Bulgarian Humour Translates Better on the Page than the Screen
Humour is a funny thing. What can have one person in fits of laughter can leave another entirely dumbfounded. Add cultural and social differences and the recipe often falls flat, as evidenced by the number of hit UK TV comedies that have failed to survive a trip across the pond.
As a case in point, take the misjudged US version of the phenomenally successful UK sitcom Gavin and Stacey, which was reportedly put on the back burner after the social comedy nosedived stateside.
Whereas the written word can be translated well on the page, if the translator is worth their salt, films can often find it more difficult to find an audience abroad.
Comedies have any even harder job to be accepted across borders. It is not surprising that one of the most successful comedy crossovers, Mr Bean, is devoid of dialogue that can be lost in translation.
Raindance Film Festival Gives Balkan Cinema a London Showcase
Highlights of modern Balkan cinema will get an annual airing at London’s Raindance Film Festival (25 September – 6 October).
The Raindance Film Festival has established itself as the premiere destination for the best of Balkan cinema. Each year, organisers tailor a programme of the most talked-about regional films, international festival favourites, directorial debuts and first screenings, alongside panel discussions and cast Q&As.
In the past, the films have attracted heated debate among the diaspora for their uncompromising impression of contemporary Balkan life, while some more feel-good films are praised for acknowledging the heart and humour of the region.
Leading US character actor Richard Riehle will play George Westinghouse in TESLA biopic
One of America’s most familiar screen faces, Richard Riehle will play American engineer and entrepreneur George Westinghouse in TESLA (@TeslaTheMovie), the widely anticipated biopic of the great Serb scientist and humanitarian Nikola Tesla.
Familiar character actor Riehle, a star of the Oscar® nominated films Glory, Casino, The Fugitive and Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, is a strong addition to the cast of TESLA, the most talked-about film in Balkan cinema. Directed by Pittsburgh’s Michael Anton, TESLA is the only film in advanced pre-production that will tell the life story of Nikola Tesla.
As a key rival to Edison, George Westinghouse should be a meaty role for Richard Riehle, who is well known for his colourful roles in more than 50 television series and almost twice as many films.
TESLA will be a Landmark Film for Serbia
The forthcoming Nikola Tesla biopic will be a landmark project for Serbia and will provide a long overdue reappraisal of the great revolutionary thinker, scientist and humanitarian.
That is my considered opinion after many months of working as Associate Producer on TESLA (@TeslaTheMovie), the Balkans’ most talked-about film, which will shoot in Serbia and the United States, in coming months.
The phenomenal reaction to our planned film points to TESLA being an international milestone in the legacy of the Serb scientist. It will detail the life and works of Nikola Tesla, showing a man who was one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century.
As well presenting Tesla as a great scientist, the film will highlight Tesla as a revolutionary thinker and humanitarian. It will also show Tesla as a man who has been wronged by history, sidelined by the manipulations of men in power.
