Joss Whedon and Alexander Skarsgård to hit New Zealand in July

Joss Whedon and Alexander Skarsgård to hit New Zealand in July

Well, let's just say, I'm not surprised.

And re: the above, let's say, sort of.

The latest round of NZFF titles for the 2013 programme have just been released. And one of those heading our way is Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing.

Here's the full details - and some trailers to watch.

WORLD PREMIERE FOR NZ ROMEO AND JULIET IN JULY

The New Zealand International Film Festival today announced five film titles for the 2013 programme. The world premiere for New Zealand feature Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song and Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing are confirmed for the full NZIFF tour after premiering in Auckland and Wellington in July

“The Bard is in great form this year. Much Ado About Nothing is amazing fun. Watching this fresh take on a classic courtship with a delighted 2000-strong crowd of all ages, shapes and sizes was the highlight of last year’s Toronto Festival for me. And we’re thrilled to be presenting the first screenings in the world for Tim van Dammen’s Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song. Set in a caravan park called Verona this modern setting provides surprising opportunities for a riotous retelling of the world’s most famous romantic tragedy.” says NZIFF Director Bill Gosden.

Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song

World Premiere

New Zealand 2013

Director: Tim van Dammen

Shakespeare’s tale of teen love reimagined as a rock opera set in a beachside caravan park. A triumphant blast of style and 21st-century Kiwi trailer trash pop. Classic tragedy probably shouldn’t be quite this much fun.

http://www.romeoandjulietalovesong.com/

Much Ado About Nothing

USA, 2012

Director Joss Whedon

Joss Whedon and a cast of his TV regulars breathe fresh life into Shakespeare’s comedy of romantic gamesmanship. “The first great contemporary Shakespeare since Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.” — The Guardian

Two films with theatre connections are confirmed for the national programme:

Becoming Traviata

Traviata et nous, France 2012

Director Philippe Béziat

Soprano Natalie Dessay, acclaimed for her dramatic brilliance, rehearses La Traviata in intense creative collaboration with director Jean-François Sivadier. “Ravishing… Time with Dessay is worth treasuring.” — Village Voice

Gebo and the Shadow

O Gebo e a sombra, Portugal/France 2012

Director/Screenplay: Manoel de Oliveira. Based on a play by Raul Brandão

Claudia Cardinale, Jeanne Moreau and Michael Lonsdale await the return of a prodigal son in an adapted play from the world’s oldest director. “A grand piece of cinematic chamber music for a cast of mighty soloists.” — New Yorker

A feature film based on the book by Henry James will screen in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch:

What Maisie Knew

USA 2012

Directors: Scott McGehee, David Siegel

Steve Coogan and Julianne Moore are the divorcing parents seen from the viewpoint of six-year-old Maisie (amazing Onata Aprile) in this 21st-century Manhattan update of Henry James’ novel. With Alexander Skarsgård.

The programme for NZIFF Auckland will be announced on Monday 24 June and for NZIFF Wellington on Thursday 27 June. Tickets will be on sale in Auckland from Friday 28 June, and in Wellington from Tuesday 2 July from Ticketek. For Festival updates visit www.nziff.co.nz and register to receive e-newsletters.