Aristomenis Tsirbas’s ‘Timescape’ Sells Worldwide
Budapest-based sales outfit Luminescence has unveiled a slew of deals for Canadian director Aristomenis Tsirbas’s adventure film Timescape. Newcomers Sofian Oleniuk and Lola Rossignol-Arts star as two youngsters who travel back in time to prehistoric times, where they encounter dinosaurs while trying to escape from an approaching asteroid. Luminescence took the film to the EFM where it secured deals to Australia (Eagle), France (Factoris), Hungary (Ads), Italy (Plaion), Japan (Nikkatsu), Korea (Yejilim), Latin America (Leda Films), Cis, Middle East (Front Row), South Africa (Filmfinity) in Taiwan (Cola Films) and the UK (Dazzler). The film was released theatrically in Canada via Tva Films in late 2022. XYZ Films acquired all U.S. rights earlier this year. The film was produced by David-Alexandre Coiteux at Fullum Films and Faisal Toor at Empress Road Pictures.
Mediawan Appoints New Boomerang TV CEO
Mediawan has appointed...
Budapest-based sales outfit Luminescence has unveiled a slew of deals for Canadian director Aristomenis Tsirbas’s adventure film Timescape. Newcomers Sofian Oleniuk and Lola Rossignol-Arts star as two youngsters who travel back in time to prehistoric times, where they encounter dinosaurs while trying to escape from an approaching asteroid. Luminescence took the film to the EFM where it secured deals to Australia (Eagle), France (Factoris), Hungary (Ads), Italy (Plaion), Japan (Nikkatsu), Korea (Yejilim), Latin America (Leda Films), Cis, Middle East (Front Row), South Africa (Filmfinity) in Taiwan (Cola Films) and the UK (Dazzler). The film was released theatrically in Canada via Tva Films in late 2022. XYZ Films acquired all U.S. rights earlier this year. The film was produced by David-Alexandre Coiteux at Fullum Films and Faisal Toor at Empress Road Pictures.
Mediawan Appoints New Boomerang TV CEO
Mediawan has appointed...
- 3/29/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Here's one for genre nerds raising little genre nerds of their own. XYZ Films is releasing Aristomenis Tsirbas' latest family adventure film, Timescape, on North American VOD on March 23rd. The trailer for Timescape was sent out today; check it out below. It looks like a rollicking good adventure flick. Fun for everyone in the family, as they say. XYZ Films Teleports You 65 Million Years Into the Past With... Timescape The breathtaking kids' adventure, which sees future tech and prehistoric beasts collide, lands on VOD March 23rd! XYZ Films is proud to announce that they will be releasing the prehistoric YA adventure Timescape on North American VOD March 23rd! Celebrated filmmaker Aristomenis Tsirbas, known for his family adventures...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/23/2023
- Screen Anarchy
Constantin Inks Rtl Licensing Deal
German mini-major Constantin Film has inked a multi-year licensing deal with local TV giant Rtl that covers exclusive free-tv and streaming rights for all of Constantin’s theatrical productions. The pact covers all of the producer’s in-house and co-productions that begin filming from January 1. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. The deal will cover upcoming titles from filmmakers such as Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil), David Wnendt (Look Who’s Back), Til Schweiger (Rabbit Without Ears), and Doris Dörrie (Cherry Blossoms). Among highlights is the new film from Bora Dagtekin, whose Suck Me Shakespeer school comedy trilogy is the most successful German-language franchise of the last decade. Constantin and Rtl have previously partnered on films and series including limited series The Allegation, comedy Weil wir Champions sind (Because We’re Champions), and Strafe (Punishment).
Zinc Appoints Former Shine TV MD
UK factual outfit...
German mini-major Constantin Film has inked a multi-year licensing deal with local TV giant Rtl that covers exclusive free-tv and streaming rights for all of Constantin’s theatrical productions. The pact covers all of the producer’s in-house and co-productions that begin filming from January 1. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. The deal will cover upcoming titles from filmmakers such as Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil), David Wnendt (Look Who’s Back), Til Schweiger (Rabbit Without Ears), and Doris Dörrie (Cherry Blossoms). Among highlights is the new film from Bora Dagtekin, whose Suck Me Shakespeer school comedy trilogy is the most successful German-language franchise of the last decade. Constantin and Rtl have previously partnered on films and series including limited series The Allegation, comedy Weil wir Champions sind (Because We’re Champions), and Strafe (Punishment).
Zinc Appoints Former Shine TV MD
UK factual outfit...
- 9/23/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
We’ve seen a lot of fake UFO encounters over the past few years – digital film tools have made it easier than ever to craft impressive extraterrestrial crafts and “capture” them on video (we’ve come a long way from the days when guys would use their Super 8 camera and a pie tin on a fishing line to simulate a UFO visit, that’s for sure), but Aristomenis Tsirbas’ UFO Over Santa Clarita is in a class all by itself. At first glance, the 38-second clip looks like a lot of other faux alien encounters. A guy’s driving along in his car, futzing around with his cell phone, when he spots a giant alien craft in the sky overhead. He films it (complete with shaky-cam effects and dodgy focus) for a few seconds and then an even bigger mother ship...
Read More...
Read More...
- 2/8/2013
- by Mike Bracken
- Movies.com
Though Shane Acker's 9 may not have had quite the impact that many hoped it would it did, nonetheless, establish Acker as a strong new voice in the animation world. And while we wait for whatever he may do next in the feature world we don't have to wait long at all for new work from him.Acker has teamed up with co-director Aristomenis Tsirbas (The Battle For Terra) and the students of the Gnomon School Of Visual Effects to create a new animated short titled Plus Minus. Demonic forces of art and commerce fight for territory in a post apocalyptic inferno, while diminutive minions keep the ball rolling below...Anybody else see a comment on the experience of making a studio movie in that synopsis?...
- 6/7/2011
- Screen Anarchy
Universal Pictures have just sent us the trailer for a movie which originally came out in Us cinema in 2007, UK cinemas earlier this year and has now made it’s way to DVD. The movie is an animated sci fi called Battle for Terra and has a voice cast which includes Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Brian Cox, Justin Long, James Garner, Chris Evans, Danny Glover, Dennis Quaid and is directed by Aristomenis Tsirbas.
Battle for Terra is released this coming Monday on DVD and you can pre-order it here.
Synopsis: When Earth’s natural resources began to rapidly diminish, mankind was forced to seek out a new home and build colonies on Mars and Venus. However disaster struck when the two colonies attempted to declare independence from Earth, and the ensuing Great War destroyed all three planets. Now mankind’s only hope for survival is to find a new home.
Battle for Terra is released this coming Monday on DVD and you can pre-order it here.
Synopsis: When Earth’s natural resources began to rapidly diminish, mankind was forced to seek out a new home and build colonies on Mars and Venus. However disaster struck when the two colonies attempted to declare independence from Earth, and the ensuing Great War destroyed all three planets. Now mankind’s only hope for survival is to find a new home.
- 7/2/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
If you enjoyed James Cameron's Avatar, there's more interplanetary love and conflict on the way when 3D animation film Battle for Terra arrives in UK cinemas next month.
Released here by The Works on February 12, it has a star-studded cast of voices including Brian Cox, Dennis Quaid, Evan Rachel Wood, Fantastic Four star Chris Evans, Luke Wilson, Danny Glover, Amanda Peet, Hellboy star Ron Perlman, James Garner, Mark Hamill, Rosanna Arquette and Danny Trejo.
When the peaceful inhabitants of the beautiful planet Terra come under attack from the last surviving members of humanity adrift in an ageing spaceship, the stage is set for an all-out war between the two races for control of the planet.
But will an unlikely friendship between a rebellious young Terrian (voiced by Evan Rachel Wood) and an injured human pilot (Luke Wilson) somehow convince their leaders that war is not the answer?
The CG-animated...
Released here by The Works on February 12, it has a star-studded cast of voices including Brian Cox, Dennis Quaid, Evan Rachel Wood, Fantastic Four star Chris Evans, Luke Wilson, Danny Glover, Amanda Peet, Hellboy star Ron Perlman, James Garner, Mark Hamill, Rosanna Arquette and Danny Trejo.
When the peaceful inhabitants of the beautiful planet Terra come under attack from the last surviving members of humanity adrift in an ageing spaceship, the stage is set for an all-out war between the two races for control of the planet.
But will an unlikely friendship between a rebellious young Terrian (voiced by Evan Rachel Wood) and an injured human pilot (Luke Wilson) somehow convince their leaders that war is not the answer?
The CG-animated...
- 1/28/2010
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
The consensus is in: James Cameron's Avatar is the greatest movie ever made, according to the fans. According to critics, it doesn't have much in the way of plot, characters, ideas or originality, but it's so dazzling that it's one of the best movies of the year! As one of the few who was underwhelmed by this new movie, I would like to know why Cameron was given such a low bar for excellence. It seems to me that to qualify as one of the greatest films of all time, or even one of the best movies of the year, some of the mandatory requirements ought to include strong plot, characters, ideas and/or originality, and not just visual effects alone.
In this business, spectacular visuals usually don't make up for a tired plot, half-baked characters and an obvious message. Just take a look back at Shane Acker's...
In this business, spectacular visuals usually don't make up for a tired plot, half-baked characters and an obvious message. Just take a look back at Shane Acker's...
- 1/8/2010
- by Jeffrey M. Anderson
- Cinematical
"Battle for Terra" is currently available on DVD and Blu-ray from Roadside Attractions. Based on director Aristomenis Tsirbas's 2003 short film "Terra," the film takes place on the distant planet Terra, a world which the people of Earth have decided to colonize once their own planet becomes uninhabitable. A young Earth pilot (voice of Luke Wilson) lands on Terra to learn that it already has a populace, and they are not interested in giving up their world without a fight. He teams up with native girl Mala (Evan Rachel Wood) to prevent Earth from taking over and ultimately destroying the new paradise he has found.
Besides Wilson and Wood, the all-star cast includes Chris Evans, Danny Glover, Dennis Quaid, Brian Cox, Justin Long, James Garner, Amanda Peet, Rosana Arquette, Mark Hamill, Beverly D'Angelo and David Cross.
Since debuting in 2007 at the Toronto Film Festival, the animated science fiction family adventure...
Besides Wilson and Wood, the all-star cast includes Chris Evans, Danny Glover, Dennis Quaid, Brian Cox, Justin Long, James Garner, Amanda Peet, Rosana Arquette, Mark Hamill, Beverly D'Angelo and David Cross.
Since debuting in 2007 at the Toronto Film Festival, the animated science fiction family adventure...
- 10/13/2009
- icelebz.com
In Battle for Terra the peaceful inhabitants of the beautiful planet Terra come under attack from the last surviving members of humanity adrift in an aging spaceship, the stage is set for an all-out war between the two species for control of the planet. But will an unlikely friendship between a rebellious young Terrian and an injured human pilot somehow convince their leaders that war is not the answer?
Battle for Terra on DVD & Blu-ray
Battle for Terra is a thrilling sci-fi animated film featuring the voices of Luke Wilson (My Super Ex-Girlfriend); Evan Rachel Wood (Running with Scissors); Brian Cox (The Escapist); David Cross (Year One); Dennis Quaid (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra); Danny Glover (Dreamgirls); and James Garner (The Notebook), blasting its way onto DVD and Blu-ray September 22nd. A visually stunning, action-packed tale for animation fans of all ages, this theatrical wide release received rave reviews from critics.
Battle for Terra on DVD & Blu-ray
Battle for Terra is a thrilling sci-fi animated film featuring the voices of Luke Wilson (My Super Ex-Girlfriend); Evan Rachel Wood (Running with Scissors); Brian Cox (The Escapist); David Cross (Year One); Dennis Quaid (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra); Danny Glover (Dreamgirls); and James Garner (The Notebook), blasting its way onto DVD and Blu-ray September 22nd. A visually stunning, action-packed tale for animation fans of all ages, this theatrical wide release received rave reviews from critics.
- 9/22/2009
- by Shannon
- MovieSet.com
This year’s Venice Film Festival has announced the nine films in competition for the event’s first 3-D award. They are all from the Us.
“Up” by Pete Docter
“Coraline” by Henry Selick
“Battle for Terra” by Aristomenis Tsirbas
“Monsters vs. Aliens” by Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon
“Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” by Carlos Saldanha
“Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience” by Bruce Hendricks
“The Hole” by Joe Dante
“Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D” by Eric Brevig
“My Bloody Valentine” by Patrick Lussier
Two of these movies will appear in the fest lineup – “Up” by Pete Docter, which features in the Venice Pixar program, and “The Hole” by Joe Dante, which has its world premiere.
In addition, this year’s lineup will feature 3-D pics by local directors David Zamagni (“Daimon”) and Nadia Ranocchi (“Cock-Crow”) in the new Orizzonti 3-D section.
Venice...
“Up” by Pete Docter
“Coraline” by Henry Selick
“Battle for Terra” by Aristomenis Tsirbas
“Monsters vs. Aliens” by Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon
“Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” by Carlos Saldanha
“Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience” by Bruce Hendricks
“The Hole” by Joe Dante
“Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D” by Eric Brevig
“My Bloody Valentine” by Patrick Lussier
Two of these movies will appear in the fest lineup – “Up” by Pete Docter, which features in the Venice Pixar program, and “The Hole” by Joe Dante, which has its world premiere.
In addition, this year’s lineup will feature 3-D pics by local directors David Zamagni (“Daimon”) and Nadia Ranocchi (“Cock-Crow”) in the new Orizzonti 3-D section.
Venice...
- 8/16/2009
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
The nine films vying for the first ever 3-D prize at the 66th Venice Film Festival are all from the good old U.S.A.
And the nine films in contention for the Person 3-D award are:
"Up" by Pete Docter
"The Hole" by Joe Dante, making its world premiere
"Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D. by Eric Brevig
.Monsters vs. Aliens. by Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon
.My Bloody Valentine. by Patrick Lussier
.Battle for Terra. by Aristomenis Tsirbas
.Coraline. by Henry Selick
.Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience. by Bruce Hendricks
.Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. by Carlos Saldanha.
The Venice Film Festival site says, "The Persol 3-D Award will be presented to the feature film which at best embodies the exploration of this new frontier of the cinematic language, and which is attracting enormous creative attention from filmmakers and producers,...
And the nine films in contention for the Person 3-D award are:
"Up" by Pete Docter
"The Hole" by Joe Dante, making its world premiere
"Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D. by Eric Brevig
.Monsters vs. Aliens. by Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon
.My Bloody Valentine. by Patrick Lussier
.Battle for Terra. by Aristomenis Tsirbas
.Coraline. by Henry Selick
.Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience. by Bruce Hendricks
.Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. by Carlos Saldanha.
The Venice Film Festival site says, "The Persol 3-D Award will be presented to the feature film which at best embodies the exploration of this new frontier of the cinematic language, and which is attracting enormous creative attention from filmmakers and producers,...
- 8/10/2009
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
A few months ago, I saw two new sci-fi movies at the San Francisco International Film Festival, and now both are in limited release: Duncan Jones's Moon (21 screens) and Aristomenis Tsirbas' Battle for Terra (2 screens). And it got me thinking. These two movies couldn't be more different, and the main distinction between them is this. Moon is sci-fi based on an actual sci-fi idea. That means that science actually figures into the fiction somewhere. And Battle for Terra is the perfect example of a war film decorated with sci-fi trimmings; its big "twist" is that the humans are the bad guys and the aliens are the good guys, but aside from that the story unfolds exactly like a regular war film. The aliens, spaceships and other gizmos don't really figure into the major themes or plot.
It got me thinking about how many science fiction movies are really just war movies in disguise.
It got me thinking about how many science fiction movies are really just war movies in disguise.
- 7/4/2009
- by Jeffrey M. Anderson
- Cinematical
20th Century Fox’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” opened on Friday with a big $35 million estimate from 4,099 theatres. On Saturday, the film directed by Academy Award®-winner Gavin Hood, added a further $29.7 million and Sunday’s figured are indicated to be somewhere in the region of $22.5 million, making the actioner’s total opening weekend around $87 million. Film averaged $21,225 per theatre. Looking at the franchise’s run, “Wolverine” is second only to “X-Men: The Last Stand” which debuted on Friday, May 26th, 2006 with $45.1million. David Benioff and Skid Woods write. Cast constists of Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Liev Schreiber (Victor Creed/Saber tooth), Danny Huston (Stryker), Will I Am (John Wraith), Taylor Kitsch (Gambit), Dominic Monaghan (Beak), Lynn Collins (Silver Fox), Thayne Tizzy (Diamond Girl), Kevin Durand (The Blob), Daniel Hennery (Agent Zero), and Ryan Reynolds (Wade Wilson/Deadpool) Second placed romantic comedy “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” finished in second place with a very respectable $15.3 million from 3,175 theatres.
- 5/3/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
“Wolverine” ready to rip through the weekend. 20th Century Fox’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” unspools into a massive 4,099 theatres. Directed by Gavin Hood, the Academy Award®-winning helmer of South African film “Tsotse,” “Wolverine” has had its hurdles thanks to its bootlegged availability and review of the leaked, incomplete material by entertainment blogger Roger Friedman. Still, “Wolverine” is ready to carve up a hefty slice of the box office pie. “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” looks to attract fans of the romance and comedy genres with Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner frontlining. Mark Waters, director of “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” “Mean Girls” and the “Freaky Friday” remake, helms from the writing by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. The film debuts in 3,175 locations. (Read the Review) The next widest release comes in “Battle for Terra,” the animated sci-fi flick from Roadside Attractions. Film is directed by Canadian-born Greek Aristomenis Tsirbas, an experienced digital...
- 5/1/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Battle for Terra
Directed by: Aristomenis Tsirbas
Cast: (voices) Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Brian Cox, David Cross
Running Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Rating: PG
Release Date: May 1, 2009
Plot: Following the destruction of Earth and other human-colonized planets, the remaining humans search space for a new place to settle. When the humans attack Terra, a peaceful alien planet, a young Terrian (Wood) and a human pilot (Wilson) try to end the war.
Who’s It For? If you appreciate a good score and enjoy contemplating the future of the human race, check this one out. Surprisingly this film isn’t for the the little ones, there’s just too much violence for a standard kid flick.
Expectations: Since this is a full-length version of the 2003 award-wining, seven-minute short film by the same director, I’m expecting good things. I just hope it’s not seven minutes of substance and 78 minutes of filler.
Directed by: Aristomenis Tsirbas
Cast: (voices) Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Brian Cox, David Cross
Running Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Rating: PG
Release Date: May 1, 2009
Plot: Following the destruction of Earth and other human-colonized planets, the remaining humans search space for a new place to settle. When the humans attack Terra, a peaceful alien planet, a young Terrian (Wood) and a human pilot (Wilson) try to end the war.
Who’s It For? If you appreciate a good score and enjoy contemplating the future of the human race, check this one out. Surprisingly this film isn’t for the the little ones, there’s just too much violence for a standard kid flick.
Expectations: Since this is a full-length version of the 2003 award-wining, seven-minute short film by the same director, I’m expecting good things. I just hope it’s not seven minutes of substance and 78 minutes of filler.
- 5/1/2009
- by David Pohl
- The Scorecard Review
20th Century Fox’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” unspools into a massive 4,099 theatres. Directed by Gavin Hood, the Academy Award®-winning helmer of South African film “Tsotse,” “Wolverine” has had its hurdles thanks to its bootlegged availability and review of the leaked, incomplete material by entertainment blogger Roger Friedman. Still, “Wolverine” is ready to carve up a hefty slice of the box office pie. “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” looks to attract fans of the romance and comedy genres with Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner frontlining. Mark Waters, director of “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” “Mean Girls” and the “Freaky Friday” remake, helms from the writing by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. The film debuts in 3,175 locations. The next widest release comes in “Battle for Terra,” the animated sci-fi flick from Roadside Attractions. Film is directed by Canadian-born Greek Aristomenis Tsirbas, an experienced digital artist who has worked in films including “Titanic,” “My Favorite Martian” and “Hellboy.
- 5/1/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
20th Century Fox’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” unspools into a massive 4,099 theatres. Directed by Gavin Hood, the Academy Award®-winning helmer of South African film “Tsotse,” “Wolverine” has had its hurdles thanks to its bootlegged availability and review of the leaked, incomplete material by entertainment blogger Roger Friedman. Still, “Wolverine” is ready to carve up a hefty slice of the box office pie. “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” looks to attract fans of the romance and comedy genres with Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner frontlining. Mark Waters, director of “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” “Mean Girls” and the “Freaky Friday” remake, helms from the writing by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. The film debuts in 3,175 locations. The next widest release comes in “Battle for Terra,” the animated sci-fi flick from Roadside Attractions. Film is directed by Canadian-born Greek Aristomenis Tsirbas, an experienced digital artist who has worked in films including “Titanic,” “My Favorite Martian” and “Hellboy.
- 5/1/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
A beautiful jewel of a planet. Alien invaders swooping down to steal precious resources and wipe out the natives. Oh, but look at that: it’s humans as the bad guys, as the alien invaders, in the CG-animated Battle for Terra, and that makes for a nice switcheroo, if one some human beings will howl at. How dare humans be the villains! After all, it’s not like humanity has a long legacy of genocide and invasion and cultural imperialism toward our own species! Why on Earth -- or beyond -- would we be so mean to nonhuman creatures? Hmmm. I’m not at all surprised to discover the Terra director Aristomenis Tsirbas is Canadian, because if there’s one term that best characterizes Canadian science fiction, it’s “humanist.” As in “rational” and “equanimous” and “liberal,” and in this case, we have to extend the definition to “non-specieist”: or,...
- 4/29/2009
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
This week, we're looking at three wide releases: Gavin Hood's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" with Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber; Mark Waters' comedy "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" with Jennifer Garner, Emma Stone and Matthew McConaughey; and Aristomenis Tsirbas' animated sci-fi flick "Battle for Terra":
X-men Origins: Wolverine
Synopsis: "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" tells the story of Wolverine’s epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated.
X-men Origins: Wolverine
Synopsis: "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" tells the story of Wolverine’s epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated.
- 4/28/2009
- by Franck Tabouring
- screeninglog.com
With Tribeca well under way, there's much in the way of art house fare this week for everyone with a rich international flavor. Go crazy!
Download this in audio form (MP3: 11:33 minutes, 15.8 Mb) Subscribe to the In Theaters podcast: [Xml] [iTunes]
"A Wink and a Smile"
Seattle-based documentary filmmaker Deirdre Allen Timmons makes her debut by pulling back the velvet curtain on the world of burlesque, where art and erotica co-exist in the same spectacle. Timmons introduces ten game volunteers, comprised of eager housewives and bored professionals, to Miss Indigo Blue's House of Burlesque, where the ladies find self-confidence and empowerment as they're instructed by Miss Blue in the age-old art of theatrical titillation.
Opens in New York.
"Battle For Terra"
Having spent much of the last 15 years honing his skills as a digital artist on the likes of "Hellboy," effects wizard Aristomenis Tsirbas wields the pixelated megaphone for his feature debut,...
Download this in audio form (MP3: 11:33 minutes, 15.8 Mb) Subscribe to the In Theaters podcast: [Xml] [iTunes]
"A Wink and a Smile"
Seattle-based documentary filmmaker Deirdre Allen Timmons makes her debut by pulling back the velvet curtain on the world of burlesque, where art and erotica co-exist in the same spectacle. Timmons introduces ten game volunteers, comprised of eager housewives and bored professionals, to Miss Indigo Blue's House of Burlesque, where the ladies find self-confidence and empowerment as they're instructed by Miss Blue in the age-old art of theatrical titillation.
Opens in New York.
"Battle For Terra"
Having spent much of the last 15 years honing his skills as a digital artist on the likes of "Hellboy," effects wizard Aristomenis Tsirbas wields the pixelated megaphone for his feature debut,...
- 4/27/2009
- by Neil Pedley
- ifc.com
Battle for Terra
USA, 2007, 100 minutes
Director: Aristomenis Tsirbas
Featuring posh animation hard to believe was funded and produced independently, it’s the story that eventually wins over this sci-fi war movie. It translates the complexity and sacrifice of war into an understandable narrative without compromising the horror—Battlestar Galactica for kids, essentially.
Dividing equal sympathies for both humans and aliens, the film could almost go either way. An all-star voice cast compliment rather than distract; showing the big studios how it’s done.
Details
Adoration
Canada/France, 2008, 100 minutes
Director: Atom Egoyan
Powerful and packed with profound ideas, Adoration is an ode to the budding 21st century. Our identities continue to shift as the world continues its culture fusion, now more than ever in a terrorism-obsessed Post-9/11 world.
These characters’ lives are intertwined on a personal level to contrast technology’s ability to globally connect us all, perfectly visualized in the...
USA, 2007, 100 minutes
Director: Aristomenis Tsirbas
Featuring posh animation hard to believe was funded and produced independently, it’s the story that eventually wins over this sci-fi war movie. It translates the complexity and sacrifice of war into an understandable narrative without compromising the horror—Battlestar Galactica for kids, essentially.
Dividing equal sympathies for both humans and aliens, the film could almost go either way. An all-star voice cast compliment rather than distract; showing the big studios how it’s done.
Details
Adoration
Canada/France, 2008, 100 minutes
Director: Atom Egoyan
Powerful and packed with profound ideas, Adoration is an ode to the budding 21st century. Our identities continue to shift as the world continues its culture fusion, now more than ever in a terrorism-obsessed Post-9/11 world.
These characters’ lives are intertwined on a personal level to contrast technology’s ability to globally connect us all, perfectly visualized in the...
- 4/25/2009
- by Arya Ponto
- JustPressPlay.net
Even in a world of peace, prosperity, and sanctuary, none are safe from invasion, especially from those of humans.
{sidebar id=1}Battle for Terra, directed by Aristomenis Tsirbas and produced by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions is a story of a thriving, tranquil civilization.s bout with the dying human race, in an intense battle for survival. The humans, who were forced to leave their precious earth due to environmental instability and civil war, thrust themselves into the depths of space in search of another life sustaining planet. Upon arriving at a planet they dubbed .Terra,. Jim Stanton (Luke Wilson), an acclaimed war hero, crashlands and is greeted by a harmless creature named Mala (Evan Rachel Wood.) Together, they must fight to save her home planet, and eventually, Jim must choose between his own people and his new companions.
The 3D aspect of this movie is subtle, yet effective,...
{sidebar id=1}Battle for Terra, directed by Aristomenis Tsirbas and produced by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions is a story of a thriving, tranquil civilization.s bout with the dying human race, in an intense battle for survival. The humans, who were forced to leave their precious earth due to environmental instability and civil war, thrust themselves into the depths of space in search of another life sustaining planet. Upon arriving at a planet they dubbed .Terra,. Jim Stanton (Luke Wilson), an acclaimed war hero, crashlands and is greeted by a harmless creature named Mala (Evan Rachel Wood.) Together, they must fight to save her home planet, and eventually, Jim must choose between his own people and his new companions.
The 3D aspect of this movie is subtle, yet effective,...
- 4/15/2009
- by Kara Hallett and Michael Stange <alyson@iesb.net>
- IESB.net
Battle for Terra opens May 1st, and it looks quite interesting. A spaceship from Earth finds life on another planet, Terra. But, when the humans learn that the Earth has been destroyed, they aim to take over Terra, believing it is their only way to prevent the extinction of the human race. The animated film features the voices of: Dennis Quaid, Luke Wilson, Evan Rachel Wood, and Amanda Peet. It's also the feature directorial debut of Aristomenis Tsirbas. It looks really good. The "news" is that the film has partnered with the National Wildlife Federation for a contest offering kids in 3rd-8th grade some interesting prizes. The younger kids can win a digital camera and a day with wildlife photographers, and the older kids can win a two-week trip with Adventures Cross-Country. I think this is a really cool promotion, and I'm including the full press release below along with the film's trailer.
- 4/14/2009
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
If you’ve seen the trailer for “Battle for Terra”, then you know that Aristomenis Tsirbas’s human bashing CGI animated movie is as subtle as a sledgehammer to the forehead. But hey, if you’re going to paint the human race in such simplistic terms, the least they can do is make it look good, right? Mission accomplished, it would appear. Three new images from the 2007 movie after the jump. A peaceful alien planet faces annihilation, as the homeless remainder of the human race sets its eyes on Terra. Mala, a rebellious Terrian teenager, will do everything she can to stop it. Featuring the voice talents of Evan Rachel Wood, Brian Cox, Luke Wilson, David Cross, Justin Long, Amanda Peet, and Dennis Quaid. Evil humans strike in limited release May 1.
- 3/27/2009
- by Nix
- SciFiCool.com
See the trailer for Roadside Attractions' "Terra" (a.k.a. "Battle for Terra"), featuring the voice talents of Justin Long, Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Brian Cox, David Cross, James Garner, Danny Glover, Rosanna Arquette, Ron Perlman and Danny Trejo. In theatres on May 1st and directed by Aristomenis Tsirbas, a helmer experienced in the visual effects side with work on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Star Trek: Voyager," "Dogma," "Hellboy" and more. Check out the trailer here. The film tells the story of Senn (Justin Long) and Mala (Evan Rachel Wood), two rebellious alien teens living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place that promotes peace and tolerance, having long ago rejected war and weapons of mass destruction. But when Terra is invaded by human beings fleeing a civil war and environmental catastrophe, the planet is plunged into chaos. During the upheaval, Mala befriends an injured human pilot...
- 3/16/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See the trailer for Roadside Attractions' "Terra" (a.k.a. "Battle for Terra"), featuring the voice talents of Justin Long, Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Brian Cox, David Cross, James Garner, Danny Glover, Rosanna Arquette, Ron Perlman and Danny Trejo. In theatres on May 1st and directed by Aristomenis Tsirbas, a helmer experienced in the visual effects side with work on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Star Trek: Voyager," "Dogma," "Hellboy" and more. The film tells the story of Senn (Justin Long) and Mala (Evan Rachel Wood), two rebellious alien teens living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place that promotes peace and tolerance, having long ago...
- 3/16/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See the trailer for Roadside Attractions' "Terra" (a.k.a. "Battle for Terra"), featuring the voice talents of Justin Long, Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Brian Cox, David Cross, James Garner, Danny Glover, Rosanna Arquette, Ron Perlman and Danny Trejo. In theatres on May 1st and directed by Aristomenis Tsirbas, a helmer experienced in the visual effects side with work on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Star Trek: Voyager," "Dogma," "Hellboy" and more. The film tells the story of Senn (Justin Long) and Mala (Evan Rachel Wood), two rebellious alien teens living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place that promotes peace and tolerance, having long ago...
- 3/16/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Humanity strikes again in the CGI animated movie “Battle for Terra” from Canadian director Aristomenis Tsirbas. The film is set in outer space, where the last remnants of humanity, now living on a ship, are forced to seek out a new planet after having already used up Earth. There will be a lot of preaching about the environment and how we humans are such a miserable, conniving, and destructive bunch, but at least it’ll also have cool CGI space battles. Mala (Evan Rachel Wood) is a precocious girl living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place where peace and tolerance are celebrated. Unbeknownst to Mala and her fellow Terrians, the last inhabitants of Earth have exhausted the resources of their planet and those of three others, and are now searching for a new home. This Earthforce has discovered that the use of a Terraformer will make Terra habitable for humans but poisonous for Terrians.
- 2/19/2009
- by Nix
- SciFiCool.com
I remember hearing about the CG-animated sci-fi film Terra a few years back when it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. At the time, it seemed to be getting a lot of good buzz, but it wasn't until just last month that Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions actually picked it up for a wide release. The movie has now been renamed Battle for Terra and enhanced with 3-D technology. Unfortunately, after checking out the first full trailer over at Moviefone, I can't say I'm all that excited about it. Based on director Aristomenis Tsirbas' 2003 short film, the movie tells the story of the last inhabitants of Earth who invade the peaceful planet of Terra after destroying their own home world. Featuring ...
- 2/19/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
It's very rare that we ever see independently developed animated movies (that aren't terrible). Battle for Terra, originally called just Terra, is one of them that deserves plenty of praise for both its great story and fantastic animation. Yet it has been mishandled ever since it debuted at the Toronto Film Festival way, way back in 2007 (that's where I first saw it). The first trailer has finally hit the web today, courtesy of AOL, and it's worth checking out. Above anything else, I hope everyone notices how oddly similar the story is to Sony's Planet 51. Is it a coincidence that Planet 51 was made after Terra first debuted? I think not! Watch the trailer for Battle for Terra: [flv:http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/battleforterra-trailer-lowq.flv http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/battleforterra-trailer-lowq.jpg 460 237] Battle for Terra is directed by Canadian filmmaker Aristomenis Tsirbas, also known as Meni Tsirbas, who has worked in the visual effects industry for years and made his feature ...
- 2/19/2009
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Moviefone has debuted the trailer for Aristomenis Tsirbas’ Battle for Terra (previously entitled Terra), a sci-fi CG animated film that has been completed and screened in several festival since 2007 but its getting a wide theatrical release this year courtesy of Lions Gate. For an independently produce film, the visual quality looks impressive. Its quite refreshing to see a serious approach rather than the usual comedic tone we often see in conventional animated films. The voice cast reads like a who’s who list of actors/actress which include Evan Rachel Wood, Brian Cox, Luke Wilson, David Cross, Justin Long, Amanda Peet, Dennis Quaid, Chris Evans, James Garner, Rosanna Arquette, Chad Allen and more.
Mala (Evan Rachel Wood) is a precocious girl living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place where peace and tolerance are celebrated. However, the last inhabitants of Earth have exhausted the resources of their planet and are...
Mala (Evan Rachel Wood) is a precocious girl living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place where peace and tolerance are celebrated. However, the last inhabitants of Earth have exhausted the resources of their planet and are...
- 2/19/2009
- by Al Young
- Screen Anarchy
The official trailer for the upcoming animated film "Battle for Terra," voiced by Luke Wilson, Amanda Peet, Dennis Quaid, Justin Long, Chris Evans and many more, has been released. Click on the link below to check it out. Plot: A peaceful alien planet faces annihilation, as the homeless remainder of the human race sets its eyes on Terra. Mala, a rebellious Terrian teenager, will do everything she can to stop it. The new film is directed by Aristomenis Tsirbas and is based on Tsirbas' 2003 short film "Terra." It is scheduled to hit theaters on May 1st. Click here to read more about "Battle for Terra."...
- 2/19/2009
- WorstPreviews.com
Lionsgate Films animation "Battle for Terra" has just got its first trailer. Around two minutes long, this video footage first explains the grave situation faced by mankind. Then, it continues to introduce the planet of Terra where everybody lives in peace and harmony. When the surviving human race finds this planet, they decide to make it their new home and thus, the battle for Terra begins.
A 2009 computer animated science fiction film, "Battle for Terra" revolves around a peaceful alien planet facing a destruction from human colonization. The movie from director Aristomenis Tsirbas, the digital artist on "Hellboy" and "Titanic", will follow one rebellious Terrian teenager named Mala in her effort to stop her race annihilation from happening.
Featuring the voices of Evan Rachel Wood, Brian Cox, Luke Wilson, David Cross, Justin Long, Amanda Peet, Dennis Quaid and many else, the animation was developed by Evan Spiliotopoulos from Tsirbas' original story.
A 2009 computer animated science fiction film, "Battle for Terra" revolves around a peaceful alien planet facing a destruction from human colonization. The movie from director Aristomenis Tsirbas, the digital artist on "Hellboy" and "Titanic", will follow one rebellious Terrian teenager named Mala in her effort to stop her race annihilation from happening.
Featuring the voices of Evan Rachel Wood, Brian Cox, Luke Wilson, David Cross, Justin Long, Amanda Peet, Dennis Quaid and many else, the animation was developed by Evan Spiliotopoulos from Tsirbas' original story.
- 2/19/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Thanks to Lionsgate, Aristomenis Tsirbas' insanely fun CGI scifi extraveganza, Battle for Terra, is finally getting a wide release on May 1st. The film features the voice talents of some huge names including, Evan Rachel Wood, Brian Cox, Luke Wilson, David Cross, Justin Long, Amanda Peet, Dennis Quaid, Chris Evans, James Garner, and Rosanna Arquette.
Mala (Evan Rachel Wood) is a precocious girl living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place where peace and tolerance are celebrated. However, the last inhabitants of Earth have exhausted the resources of their planet and are now searching for a new home. This Earthforce has discovered that the use of a Terraformer will make Terra habitable for humans but poisonous for Terrians. When the Earthlings embark on a hostile invasion of Terra, Mala’s father, Roven (Dennis Quaid), is kidnapped. Hoping to save her father, Mala captures and hides a crashed human pilot...
Mala (Evan Rachel Wood) is a precocious girl living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place where peace and tolerance are celebrated. However, the last inhabitants of Earth have exhausted the resources of their planet and are now searching for a new home. This Earthforce has discovered that the use of a Terraformer will make Terra habitable for humans but poisonous for Terrians. When the Earthlings embark on a hostile invasion of Terra, Mala’s father, Roven (Dennis Quaid), is kidnapped. Hoping to save her father, Mala captures and hides a crashed human pilot...
- 2/19/2009
- QuietEarth.us
I didn't remember ever hearing anything about a movie called Battle for Terra, but in a quick search it looks like way back in March of 2007 I posted a casting note when the film was simply named Terra and didn't have a major distributer. Today Moviefone announced the first trailer for CG-animated film and boy does it carry a large voice cast including the likes of Evan Rachel Wood, Brian Cox, Luke Wilson, David Cross, Justin Long, Amanda Peet, Dennis Quaid, James Garner, Chris Evans, Rosanna Arquette and Chad Allen. Unfortunately the director, Aristomenis Tsirbas, is someone I have never heard of, but apparently he was a digital artist on the first Hellboy and even Titanic and he wrote and directed an animated short based on the Terra idea back in 2003. The film centers on a peaceful alien planet that faces annihilation, as the homeless remainder of the human race sets its eyes on Terra.
- 2/18/2009
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Toronto -- The U.S. computer-generated sci-fi film "Terra" picked up the grand prize for best animated feature at the five-day Ottawa International Animation Festival, which wrapped Sunday.
Aristomenis Tsirbas' debut feature, voiced by Brian Cox, Dennis Quaid, Luke Wilson and Evan Rachel Wood, beat out 109 films -- including 30 from Canada -- for top honors.
Other prize winners include Australian director Dennis Tupicoff's "Chainsaw," which earned the top prize for indie short animation, and British filmmakers Frank Budgen and Darren Wals' "Play-Doh," which was tabbed as the best commissioned animation.
The prize for best TV animation for kids went to "The Upstate Four," from U.S. cartoonist Fran Krouse.
Aristomenis Tsirbas' debut feature, voiced by Brian Cox, Dennis Quaid, Luke Wilson and Evan Rachel Wood, beat out 109 films -- including 30 from Canada -- for top honors.
Other prize winners include Australian director Dennis Tupicoff's "Chainsaw," which earned the top prize for indie short animation, and British filmmakers Frank Budgen and Darren Wals' "Play-Doh," which was tabbed as the best commissioned animation.
The prize for best TV animation for kids went to "The Upstate Four," from U.S. cartoonist Fran Krouse.
- 9/22/2008
- by By Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Subject: First Wave of Fantastic Fest content announced
Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar, Austin, TX
Fantastic Fest, September 18-25, 2008
Contact:
Tim League
(512) 912-0529
info@fantasticfest.com
www.fantasticfest.com
We are proud to announce the first wave of our feature film programming for the 2008 edition of Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. For the past 9 months, we have been scouring the globe for the strangest, the most heart-pounding and the most challenging new genre films. With over 100 films representing over 30 countries, Fantastic Fest is the largest festival of its kind in the United States. We are proud to announce our first slate of 22 confirmed feature films. Also included is information about our signature Fantastic Fest special events and parties.
Feature films:
Art of the Devil 3 (2008, Thailand, director: Ronin Team)
A prequel to one of the most graphic and visually creative horror movies in recent times,...
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Subject: First Wave of Fantastic Fest content announced
Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar, Austin, TX
Fantastic Fest, September 18-25, 2008
Contact:
Tim League
(512) 912-0529
info@fantasticfest.com
www.fantasticfest.com
We are proud to announce the first wave of our feature film programming for the 2008 edition of Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. For the past 9 months, we have been scouring the globe for the strangest, the most heart-pounding and the most challenging new genre films. With over 100 films representing over 30 countries, Fantastic Fest is the largest festival of its kind in the United States. We are proud to announce our first slate of 22 confirmed feature films. Also included is information about our signature Fantastic Fest special events and parties.
Feature films:
Art of the Devil 3 (2008, Thailand, director: Ronin Team)
A prequel to one of the most graphic and visually creative horror movies in recent times,...
- 7/17/2008
- by Tim League
- OriginalAlamo.com
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Subject: First Wave of Fantastic Fest content announced
Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar, Austin, TX
Fantastic Fest, September 18-25, 2008
Contact:
Tim League
(512) 912-0529
info@fantasticfest.com
www.fantasticfest.com
We are proud to announce the first wave of our feature film programming for the 2008 edition of Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. For the past 9 months, we have been scouring the globe for the strangest, the most heart-pounding and the most challenging new genre films. With over 100 films representing over 30 countries, Fantastic Fest is the largest festival of its kind in the United States. We are proud to announce our first slate of 22 confirmed feature films. Also included is information about our signature Fantastic Fest special events and parties.
Feature films:
Art of the Devil 3 (2008, Thailand, director: Ronin Team)
A prequel to one of the most graphic and visually creative horror movies in recent times,...
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Subject: First Wave of Fantastic Fest content announced
Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar, Austin, TX
Fantastic Fest, September 18-25, 2008
Contact:
Tim League
(512) 912-0529
info@fantasticfest.com
www.fantasticfest.com
We are proud to announce the first wave of our feature film programming for the 2008 edition of Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. For the past 9 months, we have been scouring the globe for the strangest, the most heart-pounding and the most challenging new genre films. With over 100 films representing over 30 countries, Fantastic Fest is the largest festival of its kind in the United States. We are proud to announce our first slate of 22 confirmed feature films. Also included is information about our signature Fantastic Fest special events and parties.
Feature films:
Art of the Devil 3 (2008, Thailand, director: Ronin Team)
A prequel to one of the most graphic and visually creative horror movies in recent times,...
- 7/17/2008
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tim League)
- FantasticFest.com
- A streamlined lineup, and some restructuring in the ticket pricing means that the Tribeca film festival folks are fine-tuning a festival which is slowly leaving the learning curve stages. With today's PR release, the 7th edition once again showcases global efforts, has tons of titles up for grabs and many of those titles and filmmakers are unfamiliar to me since about half of the 145 films are by first time directors. Scroll below to see the complete list of offerings: Films that I've heard of prior to include, from the World Narrative comp we have Shane Meadows' latest entitled Somers Town. The project which initially was supposed to be a short film until it ballooned into something bigger, we have Michelle Monaghan's taking on duel roles as producer and actress in a family drama called Trucker. Notable new works from the "Encounters" section include legends Melvin Van Peebles and Robert Drew,
- 3/11/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
- The final tally and full list of films presented at this year's Tiff have been announced today and hardcore cinephiles will have many options available to them out of the 261 film selected. With a massive slate comes massive headache. What to choose? Where to begin? I’ll be examining the selections – and hopeful offer you readers some cool coverage on films that won't be popping into theaters weeks and/or months from now. Our provisional coverage begins with preview pages listed below - simply click on the links for more info (we'll be updating the list daily) - and hopefully will have every angle covered. Galas: "Across the Universe," Julie Taymor, U.S."The Days of Darkness (L'Âge des ténèbres)," Denys Arcand, Canada"Blood Brothers," Alexi Tan, Taiwan/China/Hong Kong"Caramel," Nadine Labaki, Lebanon/France"Cassandra's Dream," Woody Allen, Britain"Cleaner," Renny Harlin, U.S."Closing the Ring,
- 9/6/2007
- IONCINEMA.com
U.S. fare speaks to Toronto in fest lineup
Related story: Three at fest headed to IFC
Related story: Christie's digital gets screen billing
TORONTO -- The Toronto International Film Festival on Wednesday unveiled its most American-friendly lineup in years, capped off with new titles from Renny Harlin, Paul Schrader and Robin Swicord.
Toronto boasts no official competition. But the Hollywood contingent booked for the twice-nightly gala screenings at Roy Thomson Hall looks set to turn the high-profile venue into an industry shindig.
Among the six new gala titles are Harlin's "Cleaner", a Sony Pictures Entertainment thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson as a cop-turned-crime scene cleaner; the Richard Attenborough-directed love story "Closing the Ring", starring Shirley MacLaine, Mischa Barton and Neve Campbell; and Schrader's "The Walker", a ThinkFilm release starring Woody Harrelson and Lauren Bacall that comes to Toronto by way of Berlin, Cannes and Sydney.
Also joining the Roy Thomson Hall party are two Sony Pictures Classics releases: Kenneth Branagh's Michael Caine-Jude Law starrer "Sleuth", which first bowed in Venice, and Swicord's "The Jane Austen Book Club", starring Jimmy Smits, Amy Brenneman and Maria Bello. Also booked for a gala is French director Alain Corneau's "Le Deuxieme Souffle", starring Daniel Auteuil and Monica Bellucci.
Those titles join such earlier Roy Thomson Hall entries as Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe", Woody Allen's "Cassandra's Dream", Tony Gilroy's "Michael Clayton", Gavin Hood's "Rendition", Terry George's "Reservation Road" and Aristomenis Tsirbas' "Terra".
Toronto, which in recent years has stepped up efforts to make its festival more Hollywood friendly, also has included 28 U.S.-produced films in its 50-strong Special Presentations sidebar.
The latest Special Presentations titles include the Michael Moore documentary "Captain Mike Across America", Sidney Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," Melisa Wallack and Bernie Goldmann's "Bill", Gillian Armstrong's "Death Defying Acts" and Jason Reitman's "Juno", the follow-up to "Thank You for Smoking", which was a Toronto festival breakout hit two years ago.
Also joining today are the latest works from Jonathan Demme, Alison Eastwood, Brian De Palma, Thomas McCarthy and Anand Tucker.
Toronto will unspool 352 films between Sept. 6 and 15 -- 261 features and 91 shorts. The lineup includes 101 world premieres and 108 North American premieres, many of which will bow in Venice before jumping the pond to Toronto. In addition, 71 of the films are directorial debuts.
The festival lineup promises a strong French contingent, including a dozen titles arriving in Toronto with U.S. distribution deals in hand.
High-profile French titles looking for U.S. distribution include Amos Gitai's "Disengagement", Claude Chabrol's "La Fille Coupee En Deux", which will bow in Venice, and Eric Rohmer's "Les Amours D'Astreet et De Celadon," another North American premiere by way of Venice.
John Kochman, executive director of Unifrance USA, said the strong French presence in Toronto is due primarily to festival co-directors Piers Handling and Noah Cowan remaining "unreconstructed Francophiles" eager to program French titles in their event.
Other new titles announced Wednesday include Wayne Wang's "The Princess of Nebraska" and "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers," both portraits of Chinese immigrants in the U.S. Wang will bring the two indie titles films to the festival's Masters program.
Toronto added eight more documentaries to its Real to Reel section, including films by Paul Crowder and Murray Lerner, Olga Konskaya and Andrea Nekrasov, Julian Schnabel, Ran Tal, Philippe Kholy and Grant Gee.
In addition, the previously announced "Body of War", co-directed by Ellen Spiro and talk show legend Phil Donahue, will see its premiere accompanied by a live performance by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, who wrote original songs for the Iraq documentary.
The festival has its usual complement of films about war and political protest that, according to festival co-director Noah Cowan, reflect a "seriousness of purpose and a real sense of drive to tell political stories."
"In many ways, the body of films recalls the American independent movie of the 1970s," he added.
American auteur films including Alan Ball's "Nothing Is Private", a drama about sexual politics and bigotry set against the backdrop of the 1991 Gulf War, De Palma's war drama "Redacted" and Sean Penn's "Into the Wild" reflect anti-war "provocation," Cowan said.
Toronto's lineup also includes a surprising number of crime-themed dramas, including Alexi Tan's "Blood Brothers", a drama about three friends taking on a life of big-city crime; Comeau's fugitive drama "Le Deuxieme Souffle"; Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," a thriller about a botched robbery; Brad Furman's "The Take", about the aftermath of an armored car heist; and Ira Sachs' "Married Life", a drama about a husband who kills his wife to spare her the shame of divorce.
Cowan said that the crime-themed movies this year recall the '70s-era vigilante movies that coincided with Vietnam.
"When the U.S. is faced with wars that are frustrating in their inability to be totally understood, that comes out in their films," Toronto's top programr said.
"Just as the 1970s, there's films that reflect paranoia about government and police corruption and which come from a frustration and rage about what's happening in the world," he added.
Other Toronto highlights announced Wednesday include talks by President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, an update on Bill Maher and Larry Charles' anti-religion documentary and a briefing on the ongoing crisis in Darfur courtesy of International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo and Don Cheadle.
Toronto is set to open Sept. 6 with Jeremy Podeswa's "Fugitive Pieces" and close 10 days later with another Canadian film, Paolo Barzman's "Emotional Arithmetic".
A complete list of titles screening at Toronto follows:
Galas:
"Across the Universe", Julie Taymor, U.S.
"L'Age Des Tenebres", Denys Arcand, Canada
"Blood Brothers", Alexi Tan, Taiwan/China/Hong Kong
"Caramel", Nadine Labaki, Lebanon/France
"Cassandra's Dream", Woody Allen, Britain
"Cleaner", Renny Harlin, U.S.
Related story: Christie's digital gets screen billing
TORONTO -- The Toronto International Film Festival on Wednesday unveiled its most American-friendly lineup in years, capped off with new titles from Renny Harlin, Paul Schrader and Robin Swicord.
Toronto boasts no official competition. But the Hollywood contingent booked for the twice-nightly gala screenings at Roy Thomson Hall looks set to turn the high-profile venue into an industry shindig.
Among the six new gala titles are Harlin's "Cleaner", a Sony Pictures Entertainment thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson as a cop-turned-crime scene cleaner; the Richard Attenborough-directed love story "Closing the Ring", starring Shirley MacLaine, Mischa Barton and Neve Campbell; and Schrader's "The Walker", a ThinkFilm release starring Woody Harrelson and Lauren Bacall that comes to Toronto by way of Berlin, Cannes and Sydney.
Also joining the Roy Thomson Hall party are two Sony Pictures Classics releases: Kenneth Branagh's Michael Caine-Jude Law starrer "Sleuth", which first bowed in Venice, and Swicord's "The Jane Austen Book Club", starring Jimmy Smits, Amy Brenneman and Maria Bello. Also booked for a gala is French director Alain Corneau's "Le Deuxieme Souffle", starring Daniel Auteuil and Monica Bellucci.
Those titles join such earlier Roy Thomson Hall entries as Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe", Woody Allen's "Cassandra's Dream", Tony Gilroy's "Michael Clayton", Gavin Hood's "Rendition", Terry George's "Reservation Road" and Aristomenis Tsirbas' "Terra".
Toronto, which in recent years has stepped up efforts to make its festival more Hollywood friendly, also has included 28 U.S.-produced films in its 50-strong Special Presentations sidebar.
The latest Special Presentations titles include the Michael Moore documentary "Captain Mike Across America", Sidney Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," Melisa Wallack and Bernie Goldmann's "Bill", Gillian Armstrong's "Death Defying Acts" and Jason Reitman's "Juno", the follow-up to "Thank You for Smoking", which was a Toronto festival breakout hit two years ago.
Also joining today are the latest works from Jonathan Demme, Alison Eastwood, Brian De Palma, Thomas McCarthy and Anand Tucker.
Toronto will unspool 352 films between Sept. 6 and 15 -- 261 features and 91 shorts. The lineup includes 101 world premieres and 108 North American premieres, many of which will bow in Venice before jumping the pond to Toronto. In addition, 71 of the films are directorial debuts.
The festival lineup promises a strong French contingent, including a dozen titles arriving in Toronto with U.S. distribution deals in hand.
High-profile French titles looking for U.S. distribution include Amos Gitai's "Disengagement", Claude Chabrol's "La Fille Coupee En Deux", which will bow in Venice, and Eric Rohmer's "Les Amours D'Astreet et De Celadon," another North American premiere by way of Venice.
John Kochman, executive director of Unifrance USA, said the strong French presence in Toronto is due primarily to festival co-directors Piers Handling and Noah Cowan remaining "unreconstructed Francophiles" eager to program French titles in their event.
Other new titles announced Wednesday include Wayne Wang's "The Princess of Nebraska" and "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers," both portraits of Chinese immigrants in the U.S. Wang will bring the two indie titles films to the festival's Masters program.
Toronto added eight more documentaries to its Real to Reel section, including films by Paul Crowder and Murray Lerner, Olga Konskaya and Andrea Nekrasov, Julian Schnabel, Ran Tal, Philippe Kholy and Grant Gee.
In addition, the previously announced "Body of War", co-directed by Ellen Spiro and talk show legend Phil Donahue, will see its premiere accompanied by a live performance by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, who wrote original songs for the Iraq documentary.
The festival has its usual complement of films about war and political protest that, according to festival co-director Noah Cowan, reflect a "seriousness of purpose and a real sense of drive to tell political stories."
"In many ways, the body of films recalls the American independent movie of the 1970s," he added.
American auteur films including Alan Ball's "Nothing Is Private", a drama about sexual politics and bigotry set against the backdrop of the 1991 Gulf War, De Palma's war drama "Redacted" and Sean Penn's "Into the Wild" reflect anti-war "provocation," Cowan said.
Toronto's lineup also includes a surprising number of crime-themed dramas, including Alexi Tan's "Blood Brothers", a drama about three friends taking on a life of big-city crime; Comeau's fugitive drama "Le Deuxieme Souffle"; Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," a thriller about a botched robbery; Brad Furman's "The Take", about the aftermath of an armored car heist; and Ira Sachs' "Married Life", a drama about a husband who kills his wife to spare her the shame of divorce.
Cowan said that the crime-themed movies this year recall the '70s-era vigilante movies that coincided with Vietnam.
"When the U.S. is faced with wars that are frustrating in their inability to be totally understood, that comes out in their films," Toronto's top programr said.
"Just as the 1970s, there's films that reflect paranoia about government and police corruption and which come from a frustration and rage about what's happening in the world," he added.
Other Toronto highlights announced Wednesday include talks by President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, an update on Bill Maher and Larry Charles' anti-religion documentary and a briefing on the ongoing crisis in Darfur courtesy of International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo and Don Cheadle.
Toronto is set to open Sept. 6 with Jeremy Podeswa's "Fugitive Pieces" and close 10 days later with another Canadian film, Paolo Barzman's "Emotional Arithmetic".
A complete list of titles screening at Toronto follows:
Galas:
"Across the Universe", Julie Taymor, U.S.
"L'Age Des Tenebres", Denys Arcand, Canada
"Blood Brothers", Alexi Tan, Taiwan/China/Hong Kong
"Caramel", Nadine Labaki, Lebanon/France
"Cassandra's Dream", Woody Allen, Britain
"Cleaner", Renny Harlin, U.S.
- 8/23/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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