TCM International Film Guide 2008: The Definitive Annual Review of World Cinema

Now relaunched by Wallflower Press, the 2008 (44th) edition is a special double edition covering the films and festivals of 2006 and 2007, via a 'World Survey' section encompassing the output of over 100 countries. Other features include coverage of five 'Directors of the Year' (Fatih Akin, Suzanne Bier, Guillermo del Toro, Paul Greengrass and Jia Zhangke), a detailed country focus on Germany, industry analysis on documentary and the growth of DVD production and a comprehensive listing and description of all major international and smaller local film festivals from all over the world.

"Keeping abreast of the international film scene can be daunting. For years, the International Film Guide served as a one-stop reference book for this topic. Now relaunched by Wallflower Press under the sponsorship of TCM (Turner Classic Movies), the forty-fourth edition picks up where the last volume ended (in 2006). London-based editor Smith is a film writer and critic. He is coeditor of Wallflower Press’ series on national regional cinema. In this volume, he has enlisted the help of almost 100 national and international liaisons. The first section features five directors representing a spectrum of experience: Fatih Akin, Susanne Bier, Guillermo del Toro, Paul Greengrass, and Jia Zhangke. In each seven-page article, the contributor traces the director’s development and breakthrough films. Eight pages summarize the accomplishments of major directors who died in 2006 and 2007. Three in-depth critical articles focus on Germany and its cinematic history from the 1960s to the present, current trends in documentaries, and the DVD market. The bulk of the book covers the film industry in 98 countries. Entries are arranged alphabetically, and each two- to eight-page article describes current films and festivals, notes the best films (according to the contributor), offers a memorable quote, and provides a directory of relevant associations. British terms and spelling are used. Usually at least one color photo appears per page. The final section provides quick facts: world box-office statistics, film-festival calendar and news, and an index to advertisers (most of which are festivals and organizations). The guide’s subtitle, “the definitive annual review of world cinema,” accurately reflects the content. Libraries will welcome this valuable and inexpensive reference tool." - Lesley Farmer