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.-
Documentary film I AM CHRIS FARLEY Sets Summer 2015 Release Date
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
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
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
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)
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).
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)
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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Poster and Trailer for “SUPERIOR” Director Edd Benda’s Feature Debut
Here is the poster and trailer for “Superior” the feature film debut from writer/director Edd Benda, and starring Paul Stanko and Thatcher Robinson, world premiering at the 2015 Dances With Films, in Los Angeles, California.
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKqTI68N7CM
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Watch Trailer for HOT GIRLS WANTED Documentary About World Of Amateur Porn
Netflix has released a trailer for “Hot Girls Wanted”, a documentary produced by Rashida Jones, that offers a first-ever look at the realities of the professional “amateur” porn world, and the steady stream of 18-to-19-year old girls entering into it. “Hot Girls Wanted” premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
“The film was created to not only expose this appalling business but to serve as a warning to teens and parents that good opportunities, particularly online, are never what they seem,” Netflix said in a statement.
“Hot Girls Wanted” documentary is now streaming on Netflix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTkEIGsNXu4
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See POSTER and Watch TRAILER for A WALK IN THE WOODS starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte
“A Walk in the Woods” starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte and Emma Thompson, which premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, has a new poster and trailer. The film is based on the bestseller by Bill Bryson, played by Redford. A Walk in the Woods is scheduled to open in theaters Labor Day weekend.
In this new comedy adventure, celebrated travel writer, Bill Bryson (Academy Award winner Robert Redford), instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife (Academy Award winner Emma Thompson), and large and happy family, challenges himself to hike the Appalachian Trail – 2,200 miles of America’s most unspoiled, spectacular and rugged countryside from Georgia to Maine. The peace and tranquility he hopes to find, though, is anything but, once he agrees to being accompanied by the only person he can find willing to join him on the trek – his long lost and former friend Katz (Academy Award nominee Nick Nolte), a down-on-his-luck serial philanderer who, after a lifetime of relying on his charm and wits to keep one step ahead of the law – sees the trip as a way to sneak out of paying some debts and sneak into one last adventure before its too late. The trouble is, the two have a completely different definition of the word, “adventure”. Now they’re about to find out that when you push yourself to the edge, the real fun begins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx1AMfC-F2g
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Eight Indie Filmmakers Win Spring 2015 San Francisco Film Society Grants
Eight independent filmmakers are winners in the latest round of Spring 2015 San Francisco Film Society (SFFS) / Kenneth Rainin Foundation (KRF) Filmmaking Grants awards, and will receive funding to help with their next stage of their creative process, from screenwriting to production. The projects will receive a total of $300,000.
The Film Society’s flagship SFFS / KRF Filmmaking Grants are awarded twice annually to filmmakers for narrative feature films that will have significant economic or professional impact on the San Francisco Bay Area filmmaking community. The SFFS / KRF program has funded more than 50 projects since its inception, including such success stories as Kat Candler’s Hellion and Ira Sachs’ Love Is Strange, both of which premiered to strong reviews at Sundance 2014; Short Term 12, Destin Cretton’s sophomore feature which won both the Narrative Grand Jury Award and Audience Award at South by Southwest 2013; Ryan Coogler’s debut feature Fruitvale Station, which won the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, the Un Certain Regard Avenir Prize at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, and both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the narrative category at Sundance 2013; and Beasts of the Southern Wild, Benh Zeitlin’s debut phenomenon which won Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize and Cannes’ Camera d’Or in 2012 and earned four Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture).
SPRING 2015 SFFS / KRF FILMMAKING GRANT WINNERS
The Fixer
Ian Olds, writer/director; Caroline von Kuhn and Lily Whitsitt, producers — $75,000 for production
An Afghan journalist is exiled from his war-torn country to a small bohemian community in Northern California. When he attempts to turn his menial job on the local police blotter into “Afghan-style” coverage of local crime he gets drawn into the backwoods of this small town-a shadow Northern California where sex is casual, true friendship is hard to come by, and an unfamiliar form of violence burbles up all around him.
Jones
Sally El Hosaini, writer/director — $25,000 for screenwriting
When his father abandons him deep in the Guyanese jungle, the rebellious son of a narcissistic church leader discovers a new life of freedom. His utopia is soon shattered when “Dad” arrives with hundreds of followers. Driven by the universal need for a father’s love he becomes complicit in the depravity he previously rejected. Based on Stephan Jones’s true-life story.
Mustang
Laure de Clermont Tonnerre, writer/director — $25,000 for screenwriting
Roman Coleman is halfway through serving an 11-year sentence for attempted murder when he is offered the chance to participate in an ongoing rehabilitation therapy program involving the training of recently captured wild mustangs. Through his struggle to communicate with the animals, trainers, and other inmates he is forced to face his past and must learn confront his inner demons.
Oscillate Wildly
Travis Mathews, writer/director; Andrew Carlberg, Jonathan Duffy and Kelly Williams, producers — $75,000 for production
When a first love challenges his guarded sense of what’s possible, a hot-headed young gay man with mild cerebral palsy is forced to confront the disability he’s let consume and define him. travisdmathews.com
Reza and the Refugees
Aaron Douglas Johnston, writer/director; Charlotte Scott-Wilson, Trent Scott-Wilson and Laura Wagner, producers — $25,000 for screenwriting
A ragtag team of Middle Eastern political refugees in Holland enters the Eurovision song contest in an effort to save their friend from deportation and certain death.
Sorry To Bother You
Boots Riley, writer/director; Jonathan Duffy, George Rush and Kelly Williams, producers — $25,000 for screenwriting
A Black telemarketer discovers a magical way to make his voice overdubbed by a White actor, propelling him into the upper echelon of a macabre universe where he is selected to lead a species of genetically manipulated horse-people, called the Equisapiens. thisisthecoup.com
Staring at the Sun
Ryan Piers Williams, writer/director; Jason Michael Berman, America Ferrera and Caroline Kaplan, producers — $25,000 for screenwriting
After a massive solar event knocks out the world’s technological infrastructure, healthcare becomes a vital commodity. An elite group of United Nations aid workers given access to the best healthcare are tasked to isolate the sick from the healthy and privileged. When a young aid worker finds himself in a forbidden love, he must choose between a life of solitude or an uncertain fate with the woman he loves.
What Waits For Them In Darkness
Stephen Dunn, writer/director — $25,000 for screenwriting
11-year-old Skipper gets separated from her family during the Newfoundland resettlement and stranded alone in her floating house on the high seas of the Atlantic where reality mixes with the rich folklore of Newfoundland for a dark fantasy adventure.
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Shorts Lineup + Bobcat Goldthwait, Jennifer Coolidge Among Guests at 2015 Provincetown International Film Festival
Writer/director, Bobcat Goldthwait and actress Jennifer Coolidge are among the honorees and distinguished guests for the 17th edition of the Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) running June 17 to 21 in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Writer/director Bobcat Goldthwait (CALL ME LUCKY) will be named the 2015 “Filmmaker on the Edge” in conversation with resident artist John Waters at Provincetown’s historic Town Hall on Saturday, June 20. Actress Jennifer Coolidge (BEST IN SHOW) will receive the Faith Hubley Career Achievement Award that same evening, in conversation with film critic B. Ruby Rich.
“This year’s honorees underscore the importance of comedy to independent film – not only surprising and delighting us, but boldly and subversively pushing boundaries. Both Bobcat and Jennifer are masters of their craft,” said Andrew Peterson, PIFF’s Director of Programming.
Additionally, Noah Baumbach’s MISTRESS AMERICA (pictured above), starring Greta Gerwig, has been added to the list of features previously announced. The festival will also host a double billing of Steven Spielberg’s JAWS and Noel Marshall’s ROAR at the Wellfleet Drive-In on Wednesday, June 17. John Waters will present a special screening of KILLER JOE, directed by William Friedkin, on Sunday, June 21.
Notable guests of this year’s festival include: Alison Bagnall (director, FUNNY BUNNY); Bao Nguyen (director, LIVE FROM NEW YORK!); Barry Crimmins (subject, CALL ME LUCKY); Brendan Toller (director, DANNY SAYS); Christine Vachon (producer, NASTY BABY); David Thorpe (director, DO I SOUND GAY?); Gabrielle Demeestere (director, YOSEMITE); Hernando Bansuelo (director, THE DADDY); James Ponsoldt (director, THE END OF THE TOUR); Jeff Kaufman (director, THE STATE OF MARRIAGE); Jeffrey Schwarz (director, TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL); Joe Murphy (editor, YOSEMITE); Joey Kuhn (director, THOSE PEOPLE); Josh Watson (producer, THE DADDY); Larry Kramer (LGBT activist and subject, LARRY KRAMER IN LOVE AND ANGER); Laura Heberton (producer, FUNNY BUNNY); Laurie Kahn-Leavitt (director, LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS); Malcolm Ingram (director, OUT TO WIN); Marcia Ross (producer, THE STATE OF MARRIAGE); Michelle Boyaner (director, PACKED IN A TRUNK: THE LOST ART OF EDITH LAKE WILKINSON); Ron Davis (director HARRY & SNOWMAN); Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (directors, TEN THOUSAND SAINTS).
The 2015 Provincetown International Film Festival also announced its complete list of short programs and films:
ACTRESSES – directed by Jeremy Hersh
AWESOME_FCK – directed by Isaak James
BARRIO BOY – directed by Dennis Shinners
CHRISTINE – directed by Mounia Akl
CLOWN SERVICE – directed by Tig Notaro
COMING FULL CIRCLE – directed by Kim Yaged
CRUISING ELECTRIC (1980) – directed by Brumby Boylston
THE DADDY – directed by Hernando Bansuelo
DINNER WITH FAMILY WITH BRETT GELMAN AND BRETT GELMAN’S FAMILY – directed by Jason Woliner
ELGIN PARK– directed by Danny Yourd
THE FACE OF UKRAINE: CASTING OKSANA BAIUL – directed by Kitty Green
FOLLOWERS – directed by Tim Marshall
IN THE HOLLOW – directed by Austin Lee Bunn
THE LITTLE DEPUTY – directed by Trevor Anderson
METUBE: AUGUST SINGS CARMEN ‘HABANERA’ – directed by Daniel Moshel
MYRNA THE MONSTER – directed by Ian Samuels
NOTES FROM THERE – directed by Ann Prim
ONE YEAR LEASE – directed by Brian S. Bolster
OPEN 24 HOURS – directed by Henry Chaisson
PALM ROT – directed by Ryan Gillis
PAPA MACHETE – directed by Jonathan David Kane
PAULINE ALONE – directed by Janicza Bravo
POP-UP PORNO: M4M – directed by Stephen Dunn
SAN CHRISTOBAL – directed by Omar Zúñiga Hidalgo
SHARE – directed by Pippa Bianco
SMILF – directed by Frankie Shaw
THE SUN LIKE A BIG DARK ANIMAL – directed by Christina Felisgrau & Ronnie Rivera
SYMPHONY No. 42 – directed by Réka Bucsi
THE TIDE KEEPER – directed by Alyx Duncan
WEATHERING – directed by Max Weinman
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FREE Screenings, Coffee Talks Panels Lineup for 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival
The 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival revealed the lineup of Free Community Screenings to take place during the 21st edition of the Festival including the 15th anniversary screening of Love & Basketball (pictured above), The LXD: The Uprising Begins and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The Festival’s Social Impact Free Screenings include American DREAMers, Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and The Politics of Race and HBO’s Requiem for the Dead: American Spring 2014.
The Festival also announced the annual Coffee Talks Panels featuring actors Kathryn Hahn (We’re The Millers, Afternoon Delight), David Koechner (Cheap Thrills, Anchorman), Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World, The Help) and Alfre Woodard (12 Years a Slave, Passion Fish) and more. The Festival will also host a special panel on the UN about filmmaking and a special Members only screening of Fan Girl, starring Mad Men’s Kiernan Shipka.
“The LA Film Fest is about bringing the community together through our partnership with the UN, free screenings of favorite anniversary titles, social impact premieres, a Members-only screening of a fantastic new film, Fan Girl and our signature event populated by A-list talent, Coffee Talks.” – Stephanie Allain, Director of the Los Angeles Film Festival.
2015 Los Angeles Film Festival Free Screenings
Love & Basketball, dir. Gina Prince-Bythewood
Gina Prince Bythewood’s ode to romance on the court – and the competitive efforts to keep romance alive off the hardwood – stars Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps as friends whose lifelong relationship tracks their obsession with basketball as it blooms into something deeper, and not without pitfalls. This 15th anniversary screening will reunite Prince-Bythewood with her cast including Sanaa Lathan, Regina Hall, Kyla Pratt, Glenndon Chatman, Gabrielle Union, Dennis Haysbert
Debi Morgan and Alfre Woodard. The event takes place on Saturday, June 13, 8pm at FIGat7th.
The LXD: The Uprising Begins, dir. Jon M. Chu, Ryan Landels, Charles Oliver, Scott Speer.
Jon M. Chu will be in attendance to present The LXD: The Legion Of Extraordinary Dancers, a groundbreaking cinematic dance adventure. Join seemingly ordinary people who discover they have extraordinary powers in a mythology about hope, greed, love and the force that moves us all. The event takes place Friday, June 12, 8:00 pm at FIGat7th.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit, dir. Robert Zemeckis.
In 1988, Director Bob Zemeckis pulled off something no one dreamed possible: he packed a period detective yarn about the changing landscape of Los Angeles with a energetic, slapstick story about where reality begins and ends. This event is family friendly and will take place at, and in partnership with, Union Station on Friday, June 12 @ 8:00 pm. Festival family programming is supported by Lisa Argyros / Argyros Family Foundation.
Social Impact Free Screenings
American DREAMers, dir. Jenniffer Castillo and Saray Deiseil, USA, World Premiere.
Six youth walk 3,000 miles across America’s heartland, from San Francisco to Washington D.C., risking their freedom by publically exposing their own undocumented status to fight for the DREAM Act and immigrant rights. Partial development support provided by the Incubator Lab, a post-graduate program funded by the Elbridge and Debra Stuart Family Foundation and sponsored by Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. This event takes place on Tuesday, June 16, 8:00 pm at La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes.
Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and The Politics of Race, dir. Lyn Goldfarb, USA, World Premiere.
Thirty-five years before Barack Obama rose to victory to become America’s first African-American President, a young Angeleno named Tom Bradley bridged the racial divide to become the first black mayor elected in a city with an overwhelmingly white majority. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on police and citizen relations moderated by Patt Morrisson of the LA Times and will feature director Lyn Goldfarb, producer Alison Sotomayor and actor Andre Royo (The Wire). This event takes place on Sunday, June 14, 1:30 pm at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live.
Requiem for the Dead: American Spring 2014, dir. Shari Cookson and Nick Doob, USA, World Premiere.
Through found footage from social media, 911 calls and police file material, HBO’s Requiem for the Dead puts a human face on some of the estimated 8,000 individuals who died by gun violence in America from March to June 2014. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on gun safety. This event takes place Wednesday, June 17, 5:30 pm at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live.
On Saturday, June 13 the Los Angeles Film Festival will hold its annual Coffee Talks. The Festival’s popular series returns with four sessions featuring some of today’s most interesting film figures discussing their craft with their peers in fun and freewheeling conversations including director: Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World, Safety Not Guaranteed), actors Kathryn Hahn (We’re The Millers, Afternoon Delight),David Koechner (Cheap Thrills, Anchorman), Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World, The Help) and Alfre Woodard (12 Years a Slave, Passion Fish), writersDavid S. Goyer (Man of Steel, The Dark Knight), Meg LeFauve (Inside Out) and Melisa Wallack (Dallas Buyers Club, Mirror, Mirror). The Directors panel is Sponsored by Directors Guild of America, the Actors panel is Sponsored by SAGIndie, the Composers panel is Sponsored by BMI and the Screenwriters panel is Sponsored by Writers Guild of America, West.
Free UN Panel
UN(earthing) Stories: Behind the Scenes on the World Stage
Join us for a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes with filmmakers, narrative as well as documentary, who have found inspiration in real human stories and the experts from the UN who have helped unearth them. Sponsored by Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. In partnership with the United Nations and the United Nations Creative Community Outreach Initiative.
Film Independent Members-only Screening
Fan Girl, dir. Paul Jarrett, USA, LA Premiere
Ironic cool teen Telulah has two obsessions: music and filmmaking. She hatches a plan to film a concert by her music idols All Time Low and bring her passions together. Starring Kiernan Shipka and Meg Ryan.
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“Sleeping with Other People” to Open “I Am Michael” to Close Lineup for 2015 Provincetown International Film Festival
The 2015 Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) running June 17 to 21, 2015, in Provincetown, Massachusetts will open with Leslye Headland’s SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE (pictured above), and close with I AM MICHAEL, directed by Justin Kelly. Spotlight Films are James Ponsoldt’s THE END OF THE TOUR, Paul Weitz’s GRANDMA and Jeffrey Schwartz’s TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL. The Festival also unveiled its lineup of narrative and documentary features for its 17th edition.
“The independent filmmaking community continues to produce remarkably high quality work, here and abroad, and our feature lineup is a testament to that!” said Connie White, Artistic Director of PIFF. “We are thrilled to welcome these new films and filmmakers to Provincetown in June, and we know that filmgoers will be engaged and entertained by these adventurous, thought-provoking and accomplished films.”
The complete lineup of feature films is below.
OPENING NIGHT SELECTION
SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE – directed by Leslye Headland
CLOSING NIGHT SELECTION
I AM MICHAEL – directed by Justin Kelly
SPOTLIGHT SELECTIONS
THE END OF THE TOUR – directed by James Ponsoldt
GRANDMA – directed by Paul Weitz
TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL – directed by Jeffrey Schwartz
NARRATIVE FEATURES
99 HOMES – directed by Ramin Bahrani
BEATBOX – directed by Andrew Dresher
BREATHE – directed by Mélanie Laurent
FRESNO – directed by Jamie Babbit
FUNNY BUNNY – directed by Alison Bagnall
LEARNING TO DRIVE – directed by Isabel Coixet
A LITTLE CHAOS – directed by Alan Rickman
MEET ME IN MONTENEGRO – directed by Alex Holdridge and Linnea Saasen
NASTY BABY – directed by Sebastián Silva
THE NEW GIRLFRIEND – directed by François Ozon
PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS – directed by James C. Strouse
RADIATOR – directed by Tom Browne
THE SECOND MOTHER – directed by Anna Muylaert
SHAUN THE SHEEP – directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak
THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT – directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez
THE SUMMER OF SANGAILE – directed by Alanté Kavaïté
TANGERINE – directed by Sean Baker
TEN THOUSAND SAINTS – directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini
THOSE PEOPLE – directed by Joey Kuhn
TIRED MOONLIGHT – directed by Britni West
WILDLIKE – directed by Frank Hall Green
YOSEMITE – directed by Gabrielle Demeestere
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES
ALENTEJO, ALENTEJO – directed by Sérgio Tréfaut
THE ARMOR OF LIGHT – directed by Abigail E. Disney
BEST OF ENEMIES – directed by Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville
THE BIRTH OF SAKÉ – directed by Erik Shirai
CALL ME LUCKY – directed by Bobcat Goldthwait
CITY OF GOLD – directed by Laura Gabbert
CLAMBAKE – directed by Andrea Meyerson
DANNY SAYS – directed by Brendan Toller
DO I SOUND GAY? – directed by David Thorpe
HARRY & SNOWMAN – directed by Ron Davis
IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE – directed by Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg
LARRY KRAMER IN LOVE AND ANGER – directed by Jean Carlomusto
LISTEN TO ME MARLON – directed by Stevan Riley
LIVE FROM NEW YORK! – directed by Bao Nguyen
LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS – directed by Laurie Kahn-Leavitt
OUT TO WIN – directed by Malcolm Ingram
OUTERMOST RADIO – directed by Alan Chebot
PACKED IN A TRUNK: THE LOST ART OF EDITH LAKE WILKINSON – directed by Michelle Boyaner
PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT – directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland
THE STATE OF MARRIAGE – directed by Jeffrey Kaufman
THE WOLFPACK – directed by Crystal Moselle
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2015 Brooklyn Film Festival Reveals Lineup, and World Premiere of Ryan Carmichael’s But Not For Me
The 18th edition of the Brooklyn Film Festival film lineup will comprise of 108 features and shorts from 26 countries spread over 5 continents and of these, 17 are world premieres and 30 US premieres, with Ryan Carmichael’s But Not For Me as the lone narrative feature world premiere. This New York City film stars Marcus Carl Franklin, Elena Urioste, Maria Vermeulen and Roger Guenveur Smith.
In addition to But Not For Me, BFF films with a NYC connection include Matthew Yeager’s US premiere Valedictorian, starring Brian Dell, Jennifer Prediger and Eleonore Hendricks; Onur Turkel’s Abby Singer/Songwriter , also starring Prediger, along with Turkel and Josephine Decker, Harvey Mitkas’ Devil Town, starring Lindsay Burdge, Alex Karpovsky, Lawrence Michael Levine, Jennifer Prediger (no, we’re not kidding), Sophia Takal, Brooke Bloom, Noah Gershman, Jen Kim, Alex Ross Perry and Caveh Zahedi; Alison Bagnall’s Funny Bunny, starring Kentucker Audley, Joslyn Jensen, Olly Alexander, Louis Cancelmi, Josephine Decker, Anna Margaret Hollyman, Grace Gonglewski, Caridad de la Luz and Nicholas Webber; Frank Hall Green’s Wildlike, starring Ella Purnell, Bruce Greenwood, Brian Geraghty, Teddy Kyle Smith, Nolan Gerard Funk, Ann Dowd, Diane Farr, Joshua Leonard, and Jack & Robert Schurman’s documentary Wild Home.
Special events during the fest include the 11th annual KidsFilmFest 2015 on Saturday, May 30th at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP; the Filmmakers Party on June 3rd at Billet & Bellows; the BFF Exchange series of panels and a pitch session on June 6th; “The Illuminate Party,” also on June 6th, and the June 7th Awards Ceremony.
Main BFF venues are the Wythe Hotel and Windmill Studios in Greenpoint. Satellite locations include Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg, Made in New York Media Center By IFP in Dumbo, and BRIC House in Fort Greene.
The complete Feature lineup for the 2015 Brooklyn Film Festival is as follows. Winners of the various festival awards as chosen by the fest juries and Board of Directors receive a total of $50,000 in prizes and film services from festival sponsors Panavision NY, Abelcine, Xeno Lights, Media Services, Film Friends, Mik Cribben Steady-Cam, Cinecall Soundtracks and Windmill Studios.
Opening Night
Manson Family Vacation Director: J. Davis – Two brothers (Jay Duplass and Linas Phillips) reunite when the more free-spirited brother shows up at the other’s door with nothing but a backpack. Together, they get to know each other again while touring the sites of Charles Manson’s exploits and exploring Manson’s contemporary life. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Narrative Features
Abby Singer/Songwriter Director: Onur Tukel – Divorced stockbroker Jamie Block was once an indie-rock star. Going through a life crisis, he teams up with a filmmaker to make a series of music videos in this trippy, funny film. EAST COAST PREMIERE
But Not for Me Director: Ryan Carmichael – Will is a young writer working at an ad agency as a copywriter. Like many others his age, he is hiding his true passion for philosophy and music and holding back his true thoughts, until a relationship with a young woman inspires him. WORLD PREMIERE
Devil Town Director: Harvey Mitkas – A young woman enlists a shady detective to help her find her missing sister in this neo-noir with a cast of indie film favorites.
Eadweard Director: Kyle Rideout – A psychological biopic that explores the mind of Eadweard Muybridge, the godfather of cinema, who was also the last American to receive a justifiable homicide verdict after killing his wife’s lover. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Funny Bunny Director: Alison Bagnall – A young canvasser and a loner teenager who is estranged from his parents go on a journey to meet Ginger, the animal activist with whom the teen has developed an online relationship. EAST COAST PREMIERE
God Bless the Child Directors: Robert Machoian and Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck – In this beautifully realized observational narrative, Harper, the oldest of five siblings, must take care of her siblings. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Inferno Director: Vinko Moderndorfer – In this Slovenian realist drama, young working class family must deal with the struggles of unemployment while the global economy crumbles and local labor rebels. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Sweaty Betty Directors: Joe Frank and Zachary Reed – Two stories come out of the row houses on the border of Washington, D.C. — a pig, Ms. Charlotte, is carted around, vying for a chance to be a team mascot for the Washington Redskins; and two teenage best friends come into ownership of a dog that they attempt to sell. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Valedictorian Director: Matthew Yeager – Ben feels less and less in touch with his life in New York City, and over a year, he must confront the connections — or lack thereof — he feels with those he considers close. NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Wildlike Director: Frank Hall Green – When teenage Mackenzie is sent to live with her uncle in Juneau, Alaska, she knows it’s not right for her. Shortly after arriving, she embarks on a journey headed south to find her mother.
Documentary Features
20 Years of Madness Director: Jeremy Royce – The founder of a mid-90’s Public Access TV show in Detroit reunites the cast twenty years later to make a new episode and discovers that his friends and former collaborators are struggling with the hard realities of adulthood.
Chameleon Director: Ryan Mullins – The elusive undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas is one of Ghana’s most popular figures. Though the charismatic investigator has named and shamed various high profile malfeasants, his identity remains hidden. U.S. PREMIERE
Deep Web Director: Alex Winter – Thirty-year-old entrepreneur Ross William Ulbricht has been convicted for operating the online black market Silk Road. This comprehensive documentary tracks the history of the site and the vigorously pursued case against Ulbricht.
Frame by Frame Directors: Alexandria Bombach and Mo Scarpelli – Photography was outlawed in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan; however, with the fall of the Taliban, photographers have been key documenters of the changing nation.
Help Us Find Sunil Tripathi Director: Neal Broffman – Four weeks after disappearing from his apartment as a student at Brown University, Sunil Tripathi was accused of being Suspect #2 in the Boston Marathon bombings. The false accusations disrupted his family, steadfastly working with his friends to find him.
I Am Thor Director: Ryan Wise – Jon Mikl Thor was a bodybuilder, steel gender, and rock star in the 70’s and 80’s who led the theatrical band THOR. Today, he seeks to reclaim his mantle as a high-energy rock star. EAST COAST PREMIERE
Paradiso Director: Omar A. Razzak – Projectionist Rafael works hard to tidy up and maintain Madrid’s last remaining adult movie theater, Duque de Alba. NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Placebo Director: Abhay Kumar – One of the most competitive medical schools, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has an acceptance rate of less than 0.1%. The high academic standards leave a harsh toll on the students. U.S. PREMIERE
We Were Rebels Directors: Katharina von Schroeder and Florian Schewe – Agel took up arms when he was ten to participate in the fight for an independent South Sudan. After leaving the conflict, Agel has returned to an independent South Sudan, where he is the captain of the national basketball team and worries over the young nation’s fragile democracy.
Wild Home Directors: Jack Schurman and Robert Schurman – Deep in the woods of Maine, Bob Miner, a Vietnam Veteran rehabilitates abused and abandoned animals. He and his wife have built a kingdom for lions, tigers, hyenas, kangaroos, black bears, and over 200 other species of animals that attracts a diverse set of visitors.