Gabriel Bergmoser Jul 25, 2017
Series one of new Australian supernatural drama Cleverman is now on BBC iPlayer. Here's why it's worth a look...
By and large, Australia is not famous for fantasy. While there are a handful of exceptions, the bulk of our film and television output tends to fall comfortably into the category of kitchen sink dramas, gritty crime thrillers or quirky comedies. Outside of horror films like Wolf Creek or The Babadook, genre fiction isn’t something we’re known for. As such, the recent debut of supernatural fantasy drama Cleverman represents something quite fresh in the landscape of Australian television.
See related 162 movie sequels currently in the works
Cleverman is essentially a dystopian superhero story that draws inspiration from ancient Aboriginal myths, all the while exploring contemporary issues such as the ongoing treatment of Asylum Seekers. It’s an odd beast; its genre trappings give it universal appeal,...
Series one of new Australian supernatural drama Cleverman is now on BBC iPlayer. Here's why it's worth a look...
By and large, Australia is not famous for fantasy. While there are a handful of exceptions, the bulk of our film and television output tends to fall comfortably into the category of kitchen sink dramas, gritty crime thrillers or quirky comedies. Outside of horror films like Wolf Creek or The Babadook, genre fiction isn’t something we’re known for. As such, the recent debut of supernatural fantasy drama Cleverman represents something quite fresh in the landscape of Australian television.
See related 162 movie sequels currently in the works
Cleverman is essentially a dystopian superhero story that draws inspiration from ancient Aboriginal myths, all the while exploring contemporary issues such as the ongoing treatment of Asylum Seekers. It’s an odd beast; its genre trappings give it universal appeal,...
- 6/24/2016
- Den of Geek
Held at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and IFC
The annual Human Rights Film Festival goes where so many fear to tread by devoting attention to people and issues that are so often ignored and neglected. Travel to distant countries, and observe how different cultures and societies are run.
“Evaporating Borders: A Story in 5 Parts” directed by Iva Radivojevic, is a 73 minute film about migrants who travel from Syria to the island off the coast of Syria and Lebanon, Cyprus.
Sharing the viewpoints from many perspectives; the migrant, the case worker, the locals, and the government, the film’s impact is extremely powerful.
Screening on:
June 15, 2014 at 7pm at IFC, and on
June 17, 2014 at 9:15pm at Film Society of Lincoln Center
Screening followed by discussion with filmmaker Iva Radivojevic
Presented with: Independent Filmmaker Project, http://www.ifp.org
Part 1: An Island in the Sun
The viewer is reminded how migrants risk their lives on a daily basis, traveling by boat from countries in turmoil with the hopes of settling in an EU country. For example, many travel from Tunisia to Croatia and Italy, or journey from Syria to Cyprus, because it is considered one of the easiest ports of entry. All too often, the outcome is unsuccessful.
Cyprus, a multicultural island with a Greek Cypriot majority and a Turkish Cypriot minority, consists of a population made up of 25% immigrants from Sri Lanka and the Phillipines, Russians, Christian Orthodox, Eastern Europeans who fled the Balkan Wars, Romanian’s and Bulgarians, and Bangladeshi, Chinese, and African college students.
The Capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is the only military divided city in Europe.
In 1974, Greek Cypriot nationalists attempted a coup d’etat, and Turkey invaded Cyprus, turning many Cypriots into refugees.
Part 2: The Visitors
Many refugees make their way from Syria, Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Palestinians from Iraq, and register as asylum seekers at the immigration center in Cyprus. As can be imagined, they come searching for stability and a future for their children, because, in Syria, many of their families have been killed, have disappeared, or have been threatened.
50 year old Palestinian professor and Physics researcher, who was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and left Syria with his wife and son to escape the suffering, have traveled into Cyprus using fake Algerian passports. He shares his heart wrenching story of the discrimination he has faced.
Part 3: Fear’s Invention
Shares the side of the story from the case workers, and their conundrum of where the migrants are supposed to live and work in the small nation of only 800,000 people.
The migrants will often lie about their religious beliefs, and health status, in order to be eligible for benefit pay. Resentment builds by the locals who work for low wages, while they see that the refugees receive pay for doing no work.
The Anti-Fascist parties also share their negative feelings regarding the migrants, and believe the migrants bring problems to the country, such as, unemployment.
Part 4: Imagined Identity
The harsh reality. Tent cities, benefits being taken away, long hours, low wages, missing children, hunger strikes and suicide plagues the area.
Part 5: Evaporating Borders
Migrants starting to believe they are criminals who have overstayed their welcome. The EU’s assistance towards the Cyprus Government in order to cover the benefits for the Asylum seekers. The laws the asylum seekers are entitled to.
The annual Human Rights Film Festival goes where so many fear to tread by devoting attention to people and issues that are so often ignored and neglected. Travel to distant countries, and observe how different cultures and societies are run.
“Evaporating Borders: A Story in 5 Parts” directed by Iva Radivojevic, is a 73 minute film about migrants who travel from Syria to the island off the coast of Syria and Lebanon, Cyprus.
Sharing the viewpoints from many perspectives; the migrant, the case worker, the locals, and the government, the film’s impact is extremely powerful.
Screening on:
June 15, 2014 at 7pm at IFC, and on
June 17, 2014 at 9:15pm at Film Society of Lincoln Center
Screening followed by discussion with filmmaker Iva Radivojevic
Presented with: Independent Filmmaker Project, http://www.ifp.org
Part 1: An Island in the Sun
The viewer is reminded how migrants risk their lives on a daily basis, traveling by boat from countries in turmoil with the hopes of settling in an EU country. For example, many travel from Tunisia to Croatia and Italy, or journey from Syria to Cyprus, because it is considered one of the easiest ports of entry. All too often, the outcome is unsuccessful.
Cyprus, a multicultural island with a Greek Cypriot majority and a Turkish Cypriot minority, consists of a population made up of 25% immigrants from Sri Lanka and the Phillipines, Russians, Christian Orthodox, Eastern Europeans who fled the Balkan Wars, Romanian’s and Bulgarians, and Bangladeshi, Chinese, and African college students.
The Capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is the only military divided city in Europe.
In 1974, Greek Cypriot nationalists attempted a coup d’etat, and Turkey invaded Cyprus, turning many Cypriots into refugees.
Part 2: The Visitors
Many refugees make their way from Syria, Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Palestinians from Iraq, and register as asylum seekers at the immigration center in Cyprus. As can be imagined, they come searching for stability and a future for their children, because, in Syria, many of their families have been killed, have disappeared, or have been threatened.
50 year old Palestinian professor and Physics researcher, who was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and left Syria with his wife and son to escape the suffering, have traveled into Cyprus using fake Algerian passports. He shares his heart wrenching story of the discrimination he has faced.
Part 3: Fear’s Invention
Shares the side of the story from the case workers, and their conundrum of where the migrants are supposed to live and work in the small nation of only 800,000 people.
The migrants will often lie about their religious beliefs, and health status, in order to be eligible for benefit pay. Resentment builds by the locals who work for low wages, while they see that the refugees receive pay for doing no work.
The Anti-Fascist parties also share their negative feelings regarding the migrants, and believe the migrants bring problems to the country, such as, unemployment.
Part 4: Imagined Identity
The harsh reality. Tent cities, benefits being taken away, long hours, low wages, missing children, hunger strikes and suicide plagues the area.
Part 5: Evaporating Borders
Migrants starting to believe they are criminals who have overstayed their welcome. The EU’s assistance towards the Cyprus Government in order to cover the benefits for the Asylum seekers. The laws the asylum seekers are entitled to.
- 6/10/2014
- by Sharon Abella
- Sydney's Buzz
In a piece first posted on The Conversation, Sally Webster finds fault with the Gillard government’s campaign to deter asylum seekers from Australian shores.
With 5,459 attempted boat arrivals to Australia in the first half of 2012, an increase of 894 since last year, it is no wonder the prime minister is desperate to demonstrate she is combating people smuggling.
Recently, the Australian Government released a number of online clips through its Youtube channel Notopeoplesmuggling with the objective of informing asylum seekers that due to legislative changes there is now “no advantage” in taking a boat to reach Australia.
The videos, designed to resemble advertisements, are in the key seven languages spoken by asylum seekers: Arabic for Iraqis, Dari, Farsi and Pashto for Afghans, Tamil and Sinhalese for Sri Lankans, and English – presumably for an Australian audience.
Weak words
The videos open with what appears to be an unseaworthy boat, then a...
With 5,459 attempted boat arrivals to Australia in the first half of 2012, an increase of 894 since last year, it is no wonder the prime minister is desperate to demonstrate she is combating people smuggling.
Recently, the Australian Government released a number of online clips through its Youtube channel Notopeoplesmuggling with the objective of informing asylum seekers that due to legislative changes there is now “no advantage” in taking a boat to reach Australia.
The videos, designed to resemble advertisements, are in the key seven languages spoken by asylum seekers: Arabic for Iraqis, Dari, Farsi and Pashto for Afghans, Tamil and Sinhalese for Sri Lankans, and English – presumably for an Australian audience.
Weak words
The videos open with what appears to be an unseaworthy boat, then a...
- 9/10/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Synopsis:
In an odd turn of events, six troubled individuals arrive at an asylum to find they must compete for the last remaining available space. Their only contact in the facility is Nurse Milly and her two orderlies and the ever watching, ever present, “big brother” authority known only as “the beard” and only heard through the hospital’s speaker system. The six become friends, enemies and even lovers as they face challenges to become the final patient; they are the Asylum Seekers.
Review:
Rania Ajami’s black comedy, Asylum Seekers, takes a different approach to the asylum based horror tropes;… More...
In an odd turn of events, six troubled individuals arrive at an asylum to find they must compete for the last remaining available space. Their only contact in the facility is Nurse Milly and her two orderlies and the ever watching, ever present, “big brother” authority known only as “the beard” and only heard through the hospital’s speaker system. The six become friends, enemies and even lovers as they face challenges to become the final patient; they are the Asylum Seekers.
Review:
Rania Ajami’s black comedy, Asylum Seekers, takes a different approach to the asylum based horror tropes;… More...
- 8/6/2011
- by Doc Rotten
- Horror News
*full disclosure: a screener of this film was provided by Breaking Glass Pictures.
Director: Rania Ajami.
Writers: Rania Ajami and Jake Pilikian.
The Asylum Seekers is a surreal comedy from director Rania Ajami. This is her first feature and this title is an offbeat look at the possibilities of insanity. Breaking Glass Pictures will release this title on DVD August 30th and Asylum Seekers is a high recommend, based on the interesting atmosphere created by Ajami and cinematographer Lyn Moncrief. Almost every scene is highly saturated, but it is the characters and the message which stand out the most.
There are six supposed lunatics moving into the local asylum. However, there is only one bed available. So the "evangelical nihilist," the "trophy mouse wife," the "gender bender refuge," and many more characters must battle it out to prove that they are more insane than the next. If this sounds strange,...
Director: Rania Ajami.
Writers: Rania Ajami and Jake Pilikian.
The Asylum Seekers is a surreal comedy from director Rania Ajami. This is her first feature and this title is an offbeat look at the possibilities of insanity. Breaking Glass Pictures will release this title on DVD August 30th and Asylum Seekers is a high recommend, based on the interesting atmosphere created by Ajami and cinematographer Lyn Moncrief. Almost every scene is highly saturated, but it is the characters and the message which stand out the most.
There are six supposed lunatics moving into the local asylum. However, there is only one bed available. So the "evangelical nihilist," the "trophy mouse wife," the "gender bender refuge," and many more characters must battle it out to prove that they are more insane than the next. If this sounds strange,...
- 7/24/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
So, you normally don't hear about what women are directing in horror, sci-fi, and fantasy? That's because other assholes don't write about it. Only this asshole does. And there's a lot of new films projects you'll want to check out, if you're a real fannerd.
Aside from German-language release Lollipop Monster by Franziska Riemann and Larysa Kondracki's thriller in mainstream theaters, The Whistleblower, there's a bunch of shit to check out this summer.
Also in theaters is director/writer Miranda July's fantasy film The Future (see our review) opening on August 5th, 2011. This is July's second feature as director, the first being Me and You and Everyone We Know, which everyone who loves arty movies said was amazing. There's a talking cat and romance and a goregous beauty to The Future. Watch the stunning trailer:
At the end of August, 2011, FrightFest UK in London is screening Emily Hagin's...
Aside from German-language release Lollipop Monster by Franziska Riemann and Larysa Kondracki's thriller in mainstream theaters, The Whistleblower, there's a bunch of shit to check out this summer.
Also in theaters is director/writer Miranda July's fantasy film The Future (see our review) opening on August 5th, 2011. This is July's second feature as director, the first being Me and You and Everyone We Know, which everyone who loves arty movies said was amazing. There's a talking cat and romance and a goregous beauty to The Future. Watch the stunning trailer:
At the end of August, 2011, FrightFest UK in London is screening Emily Hagin's...
- 7/6/2011
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
Breaking Glass Pictures will release The Coffin, Strigoi and Asylum Seekers under its Vicious Circle Films label. We have all the details for you below!
The Coffin
Synopsis:
Su and Chris are two strangers whose lives have been struck by tragedy — Su has been diagnosed with lung cancer just days before her wedding and Chris’ longtime girlfriend has fallen into a mysterious coma. When they both learn of a bizarre Thai ritual in which a living person lies in a coffin to reverse bad Karma, they both decide to partake in a mass funeral for the living. Soon, their lives have turned around — Su’s cancer vanishes and Chris’ girlfriend awakes from her coma — but the good fortune is short-lived. A series of terrifying paranormal events suggests that Su and Chris may have upset the Karmic balance of the universe by cleansing themselves of bad luck, and the people closest...
The Coffin
Synopsis:
Su and Chris are two strangers whose lives have been struck by tragedy — Su has been diagnosed with lung cancer just days before her wedding and Chris’ longtime girlfriend has fallen into a mysterious coma. When they both learn of a bizarre Thai ritual in which a living person lies in a coffin to reverse bad Karma, they both decide to partake in a mass funeral for the living. Soon, their lives have turned around — Su’s cancer vanishes and Chris’ girlfriend awakes from her coma — but the good fortune is short-lived. A series of terrifying paranormal events suggests that Su and Chris may have upset the Karmic balance of the universe by cleansing themselves of bad luck, and the people closest...
- 6/22/2011
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
Breaking Glass Pictures is closing part of the the mental hospital on DVD August 30th with Asylum Seekers. This is the day when several of the mentally ill must prove their insanity in front of a mental health review board, because their is only one bed available. The backstabbing and manipulation begins in only a few weeks and fans of Miss Ajami can expect something psychological and thrilling in the Asylum Seekers. Cast and crew details are below.
The plot details for Asylum Seekers:
"Work, deadlines, family, terrorism, information overload ... As modern life pushes the world to the brink of madness, six strangers decide there’s only one sane response; head through the door marked Exit. It leads to a deluxe, exclusive, luxuriously-appointed mental asylum where a staff will wait on them hand and foot for the rest of their carefree lives. The problem? The asylum has only one vacancy.
The plot details for Asylum Seekers:
"Work, deadlines, family, terrorism, information overload ... As modern life pushes the world to the brink of madness, six strangers decide there’s only one sane response; head through the door marked Exit. It leads to a deluxe, exclusive, luxuriously-appointed mental asylum where a staff will wait on them hand and foot for the rest of their carefree lives. The problem? The asylum has only one vacancy.
- 6/21/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Breaking Glass Pictures under the Vicious Circle Films label is quickly making a name for themselves within the genre by releasing quality indie and foreign horror flicks. Think we're kiddin'? Check out the scoop on their next three titles for August!
From the Press Release
Breaking Glass Pictures will release director Faye Jackson’s vampire tale “Strigoi: The Undead” on DVD August 2 under the Vicious Circl Films label. The dark comedy follows the quirky inhabitants of a Romanian village who learn that there are vampires among them.
Synopsis: After failing to start a life of his own, 20-something Vlad is forced to move back to his grandfather’s old farming village in Romania. Though the village seems like a typical Eastern European haven, a mysterious death suddenly thrusts Vlad into the heart of a murder mystery. As he sets out to investigate, his trail leads him to the Tirescus...
From the Press Release
Breaking Glass Pictures will release director Faye Jackson’s vampire tale “Strigoi: The Undead” on DVD August 2 under the Vicious Circl Films label. The dark comedy follows the quirky inhabitants of a Romanian village who learn that there are vampires among them.
Synopsis: After failing to start a life of his own, 20-something Vlad is forced to move back to his grandfather’s old farming village in Romania. Though the village seems like a typical Eastern European haven, a mysterious death suddenly thrusts Vlad into the heart of a murder mystery. As he sets out to investigate, his trail leads him to the Tirescus...
- 6/21/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Drafthouse Films, Timpson Films, and Magnet Releasing have hired a whopping two women to be a part of the 26-chapter horror anthology film The ABCs of Death.
The film, which will begin shooting in June 2011, is based on the idea that each director is assigned a letter from the alphabet representing a horrific word to act as a springboard for a short horror movie. Think , "A is for Autopsy", "B is for Bog Monster", et cetera.
The 25 directors chosen to be a part of this are all fairly new, young-ish up-and-comers like Jason Eisener (Hobo With a Shotgun), Nacho Vigalondo (TimeCrimes), Srdjan Spasojevic (A Serbian Film), Banjong Pisanthanakun (Shutter), Adrian Garcia Bogliano (Cold Sweat), Ernesto Diaz Espinoza (Mirageman), Gadi Harel (DeadGirl), Thomas Malling (Norwegian Ninja), Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police), Simon Rumley (The Living and the Dead), Tak Sakaguchi and Yuji Shimomura (Yakuza Weapon), Marcel Sarmiento (DeadGirl), Timo Tjahjanto (Macabre...
The film, which will begin shooting in June 2011, is based on the idea that each director is assigned a letter from the alphabet representing a horrific word to act as a springboard for a short horror movie. Think , "A is for Autopsy", "B is for Bog Monster", et cetera.
The 25 directors chosen to be a part of this are all fairly new, young-ish up-and-comers like Jason Eisener (Hobo With a Shotgun), Nacho Vigalondo (TimeCrimes), Srdjan Spasojevic (A Serbian Film), Banjong Pisanthanakun (Shutter), Adrian Garcia Bogliano (Cold Sweat), Ernesto Diaz Espinoza (Mirageman), Gadi Harel (DeadGirl), Thomas Malling (Norwegian Ninja), Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police), Simon Rumley (The Living and the Dead), Tak Sakaguchi and Yuji Shimomura (Yakuza Weapon), Marcel Sarmiento (DeadGirl), Timo Tjahjanto (Macabre...
- 5/13/2011
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
[Editor's note: If anyone says 2010 was a sh!% year for movies, please refer them to this post.]
Instead of the usual "best" or "worst" films of the year lists, I thought a good way to take a look at the highs and lows of the 2010 film year would be to compile almost every single review we published in 2010 and let readers meander through the wasteland as it were.
I'm really amazed at the range of films we managed to cover from around the globe this year. Quiet Earth has certainly come a long way over the years and it's really due to the talents and passion of our team of writers who literally travel a world of fests to bring news and reviews of new films.
I hope you're all taking notes. Many of these films were from fests and will probably be hitting VOD and Blu-ray sometime in the new year, so this is a good chance to get a start on your must-watch lists.
The...
Instead of the usual "best" or "worst" films of the year lists, I thought a good way to take a look at the highs and lows of the 2010 film year would be to compile almost every single review we published in 2010 and let readers meander through the wasteland as it were.
I'm really amazed at the range of films we managed to cover from around the globe this year. Quiet Earth has certainly come a long way over the years and it's really due to the talents and passion of our team of writers who literally travel a world of fests to bring news and reviews of new films.
I hope you're all taking notes. Many of these films were from fests and will probably be hitting VOD and Blu-ray sometime in the new year, so this is a good chance to get a start on your must-watch lists.
The...
- 12/31/2010
- QuietEarth.us
Year: 2009
Directors: Rania Ajami
Writers: Rania Ajami & Jake Jake Pilikian
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: projectcyclops
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
“What do you call a monkey that has developed neurosis?”
“A human being.”
Welcome to the asylum, where your doctor will be an enormous beard, sporting a loudspeaker at its centre. Your nurse may remind you of the cruel ballet instructor from Suspiria, and her assistants Mickey and Mini are always on hand. The twisting corridors lead to all kinds of bizarre chambers and freaky quarters, as The Beard says himself, “Our architect was also an inmate.” The only problem is that the world on the outside is now so crazy, that space on the inside is limited. Anyone hoping to stay will have to convince Doctor Beard and Nurse Milly that they’re the real deal. “May the best lunatic win.”
Enter six hopefuls: First there’s Dr. Raby...
Directors: Rania Ajami
Writers: Rania Ajami & Jake Jake Pilikian
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: projectcyclops
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
“What do you call a monkey that has developed neurosis?”
“A human being.”
Welcome to the asylum, where your doctor will be an enormous beard, sporting a loudspeaker at its centre. Your nurse may remind you of the cruel ballet instructor from Suspiria, and her assistants Mickey and Mini are always on hand. The twisting corridors lead to all kinds of bizarre chambers and freaky quarters, as The Beard says himself, “Our architect was also an inmate.” The only problem is that the world on the outside is now so crazy, that space on the inside is limited. Anyone hoping to stay will have to convince Doctor Beard and Nurse Milly that they’re the real deal. “May the best lunatic win.”
Enter six hopefuls: First there’s Dr. Raby...
- 6/1/2010
- QuietEarth.us
Rania Ajami's fantasy/sci-fi feature Asylum Seekers won for "Best Alternative Feature" at the Garden State Film Festival!
Ajami also just completed a futuristic, politically prophetic short film entitled No Money, in which an American president's rise to power hinges on a novel economic plan: money is a thing of the past. Gifts and social obligations are the new currency. Check out the new trailer!...
In the near future, an American president rose to power on his novel economic plan: money is a thing of the past. Gifts and social obligations are the new currency. While this new Lincoln exalts the birth of a pure community no longer corrupted by greed and the power of money, a traveler from distant lands, and a two-bit pretty-boy mobster set out to find some of this obsolete and illegal "flighty green paper." Hounded by bizarre new customs, confused wanna-be terrorists, a waitress moonlighting as a "companion,...
Ajami also just completed a futuristic, politically prophetic short film entitled No Money, in which an American president's rise to power hinges on a novel economic plan: money is a thing of the past. Gifts and social obligations are the new currency. Check out the new trailer!...
In the near future, an American president rose to power on his novel economic plan: money is a thing of the past. Gifts and social obligations are the new currency. While this new Lincoln exalts the birth of a pure community no longer corrupted by greed and the power of money, a traveler from distant lands, and a two-bit pretty-boy mobster set out to find some of this obsolete and illegal "flighty green paper." Hounded by bizarre new customs, confused wanna-be terrorists, a waitress moonlighting as a "companion,...
- 4/1/2010
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
The teasing is over! This here is the real deal. The moment we wait all year for: The lineup for the powerful, the mighty Boston Underground Film Festival, which is set to run March 25 to April 1. Now in its 12th year, Buff shows no sign of slowing down or taking it easy. In fact, this might be their most demented and transgressive edition yet.
There are homages to Giallo horror, tributes to the grand grindhouse tradition of sleaze and exploitation, sex and violence galore — both separately and together — plus, a resurrected ’80s slasher classic that all combine into an epic celebration of everything that is vicious and twisted in this world. But, in a fun way, ya know.
Alas, I haven’t seen any of the feature films that are playing this year, so I can’t offer any special recommendations of those. Although, there are many (most) that I...
There are homages to Giallo horror, tributes to the grand grindhouse tradition of sleaze and exploitation, sex and violence galore — both separately and together — plus, a resurrected ’80s slasher classic that all combine into an epic celebration of everything that is vicious and twisted in this world. But, in a fun way, ya know.
Alas, I haven’t seen any of the feature films that are playing this year, so I can’t offer any special recommendations of those. Although, there are many (most) that I...
- 3/12/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
The following is a series of interviews with directors whose films screened at the 2009 CineVegas Film Festival, which took place this past week. A Total Artwork: “Asylum Seekers” Director Rania Ajami Owning His Film: “Easier with Practice” Director Kyle Patrick Alvarez A Good Crisis: “Daylight” Director David Barker Tackling Corruption, Greed and Love: “Patriotville” Director Talmage Cooley The Right Script: “Mercy” Director Patrick Hoelck Blaxploitation Meets Art-House: “Modus Operandi” Director …...
- 6/15/2009
- indieWIRE - People
Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of interviews with directors whose films are screening at the 2009 CineVegas Film Festival. “Asylum Seekers” (USA, 2008) Director: Rania Ajami Cast: Pepper Binkley, Bill Dawes, Judith Hawking, Daniel Irizarry, Stella Maeve, Camille O’Sullivan, Lee Wilkof Six people on the verge of a breakdown decide to check themselves into an insane asylum, only to discover there is just room for one. What initially …...
- 6/11/2009
- indieWIRE - People
As we recently reported, Horror director Rania Ajami (Katalog, And The Earth Fell Silent Again) is world-premiering her latest horror/fantasy/comedy movie, Asylum Seekers, at the 2009 CineVegas Film festival. She's being joined by several other women and their genre films, like The Ghost and Us by Emily Carmichael and the documentary about underground filmmakers The Kuchar brothers It Came From Kuchar directed by Jennifer Kroot. Included in the lineup is the work-in-progress documentary Beautiful Darling about Andy Warhol superstar Candy Darling... read more...
- 4/16/2009
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
Hue Rhodes' "Saint John of Las Vegas" will have its world premiere as the opening-night film at the 11th annual CineVegas Film Festival, which will be held June 10-15 at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres in Las Vegas. The film stars Steve Buscemi as an ex-gambler-turned-fraud investigator who returns to Vegas to investigate an insurance claim.
"Saint John" also stars Sarah Silverman, Romany Malco, Peter Dinklage, Tim Blake Nelson, John Cho and Emmanuelle Chriqui.
Eight other films will have their world premieres at the fest, overseen by artistic director Trevor Groth.
Slated in the narrative competition, they are Rania Ajami's "Asylum Seekers," a story of six people trying to escape modern life; David Barker's "Daylight," about a pregnant woman caught in a life-or-death situation; Kyle Patrick Alvarez's "Easier With Practice," based on the true story of a writer's long-distance relationship with a mysterious woman; Jeff Mizushima's "Etienne!
"Saint John" also stars Sarah Silverman, Romany Malco, Peter Dinklage, Tim Blake Nelson, John Cho and Emmanuelle Chriqui.
Eight other films will have their world premieres at the fest, overseen by artistic director Trevor Groth.
Slated in the narrative competition, they are Rania Ajami's "Asylum Seekers," a story of six people trying to escape modern life; David Barker's "Daylight," about a pregnant woman caught in a life-or-death situation; Kyle Patrick Alvarez's "Easier With Practice," based on the true story of a writer's long-distance relationship with a mysterious woman; Jeff Mizushima's "Etienne!
- 3/24/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Horror director Rania Ajami (Katalog, And The Earth Fell Silent Again) is premiering her latest horror/fantasy/comedy movie, Asylum Seekers, at CineVegas Film festival.
Six people on the verge of a breakdown decide to check themselves into an insane asylum, only to discover there is just room for one. Starring Pepper Binkley, Bill Dawes, Judith Hawking, Daniel Irizarry, Stella Maeve, Camille O’Sullivan, and Lee Wilkof...
read more...
Six people on the verge of a breakdown decide to check themselves into an insane asylum, only to discover there is just room for one. Starring Pepper Binkley, Bill Dawes, Judith Hawking, Daniel Irizarry, Stella Maeve, Camille O’Sullivan, and Lee Wilkof...
read more...
- 3/24/2009
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
This new poster is really just an excuse to repost the trailer for one of my most sought after films of the year, Rania Ajami's Asylum Seekers. It played at the European Film Market and while Shoreline has picked it up as Sales Agent, there's still no premier in sight as far as I know and I've been in touch with the director's manager. Why am I so excited about this? Maybe it's the insane and dreamy storyline coupled with the incredible production design? Just watch the trailer, you'll see what I mean. For The Love Of God, Someone Please Send Me A Screener!
Work, family, relationships, deadlines, terrorism, information overload... When modern life is getting crazier and crazier, day by day, who wouldn't think about getting out? Leaving it all behind? Wouldn't that be the only sane response to this mad world? "Asylum Seekers" is about escapism, about...
Work, family, relationships, deadlines, terrorism, information overload... When modern life is getting crazier and crazier, day by day, who wouldn't think about getting out? Leaving it all behind? Wouldn't that be the only sane response to this mad world? "Asylum Seekers" is about escapism, about...
- 3/19/2009
- QuietEarth.us
It's sad that Rania Ajami's feature-length debut is having it's premier at the European Film Market instead of in a proper major fest considering the beautiful photography and production design. Really, this is a stunner of another level which is why I call it "Gilliam-esque". Will the whole feature hold up to the vague sanity displayed in the trailer? I sure hope so.
Work, family, relationships, deadlines, terrorism, information overload... When modern life is getting crazier and crazier, day by day, who wouldn't think about getting out? Leaving it all behind? Wouldn't that be the only sane response to this mad world? "Asylum Seekers" is about escapism, about feeling the pressure and deciding on a radical solution. Our six characters can't take their various stresses any more and are heading for the door marked Exit. It leads to a deluxe, exclusive, luxuriously-appointed mental asylum, an adult funfair where they...
Work, family, relationships, deadlines, terrorism, information overload... When modern life is getting crazier and crazier, day by day, who wouldn't think about getting out? Leaving it all behind? Wouldn't that be the only sane response to this mad world? "Asylum Seekers" is about escapism, about feeling the pressure and deciding on a radical solution. Our six characters can't take their various stresses any more and are heading for the door marked Exit. It leads to a deluxe, exclusive, luxuriously-appointed mental asylum, an adult funfair where they...
- 2/4/2009
- QuietEarth.us
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