Dina[/caption]
AutFest International Film Festival announced its official program selections for its second annual film festival celebrating autism awareness “From Spectrum to Screen.” Presented by The Autism Society, AutFest will screen over 16 feature films, short films and television programs that promote autism awareness and/or are made by autistic filmmakers.
AutFest will also honor Netflix’s hit show “Atypical” and ABC’s “The Good Doctor” with Spotlight Awards for their special portrayal of lead characters who are on the autistic spectrum. The Visionary Award will be presented to SONY Pictures Entertainment’s JEFF FROST, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, and Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Television CHRIS PARNELL and JASON CLODFELTER.
AutFest takes place Saturday, April 28 – Sunday, April 28, 2018 at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, CA.
The 2nd Annual AutFest International Film Festival will present the following features, shorts and television programs to play in its 2018 program. For AutFest full schedule, please click here
ATYPICAL / USA – Netflix (71 min.)
Sun. April 29, 3:30 PM
Created by Robia Rashid
Followed by Panel with Creator Robin Rashid (The Goldbergs, How I Met Your Mother); Actors Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight),Brigette Lundy-Paine (Downsizing, The Glass Castle), Keir Gilchrist (It’s Kind of a Funny Story), Anthony Jacques, Layla Weiner and Nikki Guttman; Executive Producers Mary Rohlich (Baywatch, Identity Thief) and Seth Gordon (Identity Thief, Pixels); Author David Finch (The Journal of Best Practices) and Autism Consultant Michelle Dean
Atypical is a coming of age story from the point-of-view of Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum searching for love and independence. While Sam is on his funny and emotional journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives while exploring the questions: what does it really mean to be “normal”?
BARFI by Disney (2012) / India
Sat. April 28, 8:00 PM
Directed by Anurag Basu
Followed by “Love & Relationships” Panel with Lindsey Nebeker, Alex Plank, Dani Bowman, Tammy Klein, Chris Tenney, and Autism Consultant Tara Reisbaum
His parents named him Murphy, but everyone calls him Barfi. Always ready with a prank up his sleeve, he’s quite the charmer, especially with the ladies. In Darjeeling, Barfi is THE TALK of the town. Even though he can neither speak, not listen. His bittersweet relationship with two beautiful young ladies, Shruti and Jhilmil sets in motion a chain of events that will turn his life upside down. UTV Motion Pictures and director Anurag Basu invite you to witness the amusing, naughty, and sometimes crazy antics of Barfi. A heart-warming tale of selfless love and about finding happiness in the smallest things in life; that tells you no matter how tough your life may be, “Don’t worry. Be Barfi!”
BIG MOUTH by Spectrum Laboratory / USA (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
When you just can’t handle your friend’s gossip, rambling on, and negativity anymore, do what Domonique Brown does, write a song about it.
CIRCUMSTANTIAL / USA (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Jesse Rapaport
As Kevin (Jesse Rapaport), a young, autistic homeless man, wanders through a Southern California beach community, he crosses paths with another TRANSIENT MAN (Mark Strohman), with whom Kevin trades goods, and later a young TRANSIENT GIRL (Mair Mulroney), who steals food from Kevin and assaults him.
DINA (2017) / USA
Sat. April 28, 3:45 PM
Directed by Dan Sickles and Antonio Santini
Dina’s getting married in a few weeks and there’s still so much to do. Shehas to move her boyfriend, Scott, from his parents’ house to her apartment, and settle him in to only the second home he’s ever had, all while juggling his schedule as an early morning Wal-Mart door greeter. She has to get her dress, confirm arrangements with the venue, and make peace with her family, who remain nervous for their beloved Dina after the death of her first husband and the string of troubled relationships that followed. Throughout it all, in the face of obstacles large and small, Dina remains indomitable. She’s overcome tragedy and found the man she wants and, at age 48, is bent on building the life for herself that she believes she deserves. Dina is unstoppable, a force of nature, and as the star of her own life story, she’s an unconventional move protagonist the like of which hasn’t been seen before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4BSWA7pWuc
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE / USA (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Laura Hart McKinny and John McKinny
Extraordinary People chronicles a business that inspires its staff, families and neighborhood with the belief that meaningful jobs change lives. It explores the lives of six young adults, diverse on the autism spectrum, in paying jobs that maximize their unique individual skills while building their confidence and community.
THE GIRL INSIDE by Spectrum Laboratory (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
The struggle of a young autistic girl dealing with her two different personalities. The Girl Inside represents THE VOICE of Abbey’s autism and how she sometimes wants to “rip it out of her head and give it to someone else.” She just wants to have what typical kids have.
THE GOOD DOCTOR (2017) ABC (43 min.)
Sun. April 29, 5:50 PM Developed by David Shore
Followed by Panel with Creator David Shore, Richard Schiff (Dr. Aaron Glassman), Nicholas Gonzalez (Dr. Neil Melendez), and Autism Consultant Melissa Reiner
Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join the prestigious St. Bonaventure hospital’s surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, his only advocate, Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff), challenges the skepticism and prejudices of the hospital’s board and staff when he brings him in to join the team. Shaun will need to work harder than he ever has before, as he navigates his new environment and relationships to prove to his colleagues that his extraordinary medical gifts will save lives. The series is from David Shore House, and Lost, and Hawaii Five-O star Daniel Dae Kim.
MY GROWN UP FAMILY AND AUTISM / UK (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Fran Landsman
Fifteen years ago I made an award-winning film about an extraordinary family. Jacqui Jackson lived alone with her seven children, five of whom had a form of autism. I wanted to return to find out what becomes of autistic children when they become adults. What I discovered was both a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of love and determination.
THE ODD ONE IN (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Georgia Pfasciale
Three individuals with autism share their stories about their desires, challenges, and accomplishments. The documentary also questions what it means to be aware of autism versus understanding it.
PLEASE STAND BY (2017) / USA (93 min.)
Sun. April 29, 10:30 AM
Directed by Ben Lewin
Followed by panel with Director Ben Lewin (The Sessions), Writer Michael Golcamo and Autism Consultant Elaine Hall
A young autistic woman runs away from her caregiver in order to boldly go and deliver her 500-page Star Trek script to a writing competition in Hollywood. On an adventure full of laughter and tears, Wendy, played with exquisite delicacy by Dakota Fanning, follows the guiding spirit of Mr. Spock on her journey into the unknown. “It is there for us to conquer, not to fear.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv3ulMyxOBM
POWER RANGERS (2017) / USA (164 min.)
Sat. April 28, 12:45 PM
Directed by Dean Israelite
Followed by Panel with RJ Cyler (War Machine) and John Gatins (Flight)
The story follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove-and the world-is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.
PURSUIT OF JUSTICE (2018) / USA (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Greg Byers
‘Pursuit of Justice’ tracks the advocacy of civil rights attorney Thomas F. Coleman, clinical psychologist Nora J. Baladerian, and a growing network of activists as they travel the country promoting reforms in adult guardianship proceedings involving seniors and adults with various disabilities.
RANDY’S CANVAS (2018) / USA (102 min.)
Sat. April 28, 5:50 PM
Directed by Kevin Schmidt
Randy’s Canvas tells the fictional story of a young man who was abandoned by his birth parents at a very young age who lives with his “brother from another mother” Henry, in the big city. Randy is an incredibly talented artist, has a kind heart and autism. When he falls in love for the first time, his life begins to spin out of control as he tries to deal with a roller coaster of emotions and first-time experiences.
ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ (2017) / USA (162 min.)
Sun. April 29, 1:00 PM
by Dan Gilroy
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a dramatic thriller set in the underbelly of the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as a driven, idealistic defense attorney whose life is upended when a turbulent series of events challenges the activism that has defined his career. Colin Farrell costars as the ambitious, monies lawyer who recruits Roman to his firm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CItEtnp3nPY
SISTERLY (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Nina Vallado
Nina and Lisa are two sisters destined to be the best of friends. When Lisa is diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Lisa’s voice disappears, and she is unable to communicate. Nina and Lisa search for connection, intimacy, and sisterhood despite the challenges of autism.
Please Stand By
-
AutFest Film Festival Announces Final 2018 Program Lineup, ‘DINA’ ‘PLEASE STAND BY’ ‘ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ’
[caption id="attachment_19891" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Dina[/caption]
AutFest International Film Festival announced its official program selections for its second annual film festival celebrating autism awareness “From Spectrum to Screen.” Presented by The Autism Society, AutFest will screen over 16 feature films, short films and television programs that promote autism awareness and/or are made by autistic filmmakers.
AutFest will also honor Netflix’s hit show “Atypical” and ABC’s “The Good Doctor” with Spotlight Awards for their special portrayal of lead characters who are on the autistic spectrum. The Visionary Award will be presented to SONY Pictures Entertainment’s JEFF FROST, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, and Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Television CHRIS PARNELL and JASON CLODFELTER.
AutFest takes place Saturday, April 28 – Sunday, April 28, 2018 at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, CA.
The 2nd Annual AutFest International Film Festival will present the following features, shorts and television programs to play in its 2018 program. For AutFest full schedule, please click here
ATYPICAL / USA – Netflix (71 min.)
Sun. April 29, 3:30 PM
Created by Robia Rashid
Followed by Panel with Creator Robin Rashid (The Goldbergs, How I Met Your Mother); Actors Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight),Brigette Lundy-Paine (Downsizing, The Glass Castle), Keir Gilchrist (It’s Kind of a Funny Story), Anthony Jacques, Layla Weiner and Nikki Guttman; Executive Producers Mary Rohlich (Baywatch, Identity Thief) and Seth Gordon (Identity Thief, Pixels); Author David Finch (The Journal of Best Practices) and Autism Consultant Michelle Dean
Atypical is a coming of age story from the point-of-view of Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum searching for love and independence. While Sam is on his funny and emotional journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives while exploring the questions: what does it really mean to be “normal”?
BARFI by Disney (2012) / India
Sat. April 28, 8:00 PM
Directed by Anurag Basu
Followed by “Love & Relationships” Panel with Lindsey Nebeker, Alex Plank, Dani Bowman, Tammy Klein, Chris Tenney, and Autism Consultant Tara Reisbaum
His parents named him Murphy, but everyone calls him Barfi. Always ready with a prank up his sleeve, he’s quite the charmer, especially with the ladies. In Darjeeling, Barfi is THE TALK of the town. Even though he can neither speak, not listen. His bittersweet relationship with two beautiful young ladies, Shruti and Jhilmil sets in motion a chain of events that will turn his life upside down. UTV Motion Pictures and director Anurag Basu invite you to witness the amusing, naughty, and sometimes crazy antics of Barfi. A heart-warming tale of selfless love and about finding happiness in the smallest things in life; that tells you no matter how tough your life may be, “Don’t worry. Be Barfi!”
BIG MOUTH by Spectrum Laboratory / USA (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
When you just can’t handle your friend’s gossip, rambling on, and negativity anymore, do what Domonique Brown does, write a song about it.
CIRCUMSTANTIAL / USA (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Jesse Rapaport
As Kevin (Jesse Rapaport), a young, autistic homeless man, wanders through a Southern California beach community, he crosses paths with another TRANSIENT MAN (Mark Strohman), with whom Kevin trades goods, and later a young TRANSIENT GIRL (Mair Mulroney), who steals food from Kevin and assaults him.
DINA (2017) / USA
Sat. April 28, 3:45 PM
Directed by Dan Sickles and Antonio Santini
Dina’s getting married in a few weeks and there’s still so much to do. Shehas to move her boyfriend, Scott, from his parents’ house to her apartment, and settle him in to only the second home he’s ever had, all while juggling his schedule as an early morning Wal-Mart door greeter. She has to get her dress, confirm arrangements with the venue, and make peace with her family, who remain nervous for their beloved Dina after the death of her first husband and the string of troubled relationships that followed. Throughout it all, in the face of obstacles large and small, Dina remains indomitable. She’s overcome tragedy and found the man she wants and, at age 48, is bent on building the life for herself that she believes she deserves. Dina is unstoppable, a force of nature, and as the star of her own life story, she’s an unconventional move protagonist the like of which hasn’t been seen before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4BSWA7pWuc
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE / USA (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Laura Hart McKinny and John McKinny
Extraordinary People chronicles a business that inspires its staff, families and neighborhood with the belief that meaningful jobs change lives. It explores the lives of six young adults, diverse on the autism spectrum, in paying jobs that maximize their unique individual skills while building their confidence and community.
THE GIRL INSIDE by Spectrum Laboratory (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
The struggle of a young autistic girl dealing with her two different personalities. The Girl Inside represents THE VOICE of Abbey’s autism and how she sometimes wants to “rip it out of her head and give it to someone else.” She just wants to have what typical kids have.
THE GOOD DOCTOR (2017) ABC (43 min.)
Sun. April 29, 5:50 PM Developed by David Shore
Followed by Panel with Creator David Shore, Richard Schiff (Dr. Aaron Glassman), Nicholas Gonzalez (Dr. Neil Melendez), and Autism Consultant Melissa Reiner
Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join the prestigious St. Bonaventure hospital’s surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, his only advocate, Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff), challenges the skepticism and prejudices of the hospital’s board and staff when he brings him in to join the team. Shaun will need to work harder than he ever has before, as he navigates his new environment and relationships to prove to his colleagues that his extraordinary medical gifts will save lives. The series is from David Shore House, and Lost, and Hawaii Five-O star Daniel Dae Kim.
MY GROWN UP FAMILY AND AUTISM / UK (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Fran Landsman
Fifteen years ago I made an award-winning film about an extraordinary family. Jacqui Jackson lived alone with her seven children, five of whom had a form of autism. I wanted to return to find out what becomes of autistic children when they become adults. What I discovered was both a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of love and determination.
THE ODD ONE IN (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Georgia Pfasciale
Three individuals with autism share their stories about their desires, challenges, and accomplishments. The documentary also questions what it means to be aware of autism versus understanding it.
PLEASE STAND BY (2017) / USA (93 min.)
Sun. April 29, 10:30 AM
Directed by Ben Lewin
Followed by panel with Director Ben Lewin (The Sessions), Writer Michael Golcamo and Autism Consultant Elaine Hall
A young autistic woman runs away from her caregiver in order to boldly go and deliver her 500-page Star Trek script to a writing competition in Hollywood. On an adventure full of laughter and tears, Wendy, played with exquisite delicacy by Dakota Fanning, follows the guiding spirit of Mr. Spock on her journey into the unknown. “It is there for us to conquer, not to fear.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv3ulMyxOBM
POWER RANGERS (2017) / USA (164 min.)
Sat. April 28, 12:45 PM
Directed by Dean Israelite
Followed by Panel with RJ Cyler (War Machine) and John Gatins (Flight)
The story follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove-and the world-is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.
PURSUIT OF JUSTICE (2018) / USA (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Greg Byers
‘Pursuit of Justice’ tracks the advocacy of civil rights attorney Thomas F. Coleman, clinical psychologist Nora J. Baladerian, and a growing network of activists as they travel the country promoting reforms in adult guardianship proceedings involving seniors and adults with various disabilities.
RANDY’S CANVAS (2018) / USA (102 min.)
Sat. April 28, 5:50 PM
Directed by Kevin Schmidt
Randy’s Canvas tells the fictional story of a young man who was abandoned by his birth parents at a very young age who lives with his “brother from another mother” Henry, in the big city. Randy is an incredibly talented artist, has a kind heart and autism. When he falls in love for the first time, his life begins to spin out of control as he tries to deal with a roller coaster of emotions and first-time experiences.
ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ (2017) / USA (162 min.)
Sun. April 29, 1:00 PM
by Dan Gilroy
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a dramatic thriller set in the underbelly of the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as a driven, idealistic defense attorney whose life is upended when a turbulent series of events challenges the activism that has defined his career. Colin Farrell costars as the ambitious, monies lawyer who recruits Roman to his firm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CItEtnp3nPY
SISTERLY (Short)
Sat. April 28, 10:00 AM
Directed by Nina Vallado
Nina and Lisa are two sisters destined to be the best of friends. When Lisa is diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Lisa’s voice disappears, and she is unable to communicate. Nina and Lisa search for connection, intimacy, and sisterhood despite the challenges of autism.
-
Austin Film Festival Announces 2017 Film Lineup, CHAPPAQUIDDICK to Close Fest
[caption id="attachment_24775" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Chappaquiddick[/caption]
The 24th Austin Film Festival (AFF) unveiled its lineup of feature films, and Chappaquiddick, a drama recounting Ted Kennedy’s infamous 1969 car accident resulting in the death of his campaign worker, will close out the Festival.
A staple of the Festival, AFF’s retrospective series this year will feature Philip D’Antoni’s 1973 drama The Seven-Ups presented by David Simon and George Pelecanos (The Deuce, The Wire), Jack Fisk’s 1981 film Raggedy Man—a tribute to Sam Shepard—presented by writer William D. Wittliff in partnership with the Wittliff Collections, and seminal 1987 action film Predator presented by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, The Nice Guys) who is currently working on the film’s reboot. Additionally, already announced Extraordinary Contribution to Film awardee Walter Hill will present his cult classic The Warriors.
In addition to the slate of 150+ films, AFF will present premieres and retrospectives of television programming, including the season 2 premiere of Hulu’s darkly comedic psychic drama Shut Eye , and the premiere of the Season Finale of HBO’s drama The Deuce.
Also confirmed to attend is Dan Rather, who will help present the World Premiere of the documentary Fail State, chronicling the rise of predatory for-profit colleges. Writer/producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, The Walking Dead) will also be in attendance for AFF’s screening of documentary Mankiller about barrier-breaking female Cherokee leader Wilma Mankiller.
Other World Premieres include Wild Honey (Francis Stokes’ comedy about a phone sex operator searching for love), Coming to My Senses (a documentary following a man’s journey to regain his mobility after an accident), and Transformer (chronicling the transition of world-renowned body builder Matt Kroczaelski into Janae after being outed as transgender). Making its US Premiere at AFF is comedy Don’t Talk to Irene, which also won AFF’s Comedy Screenplay Award in 2013. Written and directed by Pat Mills, Irene premiered this month at Toronto International Film Festival to a receptive audience.
Austin Film Festival also revealed today their full Screenwriters Conference schedule, which will take place the first four days of the Festival, October 26-29. The Conference features a roster of prominent screenwriters in film and television, including Kenneth Lonergan, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Noah Hawley, Courtney A. Kemp, Lindsay Doran, Misha Green, Michael Arndt, Mark Frost, Michael Green, Sarah Gubbins, Christopher Vogler, Scott Frank, Megan Amram, John August, Eric Heisserer, and many more
Austin Film Festival’s 2017 slate:
Marquee Features:
Lady Bird – Opening Night Film Writer/Director: Greta Gerwig The Current War – Centerpiece Film Writer: Michael Mitnick Director: Alfonso Gomez Chappaquiddick – Closing Night Film Writers: Taylor Allen, Andrew Logan Director: John Curran 24 Hours to Live Writers: Zach Dean, Jim McClain, Ron Mita Director: Brian Smrz 42 Grams Director: Jack C. Newell An Ordinary Man Writer/Director: Brad Silberling The Boy Downstairs Writer/Director: Sophie Brooks Blame Writers: Laurie Shephard, Quinn Shephard Director: Quinn Shephard Call Me By Your Name *REGIONAL PREMIERE Writers: James Ivory, Andre Aciman Director: Luca Guadagnino Darkest Hour *REGIONAL PREMIERE Writer: Anthony McCarten Director: Joe Wright Endings: The Good, the Bad, and the Insanely Great – The Movie Special Presentation by Michael Arndt Into the Night: Portraits of Life and Death Director: Helen Whitney Please Stand By Writer: Michael Golamco Director: Ben Lewin Permanent Writer/Director: Colette Burson Mansfield 66/67 Directors: P. David Ebersole, Todd Hughes Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri **REGIONAL PREMIERE Writer/Director: Martin McDonagh The Upside *REGIONAL PREMIERE Writers: Jon Hartmere Director: Neil BurgerMarquee-TV Programming
HBO’s The Deuce-Season Finale Writers: George Pelecanos, David Simon, Chris Yakaitis Director: Michelle MacLaren YouTube Red’s Do You Want to See a Dead Body? Creator: Rob Huebel Hulu’s Shut Eye Season 2 Premiere Episode: “We’re Not in Kansas Anymore” (Season Premiere) Executive Producer/Showrunner: John Shiban Executive Producers: Mark Johnson, Melissa Bernstein Writer: Amy Berg New Form Original Premieres Small Talk Creator: Becca Gleason Love Me Do Creator: Gaby Dunn Press Start Creators: Evan Beamer and Dave ChildsRetrospective Programming
Confessions of a Serial Killer (1985) – Presented by Mark Blair Writer/Director: Mark Blair Predator (1987) – Presented by Shane Black Writers: Jim Thomas, John Thomas Director: John McTiernan Raggedy Man (1981) – Presented by William D. Wittliff Writer: William D. Wittliff Director: Jack Fisk The Seven-Ups (1973) – Presented by George Pelecanos and David Simon Writers: Albert Ruben, Alexander Jacobs, Sonny Grosso Director: Philip D’Antoni The Warriors (1979) – Presented by Walter Hill Writers: Walter Hill, David Shaber, Sol Yurick (novel) Director: Walter HillNarrative Features:
Amanda and Jack Go Glamping Writer/Director: Brandon Dickerson An American in Texas Writers: Anthony Pedone, Stephen Floyd Director: Anthony Pedone Beauty Mark Writer/Director: Harris Doran Cast: Laura Bell Bundy, Jeff Kober, Madison Iseman Bleed. Scream. Beat! Writers: Aldo Miyashiro, Ãrika Villalobos, Abril Cárdenas Director: Aldo Miyashiro Boost Writer/Director: Darren Curtis Dabka Writer/Director: Bryan Buckley Flock of Four Writer: Gregory Caruso, Michael Nader Director: Gregory Caruso Here We Are Writer/Director: David Bellarosa High & Outside: a baseball noir Writer: Dan O’Dair Director: Evald Johnson Hollow in the Land Writer/Director: Scooter Corkle In Blue Writers: Jan-Willem den Bok & Jaap van Heusden Director: Jaap van Heusden Kafou Writers: Jasmuel Andri, Bruno Mourral, Gilbert Mirambeau Director: Bruno Mourral Logndagen Writer/Director: Yaghoob Keshavarz Sarkar Meerkat Moonship Writer/Director: Hanneke Schutte Quality Problems Writer/Director: Brooke Purdy Quest Writers: Santiago Rizzo & Darren Anderson Director: Santiago Rizzo Southern Tale Writer/Director: Tel Royal Space & Time Writer/Director: Shawn Gerrard Sun Dogs Writer: Jennifer Morrison Director: Anthony Tambakis Tenn Writer: Stacey Miller Director: James Franco House of Tomorrow Writer/Director: Peter Livolsi Time Trap Writer: Mark Dennis Directors: Mark Dennis, Ben FosterComedy Vanguard Features
Chasing the Blues Writer: Scott Smith, Kevin Guilfoile Director: Scott Smith Don’t Talk To Irene *US PREMIERE Writer/Director: Pat Mills Dr. Brinks & Dr. Brinks Writer: Josh Crockett, Jonathan Pappas Director: Josh Crockett The Great Unwashed Writer: Louis Fonseca, Nick Horseman Director: Louis Fonseca The Outdoorsman Writer: Ryan Gilmour Director: David Haskell Shop of Little Pleasures Writer: Julia Frick, Alice Frick Director: Julia Frick Wild Honey Writer/Director: Francis StokesDark Matters Features
Bodies Writer: Joseph Baker Director: Tom Large Bullitt County Writer/Director: David McCracken Freddy/Eddy Writer/Director: Tini Tüllmann Ruin Me Writer: Trysta A. Bissett, Preston DeFrancis Director: Preston DeFrancis The Landing Writers/Directors: David Dodson and Mark Dodson Touched Writer/Director: Karl R. HearneDocumentary Feature
Augie Director: James Keach Beauty and Ruin Writer/Director: Marc de Guerre Coming to My Senses Director: Dominic Gill Fail State *WORLD PREMIERE Writers: Alexander Shebanow, Regina Sobel, Nicholas Adams Director: Alexander Shebanow Mankiller *REGIONAL PREMIERE Writer: Valerie Red-horse Mohl, Gale Anne Hurd Director: Valerie Red-horse Mohl Mr. Fish: Cartooning From the Deep End Director: Pablo Bryant Shot in the Dark Director: Dustin Nakao Haider Transformer Writer/Director: Michael Del Monte Triumph: The Untold Story of Perry Wallace Writers: Rich Gentile, Eli Spielman, Bruce Johnson What Haunts Us Writer: Mark Monroe Director: Paige Goldberg TolmachFamily Series
Earth: One Amazing Day Writers: Frank Cottrell Boyce, Richard Dale, Geling Yan Directors: Richard Dale, Lixin Fan, Peter Webber Into the Who Knows! Writers: Micah Barber, Tony Faia
-
Austin Film Festival Reveals First Wave of Films, PERMANENT, PLEASE STAND BY and More
[caption id="attachment_24022" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Please Stand By[/caption]
Permanent with Rainn Wilson and Patricia Arquette, Please Stand By with Dakota Fanning and Toni Collete, and 24 Hours to Live with Ethan Hawke and Liam Cunningham are among the first wave of films revealed for the 2017 Austin Film Festival (AFF), taking place October 26 through November 2.
In addition to playing films from all over the world, AFF continues to spotlight local films and talent. This year AFF will premiere the romantic comedy Amanda and Jack Go Glamping starring David Arquette and Amy Acker, written and directed by Austin filmmaker Brandon Dickerson. Additionally, AFF will present a remastered retrospective of 1985 Austin-produced cult horror film Confessions of a Serial Killer starring famed local filmmaker Robert Burns. Based on the crimes of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, Confessions was the first independent film acquired for distribution by Roger Corman.
Already confirmed to attend the fest this year are David Arquette for Glamping, and Sasheer Zamata (Saturday Night Live) and Brent Morin (Undateable) for the World Premiere of comedy The Outdoorsman. These actors will join AFF’s already announced Distinguished Screenwriter awardee Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea).
AFF FIRST WAVE:
24 Hours to Live
Writers: Zach Dean, Jim McClain, Ron Mita
Director: Brian Smrz
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Liam Cunningham, Rutger Hauer
24 Hours to Live follows a career assassin who turns rogue after his latest mission goes awry.
Amanda & Jack Go Glamping
World Premiere
Writer/Director: Brandon Dickerson
Starring: David Arquette, Amy Acker, Adan Canto, June Squibb
With his mid-life marriage on rocky ground, dejected one-hit-author Jack Spencer goes glamping (glamorous camping) with his wife, Amanda, in search of a spark. When the isolated retreat suddenly becomes anything but private with the arrival of double booking honeymoon hipsters and a super-hunk land owner, Jack must learn to get over himself as he dives deep off the grid into a comedic exploration of love, failure, relevance, and miniature donkeys.
Confessions of a Serial Killer –Remastered 1985 Retrospective
Writer/Director: Mark Blair
Starring: Robert Burns, Dennis Hill, Berkley Garrett
The thinly veiled account of the chilling life and crimes of notorious Henry Lee Lucas, whose reign of terror came to an end on July 11th, 1983.
The Deuce-Season Finale
World Premiere
Creators: David Simon, George Pelecanos
Starring: James Franco, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Zoe Kazan
Created by George Pelecanos and David Simon and starring James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce follows the story of the legalization and subsequent rise of the porn industry in New York’s Times Square from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s, exploring the rough-and-tumble world at the pioneering moments of what would become the billion-dollar American sex industry. George Pelecanos, David Simon, James Franco and Nina K. Noble executive produce.
Flock of Four
World Premiere
Writer/Director: Gregory Caruso
Starring: Braeden Lemasters, Shane Harper, Coco Jones, Reg E. Cathey
In 1959, four best friends search for a legendary jazz musician and discover an unforgettable night of culture and music in South Central, Los Angeles.
Mr. Fish: Cartooning from the Deep End
World Premiere
Director: Pablo Bryant
Mr. Fish, one of the most dangerous American cartoonists working today, is faced with selling his art or selling his soul.
An Ordinary Man
North American Premiere
Writer/Director: Brad Silberling
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Hera Hilmar, Peter Serafinowicz
The life of a fugitive war criminal takes a turn for the unexpected in An Ordinary Man. After years of hiding in plain sight following the brutal Balkan wars, a man known only as the General, ferried nightly from couch to couch by faithful loyalists, at last is placed in an apartment of his own. When Tanja, the young housemaid of the prior tenant unwittingly stumbles through his door, it’s clear to both that her simply departing will not be an option. What follows is a cat and mouse game of intentions and identities, in which the General’s need for human contact drives him to take increasingly greater risks, pressing to unearth Tanja’s secrets…and setting them both on a collision course with the past.
The Outdoorsman
World Premiere
Writer: Ryan Gilmour
Director: David Haskell
Starring: Brent Morin, Sasheer Zamata, Spencer Grammer
As he prepares to cut ties with society and spend a year in the mountains, an aspiring wilderness writer meets a goal oriented, corporate woman who has quit her job to ‘find herself.’ He falls in love, but ultimately must ask himself what he wants: the ‘normal’ life he’s avoided his whole life, or living his outdoor fantasy, alone.
Permanent
Writer/Director: Colette Burson
Starring: Kira McClean, Rainn Wilson, Patricia Arquette
Set in 1983 in small town Virginia, Permanent centers around a 13-year-old and her family. The story of a hairstyle gone incredibly wrong and a young girl’s plight to fit in while encountering bullies at a new school.
Please Stand By
Writer: Michael Golamco
Director: Ben Lewin
Magnolia Pictures’ upcoming dramedy starring Dakota Fanning and Toni Collette.
Touched
North American Premiere
Writer/Director: Karl R. Hearne
Starring: Hugh Thompson, Lola Flanery
A ghostly, psychological drama about a young woman who disappears from her building and her solitary landlord who tries to track her down.