Durban–“Les Misérables,” French director Ladj Ly’s riveting portrayal of racial division and unrest in the banlieues of Paris, won best picture at the 40th Durban Intl. Film Festival Tuesday night.
The jury described the film, which shared the jury prize in Cannes this year, as “a searing portrait of modern France which takes on issues of police brutality, racial tension, and of generations who keep repeating the same mistakes,” heralding its “raw power and complex ideas” while calling it “a piece of bravura filmmaking.” “Les Misérables” also won the award for best screenplay.
Ly’s incendiary film set the tone for a closing ceremony that, as it commemorated Diff’s 40th edition, offered a reminder that a festival born in a spirit of protest against the injustices of apartheid still had a vital role to play in the shaping of the South African and African conscience.
“Diff has...
The jury described the film, which shared the jury prize in Cannes this year, as “a searing portrait of modern France which takes on issues of police brutality, racial tension, and of generations who keep repeating the same mistakes,” heralding its “raw power and complex ideas” while calling it “a piece of bravura filmmaking.” “Les Misérables” also won the award for best screenplay.
Ly’s incendiary film set the tone for a closing ceremony that, as it commemorated Diff’s 40th edition, offered a reminder that a festival born in a spirit of protest against the injustices of apartheid still had a vital role to play in the shaping of the South African and African conscience.
“Diff has...
- 7/24/2019
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Durban–Sophiatown, 1958. On the outskirts of Johannesburg, as the apartheid police prepare to demolish the community at the heart of black South African cultural and intellectual life, a notorious gang leader is determined to make a last stand. Resisting the forced evictions that will transport the residents of Sophiatown to a desolate township miles away, he’s prepared to fight to the death. But when a sultry torch singer enters his violent world, he suddenly finds something worth living for.
In “Back of the Moon,” Academy Award-nominated director Angus Gibson draws on film noir influences to evoke the free-wheeling, violent, cosmopolitan spirit of mid-century Sophiatown—a place that still exerts a powerful hold on the black South African conscience. Starring Richard Lukunku (“Badman”) and Moneoa Moshesh (“Eve”), the film had its world premiere at the Durban Intl. Film Festival.
Gibson is an acclaimed documentary filmmaker who has co-created, produced or directed multiple award-winning TV dramas.
In “Back of the Moon,” Academy Award-nominated director Angus Gibson draws on film noir influences to evoke the free-wheeling, violent, cosmopolitan spirit of mid-century Sophiatown—a place that still exerts a powerful hold on the black South African conscience. Starring Richard Lukunku (“Badman”) and Moneoa Moshesh (“Eve”), the film had its world premiere at the Durban Intl. Film Festival.
Gibson is an acclaimed documentary filmmaker who has co-created, produced or directed multiple award-winning TV dramas.
- 7/21/2019
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
The 2011 Human Rights Watch Film Festival Co-presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center
June 16-30 at the Walter Reade Theater Program of 19 Films from 12 Countries . including 17 New York Premieres
Now in its 22nd year, the 2011 Human Rights Watch Film Festival returns to New York with an extraordinary program of films set to inspire, inform and spark debate. A co-presentation of Human Rights Watch and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the festival will run from June 16 to 30 at the Film Society.s Walter Reade Theater. Nineteen of the best human rights themed films from 12 countries will be screened, 17 of them New York premieres. A majority of the filmmakers will be on hand after the screenings to discuss their films with the audience.
The Human Rights Watch Film Festival program this year is organized around four themes: Truth, Justice and Accountability; Times of Conflict and Responses to Terrorism; Human Dignity,...
June 16-30 at the Walter Reade Theater Program of 19 Films from 12 Countries . including 17 New York Premieres
Now in its 22nd year, the 2011 Human Rights Watch Film Festival returns to New York with an extraordinary program of films set to inspire, inform and spark debate. A co-presentation of Human Rights Watch and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the festival will run from June 16 to 30 at the Film Society.s Walter Reade Theater. Nineteen of the best human rights themed films from 12 countries will be screened, 17 of them New York premieres. A majority of the filmmakers will be on hand after the screenings to discuss their films with the audience.
The Human Rights Watch Film Festival program this year is organized around four themes: Truth, Justice and Accountability; Times of Conflict and Responses to Terrorism; Human Dignity,...
- 5/13/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Nineteen films from twelve countries make up the 2011 Human Rights Watch Film Festival, June 16-30 at the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center.
Co-presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the festival is organized around four themes:
- Truth, Justice and Accountability
- Times of Conflict and Responses to Terrorism
- Human Dignity, Discrimination and Resources
- Migrants’ and Women’s Rights.
Launching on June 16 with the political thriller “The Whistleblower,” starring Rachel Weisz and David Strathairn, other special features include a centerpiece portrait of Harry Belafonte titled “Sing Your Song,” a tribute to the photographer, filmmaker and journalist, “No Boundaries: Tim Hetherington,” recently killed in Libya, and a HIV/AIDS themed drama, “Life, Above All” from South Africa will close out the festival.
Here’s the official word on the films in the program. For the complete line-up, screening and scheduling information, go to http://www.hrw.org/iff
Truth,...
Co-presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the festival is organized around four themes:
- Truth, Justice and Accountability
- Times of Conflict and Responses to Terrorism
- Human Dignity, Discrimination and Resources
- Migrants’ and Women’s Rights.
Launching on June 16 with the political thriller “The Whistleblower,” starring Rachel Weisz and David Strathairn, other special features include a centerpiece portrait of Harry Belafonte titled “Sing Your Song,” a tribute to the photographer, filmmaker and journalist, “No Boundaries: Tim Hetherington,” recently killed in Libya, and a HIV/AIDS themed drama, “Life, Above All” from South Africa will close out the festival.
Here’s the official word on the films in the program. For the complete line-up, screening and scheduling information, go to http://www.hrw.org/iff
Truth,...
- 5/13/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Nineteen films from twelve countries make up the 2011 Human Rights Watch Film Festival, June 16-30 at the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center.
Co-presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the festival is organized around four themes:
- Truth, Justice and Accountability
- Times of Conflict and Responses to Terrorism
- Human Dignity, Discrimination and Resources
- Migrants’ and Women’s Rights.
Launching on June 16 with the political thriller “The Whistleblower,” starring Rachel Weisz and David Strathairn, other special features include a centerpiece portrait of Harry Belafonte titled “Sing Your Song,” a tribute to the photographer, filmmaker and journalist, “No Boundaries: Tim Hetherington,” recently killed in Libya, and a HIV/AIDS themed drama, “Life, Above All” from South Africa will close out the festival.
Here’s the official word on the films in the program. For the complete line-up, screening and scheduling information, go to http://www.hrw.org/iff
Truth,...
Co-presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the festival is organized around four themes:
- Truth, Justice and Accountability
- Times of Conflict and Responses to Terrorism
- Human Dignity, Discrimination and Resources
- Migrants’ and Women’s Rights.
Launching on June 16 with the political thriller “The Whistleblower,” starring Rachel Weisz and David Strathairn, other special features include a centerpiece portrait of Harry Belafonte titled “Sing Your Song,” a tribute to the photographer, filmmaker and journalist, “No Boundaries: Tim Hetherington,” recently killed in Libya, and a HIV/AIDS themed drama, “Life, Above All” from South Africa will close out the festival.
Here’s the official word on the films in the program. For the complete line-up, screening and scheduling information, go to http://www.hrw.org/iff
Truth,...
- 5/13/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
James Cameron in Los Angeles with 70Mm prints of "Aliens" and "The Abyss"?!?! The Dardenne brothers in New York for a career retrospective?!?! The instant cult classic "The Room" with Tommy Wiseau live in Austin?!?! Be still my heart. There's something for all tastes this summer on the West Coast, the East Coast and as you'll notice, the Third Coast on our calendar of the must-see events on the repertory theater circuit in May, June and July. And don't miss our look at the indie films that are hitting theaters or headed to online, VOD or DVD premiere this summer.
Anthology Film Archives
With the New York Polish Film Festival (May 6-10) and first-runs of the docs "Ice People" (May 1-7) and "Audience of One" (May 8-14) and Ken Jacobs' reinvention of his 1969 work "Tom, Tom, The Piper's Son" with the 3D "Anaglyph Tom" (May 15-21) taking up the Anthology's screens,...
Anthology Film Archives
With the New York Polish Film Festival (May 6-10) and first-runs of the docs "Ice People" (May 1-7) and "Audience of One" (May 8-14) and Ken Jacobs' reinvention of his 1969 work "Tom, Tom, The Piper's Son" with the 3D "Anaglyph Tom" (May 15-21) taking up the Anthology's screens,...
- 5/5/2009
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
NEW YORK -- One of the leading political figures of our age is profiled in this comprehensive and authorized documentary, which offers an unusually intimate portrait of a leader who is usually depicted as more of an icon than a man. A film of historical as well as cinematic importance, Jo Menell and Angus Gibson's "Mandela" should do well theatrically before enjoying a long life on video and cable. Recently showcased in the New York Film Festival, it's due for theatrical release in March.
The filmmakers were granted an amazing degree of access, with the result that Mandela's humanity is stressed as much as his politics. Although it offers a fairly comprehensive portrait of the political developments in South Africa in the past 50 years, the film will be best appreciated by those already familiar with the history. "Mandela" should become a staple in schools and colleges.
The film combines amazing archival footage -- including an interview with a bearded, heavier Mandela that was conducted when he was in hiding in the early 1960s -- with an up-close-and-personal look at the man today. He is interviewed at great length, in tight close-up, and he narrates a tour of locales that hold significant importance for him, from his ancestral grave site to the prison where he spent 27 years. There is also commentary, most of it admiring, from various friends, colleagues and family members.
Despite the closeness of the portrait, Mandela emerges as no less an amazing figure, with his dignity, modesty and gentle humor shining as brightly as his passion and integrity. Still, the film doesn't shy away from mentioning the less-attractive aspects of his personality, such as the callous way he treated his first wife, who adds her comments.
Adding the appropriate flavor is the musical score, which includes contributions by many prominent South African musicians.
MANDELA
Island Pictures
Clinica Estetico Prods.
Directors Jo Menell, Angus Gibson
Producers Jonathan Demme, Edward Saxon,
Jo Menell
Executive producers Chris Blackwell,
Dan Genetti
Co-producer Peter Saraf
Photography Dewald Aukema,
Peter Tischauser
Editor Andy Keir
Music Cedric Gradus Samson with
Hugh Masakela
Color/stereo
Running time -- 120 minutes
No MPAA rating...
The filmmakers were granted an amazing degree of access, with the result that Mandela's humanity is stressed as much as his politics. Although it offers a fairly comprehensive portrait of the political developments in South Africa in the past 50 years, the film will be best appreciated by those already familiar with the history. "Mandela" should become a staple in schools and colleges.
The film combines amazing archival footage -- including an interview with a bearded, heavier Mandela that was conducted when he was in hiding in the early 1960s -- with an up-close-and-personal look at the man today. He is interviewed at great length, in tight close-up, and he narrates a tour of locales that hold significant importance for him, from his ancestral grave site to the prison where he spent 27 years. There is also commentary, most of it admiring, from various friends, colleagues and family members.
Despite the closeness of the portrait, Mandela emerges as no less an amazing figure, with his dignity, modesty and gentle humor shining as brightly as his passion and integrity. Still, the film doesn't shy away from mentioning the less-attractive aspects of his personality, such as the callous way he treated his first wife, who adds her comments.
Adding the appropriate flavor is the musical score, which includes contributions by many prominent South African musicians.
MANDELA
Island Pictures
Clinica Estetico Prods.
Directors Jo Menell, Angus Gibson
Producers Jonathan Demme, Edward Saxon,
Jo Menell
Executive producers Chris Blackwell,
Dan Genetti
Co-producer Peter Saraf
Photography Dewald Aukema,
Peter Tischauser
Editor Andy Keir
Music Cedric Gradus Samson with
Hugh Masakela
Color/stereo
Running time -- 120 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 10/16/1996
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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