End is nigh for film in Irish cinemas

Most analysts agree that digital projection systems will eventually take over from the gorgeously archaic 19th century technology (cans, reels, sprockets) currently operating in our cinemas. But the changeover has hitherto been hampered by a knotty economic quandary: whereas abandoning celluloid will eventually save money for the distributors, the cost of installing new equipment falls to the exhibitors. Donald Clarke reports

Avica Europe, the Thurles-based European wing of one of the world's foremost digital cinema technology manufacturers, announced last week that it was proceeding with a scheme to install the new projectors in 105 sites throughout Ireland. The trick? "The theatre owners are not paying a penny for the equipment," Kevin Cummins, spokesman for Digital Cinema Ireland, an Avica subsidiary, told Reel News. "Their only expense involves installing a digital porthole. The equipment they get on a custodial basis."

A more extensive feature on this issue will appear in The Ticket shortly.

Dublin hosts Lesbian Fest

A third Lesbian Arts Festival - the organisers insist upon the indefinite article - takes place between March 30th and April 10th in various Dublin locations and is packed with thrilling events involving all your favourite media. Film enthusiasts can look forward to a workshop hosted by Liz Gill, director of Goldfish Memory, and, on March 31st, a screening in the Savoy of Patricia Rozema's fine Canadian drama I Heard the Mermaids Singing.

Following the film, Rozema, who also directed Happy Days for the Beckett on Film project, will be in conversation with Irish Times film correspondent Michael Dwyer. See www.alafireland.com.

A place for shorts

Makers of short films should be aware that two prestigious competitions are seeking submissions. The Stella Artois Short Film Award, which enables shortlisted pictures to be screened at the Temple Bar-based Diversions Festival in June and which offers €4,000 to the winning flick, requires entries to be with the organisers before next Thursday, March 31st. For details see www.templebar.ie.

If you're still stuck in the editing suite, the sixth Samhlaiocht Kerry Film Festival, which begins on October 24th, will be accepting submissions until July 16th. See www.kerryfilmfestival.com.

Macho Milius gets a job

John Milius hasn't had a feature film screenplay produced in more than a decade, but now news reaches us that the thinking man's surf hooligan is to pen the script for a video game. Something sedate perhaps? Ms Pac Man 2005? The Sims' Tupperware Party? Not a chance. The writer of the shoutiest bits of Apocalypse Now and of Robert Shaw's grisly USS Indianapolis monologue from Jaws is providing the dialogue for Medal of Honor: European Assault, in which a US army officer tries to track down a deadly Nazi weapon. Expect bonus lives to be awarded for decapitating conscientious objectors.

Disney, Pixar still bedmates?

The most tempestuous love affair since the days of Burton and Taylor continues to exercise the attentions of media watchers everywhere. No, we're not talking about Brad and Jen. Following the confirmation that Robert Iger is to take over from Michael Eisner as CEO of Disney, Pixar Animation president  Ed Catmull has indicated that the makers of The Incredibles might be prepared to consider persevering with the troubled marriage between the two organisations. "We should stay together for the sake of the kids," Catmull didn't say.

Difficulties remain, however, over Disney's plans to develop a sequel to Toy Story without help from their better half. Indeed, Steve Jobs, Pixar's éminence grise, is reported to have said he "feels sick" at the notion of Disney mucking around with his creations.

Diva Halle drops agents

Halle Berry has dispensed with the services of the William Morris Agency. She claims the bust-up was precipitated by indiscrete remarks David Wirtschafter, an employee of WMA, made in the New Yorker magazine. Ms Berry's most recent films were Gothika and Catwoman. We'll say no more.

dclarke@irish-times.ie