Editor

Like in previous years this year’s festival edition will feature its share of premieres, inspiring film talks, international stars and unforgettable moments.
Pascal Bourdiaux’ “Le Mac” guarantees to evoke laughter from any audience. The French comedy is witty, has a classy cast and a subtlety that has made it an instant hit across the border. “Mr. Nice” is Bernard Rose’s British answer to “Blow”, portraying the life of legendary drug dealer Howard Marks. Marks himself will be attending the festival in Oldenburg. Wicked humor, ironic side blows and a star-studded cast are the ingredients for the pitch-black comedy “Pete Smalls Is Dead” offering a deep glimpse into the dark heart of independent cinema. Alexandre Rockwell is presenting his film, featuring Steve Buscemi, Peter Dinklage and Seymour Cassel. Camera legend Phedon Papamichael is famous for his gorgeous images (“Walk the Line”, “Sideways”). In his third work as a director he turns “Arcadia Lost” into a memorial made of film. His brilliant star Nick Nolte travels to the spiritual roots of Papamichael’s home in Greece, which regains its classical mythic aura. Kate Connor is also searching for her roots in the thrilling “Fort McCoy”. She is presenting the world premiere of her film in person, revealing a little known aspect of German history. A film of alien qualities is directing duo Amber Benson’s and Adam Busch’s creative and heart-warming sci-fi office comedy “Drones”. The two are well known for their acting roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and have now taken up position behind the camera. Paul Gordon’s charming and subtle comedy “The Happy Poet” is a wonderful topical tale with an important message: It pays to be perseverant. After the world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival the film has its German premiere in Oldenburg. Forceful, permissive and energetic is the rhythm of Isild Le Besco’s furious directing debut “Bas-fonds”. She pulls us right over the abyss of human existence and casts off all expectations of bourgeois society. She has been nominated twice for the César as best young actress working with the likes of Benoît Jacquot. Yony Leyser tries to get close to an enigmatic genius with his internationally acclaimed documentary “William S. Burroughs: A Man Within”. The infamous legend of the beat-generation comes to live once again with all his splendor and paranoia. Oscar winner Leon Gast presents “Smash His Camera”: An inside look at the world of paparazzi through the life of legendary star photographer Ron Galellas, who rose to fame when Marlon Brando broke his jaw and Jackie Kennedy sued him.
Program, timetable and images are available at: http://www.filmfest-oldenburg.de/presse/downloads/