Today, the indie world and the film world at large lost a giant in the field, watching Disney close the doors and turn the lights off on Miramax. As sad a day like today is, and as uncertain as the future is, we can still hold on to the memories. Most of them are now on Blu-ray. Or at least Laser Disc (because we all own one).
Without further tears in our eyes, we’d like to remember Miramax for their 15 Best Films.
If you’re like me and Rob Hunter, your rental queue is already full.
The Pitch: Even if Rob Hunter doesn’t think Larry Clark’s harsh film about drug and sexual abandon amongst the youth in NYC is well acted, he’s wrong, and the movie is brilliant and challenging. The response was expectedly mixed with some critics and fans seeing it as a strong artistic endeavor and others calling it borderline child pornography. Shockingly, Disney’s name was left off of the financing. -CA
The Pitch: You probably haven’t seen this odd and creepy little flick, but if you have consider yourself one of the lucky few. It’s a dark and original coming-of-age tale set in 1950′s America and filled with beautiful cinematography, child murderers, a suspected vampire, and Viggo Mortensen. And the rights holders have never released it on US or UK DVD. Bastards. -RH
The Pitch: This film is mostly known for its twist, which is a shame, because the entire film is a thing of beauty. With knock out performances by Stephen Rea and Forrest Whitaker, it hit the Oscars hard with six nominations (including Best Picture). More than just a pop cultural reference, the entire film should be watched for its intensity and its racial and gender commentary. -CA
The Pitch: This is the movie that put director Atom Egoyan on the map. (Sadly, it was just a map of Canada). This intoxicating and slow-paced movie manages to be both mysterious and sexy in equal measures, and even though Cole Abaius scoffs at Egoyan’s cinematic oeuvre this is still independent filmmaking at its best (even if it is Canadian). -RH
The Pitch: It’d be easy to say this movie’s relevance comes from my appreciation for Natalie Portman’s fresh but Lolita-esque turn as the cute neighbor girl. But even if you don’t enjoy the indiscretions of youth (or intentionally misusing known phrases to avoid sounding like a pervert) the movie also packs solid laughs, a strong ensemble cast, and the 748th film use of the song “Beth” by a repentant boyfriend. -RH
The Pitch: Some of us can still remember when Steven Soderbergh was good at barely scripting his films and using minimalist camera work. This fantastic flick won the Palme d’Or back in 1989, and launched Soderbergh’s career in earnest. If you were looking for the film that really started the indie movement’s commercial success – look no further than a film about James Spader’s sexual dysfunction. -CA
The Pitch: Only a few years ago, modern audiences were sort of re-introduced to the genius of Daniel Day-Lewis. If you’re looking for a way to delve deeper – check out his first Academy Award win in this stirring story of a young man who can only control his left foot. Here’s where I make a comment about Day-Lewis having more acting talent in his left foot than in most actor’s entire bodies. But I’ll refrain. -CA
The Pitch: Ben Stiller leads a fantastic cast in a comedy about identity and the concept of nature vs nurture. Director David O. Russell would go on to burn professional bridges with actors and studios alike while filming Three Kings and I Heart Huckabees, but for this one film he managed to keep his temper in check and the result is some stellar ensemble comedy. -RH
The Pitch: Not only did it launch Quentin Tarantino even further into the cultural stage, it also relaunched John Travolta’s career. It also made a bunch of violent film fans finally memorize part of the bible. Oddly enough, Harvey Weinstein wanted Daniel Day-Lewis (who you’ll remember from the last entry) to play Vincent Vega instead of Travolta. Then again, stranger things have happened – Sid Haig was originally offered the role of Marcellus Wallace. -CA
The Pitch: Who knew Tim Robbins could be so politically aware? The freakishly tall actor wrote and directed this satirical faux documentary about an election, and he shines a smart and funny eye on shenanigans from both sides of the aisle. As true today as it was almost twenty years ago. -RH
The Pitch: Say what you will about Clerks, and Kevin Smith has said a lot to us, but Chasing Amy is really his best film to date. It’s personal and sweet underneath all that talk about fisting. A few Indie Spirit Awards, a career launch for Ben Affleck, and a 4800% return on the budget later, and you have a bona fide hit. -CA
The Pitch: Peter Jackson’s most realistic and grounded film is still one of his best. Two girls in 1950′s New Zealand live in a fantasy world where they plan a real-world murder. It’s made all the more affecting when you realize it’s based on a true story and one of the girls grew up to become Anne Perry, a bestselling writer of mysteries and thrillers. -RH
The Pitch: I don’t have enough space to write all the awards this thing was nominated for or won, but if you have any doubt about the phenomenon, I’ll point you in the direction of your nearest “I Drink Your Milkshake” t-shirt wearer. Beyond becoming a catch-phrase for casual wear, this movie is one of the hardest movies that can actually be re-watched repeatedly. As opposed to, say, Kids. -CA
The Pitch: This Brazilian gem is a small, gritty, and surprisingly human look at one of the nastiest cities on Earth. Violence and dreams collide as young kids growing up in Rio de Janeiro’s most dangerous slum make choices with profound effects. It’s currently #16 on IMDB’s Top 250 Movie list which is damn impressive stuff for a film with no known stars. -RH
The Pitch: Topping the list is the film that’s been voted the Best Scottish film of all time as well as in the Top Ten of British films. One of Danny Boyle’s first films, it takes a strange look at a group of heroine addicts. It rocked Cannes in 1996, and was picked up by Miramax for distribution in the states – giving us just a glimpse of Boyle’s talents and the talents of Scottish filmmaking. As brilliant as this film is, I’m with Ewan MacGregor in hoping that a sequel doesn’t get made. -CA
Editor’s Note: This list was lovingly compiled by Rob Hunter and Cole Abaius.The Beast Pageant - Trailer from Albert Birney on Vimeo.
THE BEAST PAGEANT is a feature film written and directed by Albert Birney and Jon Moses in Rochester, New York.
visit our kickstarter page here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/50459436/the-beast-pageant
www.thebeastpageant.com
www.jubadaba.com
Iceland, Eyjafjallajökull - May 1st and 2nd, 2010 from Sean Stiegemeier on Vimeo.
So I saw all of these mediocre pictures of that volcano in Iceland nobody can pronounce the name of, so I figured I should go and do better. But the flights to get over took forever as expected (somewhat). 4 days after leaving I finally made it, but the weather was terrible for another 4. Just before leaving it got pretty good for about a day and a half and this is what I managed to get.
Wish I had more time. I missed all the cool Lightning and the Lava of the first eruption. But I figure this will just be a trial run for another day.
I am of course accepting sponsors to send me back there for more please...!! haha
Music: Jónsi - Kolniður (http://jonsi.com)
Canon 5d mkII
HUGE thanks for the Motorized Dolly via MILapse (http://vimeo.com/milapse). Details are to come soon so stay tuned...
© Sean Stiegemeier
www.in-perfidia.com
www.twitter.com/sstieg
APRICOT - Short Film by Ben Briand (sponsored by his incredible actors and crew) from Moonwalk Films on Vimeo.
Do you remember your first love? ... Do you remember your first kiss? ... Do you remember? ...
- Facebook page -
http://www.facebook.com/pages/APRICOT-A-Short-Film-by-Ben-Briand/340181713678/
- Written & Directed by -
Ben Briand
http://www.benbriand.com
- Produced by -
Matt Dooley
Michele Bennett
Alexis Bensa
Gaspard Chevance
http://www.moonwalkfilms.com
http://www.cherubpictures.com.au
- Cast -
Ewen Leslie
Laura Gordon
Alice Zahalka
Joshua Rozzi
- Cinematography -
http://www.adamarkapaw.com
- Music -
www.basilhogios.com.au
AMS KNITWEAR 2010 from danny sangra on Vimeo.
Filmed during a photoshoot for the knitwear range designed by A Minute Silence
http://www.aminutesilence.com/
Film by Danny Sangra
El Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia surge de la necesidad de crear un punto de encuentro único en nuestro país entre los cineastas mexicanos, el público de Michoacán y la comunidad fílmica internacional. El Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia tiene como finalidad establecer un foro en el cual promover a los nuevos talentos del cine mexicano, presentar su trabajo en el marco de una amplia gama de propuestas cinematográficas internacionales, así como difundir la enorme riqueza del estado de Michoacán.
El Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia A.C. continúa la tradición establecida por la Jornada de Cortometraje Mexicano, la cual desde 1994 ha presentado las innovadoras propuestas de jóvenes realizadores mexicanos en la generosa sede de la Cineteca Nacional y se traslada con nuevos elementos a una de las ciudades más hermosas de México: Morelia, declarada Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad por la UNESCO.
Desde el año 2003, fecha de inicio del festival, se implementó un nuevo concurso para complementar la renombrada Sección de Cortometraje Mexicano: la Sección de Documental Mexicano, la cual reafirma nuestro compromiso con este género de gran vigencia en el cine nacional.
Estamos muy orgullosos de consolidar nuestra asociación con la Semana Internacional de la Críica del Festival de Cine de Cannes. Este espacio se ha caracterizado por apoyar el trabajo de nuevos cineastas, incluyendo importantes talentos mexicanos como Alejandro González Iñárritu, Guillermo del Toro, y más recientemente, Fernando Eimbcke. En el marco del Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia se presenta, desde su primera edición en 2003, una selección de largometrajes que forman parte del programa de la Semana Internacional de la Crítica del Festival de Cannes del año en curso, y lo que es aún más importante para beneficio de los nuevos realizadores mexicanos, esta prestigiada sección del Festival de Cannes presenta una muestra de los trabajos ganadores del Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia.
Por otra parte, el Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia organiza proyecciones al aire libre, homenajes a destacados cineastas invitados, retrospectivas dedicadas a maestros del cine mexicano, una muestra de cortometrajes michoacanos, cortometrajes para niños, estrenos de largometrajes mexicanos e internacionales, una sección de películas estadounidenses con temática de migración y cuestiones transnacionales, un concurso de guión de cortometraje, exposiciones, conferencias y distintas actividades relacionadas con el cine.
http://moreliafilmfest.com/2008/ES/
Al tiempo en el que Jarvis Cocker afina los ultimos detalles de su segundo album, el musico originario de Sheffield ha revelado tambien que esta trabajando en algunas canciones que apareceran en la proxima pelicula de mi director de cine favorito, Wes Anderson.
Hasta el momento, el ex lider de Pulp ha escrito varias canciones que podrian ser parte del score de la adaptacion animada de ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ de Roald Dahl’s, que actualmente dirige Anderson, creador de grandes peliculas como ‘Rushmore’, ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ y mas recientemente ‘The Darjeeling Limited’.
Parte del encanto de las peliculas de Wes Anderson pasa siempre por la fabulosa musicalizacion que tiene, ya sea cortesia de los Kinks, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, y por supuesto, el ex-lider de Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh quien es el encargado de realizar casi toda la musica incidental para sus peliculas.
‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ se estrenara el proximo año, y entre sus protagonistas destacan George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, el infaltable Jason Schwartzman y Bill Murray.
Hay chavos chavos, hoy desperte con esa necesidad masiva de ver la nueva pelicula de batman, y q creen??? pues si la vi, mmmm que opino de ella??? mi critica en pocas palabras y metaforeando un poco seria..| Impulso al Arte Joven 2008 |
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El primer premio incluye un apoyo económico de 100,000 pesos para destinarlos a la producción de un cortometraje durante el 2009. Para mayor información consulta las bases en www.impulsoalartejoven2008.com.mx, o al correo fernando.moreno@uia.mx. |
MONTBLANC convoca a los jóvenes artistas, productores y realizadores de cortometrajes a concursar en la 3a edición del Impulso al Arte Joven MONTBLANC. Los interesados deberán participar con hasta dos cortometrajes, tema libre a desarrollar y abierto en género, sin embargo se deberá incorporar en alguna escena un elemento indispensable: La estrella de MONTBLANC.