Thompson on Hollywood

EXCLUSIVE Tribeca Trailer: Doc 'Wagner's Dream' Showcases Challenging New Production of 'Ring' Cycle

Video

Susan Froemke's "Wagner's Dream" follows the Metropolitan Opera's unprecedented, four-year challenge of a lavish new production of Richard Wagner's four-part Ring Cycle. The classical music doc will have its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 25.

By Beth Hanna
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March 30, 2012 3:35 PM
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Art for the 99%: L.A. Artists, Funny or Die to Define Movement via Sweeping Cultural Event

News

If the 99% movement had an outstanding issue, it was defining themselves. The "All in for the 99%" hopes to change that on March 31 by showcasing art, music, and cultural activism that speaks to the 99%.

By Maggie Lange
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March 29, 2012 6:04 AM
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Columbia University Film Festival Goes Retro at Twenty-Five

Festivals

New Yorkers this is for you. This year, the Columbia University Film Festival (CUFF) celebrates its 25th anniversary with a week-long festival of screenings and dramatic readings. The fest, which is co-presented by the Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program and Film Society of Lincoln Center, opens at Alice Tully Hall on May 4, 2012.

By Maggie Lange
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March 28, 2012 3:12 PM
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Oddly, Tribeca Chooses Studio Tentpole 'Marvel's The Avengers' to Close 2012 Film Festival (Video)

Festivals

New York's Tribeca is an odd film festival --without a coherent identity--that embraces indies and Hollywood alike. In what way does Disney/Marvel's upcoming "The Avengers" need to be a festival closing night attraction? It hardly needs a boost: like everyone else on the planet we already want to see it, given that Joss Whedon is in charge...

By Anne Thompson and Maggie Lange
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March 28, 2012 2:24 PM
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Cannes 2012 Festival's Cinefondation Short Films Competition Jury Led by Jean-Pierre Dardenne

Festivals

Jean-Pierre Dardenne, the Belgian director-writer and Cannes Fest fave (along with brother Luc), who is enjoying the success of arthouse hit "The Kid with a Bike," will preside over this year's Cinéfondation jury, which will select short films from film students.

By Maggie Lange
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March 28, 2012 1:58 PM
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Brownlow Restoration of Abel Gance’s 'Napoleon' Triumphs at Oakland’s Paramount Theater

Reviews

If at all possible, you should get yourself over to the Paramount Theater in Oakland next weekend (March 31 and April 1) for the final two performances of Kevin Brownlow’s 5½ hour restoration of Abel Gance’s 1927 "Napoleon," accompanied by Carl Davis conducting the Oakland East Bay Symphony in the performance of his score.

By Meredith Brody
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March 26, 2012 7:02 PM
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Okinawa International Movie Festival Celebrates Comedians

Festivals

Laughter is the best medicine: the residents of Okinawa should know. On Friday, this tropical prefecture in south Japan welcomed 50 of the country’s leading comedians to launch the 4th edition of the Okinawa International Movie Festival (March 24 - 31: 2012), which is dedicated to laughter and peace.

By Liza Foreman
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March 25, 2012 1:55 PM
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Weekly Wrap: Interviews, Trailers, In the Works, and 'The Hunger Games'

News

"Hunger Games" Arrives: We highlight the film in our Weekend Preview, and analyze how the filmmakers achieved a well-earned home run. We posted an interview round-up from the cast and mapped out Jennifer Lawrence's upcoming acting roles. For a sneak peak of the film, you can tour the Capitol City, but fans beware, we also reported the scammers are after "Hunger Games" related keywords.

By TOH!
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March 23, 2012 8:44 PM
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WESTDOC Moves to Culver City, Early Registration Now Open for Event Sept. 9-12

Filmmaker Toolkit

Filmmakers may want to take advantage of discounted early registration now through April 30 for WESTDOC: The West Coast Documentary and Reality Conference. The third annual event, which offers access to execs involved in funding and acquiring docs, nonfiction and reality programs, moves to Culver City this year.

By Amy Dawes
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March 23, 2012 5:53 PM
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"Rendez-Vous with French Cinema" Hosts Screenings of Seven Contemporary French Films, Adds Interactive Q & As

News

Francophile Alert! This year, Unifrance Films is partnering with L.A.'s Laemmle Theatres, New York's Film Society of Lincoln Center, and Emerging Pictures to present "Rendez-Vous with French Cinema." The series sets out to highlight the best of contemporary French film by screening seven films in over 50 U.S. cities in March.