Camerimage, the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography, announced today that Ben Stillers new comedy drama The Secret Life of Walter Mitty has been selected to close the 21st edition of the Festival, which takes place November 16th 23rd. ComingSoon.net will be on hand for the the duration of the festival.
Additionally, Academy Award nominee Terry Gilliam (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Brazil) and cinematographer Nicola Pecorini (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus) will present their sci-fi drama The Zero Theorem as the second opening film (following the previously announced Saving Mr. Banks), which will be part of the Festivals Opening Gala on Saturday, November 16th at the Opera Nova.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, directed by Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, The Cable Guy) with cinematography by Oscar nominee Stuart Dryburgh (Bridget Joness Diary, The Piano), stars the multitalented actor, producer, writer and director himself alongside Oscar nominee Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids, Despicable Me 2), two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn (Mystic River, 21 Grams) and Adam Scott (Step Brothers, “Parks and Recreation”). The film follows a day-dreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, he takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.
Gilliams The Zero Theorem, stars two-time Oscar winner Christopher Waltz (Django Unchained, Inglourious Basterds), Oscar winner Matt Damon (The Bourne Identity, Saving Private Ryan), Oscar winner Tilda Swinton (Adaptation, We Need to Talk About Kevin), Mélanie Thierry (The Legend of 1900, The Princess of Montepensier) and BAFTA Film Award nominee David Thewlis (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Seven Years in Tibet). The film tells the story of Qohen Leth, an eccentric and reclusive computer genius who lives in an Orwellian corporate world and suffers from existential angst. Under the instruction of a shadowy figure known only as Management, Qohen works to solve the Zero Theorem a mathematical formula which will finally determine whether life has any meaning. Qohens work in the burnt-out chapel that serves as his home is interrupted by visits from Bainsley, a seductive woman, and Bob, the teenage son of Management.
In 2009, Terry Gilliam was the recipient of the Festivals coveted Camermage Special Award to the Director with Unique Visual Sensitivity. He and Pecorini were the special guests of the 17th edition of Camerimage, presenting their film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
Among the talent slated to appear at Camerimage are long-time, award-winning collaborators Marc Forster (World War Z, Finding Neverland) and Roberto Schaefer (Finding Neverland, Quantum of Solace), who will receive the Festivals special Cinematographer / Director Duo Award, honoring both their creativity and passion, and their ability to reach compromise in realizing a joint vision. Golden Globe nominee and Emmy winner John Turturro (Transformers, O Brother, Where Art Thou?) will be in attendance to receive the Festivals distinguished Special Award to Actor-Director. Academy Award® nominated cinematographer Slawomir Idziak (Black Hawk Down, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) will be the recipient of the Festivals prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Two-time Oscar winning production designer and art director Rick Carter (Avatar, Forrest Gump) will be the recipient of the Festivals Production Designer with Unique Visual Sensitivity Award. And celebrated filmmaker Joan Churchill (Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer, Shut Up & Sing) will be bestowed the Festivals Award for Outstanding Achievements in Documentary Filmmaking.
Check back for full coverage from the festival beginning this weekend.
