Source: New Kalmykia Cinema
New Kalmykia Cinema
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New Kalmykia Cinema
I had the distinct pleasure to sit down with Ella Manzheeva, writer and director of the Kalmykic film, “Chaiki,” or as it is often referred to “The Gulls.” The film is the story of Elsa, played by the exquisite Evgeniya Mandzhieva, as a fisherman’s wife, in a seaside town in Kalmykia, a remote republic in Russia.
Interestingly, Kalmykia was settled four centuries ago as Mongolians began migrating due to civil strife. With a population around 150,000, according to Manzheeva, the region has a strong belief system steeped in the Buddhist tradition with a touch of local folklore. However, after the Stalin regime took hold of Russia, celebrating the traditions became stifled.
Unfortunately, this carries over to today. “Chaiki,” is a return to Kalmykia traditions and celebratory beliefs as they intertwine in everyday life. Drawing on personal experiences and her own encounters from living in Kalmykia, Manzheeva penned the story in a mere five days driven by her passion and love for her Kalmykia. Accordingly, one of Manzheeva’s hopes is to keep alive the unique customs and language system. She’s been on the festival circuit for over a year beginning with the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July of 2014 bringing her vision to the outside world.
Her message is finding an audience as Kalmykian ex-patriots are flocking to see “The Gulls,” to get a glimpse of the homeland. Cinemas in Russia have started screening the film. Critics have taken note as this once barren cinematic region has awakened, taken root and sprouted through the Russian consciousness.
Manzheeva couldn’t be happier and has a follow-up work in pre-production slated for the next Berlinale, Berlin’s International Film Festival. See my review of “Chaiki,” here on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4436330/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt
To learn more and/or for more information about this emerging regional cinema please contact:
Telesco Film at Mosfilm Film Studio
Moscow, Mosfilmovskaya 1
E-mail: info@telestofilm.ru
Phone: +7 (499) 143-94-8
AFI FEST 2015 – THE GULLS
“The Gulls,” first full-length feature film from the remote region of Kalmykia in the Republic of Russia, had its US premiere at the 2015 AFI FEST film festival. Pictured above left to right, HollywoodGlee and starring actress/model, Evgeniya Mandzhieva. It was Mandzhieva’s first big-screen appearance. Read the “The Gulls,” here: http://sbccfilmreviews.org/?p=34239.
AFI FEST 2015 – HOLLYWOOD opens with BY THE SEA
The fans came out in force to see Brad Pitt and wife Angelina Jolie at the TCL Chinese Theatre for the 2015 AFI Fest Opening Night Gala world premiere of BY THE SEA on November 5, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Jolie received both writer and director credits in addition to starring with husband Brad. After the screening, ticket holders celebrated at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
(Photos courtesy of AFI FEST 2015)
Benicio Del Toro Coming to AFI Fest
“AFI FEST 2015 presented by Audi has added the special event On Acting: A Conversation with Benicio Del Toro to this year’s program.
Academy Award®-winning actor Benicio Del Toro will come to the festival on Saturday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. for a conversation about his extensive career — which includes the films CHE (2008), 21 GRAMS (2003), TRAFFIC (2000), SNATCH (2000), FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1998) and THE USUAL SUSPECTS (1995) — and his acclaimed performance in this year’s SICARIO at the Egyptian Theatre. The Q&A will be moderated by Variety Deputy Awards and Features Editor Jenelle Riley.
Del Toro joins a prestigious group of previously announced actors and filmmakers appearing in conversation at AFI FEST, including Michael Caine, Paolo Sorrentino, Ridley Scott, SUFFRAGETTE director Sarah Gavron and writer Abi Morgan, as well as 45 YEARS stars and AFI FEST Tribute recipients Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay.” http://blog.afi.com/benicio-del-toro-is-coming-to-afi-fest/
For more details click here: http://afifest.afi.com/2015/sections/T4557
AFI Fest 2015
AFI FEST is:
“A program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST presented by Audi is a celebration of global cinema and today’s Hollywood — a showcase for the best festival films of the year and an opportunity for master filmmakers and emerging artists to come together with audiences in the movie capital of the world.”
This is a favorite film festival of all types of film goers taking place in the heart of Hollywood!
Venues include the historic Hollywood Egyptian Theater. (http://egyptiantheatre.com/egyptian/egypt.htm)
And the world famous Chinese Theater!
Here is a link for additional information: http://www.afi.comafifest/freetickets.aspx
Looking forward to seeing you there!
TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz with Film Critic HollywoodGlee
Welcome
Welcome to the newest blog on film review and film distribution. I’m a veteran of many film festivals including AFI Hollywood, TCM Classic Film Festival, and the up and coming Santa Barbara International Film Festival. To date I’ve written and published thirty-five film reviews and have work posted on three sites, sbccfilmreviews.org, imdb.com and filmbutton.com. In addition, I have been published in Classic Film Images magazine.
In addition to writing reviews and covering film festivals, I am currently seeking distribution for new films. I have contacts in several major markets including Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and Cannes, France and as I write this post I’m actively developing contacts in Tokyo, Japan.
So when you’re looking for your film to get noticed, remember HollywoodGlee can help. We have professional marketers, respected critics and the most knowledgeable contacts on what film festival and/or distribution channel is right for you and your film.