New Orleans Film Fest adds 'August: Osage County,' 'Nebraska,' Mandela biopic, to 2013 lineup

New Orleans Film Fest adds 'August: Osage County,' 'Nebraska,' Mandela biopic, others to 2013 lineup

Idris Elba and Naomie Harris star in the biopic 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.' The film has been announced as part of the lineup of the 2013 New Orleans Film Festival. (Keith Bernstein / The Weinstein Co.)

By Mike Scott, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune 

The New Orleans Film Festival has added some star power to its 2013 lineup. "12 Years a Slave" actresses Alfre Woodard and Lupita Nyong'o will join director Steve McQueen on the red carpet for the festival's opening-night presentation of McQueen's New Orleans-shot historical drama on Oct. 10, the New Orleans Film Society announced this afternoon (Sept. 10). In addition, acclaimed director and New Orleans native Godfrey Reggio will participate in a Q-and-A after a festival screening of his latest film, "Visitors."
All five have been drawing praise on the film festival circuit, but NOFF artistic director John Desplas singled out the participation of Reggio as a particular point of pride."Visitors," fresh off its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, will make its U.S. debut at the New Orleans Film Festival. It was among five new additions to the festival lineup announced today. The others are director John Wells' adaptation of Tracy Lett's Pulitzer-winning "August: Osage County"; director Alexander Payne's "Nebraska"; the Nelson Mandela biopic "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"; and the Beat poet drama "Kill Your Darlings," starring Daniel Radcliffe.
"We're thrilled to have Godfrey Reggio's visionary new film in the festival, direct from its opening night in Toronto and long before its spring theatrical release," Desplas said.
"Visitors" and the other newly announced films join a fast-growing lineup. McQueen's "12 Years a Slave" and director Lily Keber's documentary "Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker" have previously been announced as the fest's opening-night and closing-night films, respectively. In addition, the festival last week unveiled the films that will appear in competition in the narrative and documentary feature categories.
The 24th annual New Orleans Film Festival runs from Oct. 10-17. All-Access passes are available now through the festival's website. Single-screening tickets will go on sale one week before the festival.
Descriptions of the festival's newest additions follow, courtesy of the New Orleans Film Society, the organization group behind the annual festival. The full lineup, culled from a record 1,500-plus submissions, will be announced in coming weeks.

• "Visitors," the U.S. premiere of acclaimed director Godfrey Reggio's newest film. Best known for his celebrated Qatsi trilogy (including "Koyaanisqatsi," "Powaqqatsi" and "Naqoyqatsi"), Reggio, a New Orleans native, shot some of the film in the New Orleans area. Similar to the Qatsi films, Visitors has no dialogue but features a rich score composed by his collaborator Philip Glass.
• "Nebraska," the latest picture from Oscar-winning filmmaker Alexander Payne ("Sideways," "The Descendants"). Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival (where Bruce Dern won the Best Actor Award), "Nebraska" is about a father (Dern) and son (Will Forte) who trek from Montana to Nebraska to claim prize money.
• "August: Osage County," the film version of Tracy Letts' Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The film features an all-star cast, including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Juliette Lewis.
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  'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' movie trailerBiopic scheduled to play as part of 2013 New Orleans Film Festival
   "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," based on the 1994 book "Long Walk to Freedom" from former South African president Nelson Mandela. Fresh from its premiere at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, "Mandela" stars Idris Elba, who is already creating awards buzz around his powerful performance. 
• "Kill Your Darlings," about a little-known homicide involving Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William Burroughs. The film, directed by first-time feature director John Krokidas, stars Daniel Radcliffe as Ginsberg and also features Elizabeth Olsen, Michael C. Hall, Ben Foster, David Cross, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. The film premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and will be released theatrically following the New Orleans Film Festival.   

Let's hear it for the black romcom queens - Guardian.co.uk

Let's hear it for the black romcom queens

Hollywood makes plenty of romantic comedies with black stars – not that you ever hear much about it

• Bim Adewunmi
• The Guardian, Sunday 2 May 2010 22.00 BST

Naomie Harris in My Last Five Girlfriends.

The romantic comedy season is almost at an end, as it makes way for summer's action blockbusters. But of the dozen or so romcoms that have been released this year in the UK, only one has had a black lead – Naomie Harris in Julian Kemp's My Last Five Girlfriends. (Two, if you count Disney's The Princess and The Frog.) US film site Gordon and the Whale has released a list of contenders for the title of new Romantic Comedy Queen – but there are no black actors. Where are Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union and Thandie Newton?

1. My Last Five Girlfriends
2. Production year: 2008
3. Country: UK
4. Cert (UK): 12A
5. Runtime: 87 mins
6. Directors: Julian Kemp
7. Cast: Brendan Patricks, Cecile Cassel, Edith Bukovics, Jane March, Kelly Adams, Naomie Harris
8. More on this film

The studios' reluctance to cast black leads seems strange when you consider that the romcom with the biggest ever opening weekend was Will Smith's Hitch, in 2005. But Smith is an exception. He has acted in pretty much every genre and, crucially, has made money in all of them. What's notable is that Smith's Hitch co-star was not black but Cuban-American Eva Mendes. What is wrong with a black/black pairing? Do audiences not want to see love stories between black people?

"Black romcoms aren't being made at the rate they used to be," says Joanna Abeyie, entertainment editor at Pride magazine. "But many people went to see the all-black Cat On A Hot Tin Roof in the West End recently. Maybe it's something that's more accepted on stage."

And yet black love stories are the same as anyone else's. Black romcoms comply with all the rules of the genre: boy meets girl, obstacles pop up, "hilarious" misunderstandings ensue, an epiphany, a kiss, professions of love, end credits. Movies such as The Wood (1999), The Best Man (1999), Brown Sugar (2002) and Breakin' All The Rules (2004) are classics, but are known mostly to black audiences. (Brown Sugar took $27m in the US, compared to Hitch's $178m.)

Most of these films come from the same studios that release mainstream romcoms, yet many are never released in the UK. At best, they get short runs on few screens. I went to see The Wood with my sister in 1999. Our local cinema was packed; The Wood was on for one day only. And as a 17-year-old, it was good to see black actors showing us that sometimes young love can last.

The latest example is Just Wright, starring Queen Latifah and rapper Common, due out in the US in a fortnight. It would be nice not to have to wait for the DVD to see it here. After all, love stories transcend race.

Mandela movie gets ready for world stage

2013-09-05 15:38

Videovision Entertainment

  Video

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom trailer

2013-07-19 10:10

A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Starring: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto, Robert Hobbs, Grant Swanby. In SA cinemas 6 December.

Johannesburg - The Nelson Mandela Foundation has lauded producer Anant Singh for his film Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, which is due to debut internationally soon.

"We wish Anant and the team all the best at the Toronto Film Festival and we are sure that the audience there will be captivated by the power of our founder's life story," foundation CEO Sello Hatang said in a statement on Thursday.

"We are confident that audiences... will be moved by the power of its narrative and the authenticity of its creation."

Singh was hand-picked by former president Mandela and entrusted as custodian of the film rights to the autobiography.

"I was humbled and honoured when Madiba chose me... We are privileged to have had the endorsement of Mr Mandela and the support of the foundation over these years," Singh said in the statement.

Hatang believed the film promoted Mandela's legacy and portrayed his "great insight, strengths, weaknesses, and values".

The film would be shown at the festival in Canada on 7 September.

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom stars British actors Idris Elba and Naomie Harris as Nelson and Winnie Mandela releases in South African cinemas on 28 November.

- SAPA

Naomie Harris puts her sleek form on display in a purple and red dress as she promotes Mandela with Idris Elba in Toronto

By MAIL ONLINE SHOWBIZ REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 03:23, 9 September 2013 | UPDATED: 13:07, 9 September 2013

In her new movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, she plays the wife behind the politician.

But as Naomie Harris promoted the movie at the Toronto Film Festival on Sunday there was no doubting she was the center of attention.

At the event Naomie was joined by her co-stars, including Idris Elba, who his garnering Oscar buzz for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela.

Scroll down for videos

Can't keep his eyes off her: Idris Elba admires his co-star Naomie Harris

And no wonder the pair looked so delighted.

For just the night before, the film prompted a standing ovation after its premiere screening at the Roy Thompson Hall.

On Sunday, Harris wore a silk satin, below-the-knee Burberry pencil skirt with wide black and red stripes paired with a black cotton tank top and Christian Louboutin Dahlia ankle boots.

Her long hair was in loose waves.

Fashion week: Harris shined in a Burberry dress and Christian Louboutin shoeties and the night before she rocked Marchesa at the film's premiere

At the film's premiere on Saturday, the 37-year-old actress wore a black tulle cocktail dress by Marchesa with silver stilettos and Jessica McCormack jewelry and her hair pulled back.

Elba, who wore a sleek black suit and trainers to the premiere, sported a more casual look at the press conference, wearing a striped T-shirt and navy trousers.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, directed by Justin Chadwick is adapted from Mandela's 1994 autobiography.

It chronicles the iconic leader's journey from childhood in a rural South African village, his days as an anti-apartheid revolutionary, which led to a 27-year prison sentence, and his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of the country. 

Naomie Harris promotes Mandela with Idris Elba in Toronto

Funny business: Co-stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris share a laugh during the press conference

The film is produced by the Weinstein Co. and also stars Riaad Moosa, Terry Pheto, Lindiwe Matshikiza and Deon Lotz.

Other films have been made about Mandela, who is currently battling a lung infection, but Elba recently insisted that his version is by far the best.

The London-born Harris played Miss Moneypenny in the most recent Bond film Skyfall and has been cast in the same role for the next Bond film.

Chat fest: Harris and co-star Terry Pheto share a story after the press conference

Elba, who was also born in London, rose to fame playing Stringer Bell in the acclaimed television series The Wire.

The actors will be the awarded The Hollywood Reporter's inaugural Breakthrough in Film Awards on Sunday for their roles as Nelson and Winnie Mandela.

The film will be released Stateside on November 29. 

Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom

Cast photo: Riaad Moosa, Terry Pheto, Naomie Harris, Idris Elba, Lindiwe Matshikiza and Deon Lotz gather to promote Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2415680/Naomie-Harris-puts-sleek-form-display-purple-red-dress-promotes-Mandela-Idris-Elba-Toronto.html#ixzz2ePAHlZs5
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Naomie Harris dazzles in tulle cocktail dress at Long Walk To Freedom premiere... as Idris Elba is his dapper best in sharp suit

By JASON CHESTER

PUBLISHED: 02:08, 8 September 2013 | UPDATED: 02:09, 8 September 2013

Idris Elba and Naomie Harris stole the show on Saturday when they attended the premiere of much vaunted biopic Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. 

The pair were on hand to support a film that sees both tipped for Oscar glory at next year’s Academy Awards for the respective portrayals of Nelson and Winnie Mandela in director Justin Chadwick’s adaptation of the iconic South African talisman’s 751 page autobiography. 

Wearing a black gown from Marchesa, British actress Naomie looked stunning as she posed for photos on the red carpet before making her way into Toronto’s Roy Thompson Hall for the film’s first official screening. 

Prom princess: Naomie Harris dazzled in a tulle cocktail dress as she attended the premiere of much vaunted biopic Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday evening

The 36-year-old’s corseted tulle overlay cocktail dress with wide skirt and crinoline petticoat was matched with a pair of stiletto heels, while her centre-parted hair was pulled back from her face.

While Naomie looked elegant, a relaxed Idris, 41, opted to team his smart two-piece suit with a pair of trainers. 

The two actors were joined at the Toronto screening by co-star Terry Pheto and director Chadwick, who arrived with a female companion. 

Dapper dude: Despite wearing trainers, Idris Elba looked every inch the perfect gentleman in his sharp suit as he hit the red carpet 

Idris found fame playing notorious drug lord Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell in HBO series The Wire.

His easy transition from small screen to silver screen, from Baltimore street dealer to South African leader, is all the more impressive given the short space of time in which it happened. 

Other films have been made about Mandela, who is currently battling a lung infection, but Elba recently insisted that his version is by far the best - but was quick to add that he doesn’t look like the man he portrays. 

Dressed to impress: Terry Pheto looked utterly showstopping in a dramatic backless floral detail gown as she posed at Roy Thompson Hall

Red carpet moment: The actress certainly commanded attention as she showcased her incredible gown for the photographers

He said: ‘If I get judged, which I will, about my performance or how I sound or how I look, I think people miss the point. 

‘The point is that this is called Long Walk to Freedom, this is the book about his life and it’s his own words.’ 

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is scheduled for release on November 29. 

Lady in red: Director Justin Chadwick enjoyed his moment as he posed with a female companion in a stunning scarlet gown

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2415293/Naomie-Harris-dazzles-tulle-cocktail-dress-Long-Walk-To-Freedom-premiere--Idris-Elba-dapper-best-slick-suit.html#ixzz2eJSpoT7P
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Toronto: THR to Honor Idris Elba and Naomie Harris With Inaugural Breakthrough in Film Awards

8:15 AM PDT 9/4/2013 by THR Staff

Getty Images

Idris Elba and Naomie Harris

The stars of "Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom" will be honored Sept. 8 at the Thompson Hotel, at a gala ceremony sponsored by Bulgari.

The stars of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, will receive The Hollywood Reporter's inaugural Breakthrough in Film Awards at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. 

“The Hollywood Reporter Breakthrough in Film Awards highlights the incredible work of emerging talent,” said Janice Min, editorial director of The Hollywood Reporter. “We are thrilled to recognize Idris Elba and Naomie Harris for their roles in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, a film which tells one of the most important stories of our time.”The awards, presented by Bulgari, will be given at the Thompson Hotel on Sunday, Sept. 8 during THR’s exclusive TIFF cocktail reception.

The Breakthrough in Film Awards were created to honor the work of an actor and actress in a leading role whose performance marks a turning point in their career. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom -- already an Oscar contender -- is based on South African PresidentNelson Mandela’s eponymous autobiography chronicling his early life, coming of age, and the 27 years he spent in prison before becoming president. The film will be released by The Weinstein Company on Nov. 29.

TORONTO: 21 Hot Festival Titles For Sale

“Bulgari has been synonymous with glamour and style since the 1950s. It is an immense pleasure, thanks to The Hollywood Reporter, for Bulgari to recognize two fantastic actors whom we believe are at the tipping point of their careers, actors who will be the superstars of this coming year and many more to come,” said Stephane Gerschel, head of global communications at Bulgari.

Elba is best known for his starring role in BBC's Luther, for which he won a Golden Globe; his work as Stringer Bell in the critically-lauded HBO series The Wire; and a guest stint on Showtime’s The Big C, which earned him an Emmy nomination. His film work has recently taken center stage with performances in Prometheus and Pacific Rim. 

Harris' breakout starring role was playing Selena in Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later, a supporting turn as Tia Dalma/Calypso in the second and third Pirates of the Caribbean films, and as Eve Moneypenny in the 23rd James Bond film, Skyfall. 

2

Video: Clip from Small Island - Hurricane

Hortense and Queenie take shelter from the hurricane - Small Island 

Published on 7 Jan 2013

Hortense Roberts and Queenie Bligh take shelter from a hurricane in a barn. Michael Roberts arrives be only seems to care for Queenies well being.

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