17th May: Claudia's blog from Cannes
Hi friends! I think now I'm getting a perspective here in Cannes. Getting used to a schedule that guarantees sleepless nights. Came back from a big German film party about 4 am. Interestingly, coming back to your hotel at 4 in the morning is considered to be quite normal during the Cannes Film Festival. Though this is also true there are people who don't even bother to come back and end up somewhere else. You know what I mean...
Click pictures to see them enlarged
Wow! The German party was great! Fantastic music, great band, wonderful food and plenty of the world's best Champagne! Mmmmmhhh! Just my world! Now, you get it.
In recent years, German films have been able to achieve remarkable international successes: frequent accolades like the Academy Award and the European Film Award provide evidence of this.
Who can forget the remarkable 'The Lives of Others', winning the Best Foreign Film Oscar last year.
This year too, German films dominate the scene with so many screening scheduled at the 61st Cannes. I met lots of nice people from the German film world at the party, and also had a very interesting chat with the producer and director Rainer Matsutani.
As some of you might know Rainer Matsutani is one of Germany's most in-demand TV directors. I found out in the party that he is entering the international film world with his U.K.-German shingle Red Sun Pictures, trying to secure final financing of what are planned as the company's first two features: "Daydream Believer" and "Replay."
According to media reports "Daydream," which Matsutani co-wrote with his wife Noemi Domokos is being set up as a $6 million co-production with Berlin-based Akkord Film. The psychological drama focuses on a man who is haunted by a "Waltons" style TV family that comforted him in his youth but now threatens his sanity.
"Replay," which Matsutani co-wrote with Fabian Marquez ("Better Luck Tomorrow") is an $8 million sci-fi thriller about a sadistic game played on a modern-day woman by people in the future.
Matsutani is set to direct both films, with shooting planned for 2009. In Germany he became famous for his big budget TV dramas, including Pope assassination drama "Final Proclamation" and disaster movie "The Inferno." He also directed several episodes of cult Sci-Fi miniseries "Lexx: The Dark Zone."
I was also invited on a Yacht party by the US Film Investors and was really impressed with their hospitality. Delicious food and great wines! Cannes is where filmmakers announce their plans.
Indian film companies have for the first time asserted their real muscle power. India's Reliance Entertainment as you might have read on iefilmi.com has signed separate deals with the production firms of Hollywood stars Nicolas Cage, Jim Carrey, George Clooney, Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt and filmmakers Chris Columbus and Jay Roach.
Sometimes, there's too much of business talk in Cannes. Oh, yes, you can't beat Cannes in terms of glamour. Perhaps, it's next to Oscar, or, may be, at the same level.
I appreciate what you're saying in your comments. I take criticism in my stride. Will improve with the passage of time and as you know I'm learning how to blog. So please be patient and keep loving me.
Lots of kisses and hugs.
Yours
Claudia.
PS: Who's this guy next to me in the picture just above?
Cannes, 17th May--My god! I have not been able to sleep since I arrived in Cannes May 15. There have been press conferences, screenings, networking and parties...so where's the time to sleep or blog. It's highly enjoyable but at the same I must say it has been quite stressful. There's so much to do and there's so little time. I sincerely apologise for not blogging on Friday.
Karma Team in CannesOn my arrival I met about 9pm the producer Vivek Singhania and the director M.R. Shajahan of 'Karma'. We went in to a nice Restaurant.. had dinner and we talked about plans of what we were going to do in Cannes. I looked at my watch..it was 1am in the morning. Of course, everybody was tired so we just went back to our hotels to catch a bit of sleep, if we could.
That day I was invited to a couple of parties but was just too tired to attend. So I said 'Good night...parties..I waited for you for such a long time but now I'm going to bed.
On the 16th morning, I was told that there was an article about me in German tabloid BILD-Zeitung, saying some interesting things regarding my trip to Cannes. When it comes to press stories I get worried as to what they are saying...good things..bad things...gossip..
About 11.30 am, we met at the festival palais to see some people. I was pleasantly surprised to see that so many people had turned up to say hi to me. Nice! Thanks to you all again.
We went to the International village as well as Indian Pavilion where I was told a number of Indian filmmakers were present. There was a buzz. I happened to meet many people such as my old friend- the UK Filmmaker Paul Wiffen and some other British film folks.
After having lunch it was time to get ready for Karma's screening which was scheduled at 5.30 pm. I was really excited to try my Indian dress. At the same time I was a bit nervous about the whole thing...my Indian dress..screening..what people are going to say about my performance..etc.
So when I arrived at hotel Gray d`Albion, the screening venue, I could sense I was looking good and it really cooled my nerve. I was glad to see that so many people had come for the screening of Karma. I interacted with lots of people. All the cast and crew members looked excited.
Screening was over by 7.30pm, followed by applause. All of us were relieved and then followed brief encounters, networking, questions and answers, dinner in a group, and more discussions. Talk talk talk! After a point one doesn't know what to say.
Finally, I made it to a party after mid night. Some friends also joined in. It was "A Small World" Party in "Nikki Beach". Cannes is known for its lavish parties, usually thrown by corporate, filmmakers and organisers. I stayed up to 3 in the morning. Then it was time to good night!
I'm sorry for not able to come up with lots of interesting stories...but will write about my personal observations some time.
Hugs & kisses
Claudia
Germany, 14th May-- "Cannes! Oh, I love you! The buzz of films and glamour at Cannes Film Festivals is second to none," writes Bollywood-smitten Claudia Ciesla, exclusively for iefilmi.com. Germany-based international model and actress blogs: "I would like to invite all friends, media and film folks, to meet me in Cannes. Let's have fun and go together to great Parties and Events in Cannes. Shake a leg baby!"
I'll be in cannes from Thursday, May 15th onwards. Right now, I'm in Germany giving final touches to my new dresses. Yes, you can't go to Cannes unless you have some thing new to show off- either a film or a dress. I have spent so much that I have gone broke.
That's me in 'KARMA'Being a model isn't an easy job. After the initial euphoria and recognition one has to make a constant effort to look good. One has to spend a lot of money on clothes and accessories.
I want to welcome my friends to this blog on "India-EU Film Initiative", leading film-news agency about European, Indian and Bollywood films.
I will keep you posted about my take on 61st Cannes Film Festival.
Cannes, I believe, is a fantastic forum to exchange ideas. Furthermore, it's great for networking. And, if you have a film screening at Cannes.. then there's nothing to beat it.
I'm feeling elated as, this year, every thing has fallen into place for me regarding Cannes. Besides, glamour and clothes I have my film- KARMA- crime, passion, re-incarnation- screening in Cannes. I am playing the character of "Linda" in the film.
You know.. I have really fallen in love with India and its people. Now, most of my network friends are from India. Yes, this is true they love my sexy images...by the way, two of my albums are on this site.
Some of my Indian friends send poetry to me. It's confidential! I'm not going to reveal what they write. Ok...next time..I can reveal a little a bit. Hey..don't be naughty...I'm not talking about revealing myself. Ha..ha..ha.
I am very excited! I look forward to having a great time and meeting lots of people. If you're in Cannes please do come to see me. I will be staying mostly with my friends from the film unit of KARMA. Producers Vivek Singhania, Dhiraj Kotkar and Sanjiv Potnis, along with film director M.R. Shahjahan, all are going to be in town for a special screening of KARMA.
On the 15th, I will be mostly at the Indian Pavillion from 2pm - 4pm. The film "KARMA" is being first time released in Cannes, and there are 2 official screenings on 16th and 21th May, and the trailer of "KARMA" is being shown in the Indian Pavilion evey day.
I would like to invite all friends, media and film folks, to meet me in Cannes. I am available for interviews, photocalls and just nice small talk. So let's have fun and go together to great Parties and Events in Cannes. Shake a leg baby!
See ya t'morrow.
Bollywood-smitten Claudia | India-EU Film Initiative
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Hi Claudie!!! Sorry I
Hi Claudie!!! Sorry I cannot be with you this year, and am so pleased you are having such a great time!!! Love reading your news and keep in touch..see you soon!!
Love John x
In German and English
Claudia -- a screening again today of Karma? WOW, have fun, enjoy, may all the right people see it!
And I do not expect today a blog entry, too much for you to prepare for.
My German is so rusty, like a sunken ship for many years! So I went to a translation search engine, hope this is right, and English for everyone else. If you make the effort to write in English, we at least can hope some old rusty German makes you happy to read OR laugh!!
Jeden Tag, ueberpruefe ich wirklich mindestens 10 mal, zu sehen, wenn es eine andere Blogeintragung gibt. Ihr Blog ist, als Anmerkung gross, zu was Sie am Festival zehen und zu was Ihnen geschieht. Wissen Sie, dass Ihr Blog gelesen und geschaetz wird, aber wir schaetzen Sie mehr. Richard J.
ENGLSIH Claudia, Each day I really check at least 10 times to see if there is another blog entry. Your blog is great, as a comment on what you see at the Festival and what happens to you. Know that your blog is read and appreciated, but we appreciate you more! Richard J.
Amazing blog entry
Claudia, Yes, all that is so true -- one sometimes goes from party to party and gues what, sunrise! Without naming the hotel, I stayed in Cannes where the hotel housed some mentally disabled people, and their conversations would come through the air duct. Getting to the hotel at 4 AM and then up around 8 AM -- I thought I was the one who was going a little crazy until I found out fromt he management this was the case.
And how does one change hotel rooms? One does not, so simply do one's best to fall asleep.
You're blog is in almost perfect English and genuinely interesting, now with photos also! Elegant and professional looking, you've got to be the hit of the Festival.
I think Cannes should rank above Oscars, Oscars is one show, Cannes is a multi-day experience.
With a blog like this, I feel back in Cannes already! Thanks for your effort with so little sleep. Schuss, Richard J.
write a blog whenever you can
I do appreciate your honesty. So you should worry too much about a daily blog from Cannes. Instead, you must continue to write whenever you can get some time. Please write about yourself...I mean hobbies, likes and dislikes. This much I can say you're not a liar. By the way you make too many spelling mistakes! Always do a spell check.
Remember that english is
Remember that english is not her native language.
I wish for you that you could speak german and polish as well as she speaks english.
vivek spell check
Vivek himself forgot to do a spell check and forgot to add 'not' to worry. Claudia darling, your blog on this site is much much better than your wordpress blog. You have improved a lot as a writer. Continue the new style as it's more intimate. Tell me what you do before going to bed. Do you ever think of me?
Thank you
Thank you to give us some of your time to write us through this blog.
I know how busy you must be now in Cannes.
It is great to read about you there, I can't wait to read more.
Take care.
Kisses.
liar
You're a liar! Where's your 'daily blog' from Cannes? Perhaps, writing is not your forte!
my BLOG
disappoint some of you. But pls consider,
it is really a very stressy time here in
Cannes. And it is just a problem of time.
some might expect from me, because this would require really lots of time (which I do not
have) ,
mails, and there are so many importand calls and text-messages which I have to
answer - and almost no time to sleep - so sorry, and i feel very bad- that somebody is calling me a liar I don`t know how to manage this all.
- and my day has only 24hours - but I would need to make it 48
hours.....to do all what I wanted and needed to do.
best regards from Cannes
Don't worry
Dear Claudia,
Don't worry about this blog.
It was a really good idea, but your real fans and friends can understand that it is impossible to be in Cannes, present your film, invovle your career, go in every place to be, have some rest, and write your blog.
I think the most important is you and your career.
And maybe after Cannes festival, when you will have time, you could write on your website every important things, your feeling, your impress and all you had during your trip.
Take care.
Kisses.
Of course there is no time
Claudia, Absolutely, I can only imagine as a spectator running back and forth between my hotel 11 years ago, if blogs had been invented at that time, to write my impressions of all that was going on, TOTALLY impossible.
A friend of mine has established the first maternal health clinic on Timor-Leste, she is special advisor to the President of Timor-Leste, and her blog is not daily but sometimes written AFTER she returns to NYC.
Simply focus on your work and dealing with all the people who are calling you and for whom a return phone call is needed.
An overall impression after you return home and get three full days of nothing but rest is quite fine.
Since I deal with diplomats all the time, and one handles even ridiculous comments such as "You're a liar" with courtesy, I did not address this rude comment directly. When that person makes a movie and gets to Cannes even as a tourist, I'd like to know!
Do not even reply to any of our comments, just know that you are appreciated and that this is only the start!
In what rest you find, rest well, work well and savor the experience!
You look goreous in anything you wear, your clothes look comfortable on you!
Schuss (if I remember my German)! Richard J.
Claudia's blog
Well even 11 years ago at the 50th Cannes Film Festival, the immensity of Cannes for anyone there a first time, like myself then, and NOT being in a film, can be overwhelming and greatly time consuming.
Why time consuming? Many opportunities open up more or less without planning, so time for blogging may not be very great.
I think that with a May 16 premier (a Friday night) and a May 15 start of all the festivities, there may have been little time for Claudia to devote to writing.
From what I see, Claudia is a good writer.
So just write when you can, Claudia, none of us think that a blog is your main purpose at Cannes!
Best, Richard Jordan
I agree with you Richard.
I agree with you Richard.
Blog has disappeared off google
Just a heads up, it was easy before the 16th to find Claudia's blog, now very hard, I really found this by accident.
How can Claudia even sound so lucid and descriptive. Not surprised, Cannes has changed in 11 years, more intense with many national pavilions now.
Claudia, you have a role to play in many ways I think in many nationally based films, will email you if you do not object AFTER Cannes. Airfare to Cannes from Athens is 800 euros, just too much now with the China earthquake relief, so I will only be able to read your blog WHENEVER you write, even after Cannes.
Best, Richard J.
More clarity on google search
Apologies, the dress looks gorgeous, you look more so! Previously I could find the blog by searching India pavilion cannes film festival 2008 -- now I have to add "Claudia Ciesla" -- but just by going to iefilmi.com, that may solve the problem.
Best, Richard
Good luck
Good luck in Cannes Claudia.
I will read your blog everyday.
Kisses.
Did.
India Pavilion
Claudia, You have invited friends to visit between 2-4 PM any day (probably not the days of your screenings, too hectic) -- how do we access the pavilion? I have read where it is located, so just want to make sure that if I fly from Athens JUST to say hello and to offer some ideas also about China, I want to make sure you are there and that the pavilion will be open?
Best of luck in your first Cannes, it is really exciting!
Richard Jordan
where I am ??
I can never say where I am - there are so many things going on -
pls if it is an importand meeting, just call my Manager
+49-160-3524129
thanks :-)
Claudia Ciesla
If you are lost in Cannes,
If you are lost in Cannes, just call me and I will come and deliver you ;).
Not lost in Cannes, unfortunately
Hi, Did, Thank you for the offer, but I wrote in a previous message the airfare was SO expensive, and with my 5-week project in Athens and month in China for Olympics upcoming, no way I coul pay 800 euros.
Claudia is worth it, but my budget would not allow, nor time of 3 days for less expensive air flights.
If Olympic project is successful here, I might have two air tickets for the Olympics in Beijing for Claudia and manager to think through an idea for a film project in China on the Harmony Renaissance now occurring. Just if time is right also.
Best, Richard J.
My offer was for Claudia
My offer was for Claudia :p.
But I would have been happy to help you too :).
Keep blogging
Forget Cannes! I adore you baby! Keep blogging...and publish a selection of your favourite pictures.