tamara Drewe.
Whip It

Dir. Drew Barrymore. US. 2009. 111 mins.
Whiteout

Dir Dominic Sena. US. 2009. 101 mins
Winston-Salem's RiverRun to expand to 11 days in 2010 edition

Organisers at the Winston-Salem-based RiverRun International Film Festival are expanding the 2010 event to run for 11 days from April 15-25.
WMM acquire Min-Sook Lee's My Toxic Baby

Women Make Movies (WMM) has acquired Min-Sook Lee’s documentary My Toxic Baby at Toronto.
Woman Without Piano (La mujer sin piano)

Dir: Javier Rebollo. Spain-France. 2009. 95 minutes.
Women Without Men

Dir. Shirin Neshat. Germany / Austria / France, 2009. 99 min.
XME licenses Lionsgate’s More Than A Game

Beijing-based Xinhua Media Entertainment (XME) has licensed mainland China distribution rights to basketball documentary More Than A Game from Lionsgate.
Your Highness

Fantasy drama about a prince and his brother who must compete to save their father’s kingdom.
Youth In Revolt

Dir. Miguel Arteta. US. 2009. 90 mins.
Yun set to strike Home Run for Singapore

Former Raintree Pictures chief Daniel Yun is joining forces with Festive Films’ Low Yuen Ping and former Salon Films executive John Sim to launch a Singapore-based outfit, Home Run Pictures, with a focus on executive producing and international sales.
Zanshin

Set in the 16th Century, Zanshin sees two young Spaniards flee to Japan to escape inquisition. Billed as a swashbuckling action adventure film.
Zeitgeist takes North America on Nazi propagandist doc

Zeitgeist Films has acquired North American rights to Felix Moeller’s Harlan – In The Shadow Of Jew Suss, which gets its North American premiere at Telluride this weekend.
Zurich Film Festival stunned by Polanski arrest

The Polish director was the subject of a special tribute at this year’s festival and was en route to Zurich to take part in a masterclass with young filmmakers when he was taken into custody.

Screen25 September 2009

Screen
25 September 2009