A Boy and his Shoe expected mid-2010

Milenio reports: Expect to see A Boy and his Shoe hit the big screens in mid-2010.

The story, written by the director and his son Jonás Cuarón, relates the experiences of a French employee who moves to Scotland with her two children who encounter a series of problems from the time they arrive culminating in great drama.

In addition to previously mentioned Charlotte Gainsbourg and Daniel Auteuil,  actors Guillaume Canet and Pam Ferris are now attached to the project, which should begin to film shortly (although it is not known whether it will film on location or in studio). Read more.

In other news, IndieWire reports that IFC has signed with Criterion to distribute a special Criterion edition of Y tu mamá también, among other films, for 2010 release.  “Criterion has always presented a mix of international classics and director-approved editions of important contemporary films, so this new slate of releases fits our mission perfectly. These films are future classics, and we’re very excited about the opportunity to work with the filmmakers to present them in great editions right from the start,” said Criterion’s Peter Becker.    Read more.

Also, Women & Hollywood (from a feminist perspective) have pointed out a recent Newsweek article profiling female directors from Mexico.  Says Melissa Silverstein from Women & Hollywood, “It’s interesting to note that the movies by the women described in the piece are more gritty and realistic and about life in Mexico whereas most of the film made by the prominent Mexican men and more fantasy and action drive.”

A few notes before going on hiatus

I will be leaving this week for a gap year behind the Great Firewall of China, where unfortunately, wordpress is blocked.  This fanblog will therefore be on hold for a while, unless I find a reliable proxy, but even then my internet access will not be as consistent as at home in Canada while I travel.  I hope to continue reporting blogging when I can, and most definitely when I return.  Cheers.

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El Economista and El Mercurio report: In ten short films, ten Mexican filmmakers will be putting together a film in the style of Paris, je t’aime to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.  Produced by IMCINE, Canana, and Mantarraya Producciones, each film will discuss the significance of the Revolution today.  “Imagine the potential for controversey,” said Gerardo Naranjo (Voy a explotar) who begins work on his contributiont next month, “I’m going to make something dynamic and violent that reflects what I think about the country.”  Other names attached include Spanish director Isabel Coixet, Alfonso Cuarón, the American Coen brothers, Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, Carlos Reygadas, Amat Escalante, and Fernando Eimbcke.

Monsters & Critics reports that Alfonso Cuarón, as well as John Woo, among others, has expressed interest in an 80 million USD Hollywood adaptation of Hong Kong fantasy graphic novel series DevaShard.  Subsidiary of NBC Universal, CastleBright Studios bought the rights to the fantasty series feeling that a storyline based on Asian mythology would be the next big thing.  DevaShard is inspired by the Sanscrit epic, the Mahabharata, an important part of Hindu mythology.

Noticine reveals that Cha Cha Cha production Mother and Child, directed by Rodrigo García, will make its world premiere with a gala screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, which runs from 10 to 19 September.  Budgeted at 7 million USD, it was filmed in Los Angeles and concerns three women played by Annette Benning, Naomi Watts, and Kerry Washington, whose character is looking to adopt.

Mexican coverage for the Year of the Nail

There was a great deal of coverage in the Mexican press upon the domestic premiere of Año uña that I haven’t gotten to yet – some snippets and links in rougly chronlogical order follow:

Asked, “What’s next?” (El Universal), director Jonás Cuarón responded:

That is what we always talk about, my girlfriend and I, because what follows is no longer with snapshots, you write the script first, but I am interested in looking for ways to create an honest story, in an interesting way, but fun.

I want to continue in film, she wants to continue with photography and when she speaks of photography projects and concept talk, I believe that working together should not be forced [...] we are not working together right now, we will always share opinions.

Salim Kury (Quién) caught up with both Cuarón and actress, co-producer, and editor Eireann Harper in a hotel suite around the premiere, and while the only news is that Cuarón is working on a script for his next feature and Harper is workign on her photography, Luis Ortiz Vargas took some new photos of the couple:

Año uña in Mexico, Rudo y Cursi on DVD, and more

After screening at international festivals for the last two years,  Año uña finally premiered today in Mexico (after a delay due to the H1N1 epidemic).   Speaking to Reuters, director Jonás Cuarón shared his belief in the film’s universal appeal overcoming any linguistic barriers.  “Adolescent guarrada* is universal, whether in Japan, Mexico, or England; all thirteen year olds are filthy,” he remarked.  Read more.

Also, Rudo y Cursi comes out on DVD and Blu-ray on 25th August:

AXN Film Festival; Cuarón signs to Anonymous content

In June, television station AXN announced the jury for the 4th edition of its film festival, which will search for the best short film in Latin America.  Jury members will include Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, and Carlos Cuarón, among other actors and filmmakers.  The winner will receive a Sony HDV camera and the equivalent of ten thousand dollars.  Second and third place recipients will receive an HDV and MiniDV camera respectively.  Read more (EFE).  Submissions are due 15th August.

In other news, Videography reports: Alfonso Cuarón has recently signed to production and management firm Anonymous Content’s commercial division.  Of the director’s credentials, executive producer Dave Morrison said, “He has a rare insight into human nature and the even scarcer ability to convert those instincts into a story. We are really looking forward to doing whatever we can to help Alfonso put out more incredible work into the advertising space.”

Win Rudo y Cursi promotional goodies

FutureMovies.co.uk:

“To celebrate the UK release of RUDO & CURSI a comedy about the rivalry between two brothers trying make it in the world of football, set in Mexico starring Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, produced by Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Guillermo del Toro. We have 3 bundles of RUDO & CURSI goodies to give away including books, soundtracks, DVDs and posters.”

The condition for entry is not very difficult, especially for Cuarón fans: “Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna previously starred in which Mexican road movie?” Check it out (NB: This contest is for UK residents only).

Informador profiles Lubezki; Nike Basketball campaign

El Informador recently profiled cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and touches on the urban legend of his explusion – along with Alfonso Cuarón and Luis Estrada – from Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematográficos.  Read more.

AdHunt’s Tom also posted a new Nike ad campaign, filmed by Lubezki.  Check them out.

Agency: Wieden + Kennedy, Portland
Creative Directors: Jeff Williams, Alberto Ponte
Copywriter: Edward Harrison
Art Directors: Sasha Swetschinski, Matt Murphy
Head of Production: Ben Grylewicz
Senior Agency Producer: Matt Hunnicutt
Agency Producer: Jessica Staples
Production Company: Imperial Woodpecker, New York
Director: Stacy Wall
Executive Producer: Doug Halbert
Producer: Jeff McDougall
DP: Emmanuel Lubezki
Puppets: Legacy Effects