We're less than a month away from the Austin Film Festival, which kicks things off on October 16 and runs through October 23. Besides the usual offerings of first-run films and hits from other festivals, the AFF also offers a conference in the days leading up to the main event.
Directors, screenwriters and producers alike will take part in discussion panels about the filmmaking process and maybe even give you the opportunity to meet someone that can help you get your foot in the door.]]>
The film festivals keep on rolling in. In fact, the Vancouver International Film Festival is only about a week away: It starts September 25 and runs through October 10.
Now in its 27th year, the festival is set to show more than 300 films from more than 60 countries. Organizers were certainly overwhelmed this year, as the festival received over 150,000 admissions, making it one of the largest to take place in North America.
The VIFF seeks to stand out from the rest by screening the largest number of East Asian films outside that region. Also, it has one of the largest collections of Canadian films in the world as well as a documentary program called Nonfiction Features.]]>
Cashing in on the leaf-peepers headed to the Hudson Valley and Catskills in the fall, the town of Woodstock, New York, offers the 2008 Woodstock Film Festival from October 1 to 5.
This year's "fiercely independent" festival is offering up 43 premiers, including 10 world premiers. This year's 2008 honorary maverick award will go to filmmaker Kevin Smith--and his film, "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," will close the festival.]]>
Anne Hathaway poses for photos before the opening of her new movie, "Rachel Getting Married," at the Venice Film Festival. She stars in the Jonathan Demme-directed indie as a wild child reunited with her family for the wedding of her sister (Rosemarie DeWitt).
Hathaway has been stowed out of sight as more information comes out about her ex-boyfriend Rafael Follieri's cons. The latest revelation is that she, not knowing how much trouble he was in, paid his $37,000 rent for four months. Next time, use HotelChatter to find a hotel!
Related Stories:
· Dangerous Travel: Agent 99 Attacked Off-Duty In Russia [Jaunted]
· Anne Hathaway Deals with Breakup At The Gramercy Park Hotel [HC]
· Celeb Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: cele|bitchy]]]>
Now that a combination of big-budget blockbusters and sunstroke has sapped our attention spans, we feel violently resistant to sitting still in the dark for the last few weeks of summer. But television premiere season is just around the corner! We found our perfect bridge in the São Paulo Short Film Festival, opening Thursday and presenting eight days of Latin American short works.
The fest, held at the Associação Cultural Kinoforum which screens Brazilian and other directors' works year-round, will pack in hundreds of movies which compete for audience awards and a jury prize. They aren't just home movies either: Six out of the 10 movies nominated for Oscars for best fictional and animation shorts last year were screened at Kinoforum first.
Between programs, mix and mingle with your fellow film fans at daily Cinemateca happy hours. And if your attention span has improved enough, see one of three classic documentaries about Brazil at the Cachaça Cinema Club.
Related Stories:
· São Paulo Short Film Festival [Official Site]
· Brazil Perfects Islands, Dental Floss Swimwear [Jaunted]
· Cubicle Dreamin': Perfection in São Paulo [HC]
· Brazil Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: samhiscox]]]>
Bring your best cool-guy attitude as you attend this year's San Sebastián International Film Festival, which runs September 18-27. Feature films from around Europe and the world will be on view, including "Frozen River," the winner of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize directed by American Courtney Hunt.
The seaside town has plenty to offer besides the films, too, including cool architecture, pintxos and the chance to mingle with the stars. Say hi to jury chair Jonathan Demme for us!]]>
Get gorgeous and get ready for the red carpet this fall and head to the 65th Venice International Film Festival, which kicks off August 27 at the Venice Lido with Joel and Ethan Coen's "Burn After Reading."
Other festival highlights include Corto Cortissimo (an international competition of short films) and "These Phantoms: Italian Cinema Rediscovered," as well as screenings of films from India ("Zero Bridge") to Russia ("Paper Soldier"). Oh, and there will be stars--lots of stars--like George Clooney, Anne Hathaway and Frances McDormand.
Tickets for the public must be purchased in person at the Casinò, the PalaBiennale on the Venice Lido or the Palazzo Querini Dubois; they range in price from $16 to well over $400 for day passes and preferred seating. Follow the photogs!
Related Stories:
· Venice International Film Festival [Official Site]
· Datebook: Venice [NYT]
· Five Must-Sees at the 2008 Venice Film Festival [Jaunted]
[Photo: flo]]]>