The Global Film Village

Overview of films at 63rd Cannes

// May 26th, 2010 // Comments Off // Film Festivals

by Marla Lewin

There was a protest rally about the Algerian movie Hors La Loi (Outside of the Law) by Rachid Bouchareb and the French people are concerned how this film might reflect its point of view.  This was a very difficult period in modern French history and still has repercussions today.

Passing through Paris there was news of a farmer’s protest in the city which greatly effected traffic. Last Monday meetings and flights were cancelled again for those flying in and out of London’s Heathrow and Rotterdam, with renewed concern because of volcanic ash. None of this stopped the artists, and producers from coming to Cannes to continue their work, and to meet.

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Pace of Sales and Buyer Attendance Down at Cannes

// May 23rd, 2010 // Comments Off // Film Festivals

International Village Pavilions at Cannes

by Marla Lewin

Attendance of Americans and other foreign buyers is down again at Cannes this year. Mostly French people seem to be filling the Palais and theatres for screenings. There are still international press and buyers present but activity in the market is very subdued. There are a few companies who seem to be making sales, many people with booths in the market have left early, those who stayed were complaining it is very slow. Some though are seeing progress and finding opportunities.  We expect to see a further shakeout of sales companies. (more…)

Bergman Re-defined

// May 23rd, 2010 // Comments Off // Industry Event

by Marla Lewin

One of the most interesting documentaries I saw at Cannes 2010 is My Films Are My Mistress by Stig Bjorkman. A compilation of backstage moments and interviews with master director Ingmar Bergman. The film is interspersed with comments from Martin Scorsese , Woody Allen and many other great directors speaking about his style and the lessons they learned from his work.  Their interpretations of Bergman and his importance to world cinema, in a way made me sad.

I spoke with Stig Bjorkman after the screening, and mentioned that actress and friend Christa Fuller (wife of legendary director Sam Fuller) had sent her regards, and congratulated him on his film. (more…)

IPad not quite ready for its Cannes Premiere

// May 13th, 2010 // Comments Off // Film Festivals

by Marc Halperin

Today , Wednesday was the opening of our first Cannes as working press. We have attended almost every year since 2001 working in the Film Market. Wednesday started and ends with Robin Hood. Press screenings were held in the morning but with some press reviews already out in the States it was more important to attend the press conference. A typical media circus. We arrived at the event early to make sure we were inside where we ran into many of our press friends from around the globe, including a group from indiewire and Jeffrey Wells. The press Lounge was very nice and comfortable, thanks to the folks from French telecom giant Orange. (more…)

63rd Cannes Film Festival Announces Film Line Up

// April 15th, 2010 // Comments Off // Film Festivals

(c) 2010 Universal Pictures

by Marla Lewin

The Opening night film already announced  is Ridley Scot’s ROBIN HOOD. 20th Century Fox will have an Out of Competition screening of Oliver Stone’s WALL STREET – MONEY NEVER SLEEPS. Additional Out of Competition screenings are YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER from Woody Allen (Sony Classics) and TAMARA DREWE from Stephen Frears. (more…)