It's been nearly five years since Todd Solondz, one of American independent cinema's most respected (and controversial) auteurs, has been seen at a film festival. His last film PALINDROMES (2004) premiered at the Venice Film Festival but was roundly hissed by most film critics and its subsequent release was very anemic. After his earlier successes, including his debut WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (1995), the heartfelt and uncomfortably intimate HAPPINESS (1998) and the less well receive...

It's been nearly five years since Todd Solondz, one of American independent cinema's most respected (and controversial) auteurs, has been seen at a film festival. His last film PALINDROMES (2004) premiered at the Venice Film Festival but was roundly hissed by most film critics and its subsequent release was very anemic. After his earlier successes, including his debut WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (1995), the heartfelt and uncomfortably intimate HAPPINESS (1998) and the less well received STORYTELLIN...

  by Sandy Mandelberger, Festival Dailies Editor It's been nearly five years since Todd Solondz, one of American independent cinema's most respected (and controversial) auteurs, has been seen at a film festival. His last film PALINDROMES (2004) premiered at the Venice Film Festival but was roundly hissed by most film critics and its subsequent release was very anemic. After his earlier successes, including his debut WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (1995), the heartfelt and uncomf...

Britain’s biggest competitive short film festival, Encounters Short Film Festival (www.encounters-festival.org.uk) returns this Autumn (21-26th November) to Bristol’s Watershed with a new name which reflects the combined talents of Brief Encounters and its sister event, Animated Encounters, who have merged to present another glorious dose of the best of the world’s cinematic shorts.The expanded six-day film fest will present a bonanza slice of brand new international work, and screen over ...

Britain’s biggest competitive short film festival, Encounters Short Film Festival (www.encounters-festival.org.uk) returns this Autumn (21-26th November) to Bristol’s Watershed with a new name which reflects the combined talents of Brief Encounters and its sister event, Animated Encounters, who have merged to present another glorious dose of the best of the world’s cinematic shorts.The expanded six-day film fest will present a bonanza slice of brand new international work, and screen over ...

The 31st Annual Seattle International Film FestivalThe 31st Annual Seattle International Film Festival announces award winners and concludes its 25-day run on Sunday June 12 with the North American premiere of award winning director Gus Van Sant’s film Last Days. Van Sant will be in attendance for the screening, which will be followed by the Closing Night Gala. SIFF 2005 was a great year and brought many eminent Seattleites together—from Microsoft’s Bill Gates to Eddie Vedder of Pearl Ja...

DIFF, 3rd International Film Festival in Dubrovnik 2005The essential goal of DIFF Dubrovnik International Film Festival 2005, 25-29 of May, is independent film screening and among all, presentation of film talents. Even though, its only 3rd year of its existence, City of Dubrovnik is presenting the festival as the part of one cultural and historical festival summer events. Dubrovnik in Croatia is well known in world for its cultural and historical venues. Tradition and culture in this beautiful ...

Juliet McKoen’s FROZEN takes top award at Commonwealth Film FestivalEach year the Commonwealth Film Festival presents four Audience Awards, voted for by audiences throughout the 10 day Festival. Whilst the UK was gripped by General Election fever, the Commonwealth Film Festival had its Manchester audiences poised to vote for their favourite short, documentary, and feature, as well as Best Short made in the North West.The 4th Commonwealth Film Festival audience awards for Best Feature, Best Doc...

Juliet McKoen’s FROZEN takes top award at Commonwealth Film FestivalEach year the Commonwealth Film Festival presents four Audience Awards, voted for by audiences throughout the 10 day Festival. Whilst the UK was gripped by General Election fever, the Commonwealth Film Festival had its Manchester audiences poised to vote for their favourite short, documentary, and feature, as well as Best Short made in the North West.The 4th Commonwealth Film Festival audience awards for Best Feature, Best Doc...

The Commonwealth Film Festival is delighted to announce this year’s programme. Films have been specially selected from over 1200 submissions to reflect the best filmmaking from across the 71 nations of the Commonwealth, covering every base from drama, thrillers, comedy to animation, documentary and short film making. Not to mention the prestigious gala presentations, industry debates and fantastic parties lined up for all to enjoy.This years’ festival presents 10 real gems in the form of Gal...

The 27th international women's film festival held outside Paris in Créteil that ran March 11- 20 demonstrates that the panorama of world cinema featuring powerful portraits of women continues. This under the excellent eye of director Jackie Buet! A first for the festival was the invitation of some of the Asian countries for a special spotlight on women filmmakers for that regions. For the first time also, a spotlight on experimental work by Maria Klonaris and Katerina Thomadaki. The two Greek ...

BRUSSELS FESTIVAL OF EUROPEAN FILM (23-30 April 2004)Curtains up for a peak at the programmeAs the Brussels Festival of European Film approaches, the selection of the films draws to a close. In six weeks, the spectators will be able to treat themselves to the liberty, the originality and the diversity of young European cinema. An agent for talent and a springboard for young filmmakers, the Brussels Festival since last year has oriented itself towards first and second works made in the 45 countri...

BRUSSELS FESTIVAL OF EUROPEAN FILM (23-30 April 2004)Curtains up for a peak at the programme As the Brussels Festival of European Film approaches ever faster, the selection of the films draws to a close. In six weeks, the spectators will be able to treat themselves to the liberty, the originality and the diversity of young European cinema. An agent for talent and a springboard for young filmmakers, the Brussels Festival since last year has oriented itself towards first and second works made in t...

6th ANNUAL SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL January 23RD – February 1ST, 2004 From the Opening Night Film & Party on January 23rd till the projectors go dark 10 film-filled days and nights later, the 6th Annual SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL will present an extraordinary line-up of International & US independent features, shorts, documentaries, student films and special events celebrating special guests and their contributions to the art of filmmaking. The SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL (SFF) is dedicated to ex...