Martin Pieter Zandvliet made quite an impression with Applause, his first feature film. Now, fans and aspiring filmmakers alike have the chance to learn more about his directorial choices, working with Paprika Steen, being influenced by John Cassavetes, and more. Zandvliet will be providing a series of videotaped answers to select questions posted at www.applausemovie.com. Curious what he has to say? Check out his first entry at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZCITHR0E34.

Applause was showcased to rave reviews last month at the Chicago European Union Film Festival. World Wide offers sincere thanks to the Gene Siskel Film Center (at the Art Institute of Chicago) for bringing the award-winning picture to indy film fans in the Windy City.  Next Friday,  April 8, Applause will be presented by River City Cinema at the Union Street Brick Church in Bangor, ME. For more information, visit http://www.rivercitycinema.com/Applause.html.  Then on Wednesday, April 13, the picture will be shown at the Downtown Boca Film Festival as a preview to the general release in South Florida at the Movies Of Delray theater on Friday, April 22. Anxious for this critically acclaimed film to make it to your city? Drop us a line at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Applause/126007614098443 and let us know!

Earlier this week, independent film enthusiasts in South Florida got a sneak peek at Applause via a private screening for Café Cinematheque International in Delray Beach. World Wide was thrilled to receive the following glowing report:

When Shelly Isaacs, host and commentator for Café Cinematheque International, introduced Applause at a private screening to a sold-out audience at The Movies of Delray in Delray Beach Florida on March 29th, he warned them, “In the words of another great actress who portrayed an aging divaFasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night!” And so, following the screening, with his commentary and discussion, the audience agreed that Paprika Steen turned in the performance of the year. Discussing Martin Peter Zandvliet’s direction and the script he co-wrote with Anders Frithiof August, Isaacs took the audience through the way they seamlessly edited in Ms Steen’s live performance as Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe with Thea’s story, creating a powerful cinematic tableau which revealed all the nuances and subtleties to her character. “But it was definitely Paprika’s performance, warts and all, that was extraordinary,” he told the crowd that remained in their seats long after the film was over. “This is truly what great cinema, and great art is all about. She may not be somebody we want to know, but she was a character we won’t soon forget.” “I am honored that World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation gave me this opportunity to bring my audience this special film. Their team on this project put in a tremendous effort, and the result was up on the screen, and down in the seats.”

Since 2000, Shelly Isaacs and his Café Cinematheque have been bringing large audiences throughout South Florida the finest foreign language films. As host and commentator, his presentations include entertaining and enriching discussions following each screening. “There is nothing like experiencing these films in a theatrical setting and having the opportunity to discuss them while the great imagery is fresh in your mind.” Which is why he was excited about bringing Applause to his audience. “This is a great international film, with a performance that sets it apart, but even more importantly, it once again proves that sophisticated American audiences have no fear of subtitles.”

World Wide is pleased to announce plans to continue the roll-out of Applause, releasing next in the Southeast. The film will be showcased at the the Downtown Boca Film Festival (formerly the Delrey Beach Film Festival), which runs April 9-17 in Boca Raton, FL (screen date to be determined). Then on Friday, April 22, the film will open at the Regal Shadowood Cinema in Boca Raton. An additional location in the Sunshine State will be added soon.

The great press resulting from the recent limited release of Applause has film buffs in other cities clamouring to see it. Already an award winner from festivals around the world, now Applause is headed to two more! First, the picture will screen at the Victoria International Film Festival on Sunday, February 6, at 2 p.m. at the Empire Capitol 6 Cinema in Victoria, British Columbia (visit www.victoriafilmfestival.com for more information). Then in March, it’s off to the Chicago European Union Film Festival where it will screen twice at the Gene Siskel Film Center (March 20th and 23rd), which is part of the Art Institute of Chicago. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster here.

We'd like to offer a big thank you to everyone who came out to support the North American theatrical release of Applause.  Thanks to a strong opening week for a specialty film, the film has been held over at the Village East theater in New York, the Laemmle Sunset 5 in Los Angeles, and the University Town Center 6 in Irvine, CA.  It will be moving this week from the Laemmle Sunset 5 to Laemmle's Monica 4-plex.  With interest already coming in from theater chains in other cities, World Wide is currently making plans for a wide release of Applause.  Check back soon for more information.