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Amazon Prime Reading

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Amazon Prime is now not only offering free shipping (Prime Delivery), video and music streaming (Prime Video and Amazon Music), or photo storage (Amazon Photos) but also has unlimited reading on any device (Kindle readers or other devices through the Kindle app) with a selection of hundreds of books in electronic format that you can “borrow”. That new service is called Prime Reading. 

Learn more or browse the catalog. It includes books in French and graphic novels (like Attack on Titan, Battle Angel Alita, Preacher, The Walking Dead, Peanuts compendium, Initial D, Beck, etc. etc.) ! Cool.

It’s worth a look or a try (since I am already a Prime member).

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The MWFF schedule is available

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The schedule for the 2014 Montreal World Film Festival is now available on the festival web site [as a downloadable PDF file]!
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The Cinema Under the Stars program will take place after all. In a press release, document.write(“”); the festival announced that the free outdoor screenings will be back again this year for twelve nights. Beginning August 21 and running nightly at 8:30 pm through Labour Day (September 1), the Festival will show a wide selection of popular movies on the esplanade of the Place des Arts.

The festival also announced that it will be showing many italian movies again this year. As always the Montreal World Film Festival has a bumper crop of Italian films to show, this year more than ever. Starting with the president of the jury, Sergio Castellitto, and continuing through various sections of the Festival, lovers of Italian cinema will have plenty to celebrate. Thirteen films, produced or co-produced by Italy, are on show and Pupi Avati will be on hand for the premiere of his new film along with a large delegation of Italian film people. More details in the full press release.

Last Tuesday, the festival announced in a press release the details of the 45th Student Film Festival. Organized within the framework of the Montreal World Film Festival, the Student Film Festival, held August 23 to 27, 2014, has this year two competitive sections, comprising 26 Canadian films and 60 international films respectively. The winning films will share 6 prizes, including the Norman McLaren Prize for best Canadian film and the jury award Most Promising Director. Founded by Serge Losique in 1969, the Student Film Festival is the oldest film festival in Canada and was incorporated into the World Film Festival in 1985. The reputation of the Montreal festival has attracted many student films from around the world and this year, to accommodate the abundance of excellent foreign productions, an international competition was established and it features films from 18 countries!

Finally, a press release also detailed all the ticket options for the movie-goers attending the festival. Booklets of tickets and individual tickets to films of the Festival itself will go on sale August 16 to 21, from noon to 7 pm, at the box offices of the Imperial Cinema and the Cinéma du Quartier Latin. Festivalgoers may also purchase tickets online through Admission beginning August 22. The Festival run August 21 through September 1.

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Programmation FFM 2014

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Lors d’une conférence de presse mardi le 5 août dernier le Festival des Films du Monde de Montréal a annoncé les grandes lignes de la programmation de sa 38e édition.
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On nous promet une sélection de qualité qui inclue environ 350 films (160 longs métrages et 190 courts métrages) en provenance de 74 pays. En plus de nous faire découvrir l’avenir du cinéma avec 51 premières oeuvres, document.write(“”); on y retrouvera une centaine de premières mondiales ou internationales et 32 premières nord-américaines. La programmation se divise en huit sections: la Compétition mondiale (32 films dont 13 courts métrages), la Compétition mondiale des premières oeuvres (19 longs métrages), les films Hors concours (17 longs métrages), Regards sur les cinémas du monde (77 longs métrages et 74 courts métrages), les Documentaires du monde (27 longs métrages et 7 courts métrages), les Hommages (dont 5 films en hommage à Michael J. Werner), le Festival du film étudiant: sélection nationale (26 courts métrages) et sélection internationale (60 courts métrages). De quoi plaire à tout les goûts!

Vous trouverez tous les détails de cette riche programmation dans le communiqué de presse (disponible aussi en anglais). Je vous recommande aussi de lire les commentaires que font Le Devoir (“Un FFM affaibli mais debout” par Odile Tremblay, 6 août 2014) et The Gazette (“Festival des films du monde acts globally” par T’cha Dunlevy, 5 août 2014) sur la programmation du FFM.

Vous pouvez également visionner quelques extraits de la conférence de presse sur Vimeo :


Bien sûr, avec le retrait de plusieurs subventions (à ce sujet voir mon billet “Le FFM se prépare à une 38e année difficile”, de même que le récent article du Devoir “L’incompréhensible assassinat du FFM” et l’éditorial de The Gazette du 6 août, “It’s time for Montreal’s main film festival to refocus” [en anglais]), il y aura des événements qui seront annulés ou dont l’avenir est encore incertain, comme les projections en plein air (le FFM cherche toujours un nouveau commanditaire) ou le sous-titrage bilingue des films en compétition (quoique la technologie rend maintenant cela plus facile et surtout moins coûteux). Toutefois, avec la diversité et la qualité habituelle de sa programmation, je ne suis pas sûr la plupart des amateurs fidèles du FFM voient vraiment une différence. Tout ce qu’ils veulent c’est voir de bons et beaux films et, pour cela, ils seront sûrement servi. Et, comme nous le rappel Serge Losique, le FFM est un festival très important, respecté à travers le monde. Il mérite donc toute notre attention et notre support.

Le Festival des Films du Monde de Montréal se tiendra du 21 août au 1er septembre 2014, aux cinémas Impérial (1430 rue de Bleury — Métro Place des Arts) et Quartier Latin (350 rue Emery — Métro Berri-UQAM). Les billets seront disponible dès le 16 août à midi aux guichets des cinémas Impérial et Quartier Latin, et en réseau de billetterie dès le 22 août. Les billets individuels sont $10, les Passeports sont $100 et la Carte Cinéphile est $250. Des carnets de 10 coupons échangeables contre des billets individuels sont également disponible pour $70. Plus de détails sur le site du festival: www.ffm-montreal.org.

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Jury of the Montreal World Film Festival

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The Montreal World Film Festival has announced that the jury of the 38th Festival will be presided by Italian actor and director Sergio Castellitto. The jury will also be made of Rachid Bouchareb (Franco-Algerian director-producer), document.write(“”); Andréanne Bournival (Quebec television programming manager), Fridirik Thor Fridriksson (Icelandic producer), Ana Torrent (Spanish actress) and Jane Zhang (Chinese pop singer and actress). (See the full press release)
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The festival has also announced that it will pay tribute to international distributor-producer Michael J. Werner, chairman of film sales of Fortissimo Films. The veteran America-born producer has been located in Hong Kong over the past two decades from where he guided the production and distribution of Asian films to markets around the world. As part of the tribute to Michael J. Werner, the Festival will show five recent films distributed and/or co-produced by Fortissimo: Tears of the Black Tiger directed by Wisit Sasanatieng (Thailand, 2000), Norwegian Wood, by Tran Ang Hung (Japan, 2010, adaptation of the famous Haruki Murakami’s novel), The Grandmaster by Wong Kar Wai (Hong Kong, 2013) and the Canadian premieres of The Great Hypnotist, by Leste Chan (China, 2014) and Black Coal, Thin Ice by Diao Yinan (China / Hong Kong, 2014), this year’s Golden Bear winner at the Berlin Film Festival. (See the full press release)

The only large competitive festival in North America accredited by FIAPF (the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations), the 38th Montreal World Film Festival will run from August 21 to September 1, 2014.

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Le FFM se prépare à une 38e année difficile

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Dès février, document.write(“”); le FFM sortait ses premiers communiqués de presse de l’année en annonçant la nomination de monsieur Massimo Saidel comme ‘’conseiller spécial’’ pour le Marché international du film du FFM. Massimo Saidel apportera son expertise et se rapportera à Gilles Bériault, le directeur du Marché international du film pour la préparation et l’organisation du prochain marché en 2014, qui se déroulera durant le 38e Festival des Films du monde, du 21 août au 1er septembre 2014. (Voir le communiqué)
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Lire la suite >>

En mars, le FFM annonçait que le Marché international du film de Montréal, qui est une activité importante du Festival des films du monde de Montréal, aura une nouvelle section de films européens ce qui fera du Marché une plateforme majeure du cinéma européen en Amérique. Ce sera l’occasion pour tous les secteurs européens de l’industrie cinématographique de faire la promotion de leurs films et de développer d’éventuels partenariats de coproduction. Le Marché du film de Montréal est un rendez-vous important pour les membres de l’industrie locale qui y trouvent l’occasion unique de rencontrer des professionnels de tous les pays. En plus de la présence des représentants européens, le Marché accueillera à nouveau la Semaine de l’industrie chinoise du cinéma. (Voir le communiqué)

À la fin avril, le FFM annonçait que le 38e Festival des films du monde sera dédié à la mémoire de Gabriel García Márquez décédé plus tôt cette année. Il est “sans conteste un phare unique de la littérature mondiale du XXe siècle. Le FFM tient à saluer sa mémoire en hommage à son immense talent et à son engagement humaniste constant pour la défense des cultures de l’Amérique du Sud. Il est un des adeptes du réalisme magique qui a influencé non seulement ses collègues écrivains mais aussi nombre de cinéastes latino américains et autres que nous avons accueillis ici » a déclaré Serge Losique, président du FFM. (Voir le communiqué)

Puis, en mai, le FFM dévoilait l’affiche du 38e Festival, qui a été choisie par le public. Il s’agit d’une oeuvre l’artiste bolivien Marco Toxico.

Ses œuvres sont reconnues mondialement et ont bénéficié de publications en Allemagne, Argentine, Belgique, Brésil, Espagne, France, Mexique, Pérou et Venezuela en plus d’y être exposées régulièrement. Il est le cofondateur, avec Karen Gil, de la maison d’édition La Ñatita consacrée à la publication de leurs travaux. Il a été nommé parmi les 10 meilleurs illustrateurs par le Cow International Design Festival d’Ukraine et a obtenu une mention lors des Rencontres latino-américaines de Design 2013 de Buenos-Aires. (Voir le communiqué)

À la fin juin, le FFM nous rappelle que le Marché international du film de Montréal se prépare a accueillir une importante délégation de l’industrie cinématographique chinoise qui viendra proposer une série de projets de coproduction. (Voir le communiqué)

Finalement, en juillet, le FFM a annoncé que Salaud, on t’aime de Claude Lelouch sera le film d’ouverture de la 38e édition du festival (voir le communiqué) et que Aimer, boire et chanter d’Alain Resnais en serait le film de clôture (voir le communiqué). On a également annoncé le 1er août que l’acteur Hippolyte Girardot sera présent à Montréal pour la projection de l’ultime film de Resnais, “Aimer, Boire et Chanter” (voir le communiqué).

Malheureuseement, les préparatifs pour cette 38e édition du festival sont perturbés par une sérieuse controverse. Le 5 juin dernier, Le Devoir annonce que le Festival des films du monde est menacé car il serait en panne de financement. En effet, la SODEC ne lui accorderait pas de subventions cette année et deux autres bailleurs de fonds principaux, Téléfilm Canada et la Ville de Montréal, retireraient aussi leurs soutien faute d’avoir accès à tous ses livres, à un plan de redressement bien établi et à des finances équilibrées. Le FFM serait ainsi en faillite technique puisqu’il serait miné par un déficit accumulé de plus de 2,5 millions.

Le FFM réplique avec un communiqué où il affirme que malgré le fait que certaines promesses de soutien n’ont pas été tenues, les préparatifs pour la 38e année du festival continues, que le festival se tiendra malgré tout, et qu’il offrira comme par le passé une sélection riche et variée. Il est impossible de nier que les festival éprouve des difficultés financières mais qu’il devrait passer au travers grâce à une gestion rigoureuse et responsable et à un plan de relance.

Par la suite, La Presse et Le Devoir font la chronique de cette saga (à noter que la série d’articles de La Presse nous parait plutôt hostile envers le festival):

À suivre… Étrangement, à travers toute cette tempête, je n’ai pas vu beaucoup de gens qui défendent le FFM: à part quelques acteurs du monde du cinéma [Le Devoir, 16 juillet — abonnement requis], je n’ai vu qu’un éditorial au Devoir titré “Un actif à conserver” [Le Devoir, 3 juillet — abonnement requis mais heureusement le FFM l’a reprit dans son intégralité sur sa page Facebook] et une chronique de Nathalie Petrowski, titré “Une dernière chance” (La Presse, 7 juillet) qui le défendent tant soit peu.

Je trouve tout cela extrêmement dommage. Comme je l’ai déjà dit dans un commentaire quelque part sur FB, non seulement le FFM nous offre l’occasion de voir des films qu’on ne verrait pas ailleurs (contrairement au festival de Toronto où les films sortent en salles dans les semaines qui suivent; je n’en comprend pas du tout l’intérêt…) mais il fait rayonner la ville de Montréal internationalement ! Oui peut-être qu’il n’attire plus autant les foule que Fantasia (mais les deux festivals visent des public totalement différents) et c’est sûr qu’il y aurait du travail à faire sur la promotion et la gestion mais le FFM n’en demeure pas moins un événement culturel essentiel qui se doit d’être préservé et subventionné. Point. Si on trouve de l’argent pour la F1, je suis sûr qu’on peut faire l’effort d’en trouver pour le FFM ! Alors, grands dieux et s.v.p., arrêtez d’argumenter et faites juste en sorte qu’on puisse voir de bons et beaux films !

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Fantasia unveil their full 2014 lineup

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2014 is the year that The Fantasia International Film Festival turns 18. We can’t believe it either. Fantasia’s 18th birthday means over 160 features and something in the neighbourhood of 300 shorts, document.write(“”); many being shown for the first time on this continent, a good number screening here for the first time anywhere in the world.

In the previous weeks, they announced many programming highlights in a 1st and 2nd Wave of press releases and now the time has come to unveil the rest of the 2014 lineup.


Camera Lucida
In addition to the previously announced titles, Fantasia’s 2014 Camera Lucida section features the following asian movies:

SEVENTH CODE
Japan, Dir: Kiyoshi Kurosawa. A young Japanese woman finds herself lost and alone in Russia, leading her into a sinister universe of international espionage. SEVENTH CODE is Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s unexpected detour into the thriller genre. Canadian Premiere.

The Return of AXIS: Fantasia’s Animation Showcase
Axis, Fantasia’s international animation showcase, returns with features hailing from Belgium, France, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the USA. Aside from the previous announced Axis titles (like HUNTER X HUNTER: THE LAST MISSION or the special screening of the new HD master for Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 classic GHOST IN THE SHELL), the 2014 lineup features the following asian movies:

APPLESEED ALPHA
Japan, Dir: Shinji Aramaki. Super-soldier Deunan and her hulking cyborg companion Briareos stalk the shattered husk of New York City. A tour-de-force of digital design, APPLESSED ALPHA is essential kick-ass cyberpunk animation. North American Premiere

BAYONETTA: BLOODY FATE
Japan, Dir: Fuminori Kizaki. Bayonetta, a lithe, powerful witch and mistress of the Bullet Arts, dispatches a host of bloodthirsty angels in a church. But what she cannot dispel are the mysteries of her own origin and purpose… Canadian Premiere.

THE FAKE
South Korea, Dir: Yeon Sang-ho. The latest from Yeon Sang-ho, winner of Fantasia’s first Satoshi Kon Award with KING OF PIGS, targets corruption, Korean displacement policies that favour progress over the individual’s welfare, and the dark side of religion. Official Selection: AFI Fest 2013 Quebec Premiere.

HAL
Japan, Dir: Ryotaro Makihara. An android assigned to console a grieving girl learns what being human means in this short, self-contained gem of emotionally resonant science fiction anime. North American Premiere.

HUNTER X HUNTER : PHANTOM ROUGE
Japan, Dir: Yuzo Sato. The stage is set for secrets and conspiracies, fantastic wonders and furious action, as Yoshihiro Togashi’s hugely popular manga series HUNTER X HUNTER makes its big-screen anime debut. Canadian Premiere.

THE SATTELITE GIRL AND MILK COW
South Korea, Dir: Chang Hyung-yun. A familiar trope of Asian animation — fantastical romance between misfits — is turned upside down and inside out in this charmingly surrealist robo-rom-com from South Korea. North American Premiere.

And now more Asian movies announcement:

BLACK BUTLER
Japan, Dir: Kentaro Otani, Keiichi Sato. Shiori sold her soul to avenge her parents’ murder. She and her diabolical butler Sebastian are on a mission… The hit manga’s action-packed big-screen adaptation will thrill diehard fans and newbies alike. Quebec Premiere.

COLD EYES
South Korea, Dir: Cho Ui-seok, Kim Byung-seo. One of South Korea’s absolute blockbuster hits of 2013, a fast-paced, relentless roller-coaster ride into the high-stakes world of criminal surveillance that will leave you absolutely breathless. Quebec Premiere.

DAYS OF WRATH
South Korea, Dir: Shin Dong-yeop. Fifteen years after the torments of his teenage days, Joon-seok seeks vengeance on his erstwhile tormentor, Chang-sik. A Korean revenge film that stands out starkly from its predecessors, bringing in a new perspective for which the genre thirsted. International Premiere.

THE DEMON WITHIN
Hong Kong, Dir: Dante Lam. Beware of the Festival of Hungry Ghosts! The Demon King Gang is creating havoc once again! Lock and load for some high-octane action and horror in a film-noir setting, from Dante Lam (BEAST STALKER, STOOL PIGEON). Quebec Premiere.

THE FATAL ENCOUNTER
South Korea, Dir: Lee Jae-kyoo. This powerful, tragic political thriller retells an oft-told tale of true history, of an attack on the so-called “King of Misfortune” in 1777 Korea. A superior slice of silks-and-swordplay, sultry, sumptuous, sophisticated — and savage. Quebec Premiere.

THE FIVES
South Korea, Dir: Jeong Yeon-shik. Wheelchair-bound Eun-a seeks vengeance on the serial killer who slew her family, and assembles a group of desperate misfits to execute her plan. A gripping, fast-moving team spin on the familiar Korean revenge-thriller formula. Canadian Premiere.

GUARDIAN
Indonesia, Dir: Helfi Kardit. After THE RAID: REDEMPTION (2011) and THE RAID 2 (2014), Indonesia serves up GUARDIAN, an old-school action flick is which a mother pressures her daughter to master the martial arts following the murder of her father. International Premiere.

GUN WOMAN
Japan, Dir: Kurando Mitsutake. Japanese actress Asami is a junkie hooker transformed into a ruthless assassin in this ultraviolent action flick. If you’re into gunfights, hand-to-hand combat and floods of blood, set your sights on GUN WOMAN. Canadian Premiere.

HWAYI: A MONSTER BOY
South Korea, Dir: Jang Joon-hwan. Kidnapped by five criminals in his infancy, Hwayi has spent the last decade shacked up in the woods, learning how to be a cold-blooded killing machine. An exploration of evil from the creator of the cult classic SAVE THE GREEN PLANET! North American Premiere.

KABISERA
Philippines, Dir : Alfonso Torre III. Following a haunting dream, a felon-turned-fisherman finds a shipment of methamphetamine — and soon finds himself trapped in a nightmare. One of the most powerful, lasting genre films to come out of the Phillipines in recent year. Quebec Premiere.

THE MOLE SONG – UNDERCOVER AGENT REIJI
Japan, Dir: Takashi Miike. Disgraced cop Reiji Kikukawa is sent undercover to infiltrate the most powerful yakuza clan in Japan. With its marvellously absurd humour and contagious energy, THE MOLE SONG marks Miike’s magnificent return to comedy! Quebec Premiere.

MR. GO
South Korea/China, Dir: Kim Yong-hwa. Teenage Weiwei brings her gorilla with a powerhouse swing to the Asian baseball scene, to save her family’s debt-ridden circus. Korea’s first 3D blockbuster, an ambitious pan-Asian production, hits a home run! Canadian Premiere.

NUIGULUMAR Z (Gothic Lolita Battle Bear)
Japan, Dir: Noboru Iguchi. Get ready for sugar and spice and everything nice — set on maximum slice and dice! Cosplay and kawaii collide with Japanese sci-fi superheroics and zombie gore in GOTHIC LOLITA BATTLE BEAR! Canadian Premiere.

REAL
Japan, Dir: Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The Escher-like subconscious mindscape of a loved one becomes a spirit-laden underworld to explore in this bizarre, surreal, supremely beautiful sci-fi melodrama from Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Quebec Premiere.

RUROUNI KENSHIN – KYOTO INFERNO
Japan, Dir: Keishi Otomo. Long awaited sequel of the live action movie RUROUNI KENSHIN (2012) has finally arrived! Based on the best-selling manga series of the same title, this two-part film revolves around Kenshin’s desperate struggle to protect the nation and the people he loves from the conspiracy of Shishio, a former government assassin and Kenshin’s notorious successor, to overthrow the government. International Premiere. [See more details on ANN]

THE SNOW WHITE MURDER CASE
Japan, Dir: Yoshihiro Nakamura. Playing out like an endlessly fragmented retelling of RASHOMON for the digital age, the latest from Yoshihiro Nakamura (FISH STORY, GOLDEN SLUMBER) is a strikingly modern whodunit. Quebec Premiere.

THE SPY: UNDERCOVER OPERATION
South Korea, Dir: Lee Seung-jun. Elite operative Agent Kim must keep a second Korean War from breaking out — and his marriage from breaking apart! Equal parts zany rom-com and intense thriller, THE SPY is a mirthful mash-up of gritty gunplay and goofball gags. Canadian Premiere.

THE SUSPECT
South Korea, Dir: Won Shin-yeon. A North Korean super-soldier turned defector is drawn into a morally murky maelstrom of secrets, lies and sudden, furious yet precise violence. A tough, tight political action thriller with a soul. Canadian Premiere.

THERMAE ROMAE II
Japan, Dir: Hideaki Takeuchi. Time-travelling Roman bathhouse architect Lucius returns! Funnier, more grandiose and irreverent, this second journey from Ancient Rome to modern Japan, care of director Hideaki Takeuchi, is frankly spectacular. International Premiere.

UZUMASA LIMELIGHT
Japan, Dir: Ken Ochiai. Old Kamiyama the swordfight-death specialist is a legend around Kyoto’s Uzumasa Studios, but his star, however small it ever was, has dimmed. A journey into the inner workings of Japanese pop entertainment, in its golden era and today. Canadian Premiere.

ZOMBIE TV
Japan, Dir: Maelie Makuno, Naoya Tashiro, Yoshihiro Nishimura. Ever dreamed of zombie-only cable TV, broadcasting all things putrefied, decomposing and brain-hungry, 24 hours a day, all year round? A severed-tongue-firmly-planted-in-rotten-cheek, all-you-can-eat zombie-party anthology from Yoshihiro Nishimura and co. Canadian Premiere.

FANTASIA GUEST LIST BRINGS THE BEST OF GENRE FILM TO MONTREAL

This year Fantasia continues its tradition of inviting the best and brightest genre filmmakers from around the world to the city of Montreal. The festival is proud to host more than 76 directors, producers and actors coming to Fantasia to premiere their films at the festival’s 18th edition. Fantasia will welcome filmmakers from all over the globe, from countries ranging from Brunei, Japan, and South Korea, to France and the Netherlands. In total, this year Fantasia will host more than 400 film industry professionals from around the world.

Special festival guest from Asia will includes: Asami (Cult actress for Gun Woman), Noboru Iguchi (dir. for Nuigulumar Z), Jang Joon-hwan (Korean filmmaker for Hwayi: A Monster Boy), Hiroyoshi Koiwai (Executive Producer for Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno), Kurando Mitsutake (Director/Writer for Gun Woman), Mamoru Oshii (Director for Ghost in the Shell, will receive a Fantasia Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled career in animation), and Keishi Otomo (Director/Co-Writer for Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno).

THE 3RD EDITION OF THE FANTASIA INDUSTRY RENDEZ-VOUS

For a third consecutive year, the Fantasia International Film Festival has organized an event to host members of the international film industry at the festival: The Fantasia Industry Rendez-Vous. From July 24 to 27, producers, directors, sales agents, distributors and talent agents from here and afar will converge in Montreal to develop film projects, as well as sell and buy films from Fantasia’s programming. The 2014 edition of the Rendez-Vous will attract 280 participants. The principal activity of the Industry Rendez-Vous is the Frontières International Co-Production Market, the first market to focus specifically on genre film co-production in-between North America and Europe.

Once again, a series of conferences have been organized within the Industry Rendez-Vous. The subjects that will be explored are: Shooting in Quebec, Early Production Involvement of Post-Production Partners, Creating a Proof-of-Concept Video for Financing and Presales, and Lessons Learned in Crowdfunding and Crowdsourcing. The conferences are open to the general public. Frontières also offers a consultancy service with professionals in independent production, film sales, festival programming and merchandising, available free of charge to market participants.

The Fantasia International Film Festival takes place in Montreal July 17 – August 5, 2014. For this year’s edition and onwards, Fantasia will be returning to the freshly renovated Concordia Hall Cinema as its main base, which now features an even larger screen, new seating and upgraded projection and sound.

The full press release can be found here. You can also find more information on the festival website.

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Fantasia announces a second wave of 2014 titles

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The Fantasia International Film Festival is proud to unveil additional highlights to their 2014 film lineup.

Official Closing Film – Abel Ferrara’s WELCOME TO NEW YORK

Fantasia will close its 2014 edition with the North American Premiere of Abel Ferrara’s WELCOME TO NEW YORK, document.write(“”); the controversial latest from the legendary filmmaker behind such landmarks as BAD LIEUTENANT, KING OF NEW YORK, NEW ROSE HOTEL and the recently re-released MS 45. It is loosely based on the DSK scandal and stars the iconic Gérard Depardieu in one of the bravest performances of his career. Co-starring is the equally sensational Jacqueline Bisset.

JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END to launch its Western haunt in Montreal

Fans of classic J-Horror, rejoice! The curse of Kayoko and Toshio is back! Fantasia will be the site of the International Premiere of JU-ON: THE BEGINNING OF THE END, the anticipated new Japanese production that reboots one of the most successful and terrifying horror franchises of the 21st century in a very wise way: by remaining faithful to the original material. Director/Co-Writer Masayuki Ochiai (HYPNOSIS) brings us back to the haunted house and reinstates, slowly but surely, its oppressive atmosphere through a refined and efficient use of mise-en-scene. Co-scripted by none other than Taka Ichise.

A Subterranean New Section in our Programming

Fantasia is proud to announce the creation of a new section of programming, Fantasia Underground, dedicated to showcasing outrageous indie outsider visions created in the counter-cultural spirit that we associate with classic underground film works. It will sport four features, from Canada, USA and one from Japan:

HANA-DAMA: THE ORIGINS
Japan, Dir: Hisayasu Sato. A seemingly mundane high-school bullying drama builds into a cathartic and absurd farce of excessive, bloody, colourful revenge and retribution, care of underground cinema legend Hisayasu Sato (NAKED BLOOD, LOVE & LOATHING LULU & AYANO), co-scripted by Shinji Imaoka (of the demented pinku musical UNDERWATER LOVE). A poignant and strange social critique of girl-on-girl violence and institutional abuse at large. North American Premiere.

Additional 2nd Wave Highlights (films from Asia)

DANCING KARATE KID
Japan, Dir: Tsukasa Kishimoto. Jaw-dropping dance numbers, a flood of jokes amongst the funniest you’ll see all year and eye-popping action scenes are all part of DANCING KARATE KID, an off-the-chain action-comedy blending martial arts and musical moves. Official Selection: Hawaii International Film Festival. Canadian Premiere.

FROM VEGAS TO MACAU
Hong Kong, Dir: Wong Jin. The King of Cool, Chow Yun-Fat, is back in a signature role he made famous in the classic GOD OF GAMBLERS (seen way back at Fantasia Year One!). A royal flush of comical action madness in Wong Jing’s trademark Hong Kong style, co-starring Nicholas Tse and Chapman To. Canadian Premiere.

FUKU-CHAN OF FUKUFUKU FLATS
Japan, Dir: Yosuke Fujita. One part quirky slapstick absurdity and two parts poignant character study, FUKU-CHAN is the feelgood, laugh-out-loud indie comedy hit of this year’s fest, mixing humour and pathos in the way only fan-favourite Yosuke Fujita (FINE, TOTALLY FINE) can. Official Selection: Frankfurt Nippon Connection Festival, New York Asian Film Festival. Canadian Premiere

INGTOOGI: THE BATTLE OF INTERNET TROLLS
South Korea, Dir: Um Tae-hwa. “Koolkidneyz” and “Manboobs” take their online feud into the real world. INGTOOGI is a deep dive into the national geek consciousness of South Korea, an upbeat outsider comedy that evolves into a truly heartfelt story of alienation and loss. Writer/Director Um Tae-hwa shed a dark light on the social media generation in a very promising first feature. International Premiere

JELLYFISH EYES
Japan, Dir: Takashi Murakami. A lively celebration of the Japanese pop-culture tropes that feed the Superflat sensibility of pop-art superstar Takashi Murakami, his JELLYFISH EYES is also a heartfelt critique of Japan’s institutions in the era of Fukushima. This is a gorgeous and enchanting family friendly film with an edge that makes it a must see for film lovers of all ages. Official Selection: Sitges Film Festival. Canadian Premiere

KUNDO: AGE OF THE RAMPANT
South Korea, Dir: Yoon Jong-bin. In a time of turmoil and tyranny, a band of outlaws rises against the nobility. From the director of NAMELESS GANGSTER, a rough and ruthless adventure epic with a universal theme – righteous fury in the face of deep injustice with a stellar cast featuring Ha Jung-woo (THE CHASER) and Gang Dong-won (HAUNTERS). Quebec Premiere

3D NAKED AMBITION
Hong Kong, Dir: Lee Kung Lok. Fresh from the international festival rounds in Hong Kong, New York and Udine, this hairy beast finally comes to country of the beaver with a hardcore vengeance. This stand-alone satire sequel written by Hong Kong’s funniest writers, Chan Hing- Kar (BREAKING NEWS) and Ho Miu-Kei, mercilessly pokes fun at the adult industry, celebrity and Asian culture on all fours while retaining a socially relevant subtext. Canadian Premiere.

NO TEARS FOR THE DEAD
South Korea, Dir: Lee Jeong-beom. In the tradition Luc Besson’s THE PROFESSIONAL and and John Woo’s THE KILLER, a guilt-wracked assassin sides with his target in the hotly anticipated new film from Lee Jeong-beom (THE MAN FROM NOWHERE), a whirlwind of furious action scenes. Quebec Premiere

Fantasia 2014 gives a greater place to Quebec cinema

Returning for its sixth edition in the Fantasia International Film Festival, the Fantastic Weekend of Quebec Cinema offers an even more prominent place to Quebec cinema while remaining committed to the promotion of short film with over 160 premieres! This new edition sees the birth of the Genres du pays offering some titles of Quebec cinema that have shaped our cinematic history. Come and discover five classic presented in collaboration with the Cinémathèque québécoise. In addition, the Fantastic Weekend is proud to present six WAPIKONI MOBILE productions distributed throughout the programming. It will also offers a look at emerging filmmakers with two conferences bringing forward the creativity of young Quebec filmmakers

The Fantasia International Film Festival takes place in Montreal July 17 – August 5, 2014. For this year’s edition and onwards, Fantasia will be returning to the freshly renovated Concordia Hall Cinema as its main base, which now features an even larger screen, new seating and upgraded projection and sound.

The festival’s full lineup of screenings and events will be announced on July 10.

The full press release can be found here. You can also find more information on the festival website.

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Fantasia announces a first wave of 2014 programming

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The 18th annual Fantasia International Film Festival is gearing up to take Montreal by storm with three weeks of inspiration and excitement starting July 17 until August 5, document.write(“”); 2014. The full 2014 lineup of programming and special events will be revealed shortly, but in the meantime, here’s an early First Wave Announcement of several selected highlights and info to whet your appetite.
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First, Fantasia will pay tribute to three legendary figures of the fantastic genre: Ray Harryhausen, Ray Bradbury and Forrest J. Ackerman. Through their work and energy, they have inspired many of the leading figures of genre cinema in recent decades.

Fantasia is also unveiling the 2014 poster art, inspired by an old legend from Québecois folklore: La Chasse Galerie (otherwise known as “the Bewitched Canoe”). It was created by award-winning Quebec illustrator Donald Caron.


The opening film has also been announced. Fantasia 2014 will launch with the Canadian premiere of JACKY IN THE KINGDOM OF WOMEN (Jacky au royaume des filles), a sharp political satire from comic book genius Riad Sattouf (LES BEAUX GOSSES) that took the Rotterdam Film Festival by storm.

Fantasia will hold a special screening of the hotly anticipated new instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY.

Now with the announcements that are more in our sphere of interests:

A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR MAMORU OSHII

A towering and truly unique figure in Japanese animation, director Mamoru Oshii will be a recipient of Fantasia’s Lifetime Achievement Award. From pioneering OVAs DALLOS and the haunting ANGEL’S EGG, and of course the beloved PATLABOR series, of the 1980s, through the dramatically influential global hit GHOST IN THE SHELL in the mid-’90s, to its award-winning sequel and other powerful, pensive works in the new millennium (SKY CRAWLERS, AVALON), Oshii has consistently strived to bring new ideas and in fact a whole new attitude to anime. With his meticulous and idiosyncratic near-future thrillers and dramas, linked by persistent themes, motifs and concerns, Oshii asserts a complex, deeply thoughtful and decidedly adult sensibility — while maintaining the highest technical standards in the field (and hardly confining his efforts to animation). In seeking a path to call his own, Oshii has blazed a trail for fantastic entertainment worldwide to follow.

Mamoru Oshii will be receiving his award on our opening night, July 17, before a special screening of the new HD master of GHOST IN THE SHELL, being re-issued by Manga Entertainment and Anchor Bay Entertainment in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the original manga’s publication. This will be the first time the GITS HD print has been made available outside of Japan, lovingly restored, unadulterated and awe-inspiring in its beauty.

Fantasia also announced part of it line-up. The Asian movie to be presented in 2014 includes:

CROWS EXPLODE
Japan Dir: Toshiaki Toyoda
Fists will fly and beatings will abound, but the greatest battles are always in the hearts of the sneering, delinquent punks of the notorious Suzuran All-Boys High School. After Takashi Miike, it’s now BLUE SPRING director Toshiaki Toyoda’s turn to make a knuckle mark on the CROWS ZERO franchise. North American Premiere

GIOVANNI’S ISLAND
Japan Dir: Mizuho Nishikubo
A gracefully executed anime from Production I.G, examining the struggles of the Japanese in the immediate aftermath of World War II, from the perspective of a child. As beautiful as it is devastating, GIOVANNI’S ISLAND received a Jury Mention at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Canadian Premiere

HAN GONG-JU
South Korea Dir: Lee Su-jin
A troubled teenage girl flees her past — is she guilty or a victim? A multiple prize winner, notably attaining the Silver Tiger Award at this year’s Rotterdam International Film Festival, HAN GONG-JU is a magnificent yet devastating debut feature of incredible narrative virtuosity. Canadian Premiere

THE HUNTRESSES
South Korea Dir: Park Jae-hyun
A trio of daring and dangerous bounty-hunting beauties find themselves in a high-risk, high-stakes game of subterfuge and swordplay in medieval Korea. A rousing and fast-paced action-adventure with a dash of romance and a barge-load of slapstick laughs! International Premiere

KILLERS
Indonesia/Japan Dir: The Mo Brothers
Two serial killers. One likes to kill, the other seeks justice. The problem is, the first one is mentoring the latter… Social media will bring a storm of blood over both Tokyo and Jakarta in this shocking yet incredibly smart horror thriller in the vein of THE CHASER and COLD FISH that floored audiences at Sundance. Canadian Premiere

LIVE
Japan Dir: Noboru Iguchi
When his mother is kidnapped and a stranger calls, Naoto is thrust into a public triathlon of death. DEAD SUSHI director Noboru Iguchi’s running go at the survival-race genre is loveably lurid, super-sanguinary fun. North American Premiere

MISS GRANNY
South Korea Dir: Hwang Dong-hyeuk
74-year-old grandmother Oh Mal-soon has been magically transported into the body of her 20-year-old self. Seizing the opportunity to relive a youth she sacrificed in the name of her child, she sets out to explore a world of new possibilities. And it includes K-Pop… Canadian Premiere

MONSTERZ
Japan Dir: Hideo Nakata
A sinister sociopath with psychic powers squares off against a cheerful everyman with a secret of his own. The 2010 South Korean superhero/horror hybrid HAUNTERS, remade by Japanese cult director Hideo Nakata (RINGU), with stars Tatsuya Fujiwara (SHIELD OF STRAW) and Takayuki Yamada (CROWS ZERO). Canadian Premiere

ONCE UPON A TIME IN SHANGHAI
Hong Kong Dir: Wong Ching-Po
Opium and kung fu! The glory days of old Shanghai — or are they? Two generations of true kung fu experts collide in the spectacular martial arts feast, with breathtaking choreography by Yuen Woo-Ping and Yuen Cheung-Yan! Canadian Premiere

PUZZLE
Japan Dir: Eisuke Naito
The staff and students at Noriaki Hill High School have been given a game to play, one in which mistakes can be fatal. A giddy, gory brain-twister of a teen survival thriller, in which vengeance is as much a first step as a final solution. North American Premiere

SWEET POOLSIDE
Japan Dir: Daigo Matsui
Two swim-team members, a hairless boy and a hirsute girl, discover the pangs and tangles of first love in SWEET POOLSIDE, one of the most astute examination of adolescence to screen in a long time. North American Premiere

THE WHITE STORM
Hong Kong Dir: Benny Chan
Hopping from Hong Kong to Thailand to Macau, blending hard-hitting action with powerful drama, Benny Chan’s vividly stylish THE WHITE STORM is a sprawling, absorbing crime flick in the classic Hong Kong tradition. Canadian Premiere

The Fantasia International Film Festival takes place in Montreal July 17 – August 5, 2014. For this year’s edition and onwards, Fantasia will be returning to the freshly renovated Concordia Hall Cinema as its main base, which now features an even larger screen, new seating and upgraded projection and sound.

The festival’s full lineup of screenings and events will be announced on July 10.

The full press release can be found here. You can also find more information on the festival website.

[ Traduire ]

Press Release: Right Stuf, Inc. Acquires The Rose of Versailles

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Nozomi Ent. to release classic anime as limited-edition DVD sets in 2013 and to conduct fan Q&A with creator Riyoko Ikeda; Viki to begin streaming series in December 2012.
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GRIMES, document.write(“”); Iowa, Sept. 12, 2012 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Rose of Versailles anime series from TMS Entertainment.

Also known as “Berusaiyu no Bara” and “Lady Oscar,” The Rose of Versailles will be released via Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment as two limited-edition DVD box sets in 2013. The series will also be streamed, beginning in December 2012, and made available exclusively to fans in the United States and Canada on Viki (Viki.com), as part of the site’s growing anime lineup. This will be the first time the entire anime series will be available to English-speaking audiences in North America.

Additionally, Nozomi Entertainment wants fans’ questions for an upcoming Q&A interview with Riyoko Ikeda, the creator of The Rose of Versailles. Please submit questions, via the form located at the official series site (rov.Right Stuf.com), by 4 p.m. CDT on Thurs., Nov. 1, 2012.

Right Stuf‘s President and CEO Shawne Kleckner said, “The Rose of Versailles is one of anime and manga’s truly legendary and iconic stories. It is an honor and privilege to bring this beloved series to DVD, via Nozomi Entertainment, and work with TMS and Viki to introduce our English-subtitled translation of the anime inspired by Ms. Ikeda’s masterwork to North American fans.”

“We’re thrilled to work with Right Stuf to bring The Rose of Versailles to fans in North America and add this famous title to our growing library of classic anime,” said Razmig Hovaghimian, Viki CEO.

“The Rose of Versailles has been released several times in multiple formats in many European and Asian countries until now but was never released in North America for the English-speaking audiences. I would like to thank the team at Right Stuf and Viki for making the North American The Rose of Versailles DVD and online release possible. When it comes to amazing shows, you never get tired of watching them, and I believe The Rose of Versailles is one of these shows. It would be a pleasure if the North American fans enjoy The Rose of Versailles as much as I have,” said Katsuki Masai, Deputy Manager of TMS Entertainment, USA, Inc.

Set during the years preceding the French Revolution, The Rose of Versailles is a tale of romance and political intrigue that centers around Oscar François de Jarjayes, a young woman whose father has raised her as a man – and trained her to be an elite and skilled soldier – so she can succeed him as the commander of the palace guards.

The Rose of Versailles is based upon the best-selling manga (comic) by Riyoko Ikeda (Dear Brother, a.k.a. Oniisama E…), which was originally serialized in Shueisha’s shoujo (girls’) anthology magazine Margaret, from 1972 through 1973, and later collected into 10 volumes. In addition to its anime adaptation, it inspired a short story collection (also written by Ikeda), a French-Japanese live-action film, and multiple musicals staged by Japan’s famed Takarazuka Revue.

This 40-episode anime adaptation of The Rose of Versailles originally aired on Japanese television from October 1979 through September 1980. It features animation by TMS Entertainment, as well as direction by Tadao Nagahama (Romance Robot Trilogy) and Osamu Dezaki (Nobody’s Boy – Remi, Dear Brother, Aim for the Ace!).

For more information about the series and to submit questions for the Q&A with Ms. Ikeda, visit rov.Right Stuf.com.

About RIGHT STUF, INC.
Currently celebrating its 25th year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation (“anime”) industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at Right Stuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications. Its video and print publishing division includes the Nozomi Entertainment, Lucky Penny, and 5 Points Pictures studio-labels.

About NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT
A publishing division of Right Stuf, Inc., Nozomi Entertainment is its signature label, dedicated to high-quality releases for collectors. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Ninja Nonsense, The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us, ARIA, Gakuen Alice, Rental Magica, Dirty Pair, Junj? Romantica and Revolutionary Girl Utena, Nozomi Entertainment releases quality programming for fans of all ages and interests.

For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.

About Viki
Viki is a global TV site with over 12 million monthly viewers who come to watch their favorite TV shows, movies and other premium content, translated into more than 150 languages by a community of avid fans. With over 1 billion videos viewed and nearly 250 million words translated, Viki uniquely brings global prime-time entertainment to new audiences and unlocks new markets and revenue opportunities for content owners. In 2011, Viki announced $20M in Series B funding from strategic investors including BBC Worldwide and SK Planet, a subsidiary of SK Telecom; as well as from existing investors Greylock Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Charles River Ventures and Neoteny Labs, among others.

About TMS ENTERTAINMENT, LTD.
TMS Entertainment, Ltd. (better known as TMS), one of the world’s largest and most distinguished animation studios, has rapidly won recognition from the international filmmaking community for its highly acclaimed animation, pioneering techniques and proud commitment to quality. With its headquarters situated in Tokyo under the supervision of a dedicated team of top development, production and design executives, TMS’s growing reputation is reflected by the versatility, artistry and originality of the remarkable volume of programs the company has produced for international markets worldwide. Established in the year 1964, TMS has produced more than 100 features and over 100 TV programming series, in total of 8,000 half hours, for global distribution. TMS also proceeds with restoration projects of the titles to keep its highest quality for the next generation. TMS is proud to uphold our tradition of presenting to you unforgettable images from the finest animation produced anywhere in the world. TMS’s programs have attained worldwide recognition, and we continue to strive for excellence and lead the animation world throughout the century.

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Press Release: Another record year for Fantasia!!!

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Montreal, document.write(“”); Wednesday, July 28, 2010 — As the 14th edition of the Fantasia Film Festival draws to a close the festival team is already seeing the positive fallout from this year’s programming!  Audience enthusiasm and curiosity is evidenced by a record number of sold-out screenings and ever-growing attendance numbers. The numbers are still being tallied, but we can already confirm that this year we surpassed 100, 000 audience members! Thanks to an intensely diversified selection of the best international films, the festival was able to attract a huge audience this year, with 44% of the screenings completely sold out. More than 100 local and international guests were in town to witness first-hand the overwhelming passion of Fantasia audiences.

Among the noteworthy events at this year’s festival, we must mention the opening film, THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE presented by the star himself, Jay Baruchel; the honourary awards presented to Ken Russell, Don Bluth & Gary Goldman; and our tribute to Serbian cinema: Subversive Serbia. As well, let’s not forget our special events such as the presentation of Stuart Gordon’s acclaimed stage play NEVERMORE: AN EVENING WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE, the special screening of Cocteau’s LE SANG DU POÈTE live-scored by Steven Severin, the Fantastic Weekend of Quebec Shorts and of course our gala event: a sold-out presentation of THE COMPLETE METROPOLIS in a 3000-seat hall  with an entirely new orchestral score performed live, composed specially for the occasion by Gabriel Thibaudeau. Also worth mentioning are our conferences and round table discussions, which proved to be a big hit and food for thought for the artists and creators in attendance.

Among the Canadian, North American and International premieres of our lineup, Fantasia is proud to have screened SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD, CENTURION, LITTLE BIG SOLDIER, BLACK DEATH, HIGH SCHOOL, IP MAN 2, DREAM HOME, LEMMY,  RED, WHITE & BLUE, THE PERFECT HOST and THE LAST EXORCISM. We should also point out that three titles which had their World premieres at Cannes, had their North American premieres at this year’s edition of the festival: namely, Franck Richard’s LA MEUTE, Quentin Dupieux’s RUBBER and Jorge Michel Grau’s WE ARE WHAT WE ARE. Nearly ten percent of the feature films screened in our lineup were world premieres, including PHASMA EX MACHINA, NEVERLOST, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE and THE SHRINE. 

The festival closed with the Canadian premiere of the Sundance hit TUCKER & DALE VS EVIL. 

Numerous juries deliberated this year’s programming and we are happy to announce the winners in the various categories:

FEATURE FILM JURY

The feature film jury was presided over by Jean-Claude Lord and composed of Ian Lauzon, Don Lobel, Pawa Up First and Éric Tessier. 

BEST FEATURE FILM: Yuya Ishii’s SAWAKO DECIDES (Japan)
SPECIAL JURY PRIZE: Lee Hae-jun’s CASTAWAY ON THE MOON (South Korea) 

“Castaway on the moon earned the special jury prize due to its fresh quality, raw emotion and originality.” Jean-Claude Lord 

BEST ACTOR: Noah Taylor – RED, WHITE & BLUE (United States) 
BEST ACTRICE – UNANIMOUSLY : Hikari Mitsushima – SAWAKO DECIDES (Japan) 
BEST DIRECTOR : Lee Jun-ik – BLADES OF BLOOD (South Korea) 
BEST SCREENPLAY: Mladen Djordjevic – LIFE AND DEATH OF A PORNO GANG (Serbia) 

JURY PRIZE FOR BEST FIRST FEATURE

The first feature jury was presided over by Steven Severin and composed of Susan Curran, Brad Miska, Tom Quinn and Basil Tsiokos. 

BEST FIRST FEATURE: Eli Craig’s TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL 

“It ultimately came down to TUCKER & DALE VS EVIL and A SERBIAN FILM as the front runners for the jury, but the final decision found TUCKER & DALE VS EVIL on top – Eli Craig has achieved what I thought impossible: a laugh out loud, original & sharp horror spoof.” Steven Severin

SPECIAL MENTION : Srdjan Spasojevic’s A SERBIAN FILM 
“Undoubtedly, A SERBIAN FILM is an important film and there is much to admire about the craft and audacious tunnel vision of the makers but there is nothing to ‘like’ about it – since viewing it, it has upset me more than I thought possible. For it to have such an effect, it deserves a special mention.”  Steven Severin

JURY PRIZE FOR BEST ANIMATION (short and feature length) 

The short and feature length animation film jury was presided over by Pierre Hébert and composed of Élène Dallaire, Marco de Blois and Claude Robinson. 

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: Sunao Katabuchi’s MAI MAI MIRACLE (Japan)
SPECIAL MENTION: Shinsuke Sato’s OBLIVION ISLAND (Japan)
BEST ANIMATED SHORT: Bastien Dubois’ MADAGASCAR
SPECIAL MENTION: Don Hertzfeldt’s WISDOM TEETH 

JURY PRIZE FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORTS

The international short film jury was presided over by Maurice G. Dantec and composed of  Jean-François Caissy, Kurt Halfyard, Carolina Lucchesi Lavoie and Jean-François Rauger.

GRAND PRIZE: Firas Momani’s THE ADDER’S BITE
SPECIAL MENTION: Mian Adnan Ahmad’s HEAL

JURY PRIZE FOR BEST QUEBEC SHORT

The Quebec short film jury was presided over by Danielle Ouimet and composed of Martin Henri and Izabel Grondin.

BEST SHORT: Serge Marcotte’s THE GREENS
BEST DIRECTION : Cynthia Tremblay’s À VIF
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pedro Pires’ DANSE MACABRE
BEST PERFORMANCE (tie) : Laurence Leboeuf in SANS TITRE (the young girl with the matress) and Brent Marrale in THE GREENS
BEST SCREENPLAY: Simon Olivier Fecteau’s LE TECHNICIEN
JURY’S PICK: Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais’ MARIUS BORODINE 

JURY PRIZE FOR BEST DIY QUEBEC SHORT

The DIY Quebec short film jury was presided over by India Desjardins and composed of Martin Dubreuil, Simon Laganière and Jean-Pierre Normand.

BEST SHORT: Frédérick Tremblay’s LE TIROIR ET LE CORBEAU
BEST DIRECTION: Kris Happy Jack-McKenzie’s WINDIGO
BEST SCREENPLAY: Carnior’s HERO
BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS: Igor Simonnet’s ASTUKO’S LEGEND
JURY’S PICK: Louis Allard’s LES QUEBECERS CONTRE LES ZOMBIES 2

AQCC PRIZE

The AQCC jury was presided over by Mathieu Li-Goyette and composed of Martin Gignac and Patricia Bergeron.

For its rigorous presentation, complex characters and sober illustration of death and violence, the AQCC jury awards an honourable mention to Choi Jin-ho’s THE EXECUTIONER. Unanimously picked for its poetic portrayal of every day life, its soft realism, its social criticism and its masterful grasp of cinematography in this modern retelling of Pinocchio, the jury awards the best Asian film prize to Hirokazu Kore-eda’a AIR DOLL.

SÉQUENCES PRIZE

The Séquences jury was presided over by Pascal Grenier and composed of Julie Séguin and Mathieu Séguin-Tétreault. 
The Séquences prize for best international feature film is awarded ex-aequo to Jorge Michel Grau’s SOMOS LO QUE HAY (WE ARE WHAT WE ARE) and Simon Rumley’s RED, WHITE & BLUE.

ÉCRAN FANTASTIQUE PRIZE

The Écran Fantastique jury was presided over by Yves Rivard.

The Fantasia 2010 Écran Fantastique prize goes to the Serbian film TEARS FOR SALE from director Uros Stojanovic. There are many reasons for this choice, so we’ll only name the exceptional aesthetics which created such fantastic images that they were burned into your eyes long after leaving the theatre, its classical cinema direction (something that is becoming somewhat of a rarity) and its simultaneously poetic and subversive dialogue issuing from a still little-known area. The great performances of Sonja Kolacaric (Ognjenka) and Katarina Radivojevic (Mala Boginja) as the two sisters should also be mentioned.

Last but not least, the fans were also asked to share their favourites by voting for various public prizes. These are their choices:

AUDIENCE AWARDS

BEST ASIAN FILM
Gold – IP MAN 2 (Hong Kong)
Silver – SELL OUT! (Malaisia)
Bronze (ex-aequo) – CASTAWAY ON THE MOON (Corée du Sud), DREAM HOME (Hong Kong)

BEST EUROPEAN, NORTH AMERICAN OR SOUTH AMERICAN FILM
Gold – A SERBIAN FILM (Serbia)
Silver – AT WORLD’S END (Denmark)
Bronze – REC 2 (Spain)

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Gold – SUMMER WARS (Japan)
Silver – TECHNOTISE: EDIT AND I (Serbia)
Bronze (ex-aequo) – KING OF THORNS (Japan), SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: RESURRECTION (Japan)

BEST CANADIAN OR QUEBECOIS FEATURE
Gold – THE SHRINE
Silver – SUCK
Bronze (tie) – FRANKENSTEIN UNLIMITED (Quebec) NEVERLOST (Canada)

GURU PRIZE FOR MOST ENERGENTIC FILM
Gold – IP MAN 2 (Hong Kong)
Silver – REC 2 (Spain)
Bronze – SYMBOL (Japan)

MOST INNOVATIVE FILM
Gold (tie) – SYMBOL (Japan), A SERBIAN FILM (Serbia)
Silver – SELL OUT! (Malaisia)
Bronze – RUBBER (France)

BEST DOCUMENTARY
MARWENCOL (United States)

BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORTS
Gold – CLEAN CAROUSEL (Denmark)
Silver (tie) – JACK (Canada), NINJAS (Brasil), TOUS LES HOMMES S’APPELLENT ROBERT (Quebec)
Bronze – LAMBS (United States) 

BEST DIY QUEBEC SHORT
Francis Gélinas’ L’HISTOIRE DU MÉCHANT DRAGON

Press release: Le 34e FFM rendra hommage à Nathalie Baye

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Montréal, document.write(“”); le 20 juillet 2010 — Le Festival des films du monde rendra un hommage à la grande star du cinéma français et international Nathalie Baye qui sera à Montréal pour présenter une sélection parmi les nombreux films qu’elle a interprétés. « C’est un privilège rare de pouvoir accueillir une des plus grandes actrices du cinéma » a déclaré Serge Losique, président du FFM « Nathalie Baye a joué avec les réalisateurs les plus reconnus non seulement du cinéma français tels Alain Cavalier, Nicole Garcia,  Jean-Luc Godard, Tonie Marshall, Maurice Pialat, Bertrand Tavernier ou François Truffaut mais aussi du cinéma international comme Marco Ferreri, Tsai Ming-liang, Steven Spielberg ou Robert Wise, pour n’en nommer que quelques uns. Elle recevra un Grand Prix spécial des Amériques en hommage à son immense talent » a-t-il précisé.
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Au début de sa carrière, Nathalie Baye suit des cours de danse, mais, parallèlement, s’inscrit au cours Simon. Elle est ensuite admise au Conservatoire dont elle sort avec un second prix en Comédie, Comédie Dramatique et Théâtre Étranger en 1972. C’est aussi à cette époque qu’elle effectue ses premières apparitions sur grand écran, dans Brève rencontre à Paris (Two People) de Robert Wise puis dans un rôle de scripte dans La Nuit américaine de François Truffaut qui la réengage pour La Chambre verte en 1978 et métamorphose soudainement son image dans un vrai premier rôle, laissant apparaître une part d’elle plus opaque et mélancolique.

En 1981, elle reçoit le César de la meilleure actrice dans un second rôle pour son interprétation dans Sauve qui peut (la vie) de Jean-Luc Godard. S’ensuit alors une impressionnante brochette de succès, avec en point d’orgue Le Retour de Martin Guerre de Daniel Vigne et La Balance de Bob Swaim qui font d’elle la star la plus en vue du cinéma français. Devenue l’une des comédiennes les plus populaires du pays, elle remporte consécutivement deux nouveaux César : son deuxième pour le Meilleur second rôle en 1982 grâce à sa prestation dans Une étrange affaire, puis celui de la Meilleure actrice en 1983 pour La Balance.  En 1999 elle gagne un prix d’interprétation à Venise pour Une liaison pornographique de Frédéric Fonteyne. En 2002 Steven Speilberg l’engage dans Catch Me if You Can.

Quatre ans après Selon Matthieu, sorti en salles en 2001, elle retrouve l’acteur et réalisateur Xavier Beauvois avec Le Petit Lieutenant qui lui offre le rôle d’un commandant de police revenu d’un drame familial et de l’alcoolisme. Sa prestation lui vaut le quatrième César de sa carrière (son second trophée dans la catégorie Meilleure actrice). En 2008, elle tient le haut de l’affiche du nouveau film de Tonie Marshall, Passe-passe et de l’adaptation cinématographique par Josiane Balasko de son propre best-seller publié en 2004, Cliente. Son choix, clairement orienté vers l’éclectisme, lui permet d’alterner productions grand public et cinéma intimiste.

Le 34e Festival des films du monde se déroule du 26 août au 6 septembre 2010.

Press release: Le célèbre réalisateur BILLE AUGUST présidera le Jury du 34e FFM

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Montréal, document.write(“”); le 16 juillet 2010 — Danièle Cauchard et Serge Losique sont heureux d’annoncer que le réalisateur danois Bille August sera le président du jury international du prochain FFM. « Nous sommes extrêmement heureux d’accueillir l’un des plus grands cinéastes de notre temps pour présider le Jury du FFM. C’est grâce à des créateurs de cette qualité que les palmarès du FFM ont toujours été d’un très haut calibre et ont permis que les œuvres primées ici entament de prestigieuses carrières internationales par la suite » a déclaré Serge Losique, président du Conseil d’administration du FFM. « Pour nous Bille August représente le cinéma dans toute sa grandeur » a-t-il ajouté.
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Après qu’Ingmar Bergman eut pris sa retraite de réalisateur dans les années 80, Bille August acquit une place de renom parmi les cinéastes scandinaves. Au cours de sa prestigieuse carrière, il a adapté au cinéma plusieurs romans danois, dont Smilla et l’amour de la neige de Peter Høeg et Pelle le Conquérant, inspiré du livre de l’écrivain Martin Andersen Nexø. Avec le second, il a obtenu la Palme d’Or au Festival de Cannes en 1988 puis le Golden Globe et l’Oscar du meilleur film étranger l’année suivante. Les Meilleures intentions, portrait de jeunesse des parents d’Ingmar Bergman (écrit par le cinéaste lui-même) lui a valu une seconde Palme d’or cannoise en 1992. Bille August est non seulement un grand réalisateur mais aussi un scénariste, un écrivain producteur et acteur de renom mais il est surtout le représentant de la Culture universelle.

Filmographie sélective:

1978 : Honning måne
1983 : Zappa
1984 : Buster’s World (Busters verden)
1984 : Twist and Shout (Tro, håb og kærlighed)
1987 : Pelle le conquérant (Pelle erobreren)
1992 : Les Meilleures intentions (Den goda viljan)
1994 : La Maison aux esprits (The House of the Spirits)
1996 : Jerusalem
1997 : Smilla (Smilla’s Sense of Snow)
1998 : Les Misérables
2001 : A Song for Martin (En Sång för Martin)
2004 : Return to Sender
2007 : Goodbye Bafana

Le 34e Festival des films du monde se déroule du 26 août au 6 septembre 2010.

Press Release: Panorama-cinéma est à Fantasia

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Kuroneko: Voyages hallucinatoires, document.write(“”); fantômes et malédictions sous le signe du Japon
Montréal, le 6 juillet 2010 — Panorama-cinéma est très fier de s’associer au festival Fantasia dans le cadre de l’édition 2010. Cet été, la revue électronique sur le cinéma franchit un nouveau cap : l’édition imprimée. Quoi de plus naturel, à l’occasion de la sortie d’un numéro papier traitant de « L’humanisme d’après-guerre japonais », que de le présenter sous l’égide de Fantasia qui, en plus d’avoir servi à ces jeunes critiques à faire leurs armes, s’affirme comme le principal rendez-vous du cinéma asiatique à Montréal? À l’occasion, Fantasia et Panorama-cinéma proposent donc au public KURONEKO (1968, Kaneto Shindo), les 9 juillet (19 h 45, Salle J.A. De Sève), 14 juillet (15 h, Salle J.A. De Sève) et 15 juillet (18 h 30, Cinémathèque Québécoise).

Fantasia est depuis toujours un lieu de prédilection pour la revue électronique : le cinéma de genre, celui aux horizons éclatés ou encore le cinéma en marge, négligé par le grand public, ont toujours figuré dans la sphère d’intérêt de ses rédacteurs. En 2009, Panorama-cinéma publiait près de 40 critiques et une dizaine d’entrevues dans le cadre du festival. Cette année, Fantasia et Panorama-cinéma présentent un film ensemble : KURONEKO (1968) de Kaneto Shindo (auteur de L’île nue (1960), Onibaba (1964)). Faites l’expérience intime d’une magnifique copie 35 mm provenant des voûtes de Janus Films (distributeur affilié de la Collection Criterion), introuvable en Amérique du Nord! Inspiré par les contes traditionnels japonais, c’est un film de fantômes ayant servi d’inspiration à tout le courant récent de « j-horror » mené par des cinéastes tels que Hideo Nakata (Ringu, Dark Water) ou Takashi Shimizu (Ju-On). Mariage parfait pour une soirée digne de Fantasia : fantômes, malédictions, effets spéciaux audacieux et musique envoûtante. KURONEKO est une recette miracle pour les assoiffés du meilleur cinéma fantastique!

Le tout nouveau volet imprimé cerne un enjeu spécifique ou un courant cinématographique particulier pour l’explorer en profondeur. Le dossier imprimé contient des critiques, mais aussi des articles plus généraux et des essais libres qui divergeront de la forme préconisée sur le site actuel. Si on cherche à imprimer, c’est aussi pour laisser aux lecteurs un bel objet : tous nos numéros seront illustrés par des artistes ou bédéistes de la scène locale. Le premier recueil, dirigé par Mathieu Li-Goyette et signé par l’équipe de Panorama-cinéma et ses collaborateurs (dont Claude R. Blouin, spécialiste émérite du cinéma japonais) porte sur « L’Humanisme d’après-guerre japonais » (disponible dès le 15 juillet) et met l’accent sur divers cinéastes tels Ozu, Kurosawa, Mizoguchi et Kobayashi, le tout agrémenté d’illustrations du bédéiste montréalais Vincent Giard, qui a aussi signé la couverture que voici.

PROJECTIONS DE KURONEKO :

BANDE-ANNONCE :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGwLhcJ9T6o

« L’humanisme d’après-guerre japonais » sera disponible lors de la projection du 15 juillet, et sera dès cette date distribué en kiosques tout au long du festival. Il sera également possible de se le procurer en ligne.

Suivez-nous sur Facebook et www.panorama-cinema.com !

Press Release: Tokyopop & Zinio Announce the Launch of Digital Manga Editions

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Los Angeles, document.write(“”); CA (June 25, 2010) — Tokyopop, the leader of the global manga revolution, and Zinio, the world’s top digital publishing distribution service, today announced a partnership that offers more than fifty volumes of manga, available immediately for digital download to your PC and Mac by visiting www.Zinio.com/tokyopop.
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Dozens of volumes now available to download to your computer

The debut list of titles for sale includes the bestsellers Bizenghast, Dramacon, and Princess Ai; manga-adapted-to-film series such as The Dreaming and Van Von Hunter; the groundbreaking shonen-ai hit Gravitation, and Jim Henson’s Return to Labyrinth and Legends of the Dark Crystal. Release dates for future titles, including Min-Woo Hyung’s Priest, inspiration for the Spring 2011 3-D film from Sony/Screen Gems, will be announced and made available for digital download soon.

Stu Levy, Tokyopop’s founder, producer of the upcoming films Priest and The Dreaming and director of Van Von Hunter, each based on the company’s manga series, says, “I have always been a strong advocate for digital-in fact, my DNA is made entirely from 0’s and 1’s. The manga lifestyle is rapidly moving online and we are committed to finding the best experience possible in that medium. Zinio offers the top online reading experience, and their team is committed to providing a 360º accessibility.”

For consumers, Zinio enables the ability to shop for, search inside, read, share, and save digital content to your computer. Similar to thumbing through the print edition at a local bookstore, readers of Tokyopop digital versions can preview pages of each manga, free of charge.

“More than a decade ago, Tokyopop introduced manga to America, building a category that has been embraced by millions of teens,” says Rich Maggiotto, President & CEO, Zinio. “We’re thrilled to have a partnership that will offer loyal and new manga readers these digital editions.”

Initially, most manga on the launch list will sell for a material discount, $5.99 per volume, while some larger volumes, such as the Gravitation collection–a two-volume omnibus edition–are priced at $7.99. For a complete list of titles, please visit www.Zinio.com/tokyopop.

About TOKYOPOP:
Founded by multi-cultural media visionary Stu Levy, Tokyopop is hailed as a leading youth-oriented entertainment brand and an innovator of manga creation, with a revolutionary artistic vision that transcends countless platforms. From the introduction of the first-ever extensive manga publishing program in North America, to the development of its manga-originated intellectual properties into film, television and digital entertainment, Tokyopop has changed the way teens experience pop culture. The company’s global reach has expanded to Europe and Asia, with offices in the UK and Germany, in addition to its Los Angeles and Tokyo operations. With millions of fans logging onto the new social networking site www.Tokyopop.com, reading its books, which are licensed in 50 countries in more than 30 languages, and watching its DVDs and television programs, Tokyopop’s award-winning catalogue of licensed and original properties has made the company a visionary in an ever-growing teen entertainment marketplace. Visit www.Tokyopop.com for additional information.

About Zinio:
Zinio is the world’s newsstand and bookstore. With its many digital products and services, Zinio creates better ways for people to discover published content, get more of it and do more with it. Now, readers can purchase content once to be read on any screen. Zinio provides the ability to shop for, search inside, read, share and save digital content in 23 local newsstands in any country in the world. Through the ZINIO UNITY™ reading platform, readers can move seamlessly within each publication page between text, interactive graphics, animated illustrations, videos and much more. Offering hundreds of thousands of the best digital titles, Zinio’s e-stores and applications are revolutionizing reading. Founded in 2001 and privately held, Zinio is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in New York, London, Paris, Barcelona and Taipei.

# # #Note: Available at this moment there are twenty-one volumes of the titles Afterlife, Earthlight, Gyakushu!, Riding Shotgun, Tarot Cafe, The Dreaming, Van Von Hunter for $5.99 US ($6.27 CA) each.

Press release: “Route 132” de Louis Bélanger ouvrira le 34e FFM

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Montréal, document.write(“”); le 22 juin 2010 — Le 26 août prochain, Route 132 de Louis Bélanger sera le film d’ouverture du prochain Festival des films du monde de Montréal, le film est en même temps en compétition mondiale. « Nous sommes très heureux d’annoncer que le film de Louis Bélanger sera en ouverture du prochain FFM; c’est la deuxième fois que Louis Bélanger ouvre le festival puisque Gaz Bar Blues inaugurait le 27e festival en 2003. Post Mortem, son premier long métrage était, quant à lui, sélectionné en compétition officielle en 1999. Nous sommes très fiers qu’à nouveau un film de ce réalisateur puisse bénéficier de cette première mondiale » ont déclaré Serge Losique et Danièle Cauchard.
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Écrit par Louis Bélanger et Alexis Martin, le film est une production de Fabienne Larouche et Michel Trudeau pour Aetios Productions et Denise Robert et Daniel Louis pour Cinémaginaire. Il met en vedette  François Papineau, Alexis Martin, Alice Morel-Michaud, Andrée Lachapelle, Benoît McGinnis, Sophie Bourgeois, Gary Boudreault, Bobby Beshro, Sonia Vignault, Francesca Barcenas, Janine Sutto, Denise Gagnon, Gaston Caron, Guillaume Chouinard, Clémence Desrochers.

Montréal. Gilles, un homme dans la trentaine, vient de perdre son fils et ne peut l’accepter. N’importe quelle raison est valable pour fuir. En train de noyer son chagrin, il retrouve Bob, son vieil ami magouilleur, qui cherche un coup fumant pour se sortir du trou. C’est l’occasion idéale pour nos deux protagonistes de prendre le large sur la route 132, en direction du Bas-du-Fleuve où, croient-ils, les caisses populaires regorgent du bel argent durement économisé des personnes âgées et où il y a 0,1 policier par kilomètre carré. Et ce sera tellement facile pour deux astucieux Montréalais de berner ces « provinciaux »!

Route 132 est distribué par Alliance Vivafilms et sa sortie est prévue pour le 8 octobre 2010 au Québec.

Press Release: J-FEST, Japan right next to your door

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Montreal, document.write(“”); QC, June 14, 2010 — STUDIO BATSU INC. and YOUKAI WEAR is pleased to announce the 5th edition of J FEST, the 1st traveling event in North America specifically and genuinely dedicated to Japanese Music and development of Japanese Music Business Overseas.
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WHAT:
J FEST vol.5: J FEST 1st ANNIVERSARY. Partly a club event and a festival, J FEST takes you instantaneously to the country of the rising sun, with its warm and unusual atmosphere… DJ JOKE will mix Japanese hits all night through. Music Videos of popular and up-coming Japanese artists and Video Messages exclusively recorded for J FEST by popular Japanese artists are played throughout the event.

“Japan is ten years ahead in the show business world. J FEST is an exceptional opportunity to contemplate our lateness.” said Hubert MANSION , lawyer specialized in the music industry, teacher at L’Ecole du show Business and author of  “Tout le monde vous dira NON”

“Oh my god, man! I couldn’t even imagine J FEST was something like that… It’s impressive!!!” said MUSIQUE PLUS, the Canadian equivalent of MTV.? Watch Musique Plus Video at J FEST, here.?

Shiatsu, Japanese nail designs, Japanese Food and also Fashion shows, dance performances and a lot of surprises are also part of the event.

WHEN:
Saturday, July 17th, 2010 from 8:30 pm – 12:00 am

WHERE:
@ ALIZÉ – 900 Ontario East, Montreal , QC, Canada

WHY:
The goal of J FEST is to gather around J MUSIC, all the people who want to discover a new aspect of Japan , and all the fans of Japanese pop culture. To this cultural goal is added a will to create business opportunities between the North American and Japanese music industries and create a solid bridge between these 2 cultures. ?From the end of 2010, J FEST will take place in New York, Toronto and Vancouver and is prepared to be held in any other city that will make the request to host the event.

Admission:
J FEST is a +18 event. An approved ID is required.? The entrance fee is 8$ in advance and 10$ at the door.

Registration:
For more information, http://jfest.studiobatsu.com
or contact: jfest@studiobatsu.com

About the Company:
K.JOE, founder of STUDIO BATSU INC., has organized  Japanese Pop culture related events for over 15 years in Europe, Japan and North America. ?He is also specialized in booking tours for Japanese Music Labels or artists in Europe, Japan and North America . ?He speaks fluently French, English and Japanese. ?With his global vision and his background in the Japanese Music industry and Japanese entertainment world, STUDIO BATSU INC. is about to be an unavoidable bridge between North America and Japan.

Media contact:
J. “K.JOE” Tamko:  media@studiobatsu.com

More Videos about J FEST: http://www.youtube.com/user/JFEST777

Press Release: Passeports et Cartes Cinéphiles au FFM 2010

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Montréal, document.write(“”); le 10 juin 2010 — Le prochain Festival des Films du Monde aura lieu du 26 août au 6 septembre 2010. Les amateurs de cinéma seront encore choyés. En effet, le Festival offre, comme l’an dernier, le système de PASSEPORT mais en plus, il offre la carte CINÉPHILE.
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Aussi bien le PASSEPORT que la carte CINÉPHILE, donnent accès au choix énorme de films présentés au FFM (plus de 700 séances). Les informations ainsi que les bons de commande du PASSEPORT et de la carte CINÉPHILE sont disponibles sur le site Internet du Festival www.ffm-montreal.org

Le PASSEPORT est en vente au coût de 100 $, il donne droit à une réduction sur le prix du catalogue et de l’affiche. La carte CINÉPHILE est en vente au coût de 250 $, elle donne droit à un catalogue et une affiche gratuits. Les détenteurs de la carte CINÉPHILE et les détenteurs de billets individuels auront priorité sur les PASSEPORTS. Chaque détenteur du PASSEPORT ou de la carte CINÉPHILE pourra voter pour les Prix du Public.

Si vous aimez le cinéma de qualité sur grand écran, si vous voulez voir des films des 5 continents, si vous êtes ouvert à la diversité culturelle, si vous aimez voir des films en premières et vous faire votre propre opinion, si vous ne voulez pas rater des films qui ne seront pas distribués par la suite, si vous aimez le contact avec les réalisateurs et acteurs qui présentent leurs films, si vous aimez voyager et être confronté à d’autres façons de vivre et de penser, si vous êtes d’avis qu’une meilleure connaissance des autres cultures rend plus tolérant, si vous aimez la musicalité des langues et des accents, si vous planifiez d’être à Montréal et disponible pour voir des films entre le 26 août et le 6 septembre 2010 pendant le Festival des Films du Monde…

Si vous répondez OUI au moins une fois à ce qui précède, le PASSEPORT ou la carte CINÉPHILE sont faits pour vous. Attention, les quantités sont limitées… Premier inscrit, premier servi.

Pour informations, appeler : (514) 848-3883.

Press Release: Le 34e FFM présentera une rétrospective de Jafar Panahi

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Montréal, document.write(“”); le 10 Mai 2010. Le prochain festival des films du monde de Montréal présentera une rétrospective des films du cinéaste iranien Jafar Panahi qui fut le président du jury du FFM en 2009. Sa présence comme président du Jury l’an dernier a été remarquée et saluée par les médias internationaux qui reconnaissent en Mr Panahi l’un des grands cinéaste du monde. « Nous sommes heureux de lui consacrer cette rétrospective en hommage à son immense talent » déclare Serge Losique, le président du conseil du FFM.
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Né en 1960 à Mianeh (Iran), Jafar Panahi est l’un des cinéastes les plus influents de la Nouvelle Vague iranienne. Après son diplôme en réalisation du Collège IRIB à Téhéran, il réalise plusieurs courts et moyens métrages pour la télévision de son pays. En 1995, il signe son premier long métrage de fiction, LE BALLON BLANC,  qui remporte la Caméra d’or à Cannes la même année. Son deuxième film, LE MIROIR, remporte le Léopard d’or au Festival de Locarno en 1997. Son troisième long métrage, LE CERCLE, est présenté dans 40 pays et remporte 18 prix internationaux, parmi lesquels le Lion d’or à Venise en 2000. SANG ET OR (2003) remporte le Prix du jury dans la section Un certain regard à Cannes. Son dernier long métrage, OFFSIDE, est lauréat de l’Ours d’argent au Festival de Berlin en 2006.

Le Festival des films du monde se tient du 26 août au 6 septembre 2010.

L’AFFICHE DU FESTIVAL DES FILMS DU MONDE 2010

Montréal, le 27 avril 2010 – Le Festival des Films du Monde annonce que c’est le projet d’Hubert Samson qui a été choisi comme affiche de sa prochaine édition qui se déroulera du 26 août au 6 septembre 2010.

L’affiche du Festival des Films du Monde 2010 a été choisie par le public général parmi 3 finalistes, tous étudiants en arts graphiques à l’UQAM. Leur professeur, Philippe Béha (lui-même auteur de l’affiche du FFM en 1986), avait demandé à ses étudiants de créer une affiche pour le FFM 2010.

Le public était invité à voter pour désigner son affiche préférée parmi les finalistes et à écrire un commentaire sur les raisons de son choix. Parmi les nombreux commentaires, celui de d’Éric Montpetit, professeur de cinéma, exprime de manière éloquente les impressions éprouvées par ceux qui ont voté pour l’affiche d’Hubert Samson :

« L’acte de voir se trouve bien synthétisé dans cette image d’un personnage aux yeux multiples, symbole de la variété des points de vue exprimés dans la programmation du Festival et, également, dans le regard subjectif de chaque spectateur. Les contours flous de son corps donnent l’impression qu’il vibre ; touché, ébranlé, ému par ce qu’il voit. Cette vibration rappelle aussi celle de la lumière projetée à travers la pellicule sur l’écran. Belle évocation du mouvement au cinéma. Bravo ! »

Press Release: VIZ Media Debuts LIBRARY WARS Manga Series

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A LOVE OF BOOKS AND READING INSPIRES A GIRL TO STAND AGAINST CENSORSHIP IN NEW MANGA SERIES LIBRARY WARS: LOVE AND WAR. New Shojo Adventure Follows A Young Recruit In The Library Defense Forces As She Protects The Right To Read.
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San Francisco, document.write(“”); CA, MAY 10, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, brings a new literary manga adventure to North American readers with the release of LIBRARY WARS: LOVE & WAR on June 1st. The series, with story and art by Kiiro Yumi and based on the original concept by Hiro Arikawa, will be published under the Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

In the near future, the federal government creates a special committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. But the libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves – the Library Defense Forces!

In the opening volume, Iku Kasahara has dreamed of joining the LDF ever since one of its soldiers stepped in to protect her favorite book from being confiscated in a bookstore when she was younger. But now that she’s finally a recruit, she’s finding her dream job to be a bit of a nightmare. Especially since her hard-hearted drill instructor seems to have it in for her!

“Manga lovers will root for the cute librarians in this fun new series that also addresses some important issues like liberty, freedom of speech and censorship,” says Candice Uyloan, Director, Consumer Marketing, VIZ Media. “LIBRARY WARS is based on a collection of novels also written by Hiro Arikawa that were extremely popular in Japan, selling more than one million copies. Fans will definitely want to add this adventure to their summer reading lists!”

Hiro Arikawa won the 10th Dengeki Novel Prize for her work Shio no Machi: Wish on My Precious in 2003 and debuted with the same novel in 2004. Arikawa is probably best known for the LIBRARY WARS series and also her trilogy about Japan’s military Self Defense Forces, Jieitai Sanbusaku (The SDF Trilogy), which consists of In the Sky, The Bottom of the Sea, and City of Salt.

Kiiro Yumi won the 42nd LaLa magazine Manga Grand Prix Fresh Debut award for her manga Little Billy’s Depression. Her latest series, LIBRARY WARS: LOVE & WAR is currently featured in Japan’s LaLa magazine.

For more information on this title and other shojo titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.shojobeat.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages.

# # #

Press Release: Fantasia, The Shape of things to come

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Montreal Monday May 3rd, document.write(“”); 2010 – While we’re still several weeks away from announcing our full 2010 festival line-up, the 14th annual Fantasia International Film Festival is making an early announcement to highlight several special events planned for this summer’s fest, including a stage play, multiple lifetime achievement awards and a gala performance/screening premiere revolving around one of the most significant silent-film restorations in the history of moving images.

THE COMPLETE METROPOLIS – A GALA EVENT AT PLACE DES ARTS
Seldom has the rediscovery of a cache of lost footage ignited widespread curiosity as did the announcement, in July 2008, that an essentially complete copy of Fritz Lang’s METROPOLIS had been found. This prompted an incredible year-long restoration project, the results of which will be unveiled for the first time in Quebec this summer, at Fantasia. Featuring over 25 minutes of new material (1,257 shots, including entire new sequences), the complete METROPOLIS will be screened as a special gala event at the 3000-seat Wilfred Pelletier theatre in Place des Arts on July 28. For this special night, internationally renowned silent film composer Gabriel Thibaudeau is writing a new score for the feature, which he will perform with a 13-piece orchestra live at the screening. It will be a fantastically historical night in every sense of the word!

Notes on the music for Fantasia’s METROPOLIS event by Gabriel Thibaudeau:

“For the last 22 years I have been resident pianist and composer for the Cinematheque québécoise. METROPOLIS is one of the first films I played to. Writing a new score for this film represents, for me, a long cherished dream. The film’s modern feel and visual treatment lends itself well to experimentation and is a pure joy to create sound for!

How to express musically the class struggle and dialectic that are the foundations of this work? By utilizing not one, but two chamber orchestras! Quite simply, at stage left the orchestra represents the elitist spirit of the city through a string quintet and keyboard. At stage right a brass quintet with organ will form the second orchestra, symbol of the strength of the workers in the subterranean city. The percussion section in the center will form a link between the two worlds/ensembles.

For this two and a half hour performance, specially commissioned by the Fantasia Festival, the majority of movements will be precisely written and perfectly synchronized with the images on screen. However, certain passages will be more free, created live through “Soundpainting”, a technique of improvising from coded gestures used by the conductor.”
– Gabriel Thibaudeau

A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR KEN RUSSELL
Fantasia will present Britain’s celebrated enfant terrible, the director of such one-of-a-kind classics as ALTERED STATES, TOMMY, CRIMES OF PASSION, WOMEN IN LOVE, LISZTOMANIA, GOTHIC, SALOME’S LAST DANCE, MAHLER and LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM, with a lifetime achievement award in celebration of his astoundingly unique and bravely provocative visions.  On the night of his ceremony, we will screen a rare 35mm print of his explosive and still-controversial 1971 masterpiece THE DEVILS. This notoriously powerful film, which remains unavailable on DVD anywhere in the world, stars Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, and featuring art direction by Derek Jarman.  Russell will be in town for a week and our special “Devils’ Night” award presentation will kick off a massive retrospective of his filmography split across Cinematheque Quebecoise and Cinema Du Parc.

DUAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR ANIMATION DUO DON BLUTH & GARY GOLDMAN
Along with the homage to filmmaker Ken Russell, the Fantasia Film Festival is proud to give a lifetime achievement award to Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, the creative duo behind such animated modern classics as THE SECRET OF NIMH, AN AMERICAN TAIL and ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN. Bluth and Goldman share a unique story in animation cinema. Beginning their groundbreaking work with Disney, they created their own independent studio in 1973, which lead to numerous collaborations with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, a detour in the video game world with the DRAGON’S LAIR series and a dozen imaginative feature films. To celebrate this event, the Fantasia Film Festival will screen the prehistoric tale THE LAND BEFORE TIME, the unforgettable classic that lives in the imagination of a generation of cinephiles. Our audience will also have a chance to meet the filmmakers during a special panel on animation.

THE INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE OF STUART GORDON & JEFFREY COMBS’ CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED EDGAR ALLAN POE STAGE PLAY
Award-winning filmmaker Stuart Gordon, beloved for such films as RE-ANIMATOR, FROM BEYOND and STUCK will be returning to Fantasia (after gracing us with the Canadian premiere of EDMOND in 2006) with his staple star Jeffrey Combs to stage their acclaimed one-man play NEVERMORE: AN EVENING WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE, which features Combs in a breathtaking performance as the legendary author. It should be noted that Gordon was a celebrated theatre director for many years before turning to cinema. Among his many impressive credits, the future filmmaker founded Chicago’s Organic Theater in the ’70s and was the first to stage a play by David Mamet, who he continues to collaborate with every now and then. A spellbinding recreation of the public recitals that Poe regularly performed in the years before his death, based on reviews and reports of his actual appearances, NEVERMORE premiered in Los Angeles in July 2009 and was originally slated to run for four weeks.  Critical raves and mass audience draws saw the run extended to nearly six months. Combs’ performance is so captivating and mercurial that many critics have championed him as “the definitive Poe,” a claim that we can fully agree with! 2010 also happens to be the 25th anniversary of RE-ANIMATOR, and in celebration of this, Fantasia will be screening an uncut 35mm print of the cult classic, hosted by Gordon and Combs.

MORE – MUCH MORE – TO COME
The above is but an early tease-taste of what Fantasia has lined up for Montrealers this summer, released to tide you over until we announce our full line-up of over 100 feature films in mid-June. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’ve got any questions or requests. Enquiries can be sent to press@fantasiafestival.com .

The 14th annual Fantasia International Film Festival takes place in Montreal July 8 – July 28 2010.

Fantasia Vidéo Promo 2010 from Fantasia International Film Fest on Vimeo.
Also check the festival website: www.fantasiafestival.com