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"Paradise Now" From the Director's Own Words
“Paradise Now” From the Director’s Own Words
Over the past few months, Hany Abu-Assad’s film, “Paradise Now” has been honored and excoriated simultaneously. While being nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Foreign Language Film category, winning several other awards, and enjoying critical acclaim, the controversial Palestinian film about the last 48 hours of two would-be suicide bombers and their internal struggle has ignited the debate about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
For his efforts, despite being accepted not only by the Palestinian led Hamas government, but Israel’s as well, Abu-Assad has been accused of not only being a promoter of suicide bombing by Israelis, but having too passive a stance for some of his own countrymen’s taste. He can’t seem to win.
To the contrary, he feels like he has in the form of self discovery. Prior to making the film, while understanding the struggle of his people, Abu-Assad was unsure about his feelings about the act of suicide bombing. During shooting, he got his answer.
“I learned that I am against suicide actions from all the point of views you look to it,” Abu-Assad in a phone interview prior to the Oscars. “When making the movie, I wasn’t sure where I was on this spectrum.”
“It is the same feelings for all Palestinians, sometimes you understand it, and sometimes you are against it. There is a conflict between your understandings to the people but at the same time you are against action. This conflict in the movie leads to a discussion, especially with the Palestinian audience. (They often said that the movie) made it clear for them. They would say ‘Yes, you understand it, but still you are against it.’”
As a human being, I can’t understand people who have seemed to have no other option to fight injustice. We have to create an option for ourselves (to be able to succeed). “
Abu-Assad answers to the protestors against his film, many who have admittedly not seen it.
“It is important to understand it, to be against it,” Abu-Assad said. “I want people to be free to believe that there is a better way of fighting. I don’t believe that is the only option we have left. It is not the failure of the people who do it, but it is the failure of politics that are really dominant that is creating this fighting. We have to think of something, anything to give people hope.”
Perhaps there is. The film has created dialogue and thought among Palestinians.
“Here, it is bigger pressure, because not only did I need permission from Yasser Arafat to make this film, the people were aware of it and I was under great scrutiny from them,” Abu-Assad said. “Because most of us want the world to recognize that we are a nation with civilized thinking. And partially because of “Paradise Now”, I think they are beginning to feel this way.”
“People in the street don’t go to cinema, but they are happy that I could find an alternative away from expected violence into civilized action through art.”
He is asked which one of the three main characters did he most identify with, was it the intense Salid (Played by Kais Neshef) who is making amends for past family crimes, his friend Khaled (Ali Suliman), who seems loyal more to Salid than the cause, or the woman Suha (Lubna Alzabal) the idealistic and potential love interest of Salid, whose educated far away from their village of Nablus in Europe shaped her thought?
“The voice I fell my voice is everywhere, in all the characters,” Abu-Assad said. “For sure it’s not easy. All the characters tried to be in my voice morality in general. Sometimes you judge morality very differently because you have a different experience at the time. Everyone has struggled with this. Clear moral values depend on a lot of things. And when thinking this thoroughly, I think Palestinians will realize that the actions some take are not acceptable and that there are alternatives.”
(“Paradise Now, which was featured at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, plays Thursday March 10 at the University of California at Santa Barbara)
Photo of Hany Abu-Assad at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival by Becky Sapp and courtesy of WireImage.
"Stripped" Jill Morley's latest news
To those of you interested in following the paths of filmmakers who have been at the SBIFF, here's Jill Morley's latest news. She is the director and star of the documentary "Stripped" which played at SBIFF in 1999. Over the years, Jill has continued to pursue the subject and is now becoming an expert in the field. And if you never saw her doc, look for it. IT shows a side of stripping we've never seen.
Follow this link to the site - and you'll see Wed. March 1 is the day to look for Jill.
Many Thanks to Those who Helped Filmfestivals.com
Working together in the SBIFF media office from morning till next morning for two weeks (and for some of us, beyond), one bonds with the publicity staff fairly intimately. The synergystic work between journalists and publicity staff in getting the news out about films and events is a necessity. However, in some places the bonds are stronger than others. This was the case in Santa Barbara. As a newspaper sports columnist and features journalist for the last seven years, I have had the fortune of working with some good people in large areas of sport (including the Olympics, the NBA, and Major League Baseball), politics, and large studio film. However, they all pale in comparison to the publicity folks at the SBIFF.
The first person who was the most responsible for making this blog possible, is Mo Mc Fadden. The camera shy Mo, the Santa Barbara contact for press, got this server rolling by persistently "bugging" editor Bruno Chatelin into getting coverage. She not only was a great publicist, but a supporter and surrogate mom to filmmakers and wayward journalists alike. Her able assistant Roberta Vaughan (top picture on right) was the best in championing films and connecting them with the right person. She was the "can-do" gal. With her in this picture (for once), was photographer extraordinaire Becky Sapp. Becky, the photog from WireImage, supplied most of the shots from this site including Philip Seymour Hoffman, George Clooney, Naomi Watts, and the directors panel. Her late night work to get the photos to this blog were more than asked for. In addition, WireImage editor Nikki Wantz was the goddess by getting filmfestivals.com whatever we needed, whenever we needed it. Her sense of humor kept things real.
The second picture is of national publicist Carol Marshall 
and her husband Tom. Carol and her publicists Alanna Kordell (third picture far right with filmmakers from "Night of the Dog" Peter Donovan, Peter Atencio, and Eshom Nelms), Stephanie Hope, and volunteers Melanie Marquez, and Kim Field were (among many other things) able to secure interviews for stories and posts about Academy Award nominated directors Gavin Hood ("Tsotsi"), (upcoming) Hany Abu Assad ("Paradise Now"), writer/producer Grant Heslov ("Good Night, and Good Luck"), writer Diana Ossana ("Brokeback Mountain"), and wave files via introductions to Philip Seymour Hoffman as well as critically acclaimed actress Maria Bello. Their tireless
efforts in keeping the press apprised of the happenings of the festival was an amazing gift.
(Ms. Melanie and Nikki Wantz at left)
In addition, a few volunteers went above and beyond the call of duty, Frank "Furanku" (pictured with volunteer Katie Chambers) was the resident philospher and good humor man. Linda Schad (not pictured) the office self described "library nazi" kept things in order in regards to screeners and press kits. Her demeanor and friendliness was a much appreciated calm amidst the oft happening storm. Thanks Linda.
Lastly, many thanks goes to Bruno Chatelin, who allowed this journalist to go as far as he could go despite not knowing each other. The opportunity and experience was tremendous. The only thing I disagreed with him was on the inclusion of a self portrait. Since he is the boss, I reluctantly added a picture (on left) with the insistence of including two quality individuals who have made my experience at the SBIff a pleasant one, filmmaker Joel Bender ( who along with his producer wife Manette Rosen did "Karla") and SBIFF Program Director Cevin Cathell. They, along with Artistic Director Roger Durling, filmmakers, staff, and volunteers, made this a memorable time. Lastly, thank you to Tami Snow and Horny Toad clothing company for taking pity on this scribe's thrift store wear and supplying me with some cool duds.
(*Please note: The blog is not over. There is more to come! Next Stop: Bermuda) (Top two pictures taken by Mike Takeuchi), (Better pictures taken below by Ms. Rebecca)
Third Weekend Screenings of SBIFF Show Festival's Top Films
Traditionally following the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is a third weekend of some of the highlight films. This year, all films will be screened at the Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa Barbara beginning February 17. Friday's schedule: "In Memory of My Father" the best American Independent Film will be shown at 7 p.m. This will be followed by Gold Vision Award winner "The Hamiltons" at 9:30. Saturday's schedule: 10 a.m. Animal Olympics and Kid's Shorts, 1 p.m. all ten finallists from the 10-10-10 shorts contest, 4 p.m. Fund for Santa Barbara Social Justice Award Winner "Sisters In-Law", 7 p.m. the documentary "Who's Harry Nilsson?", and at 9:30, Gold Vision Award winner "Night of the Dog". Sunday's Schedule: 1 p.m. festival soldout documentary "The Shape of Water", 3 p.m. Shorts Program (features many of the shorts shown at the festival), and finally, best documentary winner "King Leopold's Ghost" at 7 p.m. For more information on the Third Weekend presentations, call (805) 963-0023 or by clicking on the attachment below.
http://www.sbfilmfestival.org/html/third_weekend_2006_sbiff.html
Planet Ibsen's Creators True to Self and Others
Despite tirelessly promoting their film "Planet Ibsen",an eerie, modern thought pyschologically based and extremely creative version of 1800's Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House", the wife and husband team of producer Erica Arnold-Wyche and director Jonathan Wyche look no worse for wear at the end of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. (Photo by Mike Takeuchi)
As the SBIFF wound down last week Jonathan Wyche, the writer/director of "Planet Ibsen" finally got to lounge on the couch of the Santa Barbara Hotel. Someone remarked that it was the first time they have seen him sitting down all week. Wyche just smiled. Was he weary? It had been a long week of promoting his and wife Erica Arnold-Wyche's film, where in addition to attending seemingly every movie and all the special events, the couple tirelessly hit the streets to get the word out about their film. But his smile had less to do with fatigue than joy. As with a few other movies that did very well, "Planet Ibsen" was granted another showing at the Festival. Alas, the couple would miss it, as they had a plane to catch. But it didn't matter. They did everything they could, and it was beginning to pay off. One has to admire their determination and resolve to grind it out and take something as far as they could go. And they did it while being genuinely nice, real people that is the antithesis of stereotypical Hollywood. Perhaps it had something to do with his parents being academics (both are university professors), or being reared in different socioeconomic parts of the country, or even his own academic pursuits and life interests. Maybe it is all or none of the above. But after spending some time with both speaking about race, politics, and philosophy, this writer can opine that they did it right. Shakespeare could have had them in mind when he penned "To thine own self be true."
Listen to Jonathan's thoughts on: How he found out that "Planet Ibsen" was selected for the SBIFF by clicking on the link: Download Planetibsenaccepted.wav : Without star driven power, studio backing, and advertising, how did they get people to see their film?:Download wychefestexp.wav : Was it worth the effort?: Download wycheworthit.wav
SBIFF program director Cevin Cathell's thoughts on "Planet Ibsen": Download cathell_on_ibsen.wav
In addition to "Planet Ibsen" being written and directed by Jonathan Wyche and executive produced by Erica Arnold-Wyche, Gabriel Damon and Clint Howard are co-producers. The film stars Howard and Steve DuMouchel. For more information on "Planet Ibsen", visit their Web site at http://www.planetibsen.com/ .
*Last add on "Planet Ibsen": Academy Award winning (for "A Beautiful Mind") director Ron Howard was present for one of the screenings and spoke about the film and his brother Clint's performance:Download rononibsenclint.wav
Update: "Tsotsi" Director Hood is Ecstatic About Being Honored in Santa Barbara
(Update Feb. 15) "Tsotsi" director Gavin Hood called from the East Coast to comment on winning the Best International Feature at the SBIFF:
"I am ecstatic to be honored with the Best International Feature from the Santa Barbara(International Film) Festival," Hood said. "For those who have seen the film in Santa Barbara can attest, "Tsotsi" is a film about redemption and personal responsibility that I think resonates with people anywhere in the world. My wonderful experience in Santa Barbara was filled with beautiful discussions with the residents of a city with strong intellectual capacities. You never really know how a film is going to do until it hits release. "Tsotsi" is going to be out on the 24th and that is when the real test begins. But if the response in Santa Barbara was any indication how it will fare, I have to think that I will be pleased."
Presley Chweneyagae (right) stars as the main character in "Tsotsi". The Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film won the Santa Barbara International Film Festival's "Best International Feature Award" on Sunday. Directed by Gavin Hood (picture below), the film is based in the shantytowns of Johannesburg South Africa where a young hoodlum (played wonderfully by Chweneyagae), encounters a baby in the back of a car he just stole. Determined to do things differently, Tsotsi is encounters many obstacles that lay in front of him due to his actions from the past.
For a feature story on Gavin Hood and "Tsotsi", please click on the button below.
Voices of the SBIFF: For Grant Heslov "... Good Luck" is the Residue of Design
Baseball pioneer Branch Rickey, the man who signed Jackie Robinson to his first contract said that "Luck is a residue of design." This could be said about Grant Heslov's career.
Upon meeting him, one's first impression of Heslov is that he is a humble guy. The self deprecating humor and avoidance of wanting to talk about his success, are indicators of this (as his answer to question 4 below). At the Santa Barbara Film Festival last week, when the subject of this success in partnership with George Clooney in "Good Night, and Good Luck", a film that has garnered him two academy award nominations for writing and Best Picture, he quickly pointed out that he is A.Lucky and fortunate to be working with Clooney, and B. Remembers all of the bad movies ("Revenge of the Nerds 3" and "Vital Signs" come to mind) he was in, to not let it get to his head. Just prior to the Writer's panel, he spoke about the challenges of writing and producing "Good Night, and Good Luck" as well as some self realization.
MT: "How was "Good.." developed?" Download grant_story_development.wav
MT: "What was the biggest challenge you and George faced in writing the screenplay?" Download biggest_challenge_grant.wav
MT: "When 'Good...' was developed, did you have any expecations that it would be so successful?" Download grant_expectations.wav
MT:"From the early stages of labor, pain, and some self doubt you mentioned earlier, to today's success, what did you learn most about yourself in this process?" Download what_learned_about_self_grant.wav
(Photo by Rebecca Sapp of WireImage courtesy of the SBIFF and the lovely Nikki Wantz)
To the Maxx Sidebar Keeps Cranking
Again, the "To the Maxxx Sidebar" of the SBIFF was a loud, raucos affair that still has my ears ringing. (Just clink on this link for proof Download tothemaxxmusic.wav ) . The program, which was created by local writer and filmmaker Russ Spencer, feature extreme sports films and documentaries. One film that many enjoyed at the Arlington Theatre was "On the Pipe 2: Still Smokin'. Although I was impressed at what these riders, especially world distance jump record breaker Ryan Capes, I couldn't help but be annoyed at the ubiquitous presence of a certain energy drink that was a sponsor to the film. Whether it was a tent with the product name, or a hillside carved out with the logo, this constant reminder spoiled it for me.
One film that was pure joy, was "Into the Wind". About the flying of motor powered paragliders all over beautiful scenery, it makes one wish they were a bird. Chris Page, directed, produced, and edited the film. More from Chris here: Download to_the_maxx.wav
All in all, the "To the Maxxx" sidebar was pretty well put together. However, it missed a little pizzazz this year with the lack of a top drawing film. Last year's Dana Brown (who also made "Step Into Liquid", one of the most beautifully shot surfing films ever made) directed "Dust to Glory", an equally incredible effirt about the Baja 100 race is tje standard for films like these, however fairly or unfairly that is. It just is.
Shorts: The Unsung Nuggets of the SBIFF
With eight different programs and over 70 films, screening one of the Shorts Programs of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival was as reliable as a gorgeous South Coast day. Popular with platinum pass holder and single ticket buyers alike, the shorts were usually crowded, if not filled for each screening. (Pictured at left "Alien Dinner Theatre")
With each program, a wide variety of films were available for attendees, including this year's shorts winner "Spin", the winner of both the Bruce Corwin Award for Best Live Action Short, and VAFTA/LA Best Short Under Ten Minutes Award.Directed by Jamin Winans, the hilarious film is about a dj's ability to alter consequences via his turntable. (Pictured Left "1 Dance 2 Sea").
While I felt that "Spin" was the best choice, there were several outstanding shorts on the program including Krishna Devine's deliciously funny "Sly Dog", a dark suburban comedy about infidelity, bad neighbors, and missing pets; and Tim Garrick's "The Receipt", an homage to "Run Lola Run". Other shorts were notable not just because of their quality, but their diversity. "Coming Home" (executive producer Brooke Scharfstein and her husband director Lee Emery Scharfstein are pictured at left), was a beautifully cinemgraphed film that has the viewer nodding their head with realization and understanding the shock of the young man who has returned to his mother's home only to find a table full of young children who are strangers. To hear more from Scharfstein, click on link: Download Leeemery.wav . Animated films like Carolle-Shelley Abrams "Oola Oop L'eau de Ohh!" are so popular, that in addition to getting an encore performance 0f the 2005 Best Aimated Short, her character Natalie, the French chain smoking, high maintenance coquette is back in "Alien Dinner Theatre". (Hear Abrams voice by clicking on the link Download caroleshelley.wav . Other shorts don't fall into a certain category just like R.T. Livingston and Robin Bisio's "1 Dance 2 Sea" video installment does. In its most effective form, their production of interpretive dance near the sea is played on a flowing curtain. rather than a typical screen. Livingston explains this here: Download onedance2sea.jpg .
Sounds: Mark Henderson SBIFF Theme Composer
Local Santa Barbara resident Mark Henderson's resume' is full of musical diversity. Including his compostitional forays into film,television, and video games, he has worked on a children's learning project with Stephen Speiberg's "Dreamworks" company. To top it all off, Henderson composed this year's Santa Barbara International Film Festival theme titled "Awakening". It was the second time he has done so. For more information on Mark visit his Web site at Markhendersonmusic.com.
Click link to hear Mark comment on the SBIFF theme: Download Henderson.wav
More music from Mark titled "American Plains": Download American_Plains.mp3 ."Going Home": Download Going_Home.mp3 , and for something unusual, yet guaranteed to make one smile, Download Microwave.mp3 .
Keeping up with the Jonesers- Can You?
Santa Barbara Film Fest Showcases Director Craig Borders’ Dramedy:
Keeping up with the Jonesers- Can You?
Intensity. Relentless. Yet “based on a true story,” which brings an element of shock and intrigue. This is the outcome of Craig Borders festival favorite “Keeping Up With the Jonesers.” Centered on one man’s plight to reap benefits of drug dealing, Jackson Mittleman (Branden Morgan, “In Enemy Hands”) gets in way over his head.
Continue reading "Keeping up with the Jonesers- Can You? " »
Voices from the SBIFF: "Brokeback Mountain" Co-screenwriter Diana Ossana Answers the Hard Questions
Diana Ossana, who along with Larry McMurtry, wrote the screenplay for "Brokeback Mountain", was among the attendees at the "It Starts with the Script" writers panel of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The pair's project, which is based on Annie Proulx's short story, has been nominated for an Academy Award in the adaptive screenplay category. (Photo by Becky Sapp for WireImage and courtesy of the SBIFF)
Listen to Ossana explain how the screenplay was written and during the panel, how she addressed whether homosexuality in the storyline is an issue.
MT: "How was the script conceived? (click on button to right) Download ossana1.wav
MT: "How did you and Larry work together on the project?" Download ossana_2.wav
From Panel: "Due to the success of 'Brokeback Mountain', will there be more gay themed films?" (Answering in order are Grant Heslov ("Good Night and Good Luck"), Diana Ossana, Bobby Moresco ("Crash"), and Josh Olson ("The History of Violence"). Download ossana_and_co_will_there_be_more_gay_films.wav
One Audience member spoke of being inspired by Ossana and McMurtry's work because of the subject matter. Ossana was visibly flattered by his declaration. Download ossana_addresses_gay_issue.wav
Filmgoers Enjoy the Festival
One of the best part of going to the festival is meeting the people who simply love film. Steven Jay of Santa Barbara went to 32 films this festival. While Mary Beth Riordan didn't go to quite as many, she still enjoyed herself immensely at the films and the events. Click on buttons below to hear their thoughts of the SBIFF.
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