The Young Artists Studio announces course offerings for the 1^st quarter!

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The Young Artists� Studio (YAS) is a venue for young artists to learn art production at an early age. YAS is managed by art practitioners and educators with a common vision to develop young artists who will contribute to the art community in the near future. YAS believes the art is a powerful tool to influence communities, improve lives, and transform the society.

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Programs for January-March 2010

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* early bird discounts available for registrations before January 15, 2010.

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For inquiries, Contact YAS� through the following:

�� Mobile: +639175685939 (globe)� / +6329296875322 (smart)

�� Email: youngartistsstudio@...

Happy New Year!  The Alcove resumes its photo classes with a Digital 101 class
in January. Details as follows:

Digital 101: Photography and the Computer
January 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27 (6-9p.m.)

This workshop is designed for digital camera users who want to learn the basics
of photography. It discusses the following:
- Factors affecting photographic output
- Basic understanding of light
- The digital camera and its functions
- Exposure setting
- How to see and take better pictures
- Basic  image and output manipulation

To further enhance the participants' knowledge, the workshop will entail
shooting assignments, critiquing, and working in a digital darkroom and a photo
clinic.

Requirement
Digital camera, preferably SLR

Venue
Filipinas Heritage Library, Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City (across
The Peninsula Manila)

Speaker
Jay Alonzo has been teaching photography for more than 13 years and is
considered as one of the country's leading photography instructors. Since 2001,
he has been conducting photography classes at The Alcove (Filipinas Heritage
Library's photography nook) and for a wide range of clients such as the
Department of Agriculture, Liwayway Marketing, Holcim Philippines, Shell,
Procter & Gamble, and Microsoft.

In between classes, Jay is involved in shooting for hotel, tourism, and
restaurant businesses. Jay is currently a photo contributor for High Life and
Mabuhay (Philippine Airline's in-flight magazine).

Joining fee, discount, and freebies
A workshop fee of P4,000 includes handouts, meals, computer use, and
certificate.  Cash or check payment can be made at the library or through bank
deposit.

Due to the limited number of slots, interested participants are requested to
register on or before January 15 by paying at least P1,000 (non-refundable, full
payment is due on the first day of class).  A 5 percent discount will be given
to those who pay in full on or before the deadline.

For more details, please call 892-1801, send an SMS to 0917-5594417, e-mail
cruz.ct@..., or visit www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph.

PART-TIME STORYTELLER: Please contact me at 09269633293. Good for people with a
day job also because it's per project basis. No prior experience necessary.

CJ Andaluz revisits his roots

Independent filmmaker Christopher John Andaluz returned to his first love,
theater, with the successful restaging of Frank G. Rivera's modern zarzuela
"Ambon, Ulan, Baha" last December 13 at SM Centerpoint Cinema 5.

Andaluz was back on the helm of Rivera's 2004 Aliw Awards Best Musical
Production after directing the short film "Nekro" and the full-length feature
"Sisa" for OnCam Productions.

"Ambon, Ulan, Baha" is another production of Alab Artistika and Pixel Art Media
Production Co. based on Rivera's play aside from "Tao, Isang Tagulaylay" and
"Oyayi."

Andaluz earlier dipped his hands in directing films with "Nekro," which won best
narrative short film in the first Pambujan Pelikula Para sa Publiko (PPPP)
National Short Film Festival and Competition held in Northern Samar and also
competed in the Lyons Asian Film Festival in France, Exground Film Festival in
Germany, Third Eye Asian Film Festival Mumbai in India, and .MOV International
Digital Film Festival in Manila.

His short film, which tells the story of a man who fulfills his sexual urges by
having sex with the dead, was also part of the Short Wave program of the 7th
World Film Festival of Bangkok and the selection of the 16th Filipino American
Cine (FACINE) Festival in San Francisco last month.

Meanwhile, "Sisa" competed in the Digital Lokal competition of Dekada Cinemanila
last year with Jodi Sta. Maria-Lacson bagging the Best Actress award in the
international film festival.

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http://www.ue.edu.ph/manila/news/?news=2009103.html

The winners of the 21st Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video were
announced in awarding rites held on December 11, 2009 at the Cultural Center of
the Philippines Tanghalang Manuel Conde.

In the Experimental category, the 1st Prize went to ANG EBOLUSYON NI KASALANAN
by Emerson Reyes, 2nd prize to ANG ROMANSA NI TINYENTE GIMO AND MARYA LABO by
Joenar Pueblo and 3rd Prize to PONKAN by John Japhet Tubeo and Jonathan
Marasigan.  Honorable Mention was given to BIYAHILO By Revsson Antonio, Anthony
Delima, Sheena Pearl  Barandino, Joecel Bueno, Rochelle Relosa, Ronald Diata,
Analyn Gamelo and Reggie Lapera.

In the Animation category, the 1st Prize was awarded to MASKARA by Alejandro
Karlo Zapanta and 2nd Prize to CLOWNES by Neil Paul Molina.  Two entries� LUKSO
by John Kristoffer Sta. Clara and GRANDFATHER'S CLOCK by Marcelo William W.
Mu�oz�won 3rd Prize.  Honorable Mentions were given to PERANG KENKOY by
Christopher C. Asa, BOX by John Kristoffer Sta. Clara and ROBOTICA by Alan Ray
Bumanglag

In the Documentary category, the 1st Prize was awarded to WINDMILLS: The Case
Study of Bangui Windmills by Ellaine R. Bensal, C. Castro, K. Colo and A. Cruz; 
2nd Prize to TAWILIS: Palaot sa Mailap na Huli     by Reymer Salvador and  3rd
Prize to THE FILIPINO STUDENT'S GUIDE ON HOW TO BE INVISIBLE IN LONDON by Raz de
la Torre.  KUYA by Mary Angelica Eileen A. Cruz won Honorable Mention.

In the Short Feature category, the 1st Prize was awarded to APRIL FOOLS by
Trinka Lat and 2nd Prize to BA'T `MAN by Noriel Jarito.  The 3rd Prize was given
to both  RIVER OF DREAMS by Michael Angelo Dag�alan and ARAW NG PIGHATI by
Ryanorlie "Yan" Abeledo.  Honorable Mention was awarded to BATANG JAPAN by Al
Eugenio,  KINULAYANG KITI by Richard S. Legaspi and BABAE AKO by Jeyow
Evangelista.

The animation entries from Ateneo de Naga University were collectively awarded
the Best Regional Entry award while the RIVER OF DREAMS by Michael Angelo
Dag�alan was named Best Entry for/on/by Children.

The 21st Gawad CCP Para Sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video was held December
8-11 at the CCP.  A competition for works for both Film and Video formats, it is
held in four categories of Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary
and Animation.

Filipino born Actor FELINO DOLLOSO in a compelling Radio Interview with SBS Australia.

To hear the whole interview, click on the link below;

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/filipino/highlight/page/id/59497/t/When-Playing-Bad-is-Good

28 prizes presented for acting and cinematic excellence

The sixth edition of Dubai International Film Festival concluded on Wednesday
night with a glittering award ceremony that honoured the finest acting and
cinematic talent from the Arab world, Asia and Africa at the Muhr Arab and Muhr
AsiaAfrica awards.

In all, 28 prizes were distributed for excellence in acting, cinematography,
editing, music and scriptwriting in addition to the jury general excellence
awards. The entries were from more than 62 nations across Asia, Africa, the
Americas, Australia and Europe in three categories -documentaries, short films
and feature films.

DIFF received more than 900 entries from the Arab world, Asia and Africa for
over US$575,000 in prize money, in addition to the acclaim of a prestigious
international jury. The Muhr Arab competition, open to directors of Arab
nationality or origin, drew around 437 entries, while the Muhr AsiaAfrica
competition, currently in its second year, received over 513 entries.

DIFF Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said the strong participation of
films, documentaries and shorts for the Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica awards was
matched by impressive creativity and technical finesse. "The increased
participation and the quality of participating films underscores the fact that
DIFF has helped drive regional talent in cinema, offering filmmakers in the Arab
world, Asia and Africa a definitive platform to showcase their creativity."

The winners of `Movies in Motion,' an innovative pan-Arab talent contest for
budding filmmakers in the Middle East organised by MBC, were also awarded. The
third prize winner was Diab Ghazi; the second prize went to Dani Hasecic and the
first prize was won by Mohammed Al Badri.  Ouail Mohammed won the People's
Choice Award in the 2-minute movie competition that received 550 entries.

DIFF 2009 has partnered with the Human Rights Film Network a partnership of
human rights film festivals around the world. Established in Prague in 2004, the
Network promotes exchange, communication and collaboration regarding the
representation of human rights issues in moving pictures. Merzak Allouache for
HARRAGAS (Algeria) won the inaugural DIFF Human Rights Film Network Award,
selected from 10 movies that best depicted the human rights themes.

The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), the foremost body of
film writers, academics and critics from over 60 countries, presents the annual
`Prize of the International Critics' for Arab films screened at DIFF. The winner
of the award for the best feature film in the Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab
Cinema goes to Merzak Allouache for HARRAGAS (Algeria) for its complexity in
depicting one of the most serious human problems of the Third World: The
emigration. This year FIPRESCI also introduces an award for best shorts in Muhr
Arab Awards, which was clinched by Mohammad Aldhahri for SHROUQ/GHROUB
(SUNRISE/SUNSET) (Saudi Arabia) for its simple strong style and courageous
approach of the undercurrent problems that a young boy facing in our society.

The People Choice Award for 2009 was clinched by Zeina Daccache for the
documentary 12 Angry Lebanese.

Emirati talent was highlighted at DIFF when three awards were presented at the
closing ceremony. The prize for Best Emirati talent went to Mohammed Hassan
Ahmad; the Most Promising Emirati female filmmaker was Manal Bin Amro and Most
Promising Emirati filmmaker was Nawaf Al Janahi.

Muhr AsiaAfrica Feature Jury Chairman Bahman Farmanara said: "Judging is not an
easy process, especially in art, where creativity is defined by the artists'
personal discretions and considerations. But it becomes immensely difficult, and
I must say very pleasing, when the quality of films selected by the organizers
of the festival is outstanding. Then the whole process becomes rewarding."

He added: "This was what my fellow jury members, Manisha Koirala, , Jean-Micheal
Frodon, Keith Shiri, Noureddin Lakhmari and I experienced when evaluating the
Muhr AsiaAfrica short-list. The quality of works was extremely encouraging and
prompts us to look forward to watching good, powerful films emerge from these
two territories in the future."

Muhr AsiaAfrica Documentaries Jury Chairman Budhadeb Dasgupta said: "The films
shown in the competition section of Muhr AsiaAfrica Documentary Awards
represented varied cultures of different countries of contemporary relevance. It
was not easy for us to find the best three from amongst the twelve films
addressing different issues, starting from challenges faced by man to political
problems."

"The Muhr Arab documentary jury thanks the Dubai International Film Festival and
all participating filmmakers for the unique opportunity to watch such a wide and
interesting range of films from the Arab world," said Jury Chairman Omar
Amiralay. "The films had powerful themes of immediate and topical importance.
Yet, they often lacked true cinematic treatment and a well-rounded perspective �
two key facets that are extremely important to deliver compelling
documentaries."

He added: "Some films were indeed passionate about their themes. There was a
sincere effort and true determination to bring about change and reform but we
believe that only a genuinely artistic engagement can deliver an engaging,
moving and powerful film experience."

The Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica award winners are:

Muhr AsiaAfrica Short Films:
First Prize
Dyana Gaye for UN TRANSPORT EN COMMUN (SAINT LOUIS BLUES)
France, Senegal

Special Jury Prize
Sung-hee Jo for DON'T STEP OUT OF THE HOUSE
South Korea

Second Prize
Vinoo Choliparambil for VITTHAL
India

Muhr Arab Short Films:
First Prize
Bassam Ali Jarbawi for CHICKEN HEADS
Palestine

Special Jury Prize
Talal Khoury for 9AAB (9 AUGUST)
Lebanon

Second Prize
Aida Elkashef for RHAPSODY IN AUTUMN
Egypt

Special Mention
Mohammad Aldhahri for SHROUQ/GHROUB (SUNRISE/SUNSET)
Saudi Arabia

Muhr AsiaAfrica Documentary:
First Prize
Tokachi Tsuchiya for FUTSU NO SHIGOTO GA SHITAI (A NORMAL LIFE, PLEASE)
Japan

Special Jury Prize
Lloyd Ross for THE SILVER FEZ
South Africa

Second Prize
Jean-Marie Teno for LIEUX SAINTS (SACRED PLACES)
Cameroon, France

Muhr Arab Documentary:
First Prize
Zeina Daccache for 12 ANGRY LEBANESE � THE DOCUMENTARY
Lebanon

Special Jury Prize
Mai Iskander for GARBAGE DREAMS
USA

Second Prize
Bilal Yousef for AL AWDA ELA AL THAT (BACK TO ONE'S ROOTS)
Qatar, Palestine

Special Mention
Hakim Belabbes for ASHLAA (IN PIECES)
Morocco

Muhr AsiaAfrica - Feature
Best Screenplay
Eun-kyo Park and Bong Joon-ho for MOTHER
South Korea

Best Editor
Garreth Fradgley for SHIRLEY ADAMS
South Africa

Best Composer
Akritchalerm Kalayanamitr and Koichi Shimizu for NANG MAI (NYMPH)
Thailand, Netherlands

Best Cinematographer
Channa Deshapriya for AHASIN WETEI (BETWEEN TWO WORLDS)
Sri Lanka, France

Best Actor
Hasan Pourshirazi for KESHTZARHAYE SEPID (THE WHITE MEADOWS)
Iran

Best Actress
Denise Newman for SHIRLEY ADAMS
South Africa

Special Jury Prize
Mohammad Rasoulof for KESHTZARHAYE SEPID (THE WHITE MEADOWS)
Iran

Muhr Arab - Feature
Best Screenplay
Mariam Naoum for WAHED-SEFR (ONE-ZERO)
Egypt

Best Editor
Ahmed Dawood for ASAFEER EL NEEL (THE NILE BIRDS)
Egypt

Best Composer
Le Trio Joubran for ADIEU GARY (FAREWELL GARY)
France

Best Cinematographer
Nancy Abdel Fattah for WAHED-SIFR (ONE-ZERO)
Egypt

Best Actor
Said Bey for THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD
Morocco

Best Actress
Nisreen Faour for AMREEKA
USA, Canada, Kuwait

Special Mention
Shawkat Amin Korki for KICK OFF
Japan, Iraq

Special Jury Prize
Merzak Allouache for HARRAGAS
Algeria

Muhr AsiaAfrica Feature � Best Film
Brillante Mendoza for LOLA
France, Philippines

Muhr Arab Feature � Best Film
Michel Khleifi for ZINDEEQ
Palestine, United Kingdome, United Arab Emirates

The Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica award winning films will be screened at
Cinestar cinemas  at Mall of the Emirates on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009.

DIFF 2009 held in association with Dubai Studio City, screened more than 168
movies over the past days. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and
Madinat Jumeirah were the principal sponsors of DIFF and the event was supported
by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

The traditional methods of movie distribution are giving way to new and exciting
hybrid models that present filmmakers with exciting opportunities, delegates
attending DIFF 2009 heard this week.

The Industry Panel: "Distribution in Motion" was attended by Scillla Andreen
from IndieFlix; Ryan Kampe, from Visit Films, and Andy Whittaker, representing
Dogwoof, and moderated by Elizabeth Radshaw from Hot Docs.

Scilla Andreen said IndieFlix offers filmmakers a "multi-platform distribution",
with the chance to capitalise on up to nine distinct revenue streams, while
keeping hold of their rights. "We are the new model � I think we will become the
new standard."

She noted how the profile of the internet has changed from a place of anonymity
to one of transparency � "although the reality is that in online distribution,
there's not a tonne of money right now. We are all still trying to figure it
out."

Getting films out to audiences is naturally critical, and for Andreen, that
means not being afraid to combine old and new ways of thinking. "We started
showing films in local Starbucks outlets � sometimes we would get 110 people
showing up," she said. "Just carry a clipboard with you � it sounds so
elementary and free, but it's very effective."

Ryan Kampe said Visit Films, a North American general sales agent, works with
filmmakers the world over, from Iceland and Argentina, to Serbia and Singapore.
He said regional filmmakers had to decide whether to make films for the Arab
diaspora, or those which will only appeal to the art house or festival crowd.
"Ultimately distributors are looking for films which will get to a number of
people," he said. "The test should be `will a guy in Norway watch my film?'"

Andy Whittaker works for London-based Dogwoof, specialists in social issue-led
film distribution, be it food industry themes or climate change, with strong
emphasis on documentaries. "Film has this amazing power to change things, as we
heard at the Cultural Bridge panel," he said.

During the question and answer session, Soniya Kirpalani from Sprocket Science,
relayed her positive experiences, as someone who knew little about the industry
a year ago, and has now secured a number of deals and tapped into funding
opportunities. "There's lots of hope for newcomers."

DIFF 2009, which runs until December 16, is screening more than 168 films this
week. DIFF 2009 is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free,
Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah are the principal sponsors of
DIFF and the event is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai
Culture).

Accomplished film professionals from around the world will evaluate the merits
and pick the 28 winners of Dubai International Film Festival's Muhr Arab and
Muhr AsiaAfrica awards this year.

The jury for the six award categories � Features, Documentaries and Shorts for
both Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica � has been drawn globally and includes film
makers, actors, critics and industry experts. They are evaluating short-listed
films, selected from over 900 entries, for prizes in acting, cinematography,
editing, music and scriptwriting, in addition to general excellence and jury
awards. The total prize money is US$575,000.

Algerian writer, director and producer Ahmed Rachidi (President); Moroccan
writer and film critic Mostafa Messnaoui; Edouard Waintrop, Artistic Director of
the Fribourg International Film Festival, Egyptian actor Khalid El Sawi and
South African Tim Smythe, Producer of City of Life are judging the Muhr Arab
Features category.

Judging the Muhr Asia Africa Features are Iranian film director, screen writer
and producer Bahman Farmanara (President), Indian actress and UNFPA Goodwill
Ambassador Manisha Koirala; critic and film historian, Jean-Michel Frodon; film
curator and founder/director Africa at the Pictures (festival for African films
in London), Keith Shiri and Moroccan filmmaker Noor Eddine Lakhmari.

Judging the Muhr Arab Documentaries are Omar Amiralay (President), the renowned
Syrian filmmaker who is currently founding the Arab Institute for Film for young
documentary filmmakers in the region; Omar Al-Qattan, a director and producer of
a number of critically acclaimed productions including US Network's
`Muhammad-Legacy of a Prophet' (2002), and Alan Franey, Director of the
Vancouver Film Festival.

A trio of movie luminaries is involved in the Muhr Asia Africa Documentary jury,
notably poet and contemporary Indian film maker Buddhadeb Dasgupta (President),
award-winning actor and film maker Mohammed Bakri and Cameroonian filmmaker and
journalist Osvalde Lewat.

Leading Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain (President) regarded internationally
as the most important India artist of the 20th century; Egyptian documentary
filmmaker Saad Hendawy and Clare Stewart, Festival Director of the Sydney Film
Festival, are the jurors for the Muhr Arab/ and Asia Africa Short category.

DIFF's Artistic Director and Director General of the Competition Masoud Amralla
Al Ali, said the Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica awards have played an
instrumental role in encouraging filmmakers in the region to create powerful,
meaningful cinema, and established DIFF as a definitive platform for talent from
the Arab world, Africa and Asia.

"The Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica awards are quite competitive and we have
drawn the best of film industry professionals from across the world for the
jury. This year's jury reads like a `who's who' of Arab cinema, supported by a
number of international experts. Between them they have an unparalleled wealth
of movie-watching experience and insight."

All Muhr Awards screenings will take place during DIFF 2009, which will run from
December 9 to 16.

In the three years since its inception, the Muhr Awards have recognized more
than 50 Arab filmmakers and talents. Last year's Muhr winners included Algerian
drama Masquerades (Features), The North Road (Shorts) and Memory of the Cactus:
A story of three Palestinian Villages (Documentary), while the winners in the
Muhr AsiaAfrica competition included Treeless Mountain (Features), Young Blood
by China's Haolun Shu (Shorts) and Mental (Documentary).

DIFF 2009 is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai
Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah are the principal sponsors of DIFF
and the event is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).
Full listings of films can be accessed via the DIFF website
(www.dubaifilmfest.com) and downloaded on to your mobile phone.