9th Fantastic Films Weekend, Friday 4 - Sunday 6 June 2010

National Media Museum, Bradford

The National Media Museum, Bradford, presents the 9^th Fantastic Films Weekend (FFW) promising three fear-filled days of thrills and spine-tingling chills for fantasy, horror and sci-fi fans. This year’s Fantastic Films Weekend takes place from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 June.

As part of the weekend the Museum welcomes British directors Stanley Long (Screamtime and cinematographer of The Sorcerers) and Michael Armstrong (The Image starring David Bowie and Mark of the Devil). This year, the weekend also includes a special guest appearance by English screenwriter and FFW patron Jeremy Dyson, best known for his contribution to the well-known British TV series, The League of Gentlemen.

Films screening over the weekend include Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, an exclusive midnight screening of Birdemic: Shock and Terror, a double-bill of horror with 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later and a selection of popular titles from the Museum’s own film archive including Robocop, The Giant Spider Invasion and Patrick.

Stanley Long has worked with the likes of Roman Polanski on Repulsion and with Peter Cushing on The Blood Beast Terror as well as on the 1960s classic The Sorcerers. He co-directed Screamtime with Michael Armstrong. Both British horror features will be screened at the 9^th Fantastic Films Weekend; Stanley will also be signing copies of his autobiography X-Rated: Adventures of an Exploitation Filmmaker.

Writer/director Michael Armstrong is best-known for his cult horror films and for providing David Bowie with his screen debut in the short film The Image, which was also Michael’s first film. Michael will be discussing his career in the Museum’s Cubby Broccoli Cinema ahead of a screening of Mark of the Devil. The event starts at 6:15pm on Saturday 5 June. Mark of the Devil is a notorious and long-banned film in which a twisted witch hunter hands out God’s will, punishing an array of innocent women.

Hitchcock fans will be thrilled with the 1960 version of Psycho showing in the Museum’s Pictureville Cinema. This 50^thanniversary re-release is a welcome reminder of Alfred Hitchcock’s genius for creating heart-stopping cinema. There will be three separate screenings of the classic thriller during FFW.

Fantastic Films Weekend is proud to announce a special midnight screening of Birdemic: Shock and Terror. Influenced by Hitchcock’s The Birds, Birdemic was first screened at the Sundance Film Festival in the United States and since has played to sell-out theatres across the USA. This amateur but cult film was created on a micro-budget by first time director James Nguyen who has been compared to legendary dud-maker Ed (Plan 9 from Outer Space) Wood.

For those who don’t scare easily, don’t miss the double-bill of shock that will leave viewers hanging on the edge of their seats with Danny Boyle’s zombie chiller 28 Days Later, where animal rights activists storm a laboratory and unwittingly unleash a plague virus that turns humans into mad-eyed, homicidal maniacs. The double-bill continues with 28 Weeks Later, starring Robert Carlyle. This sequel offers cat-and-mouse chases and lashings of gore and blood, definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Once again the National Media Museum has dug deep in its unique film archive and dusted off some blasts from the past that will be showing on the big screen during the weekend. The films include Robocop in which Officer Murphy’s memorable catchphrase “Dead or alive, you’re coming with me” will take fans back to the first time they watched this sci-fi action thriller. Other favorites from the vault include The Giant Spider Invasion, the rarely-seen Three Cases of Murderand Patrick.

Other film highlights from this year’s Fantastic Film Weekend include Plague Town, a film about an American family in search of their roots in Ireland who instead discover a small village with a terrible truth from generations past; Videodromestarring James Woods and eXistenz starring Jude Law. Both films – a David Cronenberg double-bill - are linked to theImmersion exhibition (running in Gallery Two until September 5), in which photographer and video artist Robbie Cooper focuses on our obsession with screen media. Finally, audiences will get the chance to see the sell-out Avatar 3D andAlice in Wonderland 3D on Yorkshire’s only IMAX screen.

For festival passes, day passes or individual tickets visit www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/fantastic or call the NMeM box office on 0870 7010200. Weekend pass £50 (£40 concs), day pass £20 (£15 concs) (passes do not include IMAX titles). 28 Days Later/28 WeeksLater double-bills £10 (£7 concs). Single tickets £6.50 (£4.50 concs), Imax DMR £9 (£7 concs) - FFW pass holders receive £1 discount on IMAX films.

PollyGrind brings out the darkside

Film festival gets underway this Wednesday and runs until May 16 in Las Vegas

MAY 10 — As a fan of genre and independent cinema, Chad Clinton Freeman knows how hard it is to weed through everything and find good movies to watch these days. As a filmmaker, he also knows how hard it is to get independent works out for the public to see them. With both of these experiences in mind, Freeman created the Polly Staffle Grindhouse Fest.

The event, which will consist of five days of programming in the tradition of grindhouse theaters with double and triple features each day, gets underway this Wednesday and runs till May 16 at the Sci-Fi Center (2520 State Street) in Las Vegas.

Thirteen films and more than 31 trailers, music videos and shorts will play the PollyGrind, which has been hyped by Vampires.com as “one of the biggest events for grindhouse and trash film lovers this year.”

“This week the cinematic revolution that is known as the PollyGrind begins,” said Freeman, who has been dubbed the "new champion of unabashed B-movie sleaze" by ArrowInTheHead.com. “This festival is being put on in the same spirit as old school grindhouse cinema - no funding and creatively using whatever is available. With that being said, I think the lineup turned out rather nicely and I think everyone that comes out will enjoy what William Powell’s Sci-Fi Center and the PollyGrind have to offer.”

Five features will have world premieres at the event. John R. Hand’s sci-fi arthouse film Scars of Youth  opens the festival May 12. The Dead Undead, which stars Luke Goss and was directed by stuntmen Matt Anderson and Edward Conna, world premieres May 13. Creep Creepersin will world premiere his films Vaginal Holocaust, Caged Lesbos A-Go-Go, and Orgy of Blood on May 15.

The films Greg Lamberson’s Slime City Massacre (which stars Debbie Rochon, Lee Perkins and Brooke Lewis), Henry Weintraub’s Melvin, Bruce Dickson’s Red Velvet (Henry Thomas, Kelli Garner and Cristen Coopen), James Pronath’s Horrid, Jen Soska & Sylvia Soska’s Dead Hooker in a Trunk, Alex Pucci’s Frat House Massacre and the anthology Terror Overload (Scarlet Salem, Rachel Grubb and Ari Lehman) will have Las Vegas premieres and the Argentina import Zombie Apocalypse Now: A Zombie Hunter will screen for the first time in the United States.

“Personally, I think all of these films are great. Otherwise I wouldn’t have programmed them,” Freeman said with a chuckle. “I will say that I’m very pleased I’m getting to open with the world premiere of Scars of Youth and I think the stuff Creep is bringing for Saturday should be a blast. Also, I think Slime City Massacre, The Dead Undead, Dead Hooker in a Trunk and Red Velvet will be crowd favorites.”

Also highlighting the festival will be works from award-winning filmmakers Michael Ramova (four faux trailers and a short), Calvin Lee Reeder (shorts The Rambler and The Snake Mountain Colada), Aaron Mento (shorts Absent and Heathen’s Gate) and Ginnetta Correli (music video Hippodome Mime).

Other short films playing will range from horror (The Bet, Blood Shed, The Red Hours, Depraved, and Hypochondriac), to animated fun (Frankenstien vs. Wolfman in 3D), to film noir (Stiletto), to sci-fi (Babylon 2084), to experimental (Telefone), and even dark comedy (Sis, and Because There Are Things You Never Forget).

Music videos will include Ryen McPherson’s entry Jitterbug (song by Walker Rose), the world premiere of Alvaro de la Hoz’s Long Goodbye (Lazy), David Wanger’s Anatinus (LIGO) Elona’s Warrior (Elona), and Rob Prior and Paul Jenkins’ Get Your Dead On (Scum of the Earth).

The PollyGrind will also feature appearances by actors, actresses, filmmakers and more. Confirmed special guests include Scream Queens Elske McCain and Donna Hamblin, actor Robert C. Sabin of Slime City and Slime City Massacre, comic book legend Everette Hartsoe (Razor), pinup artist Popeye Wong, and filmmakers Creep Creepersin, Alex Pucci, Sean Cain, Shane Ryan, Michael Dunn, Jeffrey Bliss, Aaron Mento, and Jeffrey Blake Palmer.

Vendor tables will open an hour and half before the movie madness begins each night. There will be items for sale, autograph and photograph opportunities, as well as raffles and giveaways.

Various nightly hosts will include spooks-model Jennique Angel, HorrorNews.net managing editor Dai Green, and Heather Wixson of DreadCentral.com, while sponsors of the event are TheGrindHouse.net, MTI Home Video, Sony Creative Software, FootageFirm, Terror Cards, and Dolls and Dead Things.

When the dust settles, the film festival will hand out more than 14 awards, including the top prize dubbed The Biggest Baddest Mother of the PollyGrind. There will also be awards for best use of music, nudity/sexuality, violence/gore, and most outrageous. The audience will also be casting ballots each night to pick their favorite feature, short, music video and trailer.

Tickets for the event are $10 per day. Five day passes and three day passes can be purchased in advance for $40 and $25 at PollyGrind.com or TheSciFiCenter.com.

In anticipation of the event, Ammon Gilbert of ArrowInTheHead.com has called it “a B-movie jamboree of awesomeness” that “only Vegas has the balls to host.” Josh Bell of Las Vegas Weekly said “there's a fine line, certainly, between underground genre weirdness and artistic ambitions, and the festival will no doubt do everything possible to blur it.”

Freeman said he hopes both journalists are right in their predictions, and then some. “Our aim, as has always been the case with PollyStaffle.com, is to celebrate individuality, diversity, creativity and empowerment,” Freeman said. “Hopefully, PollyGrind is a fun and unique experience that honors the darker side of cinema and showcases the work of filmmakers with defiantly independent visions. I also hope it comes off as an intimate educational experience and a networking function for the audience and the filmmakers that will leave everyone wanting to come back for more next year.”

Worldwide Release of Kites

Box Office stakes fly high as Reliance BIG Pictures presents ‘Kites’

India’s most truly international film project – releasing in Cinemas Worldwide on 21^st May 2010

One of the most ambitious and truly international films to emerge from India is set to dominate cinemas worldwide as Reliance BIG Pictures presents the long-awaited ‘Kites’ a film that will undoubtedly fly high in Box Offices across the globe when it releases on 21^stMay 2010.

‘Kites’, the widest ever release for any Indian film production to date, heralds a new milestone in international filmmaking by truly crossing geographical, cultural and social boundaries making  it a film which cannot be confined to any singular defining film genre.Anurag Basu, one of the most forward-thinking directors to emerge from India and fearless in his vision of breaking the conventions associated with Indian filmmaking, directs the  heartthrob of Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan, one of India’s most idolised artists.

Hrithik sets screens ablaze with the on-screen chemistry he shares with smoldering Mexican beauty, Barbari Mori, the South American screen icon who has been creating waves across the international film circuit. ‘Kites’ has been produced by veteran of Indian cinema, Rakesh Roshan, under his Filmkraft banner.

 ‘Kites’ trails a filmic journey through the neon and nightlife of the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas, where the crew took special permissions and blocked off roads for filming to the point of creating rain in the middle of the Nevada desert, through to the barren and beautiful landscape of New Mexico, where the natural beauty and unusual cloud formations provide a Utopia-like backdrop to a kaleidoscopic piece of cinematic work. The film effortlessly seams together romance, action, thriller and road trip into a montage that will guarantee a love affair with audiences universally. Narrated through a series of slickly edited flashbacks, ‘Kites’ tells its story through a mix of Hindi, English and subtitled Spanish. The soundtrack has been composed by music maestro Rajesh Roshan who has created a haunting ensemble of tracks fusing Western, Indian and Latino ballads.

Synopsis:

‘Kites’ centres around two immigrants – one from India and one from Mexico – both navigating life in North America in pursuit of their dreams. Orphaned in childhood, ‘J’ (Hrithik Roshan) is a hustler who has learned to live by his wits and charm. Teaching salsa by day, he is not averse to a shady deal here and there. ‘Linda’ AKA ‘Natasha’ (Barbara Mori’) is a feisty, beautiful Mexican who has crossed the border illegally in the hope of making some money to support her family back home.

Destiny unites them through the most unexpected twist of fate which culminates in a mortally wounded man being left for dead in the harsh terrain of the Mexican desert. The man is J, but barely recognizable as the once carefree and street smart trickster that he was.  The only thing now keeping him alive is his quest to reclaim the love of his life – Linda.

‘Kites’ is a multi-layered and textured film which transcends racial barriers and backgrounds. It deals with issues that hold utmost relevance in today’s multicultural society and is sure to touch the hearts of a diversity of both mainstream and ethnic film audiences the world over.

‘Kites’ is released by Reliance BIG Pictures in cinemas worldwide on 21^st May 2010.

OCTOPUS MAKES SOUND AND IMAGE UNFORGETTABLE

Just when you had finally completed collecting your favourite videos, the world moved over to DVDs. It is a great development of course; stored digitally, your films can be saved indefinitely. But replacing your entire collection of videotapes with DVDs is quite expensive. Marmitek solves this problem with the introduction of Octopus. With this device, you can convert your complete analogue video collection into digital data and save it on your computer. Burn all your files on DVD and rescue your priceless memories of a marriage, the christening ceremony, or a family party from oblivion.

Spending a rainy Sunday afternoon watching old movies with your children, is now a reality. Leave it to Octopus to provide nostalgia and a cosy feeling in your home this autumn and winter. Marmitek, the company that often comes up with smart solutions for your home since many years, focuses on the seasons and the time which families spend together. Children of the present generation, whether those who go to primary schools or secondary, are hardly aware of how their parents and grandparents used to sit together listening to music or watching movies. The fast moving technology of the last twenty years has failed to take into account the need to share the lifestyle of the past with the people of the present. Octopus has arrived to take care of that.

SIMPLICITY WITH MANY OPTIONS

The name Octopus originates from its ability to make many different devices communicate with each other. Complicated? Arthur van Horssen of Marmitek explains how simple Octopus makes it: ‘It is a simple matter of ‘everything is possible’. With an Octopus and a computer at hand, everyone can secure the quality of their video tapes or video8 tapes once and for all. The Octopus digitalizes the data and sends it to the computer. After that, the possibilities become infinite, as we know. Burning DVDs, cutting and pasting, editing, superimposing; it’s all at your command. The digitalized data is not just for the owner; it can also be shared with friends and family, or made available to the world, by uploading it to websites such as Hyves and YouTube”.

COMPUTER BECOMES A TV WITH THE OCTOPUS

The Octopus literally opens up a world of possibilities. It doesn’t just end at digitalizing sound and image; this unit also works as an external TV-card. This means that the computer works as a TV. In most cases, a TV-card needs to be installed into the computer, which means the computer casing needs to be opened for the installation, and that isn’t even possible in case of laptops. ‘Much too complicated and unnecessary’ says Marmitek. The Octopus gets connected to the computer with a single cable, and is ready for use. The advantages of a TV-to-computer connection are quite clear: the computer room changes into a TV room at any desired moment, and all members of the family can watch their favourite programs together, without the need of a second TV, which also means saving money. Marmitek has set the advised sale price of Octopus at 54,95 GBP, whereas professional companies charge huge sums of money for digitalizing sound and image. With an Octopus in your home, you can look forward to many hours of listening and viewing pleasure.

For more information and sale-point addresses, please visit www.marmitek.com.

The Rebellion Begins As Harry Potter Comes To Hi-Def

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ to be released on HD DVD and Blu-ray on 12th November

Harry Potter Year 1 - 4 also releasing in high-definition on 12th November

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™, the darkest, most thrilling Harry Potter movie to date, makes its highly anticipated debut in high-definition on 12th November 2007 from Warner Home Video.

Boasting razor-sharp, crystal clear images and uncompressed, cinema quality surround sound, the HD DVD and Blu-ray editions of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix bring Hogwarts to life in a way never seen before. The inclusion of exclusive high-definition additional extras and special features allow fans to delve deeper into the magical world of Harry and his friends as they take on He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named.

As well as extra scenes and behind-the-scenes footage, all available to watch in stunning high-definition, the HD DVD disc also comes with In-Movie technology. This allows fans to watch the films’ cast share memorable moments and personal perspectives whilst the movie is running with its picture-in-picture feature, adding a whole new dimension to the film.

In addition, the web-enabled features on the HD DVD disc truly take interactivity to the next level by allowing Harry Potter fans to pick their favourite scenes, assemble the clips into a montage and create their own personalised trailers. They can then share their montages online, via the HD DVD players’ internet connection, with other owners of the HD DVD disc.

Fans can scan, select and download cool images, wallpapers and ringtones to send to their mobile phones, whilst the Live Community Screening feature enables viewers to create, organise and invite their friends to their very own virtual screening parties, bringing Harry Potter fans together to experience the magic (HD DVD only).

In addition, Harry Potter Years 1 - 4 - Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone™, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ - will also be available on HD DVD and Blu-ray from 12th November.

Based on JK Rowling’s award-winning fifth novel, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) find themselves in a magical and rebellious self defense organisation that battles against the Dark Arts. The star-studded cast joining them in this fantastical movie adventure filled with more danger, drama and action than ever before is Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Emma Thompson (Sybil Trelawney), Julie Walters (Mrs Weasley), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Brendan Gleeson (Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), Jason Issacs (Lucios Malfoy), Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick), Fiona Shaw (Petunia Dursley) and David Thewlis (Remus Lupin).

Synopsis

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and discovers that much of the wizarding community has been denied the truth about his recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort. Fearing that Hogwarts’ venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about Voldemort’s return in order to undermine his power and take his job, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the Hogwarts students. But Professor Dolores Umbridge’s Ministry-approved course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the dark forces threatening them and the entire wizarding community, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry takes matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves “Dumbledore’s Army,” Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.

Watch your favourite DVD with Epson and Logitech

Epson, the No.1 seller in the projector market in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and in the world for the last 6 years, has today announced an exclusive promotion in conjunction with its award winning EMP-TW1000 projector.

The TW1000 is a projector for true home cinema enthusiasts. With next generation Epson technologies and full high definition resolution, it delivers stunning pictures every time. From movies to video games, and with lights on or off, every performance is superb.

For a limited period, those that purchase the Full HD, 1080p home cinema experience that is the EMP-TW1000 will receive a free Logitech Harmony 1000 Remote Control worth £279.

The Logitech Harmony 1000 Remote Control allows users to control their whole home cinema installation from one console so there is no need to have separate remote control units for the projector, DVD player, audio and motorised screen.

Features of the Harmony 1000 are:

Universal control, combines all remote control devices in one easy to use console

One-touch control via a 3.5” colour touch screen

Up to 15 components: control video, audio, games consoles – even lights and appliances

Learning port: Add favourite functions from older remote controls

Charging station: put the remote in its own home and forget about charging the batteries

Free support: Expect total customer satisfaction, whether it is a problem or just a question.

Further information on the Harmony 1000 can be found at: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/373&cl=gb,en.

THE FUTURE OF MOVIE MAKING

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU INTERNET

The internet is the inevitable way forward. Devolution not revolution.

The rise of the Independent film-maker against cinema’s Goliath (Hollywood) has been held up by the huge costs involved in commissioning, producing and distributing high-quality films. However, significant progress made in digital technology means that prohibitive cost need no longer be an obstacle to future independent film-makers. Devolution Digital (www.devolutionfilms.com) is a new website that was launched during this year’s MIPCOM event in Cannes and provides a platform for budding scriptwriters to upload their scripts onto a global medium to be rated and possibly selected to be made into high-quality feature length films using inexpensive digital filming, production and distribution methods. If you are a budding film maker without a budget then Devolution Digital could see your script made into a commercial success.

The founder of Devolution Digital, Graeme Ballard, explained that his vision for the site was simple – “The internet and advances in digital technology mean that ordinary people, wherever they are and whatever their background, can upload their stories, scripts and home-made movies and show them to the world. Devolutionfilms.com is designed to attract and identify the very best scripts from around the world and to then turn these into potentially award-winning independent features at a tiny fraction of typical Hollywood production costs. For those people who think they might just be the next Stephen Spielberg, or perhaps a new Pedro Almodovar, Devolutionfilms.com is their best chance of being discovered.”

There are three straightforward steps to the Devolutionfilms.com process. First, people that join the site will be able to judge and vote for scripts they and others upload, and they will also be able to suggest changes to storylines and make amendments to scripts, rather like on the hugely popular fanfiction sites (see fanfiction.net). Devolution Digital also employs a team of experienced staff writers to help with the judging process and to assist in maintaining the quality of the scripts submitted by the public. Once the scripts have been judged by the public and staff writers, then the process of turning winning scripts into feature films or a series of shorts can begin - using entirely digital technology. [Here of course the normal tax incentives for film-making will apply which helps to drive down the costs further.]

The final stage is to distribute the finished films or shorts on mobile tv platforms, 3G, the internet and DVD using Devolution’s own digital presence and that of its strategic partners, such as the telcos and existing internet content distributors.

One of the significant advantages of this model is that investors in movie production who are not normally able to invest in large capital expenditure films can spread their risk over a portfolio of smaller-budget movies being marketed and filmed concurrently.

Black Country 3D modelling needs your vote

A virtual reality model of the Black Country by Salford University researchers has helped shortlist an ambitious regeneration project for a televised national competition – which could win £50m Lottery funding.

Academics from the University’s ThinkLab designed and built a virtual model of the Black Country region for the Black Country Urban Park project, one of four contenders in The People’s £50m Lottery - the results of which will be broadcast on ITV in December 2007.

The competition relies on public votes and, if successful, the project will open up the Black Country region as an ‘urban park’ – integrating natural and built-up environments with visitor attractions and green spaces.

The University’s virtual reality model gives people a ‘bird’s eye’ view of the entire region as it currently exists, enabling them to zoom in on specific areas and access demographic data including employment statistics. If enough votes are cast and Black Country win, there will be potential to expand the model to demonstrate how the region’s environment will be transformed.

Professor Terrence Fernando who led the Salford University team said: “Our model is the first of its kind and was a key element of the bid, helping to interpret the ambitions plans to regenerate the Black Country.

“We’re hoping as many people as possible lend their support so we can go on to model the environmental transformation of the Black Country into an urban park.”

Chief Executive of the Black Country Consortium, Sarah Middleton said: “Virtual Black Country has been key in helping us to consult with stakeholders and partners about the flagship elements of the Urban Park bid. We are very pleased to working in partnership with Salford University on this cutting edge technology and delighted that colleagues in the North West are supporting us by voting for the project.”

Online and phone voting for The People’s £50m Lottery Giveaway opens at 9.00am on Monday 26 November and the final will be broadcast on ITV during December.

For more information on the competition go to www.thepeoples50million.org.uk and www.voteblackcountryup.co.uk

Dolby 3D Digital Cinema Expands Global Presence

Exhibitors in over 12 countries deploy Dolby 3D Digital Cinema for Paramount Pictures’ upcoming Beowulf release

San Francisco, November 15, 2007—Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) announced today that its Dolby® 3D Digital Cinema system will be available in 75 screens in 12 countries worldwide in time for the upcoming release of Paramount Pictures’ Beowulf, premiering November 16. By securing deals with dozens of exhibitors in Asia, Europe, and the United States, Dolby is revolutionizing theatrical experiences with its high-quality digital 3D solution. Dolby will continue installing additional screens during Beowulf’s two-week global opening.

“In a short time frame, the team executed an aggressive deployment plan to install Dolby 3D systems in theatres around the world for Beowulf, as we wanted to fulfill as many requests as possible from our valued customers,” said John Iles, Vice President, Cinema, Dolby Laboratories. “With an unwavering commitment to a better 3D experience, we are confident that Dolby 3D will provide an exceptional presentation of Beowulf and other upcoming digital 3D movies.”

The Dolby 3D Digital Cinema solution brings high-quality 3D to every seat in a theatre:

· The ability for exhibitors to play back 3D content on a standard white screen provides moviegoers with an even image across the entire screen minus any hot spots or inconsistent light reflection.

· Dolby 3D full-spectrum color-filter technology provides amazing color fidelity, delivering clear 3D images with realistic color.

· Dolby’s color filter technology also maintains premium picture quality because the filter wheel is inserted into the light path before the image is formed, delivering a stable and sharp picture.

The result is crystal clear images and vivid colors that pop off the screen with an amazing sense of depth.

“We are thrilled with the quality of Dolby 3D Digital Cinema and excited to show Beowulf in Dolby 3D,” said Mike Thomson, Vice President Operations and Technology, Malco Theatres. “We will have the ability to play back 3D content on our big screen at the Malco Paradiso using Dolby 3D Digital Cinema. The large screen creates a 3D experience unlike anything we’ve been able to offer our patrons before.”

“Marcus Theatres recently debuted Dolby 3D Digital Cinema and our patrons have been very pleased with the presentation quality,” said Bruce Olson, President, Marcus Theatres. “Marcus strives to deliver the best moviegoing experience possible and we believe Dolby 3D reinforces that commitment.”

“Dolby is a trusted brand for providing technologies that dramatically improve the cinematic experience, as we have seen with Dolby Digital Cinema,” said Joost Bert, CEO, Kinepolis Group. “Kinepolis recently debuted Dolby 3D Digital Cinema at our newest cinema complex in Ostend, Belgium, and our patrons were very impressed with the sharp, clear, and bright images that seem to jump off the screen.”

To date, exhibitors using Dolby 3D technology have presented Walt Disney Pictures’ Meet the Robinsons and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D and in addition to Beowulf (Paramount Pictures/ Warner Bros.), are expected to show the upcoming 3D presentations of Fly Me to the Moon (nWave Pictures), Hannah Montana (Disney) and Journey 3D (New Line). For a complete list of Dolby Digital Cinema and Dolby 3D Digital Cinema locations, please visit www.dolby.com/consumer/motion_picture/ddcinemas/ .

Online vendor admits to selling counterfeit software

Crooks beware: Your buyers might be honey traps!

The Federation Against Software Theft (The Federation) has participated in the takedown of an illegal software ring run from a roofer’s home in Cornwall.

The perpetrators were caught when a Federation member posed as a buyer and bought an illegal copy of their own software from Philip Rogers of Redruth.

Rogers, and his accomplice, had been investigated for a number of failed and improper sales hosted on the online auction website eBAY. The Federation member, Primal Pictures, discovered Rogers selling its software and arranged a purchase to investigate. Not only did their test discover that the disc sold to them was a fake, but Primal Pictures found other buyers who had also been sold fakes.

John Lovelock, Chief Executive of The Federation said: “Primal asked The Federation to aid them protecting themselves from this theft of their intellectual property - property that they had spent time and effort designing, creating, publishing and distributing at considerable cost to themselves. We entered into correspondence with Rogers, informing him of our discoveries and letting him know that all our member wanted was for him to destroy the illegal stock of copied software he had manufactured, acknowledge that he had breached copyright, and enter into discussions regarding compensation.”

His admission of unlawful activity and signing of an undertaking not to do it again would be given weight in any subsequent legal proceedings which may arise. Rogers initially claimed that The Federation could not prove that he had sold the fake disc in question; however as the software creator that owned the copyright had actually bought it from him, evidence against Rogers was easily obtained.

Peter Allan, CEO of Primal Pictures said “As the unique worldwide provider of interactive anatomy software for the medical profession, we have very strict copyright protection on our products. Our software is the product of years of dedicated hard work by anatomists and computer graphic experts and it is used to train medical and surgical students all over the world. To have someone steal it and profit from the hard work of such talented people is unacceptable and potentially financially damaging. We went to The Federation to help us settle this without going to court, and we’re happy that the rogue seller has ceased his illegal activities so that we can stay in business.”

Lovelock added: “We’re glad to be able to help protect the smaller software vendors from criminals who have no conscience when it comes to stealing their hard work and putting them out of business. These creative firms are collectively the new ‘staple industries’ of the UK. They employ hundreds of thousands of people. If they get ripped off it’s ordinary people that they put out of work, and we are not going to stand for it.”

MISCHIEF NIGHT

“East is East meets Shameless…the kids swear and smoke, the ethnic tensions simmer, and the comedy flows freely”

The Guardian Guide

“Playful…mischievous… gritty and amusing”

Empire

“One of the funniest, most refreshing films this country has produced in years”

The Observer


Everyone has Halloween, but in Yorkshire, they have MISCHIEF NIGHT - for one night only, madness and mayhem rule. This critically acclaimed film, from the producers of Shameless, will be available to rent on DVD on 26 March 2007 and to buy on DVD on 23 April 2007.


Tina Crabtree (Kelli Hollis) lives on the "white side" of the park with her three unruly children. On the "Asian side" lives Immie Khan (Ramon Tikaram) with his lively family. As the clock ticks down to Mischief Night, the Crabtrees and the Khans are unaware that their worlds are about to collide. In the course of one night, the barriers that separate both families come tumbling down in a blaze of crime, clubbing, love and fireworks - changing their lives forever.


Tina is played by Kelli Hollis, most recently seen as Yvonne in “Shameless”. Immie is Ramon Tikaram who is best known for his character as Ferdy in the BBC2 programme, “This Life”. Tina’s kids are played Holly Kenny as Kimberley, Michael Taylor as Tyler and Jake Hayward as Macauley. On the other side of the park in the large Khan family along with Immie, lives his stroppy sister Sarina played by Sarah Byrne and naughty brother Asif, played by Qasim Akhtar. All the kids were discovered through street casting, a method favoured by Writer/Director Penny Woolcock. “I’m not very keen on drama school kids because I prefer actors to just ‘be’ in a natural way,” says Penny.

The other key adult roles are Don Crabtree, Tina’s father played by Gwyne Hollis and Christopher Simpson (“Brick Lane”) as drug dealer Qassim.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

The single disc DVD has several bonus features including a commentary by Kelli Hollis and Penny Woolcock, the Writer/Director, as well as cast and crew interviews and behind the scenes footage. The DVD comes with 5.1 sound.

Radio One DJs Nihal and Bobby Friction compiled a soundtrack that reflects the tone of the film and what young people, Asian and white, are listening to. With contributions from artists like Juggy D, Lethal Bizzle, Usha Uthup, Ges-E, Jungle Brothers, Raghav, Nitin Sawhney, Outlandish, Swami and UK Apachi & Shy FX, the soundtrack represents the best of contemporary urban music.

DVD PRODUCT DETAILS:

Credit: Fremantle Media

Release Date: 23 April 2007

Feature running time: 96 mins

Certificate: 15

Retail Price £17.99

DVD format: Retail/rental

Special Features: Commentary by Kelli Hollis and Penny Woolcock, cast and crew interviews, Behind the scenes footage, Shameless 3 DVD trailer.

Catalogue no: Retail: FHED 2039

Rental: HFD8663

The Greatest Artists of the Western World

Award-winning film company, Seventh Art, are bringing to life some of the art world’s most innovative works with the release of their insightful documentary series on DVD this spring. Presented by Five’s art expert Tim Marlow the two DVDs, Great Artists and Great Artists 2, were shot on location in churches, museums and palaces throughout Europe and the United States, and explore the work of artists such as Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Stubbs and Goya. Offering an intelligent and informative insight into the lives and work of these ground-breaking artists, Great Artists and Great Artists 2 provide unrivalled access to the some of the greatest masters in Western art history.

With the cultural melting pot of Europe as his backdrop, Marlow explores the works, historical societies, cities and lives of a diverse collection of artists. From his insightful guide to the great innovators of portraiture, David and Goya, to his alternative take on Constable; who was considered a radical artist of his time, Marlow crams each DVD with his fascinating observations and perceptive insights into the work and lives of an array of artistic masters.

Produced and directed by award winning documentary film-maker Phil Grabsky, Great Artists and Great Artists 2 are the most recent in a series of ground breaking documentary films on art by the Five presenter. Seventh Art Productions’ signature style makes these documentaries a must for the serious art critic whilst remaining easily accessible to art enthusiasts of all levels.

The DVD release of Great Artists and Great Artists 2 coincides with the David and Goya exhibition at the Royal Academy, which runs until 20th April. The DVDs will be available to buy from the Tate Modern and all good websites including seventh-art.com, fopp.co.uk, dvd.ciao.co.uk, bookmat.com, amazon.com, movie-mail.com, and Woolworths.co.uk. RRP £22.49. The Great Artists book is also available to buy in a downloadable format from the Seventh Art website.

Gilbert and George DVD

Internationally renowned film company, Seventh Art Productions, are set to release the latest film in the Tim Marlow arts series on DVD on the 9th April. Tim Marlow with… Gilbert & George sees art expert Tim joined by the world’s most eccentric artistic double act – the self-proclaimed ‘living sculptures’ Gilbert & George. This fascinating documentary presents an exclusive walk around their new exhibition at Tate Modern and also offers an intriguing insight into the characters of this famously elusive pair. For true Gilbert & George enthusiasts, there will be a limited number of rare signed copies available to buy on seventh-art.com and at White Cube art galleries, but you will have to move quickly!

Famously straight-faced and seemingly straight-laced, Gilbert & George’s impeccable dress and public demeanor contrasts enormously with the often riotous, irreverent and humorous nature of the work they make. Together with Tim Marlow they provide an exciting and unique look at the key pieces in the largest exhibition of their work to date, which sees 200 pieces on display. Sex, race, religion, nudity, terrorism, love and drunkenness are themes explored throughout the collection, provoking fierce reactions and fuelling discussions that relate strongly to modern existence.

After meeting as students at St. Martin’s School of Art in 1967, Gilbert & George began to exhibit and create work together, always keen to challenge the art world and question expectations. Since this time they have emerged as a fascinating duo with a curious lifestyle that demands much public attention.

Produced by award-winning documentary film-makers Seventh Art Productions, Tim Marlow with… Gilbert & George is the most recent in the Tim Marlow series to be released on DVD. Available through Amazon as well as esteemed art galleries Tate Modern and White Cube, the DVD will retail for £15.99 and will be equally invaluable to the serious art critic and the casual onlooker alike.

Chain Play

COUTTS & CO LAUNCHES PODCASTS OF ALMEIDA THEATRE’S BENEFIT EVENING AND FIRST EVER CHAIN PLAY

Interviews with script writers and cast downloadable at www.coutts.com

Coutts & Co has launched a series of online podcasts to support their
sponsorship of the Almeida theatre’s fundraising benefit to be held this
evening, Friday 23rd March. Six world-class playwrights have each written a
link in a play and the final result - A Chain Play - will be performed for
one night only.

A Chain Play, directed by Tom Cairns, began in November 2006 and each of
the six writers were given just two weeks to add a scene of between ten and
fifteen minutes before passing on the script to the next writer. A two-week
rehearsal period for the actors will culminate with the single performance
this evening. The six playwrights are Samuel Adamson, Moira Buffini, David
Hare, Charlotte Jones, Frank McGuinness and Roy Williams.

The Chain Play cast will feature Michelle Austin, Nathan Stewart Jarrett,
Jenny Jules, Alastair Mackenzie, Danny Sapani and Jodie Whittaker, and has
been produced with the help of the theatre’s Benefit Committee.

Costing Sky the Earth

Contrary Crown Court Ruling Leaves Sky with Potential Billion Pound Losses

Conflicting Crown Court judgements create confusion in the European Satellite System market, and could end-up costing Sky the earth.

Plucky Portsmouth-based Publican, Karen Murphy, lost her appeal on Thursday
in the Portsmouth Crown Court to the Premier Leagues agent, MPS (Media
Protection Services), in a ruling that completely contradicted that from a
previous case heard before the Bolton Crown Court in March 2006 on the same
matter.

Murphy, like many Licensees has installed a European Satellite System in her
premises, the ‘Red, White and Blue’ Public House in Southsea. She believed
this system to be perfectly legal given Bolton Crown Courts precedent
setting ruling on the same point of law (the parties to this were BSkyB, via
FACT vs Gannon).

In summing up Thursday’s case, however, HHJ Ian Pearson, sitting with two
lay Justices, upheld Murphy’s conviction from the Magistrates Court, stating
on several occasions that he strongly disagreed with HHJ Warnocks previous
decision in the Bolton case.

Dave Richardson for AESSI (the Association of European Satellite System
Installers) said “The outcome in this case will undoubtedly create confusion
regarding the legitimacy of Foreign Satellite Systems in the UK, with two
equivalent level Courts issuing completely opposite rulings under exactly
the same section of legislation”.

AESSI believe that the Premier League have been systematically using the
Courts as a method of intimidating Licensees, who, AESSI maintain, have
actually installed legitimate alternatives to Sky Satellite Systems. The
apparent intention of these actions being to use fear of legal costs (win or
loose) and aggravation as ‘leverage’ thus preventing others, as well as
those specifically persecuted from showing football matches, ultimately
forcing all UK Licensees to switch to using BSkyBs more expensive
installation options.

“If this is their intention then it has backfired rather badly on Sky” jokes
Joe Ibrhim of AESSI, as, in a bizarre twist, it was revealed today that if
the Portsmouth ruling is upheld, it would result in billions of pounds worth
of losses to BSkyB as it makes illegal the nearly 2 million Sky systems that
are presently installed across other countries in the EU.

Simply put, the legislation under which this prosecution was brought, and
the Portsmouth Court ruled, was specifically designed to incorporate EU
statute 93/83, under which the judgement could be applied throughout the
European Union against Sky in favour of the relevant local satellite
broadcaster.

In karmic irony, the Premier Leagues relentless pursuit of one tiny public
house may have just been the sledgehammer that cracked the table and missed
the walnut altogether. If Murphy doesn’t appeal the decision and succeed in
having it overturned, the Premier League may have irreparably severed a
major artery of income for BSkyB, potentially costing the broadcaster
billions in lost revenue.

Following the case, Mr Phillip Davies, who investigates ‘piracy’ at Sky,
told members of the Press with reference to the number of bars in Spain,
Greece, France and Portugal showing Premiership football via Sky that this
was "not something I am aware of".

In light of this comment, perhaps BSkyB is unaware of the impending impact
of the Premier Leagues action upon their non-revenue from their
non-existent-installations that they know nothing about.

One can only wonder what fabled, foxy, founder of NewsCorp and ultimate boss
of BSkyB, Rupert Murdoch, will make of the matter or indeed of Mr Davies,
when, and if, BSkyB finds itself facing multiple criminal prosecutions
throughout Europe.

Brief Background:


The Premier League, via their agents MPS, have been bringing multiple
prosecutions (up to 300) across the UK in Magistrates Courts with assorted
and variable outcomes for over four years causing a great deal of stress to
Licensees and costing the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds to date,
all with virtually no cost penalty to the Premier League themselves.

MPS, a privately owned company run by self-proclaimed ‘disinformation expert
’, Ray Hoskin, have now, on behalf of the Premier League, taken to pressing
criminal charges under an obscure Section of the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988 (which is partially superseded by both Broadcasting Acts)
which the DTI confirm is not applicable to the situation, and with which
they have had very little success in higher UK courts. The defining case of
BSkyB vs Gannon in Bolton ruled in favour of the Publican as they were not
pirating but purchasing the broadcast signal from a legitimate European
supplier.

Prior to the case, both the DTI and OFCOM had confirmed in writing that
AESSI members are operating entirely within the terms of the Broadcasting
Acts and in line with European Single Market Legislation. Interestingly, it
is under this very ‘single-market’ legislation that Sky also benefits as it
facilitates the installation of their own decoder boxes situated in other
operators ‘areas’ across the European Union. Presently there are estimated
at just under 2million Sky installations, supplied via satellite shops and
assorted system suppliers situated within the EU - installations that BSkyB
include in their total UK figures ‘accounted for’, that they declare to
Investors, the Stock Market, Channel Operators, RAJAR and other official
bodies, but about which they apparently “not aware”.

About AESSI:

The Association of European Satellite Suppliers & Installers is the official
organisation of legitimate installers in the UK. AESSI members work to the
highest standards of quality and fully guarantee that they will install
entirely and completely legal systems.

AESSI members are all law-abiding legitimate businesses who contribute over
ten million pounds sterling per annum to the UK economy, they pay tax and
VAT and create significant employment directly though their own specialist
staff and indirectly through their customers increased revenue.

For further information view www.aessi.org

Provoked

EROS INTERNATIONAL Releases…

PROVOKED

In prison she found her freedom...in cinemas from 6th April 2007

With an impressive international star cast including Aishwarya Rai, Miranda Richardson, Naveen Andrews, Rebecca Pidgeon, Nandita Das and Robbie Coltrane performing pivotal roles in what is anticipated to be this year’s most poignant film, Eros International plc proudly presents Provoked releasing nationwide on Friday 6th April 2007.

Provoked is the true life depiction of Kiranjit Ahluwalia (played by Aishwarya Rai), the Asian woman who overturned the British judicial system and transformed the meaning of “provocation” in the case of physically abused women, winning justice for women subjected to domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse. The film, based on Ahluwalia’s autobiography Circle of Light by Rahila Gupta, follows her lonely struggle in an abusive 10-year marriage, her retaliation through the murder of her violent husband and the efforts of women activists Southall Black Sisters to bring her justice.

The film is released and distributed by Eros International plc, a globally recognised integrated media and entertainment company. Through this captivating and provocative film, Eros will redefine and propel Indian Cinema to an international stage, an objective integral to the company’s ethos and pioneering vision.

Kishore Lulla, Chairman & CEO of Eros International says: "Eros is really pleased to be involved with Provoked and use the powerful medium of film to tell a true life story of an oppressed but brave woman who changed UK case law. Domestic violence is a serious social issue that transcends race, religion, nationality and colour. We welcome people to come and support the film, and support the emancipation of women all over the world".

THREE MINUTE WONDERS

Studio Artois is proud to announce an exciting new film making competition in partnership with BRITDOC and Channel 4 – ‘Adventures in Recycling’. Anyone with a passion for film and a unique idea should submit their entry before April 14 2007 to be in with a chance to have their work made into a 3 Minute Wonder for
airing in Channel 4, this July.

It is not necessary for individuals to have experience in film making as the 4 winning entrants will receive the resources and professional assistance during May and June to make their films. The winning shorts will not only be screened in July on Channel 4, but also at the BRITDOC 07 Festival (25-27 July), and on Studio
Artois website. The filmmakers will receive free passes (worth £450) to BRITDOC 07 – where the jury will present the best film with an award.

Studio Artois are looking for four perspectives on recycling in all its forms: what can be recycled, the people involved and how the process works. Films can be character-led, based on the science or celebrating the power and beauty of recycling. They can be funny, angry, educational, musical, political – whatever works
best for the entrant. Film ideas can be submitted online at http://www.britdoc.org/foundation/recycling.php.

The winning films should be 4 completely different short films, shot on any kind of camera and can mix documentary with animation, music video, poetry, photography or illustration. The competition is open to anyone with a passion for film, but entrants must be 18 years or over.

Adam Oakley, Director of Marketing for Artois, said: “Supporting filmmakers and their craft is an important part of our Studio Artois film programme. Film and specifically documentary, is an excellent medium for conveying important social messages to individuals and the wider community. Film can get people to think differently and encourage people to take action and make a positive change”.


ENTRY REQUIRMENTS
•
Entry ideas must be submitted online at www.britdoc.org before April 14
th
2007
•
Entrants must be 18 or over
•
Entrants must be British or have been based in the UK for the last 6 months (proof of residence may be required)
•
Entrants must be available to work on their film between May and June 2007, as all films must be completed by early July 2007
•
Channel 4 will take standard UK TV rights in the films according to their usual terms of trade (allowing them to show them both on TV
and on their website)
•
Studio Artois will have non-exclusive exhibition rights in the completed films. They will have sole discretion of how they intend to use
the films for corporate and marketing purposes.
•
Completed films will be screen at the BRITDOC 07 Festival between 25-27 July 2007 (filmmakers will receive free passes (worth
£450) to the event)

NAMASTEY LONDON

VIPUL SHAH PRESENTS NAMASTEY LONDON

After the phenomenal success of Waqt which entered the UK Box Office Charts at number 11, award winning and enterprising director Vipul Shah is proud to present and greet the world with one of 2007’s most spell binding love stories, Namastey London – a film that will whet the appetite of cineastes on a global platform.

Love stories are traditionally a staple diet for Indian cinema and in his quest to make ‘one love story in his lifetime’ Vipul Shah has created Namastey London which resonates perfectly with a global audience. Riding on the successful wave of cross-over cinema, Namastey London is a transitional and cross-cultural love story which considers the issues of socio-cultural conflicts in an entertaining and poignant style. The film deals with the love affairs of the youth on a global level; how the modern youth are living in the Western world in countries such as the UK, USA and Australia and how they perceive love compared to the younger generations living in areas such as Punjab, Delhi and Mumbai, and when these somewhat polarised communities meet the sparks this will generate.

Namastey London trails the story of Arjun (Akshay Kumar), a kind-hearted, homely character from the heart of Punjab who makes his way to London to win the heart of the British girl he has fallen in love with (Katrina Kaif) and the whole of Briton. Although the film is the epitome of ‘love on celluloid’, beneath the glossed, romantic layers, Namastey London unfurls to reveal a pivotal drama that speaks to all diaspora groups who have migrated from their place of origin to then settle in the West, and the plight migrants face with assimilating into the host culture and maintaining an affinity with what they call their ‘home’.

Since producing some of the most famous soap operas on Indian television, Vipul Shah made his directorial debut in films with Aankhen (2002) which had an unconventional theme of robbery by three blind men, with his next film Waqt receiving international critical acclaim. Namastey London is considered Vipul Shah’s most ambitious project till date, and will undisputedly propel him to become one of the most applauded directors of 2007.

Namastey London is extensively shot in London which forms the vital backdrop for the film. Almost 12-14 films are shot in the UK each year, contributing £20million to the UK’s economy. In recent years, London has been the hotbed of drama for Indian cinema especially for films similar to Namastey London that consider the topic of cross-cultural relations. This is supported by the fact that the UK’s population is rising by 500 people per day, indicating how the melting pot of cultures is reaching unsurpassed heights.

From the film’s cast through to its crew, from its subject matter through to its music, it is of no surprise why the hype, buzz and curiosity around Namastey London has continued to reach pinnacles. Namastey London has made history as it is the first product from Indian cinema to have an entire international and Hollywood production crew the objective being to make the film have an international feel and look in line with its global appeal. The film’s director of photography is Jonathan Bloom, location manager Keith Hatcher (Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone), head of art department and production design Paul Burns (The Business, The Football Factory) makeup artist Kateling (head makeup artist at the BBC), and casting director Claire Saunders (Match Point), reflecting the cross-cultural synergies integral to the film.

Vipul Shah has ensured that the cast of Namastey London physically resemble the characters they play. The story revolves around key central characters including A List and award winning star Akshay Kumar, aspiring actors Katrina Kaif and Upen Patel, legend Rishi Kappor, British actress Nina Wadia, acclaimed Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh and British actors Clive Standon and Tiffany McFadden who form the formidable cast.

The musical score for Namastey London is as exciting and a treat for music aficionados as is the film itself. Vipul Shah has brought together for the first time the unique combination of stalwart lyrist Javed Akhtar and current music sensation Himesh Reshammiya to compose the music of Namastey London. In bringing together the two music maestros, the music of Namastey London is an amalgam of class and mass and a musical score that truly befits the genre of the film.

INDIAN FILM ACADEMY AWARDS EVENT

INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY AWARDS PUTS

INDIAN CINEMA ON GLOBAL MAP

Following on from its hugely successful launch in London and Yorkshire, the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFAs) has ascertained its position as a global institution which not only promotes the growth and popularity for Indian cinema internationally, but forges greater cross socio-cultural affiliations on a global level.

India has the largest film industry in the world, producing more than 1,000 films a year which is twice as many as Hollywood. Four billion cinema tickets are sold for Bollywood films each year, compared to three billion for Hollywood films and Indian cinema alone contributes a staggering £200 million for the UK’s economy.

Since its inception and launch in 2000, the IIFA Weekend has been staged at prominent locations including Singapore, Malaysia, Amsterdam, South Africa and Dubai. In beating off stiff competition from other cities including New York and Sydney, after seven exciting years the IIFAs return to the UK this year where it will be hosted in Yorkshire. “IIFA has travelled to six countries across the world and has left a mark in the minds and hearts of the people. We are confident that the IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire will have the same impact”, said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA at the London launch.

With brand ambassador, Indian of the Year winner[1] and screen legend Amitabh Bachchan at the helm of the event, the IIFAs travel the world leaving its indelible mark. The IIFAs ignite a global appetite for the world’s largest cinema, reaching parts of the economy that others cannot, and in its progression has clearly exemplified the potent role played by the Indian cinema industry worldwide.

Mr Bachchan who has been referred to as “Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood and Sean Connery”[2] rolled into one, speaks of the IIFAs with immense esteem: “IIFA is committed to taking Indian Cinema across the globe. Cinema brings together people from diverse cultures for a shared experience bridging the cultural divide. Using cinema as a key to open minds the International Indian Film Academy believes bridges should be built across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations.”

Its return to the UK highlights and adds weight to the increasing relations between India and the UK. With the Indian economy expected to grow by 10% in the next 12 months, the UK is India’s number one location for investment in Europe. Rt. HON Gordon Brown who extended his support to the IIFAs, congratulated Yorkshire for winning the IIFA Bid at the launch event in London. “The IIFA Weekend has my unprecedented support. The relationship between India and the UK is long standing and one we would like to keep developing forever.”

Sheffield's Hallam Arena will transform into a captivating setting to host the awards ceremony in June 2007, part of a four-day extravaganza that also includes events in Leeds, Bradford, Hull, York and London. The IIFA weekend will include business forums, film premieres, workshops and charity fund-raising events. More than 500 luminaries from the Indian film industry will travel to the region for the event and the event will be broadcast globally by STAR TV to reach nearly 500 million viewers in 110 countries. Previous attendees to the IIFA Weekend have included the world’s major celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Shekhar Kapur, Ashok Amritraj, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bo Derek, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan and others.


The IIFAs are far beyond a glitzy film awards ceremony given its inimitable content and impetus. The IIFA spectacle in June 2007 is expected to boost tourism in host region Yorkshire by more than £9.5m and attract 28,000 from all over the world – including the biggest names from India.

The IIFA Weekend Yorkshire is supported by Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board, Star TV network and Idea Cellular Ltd. Elite Limousines and the Oulton Hall are some of the key partners who are helping set the stage for the mega celebration.


[1] Times of India, Sunday 24th December 2006

[2] The Sunday Times, Sunday 3rd December 2006

Shine Short Film Award

Shortlist announced for the Shine Short Film Award

Bradford International Film Festival, 9-24th March 2007

National Media Museum

www.bradfordfilmfestival.org.uk

(0870) 7010200

Treading the borders yet pushing the boundaries

Inaugurated in 1998, Shine is the short film platform in the Bradford International Film Festival. This year five films have been short-listed for the Shine Award – the BIFF competition for best international film. Works featured in competition are selected from hundreds of entries submitted to the festival each year.

The focus of the Shine Award is to honour the best short film by an emerging director, and to support innovation and originality.

The Shine Jury – critic James Cameron-Wilson, director Jack Gold, film lecturer Liz Rymer, producer David Lascelles and BIFF international consultant Neil Young - will select the winning film from the short list during the opening weekend of BIFF2007. The presentation will take place at 3.30pm on Saturday 24 March in Cubby Broccoli Cinema.

THE SHINE SHORT LIST

MIRAMAR STREET
Dir. Jon Garaño Spain 2006 8 mins (adv PG) Some subtitles
Fele Tunaya, Ana Martinez, Adam Sanjurjo
San Diego, California. A Spanish taxi driver picks up a passenger who asks to be taken to an address in Miramar Street. In an instant the driver’s world is changed forever.

MORTEM COMPANY
Dir. Stéfan Le Lay France 2006 20 mins (adv PG) Subtitles
Loïc Fourniaud, Artus de Penguern, Mathilde Mottier, Guillaume de Tonquédec
Narrating the story, Bruno is proud of his father’s unusual job and becomes very excited when he is finally taken to visit his place of work. But an incident on the way precipitates a series of events that begin to affect their lifestyle and eventually Bruno’s life.

PRIVATE LIFE
Dir. Abbé Robinson GB 2006 15 mins 49 secs (adv 12A)
Lucy Lieman, Jana Carpenter, Toby Sawyer, Andy Henderson, David Westbrook
One Friday afternoon, a single twentysomething woman leaves her mundane job in a 1950s textile mill and takes the train to Manchester to meet up with a man. But all is not what it appears…

THE RED BALLOON
Dir. Michael Olesen USA 2005 3 mins 14 secs (adv U)
Aidan Gould, Pedro Miguel Arce
Enlisting the assistance of a balloon vendor, a young boy sends a birthday wish to his Mom – in the only way he knows how. A poignant, pocket-sized poem.

TALK TO ME
Dir. Mark Craig GB 2006 22 mins 45 secs (adv PG)
A beautiful, poignant and tremendously affecting autobiographical documentary in words and pictures based on 20 years of answer machine messages. The voices of old friends, former loves and relatives combine to create a moving memento mori as filmmaker Mark Craig revisits his past with the assistance of Ken Morse, the doyen of British rostrum cameramen.

THE WAY WE PLAYED
(Kako smo se igrali)
Dir. Samir Mehanović GB 2005 13 mins 18 secs (adv PG) Subtitles
Almir Mehanović, Eldar Šahinović
Kosovo, 1992. Oblivious to the growing conflict that will soon engulf their country, two boys search for hidden treasure in an abandoned hill fort. Instead they unearth a gun. Their country is about to be plunged into civil war – and their lives will change forever.

For more festival information visit www.bradfordfilmfestival.org.uk