LATEST RELEASES FROM THE FILM SOCIETY
April 2012
View Festival Guide eBook of the 2nd San Joaquin Children's Film Festival
Thursday, March 29, 2012
2nd San Joaquin Children's Film Festival unveils Official Selections
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Swiss Director Peter Luisi to be honored with Independent Award at 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
5th San Joaquin International Film Festival unveils Official Selections
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Swiss comedy "The Sandman" is Opening Film of the 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival with Director Peter Luisi in Person
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
"Carol Channing - Larger than Life" by Dori Berinstein is the Closing Night Film of the 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival
Monday, November 21, 2011
Finland's 2012 Oscar bid "Le Havre" by Aki Kaurismaki and documentary "Being Elmo - A Puppeteer's Journey" by Constance Marks are Centerpiece films of 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival
Friday, November 4, 2011
Sophoan Sorn to Direct 5th Anniversary San Joaquin International Film Festival, January 12-15, 2012
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NEW RELEASES
2nd San Joaquin Children's Film Festival unveils Official Selections
Published: Thursday, March 29, 2012
Stockton, California, USA - The San Joaquin Film Society is proud to announce the lineup of the 2nd San Joaquin Children's Film Festival (SJCFF), part of the Film Society's year-round World Cinema Series. The festival will run in Stockton, California on April 21st and 22nd at the Janet Leigh Theatre (3601 Pacific Avenue) on the campus of University of the Pacific.
A spotlight on French animation will shine with three feature films. The 2012 Academy Awards Animated Feature nominee "A Cat in Paris" will be the Opening Day Feature. The English-language version of "Mia and the Migoo" - with a star-studded voice cast led by John DiMaggio and Whoopi Goldberg - will honor April 22nd's Earth Day. Closing the festival will be "Tales of the Night," the latest masterpiece from French auteur Michel Ocelot, whose film "Azur and Asmar" opened the first SJCFF in 2009.
The shorts program "It's a Small World" will showcase eight films from seven nations.
- From Founder-Director Sophoan Sorn: "Three of the most internationally-successful animated films from France in recent years will lead the selections, coming from master directors and new talents of over nine nations. These include nominees and winners of the Academy Awards, the European Film Awards and the Annie Awards. Directors of the films in our 'It's a Small World" shorts program are seasoned talents and promising up-and-coming filmmakers highly-regarded in their respective countries and the international festival circuit. We are excited to welcome kids of all ages to be engaged with the magic of movies, and to be the first in California's Central Valley to experience these world-renown works."
FEATURES
"A Cat in Paris" ("Une vie de chat") - A beautifully hand-drawn caper set in the shadow-drenched alleyways of Paris. Dino is a pet cat that leads a double life. By day he lives with Zoe, a little mute girl whose mother, Jeanne, is a detective in the Parisian police force. But at night he sneaks out the window to work with Nico, a slinky cat burglar. The cat’s two worlds collide Zoe falls into the hands of bumbling thieves. Now cat and cat burglar must team up to save Zoe, leading to a thrilling acrobatic finale on top of Notre Dame. 2012 Academy Awards Animated Feature Film nominee. Directors Jean-Loup Felicioli and Alain Gagnol, France & Italy, 70min, Valley Premiere. Age recommendation: 10+. Presented in French with English subtitles. Opening Day Film - April 21st at 3:30pm.
"Mia and the Migoo" (English Version) - Featuring the voices of John DiMaggio, Whoopi Goldberg, Matthew Modine, Wallace Shawn and James Woods - and introducing Amanda Misquez and Vincent Agnello. This film was created from an astounding 500,000 hand-painted frames of animation. It is a fable-like journey of a young girl who must overcome her fears on a quest to find her father who has been trapped in a landslide at a construction site on a remote tropical lake. In the middle of the lake stands the ancient Tree of Life, watched over by innocent, bumbling forest spirits called the Migoo, who grow and change shape as they please, morphing from small childlike beings to petulant giants. The Migoo have been disrupting the construction to protect this sacred site – and now together with Mia they join in a fight to find Mia's father and save the Tree, with the future of life on Earth hanging in the balance. European Academy Awards Best Animated Film. Director Jacques-Rémy Girerd, France & Italy, 92min. Valley Premiere. MPAA PG rating. Presented in English. Earth Day Centerpiece - April 22nd at 3:00pm.
"Tales of the Night" ("Les contes de la nuit") - A hit at its World Premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany, the film extends the earlier shadow puppet style of Michel Ocelot’s "Princes and Princesses," with black silhouetted characters set off against exquisitely detailed Day-Glo backgrounds bursting with color and kaleidoscopic patterns. The film weaves together six exotic fables each unfolding in a unique locale, from Tibet, to medieval Europe, an Aztec kingdom, the African plains, and even the Land of the Dead. In Ocelot’s storytelling, history blends with fairytale as viewers are whisked off to enchanted lands full of dragons, werewolves, captive princesses, sorcerers, and enormous talking bees - and each fable ends with its own ironic twist. Director Michel Ocelot, France, 84min. Valley Premiere. Age recommendation: 7+. Presented in French with English subtitles. Closing Night Film - April 22nd at 5:30pm.
SHORT FILMS COMPETITION SHOWCASE
It's a Small World - the globe-spanning shorts program includes films from Australia, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, Russia, UK and USA. These eight films will compete for the Jury Awards, selected by an adult panel of distinguished arts and cultural leaders from the region, and a children's panel of young film aficionados. Jurors will be announced. Films will also compete for the Audience Awards, selected by patrons in attendance. All winning films will be announced prior to the Closing Night Film. There will be two screenings.
Screening on April 21st at 1:30pm and April 22nd at 1:00pm.
Age recommendation: 8+.
"Chinti" - A determined little Indian ant discovers the picture of a splendid-looking building amongst the rubbish on the beach and can think of nothing else. She makes it her life’s work to build the Taj Mahal from all different kinds of detritus. An animation film composed almost entirely of tea leaves – in various colours and textures. Special Prize at 2012 Open Russian Festival of Animated Film. Director Natalia Mirzoyan, Russian Federation, 8min. California Premiere. No dialogues. Animated short.
"The First Anders" ("Den Første Anders") - A father tries to teach his artistic and troubled young son a valuable lesson, with a story spanning over one thousand years of Danish history and countless generations of the family Andersen. Crystal Heart Award for Narrative Short at the 2011 Heartland Film Festival. Director Kristian Ussing Andersen, Denmark, 9min. In Danish with English subtitles. Live-action short.
"The Girl and the Fox" - Ilona, a nine-year-old girl who lives in the wilderness with her mother and father, has fallen on hard times. Supplies are running low, and when a mysterious fox starts killing their livestock, she has no choice but to track down the strange creature in order to ensure the survival of her family. 38th Student Academy Awards nominee for Animation. Director Tyler J. Kupferer, USA, 6min. Valley Premiere. In English. Animated short.
"Mandarin Peel" - Two girls explore their friendship and the joy of a juicy mandarin in the dry Australian landscape. Official selection at festivals in Locarno, London and Seattle. Director Anna McGrath, Australia, 5min. California Premiere. In English. Live-action short.
"Papa's Tango" - Hannah’s parents are divorced. Her father is from Argentina and her mother is Dutch. Ever since he divorced Hannah’s mother, her father is homesick and wants to go back to his family and friends in Buenos Aires. But leaving The Netherlands also means saying goodbye to his daughter. By listening to her father’s tango music, Hannah can still dance with him in her mind. Official selection at Berlinale Generation Kplus and winner of Adult Jury Award and Kids Jury Award at YoungAbout International Film Festival in Bologna, Italy. Director Michiel van Jaarsveld, The Netherlands, 15min. North American Premiere. In Dutch with English subtitles. Live-action short.
"Play by Play" - Donn day-dreams about being the starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. When his classmate discovers this imaginary life and threatens to expose it, Donn must either give in to the intimidation or outwit the bully. Official selection at San Francisco International Film Festival. Director Carlos Baena, USA, 23min. In English. Live-action short.
"The Storyteller" - Seven-year-old Nirmala attempts to grapple with the demons of her granddad's dementia when he starts to forget the details of her favourite story. Winner of Special Jury Award for Animation and Parents Award at the 2012 New York International Children's Film Festival. Director Nandita Jain, UK, 10min. In English. Animated short.
"Superdad and Pelé" ("Superpappa og Pelé") - Pelé has great fun during the weekend, but on Monday he tries to hang on to Daddy’s bike. But Daddy is very busy and has no time to listen to Pelé. Even though Pelé is quite small, he is tough enough to show that he does not like to have a stressed-out Dad. Even though he thinks dad is “Superdad” – almost. Official selection at children's film festivals in Chicago and Seattle. Director Annette S. Helland, Norway, 10min. California Premiere. In Norwegian with English subtitles. Animated short.
COSTUME CONTEST
The Princesses & Princes Costume Contest will take place at the Closing Night presentation of "Tales of the Night" on April 22nd. Patrons of all ages in attendance are encouraged to dress up creatively as their favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings. The audience will choose the winners. Winners will receive special prizes (to be announced).
MORE INFORMATION
Visit official website www.sjiff.org for showtimes and updates on the festival.
Advance tickets for all shows be purchased online at www.sjiff.org/tickets.
Tickets for each screening: $9.00 general admission; $8.00 for seniors 65+ and students 26 years and under; $7.00 for San Joaquin Film Society members; $6.00 for kids 12 years and under. Family of 4 pack for each film is $25.00, which allows access for two adults and two kids (12 years and under). Inquire for group rates.
Visiting guest artists to be announced.
OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF SJCFF 2012
Community Partners are: Big Monkey Group, KWIN 97.7 98.3, San Joaquin Magazine, Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau and Ulmer Photography. Venue Partner is the Janet Leigh Theatre at University of the Pacific.
ABOUT THE SAN JOAQUIN FILM SOCIETY
Located in Stockton, CA, the San Joaquin Film Society is dedicated to the celebration of cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation and global outreach through film festivals and educational programs. The organization was founded to carry on the tradition of presenting the San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF) after its successful launch in June 2008. Each year, the Film Society presents an exceptional roster of films representing diverse world views and cultures. The 6th San Joaquin International Film Festival will take place in January 2013.
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CONTACTS
Sophoan Sorn, Founder-Director - ssorn@sjiff.org
Official Website: www.sjiff.org
Swiss Director Peter Luisi to be honored with Independent Award at 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival
Published: Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Stockton, California, USA - The San Joaquin Film Society is proud to announce that Swiss director and screenwriter, Peter Luisi, will be honored in person with the Film Society's Independent Award at the Opening Night of the 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF). The Opening Night film is Mr. Luisi's "The Sandman." The event will take place on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 7:00pm at the Stockton Empire Theatre (1825 Pacific Avenue).
The Independent Award honors a spirited innovator who empowers independent filmmaking through impactful creativity, exemplary talent and steadfast leadership.
Mr. Luisi was born in 1975 in Zurich, Switzerland. He studied film production in North Carolina and UC Santa Cruz in the United States of America. In 1999, he founded his own company, Spotlight Media Productions AG. He has since worked as an independent director and screenwriter. Mr. Luisi’s films have garnered eight nominations from the Swiss Film Prize, the national film award of Switzerland. His debut film "Crazy Love Crazy" (2004) won the Zurich Film Award. In early 2011, "The Sandman" won the Audience Award at Filmfestival Max Ophuels Prize in Saarbrücken, Germany; and was nominated for three Swiss Film Prizes, including Best Fiction Film.
History of the Award: Mr. Luisi will be the second honoree of this award. The first honoree was Jon Gunn, whose film "Like Dandelion Dust" was the Closing Night selection of SJIFF in 2009.
Swiss Cinema at SJIFF: "The Sandman" is the second film from Switzerland selected to open the San Joaquin International Film Festival: Denis Rabaglia's "Marcello Marcello" opened the festival in 2009, and the film's lead actor Francesco Mistichelli was honored with the San Joaquin Film Society's Discovery Award.
OPENING NIGHT PARTY
The Opening Night Party, with the presence of Mr. Luisi and other special guests, will take place at 9:00pm at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel (110 W Fremont St.) in Downtown Stockton.
Film-only tickets for "The Sandman" are $14.00. ($13.00 for Film Society members, $12.00 for seniors 65+ and students 26 years and under). Opening Night Party tickets are $25.00 each. No discounts. Each ticket admits one and includes hors d'oeuvres and one drink ticket.
Advance tickets for all shows and events can be purchased online at:
www.sjiff.org/tickets.
LEAD FESTIVAL SPONSORS
Grand Sponsors: Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco; University Plaza Waterfront Hotel; Stockton Conferene and Visitors Bureau. Supporting Sponsors: Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, San Francisco; Stella Artois; PKG Entertainment, Inc. World Cinema Sponsors: South Pacific Pictures, New Zealand; Little Manila Foundation, Stockton. Production Contributors: San Joaquin County Office of Education; Tim Ulmer Photography; Stockton Empire Theatre. Media Sponsors: Big Monkey Group; Caravan News; Bilingual Weekly. Underwriters: Emily Ballus and Lothar Osiander; Phyllis Franklin; Jeff Gamboni; Bill Grotemeyer and Nick Elliott; Steven M. and Mary Ann Schermerhorn.
ABOUT THE SAN JOAQUIN FILM SOCIETY
Located in Stockton, CA, the San Joaquin Film Society is dedicated to the celebration of cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation and global outreach through film festivals and educational programs. The organization was founded to carry on the tradition of presenting the San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF) after its successful launch in June 2008. Each year, the Film Society presents an exceptional roster of films representing diverse world views and cultures. The 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival will run January 12-14, 2012 at the Stockton Empire Theatre and January 15th at Janet Leigh Theatre at University of the Pacific.
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CONTACTS
Sophoan Sorn, Festival Director - ssorn@sjiff.org
Official Website: www.sjiff.org
5th San Joaquin International Film Festival unveils Official Selections
Published: Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Stockton, California, USA - The 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF), the flagship annual program of the San Joaquin Film Society, annouces its official selections. The Festival will run in Stockton, California from January 12th-14th at the Stockton Empire Theatre (1825 Pacific Avenue), and January 15th at the Janet Leigh Theatre (3601 Pacific Avenue) on the campus of University of the Pacific. The Festival will launch on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 with the original Swiss comedy "The Sandman" with Director Peter Luisi in person, and will wrap on Sunday, January 15th with the American biographical documentary "Carol Channing: Larger than Life."
- From Founder-Director Sophoan Sorn: "Selections for 2012 come from master directors, auteurs and new talents of 16 countries, including winners from the European Film Awards, Festival de Cannes, the Goyas (Spain), the Ophirs (Israel) and the Student Academy Awards; while several films are running for the 2012 Oscars. We feel so proud to be a gateway and a unique opportunity for the people of San Joaquin to experience some of the best of recent World Cinema. Now in its fifth year, the San Joaquin International Film Festival has become an annual tradition for the community."
- From SJ Film Society Chairman Shane Williamson: "This year's festival is filled with impressive films from across the globe which were carefully hand picked. The line-up showcases not only diverse subjects for broad audiences but impeccable award winning quality and films with relevant topics of our world today."
FEATURES
"Amigo" - A village mayor caught in the murderous crossfire of the Philippine-American War, in a powerful drama of friendship, betrayal, romance and heartbreaking violence. Director John Sayles, The Philippines/USA, 124min.
"Chico & Rita" - Havana, 1948. A passionate love story between a young jazz pianist called Chico and Rita, a singer with a bewitching voice. Directors Fernando Trueba, Javier Mariscal, Tono Errando, Spain/UK, 94min. Valley Premiere.
"Le Havre" - When an African boy arrives by cargo ship in the French port city of Le Havre, an aging shoe shiner takes pity on the child and welcomes him into his home. Director Aki Kaurismäki, Finland/France, 93min. Centerpiece Film.
"My Wedding and Other Secrets" - A romantic comedy based on a true story of a New Zealand-born Chinese woman convincing her traditional Hong Kong parents to let her marry her Caucasian boyfriend. Director Roseanne Liang, New Zealand, 88min.
"Remembrance" ("Die verlorene Zeit") - A remarkable love story that blossomed amidst the terror of a German concentration camp in 1944 Poland. Director Anna Justice, Germany/Poland, 108min. Valley Premiere.
"Restoration" ("Boker tov adon Fidelman") - A triangle of fatherhood ties, a triangle of love. A drama about a family's effort to save their antique restoration business. Director Yossi Madmony, Israel, 105min. Valley Premiere.
"The Sandman" ("Der Sandmann") - One fine morning, Benno finds sand in his bed. While he tries to ignore this at first, he soon must realize that he himself is loosing the sand... Director Peter Luisi (In Person), Switzerland, 88min. Opening Night Film. Valley Premiere.
"Winter's Daughter" ("Wintertochter") A heartwarming film for the family about a young Polish girl who searches for her Russian sailor father. Director Johannes Schmid, Germany/Poland, 93min. Valley Premiere.
DOCUMENTARIES
"Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey" - The Muppet Elmo is one of the most beloved characters among children across the globe. Meet the unlikely man behind the puppet - the heart and soul of Elmo - Kevin Clash. Director Constance Marks, USA, 80min. Centerpiece film.
"Carol Channing: Larger than Life" - The story of legendary performer Carol Channing's life is as colorful as the lipstick on her big, bright smile. Feel the magic and vivacity of the 90-year-old icon – both onstage and off...past and present. Director Dori Berinstein, USA, 84min. Closing Night film.
"Rice Field of Dreams" - The journey of Cambodia's first national baseball team. Director Daron Ker, Cambodia/USA, 75min.
SHORTS
"Between Heaven and Earth" - Brothers Koroballa and Tiemogo try to escape the brutality of African life by sneaking into the landing section of a plane. York-Fabian Raabe, Germany/South Africa, 15min. Fiction short. Valley Premiere.
"I Don't Want to Go Back Alone" ("Eu Não Quero Voltar Sozinho") - A 15 year-old blind teenager deals with the jealousy of his friend Giovana while figuring out the new feelings he's having towards his new friend, Gabriel. Director Daniel Ribeiro, Brazil, 17min. Fiction short. Valley Premiere.
"The First Anders" ("Den Første Anders") - A father tries to teach his artistic and troubled young son a valuable lesson, with a story spanning over one thousand years of Danish history and countless generations of the family Andersen. Director Kristian Ussing Andersen, Denmark, 9min. Fiction short. Northern California Premiere.
"Kahanikar - The Storyteller" - Seven-year-old Nirmala attempts to grapple with the demons of her granddad's dementia when he starts to forget the details of her favourite story. Director Nandita Jain, UK, 10min. Animated short. Northern California Premiere.
"A Salton Soul" - June Eilers came to the Salton Sea when her father opened the Date Palm Beach resort in the Roaring Twenties. As the sea slowly begins to dry up, she reflects on a lifetime of priceless memories. Director Mike Agnew, Greg Balkin, Tim Kressin, USA, 13min. Documentary short. Northern California Premiere.
"Tuba Atlantic" - Oskar is dying, and is ready to forgive his brother for a disagreement years ago. Will he reach his brother, who he believes live on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, before it is too late? Director Hallvar Witzø, Norway, 25min. Fiction short. Northern California Premiere.
"The Vermeers" - Experience Jan Vermeer’s paintings (1632-1675) through the contemporary digital palette. Director Tal S. Shamir, USA, 5min. Experimental short. Northern California Premiere.
INFORMATION
Visit official website www.sjiff.org for showtimes and updates on the festival.
Advance tickets for all shows be purchased online at www.sjiff.org/tickets.
ABOUT THE SAN JOAQUIN FILM SOCIETY
Located in Stockton, CA, the San Joaquin Film Society is dedicated to the celebration of cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation and global outreach through film festivals and educational programs. The organization was founded to carry on the tradition of presenting the San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF) after its successful launch in June 2008. Each year, the Film Society presents an exceptional roster of films representing diverse world views and cultures. The 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival will run January 12-14, 2012 at the Stockton Empire Theatre and January 15th at Janet Leigh Theatre at University of the Pacific.
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CONTACTS
Sophoan Sorn - sophoan.sorn@gmail.com
Shane Williamson, (209) 969-2903, sjfilmfest@gmail.com
Cole Akins, (425) 785-7417, sjfilmfest@gmail.com
Official Website: www.sjiff.org
Swiss comedy "The Sandman" is Opening Film of the 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival with Director Peter Luisi in Person
Published: Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Stockton, California, USA - The San Joaquin International Film Festival will open its 5th Anniversary with the Valley Premiere of the Swiss comedy "The Sandman (Der Sandmann)" with the honorable presence of Director-Screenwriter Peter Luisi on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 7:00pm at the Stockton Empire Theatre (1825 Pacific Avenue). Mr. Luisi will participate in a post-film Q&A following the film's screening.
• From Director Peter Luisi: "I am delighted that my film 'The Sandman' has been chosen to open this year's festival and that I have been invited to attend. Independent film festivals such as San Joaquin have become an increasingly important meeting point for us filmmakers and us film enthusiasts."
• From SJIFF Founder Sophoan Sorn: "We are honored to welcome director and screenwriter Peter Luisi all the way from Zurich, Switzerland to Stockton. His original and sensational comedy 'The Sandman' - along with his presence and delightful behind-the-scenes stories - will make the Opening Night of the 5th Anniversary San Joaquin International Film Festival an unforgettable experience!"
More details and video clip: www.sjiff.org/sjiff2012/f-thesandman.html
Synopsis: "One morning, Benno finds sand in his bed. While he tries to ignore this, he soon realizes that he himself is the source of the sand. Day after day the sand increases, and time is running short. Finally, left with no choice, he asks Sandra the neighbor who runs a coffee shop under his apartment for help. Although Benno hates her with a passion, he starts having dreams of her each night. What could Sandra and the dreams have to do with the sand?" Starring Fabian Krüger, Irene Brügger, Beat Schlatter, Florine Elena Deplazes. (88 minutes; in Swiss German with English subtitles; produced in Switzerland in 2010-2011)
"The Sandman" held its World Premiere at Filmfestival Max Ophuels Prize in Saarbrücken, Germany in January 2011, where it won the Audience Award. The film was nominated for three Swiss Film Awards, including Best Picture and Best Screenplay. It won over 20 awards around the world and screened at festivals in Solothurn and Locarno in Switzerland, Newport Beach and Berlin & Beyond in San Francisco.
Rave Reviews:
"The most charming movie of the year." --Stuttgarter-Zeitung (Stuttgart, Germany)
"In the dramatic seriousness with which the curious here is treated is the most enjoyable quality of this film." --Christoph Schneider, Tages-Anzeiger (Zurich, Switzerland)
"The Sandman is light-hearted, wonderfully oblique cinema. Even a single scene in "The Sandman" makes the movies worthwhile: It would be an explanation of the most unusual love story of the film." --Serge Kuhn, Neue Luzerner Zeitung (Lucerne, Switzerland)
"A gem of minimalistic absurdity." --Nicole Gluckstern, San Francisco Bay Guardian
"It works! The Sandman is finally a good Swiss film. With a small budget and great courage." --Lukas Rüttimann, Blick (Germany)
Director Peter Luisi has attracted attention with his feature films Verflixt Verliebt (Crazy Love Crazy), Love Made Easy and The Sandman, as well as being co-author of Fredi Murer’s Vitus. His films have earned the Zurich Film Prize, 8 nominations for the Swiss Film Prize, the Grant Award, and the Audience Prize at Max Ophül Filmfestival.
Film's official website is dersandmann.ch
Admission is $14.00 General, $13.00 Senior 65+ / Student, and $12.00 Member. For advance tickets online: www.sjiff.org/tickets
Credits for all images in this press release are courtesy of Spotlight Media Productions AG.
ABOUT THE SAN JOAQUIN FILM SOCIETY
Located in Stockton, CA, the San Joaquin Film Society is dedicated to the celebration of cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation and global outreach through film festivals and educational programs. The organization was founded to carry on the tradition of presenting the San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF) after its successful launch in June 2008. Each year, the Film Society presents an exceptional roster of films representing diverse world views and cultures. The 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival will run January 12-14, 2012 at the Stockton Empire Theatre and January 15th at Janet Leigh Theatre at University of the Pacific.
Official Website: sjiff.org
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CONTACTS
Sophoan Sorn - sophoan.sorn@gmail.com
Shane Williamson, (209) 969-2903, sjfilmfest@gmail.com
Cole Akins, (425) 785-7417, sjfilmfest@gmail.com
Official Website: www.sjiff.org
"Carol Channing - Larger than Life" by Dori Berinstein is the Closing Night Film of the 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival
Published: Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Stockton, California, USA - The 5th Anniversary San Joaquin International Film Festival is proud to announce "Carol Channing - Larger than Life," a documentary film directed by Broadway producer Dori Berinstein, as its Closing Night Film. The film will screen on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 7:30pm at the Janet Leigh Theatre on the campus of University of the Pacific (3601 Pacific Avenue).
More details and video clip: www.sjiff.org/sjiff2012/f-carolchanning.html
Synopsis from Hot Docs Canadian Documentary Film Festival: "With an incomparable voice and presence, Carol Channing burst onto the Broadway scene in 1941, rising to stardom with lead roles in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Hello, Dolly. No stranger to documenting Broadway heavy-hitters, Dori Bernstein profiles the iconic star’s expansive career and vivacious persona. Now 90 years old, Channing is as outspoken and vibrant as ever, batting her signature false eyelashes and flashing her mile-wide smile as she candidly recounts tales of showbiz. A late-in-life romance seems to fuel this unstoppable entertainer. Now in her seventh year of marriage to her junior-high sweetheart, after nearly 70 years apart, Channing shows us true love may be the key to youth and vitality. An advocate for gay rights and AIDS awareness, Channing still lights up the stage with song and dance. You’re looking swell, Dolly, and it’s so nice to have you back where you belong." --Lynne Crocker, Hot Docs
(83 minutes; in English; produced in USA in 2011)
This film also contains candid interviews with Lily Tomlin, Debbie Reynolds, Barbara Walters, Chita Rivera and Jerry Herman.
"Carol Channing - Larger than Life" held its World Premiere at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival, and was well-received at the prestigious Hot Docs Canadian Documentary Film Festival.
Director Dori Berinstein is a Broadway producer and an award-winning director, producer, and writer of film and TV. Her 11 Broadway shows include: Legally Blonde (seven Olivier nominations), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony Award), The Crucible (Tony nomination), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Tony Award), Fool Moon (Tony Award), and Flower Drum Song (Tony nomination). (source: Tribeca Film Festival)
Film's official website is carolchanningthemovie.com
Admission is $12.00 General, $11.00 Senior 65+ / Student, and $10.00 Member. For advance tickets online: www.sjiff.org/tickets
Credits for all images in this press release are courtesy of The Film Sales Company.
ABOUT THE SAN JOAQUIN FILM SOCIETY
Located in Stockton, CA, the San Joaquin Film Society is dedicated to the celebration of cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation and global outreach through film festivals and educational programs. The organization was founded to carry on the tradition of presenting the San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF) after its successful launch in June 2008. Each year, the Film Society presents an exceptional roster of films representing diverse world views and cultures. The 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival will run January 12-14, 2012 at the Stockton Empire Theatre and January 15th at Janet Leigh Theatre at University of the Pacific.
Official Website: sjiff.org
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CONTACTS
Sophoan Sorn - sophoan.sorn@gmail.com
Cole Akins, (425) 785-7417, sjfilmfest@gmail.com
Official Website: www.sjiff.org
Finland's 2012 Oscar bid "Le Havre" by Aki Kaurismäki and documentary "Being Elmo - A Puppeteer's Journey" by Constance Marks are Centerpiece films of the 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival
Published: Monday, November 21, 2011
Stockton, California, USA - The 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF) of the San Joaquin Film Society is proud to announce that its Centerpiece films will be the Valley premiere of "Le Havre" (Finland's official entry for the 2012 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film) by Finnish auteur Aki Kaurismäki and "Being Elmo - A Puppeteer's Journey" by American documentary filmmaker Constance Marks.
The films selected for the Centerpiece program are cinematic stories that capture the essence of humanity, power of expression and universality of cinema arts.
"Le Havre " will screen Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at 7:00pm at the Stockton Empire Theatre (1825 Pacific Avenue).
"Being Elmo - A Puppeteer's Journey" will screen Sunday, January 15th at 3:00pm at the Janet Leigh Theatre on the campus of University of the Pacific (3601 Pacific Avenue).
LE HAVRE
"A stylized and sentimental fairy tale about the way the world might be... Aki Kaurismäki has become a major inheritor of the comic-humanist tradition of Charlie Chaplin, Jean Renoir and Jacques Tati." --A.O. Scott, The New York Times
"Four stars! There is nothing cynical or cheap about it, it tells a good story with clear eyes and a level gaze, and it just plain makes you feel good." --Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times
Synopsis from Janus Films : "In this warmhearted portrait of the French harbor city that gives the film its name, fate throws young African refugee Idrissa (Blondin Miguel) into the path of Marcel Marx (André Wilms), a well-spoken bohemian who works as a shoeshiner. With innate optimism and the unwavering support of his community, Marcel stands up to officials doggedly pursuing the boy for deportation. A political fairy tale that exists somewhere between the reality of contemporary France and the classic cinema of Jean-Pierre Melville and Marcel Carné, Le Havre is a charming, deadpan delight.." (93 minutes; in French with English subtitles; produced in Finland, France and Germany in 2011)
"Le Havre" held its World Premiere in Competition for the Palm d'Or at the prestigious Festival de Cannes in May 2011, where it won the FIPRESCI International Federation of Film Critics Award. After Cannes, it was selected for many of the world's leading international film festivals, including Toronto, Busan, San Sebastian, Karlovy Vary, Stockholm, Sarajevo, Rio de Janeiro, Taipei, Torino, Melbourne, Haifa, Haugesund Norwegian, New York, Telluride and Hamptons. In Munich, it was honored with the Arri-Zeiss-Award. In Locarno, it screened to 8,000 spectators at the open-air Piazza Grande. In Chicago, it won the top prize, the Gold Hugo. "Le Havre" is currently nominated for four 2011 European Film Awards, including Best Picture and Best Screenwriter.
Director Aki Kaurismäki was born in Orimattila, Finland. His early work was featured in the Festival’s 1988 Spotlight programme. His feature films include Crime and Punishment (83), Calamari Union (85), Shadows in Paradise (86), Hamlet Goes Business (87), Ariel (88), Leningrad Cowboys Go America (89), The Match Factory Girl (90), I Hired a Contract Killer (90), La Vie de Bohème (92), Total Balalaika Show (94), Take Care of Your Scarf, Tatjana (94), Drifting Clouds (96), Juha (99), The Man Without a Past (02), Lights in the Dusk (06) and Le Havre (11)." --Toronto International Film Festival
Film's official US website is janusfilms.com/lehavre
Admission is $9.00 General, $8.00 Senior 65+ / Student, and $7.00 Member. For advance tickets online: www.sjiff.org/tickets
BEING ELMO - A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY
“Critics' pick! A winning tale of the persistence and creativity behind one of the most famous and fuzziest faces in the world.” --Neil Genzlinger, The New York Times
“Production values are top-notch, particularly the cinematography by James Miller and Joel Goodman's energetic, fanciful score. 'Being Elmo' is a rare documentary that will connect across generations and cultures to delight viewers worldwide for years to come.” --Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter
Synopsis from BeingElmo.com: "Beloved by children of all ages around the world, Elmo is an international icon. Few people know his creator, Kevin Clash, who dreamed of working with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson. Displaying his creativity and talent at a young age, Kevin ultimately found a home on Sesame Street. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this documentary includes rare archival footage, interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Workshop." (85 minutes; in English; produced in USA in 2011)
"Being Elmo - A Puppeteer's Journey" held its World Premiere at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival where it won a Special Jury Prize. It won the Audiencec Award and a Special Jury Award at the Traverse City Film Festival, and has screened at various festivals around the world, including Hot Docs Canada International Documentary Film Festival, AFI/Discovery Channel Silverdocs, SXSW and Mill Valley. It is currently nominated for the Audience Award at IFP's 2011 Gotham Awards.
Director Constance Marks is an award-winning independent documentary filmmaker. She is the founder and president of Constance Marks Productions, Inc., a documentary production company based in New York City. Marks began her filmmaking career over 30 years ago as an assistant editor for the renowned Cinema Verite pioneers, David and Albert Maysles.Marks’ critically acclaimed films have been shown theatrically, broadcast widely, and garnered numerous awards. Her productions include Return to Appalachia which aired on PBS, Let’s Fall in Love: A Singles Weekend at the Concord Hotel. which was selected by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as one of the outstanding documentaries of the year, and Green Chimneys - a full-length documentary feature film which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and aired on HBO. Marks has produced numerous films focusing on important social issues including homelessness, the elderly, experimental charter schools and substance abuse recovery residences. --beingelmo.com
Film's official website is beingelmo.com
Admission is $9.00 General, $8.00 Senior 65+ / Student, and $7.00 Member. Family of 4 special (including two kids 12 and under) at $25.00. For advance tickets online: www.sjiff.org/tickets
Credits for all images in this press release: "Le Havre" is courtesy of Janus Films. "Being Elmo - A Puppeteer's Journey" is courtesy of Submarine Deluxe.
ABOUT THE SAN JOAQUIN FILM SOCIETY
Located in Stockton, CA, the San Joaquin Film Society is dedicated to the celebration of cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation and global outreach through film festivals and educational programs. The organization was founded to carry on the tradition of presenting the San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF) after its successful launch in June 2008. Each year, the Film Society presents an exceptional roster of films representing diverse world views and cultures. The 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival will run January 12-14, 2012 at the Stockton Empire Theatre and January 15th at Janet Leigh Theatre at University of the Pacific.
Official Website: sjiff.org
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CONTACTS
Sophoan Sorn - sophoan.sorn@gmail.com
Cole Akins, (425) 785-7417, sjfilmfest@gmail.com
Official Website: www.sjiff.org
Sophoan Sorn to Direct 5th Anniversary San Joaquin International Film Festival, January 12-15, 2012
Published: Friday, November 4, 2011
Stockton, California, USA - The San Joaquin Film Society Board of Directors is proud to announce that founder Sophoan Sorn will serve as guest curator and director of the 5th San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF5), taking place January 12th-14th, 2012 at the Stockton Empire Theatre on the Miracle Mile, and January 15th at the Janet Leigh Theatre at University of the Pacific.
Sophoan Sorn is presently director of San Francisco's Berlin & Beyond Film Festival. Presented by Germany's official cultural center, the Goethe-Institut, Berlin & Beyond is America's largest singular program of new films from German-speaking countries since 1996. With Sorn's second year as director, the 16th Berlin & Beyond (Oct. 20th-26th) successfully attracted spectators from across California to its week-long run at the historic Castro Theatre, and welcomed over a dozen visiting directors, actors and screenwriters from Europe to the stage.
Sorn inaugurated SJIFF in June of 2008. During his three-year tenure through 2010, he expanded SJIFF into the year-round San Joaquin Film Society - curating unique programs as the San Joaquin Children's Film Festival, Cinema Italia and French Cinema Days; while building strong collaborations with many institutions across the area, such as University of the Pacific, San Joaquin Delta College, The Haggin Museum and Modesto's State Theatre. As the 4th SJIFF took place in March of 2011, Sorn contributed to its program as Guest Curator.
Films and programs of the 5th SJIFF of 2012 will be announced to the public in mid-November 2011.
Interview requests for Sophoan Sorn can be arranged with chairman Shane Williamson (209) 969-2903 or program coordinator Cole Akins (425) 785-7417.
Image: SJ Film Society's chairman Shane Williamson (right) and partner Lisa Dal Porto were at San Fracisco's Castro Theatre to visit SJIFF founder Sophoan Sorn during San Francisco's 16th Berlin & Beyond Film Festival. October 22, 2011.
Image: SJIFF board treasurer Joel Reyna Jr. (left), SJIFF charter member Arlene Galindo (center left) & SJIFF charter member Jessica Hernandez (right) - at San Francisco's Castro Theatre to party with SJIFF founder Sophoan Sorn during the Opening of the 16th Berlin & Beyond Film Festival. October 20, 2011.
Credits for all images in this press release: Photographer Barak Shrama. Courtesy of Berlin & Beyond Film Festival. All rights reserved.
ABOUT THE SAN JOAQUIN FILM SOCIETY
Located in Stockton, CA, the San Joaquin Film Society is dedicated to the celebration of cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation and global outreach through film festivals and educational programs. The organization was founded to carry on the tradition of presenting the San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF) after its successful launch in June 2008. Each year, the Film Society presents an exceptional roster of films representing diverse world views and cultures.
Official Website: www.sjiff.org
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CONTACTS
Shane Williamson, Chairman - (209) 969-2903
Cole Akins, Program Coordinator - (425) 785-7417
Email: sjfilmfest@gmail.com
Official Website: www.sjiff.org
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