Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is the purpose of international film festivals?
- Have you ever watched a film featured in an international film festival? If so, how did the film’s participation in the festival affect your opinion of it? If not, which movie do you think should be included in an international film festival, and why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- prestigious /pre-STIJ-uhs/
- reunion /ree-YOON-yuhn/
- selfless /SELF-lis/
- disclose /dih-SKLOHZ/
- reminisce /rem-uh-NIS/
[adjective] – admired and respected because of great success or importance
The prestigious award was given to the top student of the year.
[noun] – an occasion when people who have been separated come together again
We had a reunion with old friends from school last weekend.
[adjective] – concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own
Her selfless act of donating all her savings helped many people in need.
[verb] – to make something known or reveal information
The company will disclose the new product details next week.
[verb] – to think or talk about past experiences and events
They like to reminisce about their childhood adventures together.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt returned to a prestigious international film festival to present their new action thriller. During their appearance, the actors talked about their reunion for this project, the effects of streaming services, and Clooney’s recent article on leadership. Clooney highlighted the importance of selfless leadership and mentioned the difficulties of giving up power, praising a famous leader who managed to do it successfully. The film, which shows Clooney and Pitt as characters who must work together despite their differences, will first be shown in a few theaters before being released on a popular streaming service. Clooney disclosed that they accepted lower salaries to ensure the film would be shown in theaters, although the number of cinemas has turned out to be fewer than expected.
In their discussion about the changes in film distribution, Clooney pointed out that while streaming services are crucial and beneficial, the industry is still figuring out how to balance them with traditional theater releases. Pitt agreed, stressing the need for both types of viewing. The actors reminisced about their past work together, humorously commenting on their ages and their lasting professional relationship. Pitt noted that as he grows older, working with people he values has become increasingly important. The film’s director, known for a popular superhero series, had intended to attend the festival but could not because of illness.
In their discussion about the changes in film distribution, Clooney pointed out that while streaming services are crucial and beneficial, the industry is still figuring out how to balance them with traditional theater releases. Pitt agreed, stressing the need for both types of viewing. The actors reminisced about their past work together, humorously commenting on their ages and their lasting professional relationship. Pitt noted that as he grows older, working with people he values has become increasingly important. The film’s director, known for a popular superhero series, had intended to attend the festival but could not because of illness.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why did George Clooney and Brad Pitt attend the international film festival?
- What did the actors discuss regarding streaming services during their appearance?
- What was highlighted as important by Clooney in terms of leadership?
- How did Clooney and Pitt’s film differ from other films released this year?
- What did Clooney reveal about their salaries for the film?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever attended a special event or festival like the one mentioned in the article? If so, what was the event about, and what did you enjoy most? If not, what kind of event would you like to attend in the future, and why?
- Have you ever worked on a project with someone you had a long history with, like Clooney and Pitt did? If so, how did your past experiences affect the project? If not, how do you think working with someone you know well might influence a project?
- Do you agree that streaming services and traditional theaters should both play a role in film distribution?
- What might be some challenges of accepting lower salaries to ensure a film is shown in theaters? How could this impact the film’s success?
- How could the film industry improve the balance between streaming services and traditional theater releases to benefit both viewers and filmmakers?