Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

Mel Stuart and Sophia Loren

Friday, Novmeber 10----The final Saturday of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (at least in Fort Lauderdale, before it takes itself on the road to Key West next week) is chock-full of cinematic goodies and special events. Festivalgoers will need to catch up on their sleep in order to participate in a dizzying area of films screenings, parties and special events.

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS

WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Long before Johnny Depp took on the role in the recent re-make, this beloved children's classic was first brought to the screen by the director Mel Stuart, who cast the manic Gene Wilder in what would become one of his signature roles. Based on a children's book by Raoul Dahl, the film is a surrealistic and eye-popping allegory to the tensions of growing up. The film will have a FREE SCREENING at 9:45am at the Cinema Paradiso. The film's director Mel Stuart, will introduce the film and be available for questions afterwards.

HAPPY FEET
As last year's sleeper hit THE MARCH OF THE PENGUINS made clear, we cannot seem to get enough of these exotic Arctic birds. As part of the Festival's Children's Mini-Fest, a FREE SCREENING of the animated film HAPPY FEET by Australian director George Miller, will be presented at 12:15pm at the Cinema Paradiso. The penguins are voiced by such actors as Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman, Elijah Wood and Nicole Kidman.

BORDER POST
The US premiere of this Croation comedy drama will screen at 1:00pm at the Las Olas Riverfront. Directed by Rajiko Grlic, the film is centerd in the last years of the old Yugoslav Republic, whee soldiers in a remote outpost bide their time as historic events that will eventually break up their country unfold. The film's humorous tone recalls the horseplay of the film and tv series MASH, as it lampoons Army life and presents a group of young recruits who fend off boredom, insecurity and budding love. The director Rajko Grlic, who was born in Zagreb, directed over 20 feature films and is currently teaching film at Ohio University, will be present at the screening.

SOPHIA: A LEGEND
Has there ever been a more alluring film star than Italian actress Sophia Loren? Mel Stuart captures her magic in the rarely screened documentary SOPHIA: A LEGEND, which will have a FREE SCREENING at 2:00pm at the Cinema Paradiso, with director Mel Stuart attending to offer more anecdotes on the life and career of this Academy Award-winning living legend.

CHANGEMENT D'ADDRESSE/CHANGE OF ADDRESS
A hit at last year's Cannes Film Festival, this hilarious comedy of manners by director Emmanuel Mouret is a Festival treat. David, a shy awkward music student who has just moved to Paris, falls madly inlove with fellow student Julia. He tires everythig to win her heart, including seducing her best friend. Writer/director Mouret also plays the lead role in this wonderful romantic comedy, that only the French can still pull off. The film screens on Saturday, November 11 at 7:30pm, with repeat screenings on Sunday, November 12 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm, all at the Las Olas Riverfront.

CALL BACK
It's tough being a fledgling actor in the rat race of Hollywood. That is the theme of director Christopher Glatis' look at the quest for success in the film business. On a beautiful sunny day in Los Angeles, Jake Bannon, a young actor celebrating his birthday, decides to celebrate in a bold new way, which no one will ever forget. On the verge of getting his first big break, he turns his journey inward and lets his character lead the way, ethod acting at its height. It is a last desperate move, a last shot at success when all else fails. Shot around Los Angeles, from Venice Beach to the Valley, the city itself is a kind of character in the film, which screens on Saturday, November 11, 5:45pm at the Cinema Paradiso. Director Christopher Glatis will attend the screening.

For tickets: Log on to the Festival website www.fliff.com or go to the theater box office.

Sandy Mandelberger
Online Festival Dailies Editor