WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT?

• HOLLYWOOD AT FULL SPEED WITH NEW PRODUCTIONS

Since the June 30 expiration of the SAG contract, most studio productions were on hold. However, now the studios are getting ready to put 40 or more films into production between this upcoming spring and summer.

Despite the late downfall of the economy, it seems like the studios are ready to spend hundreds of millions of dollars for their 2010-2011 production slates. Even though the studios are nervous about facing financial difficulties in case SAG members go on strike, many soon-to-be-hit films have already gone into production and are soon to be completed. Films like “Terminator Salvation," "Transformers 2," "Angels & Demons,” will soon hit the screens.

To read this article, please visit: www.variety.com/VR1117993614.html

* Got any news to spread? Send them to eg@filmannex.com and we’ll publish it on our next newsletter!


WHAT'S NEW ON FILM ANNEX?

• PROPELLER TV JOINS FILM ANNEX

Europe's biggest short film TV channel Propeller TV joins the Film Annex community. Propeller TV describes itself as “a revolution in television” by being the first digital satellite television channel in Europe to screen 100% new and original programming. On top of that, Propeller TV brings, “raw, edgy, and challenging” television to its audiences.

From now on, you will be able to follow what is going on Propeller TV and hear about its various film contests by visiting their Film Annex page at: www.filmannex.com/propellertv


WHAT SHOULD I WATCH ON FILM ANNEX?


• AND THUS I WAS BORN

And Thus I Was Born is a story of struggle, justice, joy, and peace directed 00by the talented, rising Kurdish filmmaker Soran Mardookhi. Set and filmed in the mountainous province of Kurdistan, located in the western part of Iran, And thus I Was Born tells the story of a group of individuals who struggle against difficulties and hardships to achieve their goals. Their stories and journeys unfold as they travel and, at times, meet on the snow-packed roads and hills of the countryside.

The film was screened at Gulf Film Festival, Dubai, UAE (2008) and the 5th London Kurdish Film Festival, UK (2007).

To read the full synopsis and watch the film, go to: www.filmannex.com/movie/film/808/and_thus_i_was_born


• THE CITY

The City is suspenseful, character-driven, personal, ambitious, and it’s by a 17 year-old filmmaker – Brandon Rowe.

Synopsis: Dexter was confident that he would find Anna; he was a detective and had his key suspect: Stan. Interrogating Stan brought no answers it turned out, so Dexter had to question the next best person: Stan's girlfriend Gena. However, as the possibility of finding Anna grows smaller, Dexter may decide to create a new mission for himself: To protect Gena.

To watch the film for free, go to: www.filmannex.com/movie/film/1036/the_city


• SARK, SMALL WORLD

Synopsis: This documentary provides an in-depth portrait of the island Sark. Sark is a community of only 550 people and although formally part of the United Kingdom, it is actually constituted with its own parliament and laws.

“What makes this film so delightful is that within its own self-imposed constraints, it is just beautifully crafted. Every single shot is well composed, the music track is spare and tactful, the editing is nicely-timed yet unobtrusive, and the approach towards the characters is humane and non-judgmental. There’s an irresistible purity to the overall effect.” - Dox Magazine

To watch the film, go to: www.filmannex.com/movie/film/295/sark_small_world


WHAT ELSE IS PLAYING? WHAT'S GOOD?

• CHOOSE CONNOR

Fifteen-year-old Owen Norris (Alex Linz) is at the top of his graduating middle-school class, has no friends and spends almost all of his time studying. But his mundane suburban life is changed forever when he meets Congressman Lawrence Connor (Steven Weber, Jeffrey, Wings) and his young nephew Caleb (Escher Holloway). As Caleb and Owen become close friends, Connor offers Owen the position of “youth campaign spokesman” for the upcoming Senate primaries. Owen`s fun summer job takes a dark turn as he uncovers the frightening truth about the deranged secret world of politics in which he has become entangled.

*Now playing at Cinema Village in New York City. Check out the theaters around you for tickets and show times. For more information: www.cinemavillage.com/chc/cv/show_movie.asp?movieid=1410&displaydate=10/10/2008%203:34:45%20PM


• CITY OF EMBER

Based on the book by Jeanne Duprau and directed by the British, Academy Award nominated Gil Kenan, CITY OF EMBER is a mysterious and captivating adventure that will lead you to a magical world.

Synopsis: For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights--underground. Built as a refuge for humanity and powered by a massive generator, this City will only sustain for 200 years. Now Ember is falling into darkness as the generator fails. Despite growing concern for the future of their beloved City, Ember's students find themselves confronting the next step in their lives. A rite of passage for all graduates, it is Assignment Day, the day on which the Mayor himself will stand before the graduating students as they choose, by lottery, how they will spend their lives working for their society.

*Opens today. Check out the theaters around you for show times and tickets. For more information: movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809907875/info


Seen anything good? Send your reviews to eg@filmannex.com and we’ll publish them on our next newsletter!


WHAT EVENTS SHOULD I NOT MISS?

• NY FILM FESTIVAL

The New York Film Festival is still running at full speed until October 13th. Don’t miss the exciting premiers and some of the best films of the year. Check the festival website www.filmlinc.com/nyff/nyff.html for last minute tickets. This year’s festival brings 28 films from 18 countries to its audience. Clint Eastwood’s Changeling, Darren Aronofsky’s Wrestler, and Jia Zhangke’s 24 City are some of the most anticipated films.


...SEND YOUR OWN NEWS to Film Annex by emailing eg@filmannex.com

…Film Annex reached 2.5 million people worldwide in August. And you’re one of them! Stay tuned for more news…


-FIN-