London is bestowed with multitudes of international events this year. As Londoners get busy with preparations for the Olympics in July, the city gives its entertainment buffs an unforgettable experience. Terracotta Far East Film Festival has collaborated with the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office to bring the Hong Kong 15 film festival to the Queens City of London this summer. The festival will be held at the popular Odeon Covent Garden from July 2 until July 14. This is indeed a moment of pride for London, as its dissidents will experience cinema of a different caliber and prestige. The film festival will also mark the 15th centenary of the historical release of the British colony of Hong Kong to China.

The festival features 15 brilliant moments of cine magic from the world’s most advanced city. People can connect with Hong Kong in a way they have never connected before and experience the thrills, romance, drama, history, culture and arts of this vibrant city. To make this event memorable, organizers have selected versatile and diverse movies from varied genres to showcase the city’s historical past and its transformation through time.

On June 15, 2012, the festival website released the exciting list of up-coming movies being presented at the symposium. According to the festival website, “The diversity of Hong Kong cinema will be represented through a panorama of films divided in three sections: ‘Currents,’ ’15 Years Review,’ and ‘Shaw Brothers Classics.’” An extensive list includes films by national award-winning directors and brings to us internationally acclaimed actors such as Daniel Ip. The festival is gearing up to provide its audience with varied and multi award-winning movies. The world cinema has come a long way and these festivals are a testimony to the journey independent filmmakers, script writers, and actors have embarked on to make a difference in the art of filmmaking. Hong Kong 15 film festival will also expose the masses to upcoming Hong Kong film intellect from around the region.

The complete list of movies:

Current:

• ‘A Simple Life’ by Ann Hui
• ‘Big Blue Lake’ by Jessey Tsang Tsui- Shan
• ‘White Vengeance’ by Daniel Lee Life
• ‘Without Principle’ by Johnnie To,
• ‘The Bounty’ by Fung Chi Chiang,
• ‘The Detective 2′ by Oxide Pang,
• ‘East Meets West 2011′ by Jeffrey Lau,
• ‘Wu Xia’ by Peter Chan.

15 Years Review:

• ‘Made In Hong Kong’ by Fruit Chan
• ‘When Beckham Met Owen’ by Adam Wong
• ‘Infernal Affairs’ by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak,
• ‘Sparrow’ by Johnnie To,
• ‘Dream Home’ by Pang Ho-cheung.

Shaw Brothers Classic:

• ‘The 36th Chamber of Shaolin’ by Liu Chia-Liang,
• ‘One Armed Swordsman’ by Chang Cheh.

For booking and all other enquiries, please visit the Hong Kong 15 film festival website.

Image Courtesy of  lullabi / Shutterstock.com

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Lionsgate, the leading next generation studio, announced recently that it will partner with Crest Animation Studios to co-produce the Stereoscopic 3D animated family feature ‘Norm of the North’ as the second film in their three-picture deal. Lionsgate will distribute in North America. The announcement was jointly made by Joe Drake, Lionsgate Co-Chief Operating Officer and Motion Picture Group President; Mike Paseornek, Lionsgate President of Motion Picture Production; Ken Katsumoto, Lionsgate Executive Vice President of Family Entertainment; Noah Fogelson, CEO of Crest Animation Productions; and Seemha Ramanna, Managing Director Crest Animation Studios.

‘Norm of the North’ is written by Steven and Daniel Altiere. Delivery is anticipated for the first quarter of 2012. Katsumoto will oversee the production for Lionsgate; Crest Animation President of Production Richard Rich will oversee for Crest.

The first film in the Lionsgate/Crest partnership was last year’s CGI animated family feature ‘Alpha and Omega’, featuring the voices of Justin Long, Hayden Panetierre, Christina Ricci, Danny Glover, Dennis Hopper and Larry Miller. Directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck, ‘Alpha and Omega’ premiered in October 2010.

Said Paseornek and Katsumoto, “Our partnership with Crest has gotten off to a terrific start with ‘Alpha and Omega’, and ‘Norm of the North’ is an ideal follow-up. In its range of characters, locations and narrative, ‘Norm of the North’ offers a bounty of riches for family audiences.”

“We are delighted to be producing ‘Norm of the North’ with our friends at Lionsgate,” commented Fogelson. “This is a wonderful story, full of humor and heart, and stereoscopic 3D technology will bring it vividly to life.”

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Wendy Jaffe, Executive Vice President Business & Legal Affairs, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Sean Kisker, Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning, and Katsumoto; and for Crest Animation Productions by attorney Josh Grode of Liner Grode Stein Yankelevitz Sunshine Regenstreif & Taylor LLP.

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What happens when a former paparazzi photographer gets the picture of a lifetime – a revealing shot of The First Lady? SNAPSHOT will premiere at Hoboken International Film Festival’s (HIFF) 2012 as the Opening Night Feature Film. The festival will be held at the Hudson Cinemas at the Hudson Mall in Jersey City this year, from June 1- June 7, 2012.

SNAPSHOT screenwriter Robert Borneman was inspired to write the film as a result of tragic events including the death of Lady Diana to the recent suicide of Rutgers student, Tyler Clementi.  Borneman said, “SNAPSHOT weighs the public’s right to know against an individual’s right to privacy. We examine this issue in a dramatic and entertaining manner.” Robert and Joyce Borneman served as executive producers of SNAPSHOT.

Kenneth Del Vecchio, SNAPSHOT’s producer, is a critically acclaimed filmmaker/best-selling author who has produced 15+ feature films that star several Academy Award and Emmy winners and nominees. A former New Jersey judge, Del Vecchio is also HIFF’s founder and chairman.

Joyce DeWitt, who plays “The First Lady” in SNAPSHOT says, “Ken Del Vecchio is a brilliant and wonderful producer.  SNAPSHOT was an exciting film to act in. It has an unexpected twist in a story about the challenges of personal integrity vs. personal needs.”

DeWitt served as co-host of NYC’s top morning show- Fox’s- Good Day New York…  On the program, she talked extensively about the film. Here’s a clip…Click Here To See Joyce on Good Day NY.

Del Vecchio handpicked Eric Etebari (“Witchblade,” “The Lincoln Lawyer”) – a longtime lead and supporting actor in several of his films – to serve as SNAPSHOT’s director. Robert and Joyce Borneman, previously served as executive producers for three Del Vecchio written/produced films, “The Great Fight,” “The Life Zone,” and “The Grand Theft.”

Del Vecchio inked a three-picture deal with Screen Media for these critically acclaimed – and highly controversial – flicks, directly after they premiered last year at HIFF; all three movies will be released theatrically later this year.

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With movies so plentiful these days, it is easy for small gems to slip between the cracks at the box office. To remedy that, we have prepared a list of ten niche films that you should see. Rev up your Netflix queues and let’s dive right in.

10. ‘ ‘Snatch’ is a crime action comedy about a group of characters all related to a stolen 86-carat diamond. The cast of characters includes two underground boxing managers, a four-fingered thief with a gambling problem, a mob boss who feeds his enemies to pigs, a Gypsy bare knuckle boxing champion, a New York crime boss, a borderline immortal bounty hunter, an Uzbekistan assassin, and three idiotic small time crooks. Sound interesting? If that didn’t pull you in, the casting will. The film employs Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones, Brad Pitt, Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina, Stephen Graham, Jason Flemyng, and Alan Ford.

The brilliance of the film stems from its multiple plot threads that are engaging, funny, brutal, and action-packed, and the way they tie into each other is nothing short of genius. Many Guy Ritchie fans consider this to be his Magnum Opus, but the film is largely unknown due to it being one of his earlier works. Its sharp dialogue, gritty environments, and diverse characters will easily pull you into the story and leave you breathless by the end of it.

9. ‘Stick It’ (2006)

‘Stick It’ is an American teen comedy about Haley Graham (Missy Peregym), a disgruntled former gymnast champion who is unceremoniously thrown back into the world of gymnastics after a stint with the law. She is universally hated by all other gymnast for walking out on the Worlds’ competition years earlier and thus causing the team to be disqualified. However, as she gets back in shape and softens up around her fellow gymnasts, she realizes that she may be able to succeed in changing the harsh rules and regulations associated with the gymnastics world for the better.

The film is on par with teen classics such as ‘Mean Girls’ (2004) and ’10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999) because of its realistic characters, witty dialogue, and unforgiving irreverence. Unfortunately, it was not advertised well when it came out and most people thought it was aimed at too narrow a demographic. In reality, the film does not have a learning curve and can be enjoyed by anyone who has quick wits and likes a sarcastic female lead.

8. ‘Waitress’ (2007)

‘Waitress’ is a dramedy about a “pie baking genius” named Jenna (Keri Russell) who is stuck in a small town diner and gets knocked up by her abusive man-child of a husband. Jenna does not want to be a mother but she reluctantly keeps the baby out of motherly duty. This leads her to Dr. Jim Pomatter (Nathan Fillion), her new gynecologist, and the two enter a steamy affair that makes her slowly regain her zest for life and eventually grow to care for her baby.

The film takes care in examining how adultery, while morally wrong, can often have interesting side effects on the downtrodden. It also deconstructs the typical thoughts of how motherhood is supposed to be a beautiful thing when in reality there are many women who feel alone, victimized, and trapped by their unwanted children. The careful writing, excellent casting, and beautiful cinematography create a unique experience with plenty of laughs, tears, and surprises at every turn.

7. ‘I Think I Love My Wife’ (2006)

‘I Think I Love My Wife’ is a comedy about the pitfalls of marriage, single life, and sex in one man’s life. Richard Cooper (Chris Rock) is married with two children but his wife (Gina Torres) suddenly stops having sex with him and refuses to explain why. In the midst of struggling with this issue, one of Richard’s old friends, Nikki True (Kerry Washington), saunters back into his life and starts a flirtatious friendship with him. He begins grappling with the secret attraction shared between them and starts down the slippery slope towards adultery.

The movie makes an uncanny portrayal of a husband trying his best to do right when he is given every opportunity to do wrong by his wife. Chris Rock is known for his stand up material addressing the boring routines in a long marriage and he uses his knowledge to its best effect in the dialogue and the realistic problems that occur between married men and their single women friends. While it keeps a comedic tone throughout, there are some excellent dramatic moments caused by the sexual tension and Richard’s desire to remain devoted to his difficult but loving wife.

6. ‘Idlewild’ (2006)

‘Idlewild’ is a musical drama about a small town called Idlewild in Georgia, 1935. It tells the tale of a repressed musician, Percival Jenkins (Andre Benjamin), his popular but irresponsible best friend Rooster (Antwan Patton), a dangerous crime boss who oversees their club named Trumpy (Terrence Howard), and a beautiful singer, Angel Davenport (Paula Patton), who starts singing at the club and changes their lives. Angel and Percy fall in love while Rooster gets in trouble with Trumpy as he tries to extort the club due to a failed deal between he and the club’s former owner, whom he murdered.

The biggest attraction advertised for this movie was the music, which features songs from Outkast’s albums ‘The Love Below’ and ‘Speakerboxxx’, but the true brilliance of the film comes from the stand out performances of Andre 3000 and Paula Patton. The love story is built up carefully and has a classic feel to it while keeping a tragic undertone.

Furthermore, the supporting cast features plenty of familiar faces like Ben Vereen, Ving Rhames, Faizon Love, Paula Jai Parker, Macy Gray, and Cicely Tyson. Fans of Outkast’s music will be thrilled but fans of musicals in general will also be enraptured in the vibrant dance sequences and the powerful love story.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

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Shammi Kapoor died Sunday morning at the age of 79 years old. The Indian movie star and director appeared in over 100 films. Kapoor died of chronic renal failure at approximately 5 AM at Breach Candy hospital. According to BBC News, the funeral was held on Monday at the Ban Banga Crematorium in his hometown, Mumbai.

In 2006, Kapoor had been at the hospital for a week, and later announced that he was frequently undergoing dialysis treatments. Instead of allowing the disease to depress him he consistently spoke about being thankful for the life he had lived.

The actor was born on October 20, 1931 to a unique lifestyle and a career that was already laid out for him. Kapoor was no stranger to the spotlight. His face was everywhere in the Indian film industry from the 50’s to the 70’s and Bollywood was always in his blood. He is the eldest of three sons who all went on to be actors, like their father Prithviraj who was famous on screen and at the theater.

A handsome and versatile actor, Kapoor has been called the best actor in Bollywood. He stood out for not only his name, but also his looks, sense of style, and positive attitude.

Shakti Sharma, a director who worked with the actor on several occasions,  said, “I found Shammi to be a thoroughly good man. He was humble.”

Kapoor was six feet tall with green eyes and light skin, fairly uncommon for Indian actors. He became an icon after three consecutive box office hits: “Tumsa Nahi Dekha” (1957), “Ujala,” and “Dil Dil Deke Deko” (both 1959). The movies are considered to be classics. He won many Indian film awards including a Lifetime Achievement Prize at the International Indian Film Academy Awards in 2001.

Imran Khan, a current Bollywood superstar, tells The Hindustan Times that he was “a man with a heart of pure gold.” When Khan’s grandparents (also actors) could not afford to get married, it was Kapoor who held the wedding at his own home and paid for all the clothing and jewelry.

As time went on and Kapoor started to lose his youthfulness, he directed two movies that did not do as well as the classics that he starred in. In the following years, he remained relatively off the scene while raising his family.

Kapoor’s last performance was in “Rockstar” (2011), alongside his brother’s grandson, Ranbir Kapoor.Kapoor met his first wife, Geeta Bali, on a movie set in 1955. She had worked with his brother and father in the past and tried to keep their love a secret until they married, just four months later with only one witness.

The couple co-starred in the hit “Miss Coca Cola.” They had two children together: a son, Aditya, in 1956, and a daughter, Kanchan, in 1961. Unfortunately, Geeta died of Small Pox while filming.

Kapoor was nowhere to be seen for two months until he returned to the set to continue filming, according to The Hindustan Times. Khan tells the newspaper that the first day back on set included a love song titled “Tumne Mujhe Dekha,” meaning “You saw me.” The young actor tells the newspaper “the pain on his face in that song brings me to tears…that’s more than just acting.”

Kapoor married again in 1969 to member of the formal Royal Family, Neela Devi Gohil. Many Bollywood actors have been tweeting their condolences and memories of the actor:

Film star Amitabh Bachan said, the “flamboyance and joie de vivre of the industry is lost.”

Actress Saira Banu who starred in a film with him said Kapoor was “a wonderful human being. He is eternal.” Khan goes on to explain that when he, himself, first became successful, it was “Shimmy Uncle” who wished him luck and reminded him to “never forget what’s really important…friends and family. Everything else is temporary.”

His success, legacy and values will not be forgotten.

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