film

Spot the difference

Sophie Team Observers — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:52:46 +0100

On the left, the US poster for Hollywood comedy romance "Couples Retreat". On the left, the same ad, but redesigned for a UK audience.

Black actors Faizon Love and Kali Hawk have been removed from the scene, along with their names. Filmmakers Universal said the decision was made "To simplify the poster to actors who are most recognisable in international markets".

Home-made blockbusters

Nicolas F24 — Tue, 26 May 2009 10:19:42 +0200

Picture from "The Hunt for Gollum", a free Web film inspired by "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

"The Lord of The Rings", "Batman" and "The Matrix" were all very popular films which benefit from a strong community. They're so popular that fans are filming their own versions or spoofs of the films, thanks to current computer technology. Most of the young directors behind these films, some of which are reaching professional quality, share the same dream: to become a part of the Hollywood constellation.

In 2003, one of the first realistic film spoofs was released by a couple of German "Matrix" fans. A year later, "The Matrix XP" had been downloaded 16 million times — and that was before YouTube existed.

Julien Mokrani and Samuel Bodin, the two French directors behind the Batman fan film "Ashes to Ashes", eventually managed to catch the attention of renowned Hollywood film director. Thanks to him and to their film experience, they have now signed their first feature film, which opens during the Cannes Festival.

"The Hunt for Gollum" is the latest and probably the most professional-looking fan film ever made. The 40-minute film was made by a young film student helped by a crew of unpaid volunteers, with a budget of only €3,500!

What's your biggest regret?

Sophie Team Observers — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:12:19 +0100

Everyone has something to regret. Something you've done or not done, said or not said. Something, that might have changed your life. A friend you never admitted you liked, a boss you never smacked in the face, a trip you'll never be able to take again... Tell us what your biggest regret is.

After seeing this short movie, we decided to pass the question on to our readers. The guy in the film at least, can cross one potential regret off his list.

"Signs" is a project from Australian director Patrick Hughes. The piece will be presented at the Schweppes Short Film Festival.

"Veiled Love" – the film that’s causing a scandal in Morocco

Sophie Team Observers — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:16:20 +0100

"Veiled Love", or "Hijab el Hob", tells the story of a young Moroccan woman who chooses to have sex before marriage.

Film maker Aziz Salamy introduces us to Batoul, a young, well brought-up woman, who with her boyfriend, decides to embark on a sexual relationship which is both enflamed and marred by their not being married. A relatively harmless story, even in Morocco, but made shocking by the fact that the young woman wears a hijab... Especially as the director chooses to show the couple kissing and taking a bath together. Our Observer explains why some Moroccans consider the film an attack on Islam.

Does the story shock you? Tell us what you think. The best comments will be translated into French and read as part of Saturday's RFI radio show "Atelier des medias", to which The Observers contributes.