DIFF 2010 opens doors to film students across region

DIFF-accredited students will be able to attend and participate in workshops, panel discussions, master classes, networking sessions and screenings in addition to receiving special access to the Festival’s specialist teams. All told, they will have the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of the region’s leading film festival. Eligible students can register at the DIFF website, www.dubaifilmfest.com. All applications must be supported by a letter from their college or university or relevant faculty member. […]

Dubai International Film Festival 2010 ‘In Focus’ shines spotlight on best of Mexican cinema

The Festival’s annual ‘In Focus’ segment introduces regional audiences to the film, talent and narratives of nations with a history of excellence in cinema. With Mexico being responsible for some of Latin America’s best and most popular contemporary films, DIFF 2010’s In Focus: Mexico segment is expected to resonate not only with the region’s burgeoning Spanish-speaking population but with everyone who loves cinema. Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director of the Dubai International Film Festival […]

Dubai International Film Festival announces all-star drama ‘The King’s Speech’ as opening film for 7th edition

Brand new all-star drama ‘The King’s Speech’ will open the seventh Dubai International Film Festival on December 12, 2010, continuing the Festival’s tradition of bringing the most anticipated and critically acclaimed global films to local and regional audiences. The film, based on the true story of King George VI and his struggle to lead Britain in the run up to World War II, features an award-winning cast led by Colin Firth (Bridget Jones Diary, A […]

Dubai International Film Festival 2010 to honour Arab icon Sabah with Lifetime Achievement Awa

One of the Arab world’s most prolific and popular actresses and singers, Sabah has starred in more than 98 movies, including several timeless comedies and musicals and lighthearted fare; released 50 albums and amassed more than 3,500 songs in her repertoire; and acted in 20 stage plays. Renowned for her endearing performances, soaring voice and sparkling personality, Sabah – or ‘Al Shahroura’ (The Singing Bird) as she is known to her fans – continues to […]

Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) 2010 unveils first Muhr Emirati film starring Jean Reno

The Philosopher, a short film directed by Fujairah-born national Abdulla AlKaabi and starring A-list international screen and stage veteran Jean Reno of La Femme Nikita, Leon: The Professional and Mission: Impossible fame, will screen in Dubai as part of DIFF’s seventh edition taking place from December 12 to 19, 2010. Shot in Paris earlier this year with more than 80 cast and crew at a cost of €200,000, AlKaabi’s debut film features the cream of […]

RIP: Actress Jill Clayburgh

RIP: Actress Jill Clayburgh

Two-time Academy Award nominated actress Jill Clayburgh, has died of leukemia, aged 66. Clayburgh’s husband, the playwright David Rabe, told the New York Times she died at her home in Lakeville, Connecticut. She was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actress for the film and also for the 1979 film “Starting Over,” with Burt Reynolds and Candice Bergen.

IFC Midnight Nabs North American Rights To Manuel Carballo’s Exorcismus And Miguel Angel Vivas’ Kidnapped

IFC Midnight Nabs North American Rights To Manuel Carballo’s Exorcismus And Miguel Angel Vivas’ Kidnapped

IFC Midnight, the genre label of IFC Films, announced that the company is acquiring North American rights to two films: Manuel Carballo’s supernatural chiller EXORCISMUS and Miguel Angel Vivas’ powerful and shocking home invasion flick KIDNAPPED. Both films will be released through the IFC Midnight label theatrically and on their video on demand platform in early 2011. In Carballo’s intense supernatural horror film EXORCISMUS, a rebellious young girl (Sophie Vavasseur) slowly discovers that she is possessed […]

2010 Burbank International Film Festival

2010 Burbank International Film Festival

Charlie Valentine by director Ray Cavaleri took home the award for Best Feature at the Burbank International Film Festival. The film follows a professional criminal , on the run, as he tries to reconcile with his estranged son after 30 years. Gus, An American Icon, described as “is a humble tribute to the legacy of Gus Giordano, the founding father of Jazz Dance” took the award for Best Documentary. The complete list of winners include: […]

Eliot Spitzer Talks About Client 9

Eliot Spitzer Talks About Client 9

Eliot Spitzer recently spoke with CNN about why he participated in the new documentary, “Client No. 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer” opening Friday in limited release.  The film is directed by Alex Gibney, whose work has included acclaimed documentaries “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room”and the anti-war documentary “Taxi to the Dark Side.” Wall Street never faced a tougher crusader in the twenty-first century than Eliot Spitzer. As New York State […]

2010 Rome Film Festival Winners

2010 Rome Film Festival Winners

Director Olias Barco’s ‘Kill Me Please’, won the Marc’Aurelio Jury Award for Best Film at the Rome Film Festival. The Belgian film is described as “An irresistible, grotesque black comedy, shot in black and white, and very politically incorrect.” Medical pioneer Dr Kruger (Aurélien Recoing) wants to rectify suicide. His dream is to create a therapeutic framework where suicide is no longer a tragedy but a simple, medically assisted act. His exclusive clinic attracts a […]

Third Annual 2010 Bel-Air Film Festival Announces Winners

Third Annual 2010 Bel-Air Film Festival Announces Winners

The 2010 Bel-Air Film Festival (BAFF) held its third annual event October 14th-19th. The festival screened 58 films; venues included the UCLA James Bridges Theater and Clarity Theaters, Beverly Hills. Opening night included a special screening of Walk a Mile in My Pradas starring Tom Arnold. Actress Christina Collard hosted the evening and honored Brian Austin Green (Beverly Hills 90210) with the “Best Actor Award,” Kathy Najimy (Sister Act, King of the Hill ) with […]