Editor

The 13th Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) announced the film line-up for the 8-day event, which runs April 10-17, 2008. Executive Director Randi Emerman announced that 141 films will screen at this year’s event, including features, documentaries, shorts and student shorts from the U.S. and around the world. The 2008 Festival will introduce 12 World Premieres and 10 U.S. Premieres.

This year’s festival will play host to an ample amount of international filmmakers, producers, and actors. Filmmakers from Canada, China, England, Germany, Israel, Japan, and Morocco will be in attendance to represent and discuss their films. It will prove to be a showcase of the best films that independent cinema has to offer.

Opening night kicks off with Zak Penn’s “The Grand,” a comedy starring Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Cheryl Hines, Richard Kind, Ray Romano, Dennis Farina and more. In the tradition of improvisational comedies like Best In Show and This Is Spinal Tap, “The Grand” is set in the world of professional poker and follows six players who reach the final table of the world’s second most famous high stakes tournament, the Grand Championship of Poker. The film was improvised from a detailed treatment co-written by Zak Penn and Matt Bierman, who also served as executive producer.

Closing Night will feature with the inspirational comedy “Young@Heart,” directed by Stephen Walker. The film captures seven unforgettable weeks in the lives of the members of the Young@Heart Chorus, a group of spirited seniors based in Northampton, Massachusetts, who specialize in reinterpreting rock, punk and R&B classics from a unique perspective with their covers of songs by everyone from The Clash to Coldplay. Starting out as a lighthearted look at a quirky musical group, the film gains unexpected gravitas when two members of the chorus die within days of each other and the lyrics of the group’s repertoire take on powerful new significance. After almost two months of shooting, the Young@Heart Chorus delivers a triumphant performance that celebrates the joy of music and the lives of lost friends. The end result is an inspirational journey with a singular group of people who may be old in body, but refuse to grow old in spirit! The film won the Audience Award for Best International Feature at the LA Film Festival.

The annual PBIFF Awards Gala, a black-tie celebration which takes place at the Boca Raton Resort & Club on Saturday, April 12, will honor some of the great talents in the industry. Those who will be awarded this year for their contribution to filmmaking include actor Mickey Rooney, who will receive the Legend Award, and Academy Award-nominated director Jason Reitman (“Juno”) will receive the Visionary Award, both of whom were previously announced.

Added to the line-up, the Showmanship Award will be presented to Cheryl Hines, who has emerged as one of our foremost comedic actresses, having recently co-starred in such acclaimed films as “Waitress” and “Keeping Up With The Steins,” not to mention her long-time stint on HBO’s award-winning series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and will be making her directorial debut with “Serious Moonlight,” written by the late Adrienne Shelley. Receiving the Horizon Award is Josh Hutcherson, who will be seen this summer opposite Brendan Fraser in Eric Brevig’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D”) and is best known from his starring turn in “Bridge to Terabithia” and “Little Manhattan,” to name just a few. The Gala will be hosted once again by Tristan Rogers, back by popular demand!

Other special events and features include:

- In celebration of World Cinema, PBIFF will offer the following sidebars: A Salute to the Middle Eastern Rim, highlighting films from Israel as well as a special presentation of “Visions of Morocco,” programmed by the Jilil Laguili, General Secretary, Foundation of Marrakech International Film Festival.

- PBIFF also will present a sidebar of “Reels of Rhythm,” featuring music-themed films that cover a wide range of music from rock and disco to jazz, raggaeton and even polka…and more!

- On Sunday, April 13, will be a special presentation of a documentary film titled “The Invocation, directed by Emmanuel Itier, which is a quest to look for the notion of “God” around the world, in our daily life and through religion, spirituality, science, history, politics, philosophy and entertainment. The film presents interviews with various leaders in each field as well as the common people living in the many geographical areas visited, intertwined with footage from this inspirational voyage. The film will be screened at the Advent Lutheran Church and will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, along with a rabbi, pastor, Greek Orthodox priest and Veronica de Laurentiis, who appears in the film.

- With continuous diligent support to the future of film, the PBIFF will be holding seminars throughout the festival. They will touch on topics such as The Digital Frontier, Pitch It! With Conrad Bachmann; Film Production and Film Financing. And in true Palm Beach style, filmmakers will have a chance to attend the Poolside Chats where they will be able to discuss the industry’s hot topics.

-The Gardens Mall will be exhibiting “Cinematic Couture” which will feature more than 40 original period costumes worn by such stars as Kate Winslet, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Meryl Streep, Jonny Depp, and Elizabeth Taylor. Following the exhibit will be a World Premiere presentation of “Magic Flute Diaries” at Cobb Theatres with director Kevin Sullivan on hand for a Q&A afterwards. The film is a modern reworking of Mozart's classic Opera, which tells the story of a young American singer, obsessed with his mysterious co-star, in an elaborate musical spectacle set in Salzburg for the composer's 250th birthday

- The PBIFF is pleased to present the Family Film Fest on Saturday, April 12, featuring two films: First, at Noon is The Fly Boys, directed by Rocco DeVilliers and starring Jesse James, Reiley McClendon and Stephen Baldwin. Two boys from a small town find their courage tested when they accidentally stow away aboard an airplane owned by the mob. This will be followed by a screening of All Roads Lead Home, directed by Dennis Fallon and starring Peter Coyote, Jason London, Peter Boyle and Vivien Cardone. Twelve-year-old Belle’s rebellious behavior forces her father to send her to her grandfather’s farm to live. Belle learns that on a farm, it is the survival of the fittest.

- PBIFF will present the Student Showcase of Films honoring the student filmmakers and celebrating the artistic successes they have achieved in this field. The PBIFF is pleased to spotlight the talent of our youth and considers this investment in future filmmakers to be one of the most important features of the PBIFF.

- And, of course, the ever-popular Weekend of Shorts and the Voices of Local Films.

Screenings of this year’s films will be centered primarily at Sunrise Cinemas, Mizner Park in Boca Raton, with special presentations throughout the county.

Platinum passes are available for $1,000, which includes unlimited admission to all films, parties and the Black tie Awards Gala; Premiere passes are available for $500, which provides admission to all films and select parties; Gold passes are available for $150, which includes unlimited admission to all films with the exception of opening and closing nights; Daytimers passes are available for only $85, which allows patrons to see unlimited films before 6pm; and a student pass is $25 with valid student ID, which allows students to see all films after 9pm for free. Tickets for all movies are regular theatre admission (may differ by theatre) and can be purchased at each theater’s box office, or in advance at www.pbifilmfest.org, www.ticketweb.org.

The Palm Beach International Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization supporting film programs in local schools and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of future filmmakers by helping them fulfill their dreams to one-day work in the world of film. For more information, please call (561) 362-0003 or visit the festival web site at www.pbifilmfest.org.

13TH PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
FILM LINE-UP


FEATURES

305, USA – World Premiere
Director: Daniel and David Holechek
Starring: Tim Larson, David Schultz, Brandon Tyra, Sunny Peabody and Ed Portillo
Synopsis: Based on the online smash hit, '305' is a mockumentary detailing the misadventures of five not-so-brave members of the Spartan army charged with guarding a seemingly ordinary goat path. But when their actions lead to the death of King Leonidas and his army of 300 men, the five must find a way to redeem themselves and save Sparta from invasion. Cast and directors will attend.

All Roads Lead Home, USA - Florida Premiere
Director: Dennis M. Fallon
Starring: Peter Coyote, Jason London, Vivien Cardone, Peter Boyle
Synopsis: 12 year old Belle loses her mother in an automobile accident. Her father Cody (Jason London) struggles to raise his daughter. Her rebellious behavior forces Cody to send Belle to her grandfather's (Peter Coyote) farm to live with him. Belle learns that on a farm, it is survival of the fittest, but she cannot handle the thought of an animal (or any life for that matter) not being worth saving unless it's useful. Is she useful? Belle soon becomes the savior of all living things. An old thoroughbred race horse and Atticus the dog change Belle's life, and in turn Belle changes the loves of those who love her. Like the films' title, various sub-plots all led back to a single conclusion, and nature has a way of providing the direction. A single truth about family, love, precious life and the detours along the way that can and do lead us to a better place, eventually leading us back home. Director D. Fallon and Vivien Cardone will attend.

American East, USA
Director: Hesham Issawi
Starring: Tony Shalhoub, Sayed Badreya, Sarah Shahi, Kais Nashif, Anthony Aziz
Synopsis: "American East" is a timely, poignant drama about Arab-Americans living in post-9/11 Los Angeles. The story examines long-held misunderstanding about Arabic and Islamic culture, and puts a human face on a segment of the U.S. population whom most Americans know nothing about, but who today are of particular interest to them, either from curiosity or suspicion. The story highlights the pressures under which many Arab-Americans now live by focusing on the points-of-view of three main characters.

Animals with the Tollkeeper, USA - World Premiere*
Director: Michael Di Jiacomo
Starring: Tim Roth, John Turturro, Mickey Rooney, Rod Steiger, Mili Avital, Barbara Bain
Synopsis: A lush, romantic fantasy of simpler times, starring Tim Roth as a broken dreamer who finds new meaning in the pursuit of an elusive love (Mili Avital) after a trio of elderly French documentary filmmakers hijack his Checker cab to drive from New York to South Carolina. Praised as intelligent, sensitive, wise, artistic, funny and weird, Animals captures the story of three wayward souls guiding one man’s search for happiness and love. *Originally made in 1998, re-mastered version. Filmmakers attending

Crazy, USA - East Coast Premiere
Director: Rick Bieber
Starring: Ali Larter, Lane Garrison, Waylon Payne
Synopsis: Crazy is inspired by the life of the legendary guitar player, Hank Garland. As a result of his often conflictive experience with the Nashville Mob of the 50's and his tempestuous relationship with his wife, Hank barely survived a near-fatal car crash only to be subjected to electro-shock treatments which tragically ended his playing career at the age of 31. Director and Lane Garrison attending

Doughboys, USA - Florida Premiere
Director: Louis Lombardi
Starring: Andrew Keegan, Louis Lombardi, Vincent Pastore
Synopsis: Doughboys is a slice of life drama that serves up the story of Lou (Louis Lombardi) and Frank Conti (Gaetano Iacono), two Bronx brothers running the family bakery. Passed down to them from their father (Vincent Pastore), the brothers have the responsibility of preserving the pride of Conti's famous reputation. When situations in their personal lives threaten to destroy what generations of Conti's have developed, the boys must learn to appreciate the shops legacy and the true value of family.

Foreign Devils, USA - World Premiere
Director: Avery Pack
Synopsis: Just when Nate thinks he's leaving his job in Beijing for business school in the U.S., his deal falls apart and his admission in jeopardy. His friends, the self-proclaimed China expert, Zach, and the privileged restaurateur, Tian, put their self-interest aside to help. Meanwhile Tian, a Beijing local, pleads to his politically connected father to spare his brand new restaurant, prematurely scheduled by the city for demolition. Tian's father, uneasy with his son's modern values, offers no help. The stress of this final day tears the friends apart as Nate struggles to figure out Beijing business, Zach's hidden insecurities are laid bare, and Tian wrestles with his troubles. Zach and Nate finally get the thrill they've been looking for as they steal a Beijing cab and race to their goodbye party at their friend's doomed restaurant. Filmmaker attending

Fugitive Pieces, USA
Director: Jeremy Podeswa
Starring: Rade Serbedzija, Rosamund Pike
Synopsis: The story of Jakob Beer, a man whose life is haunted by his childhood experiences during WWII. As a child in Poland he is orphaned during wartime then saved by a compassionate Greek archaeologist. Over the course of his life, he attempts to deal with the losses he has endured. Through his writing, and then through the discovery of true love, Jakob is ultimately freed from the legacy of his past. Based on the best-selling novel by award-winning writer Anne Michaels.

Goodbye Baby, USA – East Coast Premiere
Director: Daniel Schechter
Cast: Christine Evangelista, Kevin Corrigan, Jerry Adler, Alan Ruck, Michael Mosley
Synopsis: The story of a bright beautiful young woman pursuing her dream of becoming a stand-up comic in New York City’s legendary and unforgiving comedy club scene. Recently
graduated from an affluent high school and faced with the daunting prospect of paying her own way through college, Melissa watches her rich friends head off to Ivy league schools to become
doctors and lawyers. Not able to afford their path, she chooses instead to spend the summer after her senior year with her brother Robbie (Ivan Sandomire) and his boyfriend Miller (Kane
Manera). It’s not long after she’s moved into their SoHo apartment that Melissa falls in love with the vitality of New York life and a certain resident in particular named Kevin (Michael Mosley).
Melissa soon finds work at Perlman’s comedy club where the owner (Jerry Adler), a veteran comic himself, takes her under his wing. Over the coming days and weeks, Melissa hones her act
while she waits tables, watching and learning from other professional comics including Donell Rawlings (Chapelle Show), Kevin Corrigan (The Departed, Sick in the Head) and Sal the
Stockbroker (Howard Stern). After a while, with the help of her eclectic group of downtown friends, she finds the bravery and tenacity to take the stage herself. But this is only the “first
stage” in her journey to success and happiness and before she can embrace her future she must first face her past.

Goodbye Mothers, Morocco - Florida Premiere
Director: Mohamed Ismail
Synopsis: 1960 is marked by waves of Jewish immigrants leaving in large numbers, influenced by Israeli immigration services. The story relates the solid bonds between two families, one Jewish, the other Muslim. Destiny will cruelly separate one family, leaving a noble mission to accomplish for the other. Filmmakers attending

Greetings from the Shore, USA
Director: Greg Chwerchak
Starring: David Fumero, Kim Shaw, Paul Sorvino
Synopsis: A classic coming-of-age tale of love, loss and pirates.

Hank and Mike, Canada - U.S. Premiere
Director: Matthiew Klinck
Country of Origin: Canada
Starring: Chris Klein, Joe Mantegna, Maggie Castle, Paolo Macini, Thomas Michael
Synopsis: When two Easter Bunnies are fired from their jobs, they try at several other occupations, failing at each. Their lives quickly spiral into chaos, until they realize that their only hope is to get their old jobs back, which they attempt to do with hilarious results. Filmmaker attending

Home of the Giants
Director: Rusty Gorman
Starring: Haley Joel Osment, Ryan Merriman, Danielle Panabaker, Kenneth Mitchell, Brent Briscoe
Synopsis: Home of the Giants is a classic tale of friendship and basketball seen through the eyes of Robert “Gar” Garland, an aspiring journalist in his junior year of high school in the small town of Marion. Gar’s story depicts the thrill and intensity of high school championship basketball in the Midwest, where basketball is not simply another varsity sport but rather a way of life. After Gar participates in a botched theft at the urging of his best friend, Matt Dunbar, who is the team’s star player, Gar must question his beliefs about friendship, basketball and life. Along the way, Gar’s love interest, Bridget, helps him figure out what’s important. Filmmakers attending

Hotel Very Welcome, Germany - East Coast Premiere
Director: Sonja Heiss
Synopsis: Tells the story of 5 western travelers wandering through India and Thailand in search of themselves, a connection flight, ecstasy, total distraction, or just a good time. Struggling with themselves or being incapable of escaping from problems they thought they'd left behind, they travel encumbered through Asia.

Islamour, Morocco – US Premiere
Director: Chraibi Saad
Synopsis: Through the eyes of a Moroccan-American family and having lived 25 years in the USA until their forced departure due to the events of September 11, the return to their native land is raises the issue of the Occidental judgment over the Arabic-Muslim culture. Meanwhile, two family generations drift between modernism and conservativism and between unity and fracture.

Keith, USA – US Premiere
Director: Todd Kessler
Starring: Jesse McCartney, Elisabeth Harnios, Jennifer Grey
Synopsis: Natalie has it all: yearbook editor, scholarship to college, star athlete, reigning social queen. Then Keith enters her life. Secretive and enigmatic, he slowly lures her from her comfort zone. The more Keith holds back, the more Natalie becomes intrigued with figuring him out. In her head, she’s determined to keep him at arm’s length, but in her heart she can’t resist him. As Natalie’s world slowly unravels, both their lives are changed forever in this powerful love story. Director attending.

Kings, Ireland – Florida Premiere
Director: Tom Collins
Starring: Colm Meaney
Synopsis: In the mid 1970s, a group of six young men left their homes in the West of Ireland, took the boat out of Dublin Bay and sailed across the sea to England in the hope of making their fortunes and returning home. Thirty years later only one, Jackie Flavin, makes it home – but does so in a coffin. Jackie’s five friends reunite at his wake where they are forced to face up to the reality of their alienation as long term emigrants who have no longer have any real place to call home.

Language of The Enemy, USA/Israel
Director: Mitch Davis
Starring: Eion Bailey, Linda Hardy, F. Murray Abraham, Tovah Feldshuh
Synopsis: An American Jewish businessman travels to Israel for the funeral of his father, who has been killed in a bus bombing. While there, he is persuaded to do a brief reconnaissance for the Israeli Secret Service inside the city of Ramallah. However, the assignment goes awry and he finds himself trapped behind enemy lines with a mysterious, beautiful Palestinian woman. As he fights to save his life, he is forced to re-examine his own world view, as well as those of the woman. Filmmaker attending

Les Jardins de Samira, Morocco
Director: Latif Lahlou
Starring: Sanaa Mouziane, Mohamed Khouyi, Youssef Britel, Mohamed Majid
Synopsis: Samira only lives to find a husband. Following her marriage to a widowed and childless farmer, Samira discovers that her husband is impotent and that he married her to keep up with social conventions. When the lack of affection and sexual interest from her husband become unbearable, Samira turns to her young nephew Farouk. Samira’s situation worsens once the affair is discovered. Filmmaker attending

Magic Flute Diaries, Canada - World Premiere
Director: Kevin Sullivan
Starring: Warren Christie, Rutger Hauer
Synopsis: A modern reworking of Mozart's classic Opera tells the story of a young, American singer, obsessed with his mysterious co-star, in an elaborate musical spectacle set in Salzburg for the composer's 250th birthday. Filmmaker and cast attending.

Niñas Mal, Mexico
Director: Fernando Sariñana
Starring: Martha Higareda
Synopsis: "Niñas Mal" is full of exploding emotions, which seek to reflect the overwhelming ideas and feelings of today's youth. The viewer will be drawn to the anachronism of schools for girls that seek to instill conservative femininity in 2007 Mexico where good girls are thinking more about how to have safe sex than how to sew a button. The characters are involved in funny situations that reveal their personalities and rebellion from what adults have established.

Noodle, Israel
Director: Ayelet Menahemi
Synopsis: At thirty-seven, Miri is a twice-widowed, El Al flight attendant. Her well-regulated existence is suddenly turned upside down by an abandoned Chinese boy whose migrant-worker mother has been summarily deported from Israel. The film is a touching comic-drama in which two human beings -- as different from each other as Tel Aviv is from Beijing -- accompany each other on a remarkable journey, one that takes them both back to a meaningful life.

Oud Al Ward (The Lost Beauty) - U.S. Premiere
Director: Lahcen Zinoun
Country of Origin: Morrocco
Synopsis: Kidnapped, then sold like some animal by ruthless slave traders, Oud L'ward, a shy and introverted young girl, is now doomed to the existence of being a slave.

Remarkable Power!, USA – East Coast Premiere
Director: Brandon Beckner
Starring: Evan Peters, Kevin Nealon, Kip Pardue, Nora Zehetner, Tom Arnold
Synopsis: A late night talk show host concocts an elaborate scheme to save his cancelled show entangling an eclectic collection of Tinseltowners in the process. Filmmaker and Tom Arnold attending

Roman de Gare, France
Director: Claude Lelouch
Starring: Fanny Ardant, Dominique Pinon, Audrey Dana
Synopsis: In the still of the night, three lives are about to cross… a woman abandoned, a stranger awaiting his chance, and a best-selling author who imagines the thriller of the year. Deceptively layered and intriguingly misleading, this highly anticipated new film from Oscar-winning director Claude Lelouch (A Man and a Woman) stars Dominique Pinon and Fanny Ardant as an unlikely pair caught up in a game with high stakes - and deadly consequences.

Rosso Come Il Cielo (Red like the Sky), Italy
Director: Cristiano Bortone
Synopsis: Tuscany. 1970. Mirco is a ten year old boy in love with cinema. Following an accident he loses sight. The Italian law of the time considered blind kids handicapped and still did not allow them into public schools. His parents are thus forced to put him in a blind children’s institution. But, when Mirco finds an old tape recorder, he discovers that he is able to create little fairy tales made only of sounds. The conservative institution tries to stop him, but he continues his hobby in every way slowly involving all the other bind kids and helping them to re-discover their potential and their dreams.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, USA – Special Presentation
Director: Richard Thorpe
Starring: Mickey Rooney
Conversation with Mickey Rooney following the screening.

The Flock, USA
Director: Wai-Keung Lau
Starring: Richard Gere, Claire Danes, KaDee Strickland, Ray Wise, Avril Lavigne
Synopsis: THE FLOCK is the story of hyper-vigilant federal agent (Gere) who, while training his young female replacement (Danes), must track down a missing girl whom he is convinced is connected to a paroled sex offender he's investigating. Working against the clock they unravel the twisted details to track the potential killer. Filmmaker attending

The Flyboys, USA
Director: Rocco DeVilliers
Starring: Jesse James, Reiley McClendon, Stephen Baldwin
Synopsis: Two boys from a small town find their courage tested when they accidentally stow away aboard an airplane owned by the mob. Filmmaker attending

The Grand, USA – Opening Night
Director: Zak Penn
Starring Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Cheryl Hines, Richard Kind, Ray Romano, Dennis Farina
Synopsis: In the tradition of improvisational comedies like Best In Show and This Is Spinal Tap, “The Grand” is set in the world of professional poker and follows six players who reach the final table of the world’s second most famous high stakes tournament, the Grand Championship of Poker. The film was improvised from a detailed treatment co-written by Zak Penn and Matt Bierman, who also served as executive producer.

The Little Traitor, Israel
Director: Lynn Roth
Starring: Alfred Molina
Synopsis: Based on the novel “Panther in the Basement” by the world-renowned author, Amos Oz, the movie takes place in Palestine in 1947, just a few months before Israel becomes a state. Proffy Liebowitz, a militant yet sensitive eleven year old wants nothing more than for the occupying British to get the hell out of his land. Proffy and his two friends spend most of their time plotting ways to terrorize and/or blow up the British until one evening, while he’s out after curfew, Proffy is seized by Sergeant Dunlop, a British officer. Instead of arresting him, he deposits him back home-but what ensues in the weeks to come is a friendship between these two foes. Proffy looks to Dunlop as a father figure as his own father is cold and remote. Dunlop, lonely and poetic, loves the spirited boy and they find lost to talk about in their meetings which Proffy must keep a secret from his friends and family. When Proffy’s friends follow him one day and see that he has been visiting the detested enemy, they report him to town officials and Proffy is brought to “trial” for being a traitor. He is eventually found innocent but these experiences shape him for life…especially the shock that he could have such genuine affection for the enemy. Filmmaker attending

The Run, United Kingdom - US Premiere
Director: Tania Meneguzzi
Synopsis: Some people will never know what they have lost until they risk everything they have. For most drug mules, once is enough, for Amanda and Rowly it is just the beginning, until the consequences they face are far worse than the fear of imprisonment.

The Stone Angel, Canada – Florida Premiere
Director: Kari Skogland
Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Ellen Page, Cole Hauser, Kevin Zegers, Dylan Baker
Synopsis: Hagar Shipley, a proud and irascible nonagenarian, retreats in the face of her approaching death and the bitter squabbling of her son and his wife to reflect on her past. A bloody minded and independent woman to the end, she embarks on a final wild escapade.

Young@Heart, USA – Closing Night
Director: Stephen Walker.
The film captures seven unforgettable weeks in the lives of the members of the Young@Heart Chorus, a group of spirited seniors based in Northampton, Massachusetts, who specialize in reinterpreting rock, punk and R&B classics from a unique perspective with their covers of songs by everyone from The Clash to Coldplay. Starting out as a lighthearted look at a quirky musical group, the film gains unexpected gravitas when two members of the chorus die within days of each other and the lyrics of the group’s repertoire take on powerful new significance. After almost two months of shooting, the Young@Heart Chorus delivers a triumphant performance that celebrates the joy of music and the lives of lost friends. The end result is an inspirational journey with a singular group of people who may be old in body, but refuse to grow old in spirit! The film won the Audience Award for Best International Feature at the LA Film Festival.

Waiting for Pasolini, Morocco - U.S. Premiere
Director: Daoud Aoulad-Syad
Synopsis: Thami repairs television sets and works as a extra in foreign productions movies shot in his village near Ouarzazate. In 1966, Thami had made friends with Pasolini during the shooting of "Oedipes Rex". He was nineteen back then and everyone in the village had benefited from this incredible economic opportunity. Forty years later, an Italian crew comes to Ouarzazate to prepare for the shooting of a motion picture based on the Bible.Thami believes that his friend Pasolini is back and sets high hopes among his fellow villagers. Thami becomes an important member of the community. Daoudi, a former extra and friend of Thami is working with the Italian crew. Daoudi who has worked with Thami on the shooting of "Oedipes Rex" reveals to Thami that Pasolini died long ago. But in Thami's heart, Pasolini is still alive. One day, the villagers happen to know about Pasolini's death... Filmmaker attending

Yoriko, Japan - US Premiere
Director: Kazuto Tanaki
Synopsis: Satoru is a young writer, struggling to find “spirit” in his work. One day, he encounters a beautiful woman on the beach who calls herself Yoriko. Satoru falls in love with her and his love for her motivates his writing. He doesn’t realize that Yoriko’s anxiety is increasing as he writes. He is just about the complete his story, then… Filmmaker attending


DOCUMENTARIES

A Hebrew Lesson, Israel
Director: David Ofek
Synopsis: Chin, Sasha and Marisol, all immigrants to Israel, meeting a Hebrew language Ulpan. The immense effort of learning a new language is revealed through their encounter with a strange culture and an unfamiliar environment. Israeli society is revealed through the foreigner’s eyes. Beyond the obvious differences, the human common denominator of longing and love triumphs time and again. Filmmaker attending

A Rock & A Hard Place, USA - World Premiere
Director: Aaron Wells
Starring: Johnny Depp (of The Kids), Coz Chandler (of The Romantics)
Synopsis: In the late seventies and early eighties, South Florida boasted one of the most explosive and original rock scenes in the country. New Wave, Punk and other experimental genres were finding a ready audience, and were changing the shape of rock music forever. And yet, South Florida's prominence in the underground scene remains one of the area's best kept secrets. "A Rock and A Hard Place" examines the rise and fall of one of the most remarkable eras in South Florida music. Filmmaker attending.

All of Us, USA - Florida Premiere
Director: Emily Abt
Synopsis: A young doctor becomes a passionate activist as her research reveals that gender inequity is the cause of spiking HIV/AIDS rates among black women.

Apology of an Economic Hitman, Greece/USA/UK/Ecuador - World Premiere
Director: Stelios Kouloglou
Synopsis: In front of an angry audience somewhere in Latin America, a North American discloses the secret network that used the World Bank, payoffs, extortion, sex, military coups and political assassinations to create the American empire. The definitive answer to President Bush's question: "Why do they hate us?" Filmmaker attending

Begging Naked, USA - Florida Premiere
Director: Karen Gehres
Synopsis: Against an unforgiving backdrop of homelessness and madness, Begging Naked shows the endurance of the human spirit at its most extreme. Filmmaker attending.

Children of the Sun, Israel - Florida Premiere
Director: Ran Tal
Synopsis: Children of the first kibbutzim in Israel were born in the early 20th century to