FILM FESTIVALS GET US THROUGH THE WINTER
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
No matter what the time of year it is, the world of film lets you escape the harsh reality of your daily routine into a world that you can mold to satisfy your curiosity. This time of the year brings us many exciting film festivals where directors begin their journey to the ultimate reward, the Oscars.
We began in the western part of the United States with the Sundance Film Festival which takes place every year in Park City, Utah and this year it took place from January 16 through January 26, 2014. Focusing on the independent artist, there were many films that became overnight hits and overwhelming audience favorites. Stars of the film world came out to offer their support and enthusiasm. Keira Knightley was all smiles on the Red Carpet. Lindsay Lohan made a comeback with her announcement that she will be working on a thriller called ‘Inconceivable’ that is still in the works. This was also one of the last big events that Phillip Seymour Hoffman attended before his unfortunate passing.
International talent ripened from nations such as Syria, Germany, Chile, France, Israel, Kenya, United Kingdom and Australia amongst others. All received great accolades for their work. Perhaps one of the most favored films of Sundance was ‘Cutie & The Boxer’ which has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 86th Academy Awards set to take place in the beginning of March. The film won ‘Best Directing’ at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival as the top documentary in its class. This was Zachary Heinzerling’s directorial debut. The story is about a Japanese artist and his wife through their 40 year relationship.
Then it came time for the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Superb weather brought out a star-studded audience to take part in all the festivities. The film festival was held at the Arlington Theater. Raising their glasses to toast the winners, Moet & Chandon honored the Performer of the Year, Cate Blanchett, along with Director of the Year, David O’Rusell. The award was presented by the very talented Rooney Mara who can also boast top honors in her favored industry.
Receiving the Cinema Vanguard Award for their collaborative efforts were Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese. Presenting the award was Leo’s friend , Jonah Hill. All three looked rather dapper in their three piece suits. Celebrating the successes, they toasted on stage with Moët & Chandon where they were also given a fitting tribute to their long standing careers.
The woman with an amazing talent in multiple areas, Oprah Winfrey, was flying high as recipient of The Montecito Award with her own customized magnum of Moët & Chandon.
Now the next film festival to look forward to is the Palm Beach International Film Festival in its 19th successful year, bringing a host of newly produced and directed international films to the exclusive Palm Beach area from April 3 through April 10, 2014. It is all about emerging talent and the magic of film. It is all about meeting the filmmakers and learning all that goes into their successes and what it took to get them where they are today. The audience take an interactive role deciding the winning film. You couldn’t ask for a more inviting setting.
As we head further into April, it is time to take part in the very popular Tribeca Film Festival, drawing talent from all over the world. It all takes place in the Tribeca neighborhood in New York City from April 16 – April 27, 2014. The 2013 Tribeca Favorite, “Broken Circle Breakdown” has been nominated this year for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Not only will you get to witness life-changing films, but music is part of the showcase as well. The digital divide comes to the Tribeca Film Festival this year. More to come on that initiative in the coming month. We also look forward to the directorial debut of Gia Coppola with the film, ‘Palo Alto’, which is based on James Franco’s short story collection. Top names in the film industry, Emma Roberts and Val Kilmer, play starring roles. We are quite sure the characters will capture your heart. Current and upcoming Tribeca Film releases include the Oscar® nominated and award-winning The Broken Circle Breakdown, Gotham award winner Beneath the Harvest Sky directed by Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly and David MacKenzie’s Starred Up.
So much art and culture to savor throughout our nation over the first six months of 2014, what better platform to forget the heartaches of the winter months and move forward with the sunshine of spring.
PHOTO CREDITS: Chris Pizzello, Danny Molosh and Arthur Mola – Invision/AP, NIKE Communications and Tribeca Enterprises (Tammie Rosen), Google Images
Comments are closed.