‘Pavements’ and ‘Nightbitch’ to Light up SXSW Sydney Film Selection – Global Bulletin


SXSW SYDNEY HEADLINERS

As a movie enthusiast with a penchant for the quirky and experimental, I am thrilled about the lineup for this year’s SXSW Sydney festival! The fusion of genres in “Pavements” and the bizarre yet intriguing premise of “Nightbitch” are exactly the kind of films that pique my interest. I can’t wait to see what other surprises are in store for us!


The experimental music film titled “Pavements” and the quirky comedy named “Nightbitch” have been chosen as standout films for the movie section at the upcoming SXSW Sydney festival.

“Pavements,” initially shown in Venice, represents an innovative fusion of storytelling, scripted scenes, documentaries, music, and self-referential components directed by Alex Ross Perry, focusing on the indie rock group Pavement.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the special treatment that several upcoming films will be receiving. Among them is “The Front Room,” the chilling new horror production from Max & Sam Eggers, distributed by A24. In this film, pop sensation Brandy takes on the role of a woman in her pregnant moments, battling her mother-in-law.

Colin Daniels, MD of SXSW Sydney, stated that these films which are bold, funny, engaging, and exciting headline a program not only for film enthusiasts but also for those interested in technology, music, and gaming – the diverse groups who make up the vibrant SXSW Sydney audience,” (paraphrased)

This yearly event, originating from the United States’ South by Southwest festival and co-owned by EbMaster under PMC, is currently in its second Australian run, taking place from October 14th to the 20th. The title for the film section will be unveiled soon.

UMG x GoGBA

As I pen this review, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve learned about Universal Music’s exciting new venture. They’re establishing a label division right in China’s vibrant and economically influential region, known as the Greater Bay Area. This area is not just a geographical location, but it’s also the heart of the Cantonese language, making it a culturally rich and musically significant spot.

The Greater Bay Area, made up of nine cities within Guangdong province plus Hong Kong and Macao’s special administrative regions, boasts a population of approximately 86 million. This vast region generates over 11% of China’s total GDP and nearly a fourth of the country’s earnings from music performances.

In simpler terms, the company stated that the area’s unique cultural tapestry, made up of various dialects primarily in Cantonese, has played a significant role in shaping not only local and Asian popular culture but also fostering a strong bond within the region and among Chinese communities worldwide. The company further announced its intention to build a strong local team for marketing, A&R, and artist management, aiming to identify and nurture local talent across the Greater Bay Area.

The operation will be situated in Shenzhen, China, and overseen by Gary Chan, who at present holds the position of Managing Director at Universal Music Hong Kong and serves as Senior Vice President for Universal Music Greater China. This expansion extends the UMGC group to include offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Taiwan.

KUROSAWA AWARDS

In 2024, the Tokyo International Film Festival will bestow the Kurosawa Akira Award upon Japanese director Miyake Sho and Taiwanese director Fu Tien-yu. This award is given to honor the enduring legacy and impact of the esteemed filmmaker. It recognizes filmmakers who have made significant strides in cinema and are poised to shape the industry’s future.

Miyake first appeared on screen with the 2012 movie “Playback,” and since then, he has built an impressive resume with titles like “And Your Bird Can Sing,” the Berlin 2022 entry “Small, Slow but Steady,” and this year’s “All the Long Nights,” which was shown at the forum section of the Berlin festival. The jury praised his unique talent for capturing people and creating intricate worlds on screen, with his perspective on humanity leaving a lasting impact on both the film’s conclusion and the choice of camera angles.

Prior to venturing into filmmaking and music video production, Fu initially made her mark as a novelist. Notably, her upcoming 2024 film titled ‘Day Off’ is being produced by Wu Nien-jen, a renowned figure who has collaborated with Hou Hsiao-hsien in screenwriting. According to the committee’s statement, this film offers an empathetic outlook on the lives of everyday people.

The festival announced that actor-director Saitoh Takumi, along with students Sasaki Wakuto, Nawai Rin, and Kawano Hana, have been selected to serve on the jury for the upcoming Ethical Film Award’s second installment.

The festival is scheduled from October 28th to November 3rd. Following this, the Kurosawa Akira Award ceremony and the presentation of the Ethical Film Prize will occur on November 5th.

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2024-09-24 11:17