The documentary, “Break On Thru: A Celebration of Ray Manzarek and The Doors,” directed by Justin Kreutzmann won the Best Feature Film Award at the 2018 Asbury Park Music & Film Festival (APMFF) on Sunday, in a ceremony hosted by radio host Shelli Sonstein, two-time Gracie Award winner, co-host of the Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show on Q104.3 and APMFF Board member. Break On Thru: A Celebration of Ray Manzarek and The Doors is a concert documentary from a 2016 all-star performance in Los Angeles that John Densmore and Robby Krieger, the two surviving members of The Doors, developed to celebrate what would have been Manzarek’s 70th birthday. As well as the all star concert there’s never before seen footage from The Doors archives and new Interviews from Densmore and Krieger. It’s a one of a kind documentary about a very special person and a legendary rock band.
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‘Break On Thru: A Celebration of Ray Manzarek and The Doors’ Wins Best Film at 2018 Asbury Park Music & Film Festival
The documentary, “Break On Thru: A Celebration of Ray Manzarek and The Doors,” directed by Justin Kreutzmann won the Best Feature Film Award at the 2018 Asbury Park Music & Film Festival (APMFF) on Sunday, in a ceremony hosted by radio host Shelli Sonstein, two-time Gracie Award winner, co-host of the Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show on Q104.3 and APMFF Board member. Break On Thru: A Celebration of Ray Manzarek and The Doors is a concert documentary from a 2016 all-star performance in Los Angeles that John Densmore and Robby Krieger, the two surviving members of The Doors, developed to celebrate what would have been Manzarek’s 70th birthday. As well as the all star concert there’s never before seen footage from The Doors archives and new Interviews from Densmore and Krieger. It’s a one of a kind documentary about a very special person and a legendary rock band.
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Showtime to Debut Docu-Comedy Series JUST ANOTHER IMMIGRANT Starring UK Comedian Romesh Ranganathan
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Romesh Ranganathan[/caption]
Showtime will premiere a new docu-comedy unscripted series centered around popular UK comedian Romesh Ranganathan called Just Another Immigrant. The 10-episode, half-hour series will air two episodes on Fridays beginning June 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Just Another Immigrant is a comedic docuseries that follows Romesh Ranganathan, one of the most popular stand-ups in the UK, as he uproots his entire family – his supportive wife, their three kids, his Sri Lankan mother and his eccentric uncle – and immigrates to the U.S. Displaced in Los Angeles, Ranganathan attempts to find success and happiness, while rebuilding a life from scratch. In addition to his efforts to adapt, he has committed himself to booking a U.S. gig – the 6,000-seat Greek Theater – with only three months to sell it out. The series chronicles the true-life adventures of this modern immigrant family and the obstacles of making it in today’s America.
Ranganathan debuted on the British comedy circuit in 2010 and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Awards. Since then Ranganathan has appeared on multiple television shows and is well-known for his performances on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, The Royal Variety Show and A League Of Their Own, among others. Ranganathan’s hit series Asian Provocateur followed his escapades after being sent by his mother to his parents’ homeland of Sri Lanka in an attempt to connect him with his roots. The series earned the comedian his first BAFTA nomination. In 2016 Ranganathan embarked on his solo tour ‘Irrational’ and was awarded Ents24 Hardest Working Comedian of the Year.
Just Another Immigrant is a co-production of Rangabee Productions, JSA Olive Oil and Renegade. Eric Pankowski (Carpool Karaoke), Benjamin Green (Asian Provocateur) and Ranganathan are executive producers, with Green directing. David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe (Naked and Afraid) also serve as executive producers.
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First Look: See Trailer + Poster for UK Sci Fi Horror Comedy CANARIES
Ahead of the Marche du Film in Cannes (May 8th-17th 2018) the first trailer and poster has been released for the UK sci fi horror comedy ‘Canaries’.
‘Canaries’ from Welsh writer/director Peter Stray is about a group of friends at a New Year’s Eve bash in the Welsh Valley, who must fight against an invasion force of time travelling aliens.
The film stars Robert Pugh (Game Of Thrones, Doctor Who, Master & Commander) and Hannah Daniel (Netflix’s Hinterland).
Canaries is first title in the Cannes lineup for Genre sales specialists Devilworks.
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Abu Dhabi-Set Animated Feature Film CATSAWAY Debuts Trailer
The first glimpse of ‘Catsaway’, a new animated feature-length film by Emirati director Fadel Saeed AlMuhairi, trailer was released today on the twofour54 Abu Dhabi YouTube channel.
It is being directed by AlMuhairi, who also helmed ‘Abood Kandaishan’, which was nominated for 2014’s Muhr Emirati Award at Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). The movie, which is the director’s first animated film, is about a group of cats trying to make a home in Abu Dhabi as the city evolves around them. It features traditional hand-drawn animation rather than computer generated images.
‘Catsaway’ is being produced by Tent Pictures Productions, in cooperation with Juice Studios in Poland, and is being made at twofour54, where the company is based. After more than a year of pre-production work, production started earlier this year on the film.
H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and twofour54, said of the director: “Fadel is a long-standing member of our thriving media ecosystem at twofour54 and a wonderful example of the incredible creative talent that we are developing in Abu Dhabi as we realise our vision of being the Capital for content creators.
‘Catsaway’ is expected to get its theatrical release later this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWpDEvdp1Kw
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Watch Trailer for ‘TROLL, INC.’ Expose on World’s Most Famous Internet Troll, Andrew ‘Weev’ Auernheimer
Troll Inc., director George Russell‘s spellbinding expose on Andrew ‘Weev’ Auernheimer, described as the world’s most famous internet troll, has released the official trailer and poster. The film will be available on VOD May 22.
From innocent meme culture to malicious propaganda, the avant-garde has moved online and they have an agenda. Emerging from deep within underground computer programming culture, internet trolls are disenfranchised and using the click-bait obsessed mass media to propel their performance art into the mainstream. Whether mischievously entertaining the masses, influencing presidential elections, or manipulating journalists and corporations, trolls are either saving us or driving our culture off of a cliff. Prosecuted as a whistleblower by the Federal Government, Troll Inc. follows the world’s most famous Internet troll, Andrew Auernheimer, and his merry band of provocateurs as they take on corporate America, the media, and political-correctness.
Hung on a meticulously framed, no-holds-barred interview with Auernheimer that took three, six-hour days, and at which the only sustenance served was plenty of high-definition rope, TROLLS INC. features case studies of his most notorious, just-barely illegal actions, like that time he revealed a gaping security hole in the iPad’s partnership with AT&T and when he erased all books with gay content from Amazon dot anything-but-calm.
After viewing Troll. Inc., its hard not to wonder if the grand scale of these invasions into our privacy and passions, by virtue of their regularity and overwhelming scope, didn’t somehow numb us to the very notion of privacy and normalizing this new Internet “fake news” attack culture, paving the way for the Kremlin to master the art of the troll and undermining our democracy right under our noses and in our own virtual backyards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ajiyxkIG-4
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THE RAINBOW EXPERIMENT to Open + MANDELA’S GUN! to Close 2018 Harlem Intl Film Festival [Trailer]
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The Rainbow Experiment[/caption]
Award-winning Harlem International Film Festival Alum Christina Kallas returns to kick off the 2018 Festival with the New York Premiere of her latest film, The Rainbow Experiment, a critically-acclaimed, timely, multi-character drama set in a NYC high school after a terrible accident on school grounds. British filmmaker John Irvin closes the Festival with the World Premiere of his revelatory biopic thriller Mandela’s Gun! – the startling true story of the last 6 months of Nelson Mandela’s freedom before his arrest and life sentence in 1962. Five years in the making, it follows his epic journey as he illegally left South Africa.
In The Rainbow Experiment, things spiral out of control in a Manhattan high school when a terrible accident involving a science experiment injures a kid for life. A who-dun-it with a how-they-saw-it leads to an explosion of emotions touching the teachers, the parents, the school authorities and ultimately, the students.
The evening will be presented by one of the world’s most revered filmmakers, Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay, Vanity Fair, Queen of Katwe) — the festival’s annual Mira Nair Award for Rising Female Filmmaker is named in honor of her. The Rainbow Experiment is a contender for this award. It will be introduced and followed by a Director Q&A with celebrated film historian and author Annette Insdorf, Professor of Film Studies at Columbia University whose books include Francois Truffaut; Double Lives, Second Chances: The Cinema of Krzysztof Kieslowski and Cinematic Overtures: How to Read Opening Scenes.
Christina Kallas’ tense ensemble drama 42 Seconds of Happiness received a number of awards in international festivals in the U.S. and abroad–including Best Ensemble at Harlem International in 2016. The Rainbow Experiment is her sophomore feature film as a director, and one of five works-in-progress selected last year for the prestigious U.S. in Progress Paris program. The film debuted at the Slamdance Film Festival in January, followed by screenings at Cinequest, the DC IndependentFilm Fest and the Garden State Film Fest where it won the Best Alternative Feature Award. It is now nominated for a number of awards at both the Cleveland International Film Fest, and the Ashland Independent Film Fest, and will have its international premiere at the Moscow International Film Festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJmkG2LLFuU
Mandela’s Gun! was shot in 6 countries – and is the first ever British, South African and Algerian co-production. Oddly enough, this is somehow the first time a South African actor has ever been filmed playing the role of this iconic figure. Tumisho Masha gives an uncanny performance at the hands of John Irvin, who is no stranger to working with talent, having directed everyone from Ben Kingsley to Christopher Walken and credited for discovering a young Don Cheadle. The film has been endorsed by The Mandela Foundation and is up for several awards at this year’s Harlem International Film Festival.
The film reveals extraordinary new evidence about not only the man himself and the brave individuals & nations who risked their lives to struggle alongside him, but also marks the first onscreen confession by one of the CIA agents who orchestrated Mandela’s final betrayal and capture at the hands of the Apartheid regime.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5lv8YiD-cY
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2018 Berkshire International Film Festival to Showcase 80 Films, AMERICAN ANIMALS, BAD REPUTATION and More..
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AMERICAN ANIMALS[/caption]
The 13th Annual Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) will showcase 80 of the latest in independent feature, documentary, short and family films from 28 countries, from May 31 to June 3 in Great Barrington and June 1 to 3 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
“Among the many things I love about the BIFF is its increasing reflection on and discovery of our global community,” notes the festival’s Founder and Artistic Director, Kelley Vickery. “The characters and stories in this year’s films are as diverse as ever—showing us unique perspectives of what life is like for a broad range of people in very different places and circumstances. BIFF always celebrates independent filmmakers and we are especially excited to honor the talented and evocative career of Rachel Weisz. We are continuing our “Tea Talks” series with engaging films and discussions and very proud to have a special event with a screenplay reading of MUMBET. We strive to bring a special festival to our vibrant community, so we truly believe there is something for everyone!”
On Thursday, May 31, in Great Barrington, the festival opens this year with the Sundance hit AMERICAN ANIMALS. This docudrama is the extraordinary and thrilling true story of four friends who brazenly attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in US history.
The following day, on June 1, In Pittsfield, BIFF will open at the Beacon in Pittsfield with the rock-and-rolling BAD REPUTATION about the one and only Joan Jett. The documentary follows her incredible, uncompromising and influential career. You will leave singing “I love rock ‘n’ roll!” The opening night begins with a party at the Beacon Cinema followed by the presentation of the NINTH annual “Next Great Filmmaker Award.”
On Friday, June 1 – Tribute Night – The festival will pay tribute to the Academy Award-winning actor, Rachel Weisz for her remarkable achievement in film. Over the past 25 years, Ms. Weisz has displayed her fearlessness, intelligence and talent in over 64 roles and has won or been nominated for nearly every industry award – from a BAFTA, to a Golden Globe, to an Oscar. We celebrate the incredible body of work she has already created and the creative peaks she continues to climb. As part of the tribute, Ms. Weisz will be in conversation with David Edelstein, New York chief film critic on the stage of the Mahaiwe following by a screening of her new film DISOBEDIENCE.
The festival will host the Special Event – Staged script reading of the upcoming film MUMBET and Q&A after the reading with the cast and crew. Director/Producer Alethea Root, writer Stephen Glantz, producer Kim Waltrip, executive producers Jayne Atkinson and Elizabeth Aspenlieder, co-producer Jana Laiz, Diane Pearlman and Jameelah Nuruddin, production designer Carl Sprague, and costume designer Kevin Draves, Governor Deval Patrick and State Representative Smitty Pignatelli will all be in attendance.
She could neither read nor write, yet with fearless courage, Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman used the very words written by the men she served, “all men are created free and equal” to challenge the courts and sue for her freedom, changing the course of history 80 years before the Emancipation Proclamation. This is the true story of an unsung American hero who was truly a founding Mother of our country.”
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Won’t You Be My Neighbor?[/caption]
On Sunday, June 3, BIFF will close with the highly acclaimed Sundance hit, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? about the life and legacy of Mr. Rogers. The film was directed by Academy Award-winning director Morgan Neville and produced by Nicholas Ma who will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. Film courtesy of Focus Features.
THE JURY
The BIFF’s EIGHTH Annual Jury includes actors Karen Allen, Jayne Atkinson, Scott Cohen, Michel Gil and Peter Riegert, distribution guru Josh Braun, New York Film Festival director Kent Jones, past Academy president and producer Sid Ganis and producer Nancy Hult Ganis and award-winning producer Darren Dean. There will be five films in competition for feature documentaries and five films in the narrative category. The award will carry a $5,000 prize sponsored by GWFF USA to be presented on Sunday, June 4 at Allium in Great Barrington. The BIFF has become the festival of choice for filmmakers and film lovers who are seeking a unique Berkshire experience and a place to indulge their passion for film. The Festival connects audiences to compelling documentaries, award-winning international releases with incredible parties and events, all just a short drive from New York City and Boston. Films and events will be held throughout Great Barrington and Pittsfield, including the Triplex Cinema, the historic Mahaiwe Theatre, and the Beacon Cinema, as well as area restaurants. The NINTH annual “Next Great Filmmaker” Competition created and sponsored by Berkshire Bank will kick-off online on Friday, April 27. Voting will continue through to May 30 and the winner announced at the opening night presentation in Pittsfield, Friday, June 1 at the Beacon.BIFF FILMMAKERS SUMMIT
For the SEVENTH year, the BIFF will present the annual Filmmakers Summit—a two-day talent academy offered to the 2018 film selection filmmakers. Offering a diverse, multi-dimensional program of panel discussions, lectures, special events, and breakout sessions lead by known industry professionals, the BIFF Filmmakers Summit celebrates and supports the advancement of filmmakers and recognizes film as a relevant and important medium. Beginning on Wednesday, May 31, the Filmmakers Summit is an integral part of the festival experience for filmmakers. Ensuring the freshest and most poignant dialogue in conjunction with incredibly unique events, this Summit goes way beyond networking; it will fortify the festival experience. The Summit features special effects legend Douglas Trumbull, head of CNN Documentaries, and other industry professionals.THE LINEUP: FEATURES, DOCUMENTARIES, AND SHORTS
NARRATIVE FEATURES
AMERICAN ANIMALS, US (d. Bart Layton with: Evan Peters. Barry Keoghan, Blake Jenner, Jared Abrahamson, Ann Dowd, Udo Kier *EDIE, UK (d: Simon Hunter with: Sheila Hancock, Kevin Guthrie, Amy Manson, Paul Brannigan, Wendy Morgan) Q&A with Simon Hunter following the screening EIGHTH GRADE, US (d. Bo Burnahm with: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton) HOCHELAGA, TERRA DES AMES, Canada (d: Francois Girard with: Samian, Raoul Max Trujillo, Vincent Perez) *L’INSTANT INFINI, France/Switzerland (d. Doulgas Beer with: Jennifer Rihouey, Leonard Delacroix, Mathieu Chardet) Q&A with Douglas Beer following the screening *JULIE, BLUE, US/Ukraine (d: Roxy Topoworyc with: Polina Snisarenko) Q&A with Roxy Topoworyc following the screening LOVELING, Brazil/Uruguay (d: Gustavo Pizzi with: Karine Teles, Otavio Muller, Adriana Esteves, Konstantinos Sarris, Cesar Troncoso) MAZE, Ireland (d: Stephen Burke with: Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Barry Ward, Martin McCann,Eileen Walsh, Niamh McGrady, Ross McKinney) NO DATE, NO SIGNATURE, Iran (d: Vahid Jalilvand with: Navid Mohammadzadeh, Amir Agha’ee, Hediyeh Tehrani, Zakiyeh Behbahani, Sa’eed Dakh, Alireza Ostadi) PIEDS NUS DANS L’AUBE, Canada (d: Frederic LeClerc with: Shauna Bonaduce, Roy Dupuis, Marianne Fortier) SCAFFOLDING, Israel (d: Matan Yair with: Asher Lax, Ami Smolartchik, Yaacov Cohen, Keren Berger) SHELTER, Israel (d: Eran Riklis with: Golshifteh Farahani, Neta Riskin, orald Liddawi, Haluk Bilginer, Mark Waschke) *SILK ROAD, Denmark (d: Mark de Cloe with: Olivia Lonsdale, Gijs Blom, Jonas Smulders ) Q&A with Mark de Cloe following the screening STREAKERS, Switzerland (d: Peter Luisi with: Beat Schlatter, Doro Muggler, Bendrit Bajra, Luna Wedler) THE CHARMER, Iran/Holland (d: Milad Alami with: Ardalan Esmaili, Lars Brygmann, Stine Fischer Christensen, Austa Lee Jesperson) THE ETERNAL FEMININE, Mexico (d: Natalia Beristain with: Karina Gidi, Tessa La, Danie Gimenez Cacho, Pedro De Tavira) THE GUILTY, Denmark (d: Gustav Moller with: Jakob Cedergren, Jessica Dinnage, Johan Olsen, Omar Shargawi) THE HOUSE BY THE SEA, France (d: Robert Guediguian with: Ariane Ascaride, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Gerard Meylan, Jacques Boudet, Anais Demoustier) THE INVISIBLES, Germany (d: Claus Rafle with Max Mauff, Alice Dwyer, Ruby O. Fee, Aaron Altaras, Victoria Schulz, Florian Lukas) THE JUNIOR LEAGUE, Canada (d: Eric Tessier with: Antoine-Olivier Pilon, Rémi Goulet, Alice Morel-Michaud) *THE LONG DUMB ROAD, US (d: Hannah Fidell with: Tony Revolori, Jason Mantzoukas, Taissa Farmiga, Grace Gummer, Ron Livingtson, Casey Wilson) THREE PEAKS, Germany/Italy (d: Jan Zabeil with: Alexander Fehling, Berenice Bejo, Arian Montgomery) UNDER THE EIFFLE TOWER, US/France (d: Archie Borders with: Matt Walsh, Judith Godrèche, Reid Scott) UNDER THE TREE, Iceland (d: Hafsteinn Gunnar Siguross with: Steinpor Hrooar Steinborsson, Edda Bjorgvinsdottir, Sigurour Sigurjonsson, Porsteinn Bachmann, Selma Bjornsdottir) WOMAN WALKS AHEAD, US (d: Susanna Wright with: Jessica Chastain, Sam Rockwell, Ciaran Hinds, Michael Nouri, David Midthunder, Michael Greyeyes, Bill Camp)DOCUMENTARY FEATURES
*306 HOLLYWOOD, US/Hungary (d: Elan Boagarin/Jonathan Boagarin) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening *BAD REPUTATION, US (d: Kevin Karslake) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening *BREWMASTER, US (d: Douglas Tirola/Susan Bedusa) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening *GETTING NAKED: A BURLESQUE STORY, US (d: James Lester) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening RYUICHI SAKAMOTO: CODA, Japan/US (d: Stephen Nomura Schibl) CRIME + PUNISHMENT, US (d: Stephen Maing) DARK MONEY, US (d: Kimberly Reed) *DATELINE: SAIGON, US (d: Thomas Herman) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening *GRIT, US/Indonesia (d: Cynthia Wade) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening THE HUMAN ELEMENT, US/Iceland (d: Matthew Testa) *GONE IN AN INSTANT, US (d: Anthony Holt) Q&A with filmmaker after screening *IMPOSED PIECE, Belgium (d: Brecht Vanhoenacker) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening *IT WILL BE CHAOS, US (d: Lorena Luciano, Filippo Piscopo) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening *MOVING STORIES, US (d: Rob Fruchtman) Collaboration with Jacob’s Pillow with Q&A following the screening with filmmaker and dancers *LOVE, GILDA, US (d: Lisa Dapolito) ) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening OF FATHERS AND SONS, Germany/Syria/Lebanon/Qatar (d: Talal Derki) ON HER SHOULDERS, US (d: Alexandra Bombach) *OUT OF MY HEAD, US (d: Susanna Styron) Q&A with filmmaker following the screening *RESTORING TOMORROW, US (d: Aaron Wolf) *DAUGHTERS OF THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION, US (d: Dana Adam Shapiro) Q&A with filmmaker after screening STUDIO 54, US (d: Matt Tyranauer) THE GODDESSES OF FOOD, France (d: Verane Frediani) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDRE, US (d: Kim Novack) THE WORKERS CUP, UK (d: Adam Sobel) THIS IS HOME, US/Jordan (d: Alexandra Shiva) THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS, US (d: Tim Wardle) WHAT LIES UPSTREAM, US (d: Cullen Hoback) *WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? US (d: Morgan Neville) Q&A with filmmaker following the screeningSHORTS
BIFF will present two short film programs showcasing 22 shorts. Filmmakers will be in attendance at selected screenings.Shorts #1
*GAME (d: Jeannie Donohue), #SELFIE (d: David M. Lorenz), *DEPORTING MYSELF (d: Julie Neumann), BABS (d: Celine Hand, Logan George), *SURVIVING NEW YORK (d: Megan Miller), *FLY LADY FLY (d: Lucien Flores/Michaela Smith), COOLPOOL ( d: Zachary Myers), NIGHT (d: Christian Scales and *ADVENTURE NOT WAR (d: Max Lowe)Shorts #2
*THE LONG RED LIGHT (d: Chris Hume), EMERGENCY (d: Carey Williams), WALLS (d: Fatmir Dolci/Maik Schuster/Max Poschke), *FEVAH (d: Randall Dottin), *HEIMLICH (d: Lisanne Santor), YOU’RE WELCOME (d: Rebecca Panian), THE SILENT (d: Karen Turner/Dom Lee), *JITTERS (d: Otoja Abit), *EVE (d: Susan Bay Nimoy) and *WITH MY TWO HANDS (d: Michael Baraocas). *denotes filmmakers in attendance.VENUES AND TICKETS
Venues for all of the weekend-long events and screenings include the Triplex Cinema, Daniel Arts Center at Simon’s Rock and the historic Mahaiwe Theatre in Great Barrington and the Beacon Cinema and Hotel on North in Pittsfield.
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Documentary THE FINAL YEAR Following President Obama’s Foreign-Policy Team During His Last Year in Office Sets HBO Debut Date [Trailer]
During his last year in office, President Obama’s foreign-policy team worked to solidify the administration’s policies amidst immense challenges. The Final Year offers an insider’s look at key figures, including Secretary of State John Kerry, UN Ambassador Samantha Power, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes and National Security Advisor Susan Rice, as they sought to promote diplomacy and redefine how the U.S. confronts questions of war and peace, all while preparing to hand over the machinery of American power to a new administration.
Directed by Greg Barker (HBO’s Emmy(R)-winning “Manhunt: The Inside Story of the Hunt for Bin Laden”), the revealing behind-the-scenes documentary debuts Monday, May 21 (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET/PT), on HBO.
The film will also be available on HBO On Demand, HBO NOW, HBO GO and partners’ streaming platforms.
Shooting from late 2015 until 3:00 a.m. on the morning of Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017, director Greg Barker and his crew filmed extensively in the White House, the State Department and the United Nations, following their subjects to 21 countries, among them Austria, Cameroon, Chad, Cuba, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Nigeria, the UK and Vietnam.
Among the events chronicled in The Final Year:
Secretary of State Kerry is in Vienna for the Iran Nuclear Deal, which he calls “as serious a moment in diplomacy as you can get.” Meanwhile, the president is in Vietnam, where he holds a forum for young people. Advisor Ben Rhodes is focused on writing President Obama’s unprecedented upcoming speech in Japan to mark the 71st anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing.
In Vienna, Secretary Kerry attends more than 30 meetings on the situation in Syria over two days, while UN Ambassador Power sits down with Syrian refugees to hear their heartrending stories. While Kerry and Power try to broker peace for Syria, Advisor Rhodes is in Havana, where he reflects on the newly open relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, saying, “If these two countries can try to put the past behind them, maybe we all can do that.”
In Laos prior to a presidential visit, Advisor Rhodes notes that the rhetoric of the presidential campaign is worrying people around the world. In the U.S., Ambassador Power speaks at the citizenship ceremony for her babysitter, Maria, noting emotionally that she is an immigrant herself. Next, she visits high security-risk areas in Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria to help bring attention to the hundreds of girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, who have not been found after two years.
After becoming the first U.S. president to visit Laos, site of the 1964-1973 “secret war” that still claims victims from unexploded bombs, President Obama and his team prepare for UN General Assembly meetings in New York. With the situation in Syria front and center, there are heated arguments for and against military intervention, but National Security Advisor Rice points out that disagreement is important, noting, “You don’t want groupthink around a table.”
On election night 2016, Ambassador Power hosts a gathering with Madeleine Albright, Gloria Steinem and female UN ambassadors, but the mood is dampened when it becomes clear Hillary Clinton won’t be the next president. Although his successor will likely reverse his policies, President Obama, visiting Athens on his final trip as head of state, is hopeful. “History doesn’t follow a straight line,” he says. “It zigs and zags.” In the days before Donald Trump’s inauguration, Kerry, Rhodes and Power pack up their offices. Vowing to continue their work, Power says, “We’re in this for the long haul.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFlb1sAqvO0
The Final Year, which had its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, was hailed as “compelling… irresistible… deeply moving” by the Hollywood Reporter, while the Wrap called it “immense and intimate.”
In addition to the Emmy(R)-winning “Manhunt: The Inside Story of the Hunt for Bin Laden,” director Greg Barker’s HBO credits include “Homegrown: The Counter-Terror Dilemma,” “Koran by Heart” and the Emmy(R)-nominated “Sergio.”
The Final Year is directed by Greg Barker; produced by Julie Goldman, John Battsek, Greg Barker; co-executive producers, Kerstin Emhoff, Andrew Ruhemann. For HBO: senior producer, Nancy Abraham; executive producer, Sheila Nevins.
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TO DUST and UNITED SKATES Win Audience Awards at 2018 Tribeca Film Festival
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TO DUST[/caption]
To Dust, written and directed by Shawn Snyder and United Skates, directed by Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown, were voted the winners of the two Audience Awards at the 17th annual Tribeca Film Festival. To Dust was honored with the Narrative award and United Skates was given the Documentary award. Each award comes with a cash prize of $10,000.
“Great stories bring people together from all walks of life where the unexpected is discovered and new voices are introduced,” said Paula Weinstein, Executive Vice President of Tribeca Enterprises. “This year’s Audience Award winners are a testament to that. From a Hasidic Jewish community in To Dust to the off-the-radar African-American roller-rink community in United Skates, we applaud these filmmakers for telling these incredible stories and bringing new perspectives to our Festival audiences.”
“I’m both ecstatic and bowled over by this news. Premiering at Tribeca Film Festival has been a dream and a homecoming, as Tribeca Film Institute was one of the earliest supporters of this strangely personal and oddly specific film,” said To Dust director Shawn Snyder. “It was made entirely out of love and miracles, by incredible collaborators who believed in it from the start. I share this honor and the excitement with each and every one of them and want to give a special thanks to my producers, Emily Mortimer, Alessandro Nivola, Ron Perlman, Josh Crook, Scott Lochmus and Jonathan Gray.”
“It was such an honor to have our world premiere at Tribeca this year– and now to win the audience award!? Every one of those votes is like a vote for keeping this skate world alive and its rinks open. There is no greater feeling than knowing that audiences are falling in love with this community, the same way we have,” said United Skates directors Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown
The runners-up were Mapplethorpe, directed by Ondi Timoner, for the Narrative audience award and Momentum Generation, directed by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist, for the Documentary audience award. Throughout the Festival, which kicked off on April 18, audience members voted by using the official Tribeca Film Festival app on their mobile devices and rated the film they had just viewed from 1-5 stars. Films in the U.S. Narrative Competition, International Narrative Competition, Documentary Competition, Viewpoints, Spotlight, Special Screenings, and Midnight sections were eligible.
ABOUT THE AUDIENCE AWARD WINNING FILMS AND RUNNERS-UP:
WINNERS
To Dust, directed by Shawn Snyder, written by Shawn Snyder, Jason Duran. Produced by Emily Mortimer, Alessandro Nivola, Ron Perlman, Josh Crook, Scott Lochmus. (USA) – World Premiere, Feature Narrative. Traumatized by the death of his wife, a Hasidic cantor obsesses over how her body will decay. He seeks answers from a local biology professor in this, unlikeliest of buddy comedies. With Geza Rohrig, Matthew Broderick. The film played in the Special Screenings section. United Skates, directed and produced by Dyana Winkler, Tina Brown. (USA) – World Premiere. Credited with incubating East Coast hip-hop and West Coast rap, America’s roller rinks have long been bastions of regional African-American culture, music, and dance. As rinks shutter across the country, a few activists mount a last stand. The film played in the Documentary Competition section.RUNNERS UP
Mapplethorpe, directed and screenplay by Ondi Timoner. Produced by Eliza Dushku, Nathaniel Dushku, Richard J. Bosner, Ondi Timoner. (USA) – World Premiere. In the late 1960s, art-school dropout Robert Mapplethorpe moves into the Chelsea Hotel with dreams of stardom. He quickly becomes the enfant terrible of the photography world as the downtown counterculture of 1970s New York reaches its zenith. With Matt Smith, Marianne Rendón, John Benjamin Hickey, Brandon Sklenar, McKinley Belcher III, Mark Moses. The film played in the U.S. Narrative Competition section. Momentum Generation, directed and written by Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist. Produced by Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist, Colby Gottert, Greg Little, Justine Chiara, Karen Lauder, Laura Michalchyshyn, Lizzie Friedman, Tina Elmo. (USA) – World Premiere. In the 1990s, a band of teen surfers came together on the north shore of Oahu. Their unbridled talent and strong bonds of friendship would bring professional surfing to new heights. But as their stars rose, those bonds would be tested. With Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Taylor Knox, Benji Weatherley, Kalani Robb, and Ross Williams. The film played in the Documentary Competition section
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21st American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes Film Festival to Feature 27 Short Films
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Dirty Bomb[/caption]
The 2018 lineup for the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase will feature an impressive program features 27 short documentary and narrative films by up-and-coming filmmakers from the U.S. and around the world, all of which will screen at The American Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival.
The showcase encompasses five sections, including: Student Short Films, Student Documentaries, Emerging Filmmaker Short Films, Emerging Filmmaker Documentaries, and Emerging Filmmaker LGBTQ Showcase films.
In a second year partnership with KCETLink Media Group, a leading national independent nonprofit public broadcast and digital network, three of the films from the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase will be featured in the FINE CUT broadcast television series, which will begin airing in the fall on KCET independent public television in Southern California.
A flagship program for Los Angeles’ KCET public television since the late ‘90s, the Fine Cut festival was founded by actor Jack Larson, best known for his portrayal of photographer/reporter Jimmy Olsen in the 1952-1958 television series “Adventures of Superman,” on the idea that public television was an excellent platform for providing critical visibility to student and emerging filmmakers.
The films in this year’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase focus on themes as diverse as the sexual violence, Alzheimer’s, bullying, holocaust, father/daughter stories, falling for Mr. Wrong, women entrepreneurs, online dating, coming to terms with sexual orientation, the impact of social media, werewolves and zombies to name a few. A variety of stars are featured, including: Jamie McShane, Marlyne Barrett, Elizabeth Guest, Mary Kate Wiles, Maya Kazan,Charlotte Ritchie, Ed White, Shawn Ryan, Candi Milo, Scott Cooper Ryan, Bernard White, Meera Syal, Doug Tompos, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Petersen, Ido Samuel, James Babson, J. Michael Trautmann, Shani Atias, Leif Gantvoort, Bart McCarthy, Ioanna Meli, and more.
Female directors are once again well represented in The Showcase, with more than half of the films directed by women.
Student filmmakers hail from schools across the United States, including: School of Visual Arts, Santa Monica College, Chapman University Dodge College of Media Arts, USC, Yale School of Drama, Florida State University, UC Berkeley School of Journalism, Brooklyn Film College, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Art Center College of Design, AFI Directing Workshop for Women, and The Young Actors’ Theatre Camp.
“This year’s showcase promotes a wide selection of themes, cultural diversity amongst the films and filmmakers and I’m excited that again this year, more than half of the finalist films are directed by women,” said Monika Skerbelis, Programming Director.
STUDENT DOCUMENTARY
HALE 2017, 20:24 min., USA, Documentary, UC Berkeley School of Journalism Producer/Writer/Director: Brad Bailey Cast: Hale Zukas, Judith Heuman, Zona Roberts Born with cerebral palsy, Hale Zukas is the grandfather of disability movement, started in Berkeley, California. Every morning, he still wakes up for the fight to live independently with dignity, strength, and courage. PEACEKEEPER 2017, 13 min., USA, Florida State University, Documentary Producers/Directors: Nicholas Markart, Tyler Knutt Cast: Judith LeBlanc, Lewis Grassrope, Ray Taken Alive, William Brown Otter, Margaret Landin Native Americans from Standing Rock speak out on the pipeline, the repetition of history, and their roles as water-protectors in a struggle for modern sovereignty. BUILD RAMPS NOT WALLS 2018, 13:20 min., Documentary/Sports, USA/Mexico, Brooklyn Film College Director: Brian Adamkiewicz Producer: Rebecca Frances Scotti Cast: Emilio Fernandez, Nathaniel Rabinor Shown through the eyes of an 8-year-old American-Mexican boy, Build Ramps Not Wallsdocuments a bi-national skate community in Mexico seeking a positive response to the negative rhetoric between Mexico and the USA after the 2016 presidential elections. JESSICA CLARK RACING 2017, 4:57 min., USA, Documentary, Art Center College of Design Producer/Writer/Director: Ellen Houlihan Cast: Jessica Clark Jessica Clark, a 21-year-old race car driver from Ventura, California dreams of racing in NASCAR one day. As a confident and driven woman in a male-dominated career field, she is an empowering example of a woman defying the odds and resisting any challenge she encounters on and off the track.STUDENT SHORT FILMS
THE RISEN 2018, 7:43 min., USA, Drama/Thriller, The Young Actors’ Theatre Camp Director: John Ainsworth Co-Directors: Monica Jeon, Olivia Ingram, Sarah Whalen Writers: Sarah Elizabeth Whalen, Brad Griffith Producers: John Ainsworth, Shawn Ryan, Valerie Dohrer Cast: Marguerite Williamson, Reed Wylie-Chaney, Jolie Orban Without warning or any explanation, all kids on earth have woken up to an overtaken planet. The kids retreat to live in the forest until they receive a signal that the threat has receded… but has it truly? Can the kids get along with each other long enough to survive the destruction of earth? A CHRISTMAS DINNER 2017, 5:41 min., USA, Comedy, University Nevada Las Vegas Writer/Director: Tyler Yarbro Producer: Melissa Del Rosario Cast: David Kurtz, Spiro Siavelis, Kevin Fitzpatrick A family’s nutcracker Christmas dinner is interrupted when the narrator unveils their darkest secrets. BROADSIDE 2017, 3:25 min., USA, Animation, School of Visual Arts Writer/Director: Jodi Chamberlain Producer: Jimmy Calhoun Cast: Lisa O’Hara She just wants to enjoy a snack, but when this salty old sailor is attacked by a beast many times larger than her boat, she must think and act fast in this spaghetti-western sci-fi monster movie about wit, grit, and cunning. NIGHT CALL 2017, 17:39 min., USA, Drama/Action, Chapman University Dodge College of Film & Media Arts Writer/Director: Amanda Renee Knox Producers: Phabillia Afflack-Borja, Miriam Anwari Cast: Marlyne Barrett, Rachael Holmes, Delaney Williams, Matthieu Jean-Pierre When on a routine patrol, a Black female cop living in and patrolling Inglewood gets called to a disturbance she is forced to make an unprecedented life altering decision. GLORIA TALKS FUNNY 2017, 18:27 min., USA, Comedy/Dramedy, Chapman University Dodge College of Film & Media Arts Writer/Director: Kendall Goldberg Producer: Michael Stanziale Cast: Candi Milo, Ryan Stiffelman, Shawn Ryan, Jon Heder, Jeremy Shada When struggling voice actress, Gloria, discovers her agent failed to tell her that her claim-to-fame cartoon is being remade, she sets her sights on reprising her role as the famous BioBoy.DOCUMENTARY
ZEBRAFISH: PRACTICALLY PEOPLE, TRANSFORMING THE STUDY OF DISEASE 2018, 9:54 min., USA, Documentary Producer/Director: Jennifer Manner Writer: Dr. Wendy Leonard Healthcare spending is out of control. What if we could get better biomedical data, spend pennies on the dollar, and get results in a fraction of the time? Zebrafish, a proven but under-recognized and underutilized biomedical research model, can do that. Zebrafish are human avatars. GUNS FOUND HERE 2018, 10:05 min., USA, Documentary Director: David Freid Producer: Mor Albalak An American paper trail. When there’s a gun crime in America, there’s only one place to go to trace the gun back to its owner: Martinsburg, West Virginia. That’s where the ATF’s National Tracing Center handles roughly 8,000 active traces per dayEMERGING SHORT FILMS
ALL THE MARBLES 2017, 17 min., USA, Family, Drama, Fantasy Director: Michael Swingler Producers/Writers: Michael Swingler, Carl Petersen Cast: Carl Petersen, Christopher Franciosa, Cole Sand, Helen Sadler, Micah Fitzgerald A little boy challenges a villainous bully to a game of marbles in a bizarre and fantastical world where marbles are as precious as gold. G[R]O[W]ING UP 2017, 9:55 min., USA, Romance Producer/Writer/Director: Annabelle K. Frost Line Producer: Cherryl Siena Espinoza Cast: Mary Kate Wiles, Billy Beck, Scott Cooper Ryan, Larry Clarke, Fran Bennett, Terri Ivens, Evan Arnold A naive elevator operator becomes smitten when she meets a winsome new tenant in the spring. She falls deep in love over the summer only to hit troubled times in the fall. Frozen by her predicament, she withdraws through the winter. Will she find love before spring returns? DIRTY BOMB 2017, 14:59 min., USA, Drama/Action/History Writer/Director: Valerie McCaffrey Producers: Brian Kelly Jones, Jennifer Tung, Stefan Simon Cast: Ido Samuel, J. Michael Trautmann, Dallas Hart, Hunter Doohan, James Babson, Clayton Haymes, Stefan Simon, Robert Arce, Connor Linnerooth, Matt Otstot, Windy Hamilton, Tara Soojian Signing his own death wish, a concentration camp prisoner sabotages the construction of the V-2 bomb against the Nazis, while American soldiers struggle to advance against the Germans during “The Battle of the Bulge”, Hitler’s last chance for winning the war. THE FIRST OF MANY 2017, 12:39 min., USA, Drama Producers/Directors: Pamela Guest, Elizabeth Guest Writer: Pamela Guest Cast: Elizabeth Guest, Lawrence Michael Levine, Kristen Slaysman In 1971 a young actress goes on her first audition with surprising, life-changing results. MAN OF THE HOUR 2018, 17:51 min., United Kingdom, Drama/Mystery/Comedy Directors: Linda Ludwig & James Curle Writer: Tom Palmer Producers: Tom Palmer, Linda Ludwig, James Curle Cast: Charlotte Ritchie, Ed White, Oliver Chris, Richard Durden, Tom Palmer, Harriet Green, Tom Stourton, Natasia Demetriou Gemma receives a mysterious invitation to the birthday party of an enigmatic millionaire, Jeremy. She must pass herself off as Jeremy’s old friend and mingle with his glittering guests. But Gemma cannot help but wonder who Jeremy is and why he has tasked her with such a peculiar job – there’s something more to him than meets the eye. SCARLETT-ANGELINA 2017, 9:55 min, Family/Drama, USA Director: Lorette Bayle Writer: Jacqueline K. Ogburn Producers: Nicolas Emiliani, Stephanie Nilles, Lorette Bayle Cast: Madison Calderon, Leif Gantvoort, Anthony Jensen, Rachael Markarian, Thomas Ashworth Scarlett-Angelina is a little girl who knows how to take care of herself, much to the dismay of the small-time crook who kidnaps her. TZEVA ADOM: COLOR RED 2017, 20:25 min., USA/Israel, Drama Director: Michael Horwitz Writer: C. Ashleigh Caldwell Producers: Todd Felderstein, C. Ashleigh Caldwell Cast: Shani Atias, Jack Pitchon, Jonathan Arkin, Danny Boushebel, Kenzie Caplan, Sima Galanti A female Israeli soldier forms an unlikely connection with a Palestinian boy over social media. GOOD MORNING 2017, 12:26 min., USA, Drama/Horror Writer/Director: Elaine Mongeon Producer: Julie M. Anderson Cast: Maya Kazan, Jamie McShane A young woman and her father adapt to terrifying challenges they never expected.LGBTQ FILMS
LADY EVA 2017, 10:45 min., USA/Tonga, Documentary/LGBTQ Directors: Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson Producer: Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu A brave young transgender woman sets off on a journey to become her true self in the conservative Pacific Island Kingdom of Tonga – with a little inspiration from Tina Turner along the way. COMING OF AGE 2018, 7:26 min., USA, Drama/Romance/LGBTQ Writer/Director: Doug Tompos Producers: Risa Bramon Garcia, Steve Braun, Doug Tompos Cast: Doug Tompos, Adrian Gonzalez In the afterglow of sex, a generation gap opens between two men as they struggle to define trust in the age of open marriage and NSA hookups. CANDACE 2017, 9 min., USA, Comedy/Drama/LGBTQ, Yale School of Drama Director: Emma Weinstein Writer: Emma Weinstein, Stella Baker Producers: Emma Weinstein, Alix Masters, Michael Breslin, Stella Baker Cast: Stella Baker, Moses Ingram Through race, sexuality and dolphin suicide, this 9-minute short looks at the erotic and messy intimacy of childhood best friends trying to figure out how to say goodbye. PRETTY 2018, 9:30 min., USA, Drama/LGBTQ, Young Actors’ Theatre Camp Director: Jim Fall Writer: Jeremy Pitzer Producers: John Ainsworth, Shawn Ryan, Valerie Dohrer Cast: Jeremy Pitzer, Ava Vukic, Sean McCrystal, Riley Blum, Karen Moore, Matt McCoy, Shawn Ryan, Brad Griffith Sam strives to be accepted but worries he will be rejected for being himself. He loves pretty gowns, fancy makeup and sneaking into the local drag show. He soon realizes the only thing holding him back is himself. LIFE IN COLOR 2018, 21 min., USA, Drama/LGBTQ, Santa Monica College Director: Bishal Dutta Writers: Bishal Dutta, Matt McClelland Producer: Olivia Shapiro Executive Producer: Scott Carper Cast: Bart McCarthy, Ioanna Meli, Sean McBride An aging, closeted gay man with Alzheimer’s struggles against his strong-willed daughter to hold on to the memory of the long lost love of his life. EMPIRE ON MAIN STREET 2018, 24 min., USA, Documentary/LGBTQ Director: Jessica Congdon Producer: Eric Holland Cast: Crista Luedtke A tireless entrepreneur jump-starts the transformation of a neglected vacation town, until her ambition pushes her to the brink. THE HOMESTAY 2017, 11:45, USA, Comedy/LGBTQ Writer/Director: Priyanka Mattoo Producers: Priyanka Mattoo, Ursula Camack, Meghan Malloy Cast: Meera Syal, Bernard White, Max Jenkins, Ravi Patel, Sujata Day, Gabe Delahaye A sheltered Indian couple visits their son in the U.S. for the first time and bungles their apartment rental, ending up in close quarters with their hosts, a gay couple and their dog. HAIRCUT: THE MUSICAL! 2017, 6:25 min., USA, Comedy/Musical/LGBTQ, University Southern California Writer/Director: Jason Phillips Producer: Adrian Vega Albela Osorio Cast: Matthew Manhard, Finley Polynice, John Skoubis, Kate Enggren Before Brian Mills leaves for his first year at Princeton University, he must come to terms with his sexual orientation and be honest with himself after some guidance from his trusted barber.
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ANDY IRONS: KISSED BY GOD, Surfer Andy Irons’ Story of Opioid Addiction and Bipolar Disorder Comes to U.S. Cinemas [Trailer]
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Andy Irons: Kissed by God[/caption]
“Andy Irons: Kissed by God,” the heart-wrenching story of three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons will open in U.S. movie theaters this spring. As the opioid crisis rises to a national emergency in the United States and bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans (National Institute of Mental Health), the untold story of Irons’ life serves to tear down the myths associated with these two ferocious diseases. The documentary features in-depth interviews with Andy’s brother Bruce Irons, his wife Lyndie Irons, and fellow surfers Joel Parkinson, Nathan Fletcher, Sunny Garcia and Kelly Slater. In addition to the feature content, audiences will also view a Q&A with top experts in the field of opioid addiction and bipolar disorder, directors Steve and Todd Jones, as well as Andy’s friends and family.
Fathom Events and Teton Gravity Research bring “Andy Irons: Kissed by God” to nearly 500 U.S. cinemas for one night on Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. local time, through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN).
“Andy Irons: Kissed by God” chronicles the struggles of bipolar disorder and opioid addiction as seen through the life of three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons. Irons struggled with the same demons that millions of people worldwide battle with daily. He was an incredible presence on the surfing world stage as the “People’s Champion,” the pride of Hawaii and revered around the world for his blue-collar rise to fame and success. However, many were unaware of his internal battles that led to his demise.
“‘Andy Irons: Kissed by God’ is both a moving documentary and an opportunity to shine a light on the country’s opioid crisis and mental health systems,” said Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt. “It’s events such as these that turn local cinemas into a place to both entertain and educate communities.”
“The time to tell Andy’s story is now, not because we want to glorify his life or accomplishments, but because Andy wanted to share the truth of his struggles to educate future generations,” said his brother, Bruce Irons. “We wanted to shine an honest light on the truth – both the struggles and the triumphs – and tell an accurate story of who Andy truly was.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJWIPRvtAHk
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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.