Defiance...Jews who fought back! Acting tour de force...

The premiere for DEFIANCE at the AFI Film Festival in November was probably the highlight of the season.

Non-stop, the press were treated to up-close and personal interviews with a handful of the stars who wafted down the red carpet a stone's throw away from excited fans who strained curbside for a glimpse of their screen idols.

Vanessa Redgrave and Matt Dillon put in unexpected appearances, too.

Even, high profile behind-the-scenes power brokers turned out to tout the release.

Post: 11/10/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/11/afi-festvanessa-redgrave-surprise-at.html

When Ed Zwick alighted for a chat, he was beaming with pride.

"The story may have been lost because Tuvia Bielski was such a humble man. Although he was considered a hero, he downplayed it."

Of course, he was referring to the man who inspired a community of Jews in a concentration camp, to steal away from the clutches of the Germans and seek their freedom in the wilds beyond the death camps.

Yes, Defiance is based on a true-life story about Jews who actually fought back against the Nazis in World War II.

There is quite a bit of action on screen - and likewise - no-holds barred violence on the heels of it.

Even still - the producers managed to weave a tale not only about the horrors of war - but the human condition, as well.

Unexpected twists-and-turns have been delighting rapt audiences.

A romantic wedding scene - shot under a canopy of grand old trees deep in a mystical forest - touches the heart and resonates, for instance.

The acting throughout is superb, with special kudos going to Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell, in particular.

In contrast, I found Daniel Craig's acting style a bit too minimalist in approach.

For the most part, he was stone-faced - with little expression on his face - throughout.

And, his accent (?) was as fleeing as the wind.

In spite of those annoyances, I'm sure a shot of Craig shirtless in a romantic scene by an open fire, must have curried favor with his devout fan base.

The film was a tad long, but worth the price of admission, nonetheless.

http://www.julianayrs.com

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