VIMooZ

THE CONTEST, REGRET!, WINDSTORM Nominated for European Film Academy Young Audience Award 2014

Awards

Three films, THE CONTEST, directed by Martin Miehe-Renard, REGRET, directed by Dave Schram, and WINDSTORM, directed by Katja von Garnier, have been nominated for the EFA (European Film Academy) Young Audience Award 2014. On Young Audience Film Day on 4 May, the three nominated films will be screened to a audiences of 12 – 14 year-olds in 17 cities across Europe. And it is the young audience that will act as a jury and vote for the winner right after the screenings.

THE CONTEST

DIRECTED BY: Martin Miehe-Renard
WRITTEN BY: Martin Miehe-Renard, Gitte Løkkegaard & Hans Hansen
PRODUCED BY: Henrik Møller-Sørensen & Marcella Dichmann
90 min, Denmark

REGRET

DIRECTED BY: Dave Schram
WRITTEN BY: Maria Peters & Dick van den Heuvel
PRODUCED BY: Dave Schram, Maria Peters & Hans Pos
95 min, The Netherlands

WINDSTORM

DIRECTED BY: Katja von Garnier
WRITTEN BY: Kristina Magdalena Henn & Lea Schmidbauer
PRODUCED BY: Ewa Karlström & Andreas Ulmke-Smeaton
103 min, Germany

Read more
First Time Fest is BACK in NYC April 3-7

First Time Fest (FTF)

Tony Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated director Julie Taymor will be the FIRST TIME FEST’S 2014 John Huston Award For Achievement In Cinema recipient, announced FTF Co-Founders Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward. Ms. Taymor will also be represented in the Fest’s ‘First Exposure’ Retrospective Program where she will attend to present and discuss with the audience her first feature film, Titus.

Presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the art of cinema, and whose presence in our community has offered leadership and inspiration to other cinema artists, the John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema is named in honor of one of America’s greatest filmmakers.

Julie Taymor is one of the most adventurous directors working today, known for her visionary work on stage and screen. She is a recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and won two Tony Awards – including Best Director – for The Lion King,which is the highest grossing Broadway show of all time.Her most recent stage triumph was the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Theater for a New Audience. Taymor is also an accomplished director of opera, with productions including an astounding realization of Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex (broadcast on PBS) in Matsumoto, Japan; The Magic Flute for the Metropolitan Opera and The Flying Dutchman andElliot Goldenthal’s Grendel for the LA Opera. Taymor made an astonishing debut as a film director with her adaptation of Shakespeare’s Titus (screening on Friday at FTF), starring Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange, and has directed three other films: Frida – the story of Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, starring Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina (which earned six Oscar nominations and won two); Across the Universe, a phantasmagorical musical featuring the music of the Beatles that was a Golden Globe nominee for Best Picture; and The Tempest – her second reinvention of Shakespeare – starring Helen Mirren as Prospera. With her boundless imagination and originality, she is the ideal recipient of our John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema.

Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward also are pleased to announce two additional participants in the Fest’s ‘First Exposure’ Retrospective Program Presenting Debut Films By Now Prominent Directors. Tom McCarthy will be attending FTF with his first film, The Station Agent (also expected to attend are some of his great cast including Michele Williams, Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, and Bobby Cannavale); and Lake Bell will be on hand to discuss with the audience her first directorial effort In A World(she starred as well and won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance for her script).

FIRST TIME FEST is a unique film festival celebrating first-time feature filmmakers. Aimed at discovering and providing exposure for the next generation of great filmmakers from around the world, FTF is a five-day event with a competition section showcasing new and exciting debut films, and a series of screenings and discussions with now-prominent filmmakers presenting their first films and then mentoring the first-timers.

The Second Time Around for FIRST TIME FEST is set for April 3 – 7, 2014, and it will be based at NeueHouse (110 East 25th St.). NeueHouse will be the location for panels, workshops, selected film presentations, parties and the filmmaker lounge. Most screenings, including all the competition films, will take place at the AMC Loews Village 7 (11th St. & Third Ave.)

Martin Scorsese, who presented Darren Aronofsky with the first John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema last year, stated, “This venture is very very important to encourage young filmmakers.”

FTF will present ten Competition Films, which will be judged by a panel of industry luminaries and the FTF audience. All of the films in competition at FTF are the very first feature of the writer, director, producer, editor, cinematographer or composer of each film. All competition screenings will be followed by “Hot-Seat” discussions between the jury and filmmakers, and all audience members will vote on the films as well. Together, the jury and audience will ultimately select the Grand Prize winner, which is offered theatrical distribution and international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio. And with FTF’s new relationship with Scandinavian Locations – the consortium of Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Danish film commissioners – the winning filmmaker will also receive a trip to Norway and Sweden to spend a week at a writer’s cottage in Northern Sweden to work on their next project. Scandinavian Locations will also be hosting our Filmmaker Kick-Off event on April 2 at NeueHouse.

Tom McCarthy and Lake Bell join FIRSTTIMEFEST’s retrospective series, First Exposure which showcases the auspicious and ambitious debuts by artists who went on to become major filmmakers, with personal appearances by the filmmakers. Also appearing this year: our Opening Night director Jennie Livingston presenting Paris is Burning,Albert Maysles (Salesman), Julie Taymor (Titus), Michael Moore (Roger & Me), Kelly Reichardt (River of Grass), Cinematographer Frederick Elmes (Eraserhead), James Toback (Fingers), and Peter Bogdanovich (Targets).

FTF’s Stand Alone series will feature incredible conversations with Peter Bogdanovich, and Michael Moore.

Between films, we will be hosting an array of Industry Panels with notable producers, financiers, agents, composers, critics and other members of the entertainment industry. Panels at FTF are intimate gatherings between attendees and special guests where questions are encouraged and discussion is lively. Among the panels are “What’s Up, Doc;” “Help Me Help You;” “Show Me the Money;” “We Need a Bigger Boat – producing Independent Cinema;” “The Critical Eye;” “From Rock to Score” presented by the Grammys; and “Sell Baby Sell.”

A special panel, Women in Entertainment and Media, sponsored by the by the Royal Bank of Canada Wealth Management Group, will include Brooke Shields, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Carol Alt.

Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward are the co-founders of FIRSTTIMEFEST . As an accomplished philanthropist, actor, and social entrepreneur, as well as the daughter of singer Tony Bennett, Johanna Bennett has immersed herself within the entertainment and artistic community her entire life. Mandy Ward has worked in the film industry for the past decade in varied capacities, namely as a film producer of several projects. Mitch Levine, CEO of The Film Festival Group, is producing the festival. Through his company, Mitch offers consulting services and expertise to film festivals, film commissions, distribution companies and filmmakers around the world, and was formerly the CEO and Executive Director of the renowned Palm Springs International Film Festival. The Festival’s Director of Programming is David Schwartz, the Chief Curator of Museum of the Moving Image.

Among FIRSTTIMEFEST’s wonderful sponsors and supporters are: NeueHouse, Scandinavian Locations and the Village Voice.

For Tickets, Passes, Program, Schedule and Additional Festival Information – Visit The Festival Website at http://www.firsttimefest.com
Read more
Review of Great New Doc: “Finding Vivian Maier”

Film Reviews

by Francesca McCaffery

John Maloof and his brother were raised working at outdoor flea markets and swap meets with their father…From a very early age, John Maloof could spot a deal. When working on a book about the history of Chicago, he attended an Auction at a small auctioneer’s store, sitting quietly in the back, and bidded a mere $780 for a box containing over 25,000 negatives shot by an unknown, female photographer. A savvy veteran of these auctions, and now a real estate agent and local historian, he was looking for photos and negatives of old-time Chicago, he was hoping to get a little lucky. He ended up purchasing, for even less money, tens of thousands of more negs and rolls of film, as well as most of her rmaining personal possessions from storage, from another buyer. All of these images had been taken by a woman named Vivian Maier.

As his life and work on the Chicago book took over, Maloof ended up simply stashing away the old boxes in a closet for a long while. Dusting them off one day, hunting again for some random, still images of Chicago, he began to discover some of the most insightful, gorgeous and timely images of street photography he had ever seen. Entranced by the glorious, black and white stills, and in possession of a sophisticated artistic instinct and taste, he then set about to find out, exactly, just who this Vivian Maeir woman really was.

Through meticulous research of the items and letters of hers that he had also purchased, he began the tremendous process of discovery: Maloof first started his search online, finding absolutely nothing. Being a self-proclaimed “obsessive kind of person,” Maloof tracked down a family that knew Maier well- who had in fact, had employed her. As their nanny.

During this same period, Maloof also begun further scanning several of the thousands of negatives he had (there were much, much fewer printed images of paper- and those were mostly damaged) and started sending them to art historians and museums, to see if he could somehow arrange a show, or gallery representation or opening.

He was, much to his great disappointment, systematically turned down by the art world. Maloof then set upon his newfound mission to bring Maier’s incredible photographs to the world on his own. Through actual live interviews with Maier’s now fully grown “charges,” we learn that the adults who employed her did not realize she was a serious photographer, but the children certainly did: They were dragged around to “bad” sections of town, docks, poor areas, were Maier somehow had the quiet charisma to elicit the most beguiling self-portraits from total and complete strangers. (The close-up portraits are especially, staggeringly impressive and moving.)

Maeir also lived and worked as a nanny in New York City, and this is where her photography comes into a thrilling, full, mature bloom: There are images of ecstatic children, bums, glorious street scenes of all stripe, decaying urban landscapes and building fronts, tired businessmen, well-dressed dames, cops: All injected with incredible, dry bits of humor, gorgeous composition and highly intuitive, natural lighting. There is also her incredible ability to capture the explicit poignancy and miracle of the moment- the true gift of any street photographer.

Naturally, as more of Maier’s now grown “children” are candidly interviewed by Maloof (and his co-director and co-writer, Charlie Siskel) we realize there was a sad, haunting darkness in her a nature, and an obvious trauma from her past, that had prevented her from fully connecting with her art, and with other people, in general. As she aged, she also grew increasingly eccentric, and some of the charge’s tales turn increasingly disturbing. (Interestingly, though, it was three former young boys she cared for, who as grown men, took it upon themselves to rent her an apartment , supporting her after she retired.)

The interviews do make up the bulk of the film, as it always amazing to us to pick apart what composes the interior life of someone life- the ultimate in coulda-woulda- shoulda scenarios…But there is just enough of her work shown, in essence, to whet your appetite for more investigation into the actual images and her work, itself.

I have heard much controversy over Maloof appropriating these images and reaping the financial benefit…(Well before this film’s notoriety, he had made her a “star” already on the internet and print media with his incredible discovery) But honestly- I have to completely disagree: This “mission’ of John Maloof’s, may, in fact, eventually leave him a very wealthy man, (Maier’s prints are on sale and being collected by celebrities and collectors world-wide) but the extraordinary richness of Vivian Maier’s work, one can safely say, would not be known to us without his dedication and obsessive nature. Vivian Maier’s work is probably on par with that of Diane Arbus and Robert Frank. Hopefully, she will be soon accepted by the art establishment just as she is by the mainstream media. This is a wonderful, inspiring film, especially if your inner-artist is dying to make a splash on the canvas, screen or page. One is left with the feeling that a person truly owes it to the world to show it what you’ve got- and that’s no mean feat for a small, wonderful film like this. Go see it- it opens March 28th in selected cities.

Read more
Lars von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac Vol 2”-No Gain from Her Pain

Film Reviews

By Francesca McCaffery

Lars von Trier’s Nymphomaniac: Vol 2, picks right up where Nymphomaniac, Vol 1 left off: the Young Joe (Stacy Martin) is in the midst of her relationship with her once long lost true love, Jerôme (Shia LaBeouf). (Here is my review on Vol 1 here.)

The problem is, the sexually rapacious Joe had, in her own words, “Lost all feeling in my cunt.” Her genuine fillings for Jerome have left her unable to enjoy sexual intercourse with Jerôme. They keep trying unsuccessfully to get Joe off, until finally, an exhausted Jerôme declares that she’s like a wild animal, and well, he needs some “help with the feeding.”

Permitting her to seek out others so she may seek the satisfaction she so craves, the young Joe suddenly, in the next scene, morphs into the 50-year old Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg, who has been narrating since Volume 1) now sleepily pushing a baby stroller through a park, an infant boy asleep inside. The scenes also cut back to the present, with Joe talking and hashing over incredible and risqué life story to Seligman (Stellan Skarsgard), whom we also learn some very interesting, though none too surprising, personal information about.

Von Trier is indicating, in no small way, that Joe is not into, or going to, change: This is who she is, for better or worse. And it doesn’t take her long, through some strange word-of-mouth that I cannot fathom, for her to find the sadomasochistic K. K has a basement sort of office, where women wait sometimes for hours on end just to be (very) badly ministered by him. And this is no 50 Shades of Grey light BDSM, no sir: This is brutal, if not for the raw nature of the emotions, or lack thereof, on display. (K is also played by none other by Jamie Bell, of Billy Elliot fame, adding to the delicious weirdness and sterility of it all.) When an almost near fatal occurrence happens when she is off to one of her appointments with K, Jerôme threatens to leave with her son, never seeing her again, if she continues.

From here, the film veers into a strange, almost hallucinatory silly sort of strata, wherein Joe takes on a completely different, and rather criminal, profession, and decades seem to pass before our eyes: At first, I thought this ridiculous, but really, I feel von Trier was hoping to show that it really did not matter what the hell Joe did for a living: Her self-loathing was seeping into every, single aspect of her life, now even her “career.”. L (Willem Dafoe-always a pleasure to see) plays her new, shifty-eyed boss. She even meets and starts an affair with a teenage girl (Mia Goth- startling-looking and a lovely, natural actress) she is ordered by L to “recruit.” This also struck me, at first, as ludicrous, until you realize that she is experiencing love for the second time around, finally and strangely, in a maternal sense.

I am not going to give more away, because this film definitely needs to be experienced without forethought or preconception: All I will say is, I thought this second piece to the grand Volume 1 was an enormous let-down, until- I was on the train going home from the screening. The last scene of the film came back to me then, I realized, I felt it all at once. This is what will happen to you if you cannot connect, he seems to be suggesting: Intimacy itself will feel like the ultimate invasion, preventing you from EVER having a substantial relationship. Joe not only hates herself, but everyone else around her.

Nymphomaniac, (both brilliant films togther) is about an individual carving something out of an endless need, never finding fulfillment, never even coming close to it, and-in the end- literally ending what could be the only chance for a true emotional connection.

“Fill all my holes” is a phrase desperately whispered by Joe in both films. Just as the line “The secret ingredient to sex is love” is spoken in Vol 1 by one of Joe’s childhood friends, without any irony at all, so, as well, is this one: Joe is begging others to do for her what she cannot. This is not a cultural critique, but a beautiful, astonishing and brutal character study of addiction and pain, one that just may teach you a thing or two about yourself. As I said in my review of Volume 1: Forget all the sex, if it’s “real,” CGI’d, or not. Just go and see Nymphomaniac Vol 2 for the way it will shake you to your very core.
Read more
Free Workshops at the 2014 Charleston International Film Festival

Charleston International Film Festival, VIMOOZ

Charleston International Film Festival unveiled its 2014 workshop schedule, which includes a session with esteemed casting directors Laray Mayfield (Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Laura Verbeke (Flight of the Conchords), as well as actor and former professional athlete Ed Marinaro (Hill Street Blues, Blue Mountain State).

The four workshops planned for the seventh annual festival this April 9th – 13th feature insight and advice from the best in the business on topics ranging from casting and acting to video editing and virtual cinematography. As always, these valuable sessions are free and open to the public.

Charleston IFF President/Co-Founder Summer Peacher said, “We want to remind the local community that there’s more to Charleston International Film Festival than screening incredible films. As part of an ongoing mission to educate and inspire through the art and science of film, we’re proud to offer these awesome workshops, free of charge.”

If you can only make it out to one festival workshop, The Yin & Yang of Casting & Acting is a must-attend session. Professional casting director Laray Mayfield will share invaluable insight, experience, and inside knowledge gained throughout her successful career, which includes casting remarkable features including Fight Club, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, The Social Network, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, and Footloose (2011). Mayfield also cast the first two seasons of House of Cards with her partner, Julie Schubert, earning the pair an Emmy for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series.

Additional panelists for the workshop include Laura Verbeke for casting, as well as veteran actor Ed Marinaro, who will field questions on acting, auditioning, and how to get an agent. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just an avid film lover, The Yin & Yang of Casting & Acting is a unique experience to meet and learn from some of the industry’s best.

Below is the complete workshop schedule for the seventh annual Charleston International Film Festival:

Movie Editing Workshop

What: Learn the fundamentals of video editing using non-linear software.
When: Wednesday, April 9 at 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Where: College of Charleston, Room 203
25 Saint Philip Street, Charleston SC

Animation Workshop

What: Take a deep dive into virtual cameras, rotoscoping, and keyframing.
When: Wednesday, April 9 at 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Where: College of Charleston, Room 203
25 Saint Philip Street, Charleston SC

The Yin & Yang of Casting & Acting

What: Jump on the casting couch and get a fresh perspective from both sides of the script.
When: Saturday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Charleston Music Hall
37 John Street, Charleston SC

Virtual Cinematography Demonstration

What: See a live demonstration of motion-tracked virtual camera.
When: Saturday, April 12 at 3:00 p.m.
Where: College of Charleston, Room 220 in the JC Long Building
9 Liberty Street, Charleston SC
Read more
Hossein Amini’s ‘The Two Faces of January’ and Chris Messina’s ‘Alex of Venice’ to Bookend 2014 San Francisco International Film Festival

San Francisco International Film Festival, VIMOOZ

Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst star in Hossein Amini’s thriller, THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY

The 57th San Francisco International Film Festival taking place April 24 to May 8, 2014, kicks off with the Opening Night presentation of Hossein Amini’s gripping Patricia Highsmith adaptation the Two Faces of January (UK 2014) starring Oscar Issac, Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst. The Festival will close with Chris Messina’s drama Alex of Venice (USA 2014), starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Messina and Don Johnson.

Opening Night: The Two Faces of January
North American Premiere
Thursday April 24, 7:00 pm, Castro Theatre
Special guests expected to attend
Celebrated screenwriter Hossein Amini (The Wings of the Dove, Drive) delivers a stylish directorial debut, with this adaptation of a Patricia Highsmith suspense thriller gorgeously filmed on location in Greece and Turkey. In 1962, a well-heeled couple (Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst) come to know an American expatriate acting as an Athens tour guide (Oscar Isaac). But an incident at the couple’s hotel puts all three in danger and creates a precarious interdependence between them.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Chris Messina star in Messina’s ALEX IN VENICE

Closing Night: Alex of Venice
Thursday May 8, 7:00 pm, Castro Theatre
Director Chris Messina and star Mary Elizabeth Winstead expected to attend
Actor Chris Messina creates a winning mix of wistful comedy and heartfelt drama in this tale of accepting the unexpected. Alex (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is an environmental lawyer whose job often keeps her away from the home she shares with her son, husband (Messina) and actor father (Don Johnson, in a knockout performance). When her husband rebels against being a stay-at-home dad and takes a time out from the marriage, Alex’s world quickly becomes very complicated.

Read more
Two New Music Documentaries, ‘Untitled James Brown Documentary’ and ‘Björk: Biophilia Live, Added to Tribeca Film Festival

Tribeca Film Festival

James Brown

The Tribeca Film Festival taking place from April 16 to 27, 2014, in New York City has added two feature films, both music documentaries, to the special screenings program: Alex Gibney’s work-in-progress, Untitled James Brown Documentary, and the world premiere of Björk: Biophilia Live. It was also announced that TFF’s Opening Night, the world premiere of Time is Illmatic followed by a performance by legendary rapper Nas, will take place at the iconic Beacon Theatre with tickets for sale to the public.

Director One9’s documentary, Time is Illmatic, follows the trajectory of Nas’ 1994 landmark debut album, “Illmatic”—widely considered to be one of the most important and revolutionary albums in hip hop. “Music is a prominent thread throughout the Festival this year, and the Untitled James Brown Documentary and Björk: Biophilia Live are great complements to our already exciting slate,” said Genna Terranova, Director of Programming. “Nas and his work have been beloved by New Yorkers for years and we are thrilled to be celebrating his music with everyone on opening night.”

Untitled James Brown Documentary, directed and written by Alex Gibney. (USA) – Work In Progress, Documentary. James Brown changed the face of American music. Soul Brother Number One, as he was known, pioneered the journey from rhythm and blues to funk. More than that, this American legend—who willed himself to life after he was stillborn—was a classic embodiment of the American dream. The son of a “turpentine man” from rural South Carolina, Brown became one the greatest live performers ever known, the “hardest working man in show business,” and a self-made millionaire. As he often said, it was “show AND business.” Once successful, one of his first orders of business was to launch the soundtrack for a new civil rights movement: “Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud.” With unique cooperation of the Brown estate, this is a definitive documentary biography of the James Brown story and legend, 1933–1974. The screening will be followed by a special conversation with Director Alex Gibney on April 27th.

Björk: Biophilia Live

Björk: Biophilia Live, directed by Nick Fenton & Peter Strickland. (UK) – World Premiere, Documentary. From a mind unlike any other, Biophilia Live chronicles the multidimensional concert centered on the eighth studio album of avant-garde Icelandic artist, Björk. Directors Nick Fenton and Peter Strickland, unique voices in their own right, film Björk live in performance, and punctuate her music with evocative animation from apps created by the world’s top 10 designers combined with science and nature archive and found footage. This is inspired by the themes of the album which explore the relationships between musical structures and natural phenomena—atomic, cellular and cosmic. The infinitely creative journey presents a culmination of work that represents one of the most original musical endeavors of a generation. The film will screen at TFF on April 26th.

Read more
Director Rory Kennedy, Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, Radio Birds, Among Lineup of Stars and Guests Attending 2014 Sarasota Film Festival

Sarasota Film Festival

The Sarasota Film Festival, taking place April 4-13, 2014, announced today Richard Jenkins, star of John Slattery’s GOD’S POCKET, will attend the festival screening of the film at The Sarasota Opera House and participate in a Conversation with New York Magazine critic David Edelstein on Friday, April 11 at 3:00 PM at The Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab.

Richard Jenkins has appeared in over 100 films and television series, including his memorable role as Nathaniel Fischer on HBO’s beloved series SIX FEET UNDER and the 2008 SFF film THE VISITOR, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award® For Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.

This year’s Tribute Luncheon will be held in honor of Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, the subject of the film SEWING HOPE. For the last 30 years, Sister Rosemary of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus based in Juba, South Sudan, has answered the call to serve the least among us from the epicenter of a bloody and violent civil wars that decimated northern Uganda and South Sudan.

Armed with only a sewing machine, Sister Rosemary openly defied Joseph Kony and the rebel soldiers and commanders of the Lord’s Resistance Army in their 20-year reign of terror. Since 2002, Sister Rosemary has enrolled more than 2,000 girls who had been previously abducted by the LRA or abandoned by their families.

Sister Rosemary will be travelling to Sarasota from Uganda to receive this award and will be in attendance at the festival’s screenings of SEWING HOPE. The festival and the Gulf Coast Chapter of UN Women will co-present their annual Impact Award to Sister Rosemary at the Sarasota Yacht Club on Friday, April 11 at 11:00 AM.

In addition, Jason Momoa, star of GAME OF THRONES and THE RED ROAD, will attend the World Premiere screening of ROAD TO PALOMA, which he wrote and directed and in which he stars. The Atlanta, GA band RADIO BIRDS, who provide songs to the film’s soundtrack, will attend the screening and will perform live at the festival’s 1137 Party on Saturday, April 12th at Louies Modern.

Charlie McDowell, director of SFF’s Closing Night Film THE ONE I LOVE, will receive the festival’s Breakthrough Award for his directorial debut. The award will be presented prior to the festival’s screening of the film.

Director Rory Kennedy and Captain Paul Johnson of the USS Kirk, which participated in the evacuation of Saigon, will attend the Opening Night screening of LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM and will participate in a post-screening Q&A. Director Andrew Rossi returns to Sarasota to present IVORY TOWER and will also participate in a post-screening Q&A after the Centerpiece screening.

The SFF has also added John Magary’s debut feature THE MEND to the festival schedule. The film, which stars Josh Lucas and SFF 2013 Breakthrough Award winner Mickey Sumner, will screen on Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 at 7:30 PM at the Regal Hollywood 20.

image (l to r) Director Rory Kennedy, RADIO BIRDS, Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe
Read more
Family and Free Community Events incl Return of Tribeca Street Fair and ESPN Sports day for 2014 Tribeca Film Festival

Tribeca Film Festival

Next Goal Wins

The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), announced the return of their signature free community events: the Tribeca Drive-In (April 17-19), Family Festival Street Fair (April 26), Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day (April 26), Tribeca Family Screenings (April 26 and 27).

TFF also announced three film additions to the program which will screen for free at the Tribeca Drive-In movie series on the waterfront plaza at Brookfield Place, sponsored by AT&T and hosted by Brookfield Place. The series will kick off on Thursday, April 17 with the 50th anniversary screening of the classic Disney film Mary Poppins, the 30th anniversary of Ron Howard’s Splash starring Tom Hanks, John Candy, and Daryl Hannah on Friday, April 18, and closing with the world premiere screening of the soccer documentary Next Goal Wins on Saturday, April 19.

The Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair will feature an exciting lineup of events, performances and activities for the whole family. The Tribeca Studios Backlot will transform a downtown street into an interactive movie set where visitors can get an up-close look at the elements that go into creating a film on location in New York City. This year also marks the return of the Tribeca Food Feast hosted by Celebrity Cruises, offering food lovers a chance to watch neighborhood chefs create unique dishes on a show kitchen stage. Guests will receive a VIP credential to be stamped at various Street Fair activities with a prize for those who fill their pass with stamps. New to this year’s Street Fair is the Games for Change Public Arcade where guests can play a variety of games centered around positive social impact. Street Fair favorites, including live Broadway performances, arts and crafts and puppet shows, will return to the annual celebration of the Tribeca neighborhood.

The annual Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day is returning for its eighth installment as a part of the Tribeca Family Festival. Festival and Street Fair visitors are invited to participate in a variety of sport-themed activities including baseball, sailing, golf and Frisbee tutorials and games, the opportunity to meet New York sports stars, mascots, and personalities, and chances to win prizes and giveaways.

“The family and free community events at TFF are longstanding and beloved traditions,” said Peter Downing, Creative Director and Producer, Tribeca Family Festival. “I know the range of activities, from outdoor film screenings, to a hands-on look at how movies are made in New York, to the opportunity to meet local sports stars, provides something for everyone.”

“Engagement with the community, particularly in lower Manhattan, an area that has embraced TFF since the Festival began, is one of our core missions,” said Genna Terranova, Director of Programming. “The commitment from local artists, chefs and students to help make these public events a success, is remarkable.”

Each year, TFF’s free events bring thousands of people downtown to enjoy top-notch talent and entertainment, while highlighting the restaurants, merchants, schools and community organizations of lower Manhattan. The free events are as follows:

TRIBECA DRIVE-IN OUTDOOR SCREENINGS

Thursday-Saturday, April 17-April 19
8:15 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.
Brookfield Place
Sponsored by AT&T and hosted by Brookfield

TFF’s outdoor screening series features the following films for this year’s Tribeca Drive-In. The free evening of cinema under the stars is open to the public, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open and programs begin at 6 p.m., with screenings starting at dusk (approximately 8:15 p.m.).

Mary Poppins – Thursday, April 17
Directed by Robert Stevenson

The Banks children just can’t get along with the nannies hired by their overbearing banker father. Then the wind picks up in the east, someone knocks at the door, and all of their lives are changed forever. Fifty years ago, Mary Poppins floated off of the silver screen to become one of the most beloved movie musicals of all-time. Julie Andrews delivers a star-making title performance, alongside Dick Van Dyke as the lovable jack-of-all-trades, Bert. Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures.

Come early for Disney-themed trivia contests, a “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” spelling bee, face-painting, food trucks and a high-flying kite show.

Splash – Friday, April 18
Directed by Ron Howard

Allen Bauer nearly drowns off the coast of Cape Cod. He wakes on the beach beside a beautiful woman, who all-too-quickly disappears into the ocean. But the real mystery begins days later when she reappears at the Statue of Liberty guarding an incredible secret, as Allen falls wholeheartedly in love. Celebrating its 30th birthday this year, Ron Howard’s rollicking New York comedy-caper stars Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy, and John Candy. Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures.

Come early for Tails of Glory (the award-winning dancers from the Coney Island Mermaid Parade) performing a rockin’ homage to cinema. Plus face-painting, food trucks and more…

Next Goal Wins – Saturday, April 19
Directed by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison

World Premiere, Documentary. When the American Samoan national soccer team suffered the world’s worst defeat, losing to Australia 31-0, these tiny islands crash-landed into last place in FIFA world rankings, and became known as “the worst team in the world.” More than a decade later, they have not yet won an official match. Next Goal Wins follows their miraculous efforts as they train for the next World Cup. Led by an eccentric new coach, they have a chance to redefine their international reputation.

Come early for live Samoan drummers, virtual soccer drills, face-painting, food trucks and more…

TRIBECA FAMILY FESTIVAL STREET FAIR
Saturday, April 26
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Greenwich Street (between Chambers Street and Hubert Street)

The Tribeca Family Festival will feature the annual Street Fair on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Greenwich Street from Chambers Street to Hubert Street, and at venues throughout the Tribeca neighborhood. The fair, a Festival favorite, is free and open to the public, and promises to be a day of family fun and lively entertainment.

Activities and performances throughout the Street Fair will bring storytelling and filmmaking to life. The celebration will include talented performers, dancers, stilt walkers, Broadway performances, arts and crafts, clowns, jugglers, music, games and much more. Students from dozens of local schools will also be at the fair performing on the numerous stages where their vibrant artwork will be displayed. . The Street Fair will also host restaurants, merchants and organizations from the Tribeca neighborhood. More details and a comprehensive map of events will be available in the coming weeks at www.tribecafilm.com/family.

Highlights include:

The Tribeca Studios Backlot will bring a neighborhood street to life with all of the classic elements of filmmaking: lights, cameras, and action! Here, families can participate in and learn about the wide array of elements that are a part of creating a film. Participating organizations include:

The Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME) will have a presence on the “lot” with its “Made in NY” branded hot dog cart. Reps from the office will distribute information about REEL JOBS, resident FAQs, the “Made in NY” PA Training Program and the “Made in NY” Lower Manhattan Walking Tour. Panels and discussions will focus on NYC as a production location and feature content and personalities from NYC Media (nyc.gov/media), New York City’s official television network.

The Tribeca Film Institute: “You Call the Shots!” Take five with Tribeca Film Institute where young movie fans will have a chance to sit in the director’s chair and create a film of their own through working with interactive storyboards. Once finished, the “director” will enjoy their creation on the big screen with the help of the Tribeca Film Fellows, our talented high school student filmmakers. Parents can learn more about how TFI champions storytellers in our Membership Lounge where they will be encouraged to take a seat, and take a look at the special, year-round perks of our TFI Family Membership Program and enter for a chance to win a gift bag with goodies from the Tribeca neighborhood and TFI’s filmmakers

Theatrical Teamsters Local 817 “On Location” Film Experience: Theatrical Teamsters Local 817 will be on site with a High End Star Trailer, a Hair and Make-Up Trailer, a Camera Car, a Grip Truck, and an Electrics Truck out on the Tribeca Studios Backlot. Come down and experience what it’s really like to work “On Location” in New York City.

Tribeca VIP “Red Carpet” Photo Op: Festivalgoers will be invited to walk the Tribeca Studios Backlot red carpet and pose next to Fathead Stand Out™ Cut Outs of recognizable athletes and entertainment personalities.

The Animation Chefs: Using iPads and various media, the Animation Chefs help kids as young as Pre-K bring to life their creativity. Teaching young kids the entire process of making an animated film of their own, they have inspired thousands of young filmmakers to use mobile devices for productive, creative media projects.

Take Two Film Academy hosted by Léman Preparatory, will be doing a Pitch Your Movie game for kids 7-15 years old. Win a free filmmaking workshop this summer for the best pitch.

The Games for Change Public Arcade presented by Zynga.org, will take place on Jay St. (between Greenwich St. & Hudson St). The Arcade offers a full city block of great games, both digital and physical, for all ages to play and discover. These experiences are ‘games for good’ – designed for learning and social change – highlighting the positive power of play. The public arcade is part of the 11th annual Games for Change Festival, New York City’s largest gaming event, which joins the Tribeca Film Festival for the first time this year. Among the presenters at the arcade will be The American Museum of Natural History, which will offer a range of games related to their new exhibit Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs;co.lab; The Institute of Play; the Quest to Learn School; Global Gaming Initiative; Come Out & Play; and a range of independent developers of educational games.. The massively popular Facebook game, FarmVille 2, will have a fun farm-themed installation to share the word about all the charity work that the game has made possible. Beyond tents showcasing digital games and live games and activities on the street, the arcade will also include healthy snacks from General Mills’ Small Planet line of healthy foods.

Swing by to see the Staten Island Yankees, Single-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, and meet their mascot Scooter the Holy Cow. While you’re there try your luck on the Baby Bombers skee ball inflatable.

A lineup of New York City chefs will offer demonstrations and share cooking secrets and tastings at the Tribeca Food Feast Stage hosted by Celebrity Cruises. Throughout the day at the Family Festival Street Fair, a line-up of local and NYC restaurants will be spotlighted on the “show kitchen” stage. Each chef will prepare and present a house specialty to a select number of audience members.

Professional talent and community acts will be scheduled to perform throughout the day including live “Broadway at Tribeca” performances by the casts of WICKED, MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL, CINDERELLA, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER, MAMMA MIA!, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, ROCK OF AGES, AFTER MIDNIGHTand ROCKY and additional performances by Manhattan Youth, Downtown Dance Factory, Studio of Marilyn Klaus – Ballet with a Twist, T. Kang Taekwondo and storyteller Bill Gordh.

The Kidz Block Party at Duane Street is the perfect place for the youngest festivalgoers to enjoy the Family Festival with “soft” play areas and activities including:

A variety of stage acts and performances on the Duane Street Stage.

Storytelling, book readings and author meet & greets at Story Corner.

The Puppet Place will feature puppet shows and workshops by

Noel MacNeal of “10 Minute Puppets.”

Other kid-friendly events such as face painting and bubble garden.

Kids can explore their artistic side with arts & crafts, street chalk art and face painting.

At the Kite Place, kids will be able to make their own kite and learn to fly it from masters of the craft of kiting.

CHESS NYC will host “speed tournaments” and ongoing chess matches for all skill levels

Elementary and middle-school students from downtown schools will act as TFF Hosts. They will be facilitating all of the events, performances and activities at the Family Festival Street Fair and will introduce various screening programs throughout the Family Festival.

The “VIP Pass” Program will offer children and families the opportunity to receive their own film credential, which will guide them through the day’s experiences. Their “VIP Pass” will be stamped at various areas of the event, and a special prize awaits those who are able to fill their pass with stamps.

The Lincoln Motor Company will invite families to experience film through two interactive moments around the 2015 MKC and 2015 Navigator. Festivalgoers can choose to star in their own film scene at the Lincoln video booth as well as take a game break from the street fair activities in the arcade retreat.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts invites you to star in your very own movie poster. Everything from action to adventure to comedy, your personalized movie poster can be shared with friends.

60 Hudson will host the Duane Street Stage, the Arts and Crafts Pavilions and an art contest for local students. One piece of artwork selected from participating schools will be showcased in the 60 Hudson window located on the corner of West Broadway and Thomas Street.

Games, prizes, music and fun will also supported by AT&T, ESPN, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment NY, The New York Times, Radio Disney AM 1560, Time Out New York Kids, Real Simple Magazine, and The Hollywood Reporter.

For updated information on the Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair, visit tribecafilm.com/family.

TRIBECA/ESPN SPORTS DAY

Saturday, April 26
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
N. Moore Street (between Greenwich Street and West Street)

A perennial favorite of the Family Festival Street Fair, the eighth annual Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day, sponsored by Mohegan Sun, will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on N. Moore Street (between Greenwich Street and West Street). The Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day gives sports fans the opportunity to engage in a variety of free, sports-related activities that will include games, demonstrations and prize giveaways. The Sports Day Stage will be live all day promoting Sports Day participants, special guests, interactive athletic experiences and more.

Highlights include:

Mohegan Sun will be entering guests to win an overnight stay and $100 dining certificate via raffle and longest golf drive competition.

Join ESPN New York as they gear up for baseball season with an interactive baseball challenge for all ages and win awesome prizes.

Fathead®, the leading brand of sports and entertainment graphics, will have life-size Fathead Stand Out™ Cut Outs of well-known professional athletes on the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day red carpet for sports fans to pose with.

The Sports Day Kids Combine gives kids of all ages a chance to showcase their athletic skills. Kids will test their agility and strength as they move through a series of fun and active stations. They’ll record their scores and then head to the Sports Day Draft Stage to be “drafted” by our commissioner to a professional New York sports team and pose for a photo op.

Test your QB accuracy with the New York Jets football toss and sign up for the New York Jets Kids Club.

Fans can join the New York Knicks, New York Rangers and WNBA New York Liberty for interactive experiences, giveaways & contests for all ages.

Fans will enjoy New York Mets giveaways and ticket offers for fans, and a special visit from Mr. Met from Noon-1pm.

DiscNY will teach you the basics of throwing and test your accuracy with a variety of disc games.

The City Parks Foundation will host a custom-built practice green where kids can test their putting skills and win an assortment of prizes.

Join the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers for their interactive Golf Hitting Bubble to perfect your swing, get tips from top PGA/LPGA teaching professionals and enter to win great raffle prizes

The National Lacrosse League will host a fun, inflatable lacrosse activity

Fencers Club Olympians and elite athletes will be on hand to teach kids the exciting and safe sport of fencing

The National Hockey League Foundation will offer great giveaways throughout the day

New York Women’s Baseball will run pitching and throwing clinics

Ahoy Sailors!” Please visit Tribeca Sailing, where kids can create their very own sailing flag that they then raise to the top of the mast, try their hand at tying real sailor knots and adults can sign up for a chance to win a free sailboat ride.

Players from New York Empire will offer giveaways and provide Ultimate instruction

Join Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC) for a fun and interactive soccer experience including soccer tennis, street soccer and juggling contests … You got game?

The Myachi Original Hand Sack and award winning Battle Paddles combine the full body coordination of action sports with the old school fun of hacking the sack! Come out and try this innovative new sport!

The NY Rumble, a professional Ultimate Frisbee Team, will be holding contests for free merchandise and tickets, as well as teaching about the fastest growing sport in the country: Ultimate Frisbee.

Uncle Funkys Boards and Sure Skateboards will be on-hand to provide beginner skateboard lessons and skate demonstrations.

SPiN New York will be on site with fun ping pong action and games. By combining an unusual mixture of sport, design and entertainment, SPiN New York has created a unique day and night time venue with 17 ping pong courts, a full bar, restaurant, pro shop and private VIP room.

PowerPlay NYC, a group that creates opportunities for girls in sports, health, and education, will be out with their female coaches playing sports with the crowd and celebrating girl power!

The Downtown Giants Youth Football organization will offer football instruction and fun activities.

Super Soccer Stars will conduct free soccer classes throughout the day. Dynamic, international coaches work with children to develop skills, self-confidence, and teamwork in a fun, engaging environment.

For updated information on the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day, visit www.tribecafilm.com/espn

FAMILY SCREENINGS

THE WIZARD OF OZ
Saturday, April 26
11 a.m.

BMCC/Tribeca Performing Arts Center (199 Chambers Street)

A Kansas tornado takes Dorothy and her dog Toto to the captivating land of Oz where – along with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion – they “follow the Yellow Brick Road” to Emerald City where they meet the Wizard, who demands they bring him the Wicked Witch’s broom in order to get their dreams fulfilled. MGM’s magical, unique fantasy, starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley and Frank Morgan, has melted hearts for more than seven decades with its indelible melodies and timeless themes. Come and enjoy all of the magic of this timeless story that has captivated young and old alike for 75 years.

Note: Admission is FREE and ticketed on a first-come, first-served basis. Lines at BMCC begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the program

Additionally, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has brought The Wizard of Oz into the present with a new kind of magic: a stunning Blu-ray 3D version, available in a five-disc 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition that includes a new making- of documentary, more than 16 hours of great bonus features and exclusive new collectible memorabilia. Also available in single disc Blu-ray and DVD Editions.

TFI PRESENTS
Saturday, April 26
1 p.m.

Tribeca Film Center (375 Greenwich Street)

Tribeca Film Fellows with the Tribeca Film Institute will screen a special program of short films created by student filmmakers. (Recommended for ages 12 and up).

STORYCORPS: “Stories in Animation”
Saturday, April 26
3 p.m.

Tribeca Film Center (375 Greenwich Street)

StoryCorps Animated Shorts feature the stories of everyday people, told in their own voices and brought to life with animation from the Rauch Brothers. StoryCorps is a nonprofit oral history organization that has collected more than 50,000 audio interviews with people from all walks of life. The first-ever animated feature from StoryCorps, Listening Is an Act of Love, presents six stories from 10 years of StoryCorps, where everyday people sit down together to ask life’s important questions and share stories from their lives. Framing these intimate conversations is an interview between StoryCorps founder Dave Isay and his nine-year-old nephew, Benji.

DOWNTOWN YOUTH BEHIND THE CAMERA
Sunday, April 27
3:30 p.m.

SVA Theatre (333 West 23rd Street)

The Tribeca Family Festival will once again present “Downtown Youth Behind The Camera,” a program of short films made by elementary and middle school emerging student filmmakers from the downtown communities of New York City. This year marks the 11th anniversary of this popular program.
Read more
Sneak Preview of DRAFT DAY, Starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner to Open Charleston International Film Festival

Charleston International Film Festival

DRAFT DAY, starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, and Sam Elliott

The 7th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF), taking place April 9th to 13th, 2014, in historic downtown Charleston, revealed a lineup 78 films, including features, documentaries, animations, and shorts, including from the festival’s own Lowcountry film community.

This year’s opening day feature is a sneak preview of the soon-to-be released film DRAFT DAY, starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, and Sam Elliott. Directed by Ivan Reitman, who produced the cult-classic Animal House and directed family-favorite films such as Ghostbusters, DRAFT DAY follows general manager Sonny Weaver (Costner) on the day of the NFL Draft, as he has the opportunity to rebuild his team if he can trade for the number one draft pick. He must quickly decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in pursuit of perfection on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with dreams of playing in the NFL. Football and film fans alike are sure to love this sports drama, which won’t release into theaters until April 11.

Throughout the festival, films are grouped into blocks of shorts or documentaries, as well as evening programs, which include one feature paired with a short film. As many filmmakers, directors, producers, actors, and writers will be present for the screenings, festival attendees have the rare opportunity to meet the many talented folks behind the films and ask questions during Q&A sessions at the end of each block. Whether you’re a film aficionado or just enjoy going to the movies, you will not be disappointed with the impressive quality and diversity of films at this year’s festival. The full schedule is available online.

New to this year’s festival, a film written by Goose Creek High School student Megan Montgomery as part of CIFF’s Script-to-Screen Education Initiative, will debut during Block One on Saturday, April 12. Chosen from more than 150 local students who participated in the initiative, Montgomery’s screenplay was developed by professional filmmakers into the short film, TURPENTINE NAILS.
Read more
Philadelphia Film Festival’s Spring Showcase Unveils Lineup; Includes Retrospective Series Screening Oscar Winning Director Alfonso Cuarón’s Films

Philadelphia Film Festival

Alive Inside: A Story of Music & Memory

The full film slate is unveiled for the upcoming PFF: Spring Showcase, a new spring extension of the Philadelphia Film Festival, which will be held Friday, April 11 to Thursday, April 17, 2014. In its opening weekend, the Showcase will feature 17 films currently screening through the international film festival circuit. The remainder of the event will feature evening screenings highlighting the creative and visually captivating films of 2014 Oscar Winner for Best Director, Alfonso Cuarón. The retrospective series will screen all of Cuarón’s features in chronological order beginning with his first, 1991’s SÓLO CON TU PAREJA.

New Feature Film Line-up includes:

Alive Inside: A Story of Music & Memory
USA // English // 2013 // 74 min
DIRECTOR: Michael Rossato-Bennett

This inspiring doc tracks the story of how music is being used to jog precious memories for hundreds of elderly patients suffering from dementia. Join us for this musical journey through these incredibly moving personal stories.

Belle
United Kingdom // English // 2013 // 105 min
DIRECTOR: Amma Asante
CAST: Gugu Mbatha Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Reid, Sarah Gadon, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Tom Felton, James Norton, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson

Featuring performances from Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson and Emily Watson, Belle is a lush period piece based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate daughter of a Caribbean slave and a white British admiral. Adopted into her father’s family, Belle goes on a tumultuous journey towards marriage and freedom.

Club Sandwich
Spanish // Mexico // 2013 // 82 min
DIRECTOR: Fernando Eimbcke
CAST: María Renée Prudencio, Lucio Giménez Cacho Goded, Danae Reynaud

While on vacation at a secluded resort, the intense bond between fifteen-year-old Hector and his hip, single mom Paloma is threatened when Hector meets his first crush, a sweet girl his age named Jazmin. The awkwardness of adolescence is perfectly captured in Mexican director Fernando Eimbcke’s funny, gentle third feature.

The Double
United Kingdom // English // 2013 // 93 min
DIRECTOR: Richard Ayoade
CAST: Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Wallace Shawn, Noah Taylor, Cathy Moriarty, James Fox

Based on the novella by Dostoevsky, this surreal dramedy tells the story of a man (played by Jesse Eisenberg) driven crazy by the appearance of his doppelganger, a physically identical version of him who is more successful at work, has more confidence and is able to land the girl he loves (played by Mia Wasikowska).

Felony
Australia // English // 2013 // 105 min
DIRECTOR: Matthew Saville
CAST: Tom Wilkinson, Joel Edgerton, Jai Courtney, Melissa George

Joel Edgerton and Tom Wilkinson star in this hard-boiled Australian thriller about a decorated police officer attempting to cover up his involvement in a brutal traffic accident.

Frank
Ireland, United Kingdom // English // 2013 // 95 min
DIRECTOR: Lenny Abrahamson
CAST: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy

Michael Fassbender and Maggie Gyllenhaal star in this hilarious offbeat comedy about a down-on-his-luck musician who gets his dream gig playing in a noise rock band run by an eccentric front man with a unique sense of perfection.

God Help the Girl
United Kingdom // English // 2013 // 111 min
DIRECTOR: Stuart Murdoch
CAST: Emily Browning, Olly Alexander, Hannah Murray, Pierre Boulanger, Cora Bissett

Stuart Murdoch, the creator of the Brit-pop group Belle & Sebastien, brings the music of his side project, God Help the Girl, to life in this adorable story of troubled teens with big dreams of forming a band.

Hellion
USA // English // 2014 // 98 min
DIRECTOR: Kat Candler
CAST: Aaron Paul, Juliette Lewis, Josh Wiggins, Deke Garner, Jonny Mars, Walt Roberts

Featuring a pair of incredible child performances, this Sundance sleeper hit tells the touching story of two brothers, lashing out against their father’s drinking problem and embracing their love of heavy metal and dirt bikes while finding their place inside their fragile world.

The Keeper of Lost Causes
Denmark, Germany, Sweden // Danish // 2013 // 97 min
DIRECTOR: Mikkel Nørgaard
CAST: Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Fares Fares, Sonja Richter, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, Søren Pilmark, Troels Lyby

Reminiscent of other recent Scandinavian mysteries such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Keeper of Lost Causes tells the story of two eager detectives who try to solve a forgotten disappearance case that proves to be terrifyingly sinister.

Moebius
South Korea // Korean // 2013 // 89 min
DIRECTOR: Kim Ki-duk
CAST: Cho Jae-hyun, Seo Young-ju, Lee Eun-woo

One of the most daring pieces of modern cinema, Kim Ki-Duk’s shocking, provocative, grotesque, unpredictable meditation of family, monogamy and Buddhism is equal parts brilliant, hilarious and unsettling. A genre classic in the making.

Mood Indigo
France // French // 2013 // 100 min
DIRECTOR: Michel Gondry
CAST: Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Gad Elmaleh, Omar Sy, Aïssa Maïga

Michel Gondry’s (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep) latest film is the highly imaginative and touching tale of an intense love between a shy man and a sweet woman with an unusual illness where a flower grows in her lungs. Bursting with ideas, this moving story is indicative of the power of cinema.

Obvious Child
USA // English // 2013 // 83 min
DIRECTOR: Gillian Robespierre
CAST: Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gaby Hoffmann, David Cross, Gabe Liedman, Richard Kind

Comedian Jenny Slate shines as Donna Stern, a 27-year-old standup comedian who’s life and art is stagnated when an unexpected one night stand leaves her with a difficult decision in this hilarious and extremely personal story.

The One I Love
USA // English // 2014 // 91 min
DIRECTOR: Charlie McDowell
CAST: Mark Duplass, Elisabeth Moss, Ted Danson

Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss star as a young, struggling couple who are sent to a secluded resort to undergo a unique type of therapy. Once they arrive, they quickly realize that nothing there is what it seems in this thought-provoking comic gem from this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Supermensch
USA //English //2013 //84 min
DIRECTOR: Mike Myers

Actor Mike Myers’ directorial debut tells the legend of Shep Gordon, the infamously innovative and generous manager who launched the careers of Alice Cooper, Blondie, Luther Vandross and Raquel Welch. Packed with hilarious testimonials, this entertaining documentary tracks the life of an unsung entertainment hero.

Wetlands
Germany // German // 2013 // 109 min
DIRECTOR: David Wnendt
CAST: Carla Juri, Christoph Letkowski, Meret Becker, Axel Milberg, Marlen Kruse, Edgar Selge

In the year’s edgiest romantic comedy, a kinky teenager ends up the hospital after an unusual shaving accident, only to find herself struck by an unexpected romance with a handsome male nurse.

Whitey: United States V. James J. Bulger
USA // English // 2014 // 107 min
DIRECTOR: Joe Berlinger

With unprecedented, jaw-dropping access, legendary documentarien Joe Berlinger returns with a portrait of the south Boston mobster whose impending trial has cracked open decades of fascinating questions about corruption in the FBI.

Witching and Bitching
Spain // Spanish // 2013 // 110 min
DIRECTOR: Alex de la Iglesia
CAST: Hugo Silva, Mario Casas, Pepon Nieto, Carolina Bang, Terele Pavez, Jaime Ordoñez, Carlos Areces, Santiago Segura, Secun de la Rosa, Macarena Gomez, Grabriel Delgado, Carmen Maura

A set of bumbling bank robbers get more than they bargained for when their high speed getaway leads them off the grid into a small village where a blood-thirsty coven of witches is preparing for an ancient ritual in this zany Spanish horror comedy.

Alfonso Cuarón Retrospective Series includes:

Children of Men
USA, United Kingdom // English, German, Italian, Romanian, Spanish, Arabic, Georgian // 2006 // 109 min
DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuarón
CAST: Clive Owen, Juliane Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Caine

A harrowing vision of the future, this invigorating science fiction thriller follows a sultry activist who is trying to transport the last pregnant woman on earth to safety.

Gravity
USA, United Kingdom // English // 2013 // 91 min
DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuarón
CAST: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

With balletic percision, Cuarón directs this terrifying story of an astronaut, untethered in space, looking to find her way home. Come take this last chance to see this cinematic triumph on the big screen in glorious 35mm.

Great Expectations
USA // English, French // 1998 // 111 min
DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuarón
CAST: Gwyneth Paltrow, Ethan Hawke, Hank Azaria, Chris Cooper, Anne Bancroft, Robert De Niro

Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow are electric in this modern adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel about a goodhearted painter pining after his childhood love.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
USA, United Kingdom // English // 2004 // 142 min
Alfonso CuarónDaniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman

Tapped to direct the third installment of the popular series, Cuarón put his unique stamp on the project with mixed film stocks, new art direction and deep characterizations that quickly became new hallmarks of the worldwide sensation.

A Little Princess
USA // English, French // 1995 // 97 min
DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuarón
CAST: Liesl Matthews, Eleanor Bron, Liam Cunningham, Rusty Schwimmer

In this charming adaptation of the classic Francis Hodgson Burnett novel, Cuarón’s sophomore feature tells the story of a young girl who is sent to a demanding boarding school when her father goes missing.

Soló Con Tu Pareja
Mexico // Spanish, English, Japanese, Latin // 1991 // 94 min
DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuarón
CAST: Daniel Giménez Cacho, Claudia Ramírez, Luis de Icaza, Astrid Hadad, Dobrina Liubomirova, Isabel Benet

Cuarón’s first feature is a hilarious dark comedy of errors about star crossed lovers, a mistaken diagnosis of HIV and two attempted suicides.

Y Tu Mamá También
Mexico // Spanish // 2006 // 106 min
DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuarón
CAST: Maribel Verdu, Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna

The breakthrough film that really made Cuarón famous, this is the sexy, daring story of two teenagers who embark on an enlightening road trip with an attractive older woman.

via PFF: Spring Showcase
Read more
Comedy BEGIN AGAIN Starring Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo to Close Tribeca Film Festival

Tribeca Film Festival

John Carney’s comedy, BEGIN AGAIN (formerly Can A Song Save Your Life?), starring Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Hailee Steinfeld, and Adam Levine, will close the 13th edition of the Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), on Saturday, April 26th at BMCC Tribeca PAC.

From writer-director John Carney (Once), BEGIN AGAIN is a soul-stirring comedy about what happens when lost souls meet and make beautiful music together. Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) are college sweethearts and songwriting partners who decamp for New York when he lands a deal with a major label. But the trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray, and a reeling, lovelorn Gretta is left on her own. Her world takes a turn for the better when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record-label exec, stumbles upon her performing on an East Village stage and is immediately captivated by her raw talent. From this chance encounter emerges an enchanting portrait of a mutually transformative collaboration, set to the soundtrack of a summer in New York City. The film will be released by The Weinstein Company in July.

“We close our festival with Tribeca alum John Carney’s Begin Again. This beautiful music infused New York story encompasses the spirit of Tribeca where music, film and performance play such a key part of this year’s program,” said Jane Rosenthal, CEO and co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival. “To be able to work with our neighbor and dear friend Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Company to bring this film to U.S. audiences for the first time is a bonus for our entire community.”

“Begin Again is a true New York story about the magical opportunities that can be found under this great city’s bright lights. That said, I can’t think of a better place to have its U.S. premiere than the Tribeca Film Festival,” said John Carney.

The 13th annual Tribeca Film Festival will take place from April 16-27, 2014.

image: (L-R) MARK RUFFALO and KEIRA KNIGHTLEY star in BEGIN AGAIN ©2014 The Weinstein Company. All rights reserved.
Read more