03/10/2008

After just three editions, the New Cinema Network has became a not-to-be-missed event for leading international producers. The sidebar of the Rome International Film Festival (October 22-31) is dedicated to supporting young, independent filmmakers.

“The quality of the selection,” says section programmer Teresa Cavina, “is proven by the fact of the 50 projects presented in these years, 15 have been completed (or will be soon), beginning with Yu Likwai’s Plastic City, in competition for a Golden Lion at the latest Venice Film Festival”.

As per tradition, this year the Network is once again offering a dual programme. European Focus promotes filmmakers from Europe (14, from 11 countries) grappling with the difficulties of making a second film. At the festival, the directors will seek funds for their new projects as well as present their debut works.

The most highly anticipated names include Belgium’s Olivier Masset-Depasse, who was in competition at Rome two years ago with Cages [+see also:
trailer
film profile], and is preparing Illegal, on illegal immigration. Also on illegality, Toni D’Angelo returns after the successful Una notte [+see also:
trailer
film profile], set entirely in Naples, with the upcoming Colpa. Set in rural, northeastern Italy, the film looks at remorse after a murder in self-defence.

There are also numerous Europeans in the sidebar’s other section, International Projects, which is open to more than just emerging talent, including veteran Agnieszka Holland, who has recently worked mostly in television and is currently preparing the UK-financed Christine: War My Love.

(Translated from Italian)