Film - February 07

28th February

Warp X launches horror projects

Excellent news for the UK horror film industry. According to 'Variety' low-budget digital film outfit Warp X is launching a training and production scheme to encourage more women to direct horror films. Ten female directors from 76 applicants have been selected for the program, which goes by the name of Darklight: Women Direct Horror.U.K.

Film Council-backed Warp X aims to green light two projects as feature films for production through their digital slate in 2008.The 10 winning applicants have already attended a horror master class at Fawsley Hall in Northamptonshire UK, where they received expert advice from writer/director Richard Stanley ("Hardware, Dust Devil"), producer Ros Borland ("The Last King of Scotland" co-producer), editor Celia Haining ("Dead Man's Shoes"), Danny Perkins, head of distribution, Optimum Releasing.

Next up for the 10 is a second master class weekend, which will include work with actors. After this, four will be headhunted to develop their ideas into a treatment. Warp X was set up by the U.K. Film Council's New Cinema Fund and Film4 with partners EM Media, and Optimum Releasing to offer filmmakers development support, production finance and theatrical distribution in the U.K.

Anything that goes to increasing the number of directors involved in the production of quality British horror movies, is more than fine by us.

28th February

Release date finally set for Malaysian horror "Dukun"?

The much anticipated Malay horror “Dukun” seems to finally have been given a release date. Originally due out in December of last year, the film has been mired in numerous legal wrangles and arguments with the Malaysian board of film censors. Now several Malay cinema chain websites are listing the movies release date as March 8th!

'Dukun' stars Umie Aida and Faizal Hussin in a tale of a shaman named Diana who dabbles in the occult, and ends up being tried and sentenced to death. Told from the point of view of her lawyer Karim, the horrors associated with Diana’s story involve murder, witchcraft, greed and mayhem, with more than a hint of the supernatural.

The film is said to be based on the true life story of Mona Fandey, and her murder of a State assemblyman Datuk Mazlan. Mona a singer in her early days practiced black magic to help wealthy, superstitious Malays achieve their aims. She was eventually caught for the murder, and in a trial that lasted more than two months, Mona – with her husband were convicted.

Just before she was hanged at the Kajang Prison in 2001, it was reported that the infamous murderess had said "I will never die”. Now thats just a tad freaky! 'Dukun' Trailer 'Dukun' (Official Site)

27th February

UK theatrical release for "Unknown"

Director Simon Brands low budget indy thriller "Unknown" is to get a UK cinematic release in April. The screenplay for Unknown was written by Matthew Waynee. The movie stars Jim Caviezel, Greg Kinnear, Barry Pepper, Jeremy Sisto, Joe Pantoliano, Bridget Moynahan, and Peter Stormare.

Synopsis: "Five men awaken in a locked warehouse with blank memories, unaware of everything, even their own identities. It is clear they have experienced a traumatic event: one is bound to a pole, another has his face smashed in, still another is handcuffed to a pipe, while the remaining two are visibly roughed up. But no one remembers what they’re doing there. As the men try to assemble the puzzle of their last few hours, conflicts ensue. How do you know who to trust, if you don’t even know who you are?

The men discover that they are all part of a kidnapping for ransom, but are unable to tell the victims from the perpetrators. As the truth comes to light, the dynamic between the men changes dramatically. The men recall scattered memories both fleeting and questionable. Knowledge is power in this life and death situation, and any of these men could be exaggerating their memory loss to improve their chances of survival."

For those of you reading in the U.S The film is already available on DVD in region 1. Meanwhile for those of you across the pond, the movie hits UK cinemas on the 13th of April.

'Unknown' Trailer (Quicktime)

26th February

2nd trailer for Thai horror "Alone"

And its a cracker! Via the guys at 'Deknang' news in on another trailer for "Alone." You should be well up to speed on this new release from directors Parkpoom Wongpoom and Banjong Pisanthanakun’s. But if you have missed all the previous posts, check our the story's on Feb. 17th and Feb. 3rd.

'Alone' trailer (Youtube)

25th February

Teaser poster for Tim burton's "Sweeney Todd"

A teaser one sheet has surfaced for Tim burtons remake of the classic 'Sweeney Todd.' Based on the hit Broadway musical which tells the infamous story of Benjamin Barker, a.k.a Sweeney Todd, who sets up a barber shop down in London which is the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett. The films just gone into production and is due out Xmas 07. To get a look at it bigger, check out the link below.

'Sweeney Todd' One sheet

25th February

"I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" to open HK Film Festival

CRI reports that south Korean movie "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK," has been chosen as the opening film at this year's Hong Kong International Film Festival starting from 19th March. In just half an hour, all pre-sale tickets for the movie's first screening were sold out.Director Park Chan-wook, lead actor South Korean pop star Rain and actress Lim Soo-jung are expected to grace the red carpet at the movie's Hong Kong premiere. This year's Golden Bear winner, Chinese movie "Tuya's Marriage" will also be screened during the festival at the HK Cultural Centre on 30th March.

'I'm a Cyborg' (Official Site)

24th February

Trailer for Hong Kong horror "The Haunted School"

The first trailer is up for director Chin Man Kei's feature horror ‘The Haunted School.’ Starring Chui Tien You, Don Li, Steven Cheung, Dennis Mak, Theresa Fu, Toby Leung, Macy Chan, and Kelly Fu. For a full rundown of the info on the film, check out our post on Feb. 5th.

‘Haunted School’ Trailer (Windows Media)

24th February

Thai critics give top honors to horror film "Dorm"

Director Songyos Sugmakanan's boarding-school ghost film "Dek hor" (Dorm) was the out right winner at the Bangkok Critics Assembly Awards on Thursday. It won for picture, director, screenplay, cinematography and supporting actress for Jintara Sugapat.

The assembly gave the best actor award to Krisda Sukosol Clapp for his role as a demented salesman in the stark thriller "13 Beloved.” Best actress went to Nattaweeranuch Thongmee for the romantic comedy "Sab sanit siith sainar" (Noodle Boxer), which also garnered supporting actor honors for TV comedian Koh Tee. [Source: Variety]

'Dorm' Review (Black hole reviews)

'Dorm' Trailer (Quicktime)

Order the DVD Here

23rd February

Teaser trailer for Spanish horror "Aparecidos" aka "The Appeared"

A very promising teaser trailer has arrived on the website for director Paco Cabezas first feature length project, the road movie horror “Aparecidos.” In English the title roughly translates to “The Appeared,” although it has also been credited with the name “Nocturna.” The film stars Ruth Díaz (Malena) and Javier Pereira (Pablo).

Synopsis: “Malena and Pablo, two brothers travelling in Argentina, discover a diary that documents horrendous crimes committed by the author 20 years ago. The night after the discovery, a family is killed following in an identical manner to one incidence in the diary. Now Malena and Pablo need to discover what is real and what isn't. Something dead from the past, is now in the present.”

'Aparecidos' (Official Site)

22nd February

Thai horror comedy "Hortaewtak"

From director Poj Arnon comes the truly out there horror comedy “Hortaewtak.” Produced by Five star entertainment, and starring Jathurong Mok-Jok, Koeti Aramboy and Yingsak Chonglert-jetsadawong, the films storyline reads like 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' meets 'Poltergiest.' With some very high camp thrown in.

Synopsis: “Three X drag Queens put all their savings into buying an apartment block as an investment. But the business venture turns into a disaster when a dead body is found is in the building. The haunting from the mad ghost leaves all the residents terrified, and they understandably want to leave. The threesome have to find the way to persuade their residents not to leave, to save the day, and their money!”

Theres plenty to see the official site. Currently there is only a Thai language version, but it looks like an English version is due soon. The gals hit Thai cinema screens on March 8th. 'Hortaewtak' (Official Site)

21st February

Italy's Asian film festival to honor director Patrick Tam

The Udine festival of Far East Film, to be held in Italy 20-28 April, will be
running a special tribute to Hong Kong director Patrick Tam. The Festival, now in its ninth year, will feature a total of 60 films from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. Titles unveiled so far include "Nana 2, "Sinking of Japan" and "Umizaru 2."

Tam, who returned to directing last year with the big budget "After This Our Exile," is known for his realism, and experimenting with genres. Films from his entire career to date are to be shown at Udine, ranging from "The Sword" through "Nomad," to erotic noir "Burning Show." They will also be screening a selection from 20 of his made-for-TV movies. [Source:Variety]

21st February

One sheet for Mexican supernatural thriller "The last of the just"

The one sheet is out for director Manuel Carballo’s intriguing supernatural thriller ‘Los Justos’ aka ‘The last of the just.’ Bill Rovzar (Kilómetro 31) is producing, and the film stars Diego Martín, Ana Claudia Talancón , Antonio Dechent and Federico Luppi. For a synopsis for the film, check out our original story posted back on Jan 21st.

20th February

"Die You Zombie Bastards!" gets UK DVD release

The cult classic "Die You Zombie Bastards" is to get a UK DVD release this month. Part shock-packed horror film, part madcap comedy, and part romantic road movie, "Die You Zombie Bastards" blends movie genres with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Red Toole is an average good-hearted serial killer who enjoys killing hippies almost as much as he loves his wife Violet. But when Violet is kidnapped Toole sets out to reclaim the woman he loves, with unusual and often hilarious results. Released by Odeon entertainment, the disc includes the original release (99mins), plus bonus Features: Making of Documentary and Dark New England featurette. The DVD due to be released on Feb 22nd.

"Die You Zombie Bastards" DVD

20th February

Website live for 'Forest of Death'

No sooner do we find the first trailer for Danny Pangs "Forest of Death," then up crops the website for the film. All the usual things are within, including several making of videos. Although unlike the trailer they are not English subbed, alas.

'Forest of Death' (Official Site) HK

19th February

'Exte': Review by Mark Schilling (Japan Times)

By Mark Schilling:
"Sion Sono is following what is now a well-traveled career path for Japanese directors: First the indie debut that plays the international festival circuit ("Bicycle Sighs" in 1990), then the cult sensation taken up by the fan boys ("Suicide Club" in 2002), and finally the horror pic that hopefully makes your fortune: "Exte." But for Sono, as the release dates for the above films indicate, the journey upward has hardly been quick or smooth. Born in 1961, he is no wunderkind, negotiating his first Hollywood remake deal while the ink on his film-school diploma is still wet…….. "

Full review

19th February

One sheet and Hi-Def trailer for paranormal thriller "First snow"

A moody and tense character study,”First Snow” was directed by Mark Fergus and co-written with Hawk Ostby, who also collaborated on the excellent British Sci-fi thriller “Children of Men.”

Story: “Wound tight and cocky, Jimmy Starks (Guy Pearce) is a smooth-talking salesman certain he’s on the verge of a big break. Even when his car stalls in the middle of nowhere, a roadside soothsayer (J.K. Simmons) assures him a windfall is on its way. But although Jimmy should be happy when his boss suddenly agrees to financially back his business venture, he starts to become paranoid instead.

As his girlfriend Deirdre (Piper Perabo) and his best friend/ business partner Ed (William Fichtner) watch him slowly come unwound, Jimmy wonders if a past betrayal of his friend, newly paroled Vince (Shea Whigham), could be catching up to him. And, as the weather turns cold, Jimmy can?t help but fear the mysterious seer’s other prediction . . . that they’ll be no tomorrow after the first snow.”

First screened at the Tribeca film festival last April, and subsequently at the Santa Barbara Film Fest Jan 07, the movie is to get a limited U.S release starting on March 23rd.

'First Snow' Hi-Def trailer (Apple.com)

'First Snow' (Official Site)

19th February

World premiere of Pakistan's first ever Zombie horror "Hells ground"

News in on a most unusual of co-productions. Made between U.K.-based video label Mondo Macabro and Pakistani production company Bubonic Films, "Zibahkhana" aka "Hells Ground " is directed by first-timer Omar Khan, a Pakistani film historian and the owner of a chain of ice cream shops in Lahore. Producer is Pete Tombs, an expert on Asian horror whose Mondo Macabro label has released such titles as Indonesia's "Lady Terminator" and "Virgins From Hell."

Shot in 30 days on a high-def camera, "Zibahkhana" combines a cast of young unknowns with Pakistan film vets to tell the story of a gang of teens heading to a rock concert whose path is blocked by a protest against polluted drinking water. Cutting around the protestors on a little-used country road, they run afoul of a family of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre"-style psychopaths who slaughter them with relish.The film was apparently made without any backing from the Pakistan government. The movie is to have its world premiere at the Danish Natfilm Festival, taking place on March 23rd to April 1st.

There’s now a MySpace page open for “Hells Ground,” where you can find more info and pictures or you can go to the official website. [Source: Fangoria]

18th February

First teaser trailer for Danny Pang's "Forest of Death"!!

The first teaser trail for Danny Pang's upcoming horror 'Forest of Death' has appeared online on 'Sina.' The storyline of Pangs new movie revolves around a strange haunted forest populated by “killer Trees”? That's a new one to us.

Synopsis: "Steven is a student of botany who has written his doctorate paper on the theory that "Plants Are Sentient Creatures". He spends all his time and effort trying to prove that plants have feelings and even language. Mary, Steven's girlfriend works for a major TV station and her achievements seem to outstrip Steven's. One day, a criminal has abducted, raped and murdered the Prime Minister's daughter in the forest.

Eric was arrested as he was a major suspect in this case. Soon, the truth behind the crime is revealed through Steven's research. An experiment is carried out in the crime scene forest to determine whether or not the suspect is guilty by obtaining eyewitness and evidence: the forest itself. This generates great controversy in the parliament and to the legal profession but is there an answer out there in the forest? Will the experiment succeed? Will the mystery be solved?"

The movie opens in Hong Kong on March 22nd.

'Forest of Death' Trailer (Embedded Flash)

17th February

Two more posters for Thai horror 'Alone'

Several new teaser posters for directors Parkpoom Wongpoom and Banjong Pisanthanakun’s much anticipated new horror ‘Alone’ have appeared courtesy of the guys at 'Deknang'. ‘Alone,’ a dark tale of Siamese twins separated at birth, is due out in Thailand in March. You can see both posters larger scale from the links below. For more info on the story, and to see the teaser trailer, check out our post on Feb 3rd.

Posters 1 2

16th February

Sahamongkol secures ‘Ong Bak 2’ deals already

The movie is barely a glint in its directors eye, but already Showbox Entertainment has acquired South Korean rights to "Ong Bak 2" from Thailand's Sahamongkolfilm Intl., while Edko Films has grabbed it for Hong Kong. This we think will only be the beginning of a feeding frenzy of sales across the globe.

The original Ong Bak did BIG (rightly so) business around the world, and a lot more distributors will be clamoring for the rights. The original was helmed by Prachya Pinkaew, and the sequel now in production, Tony Jaa himself will direct. The film is not expected for release until late 2007 into early 08.

[Source:Variety]

15th February

New trailer and poster for Malaysian horror 'Chermin'

A new trailer has arrived for the Malay horror ‘Chermin.’ The story revolves around a women possessed by a haunted mirror. This new clip seems to be heavier on the horror than the last, without giving away too many of the scares. Looks good. For more info on the release you can check out our original posts for the film back on Sept 6th, and Dec 7th. ‘Chermin' goes on general release in Malaysian on March 22nd.

'Chermin' trailer (Windows media)

‘Chermin’ (Official Site)

14th February

‘War of the Dead’ becomes 'Stone's War'

All change for this promising Finnish /U.S. co-production that we first covered back on Dec 17th. The name of ‘War of the Dead’ has been dropped by the studio, and the Zombie horror is now to be called by the rather less than punchy title of ‘Stone’s War’!? I know which name I would have prefered, if I where one having to market the film. No reason has been given for the change. On the casting news front, it has been announced that the actor James Van Der Beek (Dawson’s Creek) will play the lead as the aforementioned ‘Stone.’ Make what you will, on that decision. Production on the film begins April 2, 2007.

[Source: Little film Company]

13th February

Website live for Japanese horror 'Apartment 1303'

The website has just gone live (to coincide with it’s screening at the EFM no doubt) for the Japanese horror ‘Apartment 1303.’ Produced by MonteCristo International, and directed by Ataru Oikawa (Tomie: Beginning) the film is based and on an original novel by Kei Oishi (The Last Supper). Cinematographer for the film was Tokusho Kikumura who also worked on The Grudge, and The Grudge 2.

Synopsis:” When Yuka, a young woman, moves into this beautiful Apartment, she cannot believe her good fortune, however as she unpacks the moving boxes she feels as if someone is there in the room. Yuka shrugs off this feeling knowing her boyfriend will soon be there. As her boyfriend approaches the building he passes a mother and young daughter who live in Apartment 1302. The little girl grabs his arm and points up to the top floor of the building. There he can see Yuka screaming as she comes over the edge of the balcony and falls! In horror he hears the thud of his girlfriend hitting the ground. Something terrible “lives” in Apartment 1303.”

‘Apartment 1303’ (Official Site)

12th February

Germany gets Austrian Slasher 'In 3 days you are dead'

Austria mobile phone text message inspired horror ‘In 3 days you are dead’ is to get a German release. Reading the synopsis you could be excused for thinking that this has been heavily inspired by the likes of Miike Takashi’s ‘One missed call’ series. ‘In 3 days you are dead’ is directed by Andreas Prochaska and stars Karl Fischer, Michou Friesz, and Andreas Kiendl.

Synopsis: ”At first, Nina and her clique think this SMS is just a stupid joke. But no one is laughing when Nina's boyfriend is found tied to a concrete block at the bottom of a lake the next day. When another member of the group is savagely attacked everyone is paralyzed with dread.They're all on the murderers list. But why? Nina is the only one who discovers a mysterious clue leading to the brutal killer's identity. As the body count rises and the slaying become more and more vicious, still no-one believes her and time is running out ...” ‘In 3 days you are dead’ opens in German on Feb. 22nd

'In 3 days you are dead’ (Official Site)

12th February

French poster and release date for William Friedkin's 'Bug'

It would appear that those lucky French will be the first to see William Friedkin’s upcoming psychological thriller ‘Bug,’ as the launch date there has been confirmed as Feb 21st. Three months before the U.S.

The movie stars Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr, and is written by Tracy Letts. The film based on Letts' play is about modern paranoia in the wake of the Gulf War, and contains elements of black comedy, romance, and horror.

Most of the action takes place in a seedy Oklahoma motel room, where Gulf War veteran Peter (Michael Shannon) and lonely divorcee Agnes (Ashley Judd) hole up together and fall in love while contending with an apparent infestation of microscopic bugs.

Agnes' violent ex-husband Jerry, is played by Harry Connick Jr.. Other characters include her lesbian friend and co-worker, played by Lynn Collins; and Peter's doctor, played by Brian F. O'Byrne. The story addresses issues of domestic violence, conspiracy theories and schizophrenia. 'Bug' (Official Site)

12th February

Mirren wins at Bafta awards

Dame Helen Mirren has added the best actress Bafta to her long list of awards for The Queen, which was also named best film at the London ceremony last night. The Last King of Scotland won three honours, including best British film and best actor for Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

British film-maker Paul Greengrass was named best director for United 93. Low-budget comedy Little Miss Sunshine took awards for original screenplay and Alan Arkin's supporting performance. Dame Helen's numerous awards for The Queen include the best actress Golden Globe and have made her favourite to win the Oscar in two weeks' time.

The Spanish-language Pan's Labyrinth won three Baftas including the award for best foreign language film. Former US reality TV show contestant Jennifer Hudson added the best supporting actress prize to her considerable collection for her performance in the musical Dreamgirls. Peter Morgan and Jeremy Brock's script for The Last King of Scotland won the best adapted screenplay honour. For a full list of the winners go here

11th February

Teaser posters for 'Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon'

Two teaser posters have turned up for Andy Lau’s upcoming big-budget historical actioner ‘Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon.’ The movie also stars Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible 3) and Leon Lai (The Matrimony). Daniel Lee (Dragon Squad,) (One Armed Swordsman) will direct, whilst Sammo Hung (Martial Law) is on board as action choreographer.

With a budget approaching $25 million, the picture is set up by Hong Kong's Visualizer Film and Korea's Taewon Entertainment, and will shoot in China from March 2007. The film is based on "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" a vast 600-year-old novel by Luo Guangzhong that ranks as one of China's four most important pieces of literature, and also provided source material for John Woo's upcoming "Battle of Red Cliff."

10th February

Jackie Chan and Jet Li to remake Chinese Classic

Action stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li will team up for the first time to star a new film inspired by legendary classical Chinese novel "Journey to the West" written during the Ming Dynasty. According to investor Huayi Brothers Company, Jet Li and Jackie Chan will play two famous roles respectively: Monkey King and Monk Sandy, derived from "Journey to the West." However, the movie's plot is totally different from the original novel.

The two action stars will take on the challenge to play these two classical roles with new characteristics under a totally different plot. The official name for the movie has not yet been decided. Chinanews.com reported on Friday that the lead actress might be Liu Yifei and Disney animation "Lion King" director Rob Minkoff will be invited to direct the movie. The story of "Journey to the West" is so popular in China that it has become part of the repertoire of Chinese operas, TV series and comic books.The US$70 million-budget movie is scheduled to begin shooting later this year.

10th February

Zhao Wei joins the cast of 'Battle of the Red Cliff'

Chinese actress Zhao Wei has been confirmed to star in Hong Kong director John Woo's new epic period movie ‘Battle of the Red Cliff’. Zhao Wei will play Sun Shangxiang, the sister of Sun Quan, the emperor of the Wu Kingdom.

Chinese actor Zhang Fengyi has replaced Japanese actor Ken Watanabe to play the historical character of Cao Cao in the hit.

John Woo has assembled all-star cast for the big production. The 50-million-dollar film will star some of China's most highly acclaimed actors, including Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung from Hong Kong, as well as Chiling Lin from Taiwan. The movie will begin shooting next month in Hebei and is set to premiere in 2008. [Source: CRI]

9th February

Website live for British horror 'Reverb'

We first covered news on the promising British Indy horror flick 'Reverb' in April of last year. The film was due to be completed and then premiere in October 06, but that never transpired and it dropped off the radar for quite some time.

Now it’s reappeared, finished, and with an official site that has just gone live. Set in a recording studio, this horror stars up and coming actors 'Leo Gregory' and 'Eva Birthistle.' The film will be the directorial debut of screenwriter 'Eitan Arrusi' ("Long Time Dead").

Synopsis; “Alex is a struggling musician trying to get his rock ’n’ roll dreams back on track. Alone, locked in a studio overnight, he samples an old record with a terrifying voice hidden in the music. As more frightening events occur, the band try to unravel the truth behind the hidden plea of “help me” on the record, leading them into to a life or death battle with evil.

It’s gratifying to see the movie finally finished, and from the look of the teaser trail we could be in for a really good frightener. ‘Reverb’ will screen at the Berlin EFM this weekend. 'Reverb' (Official Site)

8th February

Mark Romanek to helm remake of 'The Wolfman'

Director Mark Romanek has been hired to bring the seminal 40’s classic horror ‘The Wolfman’ back to the silver screen, in a big budget remake. Scott Stuber and Mary Parent are producing the remake of the classic Universal Studios monster, which has Benicio Del Toro attached to star. Del Toro also is on board as a producer with Rick Yorn. Andrew Kevin Walker wrote the screenplay.

We are rarely fan of remakes, but a big plus (Del Toro being cast is another) for this is that the movie will follow the original storyline, based in the time period of the 1941 forerunner. A man who returns from the U.S. to his ancestral home in Victorian-era Great Britain, gets bitten by a werewolf and begins a cursed moonlight existence. Fantastic! The film goes into production this autumn.

'The Wolf Man' (1941) IMDB Page

7th February

Easternlight picks up worldwide rights to 'Fatal Contact'

Arclight Films Asia-focused label Easternlight has picked up worldwide rights to Hong Kong action film Fatal Contact, which stars wushu champion and up-and-coming action star Wu Jing. Wu, most recently drew notice for his role as a cold-blooded killer in Wilson Yip's excellent ‘Sha Po Lang ,’ which was also sold internationally by Easternlight.

‘Fatal Contact’ will premiere at Berlin's European Film Market. Wu plays a traditional Chinese opera performer who is drawn into the underground boxing world by the girl he's in love with. The film is directed by Dennis Law, who is Johnnie To's partner in Milkyway Image, and is produced by Hong Kong 's Gold Label, China Star and Point of View Production. Hong Kong stars Ronald Cheng, Miki Yeung, Theresa Fu and Andy On round out the cast. "

Easternlight has picked up a slew of hot Asian titles including Shinya sukamoto's Nightmare Detective, which was recently sold to The Weinstein Company, Soi Cheang's gritty hitman thriller Dog Bite Dog and Berengar Pfahl's adaptation of best-selling Chinese novel Shanghai Baby, starring Bai Ling.

6th February

First trailer for Gillian Anderson's 'Straightheads'

The first trailer is out for Gillian Anderson’s revenge horror ‘Straightheads.’ The version of the clip they have chosen to use is virtually identical to the press promo trail we saw several months ago, but with several of the more graphically violently scenes edited down. As we commented before, this movie most definitely doesn't pull its punches. Delayed several times, the launch of the film is now finally set for a UK premiere on April 20th.

‘Straightheads’ trailer (Youtube)

‘Straightheads’ (Official site)

5th February

Hong Kong horror in 'The Haunted School'

After a long absence, director Chin Man Kei has returned to the big chair to helm a new Hong Kong horror ‘The Haunted School.’ Starring Chui Tien You, Don Li, Steven Cheung, Dennis Mak, Theresa Fu, Toby Leung, Macy Chan, and Kelly Fu.

Synopsis: Since a fire broke out in Lap Lan Secondary School ten years ago. There is always a silhouette on the wall, coupled with eerie singing in the middle of the night, resulting in all kinds of scary and disturbing rumours being spread in the school.
Lap Lan Secondary School is a girl school. However, under the new education policy, Goh Keung, Charles, Ben and Dick are assigned to Lap Lan Secondary School to continue their education.

The four boys found excitement among the boring boarding school girl school. After a secret party, love blossomed among the youngsters. Unknowingly, the relationships had revived a hidden curse which haunted the school ten years ago… Very soon, Dick, Ah Sze and Cat go missing and found dead bizarrely.

The death of their schoolmates caused Goh Keung and Yat Man great distress, and the two were on the verge of breaking down. After much consideration, the two decided to challenge the rule of “Students are forbid to fall in love”, which they found totally unreasonable, hoping that this will lead them to the cause of their classmates’ death. In the meantime, the old school office which was destroyed by the blaze ten years ago, appears again with the ghost of the Dean… Step by step, the cursed spirit of the Dean hunts them down , confronting their mutiny against the school rule…

‘The Haunted School’ Stills 1 2 3

4th February

Fan Bingbing's 'Sweet Revenge'

Upcoming film 'Sweet Revenge’ stars Fan Bingbing, Nick Cheung Ka Fai and Anthony Wong. The film marks quite a departure in genre from Fan’s current movie, the ghost horror ‘The Matrimony.’

Here is the synopsis from the production company’s site: A dying girl who has never tasted love. A suicidal lone wolf capable of anything. A perfect husband, who has a bloody past. A loving wife who discovers she is sleeping with her parents’ murderer. A thriller in which fate turns hunger for love into thirst for revenge. 'Sweet Revenge’ Trailer (Youtube)

4th February

Dino De Laurentiis planning remake of 'Barbarella'

According to Variety, De Laurentiis is trying to get a remake of the 60’s cult classic ‘Barbarella’ off the ground.

The film would be bankrolled by Paris-based financier Tarak Ben Ammar, and Peter Webber, who recently finished the new ‘Hannibal’ pic, is apparently tipped to take the reins on the space odyssey.

De Laurentiis recently bought a share of Morocco's CLA studios (He initially bought into the studio to shoot the long-gestating Baz Luhrmann Alexander the Great project) and now plans to use CLA to shoot ‘Barbarella.’

3rd February

Teaser trailer for 'Alone'

The first teaser trailer is out for 'Alone,' the return feature of directors Parkpoom Wongpoom and Banjong Pisanthanakun. The two were responsible for the excellent 'Shutter,' and are back with a horror tale of Siamese twins. This we are hoping will be up to or beyond the standard of their previous work, which was Intelligent, well written, and scary as hell horror. ‘Alone’ is due out in Thailand in March.

Synopsis: “Pim (Marsha Watanapanich) moves back to the old house in which she was born. There she experiences sudden surges of disturbing memories and the feeling that someone, or something, is persistently clinging to her right-hand side. The truth is soon revealed that Pim once had a Siamese twin, conjoined at her hip.” [Source: Deknang]

2nd February

'Curse of the Golden Flower' available on DVD!

Curse of the Golden Flower is probably the most talked-about movie among all Chinese films released in 2006. International star Chow Yun Fat returns to Chinese cinema to team up with Gong Li in a film directed by the famed Zhang Yimou, who returns to the epic genre after Hero and House of Flying Daggers. The three big names already constitute plenty of talking points, and the amazing palace sets and dazzling colours, creating an unprecedented visual feast that is more than just astounding. The Hong Kong (region 3) DVD with English subtitles, hits the shelves on Feb. 14th.

Pre-order the DVD here

2nd February

Trailer for Thai horror 'The Haunted Drum'

Ancient curses, and killer drums made from human skin, yes indeed its Thai horror time again. The first trailer is out for another of Phranakorn film studios 2007 horror releases ‘The Haunted Drum.’ We first covered the movie last November. You can check out the original article, and read a full synopsis for the film here.

‘The Haunted Drum’ Trailer (Windows media)

1st February

Thai critics see the most in 'The Unseeable'

The nominations are in for the 15th Thailand National Critics Awards. Four films dominated, with Wisit Sasanatieng's excellent ghost drama 'The Unseeable' and the supernatural coming-of-age tale 'Dorm' each nabbing ten nods in fifteen categories. Pen-ek Ratanaruang's thriller 'Invisible Waves' and teenage drama 'Seasons Change' scored nine and eight noms respectively.

All four films are nominated for best picture, best director, best screenplay, best cinematography, best editing, best score and best art direction.The remaining best picture slot went to animated feature 'Kankluay' and Chukiat Sakweerakul receiving best director nomination for his comic book adaptation "13 Beloved".

[Source:Variety]