Persepolis to close New York Film Festival
Not afraid of incurring the wrath of the Iran government, the programmers of the prestigious New York Film Festival have chosen the animated Persepolis as the closing film. Co-directed by Marjane Satrapi, the film is based on her graphic novel, written in French, about life in Iran after the revolution of 1978. The film was pulled from the Bangkok International Film Festival last month after Iranian officials voiced objections.
The film festival kicks of with Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited, and has Joel & Ethan Coen’s film of No Country for Old Men as the centerpiece. Other titles include Noah Baumbach’s Margot at the Wedding, Todd Haynes’ I’m not There with several actors portraying Bob Dylan, Gus Van Sant’s Paranoid Park, and the still very active Sidney Lumet’s newest film, perhaps aptly titled, Before the Devil knows You’re Dead. Also scheduled is an Iraq war drama, Redacted by Brian De Palma, and hilariously, a documentary by John Landis, Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project.
The New York Film Festival runs from September 28 through October 14.
While the New York Film Festival is presenting movies such as No Country for Old Men, a thriller about violence and death, and Persepolis, depicting the Islamic Revolution in Iran, there is another film festival going on in Orlando, Florida, that covers similar issues as the Festival in New York. The Global Peace Film Fest (September 26-30, 2007) features more than 30 films produced all around the world and various short films. All of these features are aimed at spreading global peace on earth.
One of the many productions presented at the Global Peace Film Festival is “Facing Sudan” directed by Bruce Janu, which portrays the stories of individuals facing violence, war and genocide. However, it is not only a story about death and destruction but also story about strength and hope reflected in the lives of individuals, who took extraordinary actions to withstand the injustices occurring Sudan.
So, everyone who is anticipating the New York Film Festival features should also pay close attention to the movies presented at the Global Peace Film Festival in Orlando. The issues raised in the movies both at the NYFF and the GPFF are closely related and concern people all around the world.
The Global Peace FIlm Festival is being held at Rollins College starting the 26-30th of September 2007. LIke last year, the Festival is featuring movies that pertain to spreading the news about Global Warming and keeping the environment safe. It also focuses on peace around the world. The following is the official site of the GPFF: http://www.globalpeacefilmfestival.org/The films will be shown at the following place at Rollins College in Orlando Florida: SunTrust Auditorium, Tiedke Hall, Bush Auditorium, Cornell Art Museum. Outside the Rollins College, the following places will show films as well: Orlando Science Center and the CityArts Factory. The Rollis International Business Club, along with the ROllins Outdoor Club will be showing a film on Mills Lawn on Sept. 27th.
Last year the event was a huge success and this year the event should be even bigger.