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Tag: film is not dead
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#thisberlinale18
What do two Berlinale enthusiast do in this age of hyper oversharing of opinions? Make a video of course! This is the first of many videos from the fest.
The 68th edition of the German A list festival has many challenges this year; including calls from German film professionals for a radical change of course along with a slim down schedule from the current 400 films shown.
Please forgive the babbling and background noise. The first was because we were brain dead after seeing documentaries. The second because we were in the Cinemaxx Theater as it was preparing to open.
Please stay tune for more with guests hosts, commentators, interviews, and reviews from the Berlinale.
Breck Graham is the editor of Black and Paper
David Mouriquand is a film critic and journalist.
Follow the coverage at #thisberlinale18
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Auteur Inspired
Berlinale is around the corner, I attended a warm up event, Hellas Filmbox Berlin is an annual Greek Film Festival held to showcase New Greek Cinema. On the program is a series of up and close conversations with filmmakers titled “Box Talks”. I attended the first with German Auteur Volker Schlondoff had an influence on me would be an understatement. His 1979 film “Tin Drum” left a mark on me. I watched it on the den floor late night on cable televison. It blew me away! A whole new world of cinema opened. The characters and the narrative shocked an impressionable young teenager use to old Hollywood films.
What made a doctor’s son leave the comforts of a middle class life for Paris? Mr. Schlondoff was incredibly affable doing the conference. Telling the audience his stories on how he became a filmmaker working under Louis Malle in the French New Wave Movement and later in the New German Cinema were inspiring along with his memories of conversations with Nicolas Ray, Joseph Von Sternberg, and Billy Wilder. It was an inspiring talk for filmmakers and film lovers.
Greek Filmmaker Yannis Sakaridis shared the stage speaking about the present experience and challenges of producing feature films in Greece in current economic and social climate.
Hellas Filmbox Berlin runs through January 28th . For more information go to:http://www.hellasfilmbox.de/en/
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The Sunset Inspirational Festival
Black and Paper exclusive interview with Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival Creative Director Sandra Seeling.
Would you say filmgoers are looking for different stories and narratives?
In my experience as a festival programmer, filmgoers want to be surprised and inspired. They want to be taken out of their daily routines and experience new adventures and new point of views.
As a woman, why do you think there are so many challenges for women to direct films?
Women do not get the same opportunities as men. As a woman, we are instantly thought of as less capable, emotional and not as efficient. Unfortunately those attributes are deeply imbedded into the male think pattern (not only in the film industry) and make it harder for women to even get the chance to prove themselves. The challenge also lies in the century long history of the film industry. We as women have to simply keep pushing forward, to do an exceptional job, stand together, and support each other.
Why did you choose Paul Haggis this year as an honoree?
Paul is an incredible social justice advocate and his vision fits really well with EMIFF’s mission; BRIDGING CULTURES – BRIDGING PEOPLE. His work as a filmmaker and humanitarian makes him the perfect recipient for the Evolution Vision award, an award given to a filmmaker with an active vision to encourage unity and peace on our planet.
Isabelle Huppert is one of the greatest actresses of modern screen; her latest film has been submitted for the Academy Award for Foreign Film but “Barrage” seems dark for a festival on an idyllic island. Why did you decide to screen this film?
“Barrage” tells the story of three generations of women. Isabelle plays Elisabeth who is raising her granddaughter while her own daughter Cathrine is busy exploring the world. When Cathrine returns, she kidnaps her daughter from her mother and the story takes a dark turn into very emotional territory. I love the way director Laura Schroeder tells this fragile story of three women, all different ages but connected by the simple fact that they are family. They mirror each other, at the end of the day they are more similar than they like to admit. EMIFF wants to promote young new filmmakers who have a unique vision. Laura’s work in “Barrage” is all that and more.
How do you envision the festival in five years?
In five years I see EMIFF as a year long event with Evolution LAB’s (Workshops and conventions) in the summer and a solid festival in the fall. I want the festival to be known as “The Mediterranean Sundance” and want everyone to know our mission is “Bridging Cultures, Bridging People”. I hope to continue to grow our audience and attract more international filmmakers to come and enjoy our island, inspiring films and great networking.
You meet filmmakers from all over the world. What is your opinion on the general state of global cinema?
My sense is that the world is our playground. Globalization creates endless possibilities for filmmakers to connect, interact and create together even when being on different continents. On the other hand, I think filmmakers still appreciate nothing more than a real face to face conversation, round table or discussion panel or Q&A. Connecting virtually is a great possibility but real connections is what sparks new ideas and fuels new stories and films.
Sandra Seeling is the founder and director of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. She is an actress, director, and producer.
The 6th annual The Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival starts on October 26 until November 4th. For more information go to: http://www.evolutionfilmfestival.com/
Berlinale
The 67th Berlinale opened with some political questions on the agenda but Jury President Paul Verhoeven stating he was here to judge the quality of the movie, not the political perspective. Mr. Verhoeven said he expects to see a lot of movies that are different and have heated arguments with respect.
Jury member Diego Luna addressed the current global political tones by saying, “I am not here to send messages but I am here to listen.” When asked about the proposed wall between the US and Mexico Luna commented, I have good memories crossing the border from both sides.
As a film festival Berlinale has always had a political edge but this year the jury seemed more pragmatic, less overtly ideological.
Berlinale makes an effort not to be taken over by market forces said fellow jury member Olafur Eliasson.
Addressing the issues concerning the state of Hollywood and the lack of Adult Movies, the bottom line mentality has taken control of the industry. Studios and Producers only want to invest in films with big returns. Film Director (Total Recall, Elle, and Robo Cop) Verhoven discussed the challenges of trying to get his latest film Elle produced.
Berlinale Jury: Paul Verhoeven, Dora Bouchoucha Fourati, Olafur Eliasson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Julia Jentsch, Diego Luna, and Wang Quan’an
Berlinale continues until February 20th.
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