BLACKFISH director Gabriela Cowperthwaite on the Doc/Fest bus
Sheffield Doc/Fest 2014 will be a SIX day festival, kicking off on Saturday 7 June with a Special Gala Opening Night, followed by five packed days of sessions, screenings, marketplace and networking receptions, right through until Thursday 12 June, 2014.
image via Blackfish the Film
The 8th annual Philadelphia Film & Animation Festival (PFAF) will be held from September 27th-29th, 2013, at the International House Philadelphia’s Ibrahim Theater at 3701 Chestnut St., Philadelphia and various venues throughout University City. This year’s festival is expected to screen nearly 100 short & feature length films, including several World and U.S. Premieres. Last year, PFAF welcomed to Philadelphia over 2,000 filmmakers and attendees from as far as Denmark and Colombia.
Beyond the screenings, this year’s PFAF continues to host educational workshops on everything from screenwriting to film funding, and from finding representation to working with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). Other events include nightly parties, including Friday Fright Night, a pre-Halloween celebration of costumes and effects makeup, along with the red-carpet Awards Show on Sunday, September 29th. PFAF also acts as the World Premiere for the 24 entries to this year’s 21-Day Filmmaking Competition, which this year features filmmaking Teams from around the country and as far as Hong Kong.
2013 Philadelphia Film & Animation Festival Official Selections
Jennifer Hudson as “Gloria,” the troubled mother of son Mister (Skylan Brooks) in THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE
Actor Larenz Tate – star of the BET original movie GUN HILL – will serve as festival ambassador for the upcoming 17th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival presented by BET Networks, which runs September 18 to 22, 2013 at midtown Manhattan’s AMC 34th Street. George Tillman’s THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE will be the official Closing Night Film on September 21, 2013.
Known for iconic performances in Love Jones, Menace II Society, Dead Presidents and Why Do Fools Fall in Love?, Tate will attend the Gun Hill screening on Friday,September 20 at 8:00pm. Directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood, the film centers around a pair of identical twins on opposite sides of life: Trane, a cop, and Bird, a con (both played by Tate). On one fateful night, Trane is killed. Bird assumes his identity and begins his own search for redemption.
“I’m honored to not only have my new BET project, ‘Gun Hill,’ premiering here, but to also be festival ambassador of this year’s Urbanworld Film Festival,” said Tate. “This festival is a celebration of multicultural art and its diverse and innovative contributors. I look forward to working with the Urbanworld team and enjoying some great films!”
Directed by Tillman and written by Michael Starrbury, the festival’s Closing Night Film THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE stars Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jordin Sparks, Golden Globe® and Emmy® Award winner Jeffrey Wright, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Anthony Mackie and Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winner Jennifer Hudson. Jana Edelbaum, Rachel Cohen, and Bob Teitel produced the film with Alicia Keys, Susan Lewis, Clay Floren, Aimee Shieh, Julio Depietro, Keith Kjarval, Mary Vernieu, and Amy Nauiokas executive producing.
THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE is a beautifully observed and tremendously moving film about salvation through friendship and the way transformation sometimes can happen just by holding on long enough. During a sweltering summer in New York City, 13-year-old Mister’s (Skylan Brooks) hard-living mother (Jennifer Hudson) is apprehended by the police, leaving the boy and nine-year-old Pete (Ethan Dizon) alone to forage for food while dodging child protective services and the destructive scenarios of the Brooklyn projects. Faced with more than any child can be expected to bear, the resourceful Mister nevertheless feels he is an unstoppable force against seemingly unmovable obstacles. But what really keeps the pair in the survival game is much more Mister’s vulnerability than his larger-than-life attitude.
Urbanworld also announced the official jurors for this year’s festival, award category sponsors and prizes.
NARRATIVE FEATURES JURORS
NARRATIVE SHORTS JURORS
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES JURORS
SCREENPLAY JURORS
TELEPLAY JURORS
FESTIVAL PRIZES
WHEN DERIN FALLS
The Buffalo International Film Festival announced the schedule of events for the upcoming 7th annual film festival scheduled to take place October 3rd to 6th, 2013. The festival lineup includes the North American Premiere of “WHEN DERIN FALLS,” as well as numerous Western New York Premieres of Documentaries, Feature Films and short subjects. Local highlights include screenings of two feature films one, “BRANDONWOOD,” a World Premiere, and other shorts and documentaries filmed in Buffalo, N.Y. There is a four-film tribute to the Mexican star María Félix, and special guest appearances from eight of the filmmakers whose work is featured in this year’s festival, including Charlene Amoia, a recurring character on “How I Met Your Mother.”
September 20, 2013 is a special tribute to Buffalo Curtain Up!
The Buffalo Film Festival proper runs from October 3-6, 2013
BUFFALO CURTAIN UP! TRIBUTE
Fri, Sept. 20, 8 p.m-10:30 p.m. – Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” – Celebrating Buffalo Curtain Up! is a HD video of the New York Philharmonic production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” starring Stephen Colbert. Directed by Lonny Price and written by George Furth, the story follows five couples and their friend Robert (Neil Patrick Harris), the perpetual bachelor, as they explore the true meaning of being in a relationship through a series of vignettes. Winner of the 1971 Tony Award for Best Musical, Harris leads an all-star cast which includes Patti LuPone, Martha Plimpton, and, of course, Stephen Colbert. The screening is preceded by a catered dinner supplied by My Tomato Pie
October 3, 2013 Buffalo Film Festival Begins.
Thurs. Oct 3, 7 p.m-9 p.m.- OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION and SCREENING: “Les aventures extraordinaires d’Adèle Blanc-Sec (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec)” – Westqern New York Premiere — The opening night film and party features a live-action adventure set in the early part of the 20th century focused on a popular novelist and her dealings with would-be suitors, the cops, monsters, and other distractions. Written and directed by Luc Besson from classic comic books written by Jacques Tardi. In French with English sub-titles. Pre-screening reception is catered by Coco’s French Restaurant.
Thurs., Oct 3, 9 p.m.-11 p.m. – “Aayna Ka Bayna” – Western New York premiere of the fabulous Indian dance musical directed by Samit Kakkad. In English and Marathi with English Subtitles
Thurs., Oct 3, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Free screening of “La Bandida (The Bandit)”- A tribute to María Félix, the leading lady of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Directed by Roberto Rodriguez, “La Bandida” is a melodrama representing the last vestiges of Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema. The free screening is hosted by Casa de Arte, located at 141 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo N.Y. 14201. In Color. In Spanish with English Subtitles
Friday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m-6 p.m – “Made in Buffalo Shorts” – A collection of short films created in Buffalo, N.Y. directed by Chris Walczyk and Jerry Theresanathan, Schott Mawhiney, Jerry Thres, Christian de Rezendes, Christian de Rezendes, John M. Scherer, Brianna Blank, Katie Egan, and Darren Canham.
Fri, Oct. 4, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. –“La Cucaracha (The Cockroach)” – The second film in the festival’s tribute to María Félix. A 1959 drama about the Mexican revolution is directed, produced and written by Ismael Rodriguez. An opening reception begins at 6 p.m. with the free screening to follow at 7 p.m. at Casa de Arte. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Fri Oct 4, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. – “Persistence of Vision” – The Western New York premiere Directed by Kevin Schreck. A gripping documentary about the visionary animator Richard Williams (‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’) and the untold story of the greatest animated film never made: The Thief and the Cobbler (which will be shown, restored, on Saturday, October 5 at 4PM).
Fri Oct 4, 9 pm-10:45 pm – “Brandonwood” – World Premiere of a romantic thriller filmed in Buffalo, N.Y. following four years in the lives of a young couple, from the reckless highs of new love to the lows of circumstances they cannot change. The film is produced, written, directed, a by John Fink with Tilke Wood serving as co-producer. The director will be present for a question and answer session after the screening, followed by a Cast & Crew Party. Accompanied by a witty Made in Buffalo Short, “Captive,” directed by Chris Walczyk and Jerry Theresanathan.
Sat., Oct 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. – “Comfort Zone – A WNY Climate Change Documentary” – Western New York Premiere — “Comfort Zone” brings the global issue of climate change to a local and personal level in Upstate New York asking what does climate change mean in a place where it’s not an obvious threat, where people might like it to be a little warmer? The documentary is produced by Kate Kressmann-Kehoe, Sean Donnelly, and Dave Danesh. The UK animated short, “Jamón” and a short film (by Buffalo Film Makers), “Broken Wings” which follows reporter Cliff Collins as he meets and interviews his childhood hero, The Sparrow, accompany this screening.
Sat., Oct. 5, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. – “The Long Bike Back” – Western New York Premiere Directed by Buffalo native Julia Wrona, this documentary follows Pearson Constantino on his quest to bike across America advocating for improved bicycle infrastructure, legislation and road sharing. His journey is all the more inspiring because it is attempted after a devastating accident which, despite wearing a helmet, left Pearson with serious and permanent injuries. Wrona will be present after the screening for a question and answer session. The short film “She” will precede the feature introduced in-person by Buffalo actress Charlene Amoia who appears on “How I Met Your Mother.”
Sat., Oct. 5, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. – “Prestidigitation for Kids: Magic Camp” – A Western New York premiere documentary directed by Emmy-nominated Judd Ehlrich, takes audiences on a journey to the real-life Hogwarts: Tannen’s Magic Camp, the oldest and most prestigious training ground for young magicians. In honor of Buffalo Gene Gordon Magic Ring 12.
Sat., Oct. 5, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – “The Thief and the Cobbler – Recobbled” – New York State Premiere. The original 1993 film was directed by three-time Academy Award nominated Richard Williams and written by Williams and Margaret French with such familiar actors such as Vincent Price, Sean Connery, and Hilary Pritchard lending their voices to the cast of characters. Garrett Gilchrist, an independent film-maker with a passion for animation, has spent many years attempting to rebuild the original director’s cut of one of animation’s greatest might-have-been epic films. Mr. Gilchrist will be present in-person for a Q&A with the audience. The short film “She” will precede the feature introduced in-person by Buffalo actress Charlene Amoia who appears on “How I Met Your Mother.”
Sat., Oct. 5-6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – “El Rapto”– Another free screening paying tribute to María Félix hosted by the festival’s friends at Casa de Arte, The 1964 dramatic film directed by Emilio “El Indio” Fernández stars Félix as the tenacious beauty Aurora who seduces the municipal authorities so that she can purchase the estate of missing local named Ricardo played by Jorge Negrete. Her elaborate ruse is complicated when Ricardo eventually returns home. In Spanish with English Subtitles.
Sat., Oct. 5, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. – “Red Light Revolution” – Western New York Premiere – A witty, laugh-out-loud, adults-only comedy from Beijing, China, directed by Sam Voutas, focuses on an unlucky man who opens an adult shop to make ends meet, sparking a sexual revolution in his conservative neighborhood. In Mandarin Chinese with English Subtitles.
Sat., Oct. 5, 9 p.m.-11 p.m. – “Buffalo Boys” – Western New York Premiere Filmed in Western New York and inspired by a true story, this feature film tells the story of Ian, a 15-year-old entangled in family secrets, drugs, love, friendship and a plot to murder a 67 year-old woman. Co-written by Raymond Guarnieri and Elana Lott and directed by Guarnieri who will also be on hand for a question and answer session after the screening. Followed by Cast and Crew Party. The screening is nearly sold out.
Sun., Oct. 6, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. – “When Derin Falls” – Written and directed Çagatay Tosun, audiences will play witness to the unchild-like world of 7-year-old Derin after the loss of her mother. This is the North American Premiere of this fine Turkish drama. In Turkish with English Subtitles. This screening is accompanied by the short film, “Riddle of the Black Cat,” an animated short based on the tales of Edgar Alan Poe.
Sun., Oct. 6, 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m – “Dear Mr. Watterson” – Western New York Premiere. A documentary directed by Joel Allen Schroeder explores the world of the famous Sunday comic strip, “Calvin & Hobbes” and its creator Bill Watterson.
Sun., Oct. 6, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. – “Made in Buffalo Documentaries” –
Directed by Diedie Weng, “Ming Day and Night” details chef, artist, and Buffalo-resident Sam Lam and how his career and passion for art has impacted his life. Filmmaker and star will be present for Q&A.
“East Side: A Community of Hope,” produced by Erik Taheri and Rich Lunghino, examines faith-based initiatives being undertaken to revitalize the once-thriving neighborhood of Buffalo. Filmakers will be present for Q&A
“Where the Crow Will Be Forever,” is produced by Keith R. Burich, Ph.D., Ashley Fike, and Lauren Mosier and explores the history of the Crow tribe, life on the reservation and why the Crow have chosen to stay.
Sun., Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – “Long Live TOY: Defending Children’s Theater in the Nickel City” – Closing Night Film & Awards Announcements – Western New York Premiere — A documentary film profiling the Theatre of Youth children’s theater company located in Buffalo, N.Y. during their 40thseason. The devoted artistic members attempt to stay focused on producing innovative and artistically exciting children theater against the backdrop of unforeseen local county funding cuts. Buffalo-born director Mary Beth Murray and her husband Austin Mcloughlin will be present for a question and answer session after the film screening. The short film, “She,” about a how a dog changes a woman’s life, stars Buffalo-born actress Charlene Amoia will accompany the screening which is about how a rescue dog changed a woman’s life. Well-known actress Amoia will also be live, in-person, to speak with the audience after the screening. This screening will be held at the Allendale Theater, located at 203 Allen St., Buffalo, N.Y. 14201. Special reception catered by Quaker Bonnet Eatery.
Sun., Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – “Harlem Street Singer” – Western New York Premiere A documentary illuminating the little-known story of Reverend Gary Davis, the great American ragtime, blues and gospel guitarist. Directed by Simeon Hutner & Trevor Laurence, the film traces the blind master guitarist’s journey from the tobacco warehouses of the rural south to the streets of Harlem and onto the 1960s folk music scene.
Sun., Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – “Doña Barbara” – The final free screening paying tribute to María Félix hosted by Casa de Arte, located at 141 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14201. The 1943 Mexican drama stars Félix as a young woman who is raped and her would-be lover killed by a group of brutal seamen. She settles on the arid plains as a cattle trader, ruthlessly building an empire out of violence and cold-hearted determination. However, when a wealthy lawyer, played by Julián Soler, arrives to sell his family’s ranch, her hatred towards men and him wane, but she must compete for his attraction with her own daughter. In Spanish with English Subtitles
SPECIAL POST-FESTIVAL EVENT
Sun., Oct. 27, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – “Fourth Annual House on Haunted Hill with EMERGO! and SPOOK SHOW: Frankenstein’s Monster LIVE in Person!” –Do you dare to attend this terrifying screening at the haunted 19th Century Lancaster Opera House? The sell-out success of the 2010 Buffalo Film Society Classic Film Series returns for a fourth year recreating William Castle’s original theatrical release including EMERGO! The amazing new wonder where ghosts fly right into the audience! The Lancaster Opera House is located at 21 Central Ave., Lancaster, N.Y. 14086.
DISLECKSIA: THE MOVIE, a documentary that seeks to counter popular misconceptions about Dyslexia, opens in NYC on October 4, 2013 and in LA on October 11, 2013, during National Dyslexia Awareness Month – October. Directed by Harvey Hubbell V, the film features interviews with prominent Dyslexic celebrities including Billy Bob Thorton, Richard Branson and Joe Pantoliano and business leaders such as real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran prolific television producer Stephen J. Cannell and Virgin’s Sir Richard Branson.
What do Billy Bob Thornton, Stephen J. Cannell and Joe Pantoliano have in common with 1.4 billion children and adults worldwide? Dyslexia. They are also featured in DISLECKSIA: THE MOVIE, a powerfully touching and entertaining documentary that mixes humor and perspective with insight and analysis. The film educates and illuminates many misconceptions about dyslexia, while underlining the need for raised awareness, early identification and social change.
Director Harvey Hubbell V explores issues surrounding dyslexia through a very human, personal lens, weaving his own lifelong experience, the research of scientists and the practice of educators, with the life experiences of celebrities, politicians, and adults and children living with dyslexia.
Intergenerational, multicultural and socio-economically diverse, DISLECKSIA: THE MOVIE presents a complete picture and the most current information on dyslexia, promotes positive messaging, explores the power of family and community and is the first film to offer an alternative perspective of dyslexia as a learning difference, rather than a disability. It is a movie that literally changes lives. Please come see why at one of our anticipated press screenings.
You and/or someone you know, is affected directly or indirectly by the phenomenon of dyslexia. The release of DISLECKSIA: THE MOVIE coincides with National Dyslexia Awareness month in October. The film opens in New York on October 4th, LA on October 11th, a nationwide one night only screening event on October 17th, followed by a city by city theatrical tour with Director Harvey Hubbell V through early 2014.
http://youtu.be/scf7Rpvloh0
IFC Midnight announced from the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival that the company is picking up Zack Parker’s PROXY for release in the US. The film made its world premiere in the Vanguard section of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and will play next at the 2013 Fantastic Fest; and stars Alexia Rasmussen, Alexa Havins, Kristina Klebe and Joe Swanberg. In PROXY, a pregnant young woman seeks consolation in a support group after she is viciously attacked by a hooded assailant. Gradually she comes to realize that nothing and no one in her life is as it appears in this shocking and challenging thriller.
Zack Parker’s PROXY is a European-style suspense-thriller that promises to challenge the traditional cinematic form.
A very pregnant Esther Woodhouse (Alexia Rasmussen) is walking home after her latest OB appointment, when she is brutally attacked and disfigured by a hooded assailant. When Esther seeks consolation in a support group, she finds friendship and empathy in Melanie (Alexa Havins), another mother scarred with tragedy. Esther soon begins to believe that the horrific event might be a bittersweet act of fate. However, friendship and empathy can be very dangerous things when accepted by the wrong people.
PROXY marks the fourth feature film by Writer-Director-Producer Zack Parker and his largest undertaking to date. Shot on-location in the varied mid-west scenery of Indiana, Zack utilized the latest in filmmaking technology to bring this horrific tale to life. With a stellar cast (Alexia Rasmussen, Alexa Havins, Kristina Klebe, Joe Swanberg) a talented production team, including Along The Tracks Productions alumni Executive Producer Michael Khamis, Cinematogrpaher Jim Timperman, Sound Designer Sonny Wingler, the musical stylings of the ever-talented team The Newton Brothers, as well as new addition, Producer Faust Checho of FSC Productions, PROXY is sure to deliver a never before seen cinematic journey. via Proxy The Movie.
http://youtu.be/R-0FOeaLjGA
Paula Wagner will produce the 5th Annual Governors Awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced today. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award and three Honorary Awards will be presented to Angelina Jolie, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin and Piero Tosi, respectively, on Saturday, November 16, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center®.
“Paula’s expertise, coupled with her love for film, makes her the ideal person to produce this special event,” said Boone Isaacs. “She is certain to deliver an exciting and memorable evening for our honorees and guests.”
“It is a privilege to work with the Academy to produce this year’s Governors Awards, honoring iconic talents who have deeply influenced our contemporary culture with their artistry,” said Wagner. “I look forward to being a part of an event that illuminates and supports these artists’ incredible achievements.”
Wagner has produced or executive-produced more than 20 feature films, including the first three “Mission: Impossible” films, “Vanilla Sky,” “The Others” and “The Last Samurai,” as well as the television film “Five” and three Broadway plays (The Heiress, which received two Tony® nominations, Grace and the recently announced Mothers and Sons). After beginning her career as an actress and then becoming a top-ranking talent agent at CAA, she went on to co-found Cruise/Wagner Productions and serve as CEO for United Artists. She now continues to independently produce film and theater through her company Chestnut Ridge Productions. Wagner is an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Carnegie Mellon University, and also lectures at universities around the nation. Wagner is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Producers Guild of America and The Broadway League. She also sits on the boards of the PGA, the Film Forum, American Cinematheque and the National Film Preservation Foundation.
Director/writer, Andrea Arnold, has been selected as the 2013 Filmmaker in Residence at the The Film Society of Lincoln Center, to take place during the 51st New York Film Festival. The initiative is in partnership with luxury brand Jaeger-LeCoultre, to further the goals of filmmakers at an earlier stage in the creative process. Arnold will have the opportunity to focus on developing or refining new work, and participate in master classes, mentorships or cultural exchange and enrichment film programs with the Film Society of Lincoln members, the film community and the public.
“We are thrilled to announce Andrea Arnold as the 2013 Filmmaker in Residence during the 51st New York Film Festival. Our partnership with Jaeger-LeCoultre on this cornerstone program fosters excellence in the filmmaking community, and reflects our shared belief in the universal power of film to inspire and engage the global community.” — Rose Kuo, Executive Director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center
Andrea Arnold is an English director and writer who made her debut with two short films, MILK in 1998 and DOG in 2001. In 2005, Arnold won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for WASP and her first feature film, RED ROAD won the Jury Prize in Cannes in 2006. Her 2009 film FISH TANK starring Kate Jarvis and Michael Fassbender, once again won the Jury Prize and in 2011, she directed an adaptation of Emily Bronte¹s Wuthering Heights. The film was shown at the 68th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Osella for Best Cinematography.
Documenting the years of transition which encompass his growth from awkward teen to daringly rebellious yet entertaining young man, Mark Bingham left the greatest momento to be appreciated for years to come, real life footage. Always one to keep a video camera in tow he and his friends bonded over pranks, and slams, on the way to becoming productive members of society. However malicious they could be, there was always an angelic aura to the outcome, that being the leadership quality and authentic manner in which Mark Bingham lived his life. The product of what many would call a broken home, Mark was not in the need of anything, the least bit-love; adored by his aunts and uncles whom always took active roles in his life Mark was like any other youth, exploring life on life terms.
A love of rugby for its forceful yet athletic way of play when he entered the latter years of high school career Mark devoted his time to being the consummate teammate. Landing a place at the University of Cal, Mark took his talents and personality to Berkley, aligning himself with other stellar young men. The son of Alice Holgan, Mark acquired his mothers leadership qualities and steadfast opinion never known as one to waver or talk out of both sides of his mouth. A champion for the LGBT community, Mark found a way to stay true to himself; however apprehensive he was at first, he chose right over wrong. A captain in his fraternity house, he left his peers stunned by the revelation. Eventual embrace and support the way that he has always known carries THE RUGBY PLAYER. A tremendous capture of a life worth having been lived, the catastrophe of Flight 93 ,and the carnage / losses of lives and so much more that marks the infamous day, Sept 11th 2001.
The irony that exists in THE RUGBY PLAYER is amazing, beginning with his mothers career of flight attending; never in a million years would one expect this form of an outcome. Admirable as all is the foresight of Mark to for all intents and purposes deliver an autobiography of this magnitude.
THE RUGBY PLAYER (2013) Documentary
TRT: 80min | Color | 5.1 Surround | Unrated | English
Director/Producer: Scott Gracheff
Producer: Holly Million
Director of Photography/Producer: Chris Million
Editor: Manuel Adrian Tsingaris
Content Advisor: Todd Sarner
HBO© Audience Award for Best Documentary – Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2013
Audience Award for Best Documentary – Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2013
Celebration of Courage Award – Kansas City LGBT Film Festival 2013
“Honorable Mention” Audience Award category – Philadelphia QFest 2013
Filmmaker and screenwriter winners of the 2012 Hollywood Black Film Festival
Tanya Kersey, Executive Director, announced the 2013 season of The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) with an inspiring line up of films, panels, panelists and festivities over a four day period. HBFF happens October 2-6, 2013 and will be hosted at the Montalban Theater, 1615 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA and The W Hotel, 6250 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028.
Some of this year’s highlights include: Film Diaspora Sidebar, launching independent films and filmmakers from the Diaspora outside of the U.S. and Canada. Happening Thursday, October 3 from 11am-8pm, 11 films from eight countries – Burkina Faso, Cameroon, England, Haiti, Madagascar, New Zealand, Nigeria and South Africa.
Twinkie Byrd’s Monologue Slam is back on Saturday, October 5 at 7pm , a panel of celebrity judges will participate in a lively Q&A discussion about all things acting. Also returning is Live Storyteller Staged Reading on Friday, Oct 4 at 7pm, featuring a live staged reading from the finalist scripts in the festival’s storyteller competition.
Recognized as the premiere Black film festival in Hollywood showcasing the best independent films from Black filmmakers, HBFF leads with innovation by delivering top-shelf panels designed to empower filmmakers and expose Black film to diverse audiences right in the heart of the movie capital.
“This year marks a pivotal moment in our history as we celebrate the artistry of Black film from coast-to-coast and worldwide,” said Kersey. “This year it’s our goal to expose the masses to dynamic Black film, while educating people on best practices for getting film financing, creating stories and tapping into the power players doing the deals through our informative Infotainment Conference panels and workshops.”
HBFF 2013 Schedule (Subject to Change)
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
12 noon 3pm Registration (The W Hollywood) 8:00pm Opening Night Film (Montalban Theatre) 10:30pm Opening Night After Party (TBA)
Thursday, October 3, 2013
9am 5pm Registration (The W Hollywood)
9am 6pm Infotainment Conference (The W Hollywood Great Room 1 & 2 unless otherwise noted)
9:00am 10:00am The Impact of Science Fiction on New Technology Project Stargazer (The W Hollywood, Great Room 3) A panel of NASA scientists and engineers will discuss how science fiction has influenced the reality of advanced engineering and technology solutions, as well as how these solutions to real world space science challenges have given birth to products that address everyday societal needs. We will address current and future space missions and ways to inspire and excite audiences about the future of space exploration.
10:00am 11:00am Developing Science Fiction inspired by Space Science Facts Project Stargazer (The W Hollywood, Great Room 3) This will be a dynamic and interactive discussion between NASA engineers/scientists and writers/filmmakers to inspire new ways of portraying science fiction while uncovering the realities of space science facts. The goal is to further the collaboration between an industry that is charged with telling visual stories and an organization responsible for undertaking the pursuit of hard science and space exploration. The two groups will meet to focus collectively on uncovering material useful to both the scientific and filmmaking communities, with an emphasis on a quality information exchange that is accurate, compelling, and innovative.
10:00am The Ins & Outs of Navigating a Film Festival This discussion will give filmmakers the necessary information to successfully navigate film festivals in order to maximize your time, make career changing connections, and gain visibility for your project.
11:15am Turning the Tide: A Hollywood Success Story This panel will talk to artists who had momentum in their careers and they used that momentum to create a success story. Panelists will share their stories of struggle to triumph. Come learn what it takes to take your career from aspiring to true Hollywood story.
12:30pm Shooting Abroad This panel will discuss opportunities for U.S. filmmakers to go overseas and make their movies, coproductions, financing, etc. Learn what you need to know to film overseas, and how is it different. Find out what shooting abroad can offer in terms of locations, financial instruments and incentives, cast and crew, infrastructure and coproducing. With the right preparation and local partners, filming overseas can be the experience of a lifetime.
2:00pm Brown Bag Lunch: Social Media Strategies to Expand Your Brand Discover opportunities to reach new audiences and promote your projects on your own. In this handson session, entertainment industry professionals will finally learn the difference between Web 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, which tools to use, and critically, when and how to use them. From blogs to wikis to widgets, find out how to navigate social media to expand your entertainment brand.
3:30pm A Conversation with Writer/Director …
5:00pm Crowdfunding Master Class: How to Build a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign Learn how to set up a successful crowdfunding campaign and shape the perfect message to get your project funded. Hear from content creators who have successfully funded their projects through crowdfunding, and learn about the latest news and developments & legal issues in the crowdfunding space.
11am11pm Film Screenings (Montalban Theatre) 11am5pm Film Diaspora Sidebar
11:15am 1pm Project Stargazer SemiFinalists Workshop (closed door by invitation only) (The W Hollywood, Great Room 3)
1:30 5:30pm Storyteller SemiFinalists Workshop (closed door by invitation only) (The W Hollywood, Great Room 3)
57pm HBFF Happy Hour (The W Hollywood Living Room) 10pm Evening Event
Friday, October 4, 2013
9am 7pm Registration (The W Hollywood)
9am 1pm Project Stargazer Pitch Development Workshop for SemiFinalists (closed door by invitation only) (The W Hollywood, Great Room 3)
In this closedsession workshop, Project Stargazer semifinalists will further developed their scifi pitches with an eye to working up a strong narrative throughline, affecting characters, character arcs, subplot, and a sense of what the story is about most, i.e. what the writer is trying to communicate most in telling the story being told. The goal of the workshop is to prepare Project Stargazer semifinalists to give their best pitch possible during the Project Stargazer Pitch Panel.
10am 6pm Infotainment Conference (The W Hollywood Great Room 1 & 2 unless otherwise noted)
10:00am Produce & Distribute Films on any Budget Independent film financing and distribution of a film can be tricky. You can pitch a film project, but you must also be able to dance to music of the investor. It’s their stage, and they don’t like indie filmmakers looking for funding. Come find out how the availability of commercial distribution opportunities for films at any budget level is changing as the industry embraces an explosion of new and unconventional resources for financing, producing and distributing independent films.
11:15am Creating Content for the New Digital Hollywood This panel will explore the ever evolving development, distribution and marketing of content and show you how you can take advantage of new opportunities as digital content options are spreading across new platforms such as the web (Internet TV), phones and tablets, and audiences evolve how they watch content. New programming options created by YouTube, Google, Netflix, Amazon and Yahoo, to name just a few, have changed the strategy for producing content and the way it is monetized.
12:30pm Pitching Yourself & Your Project (followed by Speed Networking Session) You need to be prepared to talk about you and your project at any time or place. In this workshop, you’ll develop and sharpen your pitch, polish your presentation skills, and learn how to clearly convey your passion and the marketability of your film, TV or new media project. Then you’ll have an opportunity to use what you just learned while getting mentorship from top executives, producers and artists in the industry.
1:15pm The Creative Process This panel discussion will help filmmakers understand the creative process and how to tackle the daunting task of making a feature film. How do producers and industry gatekeepers decide to take on a project? How do you assemble the right team? How to polish a script? How do actors interpret the story? The questions can be endless for a new filmmaker. This panel serves to answer some of those questions with practical answers.
2:45pm Out of This World: Writing & Producing SciFi Project Stargazer Do you have an idea for a movie that is worlds away or light years ahead of its time? This panel will show you how to flesh out your futuristic hero, create detailed new worlds, weave your fiction from the laws of physics and the universe, and transcend the typical science fiction story to write a really special script. A good scifi movie relies on both a high concept idea and the emotions of a human story to make it enduring. Learn how to turn your idea into a working screenplay that crafts a visual narrative and tells a compelling story then bring it all together in post to create an epiclooking film that is visually stunning and keeps moviegoers on the edge of their seats. Explore the technologies, visual special effects and green screen techniques that increase the production value of your scifi film. This panel will feature writers, directors, designers, producers and distributors discussing the essential creative elements and business issues around getting scifi films off the ground.
4:15pm Making Money through the Film Distribution Pipeline This session will address the many ways filmmakers can make money with their films through the distribution pipeline.
5:30pm A Conversation w/Producer …
11am11pm Film Screenings (Montalban Theatre)
1:30 5:30pm Storyteller Finalists Workshop (closed door by invitation only)
(The W Hollywood, Great Room 3) 57pm HBFF Happy Hour (The W Hollywood Living Room) 7pm Storyteller Live Staged Reading (The W Hollywood Great Room 1 & 2) 10pm Evening Event (TBD)
Saturday, October 5, 2013
9am 7pm Registration (The W Hollywood)
10am 6pm Infotainment Conference (The W Hollywood Great Room 1 & 2 unless otherwise noted)
10:00am Distributing and Marketing Independent Films
11:15am Screenwriting Workshop Sponsored by Writers Bootcamp
12:30pm The Directors Chair Sponsored by Directors Guild of America This session will give us an inside view into the life of a director and their personal stories. What does a director do? How do you get into the directors chair? How do you become a member of the DGA?
1:45pm Becoming a Powerbroker and the Deals That Made Them! Some of Hollywood’s top legal minds, agents and managers will discuss a broad range of topics from how they became powerbrokers to how to get one of them on your team.
3:00pm Acting Out Directors discuss their films and careers, the industry, and the building blocks needed to successfully develop a directing career.
36pm Project Stargazer Pitch Panel (The W Hollywood Great Room 3) Watch the ten (10) Project Stargazer semifinalists compete for three (3) spots in HBFF’s Project Stargazer 2014 Lab as they pitch their scifi projects to a stellar panel of judges from the entertainment industry and scientific community. Get valuable tips from seasoned writers, producers, and executives as they provide insight and feedback to the Stargazer hopefuls on how to craft a captivating pitch, one that engages listeners so that they want to read the script.
4:00pm Masters Class: Producers Prospective All projects face the same basic challenges – from developing material, finding the money, building strong collaborative teams, and ultimately, taking the project from script to screen. This is a roundtable discussion with seasoned and successful film and television producers and production executives who share their experience and offer concrete advice on producing for film and television.
5:15pm A Conversation With …
7pm Twinkie Byrd’s Monologue Slam A panel of celebrity judges will participate in a lively Q&A discussion about all things acting career development, audition tips & techniques, and much more. Following the panel discussion, the 11 contest finalists will perform their monologue in front of a panel of celebrity judges and a live audience. The panel will also give each actor feedback on their performance.
11am 11pm Film Screenings (Montalban Theatre) 57pm HBFF Happy Hour (The W Hollywood Living Room) 10pm Evening Event (TBD)
Sunday, October 6, 2013
10am4pm Registration (The W Hollywood) 11am4pm Infotainment Conference (The W Hollywood Great Room)
11:00am A Conversation With …
2:00 pm Pitchathon
Sponsored by Mozzell Entertainment
The first half the Pitchathon features studio development executives, producers and distributors sharing their insights and tips on how to successfully pitch a completed film, finished script and/or ideas. In the second half you’ll have a chance to actually pitch your projects and get valuable feedback and creative input from industry pros who are “in the know.”
11am 11pm Film Screenings (Montalban Theatre) 6pm Closing Night Film & Filmmaker Awards (Montalban Theatre) 8:30pm Wrap Party(Montalban Theatre Atrium)
KILL YOUR DARLINGS
The 21st Hamptons International Film Festival which takes place this year from October 10th – 14th, 2013, will open with John Krokidas’ KILL YOUR DARLINGS and close with Steve McQueen’s much buzzed 12 YEARS A SLAVE. Alexander Payne’s NEBRASKA, starring Bruce Dern and Will Forte has been selected as the Festival’s Sunday Centerpiece film.
KILL YOUR DARLINGS will be the Opening Night film at Guild Hall in East Hampton on Thursday, October 10th. Director and Co-Writer John Krokidas along with actor Dane DeHaan will be in attendance for the premiere. Based on true events, KILL YOUR DARLINGS recounts the pivotal year that changed Allen Ginsberg’s life forever and provided the spark for him to start his creative revolution. The Sony Pictures Classics film will open in theaters October 16, 2013.
NEBRASKA
Alexander Payne’s NEBRASKA, starring Bruce Dern and Will Forte, is the Festival’s Sunday Centerpiece film, playing at Guild Hall. After receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail, a cantankerous father (Dern) thinks he’s struck it rich, and wrangles his son (Forte) into taking a road trip to claim the fortune. Shot in black and white across four states, Nebraska tells the stories of family life in the heartland of America. Paramount Vantage will be releasing the film on November 22, 2013.
12 YEARS A SLAVE
12 YEARS A SLAVE is HIFF’s Closing Night Film premiering Monday evening. Directed by Steve McQueen, the film is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist, played by Brad Pitt, forever alters his life. The film will play at Guild Hall and FOX Searchlight Pictures will release it theatrically on October 18, 2013.
The Milwaukee Film Festival, announced the topics and speakers for its 2013 Panels series. This year’s line-up includes four panel discussions, one lecture built around our Passport: Germany program, and the Milwaukee debut of the Sundance Institute ShortsLab. This special workshop comes to Milwaukee for the first time, and digs into the world of short filmmaking, including how and why programmers select films and how filmmakers transition from shorts to features.
“Bringing the Sundance Institute ShortsLab to Milwaukee happened because of a trip I made to the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year,” explained Artistic & Executive Director Jonathan Jackson. “It provides an opportunity for aspiring directors to hear about all aspects of short filmmaking firsthand from the leading directors and programmers in the field.”
Scheduled to appear at the first ever ShortsLab Milwaukee are acclaimed filmmakers David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints;Pioneer, MFF 2011), Ry Russo-Young (You Wont Miss Me, MFF 2009), and Calvin Lee Reeder (The Rambler, MFF 2013), as well as the Sundance Film Festival’s Short Film Programmer Mike Plante. ShortsLab is free to UWM students, and $100 for the general public.
In addition to the Sundance Institute ShortsLab, this year’s Panels line-up will feature two other panels for filmmakers, including the Work-In-Progress Forum and the brand new Filmmaker, Meet Entrepreneur panel, where three Milwaukee filmmakers will interview three Milwaukee entrepreneurs to find out how to apply business practices and an entrepreneurial spirit to their filmmaking.
For the general public, two panels extending from films being screened at this year’s festival include Representing Race, andMKE At Risk: Transgender Youth Awareness.
All panel events will be held in the back room at Colectivo Coffee (2211 N. Prospect Ave.) and are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
PANELS LINE-UP:
SUNDANCE INSTITUTE SHORTSLAB
SATURDAY, OCT. 5 | 10 AM – 3:30 PM | UWM UNION
UWM students register for FREE
General public: $100
Join us as the Sundance Institute’s acclaimed workshop comes to Milwaukee for the first time. Co-presented with the Production Club at UWM and the UWM Student Association, this all-day workshop will dig into the world of short filmmaking, including how and why programmers select films and how filmmakers transition from shorts to features.
SPEAKERS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR:
David Lowery, Ry Russo-Young, Mike Plante, Calvin Lee Reeder
REPRESENTING RACE
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 | 3 PM
Join this panel discussing concerns and questions that arise when representing race issues on-screen in contemporary film.
MODERATOR
Dr. Donte McFadden, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
PANELISTS
Eugene Kane, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Nathaniel Kohn, Producer; Bayou Maharajah
Grace Lee | Director; American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs
T.J. McKay Martin, Director; Undefeated (MFF 2011), Academy Award Winner
PASSPORT: GERMANY
SUNDAY, SEPT. 29 | 1 PM
As part of our Passport: Germany program, this lecture will discuss current trends and concerns in German cinema.
SPEAKER Dr. Sara Hall, University of Illinois-Chicago
MKE AT RISK: TRANSGENDER YOUTH AWARENESS
SUNDAY, SEPT. 29 | 4 PM
Following the matinee screening of Valentine Road at the Oriental Theatre, this panel will consider LGBT and transgender youth awareness and advocacy in Milwaukee.
WELCOME Paul Fairchild, Cream City Foundation
MODERATOR Mitch Teich, WUWM’s Lake Effect
PANELISTS
michael munson & Loree Cook-Daniels, FORGE
Tina Owen, Alliance School
Syd Robinson, ACLU of Wisconsin
Additional panelists TBA
WORK-IN-PROGRESS FORUM
SUNDAY, OCT. 6 | 2 PM
A lively and informative sneak peek at several in-progress films from Wisconsin filmmakers.
MODERATOR Jeff Reichert, Director; Remote Area Medical; VP of Theatrical Marketing, Cinedigm, and editor; Reverse Shot
PANELISTS
Pat Buckley and Manny Marquez, Serenity Prayer
Jeff Gendelman, The Surface
Cris Siqueira, Monga*Ape Girl
Chris James Thompson, Guantánamo Lawyers
Rubin Whitmore II and Xavier Ruffin, Mad Black Men
FILMMAKER, MEET ENTREPRENEUR
SUNDAY, OCT. 6 | 4 PM
In recent years, Milwaukee has witnessed a more organized and energetic effort toward supporting local startups and the entrepreneurial spirit at large. We tasked three local filmmakers with interviewing three successful business professionals, to find out how film professionals can use the language of business to turn their artistic and technical successes into financial successes as well.
WELCOME David Sengkhammee
FILMMAKERS Susan Kerns, Brad Lichtenstein, Kurt Raether
ENTREPRENEURS Kelly Fitzsimmons, Andy Nunemaker, Michael Drescher
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