Looks like the happiest place on Earth is one of the most “liked,” too!
Instagram released its 2017 Year in Review, and in addition to breaking down the hottest trends in food, fashion and entertainment, the app also shared the most ‘grammed locations around the world. Disneyland in Anaheim, California, snagged the top spot, with three other House of Mouse locations also making the list.
Related: Tahiti’s Famous Overwater Bungalows Turn 50
New York and Paris represented multiple contenders as well, with Central Park and the Eiffel Tower sitting at numbers 3 and 4, respectively. Heres the full list of attractions users just...
Instagram released its 2017 Year in Review, and in addition to breaking down the hottest trends in food, fashion and entertainment, the app also shared the most ‘grammed locations around the world. Disneyland in Anaheim, California, snagged the top spot, with three other House of Mouse locations also making the list.
Related: Tahiti’s Famous Overwater Bungalows Turn 50
New York and Paris represented multiple contenders as well, with Central Park and the Eiffel Tower sitting at numbers 3 and 4, respectively. Heres the full list of attractions users just...
- 11/29/2017
- by Megan Stein
- PEOPLE.com
Anton Yelchin was an American actor who was born in Saint Petersburg when it was still Leningrad under the Soviet Union. His parents were a pair of figure skaters who had placed high enough in the national competition to go to the 1972 Winter Olympics but were not granted permission to do so for reasons that are were never made known to them. Whatever the case, Yelchin’s parents brought him with them when they were accepted as refugees in the United States in 1989, where they continued to work in the field of figure skating. Yelchin was never that good
Statue of Anton Yelchin Erected in His Honor in Los Angeles...
Statue of Anton Yelchin Erected in His Honor in Los Angeles...
- 10/12/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
"I don't want to see a pretty dancer, I want to see Polina dancing." Oscilloscope Labs has debuted a trailer for a dance film titled Polina, telling the story of a classically trained ballet dancer who decides to switch to contemporary dance. This decisions "throws everything into question on a profound level", taking her on a journey of discovery and understanding. This is a full-on dance film through and through, made by two filmmakers with an extensive background in dance. Anastasia Shevtsova, a professional dancer who has performed with Saint Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, stars as Polina. The cast includes Niels Schneider, Jeremie Belingard, and Juliette Binoche, who has danced with London-based choreographer Akram Khan. This looks very kinetic and unique, taking dance and the commitment involved to a whole other level. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Valérie Müller & Angelin Preljocaj's Polina, from YouTube: Rigorously trained from an...
- 8/11/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Putin Compares U.S. Russian Hacking Probe to ‘Blaming the Jews’ During Feisty Forum with Megyn Kelly
Russian leader Vladimir Putin clashed with Megyn Kelly in St. Petersburg on Friday, once again insisting that his government played no role in influencing last year’s presidential election through covert hacking.
In perhaps his strongest comments to date, Putin likened the accusations that his government swayed the election — backed by all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies — to prejudice during a St. Petersburg International Economic Forum panel moderated by Kelly, who made her NBC News debut this week.
“It reminds me of anti-Semitism,” he said, per the Associated Press. “A dumb man who can’t do anything would blame the Jews for everything.
In perhaps his strongest comments to date, Putin likened the accusations that his government swayed the election — backed by all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies — to prejudice during a St. Petersburg International Economic Forum panel moderated by Kelly, who made her NBC News debut this week.
“It reminds me of anti-Semitism,” he said, per the Associated Press. “A dumb man who can’t do anything would blame the Jews for everything.
- 6/2/2017
- by Kathy Ehrich Dowd
- PEOPLE.com
Megyn Kelly’s big NBC News debut on Thursday morning didn’t exactly go off without a hitch. Kelly was reporting from Saint Petersburg, Russia — where she announced that she’ll be conducting a one-on-one interview with the country’s president, Vladimir Putin — and accidentally forgot to acknowledge “Today” anchor Hoda Kotb. However, she did greet Savannah […]...
- 6/2/2017
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Megyn Kelly is once again turning heads for her unique interview style.
The 46-year-old NBC News anchor landed a rare interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin, and in new pictures from the chat -- which also included India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- she rocks an off-the-shoulder blue velvet dress featuring a slit in the skirt. She completed the look with a pair of open-toe black high heels.
Associated Press
Watch: Megyn Kelly Unintentionally Shades Hoda Kotb on 'Today' During NBC Debut -- See Kotb's Priceless Reaction
The figure-hugging dress by designer Yigal Azrouel retails for $990. Kelly also tweeted a picture of the trio at a state dinner at Konstantin Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Kelly made her NBC News debut on Thursday with an appearance on the Today show, reporting from Saint Petersburg. She announced her upcoming interview with Putin, who's hosting an international economic forum. Kelly will also be moderating a panel that will include...
The 46-year-old NBC News anchor landed a rare interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin, and in new pictures from the chat -- which also included India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- she rocks an off-the-shoulder blue velvet dress featuring a slit in the skirt. She completed the look with a pair of open-toe black high heels.
Associated Press
Watch: Megyn Kelly Unintentionally Shades Hoda Kotb on 'Today' During NBC Debut -- See Kotb's Priceless Reaction
The figure-hugging dress by designer Yigal Azrouel retails for $990. Kelly also tweeted a picture of the trio at a state dinner at Konstantin Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Kelly made her NBC News debut on Thursday with an appearance on the Today show, reporting from Saint Petersburg. She announced her upcoming interview with Putin, who's hosting an international economic forum. Kelly will also be moderating a panel that will include...
- 6/1/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Megyn Kelly's big NBC News debut on Thursday morning didn't exactly go off without a hitch.
Kelly was reporting from Saint Petersburg, Russia -- where she announced that she'll be conducting a one-on-one interview with the country's president, Vladimir Putin -- and accidentally forgot to acknowledge Today anchor Hoda Kotb. However, she did greet Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer.
"Hey guys, it's great to be with you, Matt and Savannah," Kelly said during her appearance on the Today show, addressing the two while Kotb sat next to them.
News: Megyn Kelly Set to Go Up Against Kelly Ripa With New Morning Show
Kotb's smile faded, and she reacted to the snub by jokingly throwing her hands in the air.
Aside from the accidental shade, Kelly's debut was met with plenty of enthusiasm. The former Fox News anchor's new NBC show, Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly, debuts on Sunday at 7/6C.
News: [link=nm...
Kelly was reporting from Saint Petersburg, Russia -- where she announced that she'll be conducting a one-on-one interview with the country's president, Vladimir Putin -- and accidentally forgot to acknowledge Today anchor Hoda Kotb. However, she did greet Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer.
"Hey guys, it's great to be with you, Matt and Savannah," Kelly said during her appearance on the Today show, addressing the two while Kotb sat next to them.
News: Megyn Kelly Set to Go Up Against Kelly Ripa With New Morning Show
Kotb's smile faded, and she reacted to the snub by jokingly throwing her hands in the air.
Aside from the accidental shade, Kelly's debut was met with plenty of enthusiasm. The former Fox News anchor's new NBC show, Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly, debuts on Sunday at 7/6C.
News: [link=nm...
- 6/1/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Megyn Kelly made her debut as a NBC News anchor on Thursday's Today show, but she was not in the New York City studios with her colleagues.
Instead, Kelly was reporting from Saint Petersburg, Russia, where she announced that she'll be conducting a rare one-on-one interview with the country's president, Vladimir Putin. The Russian politician is hosting an international economic forum and Kelly will be moderating a panel that will include him.
Watch: Megyn Kelly Shares First Look at New Sunday Night NBC Show
"This will be the first time that he'll be taking questions from an American journalist since the special council was appointed in the United States to look into allegations of Russian interference in our election," Kelly -- dressed conservatively in a tan trench coat -- noted during her appearance on Today. "That's an allegation he referred to just this week as a 'fiction' invented by democrats."
The morning show also further...
Instead, Kelly was reporting from Saint Petersburg, Russia, where she announced that she'll be conducting a rare one-on-one interview with the country's president, Vladimir Putin. The Russian politician is hosting an international economic forum and Kelly will be moderating a panel that will include him.
Watch: Megyn Kelly Shares First Look at New Sunday Night NBC Show
"This will be the first time that he'll be taking questions from an American journalist since the special council was appointed in the United States to look into allegations of Russian interference in our election," Kelly -- dressed conservatively in a tan trench coat -- noted during her appearance on Today. "That's an allegation he referred to just this week as a 'fiction' invented by democrats."
The morning show also further...
- 6/1/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Jessica Chastain kicked off her 40s with a trip of a lifetime—and a whole lot of guacamole.
At the premiere for her new film The Zookeeper’s Wife, the Oscar-nominated actress, who turned 40 on Friday, spoke with the Associated Press about her birthday celebrations in Mexico over the weekend.
“Honestly it was so relaxing,” she said. “I was with my friends and my loved ones and we were in Mexico eating tons of guacamole. It was pretty great.”
Also on the agenda? “Sleeping a lot,” she said.
“This has been a birthday to remember. Thank you all for your lovely wishes!
At the premiere for her new film The Zookeeper’s Wife, the Oscar-nominated actress, who turned 40 on Friday, spoke with the Associated Press about her birthday celebrations in Mexico over the weekend.
“Honestly it was so relaxing,” she said. “I was with my friends and my loved ones and we were in Mexico eating tons of guacamole. It was pretty great.”
Also on the agenda? “Sleeping a lot,” she said.
“This has been a birthday to remember. Thank you all for your lovely wishes!
- 3/29/2017
- by Brianne Tracy
- PEOPLE.com
Well, well, well kids! Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race is off and running on all cylinders and I must admit I have had a rad bromance with the show from the start.
So what did we (and by we I mean me — this is just my take, people) think of the season 9 queens? You know the final decision as to who goes and who stays is up to the highest court in the land — Mama Ru! Let’s start from the very beginning, that’s always a good place to start.
Peppermint: Now you’d think with a name like Peppermint,...
So what did we (and by we I mean me — this is just my take, people) think of the season 9 queens? You know the final decision as to who goes and who stays is up to the highest court in the land — Mama Ru! Let’s start from the very beginning, that’s always a good place to start.
Peppermint: Now you’d think with a name like Peppermint,...
- 3/25/2017
- by Carson Kressley
- PEOPLE.com
Ghostbusters, Angry Birds, and more return to theatres in January Family FavouritesGhostbusters, Angry Birds, and more return to theatres in January Family FavouritesJenny Bullough1/4/2017 9:55:00 Am
Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, the long winter is setting in. But don’t feel down – with the busyness of the holidays in the past, now is a perfect time to relax and unwind with the family. And what better way to do that than in the coziness of a Cineplex theatre, at a Family Favourites presentation!
There are family-friendly features playing at Cineplex theatres every Saturday morning at 11am as part of our Family Favourites program. Admission is only $2.99 and a portion of the proceeds goes towards We.org. Revisit an old favourite, or discover a new family favourite together on the big screen!
Jan 7 – Ratchet and Clank
Ratchet and Clank tells the story of two unlikely heroes.
Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, the long winter is setting in. But don’t feel down – with the busyness of the holidays in the past, now is a perfect time to relax and unwind with the family. And what better way to do that than in the coziness of a Cineplex theatre, at a Family Favourites presentation!
There are family-friendly features playing at Cineplex theatres every Saturday morning at 11am as part of our Family Favourites program. Admission is only $2.99 and a portion of the proceeds goes towards We.org. Revisit an old favourite, or discover a new family favourite together on the big screen!
Jan 7 – Ratchet and Clank
Ratchet and Clank tells the story of two unlikely heroes.
- 1/4/2017
- by Jenny Bullough
- Cineplex
Get ready to embark on an awe-inspiring journey to the North Pole in the visually exquisite animated feature, Long Way North. Directed by celebrated filmmaker and animator Rémi Chayé (The Secret of Kells) and produced by Sacrebleu Productions (Oscar®-nominated Madagascar, Carnet de Voyage), Maybe Movies (Oscar®-nominated Ernest & Celestine) and Norlum Studios (Oscar®-nominated Song of the Sea), Long Way North won the coveted Audience Award at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and the winner of Grand Prize at Tokyo Animation Festival, and is an Annie Award nominee for Best Animated Feature-Independent. This captivating animated feature, bolstered by emotionally resonant storytelling, has continued to attract universal acclaim as it enchants movie audiences and families around the world. On January 17, 2017, Shout! Factory Kids is proud to present Long Way North on DVD, two-disc Blu-ray™+ DVD Combo Pack (with digital copy), Digital HD and iTunes.
A spirited and inspiring tale of hope and courage,...
A spirited and inspiring tale of hope and courage,...
- 12/8/2016
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Expensive-ish (by Russian standards, anyway) and claustrophobic, Aleksei Mizgirev’s The Duelist resembles an unholy cross of the worst of Tom Hooper and Zack Snyder—and worse yet, it’s mostly diverting. Stalingrad’s Pyotr Fyodorov plays Yakovlev, a disgraced nobleman who returns to mid-19th century Saint Petersburg as a hired gun. Yakovlev is one of those black-clad antiheroes who spends much of his time reminding the viewer that he’s an antihero. He is a man with a dark past, a sharpshooter (his signature trick is blowing a shot glass off his own head with a ricocheted bullet), and a contract killer. Paid by unknown conspirators, he provokes noblemen into deadly duels with the help of a nameless German accomplice (Martin Wuttke).
The premise of intrigue and revenge in a high-society Tsarist underworld is irresistible and pulpy, but Mizgirev’s script is an indigestible, soap-operatic mess of backstories,...
The premise of intrigue and revenge in a high-society Tsarist underworld is irresistible and pulpy, but Mizgirev’s script is an indigestible, soap-operatic mess of backstories,...
- 11/30/2016
- by Ignatiy Vishnevetsky
- avclub.com
I'd never heard of The Duelist before, but Sony Pictures has just unveiled a full trailer for the upcoming foreign film that looks pretty damn cool. It's set in 1800s Russia and follows an incredibly effective gunfighter who stands in as a duelist for nobles whose honor is slighted by others. But things take a turn when he falls for the sister of a young prince.
This movie looks crazy expensive, with some gorgeous sweeping landscape shots and rad-looking costumes, and it feels a little like a cross between a period romance and an almost steampunk-style take on something like The Count of Monte Cristo. I'm interested to hear what you all think about this trailer.
The Duelist is written and directed by Alexey Mizgirev, and it stars Petr Fedorov, Vladimir Mashkov, Martin Wuttke, Julia Khlynina, Yuri Kolokolnikov, and Franziska Petri. It hits theaters on December 2, 2016.
This deceptively glossy production...
This movie looks crazy expensive, with some gorgeous sweeping landscape shots and rad-looking costumes, and it feels a little like a cross between a period romance and an almost steampunk-style take on something like The Count of Monte Cristo. I'm interested to hear what you all think about this trailer.
The Duelist is written and directed by Alexey Mizgirev, and it stars Petr Fedorov, Vladimir Mashkov, Martin Wuttke, Julia Khlynina, Yuri Kolokolnikov, and Franziska Petri. It hits theaters on December 2, 2016.
This deceptively glossy production...
- 11/9/2016
- by Ben Pearson
- GeekTyrant
Directed by celebrated animator and filmmaker Rémi Chayé and produced by Sacrebleu Productions (Oscar®-Nominated Madagascar, Carnet de Voyage), Maybe Movies (Oscar®-Nominated Ernest & Celestine) and Norlum Studios (Oscar®-Nominated Song of the Sea), France 3 Cinéma and 2 Minutes, Long Way North won the coveted Audience Award at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and the winner of Grand Prize and the Governor of Tokyo Award at Tokyo Animation Festival 2016. This captivating animated adventure, bolstered by emotionally resonant storytelling and visually exquisite hand-drawn animation, has continued to attract universal acclaim as it enchants movie audiences around the world.
A spirited and inspiring tale of hope and courage, Long Way North is the feature directorial debut of lauded animator Rémi Chayé (first Ad and head of storyboard for Oscar®-Nominated The Secret of Kells, The Painting) and tells the story of a young heroine persevering through a physical and emotional journey...
A spirited and inspiring tale of hope and courage, Long Way North is the feature directorial debut of lauded animator Rémi Chayé (first Ad and head of storyboard for Oscar®-Nominated The Secret of Kells, The Painting) and tells the story of a young heroine persevering through a physical and emotional journey...
- 9/23/2016
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Anton Yelchin, known for playing Chekov in the recent Star Trek films, has died. He was 27. Friends went to Yelchin’s Studio City, CA home early Sunday morning after he didn’t show up for a rehearsal. There they discovered him pinned between his own car and a brick pillar. “It appears he momentarily exited his car, and it rolled backward, causing trauma that led to his death,” an Lapd spokeswoman told The Hollywood Reporter. His death comes just about a month ahead of the opening of the third of the rebooted Star Trek movies: Star Trek Beyond comes out July 22. Among Yelchin’s other film roles were horror remake Fright Night, crime thriller Alpha Dog, teenage comedy Charlie Bartlett, Felicity Jones romantic drama Like Crazy, and last year’s Shakespeare adaptation Cymbeline. Yelchin also previously played guitar in punk band The Hammerheads. He was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia...
- 6/19/2016
- by Emily Rome
- Hitfix
Actor Anton Yelchin, who appeared in the Star Trek films and Terminator Salvation, died early Sunday morning in a "fatal traffic collision," his rep has confirmed to People. He was 27. "His family requests you respect their privacy at this time," Yelchin's representative said in a statement to People. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office confirmed to People that Yelchin's body was found pinned between a car and a gate at a home in Studio City, California. No cause of death has been declared yet while the coroner completes the autopsy. However, preliminary results were that he had head and chest injuries.
- 6/19/2016
- by Adam Carlson and Maria Mercedes Lara
- PEOPLE.com
Colorist Dirk Meier (left) in the classroom. Photo by Edmond Laccon.Attending some of the events of the Berlinale Talents program "2015: A Space Discovery" during the 65th Berlin International Film Festival reinforced my conviction that in the art/industry of filmmaking there is much more to explore than actors and directors. The main lesson to be learned from Berlinale Talents' masterclasses and panels featuring all kinds of cinema professionals (directors, actors, cinematographers, film editors, screenwriters, set designers, sound designers, composers...) is that making a film simply is too much work for one single person, and, consequently, the existence of "total filmmakers" might just be a romantic exaggeration. As the guest lecturers in Berlin seemed to agree, filmmaking is all about coordinate cooperation and division of labor under the guidance of the film director.For me, the more lucid expression of this concept came from colorist Dirk Meier. The name...
- 6/17/2015
- by Michael Guarneri
- MUBI
Russia will present a total of six pictures at the 5th Beijing International Film Festival, to be held April 16th–23rd. Sergey Mokritsky’s "The Battle For Sevastopol" and Ramil Salakhutdinov’s "White, White Night" are included in the main competition while Andrey Konchalovsky’s "The Postman’s White Nights," Alexander Mitta’s "Chagall – Malevich" and Mikhail Kosyrev-Nesterov’s "Journey to the Mother" will be screened in the festival’s sidebar. Roman Prygunov’s "Downshifter" has been selected for the Gala Premiere section.
Among the Beijing festival jury members is Fedor Bondarchuk, the prominent Russian filmmaker, actor, producer, and Chairman of the Lenfilm studio Board of Directors. Roskino provides Public Relations support for the heavy Russian presence at the 5th International Festival in Beijing.
Katya Mtsitouridze, Roskino CEO: “From this year on, the Beijing Festival will be curated by Marco Mueller, previously at the helm of the Venice Festival. It is his ardent love of Russian culture that we have to credit for launching international careers of such stellar young filmmakers as Ivan Vyrypaev, Kirill Serebrennikov, Alexey German Jr., and Alexey Fedorchenko. Venice has also honored many a luminary from Russia, ranging from Nikita Mikhalkov to Alexey Balabanov. Alexander Sokurov’s Faust even took the Golden Lion in 2011. This tradition lives on as we can see already, in Marco Mueller’s first year, six Russian movies at Beijing. The governments of our countries are currently collaborating to expand the Russian quotas in Chinese theatres, and Roskino’s first business trip to Beijing, with any luck, should be the next step in this direction. Over the last couple of years, China has made tremendous progress undermining, by its rapid growth, the Hollywood monopoly in the film industry. There is still plenty of room for improvement for us.”
Alyona Shumakova, member of the Selection Committee, Beijing International Film Festival: “We were faced with the tall order of presenting Russian film as a vital artistic force which reflects, at the same time, a dramatically changed reality. It is also worth bearing in mind that the huge audience of these films will consist mostly of regular moviegoers, besides the usual festival crowd of film buffs. We are, mind you, dealing with a country that knows very little about Russian cinema and has yet to develop a concrete image of it. I believe that our picks, with their magnificent visuals and emotional intensity, more than rise to the challenge and accurately reflect the new world we live in.”
At the 2014 Cannes Iff, "The Battle for Sevastopol" was first pitched to industry professionals and international press at the Russian Pavilion opening ceremony. A Russian–Ukrainian co-production, this period drama tells the story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a legendary WWII sniper. The wide release in Russia is scheduled for April 2nd, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation. The protagonist is played by the masterful thespian Yulia Peresild.
Sergei Mokritsky, director: “As I was making a movie about the most lethal female sniper of WWII, I didn’t even dare dream of an international premiere in Beijing. It is an honor as well as a huge responsibility. Overall, China is the closest in spirit, and yet most mysterious country for me as it is for every Russian. I’m really looking forward to the Chinese reception of my movie, because what I aspired to with it was a blend of Soviet war-film mythology, modern cinematic language, and typically Slavic zest for life.”
Ramil Salakhutdinov’s "White, White Night" tells the story of a young man who suddenly goes missing when he travels to Saint Petersburg for a concert. Sent over from Moscow, the private eye hired to locate him meets a lot of people during investigation, and gradually immerses himself in the bleak present-day atmosphere of the city he once lived in. Against his better judgment, the sleuth takes the guy under his wing, which ultimately validates him and boosts his own sense of self-worth. The movie first played in competition at the 2014 edition of Kinotavr.
Ramil Salakhutdinov, director: “I strove to understand––to feel––what it’s like to live in our trying times, in an era of profound change.”
Alexey German Jr., creative director: “It’s a huge victory for Ramil. He’s a wonderful filmmaker, a magnificent actor, and an artist of incredibly fine sensibilities. His recognition by the Biff proves yet again that Salakhutdinov’s work is appreciated internationally.”
Andrey Konchalovskiy's "The Postman’s White Nights" will play in the festival’s sidebar.
In 2014, the film was awarded Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival. It recounts the life of a real man, village postman Alexey Tryapitsyn, who resides in the Arkhangelsk region and portrays himself on screen. Though a work of fiction rather than a documentary, the film has only one professional actress in its cast.
Mikhail Kosyrev-Nesterov’s drama "Journey to the Mother" is also playing in the festival’s parallel section. It is the story of a Russian guy who goes to France to see his mother, and meets his sister for the first time. The film’s leading actress is Adele Exarchopoulos, the star of Palme d’Or-winning "Blue Is the Warmest Color" and co-recipient of the Cannes festival’s highest honor.
Aleksandr Mitta’s "Chagall – Malevich" will play in the Special Screenings section. Set during Marc Chagall’s “Vitebsk period,” the story of an all-consuming love between the great artist and his wife Bella plays out against the backdrop of a historic duel he fought with Kazimir Malevich, his genius contemporary and fierce opponent.
Roman Prygunov’s "Downshifter" is set to bow internationally in the Gala Premiere section of the festival.
A sequel to the highest grossing Russian movie of 2012, "Downshifter" continues with the adventures of Max Andreev, a senior executive forced by the vicissitudes of his life to wipe the slate clean. The star of the production is Danila Kozlovsky, one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation. Made for $4M, the movie recouped its budget over the first weekend in theaters. Fedor Bondarchuk, who produced the box-office smash, currently predicts a final take north of $9M.
Russian filmmaker and producer Fedor Bondarchuk, whose historical drama "Stalingrad" was a runaway success in China in 2013, has been appointed a jury member for the 5 Beijing International Festival. He will share his duty with such directors as Ki-duk Kim (South Korea) and Fernando Meirelles (Brazil); screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen (USA); producer and director Peter Chan (Thailand); and Chinese actress, star of "Cloud Atlas," Zhou Xun. French director and producer Luc Besson, whose output in both capacities has long transcended the confines of local fame, will serve as President of the Jury. The festival program comprises 930 films from 90 countries. The festival’s top prize Tiantan is awarded in ten categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Actor.
Fedor Bondarchuk, producer, filmmaker: “ I’m honored and humbled to be invited to serve as a jury member for the Beijing Iff. The strategic partnership between Russia and China is now reinforced not only in politics and economy but also in the cultural sphere, of which film is an integral part. Stalingrad’s impressive Chinese grosses show enormous demand for Russian filmmaking.”
Marco Mueller, Chief Adviser for the Beijing Iff: “Ever since Stalingrad dominated the Chinese box office in 2013 (it was the highest-grossing foreign film of the year, apart from the American “commercial heavy artillery”), the interest in Russian film has reached a new level in the country. I think that from this year on, our festival’s appreciation of Russian film will also move to the next level. This year our program boasts an amazing selection, and Fedor Bondarchuk has every chance to achieve cult status in China––he is, after all, already on the jury! I would also like to note that our cooperation with China is off to a highly professional start as the Russian presence at the festival is supported by the government-owned Roskino. It is this level of commitment that allows us to make serious plans for the future.”...
Among the Beijing festival jury members is Fedor Bondarchuk, the prominent Russian filmmaker, actor, producer, and Chairman of the Lenfilm studio Board of Directors. Roskino provides Public Relations support for the heavy Russian presence at the 5th International Festival in Beijing.
Katya Mtsitouridze, Roskino CEO: “From this year on, the Beijing Festival will be curated by Marco Mueller, previously at the helm of the Venice Festival. It is his ardent love of Russian culture that we have to credit for launching international careers of such stellar young filmmakers as Ivan Vyrypaev, Kirill Serebrennikov, Alexey German Jr., and Alexey Fedorchenko. Venice has also honored many a luminary from Russia, ranging from Nikita Mikhalkov to Alexey Balabanov. Alexander Sokurov’s Faust even took the Golden Lion in 2011. This tradition lives on as we can see already, in Marco Mueller’s first year, six Russian movies at Beijing. The governments of our countries are currently collaborating to expand the Russian quotas in Chinese theatres, and Roskino’s first business trip to Beijing, with any luck, should be the next step in this direction. Over the last couple of years, China has made tremendous progress undermining, by its rapid growth, the Hollywood monopoly in the film industry. There is still plenty of room for improvement for us.”
Alyona Shumakova, member of the Selection Committee, Beijing International Film Festival: “We were faced with the tall order of presenting Russian film as a vital artistic force which reflects, at the same time, a dramatically changed reality. It is also worth bearing in mind that the huge audience of these films will consist mostly of regular moviegoers, besides the usual festival crowd of film buffs. We are, mind you, dealing with a country that knows very little about Russian cinema and has yet to develop a concrete image of it. I believe that our picks, with their magnificent visuals and emotional intensity, more than rise to the challenge and accurately reflect the new world we live in.”
At the 2014 Cannes Iff, "The Battle for Sevastopol" was first pitched to industry professionals and international press at the Russian Pavilion opening ceremony. A Russian–Ukrainian co-production, this period drama tells the story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a legendary WWII sniper. The wide release in Russia is scheduled for April 2nd, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation. The protagonist is played by the masterful thespian Yulia Peresild.
Sergei Mokritsky, director: “As I was making a movie about the most lethal female sniper of WWII, I didn’t even dare dream of an international premiere in Beijing. It is an honor as well as a huge responsibility. Overall, China is the closest in spirit, and yet most mysterious country for me as it is for every Russian. I’m really looking forward to the Chinese reception of my movie, because what I aspired to with it was a blend of Soviet war-film mythology, modern cinematic language, and typically Slavic zest for life.”
Ramil Salakhutdinov’s "White, White Night" tells the story of a young man who suddenly goes missing when he travels to Saint Petersburg for a concert. Sent over from Moscow, the private eye hired to locate him meets a lot of people during investigation, and gradually immerses himself in the bleak present-day atmosphere of the city he once lived in. Against his better judgment, the sleuth takes the guy under his wing, which ultimately validates him and boosts his own sense of self-worth. The movie first played in competition at the 2014 edition of Kinotavr.
Ramil Salakhutdinov, director: “I strove to understand––to feel––what it’s like to live in our trying times, in an era of profound change.”
Alexey German Jr., creative director: “It’s a huge victory for Ramil. He’s a wonderful filmmaker, a magnificent actor, and an artist of incredibly fine sensibilities. His recognition by the Biff proves yet again that Salakhutdinov’s work is appreciated internationally.”
Andrey Konchalovskiy's "The Postman’s White Nights" will play in the festival’s sidebar.
In 2014, the film was awarded Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival. It recounts the life of a real man, village postman Alexey Tryapitsyn, who resides in the Arkhangelsk region and portrays himself on screen. Though a work of fiction rather than a documentary, the film has only one professional actress in its cast.
Mikhail Kosyrev-Nesterov’s drama "Journey to the Mother" is also playing in the festival’s parallel section. It is the story of a Russian guy who goes to France to see his mother, and meets his sister for the first time. The film’s leading actress is Adele Exarchopoulos, the star of Palme d’Or-winning "Blue Is the Warmest Color" and co-recipient of the Cannes festival’s highest honor.
Aleksandr Mitta’s "Chagall – Malevich" will play in the Special Screenings section. Set during Marc Chagall’s “Vitebsk period,” the story of an all-consuming love between the great artist and his wife Bella plays out against the backdrop of a historic duel he fought with Kazimir Malevich, his genius contemporary and fierce opponent.
Roman Prygunov’s "Downshifter" is set to bow internationally in the Gala Premiere section of the festival.
A sequel to the highest grossing Russian movie of 2012, "Downshifter" continues with the adventures of Max Andreev, a senior executive forced by the vicissitudes of his life to wipe the slate clean. The star of the production is Danila Kozlovsky, one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation. Made for $4M, the movie recouped its budget over the first weekend in theaters. Fedor Bondarchuk, who produced the box-office smash, currently predicts a final take north of $9M.
Russian filmmaker and producer Fedor Bondarchuk, whose historical drama "Stalingrad" was a runaway success in China in 2013, has been appointed a jury member for the 5 Beijing International Festival. He will share his duty with such directors as Ki-duk Kim (South Korea) and Fernando Meirelles (Brazil); screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen (USA); producer and director Peter Chan (Thailand); and Chinese actress, star of "Cloud Atlas," Zhou Xun. French director and producer Luc Besson, whose output in both capacities has long transcended the confines of local fame, will serve as President of the Jury. The festival program comprises 930 films from 90 countries. The festival’s top prize Tiantan is awarded in ten categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Actor.
Fedor Bondarchuk, producer, filmmaker: “ I’m honored and humbled to be invited to serve as a jury member for the Beijing Iff. The strategic partnership between Russia and China is now reinforced not only in politics and economy but also in the cultural sphere, of which film is an integral part. Stalingrad’s impressive Chinese grosses show enormous demand for Russian filmmaking.”
Marco Mueller, Chief Adviser for the Beijing Iff: “Ever since Stalingrad dominated the Chinese box office in 2013 (it was the highest-grossing foreign film of the year, apart from the American “commercial heavy artillery”), the interest in Russian film has reached a new level in the country. I think that from this year on, our festival’s appreciation of Russian film will also move to the next level. This year our program boasts an amazing selection, and Fedor Bondarchuk has every chance to achieve cult status in China––he is, after all, already on the jury! I would also like to note that our cooperation with China is off to a highly professional start as the Russian presence at the festival is supported by the government-owned Roskino. It is this level of commitment that allows us to make serious plans for the future.”...
- 4/9/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
You'll never want to walk around in the woods again after watching this week's episode of "The Blacklist," because apparently they're crawling with feral hill people who want to kill us all. Yep, Raymond Reddington's newest blacklister is a polygamous cult leader with a fleet of child brides and crazy backwoods love children, and it's up to Elizabeth Keen to take them down. In other words, just another day on the job.
Keen and Ressler Take On Their Weirdest Cast Yet, We Run and Hide
Meet Justin Kenyon, a polygamous preacher who runs Church of the Shields, which is basically the creepiest cult ever. Here are two important things to know about this fellow: he lets terrorists store cargo in shipping containers on his property, and he has a master plan wherein he wants to disappear for six days and then kill everyone in the USofA. Which is bad news...
Keen and Ressler Take On Their Weirdest Cast Yet, We Run and Hide
Meet Justin Kenyon, a polygamous preacher who runs Church of the Shields, which is basically the creepiest cult ever. Here are two important things to know about this fellow: he lets terrorists store cargo in shipping containers on his property, and he has a master plan wherein he wants to disappear for six days and then kill everyone in the USofA. Which is bad news...
- 2/19/2015
- by Mehera Bonner
- Moviefone
"The Blacklist" is premiering in NBC's coveted post-Superbowl slot this Sunday, and we're kicking things off (note the football reference) with a roundup of everything you need to know going into the show's premiere.
It's no secret that "The Blacklist" can be just as confusing as it is addictive, and the mid-season finale set a few important events in motion that are definitely worth catching up on. If you're in need of a "Blacklist" refresher before Sunday night's big premiere, we've got you covered with 5 things to remember going into the episode. And feel free to keep this list handy for when you inevitably need a break from yelling at your TV screen about Deflate Gate.
1. Alan Fitch Is Dead...Which Means Red Is Vulnerable Alan Fitch had a bomb strapped to his neck during "The Blacklist's" mid-season finale, and unfortunately Red was unable to disarm it. So, yes, his head exploded.
It's no secret that "The Blacklist" can be just as confusing as it is addictive, and the mid-season finale set a few important events in motion that are definitely worth catching up on. If you're in need of a "Blacklist" refresher before Sunday night's big premiere, we've got you covered with 5 things to remember going into the episode. And feel free to keep this list handy for when you inevitably need a break from yelling at your TV screen about Deflate Gate.
1. Alan Fitch Is Dead...Which Means Red Is Vulnerable Alan Fitch had a bomb strapped to his neck during "The Blacklist's" mid-season finale, and unfortunately Red was unable to disarm it. So, yes, his head exploded.
- 1/29/2015
- by Mehera Bonner
- Moviefone
Call the Midwife: BBC One, 8pm
New arrival Barbara (Fresh Meat's Charlotte Ritchie) faces a challenge when she treats a first-time mother and the birth doesn't quite go according to plan.
Meanwhile, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) is struggling with the increasingly desperate financial situation at Nonnatus House, until a mysterious benefactor comes to the rescue.
Top Gear: BBC Two, 8pm
Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May are back for a new series of the motoring show.
The Top Gear boys start the series off in Russia, where they go up against The Stig - all with different methods of transport - for an exciting race across Saint Petersburg.
Mr Selfridge: ITV, 9pm
The period drama returns for a third series, starring Jeremy Piven as charismatic department store owner Harry Selfridge.
Picking up where the last series left off, Selfridge mourns the death of his wife...
New arrival Barbara (Fresh Meat's Charlotte Ritchie) faces a challenge when she treats a first-time mother and the birth doesn't quite go according to plan.
Meanwhile, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) is struggling with the increasingly desperate financial situation at Nonnatus House, until a mysterious benefactor comes to the rescue.
Top Gear: BBC Two, 8pm
Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May are back for a new series of the motoring show.
The Top Gear boys start the series off in Russia, where they go up against The Stig - all with different methods of transport - for an exciting race across Saint Petersburg.
Mr Selfridge: ITV, 9pm
The period drama returns for a third series, starring Jeremy Piven as charismatic department store owner Harry Selfridge.
Picking up where the last series left off, Selfridge mourns the death of his wife...
- 1/25/2015
- Digital Spy
“You have to take control of your feelings… before they take control of you.”
Like Anakin Skywalker before her, Lady Mary fell prey to the Dark Side on Sunday’s Downton Abbey — at least that’s what the Dowager Countess feared after that nosy Spratt spotted Mary and Tony exiting a hotel together.
I’m actually surprised the D.C. wasn’t more outraged by Mary’s behavior. She seemed to pretty Ok with the situation after being assured that Tony wanted to marry her — and that there was no chance of an unfortunate “epilogue.” (Such euphemisms!)
Anyway, the sex...
Like Anakin Skywalker before her, Lady Mary fell prey to the Dark Side on Sunday’s Downton Abbey — at least that’s what the Dowager Countess feared after that nosy Spratt spotted Mary and Tony exiting a hotel together.
I’m actually surprised the D.C. wasn’t more outraged by Mary’s behavior. She seemed to pretty Ok with the situation after being assured that Tony wanted to marry her — and that there was no chance of an unfortunate “epilogue.” (Such euphemisms!)
Anyway, the sex...
- 1/19/2015
- TVLine.com
Thus far in the show’s sophomore season, each name on The Blacklist has been more intrinsically linked to Liz and Red than the name that preceded it.
And on Monday’s fall finale, that pattern came to a head as Red and the FBI task force hunted down No. 12 on the list — “The Decembrist” — who also happened to be the man responsible for Red’s longstanding conflict with Berlin.
The NBC drama’s latest installment — its last until Super Bowl Sunday — answered a whole slew of questions that have remained open-ended since May. But what would The Blacklist be without a few new cliffhangers?...
And on Monday’s fall finale, that pattern came to a head as Red and the FBI task force hunted down No. 12 on the list — “The Decembrist” — who also happened to be the man responsible for Red’s longstanding conflict with Berlin.
The NBC drama’s latest installment — its last until Super Bowl Sunday — answered a whole slew of questions that have remained open-ended since May. But what would The Blacklist be without a few new cliffhangers?...
- 11/11/2014
- TVLine.com
Marie Dubois, actress in French New Wave films, dead at 77 (image: Marie Dubois in the mammoth blockbuster 'La Grande Vadrouille') Actress Marie Dubois, a popular French New Wave personality of the '60s and the leading lady in one of France's biggest box-office hits in history, died Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at a nursing home in Lescar, a suburb of the southwestern French town of Pau, not far from the Spanish border. Dubois, who had been living in the Pau area since 2010, was 77. For decades she had been battling multiple sclerosis, which later in life had her confined to a wheelchair. Born Claudine Huzé (Claudine Lucie Pauline Huzé according to some online sources) on January 12, 1937, in Paris, the blue-eyed, blonde Marie Dubois began her show business career on stage, being featured in plays such as Molière's The Misanthrope and Arthur Miller's The Crucible. François Truffaut discovery: 'Shoot the...
- 10/17/2014
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Nobody loves Russian movies, even Russians themselves. Their films are very long, very slow, black & white or monochromatic. They are crowded by intellectual talk and lack plot, characters or any kind of entertainment. This is common knowledge and, of course, it’s not true. We, the Russians, love our cinema – although the majority of us don’t know about Tarkovsky of Zviagintsev. Moreover, we – surprise! – love movies with an intense plot, powerful characters and funny jokes as much as any audience. So, I would like to introduce you to fifteen great Russian movies you don’t know (if you are not Russian film fans or a Slavic Studies professor). To shake things up, there are no films on this list from the most well-known Russian film directors: Sergey Eizenshtein (Battleship Potemkin, 1925), Andrei Tarkovsky (Stalker, 1979) or Nikita Mikhalkov (Burnt by the Sun, 1994). I also tried to avoid very slow and very long monochromatic films – although there are a...
- 10/15/2014
- by Sergey Kuznetsov
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Russian Ark director hopes to take Francofonia, Louvre Under German Occupation to the next Cannes Film Festival.
Russian director Alexander Sokurov hopes to premiere his latest feature project Francofonia, Louvre Under German Occupation at Cannes next May
Speaking exclusively to ScreenDaily at his Cinema Lab (C.L.A.S.S) in Repino during this week’s Saint Petersburg International Media Forum (Spimf), Sokurov revealed that “both Berlin and Cannes have shown interest in the film, but it is for the producers to make the final decision”.
“It seems to me that with this particular film should have its premiere in Cannes because of its subject and because Cannes is less political than Berlin,” he added.
Sokurov explained that post-production on the film is continuing parallel to his involvement in this week’s inaugural Spimf.
“There is actor dubbing being done in Paris and Berlin and we will be recording the music with a large symphony orchestra in Amsterdam...
Russian director Alexander Sokurov hopes to premiere his latest feature project Francofonia, Louvre Under German Occupation at Cannes next May
Speaking exclusively to ScreenDaily at his Cinema Lab (C.L.A.S.S) in Repino during this week’s Saint Petersburg International Media Forum (Spimf), Sokurov revealed that “both Berlin and Cannes have shown interest in the film, but it is for the producers to make the final decision”.
“It seems to me that with this particular film should have its premiere in Cannes because of its subject and because Cannes is less political than Berlin,” he added.
Sokurov explained that post-production on the film is continuing parallel to his involvement in this week’s inaugural Spimf.
“There is actor dubbing being done in Paris and Berlin and we will be recording the music with a large symphony orchestra in Amsterdam...
- 10/7/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Susanne Bier film stars Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.
The 16th Mumbai Film Festival (Oct 14-21) is to open with Susanne Bier’s period drama Serena, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.
The highly anticipated film is based on Ron Rash’s North Carolina-set novel about logging magnate George Pemberton (Cooper) and his ruthless, brilliant wife Serena (Lawrence). The story is about how the ‘perfect’ couple’s plans come unstuck when they discover she can’t bear children and that George previously fathered a child out of wedlock.
The film will receive its world premiere as the closing film of the Saint Petersburg International Media Forum on Oct 10 before going on to play at BFI London Film Festival.
The 16th edition of the Mumbai Film Destival, organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (Mami), includes a line-up of around 185 films from more than 65 countries.
The 16th Mumbai Film Festival (Oct 14-21) is to open with Susanne Bier’s period drama Serena, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.
The highly anticipated film is based on Ron Rash’s North Carolina-set novel about logging magnate George Pemberton (Cooper) and his ruthless, brilliant wife Serena (Lawrence). The story is about how the ‘perfect’ couple’s plans come unstuck when they discover she can’t bear children and that George previously fathered a child out of wedlock.
The film will receive its world premiere as the closing film of the Saint Petersburg International Media Forum on Oct 10 before going on to play at BFI London Film Festival.
The 16th edition of the Mumbai Film Destival, organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (Mami), includes a line-up of around 185 films from more than 65 countries.
- 10/1/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
World premiere of Serena and Cannes Jury Prize winner Mommy set as opening and closing night galas.
Serena, the highly anticipated film starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper from Oscar-winning Danish director Susanne Bier, is to receive its world premiere as the closing film of the Saint Petersburg International Media Forum (Spimf) (Oct 1-10), organised by Roskino.
Based on Ron Rash’s North Carolina-set novel about logging magnate George Pemberton (Cooper) and his ruthless, brilliant wife Serena (Lawrence), the ‘perfect’ couple’s master plans come unstuck when they discover she can’t bear children and that George previously fathered a child out of wedlock.
Serena’s release in Russia is set for Oct 30 through distributor Vol’ga.
Xavier Dolan’s Mommy, which won the jury prize when it debuted in Competition at Cannes, will open Spimf on Oct 1. It will mark its Russian premiere.
The film tells the story of vivacious tattooed widow Diana (Anne Dorval) and her...
Serena, the highly anticipated film starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper from Oscar-winning Danish director Susanne Bier, is to receive its world premiere as the closing film of the Saint Petersburg International Media Forum (Spimf) (Oct 1-10), organised by Roskino.
Based on Ron Rash’s North Carolina-set novel about logging magnate George Pemberton (Cooper) and his ruthless, brilliant wife Serena (Lawrence), the ‘perfect’ couple’s master plans come unstuck when they discover she can’t bear children and that George previously fathered a child out of wedlock.
Serena’s release in Russia is set for Oct 30 through distributor Vol’ga.
Xavier Dolan’s Mommy, which won the jury prize when it debuted in Competition at Cannes, will open Spimf on Oct 1. It will mark its Russian premiere.
The film tells the story of vivacious tattooed widow Diana (Anne Dorval) and her...
- 9/22/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Cannes Marche exec and Stalingrad director join forthcoming Saint Petersburg International Media Forum.
Russian cinema promoter Roskino has named the latest international figures to join the board of the Saint Petersburg International Media Forum (Spimf), set to run Oct 1-10.
The new members of the Board are Jerome Paillard, the executive director of Cannes’ Marche du Film; director and producer Fedor Bondarchuk, who also chairs the board of directors at Lenfilm Studios; and publisher Jay Penske.
Bondarchuk, director of 3D blockbuster Stalingrad, said: “The Russian media industry is becoming more and more integrated into the global media industry and is gradually starting to participate in discussions on key questions and trends as a full member.
“I’m sure that Saint Petersburg’s Media Forum will become a platform for international business, a festival with a rich and diverse programme and a market for new media technologies, uniting Russian and international professionals and audiences.”
Spimf’s Board...
Russian cinema promoter Roskino has named the latest international figures to join the board of the Saint Petersburg International Media Forum (Spimf), set to run Oct 1-10.
The new members of the Board are Jerome Paillard, the executive director of Cannes’ Marche du Film; director and producer Fedor Bondarchuk, who also chairs the board of directors at Lenfilm Studios; and publisher Jay Penske.
Bondarchuk, director of 3D blockbuster Stalingrad, said: “The Russian media industry is becoming more and more integrated into the global media industry and is gradually starting to participate in discussions on key questions and trends as a full member.
“I’m sure that Saint Petersburg’s Media Forum will become a platform for international business, a festival with a rich and diverse programme and a market for new media technologies, uniting Russian and international professionals and audiences.”
Spimf’s Board...
- 9/10/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
An artist planning to display nude photos of Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton has finally had a change of heart. After receiving backlash from the public, Xvala has decided not to showcase leaked images of the celebs in life-size, unaltered form at the Cory Allen Contemporary Art in Saint Petersburg, Fla. Instead, the exhibit will feature the artist's self-shot, life-size, nude images. "It wasn't just about being 'hacked' images anymore, but now presented in the media as stolen property," Xvala said in a statement to E! News. "People were identifying with Jennifer Lawrence's and Kate Upton's victimization, much more than I had anticipated, which is powerfully...
- 9/9/2014
- E! Online
Um, creepy? Cory Allen Contemporary Art announced on Wednesday, Sept. 3, that the recently leaked nude photos of Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton will be the subject of Los Angeles-based artist Xvala's upcoming show "No Delete" next month at the Caca's The Showroom in Saint Petersburg, Fla. Listed as additions to the artist's "Fear Google" campaign, Caca said in a statement that the leaked nude images will be printed on canvas, will be life-size and unaltered. Xvala's "Fear Google" campaign consists of the artist's seven-year collection of [...]...
- 9/5/2014
- Us Weekly
We're not sure how this is going to work, but Ok. Cory Allen Contemporary Art (Caca) has announced that the recently leaked nude images of Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton will be the latest additions to Los Angeles artist Xvala's "Fear Google" campaign and will be on display to the public, unaltered, in the artist's upcoming show "No Delete" next month at Caca's The Showroom in Saint Petersburg, Fla. "Xvala appropriating celebrity compromised images and the overall 'Fear Google' campaign has helped strengthen the ongoing debate over privacy in the digital era," said publicist Cory Allen. "The commentary behind this show is a reflection of who we are today. We all...
- 9/4/2014
- E! Online
Filmmaker Alexander Sokurov, Efm president Beki Probst and actor-director-producer Fyodor Bondarchuk (Stalingrad) are among the high-profile names backing a new event in St. Petersburg.
The Saint Petersburg International Media Forum (Spimf) will launch next month and will run Oct 1-10.
Russian Ark director Sokurov will coordinate the workshop programme for a Cinema Lab for up to 100 young non-professionals wanting to make films and will invite colleagues from the industry to give masterclasses.
The Lab will be held outside of St Petersburg in the seaside town of Repino and reprises the campus of budding filmmakers Sokurov oversaw during the Kinoforum in 2011.
Probst and Bondarchuk are members of an advisory board, including Mikhail Piotrovsky, the State Hermitage Museum director, and Georgiy Poltavchenko, acting governor of St. Petersburg, who are supporting Roskino in its organisation of the Forum, which will be held in the city’s Old Stock Exchange building on the Vasiliyevsky Island.
Ambitious programme...
The Saint Petersburg International Media Forum (Spimf) will launch next month and will run Oct 1-10.
Russian Ark director Sokurov will coordinate the workshop programme for a Cinema Lab for up to 100 young non-professionals wanting to make films and will invite colleagues from the industry to give masterclasses.
The Lab will be held outside of St Petersburg in the seaside town of Repino and reprises the campus of budding filmmakers Sokurov oversaw during the Kinoforum in 2011.
Probst and Bondarchuk are members of an advisory board, including Mikhail Piotrovsky, the State Hermitage Museum director, and Georgiy Poltavchenko, acting governor of St. Petersburg, who are supporting Roskino in its organisation of the Forum, which will be held in the city’s Old Stock Exchange building on the Vasiliyevsky Island.
Ambitious programme...
- 9/1/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The Saint Petersburg International Media Forum (Spimf) will be held from October 1st to October 10th, 2014.
The Forum is organized by Roskino and supported by the Government of St. Petersburg under the personal patronage of the Acting Governor, Georgy Poltavchenko, with the participation of the National Media Group holding, Petromir LLC, and Aeroflot Russian Airlines.
Spimf is a cross-platform cultural initiative aimed at promoting a synergy of professionals and the general public while creating a communal meeting place for representatives of the film and TV industries and also leading new media start-ups. An international content market for media business representatives and a film and TV screenings for the general public will take place under the umbrella of the Forum.
Georgy Poltavchenko, Acting Governor of Saint Petersburg:
"St. Petersburg is well known to the business community as the traditional venue for the Economic Forum. I am thrilled to welcome the leaders of the international media industry to our city, which we hope will become an important venue for business development and interaction. The Media Forum has prepared an exceptional program of film and TV premieres for the citizens of Saint Petersburg and we are delighted that the historical building of the Stock Exchange, originally meant for fostering business ties and holding negotiations, will become the event ’ s main venue. I have no doubt that the expertise of the organizers, combined with the support of the city, will guarantee the success of the initiative. "
The aim of the Media Forum is to establish St. Petersburg as an international location for the development of the film, TV and digital content industries. The Forum offers an opportunity for stimulating commercial interaction to its participants as well as an intensive program including panels, master classes from leading world and Russian specialists, creative laboratories for young filmmakers and a diversified, vibrant film program for the public. The Spimf format, devised by Roskino, is largely based on the concept of the Tiff, one of the most high-profile film events in the world, which combines an exciting market with out-of-competition public screenings.
The festival line-up of the Media Forum features 50 premieres in 10 programs created by renowned curators. The films will be judged by three independent boards: a jury of bloggers, a jury of the press and a jury of the public.
Katya Mtsitouridze, Roskino CEO, concept developer and Spimf general producer:
"The whole idea of the Media Forum is to establish an exciting entertainment industry venue in Saint Petersburg. We went to great lengths in order to achieve our goal, devising a cross-platform concept, inviting the participants well in advance, preparing a list of films and panel discussion topics, picking out an appropriate location for the film market, and many other things. But no one could foresee that the Forum would acquire an additional significance. The political climate should affect neither the professionals that create films, TV or digital content nor the public that such productions are meant for. Culture represents a bridge that unites nations and people of good will and is especially relevant in one of the most beautiful cities of the world, one in which bridges are drawn every night. In due time, an annual Forum will allow St. Petersburg to establish itself as an internationally in-demand area for the entertainment industry."
The Advisory Board of the Media Forum has enlisted a number of leading world industry professionals such as the Efm President Beki Probst, the media entrepreneur Jay Penske (owner of the iconic magazine Variety), director, producer and Lenfilm Studio Head Fedor Bondarchuk, Co-Chairman of the Film and TV Producers Association Alexander Akopov, the State Hermitage Museum Director Mikhail Piotrovsky and other experts. The Board is headed by the Acting Governor of St. Petersburg, Georgy Poltavchenko.
Over 1200 media industry professionals - producers, directors, distributors and sales agents representing leading companies from Europe, Asia, North America, and the Brics countries - will participate in the Spimf agenda.
Film and TV industry will be showcased by the projects and representatives of major companies such as Warner Bros, Disney, Fox, CBS, Showtime, HBO, Starz, Sony, Fremantle, Lionsgate and Endemol.
Digital technologies will be showcased by Netflix, Hulu, Film London, Tribeca Film Festival, Tfi New Media Fund, ViceMedia, Power to the Pixel and PopUp Cinema, and the list of their Russian counterparts includes Rambler&Co, VKontakte, Ivi.ru and Amediateka.
The international press has taken a keen interest in the Media Forum. The list of the Spimf-accredited journalists includes correspondents from leading industry publications such as Variety, THR, Screen International and a number of other print and digital outlets.
Dda, a leading British film, television and entertainment PR consultancy, is handling international promotion and PR for the Forum.
Vadim Zingman, Aeroflot Russian Airlines Deputy CEO for Work with Clients:
"The St. Petersburg Media Forum is just starting out but I am sure that it will become one of the most important events for the Russian and world media industries. We are proud of our partnership with Roskino and the Forum, since it is of paramount importance for us to support initiatives that offer a major role for Russia in shaping the world ’ s common cultural space. We wish all the Spimf participants a fruitful time, successful new partnerships and a fresh sense of perspective. We are glad that Aeroflot Russian Airlines is contributing to the development and expansion of our national media industry."
The Spimf program consists of the following sections:
1. Public Screenings:
Gala Screenings: Russian and international film and TV premieres of 2014;
Kor-Kor: A showcase of the diversity of North Korean cinema, curated by Vasily Koretsky;
Locarno Local: The best of the Locarno Film Festival 2014;
Mamentum: The best of the Cannes Film Festival 2014, selected by Alexander Mamontov;
N-l-po: Iconic sci-fi movies that lead to the triumph of Gravity, selected by Boris Nelepo;
Non Fiction: A line-up of high-profile 2014 documentaries;
Word Order: Films and TV drama pilots created by renowned critics, in partnership with Séance magazine;
The Birth of a Nation: Alexey Medvedev’s program of new British cinema;
Teen Spirit: Films aimed at children and teenagers that raise some questions concerning social issues;
Trofey: Films dwelling on political leaders and their roles in the crucial events of 20th and 21st century film history, selected by Mikhail Trofimenkov.
The screenings will take place from October 1st to October 5th, 2014, in the Aurora, Angleterre, Velikan, Leningrad, Rodina and Khudozhestvenny cinemas as well as on the New Stage of the Alexandrinsky theater and the Old Stock Exchange building on the spit of Vasilyevsky Island.
2. Film, TV and New Media Content Market
The Doors International Traveling Film Market, successfully held in Moscow in 2012 and in St. Petersburg in 2013, invites major buyers and sales agents from Europe, Asia, North America and the Brics countries to view Russian films produced in 2014.
The co-production market aimed at Russian and international companies interested in developing potential co-production projects has been co-organized by the Northern Seas Forum.
Sergey Selyanov’s P.O.V. Film Development Fund’s will grant awards to the winners of the development funding competition held from July 1 to August 1, 2014
The TV Content market for Russian and international professionals has been co-organized by the World Content Market.
The TV Showcase will exhibit Russian and international dramas produced by leading studios and TV channels. Co-organized by Amediateka.
Start-up Alley is a digital, new media and entertainment industry Start-Up Market, co-organized by Rambler&Co, the RusBase platform and Variety Russia.
Global Russians will showcase the top 50 shorts directed by Russian film school graduates over the last 5 years (2010-2014). These will be made available in the digital library of the Forum. Co-organized by Roskino and the Youth Center of the Russia Filmmakers' Union.
The International Film, TV and New Media Content Market will be held form October 6th to October 9th, 2014, in the Old Stock Exchange building on the spit of Vasilyevsky Island.
3. C.L.A.S: Cinema Lab by Alexander Sokurov
A team of professionals headed by Alexander Sokurov, one of the world’s most important filmmakers, will spend a week with directors whose works have been preselected via the program website. The campus program has been tailored for 100 participants. The aim of the workshop is to help these talented non-professionals to find their way in the world of cinema and to expose them to the many possibilities of contemporary filmmaking and its various processes. Creative workshops will be supplemented by master classes from leading industry specialists, and a professional jury is to select the best projects.
The C.L.A.S. lab will take place at the Baltiets Hotel at Repino from October 4th to October 10th, 2014.
4. Cross-Platform Panels Dealing with Major Issue in the Entertainment Industry
A total of 12 panels, including discussions on:
- Competing for the VOD market and alternative content distribution strategies, with the participation of the Film and TV Producers Association;
- The Internet as a piracy battlefield, with the participation of the Federal Supervision Agency for Mass Media and Communications, the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
- Crowd-funding: making the most of minimal budgets, with the participation of PopUp Cinema (UK).
The Panels will be held in the Old Stock Exchange building from October 6 to October 9, 2014.
The Forum is organized by Roskino and supported by the Government of St. Petersburg under the personal patronage of the Acting Governor, Georgy Poltavchenko, with the participation of the National Media Group holding, Petromir LLC, and Aeroflot Russian Airlines.
Spimf is a cross-platform cultural initiative aimed at promoting a synergy of professionals and the general public while creating a communal meeting place for representatives of the film and TV industries and also leading new media start-ups. An international content market for media business representatives and a film and TV screenings for the general public will take place under the umbrella of the Forum.
Georgy Poltavchenko, Acting Governor of Saint Petersburg:
"St. Petersburg is well known to the business community as the traditional venue for the Economic Forum. I am thrilled to welcome the leaders of the international media industry to our city, which we hope will become an important venue for business development and interaction. The Media Forum has prepared an exceptional program of film and TV premieres for the citizens of Saint Petersburg and we are delighted that the historical building of the Stock Exchange, originally meant for fostering business ties and holding negotiations, will become the event ’ s main venue. I have no doubt that the expertise of the organizers, combined with the support of the city, will guarantee the success of the initiative. "
The aim of the Media Forum is to establish St. Petersburg as an international location for the development of the film, TV and digital content industries. The Forum offers an opportunity for stimulating commercial interaction to its participants as well as an intensive program including panels, master classes from leading world and Russian specialists, creative laboratories for young filmmakers and a diversified, vibrant film program for the public. The Spimf format, devised by Roskino, is largely based on the concept of the Tiff, one of the most high-profile film events in the world, which combines an exciting market with out-of-competition public screenings.
The festival line-up of the Media Forum features 50 premieres in 10 programs created by renowned curators. The films will be judged by three independent boards: a jury of bloggers, a jury of the press and a jury of the public.
Katya Mtsitouridze, Roskino CEO, concept developer and Spimf general producer:
"The whole idea of the Media Forum is to establish an exciting entertainment industry venue in Saint Petersburg. We went to great lengths in order to achieve our goal, devising a cross-platform concept, inviting the participants well in advance, preparing a list of films and panel discussion topics, picking out an appropriate location for the film market, and many other things. But no one could foresee that the Forum would acquire an additional significance. The political climate should affect neither the professionals that create films, TV or digital content nor the public that such productions are meant for. Culture represents a bridge that unites nations and people of good will and is especially relevant in one of the most beautiful cities of the world, one in which bridges are drawn every night. In due time, an annual Forum will allow St. Petersburg to establish itself as an internationally in-demand area for the entertainment industry."
The Advisory Board of the Media Forum has enlisted a number of leading world industry professionals such as the Efm President Beki Probst, the media entrepreneur Jay Penske (owner of the iconic magazine Variety), director, producer and Lenfilm Studio Head Fedor Bondarchuk, Co-Chairman of the Film and TV Producers Association Alexander Akopov, the State Hermitage Museum Director Mikhail Piotrovsky and other experts. The Board is headed by the Acting Governor of St. Petersburg, Georgy Poltavchenko.
Over 1200 media industry professionals - producers, directors, distributors and sales agents representing leading companies from Europe, Asia, North America, and the Brics countries - will participate in the Spimf agenda.
Film and TV industry will be showcased by the projects and representatives of major companies such as Warner Bros, Disney, Fox, CBS, Showtime, HBO, Starz, Sony, Fremantle, Lionsgate and Endemol.
Digital technologies will be showcased by Netflix, Hulu, Film London, Tribeca Film Festival, Tfi New Media Fund, ViceMedia, Power to the Pixel and PopUp Cinema, and the list of their Russian counterparts includes Rambler&Co, VKontakte, Ivi.ru and Amediateka.
The international press has taken a keen interest in the Media Forum. The list of the Spimf-accredited journalists includes correspondents from leading industry publications such as Variety, THR, Screen International and a number of other print and digital outlets.
Dda, a leading British film, television and entertainment PR consultancy, is handling international promotion and PR for the Forum.
Vadim Zingman, Aeroflot Russian Airlines Deputy CEO for Work with Clients:
"The St. Petersburg Media Forum is just starting out but I am sure that it will become one of the most important events for the Russian and world media industries. We are proud of our partnership with Roskino and the Forum, since it is of paramount importance for us to support initiatives that offer a major role for Russia in shaping the world ’ s common cultural space. We wish all the Spimf participants a fruitful time, successful new partnerships and a fresh sense of perspective. We are glad that Aeroflot Russian Airlines is contributing to the development and expansion of our national media industry."
The Spimf program consists of the following sections:
1. Public Screenings:
Gala Screenings: Russian and international film and TV premieres of 2014;
Kor-Kor: A showcase of the diversity of North Korean cinema, curated by Vasily Koretsky;
Locarno Local: The best of the Locarno Film Festival 2014;
Mamentum: The best of the Cannes Film Festival 2014, selected by Alexander Mamontov;
N-l-po: Iconic sci-fi movies that lead to the triumph of Gravity, selected by Boris Nelepo;
Non Fiction: A line-up of high-profile 2014 documentaries;
Word Order: Films and TV drama pilots created by renowned critics, in partnership with Séance magazine;
The Birth of a Nation: Alexey Medvedev’s program of new British cinema;
Teen Spirit: Films aimed at children and teenagers that raise some questions concerning social issues;
Trofey: Films dwelling on political leaders and their roles in the crucial events of 20th and 21st century film history, selected by Mikhail Trofimenkov.
The screenings will take place from October 1st to October 5th, 2014, in the Aurora, Angleterre, Velikan, Leningrad, Rodina and Khudozhestvenny cinemas as well as on the New Stage of the Alexandrinsky theater and the Old Stock Exchange building on the spit of Vasilyevsky Island.
2. Film, TV and New Media Content Market
The Doors International Traveling Film Market, successfully held in Moscow in 2012 and in St. Petersburg in 2013, invites major buyers and sales agents from Europe, Asia, North America and the Brics countries to view Russian films produced in 2014.
The co-production market aimed at Russian and international companies interested in developing potential co-production projects has been co-organized by the Northern Seas Forum.
Sergey Selyanov’s P.O.V. Film Development Fund’s will grant awards to the winners of the development funding competition held from July 1 to August 1, 2014
The TV Content market for Russian and international professionals has been co-organized by the World Content Market.
The TV Showcase will exhibit Russian and international dramas produced by leading studios and TV channels. Co-organized by Amediateka.
Start-up Alley is a digital, new media and entertainment industry Start-Up Market, co-organized by Rambler&Co, the RusBase platform and Variety Russia.
Global Russians will showcase the top 50 shorts directed by Russian film school graduates over the last 5 years (2010-2014). These will be made available in the digital library of the Forum. Co-organized by Roskino and the Youth Center of the Russia Filmmakers' Union.
The International Film, TV and New Media Content Market will be held form October 6th to October 9th, 2014, in the Old Stock Exchange building on the spit of Vasilyevsky Island.
3. C.L.A.S: Cinema Lab by Alexander Sokurov
A team of professionals headed by Alexander Sokurov, one of the world’s most important filmmakers, will spend a week with directors whose works have been preselected via the program website. The campus program has been tailored for 100 participants. The aim of the workshop is to help these talented non-professionals to find their way in the world of cinema and to expose them to the many possibilities of contemporary filmmaking and its various processes. Creative workshops will be supplemented by master classes from leading industry specialists, and a professional jury is to select the best projects.
The C.L.A.S. lab will take place at the Baltiets Hotel at Repino from October 4th to October 10th, 2014.
4. Cross-Platform Panels Dealing with Major Issue in the Entertainment Industry
A total of 12 panels, including discussions on:
- Competing for the VOD market and alternative content distribution strategies, with the participation of the Film and TV Producers Association;
- The Internet as a piracy battlefield, with the participation of the Federal Supervision Agency for Mass Media and Communications, the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
- Crowd-funding: making the most of minimal budgets, with the participation of PopUp Cinema (UK).
The Panels will be held in the Old Stock Exchange building from October 6 to October 9, 2014.
- 8/28/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
To mark the released of Brasil: A Nation Expects out on Blu-ray and DVD and Collector’s Edition DVD on 2nd June, we’ve been given 3 copies to give away on Blu-ray
With exclusive access to the world’s greatest football team, Brasil: A Nation Expects, is a rare and intimate documentary film which follows the ‘Scolari family’ as they get ready for the defining moment of their lives, the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Offering an unprecedented and personal look behind the scenes of the team on their quest for the ultimate prize, Brasil: A Nation Expects, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch, listen and learn from the sport’s greatest players as they prepare to make history.
The Brasil national team, widely regarded as the finest exponents of ‘the beautiful game’, have won the World Cup five times – more than any other country – and have amassed a dedicated following across the globe,...
With exclusive access to the world’s greatest football team, Brasil: A Nation Expects, is a rare and intimate documentary film which follows the ‘Scolari family’ as they get ready for the defining moment of their lives, the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Offering an unprecedented and personal look behind the scenes of the team on their quest for the ultimate prize, Brasil: A Nation Expects, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch, listen and learn from the sport’s greatest players as they prepare to make history.
The Brasil national team, widely regarded as the finest exponents of ‘the beautiful game’, have won the World Cup five times – more than any other country – and have amassed a dedicated following across the globe,...
- 6/12/2014
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Russia has made headlines lately for no shortage of reasons (the Olympics, Edward Snowden, Ukraine, you name it) and so there are plenty of stories to tell from the country. Russia’s Ministry of Culture is backing a project that we'd wager they're hoping will shine a different light on the nation, and they're rounding up some big names to help out. The omnibus "Petersburg: A Category Of Feelings" is being put together and a roster of directors, including Todd Solondz, Ralph Fiennes, Sam Rockwell, Timur Bekmambetov, Avdotya Smirnova, Bakur Bakuradze, Cedric Klapisch, Igor Voloshin and Ilmar Raag are on board to direct episodes of the project. The movie will use the letters from the titular city as descriptions or qualities—Pleasure, Effort, Trust, Envy, Repose, Shrewdness, Bravery, Uncertainty, Refuge and Glee—for the filmmakers to follow in their works. And in case you're wondering, this is a different project than the "Saint Petersburg,...
- 6/2/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Films by Todd Solondz, Ralph Fiennes and Andrei Konchalovsky as well as an adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s White Nights, starring Daniel Brühl, are among 12 projects to be supported by Russia’s Ministry of Culture this year.
Solondz, Fiennes and Bekmambetov are set to join director colleagues Avdotya Smirnova, Bakur Bakuradze, Cedric Klapisch, Igor Voloshin, Ilmar Raag and Sam Rockwell in shooting episodes of the omnibus film Petersburg: A Category Of Feelings.
The project, which is to be produced by Lenfilm Studio in cooperation with Sergey Selyanov’s St Petersburg-based production powerhouse Ctb Company, will invite the filmmakers to present their views of the “Venice of the North” through emotions or qualities whose first letters make up the city’s name: Pleasure, Effort, Trust, Envy, Repose, Shrewdness, Bravery, Uncertainty, Refuge and Glee.
The idea for the project originates from Selyanov, and one of the episodes will be directed by actor-director-producer Fedor Bondarchuk who is also serving as the...
Solondz, Fiennes and Bekmambetov are set to join director colleagues Avdotya Smirnova, Bakur Bakuradze, Cedric Klapisch, Igor Voloshin, Ilmar Raag and Sam Rockwell in shooting episodes of the omnibus film Petersburg: A Category Of Feelings.
The project, which is to be produced by Lenfilm Studio in cooperation with Sergey Selyanov’s St Petersburg-based production powerhouse Ctb Company, will invite the filmmakers to present their views of the “Venice of the North” through emotions or qualities whose first letters make up the city’s name: Pleasure, Effort, Trust, Envy, Repose, Shrewdness, Bravery, Uncertainty, Refuge and Glee.
The idea for the project originates from Selyanov, and one of the episodes will be directed by actor-director-producer Fedor Bondarchuk who is also serving as the...
- 6/2/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The Russian Cinema Fund, with backing from the Russian Ministry of Culture, presented 18 new Russian productions at a Cannes Market showcase yesterday.
The presentations were grouped into three sections: animations currently in production, completed features and works-in-progresss.
Highlights included hit animation sequel The Snow Queen 2 (already selling well for Wizart); Wizart’s new animation property Sheep and Wolves; Ralph Fiennes starrer Two Women (sold by Rezo) [pictured]; the English-language thriller Bathory; and Orlean from The Horde director Andrey Proshkin.
The films presented were:
Animation
The Snow Queen 2
Sold by Vizart, this 3D production from Melnitsa Animation will be delivered by the end of 2014. The first film was a hit released in several dozen international territories.
The Magic Tower
A 2D animated historical fantasy from Masterfilm, about a man with magical powers who realises that friendship is better than sorcery. Delivery set for November 2014.
Sheep and Wolves
To be delivered in spring or autumn 2015 by director Andrey...
The presentations were grouped into three sections: animations currently in production, completed features and works-in-progresss.
Highlights included hit animation sequel The Snow Queen 2 (already selling well for Wizart); Wizart’s new animation property Sheep and Wolves; Ralph Fiennes starrer Two Women (sold by Rezo) [pictured]; the English-language thriller Bathory; and Orlean from The Horde director Andrey Proshkin.
The films presented were:
Animation
The Snow Queen 2
Sold by Vizart, this 3D production from Melnitsa Animation will be delivered by the end of 2014. The first film was a hit released in several dozen international territories.
The Magic Tower
A 2D animated historical fantasy from Masterfilm, about a man with magical powers who realises that friendship is better than sorcery. Delivery set for November 2014.
Sheep and Wolves
To be delivered in spring or autumn 2015 by director Andrey...
- 5/21/2014
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
The Russian Cinema Fund, with backing from the Russian Ministry of Culture, presented 18 new Russian productions at a Cannes Market showcase yesterday.
The presentations were grouped into three sections: animations currently in production, completed features and works-in-progresss.
Highlights included hit animation sequel The Snow Queen 2 (already selling well for Wizart); Wizart’s new animation property Sheep and Wolves; Ralph Fiennes starrer Two Women (sold by Rezo) [pictured]; the English-language thriller Bathory; and Orlean from The Horde director Andrey Proshkin.
The films presented were:
Animation
The Snow Queen 2
Sold by Vizart, this 3D production from Melnitsa Animation will be delivered by the end of 2014. The first film was a hit released in several dozen international territories.
The Magic Tower
A 2D animated historical fantasy from Masterfilm, about a man with magical powers who realises that friendship is better than sorcery. Delivery set for November 2014.
Sheep and Wolves
To be delivered in spring or autumn 2015 by director Andrey...
The presentations were grouped into three sections: animations currently in production, completed features and works-in-progresss.
Highlights included hit animation sequel The Snow Queen 2 (already selling well for Wizart); Wizart’s new animation property Sheep and Wolves; Ralph Fiennes starrer Two Women (sold by Rezo) [pictured]; the English-language thriller Bathory; and Orlean from The Horde director Andrey Proshkin.
The films presented were:
Animation
The Snow Queen 2
Sold by Vizart, this 3D production from Melnitsa Animation will be delivered by the end of 2014. The first film was a hit released in several dozen international territories.
The Magic Tower
A 2D animated historical fantasy from Masterfilm, about a man with magical powers who realises that friendship is better than sorcery. Delivery set for November 2014.
Sheep and Wolves
To be delivered in spring or autumn 2015 by director Andrey...
- 5/21/2014
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Timur Bekmambetov’s first outing as a director since his Hollywood film Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter sees him going back in time again to the beginning of the First World War at the end of 1914.
Yolki 1914 is the fourth instalment of Bekmambetov’s New Year hit comedy franchise Yolki, which his production-distribution company Bazelevs launched in 2010.
Bekmambetov directed the first Yolki (aka The Six Degrees Of Celebration), which took $26m at the box office in the Cis territories in 2010/11.
Since then, Bekmambetov has only served as the producer on the following two Yolki films.
The first sequel Yolki 2012 – which posted $30m at the Cis box office in 2011/12 – took place on New Year’s Eve in 11 cities from small regional towns to Saint Petersburg and Moscow, and was directed by Dmitry Kiselev, Alexander Kott, Oksana Bychkova and others.
Kiselev, Kott, Alexander Karpilovsky and Olga Kharina directed the episodes of the third film Yolki 2014 which was released on Dec...
Yolki 1914 is the fourth instalment of Bekmambetov’s New Year hit comedy franchise Yolki, which his production-distribution company Bazelevs launched in 2010.
Bekmambetov directed the first Yolki (aka The Six Degrees Of Celebration), which took $26m at the box office in the Cis territories in 2010/11.
Since then, Bekmambetov has only served as the producer on the following two Yolki films.
The first sequel Yolki 2012 – which posted $30m at the Cis box office in 2011/12 – took place on New Year’s Eve in 11 cities from small regional towns to Saint Petersburg and Moscow, and was directed by Dmitry Kiselev, Alexander Kott, Oksana Bychkova and others.
Kiselev, Kott, Alexander Karpilovsky and Olga Kharina directed the episodes of the third film Yolki 2014 which was released on Dec...
- 3/11/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Coach Trip's Brendan Sheerin has spoken about the possibility of taking the show to Russia.
The show's tour guide - who is openly gay - said that he would be happy to visit the country despite its anti-gay laws.
Asked which countries he would like to visit with Coach Trip, Sheerin explained that he would "love to nip to Saint Petersburg" to see the palaces.
"It would be a big thing to take the coach there," he told Attitude magazine.
"I think you need to visit Russia to show yourself as a gay person and say, 'I live my life like this and don't you dare touch me'. I think it's awful that Russia is so far behind when the rest of the world has moved on.
"I'm surprised by Russia, as it is an educated country with a lot of history. I can't understand where this homophobia is coming from.
The show's tour guide - who is openly gay - said that he would be happy to visit the country despite its anti-gay laws.
Asked which countries he would like to visit with Coach Trip, Sheerin explained that he would "love to nip to Saint Petersburg" to see the palaces.
"It would be a big thing to take the coach there," he told Attitude magazine.
"I think you need to visit Russia to show yourself as a gay person and say, 'I live my life like this and don't you dare touch me'. I think it's awful that Russia is so far behind when the rest of the world has moved on.
"I'm surprised by Russia, as it is an educated country with a lot of history. I can't understand where this homophobia is coming from.
- 2/9/2014
- Digital Spy
London, December 7: Elton John has expressed his sadness over the gay laws in Russia and has urged the country to end discrimination against gays during his performance at a concert in Moscow.
The British singer said that he was "sad to learn" of a law banning the "propaganda of homosexuality' to minors, the BBC reported.
John interrupted his show saying that in his opinion it is inhumane and isolating.
Earlier both Madonna and Lady Gaga voiced their concerns through concerts in Saint Petersburg regarding a similar local legislation. (Ani)...
The British singer said that he was "sad to learn" of a law banning the "propaganda of homosexuality' to minors, the BBC reported.
John interrupted his show saying that in his opinion it is inhumane and isolating.
Earlier both Madonna and Lady Gaga voiced their concerns through concerts in Saint Petersburg regarding a similar local legislation. (Ani)...
- 12/7/2013
- by Amith Ostwal
- RealBollywood.com
Writer Dustin Lance Black, director Gus Van Sant and producer Bruce Cohen will present their Lgbt rights biopic "Milk" at the Side by Side Lgbt Film Festival in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This news comes after a very challenging year for both Lgbt people in Russia and Side by Side itself. Since 2007, Side By Side (or Bok o Bok in Russian) has been working against all odds to bring Lgbt cinema, education and community to Russians. Back in June, the festival was faced with new challenges, including the law concerning NGOs and their status of being a ‘foreign agent.' In relation to this piece of legislation, Side by Side has been prosecuted under a law concerning NGOs and their status of being a ‘foreign agent' and was found guilty -- both as an organization and de Guerre, its director. Read More: Que(e)ries: The Plight of a Brave Lgbt Film Festival In Russia,...
- 11/20/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
Believed by Alexander Sokurov to be the only location in the world to truly represent both the history and culture of humanity, the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia was conceived by the master filmmaker as the sole conservatory of all we hold sacred, a single ark of supreme majesty in a sea of enlightened murk, the Russian Ark. And why not? Founded by Catherine the Great in 1764, the colossal complex of galleries and ballrooms is home to, at over three million paintings, the single largest collection of artwork in the world. Sokurov’s ark not only contains an immense wealth of art (still only a fraction of it’s holdings), but countless true-to-history aristocrats who walk the decadent halls, transcending time to intermix with spiritual visitors in traditional ceremonies, modern gallery gazing, an all out ballroom celebration, and everything in between. As ghostly visitors ourselves, we are given privy...
- 11/19/2013
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
Finally, some good news regarding the Lgbt rights situation in Russia: Side By Side -- the Lgbt film festival in St. Petersburg that Indiewire profiled this past summer -- has won its final appeal on a devastating charge it had been fighting for months. The City Court of St. Petersburg overturned two previous court decisions which had found the organization in violation of the ‘foreign agents’ law. The fine of 400,000 rubles (9,000 Euros) has been annulled as a result. Citing the reason for the decision, Mikhail Pavlyuchenko, Deputy Chairman of the Saint Petersburg City Court, stated: "The Magistrates Court had incorrectly applied the procedural provisions of the Administrative Code, and in the case of the District Court the Judge overlooked these significant violations of procedural requirements." Side By Side and its organizer Manny de Guerre were pleased with the decision, releasing the following statement: “We are pleased with the decision and finally justice has been.
- 10/9/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
The Rome Film Festival to award its first posthumous award to the Russian filmmaker, who died in February.
The 8th Rome Film Festival (Nov 8-17) is to present its Lifetime Achievement Award to the family of Russian filmmaker Aleksei Yuryevich German, who died in February aged 74.
The director, who was based in Saint Petersburg, was informed of the award late last year, so as to accompany the release of his new film Hard To Be a God (Trudno byt’ bogom).
The award will be accepted by Svetlana Karmalita, the director’s widow, partner in all of his most personal projects and screenwriter for the filmmaker’s last two features, along with their son Aleksei A. German, who won the Silver Lion at the 2008 Venice Film Festival for Paper Soldier.
Following the ceremony, the world premiere of Hard To Be a God will be screened. Described as a “philosophical science-fiction epic”, the film was inspired by the 1964 cult...
The 8th Rome Film Festival (Nov 8-17) is to present its Lifetime Achievement Award to the family of Russian filmmaker Aleksei Yuryevich German, who died in February aged 74.
The director, who was based in Saint Petersburg, was informed of the award late last year, so as to accompany the release of his new film Hard To Be a God (Trudno byt’ bogom).
The award will be accepted by Svetlana Karmalita, the director’s widow, partner in all of his most personal projects and screenwriter for the filmmaker’s last two features, along with their son Aleksei A. German, who won the Silver Lion at the 2008 Venice Film Festival for Paper Soldier.
Following the ceremony, the world premiere of Hard To Be a God will be screened. Described as a “philosophical science-fiction epic”, the film was inspired by the 1964 cult...
- 10/8/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Saint Petersburg's opulent Winter Palace was first designed in 1711, then converted into a museum in 1764 as Catherine the Great acquired European masters' artworks to build the continent's greatest collection. Today, the State Hermitage Museum houses more than 3 million art objects, the bulk of which still come from Western Europe. Alexander Sokurov's film Russian Ark (made in honor of Saint Petersburg's 300th anniversary) presents the Hermitage's collection within a flood of local history, as colorfully costumed figures representing several centuries' worth of Russian royalty race through snow, glide down staircases, and pass through hallways over the course of one feature-length, unbroken tracking shot. A phantom pair guides the journey. The first man is the black-clad Marqui...
- 9/4/2013
- Village Voice
The recently created Saint-Petersburg-based Point Of View (Pov) Development Fund has backed three film projects a total of $86,000 (€65,000).
An international expert group of producers that selected the projects included Sergei Selyanov (Ctb Film Company), Artem Vasiliev (Metrafilms), Riina Sildos (Amrion), Konstantinos Kontovrakis (Heretic) and Berlin-based sales agent Jean-Christophe Simon of Films Boutique.
The films they selected each have the fate of a woman at their centre:
The Woman From Ingria, to be produced by Pavel Odynin, is based on the biography of a simple woman in the north-western corner of Russia during the 20th century (€25,000);
Svetlana follows the real love story between Stalin’s daughter Svetlana Alliluyeva and the Indian raj Brajesh Singh in the mid-1960s. It will be produced by Anastasia Perova, Olga Kolegaeva and Konstantin Nafikov with Karsten Stöter of Germany’s Rohfilm,which was a co-producer of Ritesh Batra’s Cannes hit The Lunchbox (€25,000);
Manifestation, the feature debut by Georgian-born film-maker Anna Sarukhanova...
An international expert group of producers that selected the projects included Sergei Selyanov (Ctb Film Company), Artem Vasiliev (Metrafilms), Riina Sildos (Amrion), Konstantinos Kontovrakis (Heretic) and Berlin-based sales agent Jean-Christophe Simon of Films Boutique.
The films they selected each have the fate of a woman at their centre:
The Woman From Ingria, to be produced by Pavel Odynin, is based on the biography of a simple woman in the north-western corner of Russia during the 20th century (€25,000);
Svetlana follows the real love story between Stalin’s daughter Svetlana Alliluyeva and the Indian raj Brajesh Singh in the mid-1960s. It will be produced by Anastasia Perova, Olga Kolegaeva and Konstantin Nafikov with Karsten Stöter of Germany’s Rohfilm,which was a co-producer of Ritesh Batra’s Cannes hit The Lunchbox (€25,000);
Manifestation, the feature debut by Georgian-born film-maker Anna Sarukhanova...
- 9/2/2013
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Liverpool have rejected a £10 million bid from Italian outfit Napoli for defender Martin Skrtel, according to the BBC.
The Anfield club were contacted on Tuesday over the availability of the Slovakian centre-back with new Napoli manager Rafa Benitez keen on being reunited with the 28-year-old.
Benitez signed Skrtel from Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2008 during his time as Liverpool boss.
Since then, the defender has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for the Reds and won the League Cup in 2012.
However, in recent times, he has fallen down the pecking order under new manager Brendan Rodgers, and was limited to just 25 Premier League appearances last season.
And the arrival of Kolo Toure on a free from Manchester City has only served to provide Skrtel with yet more competition for places in the starting XI.
Liverpool have refused to comment on the Italian’s approach, but are understood to be wary...
The Anfield club were contacted on Tuesday over the availability of the Slovakian centre-back with new Napoli manager Rafa Benitez keen on being reunited with the 28-year-old.
Benitez signed Skrtel from Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2008 during his time as Liverpool boss.
Since then, the defender has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for the Reds and won the League Cup in 2012.
However, in recent times, he has fallen down the pecking order under new manager Brendan Rodgers, and was limited to just 25 Premier League appearances last season.
And the arrival of Kolo Toure on a free from Manchester City has only served to provide Skrtel with yet more competition for places in the starting XI.
Liverpool have refused to comment on the Italian’s approach, but are understood to be wary...
- 8/22/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
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