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Green Day “HEART LIKE A HAND GRENADE”[/caption]
AXS TV, “the premier destination for music festivals and everything rock and roll”, expands its music based programming lineup with the launch of “Reel To Real” – an all-new series premiering a different critically acclaimed documentary on the last Tuesday of each month.
“Reel to Real” is hosted by popular TV and radio personality Eddie Trunk (“That Metal Show”), who will be on hand to introduce every premiere, providing insights and facts about the production, the artists, the inspirations and the impact of each doc.
The series kicks off on May 31 at 9pE, with GRAMMY(R)-winning punk rockers Green Day in HEART LIKE A HAND GRENADE. HEART LIKE A HAND GRENADE chronicles the making of the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Green Day’s George W. Bush-era protest album American Idiot. The album went on to win a GRAMMY(R) and was turned into a Broadway Musical of the same name.
Other premieres include iconic guitarist Dave Navarro in MOURNING SON (June 28); THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC! (July 12); AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH: A FILM ABOUT LEVON HELM (July 26); WHO IS HARRY NILSSON (AND WHY IS EVERYONE TALKIN’ ABOUT HIM)? (August 30); JASON BECKER: NOT DEAD YET (September 27); RADIO UNNAMEABLE (October 25); MUSIC FROM THE BIG HOUSE (November 29); and GENIUS WITHIN: THE INNER LIFE OF GLENN GOULD (December 27).
“This destination night was specially crafted by music lovers for music lovers, with nine documentaries that grant a rare look at some of the most influential names in the industry,” said Jeff Cuban, COO of AXS TV. “Viewers will surely be enthralled by the openness of each of the artists as they welcome you into their lives, careers, and the creative process that got them to where they are. We’re excited to have Eddie Trunk on board, whose encyclopedic knowledge of all things music makes him the perfect host for this new venture.”
“As a huge fan of all music documentaries I couldn’t be more thrilled to be hosting this great new series for AXS TV. I had a blast learning the stories of the eclectic group of artists featured in ‘Reel to Real’ and to have had the chance to add insights, observations, and comments, and in a few cases from the some of the artists themselves, was an incredible experience,” said Trunk.
AXS TV’s complete “Reel To Real” programming lineup is as follows:
HEART LIKE A HAND GRENADE (2015) – Tues., May 31 at 9pE
Filmed over the course of 15 months, this art house-style feature provides an in-depth look at the making of Green Day’s landmark seventh album AMERICAN IDIOT, as the band enters the studio to record and discuss the music that would ultimately catapult them back into the mainstream and forever cement their status as true punk heroes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJkYThGQEUU
MOURNING SON (2015) – Tues., June 28 at 9pE
Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro stars in this deeply heartfelt documentary, following his quest for healing and closure as he recalls the night his mother was murdered when he was just 15 years old, and the impact that it had on his early life, as he struggled to make peace with his traumatic through Art, drugs, and escapism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E6nnGZau5U
THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC! (2013) – Tues., July 12 at 9pE
How did a German count become one of the figureheads of Blues and Cajun music? In this entertaining doc, roots hero Chris Strachwitz recalls his escape to America at 16, where he was introduced to a scene and culture unbeknownst to many, sparking a lifelong love affair and a mission to bring the musical soul of America to the masses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYyNAgs4T5o
AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH: A FILM ABOUT LEVON HELM (2010) – Tues., July 26 at 9pE
Filmmaker Jacob Hatley captures the final years of rock n’ roll pioneer Levon Helm, founding member of the influential roots rock quintet The Band, in this honest portrait detailing his fight to regain his voice after surviving throat cancer, his legendary career, and his frustration that The Band never received the acclaim they deserved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yVOn1udgic
WHO IS HARRY NILSSON (AND WHY IS EVERYONE TALKIN’ ABOUT HIM)? (2006) – Tues., Aug. 30 at 9pE
GRAMMY-winner Harry Nilsson is remembered by an all-star roster of his closest friends and collaborators – including Robin Williams, Brian Wilson, Yoko Ono, Eric Idle, The Smothers Brothers, and more – as they discuss the tremendous highs and devastating lows of the songwriter many consider to be one of the greatest of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoFpvG5fb-0
JASON BECKER: NOT DEAD YET (2012) – Tues., Sept. 27 at 9pE
After being diagnosed with ALS at 19, doctors said guitar virtuoso Jason Becker would never play again. Six years later, despite having lost the ability to move and speak, Becker released the first of two full-length albums. This uplifting doc takes viewers inside Becker’s inspirational journey, as he continues to defy the odds for the Art he loves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twaqqZSj8aU
RADIO UNNAMEABLE (2012) – Tues., Oct. 25 at 9pE
Free-form pioneer Bob Fass revolutionized the airwaves in 1963 with the launch of the groundbreaking Radio Unnameable program – an eclectic haven for music, politics, and culture, where artists and activists converged, and listeners were an integral part of the show. Over 50 years later, Fass remains behind the mic, redefining what radio really is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF9OuKgC1Io
MUSIC FROM THE BIG HOUSE (2010) – Tues., Nov. 29 at 9pE
Go behind bars with Blues icon Rita Chiarelli, as she explores the impact of the form on some of the most violent inmates in one of America’s most notorious institutions: Angola Prison. Chiarelli bravely gets these men to open up about the hope they’ve found in the Blues, before joining four of Angola’s best bands for an unforgettable collaboration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP1asvba4Ck
GENIUS WITHIN: THE INNER LIFE OF GLENN GOULD (2010) – Tues., Dec. 27 at 9pE
Using archived footage and personal home movies, this film pieces together the fascinating life of pianist Glenn Gould, whose upbringing as a child prodigy rocketed him into an unparalleled level of fame, masking an inner struggle as he dealt with depression, strokes, and hypochondria, leading to his untimely death at the age of 50.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=199G40DuYvQ
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HITLER’S FOLLY[/caption]
A new Poster and Trailer have been released for Academy Award Nominee Bill Plympton’s HITLER’S FOLLY, which will be available for free streaming online on June 3.
Bill Plympton’s new feature mockumentary HITLER’S FOLLY, is described as a merciless satire in which Adolf Hitler is reimagined as a successful animator and artist.
There will also be a FREE New York Premiere of HITLER’S FOLLY on Wednesday, June 1 at 7:00pm at SVA Theater (333 W 23rd St). After the screening, Plympton will also do special live drawings of a character from the film for interested fans.
The screening is open to the public and all of Bill’s fans. RSVP is required for admittance. Seating is strictly on a first come first served basis on the night.
A merciless satire from Academy Award nominee Bill Plympton, HITLER’S FOLLY explores what might have happened if Adolf Hitler’s art career had been more successful and instead of becoming an evil dictator, he was inspired to become an animator like Walt Disney.
Using World War II footage, Hitler’s early artwork and Plympton’s signature animation, this dark mockumentary re-imagines history and explores Hitler’s unfulfilled animation career in the spirit of “The Producers” by Mel Brooks, “Der Fuhrer’s Face” by Walt Disney and “Blitz Wolf” by Tex Avery.
The film stars Dana Ashbrook (Twin Peaks) as Josh, Nate Steinwachs as Hitler and Michael Sullivan – star of Greaser’s Palace (1972) by Robert Downey.
HITLER’S FOLLY is directed, designed, animated, and written by Academy Award Nominee Bill Plympton.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQorb4N2nBs
Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives, and subject of the award winning documentary The Island President has 
Showtime will once again team up with acclaimed filmmakers R.J. Cutler and John Battsek on a feature-length documentary about the extraordinary life and times of comic legend John Belushi.
LENNY COOKE[/caption]
LENNY COOKE the documentary by the Safdie brothers, Josh and Benny, about the once promising star high school basketball player, will be released on VOD June 7th via 
ma ma[/caption]
Ma ma is set in Madrid, Spain, and stars Academy Award®-winning actress Penelope Cruz as Magda, a woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer who’s also going through a separation from her self-centered husband Raul (Alex Brendemuhl), who left her for one of his students.
It’s a few of several devastating hardships Magda endures in Spanish director Julio Medem’s film, written and produced by himself, Cruz and Alvaro Longoria.
After a few months of ignoring a lump on her right breast, Magda decides to get it checked out. Her doctor, Julian (Asier Etxeandia), biopsies the lump for cancer.
Shortly afterwards, much to her dismay, he delivers the terrible news that she indeed has cancer, and will require grueling chemotherapy sessions to shrink the nodules before having a mastectomy.
Each chemo session is accompanied by a glaring white background that distracts the viewer more than adding anything to the scenes. But the wonderful cinematography and camera work pull you back in.
Looking to for a bit of escapism, Magda attends her son Dani’s (Teo Planell) football game, where she meets a man, Arturo (Luis Tosar), a talent scout for the famed football (soccer) team, Real Madrid.
Arturo is interested in recruiting her son, a standout player on his youth squad, in Real Madrid’s junior program, which helps develop young talent into future professionals.
While there, Arturo receives unimaginable news of his own, that there has been a car accident, which has claimed the life of his daughter, and left his wife in a comma.
Magda accompanies Arturo to the hospital, subsequently visiting him while undergoing her own chemo treatments, which she hasn’t divulge to anyone at the time.
However, she eventually tells Arturo, who winds up losing his wife, and the two become each other’s support system. As she recovers from her operation, and is in the clear for the time being, they predictably fall in love, and form the perfect family unit.
But cruel misfortune steps in again on the hard-luck Magda, as Dr. Julian, who belts out beautiful, romantic songs in a bedside attempt to soothed her, informs his patient that the cancer has spread to her other breast, and metastasized to wall of her lungs. Subsequently, the doctor delivers a gut-wrenching prognosis of only six months to live.
What follows is an over-the-top attempt of series of events intent on extracting more tears from movie-goers, with the final scene cumulating in another foreseeable outcome.
Overall, though, ‘Ma ma’ is worth seeing despite its campy, overdramatic feel—which is only exaggerated by a few scenes in which beating hearts are splashed across the screen for shameless, emotional effects—because of its positive message of strength, courage, and hope amidst tragedy.
‘Ma ma’ opens in New York City on May 20th, and in Los Angeles and Miami on May 27th, with national expansion to follow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxtB15K-nN4
Robert De Niro, the film TANGERINE, were among the best in film, television, and journalism honored at the 27th GLAAD Media Awards hosted by Laverne Cox, at the Waldorf Astoria New York on Saturday.
The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories from the LGBT community and issues that build support for acceptance.
At the ceremony, Academy Award-winning actress and surprise guest Jennifer Lawrence presented Robert De Niro with GLAAD’s Excellence in Media Award, which is presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5zm67vgX1w
In his acceptance speech, De Niro celebrated the Supreme Court’s landmark decision for marriage equality, while cautioning to “also remember oppressive laws like the ones in North Carolina that let us know the struggle continues and challenges us to be vigilant and aggressive in protecting all our rights.” De Niro continued, “Thank you for this honor, I’m proud to stand with you, I’m GLAAD.”
Tangerine (Magnolia Pictures) was given the award for Outstanding Film – Limited Release.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALSwWTb88ZU
The complete list of GLAAD Media Award recipients announced Saturday in New York.
Excellence in Media Award: Robert De Niro (presented by Jennifer Lawrence)
Ally Award: Mariah Carey (presented by Lee Daniels)
Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine: “Bruce Jenner: The Interview” 20/20 (ABC) [accepted by: Diane Sawyer, Caitlyn Jenner, and David Sloan, senior executive producer]
Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: “Interview with Jim Obergefell” Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN) [accepted by: U.S. Supreme Court plaintiff Jim Obergefell]
Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage: Cosmopolitan [accepted by: Laura Brounstein, special projects director]
Outstanding Film – Limited Release: Tangerine (Magnolia Pictures)
Outstanding Individual Episode: “The Prince of Nucleotides” Royal Pains (USA Network)
Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia: “Stopping HIV? The Truvada Revolution” Vice Reports (Vice.com)
Outstanding Newspaper Article: “Cold Case: The Murders of Cosby and Jackson” by Dianna Wray (Houston Press)
Outstanding Magazine Article: “Behind Brazil’s Gay Pride Parades, a Struggle with Homophobic Violence” by Oscar Lopez (Newsweek)
Outstanding Digital Journalism Article: “This Is What It’s Like To Be An LGBT Syrian Fleeing For Your Life” by J. Lester Feder (Buzzfeed.com)
SPANISH-LANGUAGE NOMINEES
Outstanding Daytime Program Episode: “¿El marido de mi padre o yo?” Caso Cerrado (Telemundo)
Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine: TIE: “Amor que rompe barreras” Un Nuevo Día (Telemundo) and “En cuerpo ajeno” Aquí y Ahora (Univision)
Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: “Víctimas de abusos” Noticiero Univision (Univision)
Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia: “Campeones de la igualdad” (Univision.com)
MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER[/caption]
The award winning South Korean documentary film MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER directed by Moyoung Jin will open in theaters in New York on Friday, June 17 and in Los Angeles on Friday, June 24 with a national release to follow.
A blockbuster in its native Korea, where it would go on to become the country’s biggest independent film of all time, MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER presents an unforgettable story of true love that transcends both generations and cultures.
“100-year old Lovebirds” Byong-man Jo and Gye-yeul Kang, have been inseparable companions for the past 76 years. Living in their small home by the river, they wear traditional Korean clothes, go shopping at the local market, have picnics with neighbors, and enjoy dance parties. Every night they go to sleep holding each other’s hands. Observing this fragile couple for 15 months, director Mo-Young Jin acts as a fly-on-the-wall, capturing their twilight days with tender moments that reveal simple acts of affection – from a good-natured leaf fight to a gentle caress of the cheek.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsf1DNxSciY
Ali and Nino[/caption]
Asif Kapadia’s “epic love story” Ali & Nino which premiered earlier this year at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival 
Dear White People (Roadside Attractions)[/caption]
Netflix is creating / re-creating Dear White People, a comedy series based on writer/director/producer Justin Simien’s critically-acclaimed, Sundance award-winning satirical indie film released in 2014.
The 10-episode, 30-minute series will go into production later this year and will premiere on Netflix around the world in 2017.
Set among a diverse group of students of color as they navigate a predominantly white Ivy League college where racial tensions are often swept under the rug, Dear White People is a send up of “post-racial” America that also weaves a universal story about forging one’s own unique path.
The series will be written by Simien (Dear White People), who will also direct the first episode. Devon Shepard (House of Lies, Weeds), Stephanie Allain Bray (Hustle & Flow, Dear White People) and Julia Lebedev (The Dinner, Dear White People) serve as executive producers.
The original film first gained traction in 2012 with a concept trailer, underwritten by director Simien’s tax refund. By 2014, the crowd funded movie made a splash at film festivals, earning the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Talent at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.
“Justin is a gifted storyteller whose bold, unique vision is perfectly suited to Netflix,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix. “His original film Dear White People announced the arrival of a fresh, creative voice that had everyone talking, and we’re excited to have Justin create this new series for our members worldwide.”
Writer/director/producer Simien said, “During the film’s release, I had the pleasure to speak with hundreds of students and faculty across a variety of college campuses dealing with these very issues in real time. I’m so grateful to have this platform – not only to give a voice to those too often unheard in our culture, but to also tell great stories from new points of views. From day one, Lionsgate has been remarkably supportive of the vision for the show, and working with Netflix is every bit as harmonious as I’d imagined it would be. Bringing this show to such a vibrant platform is an honor I don’t take lightly.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uag2G0J6iqw
Under the Gun, a provocative new documentary from Katie Couric and Stephanie Soechtig that presents a balanced look at the gun debate will World Television Premiere on EPIX.
The feature length documentary, which received significant praise and attention at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, makes its World Television Premiere on EPIX and across all EPIX platforms on May 15 at 8pm ET/PT, 7C during the EPIX Free Preview Weekend (May 12-15).
In Under the Gun, Katie Couric (Executive producer and narrator of the 2014 documentary Fed Up, Yahoo Global News Anchor, best-selling author) and Stephanie Soechtig (Fed Up, Tapped) – the team responsible for Fed Up, which looked at the food industry and the alarming spread of childhood obesity – examine why, despite the increase in deaths at the hands of guns and the outpouring of shock and outrage that comes with it, our nation has failed to respond with meaningful action. What is keeping the two sides of this debate – those favoring stricter gun control laws and Second Amendment purists like the NRA – from finding common ground? Through the lens of families impacted by the mass shootings in Newtown, Aurora, Isla Vista and Tucson, as well as daily gun violence in Chicago, the film examines why our national politicians are refusing to act and what is being done at the state and local levels.
Subjects and organizations featured in the documentary include: Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly (Americans for Responsible Solutions); Jackie and Mark Barden (Sandy Hook Promise); Sandy and Lonnie Phillips (Jessi’s Message); John Feinblatt and Richard Martinez (Everytown for Gun Safety); Victoria Montgomery (Open Carry Texas); Shannon Watts (Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America); Pamela and Tom Bosley (Purpose Over Pain); The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and Law Center To Prevent Gun Violence.
Mark S. Greenberg, President & CEO of EPIX, said: “During this Presidential election year, we at EPIX want to contribute to the national dialogue on the major issues affecting our country today. I can think of no more pressing subject than gun violence, and I am extremely proud to bring Under the Gun to EPIX viewers. The gun debate, with its core issues of gun rights and gun violence, is one of the most polarizing taking place in our society today. In Under the Gun, Katie and Stephanie bring their dynamic talent and perspective to this complex, multi-faceted issue and present honest, unbiased, and thoughtful commentary to this subject that has real life or death consequences.”
Katie Couric said: “I’ve covered mass shootings and gun violence throughout my career, but following the massacre at Sandy Hook, I was confused by the disconnect between public opinion (over 90% of Americans supported universal background checks) and public policy. I hope this film will help people have a better understanding of how we got to this point. Now is the time for a truly informed, rational conversation about gun violence and I’m thrilled EPIX and Lionsgate are committed to making this film available to the widest audience possible so we can do just that.”
Stephanie Soechtig said: “We are pleased to make EPIX the home for Under the Gun. As both filmmakers and citizens who are deeply concerned about this issue, it was important for us that our film be seen by the widest possible audience. EPIX showed a unique willingness and commitment to make Under the Gun available to the entire country – for free – by premiering it during EPIX’s nationwide free preview. Making our film available to anyone with an Internet connection was something that no service or network other than EPIX was willing to do. Their belief in this cause, and the passion that they bring to it, made them the obvious choice for Katie and me.”
The filmmakers decided not to mention the names, nor show the photos, of any shooters.
Key facts explored in Under the Gun include:
Gun violence is the second leading cause of death among children aged 10-19 in the U.S. (Source: Children’s Defense Fund — the first leading cause is unintentional injuries/accidents)
93% of Americans support requiring background checks for all gun buyers, including 84% of gun owners and 74% of NRA members. (Sources: Quinnipiac, 2015 and John Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, 2013)
90% of guns used in crimes can reportedly be traced back to just 5% of gun dealers. (Source: Brady Campaign)
The manufacture and distribution of teddy bears is more tightly regulated for health and safety than handguns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqkwo3Xr2C4
Under the Gun is produced by Atlas Films in association with Carellie Productions and directed by Stephanie Soechtig. Katie Couric, Regina K. Scully, Michael Walrath and Michelle Walrath are the executive producers. Olivia Ahnemann, Joshua Kunau, Kristin Lazure and Soechtig are the producers. The screenplay is by Mark Monroe, Brian Lazarte and Soechtig. The director of photography is Josh Salzman, the editor is Brian Lazarte and music is by Brian Tyler. Katie Couric is the narrator.