Movie Mogul.co.uk For the Love of Film Blog

Straight8 the competition which MM wanted our first month's winner to have the opportunity to enter is screening in Cannes this week. Twelve of the films that the Straight 8 judging panel consider the best of the bunch are screened in a pavilion on the Croisette every year; we wish them all well.

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Another Late Entry - "Making Fuck Off" by Fred Poulet is joining the Official Selection. It will be presented in Special Screening on May, 21th at 21pm in the Buñuel theatre.

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Returning from Cannes with received advice ringing in my ears and trying to filter out which 'top tip' to pass on, that is neither 'BS' or wishful thinking, it has to be one of my own; WEAR SENSIBLE SHOES!!

The mileage clocked up in few days marching to meetings and screenings plotted all over the map and, perversely, always at the opposite end of town from the previous one, can create crippling foot conditions and frequently draws blood.

Even the most glamorous of women and girls can be seen taking to their 'Flip-Flops' after a short stint on heels has reduced their pre-cannes pedicure to a mess of blood and blisters. More easily concealed by the men and boys, you can still see the pain on their faces!

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They are having a very hard time at the moment at British Airways. Whether you support the action or not, either management or crew, everyone needs to get a lift when they can. So MM would like to go on record and thank all those involved in running & crewing Flight no BA: 349 @ 19:10 from Nice to London Heathrow last night, it was simply great.

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At this point in the Festival many of the yachts moored in the Old port and the apartment balconies of the hotel suites, are being cleared of their banners and decorations as the sales and distribution companies who hired them return to their own premises until next year. If you are planning a trip in years to come, it is worth noting that the attendance times are getting shorter for the marketeers, get there early to avoid disappointment!

The other thing worth taking note of is that if you are either a student or filmmaker you can register for 'Accreditation' well in advance of the festival for FREE. The badge you receive will give you access to most areas of activity, automatic access to certain screenings and discretionary access to the busier ones. You do not have to be there to sell, buy or even pitch anything. You can go to network, you can go for fun. Understand it isn't cheap, but doesn't have to be that expensive if planned well enough in advance.

Whatever else it achieves this year the 63rd Cannes Festival and Market has shown up some very encouraging signs of a new growth in optimism and enthusiasm that was almost completely lacking last year. Witnessing that positive transition at first hand has, in itself, made the trip very worthwhile. MM