Bollywood Trade News Network

The Festival, to be held from 19 to 28 October in this town on the Mediterranean Sea, will feature the premieres of more that 80 films of international origin. The opening film will be LUST, CAUTION (SE JIE), the latest picture of Oscar triumphant Taiwanese-American helmer Ang Lee.

Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Clive Owen, ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE is a follow-up of its Academy Award nominated 1998 predecessor where Cate Blanchett had made her mark in the role of ELIZABETH I.

Shekhar Kapur, who was described by the Festival's International Media Coordinator Reyhan Dökmen (in an interview to glamsham.com) as one of the globe's most critically acclaimed film directors and impresarios, returns to the directing chair and brings a breathtaking sense of romance in the historical setting of the clash of great empires. The pulse-pounding return to the world of the much-loved original epic ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE credits twice Oscar nominated scriptwriter William Nicholson and the scriptwriter of 1998 Elizabeth Michael Hirst.

ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE finds Queen Elizabeth I facing bloodlust for her throne and familial betrayal. Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late 16th century Europe, Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II - with his powerful army and sea - dominating armada - determined to restore England to Catholicism. Preparing to go to war to defend her empire, Elizabeth struggles to balance ancient royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her love for Sir Walter Raleigh. But he remains forbidden for a queen who has sworn body and soul to her country. Unable and unwilling to pursue her love, Elizabeth encourages her favorite lady-in-waiting, Bess, to befriend Raleigh to keep him near. But, this strategy forces Elizabeth to observe their growing intimacy. As she charts her course abroad, her trusted advisor, Sir Francis Walsingham, continues his masterful puppetry of Elizabeth's court at home--and her campaign to solidify absolute power. Through an intricate spy network, Walsingham uncovers an assassination plot that could topple the throne. But as he unmasks traitors that may include Elizabeth's own Cousin Mary Stuart, he unknowingly sets England up for destruction.

LUST, CAUTION revolves around the attempt of a group of patriotic students to assassinate the Japanese backed puppet government's intelligence chief, Mr. Yee, in the Japanese occupied China during the Second World War.

Meanwhile, the Festival will also host the Eurasia Film Market to serve as a cross-marketing platform that integrates industry professionals from the Eastern reaches of Asia to the Atlantic coasts. Launched with last year's festival, the Eurasia Film and TV Market developed into an important event for film business with the number of sales, deals, co-production contracts made in its first edition, where 600 film professionals came together and discussed future possibilities.

According to Ms Dökmen, the market, along with Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival and International Eurasia Film Festival forms a unique network of formal and casual connections for high end film producers, newcomers of the cinema and TV industry.

This year the 44thGolden Orange Film Festival will bring together these three major events of cinema with industry professionals and stars from around the world and will be held as a summit of culture, cinema and business by the Mediterranean within the chain of festivals, she added.