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Alexander Troshin. The Russian film historian, theorist and critic passed away. In his obituary, Naum Kleiman writes: "We understand clearly that Troshin is absolutely irreplaceable and his position and mission in our community were exclusively vital and unique." Read more

Cannes. Every year, FIPRESCI presents its "Revelation of the Year" at a special screening during the International Critics' Week in Cannes. This year's Revelation is Mexican filmmaker Fernando Eimbcke's second feature Lake Tahoe (awarded at the Berlinale). The screening will begin with Andrea Hydake's short film The Runt (shown at Annecy). The screening, followed by a q&a with Fernando Eimbcke, will take place on Saturday, May 17th, at 15 h at the Espace Miramar. Read more

Cannes. Our jury composed of film critics will present three prizes, to a film each in the official competition, in the "Un certain regard" section and in the parallel sections "Directors' Fortnight" and "Critics' Week". New York critic Howard Feinstein will head the jury. Members are Lisa Nesselson (France), João Antunes (Portugal), Mohammed Rouda (Great Britain), Kirill Razlogov (Russia), Christian Monggard (Denmark), Dana Linssen (The Netherlands), Barbara Lorey de Lacharrière (France) and Dinko Tucakovic (Serbia). Jury secretary is Pamela Biénzobas (Chile(France).

Víctor Erice. FIPRESCI and its Spanish National Section proposed Victor Erice, one of the most important directors of nowadays Spanish cinema, as candidate for the prestigious Asturias Award (category Arts). Víctor Erice's career opened internationally with the "Concha de Oro" which he received at the San Sebastián Film Festival of 1973, for his film The Spirit of the Beehive (El espíritu de la colmena). More than 30 years later, Erice's work is taken as a reference for the evolution of cinema. In 1992, he won in Cannes Jury and Critics' prizes for The Dream of Light (El sol del membrillo). With Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, he worked on an audiovisual exhibition, "Erice—Kiarostami, Correspondences", organized by the "Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona" and recently exhibited at Centre Pompidou ("Musée National d’Art Moderne") in Paris. The Asturias Awards will be presented next October. (r.p.)

Romanian Films Today. In Bucharest, ten foreign guests took part in a round table discussion on "Romanian Film Today", generously hosted by the Romanian Film Critics Association. Chaired excellently by Magda Mihailescu and Alex Leo Serban, who allowed everybody time to express their views, it took place in a conference room packed with enthusiastic Romanian filmmakers and critics eager to hear what the foreigners had to say. Ronald Bergan reports

Rotterdam. Rutger Wolfson has been appointed, for a period of four years, general director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam. He has, as the festival informs, "the final responsibility for the artistic and business matters of the festival." Wolfson had already prepared this year's edition of the event, earlier in January. He will resign as director of De Vleeshal, center for contemporary art in Middelburg. 

Film Critics' Awards 2007. Film Critics in a variety of countries voted, via their associations and societies, for the best films of the last year released in the cinemas of their territories. Here are the results

Jerusalem. Ilan de Vries has been appointed General Director of the Jerusalem Film Center (Cinematheque), the Israel Film Archive and the Jeruslem International Film Festival. "As founder of this institution", writes Lia van Leer who heads the festival from 24 years, "it is a pleasure to pass the torch on to Ilan de Vries." Ilan de Vries was born in Jerusalem (1952), grew up in Tel Aviv, studies filmmaking in New York. He has worked as program director of television and as producer of television films. "I will continue leading our institution", says Lia van Leer, actually Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

European Film Awards. Coeurs (Private Fears in Public Places) by Alain Resnais received the "European Film Award of the Critics 2007". Resnais "treats the characters the way an affectionate puppeteer would treat his creatures. He contemplates their comings and goings with the benevolence of one who knows that agitation is vain, but who prefers that people find it out for themselves," writes Christian Viviani in his review. The award honors one of the greatest directors of European cinema who has exerted a crucial influence on modern film. The award has been presented during the 20th  European Film Awards Ceremony on 1st of December, 2007, in Berlin, to Sabine Azéma and André Dussollier, the two leads. Read Christian Vivivani on Coeurs
All European Film Awards 2007

Karlovy Vary. Programmers Hana Cielová and Stefan Uhrik, who both worked for the Czech festival from 1995, leave the team. Artistic director Eva Zaoralová and program director Julia Sichel (earlier: Zacharová) will be supported in selecting films by Ivana Novotná, Karel Och and, new in the team, Lenka Tyrpáková. The 43rd edition runs July 4-12, 2008.

Grand Prix 2007. 248 members of FIPRESCI, worldwide, voted for the Best Film of the Year and selected, with a clear preference, Cristian Mungiu, the Romanian filmmaker's 4 Month, 3 Weeks and 2 Days as winner of the Grand Prix. Details / Pamela Biénzobas reviews the film, Review

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