15th Mumbai Film Festival to feature 29 French films and “ 6th Rendez-vo-us with French Cinema ”

15th  Mumbai Film Festival to feature 29 French films and

 “ 6th Rendez-vo-us with  French  Cinema ”  

·    Costa Gavras, highly acclaimed French film maker to receive the “Lifetime Achievement Award”

·    Nathalie Baye, an actress with a career span of 40 years to be an  International Jury member

·    2013 Cannes Palme d’or Winner “Blue is the warmest color” (Abdellatif Kéchiche)

·    15 French cinema professionals will attend the 15th Mumbai Film Festival, including journalists, distributors, producers, directors and actors like Costa Gavras, Nathalie Baye, Leos Carax,

Mahamat Saleh Haroun (Grigris) and Guillaume Brac (“Tonnerre” in the official competition)

·    29 French  features to be screened

Mumbai, October 16, 2013: The 15th Mumbai Film Festival (MFF) presented by Reliance Entertainment and organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) is all set to showcase the best of contemporary French cinema and welcome artists for the 6th  edition of the Rendez-vous with French Cinema co-organized with the French Embassy in India, Institut Français en Inde and Unifrance films.

On the 17th of October, the MFF will welcome renowned French cinema personalities. Costa Gavras will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the opening ceremony in the presence of His Excellency Mr François Richier, Ambassador of France to India who will grace us with his presence specially for this occasion.  Among  others,  Nathalie  Baye,  jury  member  of  the  international  section,  Mahamat  Saleh Haroun, director of the film “Grigris”, Guillaume Brac, director of the film “Tonnerre” (Competition) and Leos Carax, well known film maker who will be conducting a masters class.

Speaking about the association and the program, Jean-Raphaël Peytregnet, the Consul General of France in Bombay says “In 1896, the first ever films shot by the Lumière Brothers, Louis and Auguste were shown in Mumbai and as this year India celebrates the centennial of Indian cinema. As the Consul General of France in Bombay, I am very proud that France will be represented with 29 films and 15 professionals from the cinema field to carry the legacy of the Lumière Brothers forward.”

The special section “Rendez-vous with French cinema” seeks to establish an exhilarating platform for showcasing the various facets of French contemporary cinema, helping Indian distributors to promote new French films and celebrate the growing Indo-French ties.

On the 18th of October, the “Rendez-Vous with French cinema” section will open with acclaimed director François  Ozon’s  film “Young  and  Beautiful”  at  Liberty  Cinema.  Other  important  films  that  will  be screened as part of this section include, Abdellatif Kéchiche’s “Blue is the warmest color”, “A Castle in Italy” by Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi, “Grigris” by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, “Jealousy” by Philippe Garrel, “Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants” by Thomas Szabo & Hélène Szabo, “Miss and The Doctors” by Axelle Ropert, “Mood Indigo” by Michel Gondry, “The Nun” by Guillaume Nicloux and “The Past” by Asghar Farhadi.

Srinivasan  Narayanan,  Festival  Director,  15th   Mumbai  Film  Festival  says  “It  is  my  privilege  to collaborate with Unifrance films, Institut Français de Paris and the Embassy of France in India for the third consecutive year. The 6th  Rendez-vous with the French Cinema which is part of the 15th  Mumbai Film Festival will showcase ten beautiful French films including the Palme d’Or film at Cannes. I am glad that the MFF is bestowing the Life Time Achievement Award to one of the greatest French Film makers, Costa Gavras which was for me a dream come true. One of the greatest French actresses, Nathalie Baye is part of our international jury and Leos Carax will be conducting a Masters Class.  Hope our patrons will enjoy the best of contemporary French Cinema and we look forward for more collaborations with France”.

Isabelle Giordano, General Manager, Unifrance films says “I am delighted that the French cinema is again in the spotlight of this year's Festival of Mumbai. It is a great pleasure to see our beautiful cinema crossing all boundaries. It also allows our artists, actors, actresses, film makers to be known outside France which

for me is a cultural issue and of economic importance today, in a world where the business multiplies day by day. I look forward to these wonderful encounters that will be rich and fruitful without any doubt.

Mumbai Film Mart (MFM) : 5 French professionals will be participating at the Mumbai Film Mart. Marc Baschet, Producer (coproducer of the film « Lunchbox »), ASAP Films.

Agilane Pajaniradja, distributor of Indian films in France, Aanna Films. Isabelle Dubar, distributor, Happiness Distribution.

François Da Silva, Producer.

Anne Delseth, Member of the Selection Committee, Director’s fortnight, Cannes Film Festival

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS review by ANIZ FILMVALA

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS 

review by 

ANIZ FILMVALA

***** 

STORY.
Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) is the captain of the American container ship MV Maersk Alabama, when in April 2009, it is hijacked off the coast of Somalia by a crew of Somali pirates led by Muse (Barkhad Abdi). Phillips endures a grueling ordeal, first on the ship, working to protect his crew, and then having been taken hostage, on a lifeboat.

CRITIC VIEW.
One more American Bravery story on the silver screen, this time it’s Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips it’s his effort of which has made this colloquial film about the merchant marine Captain Richard Phillips remarkable action thriller and which will leave its mark in such genre of movies.

Tom Hanks excels as he's the only one of the most endowed actor having the necessary emotional qualities for his work which he has been showing for more than a decade.

Director Greengrass and writer Billy Ray have pumped in full adrenaline kind of a thriller in a narrative which makes the movie edge of the seat action drama for 140 powerful minutes, as the audience is already knowing what they are going to get at the end .This is surely applaud able.

Somali pirates led by Barkhad Abdi is the most astonishing as cogitate, Abdi portrays the character with a kind of refinement that makes Muse tremendously captivating to look at.

As the climax approach you’ll hold onto your puff, in the concluding portion of the end it will make you more anxious.

If American Biopic are your taste don’t miss this.


CAST.
Directed by     Paul Greengrass
Produced by     Michael De Luca,Dana Brunetti,Scott Rudin,Kevin Spacey
Written by     Billy Ray
Starring     Tom Hanks;Barkhad Abdi
Music by     Henry Jackman
Cinematography     Barry Ackroyd
Editing by     Christopher Rouse
Studio     Michael De Luca Productions,Scott Rudin Productions,Trigger Street Productions
Distributed by     Columbia Pictures

Film "16 MM Picture" launched with song recording.

Film "16 MM Picture" launched with song recording.

Writer, director Shiraz Hanry launched his fourth film "16 MM Picture" with song recording in baton of Ali-Gani, at SRS Recording, Oshiwara on 14th Oct. Song was penned by Anjaan Sagri and rendered by Pavani Pandey (film 'Bodyguard' fame) and Sameer (winner of Little Champs). Film is being made under the banner of Spyderwave Films & Find Studioz, produced by Ashutosh Verma & Rebecca Changkija.

Film stars Gulshn Pandey, Raj Shisatkar (Director of Marathi Films), Rebeca Mayorga (Mexican Singer & Actress), Preity Mohadkar (Model of Kalyan Jewellers with Amitabh Bachchan), Christie Bourcq (French Actress), Vivek Kulshreshta, Jai Tari & Aslam Aziz.

Film is based on real incidences of Bollywood.

Rajkumar Hirani is worried about his production controller who is in judicial custody since the past 3 days. He is checking on him every hour.

Rajkumar Hirani is worried about his production controller who is in judicial custody since the past 3 days. He is checking on him every hour.

Over the years, Bollywood has faced a lot of problems while making a movie.

This time a debacle has been thrown in front of a big movie. While on the shoot of Rajkumar Hirani’s next P.K. at Delhi, a MLA has filed a FIR against the movie.

P.K. which is currently on the second schedule of shoot along with the extras, were shooting a scene where a man dressed as Lord Shiva is sitting in a rickshaw with two burqa-clad women.

The FIR which has been filed under section 295 A (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religious of any class) and 153 A of Indian Penal Code (IPC) (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language).

Rajkumar hirnai who is currently shooting for P.K. in Delhi is checking on his production controller in every hour.

The director is hoping for his project controller to get out at the earliest and resume work.

Rajkumar Hirani connects with his project controller every hour. Infact the director also sends a person to check on him at the station.

Rajkumar is also in touch with his family.

Spokesperson adds, "Raju Hirani's unit is like a family unit and Raju sir is very close to all. So he has been worried about the well being of his production controller. He is seen frequently checking on his well being."

Actor Sohum Shah and Director Anand Gandhi’s Ship of Theseus is ready to set sail to foreign shores, and this time there’s an international star who is steering the ship.

Actor Sohum Shah and Director Anand Gandhi’s Ship of Theseus is ready to set sail to foreign shores, and this time there’s an international star who is steering the ship.

Film personalities have been getting involved with independent films as

presenters for quite some time in Hollywood . The trend has seen filmmakers

like Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese presenting films like Chungking

Express, Hostel, and The Grandmaster.

Kiran Rao had seen Ship of Theseus at a film festival in Mumbai, where the

filmmaker, Anand Gandhi was felicitated. She was so overwhelmed by her

experience of the film, she felt more people should get the opportunity to watch

it, and in July 2013, the film was released to pack houses across the country. The

stupendous success of Ship of Theseus has made this approach desirable for

other independent filmmakers.

Now, for the first time ever, an Indian film is being presented to foreign

audiences by an eminent international film personality. The legendary actor

Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, Cloud Atlas, Lord of the Rings, V for Vendetta) will be

presenting Ship of Theseus to audiences in Australia.

Filmmaker Anand Gandhi, and Hugo Weaving were part of the jury panel at

the Sydney International Film Festival, where they became extremely good

friends, sharing a palate for films and art. The film also played at the festival,

where Hugo had a chance to watch it. “Ship of Theseus is an absolutely rare and

profound piece of cinema, full of wonder and enlightenment. Anand Gandhi has

proved himself as a groundbreaking filmmaker,” says Hugo.

Gandhi is delighted that his friendship with Weaving has become an alliance

involving his debut film. “Hugo is one of the finest actors in the world, and one

of the most amazing people I have had the privilege to meet. It’s such an honour

that he is now presenting the film in his country.”

The film is set to release on November 7th across Australia.

Another feather in the cap for Jal as it gets selected in Indian Panorama at IFFI

Another feather in the cap for Jal as it gets selected in Indian Panorama at IFFI

After being screened at Busan Film Festival where Jal were the sole Indian entry in competition, the film directed by Girish Malik has now managed to find a place in the prestigious Indian Panorama section of IFFI (International Film Festival of India), Goa.
IFFI attracts reputed Indian and international film personalities and major companies involved in world cinema from all over the world every year.
“IFFI has been doing a great job providing that bridge by means of the festival where you can meet & showcase your film to international buyers & renowned names from across the globe. Post the wonderful Busan experience, I could not think of anything better. It’s another high to be recognized by your own people in your own country. I am truly touched and honored. I am really thankful to IFFI for selecting my film. It’s a big boost for an independent film with no big names attached. ” said Girish.

The other Hindi films selected are ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, the national award winner ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ and ‘Oh My God’.
“I feel very proud. It’s wonderful to feature alongside the best of Indian cinema.” says Purab Kohli the lead actor of the film.
Apart from Purab, Jal stars Kirti Kulhari, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Saidah Jules and Ravi Gossain.

Gulshan Grover's character is inspired by MF Husain

Gulshan Grover's character is inspired by MF Husain

Gulshan Grover's character in Sooper se Ooper is inspired by the world famous, late artist MF Hussain.

MF Hussain was often spotted exhibiting his art on walls instead of using a canvas for painting, Gulshan Grover will be displaying the same action in Sooper se Ooper.

The late artist was time and again witnessed walking around bare foot. Sooper se Ooper will see Gulshan Grover performing the deed as well.

Gulshan Grover will also be seen carrying a brush with himself through the movie, which was also
Mr. MF Hussain's patent habit.

Not only will Gulshan Grover's character inherit the actions that the late painter usually performed but also don a look similar to MF Hussain. The audience will be able to witness Gulshan Grover sporting a long beard and hair resembling the late artist.

Excel Entertainment,has formed a joint venture with the Dubai based Riva Group,

Excel Entertainment,has formed a joint venture with the Dubai based Riva Group, 

Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and Riva Group Chairman Paul Roy have collaborated to form Excel Media, a company dedicated to the creation of world-class original content across multiple platforms from television and web to gaming. Excel Entertainment’s existing media library will also be exploited across various digital media.
They were on hand to launch the company’s first Mobile Game Fukrey: Rooftop Runner. The event was attended by the stars of the movie including Pulkit Samrat who plays the lead character Hunny, Varun Sharma who plays Choocha, Manjot Singh who plays Lali  and Ali Fazal who plays Zafar

Shruti’s mother advices to take rest

Shruti’s mother advices to take rest

Shruti Haasan has been working continuously. She had two releases in July on the same day and was promoting the films simultaneously. She was apparently exhausted by the end of it. With all this Shruti’s mother Sarika is worried that her star daughter could be burning herself out with film commitments in Bollywood and in South. She has asked Shruti to take a 10 day break if possible, before starting her next schedule. But it looks difficult to even take a two-day break asShruti has film schedules, two South films promotions and advertisement shoots.

But let’s hope Shruti gets an opportunity to follow her mother’s advice and take a break.

Farhan Akhtar has 4 assistants

Farhan Akhtar has 4 assistants 

Farhan Akhtar has been juggling between four careers.

He has established himself as an actor, director , producer and also as a singer.

The actor has received accolades in each of his endeavour.

With abundant happenings on Farhans career front, he has four different assistants managing each of his profession.

Farhan without a hitch manages his work and distributes his time efficiently .

He makes time for each of his profession and orderly controls his career.