• Gay French Drama TOM AT THE FARM To Be Released in U.S. Unrated

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    Tom at the Farm movie The gay French-language drama TOM AT THE FARM directed by Xavier Dolan, will finally be released in the U.S., nearly two years after it premiered at the 2013 Venice Film Festival. Tom at the Farm, starring Dolan, along with Caleb Landry Jones and Pierre-Yves Cardinal, will be released in theaters and on VOD platforms on August 14, 2015. TOM AT THE FARM movie poster “After the sudden death of his lover, Guillaume (Jones), Tom (Dolan) travels from his home in the city to Guillaume’s family’s remote country farm for the funeral. Upon arriving, he’s shocked to find that the family knows nothing of him and was expecting a woman in his place. Tom keeps his identity a secret but soon finds himself increasingly drawn into a twisted, sexually charged game by Guillaume’s aggressive brother (Cardinal), who suspects the truth.” “It’s hard to say it in a fully modest way, but I was truly puzzled as to how exactly ‘Tom At The Farm’ had never landed distribution in the U.S.,” said Dolan. “To me, it was by far my most accessible film; I mean, it’s a 90-minute psychological thriller, and it’s sort of gory but then very conventional too. I’m obviously psyched that Amplify Releasing has taken ‘Tom’ under their wing. But the topic remains truly relevant — can intolerance and psychological violence ever be dull? — and I’m proud to know the American public will be able to see it. And hopefully, like it.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLOJpY6DfAE

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  • Horror Film ‘The Green Inferno’ Finally Gets U.S. Release Date

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    The Green Inferno Eli Roth Eli Roth’s The Green Inferno will finally be released in the U.S. on September 25, 2015 in collaboration with Universal Pictures and High Top Releasing. The companies will debut The Green Inferno on approximately 1,000 screens. The Green Inferno premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. The Green Inferno In The Green Inferno, a group of student activists travels to the Amazon to save the rain forest and soon discover that they are not alone, and that no good deed goes unpunished. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fyb8vW6Y8

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  • Musical Comedy LUCKY STIFF Sets NYC Release Date + Day And Date Release

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    LUCKY STIFF LUCKY STIFF will be released in New York City on July 24th, 2015, and also available to all U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite and digital platforms for a simultaneous day and date release. The film is directed by Christopher Ashley (Tony nominated Broadway director of MEMPHIS, XANADU, ROCKY HORROR SHOW) with a screenplay and lyrics and music by the Tony Award winners and Academy Award nominated composer-lyricist team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (RAGTIME, ROCKY THE MUSICAL, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. The film is produced by Victor Symris (PSYCHO BEACH PARTY) and J. Todd Harris (Broadway’s DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, off Broadway’s HEAHERS THE MUSICAL, Academy nominated THE KIDS ARE ALLRIGHT, BOTTLE SHOCK.) The film stars Jason Alexander (SEINFELD, Broadway’s FISH IN THE DARK), Nikki M. James (Tony Award winner for THE BOOK OF MORMON), Pamela Shaw (SCARCITY -HILLTOWN PLAYS (Obie 2014) MASKS OUTRAGEOUS, THE WHISTLEBLOWER, WALTER), Dennis Farina (LAW AND ORDER, EMPIRE FALLS) and Dominic Marsh (The Royal Shakespeare Company), Cheyenne Jackson (XANADU, ALL SHOOK UP, LOVE IS STRANGE) and KATE SHINDLE (LAW AND ORDER, CAPOTE). Lucky Stiff Movie Poster Lucky Stiff is a musical comedy with a romantic heart. A young down and out British show salesman named harry Witherspoon (Dominic Marsh) takes his dead American uncle (Don Amendolia) to Monte Carlo for the best time of his life – a week of fun, dancing, gambling and sun. If the young man fulfills his dead uncle’s will to the letter, he will inherit 6 million dollars left to him. If he doesn’t, the money will go to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. As Harry races from casino to nightclub to beach and bedroom with his dead uncle, he is chased by a desperate put-upon optometrist (Jason Alexander) his controlling myopic trigger happy sister (Pamela Shaw) a mysterious Italian playboy (Dennis Farina) as well as young woman from Brooklyn (Nikki M James) dead set on getting that money for he dogs. Guns go off, disguises go on, champagne corks pop romance blossoms, dogs bark and everyone sings! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXdT4FGiUnw

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  • Sports Documentary THE SEARCH FOR FREEDOM Set For One-Day Release in Theaters

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    THE SEARCH FOR FREEDOM documentary The documentary THE SEARCH FOR FREEDOM, written and directed by Jon Long, is gearing up for a national one-day theatrical event release on June 10, 2015 in more than 75 theaters. The Earth Network, Abramorama, GrindTV, Tugg and Vimeo are collaborating on the US theatrical release. The film’s VOD release in the United States will be on August 10, 2015.  eONE and Universal are releasing the film on VOD across Canada and the around the world on August 10th as well. THE SEARCH FOR FREEDOM is described as a visceral, visual experience chronicling how an electrifying new world came about through pure energy and imagination and the infinite possibilities of self-expression available to anyone willing to drop in. Told through the eyes, and the footage, of some of the brightest pioneers, legends, visionaries and champions of surfing, snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, mountain biking and more. The film features interviews with skate board legend Tony Hawk, world champion surfer Kelly Slater, the modern day “Evel Knievel” Robbie Maddison, climbing icon Ron Kauk, windsurfing world Champion Robby Naish, world champion paddle boarder Kai Lenny, world champion long boarder Kelia Moniz, street skater Nyjah Huston, X Games Gold Medalist Tom Schaar, as well as the Godfather of the Action sports film Warren Miller, the father of the mountain bike Gary Fisher, Quiksilver founder and surfer Bob McKnight, filmmaker Bruce Brown, and rock climber and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, among others. Filmmaker Jon Long stated, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with this group to bring ’The Search for Freedom’ to such a wide audience. This unique collaboration is a wonderful achievement for an independent film.” https://vimeo.com/129512882

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  • Documentary THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER Sets July 2015 Release Date

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    THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER, directed by Academy Award nominated documentary filmmaker William Gazecki, and produced and written by Susan and Lloyd Ecker, will be released in the US via Menemsha Films. SOPHIE TUCKER was the Opening Night film at the 2015 Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival and screened at many other film festivals, and will open on July 24th at Cinema Village and JCC Manhattan in New York, as well as at the Royal and Town Center in Los Angeles and at Westpark 8 in Irvine. Many other cities will open the film on the same day. THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER is the rags to riches story of one of old time showbiz’s biggest personalities. From 1906 through the beginning of television, Sophie Tucker and her bawdy, brash, and risqué songs paved the way for performers such as Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Bette Midler, Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé. After eight years spent reading hundreds of Tucker’s personal scrapbooks, visiting fourteen archives, and interviewing dozens of family, friends, and fellow icons of stage and screen, Susan and Lloyd Ecker have completed their comprehensive documentary about the Last of the Red Hot Mamas. “Sophie was like the Forrest Gump of the first half of the 1900s,” says producer Susan Ecker. “She was close friends with seven U.S. presidents, King George VI, young Queen Elizabeth, Charlie Chaplin, J. Edgar Hoover, Al Capone, Judy Garland, Jerry Lewis, Frank Sinatra and every other notable of her era.” “After immersing ourselves in Sophie’s 400+ personal scrapbooks and meeting all of Tucker’s surviving friends and family,” says producer Lloyd Ecker, “this film biography is the complete uncensored tale of this vaudeville, Broadway, radio, television and Hollywood legend. Though she obsessively documented her life, Sophie loved to exaggerate for dramatic effect. Over the years, she told multiple versions of each important event. At the end, not even Sophie knew the difference between truth and tall tale”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyUlZm4O4yE

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  • Award-Winning Actress Cicely Tyson to be Honored by “I Have A Dream” Foundation

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    Cicely Tyson Actress Cicely Tyson will be presented with the Eugene M. Lang Lifetime Achievement Award by the “I Have A Dream” Foundation (IHDF) at their annual Spirit of the Dream Gala.  Former New York City Mayor David Dinkins will present the award.  The 2015 Spirit of the Dream Gala will take place on June 9 at Gotham Hall in New York City. Through the creation of the Cicely Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts, Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-winning actress Cicely Tyson has played an enormous role in nurturing the artistic talents of low-income students.   The beloved actress is most known for her award-winning roles in films including Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittmanand The Help as well as television programs including Roots and How to Get Away with Murder. “We are so pleased to recognize Cicely Tyson with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” commented “I Have A Dream” Foundation President and CEO Donna Lawrence.  “Throughout her trail-blazing career, Ms. Tyson has inspired countless students to follow their artistic dreams, culminating in the foundation of her Cicely Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts.  She is a perfect representative of the organization’s ideals and mission as established by Eugene Lang and is an inspiration to us all.” Founded by philanthropist Eugene M. Lang in 1981, the “I Have A Dream” Foundation works to address one of the most critical issues of our time – the harsh reality that over 16 million children in America are living in poverty.  IHDF provides comprehensive support services to low-income students from elementary through high school, along with guaranteed tuition support for college.  Since its launch, IHDF has helped level the playing field for America’s poor children by supporting more than 16,000 Dreamers (students) across the country. Ninety percent of the foundation’s Dreamers graduate high school and complete college at more than 2 times the rate of their low-income peers, enabling them to acquire the economic, social and cultural capital they need to realize their potential.

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  • 8 Classic Films from Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation to Screen at 2015 Seattle International Film Festival

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    Black Girl (La Noire de...) Ousmane Sembène Eight classic films from Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation will screen at this year’s 2015 Seattle International Film Festival running May 14 through June 7, 2015. Taking place during the final week of the Festival are the North American premieres of two restored films: 1966’s Black Girl (La Noire de…) (pictured above) from “the father of African cinema” Ousmane Sembène on June 1 and 1978’s Alyam, Alyam from Moroccan master Ahmed El Maanoui on June 7. Established in 1990 by Martin Scorsese, The Film Foundation is dedicated to protecting and preserving motion picture history and has helped to restore over 620 films in the last 25 years. Carl Spence, SIFF’s Artistic Director, says, “Martin Scorsese has been shining a light on the urgent work of film preservation through The Film Foundation for 25 years. Through his efforts, we are able to publicly showcase these films from around the world that audiences would not otherwise have a chance to see projected on a big screen. The enthusiastic response from SIFF audiences is a testament to our belief that movie lovers from all walks of life want to experience films in cinemas. It is also fitting that we are presenting the North American premieres of two films from Africa – it pairs nicely with the 12 contemporary features being presented in our African Pictures spotlight.” Jennifer Ahn, Managing Director of The Film Foundation, says, “We are delighted that the Seattle International Film Festival is focusing on the importance of film preservation with its tribute to The Film Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. We’re especially pleased that the festival is presenting two remarkable works of global cinema: Black Girl (1966), directed by Senegal’s Ousmane Sembène and Alyam, Alyam (1978) by Moroccan filmmaker Ahmed El Maanouni. These films were restored through The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project, and we welcome this opportunity to collaborate with SIFF on their international premieres.” Still to play: Alyam, Alyam Morocco | 1978 | 80 minutes | Ahmed El Maanouni Following his father’s death, Abdelwahad is expected to provide for his mother and his seven brothers. But faced with the cycle of poverty that rural farmers seem doomed to repeat, he dares to hope for something better. Restoration by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project at Cineteca di Bologna/L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory. Also played at SIFF 2015: Black Girl Senegal | 1966 | 65 minutes | Ousmane Sembène This 1966 film explores the complex dynamics and larger post-colonial implications that arise between a young Senegalese maid and the French family that employs her. This quiet, observational drama was esteemed African filmmaker Ousmane Sembène’s first feature film. Restored by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project at Cineteca di Bologna/L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory. Caught USA | 1949 | 88 minutes | Max Ophüls A model (Barbara Bel Geddes), a sociopathic millionaire (Robert Ryan), and a sympathetic pediatrician (James Mason) engage in a fraught romantic power struggle in Max Ophüls’ 1949 noir, only one of four movies the esteemed director made in the United States. The Color of the Pomegranates Armenia | 1969 | 77 minutes | Sergei Parajanov Sergei Parajanov’s empirical masterpiece loosely follows the life of Sayat Nova, “King of Song,” an Armenian poet and musician born in the 18th century, through vibrant sets and costumes and hypnotic shots. This colorful and avant-garde masterpiece provides an utterly transformative cinematic experience. The Dark Mirror USA | 1946 | 85 minutes | Robert Siodmak Robert Siodmak’s 1946 psychological thriller follows a pair of identical twins with dueling personalities, one of which is a suspect in the murder of a doctor. The Dark Mirror dips into terrifying evil doppelganger territory, while at the same time hitting all the disturbing aspects of an effective melodrama. The Old Dark House USA | 1932 | 71 minutes | James Whale Long thought a lost film, this cult masterpiece from director James Whale (Frankenstein) is a twisted gothic thriller, equal parts macabre nightmare and camp farce, about three lost travelers who seek shelter in a crumbling Welsh manor. 35mm restoration by the Library of Congress with funding provided by The Film Foundation. Rebel Without a Cause USA | 1955 | 111 minutes | Nicholas Ray That iconic red motorcycle jacket. An apron-wearing father. The brutal intensity of James Dean’s face, and Natalie Wood’s nurturing touch. This classic drama by renowned director Nicolas Ray is perhaps the perfectly crafted teen angst film, catapulting Dean’s short-lived film career and guaranteed to tear you apart. The Red Shoes United Kingdom | 1948 | 133 minutes | Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell Moira Shearer stars in this seminal 1948 drama from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, one of the most highly regarded dance films in cinema history, about a young woman who works her way up the ladder of a prestigious ballet company. Playing as part of STG Presents Trader Joe’s Silent Movie Mondays in June: The Mark of Zorro (d: Fred Niblo, 1920) My Best Girl (d: Sam Taylor, 1927) The Unholy Three (d: Tod Browning, 1925) Snow White (d: J. Searle Dawley, 1916)

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  • 2015 Stony Brook Film Festival Film Lineup, Opens with ‘The Man from Oran’

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    The Man from Oran directed by Lyes Salem The 2015 Stony Brook Film Festival unveiled its schedule of films for its 20th anniversary edition, taking place from Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 25, 2015. The schedule of films is being announced today on the festival’s website, and features thirty-four films (19 features and 15 shorts), chosen out of more than 700 entries. Many alums of the film festival are returning with films this year. The short documentary Coaching Colburn was created by Jeff Bemiss and his film students at Trinity College, with a story about a man with Fragile X Syndrome. Mr. Bemiss screened the film The Book and the Rose at Stony Brook in 2002. Menemsha Films returns with the film Dough, about a Jewish baker and his young Muslim apprentice, and Shooting Star of the Netherlands brings Painkillers to the Festival, a poignant story about a teenage musician.Producer of To Life!, Alice Brauner, was also the producer of Stony Brook’s 2012 Audience Choice-Best Feature, Wunderkinder. Peter Miller of AKA Doc Pomus fame, the 2012 Grand Prize winner, brings a new documentary to Stony Brook Film Festival this year, the World Premiere of Projections of America. During World War II, short documentaries about American life were created by filmmakers led by Academy Award winning screenwriter Robert Riskin.  The U.S. Office of War Information disseminated them to be shown to audiences around the world. Projections of America tells the story of the production. Opening night brings a dramatic feature film from Algeria, The Man from Oran (pictured above), with Lyes Salem, director, writer and star. In Arabic and French, it is a U.S. Premiere. Set largely in the years after Algeria gained independence from France, it explores the themes of friendship, idealism, politics and betrayal. The Passion of Augustine Closing Night screens The Passion of Augustine, a film from French Canada about a small convent school that has become a musical treasure. Mother Augustine is played by Céline Bonnier, who starred in the film Mommy is at the Hairdresser’s, a feature at Stony Brook in 2012. Both films were directed by Léa Pool. American Independent features include the romantic comedy, This Isn’t Funny, starring Paul Ashton and Katie Page, who are the scriptwriters and co-producers. Paul Ashton directed the entertaining story about a stand up comedienne coping with an anxiety disorder. Feature film Jackie & Ryan stars Katherine Heigel and Ben Barnes, and is directed by Ami Canaan Mann, who was inspired by street musicians she met in Austin, Texas at South by Southwest Festival. Jackie & Ryan centers in the picturesque mountains of Ogden, Utah, where a musician and train hopper meets a former singer at a crossroads in her life. Wildike, written and directed by Frank Hall Green, stars Ella Purnell as a troubled teenager who is sent to live with her uncle in Alaska. Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, Mad Men) and Brian Gerahty (The Hurt Locker) also star. Christine Vachon, film professor at Stony Brook Southampton’s MFA in Film program, is among the producers of Wildike, along with her company Killer Films. Documentary features include Projections of America by Peter Miller and The Best of Enemies, a documentary about the television debates between William F. Buckley Jr. and Gore Vidal in 1968. Audiences will see the many works of true indie spirit in which filmmakers do it all. Three films in the Festival have the actor, producer, and writer as one and the same.  The Man from Oran by Lyes Salem, This Isn’t Funny by Paul Ashton and Katie Page, andThe Challenger by Kent Moran are ambitious films where their creators have a hand in all aspects of the film. For the documentaryNefertiti’s Daughters writer/director/producer Mark Nickolas was also one of the Directors of Photography. Lyes Salem of The Man from Oran will be attending the Thursday, July 16 Opening Night screening. Painkillers producers Maria Peters and Dave Schram of Shooting Star will be attending the Friday, July 17 screening.  Paul Ashton and Katie Page of This Isn’t Funny will be on board for Friday, July 17 as well. Saturday, July 18, the writer and director of Henri Henri, Martin Talbot, and actors Andres Trelles Turgeonand Sophie Desmarais will be attending the screening. Jackie & Ryan’s Katherine Heigel and Ben Barnes have been invited to attend the Festival on Saturday, July 18, and the director Ami Canaan Mann is expected to attend. Sunday, July 19 the Festival will host Nefertiti’s Daughters director Mark Nickolas. On Sunday, July 19, the screening of To Life will have producer Alice Brauner on hand, along with Uwe Janson, the director. The film that follows it, Wildlike, will be represented by director Frank Hall Green. Thicker than Paint writer/director Maryam Sepehri is expected to attend the Festival for her film on Tuesday, July 21, as is Kent Moran of The Challenger. Peter Miller will represent his documentary Projections of America, a U.S. premiere on Wednesday, July 22, and the director and cast members of One for the Road are expected to attend Stony Brook from Mexico. On closing night, Saturday, July 25, Céline Bonnier of The Passion of Augustine will be attending.

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  • Documentary film I AM CHRIS FARLEY Sets Summer 2015 Release Date

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    I AM CHRIS FARLEY documentary Virgil Films will release the documentary film I AM CHRIS FARLEY, described as the definitive biographical film about the late comedy star, featuring his co-stars and colleagues such as Christina Applegate, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Molly Shannon, David Spade, and many others. The new film, directed by Brent Hodge and Derik Murray, will open in key markets in the US nationwide in the summer of 2015, and will debut on Spike on Monday, August 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, to be followed by Video-On-Demand availability. The film, from the directors of I Am Evel Knievel, A Brony Tale, and the upcoming Johnny Cash – American Rebel, tells Chris Farley’s story from his early days in Madison, Wisconsin and at Marquette University, through his work at the legendary club Second City, to his rapid rise to the top of the comedy world on “Saturday Night Live” and in hit films like Tommy Boy and Black Sheep. Sharing insights into the beloved funnyman are such co-stars and colleagues as Christina Applegate, Tom Arnold, Dan Aykroyd, Bo Derek, Pat Finn, Jon Lovitz, Lorne Michaels, Jay Mohr, Mike Myers, Bob Odenkirk, Bob Saget, Adam Sandler, Will Sasso, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Brian Stack and Fred Wolf. The filmmakers also speak to Farley’s four siblings, including his brother Kevin, a comedian and actor, and his brother Tom Jr., who wrote the biography “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts.” “Chris Farley’s talent knew no bounds”,  stated co-director and producer Derik Murray, “A fearless performer who sought only to please an audience, he left behind a remarkable body of work, and we are proud to present his story with the support of an iconic cast that knew and loved Chris.” Added Virgil Films’ Joe Amodei, “I AM CHRIS FARLEY reveals the real man behind the comic genius – and poignantly reminds us of the great work that went left undone.” With the full cooperation and participation of the Farley family, I AM CHRIS FARLEY showcases the performer’s most memorable characters and skits from television and film, paired with iconic photographs, home movies, family snapshots and personal artifacts, to fully round out the story of this comedy legend – a bear of a man who nevertheless had remarkable grace and physicality. Clips from Farley’s most memorable performances fill the documentary, from his side-splitting Chippendales audition alongside Patrick Swayze, to his comically ill-fated salesman in Tommy Boy, to his bombastic diatribes as Matt Foley, the motivational speaker who “lives in a van down by the river!” Farley lived his life full speed and committed to make everyone around him laugh out loud, and I AM CHRIS FARLEY will tell his hilarious, touching and wildly entertaining story for the first time ever.

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  • Russian film CHAGALL-MALEVICH Sets US Theatrical Release Date

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    Chagall-Malevich After having screened at numerous international film festivals including Palm Springs, Montreal, Haifa, Moscow, Busan, and LA Jewish Film Festival, the Russian film CHAGALL-MALEVICH, directed by Alexander Mitta finally sets a U.S. theatrical release date.  CHAGALL-MALEVICH will open at Cinema Village in New York on June 12 and at Laemmle Music Hall in Beverly Hills and at Town Center 5 in Encino, CA on June 19. The artistic and political revolution of early 20th century Russia is mythologized in CHAGALL-MALEVICH, a magical period drama about the uneasy relationship between two artistic geniuses. Inspired by the memoirs of Marc Chagall and those of his contemporaries, the film blends fact and folklore to evoke the return of the iconic Jewish artist (portrayed by Leonid Bichevin “Cargo 200”) to his childhood home of Vitebsk. Having left behind immense success in Paris, Chagall returns to the Russian empire in 1917 in hope to marry the love of his life Bella Rosenfeld (Kristina Schneidermann); he produces copious paintings and establishes the Academy of Modern Art. A rivalry develops with abstract painter Kazimir Malevich (Anatoliy Belyy), invited to teach at the art school. As Bella rekindles a childhood friendship with military Red Commissar Naum (Semyon Shkalikov), Chagall competes for the affections of his muse and future wife. As the October Revolution sweeps across Russia, historical events intrude on personal struggles and upend the quiet provincial life in Vitebsk. Brimming with surrealistic imagery from the paintings of Chagall and Malevich (over 140 paintings were used in the film), this sumptuous melodrama marks veteran Russian filmmaker Alexander Mitta’s return after a decade-long hiatus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Enaho11_x8Q

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  • 2015 Portland Jewish Film Festival Film Lineup + Trailers

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    EAST JERUSALEM/WEST JERUSALEM documentary The 2015 Portland Jewish Film Festival will screen 18 feature films including: EAST JERUSALEM/WEST JERUSALEM (pictured above), a riveting documentary about Israeli musician David Broza and his efforts to bridge Israeli and Palestinian tensions through music, THE MYSTERY OF HAPPINESS, director Daniel Burman’s delightful hybridization of buddy movie, detective film, and romantic comedy tropes, the Opening Night selection MAGIC MEN, a road trip comedy that pairs an aging atheist Holocaust survivor with his estranged Hasidic rapper son, and DOUGH, a comedy set in a failing bakery where intergenerational and cross cultural solutions just might save the day.
    The 23rd edition of the Portland Jewish Film Festival is produced by the Northwest Film Center and co-presented with the Institute for Judaic Studies and takes place June 14 to 28, 2015.
    Complete Film listings: MAGIC MEN https://vimeo.com/68012664 THE MUSES OF ISAAC BASHEVIS SINGER (preceded by REVERENCE) https://youtu.be/MZfkOHfOkwE A PLACE IN HEAVEN https://youtu.be/TGcwONCKks0 TO LIFE https://youtu.be/8hYSCSHH7rM THE DOVE FLYER https://youtu.be/W_Uq68Ql9f8 DOUGH SECRETS OF WAR https://youtu.be/l4Oc187S7OU EAST JERUSALEM/WEST JERUSALEM https://youtu.be/VnVNgIW4ZPc ALMOST FRIENDS https://youtu.be/p_GBYHqPf58 A BORROWED IDENTITY (AKA DANCING ARABS) https://youtu.be/TW0Jjf3RrME THEODORE BIKEL: IN THE SHOES OF SHOLEM ALEICHEM https://vimeo.com/114923514 Trailer for SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS https://youtu.be/-Z6cJ2_RLdA RAISE THE ROOF https://vimeo.com/107332820 THE MYSTERY OF HAPPINESS https://youtu.be/svx8CyZTkWg LET’S GO https://youtu.be/7wK_7PG7_4g RUN BOY RUN https://youtu.be/njjdP3gZ_pk THE ZIONIST IDEA 24 DAYS https://youtu.be/Sg4xo2pYRdI

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  • Forty-Eight Competition Films at 2015 Dances With Films

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    Dances With Films Festival 48 competition films including a record 48 premieres, 28 World, 5 North American, 12 West Coast, 2 Southern California, and 1 US premieres are screening at the 2015 Dances With Films in Los Angeles, California. This years competition films – 16 narrative features and 32 short films – include a short directed by “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” alumni Amber Benson and acclaimed casts including: Beau Garrett (“TRON: Legacy”), Lauren Potter (“Glee”), Mario Cantone (“Sex and the City”).  The 18th edition of the festival is taking place over 11 days, from May 28 through June 7, 2015, in Los Angeles, CA at the TCL Chinese Theaters, located at Hollywood & Highland. NARRATIVE FEATURES PROGRAM ALL I NEED (WEST COAST PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Dylan K. Narang PRODS: Dylan K. Narang, Jeffrey J. Robinson CAST: Caitlin Stasey, Markus Taylor, Holly Twyford, Rachel Melvin, Sorel Carradine, Leah McKendrick SYNOPSIS: An insecure young woman must overcome her captor to save her own life, all the while not knowing the sinister reason she’s really being held ASTRAE (SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE) ASTRAE, Kristjan Thor DIR: Kristjan Thor WRITER: Ashlin Halfnight PRODS: Ashlin Halfnight, Kristjan Thor, Jessica Cummings, Scotty Crowe CAST: Nerea Duhart, Scotty Crowe, Dan O’Brien, Jessica Cummings SYNOPSIS: When disease decimates the population, a telepathic teenage girl named Astraea follows her visions through a silent America, hoping to find her family. She leads her doubtful brother on a five thousand-mile trek into the snowbound wilderness of Maine, where they encounter a couple homesteading on a frozen lake, the first people they’ve seen in over two years. Astraea’s clairvoyance intensifies, but her brother puts down roots, finds community, and wants to stay. Discord and division rise, and Astraea must decide if she trusts her visions enough to set out alone into the wintery backwoods to rescue her family before it’s too late. BARN WEDDING (US PREMIERE). barn wedding, Shaun Benson DIR: Shaun Benson WRITER: Kelly McCormack PRODS: Kelly McCormack, Shaun Benson, Emily Coutts CAST: Emily Coutts, Kelly McCormack, Brett Donahue, Lara Jean Chorostecki, Shaun Benson, Kate Corbett, Christopher Hayes, Kaleb Alexander SYNOPSIS: When a young couple have to reschedule their picturesque summer wedding to the rural and remote dead of winter, they are forced to face how well they truly know each other and the people closest to them THE BREAK-IN (WEST COAST PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Marcus Ovnell PRODS: Marcus Ovnell, Jenny Lampa CAST: Jenny Lampa, Lukas Loughran, Richard Ulfsäter SYNOPSIS: A married couple have dinner, they go to bed but soon they realize that someone is in the house. The crisis that follows this incident brings the couple closer together, but brings the relationship to a clash when reality comes knocking on the door. A movie about love and living with a secret. DUSK (WEST COAST PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Michael Maney PRODS: Ryan Lewis, Michael Maney, Ford D’Aprix CAST: John McGlothlin, Ford D’Aprix, Juliana Harkavy, Todd Litzinger, Ron Kidd SYNOPSIS: In 2008, Robert Kenner, a mild-mannered postman from Peckham, South London was struck by a meteor which bestowed him with super powers. Today, Bob is an overworked underappreciated “civil servant” for the British government. He spends most waking hours saving people and filling out forms. He has no time for anything else. Least of all love. But today he has a day off. And best of all, he has a date with June from the library. Now all he has to do is act as if this isn’t the most exciting day of his life. Apparently that puts people off. ECHO LAKE (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Jody McVeigh-Schultz PRODS: Jody McVeigh-Schultz, Andy Rydzewski CAST: Sam Zvibleman, Christine Weatherup, Jillian Leigh, Chris Mollica, Don Yanan, Aaron Tomchik SYNOPSIS: Will is a 30-year old, functioning alcoholic, struggling with adulthood. When his estranged father dies, Will inherits the family cabin in the Sierras and with it a new perspective on his family, childhood and habit of sabotaging relationships. FOOLS (WORLD PREMIERE) fools movie Benjamin Meyer WRITER/DIR: Benjamin Meyer PRODS: Beth Schacter, Dana Scott CAST: Mary Cross, Michael Szeles, Rebecca Spence, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Tony Fitzpatrick, Danny Goldring, Maury Cooper SYNOPSIS: Two strangers brush hands on a crowded Chicago El train. A week later, without exchanging a word, they move in together. He’s barely hanging on after being fired, again. She’s fleeing an angry roommate. They make it work, how two strangers can sometimes make strangeness work for them. Together, they fabricate a rich romantic history. But when reality intrudes, they must decide whether what they share is truly love, or just a fantasy. HERE ONE MINUTE (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Eleanor Gaver PRODS: Schuyler Quinn, Lydia Dean Pilcher, Tom Garvin, Henry Lihn, Vanessa Demme CAST: Ade Otukoya, Josephine Messer, Schuyler Quinn, Zebedee Row, Vanessa Demme, Jonathan Safran Foer SYNOPSIS: Here One Minute tells the devastating true story of what happens when Sarah—a college freshman—unexpectedly dies during the filming of a documentary about New York City graffiti writers. Sarah’s four best friends must deal with their sudden loss and discover what really happened that night. Here One Minute features music by Sarah Neufeld of The Arcade Fire, The National, Dopo Yume, Dujeous and commentary by Jonathan Safran Foer. HOMELESS (WEST COAST PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Clay Riley Hassler WRITER: Clay Riley Hassler, Anna Fields PRODS: Tif Hassler CAST: Michael McDowell, Lance Megginson, Julie Dunagan, Hosanna Gourley, Parker Townsend, J.W. Burriss, Michael Francis Paolucci SYNOPSIS: Filmed in a real shelter with real homeless people, HOMELESS tells the story of Gosh (Josh), a teenage boy lost in the bleak routine of life in a shelter. Everyday, from sunup until sundown, Gosh is put out on the streets, unable to return to the shelter until 7pm. He feels alone and anonymous in a seemingly connected world. Weeks go by and the long days and sleepless nights begin to wear on him, and he becomes increasingly discouraged. But when his circumstances change for the better, he finds himself adapting to a new home, new friends and looking forward to a future that he hopes will last. IN STEREO (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Mel Rodriguez III PRODS: Danny Roth, Damiano Tucci CAST: Micah Hauptman, Beau Garrett, Melissa Bolona, Kieran Campion, Mario Cantone SYNOPSIS: David and Brenda are perfect for each other, and everyone knows it except David and Brenda. After a break-up, they wander through meaningless relationships with others until chance brings them back together on the streets of New York. David invites Brenda to the opening of his first photography exhibit, setting the stage for a night to potentially re-kindle an old romance. THE LAST TREASURE HUNT (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Patrick Biesemans WRITER: Kate Murdoch, Casey Nelson PRODS: Jessica Mathews, Christopher V. Lee, Jeff Croghan, Hilary Wagner CAST: Casey Nelson, Kate Murdoch, Jeff Grace, Charles Hoyes, Peter O’Connor, Kandis Erickson, Sean Mahon SYNOPSIS: Oliver and Lucy Sinclair were raised on treasure hunts. Their father would hold a hunt each year, sending his children gallivanting around the house and island to find hidden prizes and secrets. But, like all children do, Oliver and Lucy grew up. After a year of estrangement, their eccentric father unexpectedly passes away, and the two siblings journey back home to put his affairs in order. Instead of receiving a standard will, the two are met with something unexpected… A treasure hunt. They must solve the hunt together in order to receive their father’s inheritance. LOLA’S LAST LETTER (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Valerie Brandy PRODS: Sherri Lennon CAST: Valerie Brandy, Annamarie Kenoyer, Travis Quentin Young, Peter Banifaz, Tom Colitt SYNOPSIS: Lola (Valerie Brandy)– a 22 year-old ex-con who spends her time completing her community service by picking up trash on the side of the highway– is making a video letter for her mysterious pen-pal “Henry.” Through her video antics, which range from darkly humorous to heartbreakingly honest, we discover a girl who’s full of contradictions. Tugged in opposite directions by her best friend Ree (Annamarie Kenoyer), and her new love interest Sam (Travis Quentin Young), Lola tries to piece her life back together in the aftermath of a huge mistake. Who is Henry, and why can’t Lola let go? THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS (WORLD PREMIERE) DIRECTOR: Josh Fraiman WRITER: Adam Tomlinson PRODS: Brigitte Kingsley, Andrew Cymek, Tasso Lakas, Adam Tomlinson CAST: Sarah Jurgens, Nick Baillie, Adam Tomlinson SYNOPSIS: Based on thousands of true stories, a newlywed photographer is stalked by a dark man in a brimmed hat who followers her from her nightmares and into reality. Her life in shambles and sanity slipping, she meets a mysterious man claiming to know the shocking secrets of the Hat Man. SOLEDAD (WEST COAST PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Eduardo Maytorena, Wayne Mitchell PRODS: Jesse Celedon, Eduardo Maytorena,Wayne Mitchell CAST: Jesse Celedon, Montanna Gillis, Chase Austin, Chris Petrovski, Natt Leone, Eduardo Maytorena SYNOPSIS: A lonely limousine driver named Victor lives an isolated existence until one evening he is forced to defend a client, from being sexually assaulted by her prom date. SOLEDAD tells the story of an unlikely friendship that develops after an act of compassion sets off a series of events -destined to change the lives of everyone involved. A road-trip adventure through the heart of Los Angeles that reminds us that the thing about memories is, you have to have the experiences first. Created and Produced by a team of first-time filmmakers Eduardo Maytorena, Wayne Mitchell and Jesse Celedon. Three best friends who came together to make the type of independent feature film they’ve always dreamed of. SUPERBOB (NORTH AMERICA PREMIERE) DIR: Jon Drever WRITER: Will Bridges, Brett Goldstein, Jon Drever (story) PRODS: Jon Drever, Wayne Marc Godfrey, Robert Jones CAST: Brett Goldstein, Natalia Tena, Catherine Tate, Laura Haddock SYNOPSIS: In 2008, Robert Kenner, a mild-mannered postman from Peckham, South London was struck by a meteor which bestowed him with super powers. Today, Bob is an overworked under-appreciated “civil servant” for the British government. He spends most waking hours saving people and filling out forms. He has no time for anything else. Least of all love. But today he has a day off. And best of all, he has a date with June from the library. Now all he has to do is act as if this isn’t the most exciting day of his life. Apparently that puts people off. SUPERIOR (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Edd Benda PRODS: Edd Benda, Alex Bell, Stephen Helstad CAST: Paul Stanko, Thatcher Robinson SYNOPSIS: During the height of the Vietnam War in 1969, Charlie is on his way to Michigan Tech University, and Derek is counting the days to his inevitable military draft eligibility. Before their futures take hold, the lifelong best friends embark on one final adventure: a 1300 mile bike ride along the shores of the gargantuan Lake Superior. With two-speed Schwinn bicycles and limited preparation, Charlie and Derek pedal through the massive northern backwoods of Michigan, Minnesota, and Canada. Along the way they face hunger, exhaustion, and the kind of people in the world who never wanted to be found. SHORTS PROGRAM THE @$$HOLE (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Joel Watson WRITER: Joel Watson, Rob Chester Smith PRODS: Joel Watson, Rob Chester Smith, Shelli Ryan CAST: Rob Chester Smith, Joe Tyler Gold, Tara Brennan SYNOPSIS: In 2008, Robert Kenner, a mild-mannered postman from Peckham, South London was struck by a meteor which bestowed him with super powers. Today, Bob is an overworked under-appreciated “civil servant” for the British government. He spends most waking hours saving people and filling out forms. He has no time for anything else. Least of all love. But today he has a day off. And best of all, he has a date with June from the library. Now all he has to do is act as if this isn’t the most exciting day of his life. Apparently that puts people off. A COMPLICATED WAY TO LIVE (NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE) DIR: Ged Hunter WRITER: Ged Hunter, Dave Hart PRODS: Dave Hart CAST: Rob Jarvis, Andrew Schofield SYNOPSIS: Mr. Elis has an exhausting mental illness. He has lost his career, his mother, his best friend his only voice in a busy world. The only crutch left for him, a Government system that appears to be geared against him has unjustly and unknowingly began the beginning of the end, a series of designs and sketches, wires, cogs and a innocent young family accumulate in the only choice that Mr. Ellis thinks he has. Nothing is glamorized, its beautiful, its terrifying, it lives and breathes in the horror-like world of 21st century poverty but never rumbling to social realism clichés. ABLUTION (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Parisa Barani WRITER: Amin El Gamal, Melissa Recalde, Parisa Barani PRODS: Parisa Barani, Allison Vanore, Dena Hysell CAST: Melissa Recalde, Amin El Gamal SYNOPSIS: “Ablution” explores the inner life of a conservative Muslim woman and her struggle to reconcile her sexuality and spirituality in 1980s Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War. THE APPLE TREE (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Scott Storm PRODS: Scott Storm CAST: Jennie Pines (character model), Maria Storm (character model), Joe Kraemer (character model), Matthew Witkop (character model) SYNOPSIS: When a young boy’s wooded sanctuary falls victim to vandalism, he takes it upon himself to put things right at all cost. Not even a constant, nagging hunger can deter him his self-appointed task. AT THE SEASHORE (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Martin Gradek PRODS: Martin Gradek CAST: Rachel Delante, Neil Dickson SYNOPSIS: A foreign diplomat solicits the company of an escort – only he asks for the woman with the most complaints from other clients. When he meets Olive, his attempt to find out what triggered those complaints leads to a tug of war, and confessions from both strangers. BLIND DATE (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Mragendra Singh PRODS: Carl Mergenthaler, Caitlin Kelly CAST: Carl Mergenthaler, Loraelei Temoney SYNOPSIS: Victor, a socially awkward, shy, middle-aged man, who has always lived with his abusive, loud mouthed, paraplegic mother, has managed to get a blind date. As Victor heads out for his date, he makes sure everything goes as perfectly as planned. BOWES ACADEMY (WEST COAST PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Greg Emetaz PRODS: Cara Consilvio, Amanda DeSimone CAST: Joshua Gonzales, Shane Zeigler, Preston Maguire, Daniel Patrick Smith, Jonathan Iglesias, Ramon O. Torres SYNOPSIS: Daniel Bloom, a deeply conservative 15-year-old presidential hopeful who will do anything to escape his public high school to the elite boys boarding school of his dreams…until Bowes Academy seems to know more about his sexual orientation than he does. DIRECTION (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Chris Valenti PRODS: Chris Valenti, Nathan Paul, Chad Kukahiko, Christopher Fredrick CAST: Chris Valenti, Leilani Wyatt, Kerry Liu, Alejandra Morin SYNOPSIS: Need some etiquette advice for your first date? This seasoned stage and screen director is more than happy to help out. EVERYBODY DOES IT (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Megan Brotherton PRODS: Amy Hartman, Megan Brotherton CAST: Megan Brotherton, Jacob Reed, Mykee Selkin, Allison Bills, Sofia Gonzalez, Eugene Cordero, Pam Murphy, Steve Bethers SYNOPSIS: Claire’s life is not going as planned. A bad break up, a long dry spell, and an irregular period, leaves her wondering if she’s missing something sexually. Claire’s therapist challenges her to take her sexuality into her own hands—literally, which for Claire proves to be a difficult task. Will she conquer her embarrassment, shame, and the enormous dildo she inadvertently shoplifted? FATED (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Jeremy Foley WRITER: Sara O’Reilly PRODS: Sara O’Reilly, Jeremy Foley, Will Myers CAST: Brett Jacobsen, Kyle Sabihy, Lindsay Felton, Vanessa Lee Chester, Hoyt Richards SYNOPSIS: Fated is a comedy about Joe, an employee of the cosmic, all-seeing Fate Management Agency. Unbeknownst to us, Joe and his fellow agents are responsible for the destiny of each and every person, from soccer moms to criminals to the President of the United States. After struggling to make any progress with his one hopeless ‘client,’ Joe decides to break the rules and confront him face-to-face – on Earth. But what he discovers down there will make him question everything he knows. FUNNY LOVE (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Stuart MacLeod WRITER: Jenni Melear, Adrian Elizondo, Stuart MacLeod PRODS: Jenni Melear, Stuart MacLeod, Adrian Elizondo, George Parker, Jenny Phagan, Wes Kemp CAST: Adrian Elizondo, Jenni Melear SYNOPSIS: In a modern day silent film, this delightfully dark tale tells the love story of two social misfits, Clown and Faerie. Their romance is sweet, but things take a twisted turn when Clown’s perpetually playful demeanor pushes his beloved Faerie away and forces him to make a life or death decision. Directed by world-renowned magician Stuart MacLeod, this innovative approach to silent film features written dialogue organically integrated into scenes and a haunting original score by macabre cabaret artist Joe Black. THE GIRL IN THE GREEN DRESS (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Johanna Goldstein WRITER: Sara Fletcher, Leah McKendrick PRODS: Sara Fletcher, Leah McKendrick CAST: Sara Fletcher, Leah McKendrick, Marilu Gamboa SYNOPSIS: A surreal drama set in the conservative world of 1950s housewives, exploring themes of modern feminism and sexual liberation. Contemporary dance is intertwined with narrative, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy in the vein of “The Stepford Wives” and “Mulholland Drive.” GUEST ROOM (WEST COAST PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Joshua Tate PRODS: Maritte Go, Dima Otvertchenko CAST: Lauren Potter, Michael Iovine, Elizabeth Dement, Chelsea Landon SYNOPSIS: A young woman with Down Syndrome (Glee’s Lauren Potter) faces the harsh realities of adulthood after an unexpected turn of events with her boyfriend. JAM (WEST COAST PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Brett Fleisher PRODS: Brett Fleisher, Karen Henry, Nathan Paul CAST: Jeff Bower, Bri Giger, Pat Scott, Ali Iovino, Sean Michael Boozer, Donald Watson, LarJayne Blackwell, Sapna Gandhi, Eric Michael Kochmer, Thom Rivera, Ashley Fuller, Ryan Moore, Kimberly Wong, Jude Evans, Ryan Karloff, Daniel Coronel, Darrett Sanders, Rhomeyn Johnson SYNOPSIS: Jam is a seven-minute film that explores the self absorption of 18 characters stuck in traffic in the middle of nowhere. Ranging from comically absurd to tragically honest, each vignette pushes us forward through the traffic jam to ultimately answer the question… what are they doing here? JAMAICA (NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Helen Rollins PRODS: Johnny Rollins CAST: Josh Webster, Lacy Moore, Nigel O’Neill, Niall Conway SYNOPSIS: In 1960s Belfast, a little boy reads encyclopedias and stories to escape an unhappy family and a violent father. Tales of a far-off land intrigue him: Jamaica. One night, after a terrible school report, and amid the bickering of his parents, he resolves to run away… KARL MANHAIR, POSTAL INSPECTOR (WEST COAST PREMIERE) DIRECTOR: Chandler Kauffman WRITER: Amin El Gamal, Melissa Recalde, Parisa Barani PRODS: Hillary Cutter, Chandler Kauffman, Bob Aumer, Yori Tondrowski, Brittany Rostron CAST: Geoffrey Cantor, Amy Rutberg , McRobbie, Wayne Mersky, Michael Somerville SYNOPSIS: A dark comedy about a down-and-out Postal Inspector struggling with his increasing irrelevance in the world. After taking to heart the advice of his new-age “life coach”, Karl finds himself embroiled in the most bizarre case of his career, but one that just might lead to renewed purpose in life. MADAM BLACK (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Ivan Barge WRITER: Matthew Harris PRODS: Ivan Barge, Matthew Harris, Jozsef Fityus, Tim Judson and Brett Mills CAST: Jethro Skinner, Pearl Everard SYNOPSIS: When a glamour photographer runs over a child’s pet, he’s forced to fabricate a story about its disappearance. MONKEYS (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Christopher Soren Kelly WRITER: Clark D. Schaefer PRODS: Jessica Graham, Clark D. Schaefer, Christopher Soren Kelly CAST: Jessica Graham, Christopher Soren Kelly SYNOPSIS: Years after their toxic relationship ended, Lila’s and Gimmie’s lives still connect in mysterious ways. Gimmie has cleaned up his act, but Lila is an addict, living in filth. Today, the state has confirmed she is unfit to raise the daughter she had by Gimmie. Lila spirals out of control. She gets a razor blade and her pills: death seems easiest. Will Gimmie be able to save her? SCHMOOLIE THE DEATHWATCHER (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Michael Ray Escamilla WRITER: Theresa Burkhart Gallagher PRODS: Theresa Burkhart Gallagher, Raymond Watt, Michael Ray Escamilla, Bo Bilstrup, Diana C. Zollicoffer, Najeeb Khuda, Andrew Joustra, Robert Nelson, Cory Misek CAST: Jesse Heiman, Barry Neikrug, David Barrera, Mark Kelly, Caitlin Geier SYNOPSIS: An Orthodox Jewish teen spends his first night alone guarding a body awaiting burial, and ends up fighting for his own life. SHEVENGE (WEST COAST PREMIERE) DIR: Amber Benson WRITER: David Greenman PRODS: Amber Benson, Megan Lee Joy, Don Money, Emme Rylan, Ryan Sanson, Jessica Sherif CAST: Emme Rylan, Jessica Sherif, Megan Lee Joy, Eugene Byrd, David Blue, Dove Meir SYNOPSIS: From Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Amber Benson comes this twisted, darkly comedic, genre-bending tale of revenge. A revenge of the worst kind – Shevenge! THE SOFT PARADE (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Mike Testin PRODS: Mike Testin CAST: Matt Mercer, Steve Agee, Anna Lore SYNOPSIS: A down on his luck wanderer crosses paths with a lonely artist. THE STRUGGLE OF LIBATIONS (SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Erin Mullally PRODS: Erin Mullally CAST: David McGowan, Nadia Dibbs, Des Braiden SYNOPSIS: A man undertakes a night-long odyssey across Dublin as he questions his only meaningful relationship – the one he maintains with his ever loyal post-work pint. SUICIDE SAM (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Maurice Chauvet PRODS: Jesse H. Rivard, Steve Yeager, Melinda Augustina CAST: Dave Roberts, Michael Gallagher, Molly Leland, Heather Long SYNOPSIS: An advertising executive marketing a suicide machine for consumer use meets with the man set to be the first member of the general public to use the device. THREE HEARTS (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Joseph Chebatte PRODS: Joseph Chebatte, Devris Hasan CAST: Millie Samuels, Julian Maroun SYNOPSIS: A stylized portrayal of a young couple dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. UNA MUJER SIN PREICO 1961 (WEST COAST PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Juan Francisco Moctezuma II PRODS: Elliott Lonsdale CAST: Miguel Núñez, Lisandra Tena SYNOPSIS: When the perfectionist scientist, Dr. Víctor Junco loses his wife, Maribella to a car accident he builds a robotic version to replace her. When he realizes he can continue to “perfect” his wife he eventually creates the “perfect” woman who leaves him. UP NEXT (WORLD PREMIERE) DIR: Domenic Yovina WRITER: Timothy Earle PRODS: Timothy Earle, Danielle Malambri CAST: Timothy Earle, Lucy Walters, Richard Chiu SYNOPSIS: A dark comedy about a socially inept musician struggling to work up the courage to perform at an open mic. VLADO (NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE) DIR: Felipe Mucci WRITER: Rodrigo Espinosa Marván PRODS: Gurjeet Kaur Bassi CAST: Bernardo de Paula, Tiago Riani, Luciana Faulhaber SYNOPSIS: Vlado is the fictionalized portrayal of the night before real-life Brazilian journalist Vladimir Herzog, turned himself in for questioning to the Brazilian police and was never heard from again. Set in Sao Paulo in 1975, in the context of the Brazilian military dictatorship, the story sets to illustrate one man’s final moments and the build-up to a decision that would eventually change the course of an entire country. WASTE PAPER (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Derrick D. Pete PRODS: Frances S. DeLoach, Sheree Devereaux CAST: Mykee Selkin, Doris Morgado, Miguel Sagaz SYNOPSIS: A cartoon illustration, tossed by his Animator, enters a world where the other throw-aways come to life. He and a newfound friend battle the Animator’s inner voice to avoid a fate worst than death, being forgotten. WHAT IF MY WIFE DIED IN YOGA CLASS? (WORLD PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Jeffrey Williams PRODS: Caity Engler CAST: Adam Mayfield SYNOPSIS: We’ve all asked ourselves what would happen if a sudden tragedy changed our lives forever. Most people let those fleeting thoughts slide. Randy is not most people. Today, Randy is determined to find an answer. While battling grumpy neighbors, filthy socks, and temperamental washers, he will set out on an epic journey of self-discovery, experiencing a full Kübler-Ross progression of heartbreak, joy, unexpected success, crooked cops, and a big ass bag of socks. THE WINDOW (NORTH AMERICA PREMIERE) WRITER/DIR: Jill Pauletich-Ragan PRODS: Molly Hayes, Jill Pauletich-Ragan CAST: Phoebe Moyer, Arye Micheal Bender SYNOPSIS: A little old lady sits in front of her picture window, alone, watching the people pass by until an old man comes along and decides to woo her from the sidewalk. But this is no ordinary old man with his courting skills upping the ante. WITH YOUR CROOKED HEART (WEST COAST PREMIERE) DIR: Samuel Goodwin WRITER: Samuel Goodwin, Kate Payne PRODS: Colton Clements CAST: Courtney Powell, Katherine Kanitsch SYNOPSIS: An estranged couple, a loveless house, and something in the shadows watching… After their only daughter leaves for college, Tom develops suspicions about the house, only furthering Jean’s contempt for her husband. Fueled by Tom’s stubborn Oxycontin addiction and Jean’s growing resentment, the couple comes face to face with the darkness that feeds on their broken relationship.

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