Film - January 07

31st January

24Fps exclusive: New Anime from the creators of Appleseed - 'Vexille'

From the creators of the Japanese cult hit Anime 'Appleseed,' comes a new Full CG animation Sci-Fi Action film entitled 'Vexille'. Directed by Fumihiko Sori (PING PONG, Producer - Appleseed) the film is being released by Shochiku films.

The Story: "The year is 2077 - 10 years has passed since Japan had decided to leave the United Nations to go into isolation. They have completely blocked the islands with an ultra magnetic field which prevents anyone to see what is going inside, nor for people to travel in/out of the country. This was a result to opposing to a treaty which UN has passed, preventing the development of all bio and robot technology which has evolved drastically and has become a threat to the human beings. When Japan finally begins to move, the US government sends in a special force team SWORD, lead by a female commander Vexille, to find out what is really happening inside the closed country".

The film is listed on Shochiku's website to be in their lineup at the Berlin EFM for "Private Promo Screenings," and it looks like its due for release in August!!

31st January

Trailer for Malaysian horror ‘Puaka Tebing Biru’

The first trailer is online for director Osman Ali's Malaysian horror movie ‘Puaka Tebing Biru.'

Synopsis: "Ratna, plagued by horrific visions of ghosts, she decides to return home to her village after leaving her mother, sister and best friend to start a life of her own. She believes that the journey home might cleanse her soul. Instead, the visions grow stronger and lead her into a searching journey which leads to the telling of a story left long

The movie opens in Malaysia on February 15th.

‘Puaka Tebing Biru' Trailer (Windows media)

30th January

Final poster for Russian Sci-fi 'Paragraph 78'

The final poster has arrived for director Mikhail Khleborodov’s upcoming sci-fi movie ‘Paragraph 78.’ The story of the film revolves around a crew of ex-commandoes assigned an important secret mission. This team of super pro’s realize that there are more important things than sticking to the Paragraph--the code of the commando. And they soon discover that the real danger lies not in the missile base where they have been posted, but within their own team. [Source: Kinoxpress]

Paragraph 78’ opens in Russia on Feb 22nd.

‘Paragraph 78’ (Production companies sub site)

‘Paragraph 78’ (Official Site)

30th January

'Dororo' Japan's first B.O hit of the year

‘Dororo,’ the fantasy martial arts actioner produced by the TBS, is the first Japanese box office hit of 2007, scoring ¥453 million ($3.74 million) on 337,000 admissions its opening weekend.

TBS expects the film, which opened on 300 screens on Saturday, to finish ahead of $33 million, making it TBS’s biggest hit since last autumns dramatic weepy "Nada Sou Sou -- Tears for You," which pulled in $25.6 million. [Source:Variety]

As we previously reported back on Jan 20th, Universal have picked up the North American rights to the movie. A shrewd purchase, as we suspect it will do equally big business when it gets released Stateside. ‘Dororo’ (Official Site)

29th January

Second trailer for Japanese horror 'Ekusute' aka 'Exte'

The trailer section of the official site for the Japanese horror 'Ekusute' aka 'Exte' has just gone live. What can be found within is a brand new trailer that’s even (if that’s at all possible) stranger than the first. One things for certain, it has upped this odd films must see status for us, big time.

'Exte' (Official Site)

28th January

Sony picks up Jordan Barker's 'The Marsh'

They have announced on the films official Myspace site that Jordan Barker’s horror flick ‘The Marsh’ is finally getting a theatrical release in 2007, and it appears Sony Pictures are putting up the cash. The only down side is that they don’t say exactly when in 2007 yet.

The film stars Gabrielle Anwar, Forest Whitaker and Justin Louis. The story revolves around a young beautiful but stressed out children's writer (Anwar) whos seeks out a holiday in the country but becomes the lead character in a supernatural mystery she must solve to save her life....

The pic did the rounds at several festivals last year, including the London Frightfest, and the intitial reviews from those all seem very positive. More news as we get it.

'The Marsh' Trailer (Youtube)

27th January

Upcoming Dutch horror 'Dead Girl'

The upcoming Dutch horror ‘Dead Girl’ is to be directed by Elbert van Strien. The film won the Kodak NPP Development Prize during the eighth Netherlands Production (NPP) Platform. Van Strien and producer Claudia Brandt were awarded the grant for their future feature film project.

The jury awarded the prize to the film project because it ”conveyed a level of passion and commitment by the film makers whom moreover give believe and insight in what they are going to make.”

In ‘Dead Girl’ the nine-year-old Lisa discovers her sinister new friend is the ghost of the dead twin of Lisa’s mother. Then Lisa’s father also begins to suspect his wife of hiding a terrible secret, resulting in deadly consequence…..

The movie is due to start production in September.

26th January

January DVD updates online

Find out what's caught our eye from this months new DVD releases here.

26th January

Shochiku takes 'Genghis Khan' to Berlin

According to Variety, the Japanese studio Shochiku has announced it has added the biopic ‘Genghis Khan - To the Ends of the Earth and Sea,’ to the selection they are bringing to this years Berlin film festival. Produced by Haruki Kadokawa the film tells the story of the fabled Mongolian warlord’s rise to power, and stars TV drama veteran Takashi Sorimachi as Khan.

Filmed entirely in Mongolia, at a cost of Y3 billion ($25 million), with Mongolian soldiers playing Khan’s hordes, the movie is being touted as one of the big Japanese releases of 2007. As we previously reported back in Oct last year, exactly how historically accurate a Japanese account of the Mongol leaders life history will be, we wont know yet. But it does look like its been beautifully filmed, and a sumptuous piece of cinema seems guaranteed.

Shochiku will release ‘Genghis Khan’ in Japan on March 3rd ‘Genghis Khan' (Official Site)

26th January

New stills from 'Stardust'

Some new stills for Neil Gaimans upcoming fantasy 'Stardust' have turned up over at 'kino-express.' You can see them from link to below.

'Stardust' Stills

25th January

First trailer for Japanese horror 'Ekusute' aka 'Exte'

Finally, a first look at a trailer for Sion Sono's (director of Suicide Club) new film ‘Exte.’ A horror film about killer hair extensions! We aren't exactly sure how this is going to play out critically, but it looks great. A plus is that the movie stars one of our favourite Japanese actresses Chiaki Kuriyama.

Synopsis: "What if extensions carried the grudge of the individual to which the hair originally belonged and started attacking people wearing it at random? Customs agents discover a huge amount of human hair used as materials for 'hair extensions' along with the dead body of a young girl with a shaved head. The results of the autopsy determine that the woman's internal organs have been harvested. The possibility is pointed out that she was kidnapped in some foreign country and was a victim of black market human organ racketeering ring."

The film opens nation wide in Japan on February 17th.

'Exte' (Official Site)

24th January

'A Battle Of Wits' on DVD

The epic movie 'A battle of Wits' starring Andy Lau is now available to pre order on DVD. The story: "In 370 B.C, China was separated as seven nations and several other small tribes, one of these being the city state of Liang. The nation of Zhao is led by the terrifying prime commander Xiang Yangzhong who orders his troops to launch an attack on Liang in a bid to conquer the small city.Leaping to the defense of the cowed people of Liang is a warrior who goes by the name of 'Ge Li' from the Mo-Tsu tribe, renowned for its defensive skills. He is their last hope as the terrors of Yangzhong's troops are unleashed. The future of Liang now hangs in the balance, with all their hopes pinned on the mysterious Mo-Tsu warrior Ge Li..." The release comes in a two Disc Special Edition (R0).

'A battle of Wits' (Official Site)

Pre order the DVD

23rd January

U.S. theatrical trailer for Nacho Cerdà's horror 'The Abandoned'

The theatrical trailer for director Nacho Cerda’s first feature length film, has turned up on Youtube. Cerdsa’s ‘The Abandoned’ was one of “8 films to die for” at last years Horrorfest, where it received high praise. The film stars: Jordanka Angelova, Kalin Arsov, Paraskeva Djukelova, Valentin Ganev, and Valentin Goshev.

Synopsis: “After the mysterious death of her birth mother, young Marie was adopted and brought to live in the United States. When Marie receives word that she has inherited an isolated farm in her native Russia, she sets out to explore the vast estate, and her secret-shrouded past. The local's refusel to show her to the "damned" locale and determined not to give up, Marie convinces a man to take her there only to discover that he has inexplicably vanished shortly after arrival. As Marie sets out to explore the property alone, a surprise encounter with a man named Boris who claims to have been lured to the house as well, sets into motion a chilling series of events in which the ghosts of the past - as well as deceased doppelgangers of both Marie and Boris."

The movie is listed as being out Feb 23rd on a 'limited' release in the U.S. And it opens in Spain on March 2nd. ‘The Abandoned’ (Official Site)

23rd January

Jet Li Wins Best Actor Award with 'Fearless'

Martial-arts film star Jet Li has won the best actor award at the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards for his kung fu movie "Fearless." The selection committee praised Jet Li's performance in the film as "relaxed and smooth." Jet Li beat out strong rivals Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung. Upon receiving the news Monday evening, he was said to be happy and surprised.

Chinese mainland actress Gong Li won the best actress award for her performance in the film "Curse of the Golden Flower." She beat out another Chinese mainland actress Zhou Xun to win the honor, for her role as an enticing and fearsome queen. Gong Li expressed through her representative that she was delighted to win the award, as she said she would continue to put more effort into her performances.

[Source:CRI]

22nd January

‘Ghost in the Shell’ live action remake rumoured

At this early stage we will definitely take this rumour with a large pinch of salt.‘Variety’ have said animation house Production I.G. has acquired rights from publisher Kodansha to sell feature "Ghost in the Shell," for live-action remake, according to sources within the company.

Kodansha published the "Ghost in the Shell" manga by Masamune Shirow in 1989. Production I.G. then made it into a cult hit animated feature in 1995. Production I.G. will represent the original rights holders and rights users in negotiations with the Hollywood majors interested in remaking the Anime as a live-action movie for the world market.

The logistical complexity, and the creative vision required to turn director Mamoru Oshii’s masterpiece into a credible live action film are quite mind boggling. Any director who took the project on, would be beyond brave!

21st January

Teaser poster for Mexican supernatural thriller ‘Los Justos’

A first teaser poster has arrived for director Manuel Carballo’s 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.

Synopsis: “At 35 years of age, Teo Arroyo's life is unremarkable and uneventful, until one day he becomes the victim of an inexplicable murder attempt and of an even more bewildering rescue. For years a secret struggle has kept two mysterious armies in constant conflict, their war based on a belief in the existence of "the Just", men whose survival is essential to setting in motion the Final Judgement.

Both armies act in the name of good but have opposing goals. One aims at protecting the "just", thereby saving humanity, while the other strives to eliminate them, in order to achieve mankind's regeneration. After long years of battle and conflict, only one of the "just" remains: Teo. Oblivious to the significance of his life, Teo has no choice but to run for it, with both assassins and saviors hot on his heels."

An interesting premise that sounds well worth a look. The movie is currently in post production, and we shall definitely be keeping an eye out for further news on the is one.

20th January

Website live for Chinese chiller 'The matrimony'

We previously covered the Chinese horror ‘The Matrimony’ back on Jan 2nd. Now we have just discovered the official site for the film is online. An added bonus is a fully functioning English language version as well. There are all the usual goodies to read and see, including a couple of new teaser trailers in the “preview” section! A horror film produced in mainland China is still quite a rarity, so we are eagerly looking forward to seeing this. ‘Matrimony’ opens in China on Feb. 8th.

‘The Matrimony’ English subbed Teaser (Youtube)

‘The Matrimony’ (Official Site)

20th January

Japanese fantasy 'Dororo' picked up by Universal

Universal Pictures has bought all North American rights to the Japanese period actioner ‘Dororo,’ the movies production company, the TBS web, announced on Friday. ‘Dororo’ stars Kou Shibasaki ("The Sinking of Japan") as the woman warrior Dororo, who was raised as a man. She encounters a young samurai (Satoshi Tsumabuki), whose father gave 48 of his body parts to demons, and joins him on his quest to recover the parts and regain his natural form. "Dororo," which is tipped as one of the hottest Japanese pics of the new year, onpening on January 27 in Japan. TBS has sold rights to 20 territories in Europe. ‘Dororo’ (Official Site)

18th January

Thai Martial arts action in ‘Muay Thai Chaiya’

Directed by Kongkiat Khonsiri the story of ‘Muay Thai Chaiya’ involves three friends from childhood who become arch-rivals when each of them is trained at different boxing schools. The main protagonist is a prize-fighter who inherits the renowned Chaiya fighting style from his master.

Thai action films seem to be carving a market in the US and Europe, and Muay Thai Chaiya is obviously an attempt to strike the iron while it's still hot. However, director, Kongkiat Khonsiri, is a scriptwriter who's able to inject surprises into otherwise well trodden formulas, as he did in Pen Choo Kab Pee (The Unseeable) and Long Khong (Art of the Devil 2).

One to look out for here methinks! The film is due to open in August. [Source: Bangkok Post]

18th January

2007 Toronto After Dark Film Festival dates announced

It may be a fair way off, but confirmation of the dates for the 2007 Toronto After Dark Film Festival are out. Following the massive success of last October's first annual Fest, they are coming back bigger and better than ever. Here are the dates for your schedule: Friday, October 19 – Thursday, October 25. As requested by many fans, this year’s Festival will run over a whole week, screening all the feature films in easier to attend primetime evening slots. Plus for the first time, they will be putting together a screening of international short films. For more information on special events, and the upcoming Festival itself, keep an eye on the official site.

17th January

Osman Ali's upcoming Malaysian horror ‘Puaka Tebing Biru’

Director Osman Ali's Malaysian horror movie ‘Puaka Tebing Biru’ has finally got a release date. According to an article on ‘Cinemaonline’ the project was delayed by bad publicity caused by comments allegedly made by several of the actors in the film, about working conditions on set. The wrangles it would seem have been sorted out, as the movie is now set to open on Feb 18th. Written by Ali, the film stars starring Nasha Aziz, Umie Aida, Fahrin Ahmad, Sharifah Amani, and Wan Maimunah.

The story centres on Ratna. Plagued by horrific visions of ghosts, she decides to return home to her village after leaving her mother, sister and best friend to start a life of her own. She believes that the journey home might cleanse her soul. Instead, the visions grow stronger and lead her into a soul searching journey which leads to the telling of a story left long untold.

17th January

Zhang Yimou's ‘Curse’ fails to get Oscar nod

Nine films have been short listed ahead of nominations for the best foreign film prize at this year's 79th edition of the Academy Awards. China's "Curse of the Golden Flower" is not to be found on the list. As Pedro Almodovar's "Volver" was, on Tuesday, named among the nine films. The veteran Spanish director's movie is one of the favourites for the Oscar prize.

The nine films are: Algeria, "Days of Glory," Rachid Bouchareb, director; Canada, "Water," Deepa Mehta, director;
Denmark, "After the Wedding," Susanne Bier, director;
France, "Avenue Montaigne," Daniele Thompson, director;
Germany, "The Lives of Others," Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, director; Mexico, "Pan's Labyrinth," Guillermo del Toro, director; The Netherlands, "Black Book," Paul Verhoeven, director; Spain, "Volver," Pedro Almodovar, director;
Switzerland, "Vitus," Fredi M. Murer, director

A shame the film wasn’t nominated, but not a total surprise. As we reported previously, rumours had been circling that some academy members are growing bored of the constant stream of historical features China has been submitting for competition. Perhaps epic fatigue has finally set in. The Oscars will take place in Hollywood on February 25th. [Source:CRI]

16th January

Theatrical poster and full trailer for 'Taxi 4'

A new one sheet and full trailer have turned up for Director Gérard Krawczyk's 'Taxi 4,' the forthcoming sequel to the long running French Action/Comedy Taxi series. As with all the other films in the Gallic Taxi franchise, Samy Naceri will be playing "Daniel Morales" and Frédéric Diefenthal will be "Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec", whilst Jean-Christophe Bouvet will take the role of ‘Général Bertineau.’ What can we expect from this fourth installment? Well more of the same really: Raucous humour, big car chases, and even bigger car crashes. Great stuff! The movie opens in France on Feb. 14th.

'Taxi 4' (Trailer)

15th January

More screenings for 'Labyrinth'

Picturehouse's "Pan's Labyrinth" added 150 screenings over the weekend in the U.S. for a total of 194 and it took in $2.1 million during the three-day period. Picturehouse Exec Bob Berney said, "It's playing very mainstream and not like you'd expect a foreign-language film to play."

Other excellent news for you Stateside film watchers is that they plan to expand the del Toro-helmed fantasy, to around 500 screens on Friday. The decision may have been helped along by the news that ‘Labyrinth’ took home the foreign-language film of the year award, at the Palm Springs Intl. Film Festival on Sunday.

[Source:Variety]

14th January

'Nomad: The Warrior' gets limited U.S. cinema release

The Weinstein’s have a limited cinematic release in the States for the Russian epic ‘Nomad’ the Warrior.’ Directed by Sergei Bodrov, and Ivan Passer. The film has a hugely diverse cast of stars, including Jay Hernandez who is soon to appear in the horror sequel ‘Hostel 2.’

‘Nomad’ has the look of an old-school widescreen historical epic. Set in18th-century Kazakhstan, it has enough bone crunching battle scenes to keep anyone happy. Story: Mansur (Kuno Becker) is rescued from certain death in infancy by the mystic Kazakh warrior Oraz (Jason Scott Lee), and destined to unite the country's three warring tribes.

Two things we can only hope for on this release.1: That the film doesn't suffer too heavily from the Weinstein (their infamous heavy handed editing) effect. And 2: Please don’t let them dub it! ‘Nomad opens on January 26th. ‘Nomad’ (Official site)

13th January

BAFTA Nominations Announced

The nominees for the British Academy Film Awards have been announced. 'The Queen' leads the nominations for this year's British Academy Film Awards, in a rich and varied blend of British, American and international talent. "The Queen," with 10 nods, is competing for best film against "Babel" (seven), "The Departed" (six), "Little Miss Sunshine" (six) and "The Last King of Scotland" (five). Other heavily nominated pics include "Casino Royale" (nine), "Pan's Labyrinth" (eight) and "United 93" (six).

A mixed best actor race pitches Daniel Craig's impersonation of James Bond in "Casino Royale" against Forest Whitaker as Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland," Leonardo DiCaprio's undercover cop in "The Departed," Richard Griffiths as a schoolmaster in "The History Boys" and Peter O'Toole's decrepit actor in "Venus." The best actress list has a more predictable air, with hometown favorites Helen Mirren ("The Queen"), Judi Dench ("Notes on a Scandal") and Kate Winslet ("Little Children") running against Penelope Cruz ("Volver") and Meryl Streep ("The Devil Wears Prada").

This year's awards will be held on Feb. 11 at the Royal Opera House in London. For a full list of the nominations you can go over to the BAFTA site here.

12th January

Here comes 'Sunshine'

The first teaser poster for Danny Boyle's upcoming Sci-fi Adventure 'Sunshine' has arrived. The film once again pairs director Boyle with writer Alex Garland and producer Andrew Macdonald, who previously teamed up for the thinking person's zombie film, 28 DAYS LATER.

Synopsis: The Sun is dying, and mankind is dying with it. Our last hope: a spaceship and a crew of eight men and women. They carry a device which will breathe new life into the star. But deep into their voyage, out of radio contact with Earth, their mission is starting to unravel. Soon the crew are fighting not only for their lives, but their sanity.

Along with the poster, they’ve announced on the films production blog that the trailer for the movie has just started playing in cinemas in the UK with ‘White Noise 2'. An international trailer is imminent, and international press on ‘Sunshine’ is apparently due to start in about two weeks. About time too!

11th January

I-Horror: Indonesia's 'Kuntilanak'

It looks like Indonesia's burgeoning Asian horror scene may well be worth keeping an eye on. New movie 'Kuntilanak' seems to follow a relatively standard formula, but from the trailer at least we’d say director Rizal Mantovani has turned out a pretty credible frightener. A report from an Indonesian news site is quoted as saying the film “took the capital Jakarta by storm.”

Synopsis: “After being molested by her step-father, Samantha (Julie Estelle) decides to move to a boarding house that is located in an area the locals claim to be haunted. Rumours abound that a Kuntilanak (the she-demon) lives in ancient tree near the house. Her boyfriend Agung (Evan Sanders) tried to warn her, but she did not pay any attention. Soon, people around her begin to die one by one. Then soon, even Agung mysteriously disappears!”

'Kuntilanak' (Official site)

'Kuntilanak' (Trailer, Windows media)

10th January

Zom com 'Fido' finally gets a release date

It's been a long time coming, but finally they have announced an opening date for the Zombie movie parody 'Fido'. Set in an alternative world, the Earth has been overrun by Zombies until a scientist invents a collar to control them. Soon they are and used as servants. Until something goes terribly wrong.

Released through Lions gate films, the movie will open in the U.S. on March 9th. Still no word if there will be UK cinema release alas. The only European country so far to be listed for a theatrical release is Sweden! There's the full Synopsis to be read in our original article on the film, back on the 29th June.

'Fido' Clip

10th January

New poster for Spanish horror 'La Hora Fría'

A new poster has turned up for the promising Spanish chiller ‘La Hora Fria’ aka 'The cold hour.' The movie tells the story of eight survivors of a nuclear war who live an isolated near ruined fallout facility. Unable to leave they live in a perpetual fear, and their food and medicines are running dangerously low. For more info on the film you can read our previous story's, posted back on July 7th & September 5th. We have also put a larger size version of the poster in the 24frames forum. Link below.

La Hora Fria thread - 24Framespersecond forum: Here

9th January

Ken Russell to produce Indy horror 'Invasion of the Not Quite Dead'

Well this is a turn up! The film director Ken Russell has apparently joined a host of top Hollywood film-makers in giving his support to an ambitious project by a student at the International Film School Wales (IFSW). The controversial film-maker is now an executive producer of the feature-length Indywood film, ‘Invasion of the Not Quite Dead,’ which the director Ad Lane hopes to make as part of his Indywood project.

The film, a black comedy-horror to be filmed on location in Wales, hopes to repeat the success of The Blair Witch Project, a low-budget feature which became a cult hit. So far, Lane says that as well as Russell, he also has the backing of veteran American independent director JR Bookwalter and special effects artist Rich Knight who has worked on The X-Files, X-Men 3 and Poseidon. Knight has agreed to waive his Hollywood fee and do the special effects for for free and will also play one of the leading roles in the film. Current release date for the film is Jan 08.

‘Invasion of the Not Quite Dead’ (Official Site)

‘Invasion of the Not Quite Dead’ (Myspace film page)

8th January

New poster for 'Alone'

Another poster is out for 'Alone' the return feature which is directed by Parkpoom Wongpoom and Banjong Pisanthanakun. These two who were responsible for the excellent 'Shutter,' are back with another horror tale of Siamese twins, which 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.”

'Pan’s Labyrinth' wins prestigious critics award

A worthy winner in our opinion. The National Society of Film Critics went foreign for its best picture choice on Saturday, voting Guillermo Del Toro’s superb political fantasy “Pan’s Labyrinth” the best movie of the year. The win was the first for the Spanish-language release from HBO/New Line venture Pictures.

‘Labyrinth’, which opened last week in the States to impressive per-screen numbers, is the official selection of Mexico for the foreign Oscar and is expected to compete in the category. We would be very surprised if it didn't do well at the Oscar’s also. Those of you that missed it at the Cinema in the UK will soon get a chance to see it on DVD, as its due for release in March.

[Source: Variety]

6th January

Sean Bean turns vigilante in British thriller 'Outlaw'

The upcoming movie ‘Outlaw’ is written and directed by Nick Love, who has also directed the films 'Goodbye Charlie', and 'The Football Factory.'

Synopsis: “Betrayed by their government and let down by the law, a renegade gang set out to right the wrongs of the world. Under the charge of war-veteran Danny Bryant (Sean Bean) and assisted by Lewis (Bob Hoskins), a disheartened cop, this assortment of dejected individuals form a modern-day outlaw posse to avenge the criminal underworld and enforce their own brand of justice. Gaining notoriety in their quest, the group, once disregarded by all, become
public icons. But when their celebrity exceeds their success that the Outlaw legacy is destroyed. “

The movie is from the stable of Vertigo films, the producers of the gritty and sometimes shocking thriller ‘London to Brighton.’ With that in mind, you can guarantee that ‘Outlaw’ will be hard hitting and provocative. The official site isn't active yet, but we have turned up a great looking trailer.

5th January

First Korean/Vietnamese film co-production is horror movie 'Muoi'

South Korea and Vietnam are collaborating on their first feature film
co-production, $3 million horror movie "Muoi." Produced by South Korea's Billy Pictures and Popcorn Films and Vietnam's Phuoc Sang Film Studio, "Muoi" charts the path of a Korean writer who travels to Vietnam in search of stories for her second novel. There she learns about a mystery centered around a century-old vengeful spirit.

Well-known Vietnamese actors Ahn Thu and Hong Anh join Korean actors An Jo ("Wishing Stairs") and Cha Ye-ryeon ("Voice"). Financed by IM Pictures, the film is helmed by South Korea's Kim Tae-kyung, who directed the hit "Ghost" (aka "Ryeong") in 2004. Shooting on "Muoi" began Dec. 30 in Vietnam and is scheduled to last three months, with a summer release tipped for both countries. [Source:VNN]

5th January

Teaser poster for Neil Gaimans's Fantasy horror 'Coraline'

Neil Gaiman has posted a teaser poster for the upcoming animated horror fantasy film ‘Coraline’ on his Blog. Gaimen is a highly respected and influential British writer of both Fantasy and horror Graphic novels, books, and screenplays.

Often compared to Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland books because of its dark surrealism and its alternate-reality based plot, Coraline is the story of a young girl aptly named ‘Coraline’, daughter of loving but terminally distracted and preoccupied parents, who finds a key to a locked door in the family apartment which previously opened onto a bricked up wall but now opens onto a dark corridor, down which she finds another apartment, seemingly an exact copy of her own, inhabited by her Other Mother.

Gaimen’s other current film work includes writing the screenplay for Robert Zemeckis new project, the Fantasy ‘Beowulf’, and 'Stardust.' No firm release date is available for the movie yet, currently its thought some time in 2008.

4th January

Horror from the Philippines 'Sukob: The Wedding Curse'

‘Sukob’ (titled The Wedding Curse internationally) is a Star Cinema film, starring Kris Aquino and Claudine Barretto. The movie was directed by Chito Rono who helmed the 2004 hit horror film 'Feng Shui.'

Story:” A ghostly figure begins manifesting before newlywed Sandy and seems to cause the deaths of people around her. Her husband Dale's psychic niece sees visions of another newlywed couple suffering the same problems, and they must unlock the mystery behind the haunting."

‘Sukob’ Trailer (Youtube)

‘Sukob’ (Official Site)

3rd January

New Spanish chiller 'La sombra de nadie' aka 'The shadow of no one'

Just opened in Spain is this promising chiller from the director Pablo Malo. Starring: José Luis García Pérez, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, and Ana Lucía Billate.

Synopsis: “In the winter of 1967, Laura a nine year old girl, drowns in a marsh near a run down boarding school in Pyrenees mountain’s. A month later, Marco arrives from the city and moves into the attic of an isolated house in the mountains. Meanwhile, Julia the head mistress of the boarding school starts to witness strange and ever more disturbing and unexplainable events surrounding Mónica, the room mate of the drowned girl.”

We have included an additional link to a larger format trailer, as the one on the official site is a tad small.

'La sombra de nadie' (Trailer)

'La sombra de nadie' (Official Site)

2nd January

First teaser trailer for Chinese horror 'The Matrimony'

The first teaser trailer has surfaced for the new horror from producers the Huayi brothers ‘The Matrimony.’ The Huayi brothers have been behind some of China’s biggest grossing movies. ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ and ‘The Banquet,’ to name just a few.

Synopsis:” A woman finds the key to a room in the attic that her husband forbids her from entering. When she opens the door, she is confronted with the haunting existence of the woman her husband refuses to forget.”

‘The Matrimony’ Teaser (Youtube)

1st January

A huge release for 'Wolfhound'

Russia's rapidly growing film industry looks set for a new injection of Box office energy this New Year with the largest release ever in the territory for Slavic fantasy pic 'Wolfhound' by Director Nikolai Lebedev. The movie opened with a totally unprecedented 640 prints on Dec. 28, in Russia and Baltic territories. Distributor Central Partnership is looking to follow on the lucrative release strategy of 2006's top grosser, "Day Watch," which filled local venues over the 10-day New Year holiday season celebrated in Russia (it ultimately took in around $35 million).

Around 30 territories have already been sold film rights, the majority with theatrical distribution guarantees. Eastern Europe is fully covered, as are some Latin American and Asian countries. Other international distributors who haven't yet made up their minds will get the chance to see the final version at screenings during the Berlin film market. The studio recently made a large investment in the films website, revamping it completely to include English, French, and German language versions. Considering that, it’s a sure bet they will be heavily targeting the lucrative Western European, and possibly U.S. sales markets in 2007. [Source]

'Wolfhound' (Official Site)

'Wolfhound' (Theatrical trailer)