IFC Films will release QUEEN OF EARTH, directed by Alex Ross Perry and starring Elisabeth Moss and Katherine Waterston, on August 26th in New York with a national rollout to follow.
Catherine (Elisabeth Moss) has entered a particularly dark period in her life: her father, a famous artist whose affairs she managed, has recently died, and on the heels of his death she’s dumped by her boyfriend James (Kentucker Audley). Looking to recuperate, Catherine heads out to her best friend Virginia’s (Katherine Waterston) lake house for some much needed relaxation. However, once Catherine arrives relaxation proves impossible to find, as she is overcome with memories of time spent at the same house with James the year before. As Catherine reaches out to Virginia with attempts at connection, Virginia begins spending increasing amounts of time with a local love interest, Rich (Patrick Fugit), and fissures in the relationship between the two women begin to appear, sending Catherine into a downward spiral of delusion and madness. A bracing, eerie look at the deep bonds of friendship and the horrific effects of such bonds being frayed, Queen of Earth is a thrilling examination of a deeply complex relationship between two miserable women.Independent Film
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QUEEN OF EARTH Starring Elisabeth Moss Sets Release Date of August 26th
IFC Films will release QUEEN OF EARTH, directed by Alex Ross Perry and starring Elisabeth Moss and Katherine Waterston, on August 26th in New York with a national rollout to follow.
Catherine (Elisabeth Moss) has entered a particularly dark period in her life: her father, a famous artist whose affairs she managed, has recently died, and on the heels of his death she’s dumped by her boyfriend James (Kentucker Audley). Looking to recuperate, Catherine heads out to her best friend Virginia’s (Katherine Waterston) lake house for some much needed relaxation. However, once Catherine arrives relaxation proves impossible to find, as she is overcome with memories of time spent at the same house with James the year before. As Catherine reaches out to Virginia with attempts at connection, Virginia begins spending increasing amounts of time with a local love interest, Rich (Patrick Fugit), and fissures in the relationship between the two women begin to appear, sending Catherine into a downward spiral of delusion and madness. A bracing, eerie look at the deep bonds of friendship and the horrific effects of such bonds being frayed, Queen of Earth is a thrilling examination of a deeply complex relationship between two miserable women.
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JACKIE & RYAN Starring Katherine Heigl Opens in Theaters on July 3 | TRAILER
The indie romance drama, JACKIE & RYAN starring Katherine Heigl (Knocked Up) and Ben Barnes (Chronicles Of Narnia franchise), about a travelling musician and a former singer who have a chance encounter, will open in theaters and on demand July 3, 2015.
Ryan Brenner (Ben Barnes) a travelling musician and Jackie Laurel (Katherine Heigl) a former singer at a crossroads in her marriage, have a chance encounter while Ryan is busking on the streets of Ogden, Utah.
After a sudden car accident propels them together, Ryan finds himself at Jackie’s house for dinner. Ryan’s battling to find the courage to write his own music while Jackie’s fighting for independence from her estranged husband who wants her to return to their upscale Manhattan marriage.
When Ryan’s musician mentor dies in a train accident and Jackie’s husband threatens to take custody of her daughter, Ryan and Jackie find the strength and music they need in each other. What they don’t know is, if the paths they choose will lead to one another.
JACKIE & RYAN is written and directed by Ami Canaan Mann (Texas Killing Fields), and stars Katherine Heigl (Knocked Up) and Ben Barnes (Chronicles Of Narnia franchise) as well as Clea DuVall, Sheryl Lee and Ryan Bingham. The film is produced by Mann, Molly Hassell, John Jencks and John Avnet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCTmxBZsa4U
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Cast & Crew of TANGERINE to Celebrate Trans Pride at NYC Pride March | TRAILER
TANGERINE director Sean Baker, cast members James Ransone (TV’s “The Wire”), Mya Taylor, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, along with special surprise guests are all set to celebrate their hit film TANGERINE at the 45th Annual NYC Pride March on Sunday, April 28th. Later that evening, TANGERINE will make its New York debut as the closing night film of BAMcinemaFEST.
TANGERINE premiered at Sundance to critical acclaim and will hit theaters on July 10th
Shot on the iPhone 5s, the stars of the film, Taylor and Rodriguez, are trans actresses playing trans characters.
About the TANGERINE float, Baker says, “We’re excited, honored and ‘proud’ to be part of NYC Pride! Party time!”
At NYC Pride, the cast and crew of TANGERINE will celebrate trans pride, a movement that is getting its overdue public acknowledgment. Spinning on the float will be trans DJ Mursi Layne.
Jere Keys of NYC Pride says of TANGERINE’s participation, “We’re thrilled to have TANGERINE join with over 350 groups who will be marching in this historic year, especially as the film further highlights the amazing diversity of people and issues represented by NYC Pride.”
The first March was held in 1970 and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence and neglect. Magnolia Pictures and cast and crew of TANGERINE are proud to help this tradition endure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALSwWTb88ZU
Image: Actors Mya Taylor, James Ransone and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez; Photo Courtesy of OUT
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Kimberly Levin’s RUNOFF Starring Joanne Kelly in Theaters June 26 | TRAILER
RUNOFF, the debut narrative feature film from biochemist turned playwright, filmmaker Kimberly Levin, will open in theaters on June 26th from Monterey Media. RUNOFF stars Joanne Kelly (Warehouse 13, Hostages), Alex Shaffer (Win, Win, Lifeguard) , Neal Huff (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom, The Wire),Kivlighan De Montebello (A Scientist’s Guide to Living and Dying, Celebrity Ghose Stories), Tom Bower (Independent Spirit Award nominee, Crazy Heart, Die Hard 2),Darlene Hunt (The Big C, Good Morning Miami).
The beauty of the land cannot mask the brutality of a farm town. As harvest draws near, Betty confronts a terrifying new reality and will go to desperate lengths to save her family when they are threatened with being forced from their land. An old friend, struggling to keep his own farm profitable by any means necessary—offers Betty a way out. She refuses to get involved, but as the pressures mount for her family and they are on the brink of eviction, her husband, Frank, reveals that he is seriously ill. How far will one to go to take care of one’s own? Recalling all that is heartland Americana, this film combines an ecological urgency with a compelling yet sensitive story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yZazxohlo0
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A MURDER IN THE PARK, Wrongful Conviction Doc with Twists and Turns, Set For Release on June 26th | TRAILER
A MURDER IN THE PARK, directed by Shawn Rech and Brandon Kimber, and inspired by the book “A Miscarriage of Justice” by William Crawford will open in theaters June 26th, at the IFC Center in NY and on VOD.
A MURDER IN THE PARK re-examines one of the most pivotal conviction reversals in U.S. history. In 1983, Anthony Porter was sentenced to death for the 1982 murders of teenagers Jerry Hillard and Marilyn Green in Chicago’s Washington Park. In 1998, students from a prestigious University’s Innocence Project re-investigated the case, and seemingly found the real killer, Alstory Simon. Simon “confessed” to the crimes, and Porter was released and pardoned. Once just 48 hours from execution, Porter’s harrowing ordeal shook then-Governor Ryan’s confidence in the justice system, and he vacated the sentences of all Illinois death row inmates.
Soon after his “confession,” Simon accepted a plea bargain, and began serving a 37 year sentence for the killings. He later claimed that the evidence he was presented with to secure his confession and plea was bogus, but left him feeling he had no choice but to confess.
A MURDER IN THE PARK’s investigation provides a fascinating glimpse into a very broken criminal justice system, and questions the motives and tactics of those trying to free the wrongly accused as well as end the death penalty.
Note: The Innocence Project featured in this film is not connected with the original Innocence Project in New York.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cm7OeaUNJg
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Official TRAILER for Sundance Hit THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT
Check out the official trailer for the Sundance Hit THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, and released in theaters on July 17th via IFC Films.
It is the summer of 1971. Dr. Philip Zimbardo launches a study on the psychology of imprisonment. Twenty-four male undergraduates are randomly assigned to be either a guard or a prisoner. Set in a simulated jail, the project unfolds. The participants rapidly embody their roles—the guards become power-hungry and sadistic, while the prisoners, subject to degradation, strategize as underdogs. It soon becomes clear that, as Zimbardo and team monitor the escalation of action through surveillance cameras, they are not fully aware of how they, too, have become part of the experiment.
Based on the real-life research of Dr. Zimbardo (who was a consultant on the film), THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT is a dramatic period piece that remains relevant over 40 years later. Along with an impressive cast, including Billy Crudup as Zimbardo, Kyle Patrick Alvarez (C.O.G., 2013 Sundance Film Festival) delivers an intense, visceral film about the role of power that plays to both chilling and exhilarating effect.
Features an excellent roster of young talent, including Ezra Miller, Tye Sheridan, Olivia Thirlby,Michael Angarano, Logan Miller, Thomas Mann, Keir Gilchrist, Johnny Simmons,Moises Arias, Jack Kilmer, Chris Sheffield, Ki Hong Lee, and James Frechville, to name a few.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LviGTHud5w
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Sony Pictures to Release Branden Kramer’s Cyber-Suspense Thriller RATTER | VIDEO
Sony Pictures has picked up first-time feature filmmaker Branden Kramer’s cyber-suspense thriller RATTER, starring Ashley Benson (“Pretty Little Liars”).
RATTER debuted in competition at the 2015 Slamdance Film Festival and will have its Los Angeles Premiere on Sunday, June 14, at 9:40pm PST in the Nightfall section of this year’s Los Angeles Film Festival.
Written and directed by Kramer, RATTER is based on the short film Webcam, which has been viewed more than six million times on Vimeo. Benson stars as Emma, a graduate student living alone in New York City. She is being watched by a “Ratter” who stalks her by hacking into all of her personal technology–laptop, cell phone, and other web connected devices–to record her most intimate moments. Eventually the video feeds aren’t enough and the stalker moves from the virtual to the physical – with disturbing consequences.
The film also stars Matt McGorry (“Orange Is the New Black”) and Rebecca Naomi Jones (The Switch).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si4dNU6AQJU
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Terrence J, Draya Michele, Mack Wilds Attend DOPE LA, NYC Screenings
Screenings were held in New York City and LA for the 2015 Sundance Film Festival fave DOPE which opens nationwide on June 19.
Open Road Films hosted a special New York press screening of Sundance fave DOPE at AMC Loews 19 in Manhattan. Actor and recording artist Mack Wilds (pictured above)and television & radio personality Angela Yee hosted the screening.
Actor/tv personality Terrence J (pictured above) and lifestyle marketing specialist Miss Diddy hosted a private screening of DOPE at Landmark Theatres in Los Angeles.
Attendees included reality show personality Draya Michele.
DOPE is produced by Forest Whitaker, executive produced by Pharrell Williams, and co-executive produced by Sean Combs, and stars Shameik Moore, Kimberly Elise, Chanel Iman, Quincy Brown, Zoe Kravitz and A$AP Rocky.
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Watch Red Band TRAILER for THE OVERNIGHT Starring Taylor Schilling, Jason Schwartzman
THE OVERNIGHT directed by Patrick Brice and starring Taylor Schilling, Adam Scott and Jason Schwartzman, released a new red band trailer. The Overnight premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and will be released by The Orchard on June 19, 2015.
Writer/director Patrick Brice’s second feature is described as a painfully funny take on thirty something sexual frustration and parenthood.
Alex, Emily, and their son, RJ, have recently moved to Los Angeles’ Eastside from Seattle. Feeling lost in a new city, they are desperate to find their first new friends. After a chance meeting with Kurt at the neighborhood park, they gladly agree to join family pizza night at the home. But as it gets later and the kids go to bed, the family “playdate” becomes increasingly more revealing and bizarre as the couples begin to open up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96fX_tk9Kgw
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LA Premiere of DOPE at 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival
The official Los Angeles premiere of the film DOPE took place on Monday night at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live as a pre-festival screening at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival.
EXCLUSIVE – Co-Executive Producer Sean Combs and Executive Producer Pharrell Williams seen at Open Road Films Los Angeles Premiere of “Dope” in partnership with the LA Film Fest on Monday, June 8, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Open Road Films/AP Images)
Cast members in attendance included Shameik Moore, Kiersey Clemons, Kimberly Elise, Quincy Brown, Chanel Iman, A$AP Rocky, Tyga, Tony Revolori, Blake Anderson, and Kap G. Also in attendance was director/writer Rick Famuyiwa, producers Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, executive producer Pharrell Williams, co-executive producer Sean Combs and co-producer Mimi Valdes.
EXCLUSIVE – A$AP Rocky seen at Open Road Films Los Angeles Premiere of “Dope” in partnership with the LA Film Fest on Monday, June 8, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Open Road Films/AP Images)
DOPE premieres nationwide on June 19.
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Official Poster and Watch Trailer for UNEXPECTED, in Theaters July 24
Here is the poster and trailer for UNEXPECTED, the debut pic from writer-director Kris Swanberg that premiered in the U.S. Dramatic competition section at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. The film is executive produced by Peter Gilbert (Hoop Dreams) and Chris Webber. UNEXPECTED is in theaters and on demand July 24, 2015.
Samantha Abbott (Cobie Smulders), is a dedicated and passionate teacher at an inner-city Chicago high school. Just as she is coming to terms with her school closing, Samantha faces some life-changing and unexpected news: she is pregnant. After breaking the news to her supportive live-in boyfriend John (Anders Holm) and opinionated mother (Elizabeth McGovern), Samantha learns that one of her most promising students, Jasmine (newcomer Gail Bean), has landed in a similar but very different situation. As the women navigate their ambitions for the future, whether tackling the painfully hilarious realities of pregnancy or challenging each other to think beyond motherhood, Samantha and Jasmine forge an unlikely friendship that will challenge their perspectives and leave a lasting impact on one another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9ANgqpiIzU
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Award-Winning Thriller TWO STEP Sets Release Date, Opens July 31st | TRAILER
Director Alex R. Johnson’s award-winning thriller TWO STEP begins its limited theatrical release in New York City and Los Angeles, premiering on July 31st at the Village East Cinema, and opening in LA the following week. TWO STEP will be available across major iVOD/cVOD platforms starting on September 1st.
TWO STEP is a throwback Texas thriller in which the lives of James, a directionless college dropout, and Webb, a career criminal with his back against the wall, violently collide. Kicked out of college, James visits Grams, his only remaining family, who dies shortly after his arrival. He finds consolation in the company of Grams’ neighbor, Dot, a dance teacher, as he figures out his next move. While settling Grams’ affairs, James learns she’s been the victim of the ‘Grandparent Scam’, in which someone posing as James has been slowly bilking her out of thousands. But before James can go looking for the culprit, he shows up at the front door, desperate for money. The culprit, Webb, has his own problems in the form of Duane, who has ordered Webb to pay an old debt or else. And if Webb can’t get it from Grams, James will have to do – no matter who stands in his way.
Jason Tyrrell, Director of Acquisitions and Distribution for Traverse Media said, ‘TWO STEP is one of the most riveting films to come out of the festival circuit in 2014, and every moment of the fantastic imagery and powerful performances stick with you long after the credits roll. We are thrilled to be bringing Alex’s vision to a wider audience this summer’.
After premiering at the 2014 SXSW film festival, TWO STEP went on to win the Grand Jury Prize at the New Hampshire International Film Festival and the Best Narrative Feature award at the Flyaway Film Festival. It has also played at the International Film Festival of India, Cucalorus Film Festival, Vancouver International, Reykjavik International and many more.
https://vimeo.com/93220155