As the global fascination with gambling persists, films about it captivate audiences with high-stakes drama and deep insights into human nature. Here’s a glimpse into gambling-themed films celebrated at festivals worldwide.

My Investigation into the Casino Cinematic World: Festival Stardom

Alright, buckle up folks! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the glitzy, adrenaline-pumping universe of casino-centric films that have dazzled the global film festival circuit since the ’90s. Trust me; this isn’t your run-of-the-mill popcorn stuff. We’re talking high-stakes drama, intense card game showdowns, and a peek into the dark underbelly of gambling.

The Casino’s Allure at Festivals

Let me tell you, the explosion of online gambling didn’t just shake up the betting scene — it also gave filmmakers a whole new world to explore. Platforms like Jokaroom casino and virtual betting opened up doors to stories that delve into this digital frontier. And hey, let’s not forget the rise of specialized gambling film festivals like the Las Vegas International Film Festival and CineVegas. These places are like Disneyland for filmmakers digging deep into the complexities of gambling.

As I roamed through these cinematic wonders, one thing became crystal clear: the marriage between the silver screen and the thrilling world of gambling promises an epic legacy of storytelling and entertainment.

From Vegas Glitz to Addictive Depths

Hold onto your seats because I’m taking you through the adrenaline-pumping flicks that left audiences gasping for more. Think “Rounders” and “Casino.” These bad boys aren’t just movies; they’re rollercoaster rides into the heart of high-stakes gambling. Matt Damon’s stint in “Rounders” or Martin Scorsese’s take on Sin City in “Casino” have etched themselves into the brains of every movie buff out there.

The Card Game Showdown

Card games aren’t just about shuffling decks; they’re about psychological warfare, and boy, have they inspired cinematic gems! “21,” where MIT students master blackjack, or “Molly’s Game,” the high-stakes poker hostess’s story, blend the thrill of the game with complex human behavior. It’s like chess on steroids!

The Dark Side of Betting

Now, let’s take a walk on the wild side, shall we? “The Gambler” and “Owning Mahowny” don’t sugarcoat things. These movies dive headfirst into the grim realities of addiction and obsession in the gambling world. Trust me; they’ll make you think twice before doubling down at the casino.

Festival Glimmer

Film festivals aren’t just about rubbing shoulders with celebrities (though that’s a bonus). They’re where these gambling-themed movies get the recognition they deserve. Cannes, Sundance, and TIFF — these hotspots aren’t just fancy names; they’re ground zeroes for celebrating the diverse narratives within the gambling universe.

Cannes, Sundance, TIFF: Where Magic Happens

Cannes? Think glitz, glamour, and movies from around the globe strutting their stuff on the red carpet. Sundance? It’s like the cool kid on the block, showcasing indie films and giving budding filmmakers a shot at stardom. And TIFF? It’s the holy grail — a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, international gems, and indie darlings. It offers a blend of Hollywood blockbusters, international cinema, and critically acclaimed independent films. TIFF serves as a platform for both established filmmakers and emerging talents to showcase their movies, often leading to significant recognition and awards. It’s also a key event for films aiming for critical acclaim and commercial success.

Final Showdown: Did You Know?

Hold onto your hats because here’s a mind-blowing fact: the first film to feature a roulette wheel was none other than “Casablanca” in 1942! Gambling films aren’t just about entertainment; they peel back the layers, showing us the psychological intricacies and societal impacts of the gamble.

So, in the realm of American cinema, gambling isn’t just a theme — it’s a heartbeat, pulsating with allure, drama, and risk. These festival-favorite narratives aren’t just stories; they’re rollercoasters that have gripped audiences and critics alike, taking us from the neon-lit dazzle of Las Vegas to the underground dens of card sharks. And let me tell you, it’s been one heck of a ride!

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What films were presented at the very first film festival

The very first film festival, the Venice Film Festival, debuted in 1932. The inaugural event showcased films from numerous countries. Some of the notable films included ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ from the United States, ‘À Nous la Liberté’ from France, and ‘It Happened One Night’ from Italy. The festival emphasized the universal language of cinema, promoting cultural exchange and understanding through the medium of film. This ethos has continued to guide film festivals worldwide.

The most convenient city for a film festival

One of the most convenient cities for a film festival is Toronto, Canada. Known for its Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the city boasts a robust public transportation system, making it easy for attendees to navigate between venues. Furthermore, Toronto’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, rich culture, and diverse food scene enhance the festival experience. The city also provides a wide array of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, catering to the varying needs of festival-goers. It’s worth noting that TIFF is recognized globally for its eclectic mix of films, providing a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers. So, not only is Toronto a convenient location, but it also offers a rich, diverse, and exciting cinematic experience.

Why you should combine attending a film festival with traveling to different countries

Attending a film festival in a different country presents a unique opportunity to merge two enriching experiences: the love of cinema and the thrill of travel. This combination allows attendees to immerse themselves in a foreign culture, fully experiencing the local traditions, food, and language, all while enjoying a diverse selection of international films. Moreover, attending such an event can provide a deeper understanding of the host country’s cinematic style and storytelling traditions, revealing insights into their society, history, and values. In addition, this travel can foster global connections with fellow film enthusiasts and industry professionals. Therefore, combining a film festival visit with travel to a different country can significantly enhance the overall experience, making it both culturally and intellectually rewarding.

Can a film festival be held in the open air?

Absolutely, an open-air film festival is not only feasible but can also create a uniquely captivating atmosphere for attendees. Imagine watching your favorite films under a starlit sky, amidst a gentle breeze, with the sounds of nature as your surround sound. It adds an element of novelty that distinguishes it from traditional indoor screenings. Open-air film festivals can be a fantastic option for summer months when the weather is favorable. However, this format requires careful planning for weather contingencies, adequate sound and projection systems, and ensuring viewer comfort. Such festivals have already gained popularity in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European countries.

Difficulties that may arise with accommodation if you are going to a film festival

Attending a film festival in a foreign country can indeed be a thrilling adventure, but it also presents its own set of challenges, especially regarding accommodation. Film festivals often attract large crowds, leading to a surge in demand for lodging, which in turn leads to a spike in accommodation prices. Hence, budgeting becomes a significant concern. Additionally, availability may be limited, especially for last-minute planners. It can be difficult to find a place that is conveniently located near the festival venue. Furthermore, language barriers and unfamiliar local customs could potentially add to the complexities of securing suitable accommodation. For instance, understanding rental agreements, negotiating prices, or even communicating specific requirements can be a daunting task for international travelers. Lastly, since these events often last several days, ensuring a comfortable and secure stay is of utmost importance to make the most of your film festival experience.

Is it possible to go to a movie festival in a camper

This option offers the flexibility of bringing your own accommodation, often a more cost-effective solution compared to inflated hotel prices during festival season. Not only does it provide a comfortable and private space, but it also allows you to be in close proximity to the festival venues. However, it’s important to research in advance whether the festival location has suitable parking facilities or designated camper sites. Some festivals might even offer on-site camping options. Always adhere to local regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable festival experience.

Which countries are the most convenient to travel by camper?

Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, are especially well-suited for camper travel due to their extensive road networks and widespread camping facilities. In Europe, countries like Germany, France, and Norway also offer numerous camper-friendly sites, complete with convenient facilities and beautiful scenery. However, each destination will have its own regulations and restrictions regarding camper travel, so it’s important to research and plan accordingly before embarking on your journey.

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A Humble Beginning

In the late 1930s, the Venice Film Festival was the most recognized event in the film industry. However, political interference and biases led to growing dissatisfaction. This unrest gave birth to the Cannes Film Festival, intended as a more democratic and inclusive alternative. The first edition was planned for 1939, but the outbreak of World War II postponed it until 1946. Since then, Cannes has grown, not only in size but in influence and reputation.

Palme d’Or: The Ultimate Prize

Arguably the pinnacle of the Cannes Film Festival is the awarding of the Palme d’Or – the Golden Palm. Instituted in 1955, this accolade replaced the Grand Prix du Festival. Since its inception, the Palme d’Or has been awarded to some of the most groundbreaking films in cinema history. It symbolizes cinematic excellence and has been the dream of many filmmakers across the globe. The weight of this trophy, both literally and figuratively, is felt by everyone at the festival.

The Red Carpet Rituals

Cannes’ red carpet is not just a stretch of crimson fabric; it’s a stage for cinematic celebration. Every year, thousands flock to this spot, making it a blend of glamour, art, and excitement. Traditionally, before the screening of a film in competition, the cast and crew walk the carpet, greeting fans and the press. This age-old tradition, filled with camera flashes and waving fans, epitomizes the grandeur of Cannes. It’s not just about the glitz, but also about recognizing the hard work and passion behind each film.

Controversies and Innovations

Like any major event, Cannes has seen its share of controversies. From film selections to jury decisions, several moments have sparked debate. Notably, in recent years, the festival’s stance on streaming services like Netflix has been a topic of contention. However, Cannes has also been a platform for innovation. The Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week segments, for instance, were introduced to showcase avant-garde cinema and first-time filmmakers. These segments have since become integral to the festival, highlighting its commitment to cinematic evolution.

A Global Gathering

The Cannes Film Festival is not just a French event; it’s a global phenomenon. Filmmakers, actors, journalists, and cinema lovers from all corners of the world come together for these ten days. It’s a testament to the universal language of film and the festival’s enduring appeal. Every year, Cannes becomes a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and stories, all united by a collective love for cinema.

The Influence of Politics and Cinema

Throughout the years, Cannes has not just been a platform for artistic expression but also a reflection of global politics. The festival has showcased films that delve into pressing issues, political upheavals, and societal changes. During the Cold War, for instance, movies from both sides of the Iron Curtain were presented, often offering contrasting worldviews. In recent times, films highlighting the refugee crisis, climate change, and social justice movements have found a platform at Cannes. The festival, thus, serves as a mirror to society, highlighting the intertwining of cinema and real-world events.

Women in Cannes: Breaking Barriers

Historically, the film industry, much like other sectors, has been male-dominated. However, Cannes has played a pivotal role in breaking some of these barriers. The festival has, over the years, seen an increase in films directed by women, stories centered around powerful female protagonists, and juries led by iconic women of cinema. Notable figures like Jane Campion, who won the Palme d’Or for “The Piano”, have paved the way. The festival has also faced criticism and calls for better gender representation. Initiatives like the “5050×2020” movement, which demands equal representation and pay, have gained momentum at Cannes, further pushing for change.

Digital Evolution: Cannes Embraces the Future

In its early days, Cannes was strictly about film reels. Fast forward to today, the festival is adapting to the digital revolution. The rise of streaming platforms has posed both challenges and opportunities. While there’s been resistance to films that bypass traditional theatrical release, there’s also acknowledgment of the changing landscape. Virtual Reality (VR) experiences and films shot on unconventional devices have made their mark at Cannes, proving that while the festival honors its traditions, it’s not averse to the future. As technology continues to evolve, Cannes will undoubtedly continue to serve as a bridge between the timeless art of storytelling and modern innovation.

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#1. Akane Stands by Sora

Japanese title: アカネのソラ Akane no sora

Sora has lost her job in a Tokyo enterprise and is struggling with a hard time. The woman suddenly meets the friend of her childhood, Akane, who is full of joy and happiness. Sora suffers from her sudden hatred for the successful Akane. Watch the movie that shows such trivial but common problems of people. 

#2. Love Song

Japanese title:「なんてね。」 Nantene

Frightened by ghosts who he sees nearby, Sasaki asks a fake psychic Junjiro to exorcise them. At the same time, he meets a beautiful but totally desperate girl Aki who often struggles with suicidal thoughts. The unsuccessful exorcist and the girl change the life of Sasaki, but what stories do all of them hide?

#3. Anonatsu Coconut

Japanese title: アノナツココナツ Ano natsu koko natsu

Takaharu is a college student who works part-time at a donut shop. And his life seems so easy and understandable… until he meets a tiny girl who comes right out of the oven. 

#4. Before the Rainbow Falls

Japanese title: 虹が落ちる前に Niji ga ochiru mae ni

The member of an unsuccessful band feels frustrated by his life and band. He desperately;y tries to change things, but his friends and girlfriend accuse him of ruining their normal lives. The character feels miserable and unable to change his life until some sudden changes make him lose even the tiny things he had. 

#5. Hana & Ice

Japanese title: 花とアイス Hana to Aisu

Hana is a transfer high school student who is trying to get along with her new classmates. After classes, Hana copes with her loneliness by dancing ballet all alone in the classroom. One day, a boy sees her and approaches fascinated with her dancing. This is when a cute romantic story begins.

#6. Our August 2nd Promise

Japanese title: 8月2日の約束 Hachi-gatsu futsuka no yakusoku

A senior Ito is standing under a tall 500-year-old ginkgo tree. She remembers how 75 years ago she was hurt by an air raid. For all these years, she has been trying hard to recall the memories that she lost on that day. She feels that an important part of her life is missing, but can’t get her memories back. And one day… the tree triggers her memory. 75 years ago Ito was just 16 and made a promise to run away with her boyfriend. On her way to their romantic place, Ito got hurt but now through time and space, they are again together. 

#7. Invisible Armageddon 

Japanese title: 透明な終末 Tōmei na shūmatsu

It’s a sophisticated fiction story of Morita, a successful man who is diagnosed with cancer. From now on he has just 3 months left to live, and so he decides to commit suicide. While his personal world is crashing, Morita finds out that this is also the last day of humanity. To find rescue, he decides to go to his house in the forest. There he finds a woman he knew sometime before. They have a nice breakfast and spend a romantic time, and Morita feels the desire for life once again. However, he starts to see the mystical keeper of time more and more often. Is it for real or is it the side effect of drugs? Morita tries to find an answer but instead appears at the center of Armageddon. Mankind is dying and now cats will lead the world. 

The only way to figure all this out is to check the movie.

#8. Memory

Japanese title: 劇薬 Gekiyaku

This is a thrilling story of a homeless person, Maezono, who has lost his memory and can’t remember even a day of his own past. He meets a woman, Rina, who says that she is the sister of his wife. His wife was killed 2 months ago and no one is even looking for the murderer. Maezono trusts her words and starts to go deep into his memories to get a hint at the killer’s identity. Yet, his discoveries appear to be too shocking.

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The 20th-anniversary edition of the New York Asian Film Festival will take place on the 15th of July, 2022. The festival traditionally shows the best picks of Asian and Asian American cinema. Whether you prefer action, comedy, drama, thriller, romance, or horror, here you can find many nice movies to watch with your bae. 

NYAFF’s South Korean Movies

The year 2022 is the 140th anniversary of the friendship between Korea and the United States. To make this day festive, the Korean Cultural Center New York organized many interesting events for visitors. 

The film lineup of South Korea has a plethora of interesting movies, such as: 

• Confession is a mystery thriller film by Yoon Jong-seok. It tells the story of a couple who came to spend a romantic night in a hotel, but then the woman is found dead. To defend himself in law, Min-ho, the lover of the woman, hires a defense lawyer. 
• Next Door is a thriller with elements of comedy that show the life of a would-be police cadet who suddenly gets involved in a crime-fighting mission. 
• Perhaps love is a comedy-drama movie created by Jo Eun-ji. The film is about a successful novelist, Hyun, whose life appears to be a total disaster. He can’t write one more good novel and has problems in his relationship with his ex-wife. Suddenly, he meets another talented author, which triggers a change in his values and priorities. 

Other movies to check in the South Korea lineup are Stellar, The Girl on a Bulldozer, The Killer, and more.

NYAFF’s Japanese Movies

The Japanese film lineup has many interesting movies to choose from, such as Angry Son, Broken Commandment, Intimate Stranger, Offbeat Cops, Ox-Head Village.

Some of the films are worth particular attention: 

• Shin Ultraman is a fantastic film directed by Shinji Higuchi. The Earth is invaded by several giant lifeforms classified as the “S-Class Species”. A silver extraterrestrial giant dubbed “Ultraman” comes to save monsters and humanity from each other and bring peace. The emotional story of the monster Ultraman will definitely leave you deeply touched. 
• Ribbon is a very personal vision of a creative person who struggles with the pandemic and tries to stay creative and keep her promises. 
• Grown-ups is a movie that tells the story of a young couple. She is an art student, and he is an acting club member. Unexpectedly Yumi gets pregnant and the couple has to face a hard decision about their future. This love movie will show many stories so close to the average lives of many people. 

NYAFF’s China Movies

China’s film list has a bunch of marvelous picks, including All the Crows in the World, Before Next Spring, Fire on the Plain, Ripples of Life, and Virgin Blue. We recommend watching Manchurian Tige, the film about the man whose wife is about to give birth and hence he has to find new hosts for his beloved dog. In the search for a good candidate, he finds one strange man. But accidentally the new owner becomes the cause of the dog’s death. Another interesting movie is Fire on the Plain. This film tells the story of a police officer who investigates the case of a killer and fights with his own hard past at the same time. Ripples of Life is another movie worth your attention. It is about a film star who comes to her hometown with a crew to shoot a video. However, quarrels among the crew and funny locals interfere in the production process.

NYAFF’s Hong Kong Movies

Hong Kong movies touch on local problems with families, careers, and food and show the atmosphere in Hong Kong through the lives of people. To name a few of the films worthy of your attention, check Table for Six, Far Far Away, We Are Family, Legendary in Action!, and Mama’s Affair. 

NYAFF’s Taiwan Movies

Taiwan’s film list includes the most spectacular films of the last years. Among them, you can watch The Funeral, a horror movie about a mother who has to come back to their family house after the death of her grandfather. Terrorizers is another film about a social drama. It is about a story of a young man who kills a couple with a sword and why he did it. 

The Festival takes place on July 15-31, 2022. Tickets are available for purchase starting the 1st of July. For more information, visit the festival website: www.nyaff.org.

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Held in August

An acclaimed Swiss film festival that has been called “an alternative Cannes for radical film buffs.” The authors of this definition emphasize that both Cannes and Locarno retain, unlike many others, global significance, but similarities can be seen in the fact that both festivals were held for the 67th time this year. Another feature that makes Cannes and Locarno similar is the demand: a small Swiss town can play host to ~170,000 people for 11 days.

In addition to the main program (Concorso internazionale), which, as already mentioned, usually includes uncompromising auteur films, the Festival offers an international competition for first and second films (Concorso Cineasti del presente), a competition for short and medium-length films by young authors (Pardi di domani) and an out of competition selection of first films made by already established directors. The festival awards – leopard statuettes – come with handsome cash prizes of up to 90,000 Swiss francs.

For professionals in the film industry in Locarno organizes separate screenings of films and presentations of projects in various stages of readiness and implemented mainly in countries where there is no established cinematic tradition. For film school students the festival also offers short summer educational programs (directing, film criticism, documentary filmmaking), similar to those we mentioned when talking about the Berlin Film Festival.

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Taking place in November

For the third time in a row, this November festival is taking place in the well-known state of Goa. Although the show itself has an impressive history, it only became an annual competitive event in the 21st century. It is logical that the festival has not yet had time to gain the necessary weight, and the competition mostly includes projects from friendly and little-known cinemas (Iran, Bangladesh, etc.), which can expect to win awards (including money) for best film, best directing and best male and female roles, as well as the special prize from the jury.

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Held in November

Perhaps the most exotic member of the A-list, celebrating its 36th anniversary this year. The November Forum in Cairo is the only FIAPF-accredited festival in Africa. Not much is known about it: there is definitely a major international competition with FIPRESCI prizes and awards for best film, best director, best screenplay, best male and female roles and “best artistic contribution”, as well as programs of classics, debut films, short films and student films.

There is no indication that the Cairo Festival includes any events for film industry professionals.

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Takes place in September

The oldest film festival, founded on the initiative of Benito Mussolini, celebrated its 70th anniversary last year. Unfortunately, the position of Venice has weakened with age, and now this festival, although considered to be well-deserved, authoritative and so on, can hardly be compared to Cannes or Berlin. There are many reasons for this. First, the festival is held on the island of Lido with a limited number of hotels: it’s more difficult to get here, it is simply impossible to accommodate a large number of guests, and prices are constantly increasing. Secondly, here, in contrast to Cannes, with great difficulty is the renewal of infrastructure. Thirdly, the Venice Festival, which starts at the end of August, overlaps in the calendar with the Torrontes Festival, which attracts more and more journalists and professionals.

It is also important that Venice cannot compete with the leading international festivals in terms of the size of the film market. This is an absolutely logical outcome of the fact that in 2014 the Lido film market was organized for only the third time.

Be that as it may, the vast majority of filmmakers still can’t even dream of making it into the main competition of the Venice festival. Even getting into the less important Horizons program (feature and documentary films representing new trends in the development of cinema), the short-film competition or one of the parallel programs can already be considered a success.

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Takes place in August – September

Although the most famous Canadian film festival is the most authoritative Toronto one, it is not Toronto that got the FIAPF’s “A” accreditation, but Montreal’s one, which comes to the end of summer. The Toronto show, we should remind, is held without a jury and competition as such, with an increased attention to Canadian and North American films proper, while Montreal is ready to accept films from all over the world.

Even in Montreal’s main competition, it’s not often that you see films by truly well-known masters, and the presence of additional sections for debut and student films clearly indicates that the organizers are aiming to discover new names. These films are juxtaposed with selections of recent international feature films and documentaries. Curiously, the festival, if you put aside the easy-to-explain love for French cinema, remains one of the most “hospitable”, since the native North American cinema has not won here for 20 years.

Montreal also organizes a film market, but there is almost no public information about it.

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