The 23rd  edition of the Camerimage Film Festival promises to be one of the biggest editions yet, with a lineup of hot new films and incredible star power.

The star studded guest list for this year’s Festival includes actor Giovanni Ribisi who will be a member of the Main Competition Jury; actor Paul Bettany who will show his feature debut as director - "Shelter" - in the Directors Debuts Competition;  director Michael Hoffman who is President of the Main Competition Jury; director Jerzy Skolimowski who will show his latest film, "11 Minutes", a Polish Oscar candidate, co-produced by Tumult Foundation; documentary filmmaker Joan Churchill who will serve on the jury; popular Polish actor Robert Więckiewicz;  Bryan Adams  and Sandro Miller who will show exhibitions of their photographs;  editor Michael Tronick who will serve on the jury; and director Majid Majidi who will introduce the European premiere of "Muhammad: The Messenger of God", and receive a Camerimage Special Award.

The Special Camerimage Award to Costume Designer with Unique Visual Sensitivity will be presented to Sandy Powell, one of the most distinguished costume designers working today.

Meanwhile, the festival will also honor Producer and Showrunner Frank Spotnitz  who has worked both in the States and in Europe, and was one of the creators of The X-Files and its feature sequels, and is a showrunner on The Man in the High Castle, currently considered one of the major events of this television season. Frank Spotnitz will be the first-ever recipient of Camerimage Award to Television Producer with Unique Visual Sensitivity.

For more details and information on the lineup and events please visit http://www.camerimage.pl/

About CAMERIMAGE

Now in its 23rd Edition, the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography CAMERIMAGE is the most recognized festival dedicated to the art of cinematography and is the biggest international film festival in Poland. The unconventional format of the Festival, which awards films according to their visual, aesthetic and technical values, is a unique alternative to traditional film festivals.

CAMERIMAGE proves to be a great forum not only for presentation but also for further development of international moviemaking and provides a platform for young filmmakers to explore new artistic areas.

In addition to the Main Competition, the Festival offers a 3D Films Competition, Polish Films Competition, Student Etudes Competition, Documentary Films Competition, Feature Debuts Competition, Music Videos Competition, Camerimage Market, Camerimage Forum, special screenings and premieres, various reviews, retrospectives, meetings and also accompanying events such as art exhibitions and music performances.

Various presentations of modern film equipment and of the latest production and postproduction technologies (both traditional and digital) are also an inherent aspect of the Festival and have been organized with cooperation from companies such as Arri, Panavision, Kodak, Hawk, K5600, J.L. Fisher, Sony, Panasonic, KinoFlo, Technicolor, Canon, Zeiss and Red.

CAMERIMAGE is an extraordinary event where art and technology meet, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. Please visit http://www.camerimage.pl/ for more information.

COMING UP TOMORROW, DAY 3 (NOV 6):

9:15 AM- 10:45 AM    AFM CONFERENCE SERIES

Location: Fairmont Hotel- Starlight Ballroom- 101 Wilshire Blvd                                    

Finance Conference

                                    First Session: Current Issues in Film Finance

Moderator: P John Burke / Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP

Panelists: Jeffrey Chan, Board Member and COO, Bona Film Group; David Linde, CEO, Participant Media; Bennett C. Pozil, EVP Head of Corporate Banking, East West Bank; Roy A. Salter, Senior Advisor, FTI Consulting Inc

11:15AM- 12:45 PM    Second Session: The Film Finance Matrix: From Script to Screen

                                    Moderator: Joseph Chianese/ EVP, Entertainment Partners

Panelists: Micah Green / Co-Head Film Finance, CAA; Biran O’Shea / CEO, The Exchange; Chris Spicer / Counsel, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP; Paul Steinke / SVP Production Finance, Walt Disney Studios; Adrian Ward / SVP Entertainment Industries Division, Pacific Mercantile Bank; Gareth Unwin / Co-Founder & CEO, Bedlam Productions

2:30PM- 4:00PM         AFM CONFERENCE SERIES

Location: Fairmont Hotel- Starlight Ballroom- 101 Wilshire Blvd.                                   

China Conference

                                    First Session: Producing In China

                                    Moderator: Peter Shiao / Dounder & CEO, Orb Media Group

Panelists: Chris Bremble, Founder & CEO, Base Media Group; Dr. Shi Jianxiang, Chairman, Shanghai Kuailu Investment Group; Rick Nathanson, Line Producer, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend”, “Bunraku”, “Red Cliff”, “Dragon – The Life of Bruce Lee”; Miao Xiaotian, President, China Film Co-production Corporation; April Ye, CEO, Film Finances China

4:30PM- 6:00PM         Second Session: Marketing & Distributing in China

                                    Moderator: Patrick Frater / Asia Bureau Chief, Variety

Panelists: Jiang Haiyang, Film Director; David Jourdan, SVP, Int’l Business Development & Operations, IM Global; William Pfeiffer, CEO, Dragongate Entertainment; Yang Xianghua, SVP, iQIYI.COM

The 29^th annual Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles is one of many sponsors at this year’s American Film Market.  The two organizations are not partners and have not joined forces, affiliations or alliances.  The Festival is simply a paid sponsor of the AFM in order to promote Israeli films to buyers and attendees of the Market, including screenings at local Los Angeles theatres and operating a Market booth, which is sponsored in part by the Jerusalem Film Fund to promote film production in Jerusalem.  The Festival apologizes for any direct or implied inference of a further association between the AFM and the IFF, which was not intended.

The Israel Film Festival is presented by the IsraFest Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization created in 1982.

LAMVF continues tonight, Nov 7th, at 8:30PM!  Doors open at 8PM at Cinefamily, tickets will be available at the door for $12.  We'll begin with the "Art & Commerce" panel with commissioners & producers before screening the Narrative & Non-Narrative finalists.  Then stick around for our very special Artist Keynote with KIMBRA with her long time collaborators, Guy Franklin & Adam Sager.  

We'll close the evening with the 2015 Awards Presentation of our signature "EMVY" trophies and prizes.  Stick for a reception on the patio with more drinks from Angel City Brewery, Tito's Vodka, & Bai.  Remember to Like& Follow us for any last minute updates.  

Check out the full schedule here and get your tickets NOW 
 

SATURDAY, NOV. 7 (Part 1) / 8:30pm (doors @ 8PM)

INDUSTRY PANEL: "Art & Commerce" Q&A ft. commissioners and producers. Come with your tough questions, these guys are ready for real talk. 

SCREENING: Narrative & Non-Narrative Music Video Competition

SATURDAY, NOV. 7 (Part 2) / 10:30pm

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: KIMBRA

The Grammy winner joins us to look back at her indelible music video portfolio; and she's bringing along key collaborators Adam Sager and Guy Franklin (all the way from Australia!) for a very special Keynote conversation and screening.

AWARDS PRESENTATION
Including special awards presentation from Gloria FX for "Best VFX" & MVPA for "Best New Director"

Questions? Email us at info@lamvf.com.    

www.lamvf.com

By Maria Esteves – November 8, 2015

Jackson Heights, Queens, the multicultural capital of the world is truly the heart of New York City depicted by director Frederick Wiseman in his latest documentaryIN JACKSON HEIGHTS. Set in present day and filmed Vérité, this compelling over 3 hour documentary explores the authentic multicultural and religious communities where people from all over the world come to visit and live because of its unique neighborhoods, businesses and beautifications. It captures New York City life from school zoning to slow zone to engineering security with City Council Member Daniel Dromm to policing to business improvement development (BID) to the elderly community to the Julio Rivera murder to the 17th century Leverich Family Burial Ground and the 2013 Gay Parade.

IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, directed by Frederick Wiseman | Zipporah Films | USA | 2015 | 190 min | Documentary | Arabic, English, Hindi and Spanish with subtitles | Official Selection, 53rd New York Film Festival (NYFF53) | Reviewed at NYFF53, now playing at Film Forum, New York, through November 17, 2015.

AFI FEST invites attendees to sample this emerging technology. Guests can experience and interact with these immersive and virtual reality films on display at The Hollywood Roosevelt.

• VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) FILMS:

  EVOLUTION OF VERSE – From Vrse.works comes a photorealistic, CG-rendered 3D Virtual Reality film takes the viewer on a journey from one beginning to another. DIR Chris Milk. USA. Nov. 7-8 from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

  THE MISSION – With immersive 360-degree shots, THE MISSION follows the adventure of a WWII Special Operations team that is dropped into a raging battle on the Eastern Front. From New Deal Studios and Jaunt VR. DIR Matthew Gratzner. USA. Nov. 7-8 from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

  WALKING NEW YORK – Vrse.works and The New York Times come together to capture the birth of a new, large-scale street art installation in New York from renowned French artist JR. DIRS Chris Milk and Zack Richter. USA. Nov. 7-8 from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

  WORLD TOUR – A journey through the vast experiences of our world from Google Jump. DIR Jessica Brillhart. USA. Nov. 7-8 from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

  IMMERSIVE PROJECTS
  
  HELP – The first live action project from Google Spotlight Stories, HELP uses immersive 360-degree technology to drop the viewer into downtown Los Angeles during an alien attack. DIR Justin Lin. USA

  THE FORBIDDEN ROOM – A LIVING POSTER – Initially designed to promote Evan Johnson and Guy Maddin's new film, THE FORBIDDEN ROOM, this looping collection of moving, morphing posters suggests an anachronistic collision between digitally corrupted video files and a damaged silent-era film print. DIR Galen Johnson. Canada. This project can be found at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres from Nov. 7-12.
  
  POSSIBILIA – In this astonishing interactive narrative film by acclaimed directing duo, The Daniels, and produced by Interlude and PRETTYBIRD, the tumultuous lives of two quarreling lovers unravel and participants choose how any given scene will play out from 16 parallel universes. DIRS The Daniels. USA. This will be on display at The Hollywood Roosevelt from Nov. 7-12.

9 November 2015

For Immediate release

OTTAWA, ON – The credits have rolled and the ballots are in! The audiences of the second annual Cellar Door Film Festival name Liza, the Fox-Fairy (Liza, a rókatündér) and The Prime of Life (La force de l‘âge) as the winners of the Audience Award for Best Feature Film and Best Short Film, respectively. Liza, the Fox-Fairy, directed by Károly Ujj Mészáros, is a dark fantasy/comedy from Hungary, while The Prime of Life is a chilling French thriller from director Quentin Lecocq. Both films represent the range of speculative films at CDFF from around the world.

Liza, the Fox-Fairy was the Opening Night feature presentation at CDFF this year and screened to an enthusiastic audience at Ottawa’s historic Mayfair Theatre. Laughs rippled throughout the theatre during the screening as Liza enchanted the crowd with her foxy tale. The Prime of Life enjoyed its North American premiere at Live! on Elgin where the film shook audiences with its expertly subtle dystopian tale and concise storytelling. CDFF congratulates Liza, the Fox-Fairy and The Prime of Life for being the audience favourites in the festival’s second year.

All screenings at CDFF were generously supported by Major Sponsors The School for Studies in Art and Culture at Carleton University and Used Ottawa, as well as Supporting Sponsors the Alumni Association of Carleton University and The Haunted Walk of Ottawa, and Friend of the Festival Sponsors Stella Luna Gelato Café, The Odds and Sods Shoppe, Escape Manor, Bridgehead, Film Freeway, Can Con, and Ottawa Geek Market.

AboutCellar Door FilmFestival

Cellar Door Film Festival (CDFF) provides Ottawa with a showcase of speculative cinema: horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and everything else in between! From celebrating the creativity of the local film scene, to spotlighting the City as a setting for the sinister and supernatural, CDFF is committed to film culture, education, and production on local, national, and international levels.

-30-

For high-res stills and other press materials, please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bgfuxgj1u61dskk/AAAU1FSL_fgYEyP4JskYeXOsa?dl=0

Company To Showcase Latest Advancements in Optics for Cinematography

Panavision, the motion picture industry’s most respected designer, manufacturer and provider of state-of-the-art cinema lenses and high-precision camera systems, will host two seminars at the 2015 Camerimage International Film Festival, which runs Nov. 14-21 in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Panavision’s Cinematography Workshop will feature demonstrations from Markus Förderer (Stonewall), Eduard Grau, AEC (Suffragette) and Ellen Kuras, ASC (A Little Chaos) shooting various scenes that compare spherical, anamorphic and larger sensor formats. The workshop will be held November 17 from 11:00 to 13:30 in the MCK – Orzel Cinema.

Later in the day, festival goers will have a chance to hear from Panavision’s Dan Sasaki, VP of Optical Engineering, on the technical and artistic characteristics of Panavision’s anamorphic and large format lenses, including Ultra Panavision 70. The discussion, which runs15:00 to 16:30, will give the audience a chance to see the different aesthetic options, hear about the technical aspects of each format, and ask questions. Both panels will be moderated by industry writer Benjamin B.

Camerimage attendees will also have a chance to visit Panavision in the Opera NOVA exhibit area and see an array of optics including a sneak preview of the new T Series anamorphic lenses, which are designed exclusively for digital cameras. Also on display will be an expanded offering of Primo 70 lenses, which are optimized for large sensor digital cameras.

Additionally, festival goers will be able to get up close with the Millennium XL “Millennium Falcon" camera used by Dan Mindel BSC, ASC on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and the Ultra Panavision 70 camera and lenses used by Robert Richardson, ASC on The Hateful Eight.

#

About Panavision

Panavision Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision camera systems, including both film and digital cameras, and lenses and accessories for the motion picture and television industries. Renowned for its world-wide service and support, Panavision systems are rented through its domestic and internationally owned and operated facilities and distributor network. Panavision also supplies lighting, grip and crane equipment for use by motion picture and television productions.

Media Contacts:         

ignite strategic communications

Sally Christgau (415.238.2254 / sally@ignite.bz)

Lisa Muldowney (760.212.4130/ lisa@ignite.bz)

MFF 17, by Jio-MAMI, Festival Diary, part I 

Oklahoma's Tribal Film Festival has partnered with TribalTV to bring entertaining, thought-provoking, important films from around the world – to us.  The festival showcases unique stories of untold history and narratives that Mainstream media ignores. 

Filmmakers have the opportunity for possible distribution through TribalTV, if they choose.  TribalTV is a new broadband channel under the umbrella of the established TV4 Entertainment, Inc., whose super-distribution format will enable TribalTV to receive maximum exposure globally.   Warner Bros has a minority stake in TV4, founded by former SVP of Fox Digital John Cody.  TribalTV, owned by filmmakers, puts content creators first and in charge of their distribution.  Providing this experience and level of visibility to filmmakers is important to all involved.  Their efforts to encourage the next generation to create their own stories and experiences have created an opportunity for filmmakers to step into this space and demonstrate their art.   Tribal Film Festival will use this opportunity to announce their affiliate Tribal Student Film Festival taking place next year.  With each generation, stories fade away and are lost forever.  This is something the people behind Tribal Film Festival are in a race to preserve. 

“As filmmakers, we know there is an unlimited amount of stories to tell.” says Tribal Film Festival Executive Director Celia Xavier, a filmmaker herself.   Keep the stories alive is our motto.  Because it is through these stories we remember who we really are”.  

Our festival takes place in Tahlequah, OK during Cherokee National Holiday,  during Labor Day weekend.  Although we are not affiliated with any tribe as we encourage all tribes and all indigenous films from around the world to submit films to us. 

Tribal Film Festival plays an important part in the expression and accessibility of indigenous films with the power to inspire, motivate, or educate.    Art has always been about finding those soft spots of the human condition and lifting it up in such a way that others can respond from an emotional and spiritual space.  Film is one of the most powerful mediums for mass communication.  By using film, we can tell those stories and share the type of narratives that shifts the perception of how the world views Indigenous people.  

One of the short films to be screened during the festival is about David Comingdeer, called ‘Far Beyond the Sunrise’.  He says "Our Indian culture...the curtain been closed on us.  We have defining moments in our history & that's the last chapter anyone knows about... we're still alive...we’re still here…against all odds.  I think it’s great that others want to learn about Cherokee people but I’m concerned about our own youth.  I want them to know who they are…where they come from".  

“These stories are important” - Sabrina Thomas, Dir. of Programming & Operations – KLCS-LA

Contact:  Tribalfilmfestival.com

Other press: http://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/news/over-films-set-for-inaugural-tribal-film-festival/article_8103e930-429c-11e5-ba49-3b9e9347c5cf.html

Contacts:

Email I  Adress PO Box PO Box 581507 Tulsa, okla 74158 - 1507 United States I Website I Facebook I Twitter

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Filmfestivals.com was established in 1995, over the years we became the premier link between film and festivals with 6.000 festivals listed, over 22 000 festival organizers contacts in our database,  75.000 articles and 830 000 unique visitors per year...

Montreal International Animation Film Festival - Animaze 2016 Calling for animation....your animation?

Montreal  International Animation Film Festival FESTIVAL DATES June 2-5 2016 Montreal Canada Montreal International Animation Film Festival is a people's film festival and industry conference dedicated to the art of animation for film and technology.  All genres and forms are welcome. Awards & Prizes Software and other award prizes. Visibility in our travelling shows in Berlin, Cannes, Annecy, Glasgow and more. Check 2015 fantastic program online Filmfestivals.com is a major partner of the Festival for the second time.

 Le MIAFF - Montreal International Animation Film Festival's blog |

Check our AFM dailies and let us know if you want to know more or reserve a spot for your film in tomorrow's AFM IN FOCUS FINAL WRAP NEWSLETTER Promotion Options

> American Film Market Dailies

AFM AGENDA : Exhibitors I Conferences I AFM Roundtables I Screenings I PAST NEWSLETTERS N° 1 I N°2 I N°3 I N°4 I N°5 I N°6  N°7 I N°8 I N°9 I Wrap Newsletter 10 Conferences and Round Tables 

VIDEO FROM AFM

AFM 2015 Day 7 Conferences Roundtables Quotes and Video

Ennis Hensley, President of International Sales & Distribution, The Weinstein Company: “As a sales agent, we’re looking for interesting ideas – if it’s the right expectation, the right budget, the right plan.”
Clay Epstein, SVP Sales & Acquisitions, Arclight Films “As distributions are getting more selective, our way of getting attention is with a big name star. Independent film needs intrinsic value.” ...

AFM Day 6 Conferences Roundtables Quotes and Video

AFM - DAY 5 Quotes and video from the conferences

David Linde talks China during the American Film Market Finance Conference

AFM Day 4 - November 7 - Quotes and video

AFM Finance and China Conferences - November 6 - Quotes and Video

AFM Day 1 Video ambiance Hong Kong Day and parties

Video Ambiance AFM opening November 4

ANIMATION IN FOCUS ENCORE

Creation of The European Animation Pride Awards, Peter Lord (Aardman Animations) appointed Chairman

The Association wishes to express this quote by Mark Twain: “They did not know it was impossible so they did it”. Gathered in Paris for the constituent General Assembly, hosted at and in the presence of the CNC, the founders (Didier Brunner, Olivier Catherin, Jean-Paul Commin, and Denis Walgenwitz) and the first members announced the creation of an association, the “European Animation Pride Awards”. More than 10 European countries and over 30 participants, all prof...

Be the First to Watch Ice Age's Cosmic Scrat-astrophe!

Scrat journeys where no ICE AGE character has gone before in COSMIC SCRAT-TASTROPHE. The consequences of Scrat’s antics are always momentous, and this time he’s creating his own version of the Big Bang – and a cosmic “Scrat-tastrophe” that could have huge consequences for Ice Age herd…and the rest of the world. Showing in 2D and 3D exclusively with The Peanuts Movie, in theaters on November 6th. Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults...

Animaze and Filmfestivals.com announce the second edition of The Animation Day in Cannes MAY 18

Check the video of our first edition may 2015   WWW.ANIMATIONDAYINCANNES.COM   Animaze Daze and Filmfestivals.com are planning a 2nd edition Animation Day In Cannes on May 18 2016 tentative dates. WIth a resounding yes it is clear that Animaze Daze fills a void in the animation community at the larger festivals such as Cannes and Berlin. contact us at bruno@m21entertainment.com or laurie@animazefestival.com for more info. Get involved...

NEWS FROM THE MARKET 

La La Anthony (Starz’s “Power,” A+E’s “Unforgettable,” joined the cast of Ernest Dickerson’s Double Play

LA LA ANTHONY JOINS LENNIE JAMES, COLIN SALMON, ALEXANDER KARIM, ISAACH DE BANKOLE AND MUSTAFA SHAKIR IN ISLAND DRAMA Producer Lisa Cortes (Precious) announced today that La La Anthony (Starz’s “Power,” A+E’s “Unforgettable,” Think Like a Man 1 and 2, soon to be seen in Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq) has joined the cast of Ernest Dickerson’s Double Play, which will begin shooting this month in Curacao. Anthony will join Lennie James (The Walking De...

TF1 to Acquire Majority Stake in Newen

TF1 has struck a deal to acquire a 70 percent equity interest in FLCP, the holding company of the Newen group. ...

Lionsgate Posts Q2 Loss

Lionsgate reported a net loss of $42.1 million for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, impacted by the timing of episodic TV deliveries and the shift of the wide release of the movie Sicario into October. Looking forward to Hunger Games results...   ...

A Punter's Praye farewell AFM

    A Punter's Prayer Dir Savvas D Michael Uk   92' 2015   crime gambling thriller    "Smart urban satire" MORE HORROR "bursting with authentic and intriguing characters" FILM NEWS UK "an intense story"  Quietearth “ authentic shines with great potential'' FEMALE FIRST   with Dexter Fletcher ( Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Layer Cake, The Three Musketeers) Da...

Festival Directors gathering at Santa Barbara for FestForward conference and networking for the best.

Register now for FestForward. Only 2 weeks left! BOOK with a 15% discount and a free 200$ campaign on filmfestivals.com (submission booster eBlast) using Bruno15 code Details on the agenda online   ...

AFM 2015 Full Line Up for TomCat Films/Summer Hill Films

Summer Hill Films gets WITH CHILD at AFM!

TomCat Films/Summer Hill Films is proud to present: With Child!   After his wife dies, Auden Price –– a blue collar construction worker –– is left to care for Riley, his four-month old daughter. While grieving and against the advice of Karen, his overbearing sister-in-law, Auden decides to go it alone. Ultimately, Auden must come face to face with his grief, accept his wife’s death and the joy of his daughter’s life if he wants to live in this...

Click to view the full Line Up of new films for the Market.

TomCat Films I Summer Hill Films I Email: Ted Chalmers   I Loews Suite 327 I Phone 310.458.6700 ext. 327   

THE FRENCH HAVE IT TOO

Avant Première Hors Normes pour Hunger Games la révolte part 2

Samuel Hadida était resté à LA pour l'AFM mais son frère Victor avait fait le déplaceme,nt pour accompagner l'équipe du film pour cete événement hors normes.
Les fans du livre et de la série Hunger Games étaient au RdV sur le tapis rouge et dans la salle...le casting aussi, au grand complet ils avaient fait le déplacement pour une tournée promotionnelle à Londres Berlin et Paris où avait lieu l'avant première du film au Grand Rex.  Une immense ferveur au Grand Rex, des fans sur-excités, un public haut en décibel, des dédicaces généreuses...et une grosse su...

Mars films acquiert les droits du prochain film avec Keira Knightley

Stephane Celerier ‏ il y a 2 heures "Autre acquisition à l'AFM pour mars films : un film avec Keira Knightley. Magnifique histoire." ...

PAST NEWSLETTERS N° 1 I N°2 I N°3 I N°4 I N°5 I N°6  N°7 I N°8 I N°9 I 

MFF 17, by Jio-MAMI, Festival Diary, III

For me, MFF 17 began on 31st October, with Star India’s Movie Mela (Fair), India's first movie carnival, where, over the whole day, a reported two thousand movie fans and celebrities tuned-up.

The event was open to all delegates and was held at Mehboob Studios, in Bandra, founded by one India’s greatest ever film-makers, Mehboob Khan. It was kicked off with a session by director Rajkumar Hirani (Munnabhai, 3 Idiots, PK) and his writer, Abhijat Joshi, on their creative collaboration. This was followed by reunion of the team of blockbuster, Mr. India, directed by Shekhar Kapur and loosely inspired by The Invisible Man. Leading lady Sridevi, hero Anil Kapoor, Boney Kapoor (producer), Satish Kaushik, Aftab Shivdasani and Ahmed Khan (actors) took a walk down memory lane, and narrated anecdotes of how the much-loved classic was made.

Simultaneously, on Stage 2, Kabir Khan, Dibakar Banerjee, Zoya Akhtar did sessions that explored their creative process. Later in the day, Sonam Kapoor and Rohan Joshi of the stand-up/insult comedy portal AIB (only the acronym is generally used, since the full-form includes a swear word) were in conversation about the challenges of being a celebrity in times of social media. STAR is actively involved with streaming AIB content on their app, Hotstar. Actress Huma Qureshi was in conversation with director Gurinder Chadda and Ajit Thakur, CEO of Trinity Pictures, and Shridhar Raghavan conducted a master-class on script-writing.

More was happening in the afternoon sessions: Varun Dhawan was in conversation with journalists Anupama Chopra and Rajeev Masand on the films that shaped him. Deepika Padukone spoke about her eight-year journey in the industry. The evening also saw a congregation of the leading talent from Bollywood for a panel that explored the altering landscape of the film industry. Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Ayushmann Khurrana, Aditya Roy Kapur and Kriti Sanon spoke candidly about the challenges of being a next gen actor. The day concluded on a musical note, with composer Pritam strumming his popular hits and talking to the audience on how he made his signature tunes.

When I reached the studio at about 12.15 pm, I was told that the session with director Kabir Khan (New York, Ek Tha Tiger, Phantom, Bajrangi Bhaijaan) was over. On reading the programme, I found that it was scheduled for 12 noon, so it must be far from over. Rushing in, I realised that it had just begun, and it turned out to be rewarding experience. Kabir gives the false impression that he is shy and reticent, whereas, in reality, he is expressive and forthcoming.

Kabir’s grandfather was a judge in the Nizam's (ruler) court in Hyderabad. When his father Rasheeduddin Khan married his Hindu mother, Leela, the inter-religious alliance was “a big deal”. He was born in Hyderabad and then the family moved to Delhi. A professor at Hyderabad’s Osmania University, Rasheeduddin was invited to join the founding team of professors of Jawaharlal Nehru University, set-up in the late 1960s, where he taught Political Science. Due to his work in academics, he was later nominated to the Rajya Sabha, where he was a member for two terms, passing away in 1996. Leela, Anushka and Kabir watched a lot of films at Vigyan Bhavan, where special screenings were organised for members. Director Shyam Benegal, who has roots in Hyderabad, was a family friend, and they saw all his films. The family also admired Amitabh Bachchan, and saw all his films on the day of their release, in the first show.

Kabir grew up in Delhi and got an Honours degree in Economics. When his sister Anusha asked him to pick up an application form for Jamia Millia University, also in Delhi, he picked up one for himself to. Both brother and sister, who are separated by just over a year (Anusha is older), went on to study Mass Communications at the university, in the same class, and both started their careers with documentaries. Anusha, who is married to director Vijay Krishna Acharya (Tashan, Dhoom 3) was present too, as was Kabir’s wife, TV anchor and actress Mini Mathur. One might note that father, son and daughter have all married outside their religion! Incidentally, Anusha is derived from a Persian name, which should be spelt Anusheh. Anusha told me she wished it was retained as Anusheh, but it is too late now.

One of Khan's great loves is travelling. He jokes that one criterion upon which he decides where to shoot his next film is figuring out which country he wants to visit next. Before he turned director, Khan worked as a cinematographer for the Discovery Channel and for independent documentaries. These titles include Beyond the Himalayas (1995, directed by Gautam Ghose). He then made his own directorial debut with the documentary titled The Forgotten Army, based on Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army and The Journalist and the Jihadi: The Murder of Daniel Pearl (2006). The Bose film was shot in Singapore and Malaysia, where a lot of non-Indians supported the Army and where there are memorials in Bose’s honour. A lot of his camera-work has been with the acclaimed journalist, Saeed Naqvi, during which time he travelled to about 60 countries.

Kabul Express (2006) was his feature film debut. It is loosely based on his and his friend Rajan Kapoor's experiences in post-Taliban Afghanistan. Rajan is his trusted lieutenant, and while shooting in Afghanistan, both suffered serious accidents while shooting the horse-based Afghan sport, Buzkashi. His next attempt at wielding the megaphone was New York (2009), about three students studying at the fictional New York State University, whose lives are changed by 9/11 and its aftermath. In 2012, he directed Ek Tha Tiger, produced by Aditya Chopra, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. The story revolves around an Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent who falls in love with a Pakistani spy. Then came Bajrangi Bhaijaan, starring Salman Khan, Harshaali Malhotra, Kareena Kapoor and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Narrating the tale of a Pakistani girl who is escorted home by an Indian, it is considered the biggest hit of all time, based on box-office collections of the first two months. His other 2015 release, Phantom, is an action thriller about an Indian mission to Pakistan , to eliminate a terrorist supremo.

One of the visiting documentary film-makers at Jamia had said in a lecture, “If you want to travel the world, become a documentary filmmaker,” and that just stuck in Kabir’s head. While working with Naqvi, he realised that there was a difference between the socio-political stories he had been told, and the ground realties, and that is why all his films, make a strong political statement. He had received all kinds of threats from extremists, who tried to block the release of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, but Kabir wasn’t ruffled. Talking about his star actor Salman Khan, he praised him for being averse to clichés and for agreeing to act out the climax of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, where the action superhero has little to do, besides limping! Unlike Kabir, Salman hates travelling, while all of Kabir’s films involve a lot of national and international travel. “Given the choice, I would never shoot indoors,” says director Khan. Salman grumbles and complains, but with his track record, Kabir gets him going!

The TriForce Short Film Festival 2015 (TFSFF) last night announced the shortlisted films to be screened at this year’s festival, at an exclusive launch at the BFI. TFSFF this morning announces the four finalist films, which have been selected by a panel of industry judges including Noel Clarke and Marianne Jean Baptiste, and will be screened at the red carpet Gala at BAFTA on 5th December.

With a focus on recognizing and supporting emerging diverse talent, the TriForce Short Film Festival, now in its fourth year, was set up to showcase talent in short film production, helping film-makers access opportunities to further their careers. The 16 shortlisted films are screened at BAFTA to an audience of peers and key industry representatives, with the winning film-makers earning career development prizes as well as a cash prize to contribute to their next project.

Selected from a shortlist of sixteen films, the first finalist for this year’s festival is the powerful campaign film Could You Be My Match, directed by Maddie Gatabaki and produced by Jordan Cushing, which appeals for bone marrow and blood donors for the charity ACLT.

The second is Family Reunion, a film produced by David Kitchen and Karen Bryson, and directed by Kitchen, which depicts a family drama of betrayal, secrets and lies. Also in the running to win is Prey, a film directed by Sunny King and produced by Stefano Moses, which tells the story of a young woman who is stalked by a psychopath in car park. Completing the finalist line up is Vintage Blood, directed by Abigail Blackmore and produced by Ed Barratt, a film which tells the unnerving tale about the owner of a quirky vintage shop who discovers that her fiancé’s life is in danger when a cursed Ouija board comes into her possession.

The diverse range of UK filmmakers behind this year’s shortlisted films is reflected through the high number of BAME and female producers, directors, cast and crew across all the shortlisted films.

Some recognizable faces appear in a number of the shortlisted films, including Bradley Walsh (Coronation Street, Law & Order: UK) and Indira Varma (Luther, Game of Thrones).

The four final films will be screened and the Best of the Fest announced at a red carpet gala event at BAFTA on Saturday 5 December, the Audience Choice Award and Best Documentary will also be announced on the night. The festival also partners each category screening of the 16 shortlisted films across the day with seminars led by leading industry professionals focused on current issues within the TV and film industry and career development. Tickets for the festival are available via the website at www.tfsff.com.

Jimmy Akingbola (Arrow,Rev, Esio Trot) actor and co-founder of TriForce said; “The standard of entrants this year has once again been outstanding, which has meant it has been a difficult job choosing a shortlist and even more difficult to choose the four finalists.  We are proud to be spearheading a movement for greater diversity of experience on screen and behind the camera in both TV and film-making.  It’s hugely important for the industry that voices from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to be heard and that is what we strive to achieve through the Triforce Short Film Festival.”

TFSFF boasts a wealth of high profile patrons which include Homeland actor David Harewood, writer, director and sometime actor, Kathy Burke, The Walking Dead star David Morrissey, Broadchurch’sMarianne Jean Baptiste, actor David Oyelowo (Selma, Nightingale), actress Kacey Ainsworth, (EastEnders, Grantchester), producer Hilary Bevan Jones (The Escape Artist, Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot), Oscar winning director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, State of Play), actor, writer and director Noel Clarke (Star Trek Into Darkness, Kidulthood), Nicholas Pinnock (Top Boy, Fortitude), Zawe Ashton (Dreams of a Life, Fresh Meat) and award winning writer Roy Williams OBE.

TFSFF, which is a career development focused initiative, has also secured a number of high profile companies and organisations as partners for this year’s festival, including Channel 4, M.A.C, Creative Skillset, MAMA Youth Project, BFI NET.WORK, Duchess St Productions, Red Planet Pictures, Shiver, Shorts TV, the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, the National Film and Television School, BAFTA Guru, Trainee Finder, 4Talent and Century, who will be providing seminar speakers, prizes, opportunities and guidance to entrants and attendees, as well as sponsoring seminars, awards and the industry expo room at BAFTA.

All shortlisted films for The TriForce Short Film Festival 2015 are as follows:

In the Microshorts category (a free to enter category for films under 5 minute long):

- Missed Call, directed by Mat Laroche and produced by Suxy McClintock

- I’m Homeless Not Useless, directed and produced by Teddy Nygh

- The Devil On Your Back, directed by Haritz Zubillaga and produced by Gotzon Aurrekoetxea

The Microshorts category finalist is:

- Could You Be My Match, directed by Maddie Gatabaki and produced by Jordan Cushing

In the Children of Men category:

- The Lights, directed by Lucy Barrick and Kieran  Grant and produced Andrea Farrena and Sophie Reynolds

- The Amy Winehouse Foundation Appeal, directed by Teddy Nygh and produced by Alex Simpson

- A Man Called Dad, directed and produced by Cherish Oteka

The Children of Men category finalist is:

- Family Reunion, directed by David Kitchen and produced by David Kitchen and Karen Bryson

In the You Don’t Know Me category:

- Mm-Hm, directed and produced by Michele Austin

- Crack, directed by Peter King and produced by Joseph TaussigPrey, directed by Sunny King and produced by Stefano Moses

- My Beautiful White Skin, directed and produced by Stuart Gatt

The You Don’t Know Me category finalist is:

- Prey,  directed by Sunny King and produced by Stefano Moses

In the Things We Do For Love category:

- Gracie, directed by Matthew Jacob Morgan and produced by Markus Meedt

- The Roaring, directed by Amy Thompson and produced by Thomas Clarke and Katrina Teobald

- White Awake, directed by Alex Kyrou and produced by Clare Shields

The Things We Do For Love category finalist is:

- Vintage Blood, directed by Abigail Blackmore and produced by Ed Barratt

Links to view all shortlisted films are available on request.