Depth in Foreign Films ~ Oscars’ Week
Oscars presents foreign film Foreign Films symposiums. Providing insight into the directors’ Oscar-nominated films.
Foreign Film Theatre
Gathering Saturday to attend the evening Nominees Symposium we found ourselves surrounded by many who attend every year. One family is attending for the 24th year, they did miss the first symposium.
Sitting in the theatre the white screen where the top films in history screened. Today the top foreign film directors surround me. The stories fill the sound of people’s stories and lives. Taking in all the emotions that the directors have developed. It is a true honor.
This is the 60th year for the Foreign Film category; La Strada states, “It took The Academy 27 years to realize that not all great filmmaking is American.” Mark Johnson, Academy governor representing the Producers Branch and the chair of the Foreign Language Film Award Executive Committee, stated, “there is a depth in this category, foreign films, they are becoming more accessible. It is not necessary to make an American film.” This year the Academy nominated 5 films from 85 submitted foreign films. The
Foreign Film A Man Called Ove
A Man Called Ove brings the sense of losing a lifelong partner to reality. This may be something many will experience in their lifetime, but not understand until that time. Hannes Holm, The Director, talks about taking a novel to the film he says, “He felt like a thief taking the book story to film. The version is his not the author’s version of the book. Frederick Morheden, the novelist, told him yes!”
The story is of a husband losing his wife. The struggle with disorder and absence of her presence he becomes desperate with the struggle. He turns to enforcing association rules and gives up on life. He develops a most unlikely relationship.
Holm’s discussed the film with us after the symposium. He feels that each time the movie is different. He believes that he is only fifty percent of a film. The audience is the other fifty percent. Holms is
This film’s nomination and awards also include: “Nominated – Best Foreign Language Film and Best Achievement for Makeup & Hairstyling (Love Larson & Eva von Bahr), 89th Academy Awards® Winner – Best European Comedy, 29th European Film Awards Winner – Best Actor (Rolf Lassgård), 2016 Seattle International Film Festival Golden Space Needle Award, Winner – Audience Award, Best Actor (Rolf Lassgård), Best Makeup (Love Larson & Eva Von Bahr), 2016 Guldbagge Awards, Winner – Audience Award, 2016 Mill Valley Film Festival & 2016 Traverse City Film Festival Winner – Audience Award for Best Film, 2016 Scottsdale International Film Festival.” This film may be viewed here Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Microsoft, and ViaPlay.
Foreign Film Tanna
Tanna, a South Pacific island, is a story about the Yakel Tribe. The love interest of Wawa may change the tribe’s world for generations to come. The film is cast by the tribe leaders. Its presentation is in their native language. Martin Butler and Bentley Dean, film directors, state, “This was a collaboration film.” JJ acted as the language and cultural interpreter for the film.
The film did present many hurdles. The island has no electricity. The filming and editing with solar power. Casting was done by tribal leaders. They did have a few issues the almost imploded the film. The tribe members had never seen a film. The crew created a natural warm. the environment for a cast that did not even have a sense of filmmaking to be comfortable and present their best acting. They filmed a lot to ensure a good presence. The story had no written script. The story is a collaborated dialog based on each day shooting best. There were no rehearsals.
The world primer was with tribe. The chief said, “This is our Movie.” This film’s awards also include: Awards: AACTA Award for Best Original Music Score, Special Mention for Feature-length Fiction Film Nominations: AACTA Award for Best Direction. You can view the film on Amazon.
Foreign Film Land of Mine
Land Of Mine, Under Sandet original title, is based on actual events after World War II German prisoners of war. They are ordered to clear over 2 million land mines on the Denmark shoreline.
Director, Martin Zandvloet, “This film is about how we view human beings. We need to be more aware of viewing human being’s as individuals. I am grateful to the editor for his insightful talent. The bricklayer he finds walking on set with a cup of coffee is the best job.”
This film awarded Best Canadian Film at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015. It won Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. The film also won Best Danish Film at the Bodil Award plus more. You can view this film here iTunes, GooglePlay, MicroSoft, & Via Play.
Foreign Film Toni Erdmannthe
Toni
The film has received criticism regarding the length. Director, Maren Ade,states, “Took notes after premiere and was afraid to make those changes. She stewed a few days but left it.” The comedy is character driven. The play with the dentures developed from a set that was a gift while the director was a waitress.
Foreign Film The Salesman
The Salesman is about a couple begins performing Death of A Salesman their relationship begins to change. Asghar Farhadi, from Iran, was not in attendance at the symposium. He made a choice to stay away after the recent ban by the US President put in place a travel ban. He did send a message that he was honored to be nominated and had a lot of respect for the Academy. All directors present signed a letter in solidarity with Farhadi.
We had the honor of meeting actor Brian Avery after the event. He is thrilled for Oscars week. He found the films to be inspirational in talent and film. You can learn more about Avery’s acting career here.
The symposium provides a great insight to the processes of filmmaking and how it works world wide. Many film makers receive funding from their governments. Looking forward to the announcement at the 89th Oscars for Foreign Language Film 60th winner.
The Oscars® will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre® in Hollywood, CA and televised live by the ABC Television Network.
See the full pictures form the event here.
Follow us for all thing fashion, celebrity, and beauty. Connect Here:
