Inclement weather often proves to be an unexpected ally for cinema-related gatherings. Last week’s storm in Los Angeles coincided with an increase in activity at the American Film Market held at the Fairmont Century Plaza, with more individuals congregating in the lobby and a rise in attendance at the film screenings at the adjacent AMC Theatre in the mall. The new location for the AFM was a significant improvement, particularly after the previous year’s unpopular stint in Las Vegas. The industry, known for its critical nature, found little to criticize this time around. Elevators functioned efficiently without excessive crowding, offices were accessible, … Read more

At the Venice Film Festival in September, Kaouther Ben Hania’s film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” received an exceptionally long standing ovation, lasting over 20 minutes, following its powerful and politically charged debut. Ben Hania, a Tunisian filmmaker whose earlier works, “The Man Who Sold His Skin” and “Four Daughters,” garnered Oscar nominations, has been promoting “The Voice of Hind Rajab” at various film festivals. This film, which is Tunisia’s entry for the international feature category at the Academy Awards, tells the tragic story of a young 5-year-old Palestinian girl. She was found deceased in a car that had been targeted by … Read more