Menemsha Films Blog

Critics are raving about NORA'S WILL!

2010-10-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

Mariana Chenillo's award-winning Jewish Mexican comedy NORA'S WILL is now opening in Los Angeles, on the heels of its well-received opening at the prestigious Paris Theatre in New York City. A truly unique tale about lost faith and eternal love, Nora's Will garnered seven Mexican Academy Awards and earned Mariana the honor of being the first female director ever to win the Best Picture award. This is a must see film. But don't take my word for it, read some recent glowing reviews for Nora's Will.

Ken Turan, The Los Angeles Times:

"Tremendously appealing... Most impressive of all is filmmaker Chenillo's ability to make universal a very particular experience, to make something so firmly grounded in Mexico's Jewish community appealing across the board. That's a talent well worth appreciating today and watching out for in the future."

Read the full review here.

Leonard Maltin, Movie Crazy:

"Pitch-perfect... Original, irreverent. I suspect other, flashier foreign films with bigger promotional budgets will capture the lion’s share of media attention this movie season, but I doubt any will surpass this one for pure enjoyment."

Read the full review here.

Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com:

"It's winning, funny and carries a sneaky emotional punch. Septuagenarian Mexican TV star Fernando Luján may suddenly become a sex symbol north of the border for his bone-dry performance as José. (He) is magnetic and subtle in every frame."

Read the full review here.

Tom Tugend, The Jewish Journal:

"Highly recommended... A sensitive yet probing examination of mortality."

Read the full review here.

The critical consensus for Nora's Will has been overwhelmingly positive, as shown by the review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, where film holds an amazing 94% Fresh rating! Click here to go to Rotten Tomatoes!

Don't miss Nora's Will - Now Playing in New York and Los Angeles!

Find Theaters and Showtimes at www.MenemshaFilms.com.

Nora's Will - The First NY Reviews Are In!

2010-10-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Nora's Will opened this past Friday at the prestigious Paris Theatre in New York City, and the reviews are in! See what New York's critics have to say about this award-winning film!

Marshall Fine, The Huffington Post:

"Chenillo achieves that difficult trick of creating subversive humor, while slowly revealing Jose's long-buried feelings. What starts as a comedy of one man's rebellion against what is expected of him turns into a moving story in which his understanding of his own life blossoms.

That's a rare balancing act, one that Nora's Will achieves with both grace and wit."

Read the complete review here.
Read The Huffington Post's Q&A with writer/director Mariana Chenillo here.

George Robinson, The Jewish Week:

"Superb... joltingly funny. Fueled by the remarkable subtlety of Lujan's performance."

Jonathan Poritsky, Heeb Magazine:

"A fun, engaging and darkly comical piece worth checking out."

V.A. Musetto, New York Post:

"Warm and funny."

Manohla Dargis, The New York Times:

"Mr. Lujan's gruff, honest performance is especially noteworthy... (he) maintains a dignified hold on your attention. A testimony to true love."

Ilan Stavans, The Jewish Daily Forward:

"Gorgeous... Inspired."

Nick Schager, Time Out New York:

"Surprising... Poignant."

Don't miss Nora's Will - Now Playing!
The Paris Theatre
4 West 58th Street
New York, NY 10019
212-688-3800
www.theparistheatre.com

Learn more about Nora's Will at www.MenemshaFilms.com!

"Nora's Will" Opens in New York City!

2010-10-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

The award-winning Mexican Jewish comedy Nora's Will is opening at the prestigious Paris Theatre in New York City tomorrow (Friday, October 15th)!

Nora's Will is a Mexican Jewish comedy like nothing you've seen before, a truly unique tale about lost faith and eternal love from writer/director Mariana Chenillo. When Jose’s ex-wife Nora dies right before Passover, Jose is forced to stay with her body until it can be buried properly. He soon realizes it's all part of Nora's plan to bring her family back together, leading Jose to reexamine their relationship and rediscover their undying love for each other.

The film was named Mexico’s Best Picture of the Year, taking home seven Mexican Academy Awards. (Mariana Chenillo is the first female director ever to win Mexico's Best Picture award.) Nora's Will has received rave reviews from critics and audiences all over the country. Don’t miss your chance to see this one-of-a kind film for yourself!

Opens Friday, October 15th!
The Paris Theatre
4 West 58th Street
New York, NY 10019
212-688-3800
www.theparistheatre.com

A few of the wonderful reviews Nora's Will has received from critics around the country:

"One of the best films of the year." - Detroit Jewish News

"Brilliant... Nora's Will is a true find, a strikingly good, literate, emotionally engaging movie that will leave you wanting to see it again." - Montreal Mirror

"Sweet, surprising and satisfying." - Washington Post

"A deft blend of tragedy and comedy." - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Warm and entertaining... Chenillo loads the scenario with more Yiddishkeit than a gross of matzo, sure to elicit laughs and knowing nods throughout the Diaspora." – Variety

“Superb… joltingly funny. Fueled by the remarkable subtlety of (Fernando) Luján’s performance.” – The Jewish Week NY

"Keenly observant." - Minneapolis Star-Tribune

"A marvelous, low-key comedy of little acts of rebellion." - Orlando Sentinel

Learn more about Nora’s Will at www.MenemshaFilms.com!

"Kawasaki's Rose" Chosen As Czech Entry for Academy Awards!

2010-10-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Czech Republic has chosen Kawasaki's Rose, the award-winning film from preeminent Czech filmmakers Jan Hrebejk and Petr Jarchovsky, as the country's entry for Best Foreign Language Film at this year's Academy Awards. This is the second film in Oscar contention for Hrebejk and Jarchovsky, as their film Divided We Fall was nominated in 2001.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the final five nominees for Best Foreign Language Film on January 25th. The 2011 Oscars will be awarded in Los Angeles on Feb. 27. Read more in The Hollywood Reporter and Cineuropa.

Menemsha at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

2010-07-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we were delighted to have two Menemsha Films represented in the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival: Saviors in the Night, the true story of Marga, a German holocaust survivor, as the opening night film, and Anita, the story a girl with Down syndrome who gets lost in Argentina after the Jewish center bombing, as the centerpiece. To our pleasure, both films were very well received, eliciting standing ovations at the end of each screening.

It’s hard to put into words the magic being at a cinema. I have seen these films many times, but to see them on the big screen was such an invaluable experience. This time, I was not just seeing the films with myself, but instead I was laughing and crying with a whole group of people who were enjoying that same magical experience. And beyond the magic of the theater, the Castro, San Francisco’s historic theater, was an especially pleasurable setting. The huge and gorgeous 1,400 seat architectural gem delivered no disappointment and only added to the excitement of the two screenings.

Our weekend started with the screening of “Saviors in the Night” on Saturday evening. That night we were joined by many important members of the cast and crew. Ludi Boeken, the writer and director of the film, and his lovely w ife; Lia Hoensbroech and Daniel Flieger, both stars in the film; and most importantly, 98 year old Marga Spiegel, the inspiration for the film. It was absolutely enthralling to see Marga there supported by all her beautiful friends and family. Before the screening, her daughter held a small dinner party for her which the Menemsha “crew” was happy to attend. Marga was amazing: friendly, engaging, and astoundingly quick with her feet… and her wit. After the screening, she bravely and energetically answered the questions of Jay Rosenblatt, the festival director, and a very eager audience. I think it is safe to say that anyone who met or came in any sort of contact with Marga was truly touched—I know I was. Overall, the film delivered a message of peace and hope for humanity. Ludi’s one request that night when introducing the film was that the film speak for itself, and in my opinion, the night did not fall short of his expectations.

"Saviors in the Night" Interview

Next on the list of screenings was “Anita”. Once again, we were thrilled to be joined by Alejandra Manzo, the star of the film, and Victoria Shocron, the director of an organization in Buenos Aires that works with people with disabilities. Although Marcos Carnevale, the director of the film, was unable to attend the festival, he sent a message to be read before the screening. He said that he wanted the film to deliver a message about the power of human compassion in a world troubled with hate and adversity. The film and the presence of Alejandra successfully delivered this message. Alejandra was so happy and truly grateful to be able to be part of the making of this film. She spoke about the film as a powerful tool in her adjustment to adulthood. Seeing her up there answering question and making jokes was not only inspiring and moving, but a powerful display of the fact that anyone can do anything if they put their minds to it.

"Anita" Interview

I was so happy to have been able to attend the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, and could not have imagined a better way to finish off my summer internship with Menemsha Films. Although each film was very different and evoked very different emotional experiences from the audience, the messages the films delivered were essentially the same. These films were not just for the Jewish people, or the disabled. They were a beacon of hope. Anyone can be oppressed, hated, or discriminated against. And though we all may come from different backgrounds and realities, in the end, love and compassion shows us that at the core, we are all the same.

The Menemsha Crew (minus Ryan)

For more information on these films, please visit our website at www.menemshafilms.com

Thankss!
Jais

Nora's Will- Back in Florida THIS FRIDAY!

2010-07-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

After tremendous success with its run in South Florida, Nora’s Will, the hilarious Mexican dark comedy, is back by popular demand.

Nora’s Will is the debut film of Mexican writer and director Mariana Chenillo. It’s a dark comedy about tragedy, religion, family, and the surprising way that love manages to find its way back into the life of Jose after his the death of his ex-wife Nora. Many of you may have heard of may have heard of Nora’s Will from its already substantial international acclaim—it won 7 Ariel Awards (the Mexican Academy Award)—or perhaps from its oustandingly successful run in South Florida over the past 3 months. And since then, even more good news has been flowing in!

Matthew Hays of the Montreal Mirror calls Nora’s Will “Extremely rare” and “remarkably understated”, while Steve Persall of the St. Petersburg Times appropriately states that, “Mariana Chenillo's gently tragic, irreverently comical film is a charmer”

To read more of these articles, please visit the webpages at:

Montreal Mirror Review

St. Petersburg Times Review

And, if this wasn’t enough to convince you, the film is one of my personal favorites! So, if you haven’t had the chance to see the film, jump on the opportunity while you still can! Nora’s Will is opening this Friday in theaters in Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, and Tamarac.

Tampa - Regal Citrus Park 20
7999 Citrus Park Town Center Mall, Tampa, FL 33625
(813) 920-9471 - Tickets and Showtimes

Sarasota - Regal Hollywood 20
1993 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
(941)365-2000 - Tickets and Showtimes

Naples - Regal Hollywood 20
6006 Hollywood Drive, Naples, FL 34109
(239) 597-9494 - Tickets and Showtimes

Tamarac - Tamarac Cinema 5
10036 West McNab Road, Tamarac, FL 33321
(954) 726-3500 - Tickets and Showtimes

To learn more about this film, watch the trailer:

Or visit our website at www.menemshafilms.com

The Washington Post Designates A Matter of Size as a Critic’s Pick

2010-07-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

A review of A Matter of Size written by Rachel Saslow was released in today’s Washington Post, just in time for the film’s opening today at the Avalon Theater in Washinton D.C. With a 3 out of 4 star rating, Saslow had some great things to say.

“That's the fanciful plot of this film about self-acceptance that treats its five main characters with respect. That's not to say the directors, Sharon Maymon and Erez Tadmor, don't realize that four nearly nude, overweight men stomping around and bear-hugging is a funny sight; they do.”

Needless to say, the film got its message across; hilarious yet heartfelt, and enough so to make it worthy of a Washington Post’s Critic’s Pick.

To read more of this article, please visit:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/a-matter-of-size-sipur-gadol,1162816/critic-review.html

The positive feedback for the film keeps coming, and we hope you will soon be able to add to the excitement!

Check out A Matter of Size today, now playing at the Avalon Theaters in Washington D.C.

Bloggers are Buzzing About A Matter of Size!

2010-06-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

A Matter of Size is sizing up for its big opening in Washington D.C. on July 2^nd at The Avalon Theater. From what we are hearing, it’s sure to be a big hit. The buzz is beginning, and it seems like everyone has something great to say.

The film is a heart-warming comedy about four men who have struggled with being overweight for their entire lives. Despite their persistent dieting, their weight begins to take a toll on their happiness when they realize that it is literally weighing down on every aspect of their lives: friendships, love lives, and otherwise. But, when they come across the sport of Sumo Wrestling, their lives take a complete turn as they slowly learn to love and accept themselves for who they are.

The film is praised for its uniqueness. Madame Meow from A Daily Dose of Zen Sarcasm says,

“Hilarity, romance, self-discovery and much late-night eating ensue. And at the core, you get to see a fresh and original take on the average fat-person story. I guarantee it's much better than anything Eddie Murphy or Tyler Perry could ever muster up with a fat suit, because the difference here is that there is a sweet, unfussy dignity to the way the story is told.”

To read more from Madame Meow, please visit A Daily Dose of Zen Sarcasm.

Beyond this, the film succeeds in making a hilarious comedy out of an emotional and at times touchy subject. Laura and Caroline from Young DC Living say,

“It is consistently filled with laugh-out-loud moments, even during one of the more “sad” scenes within the film. Regardless of subtitles, the humor and clever writing within the film shine through. The characters are very funny, have great chemistry, and give genuinely heart-felt performances!”

To read Caroline and Laura’s blog, visit them at YoungDCLiving.

Most importantly, the film kindly and tastefully sheds light on one of the more pressing social issues in society today. Margo from D.C. Girl aptly remarks that

“Fat prejudice is still one of the most acceptable forms of prejudice in our society. It was nice to see the characters in this film conquer that, finding acceptance in their own way.”

To read Margo’s blog in its entirety, please visit D.C.Girl@theMovies.

From the looks of it, A Matter of Size is sure to satisfy your taste for comedy, romance, sports, and drama all in a matter of about 90 minutes. We here at Menemsha Films (and I think the bloggers would agree) urge you to find the time to get out and see the film this weekend! It opens Friday, July 2^nd at The Avalon Theatre in Washington D.C.

To see more about the film, watch the trailer here:

or visit our website at MenemshaFilms.com.

"Saviors in the Night" and "Anita" to Headline the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival!!

2010-06-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce that two Menemsha films, Anita and Saviors in the Night, will be represented this year in the San Francisco Jewish Film festival - the first and largest Jewish film festival in the world. The excitement and buzz around this event is especially potent because the festival is celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year! The executive and program directors of the festival are proud to represent 57 features from more than a dozen countries, and we here at Menemsha are proud to add to the festival’s diversity.

The opening film, Saviors in the Night, is a German-French co-production directed by the Dutch filmmaker Ludi Boeken, and tells the story of a family who bravely risk their lives to hide and save a Jewish family from the Nazi’s. The film is inspired by the memories of Marga Spiegel, a 98-year-old resident of Germany who has kindly accepted an invitation to attend the festival, along with Boeken and actress Lia Hoensbroech.

The centerpiece film of the festival is Anita, an Argentine film directed by Marcos Carnevale. The film tells the story of Anita, a young woman with Down syndrome who gets lost in Buenos Aires after the 1994 bomb attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center. Alejandra Manzo, the actress who plays Anita, will also be attending the first screening, which will be the Northern California premiere of the film.

The Festival runs July 24 to Aug. 9. The main venue is San Francisco's Castro Theatre. Events and screenings also take place at the Roda Theatre in Berkeley, the CineArts @ Palo Alto Square in Palo Alto and the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael. Tickets are on sale now for JFF members and will be available for the general public beginning Friday, June 25.

For more information about these films, please visit our website at www.MenemshaFilms.com.

A Matter of Size to Open in Washington DC

2010-06-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

"A Matter of Size" is growing! The fat-friendly film of four lovable sumos-in-training, will soon be shifting its weight to our Nation's Capital, Washington DC.

The film, which stresses self-acceptance, does a delightful job of exposing the "lighter" side of Israeli artistry. And it couldn't come at a better time. Due to recent events (Flotilla), this film, and your support for it, holds weight now more than ever.

It will be opening at the Avalon on July 2nd. You can read a review and watch the trailer here, or learn even more about the film at our website here.

But rest assured Bostononians, your four favorite plus-sized fighters will not be leaving you anytime soon. We recently got confirmation that "AMOS" will continue playing through the summer at the West Newton Cinema!

2010-05-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
My name is Jais and I am a rising junior at the University of Pennsylvania. I am interning at Menemsha Films this summer and am very excited to work with the films we are representing. One of the first films I watched was Nora’s Will, a refreshing and heartfelt dark comedy set in Mexico during Passover. I thought the movie was delightful. The film was beautifully shot and seamlessly edited. Beyond that, it managed to deliver a powerful message while still playfully scratching the surface of comedy. Although the film, as demonstrated by the title, is clearly about Nora’s tragic death and the subsequent misfortune which follows it, the overall message of the film went above and beyond the typical “death-in-the-family” story. Instead, the film evolved into a story about reintroducing and rekindling lost passions, whether they are of religion, family, or romance. The unique emotional discovery and reconciliation that occurs in Jose, Nora’s EX (as he never fails to remind us) husband, is an extremely touching example of how love truly stands the tests of tragedy, time, and whatever else might be thrown its way. In my opinion, the film is a must see. The elements of comedy, romance, family, and religion provide something that I think everyone can enjoy and relate to.
You should definitely see it if you get the chance!

Nora's Will: Jewish Journal Article, Hot off the Presses

2010-05-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

As expected the Florida Jewish Journal released their article on Nora's Will this morning, however, much to our pleasant surprise, it could not have been better.

The dark comedy that takes place during Passover began its local run with a positive turnout at the Tower Theater in Miami and as a result has since expanded to five other screens in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Mariana Chenillo, the film's director and screenwriter, said that even though the story takes place within the context of the Mexican Jewish community, it is not a story about religion or one meant to reach only a specific audience.

This article appeared in The Florida Jewish Journal as well as 6 other regional issues that will be going out in print on friday.

To read the whole article on the publication's website right now go here

Nora's Will - The Buzz is Beginning

2010-05-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who still haven't found out about "Nora's Will" (Winner of Mexico's Best Picture along with a bevy of other Ariel's) I am here to alert you that you are quickly running out of reasons as to why.

Just this last saturday The Sun Sentinel, Florida's most popular periodical, published an article that had this to say about Mexico's favorite art-house film:

"Nora's Will" is a dark comedy set in Mexico during Passover, but director and screenwriter Mariana Chenillo says the themes of the story are universal.
"This is a love story that could happen within any family," she said. "The film portrays contemporary Mexico in many ways by showing how we understand death and how we continue to make dead family members part of daily lives."

You can catch the rest of that article here: The Sun Sentinel

But wait theres more!

If you find yourself with some sort of an aversion to The Sun Sentinel (they insulted you and/or your mother, they kicked your dog, they spilled countless gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico etc.) and you can wait until next Tuesday then you can read an article about the film in the Florida Jewish Journal.

But for those of you who just can't wait for Tuesday (and believe me, we at Menemsha know all about impatience)then you can find all the information you need about the film at our website right here: Menemsha Films

So if you're looking for a good reason to get out of the sun for a bit, do yourself a favor and go see a film that is sure to satisfy.

"A Matter of Size", "Anita" Rock the LA Jewish Film Festival!!

2010-05-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

Sharon Maymon and Erez Tadmor, directors of A Matter of Size, pose with two American Sumo wrestlers on the red carpet at the 2010 Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival!

A Matter of Size was the Opening Night film for this year's festival, and was preceded by a gala event at the Writers Guild Theater. The directors stayed after the film for a Q&A moderdated by Rob Eshman, editor of the Jewish Journal.

Also playing at the LAJFF was Anita, from Argentinian director Marcos Carnevale. This incredible film, also released by Menemsha, was honored with the Audience Award for Best Drama!

Anita is the story of a young woman with Down syndrome who gets lost in Buenos Aires after the 1994 bomb attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center. The film is by renowned filmmaker Marcos Carnevale, director of Elsa and Fred, and stars Academy Award Nominee Norma Aleandro, the "Meryl Streep" of Argentina.

A Matter of Size is now playing in Boston theaters, and is coming soon to Washington, D.C!
Anita is currently playing at film festivals all over the country!

For more information about A Matter of Size and Anita, visit Menemsha Films!

"Nora's Will" Expanding to Six Theaters in South Florida, Coming Soon to New York!

2010-05-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Nora's Will (Spanish title: Cinco Dias Sin Nora) is a Mexican comedy like nothing you've seen before, a truly unique tale about lost faith and eternal love from first time writer/director Mariana Chenillo. For weeks this award-winning film has been playing to big audiences and rave reviews in South Florida, and now even more people will be able to see this incredible film as Nora's Will expands to theaters in Fort Lauderdale and Lake Worth, and continues to play in Miami, Boca Raton and Delray Beach!

Comments and rave reviews keep coming in from South Florida, such as this one from Dr. Alan Berger, Raddock Family Scholar Chair of Holocaust Studies at Florida Atlantic University:

"Nora's Will... combines humor and pathos in telling the story of Jose and Nora."

"The film, by turns poignant and irreverent, traces Jose's reconciling his frayed relationships...One of the many wonderful aspects of this beautiful film is the way it navigates between Jewish particularity and universal appeals. By telling a particular and very human story, Nora's Will addresses common human problems, emotions, and possibilities."

Jonathan Jacobs, author of "Hollywood Screen Spotlight" and editor of ScreenSpotlight.com recently posted his rave review of the film as well:

"For my part as a reviewer, I will emphatically tell you this is a film that will make you laugh, smile, cringe and cry, perhaps all at the same time. Jose’s flashbacks of his touching romantic moments with Nora will melt your heart and turn it sideways. This is one of the most true and wonderful love stories and as such it is also one riddled with guilt and betrayal. We are privy to a slice of real life that is unforgettable. Every character acts their part to perfection and causes this film to be nothing short of spectacular. It is an exposition of conflict in an age of religious and social change and one that we can learn unlimited lessons from. It provides no answers but it suggests so many truths. I offer Nora’s Will my highest recommendation for all audiences. I fell in love with Nora’s young character and she will break your heart like she did Jose’s."

Nora's Will was recently named Best Picture of the Year at Mexico's Academy Awards, and it won the Audience Award at the 2009 Miami International Film Festival. This heart-warming comedy is opening in September at the prestigious Paris Theater in New York City. Don't miss your chance to see this masterful film for yourself!

Opening This Weekend in Ft. Lauderdale, Lake Worth and Delray Beach!

Movies of Delray - Opens 5/7
7421 W. Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33446
(561) 638-0020
Tickets & Showtimes

Movies of Lake Worth - Opens 5/7
7380 Lake Worth Rd.
Lake Worth, FL 33460
(561) 968-4545
Tickets & Showtimes

Cinema Paradiso - Opens 5/10
503 S.E.6th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 525-FILM
Tickets & Showtimes

Now Playing in Miami, Boca Raton and Delray Beach!

Tower Theater (at Miami Dade College)
1508 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL
(305) 643-8706
Website

Regal Shadowood 16
9889 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 482-2296
Tickets & Showtimes

Regal Delray Beach 18
1660 South Federal Highway
Delray Beach, FL 33483
(561) 272-2900
Tickets & Showtimes

Watch the trailer for Nora's Will here.

For more information about Nora's Will, and many other quality art house films available from Menemsha Films, please visit our website!

"Nora's Will" named Best Picture of the Year!!

2010-04-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Nora's Will was the big winner at the 52nd Annual Ariel Awards, held in Mexico City this year on Tuesday, April 13th. The Ariel Awards are Mexico's most prestigious film prize (equivalent to the Academy Awards), and this year the Mexican Film Academy named Cinco Dias Sin Nora (Nora's Will) the Best Picture of the Year!

The film took home awards in 6 other categories as well:

Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor (Fernando Lujan)
Best Supporting Actress (Angelina Pelaez)
Best First Film
Best Original Score
Best Makeup

Writer/Director Mariana Chenillo is the first female director to ever win the Ariel Award for Best Picture. Congratulations to all of the winners! If you'd like to read more about the Ariel Awards, read the articles in The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.

Nora's Will was also recently featured in the Florida Jewish Journal:

Mariana Chenillo, the film's director and screenwriter, said that even though the story takes place within the context of the Mexican Jewish community, it is not a story about religion or one meant to reach only a specific audience.

"This is a love story that could happen within any family and I believe that the fact that it is so specific is what makes it universal," she said." I also think that the film portraits contemporary Mexico in many ways by showing how we understand death and how we continue to make dead family members part of daily lives."

Don't miss your chance to see this award-winning film for yourself! Nora's Will is now playing in Miami, and starts next week in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida!

Now Playing!
Tower Theater (at Miami Dade College)
1508 S.W. 8th Street
Miami, Florida 33135
(305) 643-8706
Website

Opening April 23rd!
Regal Shadowood 16
9889 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 482-2296

Regal Delray Beach 18
1660 South Federal Highway
Delray Beach, FL 33483
(561) 272-2900

Watch the trailer for Nora's Will here. (Now with English subtitles!)

For more information about Nora's Will, visit Menemsha Films!

Celebrate Israeli Independence This Weekend with "A Matter of Size"!

2010-04-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

What better way to celebrate Israeli Independence Day than with fun and laughter! The four wannabe sumo wrestlers of A Matter of Size show that Israelis come in all shapes and sizes, and that Israeli comedies can be "ludicrously funny"! (Variety)

Don't miss your chance to see this heart-warming and hilarious comedy in Boston! A Matter of Size is currently playing at the West Newton Cinema in Newton.

West Newton Cinema
1296 Washington Street
West Newton, MA
(617) 964-6060
Website

A Matter of Size is coming soon to Beverly, MA! The film will be playing April 27th through April 29th at the Cabot Street Cinema Theatre in Beverly.

Cabot Street Cinema Theatre
286 Cabot Street
Beverly, MA
(978) 927-3677
Website

Watch the trailer here.

For more info on A Matter of Size, visit Menemsha Films!

"Saviors" Pleases Crowds Overseas Too!

2010-04-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

"Telling the story in German, by Germans and for Germans proved one of the trickiest feats," recalls the Amsterdam-born director, Ludi Boeken, whose own parents survived thanks to the bravery and hearts of farmers.

Tricky nonetheless, it seems to be paying off.

While Saviors in the Night has been tearing through the Film Festival Circuit here, picking up an Audience Award in Pittsburgh, it seems to be doing equally as well internationally.

Just this past week it was screened at the Film Festival in Lyons, France. Playing to a packed house the film won the Audience Award.

The film will continue on its Festival course; screening in Washington D.C., Minneapolis, and Portland next week and in Baltimore on the 28th.

Relieve Your Stress with "A Matter of Size"!

2010-04-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

A Matter of Size is on a roll in Boston, with each week bringing in even larger audiences than the last! Don't miss your chance: see this hilarious Israeli comedy (yes, Israeli comedy!!) before it's too late!

If you need even more reasons to see the film Variety calls "ludicrously funny" and EDGE Boston calls "a champion", the West Newton Cinema is holding a special promotion this weekend! If you "go sumo" by purchasing a large popcorn with a ticket to A Matter of Size, you'll receive a special A Matter of Size sumo stress reliever FREE! (while supplies last)

See the film at:
West Newton Cinema
1296 Washington Street
West Newton, MA
(617) 964-6060
Website

Showtimes: 1:15, 6:10

For more info, check out Menemsha Films!

Don't Miss 'Nora's Will' in Miami!

2010-04-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Don't miss your opportunity to see the award-winning Mexican comedy Nora's Will in Miami!

The film, which recently added a fourth week to its run at Miami Dade College's Tower Theater, has been drawing big crowds and earning rave reviews all over Miami. The Miami Herald says:

Choosing humanism over the pitfalls of melodrama and the temptations of the tremendous (a sex toy makes its most innocuous appearance ever), first-time feature director Mariana Chenillo shuffles her chips adroitly -- solid, natural acting; no flashy camera movements; no do-or-die conflicts -- to steer her ultimately pleasing plot to a conclusion as tidy as Nora's apartment and as orderly as her posthumous instructions for Passover dinner.

Watch the trailer for Nora's Will here. (Now with English subtitles!)

Nora's Will is playing at
Tower Theater (at Miami Dade College)
1508 S.W. 8th Street
Miami, Florida 33135
(305) 643-8706
Website

This Week's Showtimes:
Fri 4/9: 6:30 PM
Sat 4/10: 4:30, 9:30
Sun 4/11: 2:30, 7:30
Tues 4/13: 9:30
Wed 4/14: 6:30
Thurs 4/15: 9:30
Fri 4/16: 9:00

For more information about Nora's Will, visit Menemsha Films!

A Matter of Size STILL in Boston

2010-04-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered if Israel produces films other than Holocaust or War-related films? Well, if you have, we are here to show you Israel can be so much more than depressing, family dramas. Our point in case - A Matter of Size - A light-hearted comedy about the woes of being heavy-set.

Our favorite bunch of Sumo wrestling Israeli's is continuing for its fourth week now, at the West Newton Cinema in Boston. But what's even more exciting is attendance is picking up from week two and will hopefully continue to gain momentum after this weekend. So if your in Boston this weekend or happen to know somebody who is, make sure you're the first person to spread the word about a film that is quickly growing in popularity.

"Nora's Will" in the Miami Herald!

2010-04-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

The award-winning film Nora's Will is premiering in Miami theaters this Friday (April 2nd), and the positive reviews on the film just keep on coming! Nora's Will is sure to be a big hit among Miami audiences!

Orlando Aloma of The Miami Herald gave Nora's Will 3 stars (out of 4), saying:

"(Nora's Will)is not a ha-ha comedy but an insider's smiley discourse on the movable boundaries of love, faith, faithfulness and -- last and fortunately least -- personal interests. Choosing humanism over the pitfalls of melodrama and the temptations of the tremendous (a sex toy makes its most innocuous appearance ever), first-time feature director Mariana Chenillo shuffles her chips adroitly -- solid, natural acting; no flashy camera movements; no do-or-die conflicts -- to steer her ultimately pleasing plot to a conclusion as tidy as Nora's apartment and as orderly as her posthumous instructions for Passover dinner. "

Read the rest of the review at The Miami Herald.

Nora's Will is playing at
Tower Theater (at Miami Dade College)
1508 S.W. 8th Street
Miami, Florida 33135
(305) 643-8706
Website

For more information about Nora's Will, visit Menemsha Films!

"Nora's Will" Opens Friday in Miami!

2010-03-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

Menemsha Films is proud to announce the US Theatrical Premiere of Nora's Will, the award-winning film from Mexican writer/director Mariana Chenillo! Variety calls Nora's Will "warm and entertaining", and it has been charming audiences and critics at film festivals all over the world. Nora's Will opens in Miami this Friday, April 2nd, at the Tower Theater (at Miami Dade College)!

Nora had a plan. It would bring her ex-husband, Jose (Fernando Lujan), and the rest of their family together for one last magnificent Passover feast. But there is a flaw in her plan- a mysterious photograph from the past, hidden under the bed, which leads Jose to re-examine their relationship and rediscover their undying love for each other.

The film is playing at:
Tower Theater (at Miami Dade College)
1508 S.W. 8th Street
Miami, Florida 33135
(305) 643-8706
Website

Showtimes:
Friday 4/2: 6:30 PM
Sat 4/3: 4:30, 6:30
Sun 4/4: 2:50, 8:00
Tues 4/6: 6:30
Wed 4/7: 9:15
Thurs 4/8: 6:30

- Nominated for 11 Ariel Awards (Mexico's Academy Awards)
(including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress (2), Best Original Screenplay)
- Winner, Audience Award - 2009 Miami International Film Festival
- Winner, Jury Award (Best Director, Best First Film) - 2009 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival
- Winner, Best Film - 2009 Mar del Plata International Film Festival
- Winner, Audience Award - 2008 Morelia International Film Festival
- Winner, Silver St. George (Best Director) - 2009 Moscow International Film Festival

Jay Weissberg, Variety:

Mariana Chenillo's warm and entertaining feature debut, "5 Days without Nora" (also titled "Nora's Will") may not sound like a comedy, but Chenillo loads the scenario with more Yiddishkeit than a gross of matzo, sure to elicit laughs and knowing nods throughout the Diaspora. Though custom-made for Jewish fests worldwide, "Nora" has amply demonstrated its crossover credentials with a string of awards in Miami, Morelia and Moscow (…) All the performers appear to thoroughly enjoy themselves, especially vet Lujan, who maintains a marvelously underplayed comic timing yet still gives Jose an emotional heart.

Eleanor Ringel Cater, former lead critic for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

First time director Mariana Chenillo never loses sight of the essential humanity of the situation which, at its core, is the on-going friction between those who believe and those who don’t.

Diana Gonzáles, Cinema Network:

…la actuación contenida de Luján, llena de ironía y fino humor negro, ofrece el mayor contrapunto a la conjunción y confrontación de culturas y visiones. (Luján´s acting, filled with a refined black humor, offers a counterpoint to the conjunction and confrontation of visions and cultures. )

Paxton Hernández, Cine Visiones:

La fenomenal ópera prima de Mariana Chenillo, Cinco días sin Nora, es una sencilla comedia negra elevada a niveles de grandeza pura gracias a su humildad y buen corazón. (Mariana Chenillo´s phenomenal opera prima, Nora´s Will, is a simple black comedy taken to a level of pure greatness thanks to good-hearted humulity.)

For more information about Nora's Will, visit Menemsha Films!

"A Matter of Size" is Coming Out in Boston!

2010-03-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

A Matter of Size is now playing in Boston at the West Newton Cinema, and the accolades just keep on coming for this "ludicrously funny" film! Recently, the film was reviewed by Roger Brigham for EDGE Boston, Boston's leading gay website.

Here's what EDGE had to say about A Matter of Size:

"There is a basic principle the rules in the world of sumo wrestling: stand your ground or be shoved aside. It is a theme that resonates throughout "A Matter of Size" and one that should resonate with the queer community.

Herzl (Itzek Cohen) is a fat lonely man who has just quit one job as a chef in dissatisfaction and is gaining weight while attending group therapy session with other don’t-wannabe whales and living with his mother. He finds happiness when he embraces his true girth and dedicates himself and his friends to the discipline of sumo, and finds greater happiness when he finds the courage to be honest instead of only saying things to please people. There is one character who comes out of the closet, but it is the overall story of the power of self-acceptance and integrity that makes this film a champion.

Fat people, guys in loin cloths, Jewish guys dreaming of going to Japan -- there are tons of possibilities for cheap shots and buffoon humor. Writers Sharon Maymon and Danny Cohen-Solal take none of them while delivering a story of good humor and subtle poignancy. Cohen, Levana Finkelstein as his girlfriend Mona and Dvir Benedek as his hot-headed friend and counterpoint are standouts in a solid cast."

Read the review at EDGE Boston

A Matter of Size is playing in Boston theaters now!

For more information, visit Menemsha Films

'Spotlight' on director Jan Hrebejk in Cleveland!

2010-03-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Cleveland International Film Festival recently showcased the films of visionary Czech director Jan Hrebejk in this year's Director Spotlight series! The retrospective featured five of Hrebejk's films: Cosy Dens, Beauty in Trouble and Shameless (all released by Menemsha Films), as well as Up and Down and the Academy Award nominated Divided We Fall. After each film there was a discussion with Jan Hrebejk and his frequent writer and collaborator, the two-time Academy Award nominee Petr Jarchovsky.

Here's what the CIFF had to say about Hrebejk:

Clevelanders have long been fans of prolific Czech director Jan Hrebejk. Since his "Cosy Dens" debuted in Cleveland at the 23rd CIFF, Hrebejk has impressed audiences with his ability to unearth profound truths about the fragility of love, family, and friendship, whether during times of war, natural disaster, or even the most private of dilemmas. While his artistic vision brings at once beauty and irony to his subjects, his ear for music enriches his films to a level of greatness.

The retrospective was featured in the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

"When you have a chance to do a retrospective on an Oscar-nominated director, you do it," says festival artistic director Bill Guentzler. "Our audiences have always responded to his work."

And not just because the area's ethnic makeup has made Central and Eastern European films popular draws. Hrebejk is a leader in the newest wave of Czech cinema, mixing humor with irony, humanity amid upheaval.

To learn more about the wonderful films by Jan Hrebejk available from Menemsha Films, visit our website!

Audiences Love "A Matter of Size"!

2010-03-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

This just in: A Matter of Size has won the Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature at the Seattle Jewish Film Festival!

This is the fourth time audiences have put their weight behind A Matter of Size! The film has been honored with Audience Awards at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, the Washington Jewish Film Festival, and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

A Matter of Size is now playing in Boston. for more information and to find out where you can see it, visit Menemsha Films!

"Anita" and "Saviors" Win Big in Pittsburgh!

2010-03-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

Two films from Menemsha were winners at the recent Pittsburgh Jewish Israeli Film Festival! Anita and Saviors in the Night were both awarded the Audience Award for Best Narrative Film!!

Anita is a heart-warming film from Argentina, starring Norma Aleandro (the "Meryl Streep" of Argentina). Previously, Anita won the Best Film Award and the Audience Award at the Los Angeles International Latino Film Festival. The film is from award-winning writer/producer/director Marcos Carnevale (Elsa & Fred).

Anita Feldman (Alejandra Manzo), a young woman with Down syndrome, lives a happy, routine life being meticulously cared for by her mother (Norma Aleandro). But one tragic morning changes everything when Anita is left alone, confusedand helpless when the nearby Argentine Israelite Mutual Association is bombed. As she wanders through the city, she learns not only to care for herself, but touches the lives of those around her, from an alcoholic to a family of Asian immigrants.

Actor Edward James Olmos, founder of the LAILFF, said

“Anita is one of those little movies in our continent that move from start to end, which have great universal value, and it was the one that most struck me this year.”

For more information on Anita, visit its website.

Saviors in the Night is a heart-wrenching drama about the bond of community and family, set against the backdrop of the Holocaust. Recently the film was the Opening Night Film of the New York Jewish Film Festival at Lincoln Center. Saviors in the Night was directed by Ludi Boeken (Deadlines), and stars the beautiful Veronica Ferres and Armin Rohde (Run Lola Run).

Menne Spiegel was an old friend, a decorated fellow veteran of WWI, and a Jew. Despite being patriotic Germans and Nazi sympathizers, the farmers of Westphalia took in the Spiegel family and hid them, rescuing them from deportation and certain death. That this turns them into heroes would never occur to them. They risk their own lives and that of their families, guided only by their instinct and century-old code of ethics. . The film is based on the memoirs of Marga Spiegel.

For more information on Saviors in the Night, visit its website.

For more information about the Pittsburgh Jewish Israeli Film Festival, click here.

To learn more about these films and many others from Menemsha, check out our website!

Early Reviews Are In: "A Matter of Size" is "One Big Charmer"

2010-03-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

The first reviews for A Matter of Size are coming in from Boston!

First, Brett Michel of The Boston Phoenix gives his take in this week's issue:

"Director duo Sharon Maymon and Erez Tadmor have fashioned a look at a group of blue-collar Israeli men (and one woman) and how they came to accept who they are. Sounds like your usual coming-out tale, no?

Except that they're not gay. (Well, one is.) They're fat. And getting fatter. Oh, and they're sumo wrestlers. "

"Add a subplot of plus-sized romance and you're looking at a big charmer."

Read the review at The Boston Phoenix

Daniel Kimmel of The Jewish Advocate had great things to say about the film as well:

"This is a comedy that could take place in any western society where relative affluence leads to people being overweight. The characters are on a journey where they will first have to accept themselves before they can get others to accept them for who they are.

And if they means running through the streets wearing nothing but a red “diaper,” (the traditional garb of the sumo wrestler), it may mean people will stare, but as “A Matter of Size” makes hilariously clear, that's their problem."

Read the review at The Jewish Advocate

Finally, Laura Clifford of Reeling: The Movie Review Show had this to say:

"The cast is uniformly appealing. (Itzik) Cohen uses his big eyes for mope puppy appeal and carries himself with the grace many large men inexplicably seem to have. (Dvir) Benedek is the tough, macho plumber and the only real threat to Herzl in the ring. (Alon) Dahan is delightful - he makes Gidi's joy radiate when he discovers the gay bear subculture."

"(Irit) Kaplan is a lovely romantic interest and a poster girl for sexy zaftig ladies. (Togo) Igawa, who had to learn how to speak Hebrew for this role, is dignified, but with a slight devilish streak, one which is subtly brought out by (Levona) Finkelstein as Herzl's mom."

"...it's gentle humor and band of underdogs will surely bring a smile. It's a unique cross-cultural comedy."

Read the review at Reeling Reviews

A Matter of Size premieres this Friday, March 19th in Boston, and will soon be playing in a theater near you!

West Newton Cinema
1296 Washington Street
West Newton, MA
(617) 964-6060
Website

Stay tuned for more news and reviews from the Boston premiere of A Matter of Size!
For more information, visit Menemsha Films

Smash Hit Comedy "A Matter of Size" In Theaters Friday!

2010-03-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

A Matter of Size, the hit Israeli film that has been playing to packed houses and rapturous laughter at film festivals around the world, is making its North American Theatrical Premiere in Boston! The film opens Friday, March 19th, and is playing for a limited time. Variety calls the film “ludicrously funny”, and MTV says its “hilarious”. Come see the film that everyone is talking about!

The film tells the story of four overweight friends from the Israeli city of Ramle who are fed up of dieting and the weight loss club they belong to. Herzl (Itzik Cohen) has been struggling with his weight ever since he was young, and his overbearing mother made it no easier on him. When he loses his job as a cook and starts washing dishes in a Japanese restaurant, Herzl discovers the world of Sumo, where large people such as himself are honored and appreciated.

Through the restaurant owner Kitano (Togo Igawa), a former Japanese Sumo coach (supposedly hiding from the Yakuza in Israel), Herzl and his friends fall in love with a sport involving "two fatsos in diapers and girly hairdos". However, Herzl’s dedication to this demanding men-only sport threatens his budding relationship with Zehava, a plus-size social worker. A Matter of Size is a comedy about a 'coming out' of a different kind - overweight people learning to accept themselves.

This film, directed by Sharon Maymon and Erez Tadmor, is the latest in a string of critically acclaimed films to come from Israel in recent years, including Ajami, nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at this year’s Academy Awards, as well as Waltz with Bashir (2009 Academy Award Nominee), Beaufort (2008 Academy Award Nominee), Lebanon and The Band’s Visit. A Matter of Size was the winner of three Israeli Academy Awards, and won Audience Awards at the Washington Jewish Film Festival, the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

A Matter of Size conveys a powerful message of acceptance and inner beauty, but does so in a hilarious, light-hearted manner. The movie is peppered with dry Israeli humor, musical montages, and loveable characters that audiences will be rooting for from beginning to end! A Matter of Size has something for everyone- competitive sports, laugh out loud dialogue, romance, a positive message and optimistic outlook. Nobody will want to sit out on this massively appealing comedy! In Hebrew with English subtitles, A Matter of Size runs 90 minutes and is unrated.

The film is playing at the West Newton Cinemas:
1296 Washington Street
West Newton, MA
(617) 964-6060
www.westnewtoncinema.com

If you don't live in Boston and want to see A Matter of Size, stay tuned to this blog and our website to find out when the film will be playing near you!

For more information and to watch the film’s trailer, visit http://www.menemshafilms.com/.

Testaments to the Enduring Power of Memory

2010-02-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

David Crumm, Editor of Read the Spirit, just posted a review for the recent DVD release of Belzec. Here's a taste of what Mr. Crumm had to say:

In 1985, filmmaker Guillaume Moscovitz was moved by Claude Lanzmann's masterwork on the Holocaust, "Shoah"—a 10-hour documentary that focused mainly on real people who lived near the Nazi concentration camps. Belzec is included briefly in Lanzmann's epic film, but Moscovitz decided around 2002 that Belzec's mysteries deserved a separate, feature-length documentary.

I agree after having watched "Belzec"—including some portions of the film that I viewed twice and even three times to catch small details.

"Belzec" opens with Heinrich Himmler's chilling claim that the Holocaust would represent "a glorious page of our history that has never been written—and shall never be written." The attempt to erase all traces of the crimes at Belzec were in keeping with Himmler's goal. The grand scale of the genocide would be followed by erasure and, finally, a complete revision of world history.

First and foremost, Lanzmann's and Moscovitz's films are testaments to the enduring power of memory. Yes, they raise horrific questions about how much neighbors of this camp knew during the Final Solution! In fact, we learn through Moscovitz's interviews, these neighbors knew precisely what was happening!

Most importantly, though, the film invites us, as viewers, to actively help in the reconstruction of memory.

Read the full review at Read the Spirit

You can buy Belzec on DVD here: Menemsha Store

Belzec - On DVD Tuesday!

2010-02-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! My name is Ben, and it is my pleasure to announce the newest release from Menemsha Films, available this Tuesday on DVD: Belzec!

Belzec is a heart-wrenching documentary which sheds light on a heretofore forgotten aspect of the Holocaust: the death camp in Belzec, Poland. By interviewing locals who witnessed the horrors firsthand and the only known living survivor of the camp, a woman who was hidden under a pile of wood for years as a young girl, the film juxtaposes these memories with the site of the camp today: an empty wooded field, no trace left by the Nazis except the ground bone and ashes mixed with the dirt.

The film's synopsis:

The horrifically efficient Nazi death camp, Belzec, was in operation for less than one year, but witnessed the murder of at least 600,000 Jews. Once the Soviet counterattacks began, the S.S. eliminated all traces of the camp, and the name Belzec faded from the collective conscience. Conceived of by Executive Producer Claude Lanzman as the last chapter to his epic Shoah, helmer Guillaume Moscovitz has created a chilling account that's as much about remembrance as it is about the past.

The film was also reviewed in Variety, by Jay Weissberg.

"This contrast between the tree-covered plain and the death buried just below the surface is what intrigues Moscovitz. Much of the handsomely lensed docu is composed of interviews with locals, people who remember seeing the trains pulling up (the camp was built just 1,500 feet from the town's railroad station), hearing the screams, and, of course, smelling the foul air of burning corpses.

It's refreshing to finally hear villagers who don't claim to have been ignorant of what went on inside the barbed wire fences, although a few don't seem especially traumatized by what was happening in their backyard.

The only Jewish survivors of Belzec were those men forced to usher the prisoners into the gas chambers and later transport the bodies to the pits. Moscovitz makes superb use of their chilling written testimonies.

But even more devastating is listening to the sole living Jewish witness, Braha Rauffman. As a 7-year-old, she was hidden by a villager for 20 months, in a makeshift hole covered with firewood that didn't even allow her space to fully stretch her legs. Her testimony, almost unbearable to hear, contrasts sharply with the more generic recollections of the townspeople."

You can buy the DVD here: Menemsha Store

For more information on Belzec and many other quality films from Menemsha, visit our website! Menemsha Films

Partying with Kawasaki's Rose

2010-02-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Menemsha Films president Neil Friedman strikes a pose with the leading ladies of Kawasaki's Rose; Petra Hrebeckova, Anna Simoniva, and Lenka Vlasakova, during the premiere after party at Vienna Bar in Berlin.

Brian Brooks of indieWire featured this photograph in their post-Berlinale coverage, and here's what they had to say about it:

In his first write up of the Berlinale in his Critics Notebook Shane Danielsen called Czech film “Kawasaki’s Rose” (Kawasakiho Ruze) “the one undeniable ‘find’ of the festival so far.” Following the premiere of the film, directed by Jan Hrebejk and which screened in the festival’s Panorama, all gathered for dinner and some good times (and apparently even a little nudity later that evening) in the German capital. Giving a good pose (and a bit of leg), actors Petra Hrebeckova, Anna Simoniva, Lenka Vlasakova along with Neil Friedman of Menemsha Films. [Photo by Mark Rabinowitz]

Click here for the original article: indieWire

The Undeniable 'Find' of the Festival

2010-02-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

Just in from the Berlin International Film Festival, Shane Danielsen of indieWire has posted a glowing review of Kawasaki's Rose, the latest film from Czech master Jan Hrebejk, which premiered this past Friday as the opening night selection of the prestigious Panorana Special section. Here's what he had to say about the film:

"Theirs were the usual discontents: The parties were fewer. The market was slow. There were no good movies. Had they not seen ‘Kawasaki’s Rose’? The latest from prolific Czech director Jan Hrebejk and screenwriter Petr Jarchovsky, it was easily the best feature of the first few days, the one undeniable ‘find’ of the festival so far.

I couldn’t say I was surprised. To my mind, Hrebejk has long been the most criminally neglected of major contemporary international filmmakers: a consummate director of actors, with a subtle but undeniable visual sense and an instinctive grasp of structure. Yet despite having produced roughly one film a year for the past decade, and having been nominated for a Best Foreign Film Oscar (for 2000’s ‘Divided We Fall’), this is the first of his works to premiere at one of the Big Three European festivals. And even then – in another inexplicable programming decision – it wasn’t in Competition, as it should have been, but appeared instead as a “Panorama Special”.

Writing in Variety last September, I pointed out that there’s a complete body of work there – nine features to date – awaiting discovery by some enterprising programmer or festival. They’re small movies, mostly modern-day domestic dramas, but are distinguished by their humanity, unusual intelligence, and the unadorned elegance of their craftsmanship. “You have to stay small to go deep,” one character says here, and a neater explication of Hrebejk’s philosophy I have yet to find.

This one – about an elderly man, a respected figure from the Communist resistance, whose misdeeds during the Dubcek era are slowly revealed – slipped easily back and forth between various perspectives (and such is Jarchovsky’s skill, every character here was nuanced, contradictory, fully realized), and parceled out its revelations as deliberately and rigorously as a conspiracy thriller. Less hectic than ‘Horem Padem’, more emotionally resonant than ‘Beauty In Trouble’ (as fine as each of those films was), it ranked among the writer and director’s very finest work to date. "

Check out the rest of the article here:

indieWIRE

Variety ♥'s Kawasaki's Rose

2010-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Derek Elley of Variety recently posted a great review of Kawasaki's Rose, which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival this past Friday. The good word of mouth just keeps flowing for this film! Here's a preview of what he had to say:

"While many other Central European countries have dealt with their collaborationist past in movies, Hrebejk and Jarchovsky claim theirs is the first to do so in the Czech Republic. Typically, but without devaluing the content, it's dealt with in a very Czech way -- sans real bitterness, marbled with a lightness of touch, and capped by a final scene that's wound-healing in its tartly genial humor."
"Ensemble performances are topnotch, from Huba and Kolarova as the husband and wife who still retain their dignity even as their past becomes media property, through Vlasakova as their conflicted daughter, to smaller parts like Anna Simonova as Bara, Lucie's restless teen daughter. One cross-generational scene between Huba and Simonova is a beauty, showing how Jarchovsky's well-worked script keeps all family members involved in the ensemble at all times."

You can read the rest of the article here:
Variety

Berlinale '10 continued

2010-02-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I last posted here, and while I do not have a list of sympathy-enducing excuses, I can assure you I am back and with an ample supply of Independent Film News.

The 60th annual Berlin Film Festival begins tomorrow! And while Roman Polanski will surely not be making an appearance, his newest film, The Ghost Writer, will.

Now if you are overwhelmed by the amount of film about to be displayed over the next week and a half in Berlin just know that you are in good company. Because as of this morning indieWire posted their guide to each film that will be shown in the competition section of the festival.

Tomorrow I introduce you to the Panorama section, until then let me know what you think of the Competition section as well as any other questions you might have about the whole festival in general.

Berlinale!

2010-02-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

Still trying to catch up with everything that happened at Sundance? Well you better hurry up because the festival circuit waits for noone. Up next is the Berlin Film Festival. Founded in 1951 and held annually in February since 1978, the Berlin Film Festival, or Berlinale as it is commonly reffered to, has become the world's largest publicly-attended festival with over 450,000 admissions last year.

This year it will be held from February 12th to the 21st where over 400 films will be competing for a bevy of awards:

Golden Bear (Goldener Bär, Top Prize)

Best Motion Picture
Lifetime Achievement ("Honorary Golden Bear")
Silver Bear (Silberner Bär)

Jury Grand Prix
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Screenplay
Best film music
Extraordinary achievement by a single artist
Grand Prize of the Jury (Short film award)
Others

Panorama Publikumspreis, the Audience Award
Berlinale Camera, a special award for services to the Festival
A Crystal Bear for the Best Film in the 14plus section of the Generation Competition
A Crystal Bear for the Best Film in the children's section of the Generation Competition
Teddy Award for films with LGBT topics
Shooting Stars Award for young European acting talent, awarded by European Film Promotion

This year, the tough job of doling out these awards, has been assigned to Werner Herzog, who will presiding over a very well-rounded jury.

I am also proud to say that two of Menemsha's films will be shown - Jan Hrebejk's Kawasaki's Rose, which will be the opening film of the Panorama Section, as well as Shameless, another one of Hrebejk's recent films.

Oscar Facts

2010-02-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

Regarding the announcement of the 82nd Academy Awards Nominees yesterday, I ran into these interesting facts from Entertainment Weekly, penned by Dave Karger.

1. Avatar received nine nominations but was left out of Best Screenplay. The last film to win Best Picture with out a screenplay nomination? James Cameron’s last nominee, Titanic.
2. Avatar wasn’t nominated for SAG Best Cast, lost the PGA and DGA awards, and is likely to lose the WGA prize later this month. Since the SAG Best Cast prize was introduced in 1996, no film has ever won Best Picture without winning at least one of the four major guild awards.
3. With four nominations, J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek reboot tied with Leonard Nimoy’s Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home for the most nods for a Trek film.
4. Up in the Air scored six nominations (including three for acting, more than any other movie) but was left out of Best Editing. No film has won Best Picture without an editing nomination since Ordinary People in 1981.
5. Up in the Air producers Jason and Ivan Reitman are the first father/son producing team to be nominated for Best Picture since Mario and Vittorio Cecchi Gori for Il Postino in 1995.
6. The Lovely Bones‘ Stanley Tucci is the only acting nominee this year whose film received no other nominations.
7. Earning her 16th career acting nomination for Julie & Julia, Meryl Streep broke her own record—again—for the most nominated actor in Oscar history.
8. This year’s SAG nominees in the individual acting races lined up with the eventual acting nominees 19 for 20, the most ever. The only Oscar nominee not to earn a SAG nod first: Crazy Heart’s Maggie Gyllenhaal.
9. If Avatar wins Best Picture, it’ll be the highest-grossing winner ever (obviously).
10. If The Hurt Locker wins Best Picture, it’ll be the lowest-grossing winner ever.

And as always add any other interesting tidbits concerning this years Oscar race.

Unter Bauern (Saviors in the Night)

2010-02-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

SAVIORS IN THE NIGHT (UNTER BAUERN) is based on the memories of Marga Spiegel. In her narrative, published in 1965, she describes how courageous farmers in southern Münsterland hid her, her husband Siegfried {named Menne} and their little daughter Karin from 1943 until 1945, thus saving them from deportation to the extermination camps in the East. The film tells this story of survival with a sense for the absurd in daily life and not without the typical Westphalian humor.

Here's a great review of the film by Symi Rom-Rymer, a regular writer for Moment Magazine.

Oscar Nominations 2010

2010-02-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

The nominations for the 82nd Academy Awards came out early this morning, and with their announcement comes alot of speculation; who's rooting for who, who should win, and who will win. So over the course of the next month, and the few days leading up to the Awards Ceremony I'm going to be giving you my picks as well as Movie/Director profiles. Until then, I'd love to hear your thoughts on their decision to nominate 10 films for best Motion Picture this year, instead of the usual 5.

A Movie for all Ages, and Sizes for that Matter

2010-02-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

One of Menemsha's latest releases, A Matter of Size, has been playing to packed crowds, standing ovations and rave reviews all over the country. An Israeli film about four oversized Jewish men who turn to sumo wrestling to solve all their problems, is definitely a crowd-pleaser that should surprise many come awards season.

But don't take it from me, heres an unbiased review from Jay Solomon at the More of Me to Love blog.

Sundance Recap

2010-02-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Sundance 2010 ended yesterday, leaving you with a solid list of winners (brought to you by News in Film.)
As always their were some that were surprising and some predicted, but overall I think they did a good job of sticking to their word of trying to "get back to their indie roots."

Jan Hrebejk Trailers

2010-01-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

His first major film, Cosy Dens, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Czech films ever made. Wikipedia describes it as a bittersweet coming-of-age story set in the months leading up to the ill-fated 1968 Prague Spring. I couldnt find any trailer for this but I did find the first ten minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YWpcGkmZAY

Next is Divided We Fall. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film this film still never fails to draw a crow wherever it's played
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAYjBHUIS7A

After that is Up and Down, which was once again the Czech Republic's submission to the 77th Academy Awards however was not accepted as a nominee. Sorry, but I couldn't find anything with subtitles for this one, but I do hear that Czech is pretty easy to learn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM1fqPR2jR8&feature=related

He then follow Up and Down with Beauty in Trouble, which stars the lovely Ana Geislerova as a sex-addicted mother who is forced to choose between her convict ex-husband or a wealthy older ex-patriate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cpihAw8PCs

After that he came out with Im All Good in 2008. Im sorry to say I don't know much about this film but after watching the trailer (no subtitles again) I'm going to quickly make sure I do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIqlyijPTcU

Finally Hrebejk has just recently released Shameless and Kawasaki's Rose. Shameless, which premiered at Toronto was recieved with rave reviews, and like a mentioned in my previous post, Kawasaki's Rose opens at Berlin next month.
Shameless-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHyeuJg5BQ4&feature=related

Why You Should Known About Jan Hrebejk

2010-01-29T12:18:00.000-08:00

More people need to know about Jan Hrebejk. With films ranging from the 2000 Oscar-winning Divided We Fall, a powerful WWII Family Drama, to Shameless, a self deprecating "romantic comedy" that is anything but romantic, Jan Hrebejk has made a name for himself as one of World Cinema's most consistent Auteurs.

Despite his seemingly heavy subject matter, each of his films is injected with a very healthy dosing of "Woody Allenesque" sort of intelligent humor, that many will find refreshing after an unnecessary barrage of Michael Cera or recent Will Ferrell comedies that leave you feeling more insulted than anything.

But, with his latest film Kawasaki's Rose kicking off the Panorama section of the Berlin Film Festival, and the Directors Spotlight Award that the Cleveland International Film Festival is getting him, his exposure level seems to be rising. So if you want to do yourself a favor, check out the trailers in my next post, and if you find one you particularly like you can purchase it here.

List of the Day: J.D. Salinger in Film

2010-01-28T14:10:00.000-08:00

After his first run-in with Hollywood, an on-screen adaptation of his short story "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut" went south, Salinger made it a point to never interact with anyone that ever had to do with Hollywood. But grudges aside films were made and characters were based off of his own and even at times were based off the legendary author himself.

Meiko Lindeman at Googobits.com does a good job of putting a list of all these films together.

Menemsha Films Review Pt. 2: Beauty in Trouble, and Rashevski's Tango

2010-01-28T12:42:00.001-08:00

Today I'm giving you an outsider's perspective, Tim Boxer of 15 Minutes Magazine, on two of our newer dvd releases, Beauty in Trouble and Rashevski's Tango.

Beauty In Trouble is an endearing slice of life in the Czech Republic involving a woman with two kids and a no-goodnik of a husband who runs a chop shop. He’s caught and imprisoned, and she runs off with a sympathetic older gentleman to his comfortable home in Tuscany. A heart warming story, funny at times, that ends with the woman, whom the older man and we, the viewers, have fallen for, having phone sex with the husband she abandoned who’s back at their Czech home. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out a woman. Menemsha Films, 109 minutes, Czech language with English subtitles.

Rashevski’s Tango is a film from Belgium in which writer/director Sam Garbarski sets out to prove that a tango is just as good a healer as chicken soup. You can dance around that statement but that’s what he maintains. The death of family matriarch Rosa Rashevski, a Holocaust survivor, leaves chaos in its wake, as well as the age-old predicament: What does it mean to be Jewish? Much soul searching among three generations, including Rosa’s son and his Christian wife, a granddaughter who seeks a Jewish husband but falls in love with a gentile who at least knows how to tango, a grandson involved with a French Muslim woman, and a brother-in-law who assumes the role as the new head of the family. Funny and absorbing. Menemsha Films, 97 minutes, French language with English subtitles.

You can find these reviews along with many others Here at 15 Minutes Magazine.

J.D. Salinger Dead at Age 91

2010-01-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

It pains me to hear that J.D. Salinger, author of such masterpieces as "Catcher in the Rye" and "Franny and Zooey", has died today of natural causes in his highly secluded home in New York.

In high school, Holden Caulfield not only brought me inspiration, but consolation as well. Assuring me that by doing things my own way I was becoming a better man because of it.

But be rest assured, Salinger's everlasting quest to rid himself from the public eye has now come to an end. So to him I say thank you and may your afterlife be free of "goddam phonies."

If you would like to read more, Charles McGrath of The New York Times, has written an excellent article.

Sundance Update

2010-01-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

It is now day 7 of Sundance over in Utah. Where the snow is coming down just as heavily as the police did on Gary Coleman (he could totally play yoda's evil twin brother).

But if you're looking for more than mugshots, Cinematical brings you a list of the films with the most buzz behind them.

http://www.cinematical.com/2010/01/18/the-top-10-sundance-movies-to-watch/

List of the Day: Holocaust Films

2010-01-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

Sticking with the Holocaust remembrance theme Isabella Snow brings you her Top 5 films concerning the Holocaust

Holocaust Remembrance Day

2010-01-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 64th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops. I've thought about this all day and about how I should approach it, but somehow nothing seems to do it justice. I cant even begin to imagine what happened there so I'm not going to try to add my two cents to this matter.

If you would like to read more about it though, I found this article from Yahoo! news to be very interesting.

Instead, I'm going to add my contribution to the remembering by introducing you to all the films concerning the Holocaust that Menemsha Films has to offer.

First off is Belzec. The horrifically efficient Nazi death camp, Belzec, was in operation for less than one year, but witnessed the murder of at least 600,000 Jews. Once the Soviet counterattacks began, the S.S. eliminated all traces of the camp, and the name Belzec faded from the collective conscience. Conceived of by Executive Producer Claude Lanzman as the last chapter to his epic Shoah, helmer Guillaume Moscovitz has created a chilling account that's as much about remembrance as it is about the past.

After that we have The Rape of Europa. The Rape of Europa is an epic journey through seven countries, into the violent whirlwind of fanaticism, greed, and warfare that threatened to wipe out the artistic heritage of Europe. For twelve long years, the Nazis looted and destroyed art on a scale unprecedented in history. But heroic young art historians and curators from America and across Europe fought back with a miraculous campaign to rescue and return the millions of lost, hidden and stolen treasures.

Next up we have The Ritchie Boys. The Ritchie Boys is the riveting, untold story of a group of young men who fled Nazi Germany and returned as soldiers in U.S. uniforms. They knew the psychology and the language of the enemy better than anyone. In Camp Ritchie, Maryland, they were trained in intelligence and psychological warfare. Determined, bright, and inventive, they fought their own kind of war; they were victors, not victims.

Another interesting documentary is As Seen Through These Eyes. As Maya Angelou narrates this powerful documentary, she reveals the story of a brave group of people who fought Hitler with the only weapons they had: charcoal, pencil stubs, shreds of paper and memories etched in their minds. These artists took their fate into their own hands to make a compelling statement about the human spirit, enduring against unimaginable odds.

Adding to the list of documentaries, we have Inside Hana's Suitcase. The delivery of a battered suitcase to Fumiko Ishioka at the Tokyo Holocaust Museum begins the true-life mystery that became the subject of Karen Levineʼs best-selling book Hanaʼs Suitcase. The suitcase came from the Auschwitz Museum and had Hana Bradyʼs name painted on it. Larry Weinsteinʼs masterful film follows Fumikoʼs search to discover the details of Hanaʼs life, which leads to the discovery of her brother George in Toronto.

And rounding out the documentaries is Human Failure. The expropriation of assets from German Jews, during the Third Reich, benefitted virtually every other German citizen. It was not the Gestapo who invaded Jewish residences in order to confiscate all property, from bank accounts to the last shirt, it was the German Tax officials.
A bizarre competition evolved between bureaucrats as to how to organize the robbery of the Jews before they were expelled, or sent to their deaths.
Larger assets went to the tax offices, and the smaller assets and goods were sold to friends and neighbors in public auctions of “Non-Aryan“ property.

Finally we have Saviors in the Night. SAVIORS IN THE NIGHT (UNTER BAUERN) is based on the memories of Marga Spiegel. In her narrative, published in 1965, she describes how courageous farmers in southern Münsterland hid her, her husband Siegfried {named Menne} and their little daughter Karin from 1943 until 1945, thus saving them from deportation to the extermination camps in the East. The film tells this story of survival with a sense for the absurd in daily life and not without the typical Westphalian humor.

If anybody has questions about any of these films, feel free to leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

What is your favorite Holocaust-related film?

All Awkward Filmmakers Report to Cannes

2010-01-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

If you've got a clever film with an uncomfortable leading role (bonus points for animation or stop motion) then find the fastest way to ship it to Cannes, because guess who is Head of the Jury this year.

Menemsha Film Review Series pt. 1 - Live and Become

2010-01-26T09:34:00.000-08:00

Live and Become is one of those rare films that is truly identifiable across the globe. No matter what color your skin is, what language you speak, what economic status you come from etc... We have all contemplated the subject matter that this movie bases itself around: Identity. And we have all asked ourselves the questions this movie attempts to answer. Who am I? Where do I come from? What am I supposed to be and how do I become it?

The film follows Schlomo, an Ethiopian Christian masquerading as a Jew upon orders from his mother, in hopes he be transported to Israel and live a better life. It is broken up into three parts of Schlomo’s life and is very effectively played by three different actors (Moshe Agazai, Mosche Abebe, and Sirak M. Sabahat).

After a troubled stay at an Israeli boarding school (fights, attempts to run away etc.) Schlomo is adopted by “a very left wing family,” a proud father, a standoffish mother, a loud rude son, and quiet polite daughter. Here he has difficulty accepting them as his family but eventually does so, supplemented by secret prayers and letters sent back to his birth mother with the help of his Ethiopian Rabbi-mentor.

Cut to 7 years later where Schlomo (now 17) is a well assimilated adolescent and is going through all the inevitable ups and downs that come with the age. There are girl problems; his girlfriend’s father doesn’t approve of him because he is black. He must prove himself to the community; which he does by winning what the film calls “Controversies,” a debate of sorts in order to show ones knowledge of the Torah. And there are family problems; as his relationship with his adopted mother grows stronger, so do feelings of losing his birth mother.

After another 8 year jump into the future Schlomo is now a grown, mature 25 year old Med Student. He is studying abroad but does a good job of staying in touch with those whom he loves. Upon return he is married. This then poses the question will he reveal his secret to his bride? This, paired with an ending that brings the story full circle, will make this 2 hour and 15 minute movie well worth the time spent watching.

You can watch the trailer here.

Or, purchase the film here.

Sundance 2010

2010-01-25T13:52:00.000-08:00

The leader in Independent Film Festivals, since its beginning in 1978, has undeniably been the Sundance Film Festival. It started in Salt Lake City as the Utah/US Film Festival in order to attract more filmmakers to Utah. It was founded by Sterling Van Wagenen, John Earle, Cirina Hampton Catania.

With Robert Redford as the Chairperson, the goal of the festival was to showcase strictly American-made films, highlight what the potential of independent film could be and to increase visibility for filmmaking in Utah. At the time, the main focus of the event was to conduct a competition for independent American films, present a series of retrospective films and filmmaker panel discussions and to celebrate the Frank Capra Award; it highlighted the work of "regional" filmmakers who worked outside the Hollywood system.

The Festival has changed over the decades from a low-profile venue for small-budget, independent creators from outside the Hollywood system to a media extravaganza for Hollywood celebrity actors, paparazzi, and luxury lounges set up by companies that aren't even affiliated with Sundance. Recently though, the Festival itself has tried to curb these activities in recent years, beginning in 2007 with their ongoing "Focus On Film" campaign.

And with the emergence of a new director this year, John Cooper, the festival seems to be heading back towards its roots. Some of his more notable changes have been getting rid of the glitzy opening-night tradition of a premiere that's not competing for festival prizes as well as adding a new program of eight films with tiny budgets of less than $500,000 to ensure a place for do-it-yourself works amid high-profile Sundance premieres.

"I really felt a responsibility to, and actually permission, to not think about anything but what was core to us, and that is going for excellence and creativity in the films we choose, and nothing else," Cooper said.

True.Good.Beautiful brings you the pre-festivalbuzz, before the festival started on last Thursday.

Here is where you can find all the latest buzz.

And here is the link to the official Sundance website.

List of the Day

2010-01-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

Everybody loves a good countdown. So, each day I'm going to post a new list, either made up by me (in which case I will attempt to support my arguments) or a list from an outside party I found to be particularly interesting. This one is brought to you by the Auteurs. Here is a list of the top grossing Independent films of the past decade.

What makes it an Indie?

2010-01-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

Prior to starting this blog I was asked by somebody "What is it that makes a film an 'Indie'?" (and yes they really did make quotation marks with their fingers as they said the word Indie, as if it was some sort of mythical creature that could never actually exist.) I told him there were two answers: a long one and a shorter one.

The shorter answer is simple. An Independent film is any film that receives less than 50% of its funding from any of the Major Movie Studios. Too easy? Of course it is.

The long answer is one that begins in the early days of American Filmmaking concerning the likes of Thomas Edison and continues right up to the present, growing ever more confusing with the successful emergence of new independent film studios and festivals as well as digital filmmaking. If you would like to learn more about this topic, I encourage you to check out this page.

List of the Day: Stealing or Honoring?

2010-01-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, so there is a "certain transgression" I must admit to. I stole my post name, ackMERMAN, from my cousin. Now that doesn't mean I'm a thief, I have my reasons. First of all we share the same last name the nickname is in reference to, but that's not the point. Second of all the aforementioned nickname was given to him by somebody else, which means that the complaining party really has no claim to their so-called property to begin with. Finally, I chose this name because I like it. I found it a clever nickname so I took it as my own (mainly because I didn't think any of my friends or extended family members would actually read this).

Which leads me to my point and the subject of this rant. Is it an honor when somebody copies something of yours, or is it just downright thievery? Now I'm not going to try to solve this age-old debate but I will add my opinion. People have influences, no matter what line of work your in, you are going to be influenced by somebody who has done it before you. So why not acknowledge those influences.

Which now leads us to the list of the day - Top 10 Remakes of all time. Brought to you by Film School Rejects.

And if anybody out there has any films they think should be on the list or their opinion on the matter, I encourage you to leave your comments.

Menemsha Films

2010-01-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

"Film as dream, film as music. No form of art goes beyond ordinary consciousness as film does, straight to our emotions, deep into the twilight room of the soul." Ingmar Bergman’s powerful statement about film connects with Menemsha’s commitment to this art genre. Menemsha Films is a film distribution company founded in 1998 by Neil Friedman. The typical genre of its films consists of foreign narrative films as well as art house documentaries; or as they prefer “intelligent films for the intelligent film fan.” By setting intelligent film fans as it’s target, Menemsha quickly hit it’s mark; setting a record five films nominated for an Academy Award in five consecutive years in either the Best Foreign Film or Best Documentary categories (Divided We Fall, Son of the Bride, Zelary, Story of the Weeping Camel, and Prisoner of Paradise). Adding to the prestige of it’s Oscar-nominations, is the praise Menemsha’s films have received overseas; receiving various awards from prestigious festivals such as Toronto, Berlin, Karlovy Vary, Venice and Cannes among others.

However, looking beyond the awards one will find the true backbone of this company lies in the subject matter covered by each film. While the bulk of its library consists of Jewish-themed family films (Live and Become, Rashevski’s Tango, Belzec, Saviors in the Night, A Matter of Size etc.), Menemsha is also dedicated to finding top films from countries all around the world, each with a highly universal message packaged in an intriguing, original form. Films such as “A Touch of Spice” from Greece (the most successful film in Greek history), “Cozy Dens” from the Czech Republic (directed by one of the Czech’s most beloved and successful filmmakers, Jan Hrebejk), “Gloomy Sunday” from Germany (recently voted as one of the top 10 films of the decade by Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle), or “Machuca” from Chile (Chile’s 2004 Academy Award Entry For Best Foreign Language Film) will not only reveal something about their own country of origin, but will also provide a new insight into some of the events that may occur in your life.

But if narratives aren’t your thing then its wide variety of documentaries should certainly be something to catch your interest. Ranging in topics from Major League Baseball (The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg) to the plundering of centuries of invaluable art by the Nazis in World War II (The Rape of Europa) to everything in between: “Midnight Movies”, an official selection at Cannes 2005 about the history of classic horror films, “The Ritchie Boys”, which was shortlisted for The Academy Awards in 2005, documents a group of young men who fled Nazi Germany to return as soldiers in U.S. uniforms, and “Inside Hana’s Suitcase”, a youth-driven documentary about a grammar-school class doing some detective work on an old suitcase to educate themselves on The Holocaust.

With a library consisting of 30+ films, and a dedication to growing faster than ever, no matter what your taste might be there is assuredly something here for you. So if the films released in theatres these days just aren’t doing it for you, then it’s time to broaden your horizons and take a step into Menemsha Films’ library.

My First Time

2010-01-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

You know how it goes, "If everybody else is doing it, it must be cool."

Now i've never considered myself a conformist, so I'm going to justify my actions as well as let you know what this blog is all about.

I've had a passion for film for as long as I can remember, but up until now it has only manifested itself by way of petty arguments such as justifying my hatred of Christian Bale, or explaining why Jon Lovitz is the most underrated actor/comedian of our time. However, just recently I took a more proactive approach, I got a job with Menemsha Films (which I will continue to describe with great detail throughout this blog), and began to immerse myself in the world of Independent and Foreign Film.

Like any other submersion I started off slowly. I dipped my toes in to test the waters by watching the classics - Seven Samurai, The 400 Blows, 8 1/2 etc... Then, after finding out which directors I liked more than others (Akira Kurosawa, Jan Hrebejk, and Ingmar Bergman), I dove into their filmographies. Discovering the waters to be quite refreshing I now find myself coming back as often as possible, by keeping my eye open for new releases as well as searching for older, more obscure films (Harakiri, Zabriskie Point to name a few) and setting up an account with The Auteurs, a site where you can stream classic films for a small fee.

So if you are interested in the world of Independent Film, yet find it overwhelming and intimidating, consider this blog a Independent Film 101 without any of the homework or papers. Where I will be doing less leading but more wandering in wide-eyed innocence along with you.