LUMIERE AND THE DARKNESS

Probably the most stupidest celebration that ever existed. I’m referring to International Worker’s Day, which is celebrated on 1 May by not working. I don’t get it, it’s as if we should therefore spend International Day of Sexual Violence assaulting women or driving like maniacs on the International Day Without Cars.

I leave you for a second time with one of my coolest non-work colleagues from cinema: “the Dude”

Some people are afraid of ageing. But I think that there are loads of good points about getting old. I can’t deny that walking around without a nappy, having my own teeth and my own erections is not a huge advantage of being young, but equally I wouldn’t be disgusted at the thought of taking an early retirement.

In the first weeks of March, almost half of Europe exercised their right to strike. Seems terrible; not because people have to strike to fight for their rights, but because I am convinced that being human means that we shouldn’t have to work. The famous saying “El trabajo dignifica al hombre” seems to have expired. Welcome to the era of contemplation, my friends.

Whilst the whole world was dazzled by the lights of the 80th Oscar ceremony (http://www.cafebabel.com/en/article.asp?T=T&Id=13952) on 24 February, the awards which really celebrated American cinema had already taken place. The night before the Oscars, the Golden Raspberry (‘Razzies’ to friends) took place, honouring the worst American films of the year. A funny, honest act which merits your attention far more than the wanker fashion parade that takes place on the red carpet in LA’s Kodak Theatre.

On 17 January 2008, far away in a hidden resort town in the mountains of Utah, the 24th annual edition of the Sundance Film Festival started. For many it's a cinematographic oasis in a creative American desert, a light in the murk of those events in American cinema (i.e. Oscars, Golden Globes and other run-of-the-board ceremonies

Romania, Germany, Britain and France go neck-to-neck in the best film award category at the European Film Awards this December

Next Saturday 1 December, the European Film Academy marks its twentieth anniversary in the city of Berlin, muse of Wim Wenders, the German director who is also an academy founder. In this edition of the annual 'European Oscars' (where the films are of a much higher quality than those from America), French cinema dominates nominations. British and German cinema are also well represented. Romania is in the running to take the award for best film whilst Spanish cinema, however, makes a notable absence.