An extraordinary film released in 1981, Jean-Jacques Beineix‘s DIVA is a classic example of Cinema Du Look. Expressive, colorful, romantic. The French thriller is the story of an Opera Singer and a secret tape. Released by Rialto Pictures in the US.
The IFA Innovations Media Brief 2022 took place July 13th and 14th. The annual technology preview event happened seven weeks before the launch Berlin consumer electronic show after a two year absence due to Covid.
While a smaller than past IMB’s gathering, the atmosphere was enthusiastic if not intimate. Pinpointing a micro trend, staying comfortable in the house, as the world has gone through lock downs, appliance producers showed off gadgets for nesting indoors.
Being a sucker for an invitation, Tineco sent me an invite to check out their new dry-wet mop. No more back bends or hands in dirty water, sounds promising. The Chinese brand introduced the Floor One S5 cleaning device with screen, a very high tech mop. Would I buy it? Yes.
German home ware maker Karcher showed off a new white minimalistic air purifier design with a trace of the brand’s yellow trademark. The shocking part of the new device, no app. The user has to physically operate the new gadget. Would I buy it? Maybe
Swiss luxury coffee machine maker showed off their newest counter top cafe product with an LCD display along with more features for coffee lovers. Would the Jura? Pricey.
Berlin start up Mitte Home unveiled a mineral water purifying home appliance using cartridges. Would I buy it? I have to think it.
The other Swiss brand, Bru served up a hassle free way of making tea without mess. Would I buy it? Maybe.
Honorable mention presentations at IFA IMB.
Bosch introduced a new graphite washer machine. The white good appliance had a startling look.
Miele’s high end smooth kitchen aesthetic deserve a look featuring smooth edges and clean surfaces.
A Repair not Throwaway conference was interesting. As the world becomes more concerned about the planet, tech garbage filling up landfills is big concern.
IFA 2022 takes place in Berlin from September 2nd to September 6th. Looking forward to it.
Technology news is back in the Black and Paper. After two years the IFA IMB is back. A nice size preview consumer electronics trends. July 13th and 14th at the City Cube the biggest technology brands offer a small size sampling of the upcoming IFA fair in September.
An image from our 2019 editorial swimwear shot at Lake Garda at the Aqualux Hotel.
Going over the designs from Paris Fashion Week Couture, one brand had a star studded Runway Walk. Normally, this is a bad omen, the focus shifts from the looks to the celebs. Prophecies coming true scare me. Not mentioning the name of this brand or designer as I watched the fashion video, a lesson learned. Do not watch DUNE while taking MDNA. Fashion is fun, a bit silly but the line to stupid was crossed. When the models walked as if they were wounded from Hyena attacks, time for a design rethink. Certainly, the global publicity for the brand will be enormous. However, laughing with you is different from laughing at you. I wonder which will win out.
Tribeca Enterprises was founded in New York in 2001 by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro. Its accompanying Tribeca Film Festival has since been promoting emerging film talent. Sections include: Premieres, Gala Events, US Competition, Online Premieres, and International Competition. Furthermore, the Shorts section includes Narrative, Documentary and Animations, and this year comprised 53 entries.
The World Premiere of Chicken concerns a 16-year-old boy serving time in a Bronx juvenile prison. Faced with losing custody of his child, he discovers fatherly duties through raising a chicken. Director Josh Leong’s film is very engaging, well-acted, and with feature-film potential. It also highlighted a perhaps overlooked subject of the lives of juveniles in prison.
Another World Premiere, also set in New York, was Fraud, directed by Zen Pace. A transsexual rock singer is searching for her place in the world and companionship. She also has a parallel existence committing petty credit card fraud. But when her latest subject makes a surprising offer, she reconsiders her life. Fraud emerges as a deceptively profound drama.
The Letter Men, directed by Andy Vallentine, was also a World Premiere at Tribeca. Continuing the LGBTI theme, it is based on real love letters from WWII. This untold story is of two gay men torn apart both by war and the law.
The UK entry Pragma, by Ellie Heydon, also had its International Premiere at fest. This perhaps prophetic film concerns a first School for Relationships. Willow’s dilemma is whether to trust science or her heart.
There is certainly originality in the premise and a twist in the plot. However, the futuristic approach to love and romance is clinical and ultimately suspect here.
Another UK film receiving its North American Premiere was Fireworks, by Paul Franklin. Set in an MI6 Ops Room, this tense thriller uses Virtual Production technology well. The characterization has potential, but the petty squabbling (and expletives) is a little overdone. This reduces Fireworks to soap opera level, implausible for an institution like MI6.
Mohammed Saffouri’s US-Jordan production Touchline also received its North American Premiere. During the 1948 occupation of Palestine, 17-year-old Ahmad is chosen to represent the national football team. However, the Israel conflict means his family have to leave their home, his dreams shattered. A touching and poignant period film, it is just as relevant today.
The UK-Nigeria produced Point and Kill is Smuggler director Ebeneza Blanche’s music video. It portrays Brit Award Winner Little Simz exploring her Nigerian roots. A representation of proud heritage and customs make the effect very authentic. The video, also having its New York Debut, features fellow Nigerian singer Obongjayar.
Alison Roberto’s satirical horror Girls Night In is another New York Premiere. However, the award-winning Director and Creative Director seems to have fallen short here. Based on the Bechdel test, two friends have to deal with a crazed intruder. With allusions to films like the Scream series, the tension ultimately becomes nauseating.
Tribeca Film Festival was held from June 8th to June 19th 2022 in New York City.
~ By Steven Yates
Check out the Chat Cinema Podcast on our YouTube Channel.
Black and Paper titles are now on these platforms.
Part 2 of the Menswear Fashion Conversation with style consultants Taiwo Meghoma and Lyonnel Ahouissoussi.
Techno Music came from Detroit Michigan. The Motor City gave the world another sound from its streets in 1979.
Check out the Chat Cinema Podcast episode with filmmaker Kristian R. Hill. The documentary storyteller gives the backstory of his work and the history of the sound.
GOD SAID GIVE EM DRUM MACHINES was screened at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.
In the shorts category, I watched some small works worthy of attention.
The Resemblance from Derek Nguyen goes into “Black Mirror” Territory with a story on grief.
Mooptopia from Delany Buffett takes on the shallow fleeting meaning of social media fame.
Five O listed many directors: Ismaïl Alaoui Fdili, Yassine Lassar Ramdani, Elsie Otinwa, Florence Fauquet, Ming Fai Sham Lourenço, Eloise Monmirel. A White Savior story mixed with Opera set in Paris.
Triggered from Tara Westwood brings home the gun debate in hard hitting way.