November 2007

Friday 9 November - Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)

" TODAY IS A HISTORIC DAY FOR MIFF" said Executive director Richard Moore as he kicked off a function in Melbourne's Speigeltent attended by the Victorian Minister for Innovation and Deputy Government Leader in the Legislative Council Gavin Jennings and a host of film industry personnel.

The occasion was to mark the first investment offers from MIFF's new fund, the MIFF Premiere Fund for Victorian filmmakers. Established as an initiative of the State Government the fund caps a trifecta of industry programmes for MIFF - Accelerator ( for emerging feature filmmakers ) , 37 South: Bridging the Gap ( a market ) and the Premiere fund . " Last year we screened the first feature films of MIFF's Accelerator alumni ...I'm hoping that in the near future Victorian filmmakers will be able to bring their feature film ideas to Accelerator, locate prospective funding and funders at 37 South , apply for investment monies from the Premier Fund and then be able to watch the world premiere of their films at a MIFF screening once their project has been completed. That's our ideal scenario."

Minister Gavin Jennings announced the recipients of offers from the fund as the following:

• ROCK & ROLL NERD: Executive Producer: LIzzette Atkins; Producer/Director/Writer: Rhian Skirving.
  A rags to riches observational documentary following Melbourne musician and performance artist's Tim Minchin meteoric rise to fame in London, Montreal and Edinburgh. Offering a personal journey that is both a performance showcase and an intimate portrait of someone who now has somewhere to fall.
  

• CELEBRITY - TALES OF DOMINIC DUNNE: Executive Producers: Sue Maslin & Daryl Dellora; Producers/Directors/Writers: Tim Jolley & Kirsty De Garis. Set against the backdrop of the trial of music producer Phil Spector, Celebrity travels through a world intrigue, showbiz, the American justice system and the all-pervasive cult of celebrity, while giving the inside scoop through Australian eyes on Vanity Fair's Dominick Dunne, one of the world's most famous chronicler in the Age of Celebrity and a champion of victim's rights in high profile murder cases.
  
  
• BASTARDY: (Producer: Philippa Campey; Director/Writer: Amiel Courtin-Wilson (a 2004 attendee of MIFF's Accelerator emerging talent workshop)). Journeying into a little-seen side of Melbourne, Bastardy is an adventurous portrait of Jack Charles, a well-known personality on the streets of Melbourne, colourful fringe-dweller and sometime actor in the likes of The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith.
  
  
• BRAND NEW DAY: (Producers: Robyn Kershaw & Graeme Issac; Director: Rachel Perkins; Writers: Rachel Perkins, Reg Cribb, Jimmy Chi. An adaptation of popular Aboriginal musical Bran Nue Dae, the film is an upbeat coming-of-age, romantic musical and 1960s road movie featuring the choreography of Stephen Page.
  
  
• WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BRENDA HEAN: (Producers: Michael McMahon & Scott Millwood; Director/Writers: Scott Millwood). An investigative environmental documentary that seeks to uncover the true story of Brenda Hean, one of the first leaders of an environmental party in the world and her fight to save Tasmania's Lake Pedder, which ends abruptly with her mysterious disappearance in 1972.

The Premiere Fund's Round One attracted 18 eligible applications, ranging from musical comedies and feature-length bio-pics to low-budget thrillers and conspiracy documentaries, seeking a total of $2.1 million worth of production funding against the A$350,000 available in this round.

"With such a diverse number of strong applications for this highly competitive first round, there is clearly a demand and role for this specialist Fund in assisting the production of quality cinema for the benefit of Victorian filmmakers and audiences alike," said MIFF Premiere Fund & 37 South Manager Mark Woods. "MIFF has stretched its available funds across as many projects as possible. If 37 South can help bridge the gap, the Premiere Fund can help close the film financing gap."

Minister Jennings also launched a report outlining the success of the first edition, during MIFF 2007, of 37 South: Bridging the Gap, MIFF's new film co-financing market, and a promotional flyer about the market and MIFF's family of ‘script-to-screen' industry and audience development activities.

"The Premiere Fund and 37 South are much appreciated and a very important initiatives of the Victorian State Government to build on Melbourne's position as a centre of the Australian screen production industry," said MIFF Chair Claire Dobbin. "These industry initiatives mirror the development of other international film festivals which, like MIFF, have extended their remit to become important creative and financing hubs."

The MIFF Premiere Fund's Round Two, which will call for submissions for projects that can premiere at MIFF 2009, opens from 20 November 2007 and closes on 14 December 2007.

Updated Guidelines and Application Forms for Round Two can be found at: http://www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au/miff_premiere_fund

After receiving great reviews in Devonport, Echuca and Wonthaggi, MIFF's TFF heads to Launceston this weekend, and will open with Australian film, Kriv Stenders' Boxing Day. Special guest Tammy Anderson, one of the stars of Boxing Day, is an award winning actor/playwright and proud Palawa Woman, will be taking part in a Q&A session after the screening.

The line up also includes Forbidden Lie$ (Australia) voted a Top Ten in the MIFF Audience Poll, modern-day musical Once (Ireland) another Top Ten favourite with MIFF audiences, Irina Palm (Bel/Germ/Lux/UK/France) starring Marianne Faithfull in an unforgettable performance, screenwriter Anders Thomas Jensen and director Susanne Bier's gut-wrenching drama After the Wedding (Denmark), and Vitus (Switzerland) which was screened at the Berlin Film Festival and as part of MIFF's new NEXTGEN focus. Writer/director Andrea Arnold's debut feature film, the psychological nail-biter, Red Road (UK/Denmark), replaces 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days and an eclectic selection of the best of the MIFF shorts programme in 2007 will also be screened.

Village Cinema, 163 Brisbane Street, Launceston, 9 - 11 November
Bookings (03) 6331 5066

Watch this space to find out when your favourite MIFF film is being released theatrically and/or onto DVD.

A Few Days in September (Aztec International)
DVD Release Rental: Currently available
DVD Release to Purchase: From February 13th, 2008

Irina Palm (Aztec International)
DVD Release: from May 2008

A Mighty Heart (Paramount)
Theatrical Release: Currently in cinemas.
DVD Release: From February 14th, 2008

Year of the Dog (Paramount)
DVD release: From February 21st, 2008

Black Snake Moan (Paramount)
DVD release: From December 13th, 2007

Forbidden Lies (Palace Films)
DVD release: Early 2008

Once (Icon Films)
DVD release: From February 6th, 2008

Black Sheep (Icon Films)
DVD release: From December 19th, 2007

Eagle vs Shark (Icon Films)
Theatrical release: Early December, 2007
DVD release: March/April, 2008

Sicko (Village Roadshow Entertainment)
DVD release: From January 2nd, 2008

Dirty Three (Madman Entertainemt)
DVD release: Out now

This is England (Madman Entertainment)
DVD release: From December 5th, 2007

Words from the City (Madman Entertainment)
DVD release: From December 5th, 2007

Exit (Madman Entertainment)
DVD release: April 2008

Dirty Carnival (Madman Entertainment)
DVD release: March 2008

Aachi & Ssipak (Madman Entertainment)
DVD release: Out Now

Strange Culture (Madman Entertainment)
DVD release: February 2008

An Old Mistress - 15 Double Passes for Preview THIS SUNDAY up for grabs

From one of the most creative and provocative filmmakers working today, comes a film being called "an intriguing labyrinth of desire, passion and bubbling emotions." Officially selected the screen at this year's Cannes film festival An Old Mistress is a biting, dramatic period film based upon the 19th century novel of the same name by Jules Barbey d'Aurevilly (1808-89). On the eve of the wedding of Ryno de Marigny to the virtuous Hermangarde, Ryno's mistress of 10 years, the tempestuous Vellini, refuses to accept that their passionate love affair has come to an end. The film is the story of their affair, as told to Hermangarde's grandmother, by Ryno, bookended by the events of the days leading up to and immediately after the marriage. Beautifully photographed and full of rich secondary characters, this intimate chamber piece is full of betrayals, confidences and secrets.

"seasoned provocatrice Catherine Breillat shakes historical drama out of its petticoats with a torrid but rigorously executed tale of bohemian amour fou"
Jonathon Romney, Screen International

For your chance to win one of fifteen double passes for this special preview screening on Sunday 11 November, at 11am, Cinema Nova, email your name to melody@cinemanova.com.au by 4pm on Friday 9 November. Please include "An Old Mistress" in the subject line. Only winners will be notified by return email.

Cinema Nova, Level 1, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton.

Conversations with My Gardener - 30 Double In-season Passes up for grabs

This beautiful French film stars France's number one box office star, Daniel Auteuil and tells the story of a successful, fifty-something Parisian artist who returns to his childhood home in the French countryside. When he seeks a gardener he re-encounters an old school friend whom he hasn't seen since both were boys. Despite their different lifestyles, they gradually re-discover their early friendship and by seeing everything through each other's eyes, they see the world anew.

Running time: 110 minutes, Distributor: Rialto Distribution, Rating: M
Release Date: 8 November 2007

For your chance to win one of thirty double in-season passes, courtesy of Rialto Distribution, email your name and mailing address to griffen@melbournefilmfestival.com.au by 5pm, Monday 12 November. Please include Conversations with my Gardener in the subject line. Only winners will be notified by return email.

Crazy Love - 30 Double In-Season Passes up for grabs

CRAZY LOVE tells the astonishing story of the obsessive roller-coaster relationship of Burt and Linda Pugach, which shocked the nation during the summer of 1959. Burt, a 32 year-old married attorney and Linda, a beautiful, single 20 year-old girl living in the Bronx had a whirlwind romance, which culminated in a violent and psychologically complex set of actions that landed the pair's saga on the cover of endless newspapers and magazines. With the cooperation of the principles, Burt, now 79, and Linda, 68, the film examines the human psyche and the concepts of love, obsession, insanity, hope and forgiveness.

Running time: 92 minutes, Distributor: Palace Films, Rating: M
Release Date: 22 November 2007

For your chance to win one of thirty double in-season passes, courtesy of Palace Films, email your name and mailing address to griffen@melbournefilmfestival.com.au by 5pm, Monday 12 November. Please include Crazy Love in the subject line. Only winners will be notified by return email.

MEMBERS SCREENING

Date: Wednesday 28 November
Time: 6.30pm
Where: Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton

COEURS (Private Fears in Public Places)

From the pivotal director of the French new wave classic HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR comes a fresh and enchanting film perfect for Christmas. COEURS, or PRIVATE FEARS IN PUBLIC PLACES, is the French answer to LOVE ACTUALLY and winner of the Silver Lion for Best Film - 63rd Venice Film Festival.

Based on the Alan Ayckbourn play Private Fears in Public Places, COEURS tells the story of Thierry (André Dussollier), who when not trying to find an apartment for his difficult clients, Nicole (Laura Morante) and Dan (Lambert Wilson), tries to charm his alluring but saintly co-worker, Charlotte (Sabine Azéma). She lends him a tape of her favourite religious TV programme, but Thierry's in for a huge surprise.

Meanwhile, his sister, Gaëlle (Isabelle Carré), is on a quest of her own to find the love of her life. With the help of Lionel (Pierre Arditi), a friendly bartender, she meets Dan and they get on well until Gaëlle spots Dan with Nicole. Dan confides in Lionel, who has hired Charlotte as a night nurse for his terminally sick and unbearably rude father, Arthur and Charlotte performs a miracle in getting Arthur to behave himself.

"Clever, wise and witty." New York Post

Running time: 125 minutes, Distributor: Sharmill Films Rating: M
Release Date: 6 December 2007

Hunting and Gathering - 10 Double Passes for Preview Season up for grabs

From one of France's greatest directors Claude Berri (Jean de Florette) and starring Audrey Tautou (Amelie, Priceless) comes an enchanting romantic fable. Adapted from Anna Gavalda's bestselling novel, Hunting and Gathering is a universal story of four destinies at crossroads, four people who, against the odds, form an unbreakable bond and rediscover their passion for life.

Gorgeously original, full of wry humour and razor-sharp observation, redolent of Paris, its foibles, its food and its deserted corners, Hunting and Gathering is a universal story about happiness regained through love and friendship. At its heart, it is a poignant story of human connection and the nurturing spirit of human relationships.

Running time: 97 minutes, Distributor: Palace Films, Rating: M
Release Date: 13 December 2007

For your chance to win one of ten double passes, courtesy of Palace Films, valid during the preview season, Fri 30 Nov - Sun 2 Dec & Fri 7 Dec - Sun 9 Dec (not valid Sat 5pm onwards) email your name, membership number and mailing address to griffen@melbournefilmfestival.com.au by 5pm, Monday 12 November. Please include Hunting and Gathering in the subject line. Only winners will be notified by return email.

Essential Mike Leigh - 2 DVD box-sets up for grabs

One of Britain's most renowned contemporary directors, Mike Leigh's exceptional awarding-winning talent is now featured in the ultimate box-set.

This beautifully packaged, collector's edition showcases four of Leigh's landmark, multi-award winning films - Secrets & Lies, Naked, Life is Sweet and Career Girls with the addition of two thought-provoking short films nominated for BAFTA awards, The Short & Curlies and A Sense of History.

Running time: 487 minutes, Distributor: Hopscotch/Roadshow,
Release Date: 7 November 2007, RRP: $59.95

The essential gift for the serious film buff.

For your chance to win one of two DVD box-sets, courtesy of Hopscotch Entertainment, email your name, membership number and mailing address to griffen@melbournefilmfestival.com.au by 5pm, Monday 12 November. Please include Essential Mike Leigh in the subject line. Only winners will be notified by return email.

Into the Wild - 20 Double Passes up for grabs

Directed by Sean Penn, INTO THE WILD is an epic adventure about idealistic youth, based on the best selling novel.

Inspired by a true story, INTO THE WILD tells the story of top student Christopher
McCandles, who gave all his savings to charity and hitch-hiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness.

Cast includes Emile Hirsh, Vince Vaughn, William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden and Catherine Keener.

Running time: 148 minutes, Distributor: Paramount Pictures Rating: M
Release Date: 29 November
Website: www.intothewild.com.au

Copyright © 2007 by PARAMOUNT VANTAGE, a Division of PARAMOUNT PICTURES. All Rights Reserved.

For your chance to win one of twenty double passes, courtesy of Paramount Pictures, email your name, membership number and mailing address to griffen@melbournefilmfestival.com.au by 5pm, Monday 12 November. Please include Into the Wild in the subject line. Only winners will be notified by return email.

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