Murder Mystery ranks top in nine including Us; The Disappearance Of Madeleine McCann tops UK.
Local language films and TV shows lead the list of most popular content viewed on Netflix in eight countries outside the Us in 2019.
The streaming platform released the information on Monday (December 30), based on the number of accounts that watched at least two minutes of a film or TV show in its first 28 days of release on the platform. While the number of accounts is not revealed, it does illustrate how local audiences continue to respond to Netflix’s aggressive local language production strategy.
Sacred...
Local language films and TV shows lead the list of most popular content viewed on Netflix in eight countries outside the Us in 2019.
The streaming platform released the information on Monday (December 30), based on the number of accounts that watched at least two minutes of a film or TV show in its first 28 days of release on the platform. While the number of accounts is not revealed, it does illustrate how local audiences continue to respond to Netflix’s aggressive local language production strategy.
Sacred...
- 12/30/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
“La Casa de Papel” (“Money Heist”) Part 3 was the most-watched content on Netflix in 2019 across major European markets, including France, Spain and Italy, according to information released Monday by the streaming giant. In the U.K., however, both Alex Pina’s “La Casa de Papel” and, more curiously, British royal family series “The Crown” were missing from Netflix’s top 10 list, with the most popular release of 2019 being “The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann,” the true-crime documentary about a British girl who went missing during a vacation with her parents in Portugal more than a decade ago.
The other local titles included on the U.K. chart include Ricky Gervais’ “After Life,” the David Attenborough-fronted natural history series “Our Planet” and the Netflix flagship original “Sex Education,” which also performed well in the rest of Europe. “Stranger Things 3” also showed up in the top 10 across Europe.
Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama “The Irishman,...
The other local titles included on the U.K. chart include Ricky Gervais’ “After Life,” the David Attenborough-fronted natural history series “Our Planet” and the Netflix flagship original “Sex Education,” which also performed well in the rest of Europe. “Stranger Things 3” also showed up in the top 10 across Europe.
Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama “The Irishman,...
- 12/30/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
CEO Reed Hastings spoke on the French set of ’Osmosis’
Netflix has confirmed a further push into France, with the opening of a new office in Paris next year, as well as investment in three new French-language drama series and the acquisition of another four local productions.
CEO Reed Hastings made the announcement to journalists on the set of the sci-fi drama series Osmosis in France on Thursday (Sept 27).
He said the new Paris outpost would initially employ some 20 people. It is the company’s third European operation, after its regional headquarters in Amsterdam and London offices. The latter is...
Netflix has confirmed a further push into France, with the opening of a new office in Paris next year, as well as investment in three new French-language drama series and the acquisition of another four local productions.
CEO Reed Hastings made the announcement to journalists on the set of the sci-fi drama series Osmosis in France on Thursday (Sept 27).
He said the new Paris outpost would initially employ some 20 people. It is the company’s third European operation, after its regional headquarters in Amsterdam and London offices. The latter is...
- 9/28/2018
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
There’s a streak of fierce independence in Taylor Bennett, and it’s not because he also happens to be Chance the Rapper’s little brother. The Chicago-based artist has been carving his own lane in the city’s stacked hip-hop community with promising and ebullient full-length projects like 2015’s Broad Shoulders and 2017’s Restoration of an American Idol, started his own record label, Tay Bennett Entertainment, which boasts singer Bianca Shaw and recent signee Zxxk, and came out as bisexual in early 2017. But with his latest effort, the life-affirming six-song Ep Be Yourself,...
- 7/12/2018
- by Josh Terry
- Rollingstone.com
The holidays may be over by the time January rolls around, but Arrow Video will still have gifts in store for horror fans with Blu-ray releases that include Dario Argento's The Cat O' Nine Tails, Stuart Gordon's Re-Animator, and Wes Craven's The Hills Have Eyes.
We have release details and images of Arrow Video's January Blu-ray releases below. The Cat O' Nine Tails is a limited edition item, and while Re-Animator and The Hills Have Eyes were previously released as limited editions by Arrow Video, they will be hitting shelves as re-releases in January (with slightly less goodies, but still plenty of bonus features and eye-popping 4K restorations to enjoy).
From Arrow Video: "New UK/Us Title: The Cat o’ Nine Tails (Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD) Limited Edition
Pre-order The Cat O’ Nine Tails in the UK: http://bit.ly/2i9y0cp
Pre-order The Cat...
We have release details and images of Arrow Video's January Blu-ray releases below. The Cat O' Nine Tails is a limited edition item, and while Re-Animator and The Hills Have Eyes were previously released as limited editions by Arrow Video, they will be hitting shelves as re-releases in January (with slightly less goodies, but still plenty of bonus features and eye-popping 4K restorations to enjoy).
From Arrow Video: "New UK/Us Title: The Cat o’ Nine Tails (Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD) Limited Edition
Pre-order The Cat O’ Nine Tails in the UK: http://bit.ly/2i9y0cp
Pre-order The Cat...
- 10/27/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
CBS has put in development drama series Family Business from a duo of CBS veterans. The project hails from one of the most prolific CBS drama creators, Barbara Hall, and long-time CBS executive Glenn Geller, who exited his post as the network’s entertainment president in May to segue to a producing deal with CBS TV Studios. This is his first CBS sale. Written by Hall, Family Business is a multi-generational CIA spy family show told through the eyes of its youngest…...
- 8/28/2017
- Deadline TV
The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire is the latest game from well regarded veteran designer Eric Lang, featuring the “dudes on a map” style of gameplay that Lang is most famous for, combined with the strong theme of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic movie trilogy. Essentially a game of area control, resource/hand management and trick collection with a twist, Corleone’s Empire manages to be both simple and easy to pick up whilst also quite strategic. Fans of the movie series will benefit from the thematic style and a few nuanced references, but the game would have been just as playable without The Godfather license, as there is no actual gameplay content that relates to Coppola’s script.
In Corleone’s Empire, up to five players compete to earn the most money for their family, each of which is represented on the board by a different set of miniatures with bases of various colours.
In Corleone’s Empire, up to five players compete to earn the most money for their family, each of which is represented on the board by a different set of miniatures with bases of various colours.
- 8/16/2017
- by Matthew Smail
- Nerdly
What will Sam and Dean’s legacy be?
The brothers discussed that topic and faced off with a god on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 18.
TV Fanatic staff writers Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk about it all, including Mary’s possible fate for the season.
So join in the latest Supernatural Round Table to chat about “The Memory Remains.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: My favorite scene was the big showdown with the god in the meat locker. That was super creepy!
The way the whole scene was framed really built the suspense. There’s nothing like a deadly, blood-thirsty, goat-headed god to stalk Dean behind the slabs of meat in the dim red light.
Sure, we knew that Sam would bust in and save the day eventually, but still, his kill with the colt was all kinds of awesome.
The brothers discussed that topic and faced off with a god on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 18.
TV Fanatic staff writers Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk about it all, including Mary’s possible fate for the season.
So join in the latest Supernatural Round Table to chat about “The Memory Remains.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: My favorite scene was the big showdown with the god in the meat locker. That was super creepy!
The way the whole scene was framed really built the suspense. There’s nothing like a deadly, blood-thirsty, goat-headed god to stalk Dean behind the slabs of meat in the dim red light.
Sure, we knew that Sam would bust in and save the day eventually, but still, his kill with the colt was all kinds of awesome.
- 4/17/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
There were so many storylines on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 17, but was it just a mess?
From the British Men of Letters storyline to Kelly and Dagon to Lucifer and Crowley, TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky had plenty to discuss. And not all of it was positive.
Can you believe Mick got killed off?
Yeah, you’re going to want to join in the latest Supernatural Round Table to talk all about “The British Invasion.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: When Sam handed Dean the colt. Dean’s swagger with that gun back in his hand, it was priceless. Honestly, it was the only enjoyable part of the whole hour.
Christine: I liked the playful interaction of Dean teasing Sam about Eileen in the car. That little, "Aw, that's cute,” and watching Sam get slightly flustered.
From the British Men of Letters storyline to Kelly and Dagon to Lucifer and Crowley, TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky had plenty to discuss. And not all of it was positive.
Can you believe Mick got killed off?
Yeah, you’re going to want to join in the latest Supernatural Round Table to talk all about “The British Invasion.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: When Sam handed Dean the colt. Dean’s swagger with that gun back in his hand, it was priceless. Honestly, it was the only enjoyable part of the whole hour.
Christine: I liked the playful interaction of Dean teasing Sam about Eileen in the car. That little, "Aw, that's cute,” and watching Sam get slightly flustered.
- 4/10/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Claire returned… but with a werewolf twist. Sam, Dean, Mick and Claire took on a case of the week, but were the end results a positive one?
Should Sam and Dean have given Mick another chance? And what about Claire’s role in it all?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky dive into Supernatural Season 12 Episode 16.
Join them in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Nightsky: Dean’s description of hunter training will surely be a series classic: “You put on the flannel, you pick up a gun, you go out there. Either you get good fast or get dead faster.”
He officially dubbed flannel as the hunters’ uniform! The whole quote is perfect.
Christine: I actually really liked how enthusiastic Dean got about the hotel and the teeny tiny bottles of shampoo.
Should Sam and Dean have given Mick another chance? And what about Claire’s role in it all?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky dive into Supernatural Season 12 Episode 16.
Join them in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Nightsky: Dean’s description of hunter training will surely be a series classic: “You put on the flannel, you pick up a gun, you go out there. Either you get good fast or get dead faster.”
He officially dubbed flannel as the hunters’ uniform! The whole quote is perfect.
Christine: I actually really liked how enthusiastic Dean got about the hotel and the teeny tiny bottles of shampoo.
- 4/4/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Sunday Funday #fbbeer #drippingsprings #strawberrybeetsour A post shared by FamilyBusinessBeerCo (@familybusinessbeerco) on Apr 3, 2017 at 8:02am Pdt Jensen Ackles recently welcomed twins with wife Danneel Harris, and on Sunday, the family of five spent their day working at the brood's new business, Family Business Beer Company, in Texas. Along with an adorable Instagram photo of the group enjoying their "Sunday Funday," the Supernatural star posted a video of his daughter, Justice, riding on a forklift with him. "Employee Training," he captioned it. Nothing like starting them young, right? A post shared by FamilyBusinessBeerCo (@familybusinessbeerco) on Apr 3, 2017 at 7:49am Pdt...
- 4/3/2017
- by Monica Sisavat
- Popsugar.com
[Editor’s Note: “Archer” Season 7 ended with a cliffhanger: Is Archer alive or dead? If you don’t know the answer (despite it being revealed at Comic-Con in July 2016), the following review contains spoilers relating to his physical state in Season 8.]
Dreams are a tricky storytelling device for any show, but for “Archer,” Adam Reed’s sneakily ambitious spy movie spoof, setting an entire season within his lead character’s dream is the creator’s riskiest gamble yet. Sure, he’s trafficked in “Vice” and gone Hollywood, but dreams are a different story. If the episodes lack suspense because the dream has no real-world consequences — or they simply don’t live up to past episodes — it would be seen as stalling, or worse yet, a waste of time.
But “Archer Dreamland” tells an engaging, exciting story with a similar style to past seasons and freshly invigorates its familiar cast of characters by repurposing each modern spy archetype to the film noir era. Without spoiling too much of the set-up, I’ll just say what was formally announced last July: Archer is still alive, but in a coma. The season takes place in his dream,...
Dreams are a tricky storytelling device for any show, but for “Archer,” Adam Reed’s sneakily ambitious spy movie spoof, setting an entire season within his lead character’s dream is the creator’s riskiest gamble yet. Sure, he’s trafficked in “Vice” and gone Hollywood, but dreams are a different story. If the episodes lack suspense because the dream has no real-world consequences — or they simply don’t live up to past episodes — it would be seen as stalling, or worse yet, a waste of time.
But “Archer Dreamland” tells an engaging, exciting story with a similar style to past seasons and freshly invigorates its familiar cast of characters by repurposing each modern spy archetype to the film noir era. Without spoiling too much of the set-up, I’ll just say what was formally announced last July: Archer is still alive, but in a coma. The season takes place in his dream,...
- 3/30/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
By now, you know if “Grace and Frankie” is for you.
After two seasons of curiously addictive TV, it’s clear the talents of Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda are as undeniable as the show’s comedic and dramatic rhythms are challenging. You may love the cast, but find the storytelling uneven. You may want more comedy, more drama, or just more episodes — like the stars. But “Grace and Frankie” is exactly what it wants to be, whether you love it or remain oddly drawn to it, and Season 3 is all about being proud of that identity.
And to this critic, it should be.
The main thrust of Season 3’s first six episodes is unabashed openness: Grace and Frankie have started their own business, manufacturing vibrators for the elderly, and they’re not going to let social hang-ups about sex or ageist business practices get in their way. Grace’s...
After two seasons of curiously addictive TV, it’s clear the talents of Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda are as undeniable as the show’s comedic and dramatic rhythms are challenging. You may love the cast, but find the storytelling uneven. You may want more comedy, more drama, or just more episodes — like the stars. But “Grace and Frankie” is exactly what it wants to be, whether you love it or remain oddly drawn to it, and Season 3 is all about being proud of that identity.
And to this critic, it should be.
The main thrust of Season 3’s first six episodes is unabashed openness: Grace and Frankie have started their own business, manufacturing vibrators for the elderly, and they’re not going to let social hang-ups about sex or ageist business practices get in their way. Grace’s...
- 3/24/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Hellhounds. Lucifer vs. Crowley. Castiel’s choice.
So much went down on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 15, including Sam revealing to Dean he has been working with the British Men of Letters.
But was it all exciting? Did all those moments work?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky get right into it to talk all about “Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell.”
So join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: The final scene with Sam and Dean. Honestly, given how slow and choppy the pacing of this episode was, I’m surprised I lasted that long.
It was a worthwhile scene, though. Sam didn’t have to fight hard to get Dean to come around about working with the British Men of Letters. After all, they work with Crowley, and they aren’t dead yet.
So much went down on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 15, including Sam revealing to Dean he has been working with the British Men of Letters.
But was it all exciting? Did all those moments work?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky get right into it to talk all about “Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell.”
So join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: The final scene with Sam and Dean. Honestly, given how slow and choppy the pacing of this episode was, I’m surprised I lasted that long.
It was a worthwhile scene, though. Sam didn’t have to fight hard to get Dean to come around about working with the British Men of Letters. After all, they work with Crowley, and they aren’t dead yet.
- 3/14/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
An Alpha vampire and Sam using the Colt?!?
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 14 was British Men of Letters heavy, and there was plenty to enjoy about the hour.
But who else was surprised by the use of the Colt or even Sam choosing to work with the British Men of Letters?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk “The Raid.”
So join them in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I'm going with Sam getting really emotional when he saw the Colt. It was like he connected a dozen dots in seconds, and I really felt for him.
Jared Padalecki nailed that moment.
And because I love any and all mentions of Bobby, Sam passing on Bobby's recipe for the bullets to Mick got me slightly choked up as well, especially...
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 14 was British Men of Letters heavy, and there was plenty to enjoy about the hour.
But who else was surprised by the use of the Colt or even Sam choosing to work with the British Men of Letters?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk “The Raid.”
So join them in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I'm going with Sam getting really emotional when he saw the Colt. It was like he connected a dozen dots in seconds, and I really felt for him.
Jared Padalecki nailed that moment.
And because I love any and all mentions of Bobby, Sam passing on Bobby's recipe for the bullets to Mick got me slightly choked up as well, especially...
- 3/6/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Crowley’s son came back!
Gavin may have been absent since Supernatural Season 9, but a ghost case involving the ship he was supposed to have ben brought him back to the story on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 13.
Plus, Mary revealed her British Men of Letters secret. But was it a good move?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business' Alice and Nightsky weigh in on “Family Feud.”
So join them in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: As I look back and try to remember all the forgettable scenes in this episode, not to mention the quotes, I’ll go with the one scene I actually remember; the ending one.
Actually, it started with Rowena and Crowley in the bus station. Their talk about why Rowena helped Gavin was awesome. The reason was most unexpected.
Then...
Gavin may have been absent since Supernatural Season 9, but a ghost case involving the ship he was supposed to have ben brought him back to the story on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 13.
Plus, Mary revealed her British Men of Letters secret. But was it a good move?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business' Alice and Nightsky weigh in on “Family Feud.”
So join them in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: As I look back and try to remember all the forgettable scenes in this episode, not to mention the quotes, I’ll go with the one scene I actually remember; the ending one.
Actually, it started with Rowena and Crowley in the bus station. Their talk about why Rowena helped Gavin was awesome. The reason was most unexpected.
Then...
- 2/27/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
A prince of hell? The return of the Colt?
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 12 was a stylish hour that took a case of the week and spun in some lore as well.
So was this an episode that TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi andEdit The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky all loved?
Join in the Supernatural Round Table to find out and to talk all about “Stuck in the Middle (With You).”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: It's so hard to choose just one! I loved that first diner scene. I actually hoped for some payoff with Cas and Mandy as a tag. He had just cheated death, that calls for some action, I'd say!
I also loved that burning circle standoff with the Winchesters - they were just bad-ass mofos there.
Dean's little bit about family got me all emotional.
But man, oh man,...
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 12 was a stylish hour that took a case of the week and spun in some lore as well.
So was this an episode that TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi andEdit The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky all loved?
Join in the Supernatural Round Table to find out and to talk all about “Stuck in the Middle (With You).”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: It's so hard to choose just one! I loved that first diner scene. I actually hoped for some payoff with Cas and Mandy as a tag. He had just cheated death, that calls for some action, I'd say!
I also loved that burning circle standoff with the Winchesters - they were just bad-ass mofos there.
Dean's little bit about family got me all emotional.
But man, oh man,...
- 2/20/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Was this a Supernatural episode to remember?
Dean may have lost his mind on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 11, but there was plenty to take in. From the comedic to the dramatic, this was an episode that really captured that memory loss for the character.
But what about those witches? Were they fantastic villains?
Join TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky as they talk about “Regarding Dean.”
So turn on your light sticks and join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: No contest. I’m going with the ending montage with Dean on the mechanical bull and his other fun antics in the episode to the tune of Bobby Goldsboro’s “Broomstick Cowboy.”
The whole scene was out in left field, didn’t really fit with the episode, but I loved it anyway.
Dean may have lost his mind on Supernatural Season 12 Episode 11, but there was plenty to take in. From the comedic to the dramatic, this was an episode that really captured that memory loss for the character.
But what about those witches? Were they fantastic villains?
Join TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky as they talk about “Regarding Dean.”
So turn on your light sticks and join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: No contest. I’m going with the ending montage with Dean on the mechanical bull and his other fun antics in the episode to the tune of Bobby Goldsboro’s “Broomstick Cowboy.”
The whole scene was out in left field, didn’t really fit with the episode, but I loved it anyway.
- 2/14/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
An angel hunter with a surprising past and a connection with Castiel was at the center of Supernatural Season 12 Episode 10.
But was the reveal a good twist? And will Lily return?
TV Fanatic staff writers Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business' Alice and Nightsky are ready to dive into this twisty episode.
So put your angel blades down and join in the latest Supernatural Round Table to talk about "Lily Sunder Has Some Regrets."
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I think my favorite moment was Castiel's apology to Lily. That speech came from such a deep place in Castiel, and it really showed how much he's grown and learned because of Sam and Dean. He's not a soldier for God anymore, and he has regrets.
I also got a nice chuckle out of the entire diner sequence, between everyone squeezing into that...
But was the reveal a good twist? And will Lily return?
TV Fanatic staff writers Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business' Alice and Nightsky are ready to dive into this twisty episode.
So put your angel blades down and join in the latest Supernatural Round Table to talk about "Lily Sunder Has Some Regrets."
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I think my favorite moment was Castiel's apology to Lily. That speech came from such a deep place in Castiel, and it really showed how much he's grown and learned because of Sam and Dean. He's not a soldier for God anymore, and he has regrets.
I also got a nice chuckle out of the entire diner sequence, between everyone squeezing into that...
- 2/7/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
There could be some cosmic consequences on the horizon.
Should we be worried about Castiel then?
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 9 may have been focused on Sam and Dean’s lockup and then escape, but the end is where things really took a turn.
But was it an outstanding midseason premiere or simply lackluster.
TVFanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are here to talk all about “First Blood.”
So take break from chow time and join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: My favorite by far was the scene on the bridge with Billie. The whole episode before that was lackluster, and it felt like they were going through the motions. Then that scene happened and we finally got some worthwhile drama.
I love how each Winchester was willing to sacrifice themselves and then boom,...
Should we be worried about Castiel then?
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 9 may have been focused on Sam and Dean’s lockup and then escape, but the end is where things really took a turn.
But was it an outstanding midseason premiere or simply lackluster.
TVFanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are here to talk all about “First Blood.”
So take break from chow time and join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Alice: My favorite by far was the scene on the bridge with Billie. The whole episode before that was lackluster, and it felt like they were going through the motions. Then that scene happened and we finally got some worthwhile drama.
I love how each Winchester was willing to sacrifice themselves and then boom,...
- 1/31/2017
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Has Lucifer lost it?
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 7 revealed the Prince of Darkness embracing the role of Vince Vincente, oh, and that he has no plan.
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business' Alice and Nightsky sound off about Lucifer, actor Rick Springfield, and whether they are even interested in the Lucifer storyline anymore.
So grab your tickets to the show and let's talk "Rock Never Dies" on the Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I liked the bit in the car, when Sam tried pretending that he was listening to a podcast about religion rather than hair rock. That was just a nice brother moment.
Nightsky: The very last shot of Sam as he turned away from the group and looked at the chaos Lucifer had caused. Sam had just told them that they were all responsible...
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 7 revealed the Prince of Darkness embracing the role of Vince Vincente, oh, and that he has no plan.
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business' Alice and Nightsky sound off about Lucifer, actor Rick Springfield, and whether they are even interested in the Lucifer storyline anymore.
So grab your tickets to the show and let's talk "Rock Never Dies" on the Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I liked the bit in the car, when Sam tried pretending that he was listening to a podcast about religion rather than hair rock. That was just a nice brother moment.
Nightsky: The very last shot of Sam as he turned away from the group and looked at the chaos Lucifer had caused. Sam had just told them that they were all responsible...
- 12/6/2016
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Sam and Dean at a hunter gathering?
Might as well gather the Supernatural Round Table of TV Fanatic’s Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky to talk Supernatural Season 12 Episode 6.
The return of Jody and Mary was a sight to see, as were some new hunters added to the mix. And was that a scary demon again?
Strap in and let’s discuss “Celebrating the Life of Asa Fox.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Nightsky: I loved this entire episode! It’s one of those that I want to restart and watch again as soon as it’s over.
I loved Sam slouching on the couch and Jody’s reactions when she met Mary. That was played absolutely perfectly by Kim Rhodes. I also liked the twins asking Elvis to leave. How often do we wish we could say that to someone awkward at a party!
Might as well gather the Supernatural Round Table of TV Fanatic’s Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky to talk Supernatural Season 12 Episode 6.
The return of Jody and Mary was a sight to see, as were some new hunters added to the mix. And was that a scary demon again?
Strap in and let’s discuss “Celebrating the Life of Asa Fox.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Nightsky: I loved this entire episode! It’s one of those that I want to restart and watch again as soon as it’s over.
I loved Sam slouching on the couch and Jody’s reactions when she met Mary. That was played absolutely perfectly by Kim Rhodes. I also liked the twins asking Elvis to leave. How often do we wish we could say that to someone awkward at a party!
- 11/21/2016
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Sam and Dean facing off against the Nazis and Hitler?
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 5 took to another case of the week, but was it even worth it?
TV Fanatic staff writers Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk about “The One You’ve Been Waiting For.”
So put down the grenade launcher, and join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I mean, guys, Dean killed Hitler. I think beyond that, Sam's reaction to the moment was even better: "Dude! You killed Hitler!" It was hysterical. Another standout moment for me was that final conversation between Sam and Ellie. They had a great spark between them. I'd love to see her come back again.
Alice: I could be lame and say something like “The end, when it was all over,” because I didn’t care for the episode,...
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 5 took to another case of the week, but was it even worth it?
TV Fanatic staff writers Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk about “The One You’ve Been Waiting For.”
So put down the grenade launcher, and join in the latest Supernatural Round Table!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I mean, guys, Dean killed Hitler. I think beyond that, Sam's reaction to the moment was even better: "Dude! You killed Hitler!" It was hysterical. Another standout moment for me was that final conversation between Sam and Ellie. They had a great spark between them. I'd love to see her come back again.
Alice: I could be lame and say something like “The end, when it was all over,” because I didn’t care for the episode,...
- 11/15/2016
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
A family off the grid. A psychic kid. Mr. Ketch?
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 4 may have been a case of the week, but there was plenty to dive into for Sam and Dean’s latest adventure. Plus, there was the return of the British Men of Letters!
TV Fanatic staff writers Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk all things Winchester on the latest Supernatural Round Table.
Join in the discussion and let us know what you thought of “American Nightmare.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Nightsky: Oddly, when Sam lost his temper with Mrs. Peterson. It was so unusual for him to be judgmental during an initial interview with a suspect. I really liked that Dean witnessed his brother losing it and registered that shocked look at what he was hearing. I'm curious if Sam's reaction is...
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 4 may have been a case of the week, but there was plenty to dive into for Sam and Dean’s latest adventure. Plus, there was the return of the British Men of Letters!
TV Fanatic staff writers Christine Laskodi and Sean McKenna and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk all things Winchester on the latest Supernatural Round Table.
Join in the discussion and let us know what you thought of “American Nightmare.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Nightsky: Oddly, when Sam lost his temper with Mrs. Peterson. It was so unusual for him to be judgmental during an initial interview with a suspect. I really liked that Dean witnessed his brother losing it and registered that shocked look at what he was hearing. I'm curious if Sam's reaction is...
- 11/8/2016
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Mary is really struggling with her new world.
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 3 certainly made that clear, especially with the final scene.
But while there was the classic ghost hunt with some family drama, the hour also provided fans with a Castiel and Crowley team-up. Hello, Agent Beyonce and Agent Z!
So join TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky as they discuss “The Foundry.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I mean, that last scene was So good. It might go down as one of my favorite scenes of the series. Mary leaving this time felt like a betrayal, which is worse than death. That look on Dean's face was utterly heartbreaking. But I'll also throw out the scene where Mary uses The Partridge Family agent names. That got a laugh out of me.
Alice: I know I should say the final scene,...
Supernatural Season 12 Episode 3 certainly made that clear, especially with the final scene.
But while there was the classic ghost hunt with some family drama, the hour also provided fans with a Castiel and Crowley team-up. Hello, Agent Beyonce and Agent Z!
So join TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky as they discuss “The Foundry.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I mean, that last scene was So good. It might go down as one of my favorite scenes of the series. Mary leaving this time felt like a betrayal, which is worse than death. That look on Dean's face was utterly heartbreaking. But I'll also throw out the scene where Mary uses The Partridge Family agent names. That got a laugh out of me.
Alice: I know I should say the final scene,...
- 10/31/2016
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Arrow Video digs its sharp talons into Wes Craven's dirt 'n' Bowie Knife slaughter-fest horror picture, yet another strange travel advisory not to go anywhere, 'cause strangers might be cannibals. But hey, the movie works, and like much of Craven's filmography, it sticks its neck way out into dangerous territory. The Hills Have Eyes Blu-ray Arrow Video (Us) 1977 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 89 min. / Street Date October 11, 2016 / 39.95 Starring Susan Lanier, Robert Houston, Martin Speer, Dee Wallace, Russ Grieve, John Steadman, Michael Berryman, Virginia Vincent, James Whitworth Cinematography Eric Saarinen Art Direction Robert Burns Film Editor Wes Craven Original Music Don Peake Special Effects Greg Auer, John Frazier Produced by Peter Locke Written and Directed by Wes Craven
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
With Wes Craven now passed on, we're left with the situation of a modern American horror director with an extremely successful body of work for analysis. Both an educator and a sometime adult filmmaker,...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
With Wes Craven now passed on, we're left with the situation of a modern American horror director with an extremely successful body of work for analysis. Both an educator and a sometime adult filmmaker,...
- 10/25/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
CBS has bought Family Business, a multi-camera comedy from One Big Happy creator Liz Feldman and Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment. CBS Television Studios, where Feldman is under an overall deal, is the studio. Written by Feldman, Family Business centers on a successful woman who gives up her corporate career and reluctantly returns to Brooklyn to help run the family business in a time of need. Feldman executive produces with Kapital’s Kaplan, Dana Honor and Wendi…...
- 10/25/2016
- Deadline TV
Is the new Lucifer scary?
Rick Springfield definitely brings a new take to the character, but he hasn’t convinced all the Supernatural Round Table panelists yet.
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Nightsky and Alice are ready to discuss Supernatural Season 12 Episode 2.
From Mary sticking around to the true identity of Mr. Ketch, there’s plenty to discuss when it comes to “Mamma Mia.” Let’s get started!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Nightsky: Can there be any doubt? It has to be Sam’s conversation with his mother in her room. Jared Padalecki did a spectacular job of portraying Sam’s innocent awkwardness and tearful admission of a life-long void being filled by her presence. His emotions transitioned flawlessly, naturally flowing from the depth of their first, brief mother-son chat.
Alice: Without a doubt the scene between Sam...
Rick Springfield definitely brings a new take to the character, but he hasn’t convinced all the Supernatural Round Table panelists yet.
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Nightsky and Alice are ready to discuss Supernatural Season 12 Episode 2.
From Mary sticking around to the true identity of Mr. Ketch, there’s plenty to discuss when it comes to “Mamma Mia.” Let’s get started!
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Nightsky: Can there be any doubt? It has to be Sam’s conversation with his mother in her room. Jared Padalecki did a spectacular job of portraying Sam’s innocent awkwardness and tearful admission of a life-long void being filled by her presence. His emotions transitioned flawlessly, naturally flowing from the depth of their first, brief mother-son chat.
Alice: Without a doubt the scene between Sam...
- 10/24/2016
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Mary Winchester is back! But is that a good thing?
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk all about Supernatural Season 12 Episode 1.
Plus, there’s Toni and the new British Men of Letters, and it looks like Lucifer is making a return as well! So let’s dive into the latest Supernatural Round Table and discuss “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I loved a lot of little moments during the hour, but I think the best had to be Mary's reunion with Baby, and that longing look at the backseat... and Dean's totally uncomfortable reaction.
Alice: I’m with Christine. That was easily the best scene of the whole episode. It’s up there when Dean unleashed his baby after keeping her in storage in Supernatural Season 6. Dean...
TV Fanatic staff writers Sean McKenna and Christine Laskodi and The Winchester Family Business’ Alice and Nightsky are ready to talk all about Supernatural Season 12 Episode 1.
Plus, there’s Toni and the new British Men of Letters, and it looks like Lucifer is making a return as well! So let’s dive into the latest Supernatural Round Table and discuss “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
What was your favorite scene or quote?
Christine: I loved a lot of little moments during the hour, but I think the best had to be Mary's reunion with Baby, and that longing look at the backseat... and Dean's totally uncomfortable reaction.
Alice: I’m with Christine. That was easily the best scene of the whole episode. It’s up there when Dean unleashed his baby after keeping her in storage in Supernatural Season 6. Dean...
- 10/17/2016
- by Sean McKenna
- TVfanatic
Are you ready for more saving people and hunting things? Watch this "Family Business" trailer for the 12th season of Supernatural. Season 12 premieres on The CW this week, Thursday, October 13th, at 9:00pm Et/Pt.The teaser features Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Mark Sheppard, and Samantha Smith. You will also get a look at Rick Springfield as Lucifer's newest meatsuit.Read More…...
- 10/11/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Lineup and Pre-Festival Announcements and News
2016 Toronto International Film Festival: The Lineup
Tiff 2016 Announces Discovery Lineup, ‘In Conversation With…’ Guests, Vr Offerings and Much More
Tiff Platform Jury Revealed: Brian De Palma, Zhang Ziyi and Mahamat-Saleh Haroun to Judge Selections
Tiff Adds ‘I, Daniel Blake,’ ‘Julieta,’ ‘Personal Shopper,’ ‘The Unknown Girl,’ ‘Voyage of Time’ And Many More
Tiff’s Second-Ever TV Lineup Includes ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Transparent’
Tiff Announces Platform Titles, Including ‘Jackie,’ ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Daguerrotype’ and More
Film Festival Roundup: BFI London To Premiere ‘Queen Of Katwe,’ Michael Fassbender Honored By Tiff And More
Attention, Filmmakers: Your Instagram Short Film Could Be Judged By Ava DuVernay and Xavier Dolan
Tiff Adds New Round of Titles, Including ‘It’s Only the End of the World,’ ‘Mean Dreams’ and More
Tiffbot: Meet The Robot Film Critic That Will Help You Decide What to Watch at the Toronto Film Festival
Pre-Festival Analysis...
2016 Toronto International Film Festival: The Lineup
Tiff 2016 Announces Discovery Lineup, ‘In Conversation With…’ Guests, Vr Offerings and Much More
Tiff Platform Jury Revealed: Brian De Palma, Zhang Ziyi and Mahamat-Saleh Haroun to Judge Selections
Tiff Adds ‘I, Daniel Blake,’ ‘Julieta,’ ‘Personal Shopper,’ ‘The Unknown Girl,’ ‘Voyage of Time’ And Many More
Tiff’s Second-Ever TV Lineup Includes ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Transparent’
Tiff Announces Platform Titles, Including ‘Jackie,’ ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Daguerrotype’ and More
Film Festival Roundup: BFI London To Premiere ‘Queen Of Katwe,’ Michael Fassbender Honored By Tiff And More
Attention, Filmmakers: Your Instagram Short Film Could Be Judged By Ava DuVernay and Xavier Dolan
Tiff Adds New Round of Titles, Including ‘It’s Only the End of the World,’ ‘Mean Dreams’ and More
Tiffbot: Meet The Robot Film Critic That Will Help You Decide What to Watch at the Toronto Film Festival
Pre-Festival Analysis...
- 9/8/2016
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire
Stranger Things has been a critical hit for Netflix but one of its stars is ready to move onto bigger things. For instance, the Marvel cinematic universe. Note: I'm not going to discuss Stranger Things spoilers here so please do your fellow viewers a favor and resist doing so in the comments. We've certainly got some other posts for that on the site. The Netflix series has definitely referenced superheroes but the character Shannon Purser, who plays our beloved Barb on the show, would want to play hadn't even been invented during the show's time period. It's Squirrel Girl! So who do I talk to about being Squirrel Girl? — Shannon Purser (@ShannonPurser7) July 24, 2016 Fans seemed enthusiastic about the news if her replies are any indication and a Marvel editor already invited her to stop by their headquarters in New York if she's ever in town. Thank you ???? Big Marvel fan since forever!
- 7/30/2016
- by Jill Pantozzi
- Hitfix
Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross) bans hate speech at her children’s school by taking to the barricades. She punches through a banner and chants into a megaphone, protesting in a shirt that reads “She-ro,” and although her passion proves too intense—she tosses a brick through a parked car’s window—her gesture of triumph is perfect. Tilting her head back in exultation, Ross emerges as the unsung star of Kenya Barris’ “Black-ish,” and the emblem of a sitcom character reborn: I am mother. Hear me roar.
Along with ABC counterpart Constance Wu, of Nahnatchka Khan’s “Fresh Off the Boat,” Ross, as the successful surgeon and mother of four, adapts the most familiar figure in American television—see: Carol Brady, Clair Huxtable, Roseanne—to the medium’s modern age, in which single ladies—see: Liz Lemon, Leslie Knope, Hannah Horvath—lately seem to attract the most attention. In part,...
Along with ABC counterpart Constance Wu, of Nahnatchka Khan’s “Fresh Off the Boat,” Ross, as the successful surgeon and mother of four, adapts the most familiar figure in American television—see: Carol Brady, Clair Huxtable, Roseanne—to the medium’s modern age, in which single ladies—see: Liz Lemon, Leslie Knope, Hannah Horvath—lately seem to attract the most attention. In part,...
- 6/22/2016
- by Matt Brennan
- Indiewire
This week the the Lyons got back to the business of keeping it all in the family, which means plenty of infighting. Cookie’s hopes for a peaceful birthday are dashed when secrets about Lucious’s past are revealed, and it’s doubtful the family will be the same in the wake of this revelation.Just to be clear before we recap, seeing Hakeem’s face as the new Empire logo is really disconcerting. Something about seeing Lucious’s face back as the logo will turn the world right-side up again. We open with Camilla’s funeral, and the only one marginally upset is Hakeem. There’s no
Empire Review: Let’s Get Back to Family Business...
Empire Review: Let’s Get Back to Family Business...
- 4/14/2016
- by Araceli Aviles
- TVovermind.com
The CW’s iZombie closed Season 2 on Tuesday with an opening salvo of 1.4 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating, then 1.2 mil/0.5 at 9 pm (per finals), leading off with its largest audience since Feb. 23 and up a tenth in the demo week-to-week.
TVLine readers gave the eventful season ender a rare average grade of “A+.”
RelatediZombie’s Malcolm Goodwin Talks Clive’s Discovery, His Romantic Future
Elsewhere in the ratings….
NBC | The Voice (10.8 mil/2.3) was on par with Monday’s live playoff numbers, but down from last season’s Night 2 (10.9 mil/2.7). Game of Silence sneak previewed to 6.4 mil/1.4 (and an...
TVLine readers gave the eventful season ender a rare average grade of “A+.”
RelatediZombie’s Malcolm Goodwin Talks Clive’s Discovery, His Romantic Future
Elsewhere in the ratings….
NBC | The Voice (10.8 mil/2.3) was on par with Monday’s live playoff numbers, but down from last season’s Night 2 (10.9 mil/2.7). Game of Silence sneak previewed to 6.4 mil/1.4 (and an...
- 4/13/2016
- TVLine.com
Dancing With the Stars is giving its successful Switch-Up Night stunt another whirl.
RelatedDancing With the Stars Week 4 Recap: Did the Right Couple Go Home?
Good Morning America on Wednesday revealed the pairings for the April 18 broadcast, which will find the remaining celebs partnered with a different dance pro for one week only. Among the newly coupled partners are Gma meteorologist Ginger Zee, who will dance with Mark Ballas, and Jodie Sweetin, who will attempt the paso doble with her one-time Fuller House dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
The complete list of partners (and their dances) is as follows:
Nyle Dimarco and Sharna Burgess – V.
RelatedDancing With the Stars Week 4 Recap: Did the Right Couple Go Home?
Good Morning America on Wednesday revealed the pairings for the April 18 broadcast, which will find the remaining celebs partnered with a different dance pro for one week only. Among the newly coupled partners are Gma meteorologist Ginger Zee, who will dance with Mark Ballas, and Jodie Sweetin, who will attempt the paso doble with her one-time Fuller House dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
The complete list of partners (and their dances) is as follows:
Nyle Dimarco and Sharna Burgess – V.
- 4/13/2016
- TVLine.com
It’s a story so huge that (at least according to the over-excited press release they sent us) it took an entire original graphic novel to tell it! She’s unbeatable. She talks to squirrels – she is The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl and in the new Ogn from Marvel she Beats Up The Marvel Universe!
Yes, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe is on its way from the award winning team behind the monthly Unbeatable Squirrel Girl series – Ryan North and Erica Henderson – this October.
She’s beaten Thanos. She’s bested Galactus. She’s thwarted Doctor Doom (twice, but who’s counting?). But in this all-new graphic novel, she’ll take on her most dangerous, most powerful and most unbeatable enemy yet: Herself! Specifically, an evil duplicate created through all manner of mad science (computer and regular type). So what happens when two Unbeatable Squirrel Girl’s clash?...
Yes, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe is on its way from the award winning team behind the monthly Unbeatable Squirrel Girl series – Ryan North and Erica Henderson – this October.
She’s beaten Thanos. She’s bested Galactus. She’s thwarted Doctor Doom (twice, but who’s counting?). But in this all-new graphic novel, she’ll take on her most dangerous, most powerful and most unbeatable enemy yet: Herself! Specifically, an evil duplicate created through all manner of mad science (computer and regular type). So what happens when two Unbeatable Squirrel Girl’s clash?...
- 3/22/2016
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Chance the Rapper reworked Kanye's "Family Business" not too long ago — tweaking it and renaming it "Family Matters" in light of his current tour and new mantle of fatherhood. Now, there's a music video for the cover. Chance puts softer, more instrumental touches on his version, which, when combined with the swapped-out lyrics and archival footage in the music vid, gives it a near sentimental feel. The rapper's currently on tour (some road footage is also included in the visuals), the dates for which are available here. Enjoy:...
- 10/14/2015
- by Sean Fitz-Gerald
- Vulture
Welcome to the ninth installment of our summer trip through "The Sopranos" season 1. When I revisited early seasons of "The Wire," as well as the whole run of "Deadwood," I did separate versions of each review for newcomers and veterans, but over time realized that the newcomers weren't commenting much, if at all, and that it therefore made sense to simply do one review. Any significant spoilers for episodes beyond the one being reviewed will be contained in a separate section at the end of the review; so long as you avoid that, and the comments, you should be fine. Thoughts on the ninth episode, “Boca," coming up just as soon as you lie like I play the French horn... "I didn't hurt nobody." -Tony In the grand scheme of "Sopranos" season 1, the most important part of "Boca" takes place on a Jersey golf course, where Uncle Junior and Tony...
- 7/29/2015
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Welcome to the fifth installment of our summer trip through "The Sopranos" season 1. When I revisited early seasons of "The Wire," as well as the whole run of "Deadwood," I did separate versions of each review for newcomers and veterans, but over time realized that the newcomers weren't commenting much, if at all, and that it therefore made sense to simply do one review. Any significant spoilers for episodes beyond the one being reviewed will be contained in a separate section at the end of the review; so long as you avoid that, and the comments, you should be fine. Thoughts on the fifth episode, "College," coming up just as soon as I find $50,000 in krugerrands and a .45 automatic while hunting for Easter eggs... "Are you in the Mafia?" -Meadow There are masterpieces of the moment, and there are masterpieces for all time. Which, I wondered as I began this project,...
- 7/1/2015
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
View Photo Gallery
Long after TV’s Moesha ended in 2001, Brandy and Ray J remain part of the VH1 family with their shows Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business, For the Love of Ray J, and most recently Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. But where have all the other stars been this whole time?
In honor of Brandy’s birthday, we’re giving you a throwback like no other. See what the cast members have been up to in the decade-plus that’s followed.
Watch Brandy open up about her (perfect) flaws.
[Photo Credit: Upn]...
Long after TV’s Moesha ended in 2001, Brandy and Ray J remain part of the VH1 family with their shows Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business, For the Love of Ray J, and most recently Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. But where have all the other stars been this whole time?
In honor of Brandy’s birthday, we’re giving you a throwback like no other. See what the cast members have been up to in the decade-plus that’s followed.
Watch Brandy open up about her (perfect) flaws.
[Photo Credit: Upn]...
- 2/11/2015
- by Taylor Ferber
- VH1.com
View Photo Gallery
Long after TV’s Moesha ended in 2001, Brandy and Ray J remain part of the VH1 family with their shows Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business, For the Love of Ray J, and most recently Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. But where have all the other stars been this whole time?
In honor of Brandy’s birthday, we’re giving you a throwback like no other. See what the cast members have been up to in the decade-plus that’s followed.
Watch Brandy open up about her (perfect) flaws.
[Photo Credit: Upn]...
Long after TV’s Moesha ended in 2001, Brandy and Ray J remain part of the VH1 family with their shows Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business, For the Love of Ray J, and most recently Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. But where have all the other stars been this whole time?
In honor of Brandy’s birthday, we’re giving you a throwback like no other. See what the cast members have been up to in the decade-plus that’s followed.
Watch Brandy open up about her (perfect) flaws.
[Photo Credit: Upn]...
- 2/11/2015
- by Taylor Ferber
- TheFabLife - Movies
A few thoughts on the "Sons of Anarchy" series finale coming up just as soon as I give you my blanket... Amber Dowling already wrote her review of "Papa's Goods" last night, and I said most of what I had to say about the series in yesterday's column. As someone who skipped out on most of the final two seasons, I can't really speak to all the various club beefs that were settled in these last few episodes, and whether I'd have found them interesting had I stuck it out from first to last. In terms of the part of the show I still cared about, "Papa's Goods" felt very reminiscent of the "Breaking Bad" series finale, albeit presented in the bloated, montage-heavy style of "Sons." With Gemma's murder behind him, Jax finally can admit to himself and others what a monster he is, and that the club's world is...
- 12/10/2014
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Boston, with its prestigious academics and rich sense of culture, doesn’t seem completely deserving of its cinematic reputation as a decaying den of iniquity, but there’s no denying the gritty, gloomy atmosphere in which nearly every “Boston film” of the past five years has been cloaked. The Town, The Departed, Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone – all of them paint the city with a devastating brush, populating it with characters who seem constantly at a breaking point, ready to bubble over from seething anger to vicious violence.
By the Gun shares most of its DNA with those aforementioned crime thrillers. Like them, its characters are of the rough-and-tumble variety, cursing like sailors in thick accents, and walking through the city streets with slightly stooped shoulders as if carrying unseen weight. Also like them, its story communicates timeless messages of masculinity, family, sacrifice and the “good life.” It’s a gangster movie,...
By the Gun shares most of its DNA with those aforementioned crime thrillers. Like them, its characters are of the rough-and-tumble variety, cursing like sailors in thick accents, and walking through the city streets with slightly stooped shoulders as if carrying unseen weight. Also like them, its story communicates timeless messages of masculinity, family, sacrifice and the “good life.” It’s a gangster movie,...
- 12/5/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
Last night’s episode of Once Upon a Time continued the epic Frozen saga as it was a Belle-centric episode that featured Belle’s adventures with Anna in Arendelle and as always: beware of spoilers. I feel that it has been a very long time since Belle had a big episode, and as I was watching this episode, I couldn’t even remember the last time she even had an episode that focused heavily on her. I think the show has always struggled with finding out what they can do with her aside from being with Rumple all the time so most of the episodes she is in, she is mostly a background character. But this week, they succeeded in giving her a separate story that focused more on her background as we get to see her mom for a few seconds in the flashbacks. I know it was supposed to be symbolic,...
- 11/3/2014
- by Andy
- TVovermind.com
This week on ABC’s Once Upon a Time, the Snow Queen’s “attachment” to Emma was revealed, while in flashback we discovered Belle’s connection to Anna’s disappearance.
In The Fairytale Land That Was…. | We see that with the Ogre Wars heating up, during one attack Belle and her mother hid beneath a table, yet were quickly discovered. What happened next is a blur, since once Belle next wakes, her mother is dead and being memorialized. Belle’s father suggests her memory loss is for the best, but that’s not good enough for the plucky bookworm, who...
In The Fairytale Land That Was…. | We see that with the Ogre Wars heating up, during one attack Belle and her mother hid beneath a table, yet were quickly discovered. What happened next is a blur, since once Belle next wakes, her mother is dead and being memorialized. Belle’s father suggests her memory loss is for the best, but that’s not good enough for the plucky bookworm, who...
- 11/3/2014
- TVLine.com
Looks like Elsa has some explaining to do. On Once Upon a Time, Frozen sisters Elsa (Georgina Haig) and Anna (Elizabeth Lail) reunite in Arendelle of the past and there's an element of relief. The Hollywood Reporter exclusively premieres a scene from Sunday's episode, "Family Business." Read more 'Once Upon a Time' Doubles Up for November Sweep "I was worried I would never see you again!" Elsa exclaims as she embraces her younger sister. "I'm sorry I left without telling you," Anna says as the two start to mend fences. When Elsa asks whether Anna learned anything of
read more...
read more...
- 10/30/2014
- by Philiana Ng
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Recently, ABC released the new, official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Once Upon A Time" episode 6 of season 4. The episode is entitled, "Family Business," and it sounds like things will continue to get very dramatic and intense as the gang rushes to hunt down the evil snow queen. Bell tries to get Gold to help with what she thinks is the real Dark One dagger, and more. In the new,5th episode press release: The race is going to be on to track down the elusive Snow Queen, who was once a foster mother to a young Emma ,(whose memories of this event have been erased), in order to discover what her ultimate end game is for Elsa and the residents of Storybrooke. Unaware that she does not possess the real blade that controls The Dark One, Belle is going to attempt to use it to get her reluctant husband...
- 10/28/2014
- by Chris
- OnTheFlix
The 18th annual Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival takes place 23-28 October 2014. From over 2,800 submissions, the programming committee has selected over 200 films from 42 countries, including 57 world, international or European premieres. These premieres include 10 Czech films in competition in the Czech Joy section.
Over the course of its existence, the Jihlava festival has become an indispensable Czech and worldwide documentary event, and an active contributor to the promotion and distribution of documentary films. The Jihlava festival is a co-founder and member of Doc Alliance, a prestigious union of seven important European documentary festivals.
Program – Year Eighteen
As in past years, the largest celebration of original documentary film in Central and Eastern Europe will present a diverse range of Czech and foreign films, with many world, international, European, and Czech premieres.
“This year’s festival is a true tribute to the artistic and independent film scene. This tribute will take place in the presence of such special guests as Kidlat Tahimik (which translates to “Quiet Lightning”), founder of independent Filipino cinema, whose films from the 1970s were declared by Werner Herzog to be among the most free to come out during that time, and noted Chinese director Wang Bing, winner of awards at festivals in Venice, Rotterdam, Yamagata and Marseilles,” said festival director Marek Hovorka.
The Face Of The Festival
The central motif of the 18th festival is a stark black-and-white symbol of a factory. It’s not only the dominant visual feature of the festival, but has also found its way into the films themselves. The poster was designed by artist, educator and publisher Juraj Horváth. This year’s festival trailer was created by the legend of Czech and world cinematography Jan Němec. This was his very first experience with this format; the intensity of the final form, however, can be felt in his short statement on the trailer’s filming:
“There are no ‘small’ or ‘big’ films. Twenty seconds expresses concern about the possible demise of film. I sound the alarm myself and the shadow of my hand is my signature.”
1. Organization And Awards
The festival is organized by the Jsaf civic association. In 2013, the festival issued more than 2,900 festival passes. Of these, 782 were for film professionals and festival guests from the Czech Republic and abroad, and 156 were for journalists. The festival screenings were attended by a total of more than 30,000 viewers.
The following awards will be presented as part of the 2014 Jihlava Idff:
· 2014 Best International Documentary Film Award (Opus Bonum competition)
· 2014 Best Central and Eastern European Documentary Film Award (Between the Seas competition)
· 2014 Best Czech Documentary Film Award (Czech Joy competition)
· 2014 Best Experimental Documentary Film Award (Fascinations competition)
· 2014 Best Debut Film Award (First Lights competition)
· 2014 Best Short Film Award (Short Joy competition)
· 2014 Contribution to World Cinematography
2014 Spectators Prize 2014 Respekt Award for the best television or video reportage · Silver Eye Award in the categories of short, mid-length, and feature documentary
(part of the East Silver market organized by the Institute of Documentary Film)
· 2014 Award for the Most Beautiful Festival Poster
· 2014 Audience Award for the Most Beautiful Festival Poster
2. New At The 18th Jihlava Idff
This year’s festival brings two new competitions: the former non-competition section Short Joy, focusing on short films, has received competition status, and in the new competition First Lights, the jury will choose the best debut film from the Opus Bonum, Between the Seas and Czech Joy sections. And of course there’s our annual retrospective of distinctive personalities and unique thematic sections.
The Complete Letters
This unique project is the brainchild of the Centre for Contemporary Culture in Barcelona, in which five pairs of world-renowned directors exchanged audio-visual “letters”. These letters will be presented at Jihlava in their Eastern European premiere. Filmmakers such as meditative artist Naomi Kawase, legend of the New York avant-garde Jonas Mekas, “lone wolf” Albert Serra and critical chronicler of contemporary China Wang Bing invite viewers into their private lives and into the secrets of their artistic poetics.
“It’s remarkable to see how much each letter reflects the personal style of each of the directors. Never have two directors with such radically different styles come together like this,” commented festival programmer David Čeněk.
Forgotten Filmmaker JIŘÍ PolÁK
This photographer, director and sensitive individual who escaped to the “place where dreams are made real” – the island of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf prior to the August occupation of Czechoslovakia – is one of the forgotten figures of Czech cinema. Jiří Polák was able to film Hospital in Kuks, but did not enjoy any domestic recognition. After his emigration and short stays in Vienna and Switzerland, he accepted film assignments in Iran.
Tribute: Alain Resnais
“Renowned French director passed away on 1 March 2014 at the age of 91. In memory of his work, we have prepared two screenings of his lesser-known or completely unknown films. He himself was instrumental to an unprecedented extent to the development of documentary filmmaking in France, and showed its new stylistic possibilities,” says festival programmer David Čeněk about this unique presentation of Resnais’ (mainly) early work. Alain Resnais The majority of Resnais’ works being presented at this year’s Jihlava Idff have been shown only a few times in France, and are being screened in the Czech Republic for the first time ever.
Retrospective: Kidlat Tahimik
A special guest at this year’s Jihlava festival will be the “father of Filipino independent film” – director, actor, screenwriter and producer Kidlat Tahimik, the founder of the so-called Filipino New Wave and an influential commentator on post-colonialism and power imbalances throughout the world, praised in the West by Werner Herzog when he said that [Tahimik’s] films from the 1970s are among some of the most free works on film of their time.
3. Jurors
The jury for the competition section Opus Bonum traditionally consists of just one person – a notable personality from world cinema. This year, this honour has been bestowed on a significant figure from the Yugoslav Black Wave – Želimir Žilnik.
The best film in the Between the Seas section will be chosen by:
· French film theoretician Raymond Bellour
· Spanish director Albert Serra
American artist Deborah Stratman Artist Kateřina Šedá Czech Joy Jury:
Poet Petr Hruška Former director of Czech Television Ivo Mathé Film historian Tereza Czesany Dvořáková Documentary filmmaker Bohdan Bláhovec The winner of the experimental competition Fascination will be determined by the Austrian master of found footage Peter Tscherkassky and his wife, filmmaker Eve Heller.
The historic first judging of the Short Joy section will be conducted by members of the art group Rafani.
4. Competition Sections
Czech Joy
Competition for the Best Czech Documentary Film 2014.
A prestigious selection of new Czech documentaries, including 10 world premieres. Films include Daniel’s World (Veronika Lišková), a look at the last taboo of modern society – paedophilia. The delightful film Long Live Hunting! (Jaroslav Kratochvíl) takes aim at Czech hunting. Shadows of the past are revealed in the film Pavel Wonka Commits to Cooperate ( Libuše Rudinská), which examines whether the last Communist prisoner was a dissident and symbol of the revolution – or an StB collaborator. The section also includes a pair of family portraits: Family Business / from Videodiary (Jakub Wagner), and Marislav Janek’s eagerly awaited new film The Gospel According to Brabenec, about Vratislav Brabenec of the Plastic People of the Universe.
World Premieres · Daniel’s World, Veronika Lišková, Czech Republic 2014, 75 min
· The Gospel According to Brabenec , Miroslav Janek, Czech Republic 2014, 85 min
· Long Live Hunting! , Jaroslav Kratochvíl, Czech Republic 2014, 62 min
· Pavel Wonka Commits to Cooperate , Libuše Rudínská, Czech Republic 2014, 73 min
· The Plan , Benjamin Tuček, Czech Republic 2014, 91 min
· The Czech Way , Martin Kohout, Czech Republic 2014, 90 min
· Family Business / from Videodiary , Jakub Wagner, Czech Republic 2014, 60 min
· František of His Own Kind , Jan Gogola Jr., Czech Republic 2014, 26 min
· Lets Block , Martina Malinová, Czech Republic 2014, 47 min
My Farm Is My Castle , Jiří Stejskal, Czech Republic 2014, 87 min
Opus Bonum
Competition for the 2014 Best World Documentary Film
Opus Bonum selects the best noteworthy documentaries representing diverse trends from around the world. Sixteen films are in the Opus Bonum competition for best world documentary film, including 5 world premieres, 5 international premieres and 1 European premiere. Films in this section include Rock On Bones, a personal view of the Russian independent music scene, and the film-poem Fovea Centralis, which skirts the fringe of video art, composed of multiplied images from the Fukushima nuclear power plant’s closed-circuit cameras.20 Cents shows what happens when public transportation fares in São Paulo are increased and the carnival atmosphere is replaced by one of guerrilla warfare.
World Premieres · Aged , Philip Hoffman, Canada 2014, 45 min
· Rock on Bones , Caroline Troubetzkoy, France 2014, 145 min
· I Am the People , Anna Roussillon, France 2014, 110 min
· In Your Eyes , Pietro Albino Di Pasquale, Italy 2014, 78 min
Fovea Centralis , Philippe Rouy, France 2014, 50 min International Premieres · Chasing After The Wind , Juan Camilo Olmos Feris, Colombia 2014, 60 min
· Water to Tabato , Paulo Carneiro, Guinea-Bissau, Portugal 2014, 45 min
· 20 Cents , Tiago Tambelli, Brazil 2014, 52 min
· Buenos Aires Free Party , Homero Cirelli, Argentina 2014, 74 min
The Shelter , Fernand Melgar, Switzerland 2014, 101 min European Premiere The Beijing Ants , Ryuji Otsuka, China 2014, 88 min
Between The Seas
Competition for the 2014 Best Documentary Film from Central and Eastern Europe.
Between the Seas is a competition section for the countries and nations of Central and Eastern Europe. Between the Seas presents 17 films, of which 4 are world premieres, 2 are international premieres, and 2 are European premieres. The Serbian Lawyer is one of the films seeing its world premiere at Jihlava – a film about the man who defended Slobodan Milošević and Radovan Karadžić, criminals from whom he had fled during the old regime. Another premiere in this section is Zuzana Piussi’s Transference , which sketches a dark picture of the state social care system for threatened children in Slovakia after the death of an abused child. Also in competition is the latest film by unsparing Austrian analyst Ulrich Seidl. In the Basement reveals that the basement is a rather important place for many Austrians, where you’ll find the usual hunting trophies and unusual bars, but also town council members and their swastikas, sadomasochism and other “hobbies”.
World Premieres · Transference , Zuzana Piussi, Slovakia/Czech Republic 2014, 57 min
· The Serbian Lawyer , Aleksandar Nikolić, Germany/Great Britain/Serbia 2014, 82 min
· Pill Junkies , Bartosz Staszewski, Poland 2014, 76 min
Ocean , Tamara Drakulić, Serbia 2014, 77 min International Premieres · 6 Degrees , Bartosz Dombrowski, Poland 2013, 81 min
A Last Year in 114 Minutes , Daniel Nicolae Djamo, Romania 2014, 114 min European Premieres Euromaidan: Rough Cut , Roman Bondarchuk et al., Ukraine 2014, 60 min Don’t Breathe, Nino Kirtadzé, France 2014, 86 min
Fascinations
Competition for the 2014 Best Experimental Documentary Film.
Fascinations is a competition screening of experimental films that offer us unique approaches to the depiction of reality. The section will present 33 films, including 7 world premieres, 6 international premieres, and 4 European premieres.
Premiere films include:
An animated work based on Ludwig Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philisophicus (Active Image O directed by Becky James); the unguided choreography of white points in black space (Fascinating Moments by Yoshiki Nishimura); a memorial to one’s father using old photographs and chemical manipulation of the film itself using salt and seaweed (Dark Matter by Karel Doing); and a journey through a digitally manipulated landscape (L by Jacques Perconte).
World Premieres
· Active Image O , Becky James, USA 2014, 8 min
· Dark Matter , Karel Doing, Netherlands/Great Britain 2014, 20 min
· Fascinating Moments , Yoshiki Nishimura, Japan 2014, 4 min
· L , Jacques Perconte, France 2014, 15 min
· Our Hands Are Empty , Sj Ramir, Australia/New Zealand 2014, 10 min
· Jupiter Lolopop , Charlotte Dunker, Belgium 2014, 5 min
Study of Synchromy , Patrick Bergeron, Canada 2014, 3 min International Premieres
· Cut Out , Guli Silberstein, Great Britain 2014, 4 min
· The Civilization Desire , Carolina Astudillo, Spain 2014, 7 min
· A.D.A.M. , Vladislav Knežević, Croatia 2014, 13 min
· Digital Landscaping , Sangsok Ko, South Korea 2013, 4 min
· Field , Yi Myun, South Korea 2014, 6 min
Salers , Fernando Dominguez, Argentina/France 2014, 9 min European Premieres
· Beep , Kyungman Kim, South Korea 2014, 10 min
· Callisto , Youjin Moon, USA 2014, 14 min
· Droga! , Miko Revereza, Philippines 2013, 7 min
Frame Walk , Hayoung Jeon, South Korea 2014, 6 min Short Joy
Competition for the Best Short Film 2014 .
This year, this originally non-competition section devoted to short films has been transformed into a new competition section. The fifteen competition entries include films from all over the world, dealing with a wide spectrum of topics, and representing many current trends in contemporary documentary filmmaking. The Czech entry, Arguments by Andran Abramjan (who received an honourable mention in last year’s Czech Joy competition), considers the possibilities of dialogue on the Ukrainian crisis from both the eastern and western points of view. The purely observational film The Limits of Europe, underscored by the noise and sounds of protests, explores the spontaneous architecture of seven Kiev barricades erected in the streets leading to Independence Square. The contemplative and imaginatively filmed The Length enters the world of jazz legend Ted Curson.
First Lights
Competition for the Best Debut of 2014
Further evidence of Jihlava’s mission to support the film industry and share in the discovery of new talents is the presentation of a new competition section that rewards the best first work. Debut films presented as part of the traditional competition sections Opus Bonum, Czech Joy and Between the Seas have the opportunity to “battle it out” in a space that is not limited by territory. Comparing Czech and other Eastern European documentaries with their competition from the rest of the world can be a valuable experience, an opportunity to see commonalities and differences. It can also provide mutual inspiration not only for the films’ creators, but also for producers and other film professionals.
5. Non-competition Sections
Exprmntl.Cz
Experimental films from the Czech lands
This section is a non-competition survey of contemporary trends in Czech experimental film. Screenings will include films by renowned artists as well as filmmakers who just starting out.The unsettling video art of Zbyňek Baladrán, who focuses primarily on “archaeological” work with found material, can be seen in Dead Reckoning, showing the sterility of modern man’s life in four sequences featuring statistics, psychoanalysis, income and paranoia in the leading roles. Alice Růžičková’s film Autonomous Calábek takes a look into the plant kingdom. Made from a montage of scientific and film experiments, her portrait of a pioneer in plant physiology takes on surrealistic qualities.
Special Event
New world and Czech films, pre-premieres and festival hits
Alice Nellis presents Adoption: A Piece of Fortune, a kaleidoscope of stories with the same ending – a longed-for child. This opening film of the Jihlava Idff is a documentary exploration of a complex topic. In contrast, American master Errol Morris’ film The Unknown Known is a chilling look at former Us Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld. The Last of the Unjust by Claude Lanzmann captures the testimony of Benjamin Murmelstein, the “puppet king” appointed at the end of the Nazi era to the position of the last “Ältester” of the Judenrat at a model Jewish ghetto. Also worth mentioning is Regarding Susan Sontag, director Nancy Kates’s portrait of one the most important intellectuals of the 20th century.
Doc-fi
Documentary and fiction are not opposites
Doc-fi expresses the conviction that the boundary between documentary and fiction is permeable. This year, three unusual films will be screened. Requiem for Beauty by Chinese author and Nobel Prize winner Gao Xingjian examines the space between film, poetry and painting. His multi-language monologues touch on themes that people do not speak about much anymore. In Beyond Icebergland, a man, a woman and a child occupy an invisible common film space, but not the same reality. It’s an ephemeral chronicle of a frozen time and a collage of images from a disappearing world, a film on the frontier of documentary, mystification and delightful genre games. Czech filmmaker Ondřej Vavrečka’s Among Us is an experimentally tinged love story that takes place during the time when the country was coming to grips with the death of Václav Havel.
6. Doc Alliance
Doc Alliance is the result of a creative partnership of seven key European documentary film festivals: Cph:dox Copenhagen, Doclisboa, Dok Leipzig, Fid Marseille, Jihlava Idff, Planete Doc Film Festival and Visions du Réel Nyon.
The aim of Doc Alliance is to help documentary films reach as many viewers as possible, and to systematically support their distribution through their festival markets and through the alliance’s online platform www.DAFilms.com.
Over the course of its existence, the Jihlava festival has become an indispensable Czech and worldwide documentary event, and an active contributor to the promotion and distribution of documentary films. The Jihlava festival is a co-founder and member of Doc Alliance, a prestigious union of seven important European documentary festivals.
Program – Year Eighteen
As in past years, the largest celebration of original documentary film in Central and Eastern Europe will present a diverse range of Czech and foreign films, with many world, international, European, and Czech premieres.
“This year’s festival is a true tribute to the artistic and independent film scene. This tribute will take place in the presence of such special guests as Kidlat Tahimik (which translates to “Quiet Lightning”), founder of independent Filipino cinema, whose films from the 1970s were declared by Werner Herzog to be among the most free to come out during that time, and noted Chinese director Wang Bing, winner of awards at festivals in Venice, Rotterdam, Yamagata and Marseilles,” said festival director Marek Hovorka.
The Face Of The Festival
The central motif of the 18th festival is a stark black-and-white symbol of a factory. It’s not only the dominant visual feature of the festival, but has also found its way into the films themselves. The poster was designed by artist, educator and publisher Juraj Horváth. This year’s festival trailer was created by the legend of Czech and world cinematography Jan Němec. This was his very first experience with this format; the intensity of the final form, however, can be felt in his short statement on the trailer’s filming:
“There are no ‘small’ or ‘big’ films. Twenty seconds expresses concern about the possible demise of film. I sound the alarm myself and the shadow of my hand is my signature.”
1. Organization And Awards
The festival is organized by the Jsaf civic association. In 2013, the festival issued more than 2,900 festival passes. Of these, 782 were for film professionals and festival guests from the Czech Republic and abroad, and 156 were for journalists. The festival screenings were attended by a total of more than 30,000 viewers.
The following awards will be presented as part of the 2014 Jihlava Idff:
· 2014 Best International Documentary Film Award (Opus Bonum competition)
· 2014 Best Central and Eastern European Documentary Film Award (Between the Seas competition)
· 2014 Best Czech Documentary Film Award (Czech Joy competition)
· 2014 Best Experimental Documentary Film Award (Fascinations competition)
· 2014 Best Debut Film Award (First Lights competition)
· 2014 Best Short Film Award (Short Joy competition)
· 2014 Contribution to World Cinematography
2014 Spectators Prize 2014 Respekt Award for the best television or video reportage · Silver Eye Award in the categories of short, mid-length, and feature documentary
(part of the East Silver market organized by the Institute of Documentary Film)
· 2014 Award for the Most Beautiful Festival Poster
· 2014 Audience Award for the Most Beautiful Festival Poster
2. New At The 18th Jihlava Idff
This year’s festival brings two new competitions: the former non-competition section Short Joy, focusing on short films, has received competition status, and in the new competition First Lights, the jury will choose the best debut film from the Opus Bonum, Between the Seas and Czech Joy sections. And of course there’s our annual retrospective of distinctive personalities and unique thematic sections.
The Complete Letters
This unique project is the brainchild of the Centre for Contemporary Culture in Barcelona, in which five pairs of world-renowned directors exchanged audio-visual “letters”. These letters will be presented at Jihlava in their Eastern European premiere. Filmmakers such as meditative artist Naomi Kawase, legend of the New York avant-garde Jonas Mekas, “lone wolf” Albert Serra and critical chronicler of contemporary China Wang Bing invite viewers into their private lives and into the secrets of their artistic poetics.
“It’s remarkable to see how much each letter reflects the personal style of each of the directors. Never have two directors with such radically different styles come together like this,” commented festival programmer David Čeněk.
Forgotten Filmmaker JIŘÍ PolÁK
This photographer, director and sensitive individual who escaped to the “place where dreams are made real” – the island of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf prior to the August occupation of Czechoslovakia – is one of the forgotten figures of Czech cinema. Jiří Polák was able to film Hospital in Kuks, but did not enjoy any domestic recognition. After his emigration and short stays in Vienna and Switzerland, he accepted film assignments in Iran.
Tribute: Alain Resnais
“Renowned French director passed away on 1 March 2014 at the age of 91. In memory of his work, we have prepared two screenings of his lesser-known or completely unknown films. He himself was instrumental to an unprecedented extent to the development of documentary filmmaking in France, and showed its new stylistic possibilities,” says festival programmer David Čeněk about this unique presentation of Resnais’ (mainly) early work. Alain Resnais The majority of Resnais’ works being presented at this year’s Jihlava Idff have been shown only a few times in France, and are being screened in the Czech Republic for the first time ever.
Retrospective: Kidlat Tahimik
A special guest at this year’s Jihlava festival will be the “father of Filipino independent film” – director, actor, screenwriter and producer Kidlat Tahimik, the founder of the so-called Filipino New Wave and an influential commentator on post-colonialism and power imbalances throughout the world, praised in the West by Werner Herzog when he said that [Tahimik’s] films from the 1970s are among some of the most free works on film of their time.
3. Jurors
The jury for the competition section Opus Bonum traditionally consists of just one person – a notable personality from world cinema. This year, this honour has been bestowed on a significant figure from the Yugoslav Black Wave – Želimir Žilnik.
The best film in the Between the Seas section will be chosen by:
· French film theoretician Raymond Bellour
· Spanish director Albert Serra
American artist Deborah Stratman Artist Kateřina Šedá Czech Joy Jury:
Poet Petr Hruška Former director of Czech Television Ivo Mathé Film historian Tereza Czesany Dvořáková Documentary filmmaker Bohdan Bláhovec The winner of the experimental competition Fascination will be determined by the Austrian master of found footage Peter Tscherkassky and his wife, filmmaker Eve Heller.
The historic first judging of the Short Joy section will be conducted by members of the art group Rafani.
4. Competition Sections
Czech Joy
Competition for the Best Czech Documentary Film 2014.
A prestigious selection of new Czech documentaries, including 10 world premieres. Films include Daniel’s World (Veronika Lišková), a look at the last taboo of modern society – paedophilia. The delightful film Long Live Hunting! (Jaroslav Kratochvíl) takes aim at Czech hunting. Shadows of the past are revealed in the film Pavel Wonka Commits to Cooperate ( Libuše Rudinská), which examines whether the last Communist prisoner was a dissident and symbol of the revolution – or an StB collaborator. The section also includes a pair of family portraits: Family Business / from Videodiary (Jakub Wagner), and Marislav Janek’s eagerly awaited new film The Gospel According to Brabenec, about Vratislav Brabenec of the Plastic People of the Universe.
World Premieres · Daniel’s World, Veronika Lišková, Czech Republic 2014, 75 min
· The Gospel According to Brabenec , Miroslav Janek, Czech Republic 2014, 85 min
· Long Live Hunting! , Jaroslav Kratochvíl, Czech Republic 2014, 62 min
· Pavel Wonka Commits to Cooperate , Libuše Rudínská, Czech Republic 2014, 73 min
· The Plan , Benjamin Tuček, Czech Republic 2014, 91 min
· The Czech Way , Martin Kohout, Czech Republic 2014, 90 min
· Family Business / from Videodiary , Jakub Wagner, Czech Republic 2014, 60 min
· František of His Own Kind , Jan Gogola Jr., Czech Republic 2014, 26 min
· Lets Block , Martina Malinová, Czech Republic 2014, 47 min
My Farm Is My Castle , Jiří Stejskal, Czech Republic 2014, 87 min
Opus Bonum
Competition for the 2014 Best World Documentary Film
Opus Bonum selects the best noteworthy documentaries representing diverse trends from around the world. Sixteen films are in the Opus Bonum competition for best world documentary film, including 5 world premieres, 5 international premieres and 1 European premiere. Films in this section include Rock On Bones, a personal view of the Russian independent music scene, and the film-poem Fovea Centralis, which skirts the fringe of video art, composed of multiplied images from the Fukushima nuclear power plant’s closed-circuit cameras.20 Cents shows what happens when public transportation fares in São Paulo are increased and the carnival atmosphere is replaced by one of guerrilla warfare.
World Premieres · Aged , Philip Hoffman, Canada 2014, 45 min
· Rock on Bones , Caroline Troubetzkoy, France 2014, 145 min
· I Am the People , Anna Roussillon, France 2014, 110 min
· In Your Eyes , Pietro Albino Di Pasquale, Italy 2014, 78 min
Fovea Centralis , Philippe Rouy, France 2014, 50 min International Premieres · Chasing After The Wind , Juan Camilo Olmos Feris, Colombia 2014, 60 min
· Water to Tabato , Paulo Carneiro, Guinea-Bissau, Portugal 2014, 45 min
· 20 Cents , Tiago Tambelli, Brazil 2014, 52 min
· Buenos Aires Free Party , Homero Cirelli, Argentina 2014, 74 min
The Shelter , Fernand Melgar, Switzerland 2014, 101 min European Premiere The Beijing Ants , Ryuji Otsuka, China 2014, 88 min
Between The Seas
Competition for the 2014 Best Documentary Film from Central and Eastern Europe.
Between the Seas is a competition section for the countries and nations of Central and Eastern Europe. Between the Seas presents 17 films, of which 4 are world premieres, 2 are international premieres, and 2 are European premieres. The Serbian Lawyer is one of the films seeing its world premiere at Jihlava – a film about the man who defended Slobodan Milošević and Radovan Karadžić, criminals from whom he had fled during the old regime. Another premiere in this section is Zuzana Piussi’s Transference , which sketches a dark picture of the state social care system for threatened children in Slovakia after the death of an abused child. Also in competition is the latest film by unsparing Austrian analyst Ulrich Seidl. In the Basement reveals that the basement is a rather important place for many Austrians, where you’ll find the usual hunting trophies and unusual bars, but also town council members and their swastikas, sadomasochism and other “hobbies”.
World Premieres · Transference , Zuzana Piussi, Slovakia/Czech Republic 2014, 57 min
· The Serbian Lawyer , Aleksandar Nikolić, Germany/Great Britain/Serbia 2014, 82 min
· Pill Junkies , Bartosz Staszewski, Poland 2014, 76 min
Ocean , Tamara Drakulić, Serbia 2014, 77 min International Premieres · 6 Degrees , Bartosz Dombrowski, Poland 2013, 81 min
A Last Year in 114 Minutes , Daniel Nicolae Djamo, Romania 2014, 114 min European Premieres Euromaidan: Rough Cut , Roman Bondarchuk et al., Ukraine 2014, 60 min Don’t Breathe, Nino Kirtadzé, France 2014, 86 min
Fascinations
Competition for the 2014 Best Experimental Documentary Film.
Fascinations is a competition screening of experimental films that offer us unique approaches to the depiction of reality. The section will present 33 films, including 7 world premieres, 6 international premieres, and 4 European premieres.
Premiere films include:
An animated work based on Ludwig Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philisophicus (Active Image O directed by Becky James); the unguided choreography of white points in black space (Fascinating Moments by Yoshiki Nishimura); a memorial to one’s father using old photographs and chemical manipulation of the film itself using salt and seaweed (Dark Matter by Karel Doing); and a journey through a digitally manipulated landscape (L by Jacques Perconte).
World Premieres
· Active Image O , Becky James, USA 2014, 8 min
· Dark Matter , Karel Doing, Netherlands/Great Britain 2014, 20 min
· Fascinating Moments , Yoshiki Nishimura, Japan 2014, 4 min
· L , Jacques Perconte, France 2014, 15 min
· Our Hands Are Empty , Sj Ramir, Australia/New Zealand 2014, 10 min
· Jupiter Lolopop , Charlotte Dunker, Belgium 2014, 5 min
Study of Synchromy , Patrick Bergeron, Canada 2014, 3 min International Premieres
· Cut Out , Guli Silberstein, Great Britain 2014, 4 min
· The Civilization Desire , Carolina Astudillo, Spain 2014, 7 min
· A.D.A.M. , Vladislav Knežević, Croatia 2014, 13 min
· Digital Landscaping , Sangsok Ko, South Korea 2013, 4 min
· Field , Yi Myun, South Korea 2014, 6 min
Salers , Fernando Dominguez, Argentina/France 2014, 9 min European Premieres
· Beep , Kyungman Kim, South Korea 2014, 10 min
· Callisto , Youjin Moon, USA 2014, 14 min
· Droga! , Miko Revereza, Philippines 2013, 7 min
Frame Walk , Hayoung Jeon, South Korea 2014, 6 min Short Joy
Competition for the Best Short Film 2014 .
This year, this originally non-competition section devoted to short films has been transformed into a new competition section. The fifteen competition entries include films from all over the world, dealing with a wide spectrum of topics, and representing many current trends in contemporary documentary filmmaking. The Czech entry, Arguments by Andran Abramjan (who received an honourable mention in last year’s Czech Joy competition), considers the possibilities of dialogue on the Ukrainian crisis from both the eastern and western points of view. The purely observational film The Limits of Europe, underscored by the noise and sounds of protests, explores the spontaneous architecture of seven Kiev barricades erected in the streets leading to Independence Square. The contemplative and imaginatively filmed The Length enters the world of jazz legend Ted Curson.
First Lights
Competition for the Best Debut of 2014
Further evidence of Jihlava’s mission to support the film industry and share in the discovery of new talents is the presentation of a new competition section that rewards the best first work. Debut films presented as part of the traditional competition sections Opus Bonum, Czech Joy and Between the Seas have the opportunity to “battle it out” in a space that is not limited by territory. Comparing Czech and other Eastern European documentaries with their competition from the rest of the world can be a valuable experience, an opportunity to see commonalities and differences. It can also provide mutual inspiration not only for the films’ creators, but also for producers and other film professionals.
5. Non-competition Sections
Exprmntl.Cz
Experimental films from the Czech lands
This section is a non-competition survey of contemporary trends in Czech experimental film. Screenings will include films by renowned artists as well as filmmakers who just starting out.The unsettling video art of Zbyňek Baladrán, who focuses primarily on “archaeological” work with found material, can be seen in Dead Reckoning, showing the sterility of modern man’s life in four sequences featuring statistics, psychoanalysis, income and paranoia in the leading roles. Alice Růžičková’s film Autonomous Calábek takes a look into the plant kingdom. Made from a montage of scientific and film experiments, her portrait of a pioneer in plant physiology takes on surrealistic qualities.
Special Event
New world and Czech films, pre-premieres and festival hits
Alice Nellis presents Adoption: A Piece of Fortune, a kaleidoscope of stories with the same ending – a longed-for child. This opening film of the Jihlava Idff is a documentary exploration of a complex topic. In contrast, American master Errol Morris’ film The Unknown Known is a chilling look at former Us Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld. The Last of the Unjust by Claude Lanzmann captures the testimony of Benjamin Murmelstein, the “puppet king” appointed at the end of the Nazi era to the position of the last “Ältester” of the Judenrat at a model Jewish ghetto. Also worth mentioning is Regarding Susan Sontag, director Nancy Kates’s portrait of one the most important intellectuals of the 20th century.
Doc-fi
Documentary and fiction are not opposites
Doc-fi expresses the conviction that the boundary between documentary and fiction is permeable. This year, three unusual films will be screened. Requiem for Beauty by Chinese author and Nobel Prize winner Gao Xingjian examines the space between film, poetry and painting. His multi-language monologues touch on themes that people do not speak about much anymore. In Beyond Icebergland, a man, a woman and a child occupy an invisible common film space, but not the same reality. It’s an ephemeral chronicle of a frozen time and a collage of images from a disappearing world, a film on the frontier of documentary, mystification and delightful genre games. Czech filmmaker Ondřej Vavrečka’s Among Us is an experimentally tinged love story that takes place during the time when the country was coming to grips with the death of Václav Havel.
6. Doc Alliance
Doc Alliance is the result of a creative partnership of seven key European documentary film festivals: Cph:dox Copenhagen, Doclisboa, Dok Leipzig, Fid Marseille, Jihlava Idff, Planete Doc Film Festival and Visions du Réel Nyon.
The aim of Doc Alliance is to help documentary films reach as many viewers as possible, and to systematically support their distribution through their festival markets and through the alliance’s online platform www.DAFilms.com.
- 10/28/2014
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Finnish documentary expert Leena Pasanen has been appointed as the first non-German in the almost 60-year history of Dok Leipzig to succeed Claas Danielsen as its festival director.
Pasanen previously worked in documentary programming at public broadcaster Yle and as the director of the European Documentary Network in Copenhagen, among others.
She will take up her post on January 1, 2015 with an initial five-year contract .
Claas Danielsen, who has headed Dok Leipzig as festival director for the past ten years, will open his swansong edition on Oct 27 with Citizenfour, the final part of Laura Poitras’ 9/11 trilogy, centred on Nsa whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Sergei Loznitsa’s Maidan and Ulrich Seidl’s Im Keller are among 12 titles selected for the International Competition for Feature Documentaries to compete for the €10,000 Golden Dove.
Other films in this competitive section include Fernand Melgar’s The Shelter, which premiered at Locarno in August; Zuzanna Solakiewicz’s 15 Corners Of The World; Giovanni Donfrancesco’s [link...
Pasanen previously worked in documentary programming at public broadcaster Yle and as the director of the European Documentary Network in Copenhagen, among others.
She will take up her post on January 1, 2015 with an initial five-year contract .
Claas Danielsen, who has headed Dok Leipzig as festival director for the past ten years, will open his swansong edition on Oct 27 with Citizenfour, the final part of Laura Poitras’ 9/11 trilogy, centred on Nsa whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Sergei Loznitsa’s Maidan and Ulrich Seidl’s Im Keller are among 12 titles selected for the International Competition for Feature Documentaries to compete for the €10,000 Golden Dove.
Other films in this competitive section include Fernand Melgar’s The Shelter, which premiered at Locarno in August; Zuzanna Solakiewicz’s 15 Corners Of The World; Giovanni Donfrancesco’s [link...
- 10/21/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
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