• SOME VELVET MORNING Starring Stanley Tucci Gets a December 2013 Release Date

    SOME VELVET MORNING starring Academy Award nominee Stanley Tucci and Alice Eve

    Tribeca Film will release Neil LaBute’s relationship drama SOME VELVET MORNING starring Academy Award nominee Stanley Tucci and Alice Eve. The film, which had its World Premiere at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival will be released in theaters on December 13, 2013

    Some Velvet Morning introduces us to Fred (Stanley Tucci) who arrives at the doorstep of his beautiful young mistress Velvet (Alice Eve) after four years apart, claiming to have finally left his wife. But when she rejects his attempts to rekindle their romance, his persistence evolves into obsession — and a dark history between the former lovers comes into focus. 

    Some Velvet Morning will be released beginning December 10, 2013 on cable/telco and satellite video-on-demand platforms, as well as iTunes, Amazon Watch Instantly, VUDU, Playstation, and Google Play, followed by a theatrical release beginning on December 13, 2013.

    Read more


  • Montclair Film Festival Announces 2014 Dates

    Montclair Film Festival

    The Montclair Film Festival (MFF), in New Jersey, will host its third annual festival from April 28 to May 4, 2014.

    Submissions are now being accepted in all categories with all the information available on the MFF website.. There are four key deadlines for filmmakers to make note of:

    Early-bird deadline: Dec. 20

    Regular deadline: Jan. 31

    Late deadline: Feb. 21

    Withoutabox special deadline: Feb. 28

    Read more


  • Weinstein Company to Release Benefit Concert Documentary 12-12-12

    benefit concert documentary 12-12-12

    The Weinstein Company (TWC) will be releasing their benefit concert documentary 12-12-12 in New York and Los Angeles theaters on Friday, November 1st. The documentary which recently held its world premiere at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, is a behind the scenes look at the show, which took place at New York’s Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2012. All box office profits from the documentary’s theatrical run will go to the Robin Hood Sandy Relief Fund which supports organizations helping victims in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

    Spearheaded by TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein, Madison Square Garden Executive Chairman Jim Dolan, and Clear Channel Entertainment President John Sykes, the concert featured performances by some of the music industry’s most iconic acts: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Roger Waters, Eddie Vedder, Chris Martin, Michael Stipe, Adam Sandler, Eric Clapton, Jon Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Kanye West and included involvement from entertainment and media such as Billy Crystal, Susan Sarandon, Paul Shaffer, Brian Williams, Kristen Stewart, Jon Stewart, Chelsea Clinton, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Sean Combs, Olivia Wilde, Steve Buscemi, Chris Rock, Seth Meyers, Jake Gyllenhaal, Blake Lively, Katie Holmes, Jason Sudekis, Jamie Foxx, Quentin Tarantino, and Christoph Waltz.

    The unprecedented gathering of talent who turned up on stage and behind the scenes of the concert helped to raise over $50 million in one night for the Robin Hood Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. The Concert for Sandy Relief, was nominated for a 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Award.

    In a joint statement the producers of the concert, Jim Dolan, Harvey Weinstein and John Sykes said: “12-12-12 was one of the most remarkable events Madison Square Garden has hosted in its 134-year history. The music and entertainment communities came together in such an immediate and powerful way, and made a legitimate difference to those in the tri-state who were so severely impacted by the storm. The concert was historic, it might even go down as one of the greatest line ups of all time, but if you thought the concert was wild, wait until you see what happened backstage that night. This film takes you behind the walls of Madison Square Garden and into the production areas and dressing rooms of the biggest recording artists in the world to see firsthand how a massive event like 12-12-12 was created. .  We’re thrilled audiences will be able to relive this historic event on the big screen.”

    TWC will also hold a New York premiere screening of the film on October 28th, the eve of the one-year anniversary when Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the Tri-State area. The screening will take place at New York City’s iconic Ziegfeld Theater, which was generously donated by Bow Tie Cinemas, and will be attended by people affected by the storm as well as many of the performers featured in the film.

    Read more


  • Cannes Film Festival Sets 2014 Dates

    Cannes Film Festival

    The 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will be held May 14 to 25, 2014.

    Read more


  • 2013 trinidad+tobago film festival Winners; MELAZA, FATAL ASSISTANCE, SONGS OF REDEMPTION Win Top Awards

     MELAZA, directed by Carlos LechugaMELAZA, directed by Carlos Lechuga

    After screening a total of 142 films, the 2013 trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff), which began on September 17th and closed on October 1, 2013, announced the competition winners. The Cuban film MELAZA, directed by Carlos Lechuga is the winner of the Jury Prize for Best Feature; and the Jury Prize for Best Documentary was won by two films: FATAL ASSISTANCE – directed by Raoul Peck, and SONGS OF REDEMPTION, directed by Miquel Galofre and Amanda Sans.

    ttff/13 competition winners are:

    Jury Prize: Best Feature
    MELAZA, directed by Carlos Lechuga
    In the town of Melaza the sugarcane industry is at a standstill and work is hard to come by. Monica, receptionist at the sugar mill, still goes to the factory daily, although it has been shuttered for a year. Her husband, Aldo, teaches swimming in a pool with no water. To make extra money, they engage in a lucrative but illegal venture. When the police discover their scheme they charge the couple a hefty fine. To get out of their predicament, Monica and Aldo must consider doing the unthinkable.

    *The jury awarded a special mention in this category to GOD LOVES THE FIGHTER directed by Damian Marcano
    Charlie is a young man seeking to make ends meet on the streets of Port of Spain. Reluctantly, he takes a job from a gang leader as assistant to a drug courier. This is how he meets Dinah, a prostitute, who works for the fearsome Putao. Dinah convinces Charlie to escape with her, in a move that triggers serious consequences. Shot in an urgent and unflinchingly gritty style, God Loves the Fighter is an honest yet sympathetic tale of real life as lived in contemporary urban Trinidad.

    Jury Prize: Best Documentary
    There was joint first prize: FATAL ASSISTANCE – directed by Raoul Peck / SONGS OF REDEMPTION, directed by Miquel Galofre and Amanda Sans

    FATAL ASSISTANCE
    Over three years after the earthquake that ravaged the country, conditions in Haiti remain far from acceptable. Why is this the case, despite billions of dollars in aid and the intervention of everyone from movie stars to former US presidents? This gripping documentary by Haiti’s most acclaimed filmmaker dissects the recovery effort and exposes its inner workings. In the process, it paints a damning picture of a country in thrall to a paternalistic aid system almost as invidious as any dictatorship.

    SONGS OF REDEMPTION
    At the general Penitentiary in Kingston, where inmates are serving sentences for crimes as serious as murder, a remarkable experiment is taking place. Through the progressive vision of the prison’s former superintendent, a rehabilitation scheme has been implemented that involves inmates creating and recording reggae music. Featuring riveting interviews and moving live performances, Songs of Redemption is an uplifting testament to the healing, even transformative power of music.

    Jury Prize: Best Local Feature Film
    GOD LOVES THE FIGHTER, directed by Damian Marcano

    Jury Prize: Best Short
    There was a joint first prize: PASSAGE – directed by Kareem Mortimer / PREVIOUS SCENES – directed by Aleksandra Maciuszek

    Jury Prize: Best Local Short
    AFTER MAS, directed by Karen Martinez

    Best Caribbean Film by an International Director
    3 KIDS, directed by Jonas D’Adesky
    *The jury awarded two special mentions in this category: TULA: THE REVOLT, directed by Joeren Linders and THE STUART HALL PROJECT, directed by John Akomfrah

    New Media Prize
    Olivia McGilChrist

    People’s Choice – Feature
    GOD LOVES THE FIGHTER, directed by Damian Marcano

    People’s Choice – Documentary
    SONGS OF REDEMPTION, directed by Miquel Galofre and Amanda Sans

    People’s Choice – Short
    JAB IN THE DARK, directed by Robert McFarlane

    RBC Focus Pitch prize
    The Winner is Shakira Bourne

    bpTT Student Award
    The winner is Maryam Mohammed

    bpTT Film in Development Award
    The winner is Kevin Adams

    Read more


  • Revelation Perth International Film Festival Reveals 2014 Dates, Launches Trailer Contest

     

    Revelation Perth International Film Festival

    The Revelation Perth International Film Festival announces a new competition for its 2014 event. which runs July 3 to 13, 2014. The festival is inviting filmmakers, students, artists and cinematic visionaries to create the trailer for the 2014 festival.

    According to the festival. the trailer which will be screened at Luna Palace Cinemas before and during the festival should be 45-60 second and represent the spirit of Revelation, it should speak to the audiences and most importantly it should be as unique and exciting as the films shown.

    Three winners will be selected and each will receive a Revelation membership plus additional passes and privileges.

    Entries for the Revelation Perth International Film Festival trailer competition close on 1 April 2014. 

     

     

    Read more


  • OUT OF THE FURNACE, NEBRASKA, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY Added to 2013 AFI FEST

    Scott Cooper’s OUT OF THE FURNACEScott Cooper’s OUT OF THE FURNACE

    Additional red carpet Centerpiece Galas were announced for this year’s 2013 AFI FEST, including the World Premiere of Scott Cooper’s OUT OF THE FURNACE; Alexander Payne’s NEBRASKA; accompanied by a Tribute to Bruce Dern; and THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, directed by and starring Ben Stiller. Stuart Cornfeld, an AFI Conservatory alumnus and recipient of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal at the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony held last June, is one of the producers of THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY. All galas will be presented in the historic TCL Theatre.

    As previously announced, the North American Premiere of SAVING MR. BANKS (DIR John Lee Hancock) is the Opening Night Gala and INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (DIR Ethan Coen, Joel Coen) is the Closing Night Gala. The Guest Artistic Director is Agnès Varda. The previously announced FOXCATCHER Premiere is no longer part of the AFI FEST program, due to the shift of the film’s release date to 2014.

    “Our Centerpiece Galas reflect the diverse cinematic experience at AFI FEST, from our smaller independent films to larger studio releases. We are thrilled to have the World Premiere of OUT OF THE FURNACE; to honor the legendary Bruce Dern for his outstanding career and his brilliant performance in NEBRASKA; and to take the audience on a journey with THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY,” said Jacqueline Lyanga, AFI FEST Festival Director. Commenting on the news that the previously announced Premiere of FOXCATCHER would move to next year, Lyanga added, “AFI will be proud to celebrate FOXCATCHER when Bennett Miller and his talented team are ready to share it with the world.”

    Read more


  • WHITE REINDEER Gets A Fall 2013 Release Date | TRAILER

     WHITE REINDEER

    IFC Films will release Zach Clark’s WHITE REINDEER in the US, with a theatrical release and digital premiere set for December 6, 2013.  In the film, which stars Anna Margaret Hollyman, Laura Lemar-Goldsborough, Lydia Johnson, Joe Swanberg, and Christopher Doubek, a shell-shocked real estate agent grapples with personal tragedy while fumbling to let loose among strip clubs, department stores, and swinging new neighbors during one sad, strange December in suburban Virginia. 

    http://youtu.be/8qyzpGdu_v8

    Read more


  • WINNIE MANDELA to Open 2013 Hollywood Black Film Festival | TRAILER

     WINNIE MANDELAWINNIE MANDELA

    WINNIE MANDELA has been selected as the Opening Night Film of the 2013 Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) on Wednesday, October 2, 2013. Starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) and Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow), Winnie Mandela is described as an epic story of love, sacrifice and courage.

    Moving from a remote tribal village to the sprawling metropolis of Johannesburg, South Africa, a proud young Winnie (Jennifer Hudson) soon found love with a rising political star, Nelson Mandela (Terrence Howard).  When Nelson was imprisoned for protesting the brutal Apartheid government, Winnie worked tirelessly to win his freedom and to carry on his message of peace and equality.  Her struggle to keep the Mandela dream alive was rewarded by years of persecution and imprisonment, including 18 months of solitary confinement.  Throughout, her resolve to fight for her freedom, her family and her country never wavered.  Her leadership and unconquerable spirit caught the attention of the world and earned her the name “the mother of the nation.”

    http://youtu.be/HqNhuoguiFE 

    Read more


  • JASMINE, PINOCCHIO, THE CONGRESS Nominated for 2013 European Film Academy Animated Feature Award

    PINOCCHIO directed by Enzo d' AIòPINOCCHIO directed by Enzo d’ AIò

    Three films are nominated in the category EUROPEAN ANIMATED FEATURE FILM 2013 for the 2013 European Film Academy. The films are THE CONGRESS directed by Ari Folman; JASMINE directed by Alain Ughetto; and PINOCCHIO directed by Enzo d’ AIò. The European Animated Feature Film 2013 will be presented at the 26th European Film Awards Ceremony in Berlin on Saturday, December 7, 2013.

    THE CONGRESS

    THE CONGRESS

    Israel/Germany/Poland/ Luxembourg/France/Belgium, 120 min
    WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY: Ari Folman
    ANIMATION: Yoni Goodman 
    Hollywood actress Robin Wright receives an unexpected offer …

    JASMINE

    JASMINE - DIRECTED BY: Alain Ughetto

    France, 70 min
    DIRECTED BY: Alain Ughetto
    WRITTEN BY: Alain Ughetto & Jacques Reboud, with the collaboration of Chloé Inguenaud
    ANIMATION: Alain Ughetto
    A story of love and revolution emerging from plasticine…

    PINOCCHIO
    Italy/Luxembourg/France/ Belgium, 84 min
    DIRECTED BY: Enzo d’ AIò
    WRITTEN BY: Enzo d’ AIò & Umberto Marino
    ANIMATION: Marco Zanoni 
    Carpenter Geppetto builds a puppet and names it Pinocchio. 

    Read more


  • BLUE Ocean Film Festival Sets Location and Dates for 2014 Festival

     BLUE Ocean Film Festival

    BLUE Ocean Film Festival (BLUE) has selected St. Petersburg, Florida, as the location for the next biennial festival to be held November 3 to 9, 2014.  The announcement was made on the same day that BLUE announced a strategic partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, to host a BLUE Ocean Film Festival event every other year in Monaco, beginning in 2015.

    “We chose St. Petersburg as a place to grow BLUE, for several reasons. The incredibly beautiful marina and downtown area will provide the intimate environment that has become a trademark for BLUE, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for showcasing our films and hosting signature events. Just as important is the enthusiasm of the local business community and the world-class institutional partnerships we have developed that will help us grow our education outreach programs. Of course, St. Petersburg’s location on the Gulf of Mexico, was a major factor in our decision,” explains Debbie Kinder, CEO and Executive Director of BLUE.

    At the heart of BLUE Ocean Film Festival is an international film competition and festival that screens over 100 of the world’s ocean films in more than 20 award categories. A Conservation Summit and Film/Media Industry Conference held during the Festival draws leaders and luminaries from the marine conservation, film and art worlds. Film screenings and conservation events are open to the public, along with memorable social events that provide an intimate environment for networking with filmmakers and scientists.

    Read more


  • Winners of 2013 Guam International Film Festival; BREAKAWAY Wins Grand Jury Award

     BREAKAWAY (ALAGWA) (Philippines, Dir: Ian Lorenos)BREAKAWAY (ALAGWA) (Philippines, Dir: Ian Lorenos)

    The Guam International Film Festival (GIFF) announced the Grand Jury Award Winners of their 2013 Festival. BREAKAWAY (ALAGWA) directed by Ian Lorenos about the truly harrowing account of a 9-year-old boy who goes missing and the anguish of his single dad who embarks on a desperate search for him, won the Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature.  THE ILLNESS AND THE ODYSSEY directed by Berry Minott won the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature. This film is described as an epic, medical mystery “whodunit”, which tracks the decades long pursuit of scientists competing with each other to find the cause of a mysterious neurological disease affecting the native Chamorro population on the island of Guam. The stakes are high because the answer will lead to cures for Alzheimer’s and other related diseases. 

    The following is a list of Winners in the respective categories for competition in the Guam International Film Festival:

    GRAND JURY AWARD – BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
    BREAKAWAY (ALAGWA) (Philippines, Dir: Ian Lorenos)

    GRAND JURY AWARD – BEST NARRATIVE SHORT:
    HSU JI BEHIND THE SCREEN (France, Dir: Thomas Rio)

    GRAND JURY AWARD – BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
    THE ILLNESS AND THE ODYSSEY (Guam, US, Dir: Berry Minott)

    GRAND JURY AWARD – BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT:
    STRAIGHT WITH YOU (Netherlands, Dir: Daan Bol)

    BEST MADE IN THE MARIANAS:
    THE ILLNESS AND THE ODYSSEY (Guam, US, Dir: Berry Minott)

    ACHIEVEMENT IN ACTING:
    JERICHO ROSALES FOR ‘BREAKAWAY (ALAGWA)’ (Philippines, Dir: Ian Lorenos)

    BEST OF FESTIVAL:
    A2-B-C (Japan, Dir: Ian Thomas Ash)

    AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:
    ZORI (Marshall Islands, Dirs: Jack Niedenthal, Suzanne Chutaro)

    Read more