WFCN

With 22 films in competition this year, the jury competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 potentially provides an early taste of this year's Oscar hopefuls as well as an insight into how international film industry insiders evaluate their colleagues' work. There's a case to be made that the winners of the juried competition, which were revealed at an evening ceremony on Saturday, May 25, reflect where the influential artist sees the wind blowing. This year also marks the first time an American female film director has presided over the competition's jury: Barbie director Greta Gerwig is its president. The night's biggest surprise was that Emilia Perez , Adriana Paz , Zoe Saldaña , Karla Sofía Gascón , and Selena Gomez the four stars of Jacques Audiard were tied for best actress. Unexpectedly, The Seed of the Sacred Fig was chosen to get a special jury prize for best film script . This is perhaps a reference to Iranian film writer and director Moha...

Movie evenings aren't exactly the same as they once were, so let's face it. The days of gathering around the flickering box, picking a program at random, and leafing through dog-eared TV guides are long gone. These days, social media is a significant force that curates our movie selections. With film discussions blazing on Twitter and trailers blowing up on YouTube, these tools have completely transformed the way we watch movies . The Hype Machine: Social Media and Film Marketing   Imagine a world in which interactive events replace teasers in trailers. That's how social media marketing works its magic. Filmmakers can now use well-crafted teasers, behind-the-scenes photos, and even interactive polls to create anticipation before their release. Film actors and film directors can create excitement and anticipation by connecting directly with the film audience using platforms such as Instagram. Recall the hashtag campaign "#ReleaseTheSnyderCut"? A demo...

Ah, the life of an independent filmmaker . It's a wonderful blend of passion, creativity, and, let's be real, a significant amount of hard work. You've invested your heart and soul into your latest project, a short film poised to impress the indie film festival circuit . But as you move from finalizing the edit to preparing for submissions, that initial enthusiasm starts to wane. Rejection emails accumulate, film festival fees increase, and the dream of seeing your name in lights feels increasingly distant. Don't worry, fellow filmmaker ! We've all experienced this. The indie film journey is filled with challenges, but the rewards – making an impact on a film audience and connecting with other creators – are well worth the effort. Here's how to rekindle that inner fire and overcome those obstacles:   1. Remember Why You Started:   Let’s take a step back. What sparked your passion for filmmaking ? Was it the intense emotion of a flawlessly captured scen...

Forget the flashing cameras and the roar of the A-list crowd. Film festival offer a different kind of cinematic magic – a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed by passionate cinephiles . Here, amidst the buzz of discovery and the energy of raw talent, you'll encounter unforgettable films that redefine storytelling and leave an indelible mark long after the credits roll.   Unveiling Unforgettable Narratives   Indie film festival aren't just a platform for budding film director or a stepping stone to bigger stages. They're a celebration of raw, unfiltered narratives that challenge conventions and spark conversation. Unlike the formulaic plots churned out by major film studios , indie films offer a refreshing perspective, a chance to witness stories that come straight from the heart and challenge the way we see the world.   Imagine encountering a documentary like Man on Wire , the Oscar-winning tale of Philippe Petit's daring high-wire walk between th...

Attention to all movie lovers who enjoy stories from around the world! The 32nd Raindance Film Festival , the largest independent film festival in the UK, is preparing for another thrilling year. This time, film audiences can anticipate a special focus on Iranian modern cinema , featuring a selection of two fascinating short films . Taking place in central London from June 19th to 28th, the Raindance Film Festival is renowned for spotlighting daring and inventive voices within the film world. This year, Nasrin Mohammadpour and Sonia Sanjari , Iranian filmmakers , will present their distinctive perspectives through their short films , " 21 Weeks " (also titled " Twenty-One Weeks Later ") and " A Long Walk ."   " 21 Weeks ," directed and penned by Mohammadpour, is a 15-minute examination of intricate subjects. The movie explores the interplay of trauma, the human physique, and the dynamic terrains we traverse in pursuit of safety. W...

The movie business, let's face. It has a well-worn playbook. Superhero follow-ups? CGI-heavy eyewear? Even if these movie office hits rule, films frequently provide little opportunity for unique storytelling and a diversity of voices. However, a dynamic universe of short films is just waiting to be uncovered as it bubbles beneath the surface. The allure of short films lies in their ability to free filmmakers from the confines of large budgets, allowing them to explore new creative directions, question established conventions, and convey deeper-than-life tales. We are discussing unbridled creativity, unbridled talent, and the opportunity to study subjects that the general public may consider "niche." " The Present ," a Palestinian film by Farah Nabulsi , exemplifies this perfectly. Clocking in at just 24 minutes, it offers a heart-wrenching snapshot of life under occupation. The film revolves around a Palestinian father and daughter attempting to buy a...

  The world of film festivals can put on a fantastic show. Cannes, Sundance, Toronto—industry heavyweights—draw A-listers, multimillion-dollar contracts, and the kind of hype that makes the Oscar season seem insignificant. On the other hand, the real treasures for the seasoned moviegoer are often hidden away, in the vibrant realm of specialized film festival . Leave the glitz and glamor behind. Here, the main focus is on celebrating the outlandish, the audacious, and the downright weird. Here are a few hidden treasures that I personally like to see at film events : Fantasia International Film Festival : Genre fans, rejoice! Fantasia features the best in cult, horror, sci-fi, and animation films, making it a sanctuary for everything fanciful. Get ready for visually stunning stories, mind-blowing storytelling, and a good helping of midnight madness. Sheffield Doc/Fest : Calling all documentary devotees! This award-winning festival is a hotbed for groundbreaking nonfict...