• Monument to Michael Jackson, Frame by Frame, Wins Grand Jury Prizes at 2015 Nashville Film Festival

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    Monument to Michael Jackson The Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) 2015 announced the 46th Annual Competition Award winners, including Grand Jury Prizes to Monument to Michael Jackson (pictured above), Orion: The Man Who Would Be King and other notable films. Best Original Song went to Brian Wilson for “One Kind of Love” fromLove & Mercy. According to the jury, its palpable portrayal of a child torn between two worlds earned Daytimer the Live Action Short Grand Jury Prize. Bear Storyset itself a very high bar both stylistically and narratively and delivered across the board, which garnered it the Grand Jury Prize for Animated Short. La Vie en rose comme dans les films provided a humble glimpse into the complicated world of memory; the short received the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary Short. Each of these three shorts will be automatically qualified for Academy Award® consideration. Bridgestone Narrative Competition Grand Jury Prize – Monument to Michael Jackson, directed by Darko Lungolov Honorable Mention – WildLike, directed by Frank Hall Green
    The Bridgestone Narrative Competition Grand Jury Prize went to Monument to Michael Jackson. The film was, “at times a political farce, a relationship drama and an inspiring tale of tenacity in the face of adversity.”The jury also awarded Geraldine Chaplin from Sand Dollars the Best Actress award, while Boris Milivojevic from Monument to Michael Jackson received the Best Actor award. Best Screenplay went to Shonali Bose for Margarita, with a Straw, and the Film Musicians Secondary Market Fund Award for Best Music in a Feature Film went to Ramon Cordero, Benjamin De Menil and Edilio Paredes for Sand Dollars. The Special Jury Prize for Cinematography was awarded to Tony Mirza for Eadweard.
    Gibson Music Films/Music City Competition Grand Jury Prize – Orion: The Man Who Would Be King, directed by Jeanie Finlay Honorable Mention – Sweet Micky for President, directed by Ben Patterson
    The jury said Orion, “hits every note… and then some. It was a completely unpredictable yet always entertaining and moving documentary.”The jury awarded the Special Jury Prize for Best Import to Tomi Fujiyama in Made in Japan.
    Documentary Competition Grand Jury Prize – Frame by Frame, directed by Mo Scarpelli and Alexandra Bombach Honorable Mention – Welcome to Leith, directed by Michael Beach and Christopher K. Walker
    “Frame by Frame is a fascinating look into life in Afghanistan that celebrates its growing photography culture, with unprecedented access and interviews,” the jury said. “The film is beautifully crafted and we’re so honored to present these first time filmmakers with the Documentary Grand Jury Prize, and hope that they will continue to make inspiring films.”The Special Jury Prize for Direction went to Jimmy Chin and E. Chai Vasahelyi forMeru.
    New Directors Competition Grand Jury Prize – Songs She Wrote About People She Knows, directed by Kris Elgstrand Honorable Mention – Naz & Maalik, directed by Jay Dockendorf
    Songs She Wrote About People She Knows received the Grand Jury Prize, “for its quirky plot, high production values, and unique yet relatable characters, the New Directors Jury awarded its Grand Jury Prize to Songs She Wrote About People She Knows. Lead actress Arabella Bushnell delivers a particularly strong performance as an aspiring pop singer, complete with highly original and hilarious songs. Writer/director Kris Elgstrand is a strong new voice in independent cinema and we are excited to see what he comes up with next. “ The jury awarded Krisha Fairchild with Best Actress for Krisha and Daniel Cerqueira with Best Actor for Radiator. The Special Jury Prize for Direction went to Sarah Adina Smith for The Midnight Swim.
    Best Original Song Winner – “One Kind of Love,” from Love & Mercy, written and performed by Brian Wilson Honorable Mention – “Found You,” from In My Father’s House, written and performed by Rhymefest
    Graveyard Shift Competition
    Grand Jury Prize (tie) – Alléluia, directed by Fabrice du Welz Grand Jury Prize (tie) — They Look Like People, directed by Perry Blackshear
    “The jury found itself unable to determine a hierarchy between exquisite works of passion, madness, human bonds and inhuman horror.”The jury awarded for Best Actress to Amy Everson in Felt and Best Actor to MacLeod Andrews in They Look Like People. The Special Jury Prize for Outstanding Use of Music went to Rain the Color of Blue with a Little Red in It.
    Ground Zero Tennessee First Competition
    Grand Jury Prize – The Keepers, directed by Joann Self Selvidge and Sara Kaye Larson
    Southwest Airlines Audience Award Overall Winner In My Father’s House, Ricki Stern & Annie Sundberg, scored 4.99 out of 5 Southwest Airlines Audience Award Winners Narrative Competition – Eadweard, Kyle Rideout, director Documentary Competition – In My Father’s House, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, directors Special Presentations  – Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, director Spectrum – The Waiting Country Woman, Li Yangiu, director Music Films/Music City – Revival: The Sam Bush Story, Kris Wheeler and Wayne Franklin Tennessee First – Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw, Rick Goldsmith, director New Directors Competition – The Challenger, Kent Moran, director Graveyard Shift – They Look Like People, Perry Blackshear, director Southwest Airlines Audience Awards  – Documentaries – Top Five
    1. In My Father’s House, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, directors
    2. Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw, Rick Goldsmith, director
    3. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young, Annika Iltis and Timothy Kane, directors
    4. Revival: The Sam Bush Story, Kris Wheeler and Wayne Franklin, directors
    5. Imba Means Sing, Danielle Bernstein, director
    Southwest Airlines Audience Awards –  Narratives – Top Five
    1. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, director
    2. The Challenger, Kent Moran, director
    3. Love & Mercy, Bill Pohlad, director
    4. Ain’t It Nowhere, Scott Murphy, director
    5. I’ll See You in My Dreams, Brett Haley, director
    Tennessee Horizon Audience Award for Best Shorts
    Presented by TN Film, Music & Entertainment Commission and Native Magazine Winner (tie) – Daddy’s Little Girl, directed by Chad McClarnon Winner (tie) – Usetocould, directed by Drew Maynard
    Sponsored Awards
    NPT Human Spirit Award – My Voice, My Life, directed by Ruby Yang Women in Film & Television Award – Yosemite, directed by Gabrielle Demeestere Outstanding LGBT Film – Naz & Maalik, directed by Jay Dockendorf Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award – Alfonso Gomez-Rejon for Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Lipscomb University Prize of the Ecumenical Jury – Rosenwald, directed by Aviva Kempner.
      Complete List of Short Film Award Winners Live Action Short – Grand Jury Prize: Daytimer, directed by Riz Ahmed (United Kingdom) Live Action Short – Honorable Mention: Tzniut, directed by David Formentin (USA) Live Action Short – Honorable Mention: Saturday, directed by Mike Forshaw (United Kingdom) Special Jury Prize for Visual Storytelling: The Aftermath of the Inauguration of the Public Toilet at Kilometer 375, directed by Omar El Zohairy (Egypt) Animated Short – Grand Jury Prize: Bear Story, directed by Gabriel Osorio (Chile) Animated Short – Honorable Mention: Man on the Chair, directed by Dahee Jeong (France) Special Jury Prize for Achievement in Animation: Pineapple Calamari, directed by Kasia Nalewajka (United Kingdom) Documentary Short – Grand Jury Prize: La Vie en rose comme dans les films, directed by Christophe M. Saber (Switzerland) Documentary Short – Honorable Mention: Autofocus, directed by Boris Poljak (Croatia) Special Jury Prize for Bridging the Gap Between Experimental and Documentary Filmmaking: Object, directed by Paulina Skibinska (Poland) Experimental Short – Grand Jury Prize: (null), directed by Michael Lange, David Gesslbauer (Germany) Experimental Short – Honorable Mention: Play Within a Play, directed by Yasmijn Karhof (Netherlands) Student Short – Grand Jury Prize: Wire Cutters, directed by Jack Anderson (USA) Student Short – Honorable Mention: The Aftermath of the Inauguration of the Public Toilet at Kilometer 375, directed by Omar El Zohairy (Egypt) Watkins Young Filmmaker Award: Poet Against Prejudice, directed by Faiza Almontaser (USA) Web Series Grand Jury Prize: 24 Hour Records, directed by Brad Cash (USA) Web Series Honorable Mention: HelLA, directed by Rory Uphold (USA) Graveyard Shift Grand Jury Prize for Short Film: Alone, directed by Didier Philippe (France) Graveyard Shift Honorable Mention for Short Film: Primrose Lane, directed by Nick Phillips (USA) Ground Zero Tennessee First Shorts Documentary Award: Muddy Pond, directed by Tyler Jones Ground Zero Tennessee First Short Narrative Award: Trying Not to Explode, directed by Dave Dorsey Tennessee Horizon Audience Award for Best Shorts presented by TN Film, Music & Entertainment Commission and Native Magazine (Nominees – winner announced Thursday, April 23) Contrary to Likeness, directed by Motke Dapp Daddy’s Little Girl, directed by Chad McClarnon Futureman, directed by Patrick Sheehan How I Got Made, directed by Tracy S. Facelli Nashville in Harmony: Ten Years of Using Music to Build Community, directed by Steven C. Knapp Usetocould, directed by Drew Maynard Steven Goldmann Visionary Award: World of Tomorrow, directed by Don Hertzfeldt (USA)

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  • BLACK PANTHERS Film Wins Best of Fest at 2015 RiverRun International Film Festival

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    The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution THE BLACK PANTHERS: VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION directed by Stanley Nelson took home the Audience Award “Best of Fest” at the 17th annual RiverRun International Film Festival which ran April 16 to 26, 2015.  In the film, Stanley Nelson weaves together voices from varied perspectives who lived the story of the Black Panther Party, including police, FBI informants, journalists, white supporters, and detractors, those who remained loyal to the party and those who left it. AUDIENCE AWARDS The Audience Award “Best of Fest” was presented to: THE BLACK PANTHERS: VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION / USA (Director: Stanley Nelson) — Whether they were right or wrong, the Black Panther Party and its leadership remain powerful and enduring figures in our popular imagination even today. Stanley Nelson’s film weaves together voices from varied perspectives who lived this story– police, FBI informants, journalists, white supporters, and detractors, those who remained loyal to the party and those who left it. The Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature was presented to: ANYWHERE ELSE / Israel / Germany (Director: Ester Amrami) — Noa, an Israeli grad student working on her thesis in Berlin about untranslatable words, returns home to find her family less than enamored with her life choices and struggles to define her connections to both place and family. The Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature was presented to: 3 ½ MINUTES / USA (Director: Marc Silver) — This gripping documentary dissects the shooting death of 17-year-old Jordan Davis, the aftermath of this systemic tragedy and contradictions within the American criminal justice system. The Altered States Audience Award for Best Indie was presented to: PROUD CITIZEN / USA (Director: Thomas Southerland) — After winning second place in a play writing contest, a Bulgarian woman travels to small town Kentucky for the premiere of her play. Expecting southern hospitality, she instead finds an America full of dichotomy in this funny, heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking meditation on the comfort (and discomfort) of strangers. NARRATIVE COMPETITION The Best Narrative Feature Award was presented to: MEMORIES ON STONE / Iraq / Germany (Director: Shawkat Amin Korki) — Kurdish childhood friends Hussein and Alan naively resolve to produce a film about the genocide of Kurdish people in Iraq, specifically the Anfal campaign of 1988. They learn that in order to will the film into existence they must put everything on the line–even their own lives. The Peter Brunette Award for Best Director was presented to: Naomi Kawase, STILL THE WATER / Japan / Spain / France Best Actor was presented to: Hussein Hassan MEMORIES ON STONE / Iraq / Germany (Director: Shawkat Amin Korki) Best Actress was presented to: Julieta Diaz, REFUGIADO / Argentina / France / Columbia / Poland (Director: Diego Lerman) Best Cinematography – Narrative Feature was presented to: Yutaka Yamazuki, STILL THE WATER / Japan / Spain / France (Director: Naomi Kawase Best Screenplay was presented to: THE SECOND MOTHER / Brazil (Director: Anna Muylaert) Special Jury Prize for Editing: Ebrahim Saeedi, MEMORIES ON STONE / Iraq / Germany (Director: Shawkat Amin Korki) Honorable Mention for Cinematography: Sara Mishara, FELIX AND MEIRA / Canada (Director: Maxime Giroux) Honorable Mention for Actress: Hadas Yaron, FELIX AND MEIRA / Canada (Director: Maxime Giroux) Honorable Mention for Actor: James ‘Primo’ Grant, FIVE STAR / USA (Director: Keith Miller) DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION Best Documentary Feature : THE CHINESE MAYOR / China (Director: Hao Zhou) — Controversial Chinese politician Geng Yanbo demolished 140,000 households and relocated half a million people in order to restore ancient relic walls for the sake of the region’s tourism industry. The film investigates one mayor’s mission to save his city and uncovers the secret workings of China’s Communist Party. Jury statement: “We chose “The Chinese Mayor” as Best Documentary Feature for its incredible level of access, the ambiguity of its story arc, the complexity of Mayor Geng, and its ability to give the audience an inside look at a culture we might not be familiar with.” Best Director — Documentary Feature was presented to: Joshua Oppenheimer for THE LOOK OF SILENCE / Denmark / Finland / Indonesia / Norway / UK — Through Joshua Oppenheimer’s work filming perpetrators of the Indonesian genocide, a family of survivors discovers the identities of the men who killed their son. The youngest brother is determined to break the spell of silence, and so confronts the men responsible for his brother’s murder–something unimaginable in a country where killers remain in power. Jury statement: “We recognize this film for his bold clarity of vision and unflinching commitment to the material. “The Look of Silence” is a remarkable film that bears Oppenheimer’s unmistakable stamp with every choice he makes as a filmmaker.” Special Jury Prize: WELCOME TO LEITH / USA (Co-directors: Michael Beach Nichols and Christopher Walker) — In the tiny town of Leith, North Dakota, notorious white supremacist Craig Cobb is attempting a hostile takeover. Filmed in the days leading up to Cobb’s arrest for terrorizing the townspeople, the film is an eerie document of American DIY ideals. SHORTS COMPETITION Best Documentary Short was presented to: CAILLEACH / UK (Director: Rosie Reed Hillman) — Morag is 86. She lives alone at the end of a track looking out to sea on her croft on the Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, with her three cats and twelve sheep. Morag was born in this house and has lived here her whole life, following five generations of the family who came before her. Cailleach is a portrait of Morag and her simple and peaceful life as she contemplates her next chapter, shares her unique sense of independence and the connection she has to her wild island home. As the winner of the jury award for Best Documentary Short, ‘Cailleach’ is now eligible to be considered for a 2016 Academy Award®. Jury statement: “Cailleach” was selected“for its reflective and cinematic portrait of an 86-year-old woman getting on with life no matter the circumstances.” Honorable Mention to the documentary short: NOTES FROM LIBERIA / USA / Liberia (Co-Directors: Ryo Murakami and Judd Ehrlich) — Crafted from footage shot by the late Japanese cinematographer Ryo Murakami on the Firestone Tire and Rubber Plantation in Liberia, the film traces Ryo’s journey from Monrovia, where the traumas of a brutal fifteen-year civil war still simmer beneath the surface, to the remote plantation village of Harbel. Jury statement: “For its poignant investigation of the Firestone rubber plantation in Liberia, the Short Documentary honorable mention goes to “Notes from Liberia” by Judd Ehrlich and the late Ryo Murakami.” Accepting the award is the film’s producer, Takeshi Fukunaga. Best Narrative Short was presented to: THE KÁRMÁN LINE / UK / (Director: Oscar Sharp) — When a mother acquires a rare condition that sees her lift off the ground at a slow but ever increasing rate, her husband and daughter are forced to come to terms with losing her. Jury statement: “Seamlessly transitioning between levity and pathos, we award “The Kármán Line” for its moving and original take on impending loss as seen through the eyes of an ordinary family in an extraordinary situation.” Special Jury Prize was presented to: ÁRTÚN / Iceland / Denmark / (Director: Gudmundur Arnar Gudmundsson) — A small town boy in Iceland decides to travel to the big city with his friends in search of his first romantic encounter. The city holds more in store for them than they anticipated. Best Student Short: ROTA / USA (Director: Jean-Jacques Martinod) — An abandoned warehouse becomes a surreal theater where men are challenged to risk their lives on stage to a game of chance. Jury statement: “For making us complicit in a bizarre underground world we never asked to be a part of, we award best student short to ‘Rota.’” Best Animated Short was presented to: BEAR STORY / Chile (Director: Gabriel Osorio Vargas) — An old bear goes out every day to a busy street corner. Through a tin marionette theater of his own making, he reveals his extraordinary life story. As the winner of the jury award for Best Animated Short, ‘Bear Story’ is now eligible to be considered for a 2016 Academy Award®. Jury Statement: “With its mechanical tin toy aesthetic and clever take on narrative vs. reality, we and the audience enjoyed the film’s tale of a bears tragic and ultimately heroic life story.” Best Student Animated Short: THE PRESENT / Germany (Director: Jacob Frey) — Jake spends most of his time playing video games indoors, until his mom decides to give him an unexpected present.

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  • Winners of 2015 London Independent Film Festival; THE MILKY WAY Wins No-Budget Feature Prize

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    THE MILKY WAY at the 12th London Independent Film Festival LIFF Director Tor Mian took the No-Budget Feature Prize for his film THE MILKY WAY (pictured above) at the 12th London Independent Film Festival LIFF. The British dark comedy tells the story of a man whose life unravels just when everything seemed to finally be going his way. The comedy is Mian’s second feature and was shot for only £6000. Actress Pearl Chanda won the festival’s Best Actor award for her feature film debut in THE FINAL HAUNTING, Flaminia Graziadei’s haunted house story. The Best International Film prize went to Steven Savage for VERTICAL, the story of an all-female rock climbing team. Also, American filmmaker Sasha Krane won Best UK Feature for SOLITARY which follows a young woman facing her personal demons. Director Russell England won Best Horror Film for his teen chiller UNHALLOWED GROUND, a paranormal mystery set in a British private school. thelastsparksofsundownmmovie Jonathan Howells’ documentary ALFRED AND JAKOBINE — a love story set around the world-wide adventures of a London taxi — won the festival’s Best Feature Documentary. While James Kibbey won Best Micro-Budget Film for his THE LAST SPARKS OF SUNDOWN (pictured above), a comedy about two American brothers who inherit an English manor house. Festival Director Erich Schultz said: “Another year of absolutely fantastic low-budget films from around the world. I’m certain we’ll be seeing many great things from these filmmakers in the very near future” Hosted at annually at the Shortwave and Genesis cinemas, the 2015 London Independent Film Festival screened over 60 films. The festival highlights the best in low & micro-budget filmmaking every April. A full list of LIFF winners: No-Budget Feature — THE MILKY WAY by Tor Mian UK Feature — SOLITARY by Sasha Krane Best Actor – Pearl Chanda in THE FINAL HAUNTING Best Director – Simon Blake for STILL International Feature – VERTICAL by Steven Savage Sci-Fi/ Horror — UNHALLOWED GROUND by Russell England Micro-Budget Feature — THE LAST SPARKS OF SUNDOWN by James Kibbey Documentary — ALFRED AND JAKOBINE by Jonathan Howells Short Documentary — Jordanne by Zak Razvi UK Short — BEVERLEY by Alexander Thomas International Short — THE WHEEL OF TIME by Kagan Kerimoglu Horror Short — THE HERD by Melanie Light Sci-Fi Short — AIR by Emma E. Maclennan LGBT Film — PLAYING THE GAME by Jeremy Timings Experimental Short — PEEP DISH by Darragh Mortell Short Short — KILLER ROAD by Marco Clay Animated Short — MY STUFFED GRANNY by Effie Pappa UK Music Video — ALL IN THE VALUE by Geej Ower International Music Video — STEAMPUNK Girl by Joshua Westbury Best UK Screenplay — THE COMPETITORS by Ruth Greenberg Best International Screenplay — Shimmy by P.A Flanders Best Short Screenplay — DREAMS OF TOMORROW by Cindy Walters Best Screenplay Pitch — ZOG THE MAGNIFICENT by Prahib Sukoro

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  • SELMA Director Ava DuVernay Honored by Barbie with Her Own Doll

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    Director Ava DuVernay Honored by Barbie with Her Own Doll Director Ava DuVernay is among six Sheroes, female heroes who inspire girls by breaking boundaries and expanding possibilities for women everywhere, honored by Barbie at the Variety Power of Women Luncheon in New York City with a one-of-a-kind doll created in their likeness. The doll features Ava DuVernay with her trademark braids and sitting in the director’s chair. “Barbie has always represented that girls have choices, and this Spring we are proud to honor six Sheroes who through their trade and philanthropic efforts are an inspiration to girls,” said Evelyn Mazzocco, General Manager Barbie. “Started by a female entrepreneur and mother, this brand has a responsibility to continue to honor and encourage powerful female role models who are leaving a legacy for the next generation of glass ceiling breakers.” The complete list of Barbie 2015 Sheroes are: Ava DuVernay: Director of the Academy Award Best Picture nominee, SELMA, and founder of African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement, which provides opportunities and resources to underrepresented filmmakers. Emmy Rossum: Golden Globe® nominated actress and spokesperson for Best Friends Animal Society, the only national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and a leader in the no-kill movement. Eva Chen: Breaking boundaries by bringing inspiration to print as the youngest appointed female Editor-in-Chief of a national fashion magazine, Lucky. Kristin Chenoweth: An inspiration on Broadway and beyond, the Emmy® and Tony Award® nominee and winner also founded the Kristin Chenoweth Art & Education Fund volunteering with young talent in the arts. Sydney “Mayhem” Keiser: Five year-old fashion designer with work appearing in Vogue and signed on with major national fashion brand, J.Crew, for the collection ‘Little Mayhem for J.Crew’ launching in June. Trisha Yearwood: A woman with many super powers, succeeding as an award-winning Country artist, best-selling author, Food Network host and entrepreneur. Following the awards ceremony, each Shero auctioned off their doll to benefit a charity of her choice.

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  • KING JACK, TRANSFATTY LIVES Win Audience Awards of 2015 Tribeca Film Festival

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    King Jack, directed by Felix Thompson. 2015 Tribeca Film Festival Awards King Jack, directed by Felix Thompson, won the Audience Award for Best Narrative, and TransFatty Lives, directed by Patrick O’Brien, won the Audience Award for Best Documentary award at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF). “The awards go to two powerful and charming stories of young men facing their deepest fears and overcoming their own challenges,” said Genna Terranova, Festival Director, Tribeca Film Festival. “These fiction and non-fiction stories of triumph and resilience clearly resonated with audiences this year.” King Jack, directed and written by Felix Thompson. (USA) (pictured above) – World Premiere, Narrative. Growing up in a rural town filled with violent delinquents, Jack has learned to do what it takes to survive, despite having an oblivious mother and no father. After his aunt falls ill and a younger cousin comes to stay with him, the hardened 15-year-old discovers the importance of friendship, family, and looking for happiness even in the most desolate of circumstances. TransFatty Lives, directed by Patrick O’Brien 2015 Tribeca Film Festival awards TransFatty Lives, directed by Patrick O’Brien, co-written by Patrick O’Brien, Scott Crowningshield, Lasse Jarvi, Doug Pray. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. Director Patrick O’Brien is TransFatty, the onetime NYC deejay and Internet meme-making superstar. In 2005, O’Brien began to document his life after being diagnosed with ALS and given only two to five years to live. TransFatty Lives is a brazen and illustrative account of what it’s like to live when you find out you are going to die. The runners-up were Song of Lahore, directed by Andy Schocken and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, for the documentary audience award and Sleeping With Other People, directed by Leslye Headland, for the narrative audience award. Throughout the Festival, which kicked off on April 15, audiences were able to vote by completing nomination ballots upon exiting screenings of TFF films. Films in the World Narrative Competition, World Documentary Competition, Viewpoints, Spotlight, and Midnight sections were eligible. Song of Lahore, directed by Andy Schocken and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Song of Lahore, directed by Andy Schocken and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. (USA, Pakistan) – World Premiere, Documentary. Until the late 1970s, the Pakistani city of Lahore was world-renowned for its music. Following the Islamization of Pakistan, many artists struggled to continue their life’s work. Song of Lahore turns the spotlight on a group of stalwart musicians that kept playing and ultimately attracted listeners from around the world. In English, Punjabi, and Urdu with subtitles. Sleeping With Other People, directed and written by Leslye Headland. Sleeping With Other People, directed and written by Leslye Headland. (USA) – New York Premiere, Narrative. Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie star as two romantic failures whose years of serial infidelity and self-sabotage have led them to swear that their relationship will remain strictly platonic.  But can love still bloom while you’re sleeping with other people? Writer/director Leslye Headland’s (Bachelorette) sexy romantic comedy co-stars Amanda Peet, Adam Scott, and Natasha Lyonne. An IFC Films Release

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  • Sundance Film Festival to Return to London + Expands to Hong Kong

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    Sundance Film Festival: London Sundance Institute revealed this week that it will continue its film festivals in Hong Kong this year and London next year, with selections for each largely drawn from the Institute’s renowned Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A. Robert Redford, President and Founder of Sundance Institute, said, “We’ve nurtured filmmakers around the globe for many years now and these experiences have brought a rich perspective to all we do. Exploring international opportunities for the diverse landscape of American independent storytelling is an exciting proposition, and something to which we are equally committed.” The Sundance Film Festival: Hong Kong will take place September 17-27, 2015, covering Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for two consecutive weekends at The Metroplex, a newly opened state-of-the-art cineplex in Kowloon Bay in Hong Kong. Ten independent films will premiere as part of the screening series, marking its second year. The first year’s program featured the Hong Kong premieres of films including Whiplash, The Skeleton Twins, Life After Beth and The Case Against 8. The Sundance Film Festival: London will take place in 2016 at the new Picturehouse Central. The festival will build on the success of Sundance London, hosted in 2012, 2013 and 2014 and which featured the international and UK premieres of films including Fruitvale Station, Obvious Child, Frank, The Trip to Italy, The Queen of Versailles, Blackfish, Upstream Color and The Look of Love and was attended by filmmakers, artists and supporters including HRH The Prince of Wales, Michael Fassbender, Gemma Arterton, Ryan Reynolds, Gina Rodriguez, Lake Bell, Jimmy Carr, the Eagles, Peaches, David Cross, Rose McGowan, Minnie Driver and Rufus Wainwright. In advance of this 2016 festival, the Institute will host a few private screenings and events for London’s independent film community at the new Picturehouse Central in June of this year.

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  • Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Opens with Robin Williams’ BOULEVARD + Gets New Name

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    Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (MGLFF) Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (FLGLFF) After 17 years as the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (MGLFF) and six years as the Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (FLGLFF), the organization behind both events will unveil a new name tonight during the Opening Night festivities of MGLFF: “MiFo.” The new name takes its “Mi” from “Miami” and “Fo” from Fort Lauderdale and is intended to convey the strength of the two festivals on the international LGBTQ film circuit, announced Mark Gilbert, President and Interim Director of the festivals. “Just as SoBe has become synonymous with South Beach and WeHo indicates West Hollywood, we believe that MiFo will become the moniker for one of the hippest, strongest and most important film festival duos in the world,” Gilbert said. “This new evolution of the name brings our two festivals into the 21st Century and implies the vibrancy and relevancy of the films we present to our audiences.” The new name will be announced tonight at “Boulevard,” starring Robin Williams, the Opening Night film of the 17th Annual Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, now MiFo, with a special video trailer, Gilbert added. boulevard robin williams 2015 Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival In Boulevard, the opening night film, Nolan Mack (Robin Williams) has worked quietly at the same bank branch for decades, sharing a home (but not a bedroom) with his wife, Joy (Kathy Baker.) But when he begins an unsettling relationship with young hustler, Leo (Roberto Aguire), Nolan’s safe existence is rocked to its foundation. Director, Dito Montiel, explores a middle-aged man’s sexual awakening with grace and dignity, anchored by a poignantly understated performance by Williams, as the enlightened but unraveling Nolan. Montiel’s seasoned direction builds just the right amount of tension between the players and their now questionable relationship. The 17th Annual Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival – MiFo — will feature 75 films from 26 different countries including feature-length movies, documentaries and short films that chronicle the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender experience. Included in the line-up will be five world premieres, one international premiere, 11 North American premieres, one U.S. premiere, seven East Coast premieres, and 12 Southeast premieres.  

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  • Colin Hanks’ Directorial Debut ALL THINGS MUST PASS to Open First Greenwich International Film Festival

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    Colin Hanks’ directorial debut ALL THINGS MUST PASS. The Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF), taking place June 4 to 7, 2015, in Greenwich, Connecticut, will kick off their inaugural year with the Opening Night premiere screening of Colin Hanks’ directorial debut ALL THINGS MUST PASS. ALL THING MUST PASS is an inside look at the rise and fall of the once ubiquitous Tower Records.  How could a business go from a net worth of 1 billion dollars to complete bankruptcy in just 5 years? Colin Hanks’ directorial debut examines this question and more, tracking the meteoric rise and tragic fall of the Tower Records empire and its tight-knit staff whose bond proved stronger than its fate. This sentimental and richly woven documentary is equal parts nostalgia and powerful, weaving stories of the employees who started the first store in Sacramento with the failures that led to its crash.  The film features interviews with Russ Solomon, Stan Goman, Heidi Cotler, Mark Viducich, Dave Grohl, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and David Geffen. “The Greenwich International Film Festival is thrilled to be presenting Colin Hanks’ film, ALL THINGS MUST PASS, as our Opening Night Film.  It is an incredibly moving documentary that has impact for people of all ages.  Colin’s skillful direction makes the incredible story of Tower Records come to life,” said GIFF founders Carina Crain, Colleen deVeer and Wendy Reyes. “I am so honored to have ALL THINGS MUST PASS screen Opening Night at the Greenwich International Film Festival.  This night marks a significant beginning for GIFF and I am excited to be a part of it,” said Colin Hanks.

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  • ‘BLACKBIRD’ New York Premiere; Opens in Theaters Today Friday 24th

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    'BLACKBIRD' New York Premiere; Opens in Theaters Today Friday 24th On Wednesday night, Harlem Pride and DBQ Magazine hosted a red carpet premiere for ‘BLACKBIRD’ at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. The ‘BLACKBIRD’ cast was in attendance, including Academy Award winner Mo’Nique, Isaiah Washington, Julian Walker and D. Woods; ‘BLACKBIRD’ director Patrik-Ian Polk and producers Keith Brown and Carol Ann Shine. Additional attendees included RLJ Entertainment chairman and founder Bob Johnson, model Tyson Beckford, actor Leon Robinson, Monifah, celeb stylist Ty Hunter, Sister 2 Sister’s Jamie Foster Brown and Harlem Pride board president Carmen Neely. ‘BLACKBIRD’ opens in select theaters today, Friday, April 24th.

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  • VIRGIN MOUNTAIN, DEMOCRATS, Among Winners of 2015 Tribeca Film Festival Awards

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    Virgin Mountain and directed by Dagur Kári The 14th annual Tribeca Film Festival, which runs through to April 26, 2015, announced the winners of its competition categories last night at a party hosted by Michael Rapaport at TFF’s creative hub, Tribeca Film Festival at Spring Studios. The winners of the top prizes in the narrative and documentary competition were awarded from the World Narrative and World Documentary sections of the official Festival lineup. The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature went to Virgin Mountain (pictured above), written and directed by Dagur Kári, and Best Documentary Feature went to Democrats, directed by Camilla Nielsson. The festival announced that beginning this year, the new name of the Best New Documentary Director Award going forward will be called The Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award, which was awarded last night by Philip Maysles and Sara Maysles, the beloved filmmaker’s children to Ewan McNicol and Anna Sandilands for Uncertain. The complete list of winners, awards, and comments from the jury who selected the recipients are as follows: WORLD NARRATIVE COMPETITION CATEGORIES: The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature – Virgin Mountain, written and directed by Dagur Kári [Iceland, Denmark]. In Virgin Mountain, “Fúsi is a mammoth of a man who at 43-years-old is still living at home with his mother. Shy and awkward, he hasn’t quite learned how to socialize with others, leaving him as an untouchable inexperienced virgin. That is until his family pushes him to join a dance class, where he meets the equally innocent but playful Sjöfn. In Icelandic with subtitles.” Jury Comment: “With its mixture of humor and pathos, this film captured our hearts. Beyond the deceptively small frame of a mismatched love story, the film deals with the issues of bigotry, loneliness, bullying, mental illness, and ultimately the triumph of the human spirit and the meaning of love.” Best Actor in a Narrative Feature Film –Gunnar Jónsson as Fúsi in Virgin Mountain (Iceland, Denmark). Jury Comment: “The film was aided in no small measure by a performer whose mixture of comedy and sadness evokes Chaplin and Keaton, with a complete lack of tricks, pretense, or condescension. This performer relies instead on subtlety, timing, and naked honesty, creating an indelible portrait of a man fighting to be seen in a world that judges him by his appearance. Best Actress in a Narrative Feature Film – Hannah Murray as Sara in Bridgend (Denmark). In Bridgend, Sara (Hannah Murray) and her dad arrive in a town haunted by a spate of teenage suicides. When she falls in love with Jamie (Josh O’Connor), she becomes prey to the depression that threatens to engulf them all. Jeppe Rønde’s debut is based on the real-life Welsh county borough of Bridgend, which has recorded at least 79 suicides since 2007. Jury Comment: “An actress who captured the hopelessness of a lost generation. With bravery and guilelessness, this young actress led us in a descent into a world gone mad, as well as a journey into the protagonist’s own inner darkness.” Best Cinematography – Cinematography by Magnus Jønck for Bridgend (Denmark). Jury Comment: “Soulful and searing images, a daring use of composition and light, and an evocative sense of place.” Best Screenplay – Virgin Mountain written by Dagur Kári (Iceland, Denmark). Jury Comment: “The writer of this film is also the director, and is credited as one of the editors, and also performed the music, and runs the director’s program at the National Film School of Denmark, leading us to wonder when he has time to go to the bathroom. His intricately designed, beautifully observed, and bravely conceived screenplay consistently defies expectations, avoids sentimentality, and never strikes a false note. Best Narrative Editing – Bridgend edited by Oliver Bugge Coutté (Denmark). Jury Comment: “Impeccable rhythms and expert balancing of many divergent narratives.” WORLD DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION CATEGORIES: Democrats, directed by Camilla Nielsson Best Documentary Feature – Democrats, directed by Camilla Nielsson (Denmark). In the wake of Robert Mugabe’s highly criticized 2008 presidential win, a constitutional committee was created in an effort to transition Zimbabwe away from authoritarian leadership. With unprecedented access to the two political rivals overseeing the committee, this riveting, firsthand account of a country’s fraught first steps towards democracy plays at once like an intimate political thriller and unlikely buddy film.In English, Shona with subtitles. Jury Comments: “For its choice of an important, universal subject; for filming in conditions where simply to be present is a triumph; and for prioritizing dignity, courage, and our common struggle for humanity, we give this year’s Best Documentary Feature award to Camilla Nielsson for Democrats.” Special Jury Mention: In Transit , directed by Albert Maysles, Nelson Walker, Lynn True, David Usui, and Ben Wu. (U.S.A) [caption id="attachment_8039" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Palio, edited by Valerio Bonelli Palio 2013[/caption] Best Documentary Editing – Palio, edited by Valerio Bonelli (U.K., Italy). Jury Comments: “This film viscerally transported us into an event and turned life into art. For subtly placing us behind the scenes; and for general technical excellence, this year’s award for Best Editing in a Documentary goes to editor Valerio Bonelli for Palio.” BEST NEW NARRATIVE DIRECTOR COMPETITION: Men Go To Battle movie Best New Narrative Director – Zachary Treitz director of Men Go To Battle (U.S.A). Kentucky, 1861. Francis and Henry Mellon depend on each other to keep their unkempt estate afloat as winter encroaches. After Francis takes a casual fight too far, Henry ventures off in the night, leaving each of them to struggle through the wartime on their own. Jury Comments: “Zachary Treitz presented us with a combination of approaches not all that easy to put together: a unique and sincere vision, alongside off-beat humor, alongside historical and emotional authenticity.” Special Jury Mention: Stephen Fingleton for The Survivalist (Northern Ireland, U.K.). BEST NEW DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR COMPETITION: Uncertain by Ewan McNicol and Anna Sandilands Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award – Ewan McNicol and Anna Sandilands for Uncertain (U.S.A). An aquatic weed threatens the lake of the small American border town of Uncertain, Texas, and consequently the livelihoods of those who live there. As some of the men in town attempt to figure out their future, they confront a past that haunts them. Jury Comment: “This year we recognize a beautiful character study that explores violent natures, redemption, and what it takes to tame the self. A perfect balance of simplicity and mystery, this American story examines humanity, and how it can unwittingly destroy not just landscapes but livelihoods.” Special Jury Mention: Erik Shirai for The Birth of Saké(U.S.A). SHORT FILM COMPETITION CATEGORIES: Best Narrative Short – Listen, directed by Hamy Ramezan and Rungano Nyoni (Finland, Denmark). In Listen a foreign woman in a burqa brings her young son to a police station to file a complaint against her abusive husband, but the translator assigned to her seems unwilling to convey the true meaning of her words. Jury Comments: “This year’s winner for Best Narrative Short was emotionally compelling and by far the most affecting of the pieces we screened, with the filmmakers displaying a clear emotional connection with the narrative. To say that we had a healthy debate is an understatement.” Special Jury Mention:  Statistical Analysis of Your Failing Relationship directed by Miles Jay (U.S.A, Canada). Best Documentary Short – Body Team 12 directed by David Darg (Liberia). Body Team 12 a team is tasked with arguably the most dangerous and gruesome job in the world: collecting the dead at the height of the Ebola outbreak. Jury Comments: “The winning film is a spiritual and inspiring story of personal courage and commitment. The filmmaking team takes us on a fearless journey that restores our faith in humanity and inspires viewers to be optimistic despite facing the most extreme challenges.” Special Jury Mention: We Live This directed by James Burns (U.S.A). Student Visionary Award – Catwalk directed by Ninja Thyberg (Sweden). Nine-year-old Ella’s classmates are playing in the schoolyard in full adult dress-up, and she wants to be part of that world in Catwalk. Jury Comments: “An effective look at peer influence not peer pressure.  A creative explanation of what young people are experiencing as a result of social media threads and trends. Beautifully shot, and cast with a profound message that promotes individuality and vulnerability amongst the girls and parents, this year’s Student Visionary Award goes to Ninja Thyberg for her film Catwalk.” Special Jury Mention: Kingdom of Garbage, directed by Yasir Kareem (Iraq, U.K.). BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® STORYSCAPES AWARD BOMBAY SAPPHIRE ® Storyscapes Award: Door Into the Dark created by Amy Rose and May Abdalla at Anagram (U.K.). “This is a labyrinth.” Find out what it means to be lost in an age of infinite information. Using groundbreaking locative technology, this immersive documentary combines captivating storytelling with a visceral physical experience: feel your way into the dark—blindfolded, shoeless, and alone— along a taut length of rope that leads to a vivid aural world of real people who have been profoundly lost. Your encounter with these characters takes you deep into their sensations, risks, and illusions. To find your way into the light you must surrender to the unknown. Jury Comments: “In an overwhelming media environment in which we struggle for control, we recognize a work that viscerally reconnects us with the value of letting go. It offers a meticulously crafted storyworld that allows us to cerebrally, emotionally, and quite literally leave our baggage behind and step into the void. In that void we become disoriented, take risks, make choices and find ourselves again, changed. Ambitious, simple, and profound, this work marks a fresh and promising direction for the field of immersive theater. It evoked a euphoria that stayed with us long after we left it.” THE NORA EPHRON PRIZE The Nora Ephron Prize: Sworn Virgin, directed by Laura Bispuri and written by Francesca Manieri and Bispuri (Albania, Germany, Italy, Kosovo, Switzerland). As a young woman living within the confines of a Northern Albanian village, Hana longs to escape the shackles of womanhood, and live her life as a man. To do so she must take an oath to eternally remain a virgin. Years later, as Mark, she leaves home for the first time to confront a new set of circumstances, leading her to contemplate the possibility of undoing her vow. In Albanian, Italian with subtitles. Jury Comments: “We are awarding a film that is exquisite in its broadness and its intimacy, with a truly original story that touches on oppression in a way that members of this jury have rarely seen before. The film constantly surprised us and made us question our own positions through a confident, passionate, and beautifully nuanced vision that showed a real respect for the audience.” Special Jury Mention: Being 14 directed and written by Hélène Zimmer (France).

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  • Sarah Polley’s STORIES WE TELL Among 4th All-Time Top Ten List of Canadian Films

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    Stories We Tell, Sarah Polley Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) today announced the results of its fourth Canada’s All-Time Top Ten List, an international poll of industry and academics‎ on the most memorable Canadian films. This is the fourth edition of TIFF’s All-Time Top Ten List; previous lists were released in 1984, 1993 and 2004. “In our 40th year we are celebrating our national cinema by revisiting the list of top Canadian films, with help from our esteemed colleagues in the industry and academia,” said Piers Handling, Director and CEO, TIFF. “It is encouraging to see new filmmakers and films establishing themselves on the list alongside the classics.” “With more than a decade since our last survey, much has changed in Canadian cinema, and in the results of the survey,” said Steve Gravestock, Senior Programmer, TIFF. “Atanarjuat has dethroned the long-standing No. 1 film, Mon once Antoine, and we welcome filmmakers including Guy Maddin, Jean-Claude Lauzon, Sarah Polley and Jean-Marc Vallée to the list for the first time. It’s an exciting group of films indicative of our rich cinematic tradition.” Canada’s All-Time Top Ten List of Canadian films: 1. Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, Zacharias Kunuk (2001) 2. Mon oncle Antoine, Claude Jutra (1971) 3. The Sweet Hereafter, Atom Egoyan (1997) 4. Jésus de Montréal, Denys Arcand (1989) 5. Léolo, Jean-Claude Lauzon (1992) 6. Goin’ Down the Road, Don Shebib (1970) 7. Dead Ringers, David Cronenberg (1988) 8. C.R.A.Z.Y., Jean-Marc Vallée (2005) 9. My Winnipeg, Guy Maddin (2007) 10. Stories We Tell, Sarah Polley (2012) (pictured above)/Les Ordres, Michel Brault (1974) “The Directors Guild of Canada takes pride in shining the spotlight on our national cinema at every opportunity,” said Tim Southam, National President, DGC. “The filmmakers featured here have contributed much to our country’s cultural voice and history. It is inspiring to be able to experience them again with a new generation of viewers.”

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  • Abby Ginzberg’s Documentary Film SOFT VENGEANCE wins a Peabody Award

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    SOFT VENGEANCE: ALBIE SACHS AND THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA Abby Ginzberg’s feature documentary film SOFT VENGEANCE:  ALBIE SACHS AND THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA will be honored at the 74th annual Peabody Awards ceremony it was announced today by the Peabody program at the University of Georgia.  The critically acclaimed film will receive the coveted Peabody Award at a gala ceremony in New York City on May 31st. “We hope this incredible award will help increase the visibility of Albie Sachs and inspire others to fight for human rights around the world,” commented the film’s director Abby Ginzberg.  “Albie Sachs is one of the key champions for equality of our time and we are honored to be entrusted with his legacy on film,” she concluded. SOFT VENGEANCE is set against the dramatic events leading to the overthrow of the apartheid regime in South Africa and focusses on the lawyer, writer, art lover and freedom fighter Albie Sachs.  The human rights activist was imprisoned in solitary confinement in Cape Town, tortured through sleep deprivation and forced into exile. In 1988, he was blown up by a car bomb set by the South African security forces in Maputo, Mozambique, which cost him his right arm and the sight of one eye, but miraculously he survived and after a long year of rehabilitation in England, he recovered.  Returning to South Africa following the release of Nelson Mandela, Albie helped write the new Constitution and was then appointed as one of the first 11 judges to the new Constitutional Court. SOFT VENGEANCE has been screening at film festivals around the world and has won the audience award for Best International Documentary at the Encounters Film Festival and the Vancouver South African Film Festival.  It has also received the Grand Prize Humanitarian Award from the Accolade Film Awards.  After premiering at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, it also screened at AFI Docs; DOCNYC, Movies that Matter and the Durban Film Festival in South Africa.  The film also screened at key international Jewish film festivals. https://vimeo.com/70589131 The film is executive produced by Alfre Woodard, who also serves as narrator.  Abby Ginzberg is the producer and director, Ken Schneider is the Editor and Co-Producer and Rick Goldsmith is the Consulting Producer.

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