A review of French films at festivals (selections, awards) and funding support for commercial release in January 2009. Festivals: delegations, selections, and awards (feature films) Unifrance’s 11th Rendez-Vous with French Cinema in Paris In keeping with its annual tradition, Unifrance welcomed this year 420 distributors from 45 countries, 34 French sales companies, 140 journalists from 25 countries, and around 100 artists at the Rendez-Vous event held in Paris over four days...

Twenty six films will be presented in the Competition programme of the 59th Berlin International Film Festival, 18 of which will compete for the Golden and Silver Bears in the Berlinale Palast. The official programme will be complemented by the Berlinale Special. Of the 18 films in competition, 14 are world premieres, and there are 17 world premieres in the complete Competition programme. Eighteen countries are represented.To this year’s Berlinale Special 15 films have been invited, 10 of whi...

Premiers "Lights in the Dusks", "The Caimen", and "X-Men: The Last Stand" premiere today in the Lumiere Theatre of the Palais. Creativity in Question It is the midpoint of the festival and the artistry of some of the films are in question. Critics argue that there is little creative representation. "The Da Vinci Code" and "Southland Tales" were seen as disapontments. Others are rooting for "Volver", "Red Road", and "Ten Canoes" which have been said to save the artistry of the Festival. Go ...

Premiers Tonight both "Over the Hedge" and "Southland Tales" Premier in the Lu,iere theatre here in the Palais. Dreamgirls Launches Here in Cannes Yesterday a preview of "Dreamgirls" featuring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, and Eddie Murphy was held in the Martinez. The films overseas success was in question due the musical nature with black stars. The film is said to be quite smart and not what you'd expect. The launch was a hit, and the worldwide premier is eagerly awaiting. "Summer Palace"...