AFI AWARDS Screenings...Guys & Dolls, WALL-E, Frost/Nixon. Arclight Cinemas! January 11th - 29th...

AFI organizers just e-mailed me a press release to remind me that each year, the AFI AWARDS honor excellence in the moving image arts within the context of a year in review.

"This is the next chapter in AFI's national mandate - specifically - the creation of an annual almanac that records and preserves the evolution of the moving image arts in the 21st century. "

Commencing January 12th thru January 19th, a handful of this year's "best in review" will screen at both the Arclight in Hollywood and Sherman Oaks Galleria respectively.

Screening Schedule

Wednesday January 14th (8 p.m.)

FROST/NIXON
A Q & A with Director Ron Howard will follow the screening.
(Sold out)

Wednesday January 21st (8 p.m.)

WALL-E
A Q & A with Director Andrew Stanton will follow the screening.

Wednesday January 28th

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
A Q & A with Director Eric Roth will follow the screening.

Thursday January 29th (8 p.m.)

Frozen River
A Q & A will follow with actors Melissa Leo and Misty Upham will follow.

Arclight Cinemas @ Sherman Oaks

Monday January 12th (7:30 p.m.)

On the Town
Classic Olden Golden Goodie with Frank Sinatra

Monday January 19th (7:30 p.m.)

Guys and Dolls
Classic Olden Golden Goodie with Marlon Brando

Monday January 26th (7:30 p.m.)

Singin' in the Rain
Classic Olden Golden Goodie with Gene Kelley

Information: http://www.afi.com/
Tickets: http://www.arclightcinemas.com/

Footnote
AFI is a national institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and advancement of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI FEST...Gala premiere in "DOUBT". Hoffman and Streep no shows? Red Carpet event fizzles...

Well, I reported earlier in the week that last-minute there was a lot of excitement over the announcement that "DOUBT" - adapted for the screen from the award-winning play by John Patrick Shanley - would kick-off the AFI Fest's gala opening night.

Festival-goers were thrilled at the prospect of mixing and mingling on the red carpet with two of the celebrated stars - Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman - who grace the screen in "DOUBT".

But, looks like the premiere has lost its luster and is fizzlin' out.

At press time, it was confirmed that Streep and Hoffman would be no-shows at the premiere.

According to PR Director John Wildman.

Who wants to kibitz with a bunch of suits from the studio - or the stuff-shirts from AFI - on what was supposed to be a glittering star-studded gala event?

Without any tinsel on hand, what's the point?

Notwithstanding, DOUBT will be screened as an uncut unpolished version that isn't ready for public consumption, yet.

Were the AFI Fest organizers stuck, in a bind, or what?

I guess when "The Soloist" bowed out this past week, AFI was left holding an empty bag and the big-wigs had to scramble for a replacement.

DOUBT looked like a good prospect for the gala initially, but at this late juncture,it appears to be a losing choice for the Fest Event.

Maybe DEFIANCE will have a little more pizazz on Friday Night.

Or, at least a bit of titillating red carpet fodder to write about.

I'll keep you posted on the curious goings-on at the AFI FEST events which are slated to start-up at the end of this week and run for eleven days at a handful of venues around Tinsel Town.

At the moment, AFI is off to a shaky start, though.

AFI Publicity Director John Wildman screwed up.
Streep did walk the red carpet last night.
Talk about egg on the face!
(Edit 10.31.08)

AFI FEST...kicks off with Meryl Streep in "Doubt". Che screens at centerpiece gala!

The AFI FEST organizers announced that DOUBT will premiere at the Festival’s Opening Night Gala presentation on Thursday, October 30th.

The screening is a much-anticipated event - especially in view of the fact AFI will unveil an unfinished cut of the film - when it is shown at the ArcLight's Cinerama Dome.

DOUBT is the tale of a nun who confronts a priest when she suspects him of abusing a black student, which he denies. It is a gripping story about the quest for truth, the forces of change, and the devastating consequences of blind justice in an age defined by moral conviction.



The AUDI sponsored presentation was directed by John Patrick Shanley which he adapted for the wide screen from his Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play.

“The movie is still being finished, but we were so excited to show DOUBT and help our friends at AFI FEST and the American Film Institute at the same time. We couldn’t possibly pass up the opportunity,” said Miramax president Daniel Battsek.

Oscar-winner Meryl Streep stars with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Viola Davis, and Amy Adams.

Scott Rudin and Mark Roybal have producer credits on the project by Miramax Films due in theaters on December 12.

AFI FEST is an eleven-day annual event which features international films from emerging filmmakers, global showcases of the latest work from the great film masters, nightly special screenings and red-carpet gala premieres.

The 22nd edition of AFI FEST will run from October 30 - November 9, 2008, and feature 151 films from 38 countries, as well as panels, receptions and special events.

Each year, AFI FEST presents international competitions of features, documentaries and shorts, as well as regional showcases as part of its broader World Cinema section, as well.

Since 2000, AFI attendance has tripled to over 65,000, according to my sources at AFI.

In addition, the acquisition of feature films for global distribution has become routine during the high-energy action-packed event.

In 2007, over 600 press representatives secured accreditation to the Festival.

This year, AFI anticipate over 700 accredited press representatives from around the globe.

Moi included!

In addition to the GALA and premiere screening of DOUBT, other highlights of the Festival include a handful of Centerpiece Galas sprinkled throughout the Festival sure to be sold-out: CHE, (Stephen Soderbergh); THE WRESTLER (Darren Aronofsky); and LAST CHANCE HARVEY (Joel Hopkins).

There will also be tributes to Tilda Swinton and Danny Boyle; AFI Digital Content Lab's DIGIFEST (a showcase of digital prototypes); and glamorous premiere screenings attended by such artists as Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Benicio Del Toro, Rachel Weisz, Joaquin Phoenix, Edward Zwick, Mickey Rourke, and Marisa Tomei.

President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation in the Rose Garden at the White House in 1965 - and with that mighty stroke of the pen - created the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts.

On that auspicious occasion, he noted for the record:

"We will create an American Film Institute that will bring together leading artists of the film industry, outstanding educators, and young men and women who wish to pursue this 20th century art form as their life's work."



AFI's original 22-member Board of Trustees included Chair Gregory Peck, Vice Chair Sidney Poitier, Francis Ford Coppola, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Jack Valenti and other representatives from the arts and academia.



Under the leadership of AFI's founding director George Stevens, Jr., the institute established a training program for filmmakers known as the Center for Advanced Film Studies, where the first class included Terrence Malick, David Lynch and Paul Schrader.

A repertory film exhibition program at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the AFI Catalog of Feature Films the definitive source for American film history were also created in the first five years.

Today, AFI is not only a National Institute that provides leadership in screen education, but a respected one that celebrates excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.

Under the leadership of Jean Picker Firstenberg (2nd AFI Director) the institute's eight-acre Hollywood campus was purchased and the film training program grew into the renowned AFI Conservatory and accredited graduate school.

In essence, AFI trains the next generation of filmmakers, maintains America's film heritage through the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, and explores new digital technologies in entertainment and education through the AFI Digital Content Lab and K-12 Screen Education Center.

The annual AFI AWARDS honor outstanding motion pictures and television programs annually.

In addition, the AFI's 100 Years series, brought extraordinary renewed public interest in classic American movies.

Today, AFI's Life Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed on an artist in film.

Honorees over the past 35 years have included John Ford, James Cagney, Orson Welles, Bette Davis, Billy Wilder, Sidney Poitier, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, George Lucas and Al Pacino.

Now in its 40th year as a cultural force in America, the AFI Board named Bob Gazzale (a film historian and television producer) the institute's President and CEO in November 2007.

Arclight...Red Ribbon "Opening Glitch". Mockingbird screens mit out sound!

The Arclight celebrated the opening of its new Cinema at the Galleria last night with a lot of glitz and fanfare at a "Red Ribbon" cutting ceremony.

In tandem with the event, the American Film Institute invited special guests to screen one of three great films.

One of the offerings was a very oldie - but goodie - "Fast Times at Ridgemont High".

Audiences were also given a golden opportunity to take in a sneak preview of a captivating documentary about X-treme Skiing - "Steep" - which I caught at a screening just recently at the Fine Arts Theatre. Superb filmmaking!

Gregory Peck starring in - "To Kill a Mockingbird" - was the third choice and difficult to resist.

Yes, I opted for the classic!

The head of the Mid-Valley Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Hoffman, was on hand to present a certificate to Arclight CEO - Christopher Forman - to recognize the Theatre chain's contributions to the community.

"I witnessed the filming of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" here at the Galleria," Hoffman chirped excitedly.

"Yes, I'm a Valley girl," she beamed proudly to an eclectic mix of attendees which consisted of a handful of savvy local politicians, film personalities, and die-hard AFI film buffs.

Mr. Forman thanked everyone for turning out and noted that Arclight would continue their commitment - to not only screen movies that "people valued" - but endeavor to offer up a broad range of genres that appealed to a wider taste base.

The charismatic exec was quick to point out that were it not for Arclight, intimate movies like "JUNO" and "ATONEMENT", may have stalled in distribution talks.

Through two programs - POV (Point of View) and Arclight Presents - he underscored that bold-faced efforts to focus on quality and specialized bill of fare would continue to be a top priority.

Forman then introduced AFI CEO, Bob Gazzale, to the excited filmgoers.

Right off the bat, he blew AFI's horn a little.

To a rapt crowd, he noted that "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" was directed by Amy Heckerling, who was an AFI graduate.

The chatty exhuberant man proceeded to expound on AFI's new partnership with Arclight.

"Why Arclight?" he pointedly asked the tony crowd.

In answer to his own question, he offered up a snappy response.

"Because Arclight and AFI have the same goals and set of standards."

He capped the remark by boldly asserting that everyone is keenly aware that Arclight provides the finest filmgoing experience in the city.

In January, for example, AFI (in collaboration with Arclight) will screen a series of Classics of yesteryear for the theatre-going public to experience in a state-of-the-art theatre setting - "Vertigo", "Gone with the Wind", "Dr. Zhivago", "The Apartment", and "2001: A Space Odyssey", to name a few.

After thanking Mrs. Peck for attending (who waved graciously from the sidelines), he noted that in a recent poll, Mr. Peck's character - Atticus Finch - ("To Kill a Mockingbird") was named by film enthusiasts as the greatest hero of all time in the cinema.

At this juncture, Bob Gazzale parted with an anecdote.

He fondly recalled that when he aired a montage of clips from the AFI film archives at an event at his son's school - and Gregory Peck's face lit up the screen - one quizzical student excitedly asked.

"Who is that man? He's so handsome!"

He noted that it was a particularly poignant moment.

After all, one objective of the AFI was met.

In this instant case, an actor's image had been preserved for the enjoyment of the next generation.

Unfortunately, there was a hitch in last night's gala festivities.

When the lights faded and "To Kill a Mockingbird" sprang to life on the screen, it did so "mit out sound".

Yeah, the projectionist screwed up!

It boggled my mind to fathom - especially on "Opening Night" with all the big-wigs hobnobbing in the elegant foyer - how management could fail so miserably in this regard.

No quality control?

Most theatres instruct ushers to remain in the theatre until it is well-established that all the elements of the film are in sync and humming along smoothly at a screening.

Not at Arclight!

An oversight?

Hopefully, Management will iron out the glitches before the Theatre is unveiled on Friday to the theatre-going public.

Otherwise, all the glowing tributes flowing trippingly off the tongues last night, amount to nothing but empty promises.

Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival...

Over the past few years, the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, scheduled to start up tomorrow, October 7th - 14th, has become vastly popular in Southern California...for good reason!

According to Chon Noriega, Professor of Cinema and media studies at UCLA,

"...festivals like the one in L.A. garner "important entry points" for aspiring directors."

So, there will be a number of top flight films featured here.

To accomodate the demand for tickets - no doubt - the festival recently said adios to its former venue, the Egyptian Theater, and took up new quarters at the Arclight Cinemas, in the heart of Hollywood at Sunset & Vine.

The Festival's mission is to:

"...showcase and nurture existing and emerging creative Latino talent while serving as a springboard and catalyst for the promotion of Latin films and filmmakers. To bring awareness through film, the most influential audiovisual medium of our time, the richness and diversity of the Latin culture. To invest in the community and develop an audience for the works."

LALIFF endeavors to showcase the best of Latin cinema and artistry from the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal.

The festival not only creates a bridge between Hollywood and independent filmmakers, but nurtures existing and emerging creative talent.

According to industry analysts, LALIFF also serves as a springboard and catalyst for the promotion & distribution of Latino feature films, documentaries, shorts and special side bar screenings.

The films presented at the festival showcase a wide variety of themes by Latino filmmakers, producers, writers and actors; as well as movies that depict Latino culture.

Starting Sunday, Los Angeles film buffs will have the unique chance to take in screenings of more than 100 films.

Many of the films this year have coming-of-age themes, or are directed by women, noted Festival Director Marlene Dermer, on a recent press junket.

Filmgoers may want to scramble for a ticket of the closing night entry from Antonio Banderas, "El Camino de los Ingleses" (Summer Rain), set in Malaga, Spain. In this much anticipated film, a handful of young adults explore love while delving into dark, family secrets.

Filmmakers entering the Festival compete for prizes, but also have the opportunity to be part of a venue where they may come together with buyers and distributors.

In addition to the foregoing, the Industry Office facilitates meetings and keeps a video library for Hollywood executives.

To the credit of LALIFF, the enterprising organization offers industry workshops, panels, labs, networking receptions, educational programs, and hosts some of the best Galas in tinsel town.

Check it out: www.latinofilm.org