BY OGOVA ONDEGO. NAIROBI, KENYA (CINEMA MINIMA) –

Lola Kenya Screen, eastern Africa’s premier audiovisual media platform for children and youth, has since 2006 showcased more than 1200 films from 71 nations representing all the six continents in various genres, formats and lengths. Additionally, Lola Kenya Screen has helped add 31 child filmmakers, 14 journalists, 13 film judges, 7 MCs, 15 producers of television drama for children and youth and 6 producers of documentary films for children and youth to eastern Africa’s creative and cultural spectrum.

The 3^rd Lola Kenya Screen (August 11-16, 2008), attracted participation from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Germany, Belgium and Holland. All participants came in to watch the wide variety of films from 56 nations and to be equipped with skills for making films, appreciating and judging audiovisual media production, presenting programmes and filing daily reports on the festival.

Established in October 2005 as a movement that uses appropriate and available technologies to deliver audiovisual media content that complements, enhances, entertains and promotes learning among the generation of today and tomorrow—children and youth—in the promotion of literacy, gender equity, independent thought, human rights, environmental responsibility and global health.

Through her programmes, Lola Kenya Screen explores, identifies and nurtures creative talent among children and youth in areas such as journalism, filmmaking, arts appraisal and appreciation, and organisation and presentation of cultural and creative events. This is aimed at equipping children and youth with the skills to understand, appreciate, and create quality audiovisual productions in particular and arts in general.

Lola Kenya Screen places production tools in the hands of children and youth for the advancement of literacy, gender equity, self expression, and democracy in their world through her production workshop, film exhibition, and audiovisual media platform for marketing, promoting and distributing films.

While the Festival Press is aimed at uplifting the standards of creative and cultural journalism in eastern Africa, the Production Workshop empowers children and youth to make at least five quality, low-budget, moving images per year. In 2008, this programme was made possible with the support of Africalia of Belgium.

Out of the recognition that unless adults are sensitised into creating for and with children, the aim of putting children and youth on the public agenda could become a cropper, Lola Kenya Screen 2008 also worked with practising filmmakers in the production of documentaries for children and youth. This was made possible with the support of the Jan Vrijman Fund/IDFA of The Netherlands.

Programme Presentation, as the title suggest, empowers children and youth to organise and present events and programmes. Such children are usually in charge of the programme during the six days of the festival.

The Film Jury, on the other hand, seeks to inculcate in participants skills with which to critically appreciate and appraise creativity in general and film in particular. The jury members watch and award films in competition. The official Lola Kenya Screen Jury consists only of children and youth.

At the end of the six-day festival, Hoppet (Leaps and Bounds), a film by Peter Naess of Sweden, beat a strong field of 24 well crafted, award-winning international films that competed in seven categories, to the coveted Lola Kenya Screen Golden Mboni Award.

Saying this 86-minute Hoppet feature film that revolves around two brothers who flee US-occupied Iraq had spoken to their heart, the official jury, comprising four children from Kenya and Zimbabwe, described Hoppet as being ‘hopeful’.

“Despite their many struggles, the two boys finally achieve their goals and get to their final destination where they are re-united with their parents.”

Siri Raja Siri (King Siri) by Somaratne Dissanayake of Sri Lanka took the Silver Mboni as Subira by Kenya-based Ravneet Sippy Chadha made away with the Bronze Mboni.

Raja Siri Raja, the jury noted, “is a funny, uncomplicated film about a village boy who overcomes the discouragement of poverty.”

The star of the 88-minute film, 11-year-old Sirimal excels in his national examinations to join a star college in he city that other materially well off children can only dream about. Despite encountering lots of social and economic challenges, he succeeds.

Subira, on the other hand, stars a strong-willed 11-year-old girl who rebels against tradition to be as free as her brother who plays freely.

The jury was impressed by the 12-minute film “about a Muslim girl fighting for her rights despite the tyranny of the conservative community she lives in.”

Giving the Best Documentary Award to Journey of a Red Fridge by Lucian Muntean and Natasa Stankovic of Serbia, the jury noted that it “shows us the life of many children in Nepal. It is about a 17-year-old boy who earns a living as a porter.”

Max’s Words, a film by Galen Fott and Jerry Hunt got the Best Animation Film Award for what the jury described as “an inspirational and original film, with beautiful images. It is a truly surprising film!”

For “a film we found well made in every aspect–story, sound and image,” the jury gave the Best Short Film Award to Porque Hay Casa Que Nunca Se Olvidian (There are Things You Never Forget). “The plot was humouristic and the end had a surprising twist that made us laugh.”

This 13-minute film made in 2008 by Lucas Figueroa, is set in Naples, Italy, in 1950, shows boys exacting their revenge on for an unforgivable crime: The destruction of their foot ball by a ‘vengeful old woman’.

Hello Spring, a lyrical and philosophical 7-minute film directed by Masoone Jafari of Iran grabbed the Most Experimental Film Award at a two-hour ceremony held at the Kenya National Theatre in the Nairobi central business district. “This film is a musical adventure with the message that we should not be obsessed with the way we look. We are perfect!”, the jury intoned.

The Child Rights Award went to Quamar (Working to Live), a 24-minute film by Preeya Nair of India.

The jury said the film “shows the struggles of a girl being exploited by a shopkeeper where she works because she can’t count. She would like to go to school but her mother doesn’t think this is necessary for girls.”

For the second time since 2007 when Films by Children for Children won the Grand Prize at the 5^th World Summit on Media and Children/Kids for Kids Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, a Lola Kenya Screen production described by the jury as “a funny and educational film with a clear message that makes you just want to learn. It is a film for and by children”, took the Kids for Kids Africa prize at the 2^nd Kids for Kids Africa held in the framework of the 3^rd Lola Kenya Screen.

The film, Little Knowledge is Dangerous, was written, animated, shot and directed by Samora Michelle, Adede Hawi NyOdero and Karama K Ogova during the 2^nd Lola Kenya Screen film production workshop conducted by Maikki Kantola of Finland for Project Anima of Denmark in 2007.

Some eight films from Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe were in the 2^nd Kids for Kids Africa Competition. They were Uncovering Secrets of the World by Mia Dupper of South Africa (2008);  Ingwazi Jive by Abigal Mlotshwa, Fight Against Poverty by Tinashe Maravanyika, Ndaifara by Mercy Mafudze and Craig Kimu, and Oh Mama by Thelma Maduma of Zimbabwe made under the Postcards from Zimbabwe compilation (2006); and Little Knowledge is dangerous by Adede NyOdero, Samora Michelle and Karama Ogova, Manani Ogres by Joseph Hongo, Marcus Joseph, Norrick Joseph and Samuel Musembi, and The Wise Bride by Alexandria Ngini, Aysha Satchu and Layla Satchu (2007).

Some of the resource people at Lola Kenya Screen 2008 were Signe Zeilich-Jensen, Duco Tellegen, and Meike Statema (Holland), Eid Abdel Latif (Egypt), and Florence Sipalla (Kenya).

Lola Kenya Screen 2008, held on the theme of “Peace-Building for  a Sustainable Future”, attracted some of the best possible films for children and youth in the world from 56 nations.

Lola Kenya Screen accepts and showcases a film only if its content is creative and demonstrates artistic and technical mastery, speaks positively to children of diverse backgrounds and cultures and provides strong role models for both boys and girls.

Additionally, such a film is expected to be child-driven and the stories culturally authentic, timely, and of universal appeal.

Films and videos submitted to Lola Kenya Screen are made by, with and for children and youth rather than about children and youth.

The theme of Lola Kenya Screen 2008 was Peace-Building for a Just and Sustainable Future out of the realisation that tension and conflict are inevitable in healthy human relationships but that they need not result in the wanton destruction of life, property and livelihood.

Presented by ComMattersKenya in collaboration with Goethe-Institut in Kenya, Lola Kenya Screen 2008 was supported by Africalia of Belgium, and the Jan Vrijman Fund/IDFA of The Netherlands.

The next edition of Lola Kenya Screen, the fourth one, will run in Nairobi, Kenya, 2009 August 10-15.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

At the Alternative Film Guide, I’ve been posting a number of photos from the 2008 Venice Film Festival, which, by the way, has for the most part been a flop among critics who have complained about the low quality of most of the films in competition.

Among the images I’ve recently added are those of Emmanuelle Beart, in Venice to promote the supernatural thriller VINYAN; Charlize Theron, in Venice promoting THE BURNING PLAIN; and Stefania Sandrelli, who has a supporting role in A PERFECT DAY, which is vying for the Golden Lion.

I’ve also added images of Marco Pontecorvo’s PA-RA-DA, Fabrice Du Welz’s VINYAN, Joel and Ethan Coen’s BURN AFTER READING, and Jose Mojica Marins’ cult horror flick EMBODIMENT OF EVIL.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

At the Alternative Film Guide, I’ve posted a q&a I did with actor-filmmaker Brian Pera, in which we discuss his highly impressive film debut, THE WAY I SEE THINGS.

THE WAY I SEE THINGS has been screened at US festivals, including Outfest in Los Angeles.

Brian Pera interview

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

PRESS RELEASE:

August 26, 2008 - Virtual Venues Network (VVN), a pioneering media company that produces high-definition, virtual concert experiences at clubs and theaters, has introduced an exciting new opportunity for independent filmmakers, music documentary producers and makers of alternative content. "Indie Roadshow" will provide an alternative to traditional theatrical presentations with a new, state-of the-art digital showcase environment offered to nightclubs and college music venues. The "Indie Roadshow" will be offered exclusively through the Virtual Venues Network beginning October 2008.

"This is an entirely new channel for independent distribution" says CEO Michael Horne, "In addition to the great concert footage that has been submitted for inclusion in our "Virtual Concert Experience" environment, we’ve received great documentaries and indie projects that are perfectly suited to the college and nightclub audience." The Indie Roadshow will feature pre-release exclusive screenings and stage DVD release events city to city, on tour, all year round.

The Virtual Venues web site is http://www.virtualvenuesnetwork.com/

VVN books high-definition music content onto nightclub stages, replicating the live concert and bringing national touring acts into smaller markets they would not reach on tour. VVN is currently outfitting nightclubs and college venues with projectors, their patented, ClubLyncTM digital players and installing life-size screens on-stage at each venue. They are currently coordinating a 60-city tour with "Hi-Def From Red Rocks featuring The String Cheese Incident." While The String Cheese Incident is no longer touring live, the three hour, twenty minute Virtual Concert Experience is reuniting fans in hometown venues across the country.

Visit www.virtualvenuesnetwork.com for programming info and upcoming Virtual Concert and Indie Roadshow screenings.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

Turner Classic Movies‘ "Summer Under the Stars" series continues until Aug. 31. Throughout August, TCM has been dedicating each day to one star. The series is a great way to see how a performer evolved (or sometimes devolved) throughout the years (sometimes, decades) — say, how one actor’s technique became more naturalistic, or how, after years of success, one actress simply stopped bothering to act.

The remaining Summer Under the Stars subjects are Janet Leigh, Tony Curtis, Charlton Heston, Marlon Brando, Katharine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracy.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

In the early 1930s, Ann Dvorak was an up-and-coming Hollywood star. Real stardom, however, eluded her. Even so, Dvorak played opposite some of the most important names of the period — among them, Bette Davis, Joan Blondell, Dick Powell, Paul Muni — and worked with several top directors, including Mervyn LeRoy, Howard Hawks, and Michael Curtiz.

At the Alternative Film Guide, I’ve posted a lengthy q&a I did with Ann Dvorak collector/biographer Christina Rice.

Ann Dvorak q&a

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

PRESS RELEASE

Beverly Hills, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has awarded a $50,000 grant to underwrite the Telluride Film Festival’s Guest Director program. Slavoj Zizek, the Slovenian political philosopher and cultural critic, will preside as guest director of the Festival’s 35th show when it kicks off this week.

For more than two decades, Telluride has welcomed numerous prominent filmmakers and personalities as guest directors, including two-time Academy Award®-nominated writer-director Peter Bogdanovich, director J.P. Gorin, film curator and archivist Edith Kramer, Oscar®-winning documentarian Errol Morris, author Salman Rushdie, Oscar-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier.

The Academy’s cultural and educational wing – the Academy Foundation – annually grants more than $1 million to film scholars, cultural organizations and film festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. It is also through the Foundation that the Academy presents a rich assortment of screenings and other public programs each year.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday, September 2, is the deadline for filmmakers to submit their short subject and feature documentaries to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration for the 81st Academy Awards®.

Each completed entry form must be accompanied by supporting materials, including an English-language synopsis of the film, a list of film credits, filmographies of the director(s) and/or producer(s), 25 DVD copies of the film, and proof of a seven-day qualifying exhibition.

To be eligible, documentary features must have completed a seven-day commercial run in at least one theater in both Los Angeles County and in the Borough of Manhattan in New York, between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008.

Documentary short subjects must have completed a seven-day commercial run in a theater in either Los Angeles County or in the Borough of Manhattan in New York, between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008.

Members of the Academy’s Documentary Branch will determine the nominees for both the Documentary Short Subject and Documentary Feature categories.

Additional information about the documentary awards may be obtained by contacting Assistant Awards Coordinator Michelle Ayala at (310) 247-3000, ext. 117; via e-mail at mayala@oscars.org; or by visiting http://www.oscars.org/81academyawards/rules.

The 81st Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

At the 80th Academy Awards, FREEHELD and TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE won in the Documentary Short Subject and Documentary Feature categories, respectively.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

A week of rock ‘n roll films will be presented at the American Cinematheque’s Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, Calif., beginning August 28. Among those are Jonathan Demme’s NEIL YOUNG: HEART OF GOLD, Richard Lester’s A HARD DAY’S NIGHT, and the Los Angeles premiere of PATTI SMITH: DREAM OF LIFE (above), directed by Steven Sebring.

Rock ‘n roll screening schedule

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

Press Release:

The JOURNAL OF SHORT FILM released Volume 12 (Summer 2008) today. The JSF is a quarterly DVD that, to date, has published over 130 filmmakers from 12 countries. Volume 12 is another example of the JSF’s genre-leaping collections of the world’s best short films.

The Journal was thrilled to have Steven Bognar serve as a guest editor on Volume 12. Most recently, Steven’s feature documentary A LION IN THE HOUSE (along with Julia Reichert) made waves in 2006, landed on many top ten lists, and continues to tour the world. (Visit http://www.lioninthehouse.com)

Volume 12 also benefited from another great relationship: that between the JSF and the Media That Matters Film Festival. Three of the documentaries on Vol. 12 come from the ranks of its winners. Every year, Media That Matters showcases the best short films on social issues and, online and in communities around the world, connects activism to film. (Visit http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org)

But Vol. 12 has more than just documentaries, of course. Half of the films are narratives, several are experimental, and at least one includes a stop-motion animated piece of bread “following his heart.” As always, some of the films are major festival winners, and some are ones you won’t see anywhere else. Here is the complete list:

1. DRAKE – Christoph Rainer (2006, 5:00) “Visually striking, appealingly radical, and painfully recognisable!”–Ronald Simons, Rotterdam Film Festival 2. SUNBEAM HUNTER – Jonathan Schwartz (2006, 3:00) From 33 1/3 Series (an album of eleven ‘in-camera’ 16mm films), with the sound following, echoing. 3. THE SECOND LINE – John Magary (2007, 20:00) After MacArthur’s savings are stolen from his FEMA trailer, he and his cousin Natt take work gutting a house. 4. GARBAGE DREAMS – Mai Iskander (2007, 8:00) Media That Matters presents: Egypt’s resident garbage recyclers, the Zaballeen are struggling as Cairo modernizes its waste disposal system. 5. MAN – Myna Joseph (2007, 15:00) Maggie and her sister form an unusual bond during an encounter with a young man. 6. HOMESLICE – Dan Olsen (2007, 10:30) BE YOURSELF! ALL OF THE TIME! 7. REVIEW – Jenny Perlin (2004, 2:25) This silent animated film connects a daily experience of tragic news with a subsequent escape into cinematic entertainment. 8. ON THE ASSASSINATION OF THE PRESIDENT – Adam Keker (2008, 6:00) This top-secret government file is to be viewed only in the event of the President’s death by assassination. 9. A VERY SMALL TRILOGY OF LONELINESS – Bogdan George Apetri (2006, 7:00) Three vignettes look upon the same moment in time. A single moment, three people, the same feeling. 10. A GIRL LIKE ME – Kiri Davis (2006, 7:00) Media That Matters presents: Color is more than skin deep for young African-American women struggling to define themselves. 11. SOMETHING OTHER THAN OTHER – Jerry A. Henry and Andrea J. Chia (2005, 7:00) Media That Matters presents: Jerry and Andrea have endured their share of discrimination and have higher hopes for their newborn son. 12. ANNIE LLOYD – Cecelia Condit (2008, 17:45) A daughter’s intimate portrayal of the creativity and wisdom of old age.

The Journal continues to have a free and open submissions process. Submissions should be sent to The JSF, PO Box 8217, Columbus, OH 43201, USA. The Journal remains ad-free and committed to independent and underrepresented work.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

Two Wayne Wang double features will be screened on Wednesday/Thursday, August 16–17, at the American Cinematheque’s Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, Calif.

The four features are A THOUSAND YEARS OF GOOD PRAYERS, winner of the best film award at the 2007 San Sebastian Film Festival; its companion piece, PRINCESS OF NEBRASKA; a "new cut" of DIM SUM (1985), and the director’s cut of THE CHINESE BOX (1997).

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

From theatre entrances and shuttle stops to events and information booths, volunteers are everywhere at the Festival. Over 1,200 volunteers dedicate their time to help make the Sundance Film Festival a thriving environment for independent film. If you are interested in volunteering for the 2009 Sundance Film Festival we invite you to learn more and submit an application to our Volunteer Department.

Important Dates:

Volunteer Application available online: July 30, 2008
Returning Volunteer Applications due: October 1, 2008
Volunteer Open Houses in Park City or Salt Lake City: August 8th, 18th, and 22nd
New Volunteer Applications due: October 31, 2008*

*New Volunteer Applications for Sign-up volunteers (positions under 80 hours) will be considered up until December 1, 2008

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

Press Release:

Catch the early deadline for the Ann Arbor Film Festival by August 15th and submit your film for only $30. Our standard deadline is October 15th for $40 and the late deadline is November 15th.

We’re looking for new independent films of all lengths and genres that are: artistically inspired, lovingly crafted, cutting edge, bold visions.

If you’re submitting a film, please help us reduce waste with our green submissions initiative:

• If sending DVD, use a paper slip case, not a hard plastic one
• Ship in a stiff cardboard or other recyclable mailer with no bubble wrap
• Print "Do Not Bend" on the front of envelope
• No press kits of any kind - these will be immediately recycled

To submit your film, please visit our website and download the PDF application, or go the online route through withoutabox.com.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

Press Release:

Film Screenings, Panel Discussions, and Networking Highlight Six-Day Event

www.independentfilmweek.com

New York, NY (August 5, 2008) – IFP announced today that IFP alumnus Kevin Smith (Clerks), filmmaker and activist Robert Greenwald (Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism), and SnagFilms.com CEO Rick Allen will headline public events during the 30th Annual Independent Film Week, September 14-19. For the first time, Independent Film Week will be held at Chelsea’s Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.).

Formerly known as the IFP Market, Independent Film Week is the leading forum in the U.S. dedicated to discovering, showcasing, and supporting new independent film projects and talent. The six-day event consists of: the Independent Filmmaker Conference; free screenings of films by IFP alumni and emerging short filmmakers; and the Project Forum, a showcase for over 150 works-in-progress. It is presented by IFP, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers.

Smith will kick off the daily "Conversations With" series during the Independent Filmmaker Conference on September 14th with a discussion on making a first feature. His classic 1994 debut feature, Clerks, got its start as a work-in-progress at IFP in 1993. His new film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks and is scheduled for release by The Weinstein Company on Halloween. Greenwald will discuss the power of film to spur social change on September 18th, while Allen, who recently launched SnagFilms.com with AOL Vice-Chairman Ted Leonsis and AOL founder Steve Case, will explore the future of film distribution on September 17th.

In addition to the "Conversations With" series, the conference showcases a range of panels on the art and business of independent film. Each day’s panels are structured around a specific theme: Making Your First Feature, Filmmaking 2.0, The Global Marketplace, Alternative Distribution, The Truth About Non-Fiction, and Film and Philanthropy. The full schedule of panels can be found at www.filmmakerconference.com.

For the second year, in partnership with Rooftop Films, Independent Film Week will also showcase two free public screenings of films by IFP alumni. New this year is NextGenNYC, a short film showcase featuring the work of City University of New York (CUNY) graduates.

Screenings include:

* Trinidad (86 min.) directed by PJ Raval and Jay Hodges, alumni of IFP’s 2006 Independent Filmmaker Lab. Premiering at the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival in June, the documentary provides a fascinating look at Trinidad, Colorado’s transformation from Wild West outpost to "sex change capital of the world. (September 16th, 8:30pm, Hudson River Park, 10th Avenue between 14th and 15th. FREE and open to the public.)

* IFP’s Independent Filmmaker Lab "Sneak Preview" Showcase (120 min.) – Be the first to see previews of films poised to make it big on the festival circuit in the coming year. This screening features excerpts from the 20 works-in-progress – both documentaries and narratives – which participated in the IFP’s Labs, a mentorship program for works-in-progress. Previous IFP Lab films already garnering awards on the film festival circuit include this year’s Slamdance Grand Jury Prize Winner The New Parade and GenArt Grand Jury Prize Winner Half-Life. (September 17th, 8:30pm, Hudson River Park, 10th Avenue between 14th and 15th. FREE and open to the public.)

* IFP’s NextGenNYC Short Film Showcases (90 min. each) - Documentary and narrative short films by CUNY graduates. NextGenNYC is a new program initiated by IFP and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting and is designed to provide a spotlight on New York City’s emerging talent from four colleges within the City University, including: Brooklyn College, City College of New York, the College of Staten Island and Hunter College. (Narrative Showcase, September 16th, 1:30pm, Chelsea Cinemas, 260 West 23rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues; Documentary Showcase, September 17th, 2pm, Chelsea Cinemas) There is complimentary access with a ticket or pass to the Independent Filmmaker Conference.

The full schedule of film screenings open to the public during Independent Film Week can be found at: www.independentfilmweek.com.

"The annual state of the union on independent film began 30 years ago with IFP’s founding event, now known as Independent Film Week," says Michelle Byrd, Executive Director of IFP. "Since then we’ve expanded our mandate to give the public a greater opportunity to experience the films we nurture through our programs and meet the innovators who are shaping the future of independent film."

Tickets and passes for IFP’s Independent Filmmaker Conference range from $20 for single events to a variety of passes ranging from $70 per day to $320 for the week including all 35 panels, workshops and case studies. Tickets can be purchased at www.filmmakerconference.com.

Sponsors of Independent Film Week include: Premiere sponsors Eastman Kodak Company and HBO; and Gold Sponsors A&E IndieFilms, Panasonic, and SAGIndie.

About IFP Founded as a satellite program of the 1979 New York Film Festival, the nonprofit IFP has evolved into the nation’s oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers, and also the premier advocate for them. Since its start, IFP has supported the production of 7,000 films and provided resources to more than 20,000 filmmakers–voices that otherwise might not have been heard. IFP believes that independent films enrich the universal language of cinema, seeding the global culture with new ideas, kindling awareness, and fostering activism. The organization has fostered early work by leading filmmakers including Charles Burnett, Edward Burns, Jim Jarmusch, Barbara Kopple, Michael Moore, Mira Nair and Kevin Smith. For more information: www.ifp.org.

About Independent Film Week While the Independent Filmmaker Conference and special screenings are open to the general public, the centerpiece of Independent Film Week is the "Project Forum," a showcase for over 150 new works in development. The Forum is divided into three sections: Emerging Narrative, for writers and writer/directors seeking producers; No Borders International Co-Production Market, for experienced producers seeking financing partners; and Spotlight on Documentaries, for projects in production and post-production that are currently seeking financing partners and festival invitations. IFP expects to arrange more than 2,000 one-on-one pitch meetings between filmmakers and executives from production companies, distributors, exhibitors, broadcasters, and film festivals. For information: www.independentfilmweek.com.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the submission deadline for the 2008 Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards is Thursday, July 31. A completed online entry form must be submitted to the Academy by 5 p.m. PT.

The Academy recognizes scientific and technical achievement on three levels: Technical Achievement Award (a certificate), Scientific and Engineering Award (a plaque), and the Academy Award of Merit (an Oscar statuette).

The 2008 Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills.

Interested individuals and companies that did not receive the initial mailing may submit applications online at http://scitech.oscars.org.

Further information may be obtained at the Web site or by contacting Miller’s office at (310) 247-3000, ext. 130, or via e-mail at scitech@oscars.org.

Oscar 2009: Academy Mails Entry Forms for Foreign Language Films

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present a weekend of public events and exhibitions focusing on the art and science of animation: "The Sound behind the Image II: Now Hear This!," "Normand Roger on The Animation Soundtrack," and "Frederic Back: A Life’s Drawings." The events will be held from Friday–Sunday, August 8–10, in Beverly Hills and Hollywood.

On August 8, "Now Hear This!," presented by the Academy’s Science and Technology Council, will examine the evolution of sound in animation throughout the decades. The program, hosted by Mark Mangini, will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

On August 10, the Academy will present "Normand Roger on The Animation Soundtrack" at 7:30 p.m. at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. The program will be moderated by Academy Award-nominated composer Michael Giacchino.

Also on August 10, the Academy will open a new exhibition, "Frederic Back: A Life’s Drawings" in the lobby of the Linwood Dunn Theater. The exhibition will showcase drawings, illustrations, and sketches by Frederic Back, who won Academy Awards for CRAC and THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES.

"Frederic Back: A Life’s Drawings" will have special viewing hours on August 10, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The exhibition will be open to the public through November 1 on Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m., and whenever Academy public programs are hosted at the Dunn Theater. Admission is free.

See also the Academy’s ongoing summer exhibition, "Ink & Paint: The Art of Hand-Drawn Animation."

Now Hear This!, Normand Roger, and Frederic Back images

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

The 15th Annual Slamdance Film Festival, which is scheduled to take place from January 15–23, 2009, in Park City, Utah, has launched its call for entries today. As per the festival’s press release, they’re "looking for short and feature film submissions in all genres" in addition to, for the first time, music video submissions. Entry forms, rules, and regulations are available on the Slamdance website. The early submission deadline is August 25, 2008; it includes a "significant" entry fee discount. The final submission deadline is October 10.

Slamdance 2009, presented by Kodak and Indie Road, will screen approximately 100 films. The film selections will be posted on the 2008 festival page in the second week of December.

As stated in its press release, "Slamdance serves as a showcase for the discovery of new and emerging talent and is dedicated to the nurturing and development of new filmmakers and their cinematic vision. The feature competition programs are reserved for first time directors working with limited budgets, thus enabling the Festival’s mission to give exposure to emerging filmmaking talent. Slamdance is programmed through a unique democratic method, just one of many elements that make Slamdance a pioneering standout among its festival counterparts. Every film is programmed by majority rule by a committee of filmmakers. Slamdance alumni are recruited to serve as programmers, so first-timers are represented and assisted by Slamdance veterans. The mantra of ‘by filmmakers, for filmmakers’ resounds at every level of the organization, and plays a part in all of its undertakings."

Slamdance also features writing competitions for screenplays, teleplays, and horror scripts; the Anarchy Online Short Film Competition; the Dirty Dozen Short Film DVD Series; and a $99 Special short film production project.

Among former Slamdancers are THE DARK KNIGHT director Christopher Nolan (’99 award-winner FOLLOWING) and Marc Forster (’96 Audience Award winner Loungers), the director of MONSTER’S BALL and FINDING NEVERLAND.

Slamdance Film Festival Awards 2008

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

Two of the Boys Shorts (DGA 1, 11:00 am), Benjamin M. Piety’s poetic THE LONELY LIGHTS. THE COLOR OF LEMONS and Benedict Campbell’s understated but quite moving LLOYD NECK are particularly worth watching. The screenings will be followed by a discussion with the shorts’ directors.

Also on Saturday, A Conversation With Donna Deitch (DGA 2, Noon), moderated by Kimberly Peirce (Deitch is the director of the 1986 lesbian romantic drama DESERT HEARTS), and Adrian Shergold’s CLAPHAM JUNCTION DGA 1, 4:00 pm), which stars James Wilby and Rupert Graves.

More info at the Outfest website.

BY ANDRE SOARES, LOS ANGELES, USA (CINEMA MINIMA)

Press Release from the Screen Actors Guild:

Submissions for the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® nominations open Monday, July 14, and continue until 5 p.m. (PST), Wednesday, Oct. 29, it was announced today by SAG Awards® Committee Chair Yale Summers.

Submissions can be accepted online at www.sagawards.org or submission forms can be obtained by calling the Screen Actors Guild Awards office at (323) 549-6707.

The Screen Actors Guild Award—The Actor®—is presented for outstanding performances in motion pictures and primetime television. Actors may submit their own performances from 2008 for consideration in categories of the actor’s choosing. With the actor’s permission, producers, studios/networks, agents, managers, or publicists may also submit performances for consideration. Nominations for the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008 at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

Of the top industry honors presented to performers, only the Screen Actors Guild Awards are selected entirely by actors’ peers. Recipients of the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be announced at ceremonies on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, simulcast from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center on TNT and TBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT and 6 p.m. MT.

The nominees for performances in 2008, including the distinctive ensemble awards and the year-old stunt ensemble honors, will be chosen by two separate film and television nominating panels, each comprised of 2,100 SAG members from across the United States, randomly selected each April. Nomination voting closes on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008. Final SAG Awards ballots will be mailed Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2008, to all eligible voting members of Screen Actors Guild, to be returned by Friday, Jan. 23, to the Guild’s election firm, where results will be sealed until they are opened onstage at the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Categories for submission are as follows:

Theatrical Motion Pictures
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Motion Picture

Primetime Broadcast and Cable Television Programs
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Stunt Ensemble Honors (recipients to be announced from the SAG Awards® red carpet on Sunday, Jan. 25).
Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series

Upcoming key deadlines and events leading to the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards are:

Monday, July 14, 2008
Submissions Open

Friday, September 19, 2008
Deadline for Nominating Committee Members to Make Address Changes

Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Media Nomination Announcement & Telecast Credential Applications Open
Publicists Nomination Announcement Credential Applications Open

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Submissions Close (Due at SAG by 5 pm, PT)

Friday, October 31, 2008
Media Nomination Announcement & Telecast Credential Applications Close
Publicists Nomination Announcement Credential Applications Close

Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Nominations Ballots Mailed

Monday December 15, 2008
Deadline for Paying November 2008 Dues and/or Changing Address with SAG to be Eligible for Final Balloting

Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Nomination Ballots Due at the Elections Firm by 12 Noon PT

Thursday, December 18, 2008
Nominations Announced at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood

Thursday, December 18, 2008
Records Pulled for Final Balloting

Thursday, December 18, 2008
Publicists Telecast Credential Applications Open

Friday, December 26, 2008
Final Ballots Mailed to Members

Monday, January 5, 2009
Publicists Telecast Credential Applications Close

Friday, January 23, 2009
Final Ballots Due at the Elections Firm by 12 Noon PT

Sunday, January 25, 2009
15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2008 winners

Keith Waterfield interviews filmmaker Rodger Grossman, whose feature-film debut, WHAT WE DO IS SECRET chronicles the short — but dramatic — life of The Germs‘ frontman Darby Crash, who killed himself at the age of 22.

WHAT WE DO IS SECRET was screened at Montreal’s Fantasia Film Festival, and is scheduled to open in select cities in the United States in August 2008.

WHAT WE DO IS SECRET review