• TIFF Kids International Film Festival to Open With Canadian Premiere of Chimpanzee and Unveils Film Lineup

    [caption id="attachment_2530" align="alignnone"]Chimpanzee[/caption]

    The 15th annual TIFF Kids International Film Festival revealed the Feature Film Presentations that will screen during the festival at TIFF Bell Lightbox from April 10 through April 22, 2012.

    Also announced today was the official Opening Night selection. On Friday, April 13, TIFF Kids presents the Canadian Premiere of Chimpanzee, the new True Life Adventure from Disneynature which follows Oscar, a young chimpanzee, as he explores the fascinating terrain of the African forests.

    FEATURE FILM PRESENTATIONS

    Alfie, the Little Werewolf (Dolfje Weerwolfje), director: Joram Lürsen, The Netherlands. Dutch with English subtitles. Toronto Premiere
    When the full moon rises on the night of his seventh birthday, strange things begin to happen to shy little Alfie: he suddenly grows sharp claws and white fuzzy hair, and begins to howl at the moon. Alfie soon realizes he is no longer a regular kid—he has turned into a werewolf! Only his brother Timmie knows, but with Alfie attacking his neighbour’s chickens and biting a bully in the leg, it won’t be long until his secret is revealed. Alfie just wants to be an ordinary boy again, but with the help of his loving family and a mysterious hairy stranger, he may learn that what makes each person different is also what makes them special. Age recommendation 7 and up.

    Bacalar, director: Patricia Arriaga Jordán, Mexico. Spanish with English subtitles. Canadian Premiere
    When twelve-year-old wannabe detectives Santiago and Mariana witness the kidnapping of endangered Mexican wolf cubs, they spring into action to stop the traffickers and return the cubs to the local nature reserve. With the local authorities a step behind them, our heroes must rely on teamwork, keen powers of observation and a little help from the animal spirits to get the job done. Age recommendation 10 and up.

    Ballymun Lullaby, director: Frank Berry, Ireland. English.
    Canadian Premiere
    Ballymun Flats, Ireland’s only highrise community, was created in the 1960s to solve a housing crisis. Since then, social and economic issues associated with the address have led to prejudice against its residents–many of whom have been forced out of their homes due to redevelopment. Yet the community’s sense of hope and perseverance shines, as seen in this inspiring documentary following music teacher Ron Cooney and the kids of the Ballymun Music Programme through the creation of a choral and orchestral album. While the film focuses on the incredible talent behind the project, it also provides a glimpse into the lives of these young artists who have learned to overcome the limitations imposed by others. Age recommendation grades 5 and up.

    The Blue Tiger (Modry Tygr), director: Petr Oukropec, Czech Republic. Czech with English subtitles. International Premiere In a city ruled by a diabolical mayor, only one thing can save the old botanical garden from demolition: the magical blue tiger. Now it’s up to friends Johanka and Matyas to protect the tiger from the evil clutches of the mayor and his henchmen and save the garden from becoming an entertainment centre. They’ll have to rely on their intelligence and imagination, not to mention the mysterious powers of the blue tiger to save the day. Combining live-action and clever animation flourishes, The Blue Tiger is a visually stunning tale of heart and hope, encouraging us to care for our local environment while respecting the past. Age recommendation 8 and up.

    Brownstones to Red Dirt, directors: Dave LaMattina, Chad Walker, USA/Sierra Leone. English.
    Canadian Premiere When students from Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy projects befriend an orphanage of children and youth living in post-civil war Sierra Leone, Africa, the results are truly inspiring. Developed though a pen pal programme, this unique dialogue has an extremely positive effect on both sets of students. By the end of the school year, the kids from Bed-Stuy even organize a fundraiser to help their distant friends. Brownstones to Red Dirt is a compelling documentary that boldly explores some of society’s most gruelling problems. Its candid realism isn’t always easy to watch, but in the end it offers a positive message for children and adults. Age recommendation grades 7 and up.

    Chimpanzee, directors: Mark Linfield, Alastair Fothergill, USA. English.
    *Opening Night Film* Canadian Premiere This new True Life Adventure from Disneynature takes moviegoers deep into the African forests to meet an extraordinary new screen personality: Oscar, an adorable young chimpanzee whose playful curiosity and zest for life demonstrates the warmth, intelligence and ingenuity of these remarkable members of the animal kingdom. The complex terrain of the forest is an endless playground for Oscar and the other young chimpanzees in his group, who would rather explore and make mayhem than join their parents for an afternoon nap. But when Oscar’s family is confronted by a rival band of chimpanzees, he is forced to fend for himself—until a surprising ally steps in and changes his life forever. Age recommendation 8 and up.

    Cool Kids Don’t Cry (Achtste Groepers Huilen Niet), director: Dennis Bots, The Netherlands. Dutch with English subtitles. International Premiere Grade eight student Akkie has only two concerns: going to high school with her best friends and winning the soccer championship. Tough-girl Akkie never backs down from a challenge or lets the class bully Joep target her friends. Her whole class is shocked when Akkie is diagnosed with leukemia, yet she faces the disease with unwavering courage. While on her class graduation trip she must rely on Joep, the one classmate who didn’t visit her in the hospital, to help her with a dilemma. Is this is the beginning of a new friendship? Akkie fears she won’t have time to find out. Based on the best-selling Benelux novel by Jacques Vriens, this film adaptation will leave viewers inspired by Akkie’s spirit and resolve in the face of adversity. Age recommendation 11 and up.

    The Crocodiles: All For One (Vorstadtkrokodile: Freunde für Immer), director: Wolfgang Groos, Germany. German with English subtitles. Toronto Premiere Our favourite gang of detectives is back in this action-packed final installment of the multi-award-winning trilogy. It’s summer vacation, and the Crocodiles are celebrating Hannes’ birthday at a local go-kart track when a terrible accident sends Frank to the hospital. The doctors determine that Frank will need a liver transplant if he is going to pull throug —but the only ideal match is Frank’s brother Dennis, who is currently in prison. With Frank’s life hanging in the balance, the Crocodiles undertake a risky mission to spring Dennis from jail and save their friend, leading to a thrilling, race-against-time conclusion. Age recommendation 10 and up.

    Ducoboo (L’élève Ducobu), director: Philippe de Chauveron, France. French with English subtitles. Ducoboo just might be the laziest boy in all of Paris. He may also be the cleverest – at least when it comes to cheating. Which is why he’s just been transferred to the only school in the city that has yet to expel him, Saint-Potache. Faced with the threat of boarding school, he must transform himself into the best student in the class, which shouldn’t be too hard for a pro cheater like Ducoboo. There’s just one hiccup: his equally clever teacher, Latouche. This bold, gag-filled comedy brings to life the colourful chaos and clever characters of the beloved French comic strip on which it is based. Age recommendation grades 4 and up.

    Elias and the Treasure of the Sea (Elias og jakten på havets gul), director: Lise I. Osvoll, Norway. Norwegian with English subtitles. Toronto Premiere Our favourite little rescue boat is back in this sequel to Elias and the Royal Yacht. It’s the start of the winter fishing season in Cozy Cove, and Elias is tasked with ensuring that the local fishing boats bring in a good catch. But the evil Polar Queen is determined to run Cozy Cove out of business with her fleet of high-tech trawlers; while her boats plunder the sea, she uses Elias’ mini-sub friend Gaby to search for a sunken treasure. Can Elias rescue his friend from the Queen’s clutches and stop Cozy Cove from going under? Age recommendation 4 and up.

    Emil and the Detectives (Emil und die Detektive), director: Franziska Buch, Germany. German with English subtitles. In this adaptation of Erich Kästner’s famous 1929 tale, twelve-year-old Emil tries to change his hard luck when he sets off by train for Berlin. Realizing upon arrival that he’s been robbed of his savings, Emil joins up with Pony, the street-smart leader of a gang of kids. Once they spot the bad guy, it’s only a matter of time before justice prevails. Director Franziska Buch does a wonderful job of staying true to the classic elements of Kästner’s story, at the same time bestowing on it all the features of a 21st-century adventure. Age recommendation 9 and up. Emil and the Detectives is part of the John VanDuzer Children’s Film Collection

    Émilie Jolie, directors: Francis Nielsen, Philippe Chatel, France. French with English subtitles.
    Toronto Premiere
    Nervous about starting at a new school in the morning, eight-year-old Émilie finds comfort in a book that her mother gives her about a little blue rabbit named Gilbert who is kidnapped by a witch. Falling asleep with the book in her hands, Émilie is awakened by the Great Bird from the story, who asks for her help and promises to grant her one wish in return. Based on the acclaimed French musical of the same name, this charming and beautiful animation takes audiences on a magical journey as Émilie discovers the value of courage, friendship and love. Age recommendation grades 1 and up.

    Famous Five (Fünf Freunde), director: Mike Marzuk, Germany. German with English subtitles. North American Premiere
    Siblings Julian, Dick and Anne aren’t looking forward to spending all summer in a tiny village with their relatives. The feeling is mutual; tomboy cousin George doesn’t even want their company. But things take an exciting turn when they meet Timmy— George’s secret canine friend—and stumble upon a mystery connected to the remote Kirrin Island, which just happens to belong to George’s family. As the intrepid sleuths seek clues, they cross paths with various strange characters—each with secrets to hide. Based on the beloved characters from Enid Blyton’s classic series of books, The Famous Five find adventure at every turn, showing that friendship, cooperation and good old-fashioned teamwork can make even the most seemingly mundane task a rip-roaring escapade. Age recommendation 8 and up.

    First Position, director: Bess Kargman, USA. English, Spanish, French, Hebrew with English subtitles. First runner up in the Cadillac People’s Choice Documentary Award at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.
    In the competitive world of classical dance, perfection is paramount. The documentary First Position explores this theme as it follows six young dancers at one of the most prestigious children’s ballet competitions in the world: the Youth America Grand Prix. Director Bess Kargman interviews the competitors, their families and their teachers, and we learn of the many sacrifices made for the sake of ballet. The kids’ love for dance helps them struggle through injured feet and near exhaustion, all while navigating the drama and changes that come with adolescence. Prepare to be moved and inspired by these gifted young dancers. Age recommendation 9 and up.

    Gattu, director: Rojan Khosa, India. Hindi with English subtitles. Canadian Premiere
    Gattu is an uneducated orphan who works at his guardian’s scrap yard in a small Indian town. Though he’s small in stature, Gattu has big ambitions—namely, defeating the mysterious black kite Kali, which dominates the sky above his kite-obsessed community. Needing to reach higher ground so that his kite can go head-to-head with Kali, Gattu pretends to be a student at the local school so that he can gain access to its rooftop. Yet Gattu’s determination to take down Kali will lead him to make other discoveries, find new friends, and realize that what happens in the classroom can be just as wondrous as anything happening in the skies. Age recommendation 8 and up.

    The Great Bear (Den kaempestore bjørn), director: Esben Toft Jacobsen, Denmark. Danish with English subtitles. Toronto Premiere It’s summer vacation, and eleven-year-old Jonathan is excited about spending some time at his grandfather’s house—though he’s less than happy that his little sister Sophie has to come along too. When Sophie disappears while exploring a mysterious forest, Jonathan plunges into the woods to find her and discovers a fantastical realm populated by mythical animals, including a giant, thousand-year-old bear who has made himself Sophie’s friend and protector. But the siblings’ new friend needs protection himself when an obsessed hunter, armed with a rifle, sets out to take the legendary creature as a trophy. A gorgeous animated adventure from first-time feature director Ebsen Toft Jacobsen, The Great Bear also highlights the importance of family, teamwork, friendship and protecting the environment. Age recommendation 10 and up.

    Havanastation (Habanastation), director: Ian Padrón, Cuba. Spanish with English subtitles. Canadian Premiere
    The son of a successful jazz musician, twelve-year-old Mayito lives a very comfortable life in Havana. He’s a disciplined and dedicated student, but doesn’t have many friends. During May Day celebrations, he gets separated from his classmates and teacher and finds himself on the other side of town in the poor area where his classmate Carlos lives. While his parents and teacher worry about his whereabouts, Carlos introduces Mayito to his friends and neighbourhood. Despite their very different backgrounds, the two boys form a strong bond when they are faced with a challenging adventure. Age recommendation 10 and up.

    King Siri (Siri Raja Siri), director: Somaratne Dissanayake, Sri Lanka. Sinhalese with English subtitles. Sirimal is a gifted eleven-year-old boy from a small Sri Lankan village whose keen intelligence wins him a scholarship to attend a prestigious school in the capital city of Colombo. Coming from a poor rural family, he has difficulty adjusting to his new surroundings and being accepted by his well-to-do classmates. His strong work ethic and sense of self-worth help see him through his challenges, and he wins newfound respect from his peers when he lands the lead role of the king in the school play. But now he faces the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of getting the money to pay for the elaborate costume. An engaging story about the power of self-confidence and self-reliance, King Siri demonstrates how finding strength in yourself can guide you through the toughest challenges. Age recommendation grades 5 and up.

    Kiwi Flyer, director: Tony Simpson, New Zealand. English. International Premiere Every summer, kids of all ages flock to Nelson, New Zealand, to compete in the annual trolley derby. Twelve-year-old Ben comes from a long line of derby competitors: his grandfather was a champion, while his father tried his best and never gave up, even though he lost year after year. When his father passes away in a tragic accident, Ben decides to honour his memory by making his dream trolley design, the Kiwi Flyer, a reality and winning the big race himself. But when neighbourhood bullies threaten the Flyer’s chances, Ben is forced to make a decision: give up before the race even starts, or follow his father’s example and give it his best shot, no matter the odds. Age recommendation 9 and up.

    Le tableau, director: Jean-François Laguionie, France. French with English subtitles. Canadian Premiere
    A delightful and innovative CG-animated fable, Le tableau is set within the world of an unfinished painting whose artist has abandoned his incomplete creations. In his absence, the finished drawings (the ?Alldunns?) take over governance of the painting, relegating the partially completed ?Halfies? to second-class citizenship and declaring a war of extermination against the thinly outlined ?Sketchies.? But when an Alldunn, a Halfie and a Sketchie wind up sharing a journey downriver to parts unknown, they discover other paintings, other beings, and learn that the world beyond their own frame is richer and more diverse than they ever imagined. Returning from their adventure, they must persuade the others to learn acceptance, to see the bigger picture and to realize that everyone is, in their own way, a unique work of art. Age recommendation 11 and up.

    Light of the River, director: Tetsuo Hirakawa, Japan. Japanese with English subtitles. When their riverbank home is destroyed by a construction project, a family of rats is forced to flee to the city, where they must learn to navigate unfamiliar territory, make new friends and ward off dangers as they search for a new place to call home. This delightful animated adventure offers valuable lessons of friendship, family and the delicate balance of life, and reminds us that we all share the same world. Age recommendation grades 7 and up.

    Lotte and the Moonstone Secret (Lotte ja kuukivi saladus), directors: Heiki Ernits, Janno Poldma, Latvia/Estonia. Dubbed in English. Canadian Premiere In this beautifully animated and charming follow-up to Lotte from Gadgetville (Sprockets 2008), Lotte—our favourite female dog—and her friends return. One night, two small hooded moon rabbits try to steal the magical and mysterious stone that Lotte’s Uncle Klaus brought back from a secret temple in the mountains. Lotte thwarts the theft and vows to uncover the moonstone’s mystery by encouraging Uncle Klaus to track down his old friends, Fred and Ville, who own stones exactly like his. With the moon rabbits in hot pursuit of their stone, Lotte and her uncle must unlock the moonstone secret before it’s too late. Age recommendation 4 and up.

    Nicostratos the Pelican, director: Olivier Horlait, France/Belgium/Greece. French with English subtitles. Toronto Premiere Fourteen-year-old Yannis enjoys a simple life with his widowed fisherman father on the Greek island of Zora. That is, until he trades his mother’s golden cross for Nicostratos, a neglected white pelican. This charismatic, mischievous and gigantic bird becomes Yannis’ best friend, but he also becomes a major tourist attraction. Nicostratos draws ever-increasing crowds to the beautiful, formerly sleepy Zora—potentially spoiling the island’s traditional ways and Nicostratos’ natural instincts. Yannis soon realizes when a little harmless fun can turn into exploitation. Along the way, he’ll learn some hard lessons about friendship, family and knowing when to say goodbye. Age recommendation 11 and up.

    The Pirates! Band of Misfits, 3D, director: Peter Lord, co-director: Jeff Newitt, United Kingdom/USA. English
    *Sneak Peek * Canadian Premiere
    In The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Hugh Grant stars in his first animated role as the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain—a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side, and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award. It’s a quest that takes our heroes from the shores of exotic Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Along the way they battle a diabolical queen (Imelda Staunton) and team up with a haplessly smitten young scientist (David Tennant), but never lose sight of what a pirate loves best: adventure! Age recommendation 7 and up.

    Salaam Dunk, director: David Fine, USA/Iraq. English, Arabic, Kurdish with English subtitles.
    Toronto Premiere
    With all we’ve learned about the war in Iraq, we know little about the country’s young citizens: their interests, schooling and what they do for recreation. Yet Iraq’s citizens enjoy many of the same things we do—basketball, for instance. This exciting and uplifting documentary follows the highs and lows of the all-girl basketball team at the American University of Iraq-Sulaimani. Now in their second season, the girls have yet to win a single game. That’s about to change. Salaam Dunk is a thrilling sports story, but it’s also a touching depiction of students who have endured war, political instability and inequity. Through highly personal video diaries, these girls don’t hold back in discussing their struggles off the court; it’s impossible not to cheer when they start to win on it. Age recommended grades 7 and up.

    Sky Force, 3D, director: Tony Tang, Hong Kong, English.
    Sky Force is the most elite emergency fighting team in the sky. After hot-shot team member Ace breaks rank on a dangerous mission and it results in tragedy, he leaves Sky Force for a dreary job in cargo hauling. But Ace can’t forget his former life or his friends at Sky Force. When his cruel boss puts his cargo co-workers in danger, Ace takes action. Knowing that he can’t be a hero on his own, Ace overcomes his fears and calls on Sky Force to help save the day. Age recommendation 6 and up.

    SNOWFLAKE – The White Gorilla (Copito de Nieve), director: Andrés G. Schaer, Spain. Dubbed in English. North American Premiere
    When Snowflake, a rare white gorilla, arrives at the zoo, he becomes the star attraction for both the public and the other animals—with the exception of his fellow gorillas, who view him with suspicion and disdain. With the help of Ailur, a Buddhist red panda who believes that he is the reincarnation of a black panther, Snowflake escapes the zoo and heads for the city in search of a powerful conjuror who can transform him into a ?normal? gorilla. Inspired by the famous real-life Snowflake, who lived at the Barcelona Zoo in the late 1960s, this rousing adventure is an ingenious blend of computer animation and live action that addresses serious issues like animal rights, diversity and acceptance. Age recommendation 8 and up.

    Stanley’s Tiffin Box (Stanley ka Dabba), director: Amole Gupte, India. Hindi with English Subtitles. Canadian Premiere The title of Stanley’s Tiffin Box refers to an Indian phrase for lunch box. For Stanley and his classmates at his local Catholic school, lunch time is a time for playing, getting into mischief and sharing one another’s lunches—even Stanley’s teacher enjoys sampling from the elaborately packed tiffin boxes. Yet it soon becomes clear that the sampling fulfills a genuine need. Thanks to Stanley’s unique relationship with his teachers—for better and worse—the group learns how support from one’s school community can make all the difference. With its vibrant colour palette, memorable music and lively characters, Stanley’s Tiffin Box is an exceptional film for children. Its illuminating look at what it is to have, and to have not, makes it a poignant story for all ages and cultures. Age recommended grades 4 and up.

    Stay! (Blijf!), director: Lourens Blok, The Netherlands. Dutch with English subtitles. North American Premiere After three failed attempts to gain permanent residency in The Netherlands, young Iraqi immigrant Milad and his family are about to be sent back to their war-torn homeland. But Lieke, Milad’s best friend, isn’t about to give up her pal without a fight. Unable to make contact with the Minister of Immigration, Lieke befriends a journalist, who isn’t interested in Milad’s story—that is, until Milad’s family is taken into custody, Milad escapes, and he and Lieke set out on a journey that makes front-page news. Age recommendation 9 and up.

    Stella and the Star of the Orient (Stella und der Stern des Orients), director: Erna Schmidt, Germany. German with English subtitles. When ten-year-old Stella unknowingly steps into a magic wardrobe one New Year’s Eve, she is transported a hundred years into the past and comes face-to-face with her great-grandmother Clementine, who, in 1905, is Stella’s age. The girls become fast friends, and when they discover that the family’s home may have to be sold, they embark on an exciting adventure with Clementine’s younger brother Gustav in search of a secret treasure that could save the family from financial ruin. Braving a treacherous forest and trying to evade a couple of swindling thieves hot on their trail, the three friends have to race against time to find the treasure and get Stella back to the present day—or else she might never exist. Age recommendation grades 3 and up.

    Tony 10, director: Mischa Kamp, The Netherlands. Dutch with English subtitles. North American Premiere Each year on his birthday, Tony goes out with his crane-driver father to learn a new trick of the trade. But ever since getting appointed Minister of Transportation, Tony’s dad no longer has time for him or his mother. When the strain finally causes his parents to divorce, Tony sets out on a mission to reunite them before his tenth birthday—even if he has to go to the Queen to do it. Director Mischa Kamp expertly highlights complex family issues in this humorous and entertaining film. Age recommendation 9 and up.

    Wapos Bay: Long Goodbyes, director: Dennis Jackson, Canada. English. Talon and Raven are heartbroken to learn they must leave their hometown of Wapos Bay in northern Saskatchewan after their father accepts a job in the city. While Talon sets off to complete a ?bucket list? of adventures before they leave, Raven conspires with the town elders to secretly elect their father as chief, forcing him to stay. But when Raven’s scheme ends in a hurtful smear campaign against their uncle, and Talon’s thrill-seeking leads to dead ends, the siblings realize they must turn their energy towards doing something positive for the community they love. Based on the Gemini Award-winning, stop motion-animated TV series, Wapos Bay: Long Goodbyes is a funny and moving portrait of a First Nations community where ancient traditions and modern life meet. Age recommendation grades 4 and up.

    War of the Buttons (La guerre des boutons), director: Yann Samuell, France. French with English subtitles. This delightfully rowdy new adaptation of Louis Pergaud’s classic 1912 novel shifts the story’s action to 1960, with the very real Algerian War serving as an ironic counterpoint to the turf war between two rival bands of boisterous kids in rural France. Lebrac, the ten-year-old leader of the Wet Willies and ?the bravest kid in Longeverne,? has it tough at home: an absent father means that he must spend most of his days working his family’s modest farm, even though his teacher is convinced that the boy’s tough exterior conceals an unusually adept mind. As tensions rise between the Wet Willies and their mortal enemies from a neighbouring parish—with buttons mercilessly cut from shirts and trousers as battlefield trophies—Lebrac must face his own struggle between family responsibility and a life of higher learning that might take him far from his home. Age recommendation grades 6 and up.

    Will, director: Ellen Perry, United Kingdom/Turkey. English. Canadian Premiere Living in an orphanage after his mother’s death, eleven-year-old Liverpool Football Club fanatic Will Brennan is thrilled when his long-absent father returns with two coveted tickets to the LFC’s Champions League final in Istanbul. But tragedy strikes again when his father dies suddenly, leaving Will twice orphaned—but still determined to make it to the big game. Will runs away from the orphanage and sets out on the long voyage to Turkey in the company of Alek, a kindly truck driver with a painful past of his own. With a winning lead performance from newcomer Perry Eggleton, and an excellent cast that includes Bob Hoskins, Damian Lewis and Jane March, Will inspires us to share in our young hero’s struggles, admire his courage and cheer his triumphs. Age recommendation 9 and up.

    WUNDERKINDER, director: Marcus O. Rosenmüller, Germany. German with English subtitles. Canadian Premiere
    Hailed as child prodigies on their tour of Russia and booked for a performance at Carnegie Hall, young Jewish musicians Abrascha and Larissa are the pride of Ukraine. When Hanna, an aspiring violinist from Germany, joins their troupe, Abrascha and Larissa are at first suspicious of her privileged background, but soon come to accept her as a gifted musician and a true friend. Yet when Hitler attacks the Soviet Union in the summer of 1941, the three friends are suddenly on opposite sides in a brutal war. As the German threat advances and their families struggle to stay together, the children discover that the power of music can transcend the most tragic circumstances, and point to a better world ahead. Age recommendation 12 and up.

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  • Kristin Scott Thomas, Diane Keaton, Kathleen Turner, Ethan Hawke Headline Showcase Films at 2012 Phoenix Film Festival

    [caption id="attachment_2074" align="alignnone"]Darling Companion[/caption]

    Some well-established Hollywood actors and actresses, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Diane Keaton, Kathleen Turner, Ethan Hawke and Lizzay Caplan headline the showcase films at the 2012 Phoenix Film Festival.

    The full list of showcase films include

    Darling Companion – Beth (Diane Keaton) saves a bedraggled lost dog from the side of the freeway on a wintry day in Denver. Struggling with her distracted, self-involved husband Joseph (Kevin Kline) and an empty nest at home, Beth forms a special bond with the rescued animal. When Joseph loses the dog after a wedding at their vacation home in the Rockies, the distraught Beth enlists the help of the few remaining guests and a mysterious young woman (Ayelet Zurer) in a frantic search.

    The Perfect Family – A devout Catholic who’s in the running for the coveted Catholic Woman of the Year award at her church, Eileen Cleary (Kathleen Turner) must prove that her family conforms to the image of the ‘perfect family’ as envisioned by the church, an image she’s put forth with considerable effort her whole life.

    6 Month Rule – A romantic, charming, and poignant look at relationships, seen from the eyes of Tyler (Blayne Weaver), who lives by a philosophy that allows him to avoid making any significant connections with women.

    Intouchables – A true story of a quadriplegic aristocrat whose world is turned upside down when he hires a young, good-humored ex-con as his caretaker.

    Queens of Country – Living in a fantasy era long gone and obsessed with old time country stars, the prettiest girl in a small Arizona town finds a lost iPod filled with songs that speak to her sensitive heart. Jolene Gillis (Lizzy Caplan) is convinced the owner is her soul mate and she is shot down the rabbit hole and into a surreal adventure of mistaken identities, ATVs, line dancing competitions, kidnappers, time machines and doppelgängers.

    Diana Vreeland – An intimate portrait and a vibrant celebration of one of the most influential women of the 20th century, an enduring icon whose influence changed the face of fashion, beauty, art, publishing and culture forever. During her fifty year reign as the “Empress of Fashion,” she launched Twiggy, advised Jackie O and coined some of fashion’s most eloquent proverbs such as “the bikini is the biggest thing since the atom bomb.”

    The Woman in the Fifth – American writer Tom Ricks (Ethan Hawke) arrives in Paris to be closer to his young daughter who is living with his estranged ex-wife. Completely broke, he accepts a job as a night guard for a local crime boss. Stationed in a basement office, his only task is to push a button when a bell rings. The tranquility of the night, he hopes, will help him focus on his new novel. His days become more exciting when he starts a romance with Margit (Kristin Scott Thomas), a mysterious and elegant widow who sets strange rules to their meetings: she will only see him at her apartment, at 5 pm sharp, twice a week and he should ask no questions about her work or her past life.

    The 12th Annual Phoenix Film Festival runs this year from Thursday, March 29th to Thursday, April 5th in Phoenix, Arizona.

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  • Winter’s Bone Voted Best American Film by Danish Film Critics

    [caption id="attachment_415" align="alignnone"]Best American Film – Winter’s Bone[/caption]

    Lars von Trier’s “Melancholia” was voted Best Danish Film, and Winter’s Bone was voted Best American Film at the 65th Bodil Awards, presented Saturday 3 March 2012 by the Danish Film Critics’ Association. “A Funny Man” won 4 awards, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.

    Best Danish Film
    Melancholia – Lars von Trier

    Best Actor
    Nikolaj Lie Kaas – A Funny Man

    Best Actress
    Lene Maria Christensen – A Family

    Best Supporting Actor
    Lars Ranthe – A Funny Man

    Best Supporting Actress
    Paprika Steen – SuperClásico

    Best Documentary Film
    The Will – Christian Sønderby Jepsen

    Best Director of Photography
    Manuel Alberto Claro – Melancholia, Rebounce

    Best Production Design
    Charlotte Bay Garnov and Peter Grant – Dirch

    Best Foreign Film (other than USA)
    A Separation – Asghar Farhadi

    Best American Film
    Winter’s Bone – Debra Granik

    Special Bodil
    Jes Graversen, film distributor, Miracle Film

    Honorary Bodil
    Ghita Nørby, actress

    Blockbuster Audience Award
    A Funny Man – Martin Zandvliet

    Ib Award
    Ib Tardini

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  • South Korean film MY WAY to to be Centerpiece Gala at the 2012 Dallas International Film Festival

    [caption id="attachment_2552" align="alignnone"]My Way[/caption]

    The Dallas International Film Festival announced today that the South Korean epic, MY WAY (2011) will be featured in one of the coveted Centerpiece screening slots with director, Kang Je-Gyu in attendance.  The Closing Night festivities will be marked by a special cast and crew reunion to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Sci-Fi classic ROBOCOP, which was shot in Dallas.   DIFF also announced that the 2012 Festival will be dedicated to Cinemark’s Lee Roy and Tandy Mitchell.  Additionally, groundbreaking digital initiatives will launch the Festival to a new audience through live streaming and exclusive online content.

    For the 2012 DIFF, artistic director, James Faust is featuring South Korean films and filmmaking as its international spotlight.  As one of the biggest productions in South Korean history, the WWII epic, MY WAY (courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment and CJ Entertainment) will be featured as the Festival’s Tuesday night Centerpiece on April 17.  Famed South Korean director, Kang Je-gyu (TAE GUK GI: THE BROTHERHOOD OF WAR (2004); SWIRI (1999)) from Seoul, South Korea will present the film in Dallas for the first time to a Southwest audience.  “There is a very strong Korean community in Dallas and a real interest in its film industry,” said James Faust. “MY WAY and Kang Je-gyu will thrill our audience.  Inspired by a true story, the imagery and cinematography in this film is breathtaking but it’s also a classic story about friendship, dedication and sacrifice.  As MY WAY features the international star power of Dong-gun Jang, Jo Odagiri and Fan BingBing, we have a truly compelling Tuesday night Centerpiece that showcases the breadth of South Korean filmmaking.  This is exactly what I hoped for when creating this International Spotlight category.”

    Wrapping the 2012 Festival on Saturday, April 21 will be the 25th anniversary celebration of ROBOCOP.  Presented in partnership with the Dallas Film Commission, the historic Texas Theatre will host many of the cast and crew that worked on the film for the film’s first official reunion since it was shot in Dallas 25 years ago.

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  • 2012 Florida Film Festival Unveils Florida and Music Films

    PAUL WILLIAMS STILL ALIVE

    The 2012 Florida Film Festival unveiled the Florida Showcase and Music Sidebar programs earlier this week.  Film subjects include about a hurricane, ’70s sensation Paul Williams, songsmith Andrew Bird, Florida’s juvenile justice system, and legendary artist Paul Simon.

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  • 2012 Tribeca Film Festival Announces Film Selected For Spotlight, Cinemania Sections And Special Screenings

    [caption id="attachment_2548" align="alignnone" width="550"]2 Days in New York, directed and written by Julie Delpy.[/caption]

    The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) today announced its feature film selections in the Spotlight and Cinemania sections, as well as Special Screenings and the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival lineup. The 11th edition of the Festival will take place from April 18 to April 29 in New York City.

    The Spotlight section screens 34 films, 22 narratives and 12 documentaries, and the Cinemania section features seven “thrilling narrative films.”

    The sixth annual Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival will open with the world premiere of Benji, directed by the duo Coodie and Chike. The documentary looks back at the story of a teenage basketball phenom in 1980s Chicago whose ascension to the upper echelon of the sport tragically ended when he was senselessly murdered.

    The complete list of films selected for Spotlight, Cinemania, and Special Screenings follow, as well as the titles in the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival:

    SPOTLIGHT

    2 Days in New York, directed and written by Julie Delpy. (France) – New York Premiere, Narrative. This deliriously witty follow-up to 2 Days in Paris finds Marion (writer/director Julie Delpy) living a comfortable life in New York with her latest hipster boyfriend, Mingus (Chris Rock, brilliantly playing it straight), and their two young kids from prior relationships. A riotous comedy of cultural errors ensues when Marion’s totally unhinged, gleefully unfiltered family arrives from Paris to meet Mingus for the first time. In English, French with subtitles. A Magnolia Pictures release.

    Any Day Now, directed by Travis Fine, written by Travis Fine and George Arthur Bloom. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. In the late 1970s, when a mentally handicapped teenager is abandoned, a gay couple takes him in and becomes the family he’s never had. But once the unconventional living arrangement is discovered by authorities, the men must fight a biased legal system to adopt the child they have come to love as their own. Alan Cumming and Garret Dillahunt star in TFF alum Travis Fine’s (The Space Between) touching and occasionally incendiary drama.

    As Luck Would Have It (La Chispa de la Vida), directed by Alex de la Iglesia, written by Randy Feldman. (Spain) – North American Premiere, Narrative. The economy has kept Roberto (José Mota) out of work for a long time. When a freak accident puts him at the center of a media frenzy, the enterprising ad exec hires a snaky agent to help him cash in on his life-or-death situation. It’s up to Roberto’s adoring wife (the vivacious Salma Hayek) to convince him he’s worth more alive than dead. Cult director Alex de la Iglesia takes a fresh new step, combining a darkly comic satire with an emotional drama of a family’s love. In Spanish with subtitles.

    BAM150, directed by Michael Sládek (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. Go behind the scenes like never before at BAM, the nation’s oldest performing arts center. Featuring footage of recent BAM performances, interviews with groundbreaking artists like Laurie Anderson and Robert Wilson, and the fascinating history of the creative home to such greats as Pina Bausch, Peter Brook, and Merce Cunningham, TFF alum Michael Sládek’s (Con Artist) doc shows that BAM’s 150 years were not always easy, but are a testament to the power and stamina of the institution that launched Brooklyn as a cultural mecca.

    A Better Life (Une Vie Meilleure), directed by Ceìdric Kahn, written by Ceìdric Kahn and Catherine Pailleì. (France, Canada) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Passionately in love from the moment they meet, idealistic chef Yann and single mother Nadia share big dreams for their future. Life gets complicated when they impulsively buy a secluded restaurant in the woods and take on risky loans, testing the strength of their relationship. Fiercely gritty in its romanticism, this is a story of the lengths one will go for the chance at a better life. In French, English with subtitles.

    Booker’s Place: A Mississippi Story, directed by Raymond De Felitta. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. While filming a documentary on racism in Mississippi in 1965, Frank De Felitta forever changed the life of an African-American waiter and his family. More than 40 years later, Frank’s son Raymond (director of City Island) returns to the site of his father’s film to examine the repercussions of their fateful encounter. This intensely personal film about the struggle to understand one’s parents is also a heartbreaking portrait of the legacy of intolerance.

    Broke, directed by Billy Corben. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. More money, more problems. Sucked into bad investments, stalked by freeloaders, saddled with medical issues, and naturally prone to showing off, most pro athletes end up broke within a few years of retirement. Drawing surprisingly vulnerable confessions from retired stars like Marvin Miller, Jamal Mashburn, Bernie Kosar, and Andre Rison, this fascinating documentary digs into the psychology of men whose competitive nature carries them to victory on the field and ruin off it.

    Cheerful Weather for the Wedding, directed by Donald Rice, written by Donald Rice and Mary Henely Magill. (UK) – World Premiere, Narrative. On the morning of her wedding, Dolly (Felicity Jones) is hiding out and dreaming of the idyllic summer before, helped along by a jug of rum. Her scatterbrained mother (Elizabeth McGovern) has perfected all the arrangements, but even she can’t prepare everyone for the arrival of Dolly’s unpredictable best friend, Joseph (Luke Treadaway). Lighthearted humor and a steamy romance add the perfect touch to a dysfunctional wedding whose key players seem anything but cheerful.

    Chicken With Plums (Poulet Aux Prunes), directed and written by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud. (France, Germany, Belgium) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Nasser Ali Khan (Mathieu Amalric) is the most celebrated violin player in 1950s Tehran, but his heart is broken. His true love is long lost, his marriage is passionless, and now his most precious instrument has met its demise. Convinced life without music is intolerable, he resigns to bed and loses himself in reveries from his youth. The Oscar®-nominated directors of Persepolis make magic again with a stylish fairy tale full of humor, whimsy, and melancholy. In French with subtitles. A Sony Pictures Classics release.

    Deadfall, directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, written by Zach Dean. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. In the wintry countryside near Canada, a smooth-talking heist man and his femme fatale sister are on the run with a bag full of cash. With a deadly blizzard swirling around them, they split up to make a desperate dash for the border, but a twist of fate puts them on a collision course with a troubled ex-con and his family. Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde, Sissy Spacek, and Kris Kristofferson highlight the ace cast in this icy thriller. A Magnolia Pictures release.

    Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey, directed by Ramona Diaz. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. It sounds like a dream: A charismatic Filipino singer from the slums of Manila posts videos of his cover band to YouTube, and soon he’s fronting an iconic rock band. Sounds crazy, but it’s the real-life rock-and-roll fairy tale that Arnel Pineda is living as the new lead singer of Journey. The pressure’s on Pineda as this rockin’ doc follows Journey’s dizzying world tour—can a man who has already overcome so many obstacles deal with the demands of his newfound fame? In English, Tagalog with subtitles.

    Elles, directed by Malgoska Szumowska, written by Tine Byrckel and Malgoska Szumowska. (France, Poland, Germany) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Juliette Binoche, exquisite and involved as always, stars in this sophisticated, sexually charged drama as Anne, a journalist getting in too deep with the research for her article on college students working as prostitutes. As the surprising stories of her two candid subjects stir up Anne’s image of femininity, she wonders if life with her workaholic husband and two spacey sons is all that different from her subjects’ lives. A Kino Lorber release.

    Eìvocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie, directed by Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, and Jeremy Newberger, written by Daniel A. Miller. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. Long before the days of Jersey Shore or Glenn Beck, there was one man who gleefully gave those on the fringes of the society a national mouthpiece. Witness Morton Downey Jr.’s meteoric rise and fall as the original shock television emcee, and check your sense of decorum at the door. Here we learn about the man behind the mouth, and how the pursuit of fame and fortune over the airwaves can ultimately destroy your soul.

    Free Samples, directed by Jay Gammill, written by Jim Beggarly. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. Jillian is having a bad day. She’s got a raging hangover, she’s starting to think dropping out of Stanford Law to become an artist wasn’t the best career move, and things are weird with her faraway fiancé. Can spending the day parked in an ice cream truck doling out samples—and a good dose of sass—to oddball Angelenos shake her out of her quarter-life crisis? Jess Weixler, Jesse Eisenberg, and Jason Ritter star in this quirky comedy.

    The Giant Mechanical Man, directed and written by Lee Kirk. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. Thirtysomethings Janice (Jenna Fischer) and Tim (Chris Messina) haven’t quite learned how to navigate adulthood. Tim is a street performer whose unique talents as a “living statue” don’t exactly pay the bills. Janice is out of work and under pressure by her sister (Malin Akerman) to date an egotistical self-help guru (Topher Grace). In this charming comedic romance, these two strangers help each other to realize that it only takes one person to make you feel important. A Tribeca Film release.

    Headshot (Fon Tok Kuen Fah), directed and written by Pen-ek Ratanaruang. (Thailand, France) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative. A return to the crime genre for celebrated Thai auteur Pen-ek Ratanaruang (6ixtynin9, Last Life in the Universe), Headshot is a noir-laced thriller centered on Tul, a hit man who is shot in the head and wakes up to find that he sees everything upside down. Working backwards (and often upside down) to tell a brooding and convoluted tale of underworld double dealings, this is an unexpected and artful take on the action thriller from a genre master. In Thai with subtitles. A Kino Lorber release.

    Hysteria, directed by Tanya Wexler, written by Jonah Lisa Dyer and Stephen Dyer. (USA, UK, Luxembourg, France) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Set in 19th-century London at the peak of Victorian prudishness, this racy romantic comedy tells the surprising story of the birth of the electro-mechanical vibrator. A progressive young doctor (Hugh Dancy, Adam) has his hands full relieving the city’s affluent society women of their melancholy, until an accidental discovery electrifies their lives forever—and sends sparks flying between him and a feminist rabble-rouser (Maggie Gyllenhaal). A Sony Pictures Classics release.

    Keep the Lights On, directed by Ira Sachs, written by Ira Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias. (USA) – New York Premiere, Narrative. For Erik and Paul, what begins as a meaningless late-night hookup evolves into a serious, committed relationship. Acclaimed director Ira Sachs offers an honest, unflinching portrait of a relationship that is by equal measure loving and destructive. Uncompromising in its depiction of drug addiction and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love, Sachs’ film is a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful look at the way love changes over time.

    Knuckleball!, directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, written by Christine Schomer, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. This classic sports story recounts the trials and triumphs of two of the best known knuckleball pitchers currently playing in the MLB: Tim Wakefield, a Red Sox veteran struggling to clinch his 200th career win, and R.A. Dickey, an up-and-comer with the Mets looking to make a name for himself. This energetic documentary from the directors of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work deconstructs the controversial and erratic knuckleball style.

    Let Fury Have the Hour, directed and written by Antonino D’Ambrosio. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. A generation of artists used their creativity as a response to the reactionary politics that came to define our culture in the 1980s. This dynamic and exhilarating documentary brings together more than 50 big-name musicians, writers, artists, and thinkers to trace a momentous social history from the cynical heyday of Reagan and Thatcher to today—and impart a message of hope. Featuring Chuck D, John Sayles, Eve Ensler, Tom Morello, Lewis Black, and many others.

    Lola Versus, directed by Daryl Wein, written by Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. Greta Gerwig stars as Lola, a New Yorker who gets dumped by her fiancé mere weeks before their wedding. With the help of her close friends Henry (Hamish Linklater) and Alice (Zoe Lister-Jones), Lola embarks on a series of unexpected encounters in an attempt to find her place in the world as a single woman approaching 30. Daryl Wein (Breaking Upwards) infuses this story of the post-breakup spiral with humor and authenticity. A Fox Searchlight Pictures release.

    Mansome, directed by Morgan Spurlock, written by Jeremy Chilnick and Morgan Spurlock. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. In the age of manscaping, metrosexuals, and grooming products galore—what does it mean to be a man? Oscar® nominee Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) and executive producers Ben Silverman, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman present a delightfully entertaining doc featuring candid interviews from Arnett, Bateman, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis, and everyday people weighing in on everything from the obsession with facial hair to body dysmorphic disorder.

    One Nation Under Dog, directed by Jenny Carchman, Ellen Goosenberg Kent and Amanda Micheli. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. This heartfelt documentary explores people’s conflicted relationships with dogs and inspires us to rethink how we treat them. From a man who spends a fortune to defend his dogs in court, to a woman who can’t turn away a stray, to pet loss support groups to rescuers who take on difficult-to-place dogs and save them from death row, this is a film about love, loss, betrayal, and hope.

    The Playroom, directed by Julia Dyer, written by Gretchen Dyer. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. In 1970s suburbia, Maggie and her younger siblings spend the night telling each other stories in the attic. Downstairs, as their parents entertain guests over the course of a gin-soaked evening, truths are unearthed and betrayals come to light. With standout performances from John Hawkes, Molly Parker, and a cast of talented young actors, Julia Dyer’s second feature is an honest and challenging look at the reality behind the façade of a seemingly perfect American family.

    Polisse, directed by Maïwenn, written by Maïwenn and Emmanuelle Bercot. (France) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Confronting abusive parents, child molesters, traumatized kids, and oversexed teens is all part of the daily grind for the motley band of cops in the Juvenile Protection Unit, but so is chatting about their relationships at lunch and laughing uncontrollably. Grounded in documentary research and naturalistic performances, this unforgettable film from TFF alum Maïwenn (All About Actresses) explores the solidarity that helps hardened vice cops face the worst of society every day. In French, Italian, Romanian, Arabic with subtitles. An IFC Films release.

    The Russian Winter, directed by Petter Ringbom. (Russia) – World Premiere, Documentary. Brooklyn-born John Forté was a Grammy-nominated musician in The Fugees at 21 and a federal prison inmate at 26. When his prison sentence was remarkably commuted in 2008, Forté was given a second chance to share his talents with the world. Chronicling his concert tour across Russia, this inspirational documentary takes us on Forté’s personal journey—one that’s as much about having his voice heard as having his music heard. In English, Russian with subtitles.

    [caption id="attachment_2288" align="alignnone"]Searching for Sugar Man, directed and written by Malik Bendjelloul.[/caption]

    Searching for Sugar Man, directed and written by Malik Bendjelloul. (Sweden, UK) – New York Premiere, Documentary. Rodriguez was the greatest ’70s rock icon who never was. Despite critical praise, his albums bombed in the U.S., and he faded into obscurity among rumors of a gruesome death. But when a bootleg copy of his antiestablishment rock made its way to apartheid South Africa, he was an instant hit. Years later, two intrepid fans investigate whatever happened to the mysterious rocker, setting off a wild chain of events that has to be seen to be believed. A Sony Pictures Classics release.

    Side by Side, directed and written by Chris Kenneally. (USA) – North American Premiere, Documentary. Over the past two decades, digital technology has created a groundbreaking evolution in cinema, challenging film as the standard format for motion pictures. Through interviews with masters like Danny Boyle, James Cameron, David Fincher, George Lucas, David Lynch, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, Steven Soderbergh, Lars Von Trier, and many more, producer Keanu Reeves takes us on a tour of the past and future of the moviemaking process in this in-depth documentary. A Tribeca Film release.

    Struck By Lightning, directed by Brian Dannelly, written by Chris Colfer. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. Even being killed by a bolt of lightning won’t keep Carson Phillips quiet. A hyper-ambitious and outspoken high school senior in a small-minded town, Carson (Glee’s Chris Colfer) narrates his own funeral and the last few weeks of his life through a series of sarcastic flashbacks in this upbeat and energetic comedy from Saved! director Brian Dannelly. With Allison Janney, Dermot Mulroney, and Drive’s Christina Hendricks.

    Take This Waltz, directed and written by Sarah Polley. (Canada) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Margot (Michelle Williams) and Lou (Seth Rogen) are happily married. Their life is thrown out of order when Margot falls for another man and is forced to choose between the comfort of the familiar and the excitement of the unknown. Writer-director Sarah Polley’s follow-up to her acclaimed film Away From Here is a quirky, uncommonly heartfelt look at the evolving nature of love and the difficulty of sustaining a relationship over time. A Magnolia Pictures release.

    Trishna, directed and written by Michael Winterbottom. (UK) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Again proving his endless versatility in his fifth film at Tribeca, prolific director Michael Winterbottom (The Road to Guantanamo, last year’s The Trip) adapts Thomas Hardy’s classic Victorian melodrama Tess of the d’Urbervilles to all the beauty and blight of contemporary India, where the budding love between a peasant woman and the son of a wealthy Englishman is strained by old prejudices and class divides. The radiant Freida Pinto stars. In English, Hindi with subtitles. An IFC Films release.

    Whole Lotta Sole, directed by Terry George, written by Terry George and Thomas Gallagher. (UK) – World Premiere, Narrative. In a rowdy little corner of Belfast, hapless young father Jimbo tries to protect his family from the gangster he’s in debt to by robbing the local fish market… which turns out to be a front for the same gangster! On the run, Jimbo holes up in a local antique shop run by a long-lost man from his past. A colorful cast of character actors and a strong turn from Brendan Fraser light up this madcap Irish crime comedy from Terry George (Hotel Rwanda).

    Xingu, directed by Cao Hamburger, written by Helena Soarez, Cao Hamburger, and Anna Muylaert. (Brazil) – North American Premiere, Narrative. Brazil, 1943. Three brothers on an expedition into the feral center of the country encounter a village of Xingu Indians. Allured by the rich indigenous culture, the brothers take a bold stand against corrupt national forces and make protecting the Xingu their lives’ work. With wild, breathtaking visuals and atmospheric music, TFF alum Cao Hamburger conveys a distinct vision of Brazil while finding a universally resonant message in his protagonists’ revolutionary vision. In Portuguese with subtitles.

    Your Sister’s Sister, directed and written by Lynn Shelton. (USA) – New York Premiere, Narrative. Jack (Mark Duplass) hasn’t recovered from his brother’s death. His best friend—and late brother’s ex—Iris (Emily Blunt) sends him to her family’s isolated cabin for some quiet reflection, but complications, rivalries, and surprising revelations arise when both Iris and her heartbroken sister Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt) end up at the cabin as well. Lynn Shelton’s long-awaited follow-up to Humpday heralds a graceful maturation of the reliably against-the-grain filmmaker. An IFC Films release.


    CINEMANIA

    Eddie – The Sleepwalking Cannibal, directed and written by Boris Rodriguez. (Canada, Denmark) – North American Premiere, Narrative. Onetime art star Lars Olafssen is all washed up. Unable to paint without inspiration, he accepts a teaching stint at a small-time art school in podunk Koda Lake, Canada, and along with it the guardianship of the offbeat town’s neighborhood weirdo, Eddie. As their unlikely friendship evolves, Lars uncovers a dark and violent secret about Eddie’s nocturnal impulses, and finds himself torn between his duty to his friend and his duty to his art.

    Graceland, directed and written by Ron Morales. (Philippines, USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. Family man Marlon Villar is the longtime chauffeur of prominent politician Manuel Chango. While he and his daughter accompany his boss’ preteen daughter home, Marlon is ambushed and the wrong girl is kidnapped. Suddenly the unassuming driver is propelled into a horrifying downward spiral and, as events in his life unravel, Marlon, Chango, and their families become entangled in a game of deceit and betrayal that will leave no one innocent. In Tagalog with subtitles.

    Jackpot (Arme Riddere), directed by Magnus Martens, written by Jo Nesbø. (Norway) – International Premiere, Narrative. Terrified, bloodied, and gripping a shotgun, Oscar Svendsen wakes up in what used to be a respectable strip joint, surrounded by eight corpses and with a gun pointed at him by a detective with the National Criminal Investigation Service. Naturally, Oscar is taken into custody, and during his interrogation a bloody and darkly comic story of betrayal, murder, and lottery winnings emerges—but is this the whole story? In Norwegian with subtitles.

    Rat King, directed and written by Petri Kotwica. (Finland) – International Premiere, Narrative. Eighteen-year-old Juri spends his days absorbed in his computer gaming world, to the exclusion of school, friends, and ultimately his exasperated girlfriend. When his internet ally Niki turns up at his door fearing for his life because of a mysterious new online game, Juri eagerly follows him down the rabbit hole. In this taut, violent thriller, the lines between reality and the game blur as Juri and Niki are drawn into its increasingly morbid world. In Finnish with subtitles.

    Replicas, directed by Jeremy Regimbal, written by Josh Close. (Canada) – World Premiere, Narrative. Following the tragic death of their young daughter, the Hughes family decide to escape to their upscale vacation home in the woods. But their attempt to get some quality time together is violently interrupted when a neighboring family with a hidden agenda drops by for dinner. First-time director Jeremy Regimbal builds tension to a calculated and ultimately brutal crescendo in this home-invasion thriller. Starring Selma Blair, Joshua Close, James D’Arcy, and Rachel Miner.

    Revenge for Jolly!, directed by Chadd Harbold, written by Brian Petsos. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. Harry (Brian Petsos) will stop at nothing to avenge the death of his beloved dog, Jolly. He and his demented cousin Cecil (Oscar Isaac) follow a series of clues in a frenzied attempt to track down the dog’s murderer, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Elijah Wood, Kristen Wiig, Adam Brody, Ryan Phillippe, Gillian Jacobs, Bobby Moynihan, Kevin Corrigan, David Rasche, Amy Siemetz, and Garret Dillahunt all stand between Harry and revenge for Jolly.

    Sleepless Night (Nuit Blanche), directed by Frederic Jardin, written by Frederic Jardin and Nicolas Saada. (France, Belgium, Luxembourg) – New York Premiere, Narrative. Vincent is a dedicated police officer, or so it seems. After he steals a massive bag of cocaine, his young son winds up being held for ransom by the mob boss it belongs to. When Vincent travels to the outskirts of Paris to trade the drugs for his son, he gets caught in an intense cat-and-mouse game that quickly spirals out of control. This night might not only be the longest of his life—it could be the last. A Tribeca Film release.

     

    SPECIAL SCREENINGS

    Joe Papp in Five Acts, directed by Tracie Holder and Karen Thorsen. (USA) – World Premiere. In Joe Papp’s eyes, art is for everyone, not just a privileged few. This is the story of this indomitable, street-wise champion of the arts who brought more theater to more people than any other producer in history. Co-produced with American Masters and featuring Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Kevin Kline, James Earl Jones, and more, this documentary lets Papp’s great accomplishments and tumultuous personal history be revealed by the artists he helped create—and sometimes tried to destroy.

    Queen: Days Of Our Lives, directed by Matt O’Casey. (UK) – Documentary. Relive the triumphant legacy of Queen in this comprehensive documentary of the band’s career from the late 1960s to today. Packed full of rare archival footage of the band hashing out their signature overdub sound in the recording studio, mind-blowing live performances, and Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon’s candid reflections on their career and the last days of Freddie Mercury, Queen: Days Of Our Lives is any fan’s dream.

    The Zen of Bennett, conceived, created, and produced by Danny Bennett, produced by Jennifer Lebeau, directed by Unjoo Moon. (USA) – World Premiere. At 85, not only does Tony Bennett still have the smoothest pipes in the music business, he’s got the kind of philosophy that has made him one of the most beloved and respected performers of the last six decades. Made with as much class and refinement as Tony himself, this is an insider’s look at the icon as he records his latest duets collection with stars like Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, and—bittersweetly—Amy Winehouse.

    2012 Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival

    Benji, directed by Coodie and Chike. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. In 1984, 17-year-old Ben Wilson was a symbol of everything promising about Chicago: a sweet-natured youngster from the city’s fabled South Side, and America’s top high school basketball prospect. His senseless murder on the day before his senior season devastated the city of Chicago and sent ripples of anguish nationwide. A stirring portrait of a phenom admired both on the court and off, Benji tells the story of a legend who might’ve been.

    The following Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival titles have been announced in their respective sections as part of the 2012 TFF film program:

    Broke, directed by Billy Corben. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary.

    Knuckleball!, directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, written by Christine Schomer, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary.

    On The Mat, directed and written by Fredric Golding. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary.

    Town of Runners, directed by Jerry Rothwell. (UK) – World Premiere, Documentary.



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  • 11 Finalists Announced for 2012 San Francisco Film Society and Kenneth Rainin Foundation Grants

    [caption id="attachment_2546" align="alignnone" width="550"]Finalist Kat Candler, Hellion,[/caption]

    San Francisco Film Society and Kenneth Rainin Foundation announced the 11 finalists for the seventh round of SFFS/KRF Filmmaking Grants of up to $300,000, to be given to one or more feature films that through plot, character, theme or setting explore human and civil rights, discrimination, gender and sexual identity and other social issues of our time.

    Winners of the spring 2012 SFFS/KRF Grants will be announced in early May.

    Finalists

    Kat Candler
    Hellion, screenwriting
    Hell-raising twelve-year-old Jacob puts a kid in the hospital as retribution for beating up his kid brother. When he gets out of juvenile hall, his single dad and brother pay the price for his continued delinquent behavior. For more information visit candlerproductions.com.

    Ryan Coogler
    Fruitvale, screenwriting
    Fruitvale is the true story of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family and strangers on the last day of 2008.

    Robinson Devor
    Untitled Sara Jane Moore Project, preproduction
    A fascinating look into the mind and actions of Sara Jane Moore, a former socialite and suburban mother turned San Francisco radical. Drawn into the city’s social upheaval of the early 1970s, Moore became a double agent, working for both the government and several leftist revolutionary groups, until she was publicly exposed as an FBI informant. Suddenly outcast, isolated and fearing for her life, Moore attempted the ultimate act of revenge and self-preservation.

    Lance Edmands, Kyle Martin
    Bluebird, postproduction
    In the frozen woods of an isolated Maine logging town, one woman’s tragic mistake shatters the balance of the community, resulting in profound and unexpected consequences. Told through fragmented and intersecting story lines, Bluebird examines the struggles of regret and redemption at the frontier of modern America.

    Carlton Evans, Matthew Lessner
    Ross, development
    A hardworking young man’s staid, well-established life is upended after he posts an offhand comment to his Facebook profile, drawing the attention of numerous secretive government agencies and setting off a bizarre chain of events.

    Mohammad Gorjestani, Malcolm Pullinger
    Somehow These Days Will Be Missed, screenwriting
    After years of being denied permission, the Etemadi family has finally been granted their visas to leave Iran. Mehdi, his wife Mina and their two kids are excited to start a new life in bustling Silicon Valley. But when they arrive, life is far from what they imagined. With their money quickly running out, Mehdi reluctantly turns to the dark world of illicit drugs, which ultimately proves to be his greatest awakening. For more information visit mkshftcllc.tv.

    Leah Meyerhoff, Heather Rae
    I Believe in Unicorns, postproduction
    Davina is an unusual teenager, resentful about a childhood spent caring for her disabled mother. An older boy breaks through her shell and soon they run away together in a whirlwind of romance and adventure. As their new relationship turns emotionally and then physically abusive, she attempts to escape to a fantasy world but ultimately must learn to face her stark reality and reconnect with the mother she left behind. For more information visit unicornsthemovie.com.

    Judy Phu
    The Lovely Rejects, postproduction
    A film about youth, uncompromising rebellion and love, The Lovely Rejects is the story of two young lovers with chronic illnesses who meet during chemotherapy. Tired of being in debt and of their endless struggle for health insurance and medical treatment, the two decide to go on a crime spree. For more information visit judyphu.com.

    Ben Snyder
    Salvage, development
    Seymour Rubin has a problem. He’s 72 years old and runs an automobile salvage yard. His business is failing, his employees are on the verge of a revolt and his oldest friend and best worker is leading the charge against him. He has alienated his family, attacked his only friend and risks losing his beloved yard. He must embark on a journey of salvation.

    Ray Tintori, Josh Penn
    Untitled Cabal Project, screenwriting
    Young revolutionaries in love take on the world and each other in a kaleidoscopically complicated universe that’s coming apart at the seams. For more information visit court13.com/films/ray-tintori.

    Michael Tully, George Rush
    Ping Pong Summer, production
    It’s the mid-1980s. A shy teenager who lives in Maryland loves two things: rap music and table tennis. When he relocates to the beachside community of Ocean City, the most epic summer of his life begins. In addition to falling in love, he realizes his dream of becoming a ping-pong champion. For more information visit gmrush.com.

     

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  • 2012 Vail Film Festival to Showcase 58 Films

    [caption id="attachment_2544" align="alignnone" width="550"]Blayne Weaver, Patrick J. Adams and Natalie Morales in 6 Month Rule[/caption]

    The 2012 Vail Film Festival announced the complete line-up of 2012 films, taking place March 29th – April 1st, 2012 in Vail, Colorado. This year’s festival will showcase 58 films from around the world, including 20 feature-length films (10 narrative features and 10 documentaries), and 38 shorts, adventure, student, and animated.

    The Vail Film Festival also announced the return of the “Cadillac Short Series” in Solaris Plaza, the only festival “venue” where the public is invited to view festival programming without tickets.

    The 2012 Vail Film Festival will officially open on Thursday evening, March 29th at the Vail Mountain School with the U.S. premiere of ‘The Eye of the Storm.’ Directed by Fred Schepisi (“Roxanne,” “Six Degrees of Separation,”) ‘The Eye of the Storm’ stars Academy Award-winner® Geoffrey Rush, Charlotte Rampling and Judy Davis. ‘The Eye of the Storm’ is a savage exploration of the family relationships – and the sharp undercurrents of love and hate, comedy and tragedy – which define them. ‘The Eye of the Storm’ won The Age Critics’ Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival, the Premiere Special Jury Prize at the Rome Film Festival, and was nominated for twelve Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) awards. The film will be released in the US by Sycamore Entertainment Group Inc.

    The Friday Night featured film will be ‘6 Month Rule.’ Written and directed by Vail Film Festival alum Blayne Weaver, the film stars Blayne Weaver, Martin Starr, Jaime Pressly, and Natalie Morales. Talented indie filmmaker Blayne Weaver gives us a romantic, charming, and poignant look at relationships, seen from the eyes of Tyler (Weaver), who lives by a philosophy that allows him to avoid making any significant connections with women.
    Following the Saturday evening awards ceremony, the Vail Film Festival will present the Closing Night Film,‘L!fe Happens,’ helmed by Vail Film Festival alum and talented new director Kat Coiro, staring Krysten Ritter, Kate Bosworth, and Rachel Bilson. ‘L!fe Happens,’ co-written by Coiro, and lead actor Ritter, is a comedy centered on three young women who all live under the same roof in Los Angeles. When one of Kim’s one-night-stands results in an unexpected pregnancy, things take a sudden turn for the trio.

    The 2012 Vail Film Festival also announced the winners of the Vail Screenplay Contest, part of the festival’s mission to foster independent film and give industry access to aspiring screenwriters. 1st Place Feature, Daniel Turkewitz (The Wright Stuff), 2nd Place Feature, Rachel Shepherd (Let’s Kill Peter) 3rd Place Feature, Jeff Trently & Anthony Stitt (Chances) 1st Place Short, Melissa Sweazy (The Department of Signs and Magical Intervention), 2nd Place Short, David C.C. Erickson (Samantha’s Thief), 3rd Place Short, Phyllis Heltay (Mustang).

    The 2012 Vail Film Festival Film Program Includes:

    Feature Films:
    6 Month Rule, directed by Blayne Weaver
    Downtown Express, directed by David Grubin
    Inuk, directed by Mike Magidson
    Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy, directed by Rob Heydon
    Life Happens, directed by Kat Coiro
    Mariachi Gringo, directed by Tom Gustafson
    The Eye of the Storm, directed by Fred Schepisi
    The Mulberry Tree, directed by Mark Heller
    Shuffle, directed by Kurt Kuenne
    Puncture, directed by Adam Kassen & Mark Kassen

    Documentaries:
    Andrew Bird: Fever Year, directed by Xan Aranda
    Between the Harvest, directed by Scott Drucker
    Last Call at the Oasis, directed by Jessica Yu
    Words of Witness, directed by Mai Iskander
    One Night Stand, directed by Trish Dalton & Elisabeth Sperling
    Oscar, directed by Aoife Naughton
    Sing, directed by Laura Crosta
    With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story, directed by Terry Dougas, Nikki Frakes & Will Hess
    Zero Percent, directed by Tim Skousen
    Singleton: from the earth, directed by Robert A. Reid

    Environmental Showcase Presented by Chipotle:
    High Ground, directed by Michael Brown
    Tipping Point: The End of Oil, directed by Tom Radford & Niobe Thompson

    Adventure Films:
    The Art of Flight, directed by Curt Morgan
    The Movement, directed by Greg I Hamilton & Kurt Miller
    Wyoming Triumph, directed by Chris Kitchen & Sam Pope

    Shorts:
    Free Hugs, directed by Olivia Wilde
    A Morning with Gold in Its Mouth, directed by Samuel Dowe-Sandes
    Arts & Crafts, directed by Jonathan Kesselman
    Cadaver, directed by Jonah D. Ansell
    Deerskin Lake, directed by Joshua Clark
    dik, directed by Christopher Stollery
    Everything is Incredible, directed by Tim Skousen, Trevor Hill, & Tyler Bastian
    Fatakra, directed by Soham Mehta
    I’m Having A Difficult Time Killing My Parents, directed by Jeff Tomsic
    Mouthful, directed by Robert G. Putka
    Protect The Nation, directed by C.R. Reisser
    Queen, directed by Adam Rose
    Souterrain, directed by Erwin Haecker
    The Arm, directed by Brie Larson, Jessie Ennis, and Sarah Ramos
    The Carrier, directed by Scott Schaeffer
    The Jockstrap Raiders, directed by Mark Nelson
    What’s Life Got to Do with It?, directed by Noah Weisberg
    Christmas is Ruined, directed by Andrew Putschoegl
    Lagun Mina, directed by Jose Mari Goenaga
    The Monster Whisperer, directed by Elad Offer

    Student Films:
    Roleplay, directed by Brendan H. Banks
    Happy Ones, The, directed by Brandon Zuck
    Pushing Above the Highpoint, directed by Ben Thomas
    Fixed, directed by Johnny Rutter
    Ad & Subtract, directed by Laura Stephens
    Live Outside the Box, directed by Shu-Hsuan Lin
    Necking, directed by Lindsay Lindenbaum
    My Friend the Thief, directed by Roland Kennedy
    Commerce, directed by Lisa Robertson
    Election Day, directed by Zach Wechter
    Derek, directed by Alex Gray
    X.C., directed by Sam Osborn
    Lines, directed by Joselito Seldera

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  • The Inaugural Sun Valley Film Festival in Sun Valley, Idaho Announced its Film Lineup

    The Sun Valley Film Festival, March 15-18, 2012, in Sun Valley, Idaho, announced its lineup of dramatic and documentary feature films, television series, web series, children’s programming and short films for the inaugural festival.

    “We’re thrilled about the opportunity to spotlight such an inspiring and innovative group of filmmakers in Sun Valley,” said Festival Director Sabina Dana Plasse. “Our lineup is indicative of the spirit and dedication that goes into this collaborative process. We’re looking forward to a great event.”

    DRAMATIC FEATURES

    THE BROOKLYN BROTHERS BEAT THE BEST
    Director/Writer: Ryan O’Nan
    Producers: Jason Michael Berman and Kwesi Collisson
    Cast: Melissa Leo, Andrew McCarthy, Christopher McDonald, Jason Ritter and Wilmer Valderrama

    FRIENDS WITH KIDS
    Director/Producer/Writer: Jennifer Westfeldt
    Cast: Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd, Megan Fox and Edward Burns

    LOST RIVER
    Director: Hugh DiMauro
    Producer: Kieran Donahue
    Writers: Hugh DiMauro and Kieran Donahue
    Cast: Kieran Donahue

    LUV
    Director: Sheldon Candis
    Producers: Jason Michael Berman, W. Michael Jenson, Gordon Bijelonic, Datari Turner
    Writers: Sheldon Candis and Justin Wilson
    Cast: Common, Michael Rainey Jr., Dennis Haysbert, Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton and Michael Kenneth Williams

    MAGIC VALLEY
    Director/Writer: Jaffe Zinn
    Producer: Heather Rae
    Cast: Scott Glenn, Kyle Gallner, Alison Elliott, Brad William Henke, Matthew Gray Gubler and Will Estes

    MOSQUITA Y MARI
    Director/Writer: Aurora Guerrero
    Producer: Chad Burris
    Cast: Fenessa Pineda, Venecia Troncoso, Laura Patalano, Joaquin Garrido, Dulce Maria Solis and Omar Leyva

    NOBODY CARES
    Director/Writer: Travis Swartz
    Producers: Travis Swartz and Josie Pusl
    Cast: Chris Thometz, Christina Lang, Joe Golden, Tom Donahoe and Vanessa Hopkins

    OLD GOATS
    Director/Writer: Taylor Guterson
    Producers: Taylor Guterson and Johnathan Boyer
    Cast: Britton Crosley, Bob Burkholder, David VanderWal, Benita Staadecker, Gail Shackel and Steve Stolee

    SMALL, BEAUTIFULLY MOVING PARTS
    Directors/ Writers: Annie J. Howell and Lisa Robinson
    Producers: Annie J. Howell, Lisa Robinson and Jennifer Doughtery
    Cast: Anna Margaret Hollyman, Richard Hoag, Andre Holland, Mary Beth Peil, Sarah Rafferty and Susan Kelechi Watson

    SODA SPRINGS
    Director: Michael Fiefer
    Writers/Producers: Jay Pickett and Michael Fiefer
    Cast: Jay Pickett, Victoria Pratt, Michael Bowen, Patty McCormack and Tom Skerritt

    WINTER’S WIND
    Director/Writer: Matt Herriger
    Producer: William Veve
    Cast: Scot Schmidt, Mike Wilson, Micah Black, Gary Bigham, Dean Decas and Ralph Deslauriers
    DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

    7 YEARS UNDERGROUND: A 60s TALE
    Director: Jason M. Solomon
    Producers: Candice Solomon and Elly Solomon

    A NOT SO STILL LIFE: THE GINNY RUFFNER STORY
    Director: Karen Stanton
    Producer: Tom Gorai
    Cast: Ginny Ruffner, Tom Robbins, Graham Nash and Dale Chihuly
    BETWEEN THE EARTH AND SKY / South Sudan
    Director: Karen Day
    Producer: Ujenzi Trust

    CALIFORNIA STATE OF MIND: THE LEGACY OF PAT BROWN
    Director: Sascha Rice
    Producer: Hilary Armstrong, Julia Mintz and Sascha Rice

    CORMAN’S WORLD
    Director: Alex Stapleton
    Producers: Stone Douglass, Mickey Barold, Alex Stapleton, Jeff Frey and Izabela Frank

    FIRST CIRCLE
    Director: Heather Rae
    Producers: Heather Rae, Russell Friedenberg and Randy Redroad

    GATHERING REMNANTS
    Directors/Producers: Kendall Nelson and John Plummer

    GREAT MIGRATIONS: Behind-the-Scenes
    Director/Producer/Writer: James Bryne

    I AM
    Director: Tom Shadyac
    Producer: Dagan Handy

    JERUSALEM: LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF GOD
    Director/Producer: Stephen Crisman

    JÓN OG SÉRA JÓN (JOHN AND REVEREND JOHN) / Iceland
    Director: Steinthor Birgisson
    Producers: Steinthor Birgisson and Sigurbjorn Bui Baldvinsson

    LT. WATADA: A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE
    Director/Producer: Freida Mock

    MARCH OF THE LIVING / Brazil, Germany, Poland and Israel
    Director: Jessica Sanders
    Producer: L.G. Tubaldini Jr.

    THE PHANTOM WOLVES OF SUN VALLEY
    Director/Producer: DeSiree’ Fawn

    PRESERVATION HALL: A LOUISIANA FAIRYTALE
    Director: Danny Clinch
    Producers: Ben Jaffe, Matty Beckerman and Danny Clinch

    SING CHINA!
    Director/Producer/Writer: Freida Mock

    STOLEN SEAS
    Director: Thymaya Payne
    Writer: Mark Monroe
    Producers: Thymaya Payne, Andreas Lascaris, Heather Phenix and Andrew Walker

    THE GREATER GOOD
    Directors: Kendall Nelson and Chris Pilaro
    Producers: Leslie Manookian, Kendall Nelson and Chris Pilaro

    THE MONO LAKE STORY
    Directors: Ryan Christensen and Jonah Matthewson
    Producer: Bristlecone Media

    TULARE – THE PHANTOM LAKE
    Director/Producer: Christopher Beaver

    UNSIGNED
    Director: Edward Payson
    Producers: Jeremy McGovern, Moziko Wind and Edward Payson

    WAR ELEPHANTS
    Director/Writer/Producer: David Hamlin
    Featuring: Bob Poole and Dr. Joyce Poole

    WINTER
    Director: Steve Bellamy
    Producers: Rich Tavtigian and Selma Al-Faqih

    SHORT FILMS

    15 MINUTES OF FLAME
    Director: Gandhi Warhol
    Producer: Jimi Holt

    BRAD & GARY / France
    Art Director: Pierre Coffin
    Producers: Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy

    BURDEN
    Director/Writer: Michael David Lynch
    Producers: Michael David Lynch and John Bosher
    Cast: Michael E. Smith, Mocean Melvin, Grant Weiss and Peter Cullen

    CABBY / China
    Director: Xiaocao Liu
    Producers: Xiaocao Liu and Leon Gao
    Cast: Jun He and Xu Guan

    CRAWL SPACE
    Director: Christian Lybrook
    Producer: Tom Hamilton
    Cast: Austin Howell, Jim Lile, Kristy Leigh Lussier, Mike Wood and Nathan Hackney

    CROSSHAIRS / Australia
    Director: Mike Hoath
    Writer: Peter Templeman
    Cast: Lindsay Farris, Luke Ledger and Michael Muntz

    DINNER WITH FRED
    Director/Writer: Ben Proudfoot
    Producers: Alex Kefalos, Matthew Quandt and Aaron Rabkin
    Cast: Adam Harrington, Austin Highsmith, Scott Lowell and Ron Orbach

    LOW RIDERS
    Director/Writer/Producer: Mark Steffen

    MELTDOWN
    Director/Writer: Dave Green
    Producer: Ryan Hendricks
    Cast: David Cross, Emanuel Borria, Genevieve Jones and Ryan Bradley Heine

    MISERY BUSINESS
    Director: Charles Beale
    Producer: Brian Kung

    NECKING
    Director/Producer: Lindsay Lindenbaum

    NONNA SI DEVE ASCIUGARE (GRANDMA MUST GET DRY) / Italy
    Director/Writer: Alfredo Covelli

    POND SCUM
    Art Directors: Tom Tartaranowicz and Brad Coombs
    Producer: Tom Tartaranowicz

    SOMETIMES THE MOON IS VELVET
    Director/Writer: Tom Phillips
    Producer: Simon Thomas
    Cast: Joseph Mawle and Rachel Bright

    THE APPLICANT
    Director/Producer: Nathalie Antonia
    Writers: Nathalie Antonia and Dixie Perkinson
    Cast: Dixie Perkinson, Nathalie Antonia and Sarah Levy

    THE GREAT HAMBURGER CHALLENGE
    Director/Writer/Producer: Jason Chau
    Cast: Connor McGrady, Harrison Taunton, John Omohundro and Meiko Mitchell

    THE TRACK
    Director/Writer: Brett Caroline Levner
    Producers: Brett Caroline Levner and Matt Christensen
    Cast: Courtney Walsh and Leah Bateman

    WEIGHTLESS
    Director: Sune Blicher
    Producer: Andreas Koefoed
    Featuring: Jakob Bro, Bill Frisell and Jorgen Leth

    WE RULE
    Director/Producer: Catherine Chalmers

    CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING

    ANOTHER WAY TO DIE
    Director/Producer: John Nordstrom
    Writers: John Nordstrom and Jennifer Nordstrom
    Cast: Nordstrom kids and friends

    DO OVER
    Director: David Fabelo
    Producer: Andrew Logan
    Cast: Garrett Jester and Jacobi Alvarez

    POLLUTION
    Director/Producer: Jeffrey Travis
    Writer: Osa Wallander
    Cast: Osa Wallander, Danielle Bessler and Carrie Lazar

    SHARK RIDDLE
    Directors/Producers: Laura Sams and Robert Sams
    Writers: Dave Cain, Laura Sams and Robert Sams
    Featuring: Laura Sams and Robert Sams

    STAR WAITERS
    Director: Mitch Kohler
    Writer: Doug Cole
    Producers: Mitch Kohler, Patty Terrabery, Jesse Cordtz, Rachel Cherny and Ben Shedd

    THE KANGAROO
    Director/Writer: Anna Gutto
    Producers: Anna Gutto and Talking Catfish Productions
    Cast: Megan Doyle, Marisa Pierini and Jimmy Brewer

    THE ROOTS OF HAPPINESS
    Director: Matt Schultz
    Producer: Ryan Abella

    SUNDAY/DIMANCHE
    Director: Patrick Doyon

    THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE
    Directors: William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg
    Writer: William Joyce

    LA LUNA
    Director/Writer: Enrico Casaroasa

    A MORNING STROLL
    Directors: Grant Orchard and Sue Goffe
    Writer: Grant Orchard

    WILD LIFE
    Directors/Writers: Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

    NULLARBOR
    Director: Alister Lockhart
    Writers: Alister Lockhart and Patrick Sarell

    AMAZONIA
    Director/Writer: Sam Chen

    SKYLIGHT
    Director/Writer: David Baas

    HYBRID UNION
    Director/Writer: Serguei Kouchnerov

    TELEVISION SERIES

    THE STORY
    Director: Steve Bellamy
    Producers: Rich Tavtigian and Steve Bellamy
    Featuring: Bode Miller, Lindsey Vonn, Chris Davenport, Bobby Brown, Mike Douglas, Reggie Crist, Chris Benchetler, Leif Whitaker, Eric Pollard, Erin Pollard, Kristi Leskinen, Lynsey Dyer, Jamie Pierre, Willy Bogner, Stephani Victor, Chelone Miller, Errol Kerr, Mike Tierney, Cade Palmer, Trevor Hiatt, Russell Austin and Robert “The Wizard” Athey

    IMAGINE THIS / Peru
    Director: Rafael Monserrate
    Producers: Eion Bailey, Rafael Monserrate and Gene Miller

    WEB SERIES

    PROSPECTING IDAHO
    Director: Cory Smith
    Producers: Smith Optics’ Mark Oliver and Cory Smith

    IDAHO RIVERS UNITED
    Director/Producer: Skip Armstrong

    SEASONS
    Director/Producer: Skip Armstrong
    Featuring: Kate Wagner, Brian Breal Ward and Jesse Murphy

    The Sun Valley Film Festival also announced a slate of films produced by Idaho filmmakers and films made in Idaho:

    CRAWL SPACE
    FIRST CIRCLE
    GATHERING REMNANTS
    IDAHO RIVERS UNITED
    LOST RIVER
    MAGIC VALLEY
    NOBODY CARES
    PROSPECTING IDAHO
    SODA SPRINGS
    SEASONS
    STAR WAITERS
    THE PHANTOM WOLVES OF SUN VALLEY

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  • The Invisible War, Winner of 2012 Sundance Film Festival Documentary Award To Be Released in The Summer

    “The Invisible War”, winner of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival’s “U.S. Documentary Audience Award.” was just picked up for distribution by Cinedigm Entertainment Group and entertainment distributor New Video, with a summer theatrical release planned.

    “The Invisible War” marks the first acquisition under the partnership between the two companies.

    Described as .. An emotionally powerful investigative documentary, “The Invisible War” reveals the profound personal and social consequences of the rape epidemic in the U.S. military. Directed by Oscar(R) and Emmy(R) Award-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick (“This Film Is Not Yet Rated,” “Twist of Faith”) and produced by Emmy(R) Award-nominated Amy Ziering (“Outrage,” “Derrida”), “The Invisible War” is a groundbreaking documentary that explores alarming facts about America’s shameful secret: today, a female soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. The number of assaults in the last decade alone is believed to be in the hundreds of thousands (according to the “Fiscal Year 2010 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military” issued by the Department of Defense).

    “The Invisible War” is a moving indictment of the systemic cover-up of military sex crimes as well as a chronicle of the women’s struggles to rebuild their lives while seeking justice. “The Invisible War” features hard-hitting interviews with high-ranking military officials and members of Congress that reveal the perfect storm of conditions that exist for rape in the military; its long-hidden history and ongoing cover-up, and what can be done to bring about much-needed change.

    “We are honored that our first New Video/Cinedigm acquisition is ‘The Invisible War,'” said Chris McGurk, Chairman and CEO of Cinedigm. “The film is incredibly powerful and deserves — in fact demands — to be seen by as many people as possible. We very much look forward to working with Kirby, Amy and their team to share this important film with audiences across the nation.”

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  • World Premiere of Jesse Owens to Open 2012 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

    ,

    [caption id="attachment_2539" align="alignnone"]Jesse Owens[/caption]

    The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival announced the World Premiere of Laurens Grant’s “Jesse Owens” as its 2012 Opening Night Film on Thursday, April 12. Produced and written by 2012 Full Frame Tribute honoree Stanley Nelson, the film centers on the African American track and field star, who triumphed at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin amidst the rise of Nazi propaganda.

    Full Frame also announced its lineup of films around its 2012 Tribute honoring Stanley Nelson.  Four titles have been selected, including early work from his Firelight Films banner: “The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords,” “Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple,” “A Place of Our Own,” and “Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice.”

    The 2012 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival will be held April 12-15, in Durham, N.C.

    2012 Opening Night Film

    Jesse Owens (Director: Laurens Grant)

    African American track and field star, Jesse Owens, triumphed at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin amidst the rise of Nazi propaganda. Despite winning four gold medals, the iconic athlete found the brilliant start to his career would not be met with easy opportunity. World Premiere

    2012 Full Frame Tribute Films

    The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords (Director: Stanley Nelson)

    The little known history of Black newspapers is highlighted in this film about the pioneering men and women who gave voice to the African American experience across the nation.

    Jonestown: The Life and the Death of Peoples Temple (Director: Stanley Nelson)

    Over 900 people died at the Peoples Temple Agricultural Project in Guyana, the largest mass suicide in history. The film traces the optimistic rise and devastating collapse of this utopian movement.

    A Place of Our Own (Director: Stanley Nelson)

    A personal meditation on the significance of Oak Bluffs, a town on Martha’s Vineyard where generations of upper-middle class black families, including Stanley Nelson’s own, have vacationed undisturbed by the tensions of racial America.

    Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice (Director: Stanley Nelson)

    Unprecedented footage from Sweet Honey in the Rock’s 30th anniversary tour is accented with in-depth interviews exploring the influence of the African American women’s a cappella group.

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  • 14 Films Make Their UK Premieres at inaugural Sundance London festival

    [caption id="attachment_2337" align="alignnone" width="549"]Chasing Ice[/caption]

    Sundance Institute and The O2 announced today the lineup of 14 narrative and documentary feature films that will make their UK premieres at the inaugural Sundance London festival, taking place at The O2 from 26-29 April. These films premiered in January at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah – the premier independent film festival in the United States.

    In addition to film screenings, Sundance London will host live music performances and events each evening, including the Opening Night event An Evening With Robert Redford And T Bone Burnett, Placebo in concert and Tricky and Martina Topley-Bird performing Maxinquaye.

    FILM PROGRAM IN DETAIL

    2 Days in New York (Director: Julie Delpy, Screenwriters: Julie Delpy, Alexia Landeau) — Marion has broken up with Jack and now lives in New York with their child. A visit from her family, the different cultural background of her new boyfriend, an ex-boyfriend who her sister is now dating, and her upcoming photo exhibition make for an explosive mix. Cast: Julie Delpy, Chris Rock, Albert Delpy, Alexia Landeau, Alex Nahon.

    Chasing Ice (Director: Jeff Orlowski) — Science, spectacle and human passion mix in this stunningly cinematic portrait as National Geographic photographer James Balog captures time-lapse photography of glaciers over several years providing tangible visual evidence of climate change. Winner of the Excellence in Cinematography Award: U.S. Documentary at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

    Filly Brown (Directors: Youssef Delara, Michael D. Olmos, Screenwriter: Youssef Delara) — A Hip Hop-driven drama about a Mexican girl who rises to fame and consciousness as she copes with the incarceration of her mother through music. Cast: Lou Diamond Phillips, Gina Rodriguez, Jenni Rivera, Edward James Olmos.

    Finding North (Directors: Kristi Jacobson, Lori Silverbush) — A crisis of hunger looms in America and is not limited to the poverty stricken and uneducated. Can a return to policies of the 1970s save our future? Features interviews with activists including Witness to Hunger’s Mariana Chilton, Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio and Academy Award®-winning actor Jeff Bridges, as well as original music by T Bone Burnett & The Civil Wars.

    For Ellen (Director and screenwriter: So Yong Kim) – A struggling musician takes an overnight long-distance drive in order to fight his estranged wife for custody of their young daughter. Cast: Paul Dano, Jon Heder, Jena Malone, Margarita Levieva, Shay Mandigo.

    The House I Live In (Director: Eugene Jarecki) — For over 40 years, the War on Drugs has accounted for 45 million arrests, made America the world’s largest jailer and damaged poor communities at home and abroad. Yet, drugs are cheaper, purer and more available today than ever. Where did we go wrong and what is the path toward healing? Winner of the Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival

    Liberal Arts (Director and screenwriter: Josh Radnor) — Bookish and newly single Jesse Fisher returns to his alma mater for his favorite professor’s retirement dinner. A chance meeting with Zibby – a precocious classical music-loving sophomore – awakens in him long-dormant feelings of possibility and connection. Cast: Josh Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen, Richard Jenkins, Allison Janney, John Magaro, Elizabeth Reaser.

    LUV (Director: Sheldon Candis, Screenwriters: Sheldon Candis, Justin Wilson) — An orphaned 11-year-old boy is forced to face the unpleasant truth about his beloved uncle during one harrowing day in the streets of Baltimore. Cast: Common, Michael Rainey Jr., Dennis Haysbert, Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton.

    Nobody Walks (Director: Ry Russo-Young, Screenwriters: Lena Dunham, Ry Russo-Young) — Martine, a young artist from New York, is invited into the home of a hip, liberal LA family for a week. Her presence unravels the family’s carefully maintained status quo, and a mess of sexual and emotional entanglements ensues. Cast: John Krasinski, Olivia Thirlby, Rosemarie DeWitt, India Ennenga, Justin Kirk. Winner of the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Independent Film Producing at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

    An Oversimplification of Her Beauty (Director and screenwriter: Terence Nance) — A quixotic young man humorously courses live action and various animated landscapes as he tries to understand himself after a mystery girl stands him up. Cast: Terence Nance, Namik Minter, Chanelle Pearson.

    The Queen of Versailles (Director: Lauren Greenfield) — Jackie and David were triumphantly constructing the biggest house in America – a sprawling, 90,000-square-foot palace inspired by Versailles – when their timeshare empire falters due to the economic crisis. Their story reveals the innate virtues and flaws of the American Dream. Winner of the Directing Award: U.S. Documentary at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

    Safety Not Guaranteed (Director: Colin Trevorrow, Screenwriter: Derek Connolly) — A trio of magazine employees investigate a classified ad seeking a partner for time travel. One employee develops feelings for the paranoid but compelling loner and seeks to discover what he’s really up to. Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson, Karan Soni. Winner of the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

    SHUT UP AND PLAY THE HITS (Directors: Dylan Southern, Will Lovelace) — A film that follows LCD Soundsystem front man James Murphy over a crucial 48-hour period, from the day of their final gig at Madison Square Garden to the morning after, the official end of one of the best live bands in the world.

    Under African Skies (Director: Joe Berlinger) — Paul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the incredible journey of his historic Graceland album, including the political backlash he sparked for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa, designed to end Apartheid.

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