As expected, master filmmakers both in the longstanding (Loach, Cronenberg, Reygadas, Haneke, Kiarostami) and relatively new (Matteo Garrone, Cristian Mungiu, Sergei Loznitsa) V.I.P members of...
It's hard to believe that the predicted apocalypse is nearly upon us. Looking back though, it wouldn't be a bad note to go out on, with so many quality films making their way to theaters around the globe this year. Not surprisingly, several titles tackled the topic of the end of the world (most notably the beautifully bleak Melancholia and the horrifically realistic Contagion), while others looked at the grim realities of life and decided that a brighter future is just around the bend (the youthful confusion of In A Better World and the depressingly sensual Burning Man).
Montreal's Fantasia International Film Festival turns 15 years old this summer, and sandwiched between the official opening and closing films - Kevin Smith's horror bow Red State and the Guillermo del Toro-scripted and -produced remake of 1973's Don't Be Afraid of The Dark, respectively - will be more than 120 features, 240 short films, 110 invited guests hosting screenings of their films, and numerous special events including the bestowing of lifetime achievement awards and round table discussions. Below is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what's on offer this year.