NZIFF 2013 – WORLD PREMIERE FOR NZ ROMEO AND JULIET
There is never a dull moment here in Aotearoa. As one festival ends another is just on the horizon. This week The New Zealand International Film Festival has announced five film titles for their 2013 programme.
The world premiere for New Zealand feature Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song and Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing are confirmed for the full NZIFF tour following their premiers in Auckland and Wellington in July.
NZIFF Director Bill Gosden said,
“The Bard is in great form this year. Much Ado About Nothing is amazing fun. Watching this fresh take on a classic courtship with a delighted 2000-strong crowd of all ages, shapes and sizes was the highlight of last year’s Toronto Festival for me….we’re thrilled to be presenting the first screenings in the world for Tim van Dammen’s Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song. Set in a caravan park called Verona this modern setting provides surprising opportunities for a riotous retelling of the world’s most famous romantic tragedy.”
Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song – World Premiere – New Zealand 2013 – Director: Tim van Dammen
Shakespeare’s tale of teen love, reimagined as a rock opera, set in a beachside caravan park.
http://www.romeoandjulietalovesong.com/
Much Ado About Nothing – USA, 2012 – Director Joss Whedon
Joss Whedon and a cast of his TV regulars breathe fresh life into Shakespeare’s comedy of romantic gamesmanship. “The first great contemporary Shakespeare since Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.” — The Guardian
Another two films with theatre connections are confirmed for the national programme:
Becoming Traviata – Traviata et nous, France 2012 – Director Philippe Béziat
Soprano Natalie Dessay, acclaimed for her dramatic brilliance, rehearses La Traviata in intense creative collaboration with director Jean-François Sivadier. “Ravishing… Time with Dessay is worth treasuring.” — Village Voice
Gebo and the Shadow – O Gebo e a sombra, Portugal/France 2012 – Director/Screenplay: Manoel de Oliveira. Based on a play by Raul Brandão
Claudia Cardinale, Jeanne Moreau and Michael Lonsdale await the return of a prodigal son in an adapted play from the world’s oldest director. “A grand piece of cinematic chamber music for a cast of mighty soloists.” — New Yorker
The fifth film What Maisie Knew is based on the book by Henry James will screen in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch:
What Maisie Knew – USA 2012 – Directors: Scott McGehee, David Siegel
Steve Coogan and Julianne Moore are the divorcing parents seen from the viewpoint of six-year-old Maisie (amazing Onata Aprile) in this 21st-century Manhattan update of Henry James’ novel. With Alexander Skarsgård.
http://youtu.be/68pgeWPc-QI
The full programme for the New Zealand International Film Festival will be announced on Monday 24 June and for NZIFF Wellington on Thursday 27 June. Tickets will be on sale in Auckland from Friday 28 June, and in Wellington from Tuesday 2 July from Ticketek.
For Festival updates visit www.nziff.co.nz