Miike's SHIELD OF STRAW Leads The Second Wave Of Fantasia Titles
FANTASIA 2013'S SECOND AMAZING WAVE OF TITLES HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED!
Following last week's first wave of programming announcements, the Fantasia International Film Festival is proud to unveil several additional highlights, to warm you up for our July 9th Press Conference, where we'll be unveiling of our full 120+ film lineup!
OFFICIAL OPENING NIGHT FILM - Takashi Miike's SHIELD OF STRAW
(North American Premiere)
Hot off its screening in official completion at the Cannes Film Festival, Takashi Miike's riveting crime thriller SHIELD OF STRAW will be kicking off Fantasia's 2013 edition with its first screening on the North American continent. SHIELD OF STRAW stars Takao Osawa, Nanako Matsushima, and Tatsuya Fujiwara. Fantasia's 1997 screening of FUDOH marked the first time that a Miike film had ever been shown in North America, making it all the more joyous to open our 2013 festival with his latest work.
Extensive Artist Talks with Bryan Singer and Simon Boswell
Fantasia will once again offer audiences the opportunity to participate in illuminating artist talks, expositions, and panels, with a chief highlight being "Rated X - A Night with Bryan Singer"! Here, we'll see the gifted filmmaker behind the X-MEN films, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, JACK THE GIANT SLAYER, VALKYRIE, SUPERMAN RETURNS, PUBLIC ACCESS, and the chilling APT PUPIL, sit down for an extensive hour-long discussion with moderator Tony Timpone and the audience, in a special evening of superbeings, superstars, and one superfilmmaker.
"Simon Boswell: A Talk on Film Scoring" brings the brilliant UK composer to the stage with moderator Chris Alexander for a career-spanning talk about his adventures in film scoring for some of genre cinema's most individualistic filmmaking talents, including Alejandro Jodorowsky, Alex de la Iglesia, Dario Argento, Danny Boyle, Michele Soavi, Richard Stanley, Clive Barker, and Lamberto Bava.
Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett bare it all in Joe Swanberg's 24 EXPOSURES
(World Premiere)
Fantasia will unveil the world premiere screening of mumblecore icon Joe Swanberg's recently completed 24 EXPOSURES as part of its Camera Lucida section. The feature stars filmmaker Adam Wingard (who, at 19, premiered his first film, HOME SICK, at Fantasia) and his constant collaborator Simon Barrett, the director/screenwriter duo behind YOU'RE NEXT and A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE.
Wingard, a gifted cinematographer who also lensed Swanberg's SILVER BULLETS, plays a fetish photographer whose models begin to turn up dead, with Barrett portraying a melancholic cop tasked with investigating him. Swanberg, director of DRINKING BUDDIES and ALEXANDER THE LAST, previously collaborated with Wingard and Barrett on AUTOEROTIC and the anthology horror hit V/H/S. As an actor, Swanberg also collaborated with the filmmakers several times, playing lead roles in A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE and YOU'RE NEXT.
On a related note, Fantasia 2013 will showcase the Quebec Premiere of Wingard's brilliant YOU'RE NEXT the night before 24 EXPOSURES, offering our audience the rare chance to observe the flipping of an actor/director/screenwriter creative relationship from one night to the next.
Joe Swanberg will host both screenings.
Quebec Cinema leads with a cutting edge
Recognized by the international film community as having a filmmaking culture that warrants close attention; Québec Cinema will be uniquely celebrated at this year's Fantasia.
The festival is pleased to be hosting the world premiere of Robert Morin's hotly anticipated LES 4 SOLDATS (The Four Soldiers). A key figure of Quebec's independent cinema scene, Morin had made such classics as QUICONQUE MEURT, MEURT À DOULEUR, REQUIEM POUR UN BEAU SANS-CŒUR and the unforgettable YES SIR! MADAME... LES 4 SOLDATS, sees the gifted iconoclast venturing into science-fiction with a post-apocalyptic tale following four people struggling to survive in the wake of a civil war. Morin will host the screening alongside actor Antoine Bertrand (STARBUCK) and other members of the cast and crew.
Fantasia will also host the world premiere of DISCOPATH, comedian Renaud Gauthier's feature directorial debut, a stylish bilingual period piece pastiche of giallo films set against a backdrop of the '70s disco scenes of New York City and Montreal.
After an impressive tour on the international festival circuit, including screenings at the Sitges Film Festival, Éric Falardeau's bewildering THANATOMORPHOSE, a paralyzing, Kafkaesque tale of living death, finally comes home to Montreal with its Canadian premiere.
A Finnish co-production with Quebec's Caramel Films (GOON, STARBUCK, LE MAGASIN DES SUICIDES), Stobe Harju's superb IMAGINAERUM (North American Premiere) transports viewers into the neo-gothic universe of metal band Nightwish.
Finally, Fantasia is proud to collaborate once again with Éléphant - Mémoires du cinéma québécois to present a stunning, digitally restored HD transfer of the late Jean-Claude Lauzon's 1987 masterpiece, UN ZOO LA NUIT (Night Zoo), winner of 13 Genie Awards, the jury award for Best Canadian feature at the Montreal World Film Festival and a FIPRESCI award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
And now, our additional Second Wave titles!
009 RE: CYBORG
Japan Dir: Kenji Kamiyama
Mechanized mayhem, mysticism and moral ambiguity meet when the influential '60s manga/anime property 009 CYBORG gets a dark, postmodern makeover care of the mighty Production I.G, in the spirit of the iconic GHOST IN THE SHELL films. Anime fans won't want to miss this one. North American Premiere.
ANIMALS
Spain Dir: Marçal Forés
Evocative of both DONNIE DARKO and LEOLO with a touch of Charles Burns, ANIMALS taps into a volatile whirlpool of adolescent anxieties and identity issues, addressing complex themes through a wealth of unconventional approaches. A heavy trip, but an entertaining and fantastical one. Winner: Best First Feature, Sant Jordi de Cinematografia 2013, Official Selection: Sitges 2012, Miami International Film Festival 2013. Quebec Premiere.
ANTISOCIAL
Canada Dir: Cody Calahan
On New Year's Eve, five university friends find themselves engulfed by a zombie-like attack. The team behind NEVERLOST deliver a gory, inventive, next-generation horror satire with an absolutely genius hook. World Premiere.
BAD MILO
USA Dir: Jacob Vaughan
Ken Marino, Gillian Jacobs and Peter Stormare star in this insane comedy/horror UFO about an office worker's repressed rage manifesting as a mutant ass monster that leaves his body during blackouts, commits murders - then painfully burrows its way back up his butt. Regularly. Ouch! Official Selection: SXSW & Karlovy Vary 2013. Canadian Premiere.
BIG ASS SPIDER!
USA Dir: Mike Mendez
A volatile 50-foot spider wreaks havoc against the city of Los Angeles in this fast, funny and surprisingly smart arachno-coaster ride that's not afraid to enjoy itself but at the same time, never goes for the easy stupid. Official Selection: SXSW, Dead by Dawn, Boston Underground, Calgary Underground Film Festival 2013. Quebec Premiere. Hosted by Director Mike Mendez and Producers Patrick Ewald & Travis Stevens.
BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN
Belgium Dir: Felix Van Groeningen
Felix Van Groeningen (THE MISFORTUNATES) returns with a fourth film establishing him as a masterful director; a non-linear, emotionally devastating story of two Flemish bluegrass musicians' love, as they drift apart when they learn their daughter is dying from leukemia. Winner of the Panorama Audience Award at the 2013 Berlin International Film Festival as well as awards for Best Screenplay and Best Actress in a Narrative Feature Film at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival. Canadian Premiere.
THE DEAD EXPERIMENT
Canada Dir: Anthony Dixon
At once horrific and cerebral, this remarkable independent Canadian production situates itself somewhere between RE-ANIMATOR and PRIMER, fusing wild scientific theories with a morbid tale and sustained drama for an impact that is wholly unique and satisfying.
THE DIRTIES
Canada Dir: Matt Johnson
An astonishing, illuminating and surprisingly funny film, THE DIRTIES takes on the mortifying topic of high school shootings with an insight and wit that will leave you slack-jawed. And deeply haunted. Winner of numerous awards, including two at this year's Slamdance. Quebec Premiere. Hosted by Director / Actor / Co-Writer Matt Johnson, Co-Writer Josh Boles & Actors Owen Williams and Krista Madison.
THE DEMON'S ROOK
USA Dir: James Sizemore
A micro-budget, monsterific orgy of grue that can only be described as RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD by way of Jodorowsky with a touch of THE NEVERENDING STORY, shot in Georgia with a nearly all-amateur team, boatloads of heart and a horde of DIY prosthetic creatures. This film is F-U-N. Co-executive produced by celebrated Tiff programmer Colin Geddes and Toronto Film Scene / Exclaim! film critic Katarina Gligorijevic. World Premiere. Hosted by Director/ Actor / Co-Writer James Sizemore and his übergang of DIY magicians & maniacs!
HELLO, MY DOLLY GIRLFRIEND
Japan Dir.: Takashi Ishii
A man believes he's found redemption in a mysterious female mannequin that has come to life. Eroticism, perversity and deviant poetry collide in the latest from Takashi Ishii, an auteur who brought so much to Fantasia's history with such major work as FREEZE ME and GONIN. International Premiere.
HOW TO USE GUYS WITH SECRET TIPS
South Korea Dir.: Lee Wonsuk
A young woman toiling in an obnoxiously sexist workplace comes across a VHS tape with advice on how to manipulate men in this uproarious romantic comedy which turns the gulf between men and women into a faultline through your funnybone. Winner of an audience award at the most recent Udine Far East Film Festival. Canadian Premiere.
I'LL GIVE IT MY ALL... TOMORROW
Japan Dir.: Yuichi Fukuda
A single dad in the grip of midlife crisis quits his stable job to pursue a career as a manga artist. Loaded with imagination, this funny, touching tribute to putting things off goes far beyond sitcom silliness with an array of unforgettable characters. International Premiere.
MACHI ACTION
Taiwan Dir.: Jeff Chang
This clever, racy and yet very humane Taiwanese comedy takes aim at the over-the-top tropes and antics of "tokusatsu" (giant monsters and masked space heroes) TV and at the absurd ups and downs of a performing artist's life. Fresh from stomping all opponents at the Taiwanese box office, MACHI ACTION begins its quest for North American domination at Fantasia. North American Premiere.
MISSIONARY
USA Dir: Anthony DiBlasi
The director of DREAD and CASSADAGA is back with a mean, lean, character-driven thriller of exceptional impact. Playing on the inherent fear that many people have of strangers, their possible delusions and perhaps worse, their bubbling insanity, MISSIONARY also looks at the figure of the man of faith as complex and unpredictable, while also exploring the duplicitous nature that is easily attributed to missionaries of all ilk. Stars Dawn Olivieri, Mitch Ryan and Kip Pardue and J LaRose. World Premiere. Hosted by Director Anthony DiBlasi.
OXV: THE MANUAL
UK-Australia Dir: Darren Paul Fisher
One of 2013's most minblowing discoveries, OXV: THE MANUAL is an endlessly imaginative "scientific-philosophical romance" that plays like the mutant offspring of Michel Gondry, Neil Gaiman, Terry Gilliam and Shane Carruth - yes, really. One of those little miracles that only independent cinema can produce, this is a resoundingly original piece of work that will have you smiling for weeks. World Premiere. Hosted by Writer / Director Darren Paul Fisher
PLUS ONE
USA Dir: Dennis Iliadis
Teens at a wild house party quickly catch on that all isn't right, as doubles of themselves and everyone else attending are popping up and reliving the evening, just about 45 minutes prior. With each blackout of lights, the doubles catch up a little more in time. An entertainingly inventive and clever slice of high energy teen oblivion from the director of the LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT remake. Official Selection: SXSW. Canadian Premiere.
THE RESURECTION OF A BASTARD
Netherlands Dir: Guido van Driel
Riveting with its innovative cinematic style, doused in outrageous bursts of wicked carnage, and topped off with a smattering of shadowy Lynchian humour, THE RESURRECTION OF A BASTARD is a deliciously oddball investigation of the mystery of life, and all the violent possibilities it has to offer. A blissful cinematic experience that represents the current renaissance in Dutch genre filmmaking. Stars Yorick van Wagenigen (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATOO). Opening film of the 2013 Rotterdam International Film Festival. International Premiere.
SAVING GENERAL YANG
Hong Kong Dir.: Ronny Yu
It is up to General Yang's seven sons -- each a master of his own kung fu discipline -- to rescue him from behind enemy lines. Ronny Yu (FEARLESS, THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR, BRIDE OF CHUCKY) revisits anew the oft-told tale of the Yang clan, legends of Chinese martial arts literature and film. Official Selection: Hong Kong International Film Festival 2013. North American Premiere.
SECRETLY GREATLY
South Korea Dir.: Jang Cheol-soo
A North Korean spy is sent south, where he must blend into a town's community... as the village idiot. This punchy action-comedy broke box-office records on its home turf. From the director of BEDEVILLED. Official Selection: New York Asian Film Festival 2013. Canadian Premiere.
SWEETWATER
USA Dirs: Logan Miller, Noah Miller
Ed Harris, January Jones, and Eduardo Noriega star in one of the most eccentric and surprising Westerns to storm cinematic saloons in some time, bursting with tension, violence and theatricality, owing as much to Toshiya Fujita and LADY SNOWBLOOD as it does to Ford and Leone. Harris delivers the single most outlandish performance of his career. Official Selection: Sundance 2013. Canadian Premiere
UZUMASA JACOPETTI
Japan Dir.: Moriro Miyamoto
Miike meets Jeunet as a father's one-track-minded quest for his family's happiness warps into murderous, absurdist carnage; a uniquely mesmerizing, magical, magnetic mind-melt of a movie from mysterious Kyoto filmmaker Moriro Miyamoto, heralding the return of true underground Japanese cinema. North American Premiere.
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