Messi Baghdad is on the shortlist for the Oscar for Best Short Film Fiction.
Sahim Omar Kalifa is currently in Los Angeles to present the film as part of a program of short films that the American Cinematheque organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of Belgium. "I heard the news while I was in a restaurant with other Belgians. My first impression is indescribable. I've won more than 70 awards with my shorts but today is the happiest day of my life. "
Messi Baghdad tells the story of young Hamoudi, who, like the other children in the village where he lives, is a football fan especially from Lionel Messi. On the eve of the final of the Champions League match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United, the television refuse to play. Hamoudi then convinced his father to go to repair the device in Baghdad.
The short film has already toured the world with more than 150 selections in festivals and 46 awards and special mentions. The previous film Sahim Omar Kalifa, Land of the Heroes has also been shown in numerous festivals and his latest film, Bad Hunter, has now embarked on a successful international career.
The final list will be announced on January 15 and if the Belgian short film is there.
The scenario of Baghdad Messi was written by Sahim Omar Kalifa and Kobe Van Steenberghe. The latter produced the film with Hendrik Verthe for a production team (Image, The Circle). The film was supported by the Flanders Audiovisual Fund / Cinema Fund of the Ministry of Culture Sven Gatz.
In 2002, Singer Alexander Wesselsky and Noel Pix (composition/keyboard, guitar, producer), founded the industrial dark-electro rock band Eisbrecher (Icebreaker). The self-titled debut album & follow ups Antikörper, Sünde, and Die Hölle muss warte forged them a rabid fan base worldwide, along with media and chart attention. With the new album, entitled Schock, Alexx and Noel have delivered another masterpiece. Emotional, honest, forthright - Eisbrecher forges delicately brutal music without compromises. Heavy industrial guitar sounds, driving electro, and Alexx's distinctive voice are clothed in beats both modern and danceable.
From 10th December 10, 2010 at the movies: Mr. Turner by Mike Leigh.
Casting: Timothy Spall, Paul Jesson and Dorothy Atkinson
Synopsis
In Mr. Turner Timothy Spall stars as William Turner, the famous British painter of the 18th century. We follow the life of the artist from his success until his tragic death in 1851. Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) was known for his landscapes and seascapes. Mr. Turner is directed by Mike Leigh, who previously had success with Another Year and Happy-Go-Lucky.
Vanaf 10 december 2014 in de bioscoop: Mr. Turner van Mike Leigh.
Casting: Timothy Spall, Paul Jesson en Dorothy Atkinson
Synopsis
In Mr. Turner schittert Timothy Spall als William Turner, de beroemde Britse kunstschilder uit de 18e eeuw. We volgen het leven van de kunstenaar vanaf zijn beginnende succes tot zijn tragische dood in 1851. Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) stond bekend om zijn landschappen en zeegezichten. De regie van Mr. Turner is in handen van Mike Leigh, die eerder succes had met Another Year en Happy-Go-Lucky.
Summit Entertainment, the studio behind the Twilight and Divergent series, is set to reboot the Highlander franchise, and they hope to bring Tom Cruise in to play the mentor role once occupied by Sean Connery, according to TheWrap.
While the studio wouldn't comment for TheWrap, a representative for Cruise downplayed the reports while admitting that they are, in substance, true.
[Highlander] “is one of many projects that come to him and he discusses,” said the representative, adding that Cruise is “far from talks” and that “he is offered tons of projects.”
The 52-year-old megastar is currently filming the fifth Mission: Impossible film.
Snow White and the Huntsman Second Unit director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan is set to make his feature directorial debut with Highlander. The report claims that the mentor role might be beefed up to accommodate Cruise if he were to accept the job.
Cruise previously worked with Summit Entertainment on Vanilla Sky, the 2001 drama that reteamed him with Jerry Maguire director Cameron Crowe.
On DVD & BLU-RAY January 26th
Japan / 2013 / 97 Mins / In Japanese with English subtitles / Colour
Starring: Kumi Takiuchi (The Ravine of Goodbye) ,Takashi Sasano (Departures, Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, Instant Swamp) and Kim Kkobbi (Breathless, Pluto)
Synopsis
Nami (Kumi Takiuchi) is a young woman with numerous hangups sprouting from a dysfunctional childhood. She inherits a small fortune that allows her to pursue various interests, many of which are highly abnormal. For example, Nami loves to spy on people who, not unlike herself, have gone crazy from loneliness. She calls these people "solitarians.” Perhaps due to a father fixation, her favourite spying targets are old men with stiff boners. One fateful day, Nami spies on an elderly gentleman (Takashi Sasano) watching porn DVDs at home. She soon transitions from a peeping tom into a full-fledged stalker.
Director, Eiji Uchida Biography
Eiji Uchida was born in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil which has continued to be an influence even after going back to Japan. In his twenties he worked as a journalist for Playboy magazine. After leaving that job he started working as a scriptwriter.
Statement
There are many works dealing with religion. The idea to start creating "GREATFUL DEAD" was difficult as movies with the theme of a religion are unpopular in Japan. However, Takashi Sasano, who is a very famous actor representing Japan in many internationally acclaimed films such as ‘Departures’ was happy with the script and chose to be in the film which allowed the film to progress to what it is today.
[Selected Filmography]
■2004 GACHAPON
■2005 SHIAWASE NARA TE WO TATAKOU
■2008 TOPLESS
■2008 SISTERHOOD
■2011 BLACK ANGELS
■2011 THE LAST DAYS OF THE WORLD
■2013 DEAD BANGING
