Now in its second year, this international film festival runs from 21 to 31 October, promising to be a visual and cultural feast of creativity.

"BALINALE International Film Festival (Formerly known as Bali Taksu Film Festival) is in the tradition of the BERLINALE, and the VIENNALE - both which have more than 50 years of successful events behind them,’ said Deborah Gabinetti, Director of the BALINALE International Film Festival.

Showcasing 40 films from 20 countries shown in five different locations around Bali, as well as running a number of workshops and exhibitions, the BALINALE was established by the Bali Taksu Indonesia Foundation.

This year’s program shows an ambitious expansion over last year – with the first three showing premieres of international award-winning films addressing cultural and environmental issues with an encouraging number of international directors have come to Bali to introduce their films.

"Taking root – the Vision of Wangari Maathai" is an Asian Premiere of the Nobel Prize winner’s work in replanting trees to re-green the environment in her Kenyan homeland of Africa.

An Indonesian Premiere of Mexican Director Sebastian Silva’s film "El Viaje de la Nonna", (Nonna’s Trip), is sponsored by the Mexican Embassy. It approaches the universal issues of age and memory, as an elderly woman dreaming of seeing her home once more is supported by her family in making her dreams come true. The filmmaker is here to introduce the film.

"Perempuan Punya Cerita’ (Chants of Lotus)will be presented by scriptwriter Vivian Idris and Actress Shanty – a collaboration of four Directors – Nia Dinata, Upi, Lasja F. Susatyo and Fatimah T. Rony, which depicts the ups and downs of women's lives in four different parts of Indonesian society – an isolated island, a tourist town, a village, and the capital city.

Italian film "Lezioni di Volo’ (Flying Lessons), directed by Francesca Archibugi, will also make its first Asian Premiere at the festival. A story about two young Italian losers who travel to India and meet a disillusioned French doctor, it deals with a spectrum of sociological issues.

World-renowned and award winning filmmakers Michelle and Howard Hall are here to present their film "Deep Sea’. This beautifully shot film takes you face-to-face with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea and the impact that global climate change has on the ocean wilderness.

The eighth day of the festival will celebrate "Charlie Chaplin Night"."Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin" and Charlie’s favourite film"The Gold Rush’, filmed in 1925 – the quintessential Chaplin/Little Tramp film. Kate Guyonvarch form Chaplin Association is here to present the rare documentary footage of Charlie Chaplin’s 1932 visit to Bali.

BALINALE’s opening night film is "Man of Cinema: Pierre Rissient"(Todd McCarthy) – which will be presented by renowned Indonesian actress, Christine Hakim.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Friday, 10 to Friday, 17 October – Student Filmmaking Workshop

Student Workshop at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival with documentary film teacher Ananta Wijaya

Tuesday, 21 October – Festival Opening Day

• Children’s Matinee Film Opening
  Films of Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren’s stories will be shown in Daily Matinee Sessions from 21 to 25 October.
• Opening Night Party
  Red Carpet welcome & Cocktail Party
  Showing of award winning "MAN OF CINEMA – PIERRE RISSIENT "by Todd McCarthy

Wednesday, 22 October - Premieres of New Cutting Edge Films

Indonesian Premiere of Banjamin Gilmour’s debut film SON OF A LION, produced by Carolyn Johnson, about a young Pakistani boy in a remote tribal region who rebels against following his father into the gun-making trade.

Thursday, 23 October - Charlie Chaplin Night

Original footage of Chaplin’s 1932 visit to Bali, introduced by Kate Guyonvarch of the Chaplin Association, followed by Classic Charlie Chaplin Films from the 1920s: "GOLD RUSH and THE CIRCUS".

Friday, 24 October – Documentary Premieres

Indonesian Premiere: "GOD MADE THEM BLIND", a documentary by Richard Todd

Saturday, 25 October – Family Program

• Selected International Feature Films and Exceptional Indonesian Independent Film-makers connecting people – excellent family entertainment.
• Cocktail Party & Presentation of "VLAJE DE LA NONA" (NONA’S TRIP) by Mexican Director Sebastian Silva.

Sunday, 26 October - New Zealand Film Education Expo

• Basic Still Photography Workshop by Syamsul – day 1

Monday, 27 October - Sport Movies

• Basic Still Photography Workshop by Syamsul – day 2
• Documentary Filmmaking Workshop "INTO The Power of One" with filmmakers Catherine Madigan and Richard Todd
• "INTO THE TSANGPO GORGE" by Les Guthman plus a number of other international sports features and documentaries.

Tuesday, 28 October - Short Films

Selected film submissions from Indonesia and Abroad

• Basic Photo Journalism Workshop by Syamsul Hadi – day 1
• Filmmakers Dinner at Casa Luna (by Invitation only)

Wednesday, 29 October - Documentary Films

• Basic Photo Journalism Workshop by Syamsul Hadi – day 2
• Documentary Film Showing: Selected submissions from Indonesia and Abroad

Thursday, 30 October - Films & Panel Discussions

• "Why Hollywood is Looking East" with producer Stan Wlodkowski ("EAT PRAY LOVE"), producer Philip Lee ("CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON") and composer Richard Horowitz

>> Download the BALINALE 2008 Program here (PDF file)