Alia Shawkat as Alia and Laia Costa as Laia in DUCK BUTTER. Photo credit: Hillary Spera.[/caption]
The trailer and poster debuted for Duck Butter, the latest film from Miguel Arteta, the director behind Beatriz at Dinner, The Good Girl and Chuck & Buck, set to World Premiere at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. The Orchard will release Duck Butter in New York and Los Angeles on April 27th and on digital platforms nationwide on May 1st.
When Naima (Alia Shawkat, “Search Party”) and Sergio (Laia Costa, Victoria ) meet at a club, they hit it off instantly, connecting over their disdain for the dishonesty they have experienced in their respective romantic relationships. High on their fast chemistry, the two women concoct a romantic experiment: They plan to spend the next 24 hours together, having sex on the hour. Above all, they commit to perfect honesty with each other, a theoretical remedy to the deceit they believe to be an element of modern relationships. But their relationship in a vacuum doesn’t go as planned, and soon the weight of their commitment begins to close in, threatening the ideals of the daylong experiment and their chances for a romantic future tomorrow.
The latest film from Miguel Arteta, the director behind Beatriz at Dinner, The Good Girl and Chuck & Buck, Duck Butter is a blistering look at intimacy in a pressure cooker. Co-written by Shawkat and executive produced by the Duplass Brothers, the film offers a searing interrogation of modern romance, with all its dizzying highs and heartbreaking betrayals, all packed into an intense 24 hours.
Tribeca Film Festival Screenings
World Premiere: Friday, April 20th at 8:30pm (SVA Theater 1)
Public Screening #2: Saturday, April 21st at 9:30pm (Cinepolis Chelsea 8)
Public Screening #3: Sunday, April 22nd at 7:45pm (Cinepolis Chelsea 1)
Public Screening #4: Thursday, April 26th at 9:00pm (Regal Battery Park 11 – 10)
Independent Film
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See New Trailer + Poster for Miguel Arteta’s DUCK BUTTER – Modern Romance Packed Into an Intense 24 Hours
[caption id="attachment_27974" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Alia Shawkat as Alia and Laia Costa as Laia in DUCK BUTTER. Photo credit: Hillary Spera.[/caption]
The trailer and poster debuted for Duck Butter, the latest film from Miguel Arteta, the director behind Beatriz at Dinner, The Good Girl and Chuck & Buck, set to World Premiere at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. The Orchard will release Duck Butter in New York and Los Angeles on April 27th and on digital platforms nationwide on May 1st.
When Naima (Alia Shawkat, “Search Party”) and Sergio (Laia Costa, Victoria ) meet at a club, they hit it off instantly, connecting over their disdain for the dishonesty they have experienced in their respective romantic relationships. High on their fast chemistry, the two women concoct a romantic experiment: They plan to spend the next 24 hours together, having sex on the hour. Above all, they commit to perfect honesty with each other, a theoretical remedy to the deceit they believe to be an element of modern relationships. But their relationship in a vacuum doesn’t go as planned, and soon the weight of their commitment begins to close in, threatening the ideals of the daylong experiment and their chances for a romantic future tomorrow.
The latest film from Miguel Arteta, the director behind Beatriz at Dinner, The Good Girl and Chuck & Buck, Duck Butter is a blistering look at intimacy in a pressure cooker. Co-written by Shawkat and executive produced by the Duplass Brothers, the film offers a searing interrogation of modern romance, with all its dizzying highs and heartbreaking betrayals, all packed into an intense 24 hours.
Tribeca Film Festival Screenings
World Premiere: Friday, April 20th at 8:30pm (SVA Theater 1)
Public Screening #2: Saturday, April 21st at 9:30pm (Cinepolis Chelsea 8)
Public Screening #3: Sunday, April 22nd at 7:45pm (Cinepolis Chelsea 1)
Public Screening #4: Thursday, April 26th at 9:00pm (Regal Battery Park 11 – 10)
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Watch New Trailer + Poster for Sadaf Foroughi’s Award-Winning Debut AVA – A Young Girl’s Coming-of-Age in Iran
A new trailer and poster has been released for AVA written and directed by Sadaf Foroughi, winner of the Toronto International Film Festival 2017 FIPRESCI Discovery Award. The film starring Mahour Jabbari, Bahar Noohian, Vahid Aghapour, Shayesteh Sajadi, and Sarah Alimorad will opening theatrically on April 27th.
Based on her own adolescent experiences, Sadaf Foroughi’s AVA is a gripping debut about a young girl’s coming-of-age in a strict, traditional society. Living with her well-to-do parents in Tehran, Ava is a bright and focused teen whose concerns— friendships, music, social status, academic performance—resemble that of nearly any teenager. When Ava’s mistrustful and overprotective mother questions her relationship with a boy —going as far as to visit a gynecologist— Ava is overwhelmed by a newfound rage. Formerly a model student, Ava begins to rebel against the structures imposed by her parents, her school, and the society at large.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIgiOw69YyM&feature=youtu.be
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Samuel Goldwyn Films Acquires ‘A BOY. A GIRL. A DREAM’ Starring Omari Hardwick and Meagan Good [ CLIP]
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired the acclaimed Sundance Film A BOY. A GIRL. A DREAM directed by Qasim Basir and starring Omari Hardwick (“Power”), Meagan Good (A GIRL LIKE GRACE). The film which co-stars Jay Ellis (“Insecure”), Dijon Talton (“Glee”), Wesley Jonathan (ROLL BOUNCE), and Affion Crockett (THE WEDDING RINGER), was written by written by Qasim Basir & Samantha Tanner.
The story follows a Los Angeles club promoter named Cass (Hardwick), who on the night of the 2016 Presidential Election meets a woman named Free (Good) who challenges him to revisit his broken dreams. This happens during a series of unfortunate events during the time that Trump is surging ahead of Hilary Clinton.
“I can’t think of a better company to partner with for this next phase of the journey of getting our film out to the world,” says director/writer Qasim Basir.
“Samuel Goldwyn has a solid track record. They were extremely passionate about our film and the talented people involved with making it so we believe we are in good hands,” added producer Datari Turner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g25UY0Pwctc
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Daniel Roebuck’s Critically Acclaimed Family Film GETTING GRACE Now Playing in Theaters | Trailer
“Getting Grace,” is all about a spunky teenaged girl with terminal cancer who decides to make her own funeral arrangements, and sets in motion a plan that affects all of those around her. The critically-praised family film from director and star Daniel Roebuck, opened in theaters across the USA on Friday, March 23; and is now playing at fifty-nine locations across the country, with another fifty locations planned for expansion over the next three weeks.
Daniel Roebuck is a widely recognized star from over one-hundred feature film roles (including “The Fugitive”, “U.S. Marshalls” and the current Christian theatrical hit “Let There Be Light“) as well as from the enormously successful TV series recurring roles in “LOST” and 8-seasons of “Matlock” with Andy Griffith. During the recently completed, multi-city Bus Tour, Roebuck was joined in different cities by other cast members, including newcomer Madelyn Dundon in the title role and film veteran Marsha Dietlein. “Getting Grace” tells the story of a teenaged girl’s unusual response to a terminal cancer diagnosis. Other stars include Dana Ashbrook, Timothy Goodwin and Duane Whitaker. The film is rated PG-13 and has already won the best picture accolade at two, major film festivals.
Audiences would be hard-pressed to find a more likable protagonist in any film. GRACE, the title character, is funny, sarcastic, empathetic and riveting. But, unfortunately, she is going to die.
Although Grace’s time is short, her positive impact on the world around her is monumental. The story is about a young girl who knows that she is dying. Grace goes into a funeral home to learn about death and ends up teaching the disenfranchised funeral director, BILL, about life.
We soon learn that while trying to “hedge the bet” about her afterlife possibilities she is also trying her best to prepare her mother, VENUS, for a future without her only child. Venus, we learn, is not dealing with the sad imminent truth well and is reverting to her old ways of drinking and “drugging.” Simultaneously, Grace humorously hijacks an ironically named “EMBRACE LIFE” class offered by her hospital for children dealing with their own fatal diseases and moves it to the funeral home. Not only does she do her best to teach the adults in her life to live their lives to the fullest, she has the same effect on her peers. And she discovers love, herself.
Grace is also desperately searching for someone to take care of her mother. Will it be Bill, REVEREND OSBURN (the hospital’s chaplain) or RON, the charismatic and successful author of a book about the afterlife. Once those around her actually “GET” Grace (meaning they finally understand her), every one of them is able to transition to their own new life.
“Getting Grace” is an extraordinary story with a lead character who affects a chain of positive events in the lives of all she comes in contact with…be they doctors or morticians or her own mother. Through Grace, her loved ones learn that life need not be lived long to be lived fully.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5j28U_ocVU
GETTING GRACE – March 23 Theatres
Alabama
Regal Mobile Stadium, Mobile, AL
Arizona
Harkins Arizona Mills 25, Tempe, AZ
Harkins Superstition Springs, Mesa, AZ
California
Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica, CA
Edwards Fairfield Stadium, Fairfield, CA
Regal Fresno 22, Fresno, CA
Regal Merced 13, Merced, CA
Ontario Palace Stadium 22, Ontario, CA
Regal Long Beach Stadium 26, Long Beach, CA
Conneticut
AMC Plainville Stadium, Plainville, CT
Florida
Regal Citrus Park Stadium, Tampa, FL
Cypress Creek Station, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Oveido Mall Stadium, Oveido, FL
Pointe Orlando Stadium, Orlando, FL
Regal Sawgrass Stadium, Sunrise, FL
South Beach Stadiu, Miami Beach, FL
Park Place Stadium 16, Pinellas Park, FL
Belltower Stadium 20, Fort Myers, FL
Regal Beach Blvd. Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
Georgia
Hollywood24 @ I-85, Chamblee, GA
Austell Stadium, Austell, GA
Hawaii / Pacifica
Regal Dole Cannery 18, Honolulu, HI
Guam Megaplex Stadium, Guam
Illinois
Round Lake Beach Stadium, Round Lake Beach, IL
GQT Willow Knolls 14, Peoria, IL
Indiana
New Albany Stadium 16, New Albany, IN
Village Park Stadium 17, Carmel, IN
Kansas
B&B Overland Park 16, Overland Park, KS
Kentucky
Regal Bowling Green 12, Bowling Green, KY
Minnesota
Marcus Shakopee Cinema, Shakopee, MN
Marcus Hastings Cinema, Hastings, MN
Marcus Elk River Cinema, Elk River, MN
Regal Eagan Stadium, Eagan, MN
Missouri
St. Louis Stadium, Hazelwood, MO
New York
Elmwood Center 16, Buffalo, NY
Henrietta Stadium 18. Rochester, NY
North Carolina
Stonecrest at Piper Glenn, Charlotte, NC
Crossroads Stadium 20, Cary, NC
Greensboro Grand 16, Greensboro NC
Greenville Grand Stadium, Greenville, NC
Ohio
Chakeres Springfield 10, Springfield, OH
Oklahoma
Spotlight 14, Norman, OK
Promenade Palace 12, Tulsa, OK
Oregon
Movies on TV Stadium, Hillsboro, OR
Pennsylvania
U.E.C. College 9, State College, PA
Regal Riverview Plaza, Philadelphia, PA
Regal Cinema Oaks 24, Oaks, PA
Harrisburg Stadium 14, Harrisburg, PA
AMC Allentown 16, Allentown, PA
AMC Center Valley 16, Center Valley, PA
Tennessee
Regal Opry Mills Stadium, Nashville, TN
Streets of Indian Lake Stadium, Hendersonville, TN
Pinnacle Stadium, 18, Knoxville, TN
Texas
Edwards Marq’E Stadium, Houston, TX
Regal West Oaks Mall 14, Houston, TX
Regal Metropolitan Cinemas, Austin, TX
Regal Fiesta Stadium, San Antonio, TX
Washington
Parkway Plaza Stadium, Tukwila, WA
West Virginia
Morgantown Stadium 12, Morgantown, WV
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Watch Chiwetel Ejiofor as Pastor Carlton Pearson in COME SUNDAY Trailer
Netflix has released the Trailer for Come Sunday, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, that premiered earlier this year at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. The film is directed by Joshua Marston whose first film, Maria Full of Grace, won an Audience Award at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Come Sunday, also starring Martin Sheen, Jason Segel, Condola Rashad, Lakeith Stanfield and Danny Glover will launch on Netflix on April 13, 2018.
In the film, internationally-renowned pastor Carlton Pearson, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor – experiencing a crisis of faith – risks his church, family and future when he questions church doctrine and finds himself branded a modern-day heretic. Based on actual events.
Every Sunday, Bishop Carlton Pearson—evangelical megastar, brilliant orator, and television host with millions of followers—preaches the fundamentalist gospel to six thousand supplicants at his Higher Dimensions Church. He’s the pride and joy of his spiritual father, Oral Roberts, and the toast of Tulsa. One day, rattled by an uncle’s suicide and distraught by reports of the Rwandan Genocide, Pearson receives an epiphany. Suddenly it’s crystal clear—God loves all humankind; everyone is already saved, whether Christian or not; and there is no hell. But these ideas are heretical, violating sacrosanct doctrines.
The next Sunday, when Pearson unveils this theology of inclusion to his flock, shock waves sweep the enormous hall. Church leaders and members begin to defect in droves, and his empire topples. Based on the true story of a controversial and courageous man of God, Come Sunday elegantly and respectfully captures the authentic texture and tone of Pearson’s devout world, never resorting to hyperbole. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s tour-de-force performance embodies the effusive charisma and grounded humility of a character with everything to lose, yet even more to gain by heeding his convictions. Sundance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVQFWvm_fbU
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Coming Soon: Susan Sarandon, Edie Falco and Matt Bomer Star in Maryam Keshavarz’s VULTURE CLUB
[caption id="attachment_27698" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Susan Sarandon, Edie Falco and Matt Bomer Star in Maryam Keshavarz’s VULTURE CLUB[/caption]
YouTube has completed principal photography on the upcoming film VULTURE CLUB starring Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon and award-winning actors Edie Falco and Matt Bomer. In VULTURE CLUB, a veteran emergency room nurse secretly struggles to free her grown son, a journalist, from capture by a terrorist group. After running into roadblocks with government agencies, she discovers a clandestine community of journalists and advocates who might be able to help her. VULTURE CLUB will debut in theaters and then on YouTube Red later this year.
VULTURE CLUB was directed by Maryam Keshavarz (writer-director of Circumstance) and was co-written with Jonathan Mastro. This powerful film is a thought-provoking story about a mother forced to take drastic measures to try and save her only son.
“VULTURE CLUB follows the singular journey of a woman abandoned by her government who finds community in the most unexpected places,” says Maryam Keshavarz. “It’s an honor to work with Susan Sarandon, Edie Falco and Matt Bomer who are the incredible talents and an innovator like YouTube to tell this timely story.”
“This emotional drama grapples with relevant issues journalists around the world face today. Maryam Keshavarz lends her powerful perspective as an Iranian-American filmmaker, and Susan Sarandon’s moving performance immediately drew us into this compelling film,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. “We are excited to be in business with Anna Gerb, Neal Dodson, and J.C. Chandor and work with the extremely talented cast of Vulture Club.”
VULTURE CLUB features Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking, Thelma & Louise) who plays “Helen” a mother desperate to rescue her son. Sarandon was recently nominated for a 2017 Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe and a SAG Award for Feud. Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actress Edie Falco (The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie) plays “Charlotte” who is also the mother of a journalist. Golden Globe Award-winning and Primetime Emmy-nominated actor Matt Bomer (Normal Heart, White Collar, Magic Mike) plays “Sam,” a journalist who is trying to help Helen save her son. Julian Morris (Pretty Little Liars, Mark Felt) plays Helen’s son “Andy,” a war journalist covering dangerous international events. Rounding out the cast are Lola Kirke (Mozart In The Jungle, Gone Girl) who plays “Amy” the mother of a patient at the hospital, Adepero Oduye (12 Years A Slave, The Big Short) plays “Keesha,” the head emergency room nurse at the hospital, and Sheila Vand (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Girl Walks Home Alone At Night) as “Sheila,” a journalist and Andy’s former girlfriend.
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I CAN ONLY IMAGINE Hits High Note As #1 New Indie Film At The Box Office | Trailer
Roadside Attractions is celebrating today – the Erwin Brothers faith-based family drama I Can Only Imagine shattered pre-weekend tracking expectations to become #3 at the box-office this weekend and the #1 faith-based movie of 2018. The film took in an estimated $17,064,640 for a per-screen average of $10,475 from 1,629 locations in North America. The film received a rare A+ CinemaScore with an audience that was 67% female and 80% over 35.
The weekend estimates include an exceptional $6,234,535 for Friday; $5,983,485 on Saturday; and a projected $4,846,620 for today.
Roadside Attractions co-president Howard Cohen commented, “When we first saw this incredibly well-crafted, emotional and moving film, we jumped on the opportunity to work with the Erwins and their team and our partners at Lionsgate on I Can Only Imagine. And we were not disappointed. This is Roadside’s highest grossing opening ever! With the trifecta of the song’s double platinum crossover appeal, the Erwin brothers success with such films as Moms’ Night Out and Woodlawn plus world-class talent like Dennis Quaid on board, we felt that the film’s inspiring story of hope and forgiveness made for a very compelling collaboration. With an A+ Cinemascore, we expect I Can Only Imagine will continue to play solidly through the Easter holiday and well into Spring.”
“Howard, Eric, and the team at Roadside are incredibly talented and resourceful partners,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chair Joe Drake. “Their belief in this film, coupled with the vision of the filmmakers and our acquisition group’s ability to spot an amazing property, shows once again the vitality of the market for faith-based films.”
Producer Kevin Downes said, “We are so thankful to our amazing team and all the partners who worked so hard alongside us to get this story out.”
Andrew Erwin, co-director & co-editor added, “God’s hand has been on this song and on this story from the beginning. We are delighted to see a story about forgiveness and redemption connect with so many people. We are humbled for the privilege of telling Bart’s story.”
Jon Erwin, co-director & co-screenwriter said, “We are amazed and humbled to see the response to this story. We set out to honor Bart Millard’s journey and the band’s amazing, life-changing song. It’s our privilege to watch this film engage in such a powerful way with the audience.”
Word of mouth, media attention, grassroots marketing and social media sharing drove audiences to the theater this weekend. Campaign highlights included coordinated field marketing and talent PR with a number of initiatives, including a partnership targeting MercyMe’s latest tour. The company also promoted the forthcoming film strongly on Christian radio and at faith-based events. Heading into the weekend, there were more than 130 million combined views on the film’s trailers and marketing materials online. Additionally, the I Can Only Imagine trailer was featured ahead of screenings of Lionsgate’s box office hit Wonder, which grossed nearly $300 million worldwide.
I Can Only Imagine is the latest faith-based film from Lionsgate following breakout successes including double Oscar® winner Hacksaw Ridge and The Shack. The film will be distributed through Lionsgate’s IDC joint venture in Latin America, where The Shack was a massive hit in Brazil.
I Can Only Imagine is the fourth feature for the Erwin Brothers, whose previous films included October Baby, Moms’ Night Out and Woodlawn. The screenplay was written by Jon Erwin & Brent McCorkle from a story by Jon Erwin & Brent McCorkle and Alex Cramer. I Can Only Imagine was produced by Kevin Downes, Cindy Bond, Daryl Lefever, Mickey Liddell, and Pete Shilaimon. Travis Mann, Tony Young, Scott Brickell and Simon Swart served as executive producers.
The film features an all-star cast including Golden-Globe® nominee Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow, The Rookie, Soul Surfer), Oscar®-winner Cloris Leachman (The Iron Giant, The Last Picture Show, Young Frankenstein), platinum-selling country music legend Trace Adkins, author and actress Priscilla Shirer (War Room), Madeline Carroll (Mr. Poppers Penguins) and Broadway’s J. Michael Finley (“Les Miserables”).
I Can Only Imagine brings to life the true story behind the song of ultimate hope, “I Can Only Imagine.” A transformed relationship with his troubled father inspired Bart Millard, the lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, to write what is now the most-played radio single in Christian music history. A gripping reminder of the power of forgiveness, I Can Only Imagine beautifully illustrates that no one is ever too far from God’s love — or from an eternal home in Heaven.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm_zzAMuvyQ
Image credit: Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) and Amy Grant (Nicole DuPort) rehearse in the new film I CAN ONLY IMAGINE releasing March 16, 2018. Courtesy of Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions.
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“Yellow Fever” Starring Jenna Ushkowitz and Scott Patterson Held Its Star-Studded LA Premiere | Trailer
[caption id="attachment_27648" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Jenna Ushkowtiz (L) and Kat Moon (R) at the LA Premiere of “Yellow Fever.” Photo credit: Gillian Perry[/caption]
The Stars came out on Wednesday, March 14th for the Los Angeles premiere and Q&A of the feature film “Yellow Fever.” On hand were writer-director Kat Moon, the film’s star Jenna Ushkowitz (SAG Award winner for Glee), Producer Jan Daube, Josh Sussman (Glee), Emily Sandifer (The Tale), Nicole Bilderback (Good Girls), Elizabeth Carlisle (The Rich and the Ruthless), Michael Lowry (Emmy nominee and Yellow Fever Co-Star), Johnathan Tchaikovsky (Wolf of Wall Street and Yellow Fever Co-Star) and many more. The film was followed by a Q&A which was moderated by TV Host Katie Hope.
[caption id="attachment_27649" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Glee reunion!! Josh Sussman (L) and Jenna Ushkowitz (R) share a laugh at the LA Premiere of “Yellow Fever.” Photo credit: Gillian Perry.[/caption]
About the film
Asia Bradford (Ushkowitz) was adopted from Korea by white people, so she doesn’t speak Korean. She apparently doesn’t speak New York either, because everyone seems to think she’s from somewhere else. “Stop asking me where I’m from! I get it .. I’m Yellow!” she angrily writes on her blog. It’s bad enough that everyone in New York seems to think she’s not American, but to top it all off, her “culturally sensitive,” whitebread parents decided to dress up in Korean hanboks for the annual Christmas card this year! Seriously. So, where does she actually fit in if she feels like she doesn’t belong in her family, New York or even her so-called “motherland?” Her salvation comes in an odd package – an “old ugly white dude,” (Patterson) who’s just moved back to New York after living in Korea for over a decade. “Yellow Fever” was written and directed by NYC native Kat Moon who pulled from her own experiences growing up in the US as an Asian woman struggling with her identity and hopes this film will be the first of many more to come to show strong Asian female characters on the screen as well as working behind the camera.Trailer
https://vimeo.com/238186503 via
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See 2 New Posters for LOVE AFTER LOVE Featuring Chris O’Dowd and Andie MacDowell | Trailer
Love After Love, a film by Russell Harbaugh, and starring Chris O’Dowd, Andie MacDowell, James Adomian, Juliet Rylance, Dree Hemingway, has released two new posters – one featuring Chris O’Dowd, and another one featuring Andie MacDowell. IFC Films will release Love After Love at the IFC Center in New York on March 30th
What happens when you lose the foundation of your family? In the wake of a husband and father’s death, the family members he leaves behind find themselves adrift—and in danger of drifting apart—as they each try to find meaning in a world without the man who held them together. Mother Suzanne (Andie MacDowell) tentatively seeks companionship—but her attempts at dating only drive a wedge between her and older son Nicholas (Chris O’Dowd), whose own relationship with his girlfriend is disintegrating. Meanwhile, younger son Chris (James Adomian) deals with grief in his own complicated—and increasingly worrying—way. What plays out between the trio is a beautifully observed, powerfully emotional journey that speaks to the strength of family ties.
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Watch Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson and Dave Franco in Trailer for “6 Balloons”
Netflix released the trailer for “6 Balloons” starring Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson and Dave Franco, which just world premiered at the 2018 SXSW.
The film takes place over the course of one night, a woman drives across LA with her heroin addict brother in search of a detox center, with his two year old daughter in tow.
The cast includes Abbi Jacobson (Broad City, Disenchantment, The LEGO Ninjago Movie) and Dave Franco (The Disaster Artist, The Little Hours, 21 Jump Street), 6 BALLOONS also features Tim Matheson (Animal House, The West Wing) and Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle, The Big Bang Theory). 6 BALLOONS is the directorial debut of Marja-Lewis Ryan (The Four-Faced Liar), who also wrote the script; and produced by Samantha Housman (1922, Captain Fantastic), Ross M. Dinerstein (1922), Reid Carolin (Magic Mike, Logan Lucky), Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street, Logan Lucky) and Peter Kiernan (Mad Love, Wingmen).
6 Balloons launches on Netflix on April 6, 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uF4XjvS_Z0
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THE ART OF THE SHINE, Documentary on World of Professional Shoe Shiners, to Premiere on PBS Independent Lens | Trailer
[caption id="attachment_27569" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
The Art of the Shine[/caption]
Stacey Tenenbaum’s joyous and quirky new documentary film, The Art of the Shine, that celebrates the art of shoe shining and the men and women who have chosen this unique career, will premiere on Independent Lens on Monday, April 9, 2018, 10:00 – 11:00 PM (check local listings) on PBS.
The Art of the Shine travels from Toronto to Paris to New York to La Paz and beyond, introducing viewers to shiners who share their feelings about their work. In Bolivia, where shining is looked down upon, shiners wear masks so their classmates and neighbors won’t know what they do for a living. In Sarajevo, we meet Ramiz, the last shoe shiner in the city. Ramiz inherited his job from his father, who was beloved — during the Bosnian war, the simple act of getting one’s shoes shined was seen as an act of resistance and a statement of hope.
With a renewed interest in all things ‘retro,’ shining is slowly becoming hip again. In cities like New York, Toronto, and Tokyo, the job is attracting younger people who are working to elevate the profession and give it a newfound cachet. Some are turning the trade into an art form, hand-painting luxury shoes to create custom patinas and designs. In Tokyo, the dapper Yuya purveys a seriously high-end shine that takes an hour and is accompanied by a flute of champagne. Others, like Vincent in Toronto, find shoe shining an effective form of therapy.
In New York, we meet Kevin and his crew, all recovering alcoholics, who he calls his “sober shoe shine gang.” Together they’ve found not only sobriety but a way of life that’s artistically and socially fulfilling. Says Kevin: “I feel like I have the secret to life.” Don, who works from a cart on Fifth Avenue, would probably agree. A former accountant and baker, he gave up the stressful 9-to-5 routine for shoe shining and has never looked back. Joking with people on the street and chatting with his harried customers, Don wouldn’t trade his life for theirs. “This is freedom. It pays the bills and I’m free. I think I live a happier life – I stopped chasing my tail.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7GqRJduyPo
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Tribeca 2018: James Gardner’s JELLYFISH Acquired by Bankside Films
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Liv Hill as Sarah Talor in JELLYFISH. Photo credit: Dan Atherton.[/caption]
Jellyfish which will have its world premiere screening in the View Points section at the forthcoming Tribeca Film Festival in New York, has been acquired by Bankside Films.
Directed by James Gardner, from a script which he co-wrote with Simon Lord, Jellyfish tells the story of a teenage carer who discovers a hidden talent for stand-up comedy. James Gardner’s previous work includes short films Barry Glitter and Ferris and The Fancy Pigeon.
Between being bullied at school, put upon by her overbearing boss at the local amusement arcade and having to look after her younger brother, sister and emotionally unstable mother, life isn’t easy for Sarah Taylor. However, when Sarah’s drama teacher channels her ferocious and volatile energies in to a stand-up comedy routine for the graduation showcase, Sarah discovers that she may have a hidden talent. As her love for comedy grows and the showcase draws nearer, the delicate balance in her life becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. Little by little the walls start to close in, ultimately forcing her to choose between her responsibilities as a carer and her newfound passion for comedy.
Jellyfish stars newcomer, Liv Hill (The Little Stranger) who delivers a mesmerizing performance as Sarah which is bound to announce her as one of the UK’s most exciting new talents. Additional cast includes Sinead Matthew (Mr. Turner) and BAFTA award nominee, Cyril Nri (Cucumber).
Nikolas Holttum serves as producer and arranged production finance.
James Gardner, the director, said “Little films can do big things and little films matter. Since finding us on the Edinburgh works-in-progress lab last year, the team at Bankside have shown nothing but unrelenting enthusiasm for Jellyfish, respecting the integrity of my vision for the film, while enabling it to find its biggest possible audience. To be working with such a well-respected sales company on my first feature film, and for it to be premiering at Tribeca, still feels a bit surreal, but I’m thrilled it’s happening and I look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with my next feature-film projects.”
Stephen Kelliher, Director at Bankside Films, added, “We were blown away by James Gardner’s intensely moving debut feature which announces him as compelling new voice in British cinema as well as introducing a super star in the making in Liv Hill. The film speaks directly to the times in which we live and we are thrilled to be introducing the film to the world at the forthcoming Tribeca Film Festival.”