In 2006, I worked for a semester as a guest lecturer at Taylor's University College in Malaysia. My students recorded original human rights songs and performed them live for Nenad Bach, at his recording studio in Croton on Hudson, New York. Nenad then played the students a song from his new CD "Everything is Forever" and talked with the students about his experiences in creating music that raises awareness for humanitarian causes. Professor Darko Žubrinić, based at the University of Zagreb, Croatia stayed up all night to match timezones in order to speak with the students about modern Croatian history.

My next project is a feature dramatic film called "Mr.B." about Timmins Bissonnette a womanizing, colorful carnival and nightclub owner who guns down his childhood best friend in the lobby of the Royal York Hotel in Toronto, and spends his seventeen year prison sentence in Canada's harshest jails raising money for dying children. Production begins in July in Toronto, Ontario. This production still has some intriguing roles available for talented actors and intends to attract $400,000 more to complete production. I have hired Nenad Bach to compose some songs for the film.

For those interested in learning more about my upcoming projects or who may be interested in participating in investing in one of my socially conscious, dramatic feature film productions, please e-mail me at jcohen@integrity-films.com. 

Wishing CROWN and Croatians worldwide continued success,

                                                                                                                 Jamie Cohen

7:00pm – 9:00pm
Think (Live Earth)– 3 min
What does it take to change a habit?  In this film BAFTA nominated director,
Rupert Jones, takes a farcical look at an everyday situation, where planning
ahead can make an impact, not just on the environment, but on relationships with
your grocer.  Even though using a different plastic bag every time you visit your
grocery store might be a little more convenient for you, reducing the amount of
plastic bags you use is a lot better for the environment
Filmmaker: Rupert Jones

The Barber of Kigali – 5 min
Inspired by true events, 'The Barber of Kigali', is a dramatic short film about
Patrick, a Rwandan barber living in Toronto, who must decide whether to kill or
not to kill his next client, the dreaded Colonel who murdered his father in the
genocide. 'What would you do if you had the chance to kill your father's
murderer? He who seeks revenge, will be destroyed by it. 'The Barber of Kigali' is
inspired by the true story of Patrick, a 24 year-old Rwandan man studying Political
Science at the University of Toronto. The lead character, Bayo Akinfemi, won the
nomination for 'Best Performance by an Actor' at the Gemini Awards (Canadian
TV Awards) for his starring role in the Canadian TV Miniseries, 'Human Cargo'.

Director, Writer: Jamie Cohen
Producer: Ryan Ellis
Music: Nenad Bach

http://www.bifilmfestival.com/008session1.html

Near – 5 min
Near: an illustration of how travel can open our mind further than the actual
distance journeyed. Quiet, mundane contemplation turns into a trip to the
opposite end of the earth. A surreal breakdown of geographic space propels a
dauntless traveler on until he's ready to leap into anything. Photography,
drawings and animation are tightly integrated. Every frame is literally a push
toward a new environment. Cesaria Evora provided the soundtrack. Lyrics are
sung in Cape Verde Creole, and do not constitute any kind of dialog. For non
Creole and French speakers, the music ads an appropriately exotic beauty. The
sound alone achieves the desired effect.
Director: John Lane

Light Years – 15min
Four relationships spanning the four corners of the globe are put to the ultimate
test when they learn the world may end in eight minutes - the duration of time it
takes light to travel from the sun to the Earth. Each is finally forced to confront the
most trying dynamics of their relationship in order to reconcile differences and
face Earth’s final moments: with love and without fear; but, most importantly,
together.
Director, Writer: Richard Martin
Producer: Melissa Lee
Writer: Josh Calvert

This is Not a Test – 89 min
Carl and Viv Ashby are ready to start a family, but the thought of being
responsible for an innocent child in our dangerous modern world sends Carl on a
journey of over-preparation. Under the influence of the similarly obsessed Tom
Arnold, Carl allows his fear to fracture his marriage. However, when Los Angeles
is threatened with a real terrorist attack,
Carl learns what it truly means to be prepared.
Writer, Director, Producer: Christopher Angel
Producer: Eric Hayes, Hill Harper.


Opening Night Gala: 9:30pm – 12:00pm