The 13th Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival is due to take place in April 2008 and organisers are hoping to attract even more stars and industry insiders than in previous years, including such international superstars as Anthony Hopkins, Faye Dunaway and Michael Caine.

During the week of April 10th to 17th scores of films will be showcased at the festival, drawing many leading movie actors to the town. Last year over 20,000 filmgoers attended the many events and even more enthusiasts are expected this year. In addition, the world’s movie press contingent will inevitably pack the town hot in pursuit of the stars’ and dreaming of an exclusive interview, or at least some gossip.

The Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) was the brainchild of Commissioner Burt Aaronson and local philanthropist George Elmore. Both had a vision of offering an exciting cultural experience for the Palm Beach area, and at the same time providing a tremendous fundraiser for local educational institutions.

To date the not-for-profit organisation has donated over $1million to the film and television programs of local schools, community colleges and universities in the form of grants and scholarships. There are currently in excess of 2,600 students enrolled on the programs in the Palm Beach area and they are all eligible for their work to be shown at the Student Showcase of Films; screened during festival week.

Since 2003 the PBIFF has included a competitive element in an effort to expand its international status. Awards are given in such categories as; Best Director, Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Short Film, and lifetime achievement awards to motion picture legends are also distributed at the Festival.

But the fundraising is not just limited to the week of the festival. In addition there is also a ‘Friends of the Film Festival’ group that operates all year round, arranging many social gatherings for residents of Palm Beach and Roca Baton at which funds are raised for the educational support element of the festival. Many of their events, such as special Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas Eve parties take place at a local bar, club or hotel in Palm Beach, and prove great places for attendees to network in addition to providing substantial funds to the PBIFF.

The 2008 PBIFF looks set to be the most successful yet, with organisers promising big names but staying tight-lipped about whom exactly they will be. But, regardless of which stars do turn up it looks to be a record-setting year in terms of overall attendees, which is good news for the schools and colleges that benefit from the fund raising.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys traveling.

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Le Festival International de Cannes, or The International Cannes Film Festival was first held in September 20, 1946. Dubbed as one of the world’s oldest and most influential film festival, it is held annually (typically in May) in the town of Cannes, France near the French Riviera. Because he was frustrated on the intrusion of the fascist governments of Germany and Italy in selecting the films for the Mostra del cinema di Venezia (Venice Film Festival), Jean Zay, then French Minister of National Education, created the international cinematographic festival in France.

In 2002, it officially assumed the name Festival de Cannes. About 1,000 films entered the different selections in 2010. The film fest is attended by numerous actors, actresses, directors and filmmakers every year that immense media exposure is given to it. It is also a great chance in which film producers present and eventually sell their new films to film distributors who come from all over the globe.

The highest award given is the Palme d’Or (Golden Palm), afforded to the best film of the whole festival. The award was launched in 1955. Other awards include Prix du Jury (Jury Prize), Palme d’Or du court métrage (Best Short Film), Prix d’interprétation feminine/masculine (Best Actress/Actor), Prix de la mise en scène (Best Director) and Prix Un Certain Regard (for young talent and audacious works).

The festival offers a good venue to define the image of different countries’ cinema and to promote the impression that European cinema is all about art.

Pollux Parker is an adventurer who loves discovering secret island getaways in each country he visits. Pollux also likes to collect French flag and buy cheap French flag.

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It’s December which means Christmas is rushing towards us and so are the annual onslaught of Christmas films on the big screen. Christmas really is a special time of the year when you can guarantee a batch of feel good films which are fun for all the family, as well as a few ideally suited to those film fans without families. But it’s not just the new releases which makes Christmas films so special but also the annual showing of previous favourites on the TV as well. So to put you in the mood for Christmas here are just a few great Christmas films to watch this year.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

No list of Christmas films would be complete without a mention of one of the most popular Christmas Movies of all time. Yes that’s right Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” a remarkably inspirational, feel good movie which despite it’s dark underbelly is a remarkably uplifting movie. There is no doubt with the wonderful acting of James Stewart, the marvellous storyline and the warm direction of Frank Capra, the tale of George Bailey a man who’s pushed to the edge of despair only to be visited by an angel is one of the most uplifting movies to have been made.

Home Alone (1990)

He may have ended up becoming one of the most precocious child stars of his generation but there is no doubting that without Macaulay Culkin “Home Alone” would have never become such a successful and popular film. Telling the tale of young Kevin McAllister who having been accidentally been left home alone for Christmas, saves the day by foiling a pair of robbers, played hysterically by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, “Home Alone” certainly has that little bit of Christmas magic. But it’s not just the Christmas magic which makes it so special but also the cartoon style slapstick which gets you laughing.

The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)

Every few years Hollywood always seems to make a Christmas movie around the classic Charles Dickens tale “A Christmas Carol”. There are the serious, the updated and the funny which “The Muppets Christmas Carol” is one of my favourites. It’s such a rich movie with full of wonderful sets, humour and song plus of course the Muppets lead by Kermit the frog. But it is also the performance of Michael Caine in the midst of all the puppetry which makes it such a wonderfully entertaining movie. It’s definitely a Christmas film for children but still has enough laughs to make it fun for adults as well.

The Holiday (2006)

Although many Christmas films are made for children, there are few usually romantic tales, which are made with adults in mind. One of my favourites from the last decade is “The Holiday” which manages to blend modern romantic comedy with a touch of classic Hollywood to deliver a warm friendly Christmas film. It’s not so much that “The Holiday” is a true Christmas movie rather than just a romantic comedy, but the fact that it is set over a Christmas period means that it is a worthy addition for anyone looking for a romantic Christmas film.

Holiday Inn (1942)

It’s classic Hollywood again a journey back to the 1940′s and Irvin Berlin’s Christmas classic “Holiday Inn” starring the crooning talents of Bing Crosby and the dancing of Fred Astaire. It’s such a wonderful musical full of memorable songs and wonderful dance routines but strangely like another classic from a bygone age “White Christmas” is not that focussed on Christmas rather has a few memorable scenes which take in the Christmas Period. Of course the most memorable is Bing Crosby sitting by a Christmas tree singing “White Christmas” making “Holiday Inn” a worthy film on my Christmas list.

The Grinch (2000)

Whilst Jim Carrey has been occupied recently lending his talents to “A Christmas Carol” it is his latex aided performance from 2000 in “The Grinch” which makes it onto my list of Christmas films. Based on the popular Dr. Seuss story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, “The Grinch” is a frenetic, fun film which has that blend of innocent humour for younger audiences yet enough subtle elements to provide mirth for adults who end up watching it. But it is the energetic performance of Jim Carrey, the narration of Anthony Hopkins and the wonderfully imaginative set designs which really capture you as the tale is spun in a very visual manner.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

It’s hard to pick which version of “Miracle on 34th Street” which I like the most. On one hand the original 1947 has the brilliant performance from Edmund Gwenn whilst the 1994 version manages to deliver a really warm Christmassy feeling that many modern Christmas films fail to achieve. For me the 1994 version just wins because of the wonderful performance of Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle but also because that although it is seriously sentimental and overly sweet does deliver a really nice wholesome message as well as being fun for all the family.

So there is my list of great Christmas films, it’s certainly not a definitive list because their are so many great Christmas films to have been made. But it’s a great start for anyone wishing to get in the mood with film from all eras and styles.

For more Christmas films and films in general you can read my movie reviews at The Movie Scene.

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The 61st Berlin Film International Festival held the closing ceremony on February 20, 2011 in Berlin, Germany. Although the event is finished, we can recall the red carpet fashion style at this moment. Celebrity dress is always the most focused vogue in the fashion stage.

Hailee Steinfeld’s Dress at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival: premiere of “True Grit”
On February 10, 2011, Hailee Steinfeld attend the premiere of “True Grit”. Her youthful face is even more adorable by wearing a swan printed dress from the Miu Miu Spring 2011. The perfect color jumbo adds a lively touch to her dress.

Fashion Tips:
There are many variations of Little Black Dress. Simple cut-out and quality fabric makes a perfect LBD dress. Don’t forget to accessorize your LBD with matching colorful accessories.

Occasions: formal party, semi-formal party, casual party, homecoming.

Diane Kruger’s Dress at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival: premiere of “Unknown”
On February 18, 2011, Diane attended the premiere of “Unknown” – her new movie. Wearing a purple dress with colorful embellishments from Chanel Pre-Fall 2011, Diane looked fantastic. Asymmetrical skirt presents her beautiful legs and ankles curves. A pair of Gucci Kelis suede & python ankle strap sandals accents this dress in a perfect way.

Fashion Tips:
Asymmetrical design turns out to be this season’s fashion keyword. They’re everywhere over dresses: asymmetrical skirt, asymmetrical neckline, asymmetrical waistline, asymmetrical sleeves… Compared with symmetrical balanced design, it seems more lively and mysterious.

Occasions: beach wedding, cocktail party, backyard barbecue, club.

Diane Kruger’s Dress at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival: a photocall for “Unknown”
On February 18, 2011, Diane Kruger attended a photocall for “Unknown”. She was wearing a coral tea length dress from Prada. The ruffle details made her look lovely. A pair of suede turquoise sandals from Prada turned her into a shining star instantly. The highlight is her statement earrings hiding behind her soft curly hair.

Fashion Tips:
The coral color dress will easily make you stand out from the crowd. If you want to try with something bold and bright, choose this color for your next dance. Turquoise complements coral dress perfectly. You may opt for other turquoise accessories like a turquoise necklace, bracelets or even a turquoise handbag which oozes a feminine yet stylish glamour.

Occasions: cocktail party, business talk, formal dinner, prom night.

Diane Kruger’s Dress at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival: Closing Ceremony
On February 19, 2011, Diane Kruger attended the closing ceremony of the 61st Berlin Film Festival by wearing a white chiffon dress with halter and backless design from Vionnet Spring 2011 collection. The floor length less gives Diane Kruger a chance to show off her beautiful back curve and a flowy Grecian style. Her black clutch from Chanel complements the amazing look.

Fashion Tips:
Nude color intends to be more popular these days. Nude plus a full-length gown gives an angelic look. It’s easy for you to be the focus of everybody’s attention at any parties. This summer, flatter yourself with a nude chiffon gown.

Occasions: wedding reception, semi-formal party, formal party, pageant, cruise.

Ask Meenouir Cheung, who is from DressesShop.com, for advice in areas of Wedding Dresses and Celebrity Dresses. We write numerous articles providing information for the customers.

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