"Copenhagen" “Boys of Abu Ghraib” Among Winners of 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival

“Copenhagen” “Boys of Abu Ghraib” Among Winners of 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival

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Mark Raso’s “Copenhagen” won the jury prize for best narrative feature, and “Boys of Abu Ghraib,” directed by Luke Moran, won the audience award for narrative feature at the 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival, held last month in Tampa, Florida.  In the documentary genre,  “The Longest Game,” directed by Camille Thoman won the jury prize and “Ride with Larry,” directed by Ricardo Villarreal and Andrew Rubin won the the audience award for best documentary.  

Melaza,” directed by Carlos Lechuga won the World Showcase award.

Sophie Desmarais, Tyler James Williams and Tye Sheridan to Receive Sparkle Award at RiverRun Film Festival

Sophie Desmarais, Tyler James Williams and Tye Sheridan to Receive Sparkle Award at RiverRun Film Festival

riverrun film festival sparks awards 2014

RiverRun, which kicked off last night April 4 and runs through April 13, 2014 in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina,  will honor Sophie Desmarais (Sarah Prefers to Run), Tyler James Williams (Joe) and Tye Sheridan (Dear White People) with the Festival’s annual Spark Award. RiverRun’s Spark Awards recognize up-and-coming talents in the film industry.  

We’re really excited about this year’s Spark Award recipients,” said RiverRun Executive Director Andrew Rodgers. “These three emerging talents have each really impressed us over the past couple years and are well on their way to even bigger roles and greater recognition.”

Feature Films, Special Events, Short Films and Panels Announced for 2014 Sundance London

Feature Films, Special Events, Short Films and Panels Announced for 2014 Sundance London

sundance london films 2014 

The program lineup of feature films, short films and panel discussions is unveiled for the third Sundance London film and music festival, taking place April 25 to 27, 2014, at The O2 in London. Twenty-four films will make their world, international, European or UK premieres at Sundance London. Ten are by female filmmakers and seven are by first-time feature filmmakers. The films collectively received 12 awards when they premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Among the filmmakers expected to attend are Ryan Coogler, David Cross, Rose McGowan and Marjane Satrapi. All screenings will take place at Cineworld at The O2.

VIDEO | Watch Trailer for MARAVILLA, Documentary on Middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez

VIDEO | Watch Trailer for MARAVILLA, Documentary on Middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez

maravilla juan cadaveira

Check out the new trailer for MARAVILLA, the documentary, based on the struggle of Middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez to reclaim his crown in boxing, that will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival (TFF). Shot over two years by first time director Juan Cadaveira, the film features interviews and testimonials by international boxing personalities such as Mike Tyson, Don King, Oscar De La Hoya, Bob Arum, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Award-Winning Doc THE OVERNIGHTERS to Get a Late 2014 Release

Award-Winning Doc THE OVERNIGHTERS to Get a Late 2014 Release

The Overnighters

Another award-winning film from this year’s Sundance Film Festival is set for release in theaters. Jesse Moss’ documentary TheOvernighters which made its World Premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and received a “Special Jury Award for Intuitive Filmmaking” has been acquired by Drafthouse Films for release later this year. The New York Premiere is set to take place at the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival.   The film chronicles the plight of desperate men as they chase their dreams and run from their demons in the North Dakota oil fields while a devoted Pastor risks everything to help them. 

Montclair Film Festival Reveals 2014 Films; Special Guests Include Kevin Smith, Julie Taymor, Stephen Colbert, Michael Moore

Montclair Film Festival Reveals 2014 Films; Special Guests Include Kevin Smith, Julie Taymor, Stephen Colbert, Michael Moore

 1 Way Up The Story of Peckham BMX1 Way Up The Story of Peckham BMX

 The Montclair Film Festival (MFF) announced the lineup for its 2014 edition. The festival opens on April 28 with Chef, the new comedy directed by and starring Jon Favreau with a supporting cast that includes John Leguizamo, Sofia Vergara and Scarlett Johansson, being released nationwide in May. MFF’s popular live conversation series presents eclectic guests including Kevin Smith, Michael Moore and Julie Taymor paired with Stephen Colbert.

New York African Film Festival Returns May 7-13; Nollywood dark comedy Confusion Na Wa to Open Festival

New York African Film Festival Returns May 7-13; Nollywood dark comedy Confusion Na Wa to Open Festival

 Confusion Na Wa Confusion Na Wa

Under the banner theme “Revolution and Liberation in the Digital Age,” the 21st New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) will take place May 7-13, 2014. The initial leg of the festival includes eleven features and eight short films from various African nations and the Diaspora, and continues throughout May at the Cinema at the Maysles Documentary Center and the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s BAMcinématek.

With a gracious nod to Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry, and to the 100th centenary of Nigeria, the festival Opening Night presentation will be Confusion Na Wa, the dark comedy by Kenneth Gyang. Winner of Best Picture at the 2013 African Movie Academy Awards, the film stars OC Ukeje and Gold Ikponmwosa as two grifters whose decision to blackmail a straying husband (played by Ramsey Nouah) sets in motion a chain of events leading to a shocking conclusion. 

Gia Coppola's 'Palo Alto' - Feature Adaptation of James Franco’s Collection of Short Stories is Centerpiece Presentation for 2014 San Francisco International Film Festival

Gia Coppola’s ‘Palo Alto’ – Feature Adaptation of James Franco’s Collection of Short Stories is Centerpiece Presentation for 2014 San Francisco International Film Festival

Palo Alto

Gia Coppola’s feature debut – the teen-centered drama Palo Alto, starring Emma Roberts, Jack Kilmer and James Franco has been selected as Centerpiece presentation of the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 24–May 8). Palo Alto is  adapted from Franco’s book Palo Alto Stories. The Festival’s Centerpiece is designed to showcase talented young directors with their latest film. Writer-director Gia Coppola is expected to attend the screening.  

SNOWPIERCER Starring Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer to Open 20th Anniversary, 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival

SNOWPIERCER Starring Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer to Open 20th Anniversary, 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival

snowpiercer directed by bong joon ho

 The Los Angeles Film Festival announced the North American Premiere of Bong Joon-ho’s Snowpiercer as the opening night film of the 2014 festival, which runs June 11 to June 19, 2014. The film’s release is set for June 27th from RADiUS-TWC.

“Snowpiercer is a wild ride and a spectacular way to open the 20th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Film Festival which is dedicated to the visionary spirit of L.A. that inspires artists around the world,” said Stephanie Allain, Festival Director.