Cannes or Bust » Cannes festival

Cannes Film Festival 2012: the big party list

Cannes or Bust — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:11:39 +0000

Come on, I know you. you all wax lyrical about ‘le cinéma’ and Lars Von Trier, when deep down you are really asking “Where are the parties at the Cannes Film Festival 2012″?

I have an answer. The party scene in Cannes has grown to become a sideline entertainment of its own. I’ve often sat and wondered how many of the bikini-clad girls and hunky guys at Niki Beach have even a passing relation with the movie-making business.

Whatever, they are part of the scene, and if you want in, here are links to lists of the events in Cannes in 2012.

Where to party in 2012?

Two good Cannes lists I’ve found are Germain Pire’s spreadsheet and this Facebook page.

Another way to get inside information is to hook up with a good publicist. They try and shepherd their talent to the right events and therefore receive invitations to the most high-profile parties. The people at the Film Portal network have several events planned. The easiest and best way to get info is to run along to the Caffé Roma at 11am for their morning Meet & Greet. You’ll find tips for events and hopefully a kind soul with an invitation or the phone number of someone that can help.

If you don’t have the right connections, you might have to buy your way in (this is Cannes, after all). Tickets to the opening night party are being sold for prices topping €700, with events at the Eden Roc going way beyond that. If you are in Cannes for movie business (remember that?) keep an eye on the receptions that are held in the Palais, International Village and Pantiero during the day. They are often a great way to network and make useful connections. They are far more low-key than the evening events, but if you’re trying to raise financing or get distribution in Japan, you need to have your wits about you. Plus, the drinks are usually on the house!

For details about the latest parties, receptions and networking events, follow me on Twitter. If you have an event you want to promote, drop a message below.

ACID: 20 years of supporting indie production

Cannes or Bust — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:35:17 +0000

The French indie support group ACID is celebrating 20 years of activity this year. The association was created by filmmakers as an alternative to the bottleneck of physical distribution in France (although the situation is even worse in the UK). It supports auto-produced movies and productions without a traditional distributor. However, their palette is large enough to also work with films that are neither.

The need for indie distribution

According to the organisation, the need for indie distribution has not changed in 20 years. The impressive box office figures hide a very strong market concentration as well as serious problems for the production and distribution of challenging films. According to them, “the recurring debate about having too many ‘little’ films leaves no room for the artistic value of cinema’. In other words, it’s not the size of the budget that should be the criterion, but the quality.

ACID screenings at Cannes

ACID will be screening nine movies at Cannes 2012, including five premieres. The screenings are open to everyone.

Casa Nostra by Nathan Nicholovitch (France) – auto-produced
The End de Hicham Lasri (Morocco)
Noor by Çagla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti (France)
Sharqiya by Ami Livne (Israel / France / Germany)
Stalingrad Lovers by Fleur Albert (France)
La tête la première by Amélie van Elmbt (Belgium)
La vierge, les coptes et moi by Namir Abdel Messeeh (France / Qatar / Egypt) – documentary
Ini Avan by Asoka Handagama (Sri Lanka) – distributed by Héliotrope Films
Room 514 by Sharon Bar-Ziv (Israël) – distributed par Sophie Dulac

For details, visit ACID.

Michael Leahy

“Producers on the Move” announced in Cannes

Cannes or Bust — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:39:07 +0000

The movie and entertainment industries need new blood, particularly as whole new ways of distributing and enjoying filmed content are coming to maturity. For 13 years already, European Film Promotion has been organising Producers on the Move, a workshop/networking event for 25 upcoming European producers.

Meeting at Cannes 2012

Like the film market, Producers on the Move is above all a high-octane networking event. Producers are given the opportunity to connect with each and major players in the industry over four days. This is not a forum for newbies, but a lab for active talent. More than 50% of the producers from the past three years are working together on 31 international co-productions as a result of the initiative. Following Cannes, most of the producers stay in contact with one another for specific projects.

The importance of co-productions

Co-production is vital for European cinema, as it allows movies to tap into a broader range of financing sources and tax breaks. Some of the 2012 PRODUCERS ON THE MOVE are presenting films in one of the sections of the Cannes Film Festival: Siniša Juričić, Nukleus Film, from Croatia, produced the documentary “Sofia’s Last Ambulance” (photo) by Ilian Metev which will have its world premiere in the Semaine de la Critique section; Trent, NFI Productions, from The Netherlands will see “Villegas”, directed by Gonzalo Tobal, in a Special Screening; and Monica Lazurean-Gorgan from Romania, 4 Proof Film, will be presented with Adina Pintille’s “Touch Me Not” in Cinéfondation Atelier.

For further details, visit. EFP.

The 2012 Producers on the Move
Austria – Constanze Schumann, Allegro Film
Bulgaria – Stephan Komandarev, Argo Film
Croatia – Siniša Juricic, Nukleus Film
Czech Republic – Ondrej Zima, Evolution Films
Denmark – Signe Leick Jensen, Toolbox Film
Finland – Liisa Penttilä, Edith Film
France – Hélène Cases, Lionceau Films
Georgia – Vladimer Katcharava, 20 Steps Productions
Germany – Nicole Gerhards, Niko Film
Greece – Alexandra Boussiou, Wrong Men
Hungary – Judit Stalter, Laokoon Filmgroup
Iceland – Arnar Knútsson, FILMUS Productions
Ireland – Morgan Bushe, Fastnet Films
Italy – Alessandro Borrelli, La Sarraz Pictures
Lithuania – Donatas Zvalionis, Meed Films
Macedonia – Robert Naskov, Kino Oko Production
The Netherlands – Trent, NFI Producties
Norway – Brede Hovland, Motlys
Poland – Marta Laryssa Plucinska, Federico Film
Romania – Monica Lazurean-Gorgan, 4 Proof Film
Slovenia – Aleš Pavlin, Perfo d.o.o.
Spain – David Matamoros, Zentropa Spain
Sweden – Sandra Harms, Sonet Films
Switzerland – David Epiney, Alina Film
UK – Tracy O’Riordan, Moonspun Films

Cannes 2012 line-up announced

Cannes or Bust — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:46:48 +0000

So after all the speculation and an April Fool’s Day hoax, the festival announced its films for 2012. It’s interesting that there are so many heavyweight titles here that are already the subject of speculation.

Opening Film:
Wes ANDERSON MOONRISE KINGDOM 1h34
***
Jacques AUDIARD DE ROUILLE ET D’OS 1h55
Leos CARAX HOLY MOTORS 1h50
David CRONENBERG COSMOPOLIS (photo) 1h45
Lee DANIELS THE PAPERBOY 1h41
Andrew DOMINIK KILLING THEM SOFTLY 1h40
Matteo GARRONE REALITY 1h50
Michael HANEKE AMOUR (LOVE) 2h06
John HILLCOAT LAWLESS 1h55
HONG Sangsoo DA-REUN NA-RA-E-SUH (IN ANOTHER COUNTRY) 1h28
IM Sangsoo DO-NUI MAT (TASTE OF MONEY) 1h53
Abbas KIAROSTAMI LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE 1h49
Ken LOACH THE ANGELS’ SHARE 1h46
Sergei LOZNITSA IM NEBEL (IN THE FOG) 2h07
Cristian MUNGIU BEYOND THE HILLS 2h35
Yousry NASRALLAH BAAD EL MAWKEAA (AFTER THE BATTLE) 2h06
Jeff NICHOLS MUD 2h15
Alain RESNAIS VOUS N’AVEZ ENCORE RIEN VU 1h55
Carlos REYGADAS POST TENEBRAS LUX 1h40
Walter SALLES ON THE ROAD 2h20
Ulrich SEIDL PARADIES : Liebe (PARADISE : Love) 2h00
Thomas VINTERBERG JAGTEN (THE HUNT) 1h46
***
Closing Film:
Claude MILLER THÉRÈSE DESQUEYROUX Out of Comp.
1h50

Towards new European rules for film funding

Cannes or Bust — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:32:45 +0000

The news for European producers – and indeed their international co-production partners – is that the rules governing film funding are about to change – again. The European Audiovisual Observatory, part of the Council of Europe, has announced that its annual Cannes workshop will focus this year on the current discussions on film funding rules in Europe.

Levelling the playing field?

The Observatory’s Director, Wolfgang Closs, points out that this year’s Observatory workshop “takes place at a crucial phase in the [EU Commission's] consultation process” and sees the event as a forum for film funders, producers, investors, professionals and European institutions to tackle some of its more controversial points.

This year’s Observatory workshop, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the organisation, kicks off with the latest film industry findings from the Observatory team. Cinema Analyst Martin Kanzler will open with the overall 2011 box office trends, passing to Funding Analyst Susan Newman who will present the latest facts and figures on film funding in Europe. Coming in from the wings, Francisco Cabrera, the Observatory’s Legal Analyst will give an overview of the content of the current draft Cinema Communication and a round-up of reactions from film professionals so far.

In the second half, representatives from the European Commission, the film funds themselves and the film producers will discuss the contents of the draft Cinema Communication and their implications for film funding in Europe.

Movie industry trends

The Observatory provides a fascinating range of data on cinema in Europe, which is available free or in reports. Last year’s workshop attracted 350 participants. Given the subject, this one should also prove interesting. The workshop will be held in the Salon des Ambassadeurs (Level 4, Palais des Festivals) on Saturday 19th of May from 11:00 to 13:00.

For the full programme (it’s worth it), visit Audiovisual Observatory in Cannes.

Check for hotels at Cannes 2012 now

Cannes festival announces 2012 short film line-up

Cannes or Bust — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:12:53 +0000

Ten films have been selected from among the staggering 4,500 films that were submitted to the 2012 Short Film Palme d’or selection committee. For the first time, both a Syrian and a Puerto Rican film-maker are participating in the competition, which also welcomes a French artist best known in the world of music: rapper Hamé from the group La Rumeur (photo). The Cinéfondation and Short Films Jury is presided over by Belgium’s Jean-Pierre Dardenne.

Short film selection

Alvaro APONTE-CENTENO MI SANTA MIRADA Puerto Rico 15′

Eicke BETTINGA GASP Germany 15′

Mohamed BOUROKBA (aka Hamé) CE CHEMIN DEVANT MOI France 15′

Bassam CHEKHES

FALASTEIN, SANDOUK AL INTEZAR LIL BURTUQAL (WAITING FOR P.O. BOX) Syria 15′

Grainger DAVID THE CHAIR United States 12′

Zia MANDIVWALLA NIGHT SHIFT New-Zealand 14′

Chloé ROBICHAUD CHEF DE MEUTE Canada 13′

Michael SPICCIA YARDBIRD Australia 13′

Emilie VERHAMME COCKAIGNE Belgium 13′

L.Rezan YESILBAS SESSIZ-BE DENG (SILENT) Turkey 14′

The Cinéfondation 2012 Selection

In addition, fifteen films have been selected out of more than 1,700 submissions from 320 film schools across the globe. For the first time, a Lebanese school features in the selection, which covers fiction and animation and highlights films sharing the same film-making ambition and the expression of a very personal vision.

Pascale ABOU JAMRA ALBA, Lebanon DERRIÈRE MOI LES OLIVIERS (Behind Me Olive Trees) 20’

Shoichi AKINO Tokyo University of the Arts, Japan RIYOUSHI (The Barber) 39’

Arthur CAHN La Fémis, France LES RAVISSEMENTS (The Raptures) 50’

Morten HELGELAND The Animation Workshop, Denmark SLUG INVASION 6’

Michal HOGENAUER FAMU, Czech Republic TAMBYLLES 58’

Leni HUYGHE Sint-Lukas Brussels, Belgium MATTEUS 18’

Cristi IFTIME UNATC, Romania TABĂRA DIN RĂZOARE (The Camp in Razoare) 22’

Taisia IGUMENTSEVA VGIK, Russia DOROGA NA (The Road to) 32’

Piero MESSINA CSC, Italy TERRA (Land) 23’

Miguel Angel MOULET EICTV, Cuba LOS ANFITRIONES (The Hosts) 16’

Meryl O’CONNOR UCLA, USA THE BALLAD OF FINN + YETI 18’

Timothy RECKART NFTS, United-Kingdom HEAD OVER HEELS 10’

Matthew James REILLY NYU, USA ABIGAIL 17’

Eti TSICKO TAU, Israël RESEN (Dog Leash) 26’

Eduardo WILLIAMS UCINE, Argentina PUDE VER UN PUMA (Could See a Puma) 17’

Quinzaine unveils its 2012 poster

Cannes or Bust — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:18:59 +0000

The Quinzaine des Réalisateurs (Directors’ Fortnight) has unveiled the 2012 poster. Jean-Luc Cramatte’s photo of a girl looking off-screen against a background of bookshelves in a messy office contrasts starkly with the glamour of the Cannes 2012 main poster of Marilyn Monroe.

The Quinzaine is one of several sidebars at Cannes. It is devoted to new directing talent and boasts an “independent spirit”. This is where Werner Herzog, Ken Loach, Spike Lee and Sofia Coppola had their first major exposure. This year’s event, the 44th, is managed by Edouard Waintrop, taking over from Fréderic Boyer last year.

Scriptwriters to make a mark at Cannes 2012

Cannes or Bust — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:09:53 +0000

A bunch of French scriptwriters have been running special events at the Cannes Film Festival for several years, and will be back with lots of activities in 2012. The “Maison des Scénaristes” brings together filmmakers, producers and broadcasters around scriptwriting. From a villa about 15 mins from the Palais, they host discussions, script services, cocktails (including a daily cocktail on a trimaran in the bay at sunset) and even some lodgings.

Scriptwriters at Cannes 2012

This year the Maison will be selecting scripts for pitching sessions, organising professional lunches and their now-famous “nuit blanche du scénario” during which a number of scripts are taken apart and reworked in a group session. Although the group is largely made up of French writers and professionals, it’s worth remembering that France is Europe’s most dynamic market by far.

The event has two honorary sponsors, the writer/producer Noëlle Deschmaps and actress Julie Gayet. The project is also supported by the CNC and the Writer’s Guild of America. Get all the details at the Maison des Scénaristes.

Check for hotels at Cannes 2012 now

Jean-Pierre Dardenne to Preside Cinefondation and Short Films Jury

Cannes or Bust — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:39:15 +0000

Jean-Pierre Dardenne will be at Cannes again this year, this time presiding the jury of the Cinefondation and Short Films. Last year, Belgium’s Dardenne won the Grand Prix with his brother Luc for “The Kid with a Bike”, after winning two Palmes d’Or, first in 1999 for “Rosetta” and then in 2005 for “The Child”. He also picked up the prize for best screenplay in 2008 for Lorna’s Silence.

The Cinefondation award goes to entries from film schools, and has a good track record for spotting talent. 1,500 films were submitted this year alone. The Short Film award is pretty self-explanatory.

The jury consists of of five well-known personalities from the world of cinema and literature, Arsinée KHANJIAN (Canadian actress), Karim AÏNOUZ (Brazilian director and scriptwriter), Emmanuel CARRÈRE (French writer, scriptwriter and director) and YU Lik-wai (Chinese DOP and filmmaker).

Film Finance Forum returns to Cannes

Cannes or Bust — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:56:32 +0000

For the third time, Cannes will be the host for the Film Finance Forum at the Majestic Hotel on May 18 2012. The Film Finance Forum was originally set up in Los Angeles and New York when the financial markets first collapsed in the hopes of bridging the gap between Hollywood and Wall Street. It has now developed into a worldwide series of events.

The Cannes leg will focus on “Utilizing Global Financing, Risk Mitigation, and Distribution Strategies”. More precisely, it will assess the impact of the global economy on the industry, emerging trends in deal structuring, capital raising challenges and solutions, revenue generation through new distribution avenues, in addition to many other factors affecting film financing today.

The speakers include Randall Emmett of Emmett/Furla Films, Danny Glover and Joslyn Barnes, David Glosser of the Weinstein Company and Andrex Cripps of Imax.

For full details and registration, visit the Film Finance Forum.

12:00 – 12:30 pm
Registration and Networking @ the Hotel Majestic Barriere

12:30 – 12:40 pm
Opening Remarks: Introduction of the Program

12:40 – 1:45 pm
Global State of the Industry: How to Get Films Financed and Made Today
- What new structures are emerging to get deals done?
- What new capital is available in the current market?
- What type of content is receiving emphasis and funding in the studio and independent context?
- Approaches to raising finance from emerging markets

1:45 – 2:45 pm
Smart Money Strategies: Utilizing Risk Mitigation Across Borders
Reducing risk when structuring a deal is one of the key elements to a successful film investment. This group of experts will address the latest strategies on:
- How to protect the equity
- Profit participation as it relates to equity split
- Strategies for co-financing and joint ventures
- Identifying high-risk factors and potential problems
- New trends in film insurance and completion bonds
- Risk mitigating factors in deal-closing with talent
- International auditing issues and collection strategies
- Investment partnerships with brands

2:45 – 3:00 pm
The Impact of Piracy on Digital Distribution
A presentation by the Motion Picture Association

3:00 – 3:30 pm
Networking Break

3:30 – 4:30 pm
International Co-Production: Finding Access to Partners and Utilizing Incentives Abroad
Co-productions are playing a bigger role in the development of new projects around the world every day. During this panel discussion, this group of film commissioners, producers and film funds will address:
- How to get co-production deals done today
- Finding access to partners
- Utilizing incentives
- Legal matters
- Distribution rights
- Issues & solutions

4:30 – 5:30 pm
US and Worldwide Sales and Distribution Strategies
This panel of distribution specialists will discuss:
- Pre-sale strategies at various markets
- What it takes to get films distributed in the U.S. today
- What are distributors looking for and able to pay?
- Monetizing on digital delivery platforms
- Emerging marketing trends

5:30 – 7:30 pm
Networking Reception