Had lunch with SPAA president Tony Ginnane today and Julie Marlow. By all accounts it has been a successful Cannes for some producers. Apparently Tavernier’s film has been sold to America for an incredibly high price. Weekends are even busier on the Croisette which is hard to imagine.
From the Cannes newsletter – Award Ceremony Un Certain Regard 2010:
Un Certain Regard 2010 presented 19 films directed by 21 directors hailing from 19 different countries. 4 of the works were first films.
The Prize of Un Certain Regard – Fondation Gan pour le cinéma was awarded tonight by the Jury presided over by Claire Denis to Ha Ha Ha by Hong Sangsoo.
Very exciting that an Asian title has topped Un Certain Regard. Hong Sangsoo is an APSA Academy member, nominated for Best Screenplay in 2008 for Bamgua Nat (Night and Day). Saying that the jury had too many good films to choose from, jury president Claire Denis announced the winners tonight on stage at the Debussy Theatre.
Had dinner with Tracey Mair last night at the most fantastic Italian restaurant – things are all systems go for tomorrow night’s closing screening of The Tree. Some Australian press have really taken to it. Not long before I see the beautiful scenic rim on the big screen.
Met APSA academy member and German producer Karl Baumgartner at the Grande Hotel. It was a pleasure to see him again since winning Best Feature Film at the 2008 APSAs for Tulpan directed by Sergey Dvortsevoy. We talked about his current projects and I look forward to receiving news of his AP titles for this year. He is here with his recent project The Light Thief, a film from Kyrgyzstan by Actor/Director Aktan Arym Kubat screening in the Director’s Fortnight. It has received strong reviews so far.
From the free Jafar Panahi facebook site today:
Subject: Write to Panahi to end his hunger strike…
Dear friends,
Please write to Jafar Panahi to end his hunger strike. we can’t count or Iranian authorities to be logical… or caring… we all admire Jafar’s brave decision. but we all need him. he dose not need us. he is where he is. but Iran needs him. The future of Iran needs him to be the witness of dark days so next generation will appreciate the freedom. Write to him. whoever you are, wherever you are. publish it in newspapers, blogs, tell your friends or publish it here on this page. write to him to end his hunger strike… tomorrow might be too late…