The International Film Festival Rotterdam recently concluded, awarding the prestigious Tiger Competition top prize to “Variations on a Theme,” directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar. The film, which delves into the life of Ouma Hettie, a South African goat herder, captivated the jury with its profound poetic expression and earned a €40,000 prize. This cinematic piece was celebrated for its delicate portrayal of a community grappling with the shadows of colonial history and the deep ties of family both in this life and beyond. The jurors, including Soheila Golestani, Marcelo Gomes, Ariane Labed, Kristy Matheson, and Jurica Pavičić, were deeply moved … Read more

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