NEW JIM JARMUSCH FILM IN PRODUCTION

NEW YORK, February 21, 2008 – Independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch’s new film, the tentatively titled The Limits of Control, has confirmed the addition of ten actors to its cast. Mr. Jarmusch started shooting the picture, to which Focus Features has worldwide rights, in Madrid, Spain earlier this month.

Joining previously announced lead actor Isaach De Bankolé, in his fourth collaboration with Mr. Jarmusch, are Hiam Abbass, whose films include Munich and Paradise Now; Gael García Bernal, of Focus’ Academy Award-winning The Motorcycle Diaries; Paz De La Huerta, whose independent feature work includes the upcoming The Guitar, with Mr. De Bankolé; Alex Descas, who starred opposite Mr. De Bankolé in the "No Problem" segment of Mr. Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes; two-time Academy Award nominee John Hurt; Youki Kudoh, who starred in Mr. Jarmusch’s Mystery Train; Bill Murray, who starred in Mr. Jarmusch’s most recent film, Broken Flowers, which was also handled worldwide by Focus; Jean-François Stévenin, whose films include Brotherhood of the Wolf and The Man on the Train; Tilda Swinton, also a Broken Flowers cast member, and currently an Academy Award nominee for her performance in Michael Clayton; and Luis Tosar, whose films include Miami Vice, in which Mr. De Bankolé also appeared. Focus is co-financing the film with Entertainment Farm.

In addition to Broken Flowers, Mr. Jarmusch’s films include Permanent Vacation, Stranger Than Paradise, Down by Law, Mystery Train, Night on Earth, Dead Man, Year of the Horse, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Coffee and Cigarettes, and the short film "INT. TRAILER. NIGHT."

The new film is the story of a mysterious loner (to be played by Mr. De Bankolé), a stranger, whose activities remain meticulously outside the law. He is in the process of completing a job, yet he trusts no one, and his objectives are not initially divulged. The film is set in the striking and varied landscapes of contemporary Spain (both urban and otherwise).

Mr. Schamus said, "These acclaimed actors span an international spectrum of talent, and are sterling additions to this exciting new project. We have had the pleasure of collaborating with several of them previously, and eagerly anticipate their work with Jim."

Stacey Smith, who has worked with Mr. Jarmusch for over a decade and Gretchen McGowan (who co-produced the filmmaker’s Coffee and Cigarettes) are producing the new film. Award-winning cinematographer Christopher Doyle (In the Mood for Love) is the film’s director of photography; Eugenio Caballero, an Academy Award winner last year for his art direction of Pan’s Labryinth, is the film’s production designer. The filmmaker’s longtime collaborator Jay Rabinowitz will edit the feature. Jon Kilik (Babel) is executive-producing the film, continuing his association with Mr. Jarmusch.

Last Minute Oscar Predictions

This year’s Oscar awards looks to be one of the most predictable in recent memory. Look for "No Country for Old Men" to take Best Picture, with the Coen brothers taking home matching statues for Best Director. The Best Actor award will go to Daniel Day Lewis, and Marion Cotillard should waltz to France with a golden figure for her miraculous performance in "La Vie En Rose."

Supporting Actor will go to Javier Bardem for "No Country," and Cate Blanchett will win Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Bob Dylan. "Juno" gets an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and "No Country" wins Best Adapted Script. "Ratatouille" undeservingly wins Best Animated Feature.

"There Will Be Blood" should win cinematography, and "Atonement" will win for Art Direction. Finally, look for "Falling Slowly" from the film "Once" to take a statue for Best Song.

Playing with the Jazz combo at the 92nd street Y

On January 28th my 7-piece Jazz combo played a free show at the 92nd street Y and photographer Sergio Lira took these cool shots.

"There Will Never Be Another You," "Song for my Father," "Interplay," Blue Bossa," "Valse Hot," "Sidewinder," "Caravan," and "Prince Albert" made up the night's set list.