Yes, Virginia, there's something for everyone in the last month before the new "mill". December Yes, Virginia, there's something for everyone in the last month before the new "mill". The 4th edition of "Roze Filmdagen" ("Pink Filmdays"), the International Lesbian and Gay Filmfestival of Amsterdam, will begin on the 14th and run till the 19th of the big D. This year there is a special focus on movies from Eastern Asia and about Asians living abroad (please note> films are either in English or subtitled in English.) Of course, this doesn't rule out such stunners as "Gymhomo" or "Lipstick Pussy". The two locations screening the 30 feature length and 80 short films on offer are Cinema de Balie and Filmhuis Cavia. Amsterdam may be renowned for it's liberal lifestyle, but many of the movies being shown haven't even made it to the cinemas or TV screens here. So take out your tassels and bounce around town. A special "Hollywood Glamour" dance party will kick off the entire event on December 11th from 10 P.M. till 3 A.M. at the COC theater hall. Entrance is 8 guilders cheap and a special drink bonus will be on offer to those attending in suitably "glamourous" attire. Further info available http://www.rozefilm.w3.to/ The European Film Award winners for 1999 will be announced on Saturday, December 4th at the Schiller Theatre (now home of the European Film Academy) in Berlin during the accompanying ceremony. But that's not all in store for those visiting this wonderful (and still a little wonderfully decadent) city. On December 3rd there will be a panel discussion with a number of high-ranking politicians concerning "Perspectives for European Cinema". Scheduled for December 4th will be two further panels: at 12:30 is the discussion "Producing for the Next Millennium" regarding new production models for movies and at 15:00 one including European politicians and representatives of the film industry to analyze measures for strengthening European cinema; both events will take place at the Embassies of the Nordic Countries (near Tiergarten). Hope you've already made your arrangements, if you hope to attend, because the ticket sales are already over-subscribed. Take heart, however, if you haven't becaue the main event (i.e. award ceremonies) will be broadcast throughout 21 European territories either "live" on the night, or during the following day (depending on where you're located). Check your local information. By the way, Tim Roth's "War Zone" (unfortunately, not released in the Netherlands to date) is among those nominated for Best Film of 1999. The spanking-new Dutch Film and Television Academy (a big green-colored glass building near the fleamarket in Amsterdam, brilliantly equipped and humorously referred to by some students as "the morgue") will be having its first "3D Day" in December, hosted by Alias/Wavefront and including workshops, presentations, animation studios, and tours of the new building. Restricted to professionals and students, those who are still interested can obtain further information about the necessary registration at the www.ivs.nl site. As 1999, the year declared by the United Nations as "Year for the Aged," draws to a close, the fifth and final edition of "Oud is in Beeld" ("Old is in the Picture") at the Rialto Movie Theatre in Amsterdam will be taking place on the 16th, 17th, & 18th of this month. Movies being shown during this short festival include "The Straight Story," "Buena Vista Social Club," and "Tea with Mussoliini". There are also three debates scheduled during these three days: a group of representatives from Amsterdam art organizations will be offering their vision about how they intend, if at all, to invite the elderly to participate. filmcritics will be allowed time to tell whether or not the elderly play any specific role in their analyses or decision forming. a discussion in which an attempt will be made to explain how photographs manage to translate their images into what sometimes becomes the work of trendy image makers. Further info available www.seniorweb.nl/filmhuis "Kruimeltje," the renowned Dutch book written by Chris van Abcoude promises to be the big attraction this Christmas at cinemas in Holland. A lowlands slant on a Dickenesque tale, the images are a delight. Keep your eyes open for the appearance of The Green Hartnett's review, but, in the meantime, you can always visit the website at www.kruimeltje.nl Sonic Acts 1999 will be having an exciting festival this year which includes the possiblity of a boat ride along several locations with sound experiences and performances en route, ending with a show at the Paradiso. Bungy jumping, light and sound shows, singers, and theatrical performances are all part of the trip. Their concept is to show that the life and movement around Amsterdam's great body of water, the Ijselmeer, which serves as entrance to the sea was once the internet of its time. Bookings are possible for one of the two performances per evening that will be taking place between December 21st and 23rd. Further information at: www.paradiso.nl © 1994-2006 The Green Hartnett