News

Noomi Rapace will star as Mossad’s most famous female agent in “Sylvia,” an action movie from Vicky Jewson, who developed the project with WestEnd Films under the company’s female-skewed WeLove banner. London-based WestEnd will handle sales and will be talking to buyers at Cannes.

The project reunites “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” star Rapace, Jewson and WestEnd after their successful collaboration on action picture “Close.” Netflix took global rights to that picture and launched it in January.

In “Sylvia,” Rapace will play Sylvia Rafael, a South African-born agent who rose to prominence in Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. She was noted for her intelligence work in locating Ali Hassan Salameh, the leader of Palestine’s Black September organization and the figure behind the murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. But the mission led to her involvement in the infamous Lillehammer affair, in which an innocent Moroccan...

Tikkun director among Israeli filmmakers presenting at 13th edition of showcase.

Ahead of the 2018 Jerusalem Film Festival (July 26 – Aug 5), the projects for the annual Pitch Point competition have been unveiled.

Held on July 27 and 28, the initiative, now in its 13th year, is an opportunity for Israeli filmmakers to showcase in-progress projects to attending international film industry, with a view to forging co-production ties.

The 2018 showcase includes new works from Avishai Sivan, Shira Geffen, Keren Yedaya, That Lovely Girl), and Tawfik Abu Wael (Cannes 2004 Fipresci prize winner Atash).

The Pitch Point jury this year is comprised of Kirsten Niehuus (Medienboard Berlin...

Exclusive: Evgeny Ruman’s upcoming feature follows two Soviet Union dubbing artists in 1990s Israel.

Vladimir Friedman and Maria Belkin have signed to co-star in Evgeny Ruman’s [pictured] upcoming feature Golden Voices as a pair of veteran Soviet Union dubbing artists struggling to make a new life in Israel in the 1990s.

Ruman will publicly unveil the project for the first time alongside producer Eitan Evan of Tel Aviv-based Evanstone Film Productions at the Jerusalem Pitch Point industry event today.

The director, who moved to Israel from Belarus in the 1990s as part of an immigration wave that saw more than one million Soviet citizens move to the country, says the feature is inspired by his own experiences as well as those of his parents.

“Things have changed since then but when we arrived it was like coming from a different planet. Everything was so strange and bizarre for us and I want to capture this feeling...

Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain Are On A Secret Mission In The Action-packed Spy Thriller

Available December 6, 2011

Available On Blu-ray., DVD, Digital Download And On-demand From Universal Studios Home Entertainment

“Gripping, Smart And Unforgettable! A Must-see!” – Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood

Universal City, Calif., Oct. 11, 2011 – Startling action and surprising revelations compel retired secret agent Rachel Singer (Academy Award® winner Helen Mirren, The Queen) back into action in Focus Features and Miramax’s critically acclaimed hit espionage thriller The Debt, directed by Academy Award® nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love). Filmed on location in Tel Aviv, the U.K., and Budapest, The Debt will be available on Blu-ray., DVD, Digital Download and On Demand from Universal Studios Home Entertainment on December 6, 2011.

In 1997, shocking news reaches Rachel and Stephan (Academy Award® nominee Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton ) regarding their former colleague David (Ciaran Hinds, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) - from their...

To watch my interviews with:

Sam Worthington, and you should, click here

Jessica Chastain, click here

Director John Madden, click here

Here.s more info on .The Debt. from Yahoo:

In 1997, shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel and Stefan about their former colleague David. All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1966, when the trio tracked down Nazi war criminal Vogel in East Berlin. At great risk, and at considerable personal cost, the team's mission was accomplished - or was it? The suspense builds in and across two different time periods, with startling action and surprising revelations.

Genres: Thriller, Crime/Gangster, Adaptation, Remake and War

Release Date: August 31st, 2011 (wide)

MPAA Rating: R for for some violence and language.

Distributors: Focus Features

Production Co.: Marv Films

Studios: Miramax Films

Filming Locations: United Kingdom

Germany

Israel

Produced...

It.s no secret that I love Sam Worthington! Why? Because he.s sweet, charming, and he reads my blog! When I met him for .Terminator Salvation. two years ago, he surprised the heck out of me by pronouncing that he goes to my website. My little old website is being visited by Mr. Sam! (Check out my interview with the Worthington for "Terminator Salvation" right here, compare and contrast!)

So two years later, after the huge hits .Avatar. and .Clash of the Titans,. Sam and I are back in each other.s arms for the great film .The Debt.. I was mesmerized by this edge-of-your-seat thriller, and was very impressed with Worthington.s performance as David Peretz, the younger Mossad agent played by Ciaran Hinds decades later! Check out .The Debt. when it opens Aug. 31st.

No 3D glasses required!

In this interview, we talked about:

*** His interest in working with John Madden,...

I love Jessica Chastain, she was sweet and down-to-earth in person! And truth be told, she was my favorite among the cast of .The Debt.. She plays the younger Rachel Singer and the great Helen Mirren is her character.s older version. Watch the film on August 31st for Chastain.s subdued yet emotionally rich performance! Hats off to this fine, fine actress!

In this interview, we talked about:

*** Her subdued acting where you can practically see emotions flutter across her face

*** What attracted her to play Rachel Singer in the movie?

*** She.s the only American actor in the ensemble! Go USA! :happy

*** How she explored the thread of continuity with Helen Mirren

*** Working with the Queen herself, Miss Mirren

*** How she used Krav Maga to prepare for the action scenes of the film

Here.s more info on .The Debt. from Yahoo:

In 1997, shocking news reaches retired Mossad...

Director John Madden, famous for his Oscar-winning film, .Shakespeare in Love,. returns with the fantastic film .The Debt. starring Jessica Chastain, Sam Worthington, and Helen Mirren. It.s a psychological edge-of-your-seat thriller that tightens the noose as the film progresses. I love this movie, a great remake of the Israeli film .Ha-Hov.. Make sure to watch the movie when it opens on Aug. 31st.

I was blessed to meet Madden to interview him for .The Debt. where we talked about:

*** When critics describe a film as haunting and riveting, they might as well be talking about .The Debt.

*** What got him interested in making the movie?

*** The audio cues in the film, and his background in radio

*** The technical qualities of the movie

*** The meaning of the title .The Debt.

Here.s more info on .The Debt. from Yahoo:

In 1997, shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel and Stefan about their former colleague David.

Watch new clips from The Debt as well as behind-the-scenes looks and interview videos with Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Chastain, Marton Csokas, director John Madden, and producers Eitan Evan and Kris Thykier. The Focus Features drama opens on August 31st amd is scripted by Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan based on the film “Ha-Hov” written by Assaf Bernstein and Ido Rosenblum The espionage thriller The Debt begins in 1997, as shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Helen Mirren) and Stefan (Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciarán Hinds). All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1966, when the trio (portrayed...

Watch new clips from The Debt as well as behind-the-scenes looks and interview videos with Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Chastain, Marton Csokas, director John Madden, and producers Eitan Evan and Kris Thykier. The Focus Features drama opens on August 31st amd is scripted by Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan based on the film “Ha-Hov” written by Assaf Bernstein and Ido Rosenblum The espionage thriller The Debt begins in 1997, as shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Helen Mirren) and Stefan (Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciarán Hinds). All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1966, when the trio (portrayed...

Watch new clips from The Debt as well as behind-the-scenes looks and interview videos with Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Chastain, Marton Csokas, director John Madden, and producers Eitan Evan and Kris Thykier. The Focus Features drama opens on August 31st amd is scripted by Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan based on the film “Ha-Hov” written by Assaf Bernstein and Ido Rosenblum The espionage thriller The Debt begins in 1997, as shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Helen Mirren) and Stefan (Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciarán Hinds). All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1966, when the trio (portrayed...

Focus Features And Universal Pictures International To Distribute Miramax.S Espionage Thriller The Debt, Starring Helen Mirren And Sam Worthington 

The espionage thriller The Debt will be distributed for Miramax by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International (Upi). Focus will release The Debt in the U.S. nationwide on Wednesday, August 31, and Upi will release the film internationally.

Directed by Academy Award nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Jessica Chastain (soon to be seen in The Tree of Life), Marton Csokas (Universal.s upcoming Dream House), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Ciarán Hinds (Focus. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson. The screenplay, by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, is adapted from the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov. The producers of The Debt are Mr. Vaughn...

The espionage thriller The Debt will be distributed for Miramax by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International (Upi). Focus will release The Debt in the U.S. nationwide on Wednesday, August 31st, and Upi will release the film internationally.

Directed by Academy Award nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Jessica Chastain (soon to be seen in The Tree of Life), Marton Csokas (Universal’s upcoming Dream House), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Ciarán Hinds (Focus’ Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson. The screenplay, by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, is adapted from the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov. The producers of The Debt are Mr. Vaughn and Kris Thykier through Marv Films, Eitan Evan, and Eduardo Rossof; Tarquin Pack is the film’s executive producer.

The espionage thriller "The Debt" will be distributed for Miramax by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International. Focus will release "The Debt" in the U.S. nationwide on Wednesday, August 31st, and Universal Pictures International will release the film internationally.Directed by Academy Award nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Jessica Chastain (soon to be seen in The Tree of Life), Marton Csokas (Universal’s upcoming Dream House), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Ciarán Hinds (Focus’ Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson. The screenplay, by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, is adapted from the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov. The producers of The Debt are Mr. Vaughn and Kris Thykier through Marv Films, Eitan Evan, and Eduardo Rossof; Tarquin Pack is the film’s executive producer.

New York, NY and Santa Monica, CA, February 9th, 2011 – The espionage thriller The Debt will be distributed for Miramax by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International (Upi). Focus will release The Debt in the U.S. nationwide on Wednesday, August 31st, and Upi will release the film internationally. Directed by Academy Award nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Jessica Chastain (soon to be seen in The Tree of Life), Marton Csokas (Universal’s upcoming Dream House), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Ciarán Hinds (Focus’ Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson. The screenplay, by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, is adapted from the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov. The producers of The Debt are Mr. Vaughn and Kris Thykier through Marv Films, Eitan Evan, and Eduardo...

Tom Wilkinson has joined the cast of John Madden’s Mossad-Nazi thriller The Debt, which recently began shooting in London and also will film in Budapest and Tel Aviv. The cast includes Hellen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Ciaran Hinds, Jessica Chastain, Marton Csokas, Jesper Christensen and Romi Aboulafia. The script, written by Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, tells the fictional story of how three young Israeli Mossad agents on a secret mission to capture and kill a notorious Nazi war criminal in 1965. Thirty years later, a man claiming to be the Nazi surfaces in Ukraine, and one of the former agents must go back undercover to seek out the truth. Mirren and Chastain are playing Mossad agent Rachel Singer in both eras. Irish-born Hinds and U.K. actor Wilkinson also play Mossad agents. Debt is being produced by Vaughan and Kris Thykier of Marv Films and Eduardo Rossoff. Eitan Evan...

Berlin -- Jessica Chastain will play a young Helen Mirren in "The Debt," Miramax's Mossad-Nazi thriller being directed by John Madden.

Ciaran Hinds and Tom Wilkinson also have joined the cast of the thriller, which recently began shooting in London and also will film in Budapest and Tel Aviv.

The script, written by Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, tells the fictional story of how three young Israeli Mossad agents on a secret mission capture and kill a notorious Nazi war criminal in 1965. Thirty years later, a man claiming to be the Nazi surfaces in Ukraine, and one of the former agents must go back undercover to seek out the truth.

Mirren and Chastain are playing Mossad agent Rachel Singer in both eras. Irish-born Hinds and U.K. actor Wilkinson plays Mossad agents.

Sam Worthington, along with Marton Csokas, Jesper Christensen, Romi Aboulafia are also cast.

Regent Releasing has acquired North American distribution rights to writer-director Lynn Roth's "The Little Traitor," an adaptation of Amos Oz's novel "The Panther in the Basement."

The film, which is playing the current Palm Springs International Film Festival and will be released theatrically in the fall, stars Alfred Molina as a British sargeant stationed in Palestine after World War II.

The film revolves around the sargeant's relationship with an 11-year-old, who wants the British to leave his land.

"Lynn Roth's accomplished and timely film continues to expand on Regent's mission to showcase powerful and thought-provoking world cinema," said Mark Reinhart, West Coast general manager and executive vp, distribution and acquisitions, Regent.

Regent acquired the film, which was produced by Roth and Eitan Evan, from Panther Productions and Evanstone Films. The deal was negotiated by Reinhard for Regent and Roth and co-producer William Jarblum for Panther along with Todd Leavitt.

A teenage girl calmly crushes up pills in order to kill her uncle, with him imbibing a seemingly lethal brew at a family gathering. The look they share as he drinks indicates a mutual understanding of what is going on.

After such an intriguing start, Nitza Gonen's "Family Secrets", which was showcased at the 15th Israel Film Festival, proceeds to unravel the circumstances, ramifications and passionate motives behind this seemingly coldhearted murder. And in the process, it keeps one's interest thanks to the appealing cast and essential mystery-story structure.

"Family Secrets" -- the kind of frustrating scenario where a character keeps mum about one very important detail of the uncle's demise, thus condemning another character to 17 years of disillusionment and inescapable guilt -- jumps back in forth in time. Most of the action takes place in Herzliya, where frisky cousins Rivi (Romi Abulafia) and Shauli (Michael Hanegbi) spend summers with their grandparents and return years later to deal with an inheritance.

While swiftly moving from mutual attraction to emotional intimacy to physical infatuation, the younger versions of Rivi and Shauli are irreverent in the games they play -- in one impromptu skit, he's a German soldier terrorizing her pretending to be Anne Frank -- and they start to believe rumors about the wartime experiences of their successful Uncle Alfred (Eli Cohen), a Holocaust survivor who may have collaborated with the enemy.

From groping to making out to secret pacts meant to last a lifetime, Rivi and Shauli represent the post-World War II generation's embracing freedom and putting aside the horrors of the past. But they are far from innocent in their willful disrespect for the generation that suffered so horribly and are sensitive to offhand remarks and auspicious slips of the tongue.

At the same time, former opera singer Alfred's dark secret is not what either Rivi or Shauli think it is, bringing in another issue -- homosexuality -- that's ultimately portrayed as far more harmful than cousins falling in love. Realistic or not, "Family Secrets" ends up with few sympathetic characters and concludes on a contrived note.

Cohen, a veteran director, is the most accomplished performer, while Abulafia and Hanegbi have the chemistry the overall film lacks.

Such touches as the ghost of Alfred haunting the adult Rivi and the flashback structure are fairly pedestrian, while the tone of the film is often distractingly uneven because of the misconceived score by Adi Cohen.

FAMILY SECRETS

Evanstone Films

Director: Nitza Gonen

Screenwriter: Sherni Zarhin

Producers: Eitan Evan, Moshe Levinson

Director of photography: Gideon Porath

Production designer: Israel Walgelernter

Editor: Danny Shik

Music: Adi Cohen

Color/stereo

Cast:

Rivi: Romi Abulafia

Shauli: Michael Hanegbi

Alfred: Eli Cohen

Running time -- 92 minutes

No MPAA rating...