AFI 2007 Film Festival Info/Schedule/Tickets (November 1st-11th)

October 26, 2007January 5, 2024 todd elliot

AFI FEST 2007 PRESENTED BY AUDI

ANNOUNCES COMPLETE FESTIVAL LINEUP

PROGRAMMING INCLUDES LIVE TRIBUTES TO

CATHERINE DENEUVE AND LAURA LINNEY

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

MORE THAN 30 AFI FEST TITLES ALSO REPRESENTED AT AFM

Los Angeles, CA October 8, 2007—AFI FEST 2007 presented by Audi: AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival announces that iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve as well as respected American thespian Laura Linney, will each receive Tributes at this year’s Festival. Both tribute events will precede screenings of their work in films previously announced to screen at AFI FEST¾ Sony Pictures Classics’ PERSEPOLIS, which features Deneuve’s voice work and Fox Searchlight’s THE SAVAGES, which stars Linney.

Also announced is the complete schedule for AFI FEST. In it’s 21st year, the Festival’s diverse programming from around the world includes a selection of films that reflect recent worldwide political upheaval, a surge in films coming from Latin filmmakers and the Middle East, a renewed focus on experimental works, international filmmaking icons, independent and iconographic directors, as well as a salute to exemplary artists who passed during the past calendar year. In addition, more than 30 of the features in official selection at AFI FEST will be represented by distributors at the American Film Market, unfolding concurrently with AFI FEST from October 31 – November 7.

Commenting on this year’s lineup, Associate Director of Programming Shaz Bennett said, “The International line up of both master filmmakers and new talent reflects not only the diversity of Los Angeles, but an opportunity to see ourselves reflected in the films from around the world. This year throughout all the programming, the films and filmmakers were pushing the boundaries of cinema, experimenting with style, form and content. And it’s always interesting to see what the collective consciousness of filmmakers around the world are doing especially where they overlap, this year there were recurring themes throughout the programs, most notably with political issues but also women’s roles, immigration, family and a general longing for deeper connection. Each film echoing others and yet all of them with their own style and point of view.”

Artistic Director Rose Kuo adds, “This has been an exciting year of transition for AFI FEST. We were given tremendous support to take risks so that we could make bold selections such as showcasing experimental work in our main sections, foregrounding hot-button political issues, and not limiting ourselves to choosing films based on fulfilling preordained categories or achieving premiere “quotas”. We focused on selecting the best films and the most important films regardless of whether the films had premiered elsewhere so that we could present on overview of the best work of the year.”

The Tribute to Laura Linney will take place at ArcLight Hollywood on Friday, November 9, 2007. This tribute to and discussion of the OscarÒ nominated actor’s accomplished career will precede the screening of Tamara Jenkins’ THE SAVAGES, an acclaimed drama focusing on a sister and brother (played by Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman) who must face the realities of familial responsibility as they begin to care for their ailing father.

Linney’s film career began in the early 1990s with roles in LORENZO’S OIL (1992) and DAVE (1993). Following notable roles in PRIMAL FEAR (1996), ABSOLUTE POWER (1997) and THE TRUMAN SHOW (1998), Linney truly came into her own with her Academy AwardÒ nominated performance in YOU CAN COUNT ON ME (2000). Linney’s work has continued to shine in MYSTIC RIVER (2003), her second Academy Award nominated performance in KINSEY (2004) and THE SQUID AND THE WHALE (2005).

The Tribute to Catherine Deneuve will take place at ArcLight Hollywood on Saturday, November 10, 2007. PERSEPOLIS, which was recently announced as France’s official entry for the Academy Awards, will screen immediately following the tribute. The animated French/Iranian production, directed by Mariane Satrapi and Vincent Parranoud, is a poignant story of a precocious and outspoken young Iranian girl who comes of age during the Islamic Revolution.

Universally hailed as one of the Grand Dames of French cinema, Deneuve’s career in film has spanned forty years since her debut in 1957. After her breakthrough in Jacques Demy’s musical THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG, this elegant and radiant beauty graced the screen in many unforgettable performances, including Roman Polanski’s REPULSION (1965), Luis Bunuel’s BELLE DE JOUR (1967), Francois Truffaut’s MISSISSIPPI MERMAID (1969) and THE LAST METRO (1980), an Academy AwardÒ nominated turn in INDOCHINE (1992), Regis Wargnier’s EAST WEST (1999), and Lars Von Trier’s DANCER IN THE DARK (2000).

“From both sides of the Atlantic, Catherine Denueve and Laura Linney have each made extraordinary contributions to international cinema. Each embody, through the complexity and nuance of their extraordinary individual talents, the raw promise of a fine performance,” noted Festival Director Christian Gaines. “It’s a thrill to honor at AFI FEST the astonishing accomplishments of these remarkable women.”

Seven films will be making their world premieres at AFI FEST 2007. Those films include: 1000 JOURNALS; CYRANO FERNANDEZ; IT’S BETTER IF GABRIELA DOESN’T DIE; MANUELA Y MANUEL; POP SKULL; PUBLIC ENEMY – WELCOME TO THE TERRORDOME; and SPINE TINGLER! THE WILLIAM CASTLE STORY.

Seventeen films will make their North American premieres. That group includes: AFGHAN MUSCLES; THE ART OF NEGATIVE THINKING; AUTUMN BALL; ECHO; ELVIS PELVIS; FUNUKE SHOW SOME LOVE YOU LOSERS; LIONS FOR LAMBS; LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA; LUCKY MILES; LYNCH; THE MUGGER; NEVER APOLOGIZE: A PERSONAL VISIT WITH LINDSAY ANDERSON; NOISE; NOSALTRES; PRINCE OF THE HIMALAYAS; SEARCHERS 2.0; and THE YEAR OF THE NAIL.

Eighteen films will make their U.S. premieres Those films are: THE AERIAL; ATENCO, CRIME OF STATE; BODY OF WAR; CHOP SHOP; CONTINENTAL, A FILM WITHOUT GUNS; THE DUCHESS OF LANGEAIS; HAPPY DESERT; THE LAST MISTRESS; MAD DETECTIVE; MUNYURANGABO; NIGHT TRAIN; OPERATION FILMMAKER; THE QUEST FOR THE MISSING PIECE; SILENT LIGHT; SOLOS; THE TRACEY FRAGMENTS; USED PARTS; and WITH YOUR PERMISSION.

Continuing its unique and successful association with the American Film Market, the following films will both participate in the market as well as screen at the festival; 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS, ALEXANDRA, THE ART OF NEGATIVE THINKING, THE BAND’S VISIT, BIG RIG, BLIND MOUNTAIN, CARAMEL, DEFICIT, DOGHEAD, ECHO, EXPIRED, FARO – GODDESS OF THE WATERS, FLIGHT OF THE RED BALLOON, HONEYDRIPPER, IRINA PALM, JELLYFISH, LAST MISTRESS, LUCKY MILES, MAD DETECTIVE, MARGOT AT THE WEDDING, NIGHT TRAIN, NOISE, PERSEPOLIS, SECRET SUNSHINE, SILENT LIGHT, SMILEY FACE, STEEP, and WITH YOUR PERMISSION.

This year’s AFI FEST will include films with AFI Conservatory alumni filmmakers such as; AMERICAN FORK (DP Doug Chamberlin), CONTINENTAL, A FILM WITHOUT GUNS (DP Sara Mishara), DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY (DP Janusz Kaminski), EXPIRED (WRT/DIR Cecilia Miniucchi, CO-PROD Melitta Fitzer, DP Zoran Popovic), HOLLYWOOD CHINESE (WRT/DIR/PROD/ED Arthur Dong, DP Hiroki Miyano), IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS (PROD Seth Caplan, ED Frank Reynolds), MY BIODEGRADABLE HEART (PROD Tamar Simon), PSYCHO HILLBILLY CABIN MASSACRE! (DIR Robert Cosnahan, PROD/SCR Doug Howell, SCR Wendy Wegner, DP Rob Toth), SEARCHERS 2.0 (DP Steven Fierberg) and WITH YOUR PERMISSION (EXEC PROD Kim Magnusson).

AFI FEST 2007’s overall lineup will showcase a total of 97 features (69 narrative, 28 documentary) and 51 shorts (43 narrative, 8 documentary) and 8 video art works for a total of 148 films from 37 different countries.

The breakdown by section is Galas (3), Special Presentations (11), International Feature Competition (11), International Documentary Competition (12), Documentary Showcase (9), World Cinema (18), African Showcase (4), American Showcase (9), Latin Showcase (8), Dark Horizons (5), Milestones (5), International Shorts Competition (44), and Video Art on the Roof (7).

The FEST is headquartered at ArcLight Hollywood, where most of the international Festival’s activities will take place. Additional special screenings and events will take place at the Linwood Dunn Theatre in Hollywood.

AFI FEST will run November 1-11, 2007. Passes are now on sale, and individual film and event tickets go on sale on October 12. To order passes, tickets and for more information visit www.AFI.com/AFIFEST, or call 1.866.AFI.FEST.

The best way to guarantee admission to the Tributes to Laura Linney and Catherine Deneuve¾as well as the previously announced Opening Night Gala LIONS FOR LAMBS, Centerpiece Gala JUNO and Closing Night Gala LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA, or to assure a seat at any of the 148 narrative, documentary and short films screening at the ten day festival¾is to buy a pass.

AFI FEST 2007 presented by Audi’s complete lineup follows:

GALAS

Opening Night Gala – LIONS FOR LAMBS (North American Premiere) Cast: Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Peter Berg, Michael Pena, Derek Luke. DIR Robert Redford PROD Daniel Lupi, Robert Redford, Andrew Hauptman, Tracy Falco, Matthew Michael Carnahan. USA

Centerpiece Gala – JUNO Cast: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, Rainn Wilson. DIR Jason Reitman PROD Lianne Halfan, John Malkovich, Russell Smith, Mason Novick, Matthew Michael Carnahan. USA

Closing Night Gala – LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA (North American Premiere) Cast: Javier Bardem, Benjamin Bratt, Liev Schreiber, Laura Harring, Catalina Sandino Moreno. DIR Mike Newell PROD Scott Steindorff. USA

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

A showcase for high profile films boasting acclaimed actors and directors. Special Presentations feature highly anticipated films from around the world.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (LE SCAPHANDRE ET LE PAPILLON) Cast: Max Von Sydow, Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Anne Consigny, Emma De Caunes. DIR: Julian Schnabel PROD: Kathleen Kennedy, Jon Klik. EXEC PROD: Pierre Grunstein, Jim Lemley. USA

Hollywood Chinese (Documentary) Featuring: Turhan Bey, Joan Chen, Tsai Chin DIR: Arthur Dong PROD: Arthur Dong. USA

Honeydripper Cast: Danny Glover, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Yaya DaCosta, Charles S. Dutton, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Gary Clark Jr.. DIR: John Sayles PROD: Maggie Renzi. USA

Light Work Mood Disorder & He Walked Away DIR: Jennifer Reeves PROD: Jennifer Reeves USA

Margot at the Wedding Cast: Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, John Turturro, Jack Black, Ciaran Hinds, Zane Pais. DIR: Noah Baumbach PROD: Scott Rudin. USA

Mr. Warmth (Documentary) Featuring: Don Rickles, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, Robin Williams, Sidney Poitier, Chris Rock. DIR: John Landis PROD: Larry Rickles, Mike Richardson, John Landis, Robert E Engelman. USA

Persepolis Voices: Catherine Deneuve, Chiara Mastroianni, Danielle Darrieux DIR: Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paranound. PROD: Marck-Antoine Robert, Xavier Rigault, Kathleen Kennedy. France

Princess of Nebraska Cast: Ling Li, Pamelyn Chee, Brian Danforth, Patrice Binaisa. DIR: Wayne Wang PROD: Yukie Kito, Donald Young. EXEC PROD: Yasushi Kotani, Taizo Son, Stephen Gong. USA

The Savages Cast: Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco. DIR: Tamara Jenkins PROD: Ted Hope, Anne Carey, Erica Westheimer. EXEC PROD: Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor, Jim Burke, Anthony Bregman, Fred Westheimer. USA

Southland Tales Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mandy Moore, Cheri Oteri, Kevin Smith, Miranda Richardson, Will Sasso, Jon Lovitz. DIR: Richard Kelly PROD: Bo Hyde, Sean McKittrick, Kendall Morgan, Matthew Rhodes. EXEC PROD: Oliver Hengst, Katarina Hyde, Bill Johnson, Ernst August Schneider, Jim Seibel, Judd Payne. USA

A Thousand Years of Good Prayers Cast: Henry O, Faye Yu, Vida Ghahremani, Pasha Lychnikoff. DIR: Wayne Wang PROD: Yukie Kito, Patrick Lindenmaier, Rich Cowan. EXEC PROD: Yasushi Katami, Taizo Su, Jooick Lee. USA

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE COMPETITION

This category includes first and second time filmmakers making their World, North American or U.S. premiere.

The Art of Negative Thinking (KUNSTEN A TENKE NEGATIVT) Cast: Fridtjov Såheim, Kjersti Holmen, Henrik Mestad DIR: Bard Breien PROD: Dag Alveberg. Norway

Autumn Ball Cast: Rain Tolk, Taavi Eeimaa, Sulevi Peitola DIR: Vieko Ounpuu PROD: Katrin Kissa. Estonia

Chop Shop Cast: Alejandro Polanco, Isamar Gonzales, Rob Sowulski DIR: Ramin Bahrani PROD: Lisa Muskat, Marc Turtletaub, Jeb Brody. USA

Continental, A Film Without Guns (CONTINENTAL, UN FILM SANS FUSIL) Cast: Réal Bossé, Marie-Ginette Guay, Fanny Mallette DIR: Stéphane Lafleur PROD: Kim McCraw, Luc Dery. Canada

Elvis Pelvis Cast: Geoffrey Burton, Tony Cealy, Laura Crowe DIR: Kevin Aduaka PROD: Kevin Aduaka, Nadja Romain. France/UK

Funuke Show Some Love, You Losers (FUNUKEDOMO, KANASHIMI NO AI WO MISERO) Cast: Erikio Sato, Aimi Satsukawa, Hiromi Nagasaku DIR: Daihachi Yoshida PROD: Shuji Kakimoto. Japan

The Mugger (El Asaltante) Cast: Guillermo Arengo, Germån de Silva, Arturo Goetz DIR: Pablo Fendrik EXEC PROD: Juan Pablo Gugliotta. Argentina

Munyurangabo Cast: Jeff Rutagengwa, Eric Ndorunkundiye, Jean Marie Vianney Nkurikiyinka DIR: Lee Isaac Chung PROD: Lee Isaac Chung EXEC PROD Han Gil Chung, Robert Liang, Alex Hsiong Chu.Rwanda/USA

Solos Cast: Loo Zihan, Goh Guat Kian, Lim Yu-Beng DIR: Loo Zihan, Kan Lume PROD: Gerald Herman, Florence Ang EXEC PROD Ricardo Uncilla. Singapore

Used Parts (Partes Usadas) Cast: Eduardo Granados, Alan Chavez, Carlos Ceja DIR: Aaron Fernandez PROD: Aaron Fernandez, Martezu Mohammadi. Mexico/France

With Your Permission (TIL DODEN OS SKILLER) Cast: Lars Brygmann, Sidse Babett, Knudsen, Rasmus Bjerg DIR: Paprika Steen PROD: Leila Vestgaard, Thomas Heinesen EXEC PROD Kim Magnusson, Tivi Magnussori. Denmark

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

Best and brightest of challenging, thrilling documentary filmmaking from around the world, as chosen by the AFI FEST Programming Staff.

1000 JournalS DIR: Andrea Kreuzhage PROD: Andrea Kreuzhage USA/Germany

Afghan Muscles DIR: Andreas Mol Dalsgaard PROD: Jesper Morthorst, Michael Haslund-Christensen. Denmark

Atenco, A Crime of State (ATENCO, UN CRIMEN DE ESTADO) DIR: Klamve Colectivo Mexico

Chris & Don. a love story Cast: DIR: Guido Santi, Tina Macara PROD: Julia Scott, Tina Mascara, Guido Santi, James White. USA

Heckler Featuring: Jamie Kennedy, Louie Anderson, Bill Maher, Jewel Kilcher, Patton Oswalt, Eli Roth, David Cross, George Lucas, Mke Ditka, Rob Zombie. DIR: Michael Addis PROD: Michael Addis, Jamie Kennedy. USA

Operation Filmmaker Featuring: Liev Schreiber, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson DIR: Nina Davenport PROD: Nina Davenport, David Schisgall. USA

Orange Revolution DIR: Steve York PROD: Steve York EXEC PROD Peter Ackerman. USA

Please Vote For Me DIR: Weijun Chen PROD: Don Edkins. China

Public Enemy: Welcome To The Terrordome Featuring: Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, The Beastie Boys, Tom Morello, Henry Rollins DIR: Robert Patton-Spruill PROD: Walter Leaphart Jr, Lathan Hodge. USA

The Quest For The Missing Piece (BEHIKVOT AHATIHA AHASERA) DIR: Oded Lotan PROD: Claudia Levin. Israel

Sigur Ros – Heima DIR: Dean de Blois PROD: Dean O’Connor, John Best. Iceland

The Unforeseen DIR: Laura Dunn PROD: Laura Dunn, Douglas Sewell, Jef Sewell, William Warren. USA

DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE

This documentary section includes highly anticipated films from established masters and new faces.

BIG RIG DIR: Doug Pray PROD: Brad Blondheim USA

BODY OF WAR DIR: Ellen Spiro, Phil Donahue EXEC PROD: Phil Donahue CO-PROD: Karen Bernstein USA

CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO DIR: Matthew Ogens PROD: Matthew Ogens, Jamie Patricof, Charles Gruet USA

LYNCH Featuring: David Lynch DIR: blackANDwhite EXEC PROD: Rips Penderis, Ole Johan Roska, Matt Semi PROD: Soren Larsen, Brynn McQuade, Jon Nguyen, Jason S. USA

VAL LEWTON: THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS DIR/SCR: Kent Jones PROD: Martin Scorsese, Margaret Bodde EXEC PROD: TNT Tom Brown USA

NEVER APOLOGIZE: A PERSONAL VISIT WITH LINDSAY ANDERSON Featuring: Malcolm McDowell DIR: Mike Kaplan PROD: Mike Kaplan, Malcolm McDowell, Peter Crane USA

PIERRE RISSIENT: MAN OF CINEMA Featuring: Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino, Werner Herzog, Abbas Kiarostami, Bertrand Tavernier, ou Hsiao-Hsien, Claude Chabrol DIR/PROD: Todd McCarthy USA

SPINE TINGLER! THE WILLIAM CASTLE STORY Featuring: John Waters, John Landis, Joe Dante DIR: Jeffrey Schwartz PROD: Jeffrey Schwartz. USA

STEEP DIR/SCR: Mark Obenhaus EXEC PROD: J. Stuart Horsfall, Mark Obenhaus, Tom Yellin PROD: Jordan Kronick, Gabrielle Tenenbaum USA

WORLD CINEMA

This section presents new works by the world’s most established and renowned filmmakers. While it often features work from prominent European filmmakers, it also includes important new films from less-recognized filmmaking communities.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (4 LUNI 3 SAPTAMINI SI 2 ZILE) DIR: Cristian Mungiu PROD: Oleg Mutu, Mihaela Poenaru EXEC PROD: Florentina Onea. Romania

ALEXANDRA DIR: Nicholas Kaiser PROD: ANDREJ SIGLE Russia

The Band’s Visit (BIKUR KATIZMORET) DIR: Eran Kolirin PROD: Eilon Ratzkovsky, Ehud Bleiberg, Yossi Uzrad, Koby Gal-Raday, Guy Jacoel. Israel

Blind Mountain (MANG SHAN) DIR: Li Yang PROD: Li Yang EXEC PROD: Alexandra Sun, Li Shan, Li Hua China

Caramel Cast: Nadine Labaki, Yasmine Al Masri, Joanna Moukarzel, Gisele Aouad, Adel Karam, Sihame Haddad, Aziza Semaan, Fatme Safa, Dimtri Stancofski, Fadia Stella, Ismail Antar DIR: Nadine Labaki PROD: Anne-Dominique Toussant. Lebanon/France

The CounterfeiterS (DIE FALSCHERS) Cast: Karl Markovics, Auust Diehl, Devid Striesow, Martin Brambach, August Zirner DIR: Stefan Ruzowitzky PROD: Josef Aichholzer, Nina Bohlmann, Babette Schroder. Austria/Germany

Doghead (CABEZA DE PERRO) DIR: Santi Amodeo PROD: Santi Amodeo. Spain

The Duchess of Langeais DIR: Jacques Rivette PROD: Martine Marignac, Maurice Tinchant. France

The Flight of the Red Balloon (LE VOYAGE DU BALLOON ROUGE) Cast: Juliette Binoche , Simon Iteanu, Song Fang, Hippolyte Girardot, Louise Margolin. DIR: Hou Hsiao-Hsien PROD: François Margolin, Kristina Larsen. Taiwan/France

Irina Palm Cast: Marianne Faithfull, Jenny Agutter, Miki Manojlovic, Kevin Bishop, Sioghan Hewlett, Dorka Gryllus. DIR: Sam Garbarski PROD: Sebastien Dellove. USA

Jellyfish (Meduzot) Cast: Sarah Adler, Nikol Leidman, Gera Sandler, Noa Knoller, Ma-nenita De Latorre, ilanit Ben Yaakov, Zharira Charifai DIR: Etgar Keret, Shira Geffen PROD: Amir Harel, Avelet Kuit, Yael Fogiel, Laetitia Gonzalez. Israel

The Last Mistress (UNE VIEILLE MAITRESSE) Cast: Asia Argento, Fu’ad Ait Aattou, Roxane Mesquida, Claude Sarraute, Yolande Moreau DIR: Catherine Breillat PROD: Jean-François Lepetit. France

Lucky Miles Cast: Kenneth Moraleda, Rodney Afif, Srisacd Sacdpraseuth, Glenn Shea, Sean Mununggurr, Sawung Jabo, Arif Hidayat, Don Hany DIR: Michael James Rowland PROD: Jo Dyer, Lesley Dyer, Geoff Burton EXEC PROD: Michael Bouchier. Australia

Mad Detective Cast: Lau Ching-wan, Andy On, Lee Kwon Lun, Lam Ka Tung DIR: Johnnie To PROD: Ka-Fai Wai Hong Kong/China

Night Train Cast: Liu Dan, Qi Dao, Xu Wei, Wu Yuxi, Wang Zhenijia, Mena Haivan DIR: Yinan Diao PROD: Vivian Qu, Steve Chow CO PROD Natacha Devillers, Julien Fayre, Luca Matrundola, Pascal Vaguelsy EXEC PROD: Shu Yao, Yinghua Lu, Sean Chen. China

Prince of the Himalayas Cast: Purba Royal, Zomskvid, Dobrgyal, Sonamdolgar, Trashi, Lobzangchopel DIR: Sherwood Hu EXEC PROD: Xu Pengle, Dong Suming, Deng Hong, Caizhi PROD Sherwood Hu, Yin Jianhua. China

Secret Sunshine (Milyang) Cast: Jeon Do-yeon, Song Kang-ho, Seon Jeong-yeob DIR: Chang Dong Lee PROD: Yong-kyou Cho EXEC PROD: Kim In-su, Lee Chang-dong. South Korea

The Tracey Fragments Cast: Ellen Page, Ari Cohen DIR: Bruce McDonald PROD: Sarah Timmins EXEC PROD Paul Barkin. Canada

AFRICAN SHOWCASE

The best new feature films from contemporary African filmmakers. This often-overlooked part of the cinematic world is home to a vibrant, diverse and thriving film community. Films in this section are known for their unique storytelling styles.

Clouds Over Conakry (IL VA PLEUVOIR SUR CONAKRY) Cast: Alex Ogou, Moussa Keita, Tella Kpomahou DIR: Cheick Fantamady Camara PROD: Annabel Thomas Majama Camera. Guinea, France

Faro – Goddess of the Waters (FARO – LA REINE DES EAUX) Cast: Sotigui Kouvate, Fili Traore, Michel Mpambara DIR: Salif Traore PROD: Philippe Quinsac, Daniel Morin, Barbel Mucch, Salif Traore, Ismael Oueadrog Mali, France, Canada, Germany, Burkina Faso

Nosaltres (Documentary) DIR: Moussa Toure. Senegal

Welcome to Nollywood (Documentary) DIR: Jamie Meltzer PROD: Cayce Lindner, Henry S. Rosenthal. USA, Nigeria

AMERICAN SHOWCASE

This section is a window into the current state of American independent cinema. Often featuring world premieres of films with distinct perspectives and original voices, these movies have yet to receive the attention they deserve.

American Fork Cast: Hubbel Palmer, Mary Lynn Rajskub, William Baldwin, Kathleen Quinlan DIR: Chris Bowman PROD: Derek Beumer, Maya Browne, Jeremy Coon, Shannon Gardner EXEC PROD: Derek Ferguson USA

Expired Cast: Samantha Morton, Jason Patric, Teri Garr, Illeana Douglas DIR: Cecilia Miniucchi PROD: Jeffrey Coulter, Fred Roos EXEC PROD: Alex Shing, Antoni Stutz, Lawrence Wang USA

In Search of a Midnight Kiss Cast: Scoot McNairy, Sara Simmonds, Brian McGuire, Katy Luong, Twink Caplan, Nic Harcourt DIR: Alex Holdridge PROD: Seth Caplan, Scoot McNairy EXEC PROD: Anne Walker-McBay USA

The Living Wake Cast: Mike O’Connell, Jesse Eisenberg, Jim Gaffigan DIR: Sol Tryon PROD: Ami Ankin, Chadwick Clough, Peter Kline, Mike O’Connell, Sol Tryon EXEC PROD: Robert Bethge USA

Look Cast: Jamie McShane, Spencer Redford, Hayes McArthur, Nichelle Hines, Ben Weber, Paul Schackman DIR: Adam Rifkin PROD: Barry Schuler, Brad Wyman EXEC PROD: Richard Bishop, Donald Kushner USA

Noise Cast: Tim Robbins, Bridget Moynahan, William Hurt DIR: Henry Bean PROD: Henry Bean, Susan Hoffman, Meike Kornrumpf EXEC PROD: Paul de Souza, Daniel Diamond USA

On the Road with Judas Cast: Aaron Ruell, Kevin Corrigan, Eddie Kaye Thomas DIR: J.. Lask PROD: Ronan P. Nagle, Amy Slotnick USA

Searchers 2.0 Cast: Del Zamora, Ed Pansullo, Jaclyn Jonet, Sy Richardson DIR: Alex Cox PROD: Jon Davison, Darren Hicks, Simon Tams. USA

Smiley Face Cast: Anna Faris, Adam Brody, John Krasinski, Danny Masterson, John Cho, Jane Lynch, Marion Ross, Danny Trejo DIR: Gregg Araki PROD: Gregg Araki, Steve Golin, Alix Madigin, Kevin Turen, Henry Winterstern EXEC PROD: Thomas Becker, H. Jason Beck, Stuart Burkin, Jors Westerkamp. USA

LATIN SHOWCASE

One of the most popular and powerful sections of the Festival, Latin Showcase has produced stories from Central and South America that have galvanized AFI FEST audiences with their bold and arresting visions and unique, daring points of view.

The Aerial (LA ANTENA) Cast: Rafael Ferro, Florencia Raggi, Alejandro Urdapilleta DIR: Esteban Sapir ASST PROD: Juan Aguirre, Frederico Rotstein. Argentina

Cyrano Fernandez Cast: Edgar Ramirez DIR: Alberto Arvelo Venezuela, Spain

Deficit Cast: Gael Garcia Bernal, Luz Cipriota, Tenouch Huerta Mejia, Camila Sodi DIR: Gael Garcia Bernal PROD: Pablo Cruz, Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Luciana Kaplan. Mexico

Happy Desert (DESERTO FELIZ) Cast: Nash Laila, Peter Ketnath, Hermila Guedes DIR: Paulo Caldas PROD: Germano Coelho EXEC PROD: Fernando Zagallo. Brazil, Germany

It’s Better if Gabriela Doesn’t Die (MEJOR ES QUE GABRIELA NO SE MUERA) Cast: Mauricio Isaac, Dagoberto Gama, Gabriela Roel DIR: Sergio Umansky EXEC PROD: Maite Arguellas, Carlos Morales. Mexico

Manuela Y Manuel Cast: Humbert Busta, Elena Iguina, Luz Maria Rondon DIR: Raul Marchand PROD: Frances Luusell Diaz. Puerto Rico

SILENT LIGHT (STELLET LICHT) Cast: Cornelio Well Fehr, Miriam Toews, Maria Pankratz DIR: Carlos Reygadas PROD: Jaime Romandia, Carlos Reygados. Mexico, France

THE YEAR OF THE NAIL (ANO UNA) Cast: Diego Catana, Eireann Harper, Salvador Elizondo Michele Alban DIR: Jonas Cuaron PROD: Alfonso Cuaron, Jonas Cuaron, Eireann Harper, Frida Torresblanco. Mexico

DARK HORIZONS

From horror and thrills to experimental works, this section seeks to raise the pulse and open the eyes of the audience. The films in Dark Horizons attempt to push the boundaries of technology, culture and cinema itself; they revel in the explosive power of film to plumb society’s anxieties or to explore the ecstatic heights of a truly transcendent artistic experience.

Echo (Ekko) Cast: Kim Bodnia, Villads Milthers Fritsche, Stine Fischer Christensen DIR: Andres Morgenthaler PROD: Sarita Christensen CO PROD: Louise Vesth, Marie Gade. Denmark

Pop Skull Cast: Lane Hughes, Brandon Carrol, Hanna Hughes, Maggie Henry, L.C. Holt DIR: Adam Wingard PROD: Adam Wingard, E.L. Katz, Lane Hughes. USA

Sakuran Cast: Anna Tsuchiya, Kippei Shina, Hiroki Narimiya, Yoshino Kimura DIR: Mika Ninagawa PROD: Masao Teshima, Mitsuru Uda, Yoshinori Fujita. Japan

Strange Culture (Documentary) Cast: Tilda Swinton Peter Coyote. DIR: Lynn Hershman Leeson PROD: Lynn Hershman Leeson, Lise Swenson, Steven Beer. USA

Viva Cast: Anna Biller, Jared Sanford, Bridget Brno, Chad England DIR: Anna Biller PROD: Anna Biller. USA

MILESTONES

In the past year, the worldwide cinematic community had lost some of its best loved members. The filmmakers represented in this section were all pioneers who advanced the art of cinema while producing truly remarkable work.

Faat Kine (2000) (Ousmane Sembene Milestone)

The Passenger (1975) (Michaelangelo Antonioni Milestone)

Shame (SKAMMEN) (1968) (Ingmar Bergman Milestone)

Terrorizer (KONGBU FENZI) (1986) (Ed Yang Milestone)

Torn from the Flag (A LYUKAS ZASZLO) (2007) (Laszlo Kovacs Milestone) (Documentary) DIR: Klaudia Kovacs, Endre Hules

INTERNATIONAL SHORTS COMPETITION

Comprised of short documentary, experimental, animated and narrative films, these screenings are often some of the most dynamic and unexpectedly challenging films presented.

Shorts Program One:

Dear Bill Gates DIR: Sarah J. Christman USA

God Provides (Documentary) DIR: Brian M. Cassidy USA, Canada

Kids + Money (Documentary) DIR: Lauren Greenfield USA

Naked (NAAKT) DIR: Albert Jan van Rees Holland

One Day Across the Valley DIR: Andrea Giacomini USA

Ousmane DIR: Gaye Dyana Senegal, France

Rock Pockets DIR: Trevor Anderson Canada

Surgery (CIRUGOA) DIR: Alberto Gonzalez Spain

Shorts Program Two:

Aftermath on Meadowlark Lane DIR: David and Nathan Zellner USA

Emergency Needs DIR: Kevin Everson USA

Life and Times of Robert Kennedy Starring Gary Cooper DIR: Aaron Valdez USA

Saliva DIR: Esmir Filho Brazil

South Central Farm: Oasis in a Concrete Desert (Documentary) Featuring: Daryl Hannah, Martin Sheen, Jamie Cromwell. DIR: Sheila Laffey USA

The Tragic Story of Nling DIR: Jeffrey St. Jules Canada

Untitled #2 DIR: Valerie Brewer USA

White Man in a Black Box (HOMME BLANC DANS UNE BOITE NOIRE) DIR: Jerome Jourlait Namibia-France

Shorts Program Three:

Baby DIR: Hester Scheurwater Netherlands

Bitch DIR: Lilah Vandenburgh USA

H.R. Giger’s Sanctuary (Documentary) Featuring: H.R. Giger. DIR: Nick Brandestini, Steve Ellington Switzerland

The Hunter Cast: Larry Fessenden. DIR: Benjamin Gray USA

Machine (MAQUINA) DIR: Gabe Ibanez Spain

The Mark DIR: Thomas Barndt USA

Moment de Gloire DIR: Hendrik Moonen Belgium

Spider DIR: Nash Edgerton Australia

Shorts Program Four:

Alice Sees the Light DIR: Ariana Gerstein USA

Black and White Trypps Number Three DIR: Ben Russell USA

Feathers to the Sky DIR: Leonardo Ricagni Uruguay

Glass, Concrete and Stone (Documentary) DIR: Douglas Nicholas USA

Metalosis Maligna DIR: Floris Kaayk

Oldeastside DIR: Khavn Philippines

Psycho Hillbilly Cabin Massacre! DIR: Robert Cosnahan USA

Watching it Rain (VER LLOVER) DIR: Elisa Miller Mexico

Shorts Program Animation:

Destiny Manifesto DIR: Martha Colburn USA

Everything will be Ok DIR: Don Hertzfeldt USA

For the Love of God Voices: Ian McKellen, Steve Coogan. DIR: Joe Tucker UK

I Met the Walrus DIR: Josh Raskin Canada

Key Lime Pie DIR: Trevor Jimenez Canada

M’Appelle DIR: Javier Mrad Argentina

My Biodegradable Heart DIR: Dana Adam Shapiro USA

One Devil and his Dog DIR: Tony Clarke

Shuteye Hotel DIR: Bill Plympton USA

t.o.m. DIR: Tom Brown, Daniel Gray UK

Tower Bawher DIR: Theodore Ushev Canada

Yours Truly DIR: Osbert Parker UK

Video Art On The Roof:

After the Funeral DIR: Gorav Kalyan USA

Bliss DIR: Robert Todd USA

Downhill Skiing in Summer (LAUBERHORNRENNEN IM SOMMER) DIR: Daniel Zimmerman Switzerland

From Here to Breath DIR: Nazanian Arandi USA

GAZE DIR: Nazanian Arandi USA

Message for the Neighbours (SINUM NAABRITELE) DIR: Priit Tender Estonia

Metamorphosis DIR: Clare Langan

About AFI FEST

AFI is a national institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media. Celebrating its 21st year as a program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST 2007 presented by Audi will take place November 1-11, featuring international competitions of new films from emerging filmmakers, as well as global showcases of the latest work from great film masters and nightly red-carpet gala premieres. Kicking off the awards season each year, AFI FEST offers a crucial avenue of exposure to the entertainment community, while providing appreciative audiences with a festive atmosphere and the very best of world film, right in the center of the film capital of the world.

The American Film Market (AFM), October 31 – November 7, 2007, is the market partner of AFI FEST. Together, AFI FEST and AFM provide the only concurrent festival/market event in North America. The synergy of this strategic partnership led to a record level of business throughout AFI FEST 2006 for companies such as Sony Pictures Classics, Strand Releasing, First Look Studios, IFC Films, Union Station Media, Wolfe Releasing, Optimum Releasing, and Cineclick Asia. More domestic sales of international titles and international territory sales occurred at AFI FEST 2006 than any other US festival. AFI FEST is the only FIAPF-accredited film festival in the United States. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for the Short Films category for the annual Academy Awards®.

Additional information about AFI FEST is available at www.AFI.com.

AFI FEST 2007 presented by Audi is supported in part by the Los Angeles County

Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles, the Philanthropy Project and the Hollywood Sign Trust. AFI FEST is proud to continue its collaborative partnership with the Skirball Cultural Center.

AFI PROJECT: 20/20 is an American Film Institute project supported by a partnership of the Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

AFI FEST 2007 presented by Audi is sponsored in part by American Airlines,

ArcLight Hollywood, RR Donnelley, Farmers Insurance, AT&T, Samsung, Absolut Vodka, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Midway Car Rental, and Stella Artois. The Los Angeles Times is the Festival’s Presenting Media Partner.

About Audi of America, Inc.

Audi offers a line of premium vehicles through a network of 270 dealers including the Audi A3 compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high-revving RS 4 sports sedan and Cabriolet (November 2007 launch); the all-new S5 coupe (November 2007 launch) with 354 hp; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the V10-powered high performance S6 sedan; the Audi Q7 performance SUV; the new all-aluminum Audi A8; the S8 with V10 power; the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models; and the all-new all-aluminum R8, one of the most exclusive sports cars in the world.

Press Contact:

John Wildman, Director, Press and Public Relations AFI FEST 2007 presented by Audi, 323.856.7839, [email protected]

Alison Deknatel, American Film Institute, 323.856.7896, [email protected]