http://www.filmfestivals.com/ ---lang_text--- Copyright (c) 1995-2002, Filmfestivals Entertainment Group Jun 25 2009 12:00AM News People The famous French film and theater actress will accept a Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema at the 44th Karlovy Vary IFF.
One of the most accomplished personalities of European film and the holder of more than 30 acting awards will be present at the premiere screening of the French competition film in which she stars: Villa Amalia by director Benoît Jacquot. In addition, festival viewers will have an opportunity to see an example of Isabelle Huppert's acting mastery in the intimist drama Gabrielle, to be presented as part of the Tribute to Patrice Chéreau. The famous French film and theater actress will accept a Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema at the 44th Karlovy Vary IFF.
One of the most accomplished personalities of European film and the holder of more than 30 acting awards will be present at the premiere screening of the French competition film in which she stars: Villa Amalia by director Benoît Jacquot. In addition, festival viewers will have an opportunity to see an example of Isabelle Huppert's acting mastery in the intimist drama Gabrielle, to be presented as part of the Tribute to Patrice Chéreau.

Film and theater actor, director, and producer Antonio Banderas will be a guest at the 44th Karlovy Vary IFF, where he will accept the Festival President's Award.

Antonio Banderas was born in Málaga, Spain. He wanted to become a professional soccer player but after being injured he decided on an acting career. He graduated from the School of Dramatic Art in his hometown, then moved to Madrid at age 19 and joined the National Theater of Spain, where he worked until 1986. He became one of director Pedro Almodóvar's key actors, shining in the films Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Mujeres al Borde de un Ataque de Nervios, 1988) and Tie Me up! Tie Me down! (Atame!, 1990). Such films aided him in getting his first English-speaking film role, as a Cuban musician in The Mambo Kings (dir. Arne Glimcher).
Hollywood soon cast him in films by renowned directors, such as The House of the Spirits (dir. Bille August), Interview with the Vampire (dir. Neil Jordan), and Philadelphia (dir. Jonathan Demme), in which he played the partner of the main character portrayed by Tom Hanks. His first "American" starring role came from Robert Rodriguez in the cult action romance movie Desperado. His part in the musical Evita (dir. Alan Parker) earned him his first Golden Globe nomination. In 1998 he appeared alongside Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the box office hit The Mask of Zorro (dir. Martin Campbell), and was once again nominated for a Golden Globe. Audience success led to a reprise role as the legendary outlaw in 2005. A part in the made-for-TV movie And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself (dir. Bruce Beresford) brought him his third Golden Globe nomination and an Emmy Award. Successful cooperation between Antonio Banderas and director Robert Rodriguez continued with the comedy Four Rooms (1995), the action comedy trilogy Spy Kids (2001-03), and a loose continuation of the famed Desperado entitled Once Upon a Time in Mexico. He has also earned acclaim for lending his voice to the animated character Puss in Boots in the successful Shrek series.
He will next star in The Untitled Woody Allen Project as part of an all star cast which also includes Naomi Watts, Anthony Hopkins, Josh Brolin and Freida Pinto.
As a director he debuted in 1999 with the black comedy Crazy in Alabama, screened in the competition at the Venice IFF, in which he entrusted the lead to his wife, actress Melanie Griffith. In addition to directing, he also produces for Green Moon, a production company he owns with his wife. At the 44th Karlovy Vary IFF Antonio Banderas will present his directorial work Summer Rain (El camino de los ingleses), which took the Europa Cinemas Label Award at the 2007 Berlinale.


Isabelle Huppert http://www.filmfestivals.com/cannes/2001/pix/ambiance/isabelle_huppert.jpg Jun 16 2009 12:00AM News People The U.S. actor Matt Dillon will be an honorary citizen of Forio d'Ischia from next July 13, day two of the Ischia Global Film & Music fest 2009 in which the artist will participate again after having withdrawn the Global Award in 2008. To announce the news is the mayor of Forio, Franco Regine, who will deliver the honors Dinnon keys to the city during the Gala which will be set up in Piazza del Soccorso. The event attended by many international stars including the director who directed the film "Crash" Paul Haggis (who received the same recognition in 2007) and Zucchero which during the same evening, will be awarded the Global Music Award. The U.S. actor Matt Dillon will be an honorary citizen of Forio d'Ischia from next July 13, day two of the Ischia Global Film & Music fest 2009 in which the artist will participate again after having received the Global Award in 2008. To announce the news is the mayor of Forio, Franco Regine, who will deliver the honors Dinnon keys to the city during the Gala which will be set up in Piazza del Soccorso. The event attended by many international stars including the director who directed the film "Crash" Paul Haggis (who received the same recognition in 2007) and Zucchero which during the same evening, will be awarded the Global Music Award.

"I love a lot of Italy and the Island of Ischia - Dillon said withdrawing the Legend Award in the last edition of the festival produced by Pascal Vicedomini - Southern Italy is a magical place and I would be happy if a director, I propose a Neapolitan script. Usually in the film festival can be seen in cold rooms and closed, but Ischia Global is different. Here the atmosphere is really only to discover that my film was shown on a screen on the sea was fantastic.''And so, after exactly one year Ischia returns the affection of the star, currently busy with Charlotte Rampling in the shooting of the film Rio Sex Comedy, directed by Jonathan Nossiter. In post-production is the Takers film, directed by John Luessenhop.

Dillon has recently played in the Armored Nimród Antal alongside Jean Reno, leaving the U.S. in September. In November 2009 is expected on the screens with Old dogs Walt Becker with John Travolta and Robin Williams. Dillon last film was Nothing But the Truth for Rod Lurie, announced by him last Global fest, with Kate Beckinsale and Angela Bassett Dillon found that 'on the island green. Recently took part in the documentary 'In Search of Ted Demme', in memory of the deceased director.

The Ischia Global Fest is sponsored by the Provincial Tourism in Naples and by the Ischia International Arts with the support of the European Union, of the Tourist Board and Beni Culturali Regione Campania, DG Cinema of the Cultural Heritage Ministry and the contribution of Caffè Kimbo, Fiuggi Mineral Water and the Venice Casino with Bnl-Paribas, Cinecittà-Luce Spa, Medmar and Chamber of Commerce of Naples. Matt Dillon http://www.filmfestivals.com/pixus/festivals/generic/dillon.jpg May 21 2009 12:00AM News People Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) Managing Director Ginnie Atkinson and Artistic Director Hannah McGill, today announced some of the expected guests at this year's Festival as well as the film line-up for the Festival's free outdoor screenings, FILM FESTIVAL UNDER THE STARS, in association with Homecoming Scotland.

Returning to Scotland in 2009 are expected guests including: Alan Cumming, Alfonso Cuarón, Andrea Arnold, Anthony Dod Mantle, Bill Forsyth, Brenda Blethyn, Darren Aronofsky, Ewen Bremner, Ian Hart, Jaime Winstone, Paddy Considine, Robin Wright-Penn, Roger Corman, Sam Mendes and Shane Meadows, as well as Festival Patrons Sir Sean Connery and Seamus McGarvey, all of whom have been to Edinburgh in previous years. Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) Managing Director Ginnie Atkinson and Artistic Director Hannah McGill, today announced some of the expected guests at this year's Festival as well as the film line-up for the Festival's free outdoor screenings, FILM FESTIVAL UNDER THE STARS, in association with Homecoming Scotland.

Returning to Scotland in 2009 are expected guests including: Alan Cumming, Alfonso Cuarón, Andrea Arnold, Anthony Dod Mantle, Bill Forsyth, Brenda Blethyn, Darren Aronofsky, Ewen Bremner, Ian Hart, Jaime Winstone, Paddy Considine, Robin Wright-Penn, Roger Corman, Sam Mendes and Shane Meadows, as well as Festival Patrons Sir Sean Connery and Seamus McGarvey, all of whom have been to Edinburgh in previous years.

The Festival will also be welcoming new faces including: Carlos Cuarón, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Guy Pearce, Hugh Dancy, Jesse Eisenberg, Joe Dante, John Krasinski, Kathryn Bigelow, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Maya Rudolph, Meera Syal, Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Miller, Rose Byrne, Sharmila Tagore, William H. Macy and Yolande Moreau. Additional guests expected on the red carpet include: Claire Danes, Emily Blunt, Kate Winslet, Peter Saarsgard and Paul Thomas Anderson.

Recognising the work of the Scottish Festival's Patrons Sir Sean Connery, Tilda Swinton, Robert Carlyle and Seamus McGarvey, 2009's FILM FESTIVAL UNDER THE STARS will screen: INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE; THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA; STONE OF DESTINY and CHARLOTTE'S WEB, representing family films from each of the Patron's careers to date.

Ginnie Atkinson, Managing Director, said, "Film Festival Under the Stars is a free annual event that aims to introduce the EIFF to new audiences. A fun event for cinema fans of all ages, and in celebration of Homecoming Scotland, the Festival is proud to present a selection of work from its four Patrons. We are also delighted to have so many international filmmakers and actors attending the Festival this year."

FILM FESTIVAL UNDER THE STARS is part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations at the EIFF where 2009 sees a 10-month long programme of events celebrating Scotland and its contribution to the world stage. The Festival is hosting a string of Homecoming events including a celebration for returning EIFF alumni to be attended by Sir Sean Connery; a Focus on Peter McDougall and John Mackenzie, and a 15th Anniversary Digital restoration screening of Danny Boyle's SHALLOW GRAVE, which was first premiered at the EIFF in 1994. Cast member Kerry Fox and producer Andrew McDonald will both be returning to Scotland for the special anniversary screening.

The al-fresco screenings have traditionally been held at The Mound but this year will relocate to The Grassmarket as part of the joint initiative between Scottish Enterprise and The City of Edinburgh Council to enhance the historic market square. Homecoming's FILM FESTIVAL UNDER THE STARS takes place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June and is free entry to all.

Marie Christie Director of Homecoming Scotland commented, "The year of Homecoming aims to celebrate many of Scotland's great contributions to the world and reconnect Scotland with the millions of people around the world who have an ancestral link or love for our country. The Edinburgh International Film Festival is an established element of Scotland's world-class events portfolio and we are delighted the Festival has taken the opportunity to partner with Homecoming."

Images for the EIFF can be downloaded at www.edfilmfest.org.uk/press

The Edinburgh International Film Festival 17 - 28 June 2009
Industry and Press Accreditation is now open at www.edfilmfest.org.uk
The full EIFF programme is now available in print or online at www.edfilmfest.org.uk

Join our e-list to receive news and info about EIFF 2009 here: www.edfilmfest.org.uk/register

To download the PDF 2009 EIFF Brochure please click on the link below or visit
http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/about-the-festival


Box office is now open, tickets available either online at www.edfilmfest.org.uk or from the credit card hotline: 0131 623 8030 Sean Connery http://www.filmfestivals.com/pixus/festivals/generic/SEANCONNERY.gif May 18 2009 12:00AM News People Sting, the music icon who has won multiple Grammy Awards and nominations, three Academy Award® nominations and one Golden Globe, will be honored with the coveted Ischia William Walton Music Legend Award in recognition of his lifetime achievements as a singer, actor and activist, it was announced here today. Past recipients include Burt Bacharach, Harry Belafonte, Luciano Pavarotti, Sheryl Crow, Gustavo Santaolalla and Andrea Bocelli. Sting, the music icon who has won multiple Grammy Awards and nominations, three Academy Award® nominations and one Golden Globe, will be honored with the coveted Ischia William Walton Music Legend Award in recognition of his lifetime achievements as a singer, actor and activist, it was announced here today. Past recipients include Burt Bacharach, Harry Belafonte, Luciano Pavarotti, Sheryl Crow, Gustavo Santaolalla and Andrea Bocelli.
Former front man for The Police, Sting is known for his high-pitched, raspy voice and is considered one of the most literate songwriters and musicians in the world.
This special award will be presented to Sting at the Regina Isabella Resort in Ischia, Italy on Sunday July 12th, during the opening night Gala of the Seventh Annual Ischia Global Film & Music Fest. Lady Susan Walton, along with Global Fest Chairman, the Academy Award®-winning writer and director Paul Haggis, the famous Italian music producer Tony Renis and the minister of Tourism and Cultural Assets - Campania Region will present the Award in behalf of the Ischia International Arts Academy.
Earlier that day, Sting and his wife Trudie Styler will be visiting the famous Garden de la Mortella, the long time Ischia residence of Sir William Walton, the legendary English composer and musician, where many members of the English royal family have been guests of Sir William and Lady Walton.
At a press conference here today at the Italian Pavilion on the Croisette, Pascal Vicedomini, founder and producer of the Festival said: "While this Prize honors the immortal genius of Sir William, it concurrently pays homage to the immense talent of Sting, a musical genius and a wonderful human being, whose diverse interests range from the magical dimension of his music to helping save the Brazilian Rainforests through the Rainforest Foundation which he and his wife Trudie established in 1989."
"We are thrilled that he will be with us in Ischia to accept this award, and are delighted to further announce that two documentaries in which he is featured - All This Time (2001) and The Journey & The Labyrinth (2006)- will be shown as part of the Festival's homage to this great entertainer," Vicedomini added.
All This Time (by Jim Gable), which won two Primetime Emmy's plus four additional Emmy nominations, features a behind the scenes and on-stage look at Sting in Italy performing more than a dozen favorites from every phase of his lengthy career including Don't Stand So Close to Me," "Every Breath You Take," and "Fragile."
The Journey & The Labyrinth features Sting and world-renowned lutenist Edin Karamazov performing the music of Elizabethan composer John Dowland. The film magically interweaves captivating performances, interviews, historical information and readings of Dowland's personal correspondence that serve as a soundtrack to the Elizabethan composer's life. It also includes live material from St. Luke's Church in London where Sting performed selections from his acclaimed album "Songs From The Labyrinth" as well as adaptations of several of his most recognizable hits.
The non-profit Ischia International Arts Academy co-produces the Global Film & Music Fest with the Naples (Italy) Board of Tourism with the special support of the European Union, the Campania Region Board of Tourism and Cultural Assets and the D.G. Cinema - Italian Ministry of Culture.

Sting http://www.filmfestivals.com/pixus/festivals/generic/test.gif