Gusman Red Carpet

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8 (France,107 min.) Director: Abderrahmane Sissako, Gael García Bernal, Gaspar Noé, Mira Nair, Jane Campion, Gus Van Sant, Jan Kounen, Wim Wenders Cast: Ingvar E Sigurdsson, Hringur Ingvarsson, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ranvir Shorey, Birsa Chatterjee, Peno Duku, Tsehaie Abraham Kidane, Megan nGay, Nigist Anteneh, Tefera Gizaw, Fekadu Kebede, Dieudonné Ilboudo, Loydi Huchshva Haynas, Olicia Aravelo Lomos, Denis Rafael Barbaran, Auristela Brito Valles, Alice Englert, Tintin Kelly, Isidore Tillers Eight modern masters were given carte blanche in this gentle cinematic reminder of the Millennium Development Goals on world poverty that must be met by 2015. From Abderrahmane Sissako's Tiya's Dream, set in Ethiopia, to Jane Campion's imaginative “Water Diary”, to Mira Nair's ironic take on gender equality, this is creatively committed filmmaking.

Berlin Calling (Germany,109 min.) Director: Hannes Stoehr Cast: Paul Kalkbrenner, Rita Lengyel, Corinna Harfouch, Araba Walton, Peter Schneider, Mehdi Nebbou, Megan Gay, Erdal Yildiz, Udo Kroschwald, Henriette Müller, RP Kahl, Dirk Borchardt DJ Ickarus is at the center of Berlin's underground techno scene, living a hedonistic lifestyle. When he loses control and lands in a Berlin psychiatric clinic, it imperils his relationship with his girlfriend and record label. As the main character, real-life musician Paul Kalkbrenner brings a compelling energy to this cautionary tale.

Cachao: Uno Mas (USA,68 min.) Director: Dikayl Rimmasch Cast: Israel Lopez 'Cachao', Andy Garcia, The CineSon All Stars, John Santos, Rey Santos Andy Garcia hosts this intimate portrait and celebration of one of Cuba's most legendary musicians, Israel "Cachao" Lopez, the "Picasso of the bass." Join Cachao, Garcia, and a host of all-star musicians as they reminisce on Cuban music, history, and culture while preparing for a masterful 2005 California performance.

Chelsea on the Rocks (USA,88 min.) Director: Abel Ferrara Cast: Dennis Hopper, Ethan Hawke, Grace Jones, Gaby Hoffman, R Crumb, Bijou Phillips, Milos Forman, Vito Acconci, Adam Goldberg, Giancarlo Esposito, Shanyn Leigh, Vito Acconci, Lola Schnabel, Christy Scott Cashman, Jamie Burke An intriguing salute to the personalities and artistic voices that have emerged from this legendary residence in Manhattan. Built in 1883, the Chelsea Hotel has long been synonymous with the bohemian scene, with occupants including Dylan Thomas, Thomas Wolfe, Janis Joplin, William Burroughs, the Grateful Dead, Sid Vicious and Quentin Crisp.

Children's Small Stories (Petites Historias das Crianças) (Italy,90 min.) Director: Gabriele Salvatore, Guido Lazzarini, Fabio Scamoni Cast: The InterCampus project, launched by Milan's professional soccer team Inter, encourages the development of children affected by war or poverty through playing soccer. The young subjects of this touching documentary, drawn from around the world, share a passion for the game and long to become soccer players.

Empty Nest (El Nido Vacío) (Argentina/Spain/France/Italy,92 min.) Director: Daniel Burman Cast: Oscar Martinez, Cecilia Roth, Arturo Goetz, Inés Efron, Jean Pierre Noher, Ron Richter, Carlos Bermejo, Eugenia Capizzano A middle-aged couple, played with perfect chemistry by Cecilia Roth (All About My Mother) and Oscar Martinez, look for ways to escape their empty nest syndrome when their youngest adult child moves out. The latest comedy hit by Argentine Daniel Burman (Berlin Winner, Lost Embrace).

Galantuomini (Galantuomini) (Italy,100 min.) Director: Edoardo Winspeare Cast: Donatella Finocchiaro, Fabrizio Gifuni, Beppe Fiorello, Giorgio Colangeli, Gioia Spaziani, Mercello Prayer Ignazio, a well-respected judge, returns home to investigate the sudden death of his friend Fabio, thereby meeting up with Lucia, his secret childhood love, who happens to work for the Apulian mafia. Edoardo Winspeare's film Galantuomini portrays a somber mix of crime and tragedy, which unfolds into an impossible love affair.

Lecture 21 (Italy/UK,104 min.) Director: Alessandro Baricco Cast: Noah Taylor, Clive Russell, Leonor Watling, John Hurt Professor Mondrian Killroy (John Hurt), an eccentric yet brilliant English university professor, is adored by his students who still remember his bizarre and inspired lessons. One lesson in particular, "Lecture 21", deals entirely with Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, paying particular attention to unmasking the "Ode to Joy". A visually stunning, dreamlike film that navigates between the romantic period and the 21st century.

Lion's Den (Leonera) (Argentina/Korea/Brazil,113 min.) Director: Pablo Trapero Cast: Martina Gusman, Rodrigo Santoro, Elli Medeiros Official selection for both Cannes and Argentina for 2008 Best Foreign Film, Lion's Den tells the story of young pregnant woman, wrongfully arrested for murder, and must give birth and raise her child in prison. A poignant drama from one of the leading directors of the new Argentine cinema.

Machan (Italy/Sri Lanka/Germany,109 min.) Director: Uberto Pasolini Cast: Dharmapriya Dias, Gihan De Chickera, Dharshan Dharmaraj, Namal Jayasinghe, Sujeewa Priyalal, Mahendra Perera, Dayadewa Edirisinghe The producer of The Full Monty heads East for this heartwarming tale involving a ragtag group of Sri Lankans who form a phony "national handball team" to get invited to Europe. This feel-good hit at the Venice Film Festival is, incredulously, based on a true story.

Máncora (Peru/Spain,101 min.) Director: Ricardo de Montreuil Cast: Jason Day, Elsa Pataky, Enrique Murciano, Phellipe Haagensen, Liz Gallardo After finding out his father committed suicide, Santiago, a 21-year-old boy from Lima, decides to escape and head into the beach town of Máncora. Before departing, Santiago receives the visit of Ximena and Iñigo, his stepsister and her husband, who decide to come along for the wild ride. Part of the Florida Focus program.

Valentino: the Last Emperor (USA,96 min.) Director: Matt Tyrnauer Cast: Valentino Garavani, Giancarlo Giammetti Valentino has built his career making women look beautiful while forging a global brand out of the refined art of haute couture. This cheeky and affectionate documentary also charts the mutual dependency and tensions in Valentino's 45-year association with Giancarlo Giammetti, his sometime boyfriend and constant life and business partner.