New generation of European filmmakers at Fresh Film Fest in Prague

European film buffs know all about the festivals in Cannes, Venice and Berlin – even Karlovy Vary has become a familiar name on the festival trail. But for those looking for the new and next generation of European and world filmmakers it’s worth taking a look at the Fresh Film Fest which kicks off on August 24 in Prague. The festival focuses on directors’ first and second features, as well as having competitions and programs devoted to student film and animation.

Unlike the major festivals, where a retrospective is likely to be devoted to a renowned, internationally-celebrated figure the Fresh Film Fest is doing a retrospective of up-and-coming Hungarian director Benedek Fliegauf (b. 1974), whose fourth feature “Womb” just premiered this month.

For more on the festival read this preview article and I hope to have time to see some of the films and will provide updates shortly.

Photo (Fresh Film Fest) – A scene from “Transfer,” by Croatian-born German director Damir Lukačević – a sci-fi story of an older, rich white couple that pay to transfer their consciousnesses into the bodies of two young healthy African immigrants.

Previewing the Berlin International Film Festival

The 61st Berlin International Film Festival kicks off tomorrow and Deutsche Welle previews what is in store for filmgoers:

The themes of family, identity and society link this year's films, largely drawn from the ranks of independent movie makers. Thirty-nine films--many with a documentary focus--explore the grave social changes and questions people from across the world face day to day.

The Coen Brothers commence the festival with their film “True Grit”, while Wim Wenders and Werner Herzog screen documentaries and Hungarian director Béla Tarr and the French animation filmmaker Michel Ocelot also present new work. 

Hopefully a number of the films will find their way to theatres here in the U.S.