Fests and events, 7/23.

"The Venice Film Festival's Critics' Week has unveiled a promising lineup of nine first works, eight of which are world preems, with a prevalence of caustic comedies and pics taking the pulse of contempo life in cities such as Sarajevo, Kabul, Beijing, Olso and Istanbul." Nick Vivarelli reports for Variety. August 27 through September 6.

Toronto's unveiled titles for its programs Midnight Madness (Scott Weinberg picks out a few highlights at Cinematical), Sprockets Family Zone and Wavelengths. Bob Turnbull has begun making his to-see list and notes that TOFilmFest is tracking the overall lineup as it lines up, while First Thursday has reawakened with anticipation. September 4 through 13.

The Lumière Reader is still all over the New Zealand International Film Festivals.

Mark Bell presents Film Threat's Comic-Con preview. Tonight through Sunday.

"For five days, ballet lovers can feast on works like The Rediscovered Notebooks of Nina Vyroubova, from 1995; the 1997 film Serge Peretti, the Last Italian; and Violette et Mr B, made in 2001 and featuring the irrepressibly delightful Ms Verdy and George Balanchine." For the New York Times, Claudia La Rocco previews Dominique Delouche: Ballet Cinéaste, running at the Walter Reade from today through Sunday.

Previewing the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival in the Bay Guardian, Dennis Harvey focuses on the program "Italian Jews During Fascism." Also, Cheryl Eddy on Anvil! The Story of Anvil. Then: "Although I'm sure the program contains some fine narrative features, the eclectic selection of documentaries is what really grabbed my attention this year," writes Michael Hawley, who previews a dozen at the Evening Class. Tomorrow through August 11.

"On July 31 and August 1, [Profiles in History will] be auctioning off a ton of Hollywood props, costumes, and one-sheets, among other things, and just reading the catalog is enough to make a geek's mouth water," blogs Matt Blum for Wired. Via Coudal Partners.

For the Los Angeles Times, Susan King has a brief preview of Techno Chaplin: An Exploration of the Technology and Locations Used in Modern Times. Tomorrow evening at the Academy.

At the House Next Door, Ryland Walker Knight looks back on the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. So, too, does Girish.

Acquarello's reviews from At the Crossroads: Slovenian Cinema: Vesna, Valley of Peace, Spare Parts, Rooster's Breakfast, Raft of the Medusa and Dance in the Rain.

Tim Lucas had a grand time at Wonderfest and passes along photos snapped by Joe Busam.

"The Asian American International Film Festival concluded its 2008 edition here in NYC this past Saturday, and I wanted to draw H2N readers' attention to a couple of highlights," writes Nelson Kim.

Posted by dwhudson at July 23, 2008 3:43 PM