iChat @ IFC

Following a screening of “A Christmas Tale” at the IFC Center earlier today, Charles Taylor moderated an intercontinental Q&A via video conference.  Unfortunately, technical difficulties created a problem with the sound quality, never a problem before, for IFC iChats with Lars von Trier, Hou Hsiao-hsien, etc.

rania posted to Directors, Movie Houses on November 30, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thessaloniki Recap- Best of the Fest: “The Hourglass”

In my first dispatch from the 49th Thessaloniki International Film Festival for indieWIRE, I mentioned a film called, “The Hourglass,” a Serbia-Hungary-Montenegro co-production, directed by Szabolcs Tolnai.  THIS IS A SPECTACULAR FILM! 

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rania posted to Film Fests-Foreign, Greek Themes on November 29, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thessaloniki Recap- Dardennes early films

Have you seen the first fiction films by the Dardennes?  No?  I have! 

It’s instructive to note that the brothers didn’t spring fully formed from Zeus’ head like Athena did.  These early films are not of the same quality as “La Promesse” (1996) and everything that followed.

“Falsch” (1986) is a campy spoof, and unrecognizable as theirs.  I found it unwatchable.  A similar short, “The World’s Racing” (1987) is kind of fun, but still, unrecognizable. 

“You’re on My Mind” (1992) follows the downward spiral of a steel worker after he’s been laid off, and the effect on his family.  It is clearly an antecedent to their later work, but a bit amateur.

rania posted to Directors, Film Fests-Foreign on November 26, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thessaloniki Recap- Market food

There’s nothing like eating in one of the tavernas in the Modiano Market, where fresh meat and produce are steps away.  And this is Sesame City.  I packed bite-sized sesame crackers and a jar of black tahini in my luggage.

Market photos:

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rania posted to Film Fests-Foreign, Greek Themes, Tastebuds on November 26, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Movie Pick: Milk

See the film that people are talking and blogging about, by one of the best American directors, Gus Van Sant.

rania posted to Movie Picks on November 26, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)