David Slade, the director of the Emmy and BAFTA-award winning “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” has signed with 42, the Los Angeles and London-based management and production company. The company will manage the filmmaker, who also joins 42’s commercials offering OB42 for representation in the U.K.
Slade’s previous work has received critical acclaim, with his first feature “Hard Candy” winning the jury and audience first prize at the 2005 Sitges Film Festival of Horror, before being acquired by Lionsgate out of Sundance. He also shown a flare for studio-driven and franchise films, such as Summit’s “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” and “30 Days of Night” for Sony. Most recently, Slade served as director on the upcoming MGM/Amazon feature adaptation of the Norman Partridge novel “Dark Harvest,” which is set to be released this year.
Slade made his start in the industry by directing music videos for artists such as Muse,...
Slade’s previous work has received critical acclaim, with his first feature “Hard Candy” winning the jury and audience first prize at the 2005 Sitges Film Festival of Horror, before being acquired by Lionsgate out of Sundance. He also shown a flare for studio-driven and franchise films, such as Summit’s “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” and “30 Days of Night” for Sony. Most recently, Slade served as director on the upcoming MGM/Amazon feature adaptation of the Norman Partridge novel “Dark Harvest,” which is set to be released this year.
Slade made his start in the industry by directing music videos for artists such as Muse,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
This article contains spoilers for the Black Mirror episode “Demon 79.”
Black Mirror Season 6 Episode 5
Here’s another dubiously happy ending to add to Black Mirror’s growing pile: Girl summons demon, girl fails to commit the required number of human sacrifices to avert the apocalypse, demon asks her to spend eternity with him cast into a matterless void, girl says she’ll give it a go.
A matterless void, as protagonist Nida (Anjana Vasan) dryly notes, isn’t a million miles away from the life she was leading at the start of “Demon 79”, which was co-written by Charlie Brooker with new exec producer, Ms. Marvel and Loki’s Bisha K. Ali.
A young Anglo-Indian woman living alone in a drab flat, working a thankless department store job and having to wordlessly absorb the drip-drip-drip of ambient racism in 1979 Britain, Nida’s world didn’t have much to recommend it.
Enter: Satanic minion Gaap.
Black Mirror Season 6 Episode 5
Here’s another dubiously happy ending to add to Black Mirror’s growing pile: Girl summons demon, girl fails to commit the required number of human sacrifices to avert the apocalypse, demon asks her to spend eternity with him cast into a matterless void, girl says she’ll give it a go.
A matterless void, as protagonist Nida (Anjana Vasan) dryly notes, isn’t a million miles away from the life she was leading at the start of “Demon 79”, which was co-written by Charlie Brooker with new exec producer, Ms. Marvel and Loki’s Bisha K. Ali.
A young Anglo-Indian woman living alone in a drab flat, working a thankless department store job and having to wordlessly absorb the drip-drip-drip of ambient racism in 1979 Britain, Nida’s world didn’t have much to recommend it.
Enter: Satanic minion Gaap.
- 6/15/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
[Editor’s Note: The following review contains spoilers for all five episodes of “Black Mirror” Season 6.]
For a moment, it looked like “Black Mirror” Season 6 was going to douse its Trojan Horse in gasoline and drop a match. The first episode of the anthology series’ new, long-gestating batch puts Netflix in its sights from the outset, using the platform’s typeface and interface to tell a story about, well, faces. “Joan is Awful” is another in the show’s “ripped from the Wired headlines” approach to technology. After a relatively long time away, its welcome back message boils down to the idea that anyone can be content, with or without their permission.
It’s a potent idea for a changing age, one now filled with massive sectors of the entertainment industry undergoing a work stoppage to fight the very trends that this episode puts forth as a potential reality. It’s also messy in its execution, true to recent “Black Mirror” form, capped...
For a moment, it looked like “Black Mirror” Season 6 was going to douse its Trojan Horse in gasoline and drop a match. The first episode of the anthology series’ new, long-gestating batch puts Netflix in its sights from the outset, using the platform’s typeface and interface to tell a story about, well, faces. “Joan is Awful” is another in the show’s “ripped from the Wired headlines” approach to technology. After a relatively long time away, its welcome back message boils down to the idea that anyone can be content, with or without their permission.
It’s a potent idea for a changing age, one now filled with massive sectors of the entertainment industry undergoing a work stoppage to fight the very trends that this episode puts forth as a potential reality. It’s also messy in its execution, true to recent “Black Mirror” form, capped...
- 6/15/2023
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
After taking a four-year break, Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror returns this weekend. The creator and writer of Netflix’s Emmy-winning anthology series has been vocal about his reasons for the long wait, saying essentially that the world itself felt too dystopian for his dystopian series.
When announcing its return with season six, releasing Thursday, Brooker said he set out to once again reinvent the series by “deliberately upending some of my own core assumptions about what to expect” from a Black Mirror episode. The result is five episodes — “Joan Is Awful” (which centers around a renamed Netflix-like streamer), “Loch Henry,” “Beyond the Sea,” “Mazey Day” and “Demon 79” — that will no doubt continue to subvert audience expectations.
And despite delighting viewers in the past with surprisingly hopeful episodes, like the Emmy-winning “San Junipero,” Brooker says the new installments are… bleak.
“I sort of circled back to some classically Black Mirror stories as well,...
When announcing its return with season six, releasing Thursday, Brooker said he set out to once again reinvent the series by “deliberately upending some of my own core assumptions about what to expect” from a Black Mirror episode. The result is five episodes — “Joan Is Awful” (which centers around a renamed Netflix-like streamer), “Loch Henry,” “Beyond the Sea,” “Mazey Day” and “Demon 79” — that will no doubt continue to subvert audience expectations.
And despite delighting viewers in the past with surprisingly hopeful episodes, like the Emmy-winning “San Junipero,” Brooker says the new installments are… bleak.
“I sort of circled back to some classically Black Mirror stories as well,...
- 6/14/2023
- by Jackie Strause
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warning: contains spoilers for Black Mirror seasons one to five.
Black Mirror’s infamous first episode set a tone of comically absurd cruelty. In ‘The National Anthem’, the British prime minister is forced into an act of bestiality in order to save a kidnapped British princess. The cruel twist in the tale is that the princess was actually released before he carried out a sex act with a pig live on television, but because everyone was completely focused on watching his torture, nobody realised.
As the tech-focused anthology show has gone on, creator Charlie Brooker has leaned into Black Mirror’s reputation for downbeat, tragic or horrifying endings. On the whole, it’s been a successful approach. Some of its most memorable episodes have been those with dramatically cruel twists. The revelation that the protagonist we’ve been rooting for in ‘White Bear’ is a child murderer undergoing an extremely...
Black Mirror’s infamous first episode set a tone of comically absurd cruelty. In ‘The National Anthem’, the British prime minister is forced into an act of bestiality in order to save a kidnapped British princess. The cruel twist in the tale is that the princess was actually released before he carried out a sex act with a pig live on television, but because everyone was completely focused on watching his torture, nobody realised.
As the tech-focused anthology show has gone on, creator Charlie Brooker has leaned into Black Mirror’s reputation for downbeat, tragic or horrifying endings. On the whole, it’s been a successful approach. Some of its most memorable episodes have been those with dramatically cruel twists. The revelation that the protagonist we’ve been rooting for in ‘White Bear’ is a child murderer undergoing an extremely...
- 6/10/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Technology is developing at such a rapid pace. Inventions that were merely concepts in science fiction a few decades ago are now accessible to the general public. In some cases, maybe it was for the best that these innovations remained fictional. Black Mirror explores the frightening possibilities of what might happen if technology is regarded above human life.
The anthology series created by Charlie Booker will be returning to Netflix for its sixth season this June, and judging by the trailer, it looks a lot better than their original proposal for season six when they rolled out bus stop ads with mirrors and the tagline “6th Season. Live Now, everywhere” during the early months of the pandemic. In anticipation for the new batch of episodes, we'll be examining five times Black Mirror has predicted the future over the past dozen years, sometimes more accurately than others. Let's just hope this...
The anthology series created by Charlie Booker will be returning to Netflix for its sixth season this June, and judging by the trailer, it looks a lot better than their original proposal for season six when they rolled out bus stop ads with mirrors and the tagline “6th Season. Live Now, everywhere” during the early months of the pandemic. In anticipation for the new batch of episodes, we'll be examining five times Black Mirror has predicted the future over the past dozen years, sometimes more accurately than others. Let's just hope this...
- 6/8/2023
- by Chris Aitkens
“Black Sands” producer Glassriver, one of Scandinavia’s fastest-growing production powerhouses, is teaming with a powerful writing duo, Ragnar Bragason and Snjolaug Ludviksdottir, to create “Magaluf.”
Currently in development, “Magaluf” marks a high-profile projects at late June’s Conecta Fiction in Spain, where it competes in the forum’s CoPro Series section.
One of Iceland’s most consistently prized top writers and directors and creator and head writer on “Magaluf,” Bragason’s credits include movie 2013’s “Metalhead,” which wonbest Nordic film at Göteborg, and in series, “The Night Shift,” part of a larger hit dramedy franchise, and the admired international sales hit “Prisoners.”
A stand-up comedian, Ludviksdottir co-writes. “She is a wonderful writer and writes three of the six episodes and on top of that ensuring that the female characters really come to life in a meaningful way,” said Glassriver co-owner Hörður Rúnarsson, a producer on the show with Arnbjorg...
Currently in development, “Magaluf” marks a high-profile projects at late June’s Conecta Fiction in Spain, where it competes in the forum’s CoPro Series section.
One of Iceland’s most consistently prized top writers and directors and creator and head writer on “Magaluf,” Bragason’s credits include movie 2013’s “Metalhead,” which wonbest Nordic film at Göteborg, and in series, “The Night Shift,” part of a larger hit dramedy franchise, and the admired international sales hit “Prisoners.”
A stand-up comedian, Ludviksdottir co-writes. “She is a wonderful writer and writes three of the six episodes and on top of that ensuring that the female characters really come to life in a meaningful way,” said Glassriver co-owner Hörður Rúnarsson, a producer on the show with Arnbjorg...
- 6/6/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Acclaimed actress Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir, best known for “Woman at War,” is set to star in writer/director Ragnar Bragason’s dark comedy “The Garden.”
Currently in post-production and to be pitched at Haugesund’s New Nordic Films over Aug. 20-23, “The Garden” is Bragason’s sixth feature and his first one since the 2013 Toronto entry “Metalhead.”
“I did two plays in between and the TV series “Fangar” (“Prisoners” in English”),” said the director, known as well for his twin features “Children”/”Parents”, and the ‘Shift’ TV series. Based on Bragason’s own 2012 stage play “The Garden,” which ran for a year at the Reykjavik City Theatre to a sold-out crowd, the picture is a social realist satire set in Reykjavik in a large apartment block full of immigrants.
Sectarian Indiana Jónsdóttir lives off the public welfare state, and in her small private garden, tends to her award-winning laburnum tree. Johanna – her neighbor,...
Currently in post-production and to be pitched at Haugesund’s New Nordic Films over Aug. 20-23, “The Garden” is Bragason’s sixth feature and his first one since the 2013 Toronto entry “Metalhead.”
“I did two plays in between and the TV series “Fangar” (“Prisoners” in English”),” said the director, known as well for his twin features “Children”/”Parents”, and the ‘Shift’ TV series. Based on Bragason’s own 2012 stage play “The Garden,” which ran for a year at the Reykjavik City Theatre to a sold-out crowd, the picture is a social realist satire set in Reykjavik in a large apartment block full of immigrants.
Sectarian Indiana Jónsdóttir lives off the public welfare state, and in her small private garden, tends to her award-winning laburnum tree. Johanna – her neighbor,...
- 8/19/2019
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
“Oh no, I wouldn’t do that. Why would you want to interact with television?” That was David Slade‘s response when the “Black Mirror” showrunners Annabel Jones and Charlie Brooker approached him to direct their interactive movie “Bandersnatch,” Slade recounts to Gold Derby on the red carpet for a recent Emmy event hosted by Netflix. Slade explains, “The bad news was no one had ever done this before and the good news was that no one had ever done this before.”
SEEour previous interview with producer Russell McLean.
“I’m not going to make it look like your TV show. Is that okay?” That was Slade’s response when the showrunners approached him to direct an episode of the fourth season a year earlier. His episode titled “Metalhead” upended the “Black Mirror” esthetic as its only black-and-white installment to date and “Bandersnatch” represented another departure for the anthology — and television altogether.
SEEour previous interview with producer Russell McLean.
“I’m not going to make it look like your TV show. Is that okay?” That was Slade’s response when the showrunners approached him to direct an episode of the fourth season a year earlier. His episode titled “Metalhead” upended the “Black Mirror” esthetic as its only black-and-white installment to date and “Bandersnatch” represented another departure for the anthology — and television altogether.
- 7/10/2019
- by Riley Chow
- Gold Derby
(Warning: This post contains major spoilers for “Black Mirror” Season 5)
The fifth season of “Black Mirror” dropped Wednesday, giving fans three fresh stories about how technology can screw with your life in the most unexpected of ways. And with the new came nods to the old, as there are several ways in which Season 5’s episodes connect to the rest of the Charlie Brooker-created anthology series’ universe.
TheWrap has rounded up all the shout-outs to the show’s first four seasons that can be found in the trio of new installments which include Miley Cyrus’ “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too,” the Andrew Scott-starring “Smithereens” and the Anthony Mackie and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II-led “Striking Vipers.”
See our list below and feel free to chime in with any we might have missed.
Also Read: Why 'Black Mirror' Season 5 Has Just Three Episodes
“Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too”
1. “Sea...
The fifth season of “Black Mirror” dropped Wednesday, giving fans three fresh stories about how technology can screw with your life in the most unexpected of ways. And with the new came nods to the old, as there are several ways in which Season 5’s episodes connect to the rest of the Charlie Brooker-created anthology series’ universe.
TheWrap has rounded up all the shout-outs to the show’s first four seasons that can be found in the trio of new installments which include Miley Cyrus’ “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too,” the Andrew Scott-starring “Smithereens” and the Anthony Mackie and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II-led “Striking Vipers.”
See our list below and feel free to chime in with any we might have missed.
Also Read: Why 'Black Mirror' Season 5 Has Just Three Episodes
“Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too”
1. “Sea...
- 6/8/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
With the arrival of “Striking Vipers,” “Smithereens” and “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too,” it’s time to re-rank every episode of “Black Mirror,” going back to the first episode, “National Anthem.” There are no bad “Black Mirror” episodes, so we ranked them from good to mind-blowing.
23. Season 2, Episode 3: “The Waldo Moment”
Many have made the now-trite observation that this episode, about a cartoon bear who insults his way into higher office, predicted the rise of Donald Trump. Okay. This episode does a good job of again showing that we bend too easily before the loud and obnoxious. But “Black Mirror” usually had more novel things to say.
22. Season 3, Episode 6: “Hated in the Nation”
It’s disappointing that Season 3 — in which “Black Mirror” produced some of the best television, well, ever — ended on such a so-so note. This story about a killer hashtag and Terminator bees has shades of “Sharknado.
23. Season 2, Episode 3: “The Waldo Moment”
Many have made the now-trite observation that this episode, about a cartoon bear who insults his way into higher office, predicted the rise of Donald Trump. Okay. This episode does a good job of again showing that we bend too easily before the loud and obnoxious. But “Black Mirror” usually had more novel things to say.
22. Season 3, Episode 6: “Hated in the Nation”
It’s disappointing that Season 3 — in which “Black Mirror” produced some of the best television, well, ever — ended on such a so-so note. This story about a killer hashtag and Terminator bees has shades of “Sharknado.
- 6/5/2019
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Captain America: Civil War star Anthony Mackie and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman) have been cast in the upcoming fifth season of Netflix’s Emmy-winning anthology sci-fi series Black Mirror, Deadline has learned.
Created and written by Charlie Brooker, each episode of Black Mirror employs a different cast of actors to explore themes linked to the collision of mankind with the unforgiving technology they have created.
Season four featured episodes including space thriller “USS Callister” starring Breaking Bad‘s Jesse Plemons, romcom “Hang The DJ”, Maxine Peake-fronted black and white nightmare “Metalhead”, Iceland-set “Crocodile”, Jodie Foster-directed “Arkangel” and Colm McCarthy’s “Black Museum”.
Netflix, which has been extremely quiet about the upcoming season, wouldn’t comment.
Mackie will next be seen in the second season of Netflix’s Altered Carbon as the lead Takeshi Kovacs. He most recently was seen on the big screen in Miss Bala and The Hate U Give.
Created and written by Charlie Brooker, each episode of Black Mirror employs a different cast of actors to explore themes linked to the collision of mankind with the unforgiving technology they have created.
Season four featured episodes including space thriller “USS Callister” starring Breaking Bad‘s Jesse Plemons, romcom “Hang The DJ”, Maxine Peake-fronted black and white nightmare “Metalhead”, Iceland-set “Crocodile”, Jodie Foster-directed “Arkangel” and Colm McCarthy’s “Black Museum”.
Netflix, which has been extremely quiet about the upcoming season, wouldn’t comment.
Mackie will next be seen in the second season of Netflix’s Altered Carbon as the lead Takeshi Kovacs. He most recently was seen on the big screen in Miss Bala and The Hate U Give.
- 3/21/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Black metal has never been a purely musical phenomenon, nor was it meant to be. Even the most ardent of Mayhem, Darkthrone, or Gorgoroth fans would concede that its practitioners aren’t virtuosos so much as vessels for an anti-establishment worldview that demonizes Christianity the way punk rock savaged Reagan and Thatcher. If you know anything at all about the genre, it probably isn’t that “Transilvanian Hunger” is a pretty solid album — it’s that, back in the early ‘90s, a group of disaffected Norwegians earned notoriety by burning down centuries-old churches and committing grisly murders.
So don’t be surprised that “Lords of Chaos” offers less insight into Mayhem’s songwriting process than it does into the relationship between Øystein Aarseth and Varg Vikernes (Emory Cohen). The friends-turned-rivals, who performed in the foundational band Mayhem together, have emerged as the most infamous figures from that era — especially because...
So don’t be surprised that “Lords of Chaos” offers less insight into Mayhem’s songwriting process than it does into the relationship between Øystein Aarseth and Varg Vikernes (Emory Cohen). The friends-turned-rivals, who performed in the foundational band Mayhem together, have emerged as the most infamous figures from that era — especially because...
- 2/7/2019
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
By now, chances are you've heard about Black Mirror's new offering: a standalone "choose your own adventure" film called Bandersnatch. Yep, it's exactly what it sounds like: you're not just a passive viewer when it comes to our hero, Stefan. Instead, you must make choices along the way that inevitably affect his fate, as well as the ending you get to witness. The finished product is surely unlike anything ever before seen in the entertainment world, and it's so much more than that, too. It runs smoothly, it's an incredible story, and there are reportedly something to the tune of one trillion different permutations based on the varying choices you can make and paths you can take.
If that all sounds very complicated, it's because it is. To pull off Bandersnatch, Netflix had to develop new tools and programs, and they had to double the budget and the production...
If that all sounds very complicated, it's because it is. To pull off Bandersnatch, Netflix had to develop new tools and programs, and they had to double the budget and the production...
- 1/12/2019
- by Ryan Roschke
- Popsugar.com
(Warning: This post contains spoilers for “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” that you may be exposed to even if you’ve watched it, due to how many different versions of the interactive film exist.)
“Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” dropped on Netflix at 12 p.m. Pt/3 a.m. Et on Friday — and a bunch of (totally not crazy) people stayed up to experience the Charlie Brooker-created anthology series’ very first “Choose Your Own Adventure” installment as soon as it launched.
If you weren’t willing to sacrifice your sleep to see what all the fuss was about, don’t worry, because TheWrap went through several viewings of the interactive story that follows ’80s programmer Stefan (Fionn Whitehead) and his attempts to adapt the fantasy novel “Bandersnatch” into a video game. And in the wee small hours, we unearthed tons of references to previous “Black Mirror” episodes buried inside the movie.
Also Read: 'Black...
“Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” dropped on Netflix at 12 p.m. Pt/3 a.m. Et on Friday — and a bunch of (totally not crazy) people stayed up to experience the Charlie Brooker-created anthology series’ very first “Choose Your Own Adventure” installment as soon as it launched.
If you weren’t willing to sacrifice your sleep to see what all the fuss was about, don’t worry, because TheWrap went through several viewings of the interactive story that follows ’80s programmer Stefan (Fionn Whitehead) and his attempts to adapt the fantasy novel “Bandersnatch” into a video game. And in the wee small hours, we unearthed tons of references to previous “Black Mirror” episodes buried inside the movie.
Also Read: 'Black...
- 1/4/2019
- by Jennifer Maas, Phil Owen and Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
[This story contains spoilers from Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.]
There is one Easter egg that is very easy to spot in Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. The computer game "Metl Hedd," which features a robotic creature, is the best-seller at Tuckersoft, the company that serves as the backdrop for the Netflix interactive film. Bandersnatch, a stand-alone offering of Charlie Brooker's sci-fi anthology series, dropped on Dec. 28 and launched the streaming giant into the new way of TV storytelling.
The "Metl Hedd" reference is a clear nod to the Black Mirror season four episode "Metalhead." The black-and-white ...
There is one Easter egg that is very easy to spot in Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. The computer game "Metl Hedd," which features a robotic creature, is the best-seller at Tuckersoft, the company that serves as the backdrop for the Netflix interactive film. Bandersnatch, a stand-alone offering of Charlie Brooker's sci-fi anthology series, dropped on Dec. 28 and launched the streaming giant into the new way of TV storytelling.
The "Metl Hedd" reference is a clear nod to the Black Mirror season four episode "Metalhead." The black-and-white ...
- 12/31/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
[Editor’s note: This review will be split into two sections — the first spoiler-free, the second containing some spoilers for “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.”]
Bad news for anyone who likes to sprawl on the couch when they watch “Black Mirror” — the new interactive film just launched by Netflix is not designed for passive viewing, but it is a lot of fun. “Bandersnatch,” starring Fionn Whitehead, is not available on some devices (including Chromecast and Apple TV), and for the best viewing experience, you’ll want to be at the ready to guide the story forward.
The actual plot of “Bandersnatch” isn’t all that complicated on the surface: In the year 1984, Stefan (Whitehead) is a young aspiring video game designer whose dream is to adapt a massive Choose-Your-Own-Adventure paperback called “Bandersnatch” as a PC game. He gets his chance courtesy of an established publisher (Asim Chaudhry), but while Stefan’s journey goes down many different roads, one element remains constant: Designing games like this is really hard work. So hard, in fact, that it could drive a person insane.
Bad news for anyone who likes to sprawl on the couch when they watch “Black Mirror” — the new interactive film just launched by Netflix is not designed for passive viewing, but it is a lot of fun. “Bandersnatch,” starring Fionn Whitehead, is not available on some devices (including Chromecast and Apple TV), and for the best viewing experience, you’ll want to be at the ready to guide the story forward.
The actual plot of “Bandersnatch” isn’t all that complicated on the surface: In the year 1984, Stefan (Whitehead) is a young aspiring video game designer whose dream is to adapt a massive Choose-Your-Own-Adventure paperback called “Bandersnatch” as a PC game. He gets his chance courtesy of an established publisher (Asim Chaudhry), but while Stefan’s journey goes down many different roads, one element remains constant: Designing games like this is really hard work. So hard, in fact, that it could drive a person insane.
- 12/28/2018
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
We know, your brain is still processing that “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” trailer. But it wasn’t just a preview of the new film — it also contained impressive callbacks to past “Black Mirror” installments.
TheWrap tracked the shout-outs you might have missed while you were singing along with “Relax,” the Frankie Goes to Hollywood song played in the trailer. And we’ll probably have a million more to highlight when “Bandersnatch” drops on Netflix early Friday, given that Charlie Brooker’s anthology series is known for its shared dystopian universe.
The first callback in the “Bandersnatch” trailer is a reference to the Season 4 episode “Metalhead.” We see it when young programmer Stefan (“Dunkirk” star Fionn Whitehead) and his boss stand in front of a poster featuring one of the vicious robodogs from “Metalhead.” In case the callback is too subtle, the poster text reads “Metl Hedd.”
Also Read: 'Black Mirror...
TheWrap tracked the shout-outs you might have missed while you were singing along with “Relax,” the Frankie Goes to Hollywood song played in the trailer. And we’ll probably have a million more to highlight when “Bandersnatch” drops on Netflix early Friday, given that Charlie Brooker’s anthology series is known for its shared dystopian universe.
The first callback in the “Bandersnatch” trailer is a reference to the Season 4 episode “Metalhead.” We see it when young programmer Stefan (“Dunkirk” star Fionn Whitehead) and his boss stand in front of a poster featuring one of the vicious robodogs from “Metalhead.” In case the callback is too subtle, the poster text reads “Metl Hedd.”
Also Read: 'Black Mirror...
- 12/27/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Season four of Black Mirror boldly goes where no season of the dystopian series has gone before. There's the Charlie Brooker-created show's first foray into black and white with "Metalhead," the first time a story was set inside a space epic with "USS Callister," and the first explicit acknowledgment that all of Black Mirror is taking place inside a shared universe thanks to the season's last episode, "Black Museum." There have been plenty of clues that all of the episodes over the years have been linked - the song that plays at least once a season, all of those Victoria Skillane Easter eggs - but Brooker had yet to confirm or deny the connected universe theory himself.
In one of the behind-the-scenes featurettes Netflix released to go along with season four in January 2018, Brooker sat down for a quick chat about the latest six episodes. In addition to commenting...
In one of the behind-the-scenes featurettes Netflix released to go along with season four in January 2018, Brooker sat down for a quick chat about the latest six episodes. In addition to commenting...
- 12/27/2018
- by Quinn Keaney
- Popsugar.com
Tony Sokol Dec 27, 2018
Relax, the frumious Bandersnatch is just a glitch in the system in Netflix's Black Mirror: Bandersnatch trailer.
Forget the Jabberwock, the frumious Bandersnatch will catch you in a dream. The sci-fi anthology series Black Mirror is launching as a stand-alone film on Netflix. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch will be available for streaming starting on Dec. 28. With only one day of warning before the debut, the streaming station dropped its premiere date and a trailer.
The film is directed by David Slade, who directed Starz’ American Gods, the feature films Hard Candy, 30 Days Of Night, the Twilight movie Eclipse, and Black Mirror's season 4 episode “Metalhead,” which makes a titular cameo in the trailer in the forms of a poster for a computer game called “Metl Hedd.”
Further reading: Black Mirror Season 5 Release Date and Everything Else We Know
According to Netflix’s title page, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is a “mind-bending,...
Relax, the frumious Bandersnatch is just a glitch in the system in Netflix's Black Mirror: Bandersnatch trailer.
Forget the Jabberwock, the frumious Bandersnatch will catch you in a dream. The sci-fi anthology series Black Mirror is launching as a stand-alone film on Netflix. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch will be available for streaming starting on Dec. 28. With only one day of warning before the debut, the streaming station dropped its premiere date and a trailer.
The film is directed by David Slade, who directed Starz’ American Gods, the feature films Hard Candy, 30 Days Of Night, the Twilight movie Eclipse, and Black Mirror's season 4 episode “Metalhead,” which makes a titular cameo in the trailer in the forms of a poster for a computer game called “Metl Hedd.”
Further reading: Black Mirror Season 5 Release Date and Everything Else We Know
According to Netflix’s title page, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is a “mind-bending,...
- 12/27/2018
- Den of Geek
Black Mirror previewed its upcoming stand-alone movie, Bandersnatch, with an ominous new trailer. The “event” film, which debuts Friday, December 28th on Netflix, follows a young programmer named Stefan (Dunkirk‘s Fionn Whitehead) who plummets down a surreal rabbit hole while attempting to create a computer game based on a classic adventure novel.
“I keep having these vivid dreams, like thinking weird things,” Stefan says to open the Eighties-set clip. We see the protagonist accepting his job at the game company (which his boss describes as “a hit factory, like...
“I keep having these vivid dreams, like thinking weird things,” Stefan says to open the Eighties-set clip. We see the protagonist accepting his job at the game company (which his boss describes as “a hit factory, like...
- 12/27/2018
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
“Black Mirror” fans, rejoice! Netflix has dropped the official trailer for “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” the first “Black Mirror” movie that, up until this point, had been shrouded in mystery. Rumor had it that the film was set in the video game world in the 1980s, and starred “Dunkirk” breakout Fionn Whitehead and Will Poulter, which is all confirmed in the trailer below.
The official “Bandersnatch” synopsis from Netflix reads: “In 1984, a young programmer begins to question reality as he adapts a sprawling fantasy novel into a video game and soon faces a mind-mangling challenge. Welcome back.”
Whether or not “Bandersnatch” is the choose-your-own-adventure project that was reported on back in October remains to be seen. The movie’s runtime is allegedly 90 minutes, but a report from earlier this week said there was over five hours of footage shot for the movie, which led many to believe “Bandersnatch” is interactive. The...
The official “Bandersnatch” synopsis from Netflix reads: “In 1984, a young programmer begins to question reality as he adapts a sprawling fantasy novel into a video game and soon faces a mind-mangling challenge. Welcome back.”
Whether or not “Bandersnatch” is the choose-your-own-adventure project that was reported on back in October remains to be seen. The movie’s runtime is allegedly 90 minutes, but a report from earlier this week said there was over five hours of footage shot for the movie, which led many to believe “Bandersnatch” is interactive. The...
- 12/27/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Netflix on Thursday unveiled a trailer for Bandersnatch, a standalone Black Mirror movie that is set to be released this Friday, Dec. 28.
As previously reported, Bandersnatch is expected to function as an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure-style film — and the above trailer hints at such (“Change your mind… Change your life… Change your past… Your present… Your future”). The cast includes Fionn Whitehead (Dunkirk), Will Poulter (The Maze Runner) and Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing).
Netflix has also released a synopsis for Bandersnatch, which reads as follows:
“In 1984, a young programmer begins to question reality as he adapts a sprawling fantasy novel...
As previously reported, Bandersnatch is expected to function as an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure-style film — and the above trailer hints at such (“Change your mind… Change your life… Change your past… Your present… Your future”). The cast includes Fionn Whitehead (Dunkirk), Will Poulter (The Maze Runner) and Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing).
Netflix has also released a synopsis for Bandersnatch, which reads as follows:
“In 1984, a young programmer begins to question reality as he adapts a sprawling fantasy novel...
- 12/27/2018
- TVLine.com
Netflix lifted the veil of secrecy surrounding the new “Black Mirror” film “Bandersnatch” by dropping a trailer in the wee small hours on Thursday, revealing that the widely-speculated-about standalone installment centers around a young man in the ’80s who unravels while working on a video game inspired by a fantasy novel. The promo also confirmed that (surprise!) the movie is launching Friday — as in tomorrow — on Netflix.
The streamer provided this brief synopsis for the project: “In 1984, a young programmer begins to question reality as he adapts a sprawling fantasy novel into a video game and soon faces a mind-mangling challenge. Welcome back.”
“ keep having these vivid dreams, like thinking weird things,” our hero Stefan (“Dunkirk” alum Fionn Whitehead) says at the start of the trailer, as he pops red-and-yellow capsules.
Also Read: 'Black Mirror': So What Is a Bandersnatch, Anyway?
A boss-type at the video game company explains,...
The streamer provided this brief synopsis for the project: “In 1984, a young programmer begins to question reality as he adapts a sprawling fantasy novel into a video game and soon faces a mind-mangling challenge. Welcome back.”
“ keep having these vivid dreams, like thinking weird things,” our hero Stefan (“Dunkirk” alum Fionn Whitehead) says at the start of the trailer, as he pops red-and-yellow capsules.
Also Read: 'Black Mirror': So What Is a Bandersnatch, Anyway?
A boss-type at the video game company explains,...
- 12/27/2018
- by Jennifer Maas and Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Black Mirror fans now have more clarity on upcoming Netflix film, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. The streamer has dropped a trailer for the movie that releases tomorrow, December 28, with a synopsis that reads, “In 1984, a young programmer begins to question reality as he adapts a sprawling fantasy novel into a video game and soon faces a mind-mangling challenge. Welcome back.”
Charlie Brooker’s praised dark anthology series was renewed for a fifth season back in March, although Bandersnatch is not thought to be a part of that order with Season 5 still to come at a later date. The trailer calls it “A Black Mirror Event” and features Dunkirk’s Fionn Whitehead with Will Poulter and Asim Chaudhry. The latter says, “We’re going to be a hit factory, like Motown, but for computer games.” Poulter’s character then tells Whitehead’s, “When it’s a concept piece, a bit of madness is what you need,...
Charlie Brooker’s praised dark anthology series was renewed for a fifth season back in March, although Bandersnatch is not thought to be a part of that order with Season 5 still to come at a later date. The trailer calls it “A Black Mirror Event” and features Dunkirk’s Fionn Whitehead with Will Poulter and Asim Chaudhry. The latter says, “We’re going to be a hit factory, like Motown, but for computer games.” Poulter’s character then tells Whitehead’s, “When it’s a concept piece, a bit of madness is what you need,...
- 12/27/2018
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
“Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” is the gift that very slowly keeps on giving this holiday season. On the heels of confirmation that “Bandersnatch” is the first “Black Mirror” feature film, a first look photo has emerged (via Esquire) confirming three cast members: Will Poulter, Fionn Whitehead, and Asim Chaudhry. Whitehead was rumored to be involved in “Bandersnatch,” but the photo above proves he definitely is.
Outside of the photograph confirming casting for the project, not much else is known about “Bandersnatch.” The latest rumored details are that the film is directed by David Slade, who helmed the “Black Mirror” Season 4 episode “Metalhead,” and features over five hours of footage. The length led many to believe “Bandersnatch” is the choose-your-own-adventure “Black Mirror” that was first reported back in October.
The “Bandersnatch” landing page is now live on Netflix, and some subscribers are getting a 2 minute runtime for the project while others are seeing a runtime of 90 minutes.
Outside of the photograph confirming casting for the project, not much else is known about “Bandersnatch.” The latest rumored details are that the film is directed by David Slade, who helmed the “Black Mirror” Season 4 episode “Metalhead,” and features over five hours of footage. The length led many to believe “Bandersnatch” is the choose-your-own-adventure “Black Mirror” that was first reported back in October.
The “Bandersnatch” landing page is now live on Netflix, and some subscribers are getting a 2 minute runtime for the project while others are seeing a runtime of 90 minutes.
- 12/25/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
“Black Mirror” Season 5 might not be debuting on Netflix before the end of 2018, but it’s become increasingly clear that “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” probably will, and it’s most likely happening on December 28. What is “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch”? A Netflix social media leak at the beginning of December suggested it could be the first episode of Seasn 5, but a new report from The Independent (via Esquire) reveals it’s a “Black Mirror” movie, which would be the first of its kind.
While Netflix will not confirm “Bandersnatch,” Esquire made note that an online Netflix page already exists for the title and labels it a “Netflix film.” Any Netflix subscriber can search for “Bandersnatch” on the streaming platform and be directed to this landing page, which confirms it’s not an episode but a film (see photo below). The leak at the start of the month said “Bandersnatch” would drop December...
While Netflix will not confirm “Bandersnatch,” Esquire made note that an online Netflix page already exists for the title and labels it a “Netflix film.” Any Netflix subscriber can search for “Bandersnatch” on the streaming platform and be directed to this landing page, which confirms it’s not an episode but a film (see photo below). The leak at the start of the month said “Bandersnatch” would drop December...
- 12/24/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Netflix had six installments of “Black Mirror” this season but is focusing on “USS Callister” on the Emmy ballot. This acclaimed production accounts for 13 of the 16 entries being touted by “Black Mirror,” including Best TV Movie and three performances: Jesse Plemons (lead), Cristin Milioti (lead) and Jimmi Simpson (supporting). TV academy voters note: look under the letter “U” for “USS Callister” instead of “B” for “Black Mirror” as the official title on the Emmy ballot is “USS Callister (Black Mirror).”
This marks a change in strategy from last year, when five of the six episodes from the third season were promoted in various categories. While “San Junipero” won both Best TV Movie and Best Movie/Limited Writing in 2017, it figured in only six of the 20 races that had a “Black Mirror” submission.
SEEour interview with “USS Callister (Black Mirror)” actor Jimmi Simpson.
Three categories this year will feature an additional “Black Mirror” submission,...
This marks a change in strategy from last year, when five of the six episodes from the third season were promoted in various categories. While “San Junipero” won both Best TV Movie and Best Movie/Limited Writing in 2017, it figured in only six of the 20 races that had a “Black Mirror” submission.
SEEour interview with “USS Callister (Black Mirror)” actor Jimmi Simpson.
Three categories this year will feature an additional “Black Mirror” submission,...
- 6/8/2018
- by Riley Chow
- Gold Derby
A woman who has a funny bone for a backbone. Entertainment One UK has debuted an official trailer for the indie comedy Funny Cow, starring English actress Maxine Peake as a comedienne in the 70s making her mark on the male-dominated stand up scene. Peake recently starred in the black-and-white "Metalhead" episode of Netflix's "Black Mirror", which is where some people might recognize her from, even though she has been in many films before this. Set against the backdrop of the 70s/80s comedy club circuit in Northern England, Funny Cow stars Peake as fictional comedienne "Funny Cow", trying making a name for herself in the stand up world. The full cast includes Paddy Considine, Christine Bottomley, Stephen Graham, Alun Armstrong, Tony Pitts, Hannah Walters, and Kevin Eldon. This film actually looks quite good. Here's the first international trailer (+ poster) for Adrian Shergold's Funny Cow, direct from YouTube...
- 2/28/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Since the Emmys are just around the corner, we recently asked our readers to help Netflix choose which of its six “Black Mirror” Season 4 episodes they should submit for awards consideration. According to the results of our “Black Mirror” poll, the “Star Trek”-inspired “USS Callister” is Netflix’s best shot at winning the Emmy for Best TV Movie. This entry starring Cristin Milioti and Jesse Plemons earned a whopping 41% of the vote, which is no surprise considering fans are demanding that “USS Callister” become its own stand-alone TV series.
Second place in our poll was “Hang the DJ” at 26%. In this romantic hour Amy (Georgina Campbell) and Frank (Joe Cole) go on their first date via a new dating app that gives expiration dates on relationships. However, things are not all they appear to be after the young couple is forced to break up.
Here is how the other...
Second place in our poll was “Hang the DJ” at 26%. In this romantic hour Amy (Georgina Campbell) and Frank (Joe Cole) go on their first date via a new dating app that gives expiration dates on relationships. However, things are not all they appear to be after the young couple is forced to break up.
Here is how the other...
- 1/29/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
‘Black Mirror‘ season 4 has been released for just over a couple of weeks, but the latest season of the Netflix anthology series has already been divisive to say the least. In response, Netflix has unleashed 6 featurettes that delve into each of the season’s episodes, along with a special bonus featurette that answers a very important lingering question: do these stories share the same universe?
In the new featurette, series’ creator Charlie Brooker explains how they tried to push the limits of this season by “shooting stories in environments that we haven’t really done before”. If anything, the season did just that, and more. You can watch the first featurette–which features Brooker addressing the shared universe theory–below.
Before this season, many had speculated what Brooker just confirmed. If anything, the idea that all of the episodes (at least in this season) have connected threads between them only...
In the new featurette, series’ creator Charlie Brooker explains how they tried to push the limits of this season by “shooting stories in environments that we haven’t really done before”. If anything, the season did just that, and more. You can watch the first featurette–which features Brooker addressing the shared universe theory–below.
Before this season, many had speculated what Brooker just confirmed. If anything, the idea that all of the episodes (at least in this season) have connected threads between them only...
- 1/16/2018
- by Taylor Salan
- Age of the Nerd
Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special, “Equanimity,” is being criticized for a segment in which he jokes about transgender men and women. The comedian has made jokes targeted at the transgender community in the past during stand-up sets, many of which have made caused controversy. In a first-person article published on Median, writer Tyler Foster slams Chappelle’s inclusion of transgender jokes in his new Netflix special, and the reason is incredibly personal.
Read More:Dave Chappelle Says ‘Poor Whites’ Are His ‘Least Favorite’ Because They Got Trump Elected President
Foster wrote Chappelle a letter in March 2016 after he saw the comedian’s first of four shows at the Neptune Theater in Seattle, Washington. The set included a “lengthy segment on trans people,” including complaints about how damaging Caitlyn Jenner’s coming out was to Chappelle’s memories.
“[Chappelle] trashed the notion that trans people experienced similar or worse types of discrimination as the black community,...
Read More:Dave Chappelle Says ‘Poor Whites’ Are His ‘Least Favorite’ Because They Got Trump Elected President
Foster wrote Chappelle a letter in March 2016 after he saw the comedian’s first of four shows at the Neptune Theater in Seattle, Washington. The set included a “lengthy segment on trans people,” including complaints about how damaging Caitlyn Jenner’s coming out was to Chappelle’s memories.
“[Chappelle] trashed the notion that trans people experienced similar or worse types of discrimination as the black community,...
- 1/3/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
[Editor’s Note: Spoilers follow for “Black Mirror” Season 4, Episode 5, “Metalhead.”]
It all starts with The Dog.
David Slade, the director of “Metalhead” — itself the starkest episode in a particularly bleak Season 4 of “Black Mirror” — knew that for the story to work, the predatory robot had to be a realistic threat for both audience and prey. The effective other half of a horror two-hander, the faceless, nameless robot had to convey all the dread of future where all forms of life were under attack.
In a recent IndieWire interview, Slade talked about some of the original design ideas for what would become one of the series’ more chilling villains.
“We very quickly came to the idea in the backstory of what the robot was and how it’s made, that it would probably be a piece of military hardware. That it wouldn’t have generalized artificial intelligence, but it would have enough artificial intelligence to problem...
It all starts with The Dog.
David Slade, the director of “Metalhead” — itself the starkest episode in a particularly bleak Season 4 of “Black Mirror” — knew that for the story to work, the predatory robot had to be a realistic threat for both audience and prey. The effective other half of a horror two-hander, the faceless, nameless robot had to convey all the dread of future where all forms of life were under attack.
In a recent IndieWire interview, Slade talked about some of the original design ideas for what would become one of the series’ more chilling villains.
“We very quickly came to the idea in the backstory of what the robot was and how it’s made, that it would probably be a piece of military hardware. That it wouldn’t have generalized artificial intelligence, but it would have enough artificial intelligence to problem...
- 1/2/2018
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Looks like things won’t be getting too much easier for the Baudelaire kids when the newest season of their Netflix series, “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” returns to Netflix later this year. The streaming giant promises that this season will see “the extraordinary Baudelaire orphans face trials, tribulations and the evil Count Olaf in their fateful quest to unlock long-held family secrets” in the latest installment of their popular series that spins off the enduring charms of the Lemony Snicket novels of the same name.
When we last left the (presumed) orphans, they were heading off to a new boarding school alongside their pals the Qquagmire siblings. Based on this quick look, it seems like they’re set for an imminent reunion with their evil Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), which will lead to further wild adventures.
Read More:‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’: Designing Neil Patrick Harris...
When we last left the (presumed) orphans, they were heading off to a new boarding school alongside their pals the Qquagmire siblings. Based on this quick look, it seems like they’re set for an imminent reunion with their evil Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), which will lead to further wild adventures.
Read More:‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’: Designing Neil Patrick Harris...
- 1/2/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Netflix has released the trailer and announced the release date for “The End of the F***ing World,” an eight-part series that made a splash on the other side of the pond last fall. Based on the comic series of the same name (well, almost — “fucking” is uncensored there) by Charles S. Forman, the show will be available to stream this Friday, January 5. Watch the trailer below.
Read More:7 New Netflix Shows to Binge in January 2018, and the Best Episodes of Each
The series centers around James (Alex Lawther of “Black Mirror”) and Alyssa (Jessica Barden of “Penny Dreadful”), described as a “self-proclaimed psychopath and a foul-mouthed rebel fed-up with her boring life. The two teenagers embark on a road trip to find a better life, and escape the impending doom of adulthood. As their chaotic journey unfolds, it becomes apparent that James and Alyssa have crossed a line and...
Read More:7 New Netflix Shows to Binge in January 2018, and the Best Episodes of Each
The series centers around James (Alex Lawther of “Black Mirror”) and Alyssa (Jessica Barden of “Penny Dreadful”), described as a “self-proclaimed psychopath and a foul-mouthed rebel fed-up with her boring life. The two teenagers embark on a road trip to find a better life, and escape the impending doom of adulthood. As their chaotic journey unfolds, it becomes apparent that James and Alyssa have crossed a line and...
- 1/1/2018
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
[Editor’s note: Spoilers follow for every episode of “Black Mirror” Season 4.]
Happy “Black Mirror” Day! The release of Season 4 means that all the secrets of Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones’s always compelling sci-fi anthology series have spilled forth, and viewers are deciding just what they think of each individual installment.
The use of the word individual is key there, because while it’s easy to discuss “Black Mirror” in the abstract — “the ‘Star Trek’ episode is great” or “I didn’t really like the one with the metal dogs” — when you get into the particulars of each installment, both the benefits and the flaws of the anthology approach stand out.
Thanks to the creators treating each installment like, in “Arkangel” director Jodie Foster’s words, “a true anthology,” it’s impossible to avoid a range in quality. Some directors simply make better episodes, and not every cast is created equal. And sure, as a writer or co-writer,...
Happy “Black Mirror” Day! The release of Season 4 means that all the secrets of Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones’s always compelling sci-fi anthology series have spilled forth, and viewers are deciding just what they think of each individual installment.
The use of the word individual is key there, because while it’s easy to discuss “Black Mirror” in the abstract — “the ‘Star Trek’ episode is great” or “I didn’t really like the one with the metal dogs” — when you get into the particulars of each installment, both the benefits and the flaws of the anthology approach stand out.
Thanks to the creators treating each installment like, in “Arkangel” director Jodie Foster’s words, “a true anthology,” it’s impossible to avoid a range in quality. Some directors simply make better episodes, and not every cast is created equal. And sure, as a writer or co-writer,...
- 12/29/2017
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
Kirsten Howard Joseph Baxter Dec 21, 2017
Netflix has renewed its first original German series Dark for a second season...
Netflix have decided to renew Dark.
See related Black Mirror season 4: Metalhead review Black Mirror season 4: USS Callister review Black Mirror season 4: Arkangel review
The time-bending German mystery, which saw the streaming giant dip their toe into the water of original, non-English language live action projects, has been a solid hit for them, and showrunners Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese are delighted with the news.
“We are overwhelmed by the response to Dark and are thrilled that our story has been a success with a global audience," they said in a statement. "Viewers have been captivated by the secrets of our protagonists and have taken delight in unravelling the various puzzles that the story presents. To know that we will now embark on our next journey is, for us showrunners,...
Netflix has renewed its first original German series Dark for a second season...
Netflix have decided to renew Dark.
See related Black Mirror season 4: Metalhead review Black Mirror season 4: USS Callister review Black Mirror season 4: Arkangel review
The time-bending German mystery, which saw the streaming giant dip their toe into the water of original, non-English language live action projects, has been a solid hit for them, and showrunners Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese are delighted with the news.
“We are overwhelmed by the response to Dark and are thrilled that our story has been a success with a global audience," they said in a statement. "Viewers have been captivated by the secrets of our protagonists and have taken delight in unravelling the various puzzles that the story presents. To know that we will now embark on our next journey is, for us showrunners,...
- 12/21/2017
- Den of Geek
Ryan Lambie Dec 29, 2017
Black Mirror delivers its scariest and most visually arresting episode yet in Metalhead. Spoilers ahead in our review...
This review contains spoilers for Metalhead.
See related Timothy V. Murphy interview: True Detective season 2 True Detective season 2 episode 8 review: Omega Station True Detective season 2 episode 7 review: Black Maps And Motel Rooms
After the quivering slab of weirdness that was Terminator: Genisys, it was a wonder what on earth was left to be done with James Cameron’s ageing killer cyborg franchise. This episode of Black Mirror, I’d argue, offers on potential answer: pare the damn thing right down to its bare essentials: a would-be human target on the run, and a homicidal machine in hot pursuit.
Director David Slade has form in tense, blood-curdling horror (see also: Hard Candy, 30 Days Of Night and, er, Twilight: Eclipse), and he brings a brilliantly lean nastiness to Metalhead -...
Black Mirror delivers its scariest and most visually arresting episode yet in Metalhead. Spoilers ahead in our review...
This review contains spoilers for Metalhead.
See related Timothy V. Murphy interview: True Detective season 2 True Detective season 2 episode 8 review: Omega Station True Detective season 2 episode 7 review: Black Maps And Motel Rooms
After the quivering slab of weirdness that was Terminator: Genisys, it was a wonder what on earth was left to be done with James Cameron’s ageing killer cyborg franchise. This episode of Black Mirror, I’d argue, offers on potential answer: pare the damn thing right down to its bare essentials: a would-be human target on the run, and a homicidal machine in hot pursuit.
Director David Slade has form in tense, blood-curdling horror (see also: Hard Candy, 30 Days Of Night and, er, Twilight: Eclipse), and he brings a brilliantly lean nastiness to Metalhead -...
- 12/18/2017
- Den of Geek
As both a musical genre and a subculture, heavy metal has always lent itself to exaggerated depictions. It’s easy to dismiss any art form that takes itself so seriously, and most of the reductive metal send-ups have been well deserved. But what’s also deserved is a more accurate, even affectionate portrayal that gets the smallest details right and comes from a place of good faith. That void has been filled at last by writer-director Ragnar Bragason’s Metalhead. Set in Iceland in the early 1990s, just as the darkest, most genuinely violent strain of metal was taking hold elsewhere in Scandinavia, the film deftly marries the essence of the music to a moving coming-of-age framework.
In a prologue set on the family farm, teenaged Baldur’s long, flowing ...
In a prologue set on the family farm, teenaged Baldur’s long, flowing ...
- 3/18/2015
- Village Voice
Announced today are the projects selected for the new Nordic Genre Boost initiative, a Nordisk Film & TV Fond project which will grant Nok 200.000 in development funds for seven gestating genre movies from the likes of André Øvredal (Troll Hunter), Aleksander Nordaas (Thale), Ragnar Bragason (Metalhead) and Let the Right One In author John…
The post Genre Boost Initiative Previews Developing Nordic Horror appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
The post Genre Boost Initiative Previews Developing Nordic Horror appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 3/6/2015
- by Samuel Zimmerman
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Icelandic production house Mystery Island had a bona fide international hit on their hands with their previous feature - the dark drama Metalhead - and while the tone of their latest effort could not possibly be more different I imagine that the result will be very much the same. Gunnar Hansson and Davíd Óskar Ólafsson direct Back (Bakk) - with Hansson also starring - an odd couple road movie in which the road trip itself is every bit as odd as the couple. Because the entire thing is done with the car running in reverse.Two childhood friends decide to drive around Iceland in reverse to raise money for a charity. Soon after their trip starts they find out that this was perhaps not the best...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 2/18/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Los Angeles based distributor Cinelicious Pics has been turning heads over the last few months. The brand-new company may have licensed only a few titles yet, but those include some Twitch favorites, like for example Ragnar Bragason's Metalhead, and Anurag Kashyap's epic Gangs of Wasseypur. This weekend, Cinelicious Pics announced they have licensed Yamamoto Eiichi's Japanese animated feature Belladonna of Sadness, with exclusive rights to restore and re-release the film. Made in 1973, Belladonna of Sadness is known for its fiercely erotic content and psychedelic images, which do not resemble what was typically seen in anime at the time. A mixture of the legend of Joan of Arc and Michelet's 1862 book La Sorcière, it tells the story of a young woman in medieval times...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 11/3/2014
- Screen Anarchy
Olivier Assayas’ Cloud of Sils Maria will open European Film Promotion’s (Efp) second edition of its WestWind showcase of European cinema in Moscow’s Formula Kino Horizont Cinema tonight.
German actor Lars Eidinger, who appears in the French-us co-production with Kristen Stewart and Juliette Binoche, will come from the shooting of Alexey Uchitel’s historical drama-thriller Mathilde (working title) to attend the screening for a Q&A.
Clouds of Sils Maria was shown at last week’s International Media Forum in St Petersburg and will be released theatrically in Russia by Cinema Prestige.
Running until Oct 19, Efp’s event will present 11 European films to Moscow audiences, including two Oscar candidates - Germany’s Beloved Sisters by Dominik Graf and the Czech Republic’s Fair Play by Andrea Sedlackova - as well as Rok Bicek’s Class Enemy, Ragnar Bragason’s Metalhead and Petra Volpe’s Dreamland.
Other talent attending WestWind include Slovenian director Bicek, actresses [link=nm...
German actor Lars Eidinger, who appears in the French-us co-production with Kristen Stewart and Juliette Binoche, will come from the shooting of Alexey Uchitel’s historical drama-thriller Mathilde (working title) to attend the screening for a Q&A.
Clouds of Sils Maria was shown at last week’s International Media Forum in St Petersburg and will be released theatrically in Russia by Cinema Prestige.
Running until Oct 19, Efp’s event will present 11 European films to Moscow audiences, including two Oscar candidates - Germany’s Beloved Sisters by Dominik Graf and the Czech Republic’s Fair Play by Andrea Sedlackova - as well as Rok Bicek’s Class Enemy, Ragnar Bragason’s Metalhead and Petra Volpe’s Dreamland.
Other talent attending WestWind include Slovenian director Bicek, actresses [link=nm...
- 10/15/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
The 7th annual Arizona Underground Film Festival will screen a smorgasbord of cult flicks, horror movies, comedies and provocative documentaries on September 19-27 at The Screening Room in Tucson, Az.
Opening Night: The fest kicks off on the 19th with Killers, a dark thriller all the way from Japan and Indonesia about a psychopath and a journalist who forge an unlikely, hellish bond.
Other films to be on the look out for include documentaries like the powerful Who Took Johnny? by acclaimed filmmakers Michael Galinsky, Suki Hawley and David Belinson that examines the legacy of the disappearance of young Johnny Gosch in 1982; Penny Vozniak’s Despite the Gods, about Jennifer Lynch’s struggles to make a Bollywood musical; and Gideon C. Kennedy and Marcus Rosentrater’s wild Limo Ride.
Then, there are horror movies like the Lovecraft-inspired The Call Girl of Cthulu by Chris Lamartina; the slasher flick Crazy Bitches...
Opening Night: The fest kicks off on the 19th with Killers, a dark thriller all the way from Japan and Indonesia about a psychopath and a journalist who forge an unlikely, hellish bond.
Other films to be on the look out for include documentaries like the powerful Who Took Johnny? by acclaimed filmmakers Michael Galinsky, Suki Hawley and David Belinson that examines the legacy of the disappearance of young Johnny Gosch in 1982; Penny Vozniak’s Despite the Gods, about Jennifer Lynch’s struggles to make a Bollywood musical; and Gideon C. Kennedy and Marcus Rosentrater’s wild Limo Ride.
Then, there are horror movies like the Lovecraft-inspired The Call Girl of Cthulu by Chris Lamartina; the slasher flick Crazy Bitches...
- 9/19/2014
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Early predictions have emerged for most Academy Award categories. As the studios reveal their hopeful offers to be released in the final months of the year, the speculation increases. But despite all the information available on the centerpiece awards, other more obscure races remain a complete mystery at this point. Among these, the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar is almost certainly the most complex to prognosticate. The lengthy process that precedes the announcement of the final nominees makes for a competition that begins months in advance in nations around the globe.Having the opportunity to submit only one film, each country must carry out its own selection process. Once these decisions have been made, their chosen works will compete to make it to the nine-film shortlist, and eventually into the final five slots. Although this procedure allows for a certain degree of democracy, it also excludes all those other films that were left behind in their homelands. This, in turn, gives us a narrow view of what is being produced abroad.
Therefore, after lots of research and arduous educated guessing to put it together, the list below offers a more insightful look at this race before the actual individual selections are announced. For the sake of time, the amount of films is limited to five per country, but in some cases the choices are scarcer and less films are listed. While trying to speculate is always an uncertain endeavor, the factors taken into account to determine which are some of this year’s most important films in each country and their prospects of being chosen as their representative at the Academy Awards, were varied. Festival exposure, release date, the country’s previous submissions, and even the thematic elements of a few of them were considered to create this piece.
Clearly nothing is definitive at this point, but at the very least, this compilation will provide a sense of what the film industries in these territories are putting out and sharing with the world.
Read More: Oscars 2015 : Best Foreign Language Film Contenders - The Americas
Here is the first part of the list on Europe (Albania -Lithuania)
Albania
Last year the Balkan state had one of its strongest contenders in recent history, Robert Budina’s “Agon,” a powerful drama dealing with the ethnic identity of the region. This time around, there are three films that qualify to be selected. The front-runner is “ Amsterdam Express, ” which has the highest international profile of the three being a co-production between Albania, U.K The Netherlands and Germany. The film explores the sociopolitical situation of the country through the eyes of an Albanian man who immigrates to Dutch territory illegally. Following along are two other dramas, “The Last Wish” (Amaneti) and “Ada.” Having three clearly viable options, it is almost certain that Albania will compete once again this year.
1. "Amsterdam Express" PC: F&Me
2. "The Last Wish" (Amaneti) PC: Media Vision
3. "Ada" PC: Concordia Pictures
Armenia
Having submitted only four times as an independent nation, it is difficult to predict whether Armenia will decide to participate this year. However, they do have a few films that could represent them at the Academy Awards. Even though the country’s film industry is still precarious and struggling, they have their own annual awards and consistently complete feature length works. Since many of them don’t fulfill the quality standards of major festivals, few of their offers ever get passed their border. The most feasible candidate this year is “Tevanik,” a film about the Karabakh war that screened at the Cannes film market and that has also screened theatrically in its home country. Another possible selection is dark comedy “The Romanticists,” which won the Best Screenplay award at the Hayak National Cinema Awards and had some international exposure. Drama “From Two Worlds as a Keepsake, ” could also be a good candidate as it premiered last year at the World Film Festival in Montreal. Less likely are comedy “The Heart in the House ,” a Russian co-production, and Hayak Best Film nominee “Caucho,” which might be a bit too avant-garde to be chosen.
1. "Tevanik" PC: Fish Eye Art
2. "The Romanticists" (Rromantiknery) PC: Aysor-Plus Film Productions
3. "From Two Worlds as a Keepsake" (Yerku ashkharhic i hishatak) PC: National Film Centr of Armenia
4. "The Heart in the House" (Domik v serdtse) PC: Berg Sound
5. "Caucho"
Austria
Since Austrian productions are heavily influenced by the German film industry and often intertwined with it, it is no surprise that the major winner at the German Film Awards was the co-production “The Dark Valley.” But given that the director Andreas Prochaska is Austrian, as well as most of the creative control and resources, the Germans couldn’t claim it as their own. This, and the fact that Sam Riley is in it, make it an ideal, high profile candidate to be Austria’s Oscar submission. Nominated for five awards in the past Austrian Film Awards, “October November” is also a descent candidate. A close third followed is “The Last Dance” the latest film by Houchang Allahyari, whose film “I Love Vienna” represented the country a couple decades ago. Then we have “ Soldier Jane,” which also nominated for Best Film at the National Awards. Lastly, “The Silent Mountain, “ an epic period piece about World War I is not entirely far fetched. Other films that have had positive receptions at festivals such as “Macondo,” or “Amour Fou” will be released closer to the end of the year.
1. "The Dark Valley" (Das Fisntere Tal) Isa: Films Distribution
2. "October November" (Oktober November) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "The Last Dance" (Der letzte Tanz) PC: Allahyari Filmproduktion
4. "Soldier Jane" (Soldate Jeannette) Isa: Premium Films
5. "The Silent Mountain" ( Der Stille Berg) Isa: Premiere Entertainment Group
Azerbaijan
It's always great to see a country like Azerbaijan submitting a film and making an attempt at getting exposure for their filmmakers and industry. Their films rarely make it to the world stage of glamorous festivals, thus they remain mostly obscure and inaccessible outside their homeland. Nevertheless, this year an Azerbaijani film, “Nabat,” could change that as it will screen at the Venice Film festival. This war film has already screened in the country at least at a special event, it is difficult to know if it will qualify this time around. If it does, it is their best bet. Should they decide to save it for next year, the country has another option of mild prestige. “Chameleon,” a small drama set in a remote village, screened last year at Locarno and that alone could help its chances. Lastly, there is “Down by the River,” which was part of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival selection. It will almost certainly be released until past the deadline, but might be a strong contender in the future. Two other dramas, one of epic proportions and a biopic could get in the mix but there is hardly any information available besides the fact that they have been screened in the capital city of Baku.
1. "Nabat" Isa: Dreamlab Films
2. "Chameleon" (Buqälämun) PC: Arizona Productions
3. "Down the River" (Axinla ashagi) PC: Azerbaijanfilm
Belarus
The small ex-Soviet state has been mostly producing documentaries for local viewing. Their output of material that can be successful abroad is minimal, and even when they have been presented with a great opportunity to participate at the Academy Awards, they simply don’t. This was the case of Sergey Loznitsa's “In the Fog” a couple years back, which could have represented them but was not entered. In fact, they have only participated on two occasions, the last one being in 1996. Although it is unlikely they will show interest, the country has a couple of promising choices. Belarus’ best bet would be the international coproduction “ The Role,” a solemn period piece that was nominated for five Nika Awards (the Russian Oscars) and actually won for Best Screenplay. Highly improbable, but given their small number of contenders, the country could also choose to send “BaBu,” an Azerbaijani coproduction about the kidnapping of a businessman’s daughter.
1. "The Role" (Rol) Isa: Reflexion Films
2. "BaBu"
Belgium
With the return to Cannes of the country’s most iconic filmmakers, the Dardenne Brothers, Belgium has an easy decision to make. Starring Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard, “Two Days, One Night” looks like the obvious favorite. Nevertheless, the Dardennes have been overlooked before, as it was the case two years ago when the Belgians decided to send “Bullhead” over the duo’s “The Kid with a Bike.” The only real threat could be “Marina” by Stijn Coninx, who was nominated for an Oscar in this category back in 1992 with “Daens.“ His latest work is a period piece about Rocco Granata’s life, an Italian singer who lived in Belgium in his youth. A more audacious decision, but not entirely impossible, would be to select the beautifully nightmarish “The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears,” which has had noticeable international presence. Two other titles, “ The Verdict” and “The Treatment” have been well received at home but since they are facing works by revered filmmakers, their chances are slight.
1. "Two Days, One Night" (Deux jours, une nuit) Isa: Wild Bunch
2. "Marina" Isa: Media Luna New Films
3. "The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears" (L'étrange couleur des larmes de ton corps) Isa: Bac Films International
4. "The Verdict" (Het Vonnis) Isa: Media Luna New Films
5. "The Treatment" (De Behandeling) Isa: Be for Films
Bosnia & Herzegovina
The last film by the poster child for Bosnian cinema, Danis Tanovic, managed to make it to the 9-film shortlist last December. This year, the country doesn’t have such a prominent candidate. Based on release date, festival exposure, and language, their safest selection would be the family drama “ With Mom.” Another title that could qualify is “Krivina,” which is technically a 2012 film, but did not premier in Bosnia until late last year. If eligible, it would definitively be a great runner-up. In third place is the incredibly small local film “ Krajina: Life or Death,” and it’s in that position simply because it meets all the minimum requirements to qualify - language included. The last two films mentioned here are longer shots not due to lack of quality, but because of their production details. One, “Bridges of Sarajevo,” is an anthology film created by over a dozen filmmakers from around the world. Even though one of the filmmakers is Bosnian and all sections are in a language other than English, it will be hard to consider it an actual Bosnian film. The other, “For Those Who Can Tell No Tales,” is a Bosnian production directed by Jasmila Zbanic, but the dialogue seems to be mostly in English, which would make it ineligible.
1. "With Mom" (Sa Mamom) PC: Scca/Pro.BA
2. "Krivina" Isa: Princ Films
3. "Krajina: Life and Death" (Ja sam iz Krajine, zemlje kestena) PC: Depo Production
4. "Bridges of Sarajevo" (Les Ponts de Sarajevo) Isa: Indie Sales
5."For Those Who Can Tell No Tales" (Za one koji ne mogu da govore) PC: Mpm
Bulgaria
In recent years the country has decided to send films that have won or have been nominated for their local film awards. This year the winner of the top award for Best Film was “Alienation,” seemingly making it the favorite to be submitted. This might actually not be the case. Premiering at Sundance earlier this year, “Viktoria,” an epic drama about a peculiar mother-daughter relationship, might actually be the frontrunner. The film has been rightfully hailed as the most important Bulgarian film of 2014 as it has been praised at several international festivals. The only concern was its release date, but that has been put to rest since the filmmakers have announced a one-week theatrical run of the film in Sofia this September. This might imply they are seriously considering the possibility of being chosen. Other less likely options are “Roseville,” another Best Film nominee at the local film awards, “Rat Poison,” which won Best Screenplay at those same awards, and the comedy “ Living Legends.” “The Judgement,” another important Bulgarian film that opened the Sofia International Film Festival in March, won’t opened theatrically until after the deadline.
1. "Viktoria" PC: Viktoria Films
2. "Alienation" PC: Red Carpet/ Bnt
3."Roseville" Isa: Wide
4. "Rat Poison" PC: Bulfilm Nfc
5. "Living Legends" PC: Euro Dialogue Productions
Croatia
Dominating last year’s Pula Film Festival with seven Golden Arena awards and presented at other international festivals, the drama “ A Stranger” is by far the most qualified choice. Bobo Jelcic’s film follows a man who returns to his hometown only to attend a funeral, but is forced to deal with several other issues from his past while there. Closely following is complex family drama “Hush…,” which also won several awards at the same festival. Other films that could come into play include “Vis-à-Vis,” a story about a film director and on his actor trying to write a screenplay, crime thriller “Not All About the Money, ”and the comedy “Handymen” by Dalibor Matanic, whose film “Fine Dead Girls” represented Croatia in 2002. It is important to note that three other relevant Croatian films, “The Bridge at the of the World,” "Number 55” and “The Reaper,” will probably be released in the next few months and will be in the running next year.
1. "A Stranger"(Obrana i zastita) Isa: Rendez-vous Pictures
2. "Hush..." (Šuti) PC: Kinorama
3. "Vis-a-Vis" PC: Copycat Production House
4. "Not All About the Money" (Nije sve u lovi) PC: Interfilm
5. "Handymen" (Majstori) PC: Hrvatska Radiotelevizija
Cyprus
As one of the few countries in Europe that has never submitted a film, it is likely they will continue on that path once again. Yet, if they decide otherwise, there is a film that could represent them. Crime drama “Stratos” directed by Cyprus-born Yannis Economides and produced with support from the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture could actually be the island nation’s lucky charm. Another Cypriot production, the romantic comedy “ Committed,” would be listed here as a possibility if it wasn’t for the fact that it is entirely in English.
1. "Stratos" (To Mikro Psari) Isa: The Match Factory
Czech Republic
Last year was rough for the Czechs. The ambitious historical courtroom drama “Burning Bush” by acclaimed filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, was disqualified as their submission because it was originally conceived as a TV miniseries. They were forced to select another film “The Don Juans,” which that didn’t do much them. This time around things are looking up with a wide array of films to choose from. Playing at Karlovy Vary recently and opening theatrically just in time to qualify is “Fair Play,” a sports drama about a sprinter attempting to make it to the Olympic Games in 1980. Then there is “Clownwise, ” a quirky dramedy that was nominated for Best Film and won Best Supporting actor at the local Czech Lion Awards. In the third spot is “Hany,” a film conformed of a single continuous shot depicting the madness occurring during a night out in the city. “The Way Out, ” a drama that screened in the Acid sidebar at Cannes, could also be picked based on that notable international exposure. Lastly, “Delight,” another Czech Lion Best Film nominee, could be the surprise selection, but it will probably prove to be a tad too abstract for voters.
1. "Fair Play" Isa: Intramovies
2. "Clownwise" (Klauni) Isa: Latido
3. "Hany" PC: Barletta
4. "The Way Out" (Cesta Ven) Isa: Premium Films
5. "Delight" (Rozkos) PC: Cineart TV Prague
Denmark
These days Denmark is a powerhouse in this category. After almost tasting glory once again with Vinterberg’s “The Hunt, ” the Danish will return to seek their third consecutive nomination. In order to continue their great streak, they need to choose wisely. “Someone in Love,” about a musician in crisis, has garnered praise from critics internationally, and will seem like the obvious choice. On the other hand, there is the mystery flick “ The Keeper of Lost Causes,” which opened in Denmark late last yearand was nominated for 4 Bodil Awards. Then there is “Sorrow and Joy” another powerful drama from Nils Malmros, whose film “Barbara” represented Denmark in 1992. Unique coming-of-age tale ”Speed Walking” could also be a contender. On the final slot there is the romantic drama “The Miracle,” a film that did well at the Montreal World Film Festival, unlikely but not impossible. Whichever it is, it will certainly be something to watch out for throughout the race.
1. "Someone You Love" (En du elsker) Isa: TrustNordisk
2. "The Keeper of Lost Causes" (Kvinden i buret) Isa: TrustNordisk
3. "Sorrow and Joy" (Sorg og glæde) PC: Nordisk Film Production
4. "Speed Walking" (Kapgang) PC: Nordisk Film Production
5. "The Miracle" (Miraklet) PC: Film i Vast
Estonia
This Baltic country’s film industry has increasingly become more consistent at delivering interesting films. Winning awards across festivals, their absolute frontrunner is “Tangerines, ” a Georgian coproduction about a Estonian man caught up in the middle of a war. Its biggest competition is the black and white historical film “In the Crosswind,” “which is a viable choice given that it deals with a painful episode in the region's history: the mass deportation of Baltic people to Siberia by Russia. Though it looks beautifully done, its particular visual aesthetic might seem to unconventional to some voters. It is still really possible they decide to send it regardless. Finally there is “ Kertu” a romantic drama about an unlikely relationship.
1. "Tangerines" (Mandariinid) Isa: Cinemavault
2. "In the Crosswind" (Risttuules) PC: Allfilm
3. "Kertu, Love is Blind" (Kertu) Isa: Paul Thiltges Distribution Sarl
Finland
Despite the countries long filmmaking tradition, the Finnish have only been nominated once for Aki Kaurismäki's “The Man Without a Past” in 2002. Fortunately for them, they have several great eligible films that will make for a difficult decision. Black and white philosophical drama “ Concrete Night” from Pirjo Honkasalo earned 6 Jussi Awards, given by Finland’s film professionals. Such overwhelming recognition will make it hard to ignore despite the serious competition. The film also had a great festival run. Right behind it are two films by prolific Dome Karukoski, who has represented his country at the Oscar previously. The first one is “The Grump,” a comedy based on the character created by Tuomas Kyro. It will screen at Tiff and will open locally just in time to qualify. Karukoski’s other film “Heart of a Lion,” tells a more serious story about a Neo-Nazi who reconsiders his views after falling in love. Either one of them could be picked as a way to honor the consistently great work this filmmaker puts out. Yet another interesting possibility is “Korso,” about a young man with big basketball dreams. The film was partially produced by the same company that created last year’s Oscar nominated short “Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?” There are several other plausible films, but from all those, the one that seems to have the best prospects is the historical comedy “August Fools.”
1. "Concrete Night" (Betoniyö) Isa: Film Republic
2. "The Grump" (Mielensäpahoittaja) Isa: The Yellow Affair
3. "Heart of a Lion" (Leijonasydän) Isa: The Yellow Affair
4. "Korso" PC: Bufo/Tuffi Films
5. "August Fools" (Mieletön elokuu) Isa: Insomnia World Sales
France
Narrowing down France’s possible selection to five titles is by far one of the must uncertain and difficult tasks. The French film industry releases a vast number of films every year in a variety of genres and sizes. This gives them endless possibilities. Yet, there are some indicators that provide insight to what they might end up choosing. First off, the Cesar Awards. This year’s big winner was Guillaume Gallienne's “Me, Myself and Mum, ” which is a delightfully funny film that shines with originality. It was released last November and could definitely be their selected entry. On the other hand, they could choose to honor legendary filmmaker Alain Resnais- who past away earlier this year - by submitting his last film “Life of Riley.” The film received mixed reactions, but won the Fipresci Prize and the Alfred Bauer Award in Berlin. If they want to go with some fresh young talent, there is Cannes Directors' Fortnight Winner “Love at First Sight, ” the debut feature by Thomas Cailley. Another award winner that qualifies is Katell Quillévéré’s “Suzanne” about a woman that loses it all for the love a deviant man. Last but not least, Mathieu Amalric’s latest directorial effort “The Blue Room” could be a surprise player given the actor’s prestige and talent both in front and behind the camera. It is still up in the air.
1. "Me, Myself and Mum" (Les Garçons et Guillaume, à table!) Isa: Gaumont
2. "Life of Riley" (Aimer, boire et chanter) PC: F Comme Film
3. "Love at First Sight" (Les Conbattants) PC: Nord-Ouest Productions
4. "Suzanne" Isa: Films Distribution
5. "The Blue Room" (La Chambre Bleue) Isa: Alfama Films
Georgia
Impressively on the rise, the Georgian film industry keeps on delivering great works that often make waves across international festivals. Last year’s submission “In Bloom,” was a great success and managed to get U.S. distribution for a small theatrical release. On this occasion, they have three films that have done well internationally. Out of the batch, the most successful has been Levan Koguashvili’s “Blind Dates, ” a charming story of a unique quest for love. A second strong competitor is “Brides,” a drama that screened both at the Berlinale and Tribeca this year. Then, just fresh from winning at Karlovy Vary, there is “Corn Island,” a poetic vision of life from the perspective of rural Georgia. It appears like all three titles will release at home in time to qualify. If that’s the case, Georgia has a tough decision to make
1. "Blind Dates" (Shemtkhveviti paemnebi) Isa: Films Boutique
2. "Brides" (Patardzlebi) Isa: Rezo
3. "Corn Island" (Simindis kundzuli) PC: Arizona Productions
Germany
After releasing a 15-film shortlist, Germany’s prospects look clearer. There are several titles on the list that won’t merit a nomination, but the prominent film that remain will make for a competitive final selection. Winning two prizes in Berlin, “Stations of the Cross,” a look at fundamentalist Catholicism, sounds like a front-runner. However, its subject matter might play against it. Feo Aladag’s latest film “Inbetween Worlds,” about a German soldier in Afghanistan, seems to be a powerful drama on the vein of Susanne Bier’s “In a Better World.” On the third slot is “West,” a moving film about a woman and her son escaping socialist East Germany to discover the other side also has its darkness. Then there is “Beloved Sisters,” a costume drama that seems like a safer choice. It might be too familiar to be selected, but not at all improbable. Lastly, “Home from Home,” which won several national awards. It'ss possible, but its narrative style and extensive running time (225 min.) might make it a much more harder sell.
1. "Stations of the Cross" (Kreuzweg) Isa: Beta Cinema
2. "Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "West" (Westen) Isa: Picture Tree International
4. "Beloved Sisters" (Die geliebten Schwestern) PC: Bavaria Film
5. "Home from Home - Chronicle of a Vision" (Die andere Heimat - Chronik einer Sehnsucht) Isa: Arri Worldsales
Greece
Even though it not an absolute rule, the Greeks tend to select the Hellenic Awards Best Film winner as their submission. Taking that into account, the clear favorite and almost certain choice is “Little England,” a period piece that won big locally. It’s biggest flaw; however, is the lack of international exposure. If for some reason they wanted to make a bold move and reward an impressive festival run, then Alexandros Avranas’s marvelously perverse “Miss Violence” would be ideal. Another great festival darling is Elina Psikou‘s feature debut “The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas,” a sardonic exploration on fame and identity. On the fourth spot, there is “ The Enemy Within,” a tense crime drama about a family in the aftermath of a home invasion. The film was also honored at the Hellenic Awards. Finally, “Standing Aside, Watching,” about corruption, sexism, and intimidation in a small village, could also be a great entry. Un Certain Regard film “Xenia” by Panos H. Koutras, won’t open in Greece until October, but will be a possible option next year.
1. "Little England" (Mikra Anglia) PC: Black Orange
2."Miss Violence" Isa: Elle Driver
3."The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas" (I Aionia Epistrofi tou Antoni Paraskeva) Isa: M-Appeal World Sales
4."The Enemy Within" (O Ehthros Mou) Isa: Patra Spanou
5. "Standing Aside, Watching" (Na kathesai kai na koitas) Isa: Patra Spanou
Hungary
Hungary’s last submission “The Notebook” managed to make it into the highly competitive 9-film shortlist. This year they have even brighter hopes with a slate of titles that have done very well around the world. Un Certain Regard winner “White God” is undoubtedly the one to beat. It is a rare occasion for the country to win such a high profile prize, thus making it almost impossible to ignore. Nevertheless, if that is not enough to convince the selection committee, “Free Fall” the latest film György Pálfi - whose films “ Hukkie” and “Taxidermia” have represented Hungary in the past - would be the next best choice. It also won several awards recently at Karlovy Vary, which could be of help. Less likely is Virág Zomborácz‘s “Afterlife” another drama that screened at the renowned Czech festival. Other possible titles include Lgbt romantic drama “Land of Storms, “ which screened in Berlin, and dark “ “Heavenly Shift,” which descent international presence.
1. "White God" (Fehér isten) Isa: The Match Factory
2. "Free Fall" (Szabadesés) PC: Jiff Project
3. "Afterlife" (Utóélet) Isa: Hungarian National Film Fund
4. "Land of Storms" (Viharsarok) Isa: M-Appeal World Sales
5. "Heavenly Shift" (Isteni müszak) Isa: Hungarian National Film Fund
Iceland
This small Scandinavian nation seems to have a very easy decision to make. The film “Life in a Fishbowl” has been dubbed by local critics as “the best Icelandic” film ever made” and it has also been an absolute box-office hit in its homeland. The multi-narrative film is by far the most likely to be submitted. However, its closest competitor is Ragnar Bragason‘s “ Metalhead,” a drama about a girl coping with her brother’s death. It was released late last year and won several Edda Awards. With far less possibilities given the two frontrunners is the dramedy “Paris of the North, ” which screened at Karlovy Vary, and comedy “ The Grandad,” which lacks exposure and buzz.
1. "Life in a Fishbowl" (Vonarstræti) Isa: Films Boutique
2. "Metalhead" (Málmhaus) Isa: Picture Tree International
3. "Paris of the North" (París Norðursins) PC: Arizona Productions
4. "The Grandad" (Afinn) PC: Thorsson Productions
Ireland
Since most of country’s releases are in English rather than in the Irish language, most years the country doesn’t have any candidates for this category. Ireland has only submitted to films for consideration as foreign language films. It is unlikely they’ll enter the race this year, but if it manages to be released in time, Irish director Johnny O'Reilly‘s Russian-language film “Moscow Never Sleeps” could be their selected candidate. The film was produced with the help of the Irish Film Funs, a fact that could help claim it as an Irish production. Another film in the Irish language, “An Bronntanas” (The Gift), would be a great choice, but it seems to be originally envisioned for TV as a five part miniseries. It’s hard to know if it will manage to qualify.
1. "Moscow Never Sleeps" (Москва никогда не спит) PC: Snapshot Films
Italy
Returning as current champion, Italy - which is the most successful nation ever in this category – has two main contenders and a couple other minor players. At the top of the list is “Human Capital,” which beat out “The Great Beauty” at the local David di Donatello Awards. Added to that, the film has won almost every award at home and several others abroad. It would be shocking to see the film be ignored. The biggest threat to its flawless run is Cannes Competition film “The Wonders.” It received mixed reviews but the Cannes pedigree could play a big role. Local success “The Mafia Only Kills in Summer” is less likely to have a chance. However, it also received tons of praise at home, so it shouldn’t be entirely disqualified. “Misunderstood,” by Asia Argento, played in the Un Certain Regard section but faces tough competition. Rounding up these five possibilities is “Those Happy Years, ” a personal film by Daniele Luchetti, which received very positive reviews internationally.
1. "Human Capital" (Il capitale umano) PC: Indiana Production Company
2. "The Wonders" (Le meraviglie) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "The Mafia Only Kills in Summer" (La mafia uccide solo d'estate) Isa: Rai Com
4. "Misunderstood" (Incompresa) Isa: Other Angle Pictures
5. "Those Happy Years" (Anni felici) Isa: Celluloid Dreams/Nightmares
Kosovo
The surprise submission could come from the recently independent, war-torn Balkan state. They have a promising feature film by Isa Qosja's “Three Windows and a Hanging,” which has been called “the best film from Kosovo to date.” Dealing with the forced silence and shame rape victims experience in a small village ruled by patriarchal norms, the film seems to be a perfect candidate to be their first submission. It recently premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival, so its biggest challenge would be qualifying based on its unknown release date at home.
1. "Three Windows and a Hanging"
Latvia
Unfortunately for Latvia, their possibilities are extremely limited this year. There are only two films that seem as possible candidates. One is the slasher horror film “The Man in the Orange Jacket.” It sports a great production value and might be an interesting offer, but it is hard to see it get far in the race. Nonetheless, it is still their best chance. The other film "Escaping Riga" is a documentary on historical figures Sergei Eisenstein and Sir Isaiah Berlin. Given its subject matter it wouldn’t be surprising if they chose to with this. Hopefully next year their output gives them more to pick from.
1. "The Man in the Orange Jacket" (M.O.Zh.) Isa: Wide
2. "Escaping Riga" PC: Mistrus Media
Lithuania
Opposite to its Baltic neighbor mentioned above, Lithuania has several notable films that could represent them. After winning the top prizes at the Lithuanian Silver Crane’ awards, “The Gambler” became the clear favorite. However, it is important to mention that despite having narrative features to choose from, Lithuania decided to send a small documentary to represent them last year. This curious fact could play in favor of “ Cenotaphs,” a doc focusing on the search for the remains of dead soldiers from World War II. The film won Best Documentary and was nominated in other categories at the local awards. Then there are three other Silver Crane nominated films. Coming-of-age flick “ Non-Present Time,” family drama “Santa,” and crime thriller “Name in the Dark.” The winner of several of these awards, “The Excursionist” was released too early last year to be considered this time around. Local financial success “Redirected” is mostly in English, thus ineligible.
1. "The Gambler" (Losejas) Isa: Wide
2. "Cenotaph" (Kenotafas) PC: Studio Uljana Kim
3. "Non-Present Time" (Nesamasis laikas) PC: Just a Moment
4. "Santa" PC: Artbox
5. "Name in the Dark" (Vardas tamsoje) PC: Fralita Films...
Therefore, after lots of research and arduous educated guessing to put it together, the list below offers a more insightful look at this race before the actual individual selections are announced. For the sake of time, the amount of films is limited to five per country, but in some cases the choices are scarcer and less films are listed. While trying to speculate is always an uncertain endeavor, the factors taken into account to determine which are some of this year’s most important films in each country and their prospects of being chosen as their representative at the Academy Awards, were varied. Festival exposure, release date, the country’s previous submissions, and even the thematic elements of a few of them were considered to create this piece.
Clearly nothing is definitive at this point, but at the very least, this compilation will provide a sense of what the film industries in these territories are putting out and sharing with the world.
Read More: Oscars 2015 : Best Foreign Language Film Contenders - The Americas
Here is the first part of the list on Europe (Albania -Lithuania)
Albania
Last year the Balkan state had one of its strongest contenders in recent history, Robert Budina’s “Agon,” a powerful drama dealing with the ethnic identity of the region. This time around, there are three films that qualify to be selected. The front-runner is “ Amsterdam Express, ” which has the highest international profile of the three being a co-production between Albania, U.K The Netherlands and Germany. The film explores the sociopolitical situation of the country through the eyes of an Albanian man who immigrates to Dutch territory illegally. Following along are two other dramas, “The Last Wish” (Amaneti) and “Ada.” Having three clearly viable options, it is almost certain that Albania will compete once again this year.
1. "Amsterdam Express" PC: F&Me
2. "The Last Wish" (Amaneti) PC: Media Vision
3. "Ada" PC: Concordia Pictures
Armenia
Having submitted only four times as an independent nation, it is difficult to predict whether Armenia will decide to participate this year. However, they do have a few films that could represent them at the Academy Awards. Even though the country’s film industry is still precarious and struggling, they have their own annual awards and consistently complete feature length works. Since many of them don’t fulfill the quality standards of major festivals, few of their offers ever get passed their border. The most feasible candidate this year is “Tevanik,” a film about the Karabakh war that screened at the Cannes film market and that has also screened theatrically in its home country. Another possible selection is dark comedy “The Romanticists,” which won the Best Screenplay award at the Hayak National Cinema Awards and had some international exposure. Drama “From Two Worlds as a Keepsake, ” could also be a good candidate as it premiered last year at the World Film Festival in Montreal. Less likely are comedy “The Heart in the House ,” a Russian co-production, and Hayak Best Film nominee “Caucho,” which might be a bit too avant-garde to be chosen.
1. "Tevanik" PC: Fish Eye Art
2. "The Romanticists" (Rromantiknery) PC: Aysor-Plus Film Productions
3. "From Two Worlds as a Keepsake" (Yerku ashkharhic i hishatak) PC: National Film Centr of Armenia
4. "The Heart in the House" (Domik v serdtse) PC: Berg Sound
5. "Caucho"
Austria
Since Austrian productions are heavily influenced by the German film industry and often intertwined with it, it is no surprise that the major winner at the German Film Awards was the co-production “The Dark Valley.” But given that the director Andreas Prochaska is Austrian, as well as most of the creative control and resources, the Germans couldn’t claim it as their own. This, and the fact that Sam Riley is in it, make it an ideal, high profile candidate to be Austria’s Oscar submission. Nominated for five awards in the past Austrian Film Awards, “October November” is also a descent candidate. A close third followed is “The Last Dance” the latest film by Houchang Allahyari, whose film “I Love Vienna” represented the country a couple decades ago. Then we have “ Soldier Jane,” which also nominated for Best Film at the National Awards. Lastly, “The Silent Mountain, “ an epic period piece about World War I is not entirely far fetched. Other films that have had positive receptions at festivals such as “Macondo,” or “Amour Fou” will be released closer to the end of the year.
1. "The Dark Valley" (Das Fisntere Tal) Isa: Films Distribution
2. "October November" (Oktober November) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "The Last Dance" (Der letzte Tanz) PC: Allahyari Filmproduktion
4. "Soldier Jane" (Soldate Jeannette) Isa: Premium Films
5. "The Silent Mountain" ( Der Stille Berg) Isa: Premiere Entertainment Group
Azerbaijan
It's always great to see a country like Azerbaijan submitting a film and making an attempt at getting exposure for their filmmakers and industry. Their films rarely make it to the world stage of glamorous festivals, thus they remain mostly obscure and inaccessible outside their homeland. Nevertheless, this year an Azerbaijani film, “Nabat,” could change that as it will screen at the Venice Film festival. This war film has already screened in the country at least at a special event, it is difficult to know if it will qualify this time around. If it does, it is their best bet. Should they decide to save it for next year, the country has another option of mild prestige. “Chameleon,” a small drama set in a remote village, screened last year at Locarno and that alone could help its chances. Lastly, there is “Down by the River,” which was part of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival selection. It will almost certainly be released until past the deadline, but might be a strong contender in the future. Two other dramas, one of epic proportions and a biopic could get in the mix but there is hardly any information available besides the fact that they have been screened in the capital city of Baku.
1. "Nabat" Isa: Dreamlab Films
2. "Chameleon" (Buqälämun) PC: Arizona Productions
3. "Down the River" (Axinla ashagi) PC: Azerbaijanfilm
Belarus
The small ex-Soviet state has been mostly producing documentaries for local viewing. Their output of material that can be successful abroad is minimal, and even when they have been presented with a great opportunity to participate at the Academy Awards, they simply don’t. This was the case of Sergey Loznitsa's “In the Fog” a couple years back, which could have represented them but was not entered. In fact, they have only participated on two occasions, the last one being in 1996. Although it is unlikely they will show interest, the country has a couple of promising choices. Belarus’ best bet would be the international coproduction “ The Role,” a solemn period piece that was nominated for five Nika Awards (the Russian Oscars) and actually won for Best Screenplay. Highly improbable, but given their small number of contenders, the country could also choose to send “BaBu,” an Azerbaijani coproduction about the kidnapping of a businessman’s daughter.
1. "The Role" (Rol) Isa: Reflexion Films
2. "BaBu"
Belgium
With the return to Cannes of the country’s most iconic filmmakers, the Dardenne Brothers, Belgium has an easy decision to make. Starring Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard, “Two Days, One Night” looks like the obvious favorite. Nevertheless, the Dardennes have been overlooked before, as it was the case two years ago when the Belgians decided to send “Bullhead” over the duo’s “The Kid with a Bike.” The only real threat could be “Marina” by Stijn Coninx, who was nominated for an Oscar in this category back in 1992 with “Daens.“ His latest work is a period piece about Rocco Granata’s life, an Italian singer who lived in Belgium in his youth. A more audacious decision, but not entirely impossible, would be to select the beautifully nightmarish “The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears,” which has had noticeable international presence. Two other titles, “ The Verdict” and “The Treatment” have been well received at home but since they are facing works by revered filmmakers, their chances are slight.
1. "Two Days, One Night" (Deux jours, une nuit) Isa: Wild Bunch
2. "Marina" Isa: Media Luna New Films
3. "The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears" (L'étrange couleur des larmes de ton corps) Isa: Bac Films International
4. "The Verdict" (Het Vonnis) Isa: Media Luna New Films
5. "The Treatment" (De Behandeling) Isa: Be for Films
Bosnia & Herzegovina
The last film by the poster child for Bosnian cinema, Danis Tanovic, managed to make it to the 9-film shortlist last December. This year, the country doesn’t have such a prominent candidate. Based on release date, festival exposure, and language, their safest selection would be the family drama “ With Mom.” Another title that could qualify is “Krivina,” which is technically a 2012 film, but did not premier in Bosnia until late last year. If eligible, it would definitively be a great runner-up. In third place is the incredibly small local film “ Krajina: Life or Death,” and it’s in that position simply because it meets all the minimum requirements to qualify - language included. The last two films mentioned here are longer shots not due to lack of quality, but because of their production details. One, “Bridges of Sarajevo,” is an anthology film created by over a dozen filmmakers from around the world. Even though one of the filmmakers is Bosnian and all sections are in a language other than English, it will be hard to consider it an actual Bosnian film. The other, “For Those Who Can Tell No Tales,” is a Bosnian production directed by Jasmila Zbanic, but the dialogue seems to be mostly in English, which would make it ineligible.
1. "With Mom" (Sa Mamom) PC: Scca/Pro.BA
2. "Krivina" Isa: Princ Films
3. "Krajina: Life and Death" (Ja sam iz Krajine, zemlje kestena) PC: Depo Production
4. "Bridges of Sarajevo" (Les Ponts de Sarajevo) Isa: Indie Sales
5."For Those Who Can Tell No Tales" (Za one koji ne mogu da govore) PC: Mpm
Bulgaria
In recent years the country has decided to send films that have won or have been nominated for their local film awards. This year the winner of the top award for Best Film was “Alienation,” seemingly making it the favorite to be submitted. This might actually not be the case. Premiering at Sundance earlier this year, “Viktoria,” an epic drama about a peculiar mother-daughter relationship, might actually be the frontrunner. The film has been rightfully hailed as the most important Bulgarian film of 2014 as it has been praised at several international festivals. The only concern was its release date, but that has been put to rest since the filmmakers have announced a one-week theatrical run of the film in Sofia this September. This might imply they are seriously considering the possibility of being chosen. Other less likely options are “Roseville,” another Best Film nominee at the local film awards, “Rat Poison,” which won Best Screenplay at those same awards, and the comedy “ Living Legends.” “The Judgement,” another important Bulgarian film that opened the Sofia International Film Festival in March, won’t opened theatrically until after the deadline.
1. "Viktoria" PC: Viktoria Films
2. "Alienation" PC: Red Carpet/ Bnt
3."Roseville" Isa: Wide
4. "Rat Poison" PC: Bulfilm Nfc
5. "Living Legends" PC: Euro Dialogue Productions
Croatia
Dominating last year’s Pula Film Festival with seven Golden Arena awards and presented at other international festivals, the drama “ A Stranger” is by far the most qualified choice. Bobo Jelcic’s film follows a man who returns to his hometown only to attend a funeral, but is forced to deal with several other issues from his past while there. Closely following is complex family drama “Hush…,” which also won several awards at the same festival. Other films that could come into play include “Vis-à-Vis,” a story about a film director and on his actor trying to write a screenplay, crime thriller “Not All About the Money, ”and the comedy “Handymen” by Dalibor Matanic, whose film “Fine Dead Girls” represented Croatia in 2002. It is important to note that three other relevant Croatian films, “The Bridge at the of the World,” "Number 55” and “The Reaper,” will probably be released in the next few months and will be in the running next year.
1. "A Stranger"(Obrana i zastita) Isa: Rendez-vous Pictures
2. "Hush..." (Šuti) PC: Kinorama
3. "Vis-a-Vis" PC: Copycat Production House
4. "Not All About the Money" (Nije sve u lovi) PC: Interfilm
5. "Handymen" (Majstori) PC: Hrvatska Radiotelevizija
Cyprus
As one of the few countries in Europe that has never submitted a film, it is likely they will continue on that path once again. Yet, if they decide otherwise, there is a film that could represent them. Crime drama “Stratos” directed by Cyprus-born Yannis Economides and produced with support from the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture could actually be the island nation’s lucky charm. Another Cypriot production, the romantic comedy “ Committed,” would be listed here as a possibility if it wasn’t for the fact that it is entirely in English.
1. "Stratos" (To Mikro Psari) Isa: The Match Factory
Czech Republic
Last year was rough for the Czechs. The ambitious historical courtroom drama “Burning Bush” by acclaimed filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, was disqualified as their submission because it was originally conceived as a TV miniseries. They were forced to select another film “The Don Juans,” which that didn’t do much them. This time around things are looking up with a wide array of films to choose from. Playing at Karlovy Vary recently and opening theatrically just in time to qualify is “Fair Play,” a sports drama about a sprinter attempting to make it to the Olympic Games in 1980. Then there is “Clownwise, ” a quirky dramedy that was nominated for Best Film and won Best Supporting actor at the local Czech Lion Awards. In the third spot is “Hany,” a film conformed of a single continuous shot depicting the madness occurring during a night out in the city. “The Way Out, ” a drama that screened in the Acid sidebar at Cannes, could also be picked based on that notable international exposure. Lastly, “Delight,” another Czech Lion Best Film nominee, could be the surprise selection, but it will probably prove to be a tad too abstract for voters.
1. "Fair Play" Isa: Intramovies
2. "Clownwise" (Klauni) Isa: Latido
3. "Hany" PC: Barletta
4. "The Way Out" (Cesta Ven) Isa: Premium Films
5. "Delight" (Rozkos) PC: Cineart TV Prague
Denmark
These days Denmark is a powerhouse in this category. After almost tasting glory once again with Vinterberg’s “The Hunt, ” the Danish will return to seek their third consecutive nomination. In order to continue their great streak, they need to choose wisely. “Someone in Love,” about a musician in crisis, has garnered praise from critics internationally, and will seem like the obvious choice. On the other hand, there is the mystery flick “ The Keeper of Lost Causes,” which opened in Denmark late last yearand was nominated for 4 Bodil Awards. Then there is “Sorrow and Joy” another powerful drama from Nils Malmros, whose film “Barbara” represented Denmark in 1992. Unique coming-of-age tale ”Speed Walking” could also be a contender. On the final slot there is the romantic drama “The Miracle,” a film that did well at the Montreal World Film Festival, unlikely but not impossible. Whichever it is, it will certainly be something to watch out for throughout the race.
1. "Someone You Love" (En du elsker) Isa: TrustNordisk
2. "The Keeper of Lost Causes" (Kvinden i buret) Isa: TrustNordisk
3. "Sorrow and Joy" (Sorg og glæde) PC: Nordisk Film Production
4. "Speed Walking" (Kapgang) PC: Nordisk Film Production
5. "The Miracle" (Miraklet) PC: Film i Vast
Estonia
This Baltic country’s film industry has increasingly become more consistent at delivering interesting films. Winning awards across festivals, their absolute frontrunner is “Tangerines, ” a Georgian coproduction about a Estonian man caught up in the middle of a war. Its biggest competition is the black and white historical film “In the Crosswind,” “which is a viable choice given that it deals with a painful episode in the region's history: the mass deportation of Baltic people to Siberia by Russia. Though it looks beautifully done, its particular visual aesthetic might seem to unconventional to some voters. It is still really possible they decide to send it regardless. Finally there is “ Kertu” a romantic drama about an unlikely relationship.
1. "Tangerines" (Mandariinid) Isa: Cinemavault
2. "In the Crosswind" (Risttuules) PC: Allfilm
3. "Kertu, Love is Blind" (Kertu) Isa: Paul Thiltges Distribution Sarl
Finland
Despite the countries long filmmaking tradition, the Finnish have only been nominated once for Aki Kaurismäki's “The Man Without a Past” in 2002. Fortunately for them, they have several great eligible films that will make for a difficult decision. Black and white philosophical drama “ Concrete Night” from Pirjo Honkasalo earned 6 Jussi Awards, given by Finland’s film professionals. Such overwhelming recognition will make it hard to ignore despite the serious competition. The film also had a great festival run. Right behind it are two films by prolific Dome Karukoski, who has represented his country at the Oscar previously. The first one is “The Grump,” a comedy based on the character created by Tuomas Kyro. It will screen at Tiff and will open locally just in time to qualify. Karukoski’s other film “Heart of a Lion,” tells a more serious story about a Neo-Nazi who reconsiders his views after falling in love. Either one of them could be picked as a way to honor the consistently great work this filmmaker puts out. Yet another interesting possibility is “Korso,” about a young man with big basketball dreams. The film was partially produced by the same company that created last year’s Oscar nominated short “Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?” There are several other plausible films, but from all those, the one that seems to have the best prospects is the historical comedy “August Fools.”
1. "Concrete Night" (Betoniyö) Isa: Film Republic
2. "The Grump" (Mielensäpahoittaja) Isa: The Yellow Affair
3. "Heart of a Lion" (Leijonasydän) Isa: The Yellow Affair
4. "Korso" PC: Bufo/Tuffi Films
5. "August Fools" (Mieletön elokuu) Isa: Insomnia World Sales
France
Narrowing down France’s possible selection to five titles is by far one of the must uncertain and difficult tasks. The French film industry releases a vast number of films every year in a variety of genres and sizes. This gives them endless possibilities. Yet, there are some indicators that provide insight to what they might end up choosing. First off, the Cesar Awards. This year’s big winner was Guillaume Gallienne's “Me, Myself and Mum, ” which is a delightfully funny film that shines with originality. It was released last November and could definitely be their selected entry. On the other hand, they could choose to honor legendary filmmaker Alain Resnais- who past away earlier this year - by submitting his last film “Life of Riley.” The film received mixed reactions, but won the Fipresci Prize and the Alfred Bauer Award in Berlin. If they want to go with some fresh young talent, there is Cannes Directors' Fortnight Winner “Love at First Sight, ” the debut feature by Thomas Cailley. Another award winner that qualifies is Katell Quillévéré’s “Suzanne” about a woman that loses it all for the love a deviant man. Last but not least, Mathieu Amalric’s latest directorial effort “The Blue Room” could be a surprise player given the actor’s prestige and talent both in front and behind the camera. It is still up in the air.
1. "Me, Myself and Mum" (Les Garçons et Guillaume, à table!) Isa: Gaumont
2. "Life of Riley" (Aimer, boire et chanter) PC: F Comme Film
3. "Love at First Sight" (Les Conbattants) PC: Nord-Ouest Productions
4. "Suzanne" Isa: Films Distribution
5. "The Blue Room" (La Chambre Bleue) Isa: Alfama Films
Georgia
Impressively on the rise, the Georgian film industry keeps on delivering great works that often make waves across international festivals. Last year’s submission “In Bloom,” was a great success and managed to get U.S. distribution for a small theatrical release. On this occasion, they have three films that have done well internationally. Out of the batch, the most successful has been Levan Koguashvili’s “Blind Dates, ” a charming story of a unique quest for love. A second strong competitor is “Brides,” a drama that screened both at the Berlinale and Tribeca this year. Then, just fresh from winning at Karlovy Vary, there is “Corn Island,” a poetic vision of life from the perspective of rural Georgia. It appears like all three titles will release at home in time to qualify. If that’s the case, Georgia has a tough decision to make
1. "Blind Dates" (Shemtkhveviti paemnebi) Isa: Films Boutique
2. "Brides" (Patardzlebi) Isa: Rezo
3. "Corn Island" (Simindis kundzuli) PC: Arizona Productions
Germany
After releasing a 15-film shortlist, Germany’s prospects look clearer. There are several titles on the list that won’t merit a nomination, but the prominent film that remain will make for a competitive final selection. Winning two prizes in Berlin, “Stations of the Cross,” a look at fundamentalist Catholicism, sounds like a front-runner. However, its subject matter might play against it. Feo Aladag’s latest film “Inbetween Worlds,” about a German soldier in Afghanistan, seems to be a powerful drama on the vein of Susanne Bier’s “In a Better World.” On the third slot is “West,” a moving film about a woman and her son escaping socialist East Germany to discover the other side also has its darkness. Then there is “Beloved Sisters,” a costume drama that seems like a safer choice. It might be too familiar to be selected, but not at all improbable. Lastly, “Home from Home,” which won several national awards. It'ss possible, but its narrative style and extensive running time (225 min.) might make it a much more harder sell.
1. "Stations of the Cross" (Kreuzweg) Isa: Beta Cinema
2. "Inbetween Worlds" (Zwischen Welten) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "West" (Westen) Isa: Picture Tree International
4. "Beloved Sisters" (Die geliebten Schwestern) PC: Bavaria Film
5. "Home from Home - Chronicle of a Vision" (Die andere Heimat - Chronik einer Sehnsucht) Isa: Arri Worldsales
Greece
Even though it not an absolute rule, the Greeks tend to select the Hellenic Awards Best Film winner as their submission. Taking that into account, the clear favorite and almost certain choice is “Little England,” a period piece that won big locally. It’s biggest flaw; however, is the lack of international exposure. If for some reason they wanted to make a bold move and reward an impressive festival run, then Alexandros Avranas’s marvelously perverse “Miss Violence” would be ideal. Another great festival darling is Elina Psikou‘s feature debut “The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas,” a sardonic exploration on fame and identity. On the fourth spot, there is “ The Enemy Within,” a tense crime drama about a family in the aftermath of a home invasion. The film was also honored at the Hellenic Awards. Finally, “Standing Aside, Watching,” about corruption, sexism, and intimidation in a small village, could also be a great entry. Un Certain Regard film “Xenia” by Panos H. Koutras, won’t open in Greece until October, but will be a possible option next year.
1. "Little England" (Mikra Anglia) PC: Black Orange
2."Miss Violence" Isa: Elle Driver
3."The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas" (I Aionia Epistrofi tou Antoni Paraskeva) Isa: M-Appeal World Sales
4."The Enemy Within" (O Ehthros Mou) Isa: Patra Spanou
5. "Standing Aside, Watching" (Na kathesai kai na koitas) Isa: Patra Spanou
Hungary
Hungary’s last submission “The Notebook” managed to make it into the highly competitive 9-film shortlist. This year they have even brighter hopes with a slate of titles that have done very well around the world. Un Certain Regard winner “White God” is undoubtedly the one to beat. It is a rare occasion for the country to win such a high profile prize, thus making it almost impossible to ignore. Nevertheless, if that is not enough to convince the selection committee, “Free Fall” the latest film György Pálfi - whose films “ Hukkie” and “Taxidermia” have represented Hungary in the past - would be the next best choice. It also won several awards recently at Karlovy Vary, which could be of help. Less likely is Virág Zomborácz‘s “Afterlife” another drama that screened at the renowned Czech festival. Other possible titles include Lgbt romantic drama “Land of Storms, “ which screened in Berlin, and dark “ “Heavenly Shift,” which descent international presence.
1. "White God" (Fehér isten) Isa: The Match Factory
2. "Free Fall" (Szabadesés) PC: Jiff Project
3. "Afterlife" (Utóélet) Isa: Hungarian National Film Fund
4. "Land of Storms" (Viharsarok) Isa: M-Appeal World Sales
5. "Heavenly Shift" (Isteni müszak) Isa: Hungarian National Film Fund
Iceland
This small Scandinavian nation seems to have a very easy decision to make. The film “Life in a Fishbowl” has been dubbed by local critics as “the best Icelandic” film ever made” and it has also been an absolute box-office hit in its homeland. The multi-narrative film is by far the most likely to be submitted. However, its closest competitor is Ragnar Bragason‘s “ Metalhead,” a drama about a girl coping with her brother’s death. It was released late last year and won several Edda Awards. With far less possibilities given the two frontrunners is the dramedy “Paris of the North, ” which screened at Karlovy Vary, and comedy “ The Grandad,” which lacks exposure and buzz.
1. "Life in a Fishbowl" (Vonarstræti) Isa: Films Boutique
2. "Metalhead" (Málmhaus) Isa: Picture Tree International
3. "Paris of the North" (París Norðursins) PC: Arizona Productions
4. "The Grandad" (Afinn) PC: Thorsson Productions
Ireland
Since most of country’s releases are in English rather than in the Irish language, most years the country doesn’t have any candidates for this category. Ireland has only submitted to films for consideration as foreign language films. It is unlikely they’ll enter the race this year, but if it manages to be released in time, Irish director Johnny O'Reilly‘s Russian-language film “Moscow Never Sleeps” could be their selected candidate. The film was produced with the help of the Irish Film Funs, a fact that could help claim it as an Irish production. Another film in the Irish language, “An Bronntanas” (The Gift), would be a great choice, but it seems to be originally envisioned for TV as a five part miniseries. It’s hard to know if it will manage to qualify.
1. "Moscow Never Sleeps" (Москва никогда не спит) PC: Snapshot Films
Italy
Returning as current champion, Italy - which is the most successful nation ever in this category – has two main contenders and a couple other minor players. At the top of the list is “Human Capital,” which beat out “The Great Beauty” at the local David di Donatello Awards. Added to that, the film has won almost every award at home and several others abroad. It would be shocking to see the film be ignored. The biggest threat to its flawless run is Cannes Competition film “The Wonders.” It received mixed reviews but the Cannes pedigree could play a big role. Local success “The Mafia Only Kills in Summer” is less likely to have a chance. However, it also received tons of praise at home, so it shouldn’t be entirely disqualified. “Misunderstood,” by Asia Argento, played in the Un Certain Regard section but faces tough competition. Rounding up these five possibilities is “Those Happy Years, ” a personal film by Daniele Luchetti, which received very positive reviews internationally.
1. "Human Capital" (Il capitale umano) PC: Indiana Production Company
2. "The Wonders" (Le meraviglie) Isa: The Match Factory
3. "The Mafia Only Kills in Summer" (La mafia uccide solo d'estate) Isa: Rai Com
4. "Misunderstood" (Incompresa) Isa: Other Angle Pictures
5. "Those Happy Years" (Anni felici) Isa: Celluloid Dreams/Nightmares
Kosovo
The surprise submission could come from the recently independent, war-torn Balkan state. They have a promising feature film by Isa Qosja's “Three Windows and a Hanging,” which has been called “the best film from Kosovo to date.” Dealing with the forced silence and shame rape victims experience in a small village ruled by patriarchal norms, the film seems to be a perfect candidate to be their first submission. It recently premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival, so its biggest challenge would be qualifying based on its unknown release date at home.
1. "Three Windows and a Hanging"
Latvia
Unfortunately for Latvia, their possibilities are extremely limited this year. There are only two films that seem as possible candidates. One is the slasher horror film “The Man in the Orange Jacket.” It sports a great production value and might be an interesting offer, but it is hard to see it get far in the race. Nonetheless, it is still their best chance. The other film "Escaping Riga" is a documentary on historical figures Sergei Eisenstein and Sir Isaiah Berlin. Given its subject matter it wouldn’t be surprising if they chose to with this. Hopefully next year their output gives them more to pick from.
1. "The Man in the Orange Jacket" (M.O.Zh.) Isa: Wide
2. "Escaping Riga" PC: Mistrus Media
Lithuania
Opposite to its Baltic neighbor mentioned above, Lithuania has several notable films that could represent them. After winning the top prizes at the Lithuanian Silver Crane’ awards, “The Gambler” became the clear favorite. However, it is important to mention that despite having narrative features to choose from, Lithuania decided to send a small documentary to represent them last year. This curious fact could play in favor of “ Cenotaphs,” a doc focusing on the search for the remains of dead soldiers from World War II. The film won Best Documentary and was nominated in other categories at the local awards. Then there are three other Silver Crane nominated films. Coming-of-age flick “ Non-Present Time,” family drama “Santa,” and crime thriller “Name in the Dark.” The winner of several of these awards, “The Excursionist” was released too early last year to be considered this time around. Local financial success “Redirected” is mostly in English, thus ineligible.
1. "The Gambler" (Losejas) Isa: Wide
2. "Cenotaph" (Kenotafas) PC: Studio Uljana Kim
3. "Non-Present Time" (Nesamasis laikas) PC: Just a Moment
4. "Santa" PC: Artbox
5. "Name in the Dark" (Vardas tamsoje) PC: Fralita Films...
- 8/31/2014
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Following previous announcements of their film lineup, the Fantasia International Film Festival has released their full lineup of movies to be shown at the 18th Annual festival, starting July 17.
New additions to the lineup include 2014 Cannes Selection When Animals Dream, directed by Jonas Alexander Amby and the return of Fantasia’s showcase of animated films, Axis.
Tickets for the festival go on sale starting July 16, and the festival runs through August 5.
View the whole press release of additional announcements below:
Fantasia Celebrates Its 18th Birthday
With Over 160 Feature Films Montreal, Thursday July 10, 2014 – 2014 is the year that Fantasia turns 18. We can’t believe it either. Fantasia’s 18th birthday means over 160 features and something in the neighborhood of 300 shorts, many being shown for the first time on this continent, a good number screening here for the first time anywhere in the world.In addition to being stacked with a multitude of breathtaking debut filmmaker discoveries,...
New additions to the lineup include 2014 Cannes Selection When Animals Dream, directed by Jonas Alexander Amby and the return of Fantasia’s showcase of animated films, Axis.
Tickets for the festival go on sale starting July 16, and the festival runs through August 5.
View the whole press release of additional announcements below:
Fantasia Celebrates Its 18th Birthday
With Over 160 Feature Films Montreal, Thursday July 10, 2014 – 2014 is the year that Fantasia turns 18. We can’t believe it either. Fantasia’s 18th birthday means over 160 features and something in the neighborhood of 300 shorts, many being shown for the first time on this continent, a good number screening here for the first time anywhere in the world.In addition to being stacked with a multitude of breathtaking debut filmmaker discoveries,...
- 7/10/2014
- by Brian Welk
- SoundOnSight
Film restoration expert Paul Korver and former American Cinematheque head of programming Dennis Bartok have thrown their hat into the distribution arena with Cinelicious Pics.
The nascent company aims to release both new and restored art house and cult classics across the spectrum from theatrical to VOD, Blu-ray and DVD and TV, although the principals said the slate would not be genre or era-specific.
Rounding out the company’s leadership is head of business affairs, entertainment lawyer Kristine Blumensaadt, as well as a support team of marketers, publicists, and restoration talent.
The initial roster kicks off in autumn with Adam Rifkin’s documentary Giuseppe Makes A Movie, Ragnar Bragason’s Metalhead and Elena Tikhonova and Dominik Spritzendorfer documentary Elektro Moskva.
“We’re huge film enthusiasts, first and foremost, and have a deep appreciation for how challenging it can be to bring a unique film to a wider audience,” said evp of acquisitions and distribution Bartok. “Our goal is...
The nascent company aims to release both new and restored art house and cult classics across the spectrum from theatrical to VOD, Blu-ray and DVD and TV, although the principals said the slate would not be genre or era-specific.
Rounding out the company’s leadership is head of business affairs, entertainment lawyer Kristine Blumensaadt, as well as a support team of marketers, publicists, and restoration talent.
The initial roster kicks off in autumn with Adam Rifkin’s documentary Giuseppe Makes A Movie, Ragnar Bragason’s Metalhead and Elena Tikhonova and Dominik Spritzendorfer documentary Elektro Moskva.
“We’re huge film enthusiasts, first and foremost, and have a deep appreciation for how challenging it can be to bring a unique film to a wider audience,” said evp of acquisitions and distribution Bartok. “Our goal is...
- 6/16/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The UK’s revived Icon Film Distribution is adding to its release slate with four pick-ups from Cannes. Ifd acquired Jc Chandor’s A Most Violent Year with Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain; Equals by Drake Doremus with Nicholas Hoult and Kristen Stewart; The Legend Of Barney Thompson starring Robert Carlyle, Ray Winstone and Emma Thompson; and It Follows, the horror pic from David Robert Mitchell that ran in Critics’ Week. Ifd is showing itself a savvy buyer and recently released animated feature Postman Pat: The Movie which has grossed over $4M in its first 10 days. Icelandic producers Davíd Óskar Ólafsson and Árni Filippusson, exec producers on David Gordon Green’s Prince Avalanche, are moving forward with their first English-language drama, Autumn Lights. The film marks the feature directorial debut of Angad Aulakh who wrote the screenplay. Newcomer Guy Kent is starring as a young American photographer on assignment in...
- 6/4/2014
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
Producers of Metalhead and Either Way team with La’s Ashley M Kent on the English-language drama.
Shooting started yesterday in Iceland on English-language drama Autumn Lights, the feature directorial debut of Angad Aulakh.
The producers are Los Angeles-based attorney Ashley M Kent, and Mystery’s David Oskar Olafsson and Arni Filippusson; the latter was one of Efp’s Producers on the Move at Cannes last month. Olafsson and Filippusson’s credits include Metalhead, Either Way (remade as Prince Avalanche), King’s Road and Country Wedding.
The cast features Guy Kent [pictured], Marta Gastini, Sveinn Olafur Gunnarsson and Thora Bjorg Helga.
Kent stars as a young American photographer who meets an enigmatic couple while on assignment in remote Iceland.
Shooting started yesterday in Iceland on English-language drama Autumn Lights, the feature directorial debut of Angad Aulakh.
The producers are Los Angeles-based attorney Ashley M Kent, and Mystery’s David Oskar Olafsson and Arni Filippusson; the latter was one of Efp’s Producers on the Move at Cannes last month. Olafsson and Filippusson’s credits include Metalhead, Either Way (remade as Prince Avalanche), King’s Road and Country Wedding.
The cast features Guy Kent [pictured], Marta Gastini, Sveinn Olafur Gunnarsson and Thora Bjorg Helga.
Kent stars as a young American photographer who meets an enigmatic couple while on assignment in remote Iceland.
- 6/3/2014
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
World premiere of Dermaphoria, starring The Vampire Diaries’ Joseph Morgan and Ron Perlman, to open 13th edition of the London festival.
The line-up for the East End Film Festival (June 13-25) has been revealed.
The 13th edition of the festival - which runs for 13 days - will open on Friday 13th June with the world premiere of Dermaphoria. The Us film is the second feature from Ross Clarke, the east London-based filmmaker and DJ who directed homeless documentary Skid Row in 2007 and co-founded music festival Lovebox.
Based on a novel by Craid Clevenger, Dermaphoria follows an experimental chemist who wakes up in a New Orleans jail with amnesia, accused of arson and links to a drug-manufacturing ring. The cast includes Joseph Morgan (The Vampire Diaries), Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Walton Goggins (The Shield), Anwan Glover (The Wire) and Kate Walsh (Grey’s Anatomy).
Football focus
The festival, which coincides with the World Cup in Brazil, will welcome...
The line-up for the East End Film Festival (June 13-25) has been revealed.
The 13th edition of the festival - which runs for 13 days - will open on Friday 13th June with the world premiere of Dermaphoria. The Us film is the second feature from Ross Clarke, the east London-based filmmaker and DJ who directed homeless documentary Skid Row in 2007 and co-founded music festival Lovebox.
Based on a novel by Craid Clevenger, Dermaphoria follows an experimental chemist who wakes up in a New Orleans jail with amnesia, accused of arson and links to a drug-manufacturing ring. The cast includes Joseph Morgan (The Vampire Diaries), Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Walton Goggins (The Shield), Anwan Glover (The Wire) and Kate Walsh (Grey’s Anatomy).
Football focus
The festival, which coincides with the World Cup in Brazil, will welcome...
- 5/7/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.