FilmfestivalsTV Videoblog

Véronique Cayla moves from Cannes to CNC

Véronique Cayla, managing director of Cannes film festivals has been appointed by the minister of culture as head of CNC.
She will replace Catherine Colonna who joined the government.
Véronique was appointed by Gilles Jacob early 2001 and joinded the dream team with Thierry Frémaux, Jérôme Paillard (Cannes Market)
She held previous positions with le forum des images, MK2 distribution, a member of the CSA.

J Day by Jie: Action: Cut!!

Well Jie was busy with Star Wars Press Junket at that moment ...he says he is sorry he is not on the picture with his beauty team! Work, work!
Jie Matar, President and Creative Director of Canada’s leading beauty destination, has signed an exclusive agreement with Film Festivals Entertainment Group to provide his signature upscale hair, beauty and makeup services to incoming celebrities at the Cannes Film Festival.
Located at the Majestic Hotel’s 58 Beach Beauty Lounge, Jie and his team have offered the same full-service pampering that has made his Toronto salon the toast of the rich, famous and avant garde in the city and around the world.

Every day, Jie worked his magic on personalities from the film industry: actors from Star Wars and Sin City teams on their press junket, directors, producers, jury members, journalists and executives attending the festival.

Jie launched the J Day by Jie with a special Short Cut For Short Filmmakers in partnership with Cannesmarket, and the Canadian cut in partnership with the Canadian village.
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amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Event

With thousands of photographers lining the sidewalk, the Moulin de Mougins wasw turned into a celebrity circus for the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS event. I was impressed by all the stars that were there and especially by their generousity in giving to such a worthy cause. Paying $5,000 per ticket, the guest list included Kenneth Cole, the Olsen twins, Penelope Cruz, Selma Hayek, Toni Morrison, and Chris Tucker among others. Sharon Stone and Harvey Weinstein were the hostess and host of the ceremony. Liza Minnelli sang "New York, New York" in one of her two performances. Half-way through the night, the $3 million goal had been reached and by the end of the silent and live auctions, that goal had been surpassed. I was extremely delighted to be in the company of such caring people and I am now fully dedicated to the amfAR cause. Their next event will be held in June in New York City. More Information can be found at www.amfar.org.

Hiner Saleem receives "Chevalier des Arts et Lettres"

With the French Minister of Culture in place at Cannes, Hiner Saleem from Iraqi Kurdistan, director of Kilometre Zero (France) will go home with at least one distinction: the coveted "Chevalier des Arts et Lettres". The award at Cannes conveys how France considers film CULTURE, and how the government is closely involved with helping to honor, support and finance CINEMA.

Meeting with Anakin Skywalker

Upon arrival to the Star Wars after-party, I was excited to just be in the presence of the actors of my favorite movie. I was also excited to be able to meet most of the stars of the film including Hayden Christensen. He was much different than his larger-than-life character Anakin Skywalker who turns into the ill-fated Darth Vader. I am a huge fan of Hayden and I was pleased to learn that he was nothing like his Darth Vader character. He is an extremely nice person and any girl would be proud to bring him home to mom.

All Access to Star Wars

As I was visiting the Carlton Hotel, I met "my savior" who handed me an All Access Pass to the Star Wars after-party. As long as I can remember, my father and I have been huge fans of the Star Wars phenomenon. So, one can imagine the excitement I felt when I had the privilege of meeting its creator George Lucas. He was the most humble man and his genius was radiant. Lucas is also the master-mind behind such movies as THX 1138, Indiana Jones, Willow, American Graffiti, and Herbie. His devotion to cutting-edge innovation has led to his owning one of the most successful independent production companies in the world, Lucas Ltd. Lucas will also be the recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award. We can only wait in excitement for what the great George Lucas has in store for us next!!!  

Time for Lars to Take Some Dogme Pills

Lars Von Trier says he is taking a break between Manderley (in competition)and the next installment of his trilogy Washington, slated for 2007. So in the meantime there is time for some peeks at Direktoren For Det Hele (New Director for All of It) . And Lars is going back to the Dogme concept "if I get stuck, its best to take Dogme pills", he declares.

Match Point for Woody Allen and Company

Woody Allen’s Match Point played off competition on May 12th at Cannes, the story of a tennis instructor and his extra marital adventures. Allen attended the opening along with wife Soon, and Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Emily Mortimer.

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Catherine Deneuve Master Class: Magnifique!

One of the first lessons Catherine Deneuve has to impart is perhaps every aspiring actor’s route: going to the cinema at a very early age and embracing the sound and images of film as if it were a second skin. More

V.I.P. Status

After walking the red carpet, I was given tickets to attend the grand opening of the  hottest, most exclusive club in town, V.I.P. Room. When we arrived at the discotheque, there was a huge line and tons of luxury cars parked at the main entrance. It was truly a star gala. Upon arrival, I was waved around to the V.I.P. entrance and it was fun to see all the advantages of celebrity life! My friends and I had a table next to Cuba Gooding, Jr and we were happy to get to take pictures with him. We also met Billy Zane. I stayed out into the wee hours of the morning and had a wonderful time partying with the stars!