September is usually a flurry of activity in New York. Schools start again and everybody is back from their summer shares, vacactions, etc. But the IFC Center has completely outdone itself this week with two amazing offerings.
Continue reading…

The old Waverly Theater in the West Village (best known for starting the whole cult of midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show) has finally been reincarnated as the brand spanking new IFC Center. IFC stands for The Independent Film Channel, a movie lovers favorite on US cable television. So, while the theater isn’t independent, the movies promise to be.
Continue reading…

Summer’s here and it’s queer! Well June is in New York City, as The 29th New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Film Festival begins on June 2nd and runs through June 12th at two main locations in Manhattan. Highlighting diverse film themes, the Newfest provides an opportunity for many controversial films to reach a wider audience. Themes in focus at this year’s festival include: Activism, Parenting and Retro-sex. For times and schedule check out the Newfest site.
Continue reading…

Attention animation fans! In Amsterdam (NL) there is a new regular evening of this often under valued art form. Filmhuis Cavia is one of those alternative film theaters which works with volunteers and has a certain quirky charm about it. On the 3rd Friday of every month will be a program of animation. So make a note in your appointment book for the following dates
Continue reading…

Investigative journalist and author of New York Times besteller House of Bush, House of Saud, Craig Unger, will be at the Amstelkerk (Amstelveld) in Amsterdam for a debate followed by questions on Thursday 29 August, 8.30pm. The book which details relations between the Bush family and the Saudis was an important source for Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11. In fact, Unger was featured in the documentary being interviewed by Moore.

‘Craig Unger has done America and the world a huge favour by clearly and precisely documenting how the Bush inner circle is in the very deep pockets of the brutal Saudi dictators.’ Michael Moore.

American professor Dr Ruth Oldenziel (UvA) will moderate the debate and interview Unger. Following the debate, Unger will sign books (note that there there will be only Dutch copies of the book available, De Familie Bush en het huis Saud). The event has been organised by Amsterdam-based Mets & Schilt publishers www.metsenschilt.com

More info at www.fahrenheit911.com

What looks like a fascinating documentary on Rupert Murdoch’s FOX News channel, the leader in sensationalized biased reporting in America, is being independantly distributed. Sponsors of the video include MoveOn.Org an extremely wide reaching online grassroots political organization in the US.

You can watch a clip from OUTFOXED and find yourself OUTraged by their ridiculous tactics. I don’t get this channel and actually watch very little TV, so I was blown over when at the end of the preview they showed that the network’s slogan is that they provide “fair and unbiased” reporting. Watch the clip and you will be amazed that their claim is even legal.

The 5678s, the Japanese 60s punk all-girl trio who appeared as the house band in the House of Blue Leaves in Kill Bill: Vol 1 are appearing at the Ekko in Utrecht on Wednesday 2 June 2004. For more info visit www.ekko.nl

The third annual festival organised by Het Parool in which Oscar-nominated films are screened over the weekend of 28, 29 February at Path’ De Munt, Amsterdam, in the lead up to the actual Oscars ceremony in the wee hours of 30 February (29 February in the US).

Continue reading…

Anyone heard about this event taking place in Amsterdam’s Filmmuseum Cinerama, on 13 December? Basically, the Netherlands are trying to break the current world record for non-stop film watching (which means you have to stay awake from midnight on Sat 13 Dec until the evening of Tue 16 Dec).

Continue reading…

For those at home next Saturday, they can enjoy this great movie at 22.57h on Ned. 3. It’s one of my all time favourites and I really want to get this one on DVD.

It’s a road-movie about three men, two gay transvestites and one transsexual, who bring their over-the-top performance show to the small haggard villages of the Australian bush. You’ll see brilliant performances by Guy Pearce (Memento, L.A. Confidential), Hugo Weaving (Matrix) and a surprising role for Terence Stamp (The Limey). Not only is this movie hilarious with very smart dialogues and great acting, but it also looks absolutely stunning with some great (disco) tunes. Enjoy this one!