The Maestro

  • Rhode Island International Film Festival Celebrates 22nd Season with Over 290 Films

    [caption id="attachment_31064" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR FAMILY YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR FAMILY[/caption] Over a six-day run, from August 7 to 12, 2018, the 22nd Annual Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival will screen 293 films that include 84 World/United States Premieres from 48 countries. The festival will host the premieres of local films such as Pat Heywood and Jamil McGinnis’ “Fall River,” Clayton Vila’s “Back to Life: The Torin Yater-Wallace Story,” URI Film Professor, Reshad Kulenovic’s “Blood & Moonlight,” Selene Means’ “The Time Is Already,” Ali Migliore’s “After Her,” Denali Tiller’s “Tre Maison Dason,” Gene Pina’s “Warrior,” Tim Gray’s “Survivors of Malmedy: December 1944” and many, many more. Starting on Tuesday, August 7th, a special year long “Celebration of Women in Film and Arts” will be launched (#WomenInTheArts). To celebrate this achievement, the Festival is dedicated this year’s event to Dr. Winifred E. Brownell, a groundbreaking educator and Dean Emerita of the Arts and Sciences at the University of Rhode Island. Her visionary work propelled the University to become a leading hub for film media studies and nurtured the Festival during its infancy, spurring it to become the internationally acclaimed event that it is today. The Festival is also establishing a $2,000 annual scholarship in her name that pays recognition to her career championing the arts and humanities at the University of Rhode Island and a leading female voice in higher education. RIIFF is one of 10 Festivals in the world that is an Academy Award qualifier in the Live Action, Animation and Documentary Short categories and a qualifier with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

    AWARDS

    GILBERT STUART ARTISTIC VISION (LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT) AWARD will be presented to Joseph M. Alves, an American film production designer. He designed the three mechanical sharks for the movie Jaws (1975). Alves also designed three features for Steven Spielberg, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Art Direction and won the BAFTA for Best Art Direction for his work on Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The RIIFF SCREENPLAY COMPETITION AWARD will be presented to Barry Brennessel from Silver Spring, MD whose screenplay is entitled “ANH SANG.” The 2018 PRODUCER’S CIRCLE AWARDS are presented annually to members of the community who have actively worked to support and promote the mission of the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival. This year’s recipients include: Michael Braca, photographer; Judge Frank Caprio, Municipal Judge and television personality; Dr. J. Scott Oberacker, RIIFF Educational Outreach Director; and Niko Stamatakos, business sponsor/supporter

    OPENING NIGHT LINEUP

    TIGHT SPOT | Directed by: Kevin Haefelin | 4 min. Switzerland, USA, 2018 Shining the shoes of a walk-in customer, a shiner discovers his client’s dark secret. ZION | Directed By: Floyd Russ | 11 min. USA, 2017 Zion is a short documentary about the life of Zion Clark, a young wrestler who was born without legs and grew up in foster care. CAROLINE | Directed By: Celine Held and Logan George | 12 min. USA, 2018 When plans fall through, a six-year-old is faced with a big responsibility on a hot Texas day. FALL RIVER | Directed by: Pat Heywood and Jamil McGinnis | 7 min. USA, 2018 Through the intimate reflections of one extraordinary woman, Fall River tells the story of a family’s tragedy, the once-thriving city they inhabited, and how hope can blossom in unexpected places. In the search for closeness, for comfort, for history — what does it mean to be from somewhere? THE COLLAR | Directed by: Viktoria Runtsova | 23 min. Russian Federation, 2017 A modest young woman buys the new collar for her clothing. But the collar starts to rule her life leading to an important decision. MARGUERITE | Directed by: Marianne Farley | 19 min. Canada, 2017 An aging woman and her nurse develop a friendship that inspires her to unearth unacknowledged longing and thus help her make peace with her past. GEOFF | Directed by: Michael Rouse and Will Kenning | 20 min. United Kingdom, 2017 Bridging Fear with Love and Peanuts. TYRANNOSAURUS FUNK | Directed by: Sandra Boynton | 4 min. United States, 2017 A confident T. Rex singing about the particular joys of being king of the dinosaurs. FERN | Directed by: Johnny Kelly | 6 min. United Kingdom, 2017 A woman loses her husband, and finds a houseplant. ONE SMALL STEP | Directed by: Bobby Pontillas | 8 min. USA/China | 2018 Luna, a young Chinese American girl, dreams of becoming an astronaut. Supported by her humble father, Luna endeavors to make her dreams come true.

    WORKSHOPS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMMING

    A number of events that RIIFF will hold during the week are targeted toward helping novice and professional filmmakers improve and refine their skills. One of the most popular events is the annual RHODE ISLAND FILM FORUM, to be held on Thursday, August 9, at the Biltmore Hotel Ballroom in collaboration with the RI Film & Television Office, the University of Rhode Island’s Harrington School of Communication and Media, Johnson and Wales University, Providence College, and Roger Williams University. This year’s special guest is director and production designer, Joe Alves (IMDB). Alves will receive the 2018 Gilbert Stuart Visionary Artist Lifetime Achievement Award. Joseph Alves is an American film production designer best known for his work on the third of the Jaws films, and for directing Jaws 3-D. Alves designed three features for Steven Spielberg, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Art Direction and won the BAFTA for Best Art Direction for his work on Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Alves worked on Jaws 2 in the capacity of both production designer and as second unit director, and he was visual consultant on Carpenter’s Starman. The SCRIPTBIZ SCREENPLAY PITCH SEMINAR returns on Friday, August 10 for its 19th edition, showcasing this year’s Grand Prize Screenplay Competition winner “ANH SANG.” Barry Brennessel from Silver Spring, MD. The SCRIPTBIZ workshop is a great place for aspiring screenwriters looking to make an impact with their work by receiving constructive critique and advice from people with experience in the field. The director of the program, Andrew Lund, Esq. filmmaker and entertainment lawyer, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Integrated Media Arts MFA Program in the Film & Media Department at Hunter College of the City University of New York. The extensive list of panelists will include writer Chris Sparling, actor/director, Tribeca Film Festival Program Director, Sharon Badal; writer/director, Alfred Catalfo; and British actor/director, Freddie Fox. This year the Festival will re-launch its popular Morning “Coffee Talks” entitled “THE CREATIVE PROCESS IN 60 MINUTES: Journeys in Filmmaking” with leading directors, actors, writers, composers and members of the industry at the Hotel Providence. Audience members, and, up-and-coming filmmakers attending the Festival would have the opportunity to learn about the development and evolution of the films screened at the Festival, the process and journey filmmakers have taken to make it in the industry and the growing importance of the international box office. Additionally, on Thursday, August 9th at 8:00 p.m. Flickers’ acclaimed television series “doubleFEATURE,” will provide highlights of this year’s Festival and feature Dr. Winifred E. Brownell, for whom the Festival is dedicated this year. In a compelling interview with Steven Feinberg, audiences will learn how one person can make a difference. Now in its second year, the series is produced by Flickers in partnership with RI PBS and the Rhode Island Films and Television Office.

    FILM HIGHLIGHTS

    THE ETRUSCAN SMILE Directed by: Mihal Brezis | 107 min. Switzerland, 2018 Starring acclaimed British actor Brian Cox as Rory MacNeil, a rugged old Scotsman who reluctantly leaves his beloved isolated Hebridean island and travels to San Francisco to seek medical treatment. YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR FAMILY Directed by: Miranda Bailey | 113 min. USA, 2018 A seventeen year-old boy blackmails his father after discovering he has a secret family. Starring two-time Emmy award-winner Anna Gunn, and Emmy award-winner Jim Gaffigan. FAKE TATTOOS | Directed by: Pascal Plante | 87 min. Canada, 2017 Theo spends his 18th birthday alone, getting drunk at a brutal punk rock show. There, he meets Mag, a marginal teenager who invites him to spend the night at her place. A love story unfolds between them, but Theo has to move to a small town at the end of the summer, far away from a painful past. MAXIMILIAN (English Version) | Directed by: Nicolas Greinacher | 76 min. France, Switzerland, 2016 With an IQ of 149+, 13-year old Maximilian Janisch is Switzerland’s most famous highly gifted child. After passing the final secondary-school examinations in Mathematics at just 9 years old, Maximilian has jumped forward 3 grades and is now attending Mathematical courses at University level. The film follows Maximilian and his parents through their high-energy daily life and reflects on what it means to be a child prodigy. Maximilian Janisch will be in attendance. TRE MAISON DASON Directed by: Denali Tiller | 90 min. USA 2017 A story of boyhood marked by the criminal justice system and what it means to become a man in America, TRE MAISON DASAN explores parental incarceration through the eyes of three boys. eHero | Directed by: Joseph Procopio | 85 min. Canada, 2018 An up-and-coming video gamer faces his greatest challenge yet as he and his team must overcome a fiery gaming superstar, as well as their own battling egos, to win the ultimate video game championship. Featuring Sean Astin. THE MAESTRO Directed by: Adam Cushman | 94 min. USA, 2017 After the Second World War, budding film composer Jerry Herst moves to Hollywood to study with infamous master teacher Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Starring Xander Berkeley. ANJELICA HUSTON ON JAMES JOYCE: A SHOUT IN THE STREET | Directed by: Kieron Walsh | 59 min. Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, USA, United Kingdom, 2018 Anjelica Huston played the lead female role in the movie adaptation by her father, John Huston, of James Joyce’s famous short story, ‘The Dead’. It was the last of the classic movies that the legendary director made, and is regarded as the finest adaptation of Joyce’s work ever produced. In this film, Anjelica uses her background – as a child in Ireland and as an acclaimed actor – to tell the extraordinary story of the life and work of the celebrated, (and, at times, infamous) Irish novelist. She tells of his impoverished childhood in Dublin; of the chaotic years when he struggled to establish himself as a writer of originality and distinction; of the world wide celebrity that followed the appearance of his great novel, ‘Ulysses’; of his epic struggles against censorship and ill health: and of his final desperate flight from the Nazi occupation of France which threatened the life of his only grandchild. As Anjelica relates Joyce’s personal and creative history, other distinguished writers – such as David Simon, John Banville, Jeffrey Eugenides and Edna O’Brien – help to explain why his influence has been so extensive and so profound. REINVENTING POWER: AMERICA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY BOOM Directed by: Tony Valentino | 49 min. USA, 2018 Takes us across the country to hear directly from the people making our clean energy future achievable. These individuals are working to rebuild what’s broken, rethink what’s possible, and revitalize communities. Highlighted among others is the Block Island Wind Farm. SECRET INGREDIENTS Directed by: Amy S. Hart, Jeffrey M. Smith| 80 min. USA | 2018 | 1 hr 20 min Compelling stories of people who regain their health and transform their lives after identifying the ‘secret ingredients’ in their food, and making a bold commitment to avoid them. BACK ROADS Directed by: Alex Pettyfer | 80 min. USA, 2018 A young man cares for his sisters after their mother is imprisoned for murdering their abusive father. When he strikes up an affair with a married woman, long-dormant family secrets bubble to the surface in this noir thriller. Featuring actor/director Alex Pettyfer. INTELLIGENT LIVES Directed by: Dan Habib | 70 min. USA, 2018 Three pioneering young adults with intellectual disabilities — Micah, Naieer, and Naomie — challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Featuring noted actor, Chris Cooper. AMERICAN RELAPSE * | Directed by: Pat Adam McGee Linkenhelt | 105 min. USA, 2018 AMERICAN RELAPSE is a feature documentary about the ripped-from-the-headlines heroin epidemic and the corrupt underground rehab industry that has sprung up around it in Southern Florida. This, on-the-ground documentary follows the day-to-day struggle of recovering addicts Allie and Frankie attempting to place addicts in treatment, but can they stay clean themselves? ON KILLER ROBOTS Directed by: Lorraine Nicholson | 15 min. USA, 2018 On July 7th 2016, US Law Enforcement used robotic technology to confront and kill a suspect for the first time. Through the mouths of its fictional characters, ‘On Killer Robots’ explores the morality behind this historic step towards automation. HERO Directed by: Freddie Fox | 18 min. United Kingdom, 2018 An isolated young boy and a decaying old film star are brought together by their shared love of the silver screen – and for a brief moment its magic seeps into their lives. With Charles Dance, James Norton and Jessica Brown Findlay. On Saturday, August 11th at 12:15, Metcalf Auditorium, RISD Museum, the Festival presents a powerful, thought-provoking and inspiring program entitled: THE POWER OF FILM: Can a Film Change the World? This special showcase centers on films that show how very brave people confront the challenges we all face in just living our lives. Discover how these challenges can push all boundaries. Learn how the power of our shared humanity – the daily struggles and fights we all have – can ultimately lead to a new and more empowering future. The focal point of the event is a presentation of the documentary film: the feature “The Push” and the documentary short, “A Racing Heart.” THE PUSH is a documentary film that focuses on Grant Korgan, an adventure athlete and former nanoscientist who became the first spinal-cord injured athlete in history to ski the final degree of latitude to the bottom of the world ~ to Antarctica’s geographic South Pole. Just five months after marrying the love of his life, Shawna, Grant Korgan went out with his three friends one morning for a day of fun and filming on snowmobiles. After much consideration, he attempted a jump that he had always wanted to take on his snowmobile. Grant’s snowmobile crashed down hard, and Grant broke his back. Despite his prognosis, that he would never walk again, both he and Shawna focused on the goal of 120% recovery. Shawna, a health and wellness expert, took his recovery head-on and with the same drive and tenacity as Grant. While working on his rehabilitation, Grant was offered an opportunity to join an expedition heading to the South Pole. If he completed the 100 miles using his arms to pull himself on a sit-ski, he would become the first spinal cord injured athlete to reach the South Pole. Grant and two guides headed off to South America. On the ice, they struggled with minus 50 degree conditions, failing solar panels, hypothermia, frost bite, and mental challenges. On January 17, 2012, Grant reached the bottom of our world on the 100th anniversary when Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova expedition arrived at the earth’s most remote spot. When Grant returned home, the thrill of his achievement turned to reflection about his reality. He had to face his paralysis and realize that going forward he would still have to overcome his inability to use his legs unassisted. But Grant made a profound, inspiring decision, to choose positivity. He focuses on what he is able to do and finds pleasure and comfort in kayaking, downhill skiing, diving, and waterskiing as an adaptive athlete. On August 2015, Korgan broke the record for the human powered circumnavigation of Lake Tahoe by over two hours, finishing the 72-mile paddle in just 14 hours and 15 minutes. Andrew Dickhout’s “A RACING HEART” introduces us to John Dickhout, a recent heart transplant survivor, who attempts to cross the final goal off of his bucket list as a documentary crew follows him on a weekly basis. His goal; to run a 10k in under 60 minutes, and show the progress he has made in the 2 years since his life was saved. While training, John regales us with stories about his near death experiences, and his desire to prove himself after a stranger and their family’s choice to donate helped to give his life new meaning. Featuring triumph against all odds, what you experience at this screening might just change your life! Interactive networking events will be held nightly during the span of the six-day festival including our CITY PARTY PUB CRAWL, starting at The Rosendale, 55 Union Street, and ending at EGO, 73 Richmond Street, downtown Providence. Last year’s event drew over 2,000 participants, making the week of the Festival an unparalleled Celebration of Film, Arts and Culture.

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  • Albuquerque Film & Music Experience 2018 to Feature Marisa Tomei, Prince All-Star Tribute Concert + Indie Films

    Albuquerque Film & Music Experience 2018 to Feature Marisa Tomei, Prince All-Star Tribute Concert + Indie Films Back for its sixth year in the Duke City, the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience (AFME) announced its unique lineup of independent and blockbuster films, musical performances, panels, workshops, and Intimate Conversations with amazing talent in attendance.  AFME will be featuring showcase events with special guests, including Academy Award-winning actress Marisa Tomei, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ drummer Steve Ferrone, actor W. Earl Brown, Prince guitarist Dez Dickerson, guitarist Micki Free and many others. “As AFME continues its success with a fusion of movies, music and special events, we are very happy to present a stellar week of programming for the City of Albuquerque and out of town attendees,” said Ivan Wiener, AFME Executive Director. “Having filmmakers, musicians and celebrities from around the world converge at our festival has become a very cool experience for the community, especially for students of film, music and the arts who benefit through our non-profit.” The fun and exciting lineup for 2018 includes a little bit of everything for everyone. Marisa Tomei is presenting the documentary SEED: The Untold Story which she executive produced; a special screening of Purple Rain followed by a Prince Tribute Concert with Prince’s original guitarist Dez Dickerson, musician Micki Free, Elton John and Billy Joel bass player David Santos, and the one and only Steve Ferrone, drummer from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers; the 20th Anniversary screening of There’s Something About Mary with actor W. Earl Brown in attendance; a screening of Marvel’s The Avengers on Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza as part of AFME’s family events; and an after party celebrating the life and music of Tom Petty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GUxC_nojsU With 80 film projects from all genres screening throughout the week (highlights below), some of the other socially impactful discussions at AFME will focus on diversity and equality, gun violence and creating a safer community for future generations, combatting heroin addiction, the environment, and dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Highlights of the 2018 Lineup Include: Monday, June 4th Opening Night Movie: The Bikes of Wrath – 7:30pm at the KiMo Theatre. Oklahoma to California: 1600 miles, $420, 30 days, 5 bikes, 3 cameras, 2 guitars and one of the most influential novels of the 20th century — The Bikes of Wrath is a story of adventure, human connection, and an in-depth look at today’s America through the lens of John Steinbeck’s seminal novel, The Grapes of Wrath. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJm6-5namR0 Tuesday, June 5th Killing Games: Wildlife in the Crosshairs – 3:00pm at the KiMo Theatre. In Killing Games, a groundbreaking exposé, actor, conservationist and Project Coyote Advisory Board Member Peter Coyote — with environmentalists, ranchers, public officials and Native Americans — brings these shadowy contests to light and speaks out against this hidden war on wildlife. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1w8-76iRYs New Mexico Short Movies – From 5:30–7:15pm at the KiMo Theatre. New Mexico is one of the top film destinations in the world. Local filmmakers are showcased through their amazing projects. Teen Safe Driving PSA, Today, Survive by the Red Light Cameras, Eternity Grows, Pulse: The Beat of Art, Undying, OM+ME and Mrs. Murphy’s Confession. Challah Rising in the Desert: The Jews of New Mexico­ – 7:00pm at the Jewish Community Center. Immerse yourself in the Jewish experience in New Mexico’s history. The feature documentary follows five settlements of the Jewish community in New Mexico, ranging from 400 years ago to the 1960s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeqE5EVYG6o Marvin Booker Was Murdered – 7:00pm at the African American Performing Arts Center. Homeless street preacher, Marvin Booker, was beaten to death outside a Denver Detention Center, and the City of Denver followed with inaction. Marvin Booker Was Murdered is a story of the Booker family, their attorneys, a federal civil trial and civil rights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BE0m7sQRTg World Premiere of “14 Cameras” – 8:00pm at the KiMo Theatre. A suspense thriller, 14 Cameras tells the story of a family of four whose summer vacation turns dark when the rental home’s owner spies on them through hidden cameras, broadcasting their most intimate moments on the web. Official After Party with Live Music by Jerry Hannan and Special Guests – 10:00pm at Duel Brewing Company. A distinguished songwriter and entertainer, Hannan recorded his own song, “Society” with Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, which is featured in Sean Penn’s film Into the Wild.  “I Thought I Was You”, written by Jerry and brother Sean Hannan also plays in Into the Wild. Wednesday, June 6th Panel: Embracing Diversity in Film, Music and the Arts – 10:00am at Hotel Andaluz. Join Andrea L. Mays (Ph.D. American Studies), D’Santi Nava (a native of Santa Fe who descended of indigenous bloodlines: Mexhika Chichimeca, Otomi, Apache, SW Pueblo and Iberian Spaniard), Daryl DeLoach, Saneh Boothe, Diane Villegas, and Micki Free to discuss the importance of diversity in film, music and the arts. Panel: The Importance of Education in Film, Music and the Arts – 12:30pm at Hotel Andaluz. Both inside and out of the classroom, film, music and arts education enriches the lives of students. Join the discussion, featuring Glenna Voigt (WK Kellogg Fellow and the former Founding Principal of the Media Arts Collaborative Charter School in Albuquerque), Dodie Montgomery (an actor, writer, producer, director for film and theatre, and a visual artist who has appeared on stage in Krakow, Poland – Belgrade, Serbia , and Beijing, China and can be seen on Longmire, The Night Shift, Manhattan, The Brave, I Am That, and A Can Full of Ashes), Andrea Mays (Ph.D. in American Studies), Carlos Contreras and Andrew Barrow. Meet and Greet with Micki Free, Steve Ferrone, David Santos and Dez Dickerson – 5:30pm to 7:00pm at Guitar Center AFME Comedy Shorts – 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Guild Cinema. Laugh along to incredible short comedy films, including Sam Did It, Lady Lillian, Dad Band, The Dinner Scene, Hole Punch, Match, House Rules and Rendez-vous with God. AFME Family Movie: The Avengers – 7:00pm at Albuquerque Civic Plaza. Bring the family out to Civic Plaza and catch a family favorite superhero movie. The Mad Hannans – 8:00pm at the KiMo Theatre. Brothers Jerry and Sean Hannan faced more than just sibling struggles; as bandmates, the pair went on a journey of rise, fall and reconciliation. This film of redemption features Sean Penn, Eddie Vedder, Jerry Harrison (Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, Talking Heads), and others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukB0w9xo8KE Official After Party – 10:00pm at Rock & Brews with live music by American Horse Trio – Micki Free, David Santos and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ drummer Steve Ferrone. Thursday, June 7th Panel: Gun Violence: Shaping a Safer Community – 10:00am at Hotel Andaluz. How do we make our communities, schools, workplaces, and homes safer? Join the discussion on the pressing question facing our nation at this free panel, featuring Chris Schueler, Geri Lynn Matthews, Officer Gloria Marcott, and David Lane Williams. Intimate Conversation with Lee Zlotoff – 12:30pm to 1:30pm at Hotel Andaluz. Want to learn more about award-winning writer, producer, director and creator of MacGyver? Don’t miss this chance to hear from Lee Zlotoff firsthand. Native American Film Block – 2:00pm at the KiMo Theatre. With documentary shorts and narrative shorts, this special event celebrates Native American films, including The Mayors of Shiprock, With Jackrabbit, and Neemkomok’. Ol’ Max Evans: The First Thousand  Years – 5:00pm at the KiMo Theatre. New Mexican author Max Evans’ life was an adventure—from a teenage cowboy, to a WWII soldier, ranch owner, mining speculator, painter, and author of The Rounders and The Hi Lo Country. Max and Pat Evans will be in attendance. Tribute to Prince: Purple Rain – 7:30pm at the KiMo Theatre. Enjoy a showing of the 1984 classic film with a New Mexico made music video to “Not Over You.” Prince Tribute Concert – 9:30pm at Hotel Andaluz. Put on your best purple and white or diamonds and pearls for this fundraiser for the AFME Foundation. This once in a lifetime opportunity will showcase music by rock stars who knew and performed with Prince. Band includes Micki Free, Dez Dickerson, Steve Ferrone, David Santos, and local New Mexico musicians. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed in Prince related outfits. Friday, June 8th AFME Youth Acting Camp – 9:00am to 5:00pm at Hotel Andaluz. Aspiring actors and filmmakers aged 8—17 can join casting directors Faith & Bella from Good Faith Casting for a day of interactive learning. Lessons include audition technique, filming scenes and more. Intimate Conversation with Andrea Mays: How to Watch a Film – 10:00am at Hotel Andaluz. University of New Mexico’s Andrea L. Mays, Ph.D. will lead this workshop on strategies to get the most out of your film screening. Intimate Conversation with Eric Witt: The Changing Distribution Model – 12:30pm at Hotel Andaluz. From the big screen to Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime, technology is changing the distribution model for film and television. Learn more from Eric Witt, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Bill Richardson. Documentary Filmmaking 101 with Chris Schueler – 4pm to 7pm on Friday; 10am to 1pm Saturday at Hotel Andaluz. Emmy© Award-Winning Producer and Director, Chris Schueler will lead an intensive class on documentary production. Attendees must attend both sessions. SEED: The Untold Story – 7:30pm at the Hiland Theater. Academy Award-winning actress and SEED Executive Producer, Marisa Tomei, presents this important documentary. As many irreplaceable seeds near extinction, SEED reveals the harrowing and heartening story of passionate seed keepers as they wage a David and Goliath battle against chemical seed companies, defending a 12,000 year food legacy. The Maestro – 8pm at the KiMo Theatre. The Walking Dead’s Xander Berkeley stars as Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, a master teacher to film composer Jerry Herst in this film, set after the Second World War. Official After Party – Tribute to Tom Petty – 10pm at O’Niell’s Irish Pub. Event will feature live music by Jamie Harrison Band and The Noms’ Kevin Cummings. Saturday, June 9th When I Stutter – 10am at the KiMo Theatre. With the goal of bringing awareness and empathy to those who deal with communication disorder, When I Stutter showcases the stories of 19 people over the course of 4.5 years. Full of emotion, it is a must-see documentary. Intimate Conversation with W. Earl Brown – 10am at Hotel Andaluz. Join star of Deadwood, Preacher and There’s Something About Mary for stories about his experiences in the industry. Panel: Women – Equal To And Greater Than: Looking Forward Through the Rearview – 12:30pm at Hotel Andaluz. Sexual harassment, inequality and diversity in the industry…this strong and diverse female panel tackles the tough subjects. Join Andrea Mays (Ph.D.), Augusta Myers, Brenda Wade, Christa Valdez and Marisa Tomei. The Best of All Worlds and Quick Fix – 1:00pm at the KiMo Theatre. Focusing on heroin awareness, The Best of All Worlds tells a true story of a child and his life with a heroine addicted mother. Quick Fix is a dramatic short of a man’s experience in finding much more than he bargained for when visiting an old friend. Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home – 4pm at The Guild Cinema. Sinatra loved Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. This documentary details his unique lifestyle and the spirit of the Sinatra era. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKPiT2ncMJo 20th Anniversary: There’s Something About Mary – 6:30pm at the Hiland Theater. Join us for the Farrelly Brothers’ hit where a man gets a chance to meet up with his dream girl from high school, even though his date with her back then was a complete disaster. W. Earl Brown (Warren) and others in attendance. The Divide – 4:30pm at the KiMo Theatre. Directed by and starring Perry King, the film is set in 1976 California and follows an aging rancher with a failing memory through the struggles of family and reconciliation. -ago tragedy collide to create the backdrop for this classic American Western. https://vimeo.com/224863571 Jeff Bridges Presents Living in the Future’s Past – Closing Night Movie. 8:00pm at the KiMo Theatre. Academy Award® Winner, Jeff Bridges, presents a poignant and beautiful tour de force of original thinking on environmental challenges and the future of our world. Q&A to follow. Official Closing Night After Party at Hotel Andaluz – 10:00pm with live music by Eli Del Puerto y Los Encantos. You never know who will join the band on stage. Last year it was Jeff Bridges and T Bone Burnett! Sunday, June 10th AFME Awards Brunch – 11am to 1pm at Hotel Andaluz. Presentation of awards to filmmakers and special guests at AFME. AFME Casting Call with Elizabeth Gabel and Lorrie Latham – 2:00pm to 5pm at Hotel Andaluz. Want to get more involved? You can learn about being an extra and become eligible to be cast for projects shooting in New Mexico this summer. Lorrie Latham from Godless, Only the Brave, and Night Shift, teams up with Elizabeth Gabel from No Country for Old Men, Logan, Hostiles and Sicario will be on hand for this AFME sponsored extras casting call. The year’s 2018 AFME Music Award will be presented to Steve Ferrone, esteemed drummer for Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers, previously of Eric Clapton’s band, and the Average White Band.

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  • Heartland International Film Festival Announces 2017 Lineup, Opens with Rob Reiner’s LBJ

    [caption id="attachment_16239" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]LBJ LBJ[/caption] The 26th annual Heartland International Film Festival will take place October 12 to 22, 2017.  Director Rob Reiner will return to Heartland for the opening night screening of his new film “LBJ”  and will receive Heartland Film’s Pioneering Spirit: Lifetime Achievement Award. “LBJ” stars Woody Harrelson and is about Lyndon B. Johnson’s ascent to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Reiner will also be in attendance for special screenings of classic titles “Stand By Me” and “The Princess Bride” the next morning. “Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies” will close the festival on Sunday, October 22. “Laddie” is one daughter’s journey to discover her father, Alan Ladd, Jr, the quiet studio head and producer behind such iconic films as “Star Wars,” “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” “Chariots of Fire,” and “Young Frankenstein.” Amanda Ladd-Jones’ quest leads her to understand her father as the man that he is and the impact he’s had on American Cinema. Director Amanda Ladd-Jones will be in attendance to accept Heartland Film’s Pioneering Spirit: Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her father. “We are kicking off the next 25 years of Heartland Film with a bang,” said Craig Prater, President of Heartland Film. “Our international lineup of films has expanded by 75 movies over last year, including 10 titles just announced as official entries for Best Foreign Language Film for the 2018 Academy Awards. We will welcome an unprecedented number of film groups, distributors, and filmmakers this year, and our board, staff, and volunteers are ready to elevate the Heartland International Film Festival from the industry’s best kept secret to a Midwest destination and marketplace. ” Heartland will host 16 premiere titles and more than 150 filmmakers and members of the international film industry, including Chaz Ebert, who will be in attendance for a special screening of the Roger Ebert documentary “Life Itself” and to moderate a film critics panel to include Klaus Eder, the general secretary of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). Additional panel topics include Indiana filmmaking, women in film, and entertainment law. Special presentation sneak previews of major motion pictures and documentaries will include; Heartland Film Truly Moving Picture Award winners “Breathe” , “The Florida Project”, and “Thank You for Your Service”; in addition to “Bill Nye: Science Guy”, “The Ballad of Lefty Brown”, and “Columbus”. For the first time ever, Heartland will feature 10 international titles recently announced as official entries for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 2018 Academy Awards.

    KEY EVENTS AND DATES

    Opening Night Screening and After Party – “LBJ” Thursday, Oct. 12 – Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, 7 p.m. Narrative feature directed by Rob Reiner. Scheduled appearance by Director Rob Reiner. After party to feature live music from Josh Kaufman (“The Voice”). Sponsored by the David and Betty Klapper Family Foundation. GLOW: Awards Party Saturday, Oct. 21 – The Hi-Fi/Pure Eatery in Fountain Square, 7 p.m. GLOW: Awards Party is not your typical awards show. The night will shine a light on our top Festival award winners with a neon glow party featuring DJ Michael Graves, Pork and Beans Brass Band, Pinvault Pinball, food trucks, and more. Sponsored by the David and Betty Klapper Family Foundation. Filmmakers’ Brunch Sunday, Oct. 22 – The Montage, 11 a.m. Discover the inspiration behind some of your favorite Heartland Film Festival movies by joining the filmmakers for an informal brunch. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with storytellers and to hear different perspectives on all aspects of the filmmaking process. Closing Night Screening and After Party – “Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies” Sunday, Oct. 22 – AMC Castleton Square 14, 7 p.m. Documentary feature directed by Amanda Ladd-Jones. Scheduled appearance by Director Amanda Ladd-Jones. After-party to feature live music by Joshua Powell. Sponsored by the David and Betty Klapper Family Foundation.

    PANEL DISCUSSIONS

    Heartland Film Festival is excited to present four panel discussions exploring various aspects of the filmmaking industry including film criticism, Indiana filmmaking, women in film, and entertainment law. Most panel discussions are free and open to the public, but they do require a ticket for admittance. All panel discussions will take place at AMC Castleton Square 14 in the Woodbridge Pavilion. Film Critics Panel – Friday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. What does it take to be a film critic? Join moderator Chaz Ebert as she discusses the intricacies of film criticism with renowned local and international industry professionals. Panelists include Klaus Eder (General Secretary of the International Federation of Film Critics), Christopher Lloyd, and Richard Propes. Free, but ticketed. Indiana Filmmakers Panel – Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m. What are the challenges and advantages of local filmmakers in Indianapolis? Join moderator Nathan Bechtold (Indiana Filmmakers Network) as he discusses the Indy film scene with local industry professionals. Panelists Amy Pauszek, Glenn Pratt, and Jack Lugar. Free, but ticketed. Women In Film Panel – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m. What’s it like being a female filmmaker in a male dominated industry? Join moderator Barbara Ann O’Leary (Directed by Women) as she discusses tricks of the trade and industry insights with three industry professionals. Panelists Naghmeh Farzaneh, Laura Goodenow, and Andie Redwine. Free, but ticketed. Entertainment Law Panel: What’s Next for My Film? – Thursday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. Completing a film requires hard work, creativity, and never-ending money-raising efforts. But what happens next? This panel of experts will help filmmakers understand their options. Should they secure a distributor and what does that mean? What are the advantages and disadvantages of filmmakers working the film festival circuit and what legal rights do filmmakers maintain? This and more will be addressed during this program of particular interest to filmmakers and fans of filmmaking. Moderated by Cate Sabatine (Co-chair, Indianapolis Bar Association’s Sports & Entertainment Law Executive Committee) with panelists Ron Elberger (Bose McKinney & Evans), Neil Friedman (Founder/President, Menemsha Films), Angelo Pizzo (“Hoosiers,” “Rudy,” “My All-American”).

    SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

    “Stand By Me” (1986) Narrative Feature, Columbia Pictures, Truly Moving Picture Award Winner – Directed by Rob Reiner After the death of a friend, a writer recounts a boyhood journey to find the body of a missing boy. Director Rob Reiner scheduled to attend. “The Princess Bride” (1987) Narrative Feature, 20th Century Fox, Truly Moving Picture Award Winner – Directed by Rob Reiner While home sick in bed, a young boy’s grandfather reads him a story called “The Princess Bride.” Director Rob Reiner scheduled to attend. “Life Itself” (2014) Documentary Feature, Magnolia Pictures – Directed by Steve James The life and career of the renowned film critic and social commentator, Roger Ebert. Featured subject Chaz Ebert scheduled to attend. “The Florida Project” Narrative Feature, A24, Truly Moving Picture Award Winner – Directed by Sean Baker Warm, winning and gloriously alive, Sean Baker’s The Florida Project is a deeply moving and unforgettably poignant look at childhood. Starring Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Prince, Valeria Cotto, and Bria Vinaite. “Bill Nye: Science Guy” Documentary Feature, PBS Films – Directed by David Alvarado, Jason Sussberg A famous television personality struggles to restore science to its rightful place in a world hostile to evidence and reason. “Thank You For Your Service” Narrative Feature, DreamWorks Pictures, Truly Moving Picture Award Winner – Directed by Jason Hall DreamWorks Pictures’ “Thank You for Your Service” follows a group of U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq who struggle to integrate back into family and civilian life, while living with the memory of a war that threatens to destroy them long after they’ve left the battlefield. Starring an ensemble cast led by Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Joe Cole, Amy Schumer, Beulah Koale, Scott Haze, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Brad Beyer, Omar J. Dorsey, and Jayson Warner Smith, the drama is based on the bestselling book by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author David Finkel. “Columbus” Narrative Feature, Front Row Filmed Entertainment – Directed by Kogonada When a renowned architecture scholar falls suddenly ill during a speaking tour, his son Jin (John Cho) finds himself stranded in Columbus, Ind. – a small Midwestern city celebrated for its many significant modernist buildings. Jin strikes up a friendship with Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), a young architecture enthusiast who works at the local library. As their intimacy develops, Jin and Casey explore both the town and their conflicted emotions: Jin’s estranged relationship with his father, and Casey’s reluctance to leave Columbus and her mother. “Breathe” Narrative Feature, Bleecker Street Media, Truly Moving Picture Award Winner – Directed by Andy Serkis For his directorial debut, Andy Serkis brings to life the inspiring true love story between Robin and Diana Cavendish (Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy), an adventurous couple who refuse to give up in the face of a devastating disease. Written by two-time Academy Award® nominated writer William Nicholson, and shot by three-time Academy Award® winner Robert Richardson. “The Ballad of Lefty Brown” Narrative Feature, A24 – Directed by Jared Moshé When famed Frontier Lawman Eddie Johnson (Peter Fonda) is unexpectedly killed, his longtime sidekick and friend Lefty Brown (Bill Pullman) will stop at nothing to avenge Johnson’s death.

    U.S. AND WORLD PREMIERE TITLES

    “Voyage of the Southern Sun” U.S. Premiere, Documentary Feature, Australia – Directed by Robert Murphy Australian Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year, Michael Smith, discovered the delights and perils of true adventure in a solo circumnavigation in his tiny amphibious flying boat, Southern Sun, that retraced historical Qantas, Imperial and Pan Am airmail routes, in search of the glory days of 1930s aviation. “Marvin Booker Was Murdered” U.S. Premiere, Documentary Feature, U.S. – Directed by Wade Gardner Marvin Booker was murdered. The jail guards lied. The city of Denver covered it up. The Booker family lived it. Their attorneys exposed it. We reveal it. Director Wade Gardner and members of the Booker family are scheduled to attend. “blank 13” U.S. Premiere, Narrative Feature, Japan – Directed by Takumi Saitoh Following the death of his deadbeat father, a son discovers that there was more to him than anyone in the family suspected. Director/Actor Takumi Saitoh scheduled to attend. “Tatterdemalion” World Premiere, Narrative Feature, U.S. – Directed by Ramaa Mosley A dramatic thriller about an army veteran suffering from PTSD who returns home to the Ozarks to look for her brother, but finds an abandoned boy in the woods. As she searches for answers about who the child is, she discovers a mysterious world of folk lore, clan rules and lies. Director Ramaa Mosley and Actor Leven Rambin scheduled to attend. “No Postage Necessary” World Premiere, Narrative Feature, U.S. – Directed by Jeremy Culver When a brilliant computer hacker tries to win the heart of a war widow, he must become the man he’s always envisioned or risk going back to prison. Director Jeremy Culver, cast and crew scheduled to attend. “The New Fire” World Premiere, Documentary Feature, U.S. – Directed by David Schumacher The good news—there’s a new solution to climate change. The bad news—we may not like it. From MIT to Silicon Valley, young engineers are rebooting a controversial and all but abandoned technology—nuclear power. Director David Schumacher scheduled to attend. “Triumph: The Untold Story of Perry Wallace” World Premiere, Documentary Feature, U.S. – Directed by Richard Gentile Narrated by Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker, “Triumph” is a unique window on America’s civil rights movement that chronicles Perry Wallace’s evolution from a reluctant “pioneer” in the final throes of the “Jim Crow” era to a determined “game-changer.” Director Richard Gentile scheduled to attend. “Mum’s List” U.S. Premiere, Narrative Feature, UK – Directed by Niall Johnson A heart-warming true life story of Singe and Kate Greene, whose lives were turned upside down when Kate was diagnosed with an incurable breast cancer. Over her last few months she creates her list: writing her thoughts and memories down to help the man she loved create the best life possible for their two sons after she is gone. Producer Nick Hamson or Producer Gareth Jones scheduled to attend. “Little Kyota Neon Hood” U.S. Premiere, Narrative Feature, Japan – Directed by Satsuki Okawa Kyota, a 12-year-old Japanese boy who’s never seen without his bright protective hood, learns that his beloved Scottish teacher is leaving town. The news causes a stir in the community, rekindling recent memories of their struggles in post-disaster Japan. Director/Writer Satsuki Okawa scheduled to attend. “Maestras – The Long Journey of Women to the Podium” U.S. Premiere, Documentary Feature, Germany – Directed by Günter Atteln, Maria Stodtmeier Being a female conductor means being an exception, even today. But why is it that there have been so few female conductors in the international music scene? Director/Producer Günter Atteln scheduled to attend. “The Maestro” U.S. Premiere, Narrative Feature, U.S. – Directed by Zach Richter, Sam Smith and Corey Petrick After the Second World War, budding film composer Jerry Herst moves to Hollywood to study with infamous master teacher Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Producer David J. Phillips scheduled to attend. “Defining Hope” World Premiere, Documentary Feature, U.S. – Directed by Carolyn Jones “Defining Hope” follows eight patients with life-threatening illnesses—and the nurses who guide them to make critical choices along the way—as they face death, embrace hope, and ultimately redefine what makes life worth living. Director Carolyn Jones scheduled to attend. “The Drawer Boy” U.S. Premiere, Narrative Feature, Canada/Mexico – Directed by Arturo Pérez Torres An actor arrives to rural Ontario to gather stories about farm life and make a play about it. When art attempts to imitate life, the line between truth and fiction is crossed. Director Arturo Pérez Torres scheduled to attend. “Instrument of War” World Premiere, Narrative Feature, U.S. – Directed by Adam Thomas Anderegg “Hello American. For you, the war is over.” When US B-24 bomber pilot Clair Cline is shot down and captured in northern Germany, one battle ends and another begins – to keep hope alive. Now behind Nazi barbed wire and oppression, Cline and his fellow POW’s must find a way to bond together to not just survive but transcend their captivity. Inspired by true events. Director Adam Thomas Anderegg and Producer Russ Kendall scheduled to attend. “A Normal Life” U.S. Premiere, Narrative Feature, U.S. – Directed by Alex Herz A week away from leaving for his first year of college, Michael becomes concerned about his parents’ overprotective tendencies toward his little brother, who has Down syndrome. Director Alex Herz scheduled to attend. “The Best of All Worlds” U.S. Premiere, Narrative Feature, Austria – Directed by Adrian Goiginger The true story of a kid’s life in the unusual world of his heroin-addict mother and their love for each other. World premiere at Berlinale 2017. Director Adrian Goiginger scheduled to attend.

    AWARD CATEGORIES AND FINALISTS

    Set to award $100,000 in cash prizes, the 2017 Heartland Film Festival will announce all of its winners at the Oct. 21 GLOW: Awards Party at the Hi-Fi in Fountain Square. Categories and Finalists include:

    Narrative Feature Finalists

    ($25,000 Grand Prize, $1,000 per non-winning Finalist) “American Folk” – Directed by David Heinz “The Drawer Boy” – Directed by Arturo Pérez Torres “Instrument of War” – Directed by Adam Thomas Anderegg “La Soledad” – Directed by Jorge Thielen Armand “Red Dog: True Blue” – Directed by Kriv Stenders

    Documentary Feature Finalists

    ($25,000 Grand Prize, $1,000 per non-winning Finalist) “Dealt” – Directed by Luke Korem “Liyana” – Directed by Amanda Kopp and Aaron Kopp “Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry” – Directed by Laura Dunn and Jef Sewell “Purple Dreams” – Directed by Joanne Hock “True Conviction” – Directed by Jamie Meltzer

    Narrative Short Finalists

    ($5,000 Grand Prize, $500 per non-winning Finalist) “Across the Line” – Directed by Nadav Shlomo Giladi “The Cage” – Directed by Ricky Staub “The Devil is in the Details” – Directed by Fabien Gorgeart “If Everything Was Real” – Directed by Stephane Mounkassa and Stefan Sundin “Me and My Father” – Directed by Alek Pietrzak

    Documentary Short Finalists

    ($5,000 Grand Prize, $500 per non-winning Finalist) “Abstraction” – Directed by Jonathan Cipiti “Edges” – Directed by Katie Stjernholm and Jonathan Hiller “The Good Fight” – Directed by Ben Holman “Kachach, Above Zaatari” – Directed by Bruno Pieretti “Refugee” – Directed by Emily Moore and Joyce Chen

    Animated Short Finalists

    ($5,000 Grand Prize, $500 per non-winning Finalist) “After All” – Directed by Michael Cusack “And the Moon Stands Still” – Directed by Yulia Ruditskaya “The Full Story” – Directed by Daisy Jacobs and Christopher Wilder “In a Heartbeat” – Directed by Beth David and Esteban Bravo “The Wishing Jar” – Directed by Denver Jackson

    The Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award ($5,000 total award)

    The Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award will honor a single winner, selected from the Festival’s feature-length narrative and documentary titles. The winning film will best embody the ongoing legacy of actor and national hero Jimmy Stewart and will demonstrate the triumph of the human spirit through determination and the defiance of odds, humble vulnerability, and courage in the face of adversity. Made possible by a partnership with The Stewart Family. Summer White Lynch Memorial Award – High School Film Competition Grand Prize ($2,000 total award, underwritten by Gary D. & Marlene Cohen) Finalists include winners of the Narrative, Documentary, Indiana Narrative, and Indiana

    Documentary categories of the High School Film Competition:

    “Gifted [Thanksgiving Post Mortem]” Narrative Winner – Directed by Freddy Macdonald, Switzerland “Two of Five Million” Documentary Winner – Directed by Socs and DZ Zavitsanos, U.S. “Family Tradition” Indiana Narrative Winner – Directed by Khyler Runnels and Matt Jacobs of Fort Wayne, Ind. “Kara Deady: The Pole Vaulter” Indiana Documentary Winner – Directed by Justin Park of Carmel, Ind. Indiana Spotlight Award ($5,000 total award) U.S. or World Premiere titles in the Indiana Spotlight category qualify for the Indiana Spotlight award.

    Best Premiere Awards ($3,500 awards)

    One Narrative Feature and one Documentary Feature holding its U.S. or World Premiere will be eligible for Best Premiere Award consideration.

    Audience Choice Awards

    There will be one Audience Choice Award winner for the Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short categories.

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