I first heard about Darwin at the Zurich Film Festival where everyone was raving about this documentary by a young Swiss director. In fact, the film won the Best Documentary Award at ZFF, followed by another (BDA) at Austin Film Festival, later in October. Along the way, Darwin has been receiving great reviews from critics around the world, including one (Variety) with which I wholeheartedly agree, “Undeniable poetry.” It wasn’t until London (55th BFI Film Festival) that I had the chance to see Darwin and meet Nick Brandestini …

-

Homa Nasab - How did you hear about Darwin?

Nick Brandestini - I was interested in making a documentary film about a small, isolated community in the desert. My…

DC Shorts showcases the largest audience-driven collection of short films in the USA.  Now in our 9th year, we expect hundreds of filmmakers and thousands of audience members mix, mingle and explore the world of short cinema.



DC Shorts is unique among film festivals, as we entries to read the feedback and scores from the judging panels — a point which impressed MovieMaker Magazine to name us as “one of 20 festivals worth an entry fee,” and “one of the leading film festivals” in the country — year after year!



The DC Shorts Film Festival (September 6-16, 2012) turns the spotlight on truly independent short films, created by new and established filmmakers in an era when the art of filmmaking is opening to all. We select films of every genre and niche for our competition screenings — with a special focus on films created by metropolitan Washington, DC-based directors and writers. After each screening, filmmakers have the opportunity to speak to the audience as part of…

The 8^th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival, scheduled for August 9-16, 2012, is now accepting submissions.  (www.withoutabox.com/login/4655). 2011 HSFF featured over 300 projects showcasing stars and filmmakers including Neil Labute, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and awarded over $50,000 in prizes, including $30,000 in post services courtesy of Company 3 for Best Short, Director, Music Video, and Commercial.  www.hollyshorts.com

Nespresso blues: George Clooney as 'The American'

I love 'Michael Clayton'

A tutor at the MFI course suggested I could read the script as an example of an intelligent, well written thriller. I followed her advice and was very impressed by the quality of Tony Gilroy’s writing. The best I can say about the movie is that it does justice to the blueprint, thanks to his good direction and great performances by George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and a magnificent Tom Wilkinson.

I knew The American got mixed reviews, and I’m not a big fan of Anton Corbijn’s videos, but I decided to give it a try, hoping I’d find something similar to the pleasure I got watching…