Douglas Tirola’s Sundance and Tribeca hit DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON, has been acquired by Magnolia Pictures for release in the US. DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON is an inside look at the rise and fall of the legendary humor magazine that launched dozens of careers and broke as many taboos.
From the 1970s thru the 1990s, there was no hipper, more outrageous comedy in print than The National Lampoon, the groundbreaking humor magazine that pushed the limits of taste and acceptability. Parodying everything from politics, religion, entertainment and the whole of American lifestyle, the Lampoon eventually went on to branch into successful radio shows, record albums, live stage revues and movies, including Animal House and National Lampoon’s Vacation. The publication launched the careers of many who would become mainstays in American humor, in TV, film and elsewhere.
“We’re so proud of the film Doug made – it immerses you in a world that is so rich with creative genius it is stunning but the dramatic story of the magazine’s founders is deeply emotional too,” said Molly Thompson, Senior Vice President, Feature Films, A+E Studios.
Eamonn Bowles, President of Magnolia Pictures, said “With DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD, Doug Tirola establishes himself as one of our most thoughtful and entertaining documentarians, giving us a fresh, inventive look at an outrageous American institution.”
Douglas Tirola said, “It’s an honor to be distributed by Magnolia Pictures which has released some of the great documentaries of the past decade. They have a smart vision for our film with an understanding of how we used the documentary form to tell a broad narrative story. They also bring a sense of humor to the process which is a perfect fit for a movie called, DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azwS8VMVwf4-
Magnolia Pictures to Release DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON | TRAILER
Douglas Tirola’s Sundance and Tribeca hit DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON, has been acquired by Magnolia Pictures for release in the US. DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON is an inside look at the rise and fall of the legendary humor magazine that launched dozens of careers and broke as many taboos.
From the 1970s thru the 1990s, there was no hipper, more outrageous comedy in print than The National Lampoon, the groundbreaking humor magazine that pushed the limits of taste and acceptability. Parodying everything from politics, religion, entertainment and the whole of American lifestyle, the Lampoon eventually went on to branch into successful radio shows, record albums, live stage revues and movies, including Animal House and National Lampoon’s Vacation. The publication launched the careers of many who would become mainstays in American humor, in TV, film and elsewhere.
“We’re so proud of the film Doug made – it immerses you in a world that is so rich with creative genius it is stunning but the dramatic story of the magazine’s founders is deeply emotional too,” said Molly Thompson, Senior Vice President, Feature Films, A+E Studios.
Eamonn Bowles, President of Magnolia Pictures, said “With DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD, Doug Tirola establishes himself as one of our most thoughtful and entertaining documentarians, giving us a fresh, inventive look at an outrageous American institution.”
Douglas Tirola said, “It’s an honor to be distributed by Magnolia Pictures which has released some of the great documentaries of the past decade. They have a smart vision for our film with an understanding of how we used the documentary form to tell a broad narrative story. They also bring a sense of humor to the process which is a perfect fit for a movie called, DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azwS8VMVwf4
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Santa Barbara International Film Festival Selects 11 New French Films for 2015 Wave Film Festival
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) announced today the official lineup for their third annual “Wave Film Festival”.
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EVEREST Starring Jake Gyllenhaal to Open 72nd Venice Film Festival | TRAILER
Everest, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, has been selected as the opening film, out of Competition, of the 72nd Venice Film Festival taking place September 2nd to 12th 2015.
The world premiere of Everest will be screened on September 2 in the Sala Grande theatre (Palazzo del Cinema) at the Lido. Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Everest documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.
Everest is a Working Title Films production starring Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhaal, produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Baltasar Kormákur, Nicky Kentish Barnes, Brian Oliver and Tyler Thompson. Universal Pictures and Walden Media’s presentation of Everest—in association with Cross Creek Pictures—is adapted for the screen by William Nicholson (Gladiator) and Oscar® winner Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire).
The film was shot on location in Nepal on the foothills of Everest, the Italian Alps and at Cinecittà Studios in Rome and Pinewood Studios in the U.K. Universal will distribute Everest worldwide, and it will be released in the U.S. exclusively on IMAX 3D and premium-large format 3D screens on September 18th. It will be released wide in the U.S.—including standard 2D and 3D—on September 25th. Italy releases the film on September 24th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQVpPiOji0
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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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BABAI is Big Winner with 3 New German Cinema Award 2015 at Munich Film Festival
Visar Morinas debut film “Babai” (Father) won three New German Cinema Award 2015 at Filmfest München (Munich Film Festival). Visar Morina received the Award for Best Director and Best Screenplay for his debut. In addition, its two main characters Astrit Kabashi and Val Maloku were jointly awarded the Award New German Cinema Theater.
“Babai” explores the story of Nori (Val Maloku) and his father Gezim (Astrit Kabashi) both street cigarette vendor in Kosovo of nineties, during Milosevic regime, where the father wants to find a way to illegally migrate to Germany and his son does everything he can so he could be with his father. Caught between the wish to live together and the need to deal with the harsh reality, the father-son relationship comes to a point where nothing between them is as it used to be.
The New German Cinema Award for Best Production went to Steve Hudson, Sonja Ewers for Happy Hour. The warm-hearted comedy by Franz Müller revolves around a man freshly abandoned by his wife in his forties, who travels with two buddies to Ireland to celebrate being a man.
The winners Award New German Cinema 2015
Award New German Cinema director (30,000 euros)
Visar Morina for Babai
The jury: “No lies No Poznan Not a moment of self-indulgence Not a false note, the film brings tears in her eyes – Wuttränen, tears of impotence and grief – and brings the audience but then full of hope and…. much greater force and especially responsibility back to life. responsibility for our lives. Life. The life that we lead people. Together. Babai is a masterpiece of a young master, before we bow deeply. ”
“Babai” is a production of NiKo film in co-production with Produksioni Krusha, Skopje Film Studio and Eaux Vives Productions. Director / Screenwriter: Visar Morina.
Award New German Cinema screenplay (10,000 euros)
Visar Morina for Babai
The jury: “If all the fears are finally silenced before failure, the fear of not enough to be laughed Excluded and to be alone when all the wrong sometime no longer applies, then sometimes stirs a quiet voice for drinks and….. . Although shy Merciless, with no sugar -.. but full of truth and love Babai is written from the first to the last sentence in this voice Banned, agitated and overwhelmed, we have listened to her. ”
Award New German Cinema Theater (10,000 euros)
Val Maloku, Astrit Kabashi for Babai
The jury: “In the film Babai have us Val Maloku as son and Astrit Kabashi when his father in her first film roles absolutely convinced and touches like the son like a little adult faced his father so that he has left and betrayed him because. he fled without him to Germany, just took off, will be unforgettable. The father in turn is always opposite in conflict with his natural desire for a new chance at life and his feelings the son who forces him to assume responsibility and his role as to meet father. The two are in their interaction as natural and sincere, as if they had the story actually experienced. We understand by it what people happen to us, if not met our desire for a normal, independent life without further ado and we have to fight. Val Maloku and Astrit Kabashi have touched us and shaken by their game at heart. ”
Award New German Cinema Production (20,000 euros)
Steve Hudson, Sonja Ewers for Happy Hour
The jury: “A film that the jury completely carried away and really convinced on all its artisanal levels A warm-hearted constellation of narrow Ü40 friends in their common self-discovery Strip to Ireland Wild Irish countryside, their songs and drink, but above all the.. heart-warming, of course gripping Irish Women loosen and lead them out of their cramped thinking and living patterns. These worldly-wise and the very fact witty comedy captivates A through by a great writer, brisk timing, famous wit, charm and a wonderful camera. and by successful low marketing budget production, with a high potential with its grandiose performers to meet like-minded couples at the box office. ”
“Happy Hour” is a production the gringo films GmbH in co-production with film Boutique – Katharina Jacob & Markéta Polednová GbR and Ripple World Pictures. Director / Screenwriter: Franz Müller.
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23 Movies on Lineup for 2015 Wavescape Surf Film Festival at Durban International Film Festival
The 2015 Wavescape Surf Film Festival has announced a record lineup of 23 movies over a week at the 36th Durban International Film Festival, which takes place from July 16 to 26.
Every conceivable film technique and technology is represented in an extraordinary selection of films, according to Spike from Wavescape, co-director of the Wavescape festival. “We have some excellent documentaries, including the hair-raising story of the Signal Hill Speed Run (pictured above) in California that started downhill skateboard racing.”
Wavescape 2015 boasts 12 short films and 11 medium or feature length movies that reflect a unique diversity. A unique trilogy of poetic shorts form a beautiful rendition of surfing in the UK: Sea Fever – and Irish film set to a John Masefield poem and gritty black and white footage; Edges of Sanity – a uniquely powerful piece narrated by Charles Dance who plays Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones; and Chasing Rumors – moving from the clamor of a football match at Newcastle United to the nearby Tyne River where storm waves pound grimy shores.
Included are films from the most remote wildernesses of Alaska (Arctic Swell) (pictured above) and the Arctic Circle (The Cradle of Storms). But from these frozen wastelands and frigid waves we sweep to the translucent tropical waters and reefs of Indonesia in the Mentawai Drone Movie, a short shot entirely by aerial drone.
“Don’t miss the languidly beautiful pace of Bella Vita that takes us to Tuscany as an Italian surfer and activist retraces his ancient roots, or the hard-hitting feminist film Flux: Redefining Women’s Surfing that ask serious questions of the surf industry.”
“One of my favorite shorts is Narcose, an artistically rendered account of world apnea free diving champion Guillaume Néry’s hallucinations caused by ‘raptures of the deep’ during one of his dives,” says Spike.
There are films about skateboarding in the urban precincts of Cape Town, and keeping within themes of sustainability, two South African shorts about wooden surfboard craftsman. From the epic surfing and slo-mo definition of world class surfing inAttractive Distractions, we move to Always on the Road, a beautifully shot film that traces the old surf routes of Europe along the Basque countryside, as well as France and Portugal.
There are obligatory soul surfing movies (I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night, Missing, Rail to Rail and Se7en Signs) to a heady mix of high action surfing that can be found in Missing, Attractive Distractions, Strange Rumblings in Shangri La andPipeline and Kelly Slater.
And with any selection of surf films, there is the whacky wildcard: Expencive Porno Movie (sic) (pictured above) spoofs the “surf porn” genre, of endless shots of waves and wave-riding, with a cheesy 1960’s Austin Powers theme. The widest collection yet hails from locations such as Namibia, Cape Town, Hawaii, California, Indonesia, Portugal, Spain, Alaska, Patagonia, and Australia.
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2015 Durban International Film Festival Lineup, Strong Focus on South African Films
The 36th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) taking place from 16 to 26 July, the city unveiled a lineup that includes 74 feature films, 50 documentaries, 74 short films and 23 surf films. The festival also offers an extensive workshop and seminar program in which industry experts from around the world share their knowledge and skills.
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“CURIOUS WORLDS” “CROCODILE GENNADLY ” Win 2015 SF Documentary Festival
CURIOUS WORLDS: The Art and Imagination of David Deck directed by Olympia Stone is the winner of the Audience Award for Best Feature at 2015 SF Documentary Festival (SF DocFest). CROCODILE GENNADLY (pictured above) directed by Steve Hoover is the winner of Jury Prize for Best Feature.
In ‘CURIOUS WORLDS: The Art and Imagination of David Deck’ the curtain is pulled back on one of America’s (and San Francisco’s) most accomplished and original — yet least-known working artists — David Beck. A master sculptor, carver, painter and miniature architect, Beck works in a fantastical genre all his own, creating intricate worlds, alive with playful and incisive observations of the world we know. With wit and charm Curious Worlds captures the artist at work in his studio, reflecting on his process in an intimate portrait illuminating what it takes to create a masterwork.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1a8AOWPxwU
In ‘CROCODILE GENNADLY’ Ex-Soviet soldier turned self-proclaimed savior and pastor, “Crocodile Gennadiy,” doesn’t feel he needs permission to do good deeds. So he has taken up the fight against child homelessness in Ukraine by kidnapping drug addicted street kids and bringing them to his DIY rehab center for forced treatment. His ongoing efforts and unabashedly tough love approach to his country’s problems has made him a folk hero for some, and a lawless vigilante to others. It’s a beautifully cinematic film that is a testament to the good in all of us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fTBwDUAgnU
Other winners include LAST DAY OF FREEDOM for Audience Award for Best Short, and THE MAN BEHIND 55000 DRESSES winning Jury Prize for Best Short.
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Revelation Perth International Film Festival Opens Today With Australian Road Movie LAST CAB TO DARWIN | TRAILER
Revelation Perth International Film Festival kicks off its eighteenth edition tonight at the Luna Cinema in Leederville, Perth, Western Australia with the Australian road movie Last Cab To Darwin.
Film Director Jeremy Sims, along with stars Michael Caton, Nigali Lawford and Mark Coles Smith will be in attendance. Last Cab To Darwin World Premiered last month at the 2015 Sydney Film Festival.
In Last Cab to Darwin, Rex (Michael Caton) is a cab driver from Broken Hill. On the surface he appears as a simple man whose days are spent driving miners to the airport, whose evenings are spent drinking a beer with a handful of old mates and whose mornings pass by as he has tea with his neighbour Polly (Ningali Lawford). But underneath the apparent simplicity of his daily life Rex is in poor health. Now, facing bad news he understands that he wants to control his final moments, meanwhile in Darwin Dr Farmer (Jacki Weaver) may have the perfect solution. Rex just needs to drive there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n5Y2y_fNCA
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First Four Documentary Films Selected for 2015 Tallgrass Film Festival | TRAILERS
The first four official films are revealed for the 2015 Tallgrass Film Festival whose subjects truly embody the Stubbornly Independent spirit. These acclaimed documentaries recount engaging stories from around the world, and in Wichita. The first three feature humanitarians, adventurists and innovators in the compelling stories of their trials, tribulations and the up-hill battles they face. The fourth is a sweet and surprising gem that speaks volumes to the talent and perseverance of a local filmmaker with an unconventional and unbending will for the craft of moviemaking.
The 13th annual Tallgrass Film Festival takes place in and around downtown Wichita this October 14-18th.
DOUBLE DIGITS: THE STORY OF A NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE STAR, USA, 2015, Dir. Justin Johnson (pictured above)
In his tiny “studio” apartment in Wichita, Kansas, inspiring 50-year-old filmmaker Richard ‘R.G.’ Miller directs his cast of dolls and action figures in the weirdest “blockbuster”-style feature films you’ve never seen. His dream audience? More than 9 people. Double Digits explores what it means to be a DIY artist in the 21st century, while delving into the life and creative process of a gifted and truly unique talent. (Johnson and Miller scheduled to attend.) This film will screen as part of the Wichita State University Thursday Night Spotlight and will include the World Premiere of Mr. Miller’s newest short film commissioned for the Tallgrass Film Festival.
https://vimeo.com/128304036
ANGEL OF NANJING, USA/China, 2015, Dir. Jordan Horowitz and Frank L. Ferendo
The Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing is one of the most famous bridges in China. It is also the most popular place in the world to commit suicide. For the past 11 years Chen Si has been patrolling this bridge, looking to provide aid for those who have gone there to end their lives. Incredibly, he has saved over 300 people since he began – nearly one every two weeks. Winner, Best Documentary at Phoenix Film Festival (Filmmaker(s) scheduled to attend.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA93svbHgok
UNBRANDED, USA, 2015, Dir. Phillip Baribeau
Four young men take an unprecedented journey on adopted wild mustangs from the Mexican to the Canadian borders through the backccountry of deserts and mountains. Their goal: To prove the worth of the iconic horses that are the subject of often bitter controversy, as well as their own ability to complete the challenge. As they cover the 3000 miles of often unforgiving landscapes, the riders succumb to the contradictory tensions of camaraderie and rivalry. Winner, Audience Award at 2015 HotDocs Film Festival and 2015 Telluride MountainFilm Festival. Director scheduled to attend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQmmaiWHYHQ
THE ARMOR OF LIGHT, USA, 2015, Dir. Abigail E. Disney and Kathleen Hughes
Abigail Disney’s directorial debut, THE ARMOR OF LIGHT, follows the journey of an Evangelical minister trying to find the courage to preach about the growing toll of gun violence in America. The film tracks Reverend Rob Schenck, anti-abortion activist and fixture on the political far right, who breaks with orthodoxy by questioning whether being pro-gun is consistent with being pro-life. A courageous look at our fractured political culture, and an assertion that it is, indeed, possible for people to come together across deep party lines to find common ground.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSP0Soy8ACk
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Robin Williams Last Film BOULEVARD to Open 2015 Ischia Global Film & Music Fest
Dito Montiel’s “Boulevard” – the last film starring Robin Williams – will enjoy its European premiere on July 12, opening the 13th Annual Ischia Global Film & Music Fest.
“We are proud to inaugurate the festival with a long awaited work where, according to Us critics, the actors delivers one of his best performances,” announced Pascal Vicedomini, fouder and producer of the Summer’s hottest International Film Fest, “and to be able to do it almost simultaneously with the movie’s Us release (July 10, 2015). The first trailer of this movie – recently launched on the web – has touched the hearts of millions of fans who will soon commemorate the first anniversary of Williams’ passing, occurred on August 11, 2014.
“Boulevard,” acclaimed at Tribeca Festival, is the fourth and last of Robin Williams’ films which were released after his death. “However,” observes festival’s producer Pascal Vicedomini, “‘Boulevard’ is certainly the most touching of them all, a true testament to the actor’s talent, and we’ll have the pleasure of sharing this heart-felt moment together with such celebrities as Antonio Banderas, Helen Mirren, Taylor Hackford, Matteo Garrone, Jimmy Kimmel, Bille August, Sandy Powell, Paul Haggis, Eli Roth, as well as with the Academy’s President Cheryl Boone Isaacs.”
The drama, directed by brilliant New York director, writer and musician Dito Montiel (“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”), features Robin Williams as a bank employee who seems quite contented with his life next to his endearing wife (Kathy Baker), until a fatal encounter with a young prostitute who will force him to come to terms with his repressed homosexuality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCdUubr70i8
Ischia Global Fest 2015 will honor “Leoardi”, Italian Movie of the Year, with a special screening on July 17. Mario Martone’s movie revolving around the life of Italian 19th century poet Giacomo Leopardi, is regarded as a true Italian phenomenon, able to give new impulse to the Italian cinema and culture, often screened for students and scholars.
The festival, which will unfold until July 19, will also present the European premieres of “Ten Thousand Saints”, written and directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini; the movie, which was already awarded at the Sundance Film Festival, is based on a novel by Eleanor Henderson and is interpreted by Asa Butterfield and Jude Keffy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTa0dNK25Mw
Italian premieres include: Doug Ellin’s “Entourage” with Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon (Warner Bros), based on the well-known HBO series; Paul Feig’s comedy “SPY”, with Jason Statham, Jude Law, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne (FOX), which marks the third collaboration between Feig and McCarthy after “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat”; James Kent’s First World War drama “Testament of Youth”, with Alicia Vikander, Emily Watson, Kit Harington; Rob Cohen’s thriller “The Boy next door”, with Jennifer Lopez (Universal).
Other special screenings will include: Sundance-acclaimed “The Truth About Emanuel,” (pictured above) by Francesca Gregorini, with Jessica Biel; Alessandro Capone’s “Maid for you,” with Giulio Berruti, Antonio Cupo, and science fiction “Ex Machina” by Alex Garland with Alicia Vikander Oscar Isaacs (Universal).
Denmark will be the celebrated country at the Festival which will host the screening of “My Life Directed By Nicolas Winding Refn”, directed by Liv Corfixen, wife to Winding Refn.
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Premiere of Documentary GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME is Most Watched CNN Film
The documentary GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME premiered Sunday night on CNN to stellar ratings, with the network noting that the film was the highest-rated in both adults 25 to 54 and total viewers, and the second highest-rated among adults 18 to 34 (after CNN Films Blackfish).
GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME easily won first place in cable news for its time period on Sunday night for all three demos. The broadcast had 2.76M total viewers and 510k viewers aged 25 to 54 for its 9:00pm to 10:45pm premiere. These ratings beat the cable news competition: MSNBC placed third with 463k total viewers and 251k viewers aged 25 to 54, while Fox News straggled in at fourth with 139k viewers aged 25 to 54, and second place with 593k among total viewers.
With 125k viewers aged 18 to 34, CNN also won the evening’s cable news competition in its time period. This figure easily topped MSNBC, which had 48k viewers 18 to 34 years old, and Fox News, with 33k viewers aged 18 to 34.
The encore broadcast at 10:45pm delivered big numbers as well, CNN came in first place among total viewers and viewers 25 to 54, with 1.26M and 268k respectively. Fox News placed second among total viewers with 482k and last for the demo with 89k. MSNBC was last among total viewers with 403k and second among viewers 25 to 54 with 219k.
Glen Campbell’s extraordinary life, musical legacy, and brave battle against Alzheimer’s disease are the focus of the film, which was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, and presented back-to-back on CNN/U.S. with limited commercial interruptions. The award-winning film was directed by James Keach and produced by Trevor Albert and James Keach. Sister network, HLN, will encore GLEN CAMPBELL… I’LL BE ME on Friday, July 3, at 8:00pm Eastern. The film will encore on CNN/U.S. on Saturday, July 4 at 9:00pm Eastern.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xFPqYyjmv4