This weekend sees the release of two films that have probably the most unique behind-the-scenes stories of any indie films that have come out this year. There are also a few other films that are receiving strong praise from critics now that we’re in the thick of festival season. Though there are excellent studio films out now (including Captain Phillips, which is also coming out this weekend), these are indie releases you might not want to miss.
The 13th Marrakech International Film Festival will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, from November 29 to December 7, 2013. Martin Scorsese has been announced as President of the main Competition Jury for the festival. “I am very happy to be this year’s jury president at the Marrakech Film Festival and I would like to thank HRH, Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the Festival, for his gracious invitation. I have made two films in Morocco, during which time I came to admire the spirit of the Moroccan people and the beauty of their culture. I am eager to discover the movies coming from all around the world to this unique Festival.”
THE LADY IN NUMBER 6: MUSIC SAVED MY LIFE
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that the field of Documentary Short Subject contenders for the 86th Academy Awards has been narrowed to eight films, of which three to five will earn Oscar nominations.
ZARAFA directed by Rémi Bezançon, Jean-Christophe Lie
The first Philadelphia International Children’s Film Festival (PICFF), will run November 15 to 17, 2013 at the newly renovated PFS Theater at the Roxy, and will offer a variety of animated, live-action and experimental short and feature films from all around the world. Opening night festival brings to Philadelphia the hand-animated film, ZARAFA, directed by Rémi Bezançon and Jean-Christophe Lie, based on the true story of the first giraffe to travel to France. Closing the festival is THE ZIGZAG KID, directed by Vincent Bal, described as a whimsical and stylish detective caper.
Growing pains may easily be one of the things that mostly all human beings can relate to. I can speak for myself assuredly when I say that life’s lessons come in all shape, sizes, and consequence. For Lead actress Yainis Ynoa, better known as Lena AKA “Babygirl” it seems like they come all too frequently. Already dealing with. being a 16-year-old latina in the Bronx which comes with many an obstacle economically, and socially there are expectations of her; her complex homelife is a constant theme throughout the film, documenting a relationship that seems like she is the parent most of the time. Their bond is undying, of course, but their relation to each other is awkward at times, as you witness the responsibilities of the home and in guiding each other too often fall in the lap of Babygirl.
Ted Hope, Executive Director of San Francisco Film Society since August 2012, announced today that he will step down at the end of the year to pursue other film-related interests. He will continue in his current role and will manage all activities of the organization until December 31, working with the staff and board to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. Hope will join the SFFS Advisory Board, to assist in guiding the Film Society into the future in a new capacity.
WHITEWASH
Austin Film Festival (AFF) taking place this October 24th to 31st, 2013 will honor actress Susan Sarandon with the 2013 Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking – Actor. The festival also added WHITEWASH, a comic thriller starring Thomas Haden Church and THE PRETTY ONE, starring Zoe Kazan, Jack Johnson, and Ron Livingston to the 20th Anniversary Film Schedule lineup.
WE ARE WHAT WE ARE directed by Jim Mickle
Toronto After Dark Film Festival taking place October 17 to October 25, 2013, unveiled its complete lineup and schedule of new horror, sci-fi, action and cult movies. The festival will open with the Toronto Pemiere of WE ARE WHAT WE ARE. The film is described as a stunningly shot, incredibly well-acted, acclaimed new horror-thriller from award-winning filmmaker Jim Mickle (STAKELAND) that won rave reviews at both this year’s Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals. A recently widowed father and his two teenage daughters try to keep their time-honored family tradition of consuming human flesh a secret from their increasingly suspicious small town neighbors.
The Palm Springs Cultural Center announced a new addition to its annual line-up of cultural programs and special events. The Stanley Kramer Film Festival will debut at Camelot Theatres on Friday, November 15th and run through Sunday, November 17th, 2013. The 2013 event, which is designed to coincide with other Stanley Kramer Centennial events taking place this year, will include special screenings of six of Stanley Kramer’s best-known films. It will also feature special events, and special appearances with actress Karen Sharpe Kramer, Stanley Kramer’s widow, and his daughter, the actress and singer, Katharine “Kat” Kramer.
The Montclair Film Festival (MFF), in partnership with The Montclair Art Museum announced the launch of a contest to design the official poster for the 2014 Montclair Film Festival to be held April 28-May 4, 2014. The winning design will be seen on buses, lampposts, t-shirts, the web, catalogs and, of course, the big screen, as the centerpiece of a dynamic week of 80+ films and events that will comprise the third annual celebration of the art of filmmaking in Montclair.
The NAACP Image Awards is moving to a new TV home. Under a new five-year contract, TV One becomes the television home for the association’s awards show, beginning with the live airing of the “45th NAACP Image Awards” in February 2014. The NAACP Image Awards describes itself as the nation’s premier event celebrating the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.
Three members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ newly created Casting Directors Branch have been elected to the Academy Board of Governors. The first-time governors are David Rubin, who is elected to a three-year term; Bernie Telsey, who is elected to a two-year term; and Lora Kennedy, who is elected to a one-year term.