Luckymatrix

We loved being part of the Tangier Film Festival last week. Between the impressive lineup of feature and short films, the delicious Moroccan gastronomy, and the heartfelt warmth of the festival team, it was enough to melt the permafrost around our showbiz heart.
You’d have to be made of stone not to enjoy the wit and insight of my brilliant fellow short jury members, Anne Gaschütz and Nawaf Al Jahani. We had the privilege of discovering incredible works from talented creators across the world—and although the decisions were difficult, here are the awards we presented:
• Best Fiction: My Mother is a Cow by Moara Passoni
• Best Script: Chikha by Yamina Zarou, Ayoub Layoussifi, and Zahoua Raji
• Special Mention, Best Fiction: The Boy With White Skin by Simon Panay
• Best Animation: Detlev by Ferdinand Ehrhardt
• Best Animated Film: Distance by Anita Yen
• Best Cinematography: Trinidad by José Manuel Azuela Espinosa (Jos Azuela)
• Special Mention, Best Cinematography: Mercenaire by Pier-Philippe Chevigny
It was a joy to celebrate such creativity and storytelling—thank you to everyone who made the Tangier Film Festival an unforgettable experience.
(credit photo Haydn Price)

I'm not entirely sure if Variety Manuel Betancourt has fully decided whether the movie is remarkable (it clearly is) or not. His review feels like one of the most contradictory I've read—almost as if it were written by Norman Bates and his mother. Still, it's certainly an interesting take!

If you’re in Los Angeles tonight or Monday and are a member of the Academy or the press, we’re holding two screenings. You can decide for yourself and let me know.

SUNSET SCREENING ROOM
8730 Sunset Blvd, Suite 150
Los Angeles, CA 90069

Friday, 6 December, at 7 PM
Monday, 9 December, at 7 PM

RSVP: [email protected]

‘In the Arms of the Tree’ Review: Modest Iranian Film Spins Platitudes Following Two Young Brothers Weathering a Divorce Centering on two young brothers weathering their parents’ divorce, 'In the Arms of the Tree' showcases filmmaker Babak Khajehpasha’s gift with actors.