By Daily Press staff
The 7th Malibu International Film Festival returns to Malibu and Santa Monica April 7-10.
The Malibu International Film Festival (MIFF) is a competition festival with a focus on premiering new film and talent seeking distribution and representation With only four days of screenings, the focus is on quality, not quantity. The MIFF offers opportunities for filmmakers through networking breakfasts, parties, receptions and a closing night awards dinner. The MIFF accepts feature-length narrative and documentary films, as well as live action, animation and documentary shorts.
The MIFF benefits the Malibu Film Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing Malibu students the opportunity to utilize professional video equipment, free of charge, to develop short film projects. The Foundation’s grant program is dedicated to supporting the development of emerging student filmmakers through hands-on experience. Founded in 1997 by Malibu raised David Katz, the Malibu Film Foundation proudly presents the annual Malibu International Film Festival, now in its seventh year. The competitive festival is a showcase for American and international independent film. Since its inception, the foundation has grown to be recognized, worldwide, by thousands of independent artists through its film festival, organizers say.
The Malibu International Film Festival official lineup for 2006: The Malibu International Film Festival (MIFF) will screen 70 independent films, including 53 premieres, Oscar nominees, festival award winners, documentaries and shorts, at the Jaguar Theatre located at 3900 Cross Creek Road, Malibu. Additional screenings will be held at the Aero Theater located at 1328 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica.
The opening night film will screen at the Aero Theater, followed by the opening night party at The Victorian. The competitive festival closes Monday, April 10, with an awards night dinner served at Gladstone’s Malibu with recognition and awards presented to this year’s winning films and filmmakers.
Talent featured in this year’s official film selections includes: Cate Blanchett, William H. Macy, Danny DeVito, Paul Rudd, Parker Posey, Mischa Barton, Julia Stiles, Denise Richards, Mena Suvari, Sarah Jessica Parker, Edward Furlong, Liza Minnelli, Guy Pearce, Emily Watson, Louis Gossett Jr., Henry Winkler, Jeffrey Tambor, Seymour Cassel, Kevin Pollak, Hugo Weaving, Sam Neill and Hill Harper.
April 7 Opening night film at The Aero Theatre RISING SON: THE LEGEND OF SKATEBOARDER CHRISTAIN HOSOI. Director: Cesario “Block” Montano. Narrated by: Dennis Hopper. A who’s who of skateboard history, RISING SON chronicles the life and career of Christian Hosoi from young renegade super star athlete to decisions resulting in a federal prison sentence for drug trafficking.
April 8 Centerpiece film at The Aero Theatre THE OH IN OHIO Director: Billy Kent. Cast: Danny DeVito, Paul Rudd, Parker Posey, Mischa Barton, Liza Minnelli, Robert John Burke. Priscilla Chase seemed to have everything going for her with one small private exception: She never thought much of sex. When her husband unexpectedly leaves her to regain his manhood, she embarks on a wild journey that leads her to satisfaction and love in the most unlikely place.
April 8 Centerpiece film at The Jaguar Theatre CHASING DORA Directors: Wes Brown & TJ Barrack. Cast: Endless Summer II star Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, surfing legend Mickie Munoz and surf board shaper Marc Andreini. Based on The Surfer’s Journal article “The Aquatic Ape” by Miki Dora, the filmmakers give life to a surf contest born in Dora’s mind, while incorporating a retrospective on ‘Da Cat.’ Shot in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa.
April 9 Closing night film at The Jaguar Theatre THE PROPOSITION Director: John Hillcoat. Cast: Guy Pearce, Danny Huston, John Hurt, Ray Winstone, David Wenham, Emily Watson. Set against the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the 1880s Australian outback, The Proposition is a visually stunning tale of loyalty, revenge and the quest for justice in a lawless land. An impossible moral dilemma leads to a murderous climax when one of three brothers is offered the chance to save his brother from execution by tracking and killing his older brother.
For a complete list of official selections and schedules, visit www.malibufilmfestival.org All advanced tickets and passes are available at TicketWeb.com or call (866) 468-3399.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 31, 2006. Read the original PDF.