FANTASTIC PLANET (René Laloux, 1973) For its 50th anniversary celebrations, the Zlin Film Festival, which climaxes with its Awards Ceremony this evening, has been a treasure trove of cinematic gems from the past 50 years of Czech cinema. Aside from the better known films from the Czech canon (incuding such award winners as THE SHOP ON MAIN STREET, CLOSELY WATCHED TRAINS, FANTASTIC PLANET, THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, KOLYA and the classic films of the celebrated animator Karel ...

Hilary Helstein -- Director of the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival in the spotlightStephanie RONNET: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background?Hilary HELSTEIN: I’m originally from New York with a background in theatre. But my passion for theater, film and the arts quickly turned me to documentary filmmaking. My own film As Seen Through These Eyes, narrated by Maya Angelou has been screened internationally and garnered 8 awards to date. It has afforded me the wonderful opp...

Stephanie RONNET:  Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background? Hilary HELSTEIN: I’m originally from New York with a background in theatre.  But my passion for theater, film and the arts quickly turned me to documentary filmmaking. My own film As Seen Through These Eyes, narrated by Maya Angelou has been screened internationally and garnered 8 awards to date. It has afforded me the wonderful opportunity to participate in many film festivals and meet hugely talented people...