Eight classic films from Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation will screen at this year’s 2015 Seattle International Film Festival running May 14 through June 7, 2015. Taking place during the final week of the Festival are the North American premieres of two restored films: 1966’s Black Girl (La Noire de…) (pictured above) from “the father of African cinema” Ousmane Sembène on June 1 and 1978’s Alyam, Alyam from Moroccan master Ahmed El Maanoui on June 7.
Established in 1990 by Martin Scorsese, The Film Foundation is dedicated to protecting and preserving motion picture history and has helped to restore over 620 films in the last 25 years.
Carl Spence, SIFF’s Artistic Director, says, “Martin Scorsese has been shining a light on the urgent work of film preservation through The Film Foundation for 25 years. Through his efforts, we are able to publicly showcase these films from around the world that audiences would not otherwise have a chance to see projected on a big screen. The enthusiastic response from SIFF audiences is a testament to our belief that movie lovers from all walks of life want to experience films in cinemas. It is also fitting that we are presenting the North American premieres of two films from Africa – it pairs nicely with the 12 contemporary features being presented in our African Pictures spotlight.”
Jennifer Ahn, Managing Director of The Film Foundation, says, “We are delighted that the Seattle International Film Festival is focusing on the importance of film preservation with its tribute to The Film Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. We’re especially pleased that the festival is presenting two remarkable works of global cinema: Black Girl (1966), directed by Senegal’s Ousmane Sembène and Alyam, Alyam (1978) by Moroccan filmmaker Ahmed El Maanouni. These films were restored through The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project, and we welcome this opportunity to collaborate with SIFF on their international premieres.”
Still to play:
Alyam, Alyam
Morocco | 1978 | 80 minutes | Ahmed El Maanouni
Following his father’s death, Abdelwahad is expected to provide for his mother and his seven brothers. But faced with the cycle of poverty that rural farmers seem doomed to repeat, he dares to hope for something better. Restoration by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project at Cineteca di Bologna/L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory.
Also played at SIFF 2015:
Black Girl
Senegal | 1966 | 65 minutes | Ousmane Sembène
This 1966 film explores the complex dynamics and larger post-colonial implications that arise between a young Senegalese maid and the French family that employs her. This quiet, observational drama was esteemed African filmmaker Ousmane Sembène’s first feature film. Restored by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project at Cineteca di Bologna/L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory.
Caught
USA | 1949 | 88 minutes | Max Ophüls
A model (Barbara Bel Geddes), a sociopathic millionaire (Robert Ryan), and a sympathetic pediatrician (James Mason) engage in a fraught romantic power struggle in Max Ophüls’ 1949 noir, only one of four movies the esteemed director made in the United States.
The Color of the Pomegranates
Armenia | 1969 | 77 minutes | Sergei Parajanov
Sergei Parajanov’s empirical masterpiece loosely follows the life of Sayat Nova, “King of Song,” an Armenian poet and musician born in the 18th century, through vibrant sets and costumes and hypnotic shots. This colorful and avant-garde masterpiece provides an utterly transformative cinematic experience.
The Dark Mirror
USA | 1946 | 85 minutes | Robert Siodmak
Robert Siodmak’s 1946 psychological thriller follows a pair of identical twins with dueling personalities, one of which is a suspect in the murder of a doctor. The Dark Mirror dips into terrifying evil doppelganger territory, while at the same time hitting all the disturbing aspects of an effective melodrama.
The Old Dark House
USA | 1932 | 71 minutes | James Whale
Long thought a lost film, this cult masterpiece from director James Whale (Frankenstein) is a twisted gothic thriller, equal parts macabre nightmare and camp farce, about three lost travelers who seek shelter in a crumbling Welsh manor. 35mm restoration by the Library of Congress with funding provided by The Film Foundation.
Rebel Without a Cause
USA | 1955 | 111 minutes | Nicholas Ray
That iconic red motorcycle jacket. An apron-wearing father. The brutal intensity of James Dean’s face, and Natalie Wood’s nurturing touch. This classic drama by renowned director Nicolas Ray is perhaps the perfectly crafted teen angst film, catapulting Dean’s short-lived film career and guaranteed to tear you apart.
The Red Shoes
United Kingdom | 1948 | 133 minutes | Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell
Moira Shearer stars in this seminal 1948 drama from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, one of the most highly regarded dance films in cinema history, about a young woman who works her way up the ladder of a prestigious ballet company.
Playing as part of STG Presents Trader Joe’s Silent Movie Mondays in June:
The Mark of Zorro (d: Fred Niblo, 1920)
My Best Girl (d: Sam Taylor, 1927)
The Unholy Three (d: Tod Browning, 1925)
Snow White (d: J. Searle Dawley, 1916)Terry P.
VIMOOZ is for lovers of independent films + foreign film + documentary + film festivals. We love championing the little films.
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8 Classic Films from Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation to Screen at 2015 Seattle International Film Festival
Eight classic films from Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation will screen at this year’s 2015 Seattle International Film Festival running May 14 through June 7, 2015. Taking place during the final week of the Festival are the North American premieres of two restored films: 1966’s Black Girl (La Noire de…) (pictured above) from “the father of African cinema” Ousmane Sembène on June 1 and 1978’s Alyam, Alyam from Moroccan master Ahmed El Maanoui on June 7.
Established in 1990 by Martin Scorsese, The Film Foundation is dedicated to protecting and preserving motion picture history and has helped to restore over 620 films in the last 25 years.
Carl Spence, SIFF’s Artistic Director, says, “Martin Scorsese has been shining a light on the urgent work of film preservation through The Film Foundation for 25 years. Through his efforts, we are able to publicly showcase these films from around the world that audiences would not otherwise have a chance to see projected on a big screen. The enthusiastic response from SIFF audiences is a testament to our belief that movie lovers from all walks of life want to experience films in cinemas. It is also fitting that we are presenting the North American premieres of two films from Africa – it pairs nicely with the 12 contemporary features being presented in our African Pictures spotlight.”
Jennifer Ahn, Managing Director of The Film Foundation, says, “We are delighted that the Seattle International Film Festival is focusing on the importance of film preservation with its tribute to The Film Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. We’re especially pleased that the festival is presenting two remarkable works of global cinema: Black Girl (1966), directed by Senegal’s Ousmane Sembène and Alyam, Alyam (1978) by Moroccan filmmaker Ahmed El Maanouni. These films were restored through The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project, and we welcome this opportunity to collaborate with SIFF on their international premieres.”
Still to play:
Alyam, Alyam
Morocco | 1978 | 80 minutes | Ahmed El Maanouni
Following his father’s death, Abdelwahad is expected to provide for his mother and his seven brothers. But faced with the cycle of poverty that rural farmers seem doomed to repeat, he dares to hope for something better. Restoration by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project at Cineteca di Bologna/L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory.
Also played at SIFF 2015:
Black Girl
Senegal | 1966 | 65 minutes | Ousmane Sembène
This 1966 film explores the complex dynamics and larger post-colonial implications that arise between a young Senegalese maid and the French family that employs her. This quiet, observational drama was esteemed African filmmaker Ousmane Sembène’s first feature film. Restored by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project at Cineteca di Bologna/L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory.
Caught
USA | 1949 | 88 minutes | Max Ophüls
A model (Barbara Bel Geddes), a sociopathic millionaire (Robert Ryan), and a sympathetic pediatrician (James Mason) engage in a fraught romantic power struggle in Max Ophüls’ 1949 noir, only one of four movies the esteemed director made in the United States.
The Color of the Pomegranates
Armenia | 1969 | 77 minutes | Sergei Parajanov
Sergei Parajanov’s empirical masterpiece loosely follows the life of Sayat Nova, “King of Song,” an Armenian poet and musician born in the 18th century, through vibrant sets and costumes and hypnotic shots. This colorful and avant-garde masterpiece provides an utterly transformative cinematic experience.
The Dark Mirror
USA | 1946 | 85 minutes | Robert Siodmak
Robert Siodmak’s 1946 psychological thriller follows a pair of identical twins with dueling personalities, one of which is a suspect in the murder of a doctor. The Dark Mirror dips into terrifying evil doppelganger territory, while at the same time hitting all the disturbing aspects of an effective melodrama.
The Old Dark House
USA | 1932 | 71 minutes | James Whale
Long thought a lost film, this cult masterpiece from director James Whale (Frankenstein) is a twisted gothic thriller, equal parts macabre nightmare and camp farce, about three lost travelers who seek shelter in a crumbling Welsh manor. 35mm restoration by the Library of Congress with funding provided by The Film Foundation.
Rebel Without a Cause
USA | 1955 | 111 minutes | Nicholas Ray
That iconic red motorcycle jacket. An apron-wearing father. The brutal intensity of James Dean’s face, and Natalie Wood’s nurturing touch. This classic drama by renowned director Nicolas Ray is perhaps the perfectly crafted teen angst film, catapulting Dean’s short-lived film career and guaranteed to tear you apart.
The Red Shoes
United Kingdom | 1948 | 133 minutes | Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell
Moira Shearer stars in this seminal 1948 drama from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, one of the most highly regarded dance films in cinema history, about a young woman who works her way up the ladder of a prestigious ballet company.
Playing as part of STG Presents Trader Joe’s Silent Movie Mondays in June:
The Mark of Zorro (d: Fred Niblo, 1920)
My Best Girl (d: Sam Taylor, 1927)
The Unholy Three (d: Tod Browning, 1925)
Snow White (d: J. Searle Dawley, 1916)
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2015 Stony Brook Film Festival Film Lineup, Opens with ‘The Man from Oran’
The 2015 Stony Brook Film Festival unveiled its schedule of films for its 20th anniversary edition, taking place from Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 25, 2015. The schedule of films is being announced today on the festival’s website, and features thirty-four films (19 features and 15 shorts), chosen out of more than 700 entries.
Many alums of the film festival are returning with films this year. The short documentary Coaching Colburn was created by Jeff Bemiss and his film students at Trinity College, with a story about a man with Fragile X Syndrome. Mr. Bemiss screened the film The Book and the Rose at Stony Brook in 2002. Menemsha Films returns with the film Dough, about a Jewish baker and his young Muslim apprentice, and Shooting Star of the Netherlands brings Painkillers to the Festival, a poignant story about a teenage musician.Producer of To Life!, Alice Brauner, was also the producer of Stony Brook’s 2012 Audience Choice-Best Feature, Wunderkinder. Peter Miller of AKA Doc Pomus fame, the 2012 Grand Prize winner, brings a new documentary to Stony Brook Film Festival this year, the World Premiere of Projections of America. During World War II, short documentaries about American life were created by filmmakers led by Academy Award winning screenwriter Robert Riskin. The U.S. Office of War Information disseminated them to be shown to audiences around the world. Projections of America tells the story of the production.
Opening night brings a dramatic feature film from Algeria, The Man from Oran (pictured above), with Lyes Salem, director, writer and star. In Arabic and French, it is a U.S. Premiere. Set largely in the years after Algeria gained independence from France, it explores the themes of friendship, idealism, politics and betrayal.
Closing Night screens The Passion of Augustine, a film from French Canada about a small convent school that has become a musical treasure. Mother Augustine is played by Céline Bonnier, who starred in the film Mommy is at the Hairdresser’s, a feature at Stony Brook in 2012. Both films were directed by Léa Pool.
American Independent features include the romantic comedy, This Isn’t Funny, starring Paul Ashton and Katie Page, who are the scriptwriters and co-producers. Paul Ashton directed the entertaining story about a stand up comedienne coping with an anxiety disorder. Feature film Jackie & Ryan stars Katherine Heigel and Ben Barnes, and is directed by Ami Canaan Mann, who was inspired by street musicians she met in Austin, Texas at South by Southwest Festival. Jackie & Ryan centers in the picturesque mountains of Ogden, Utah, where a musician and train hopper meets a former singer at a crossroads in her life. Wildike, written and directed by Frank Hall Green, stars Ella Purnell as a troubled teenager who is sent to live with her uncle in Alaska. Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, Mad Men) and Brian Gerahty (The Hurt Locker) also star. Christine Vachon, film professor at Stony Brook Southampton’s MFA in Film program, is among the producers of Wildike, along with her company Killer Films. Documentary features include Projections of America by Peter Miller and The Best of Enemies, a documentary about the television debates between William F. Buckley Jr. and Gore Vidal in 1968.
Audiences will see the many works of true indie spirit in which filmmakers do it all. Three films in the Festival have the actor, producer, and writer as one and the same. The Man from Oran by Lyes Salem, This Isn’t Funny by Paul Ashton and Katie Page, andThe Challenger by Kent Moran are ambitious films where their creators have a hand in all aspects of the film. For the documentaryNefertiti’s Daughters writer/director/producer Mark Nickolas was also one of the Directors of Photography.
Lyes Salem of The Man from Oran will be attending the Thursday, July 16 Opening Night screening. Painkillers producers Maria Peters and Dave Schram of Shooting Star will be attending the Friday, July 17 screening. Paul Ashton and Katie Page of This Isn’t Funny will be on board for Friday, July 17 as well.
Saturday, July 18, the writer and director of Henri Henri, Martin Talbot, and actors Andres Trelles Turgeonand Sophie Desmarais will be attending the screening. Jackie & Ryan’s Katherine Heigel and Ben Barnes have been invited to attend the Festival on Saturday, July 18, and the director Ami Canaan Mann is expected to attend. Sunday, July 19 the Festival will host Nefertiti’s Daughters director Mark Nickolas.
On Sunday, July 19, the screening of To Life will have producer Alice Brauner on hand, along with Uwe Janson, the director. The film that follows it, Wildlike, will be represented by director Frank Hall Green. Thicker than Paint writer/director Maryam Sepehri is expected to attend the Festival for her film on Tuesday, July 21, as is Kent Moran of The Challenger. Peter Miller will represent his documentary Projections of America, a U.S. premiere on Wednesday, July 22, and the director and cast members of One for the Road are expected to attend Stony Brook from Mexico. On closing night, Saturday, July 25, Céline Bonnier of The Passion of Augustine will be attending.
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Documentary film I AM CHRIS FARLEY Sets Summer 2015 Release Date
Virgil Films will release the documentary film I AM CHRIS FARLEY, described as the definitive biographical film about the late comedy star, featuring his co-stars and colleagues such as Christina Applegate, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Molly Shannon, David Spade, and many others. The new film, directed by Brent Hodge and Derik Murray, will open in key markets in the US nationwide in the summer of 2015, and will debut on Spike on Monday, August 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, to be followed by Video-On-Demand availability.
The film, from the directors of I Am Evel Knievel, A Brony Tale, and the upcoming Johnny Cash – American Rebel, tells Chris Farley’s story from his early days in Madison, Wisconsin and at Marquette University, through his work at the legendary club Second City, to his rapid rise to the top of the comedy world on “Saturday Night Live” and in hit films like Tommy Boy and Black Sheep.
Sharing insights into the beloved funnyman are such co-stars and colleagues as Christina Applegate, Tom Arnold, Dan Aykroyd, Bo Derek, Pat Finn, Jon Lovitz, Lorne Michaels, Jay Mohr, Mike Myers, Bob Odenkirk, Bob Saget, Adam Sandler, Will Sasso, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Brian Stack and Fred Wolf. The filmmakers also speak to Farley’s four siblings, including his brother Kevin, a comedian and actor, and his brother Tom Jr., who wrote the biography “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts.”
“Chris Farley’s talent knew no bounds”, stated co-director and producer Derik Murray, “A fearless performer who sought only to please an audience, he left behind a remarkable body of work, and we are proud to present his story with the support of an iconic cast that knew and loved Chris.”
Added Virgil Films’ Joe Amodei, “I AM CHRIS FARLEY reveals the real man behind the comic genius – and poignantly reminds us of the great work that went left undone.”
With the full cooperation and participation of the Farley family, I AM CHRIS FARLEY showcases the performer’s most memorable characters and skits from television and film, paired with iconic photographs, home movies, family snapshots and personal artifacts, to fully round out the story of this comedy legend – a bear of a man who nevertheless had remarkable grace and physicality. Clips from Farley’s most memorable performances fill the documentary, from his side-splitting Chippendales audition alongside Patrick Swayze, to his comically ill-fated salesman in Tommy Boy, to his bombastic diatribes as Matt Foley, the motivational speaker who “lives in a van down by the river!”
Farley lived his life full speed and committed to make everyone around him laugh out loud, and I AM CHRIS FARLEY will tell his hilarious, touching and wildly entertaining story for the first time ever.
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Russian film CHAGALL-MALEVICH Sets US Theatrical Release Date
After having screened at numerous international film festivals including Palm Springs, Montreal, Haifa, Moscow, Busan, and LA Jewish Film Festival, the Russian film CHAGALL-MALEVICH, directed by Alexander Mitta finally sets a U.S. theatrical release date. CHAGALL-MALEVICH will open at Cinema Village in New York on June 12 and at Laemmle Music Hall in Beverly Hills and at Town Center 5 in Encino, CA on June 19.
The artistic and political revolution of early 20th century Russia is mythologized in CHAGALL-MALEVICH, a magical period drama about the uneasy relationship between two artistic geniuses.
Inspired by the memoirs of Marc Chagall and those of his contemporaries, the film blends fact and folklore to evoke the return of the iconic Jewish artist (portrayed by Leonid Bichevin “Cargo 200”) to his childhood home of Vitebsk. Having left behind immense success in Paris, Chagall returns to the Russian empire in 1917 in hope to marry the love of his life Bella Rosenfeld (Kristina Schneidermann); he produces copious paintings and establishes the Academy of Modern Art. A rivalry develops with abstract painter Kazimir Malevich (Anatoliy Belyy), invited to teach at the art school. As Bella rekindles a childhood friendship with military Red Commissar Naum (Semyon Shkalikov), Chagall competes for the affections of his muse and future wife. As the October Revolution sweeps across Russia, historical events intrude on personal struggles and upend the quiet provincial life in Vitebsk.
Brimming with surrealistic imagery from the paintings of Chagall and Malevich (over 140 paintings were used in the film), this sumptuous melodrama marks veteran Russian filmmaker Alexander Mitta’s return after a decade-long hiatus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Enaho11_x8Q
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2015 Portland Jewish Film Festival Film Lineup + Trailers
The 2015 Portland Jewish Film Festival will screen 18 feature films including: EAST JERUSALEM/WEST JERUSALEM (pictured above), a riveting documentary about Israeli musician David Broza and his efforts to bridge Israeli and Palestinian tensions through music, THE MYSTERY OF HAPPINESS, director Daniel Burman’s delightful hybridization of buddy movie, detective film, and romantic comedy tropes, the Opening Night selection MAGIC MEN, a road trip comedy that pairs an aging atheist Holocaust survivor with his estranged Hasidic rapper son, and DOUGH, a comedy set in a failing bakery where intergenerational and cross cultural solutions just might save the day.
The 23rd edition of the Portland Jewish Film Festival is produced by the Northwest Film Center and co-presented with the Institute for Judaic Studies and takes place June 14 to 28, 2015.Complete Film listings: MAGIC MEN https://vimeo.com/68012664 THE MUSES OF ISAAC BASHEVIS SINGER (preceded by REVERENCE) https://youtu.be/MZfkOHfOkwE A PLACE IN HEAVEN https://youtu.be/TGcwONCKks0 TO LIFE https://youtu.be/8hYSCSHH7rM THE DOVE FLYER https://youtu.be/W_Uq68Ql9f8 DOUGH SECRETS OF WAR https://youtu.be/l4Oc187S7OU EAST JERUSALEM/WEST JERUSALEM https://youtu.be/VnVNgIW4ZPc ALMOST FRIENDS https://youtu.be/p_GBYHqPf58 A BORROWED IDENTITY (AKA DANCING ARABS) https://youtu.be/TW0Jjf3RrME THEODORE BIKEL: IN THE SHOES OF SHOLEM ALEICHEM https://vimeo.com/114923514 Trailer for SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS https://youtu.be/-Z6cJ2_RLdA RAISE THE ROOF https://vimeo.com/107332820 THE MYSTERY OF HAPPINESS https://youtu.be/svx8CyZTkWg LET’S GO https://youtu.be/7wK_7PG7_4g RUN BOY RUN https://youtu.be/njjdP3gZ_pk THE ZIONIST IDEA 24 DAYS https://youtu.be/Sg4xo2pYRdI
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Poster and Trailer for “SUPERIOR” Director Edd Benda’s Feature Debut
Here is the poster and trailer for “Superior” the feature film debut from writer/director Edd Benda, and starring Paul Stanko and Thatcher Robinson, world premiering at the 2015 Dances With Films, in Los Angeles, California.
During the height of the Vietnam War in 1969, Charlie is on his way to Michigan Tech University, and Derek is counting the days to his inevitable military draft eligibility. Before their futures take hold, the lifelong best friends embark on one final adventure: a 1300 mile bike ride along the shores of the gargantuan Lake Superior. With two-speed Schwinn bicycles and limited preparation, Charlie and Derek pedal through the massive northern backwoods of Michigan, Minnesota, and Canada. Along the way they face hunger, exhaustion, and the kind of people in the world who never wanted to be found.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKqTI68N7CM
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See POSTER and Watch TRAILER for A WALK IN THE WOODS starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte
“A Walk in the Woods” starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte and Emma Thompson, which premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, has a new poster and trailer. The film is based on the bestseller by Bill Bryson, played by Redford. A Walk in the Woods is scheduled to open in theaters Labor Day weekend.
In this new comedy adventure, celebrated travel writer, Bill Bryson (Academy Award winner Robert Redford), instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife (Academy Award winner Emma Thompson), and large and happy family, challenges himself to hike the Appalachian Trail – 2,200 miles of America’s most unspoiled, spectacular and rugged countryside from Georgia to Maine. The peace and tranquility he hopes to find, though, is anything but, once he agrees to being accompanied by the only person he can find willing to join him on the trek – his long lost and former friend Katz (Academy Award nominee Nick Nolte), a down-on-his-luck serial philanderer who, after a lifetime of relying on his charm and wits to keep one step ahead of the law – sees the trip as a way to sneak out of paying some debts and sneak into one last adventure before its too late. The trouble is, the two have a completely different definition of the word, “adventure”. Now they’re about to find out that when you push yourself to the edge, the real fun begins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx1AMfC-F2g
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“Sleeping with Other People” to Open “I Am Michael” to Close Lineup for 2015 Provincetown International Film Festival
The 2015 Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) running June 17 to 21, 2015, in Provincetown, Massachusetts will open with Leslye Headland’s SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE (pictured above), and close with I AM MICHAEL, directed by Justin Kelly. Spotlight Films are James Ponsoldt’s THE END OF THE TOUR, Paul Weitz’s GRANDMA and Jeffrey Schwartz’s TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL. The Festival also unveiled its lineup of narrative and documentary features for its 17th edition.
“The independent filmmaking community continues to produce remarkably high quality work, here and abroad, and our feature lineup is a testament to that!” said Connie White, Artistic Director of PIFF. “We are thrilled to welcome these new films and filmmakers to Provincetown in June, and we know that filmgoers will be engaged and entertained by these adventurous, thought-provoking and accomplished films.”
The complete lineup of feature films is below.
OPENING NIGHT SELECTION
SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE – directed by Leslye Headland
CLOSING NIGHT SELECTION
I AM MICHAEL – directed by Justin Kelly
SPOTLIGHT SELECTIONS
THE END OF THE TOUR – directed by James Ponsoldt
GRANDMA – directed by Paul Weitz
TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL – directed by Jeffrey Schwartz
NARRATIVE FEATURES
99 HOMES – directed by Ramin Bahrani
BEATBOX – directed by Andrew Dresher
BREATHE – directed by Mélanie Laurent
FRESNO – directed by Jamie Babbit
FUNNY BUNNY – directed by Alison Bagnall
LEARNING TO DRIVE – directed by Isabel Coixet
A LITTLE CHAOS – directed by Alan Rickman
MEET ME IN MONTENEGRO – directed by Alex Holdridge and Linnea Saasen
NASTY BABY – directed by Sebastián Silva
THE NEW GIRLFRIEND – directed by François Ozon
PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS – directed by James C. Strouse
RADIATOR – directed by Tom Browne
THE SECOND MOTHER – directed by Anna Muylaert
SHAUN THE SHEEP – directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak
THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT – directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez
THE SUMMER OF SANGAILE – directed by Alanté Kavaïté
TANGERINE – directed by Sean Baker
TEN THOUSAND SAINTS – directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini
THOSE PEOPLE – directed by Joey Kuhn
TIRED MOONLIGHT – directed by Britni West
WILDLIKE – directed by Frank Hall Green
YOSEMITE – directed by Gabrielle Demeestere
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES
ALENTEJO, ALENTEJO – directed by Sérgio Tréfaut
THE ARMOR OF LIGHT – directed by Abigail E. Disney
BEST OF ENEMIES – directed by Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville
THE BIRTH OF SAKÉ – directed by Erik Shirai
CALL ME LUCKY – directed by Bobcat Goldthwait
CITY OF GOLD – directed by Laura Gabbert
CLAMBAKE – directed by Andrea Meyerson
DANNY SAYS – directed by Brendan Toller
DO I SOUND GAY? – directed by David Thorpe
HARRY & SNOWMAN – directed by Ron Davis
IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE – directed by Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg
LARRY KRAMER IN LOVE AND ANGER – directed by Jean Carlomusto
LISTEN TO ME MARLON – directed by Stevan Riley
LIVE FROM NEW YORK! – directed by Bao Nguyen
LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS – directed by Laurie Kahn-Leavitt
OUT TO WIN – directed by Malcolm Ingram
OUTERMOST RADIO – directed by Alan Chebot
PACKED IN A TRUNK: THE LOST ART OF EDITH LAKE WILKINSON – directed by Michelle Boyaner
PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT – directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland
THE STATE OF MARRIAGE – directed by Jeffrey Kaufman
THE WOLFPACK – directed by Crystal Moselle
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2015 Brooklyn Film Festival Reveals Lineup, and World Premiere of Ryan Carmichael’s But Not For Me
The 18th edition of the Brooklyn Film Festival film lineup will comprise of 108 features and shorts from 26 countries spread over 5 continents and of these, 17 are world premieres and 30 US premieres, with Ryan Carmichael’s But Not For Me as the lone narrative feature world premiere. This New York City film stars Marcus Carl Franklin, Elena Urioste, Maria Vermeulen and Roger Guenveur Smith.
In addition to But Not For Me, BFF films with a NYC connection include Matthew Yeager’s US premiere Valedictorian, starring Brian Dell, Jennifer Prediger and Eleonore Hendricks; Onur Turkel’s Abby Singer/Songwriter , also starring Prediger, along with Turkel and Josephine Decker, Harvey Mitkas’ Devil Town, starring Lindsay Burdge, Alex Karpovsky, Lawrence Michael Levine, Jennifer Prediger (no, we’re not kidding), Sophia Takal, Brooke Bloom, Noah Gershman, Jen Kim, Alex Ross Perry and Caveh Zahedi; Alison Bagnall’s Funny Bunny, starring Kentucker Audley, Joslyn Jensen, Olly Alexander, Louis Cancelmi, Josephine Decker, Anna Margaret Hollyman, Grace Gonglewski, Caridad de la Luz and Nicholas Webber; Frank Hall Green’s Wildlike, starring Ella Purnell, Bruce Greenwood, Brian Geraghty, Teddy Kyle Smith, Nolan Gerard Funk, Ann Dowd, Diane Farr, Joshua Leonard, and Jack & Robert Schurman’s documentary Wild Home.
Special events during the fest include the 11th annual KidsFilmFest 2015 on Saturday, May 30th at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP; the Filmmakers Party on June 3rd at Billet & Bellows; the BFF Exchange series of panels and a pitch session on June 6th; “The Illuminate Party,” also on June 6th, and the June 7th Awards Ceremony.
Main BFF venues are the Wythe Hotel and Windmill Studios in Greenpoint. Satellite locations include Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg, Made in New York Media Center By IFP in Dumbo, and BRIC House in Fort Greene.
The complete Feature lineup for the 2015 Brooklyn Film Festival is as follows. Winners of the various festival awards as chosen by the fest juries and Board of Directors receive a total of $50,000 in prizes and film services from festival sponsors Panavision NY, Abelcine, Xeno Lights, Media Services, Film Friends, Mik Cribben Steady-Cam, Cinecall Soundtracks and Windmill Studios.
Opening Night
Manson Family Vacation Director: J. Davis – Two brothers (Jay Duplass and Linas Phillips) reunite when the more free-spirited brother shows up at the other’s door with nothing but a backpack. Together, they get to know each other again while touring the sites of Charles Manson’s exploits and exploring Manson’s contemporary life. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Narrative Features
Abby Singer/Songwriter Director: Onur Tukel – Divorced stockbroker Jamie Block was once an indie-rock star. Going through a life crisis, he teams up with a filmmaker to make a series of music videos in this trippy, funny film. EAST COAST PREMIERE
But Not for Me Director: Ryan Carmichael – Will is a young writer working at an ad agency as a copywriter. Like many others his age, he is hiding his true passion for philosophy and music and holding back his true thoughts, until a relationship with a young woman inspires him. WORLD PREMIERE
Devil Town Director: Harvey Mitkas – A young woman enlists a shady detective to help her find her missing sister in this neo-noir with a cast of indie film favorites.
Eadweard Director: Kyle Rideout – A psychological biopic that explores the mind of Eadweard Muybridge, the godfather of cinema, who was also the last American to receive a justifiable homicide verdict after killing his wife’s lover. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Funny Bunny Director: Alison Bagnall – A young canvasser and a loner teenager who is estranged from his parents go on a journey to meet Ginger, the animal activist with whom the teen has developed an online relationship. EAST COAST PREMIERE
God Bless the Child Directors: Robert Machoian and Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck – In this beautifully realized observational narrative, Harper, the oldest of five siblings, must take care of her siblings. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Inferno Director: Vinko Moderndorfer – In this Slovenian realist drama, young working class family must deal with the struggles of unemployment while the global economy crumbles and local labor rebels. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Sweaty Betty Directors: Joe Frank and Zachary Reed – Two stories come out of the row houses on the border of Washington, D.C. — a pig, Ms. Charlotte, is carted around, vying for a chance to be a team mascot for the Washington Redskins; and two teenage best friends come into ownership of a dog that they attempt to sell. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Valedictorian Director: Matthew Yeager – Ben feels less and less in touch with his life in New York City, and over a year, he must confront the connections — or lack thereof — he feels with those he considers close. NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Wildlike Director: Frank Hall Green – When teenage Mackenzie is sent to live with her uncle in Juneau, Alaska, she knows it’s not right for her. Shortly after arriving, she embarks on a journey headed south to find her mother.
Documentary Features
20 Years of Madness Director: Jeremy Royce – The founder of a mid-90’s Public Access TV show in Detroit reunites the cast twenty years later to make a new episode and discovers that his friends and former collaborators are struggling with the hard realities of adulthood.
Chameleon Director: Ryan Mullins – The elusive undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas is one of Ghana’s most popular figures. Though the charismatic investigator has named and shamed various high profile malfeasants, his identity remains hidden. U.S. PREMIERE
Deep Web Director: Alex Winter – Thirty-year-old entrepreneur Ross William Ulbricht has been convicted for operating the online black market Silk Road. This comprehensive documentary tracks the history of the site and the vigorously pursued case against Ulbricht.
Frame by Frame Directors: Alexandria Bombach and Mo Scarpelli – Photography was outlawed in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan; however, with the fall of the Taliban, photographers have been key documenters of the changing nation.
Help Us Find Sunil Tripathi Director: Neal Broffman – Four weeks after disappearing from his apartment as a student at Brown University, Sunil Tripathi was accused of being Suspect #2 in the Boston Marathon bombings. The false accusations disrupted his family, steadfastly working with his friends to find him.
I Am Thor Director: Ryan Wise – Jon Mikl Thor was a bodybuilder, steel gender, and rock star in the 70’s and 80’s who led the theatrical band THOR. Today, he seeks to reclaim his mantle as a high-energy rock star. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Paradiso Director: Omar A. Razzak – Projectionist Rafael works hard to tidy up and maintain Madrid’s last remaining adult movie theater, Duque de Alba. NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Placebo Director: Abhay Kumar – One of the most competitive medical schools, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has an acceptance rate of less than 0.1%. The high academic standards leave a harsh toll on the students. U.S. PREMIERE
We Were Rebels Directors: Katharina von Schroeder and Florian Schewe – Agel took up arms when he was ten to participate in the fight for an independent South Sudan. After leaving the conflict, Agel has returned to an independent South Sudan, where he is the captain of the national basketball team and worries over the young nation’s fragile democracy.
Wild Home Directors: Jack Schurman and Robert Schurman – Deep in the woods of Maine, Bob Miner, a Vietnam Veteran rehabilitates abused and abandoned animals. He and his wife have built a kingdom for lions, tigers, hyenas, kangaroos, black bears, and over 200 other species of animals that attracts a diverse set of visitors.
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WATCH the new NSFW DOPE Red Band Trailer
Check out the new NSFW DOPE red band trailer, the hit movie out of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, that opens in theaters on June 19, 2015.
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa, Produced by Forest Whitaker, Executive Produced by Pharrell Williams and Co-Executive Produced by Sean Combs, DOPE tells the story of Malcolm played by Shameik Moore, who is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.
DOPE also stars Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Blake Anderson, Zoe Kravitz, A$AP Rocky , Chanel Iman and Quincy Brown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUBpnslcHVA
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3 Film Premieres, Music in Film Nights Featuring Pras Michel and More Added to 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival
The 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival announced several additions to the 2015 Festival program, including Premiere section titles, Pras Michel and BT as part of the Music in Film Nights at the GRAMMY Museum, Tributes to Jonathan Demme and Rodrigo García, a Master Class with music video director Mathew Cullen, Diversity Speaks panels, the Los Angeles Times Young Hollywood Roundtable, and the Steed Symposium on cyber security.
Three more titles were added to the Premieres section which features World Premieres of compelling new works from notable talent.
Premieres (3)
Consumed, dir. Daryl Wein, USA, World Premiere
Consumed – USA (DIRECTOR Daryl Wein WRITERS Daryl Wein, Zoe Lister-Jones
PRODUCERS Daryl Wein, Zoe Lister-Jones CAST Zoe Lister-Jones, Danny Glover,Victor Garber, Taylor Kinney, Anthony Edwards, Griffin Dunne, Kunal Nayyar, Beth Grant) Set in the complex world of genetically modified food, this dramatic thriller intertwines the stories of an organic farmer and a biotechnology CEO with the quest of a single mother working to uncover the cause of her son’s mysterious illness. World Premiere
Frank and Cindy, dir. G.J. Echternkamp, USA, World Premiere
Frank & Cindy – USA (DIRECTOR G.J. Echternkamp WRITER G.J. Echternkamp, Alex Holdridge PRODUCER Bill Perkins, John Pierce, Scoot McNairy, Bic Tran CAST Rene Russo, Oliver Platt, Johnny Simmons, Jane Levy, Marc Maron) In 1983, Cindy married a rock star, Frank. She imagined a life of glitz and glamor. But as life happened, Frank lost his mojo. Twenty years later, Cindy’s son, G.J., both appalled and amused by his parents’ behavior, picks up his video camera and aims it at them. In an attempt to mock his one-hit-wonder step-father, G.J. unintentionally creates a candid portrait of the pursuit of happiness – and love. World Premiere
I am Thalente, dir. Natalie Johns, South Africa/USA, World Premiere
I Am Thalente – South Africa/USA (DIRECTOR Natalie Johns WRITER Natalie Johns PRODUCERS Colin Kennedy, Oualid Mouaness, Salema Masekela, Jason Bergh, Julia Lebedev FEATURING Thalente Biyela, Tony Hawk, Kenny Anderson, Guy Mariano, Lance Mountain) One of the most promising young skaters in the world, Thalente Biyela, navigates growing up within the demands of professional skateboarding from the skate parks of Duban, South Africa to Venice, California. World Premiere
On Thursday, June 11, as part of this year’s Music in Film Nights at the GRAMMY Museum, the Festival hosts an evening with Brian Transeau, better known as BT, one of the pioneers of modern American electronic music. He will play scores from Monster and Dark Places with live accompaniment and visuals. BT will also discuss his work from his classical roots to electronic music innovator. On Friday, June 12, the Festival welcomes Pras Michel and friends for an evening of performance and discussion in celebration of his documentarySweet Micky for President, with special guests who have used their art to champion causes close to their heart.
As part of the Tributes section on Sunday, June 14 the Festival presents an evening with Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs,Philadelphia, Rachel Getting Married), moderated by Elvis Mitchell, titled Jonathan Demme: An American Iconoclast, to reminisce about seminal moments of his career and give us a special sneak-peek of his upcoming film Ricki and the Flash, starring Meryl Streep.
On Tuesday, June 16, in celebration of this year’s Guest Director, Rodrigo García (Nine Lives, In Treatment, Albert Nobbs), the Festival will hold Two for One: An Evening with Guest Director Rodrigo Garcia and Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball, Beyond the Lights), an intimate conversation where they will compare notes about working with actors, women’s stories and the travails of independent filmmaking.
An additional Festival Master Class has been announced. On Tuesday, June 16 acclaimed music video director Mathew Cullen will reflect on his journey as an artist while exploring the evolving art and science of storytelling. Hailed as one of the most imaginative music video and commercial directors of his generation, he will share some of his work, including a sneak peek of London Fields, his upcoming feature directorial debut. Cullen is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University. The Master Class is sponsored by Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television.
At the Diversity Speaks panels, taking place on Saturday, June 13 at the Conga Room at L.A. LIVE, content creators of color who embody innovation will discuss how they manage to combine their passions for storytelling, entrepreneurship and their cultural identities into success stories. In Prime Time: Adjusting the Color Spectrum on TV, the talent in front and behind the camera of some of today’s most celebrated TV shows engage in a dialogue to explore issues relating to race and cultural representation on the small screen. Panelists include: Kenya Barris, creator, Black-ish; Wendy Calhoun, writer, Empire; Andrea Navedo, actress, Jane the Virgin; Randall Park, actor, Fresh off the Boat; Our Lady J, writer, Transparent. Also part of Diversity Speaks is the Visions of Mandela panel, an exclusive premiere screening of a collection of films inspired by Nelson Mandela’s speeches, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. Directors include Ramin Bahrani (Goodbye Solo, 99 Homes), Eva Weber (Black Out) and James Marsh (The Theory of Everything, Man on Wire), Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding; New York, I Love You), Nabil Elderkin (Bouncing Cats) and Hank Willis Thomas (Question Bridge: Black Males). Diversity Speaks is sponsored by HBO and supported by Yvonne Huff and Jason Delane.
On Sunday, June 14, the Los Angeles Times brings together a group of film’s rising stars in the Los Angeles Times Young Hollywood Roundtable. This lively discussion, moderated by reporter Amy Kaufman, will center on life in the industry and what it means to be thrust into the limelight.
On Monday, June 15 the Festival presents the annual LMU Steed Symposium on Cyber Security: Is There A Safe Box in the Cloud? This event will include an entertaining and informative presentation by cyber security expert Ralph Echemendia, a screening of Implant, a short film created by Film Independent Fellow Casey Cooper Johnson, and a round table with cyber security experts, filmmakers and industry executives. The discussion will be moderated by KCRW¹s The Business host Kim Masters. The LMU Steed Symposium is funded by LMU Alumnus Michael Steed and is presented in partnership with Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. Mr. Steed is a member of the university¹s board of trustees and Managing Director of Paladin Capital Partners Fund, LP, a private equity firm.
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2015 American Black Film Festival Unveils Lineup, Opens with DOPE
The 2015 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) taking place at the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square, New York City, June 11 to 14, 2015, unveiled its lineup of films, including documentaries, web originals, short films and narrative features. Film director Rick Famuyiwa’s critically acclaimed film, Dope, will open the 19th annual American Black Film Festival on Thursday, June 11, at the SVA Theatre.
Dope is a coming-of-age comedy/drama for the post hip-hop generation; its main characters are obsessed with ‘90s hip-hop. Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is warily surviving life in “The Bottoms” in Los Angeles, while juggling college applications, academic interviews and SATs. His dream is to attend Harvard. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into a gritty adventure filled with offbeat characters and bad choices that could allow him to go from being a geek to being dope to ultimately being himself. Open Road Films will release the film nationwide on June 19, 2015.
Dope stars Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Blake Anderson, Zoë Kravitz, A$AP Rocky, Chanel Imanand Quincy Brown and is produced by Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi (Fruitvale Station). Pharrell Williams, Michael Y. Chow (Fruitvale Station), Rick Famuyiwa (The Wood, Brown Sugar) and David Lonner are executive producers.Sean “P. Diddy” Combs is co-executive producer, and Mimi Valdes and Caron Veazy are co-producers.
The complete list of films selected for Spotlight, Narrative Features Competition, HBO Short Film Competition, ABFF Web Originals, and the ABFF Documentary Competition follows below:
OPENING NIGHT FILM
DOPE
2014 USA 115 MIN HD NY Premiere
Sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America
Courtesy of Open Road Films
Directed by: Rick Famuyiwa
Written by: Rick Famuyiwa
Produced by: Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi
Executive Producers: Pharrell Williams, Michael Y. Chow, Rick Famuyiwa, David Lonner
Co-Exec. Prod: Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. Co-Prods: Mimi Valdes, Caron Veazys
Cast: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Blake Anderson, Zoë Kravitz, A$AP Rocky, Chanel Iman, Quincy Brown
SPOTLIGHT SCREENINGS 2015
ABFF INDEPENDENT – Season 4 Premiere
2015 USA 35 MIN World Premiere
ABFF Independent is a showcase of popular and award-winning films from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) hosted by hip-hop artist, record producer and actor David Banner.
AN UNEXPECTED HISTORY: THE STORY OF HENNESSY AND AFRICAN AMERICANS
2015 USA 49 MIN HD World Premiere
Courtesy of Hennessy
Directed by: Llewellyn Smith
Produced by: Llewellyn Smith, Annie Stopford
Featuring: Jason P. Chambers, PhD, Herbert P. Douglas Jr., Noel Hankin, Rhonda McDonald, Rodney Williams
An Unexpected History celebrates Moët Hennessy’s hundred-year relationship with African American culture, as well as the role of African Americans in shaping the brand’s identity and success. The film recounts Hennessy’s historic role in bringing respect and opportunities to Black professionals and consumers, by focusing on the remarkable achievements of two of the brand’s most influential Black executives.
BOYZ N THE HOOD + Q&A with director John Singleton to follow
1991 USA 108 MIN 35 mm
Courtesy of Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Directed by: John SingletonWritten by: John Singleton
Produced by: Steve Nicolaides
Cast: Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Angela Bassett, Regina King
John Singleton’s classic saga tells the story of a group of childhood friends growing up in a Los Angeles ghetto.
BOXED IN + Q&A with actress and director Tasha Smith to follow
2014 USA 30 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Tasha Smith
Written by: Tasha Smith
Produced by: Tasha Smith, Kim Ogletree
Cast: Walter Fauntleroy, Antonique Smith, Tyra Ferrell
A Black man in NYC struggles with bipolar disorder, while his girlfriend and mother learn to deal with the pain of his manic episodes and struggle for mental survival.
RUNAWAY ISLAND + Q&A with the director and cast to follow
2015 USA 85 MIN Estimated HD World Premiere
Courtesy of TV One
Directed by: Dianne Houston
Written by: Christopher Brandt
Produced by: Gingi Rochelle & Allison Wilmarth
Cast: Lorraine Toussaint (Orange Is the New Black), Thomas Q. Jones (Being Mary Jane), Aisha Hinds (Star Trek Into Darkness), Leon Thomas (Victorious), A. Russell Andrews (Grey’s Anatomy, House of Payne),Erica Tazel (Justified), Melanie Liburd (CSI, Stalker).
A pastor, an aging widow, and a socialite with cold feet visit a luxurious Gullah Sea Island resort to be rejuvenated by its holistic setting.
NARRATIVE FEATURES
FRENCH DIRTY
2015/USA/72min/HD/NY Premiere
Directed by: Wade Allain-Marcus, Jesse Allain-Marcus
Written by: Peter K. Hagen, Wade Allain-Marcus
Produced by: Jason Wolf, Mel Jones
Cast: Wade Allain-Marcus, Melina Lizette, Arjun Gupta
After committing the carnal sin of sleeping with his best friend’s girlfriend, Vincent must deal with the consequences of his betrayal and hope that his bond with his brother-from-another-mother can withstand the blow
GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY 2 ** FEATURED ALUMNI SCREENING
2015/USA/84min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Roger M. Bobb
Written by: Cas Sigers-Beedles
Produced by: Roger M. Bobb, Angi Bones, Cas Sigers, Terri J. Vaughn
Cast: Garcelle Beauvais, Terri J. Vaughn, Essence Atkins, Malinda Williams, Stephen Bishop, Khalil Kane
Four girlfriends travel to Puerto Rico for a destination wedding and chaos ensues when the low-key wedding turns into a disaster.
JOHN OF GOD THE MOVIE
2014/ Democratic Republic of Congo/86min/HD/North America Premiere
Directed by: Selé M’Poko
Written by: Selé M’Poko
Produced by: Selé M’Poko, Alessia Michielan, Jo D. Jonz, Woody T. Richman, Pamela Lubell
Cast: Jo D. Jonz, Jean Shaka Tshipamba, Moïse Ilunga
John of God is the world’s greatest musician…in his own mind.
KNUCKLEHEAD
2015/USA/81min/HD
Directed by: Ben Bowman
Written by: Bryan Abrams, Ben Bowman
Produced by: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Ben Bowman
Executive Producers: Jonathan Gray, Debra Azemar
Cast: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Alfre Woodard, Amari Cheatom, Justin Myrick, Nikiya Mathis, Carla Duren
Convinced prescription drugs will fix his mind, a mentally disabled man leaves Brooklyn for the first time to find the one doctor who he believes can cure him.
LAST NIGHT
2014/USA/93min/HD/NY Premiere
Directed by: Harold Jackson III
Written by: Harold Jackson III
Produced by: Harold Jackson III, Hope Taylor, Prince Levy Jr., Latecia Durham
Cast: Judi Blair, Danny Gavigan, Benton Greene, Nedra McClyde, Nikkole Salter
A woman’s last night alone before settling down is sidetracked by a chance meeting with an attractive stranger.
SUPERMODEL *** FEATURED ALUMNI SCREENING
2015/USA/95min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Shawn Baker
Written by: Shawn Baker, Datari Turner
Produced by: Datari Turner
Cast: Tyson Beckford, Sessilee Lopez, Datari Turner, Roger Guenveur Smith, Fat Joe, Toccara Jones, Angela Simmons, Marc John Jefferies, Tatyana Ali, Nichole Galicia, Melissa De Sousa, Don Benjamin, Cassandra Freeman, Tobias Truvillion, Julito McCullum, Adam Senn
A young girl from the Brooklyn housing projects goes from the subway to the runway, becoming one of the most sought after models in the fashion industry. But in the high stakes world of fashion and beauty, things aren’t always as pretty and glamorous as they seem.
THE GIRL IS IN TROUBLE *** FEATURED ALUMNI SCREENING
2015/USA/94min/35mm/NY Premiere
Directed by: Julius Onah
Written by: Mayuran Tiruchelvam, Julius Onah
Produced by: Dana Offenbach, Ryan Silbert, Robert Profusek, Jen Gatien
Cast: Columbus Short, Wilmer Valderrama, Alicja Bachelda, Jesse Spencer
A Lower East Side bartender becomes entangled in a murder mystery involving a desperate woman, a missing drug dealer and the scion of a powerful investment firm.
THE NIGHT BEFORE
2015/USA/86min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Kenny Young
Written by: Kenny Young
Produced by: Phil James, Lisa D. Washington, Kim Hardin
Executive Producers: Angela White, Felicia James
Cast: Colin Egglesfield, David Faustino, Fred Willard, Anna Hutchinson, Brian White, Gary Owen
A “ladies man” must face his own fear of commitment while hosting his best friend’s bachelor party.
THE SIN SEER
2015/USA/119min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Paul D. Hannah
Written by: Paul D. Hannah
Produced by: Paul D. Hannah, Angela White, Isaiah Washington
Cast: Lisa Arrindell Anderson, Isaiah Washington, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, C. Thomas Howell, Michael Ironside, Richard Brooks
A woman becomes trapped in a murderous web deception and uses her gift of discernment to discover the truth.
WHAT LOVE WILL MAKE YOU DO
2015/USA/95min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Lisa Haynes
Written by: Lisa Haynes
Produced by: Lisa Haynes, Andre Congo, Justin Bones, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Brad James, Ty Johnston, Victoria Rowell
Cast: Darrin Dewitt Henson, Judi Blair, Victoria Rowell, Darryl Booker, Sir Brodie, Carl Anthony Payne II, Brad James
An attorney from a prestigious law firm falls in love with a beautiful woman of his dreams, but later discovers her father is seeking revenge against him over a court case gone terribly wrong.
HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION
BLACK CARD
2015/USA/14min/HD/New York Premiere
Directed by: Pete Chatmon
Written by: Tony Patrick
Produced by: Christina DeHaven, Tony Patrick, Dorian Missick, Dylan Verrechia, ELEW
Executive Producer: Pete Chatmon
Cast: Dorian Missick, Simone Missick, Hisham Tawfiq, Stephen Hill, Erika Myers, Malikha Mallette, April Matthis, Valence Thomas
In a culture requiring an ID card and commitment to the code, an African American couple is about to find out just how far the boundaries can be pushed….
CHAINING DAY
2014/USA/11min/HD/New York Premiere
Directed by: Dominic Haxton
Written by: Chris Bailey
Produced by: Chris Bailey
Cast: Dusan Brown, Shawn Kenneth
A young boy commits an accidental murder, which causes a stir in the community and forces him to choose between his loyalty to the gang he belongs to OR saving what’s left of his innocence by turning himself into the police.
FIRST DATE, LAST DATE
2015/USA/7min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Derege Harding
Written by: E.V. Anderson
Produced by: Derege Harding
Cast: Andrea Bordeaux, Daniel Hall
Soul mates Sara and Michael carry on their first date as the world comes to an end.
JOY
2015/USA/15min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Solomon Onita Jr.
Written by: Solomon Onita Jr.
Produced by: Elsie Dortelus, Terrence J. Grant, Solomon Onita Jr.
Cast: Sope Aluko, Bayo Akinfemi, Hannah Tarver, Georgina E. Okon, Brooke-Monaé Westbrook
A Nigerian middle-aged woman living in America struggles to convince her traditionalist husband not to circumcise their ten-year-old daughter.
STANHOPE
2015/USA/18min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Solvan Naim
Written by: Solvan Naim
Produced by: Solvan Naim, Akshay Bhansali
Cast: Malik Lockett, Johnnie Mae, Rob Morgan, Nedra McClyde, Simeon Buresch
Stanhope is a drama about a teenage inner-city kid from Brooklyn who gets caught up in a web of violence as a paid assassin.
ABFF WEB ORIGINALS – GROUP 1
#JOSH
2014 USA 15:35 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Edson Jean, Nick Katz
Written by: Episode-1 Joshua Jean-Baptiste; Episode-2 Mimi Davila, Marckenson Charles, Maria Corina Ramirez; Episode-3 Joshua Jean-Baptiste, Mimi Davila, Maria Corina Ramirez
Produced by: Edson Jean, Nick Katz, Barry Katz
Cast: Joshua Jean Baptiste, Edson Jean, Shira Abergel, Marckenson Charles
A naive, chaste acting student (Josh) seeks guidance from his immoral problematic roommate in hopes to become a leading man.
ACKEE & SALTFISH
2015 UNITED KINGDOM 16:21 MIN HD
Directed by: Cecile Emeke
Written by: Cecile Emeke
Produced by: Cecile Emeke, Abraham Popoola
Cast: Michelle Tiwo, Vanessa Babirye
Everyday moments are never mundane with these two hilarious best friends in Ackee & Saltfish.
ESCORTS
2015 USA 21:37 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Dave Patten
Written by: Dave Patten, Josh West.
Produced by: Dave Patten, Alexx Ray, Chris Bauer
Executive Producer: David Ricks
Cast: Dave Patten, David Ricks, Alexx Ray, Richard Amezcua
Pragmatic hipster Jay Miller’s successful small business of selling sex to his collegiate peers becomes infinitely more difficult when one of his employees dies while “working.”
ALL ABOUT THE MCKENZIES
2014 UNITED KINGDOM 20:51 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Samuell Benta
Written by: Samuell Benta
Produced by: Samuell Benta
Cast: Samuell Benta, Jason Pennycooke, Ria Horsford, Frankie Clarence, Destinee Tombling, Sheldon Nicolls, Fenella James
All about comedy, all about drama, it’s All About The McKenzies.
BLACK ACTRESS SERIES – SEASON TWO
2015 USA 23:34 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: William Alexander Runnels
Written by: Episode 1-Andrea Lewis; Episode 2-Andrea Lewis, Austin Hall; Episode 3 – Andrea Lewis
Produced by: Andrea Lewis, Brian Walker, Tatyana Ali, Essence Atkins, Brad Kaaya, Carol Desousa
Cast: Andrea Lewis, Allison Edwards-Crewe, Rob Vincent
The life of an actress who wants to be more than just Black.
ABFF WEB ORIGINALS – GROUP II
DOWNTOWN GIRLS
2014 USA 17:35 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Emebeit Beyene & Chandra Russell
Written by: Jessica Lamour
Produced by: Jacques Lamour, Emebeit Beyene, Crystal Boyd, Chandra Russell
Cast: Emebeit Beyene, Crystal Boyd, Chivonne Michelle, Chandra Russell
To raise money to launch their own business, four girls turn their Lower East Side apartment into a lucrative nightclub.
DOCKET 32357
2014 USA 24:11 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Randy Wilkins
Written by: Eljon Wardally
Produced by: Jessica Karen Brown, Juan Caceres
Cast: Tara Gadomski, Ashley Denise Robinson
A successful businesswoman and a grieving housewife struggle to overcome loneliness in the face of a shared tragedy.
Q’S ONE NIGHT STANDS
2014 USA 17 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Terrence L. Moore
Written by: Terrence L. Moore
Produced by: Michael Galvan
Executive Producers: Terrence L. Moore, Jenny Cadenillas, Uana Coccoloni
Cast: Kee Seymore, Susana Victoria Perez, Joshua Windley, Kajuana Shuford, Dominic Marcus, Gayle Samuels
A comedy about a guy so fed up with traditional dating he commits to having only one-night stands.
THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF DARRELL
2015 USA 14:31 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Darrell Lake
Written by: Darrell Lake
Produced by: Darrell Lake
Cast: Darrell Lake, Tru Collins, Joy Regullano, Larry Karman, Justin Bryant Rapp, Pete George
The spectacularly mundane adventures of an incredible average Joe in small town Wakooki, Arizona.
AMERICAN KOKO
2015 USA 24 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Diarra Kilpatrick & Miles Orion Feld
Written by: Diarra Kilpatrick
Produced by: Anna Micayla Feld
Cast: Diarra Kilpatrick, Terrence Colby Clemons, Miles Orion Feld, Elaine Kao, Cedric Sanders
Employees of the “Everyone’s a Little Racist (EAR) Agency” do their best to tackle every race problem that comes through their door, but for lead agent Akosua Miller, the biggest case of all may be her own…
ABFF DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
The following films compete for the Best Documentary award. One winner will be announced during the “Best of the ABFF” awards ceremony, Sunday, June 14.
ALTHEA
2014 USA 77 MIN HD
Directed by: Rex Miller
Produced by: Nancy Buirski, Elisabeth Haviland James, Rex Miller
Executive Producers: John Amos, Billie Jean King, William Ackman
Principal Subject(s): Billie Jean King, Nick Bollettieri, David Dinkins, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe
Althea Gibson, a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, emerged as a most unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world of the 1950s.
AN AMERICAN ASCENT
2015 USA 64 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Andy Adkins, George Potter
Written by: Andy Adkins, James Mills
Produced by: George Potter, Andy Adkins
Principal Subject(s): Stephen Shobe, Erica Wynn, Tyrhee Moore, Scott Briscoe, Billy Long, Rosemary Saal, Ryan Mitchell, Stephen DeBerry, Adina Scott, James Kagambi, Robby Rechord, Madhu Chikkaraju, Aaron Devine, Jon Krakauer, Conrad Anker
An American Ascent documents the first African American expedition to tackle North America’s highest mountain, Denali, while shedding light on the complex relationship many African Americans have with the outdoors.
NAT KING COLE – AFRAID OF THE DARK
2014 UNITED KINGDOM 94 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Jon Brewer
Produced by: Jon Brewer
Principal Subject(s): Maria Cole, Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Mathis and more…
A poignant authorized feature documentary on the life and legacy of Nat King Cole.
via Indiewire