"I'm not exaggerating when I say that... my life was the Millennium Falcon." A Japanese Star Wars fan spent a few years making a remarkably detailed, perfectly accurate recreation of the original Ilm workshop FX studio that made the first Star Wars movie. There's an entrancing 20 minute short doc about it online that is absolutely worth a watch. It is the story of Hiroshi Sumi, a big-time Star Wars geek who grew up with a deep fondness for the "behind-the-scenes" work of Ilm, and a powerful love for the precise details in all of the hand-made FX models. Especially the Millennium Falcon, which he has a special connection to. I found this thanks to John Gruber and I think his post really captures what makes it such a fascinating story: "An homage and loving look back at the earliest days of Industrial Light and Magic... It speaks to the power of obsession.
- 12/4/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Now in its 9th year German Currents Festival of German Film is a fixture on the cultural calendar of Hollywood. Over the past years, thousands of audience members enjoyed Oscar-nominated German cinema, engaged in Q&As with top German talent, tasted German cuisine during the opening night gala and experienced contemporary German culture in the historical setting of the Egyptian Theater.
This year, German Currents will go beyond its regular film screenings, adding a pre-event on Oct. 5th with a screening of Sundance TV’s “Deutschland 83” followed by a Q&A with director Edward Berger and Golden Globe nominated composer Reinhold Heil. In addition, the festival will include a Tribute to Roland Emmerich and a Q&A with the filmmaker himself, added afternoon matinees throughout the weekend, the exhibit “Brilliant Dilletantes – Subculture in Germany in the 1980s” and a concert of the German Techno DJ, Westbam.
German Currents will also have its opening night red carpet event, followed by the film “We are Young, We are Free” (L.A. Premiere), plus Q&A’s with top German filmmakers, nightly screenings, including the Us Premiere of “B-Movie: Lust & Sound in West Berlin 1979 - 1989” and a free children’s morning screening of “The Pasta Detectives,” as well as a filmmaker brunch.
The festival takes place at: Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA – 90028
Tickets can be purchased Here.
Monday, Oct 5, 7:00 pm
“Deutschland 83” Screening and Panel Discussion German Currents Pre-Event Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, 5750 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Free Admission | RSVP required rsvp@losangeles.goethe.org
Pilot episode screening of the Sundance TV original series “Deutschland 83." A gripping coming-of-age story and spy thriller set in Germany in the 80’s. Divided Germany in 1983: during a peak period for Cold War tensions between East and West. Marting Rauch, a wide-eyed 24-year-old East German soldier plucked from obscurity, goes undercover as a West German soldier for the East German Secret Service. With Jonas Nay, Alexander Nay, Maria Schrader, Sonja Gerhardt. Following the screening will be a Q&A with director and Grimme Awardee Edward Berger and Golden Globe nominated composer Reinhold Heil, moderated by Thomas Mikusz.
Saturday, Oct 17, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
German Currents Pre-Event Reception and introduction to the Exhibition: “Brilliant Dilletantes- Subculture in Germany in the 1980’s”. 18th Street Art Center, 1639 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 Admission is free with RSVP Here
Presented with the support of Dublab, DJ Michael Stock will provide an evening of music from the era.
Curated by Mathilde Weh, (Visual Arts, Goethe-Institut, Munich), this extensive multi-media exhibition includes a diverse selection of photos, posters, albums and cassettes, as well videos and interactive sound stations. Highlighting the work of the bands Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft/D.A.F. (Düsseldorf), Der Plan (Düsseldorf), Die Tödliche Doris (Berlin), Einstürzende Neubauten (Berlin), Freiwillig Selbstkontrolle/ F.S.K. (Munich), Ornament und Verbrechen (East Berlin), and Palais Schaumburg (Hamburg) as well as various artists, filmmakers and designers from West and East Germany, this exhibition presents the most comprehensive survey to date of this extraordinarily innovative subculture. The exhibition runs Oct 5th – Oct 23rd
Thursday, Oct 22nd, 7:00 pm (Gala Opening Night)
“We Are Young. We Are Strong” (“Wir sind jung. Wir sind stark”) Los Angeles Premiere Directed by Burhan Qurbani Germany (2014), 116 min, German with English subtitles
International Sales: Beta. No. America is available.
August of 1992. Three years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, anti-immigrant attacks targeting a refugee shelter on the outskirts of the former East German city of Rostock culminate in the notorious “Night of the Fire.” Following three days of violence, nearly 3,000 rioters, neo-Nazis and bystanders set fire to the shelter, trapping Vietnamese refugees and a group of journalists inside. Qurbani’s controversial film recounts the hours leading up the evening’s startling events as experienced by three very different characters: Lien, a young Vietnamese immigrant, caught in a struggle for survival; Stefan, an insecure youth, who, along with his friends participates in the night’s riots; and Stefan’s father Martin, an ambitious local politician torn between advancing his career by remaining silent, and standing up for his ideals, taking action to stop the riots. Qurbani meticulously recreates the look and feel of the era, when many East German cities struggled with unemployment and feelings of isolation from the West, exposing the complex issue of xenophobia in a country thought to have been healed by German reunification.With Devid Striesow, Jonas Nay, Trang Le Hong.
Director Burhan Qurbani is confirmed to attend.
Friday, Oct 23rd, 10:00am (Private screening for schools)
“The Pasta Detectives” (“Rico, Oskar und die Tieferschatten”) Los Angeles Premiere | Winner Best Children Film German Film Awards Directed by Neele Leana Vollmar Germany (2014), 96 min, German with English subtitles
20th Century Fox Germany Production. Watch for "The Pasta Detectives 2"
International Sales: Beta No. America is available.
At the heart of this adaptation of German author Andreas Steinhöfel’s wildly popular children’s book is ten-year-old Rico, the only child of a working-class single mother in Berlin. Although quick to describe himself as a “Lowly gifted child” who can’t tell his left from his right and whose thoughts often “rattle around in his head like balls in a bingo cage,” Rico is compassionate, observant, and makes the best of his short-comings. Often left on his own, Rico spends most of his time close to home or visiting the quirky tenants in his apartment building. One day Rico meets Oskar, a “highly gifted” younger boy who is obsessed with safety statistics and prone to wearing a helmet. Despite their differences, the two boys complement each other and become fast friends. When Oskar suddenly goes missing, Rico suspects a notorious local kidnapper “Mr. 2000” and sets out to find and rescue his new friend. With an emphasis on teamwork and friendship, Vollmar’s film is a fresh and endearing take on the classic “buddy-film” suitable for the whole family. With Anton Petzold, Juri Winkler, Katharina Thalbach.
Friday, Oct 23rd, 7:30 pm – Double Feature
“Jack” Los Angeles Premiere | Best Film: Silver German Film Awards Directed by Edward Berger Germany (2014), 103 min, German with English subtitles
Tiff 2015.
International Sales: PIcture Tree. No. America is available.
Ten year old Jack (Ivo Pietzcker) is frequently left alone by his loving, but hopelessly incompetent young mother (Luise Heyer). Forced to care for himself and his six-year-old half-brother, Manuel (Georg Arms) for extended periods of time, Jack selflessly acts as the head of the household. When Manuel is accidentally injured, Jack is blamed and is placed in a long-term foster care facility, leaving Manuel with their mother. Lonely, homesick and bullied by other children, Jack decides to escape and head home to Berlin, only to find that what little order he had established has crumbled. Once again abandoned by their mother, the boys take to the streets on a desperate odyssey to find not only their mother, but a sense of stability. Co-written by Nele Mueller-Stöfen, Berger’s screenplay and precise direction coax refreshingly unaffected performances from the two child actors. Cinematographer Jens Harant’s camera provides essential gritty realism, capturing the city from the unique vantage point of the lonely boys. With: Ivo Pietzker, Luise Heyer, Georg Arms. Director Edward Berger is confirmed to attend.
Friday, Oct 23rd, 9:30 pm (approximately) – Double Feature
“Schmitke” Los Angeles Premiere Directed by Stepán Altrichter Germany (2014), 90 min, German and Czech with English subtitles
Like his once state-of-the-art “C 174” wind turbine, 57 year-old German engineer Julius Schmitke (Peter Kurth) is past his prime. No longer models of efficiency both creak and groan under the strain of their daily duties. A man of few words, Schmitke leads a banal, solitary life, but, intrigued by reports of a hermit, known as “Bear-Man” found living alone in the woods; Schmitke begins to dream of deep, dark forests. When a model C 174 breaks down outside a small Czech town on the German border, Schmitke and his slacker subordinate Gruber are sent to repair it. Here, the engineers encounter an odd assortment of townspeople, and the undeniable allure and danger of the impenetrable Ore Mountain forest. The next day, Gruber mysteriously vanishes and Schmitke is drawn to the woods. Katharina Grischkowski’s extraordinary sound design, contrasts the creaking of the C 174 with the eerie stillness of the forest, heightening the surreal atmosphere provided by Christian Pirjol’s haunting cinematography. Altrichter, who also co-wrote the screenplay, deftly balances the bizarre and the beautiful in this desolate, deadpan, comic mystery. With Peter Kurth, Johann Jürgens, Petr Vrsek.
Saturday, Oct 24th, 10:00am
“A Tribute to Roland Emmerich – from "The Noah’s Ark Principle" to "Independence Day" and "Stonewall” Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, 5750 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Free Admission | RSVP by Oct. 19th required: rsvp@losangeles.goethe.org This event is produced by Gaba – the German American Business Association
Roland Emmerich (Director/Writer/Producer) is one of the world’s most talented and sought-after directors. His career began in his native Germany. He studied film at the University of Television and Film Munich where his student film “The Noah’s Ark Principle“ went on to open the 1984 Berlin Film Festival. His body of work includes movies such as “Independence Day”, “Stargate”, “10,000Bc” and “White House Down”, to name just a few.
Emmerich recently wrapped “Independence Day: Resurgence”, the next epic chapter in the “Independence Day “universe. The original 1996 film redefined the event movie genre by shattering opening weekend and total box office records to become the first movie in history to gross over $500m internationally. The new film mixes a cast of new and familiar faces -- Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Jessie User, Bill Pullman, Maika Monroe, Sela Ward, and Judd Hirsh -- flashing forward 20 years when the nations of Earth must unite to protect the planet against the aliens' return and only a few brave men and women can bring the world back from the brink of extinction. Emmerich’s latest film, “Stonewall”, is a drama about the Stonewall Riots in 1969 New York, which sparked the Lgbt civil rights movement. The film stars Jeremy Irvine and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
In addition, to his work in film and television, Emmerich has made considerable contributions to many charities, including but not limited to the Cambodian Children’s Fund and the Los Angeles Lgbt Center. The Q&A will be moderated by journalist Dierk Sindermann.
Following the panel:
“Filmmaker Brunch” Following the “Tribute to Roland Emmerich” will be a filmmaker brunch at the Goethe Institute. Meet filmmakers and talent attending the festival while enjoying a continental breakfast by Downtown La’s Bier Beisl Imbiss This brunch is sponsored by German Consulate Los Angeles and Bier Beisl Imbiss
Saturday, Oct 24th, 5:30pm (Matinee)
“Who am I- No system is safe” (“Who am I- Kein System ist sicher”) Los Angeles Premiere | Bavarian Film Prize for Best Direction. Tiff 2014. Directed by Baran bo Odar Germany (2014), 110 min, German with English subtitles
International Sales: Trust Nordisk. No. America is available.
Young Berlin computer whiz-turned hacker Ben (Tom Schilling) feels more at home in the virtual world than he does in the real one. When the charismatic and revolutionary hacker Max (Elyas M’Barek) asks Ben to put his skills to use and “hack the world,” they form the collective “Clay” (Clowns Laughing At You). Instead of lofty political goals, the group shocks the world with humor and guerilla-like pranks. As the team’s popularity drives them to take bigger, bolder risks, they soon attract the attention of the German Secret Service. Just as Ben begins to feel like he finally belongs somewhere, he’s forced to figure out how to escape not only from his law enforcement pursuers, but his dangerous new friends. This stylish, surprising, and exceptionally timely fast-paced cyber thriller moves seamlessly between the real and the virtual, leaving the audience guessing long after the film is over. With Tom Schilling, Hannah Herzsprung, Elyas M’Barak.
Saturday, Oct 24th, 8:30pm
“B-Movie: Lust and Sound in West Berlin” Us Premiere. Berlin Ff 2015 Directed by Jörg A. Hoppe, Klaus Maeck, Heiko Lange Germany (2015), 92 min, German with English subtitles
International Sales: Edel
An Essay-Film narrated by producer and musician Mark Reeder, B-Movie is a fast-paced collage of unreleased film and TV footage, photos, and original interviews compiled by Hoppe, Maeck, and Lange and dramatized scenes that illustrate Reeder’s account of the music, art and chaos in West Berlin of the 1980s. The walled-in city, which became a cultural inter-zone and creative melting pot for avant-garde sub- and pop- culture unlike anywhere else in Europe, attracted “brilliant dilettantes,” squatters, artists, musicians, and world famous celebrities alike. Reeder left Manchester, England for Berlin in 1979 and soon found himself at the center of this dynamic cultural hub, meeting and often working with legendary bands and artists. Including interviews and archival footage from Joy Division, Blixa Bargeld (Einstürzende Neubauten), Die Toten Hosen, Nick Cave, Gudrun Gut, Die Aerzte, Nena, Christiane F. and Westbam, B-movie offers an intimate portrait of the constantly changing cultural constellations of the city, from the Geniale Dilletanten, to the Love Parade, and ending with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Director Klaus Maeck and German DJ Westbam are confirmed to attend.
Saturday, Oct 24th, 11:00pm
DJ Westbam: Free Concert in the Egyptian Theater Courtyard
Hardly any DJ can look back on such a long and exciting career as Westbam, who since 1983 has provided the right music for the night for more than 15 million fans worldwide. A pioneer of DJ culture in Germany and Europe alike, Westbam was the first DJ in Germany to mix his own tracks rather than just play record after record, the first German DJ invited to play the big stages in the heyday of acid house in the UK, the first German DJ to sell over 2 million records, the founder of the first big rave event in Germany, the legendary “Mayday”, and the only DJ to have DJed at every “Loveparade,” producing every “Loveparade anthem” since. Featured in Jörg A.Hoppe, Klaus Maeck & Heiko Lange’s film "B-Movie: Lust & Sound in West-Berlin 1979-1989," Westbam will perform live at the Egyptian Theatre following the film’s screening at the German Currents Film Festival. Please note: Ticket holders for the screening of “B-movie” receive priority admission to the concert. A Standby line for “concert only” begins after the box office closes for the screening at the Egyptian Theatre.
Sunday, Oct 25th, 4:00 pm (Matinee)
“Age of Cannibals” (“Zeit der Kannibalen”) Los Angeles Premiere | Prix Europe for Most Innovative Television Fiction Script. Berlin Ff 2014. Directed by Johannes Naber Germany (2013), 93 min, German and English with English subtitles
Cut-throat business consultants Öllers and Niederländer travel the world without ever really seeing it. In advising companies on how to ruthlessly maximize profits, the two have managed to insulate themselves from the dangerous locations where they conduct business by never leaving their various 5-star hotels. Models of ruthless efficiency, both hope to secure partnerships at their nameless company. When Bianca, a newly hired younger female colleague, is sent to assist in the negotiations, her constant critique of her colleagues’ unscrupulous behavior with clients and hotel staff alike is unsettling to the executives, who pride themselves on their ability to remain emotionally disconnected. Confined within the walls of their hotel, the protagonists reach grotesque extremes, accentuating the feel of a chamber play within Stefan Weigl’s screenplay. The perfectly directed darkly comedic performances offer critique of contemporary global economics. When the dangers of the outside world (experienced only through the occasional sounds of distant explosions or gunfire) find their way inside, the three models turn out to be incompetent. With Sebastian Blomberg, Devied Striesow, Katharina Schüttler.
Sunday, Oct 25th, 6:30 pm – Double Feature
“Dora or The Sexual Neuroses of our Parents” (“Dora oder die sexuellen Neurosen unserer Eltern”) Us Premiere. Berlin Ff 2015 Directed by Stina Werenfels Switzerland/ Germany (2013-2015), 90 min, German with English subtitles
International Sales: Wide
Mentally disabled Dora (Victoria Schulz) has spent much of her 18 years under psychotropic sedatives. When her mother, Kristin (Jenny Schily), decides to stop the medication, Dora’s world begins to open. Determined to experience the world, love, and sex, Dora enters into a relationship with an unscrupulous perfume salesman (Lars Eidinger) who is eager to take advantage of her newfound lust for life. Though Dora’s parents are horrified by her relationship and her eventual pregnancy, they must determine how to both protect their daughter as well as allow her to make her own choices as an adult. Lukas Strebel’s award winning innovative camerawork capture’s not only Dora’s transformation, but also her perspective through p.o.v. In adapting Lukas Bärfuss’ challenging play, director Stina Werenfels and co-writer Boris Treyer emphasize the perspectives and parallel struggles of both mother and daughter, examining broader issues of female sexuality, agency, and motherhood. With Victoria Schulz, Jenny Schily, Lars Eidinger. Director Stina Werenfels is confirmed to attend.
Sunday, Oct 25th, 8:30 pm (approximately) – Double Feature
“Gruber is Leaving” (“Gruber Geht”) Los Angeles Premiere | Beijing Iff: Best Music Directed by Marie Kreutzer Austria (2015), 104 min, German with English subtitles
John Gruber (Manuel Rubey) is the epitome of arrogance. In his mid-thirties, and living in his own world, he has it all; the right job, car, designer apartment in Vienna. In between business trips, nightclubs, and countless one-night stands, the dry-witted cynic has little left for anyone else, and this is just how he likes it. When he meets Berlin-based DJ Sarah (Bernadette Heerwagen), his self-styled world is turned on its head. For it is Sarah, who after their night together, reads him the diagnosis explaining that a tumor is to blame for his recent stomach problems. Gruber‘s superman facade quickly crumbles, sending him on a binge of drugs, alcohol and bar fights in an attempt to cope. With a new regimen of chemotherapy and a growing infatuation with Sarah, Gruber slowly begins to drop his guard. But will he really change? Kreutzer’s faithful adaptation of Doris Knecht’s best-selling novel is strengthened by Cinematographer Leena Koppe’s ability to capture Gruber’s darkly comical transition from cold and distant loner, to a man on a journey to find himself. With Manuel Rubey, Doris Schretzmayer, Ulrike Beimpold.
This year, German Currents will go beyond its regular film screenings, adding a pre-event on Oct. 5th with a screening of Sundance TV’s “Deutschland 83” followed by a Q&A with director Edward Berger and Golden Globe nominated composer Reinhold Heil. In addition, the festival will include a Tribute to Roland Emmerich and a Q&A with the filmmaker himself, added afternoon matinees throughout the weekend, the exhibit “Brilliant Dilletantes – Subculture in Germany in the 1980s” and a concert of the German Techno DJ, Westbam.
German Currents will also have its opening night red carpet event, followed by the film “We are Young, We are Free” (L.A. Premiere), plus Q&A’s with top German filmmakers, nightly screenings, including the Us Premiere of “B-Movie: Lust & Sound in West Berlin 1979 - 1989” and a free children’s morning screening of “The Pasta Detectives,” as well as a filmmaker brunch.
The festival takes place at: Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA – 90028
Tickets can be purchased Here.
Monday, Oct 5, 7:00 pm
“Deutschland 83” Screening and Panel Discussion German Currents Pre-Event Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, 5750 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Free Admission | RSVP required rsvp@losangeles.goethe.org
Pilot episode screening of the Sundance TV original series “Deutschland 83." A gripping coming-of-age story and spy thriller set in Germany in the 80’s. Divided Germany in 1983: during a peak period for Cold War tensions between East and West. Marting Rauch, a wide-eyed 24-year-old East German soldier plucked from obscurity, goes undercover as a West German soldier for the East German Secret Service. With Jonas Nay, Alexander Nay, Maria Schrader, Sonja Gerhardt. Following the screening will be a Q&A with director and Grimme Awardee Edward Berger and Golden Globe nominated composer Reinhold Heil, moderated by Thomas Mikusz.
Saturday, Oct 17, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
German Currents Pre-Event Reception and introduction to the Exhibition: “Brilliant Dilletantes- Subculture in Germany in the 1980’s”. 18th Street Art Center, 1639 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 Admission is free with RSVP Here
Presented with the support of Dublab, DJ Michael Stock will provide an evening of music from the era.
Curated by Mathilde Weh, (Visual Arts, Goethe-Institut, Munich), this extensive multi-media exhibition includes a diverse selection of photos, posters, albums and cassettes, as well videos and interactive sound stations. Highlighting the work of the bands Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft/D.A.F. (Düsseldorf), Der Plan (Düsseldorf), Die Tödliche Doris (Berlin), Einstürzende Neubauten (Berlin), Freiwillig Selbstkontrolle/ F.S.K. (Munich), Ornament und Verbrechen (East Berlin), and Palais Schaumburg (Hamburg) as well as various artists, filmmakers and designers from West and East Germany, this exhibition presents the most comprehensive survey to date of this extraordinarily innovative subculture. The exhibition runs Oct 5th – Oct 23rd
Thursday, Oct 22nd, 7:00 pm (Gala Opening Night)
“We Are Young. We Are Strong” (“Wir sind jung. Wir sind stark”) Los Angeles Premiere Directed by Burhan Qurbani Germany (2014), 116 min, German with English subtitles
International Sales: Beta. No. America is available.
August of 1992. Three years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, anti-immigrant attacks targeting a refugee shelter on the outskirts of the former East German city of Rostock culminate in the notorious “Night of the Fire.” Following three days of violence, nearly 3,000 rioters, neo-Nazis and bystanders set fire to the shelter, trapping Vietnamese refugees and a group of journalists inside. Qurbani’s controversial film recounts the hours leading up the evening’s startling events as experienced by three very different characters: Lien, a young Vietnamese immigrant, caught in a struggle for survival; Stefan, an insecure youth, who, along with his friends participates in the night’s riots; and Stefan’s father Martin, an ambitious local politician torn between advancing his career by remaining silent, and standing up for his ideals, taking action to stop the riots. Qurbani meticulously recreates the look and feel of the era, when many East German cities struggled with unemployment and feelings of isolation from the West, exposing the complex issue of xenophobia in a country thought to have been healed by German reunification.With Devid Striesow, Jonas Nay, Trang Le Hong.
Director Burhan Qurbani is confirmed to attend.
Friday, Oct 23rd, 10:00am (Private screening for schools)
“The Pasta Detectives” (“Rico, Oskar und die Tieferschatten”) Los Angeles Premiere | Winner Best Children Film German Film Awards Directed by Neele Leana Vollmar Germany (2014), 96 min, German with English subtitles
20th Century Fox Germany Production. Watch for "The Pasta Detectives 2"
International Sales: Beta No. America is available.
At the heart of this adaptation of German author Andreas Steinhöfel’s wildly popular children’s book is ten-year-old Rico, the only child of a working-class single mother in Berlin. Although quick to describe himself as a “Lowly gifted child” who can’t tell his left from his right and whose thoughts often “rattle around in his head like balls in a bingo cage,” Rico is compassionate, observant, and makes the best of his short-comings. Often left on his own, Rico spends most of his time close to home or visiting the quirky tenants in his apartment building. One day Rico meets Oskar, a “highly gifted” younger boy who is obsessed with safety statistics and prone to wearing a helmet. Despite their differences, the two boys complement each other and become fast friends. When Oskar suddenly goes missing, Rico suspects a notorious local kidnapper “Mr. 2000” and sets out to find and rescue his new friend. With an emphasis on teamwork and friendship, Vollmar’s film is a fresh and endearing take on the classic “buddy-film” suitable for the whole family. With Anton Petzold, Juri Winkler, Katharina Thalbach.
Friday, Oct 23rd, 7:30 pm – Double Feature
“Jack” Los Angeles Premiere | Best Film: Silver German Film Awards Directed by Edward Berger Germany (2014), 103 min, German with English subtitles
Tiff 2015.
International Sales: PIcture Tree. No. America is available.
Ten year old Jack (Ivo Pietzcker) is frequently left alone by his loving, but hopelessly incompetent young mother (Luise Heyer). Forced to care for himself and his six-year-old half-brother, Manuel (Georg Arms) for extended periods of time, Jack selflessly acts as the head of the household. When Manuel is accidentally injured, Jack is blamed and is placed in a long-term foster care facility, leaving Manuel with their mother. Lonely, homesick and bullied by other children, Jack decides to escape and head home to Berlin, only to find that what little order he had established has crumbled. Once again abandoned by their mother, the boys take to the streets on a desperate odyssey to find not only their mother, but a sense of stability. Co-written by Nele Mueller-Stöfen, Berger’s screenplay and precise direction coax refreshingly unaffected performances from the two child actors. Cinematographer Jens Harant’s camera provides essential gritty realism, capturing the city from the unique vantage point of the lonely boys. With: Ivo Pietzker, Luise Heyer, Georg Arms. Director Edward Berger is confirmed to attend.
Friday, Oct 23rd, 9:30 pm (approximately) – Double Feature
“Schmitke” Los Angeles Premiere Directed by Stepán Altrichter Germany (2014), 90 min, German and Czech with English subtitles
Like his once state-of-the-art “C 174” wind turbine, 57 year-old German engineer Julius Schmitke (Peter Kurth) is past his prime. No longer models of efficiency both creak and groan under the strain of their daily duties. A man of few words, Schmitke leads a banal, solitary life, but, intrigued by reports of a hermit, known as “Bear-Man” found living alone in the woods; Schmitke begins to dream of deep, dark forests. When a model C 174 breaks down outside a small Czech town on the German border, Schmitke and his slacker subordinate Gruber are sent to repair it. Here, the engineers encounter an odd assortment of townspeople, and the undeniable allure and danger of the impenetrable Ore Mountain forest. The next day, Gruber mysteriously vanishes and Schmitke is drawn to the woods. Katharina Grischkowski’s extraordinary sound design, contrasts the creaking of the C 174 with the eerie stillness of the forest, heightening the surreal atmosphere provided by Christian Pirjol’s haunting cinematography. Altrichter, who also co-wrote the screenplay, deftly balances the bizarre and the beautiful in this desolate, deadpan, comic mystery. With Peter Kurth, Johann Jürgens, Petr Vrsek.
Saturday, Oct 24th, 10:00am
“A Tribute to Roland Emmerich – from "The Noah’s Ark Principle" to "Independence Day" and "Stonewall” Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, 5750 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Free Admission | RSVP by Oct. 19th required: rsvp@losangeles.goethe.org This event is produced by Gaba – the German American Business Association
Roland Emmerich (Director/Writer/Producer) is one of the world’s most talented and sought-after directors. His career began in his native Germany. He studied film at the University of Television and Film Munich where his student film “The Noah’s Ark Principle“ went on to open the 1984 Berlin Film Festival. His body of work includes movies such as “Independence Day”, “Stargate”, “10,000Bc” and “White House Down”, to name just a few.
Emmerich recently wrapped “Independence Day: Resurgence”, the next epic chapter in the “Independence Day “universe. The original 1996 film redefined the event movie genre by shattering opening weekend and total box office records to become the first movie in history to gross over $500m internationally. The new film mixes a cast of new and familiar faces -- Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Jessie User, Bill Pullman, Maika Monroe, Sela Ward, and Judd Hirsh -- flashing forward 20 years when the nations of Earth must unite to protect the planet against the aliens' return and only a few brave men and women can bring the world back from the brink of extinction. Emmerich’s latest film, “Stonewall”, is a drama about the Stonewall Riots in 1969 New York, which sparked the Lgbt civil rights movement. The film stars Jeremy Irvine and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
In addition, to his work in film and television, Emmerich has made considerable contributions to many charities, including but not limited to the Cambodian Children’s Fund and the Los Angeles Lgbt Center. The Q&A will be moderated by journalist Dierk Sindermann.
Following the panel:
“Filmmaker Brunch” Following the “Tribute to Roland Emmerich” will be a filmmaker brunch at the Goethe Institute. Meet filmmakers and talent attending the festival while enjoying a continental breakfast by Downtown La’s Bier Beisl Imbiss This brunch is sponsored by German Consulate Los Angeles and Bier Beisl Imbiss
Saturday, Oct 24th, 5:30pm (Matinee)
“Who am I- No system is safe” (“Who am I- Kein System ist sicher”) Los Angeles Premiere | Bavarian Film Prize for Best Direction. Tiff 2014. Directed by Baran bo Odar Germany (2014), 110 min, German with English subtitles
International Sales: Trust Nordisk. No. America is available.
Young Berlin computer whiz-turned hacker Ben (Tom Schilling) feels more at home in the virtual world than he does in the real one. When the charismatic and revolutionary hacker Max (Elyas M’Barek) asks Ben to put his skills to use and “hack the world,” they form the collective “Clay” (Clowns Laughing At You). Instead of lofty political goals, the group shocks the world with humor and guerilla-like pranks. As the team’s popularity drives them to take bigger, bolder risks, they soon attract the attention of the German Secret Service. Just as Ben begins to feel like he finally belongs somewhere, he’s forced to figure out how to escape not only from his law enforcement pursuers, but his dangerous new friends. This stylish, surprising, and exceptionally timely fast-paced cyber thriller moves seamlessly between the real and the virtual, leaving the audience guessing long after the film is over. With Tom Schilling, Hannah Herzsprung, Elyas M’Barak.
Saturday, Oct 24th, 8:30pm
“B-Movie: Lust and Sound in West Berlin” Us Premiere. Berlin Ff 2015 Directed by Jörg A. Hoppe, Klaus Maeck, Heiko Lange Germany (2015), 92 min, German with English subtitles
International Sales: Edel
An Essay-Film narrated by producer and musician Mark Reeder, B-Movie is a fast-paced collage of unreleased film and TV footage, photos, and original interviews compiled by Hoppe, Maeck, and Lange and dramatized scenes that illustrate Reeder’s account of the music, art and chaos in West Berlin of the 1980s. The walled-in city, which became a cultural inter-zone and creative melting pot for avant-garde sub- and pop- culture unlike anywhere else in Europe, attracted “brilliant dilettantes,” squatters, artists, musicians, and world famous celebrities alike. Reeder left Manchester, England for Berlin in 1979 and soon found himself at the center of this dynamic cultural hub, meeting and often working with legendary bands and artists. Including interviews and archival footage from Joy Division, Blixa Bargeld (Einstürzende Neubauten), Die Toten Hosen, Nick Cave, Gudrun Gut, Die Aerzte, Nena, Christiane F. and Westbam, B-movie offers an intimate portrait of the constantly changing cultural constellations of the city, from the Geniale Dilletanten, to the Love Parade, and ending with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Director Klaus Maeck and German DJ Westbam are confirmed to attend.
Saturday, Oct 24th, 11:00pm
DJ Westbam: Free Concert in the Egyptian Theater Courtyard
Hardly any DJ can look back on such a long and exciting career as Westbam, who since 1983 has provided the right music for the night for more than 15 million fans worldwide. A pioneer of DJ culture in Germany and Europe alike, Westbam was the first DJ in Germany to mix his own tracks rather than just play record after record, the first German DJ invited to play the big stages in the heyday of acid house in the UK, the first German DJ to sell over 2 million records, the founder of the first big rave event in Germany, the legendary “Mayday”, and the only DJ to have DJed at every “Loveparade,” producing every “Loveparade anthem” since. Featured in Jörg A.Hoppe, Klaus Maeck & Heiko Lange’s film "B-Movie: Lust & Sound in West-Berlin 1979-1989," Westbam will perform live at the Egyptian Theatre following the film’s screening at the German Currents Film Festival. Please note: Ticket holders for the screening of “B-movie” receive priority admission to the concert. A Standby line for “concert only” begins after the box office closes for the screening at the Egyptian Theatre.
Sunday, Oct 25th, 4:00 pm (Matinee)
“Age of Cannibals” (“Zeit der Kannibalen”) Los Angeles Premiere | Prix Europe for Most Innovative Television Fiction Script. Berlin Ff 2014. Directed by Johannes Naber Germany (2013), 93 min, German and English with English subtitles
Cut-throat business consultants Öllers and Niederländer travel the world without ever really seeing it. In advising companies on how to ruthlessly maximize profits, the two have managed to insulate themselves from the dangerous locations where they conduct business by never leaving their various 5-star hotels. Models of ruthless efficiency, both hope to secure partnerships at their nameless company. When Bianca, a newly hired younger female colleague, is sent to assist in the negotiations, her constant critique of her colleagues’ unscrupulous behavior with clients and hotel staff alike is unsettling to the executives, who pride themselves on their ability to remain emotionally disconnected. Confined within the walls of their hotel, the protagonists reach grotesque extremes, accentuating the feel of a chamber play within Stefan Weigl’s screenplay. The perfectly directed darkly comedic performances offer critique of contemporary global economics. When the dangers of the outside world (experienced only through the occasional sounds of distant explosions or gunfire) find their way inside, the three models turn out to be incompetent. With Sebastian Blomberg, Devied Striesow, Katharina Schüttler.
Sunday, Oct 25th, 6:30 pm – Double Feature
“Dora or The Sexual Neuroses of our Parents” (“Dora oder die sexuellen Neurosen unserer Eltern”) Us Premiere. Berlin Ff 2015 Directed by Stina Werenfels Switzerland/ Germany (2013-2015), 90 min, German with English subtitles
International Sales: Wide
Mentally disabled Dora (Victoria Schulz) has spent much of her 18 years under psychotropic sedatives. When her mother, Kristin (Jenny Schily), decides to stop the medication, Dora’s world begins to open. Determined to experience the world, love, and sex, Dora enters into a relationship with an unscrupulous perfume salesman (Lars Eidinger) who is eager to take advantage of her newfound lust for life. Though Dora’s parents are horrified by her relationship and her eventual pregnancy, they must determine how to both protect their daughter as well as allow her to make her own choices as an adult. Lukas Strebel’s award winning innovative camerawork capture’s not only Dora’s transformation, but also her perspective through p.o.v. In adapting Lukas Bärfuss’ challenging play, director Stina Werenfels and co-writer Boris Treyer emphasize the perspectives and parallel struggles of both mother and daughter, examining broader issues of female sexuality, agency, and motherhood. With Victoria Schulz, Jenny Schily, Lars Eidinger. Director Stina Werenfels is confirmed to attend.
Sunday, Oct 25th, 8:30 pm (approximately) – Double Feature
“Gruber is Leaving” (“Gruber Geht”) Los Angeles Premiere | Beijing Iff: Best Music Directed by Marie Kreutzer Austria (2015), 104 min, German with English subtitles
John Gruber (Manuel Rubey) is the epitome of arrogance. In his mid-thirties, and living in his own world, he has it all; the right job, car, designer apartment in Vienna. In between business trips, nightclubs, and countless one-night stands, the dry-witted cynic has little left for anyone else, and this is just how he likes it. When he meets Berlin-based DJ Sarah (Bernadette Heerwagen), his self-styled world is turned on its head. For it is Sarah, who after their night together, reads him the diagnosis explaining that a tumor is to blame for his recent stomach problems. Gruber‘s superman facade quickly crumbles, sending him on a binge of drugs, alcohol and bar fights in an attempt to cope. With a new regimen of chemotherapy and a growing infatuation with Sarah, Gruber slowly begins to drop his guard. But will he really change? Kreutzer’s faithful adaptation of Doris Knecht’s best-selling novel is strengthened by Cinematographer Leena Koppe’s ability to capture Gruber’s darkly comical transition from cold and distant loner, to a man on a journey to find himself. With Manuel Rubey, Doris Schretzmayer, Ulrike Beimpold.
- 9/26/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
“Starting at” is a frustrating phrase in tech. It’s a coy way of talking about the way a gadget is going to be priced while also skirting around the subject of whether or not you’ll actually want said gadget at that price. The price a thing “starts at” is rarely optimal—to get the best or most efficient version of your preferred gizmo, you’ll often have to pay more.
When Apple Watch was revealed last week, Apple CEO Time Cook said that the smartwatch would be “starting at” $349—an already hefty price, given the competition. But Cook...
When Apple Watch was revealed last week, Apple CEO Time Cook said that the smartwatch would be “starting at” $349—an already hefty price, given the competition. But Cook...
- 9/17/2014
- by Joshua Rivera
- EW.com - PopWatch
If almost the entire world’s media is to be believed, today will see the release of news of the newest addition to the Apple family with the expected unveiling of the new iPad Mini – as some are expecting it to be called – which will do exactly what it says on the label, offering a smaller, lighter, narrower device to help Apple tie up the tablet market even more.
Not so long ago, dreams of an iPad Mini were some distance away, as Apple’s late former CEO Steve Jobs infamously said that smaller screens would be “dead on arrival” and implying that the company would never waste their efforts on a smaller unit:
“The current crop of 7-inch tablets are going to be Doa, dead on arrival. We don’t think you can make a great tablet with a 7-inch screen.”
But now it seems new CEO Tim Cook...
Not so long ago, dreams of an iPad Mini were some distance away, as Apple’s late former CEO Steve Jobs infamously said that smaller screens would be “dead on arrival” and implying that the company would never waste their efforts on a smaller unit:
“The current crop of 7-inch tablets are going to be Doa, dead on arrival. We don’t think you can make a great tablet with a 7-inch screen.”
But now it seems new CEO Tim Cook...
- 10/23/2012
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
'Geeks always felt empowered with new technology ... but he was able to bring that experience to everyone,' one tech blogger tells MTV News.
By Gil Kaufman
Steve Jobs
Photo: Getty Images
For tech bloggers and digital gearheads, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was Yoda, Gandalf, Dumbledore and the ultimate dungeon master rolled into one. The tech guru, who died at age 56 on Wednesday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, didn't just make cool gadgets; he visioneered elegant, sculpture-like machines that made computing fun, exciting and effortless.
Remember Steve Jobs' many innovations by flipping through this photo gallery.
"Steve Jobs was the first person who was able to turn computers and computing into an emotional experience for everyone," said David Pescovitz, co-editor of BoingBoing and research director for the Institute for the Future.
Pescovitz, who began a lifelong love affair with all things Apple more than 30 years ago in...
By Gil Kaufman
Steve Jobs
Photo: Getty Images
For tech bloggers and digital gearheads, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was Yoda, Gandalf, Dumbledore and the ultimate dungeon master rolled into one. The tech guru, who died at age 56 on Wednesday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, didn't just make cool gadgets; he visioneered elegant, sculpture-like machines that made computing fun, exciting and effortless.
Remember Steve Jobs' many innovations by flipping through this photo gallery.
"Steve Jobs was the first person who was able to turn computers and computing into an emotional experience for everyone," said David Pescovitz, co-editor of BoingBoing and research director for the Institute for the Future.
Pescovitz, who began a lifelong love affair with all things Apple more than 30 years ago in...
- 10/6/2011
- MTV Music News
Today's Earnings Call
Later today Apple will reveal its most recent quarterly finances, and the industry is aquiver with anticipation. Speculation on the stock markets has seen Apple's price soar over recent days. It's all with the expectation that having finally solved its iPad 2 supply chain issues, and boosted by iPhone sales on Verizon as well as improving Mac sales, Apple may post highly promising revenues.
It's already near a market capitalization of around $350 billion, with Exxon (the world's richest company) hovering just above $400 billion. If Apple's trajectory continues, there's a growing feeling the firm may become the largest firm in history, and the first to top a market cap of $1 trillion.
Os X Lion Tomorrow?
We know Apple's latest and greatest upgrade to its Mac operating system, Os X Lion, is imminent and Apple's long promised a "July" launch date. There's now a feeling and some evidence it'll hit the shelves tomorrow,...
Later today Apple will reveal its most recent quarterly finances, and the industry is aquiver with anticipation. Speculation on the stock markets has seen Apple's price soar over recent days. It's all with the expectation that having finally solved its iPad 2 supply chain issues, and boosted by iPhone sales on Verizon as well as improving Mac sales, Apple may post highly promising revenues.
It's already near a market capitalization of around $350 billion, with Exxon (the world's richest company) hovering just above $400 billion. If Apple's trajectory continues, there's a growing feeling the firm may become the largest firm in history, and the first to top a market cap of $1 trillion.
Os X Lion Tomorrow?
We know Apple's latest and greatest upgrade to its Mac operating system, Os X Lion, is imminent and Apple's long promised a "July" launch date. There's now a feeling and some evidence it'll hit the shelves tomorrow,...
- 7/19/2011
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
Apple's World Wide Developer's Conference kicks off on Monday, with Steve Jobs giving the keynote address. Here's a preview.
We know several things about Monday's opening day of the Wwdc--which is itself slightly unusual considering Apple's normal tight-lipped news policy. We know that CEO Steve Jobs is giving the keynote, which will be closely watched as it may signal his return to Apple after another extended period of medical leave. Here's what will be shown:
iCloud
This is the hottest item that many people have been eagerly awaiting. It's Apple's cloud system for distributing music, video and possibly other centralized resources (like photos and other user-uploaded files that once would've slid into iDisk in MobileMe), and it's key to defining how Apple evolves into providing content as a service as well as being a code maker, hardware manufacturer, and front-end store for apps and video content.
The industry will be watching,...
We know several things about Monday's opening day of the Wwdc--which is itself slightly unusual considering Apple's normal tight-lipped news policy. We know that CEO Steve Jobs is giving the keynote, which will be closely watched as it may signal his return to Apple after another extended period of medical leave. Here's what will be shown:
iCloud
This is the hottest item that many people have been eagerly awaiting. It's Apple's cloud system for distributing music, video and possibly other centralized resources (like photos and other user-uploaded files that once would've slid into iDisk in MobileMe), and it's key to defining how Apple evolves into providing content as a service as well as being a code maker, hardware manufacturer, and front-end store for apps and video content.
The industry will be watching,...
- 6/6/2011
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
Pew's latest survey shows Twitter is growing up, getting used more, and appealing to more older users. It's also a mobile affair for everyone half the time. With rumors Apple's about to integrate it, this could all become more significant.
It's the golden hour for Twitter and its little blue bird.
Thirteen percent of actual grownup Net users have used Twitter, according to new data from Pew Research--up from just 8% in November 2010. More than 60% more people have engaged with the microblog in just six months, in other words. Those Tweeps who own cell phones also love to use Twitter on the move--54% of these people have used Twitter via phone (by SMS or smartphone app).
Any service experiencing a 60% adoption rate growth in just half a year is one to watch, but Twitter's been a hot topic for several years already. So something, somewhere in the rich ecosystem of Twitter...
It's the golden hour for Twitter and its little blue bird.
Thirteen percent of actual grownup Net users have used Twitter, according to new data from Pew Research--up from just 8% in November 2010. More than 60% more people have engaged with the microblog in just six months, in other words. Those Tweeps who own cell phones also love to use Twitter on the move--54% of these people have used Twitter via phone (by SMS or smartphone app).
Any service experiencing a 60% adoption rate growth in just half a year is one to watch, but Twitter's been a hot topic for several years already. So something, somewhere in the rich ecosystem of Twitter...
- 6/1/2011
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
Apple's new iPad is here! In all 236 Apple retail stores in the U.S. and a host of other venues, starting tomorrow, March 11th, at 5 p.m. local time. Timed to coincide with the news, Apple's press embargo has lifted, revealing a long list of extensive reviews from people who've had an extended period to play with the new tablet. We didn't. But we did use some of these reviews to produce the wordcloud you can see above to work out what the reviewers thought about the new device.
On the whole the reviewers (David Pogue in the New York Times, The Daily's Peter Ha, Walt Mossburg, MacWorld's Jason Snell, Engadget's Josh Topolsky and Daring Fireball's John Gruber) were positive. But the take-away word from this wordcloud is obvious: Original.
These guy's aren't talking about the iPad 2's uniqueness, they're talking about the original iPad.
Forget about the fact everyone...
On the whole the reviewers (David Pogue in the New York Times, The Daily's Peter Ha, Walt Mossburg, MacWorld's Jason Snell, Engadget's Josh Topolsky and Daring Fireball's John Gruber) were positive. But the take-away word from this wordcloud is obvious: Original.
These guy's aren't talking about the iPad 2's uniqueness, they're talking about the original iPad.
Forget about the fact everyone...
- 3/10/2011
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
The Apple rumors are beginning to swirl thick and fast, which usually prefaces a launch--even if the rumors aren't always an accurate predictor of the actual event.
iPad 2 screen
Earlier this week the guys at 9to5Mac.com scored a scoop when they landed access to what may be the iPad 2's LCD screen, via a device repair service that acquires parts from China. It reveals that the iPad 2's screen is exactly the same size--9.7 inches of viewable area--but that the bezel of the unit has been shrunk slightly, probably thanks to technological advances. It's also lighter and thinner (by around a millimeter) than the current iPad screen, all of which would allow the iPad to to be thinner, with a smaller bezel and a less deeply curved back, exactly as the many rumors about iPad 2's shape have suggested.
No word yet on whether the screen is exactly...
iPad 2 screen
Earlier this week the guys at 9to5Mac.com scored a scoop when they landed access to what may be the iPad 2's LCD screen, via a device repair service that acquires parts from China. It reveals that the iPad 2's screen is exactly the same size--9.7 inches of viewable area--but that the bezel of the unit has been shrunk slightly, probably thanks to technological advances. It's also lighter and thinner (by around a millimeter) than the current iPad screen, all of which would allow the iPad to to be thinner, with a smaller bezel and a less deeply curved back, exactly as the many rumors about iPad 2's shape have suggested.
No word yet on whether the screen is exactly...
- 2/3/2011
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
Apple's making good on allegations its iPod Nanos from a few years back in Japan were a fire hazard, with a unit-for-unit replacement scheme. Simultaneously there's a rumor about the upcoming Touch refresh--one that'll set iPods on fire, in a totally good way.
Apple's had a rough ride in Japan over allegations its 2005-edition iPod Nanos were unsafe, and had recently chosen to respond to pressure from the country's Consumer Affairs Agency and trade ministry by offering to replace the batteries in any units consumers may be concerned about. It's just updated its website to announce that it'll be replacing the entire iPod, which is great news for Japanese consumers.
But let's put this into perspective: There were just six incidents concerning the device's flamey potential reported since 2008, referring by then to a device that was at least three years old. All lithium-battery-powered devices carry a small risk of battery...
Apple's had a rough ride in Japan over allegations its 2005-edition iPod Nanos were unsafe, and had recently chosen to respond to pressure from the country's Consumer Affairs Agency and trade ministry by offering to replace the batteries in any units consumers may be concerned about. It's just updated its website to announce that it'll be replacing the entire iPod, which is great news for Japanese consumers.
But let's put this into perspective: There were just six incidents concerning the device's flamey potential reported since 2008, referring by then to a device that was at least three years old. All lithium-battery-powered devices carry a small risk of battery...
- 8/11/2010
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
While you were sleeping, innovation was not sitting in a sauna.
1. Forty-eight hours after the shock resignation of Mark Hurd, the contractor who brought down the Hp CEO has broken cover. Jodie Fisher, a former reality TV actress who worked in Hp's marketing department, has resolved the claim privately, she says. Through her lawyer, Gloria Allred, she expressed "regret," but all eyes are now on Hp, to see how the "scandal" will affect the firm.
2. The engineer behind the iPhone 4 launch has left Apple, reports The Guardian. The disappearance of Mark Papermaster, also responsible for the iPod, does beg the question: Jump or Pushed? (although the Wall Street Journal is convinced that he lost Steve Jobs' confidence in him months ago) and stepping into the breach is Bob Mansfield. Daring Fireball's John Gruber, unusually Apple-savvy for an outsider, has some interesting theories here and here.
[youtube Nqlhzve4BOw]
3. Final stats on the...
1. Forty-eight hours after the shock resignation of Mark Hurd, the contractor who brought down the Hp CEO has broken cover. Jodie Fisher, a former reality TV actress who worked in Hp's marketing department, has resolved the claim privately, she says. Through her lawyer, Gloria Allred, she expressed "regret," but all eyes are now on Hp, to see how the "scandal" will affect the firm.
2. The engineer behind the iPhone 4 launch has left Apple, reports The Guardian. The disappearance of Mark Papermaster, also responsible for the iPod, does beg the question: Jump or Pushed? (although the Wall Street Journal is convinced that he lost Steve Jobs' confidence in him months ago) and stepping into the breach is Bob Mansfield. Daring Fireball's John Gruber, unusually Apple-savvy for an outsider, has some interesting theories here and here.
[youtube Nqlhzve4BOw]
3. Final stats on the...
- 8/9/2010
- by Addy Dugdale
- Fast Company
Apple's called a press event for a select group of reporters on Friday July 16th. The corporate line is simply that it's about iPhone 4. But in all likelihood it's related to the furor over the new phone's antenna problems.
The media thrum about the iPhone 4's antenna design is certainly five full bars strong. It was already pretty vicious, but a study from Consumer Reports (which is somewhat misleading, in my opinion) stirred things up even more. Analysts are now predicting the company will have to make the unprecedented move of announcing a recall.
Meanwhile, the iPhone is selling at astonishing, nay record-breaking speeds everywhere it's already on sale (and with huge desire where it's not yet available). Where are the millions of disgruntled consumers complaining about a dud device?
Still, Apple has decided to step up to the mark and address the press on the matter. So what will they say or do?...
The media thrum about the iPhone 4's antenna design is certainly five full bars strong. It was already pretty vicious, but a study from Consumer Reports (which is somewhat misleading, in my opinion) stirred things up even more. Analysts are now predicting the company will have to make the unprecedented move of announcing a recall.
Meanwhile, the iPhone is selling at astonishing, nay record-breaking speeds everywhere it's already on sale (and with huge desire where it's not yet available). Where are the millions of disgruntled consumers complaining about a dud device?
Still, Apple has decided to step up to the mark and address the press on the matter. So what will they say or do?...
- 7/16/2010
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
If you hate the idea of Twitter (which, for the record, I do not as I find it generally positive and useful), this video may not change your mind. Jen Oslislo has just posted the second of her videos in which her friends turn their favorite tweets into short films. (Hat tip: Daring Fireball, aka John Gruber, who contributed one of the better ones to this collection.) Twitter: The Criterion Collection, Vol II from Jen Oslislo on Vimeo.
- 6/20/2010
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
This is still unconfirmed, and it's worth noting that we've seen this rumor pretty much since the release of the original iPhone in 2007. But this is the first time a major publication has published new information pertaining to the rumor of a Verizon iPhone, and it's the best indication yet that this might actually be happening.
The Wall Street Journal reports that for its next iPhone, Apple is actually splitting production into two separate tracks, to be completed by two separate manufacturers. The Gsm iPhone, which is otherwise known as the At&T iPhone we all know and love, will continue to be produced by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn), of Taiwan. But Apple will allegedly be using Pegatron Technology Corp., also of Taiwan, for the Cdma iPhone supposedly due for Verizon.
Cdma is a lesser-used wireless technology worldwide, although here in the States it's the most popular, used...
The Wall Street Journal reports that for its next iPhone, Apple is actually splitting production into two separate tracks, to be completed by two separate manufacturers. The Gsm iPhone, which is otherwise known as the At&T iPhone we all know and love, will continue to be produced by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn), of Taiwan. But Apple will allegedly be using Pegatron Technology Corp., also of Taiwan, for the Cdma iPhone supposedly due for Verizon.
Cdma is a lesser-used wireless technology worldwide, although here in the States it's the most popular, used...
- 3/30/2010
- by Dan Nosowitz
- Fast Company
Even though Apple won’t be attending this year’s Macworld Expo at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, that isn’t stopping organizers Idg from having one. This year, in what they are calling ‘The Start of a new Era” the organizers have assembled a host of great speakers, panels and events for Apple and Mac enthusiasts everywhere.
Some of the highlights of the event include an evening with David Pogue, Q&A with writer/director Kevin Smith, the 20th anniversary of Photoshop event, Macworld Magizine’s “Best of Show” awards and a hands-on demo of Apple’s latest product, the iPad.
The Show Floor opens Thursday: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Thursday’s Highlights:
Late Night with David Pogue – Join New York Times’ Columnis David Pogue for song parodies, surprise guests, jokes at Apple’s expense, and a lot of geeking out.
9:00am – 10:00am
See the...
Some of the highlights of the event include an evening with David Pogue, Q&A with writer/director Kevin Smith, the 20th anniversary of Photoshop event, Macworld Magizine’s “Best of Show” awards and a hands-on demo of Apple’s latest product, the iPad.
The Show Floor opens Thursday: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Thursday’s Highlights:
Late Night with David Pogue – Join New York Times’ Columnis David Pogue for song parodies, surprise guests, jokes at Apple’s expense, and a lot of geeking out.
9:00am – 10:00am
See the...
- 2/11/2010
- by Joe Gillis
- The Flickcast
While reporting its most profitable quarter ever yesterday, Apple's execs let slip a few nuggets of information about past and future products. The most intriguing is related to upcoming extra freight flights...but for what?
Speaking at the earnings call in answer to an analyst question, Apple's COO Tim Cook let slip a slightly unexpected fact about an upcoming "abnormal" boost in air freight bookings. Such a boost is usually expected in the run up to the holiday season, as companies try to get their ducks in line in time for the sales rush, but Cook acknowledged "this increase is larger than usual. I'm sorry I can't be specific on the product but it's an abnormal sequential increase." As if that wasn't intriguing enough, he also added "the air freight is not related to the iPhone."
Hmmm. What on earth could this be for? It's definitely something new, especially when...
Speaking at the earnings call in answer to an analyst question, Apple's COO Tim Cook let slip a slightly unexpected fact about an upcoming "abnormal" boost in air freight bookings. Such a boost is usually expected in the run up to the holiday season, as companies try to get their ducks in line in time for the sales rush, but Cook acknowledged "this increase is larger than usual. I'm sorry I can't be specific on the product but it's an abnormal sequential increase." As if that wasn't intriguing enough, he also added "the air freight is not related to the iPhone."
Hmmm. What on earth could this be for? It's definitely something new, especially when...
- 10/20/2009
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
Last week we speculated what Apple would reveal at its event today but things have evolved, as they will do in the swirling primordial rumor-soup of the tech world, so we've summarized the latest thinking for you:
iPods With Cameras
This is pretty much a dead-cert, with successive rumors giving away the details and numerous third-party iPod case makers leaking their designs--one more today, even.
The iPod Touch is likely to get the same 3-megapixel auto-focus camera as the iPhone 3Gs (and Cpu, creating cost savings), while the iPod nano is likely to get a 2-megapixel fixed-focus unit mainly due to the reduced space in its casing. There were briefly rumors the iPod Classic would get a cam too, but they've died down and there haven't been any leaked case designs to support the idea.
iPods With Bigger Capacity, Redesign
Apple surprised many people this morning by slashing the price of the existing Nano,...
iPods With Cameras
This is pretty much a dead-cert, with successive rumors giving away the details and numerous third-party iPod case makers leaking their designs--one more today, even.
The iPod Touch is likely to get the same 3-megapixel auto-focus camera as the iPhone 3Gs (and Cpu, creating cost savings), while the iPod nano is likely to get a 2-megapixel fixed-focus unit mainly due to the reduced space in its casing. There were briefly rumors the iPod Classic would get a cam too, but they've died down and there haven't been any leaked case designs to support the idea.
iPods With Bigger Capacity, Redesign
Apple surprised many people this morning by slashing the price of the existing Nano,...
- 9/9/2009
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
Select members of the tech elite are leading a backlash against Apple's smartphone and its perceived failures. This silly backlash needs its own backlash. We're here to help.
There's a bizarre meme developing on your favorite Internets: high-profile iPhone users and app makers very publicly announcing that they're ditching Apple. Basically it's a throwing-toys-out-of-the-pram stunt. It's dumb.
Look at these two recent stories to see what we mean. First up is Steven Frank, a Mac software developer who threw a mini-tantrum when Apple decided to shut out Google Voice apps for the iPhone. Despairing at the way Apple has handled the whole iPhone Application approval process (i.e. badly), he said he would ditch his iPhone--and any iPhone Os system (i.e. the rumored iTablet)--and get a Palm Pre. So far, so very silly. But then Apple's Senior VP Phil Schiller emailed Frank and tried to allay his fears.
There's a bizarre meme developing on your favorite Internets: high-profile iPhone users and app makers very publicly announcing that they're ditching Apple. Basically it's a throwing-toys-out-of-the-pram stunt. It's dumb.
Look at these two recent stories to see what we mean. First up is Steven Frank, a Mac software developer who threw a mini-tantrum when Apple decided to shut out Google Voice apps for the iPhone. Despairing at the way Apple has handled the whole iPhone Application approval process (i.e. badly), he said he would ditch his iPhone--and any iPhone Os system (i.e. the rumored iTablet)--and get a Palm Pre. So far, so very silly. But then Apple's Senior VP Phil Schiller emailed Frank and tried to allay his fears.
- 8/12/2009
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
Lance's comeback in the Tour de France isn't the only sporting event fans will be glued to today. The global design competition Layer Tennis ends its season with its final match kicking off at 2pm Cst. Layer Tennis, you ask? Those familiar with Adobe's graphic design programs like Photoshop will understand all too well. When building documents, designers use "layers" to separate different graphic images. In Layer Tennis, a designer creates a layer which is then volleyed to another designer (sometimes on the other side of the planet) who builds upon that layer and ships it back. And this happens, live, over the course of a few hours every Friday afternoon.
An early volley in a semi-final match by Aaron Draplin.
The Chicago-based firm Coudal Partners (also quite famous for their Museum of Online Museums and products like the Field Notes notebooks) has rallied such a crowd that Adobe themselves...
An early volley in a semi-final match by Aaron Draplin.
The Chicago-based firm Coudal Partners (also quite famous for their Museum of Online Museums and products like the Field Notes notebooks) has rallied such a crowd that Adobe themselves...
- 7/10/2009
- by Alissa Walker
- Fast Company
It's here: The iPhone 3G S (the S is for Speeeeed). As Phil Schiller revealed the new device and its feature set at Apple's Wwdc conference he drew to a close several months of rumors and speculation. How accurate was it all? We've summarized the myths for you, starting with the key facts about the new phone.
The Name: iPhone 3G S
In our last rumor round-up, we said that iPhone 3G Video would be a pretty sensible name for the new device--video is, after all, one of the key features in the new iPhone. But over the weekend John Gruber leaked out that it would be the 3G "S" though he didn't know if it was a code word or the real product name, or precisely what it stood for.
Gruber was correct, of course. We kind of wish he hadn't been. "3G S" just sounds clumsy--not a very Appley title.
The Name: iPhone 3G S
In our last rumor round-up, we said that iPhone 3G Video would be a pretty sensible name for the new device--video is, after all, one of the key features in the new iPhone. But over the weekend John Gruber leaked out that it would be the 3G "S" though he didn't know if it was a code word or the real product name, or precisely what it stood for.
Gruber was correct, of course. We kind of wish he hadn't been. "3G S" just sounds clumsy--not a very Appley title.
- 6/8/2009
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
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