Quantcast
Channel: Filmfestivals.com - FESTIVALS
Viewing all 5397 articles
Browse latest View live

Dark Horse Best Actor Award 2014

0
0
We want to congratulate Neal Bledsoe for winning the Dark Horse Best Actor Award for his marvelous work in "West End" and also winning a prize of $1000! Amazing, right?

Didn't get a chance to see "West End"? Well here's a clip of Neal's amazing performance in the 2014 Cieri Media award winning feature.
 
 
AttachmentSize
600full-neal-bledsoe.jpg38.46 KB

The 63rd International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg has opened

0
0

 

“Film has become the key medium of our times,” spoke Festival Director Dr. Michael Kötz. He invited the guests and visitors to the Festival to “not just quickly consume a film, but to really watch them, to experience them with all your senses, to lose yourself in them and by doing so to really celebrate them – because the Festival is here to celebrate these films and cinematic art together with our audience!”

The Festival celebrated its Grand Opening in Heidelberg, screening “TOUS LES CHATS SONT GRIS” / “ALL CATS ARE GREY” by Savina Dellicour. The director made the trip from Belgium together with her lead actors Anne Coesens and Manon Capelle, the producer Joseph Rouschop and other members of the film team.

Over 500 guests were present and celebrated her film with thunderous applause.

The many invited guests from politics, business and culture were welcomed by Dr. Eckart Würzner, Lord Mayor of Heidelberg and Michael Grötsch, Mayor for Economics, Labour, Social Affairs and Culture in Mannheim.

The entire opening speech held by Festival Director Dr. Michael Kötz, information on the program and on the events surrounding the 63.rd International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg can be found on the Festival website: www.iffmh.de.

 

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°3

0
0

Home

This weekly newsletter reaches 179 000  subscribers.       Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  RSS         

Read this online I Promote Film to Festivals I Promote Festivals to Filmmakers I Email us I Advertize in our Newsletters and eBlasts 

Filmfestivals.com was established in 1995, over the years we became the premier link between film and festivals with 6.000 festivals listed, over 22 000 festival organizers contacts in our database,  75.000 articles and 830 000 unique visitors per year... 

Last minute offer for you  ONLY 99$ to be promoted in The next AFM Dailies. 
Email us if you want to be  featured and promoted in our online dailies and in the NEXT AFM newsletter.

 
 
Digital Gym

 

 

 

Man Down shooting...and selling at AFM... starring Shia La Beouf, Gary Oldman

new photo from the set of the psychological thriller MAN DOWN starring Shia La Beouf, Gary Oldman, Kate Mara and Jai Courtney, which is currently shooting.   Photo credit: Cook Allender.   The photo shows a scene with U.S. Marine Gabriel Drummer played by Shia LaBeouf who is accompanied by his best friend, Devin Roberts played by Jai Courtney as they search for Drummer’s family in a savage post-apocalyptic America. In this shot, they intercept Charles, played by Clifton Colli...
 

Time to see The Barber with Scott Glenn?

THE BARBER from Robbie Little on Vimeo. On behalf of The Little Film Company and Chapman Filmed Entertainment, we would like to cordially invite you to the screening of thriller THE BARBER (directed by Basel Owies; starring Scott Glenn and Chris Coy) during AFM.   Two screenings are taking place this weekend:   ·         Friday, November 7th at 1pm in the Broadway Cineplex 1 ·        ...
 

Charles and I screens tomorrow

WORLD PREMIERE   Date - 8th November   Timing - 1:00pm   Venue - AMC Santa Monica 1   mber       We would also like to invite you to the screening of...
 

Saban acquired the North American distribution rights to the crime thriller THE TRUST starring Nicolas Cage

Haim Saban, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saban Capital Group, Inc. ("SCG"), announced today that the company has acquired the North American distribution rights to the crime thriller THE TRUST starring Academy Award® winner Nicolas Cage (ADAPTATION, LEAVING LAS VEGAS, JOE). The film is co-written by Ben Brewer and Adam Hirsch and will be directed by Ben and Alex Brewer. THE TRUST is currently in pre-production with lensing in Las Vegas, NV.   THE TRUST centers o...
 

13 Films hires Jae-woo Kim as Director of International Sales

Jae-woo Kim has been appointed Director of International Sales with immediate effect at leading international sales and finance company, 13 Films, it was announced today by Tannaz Anisi, President of 13 Films. Kim will report directly to Anisi.   “Jae-woo’s previous experience in sales and acquisitions at 9ers Entertainment where she handled a number of high profile films will be a greatly valued asset not only to our company, but to our international p...
 

AFM Finance Conference Nov 7

FINANCE CONFERENCE 9:15AM- 12:45PM    AFM CONFERENCE SERIES LOCATION: Fairmont Hotel- Starlight Ballroom- 101 Wilshire Blvd.   9:15AM                      Finance Conference                                   &nb...
 

Quotes from the Hong Kong Day Seminar at AFM

Day 2 of the  American Film Market (AFM®) saw the opening ceremony for this year’s Hong Kong Day. Jean Prewitt, President and CEO of IFTA and AFM’s Managing Director, Jonathan Wolf were joined by Ralph Chow and Stella Poon from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The official ribbon cutting was followed later in the day with a seminar entitled ‘Hong Kong: Your Ideal Platform to the Co-Production Market in China’ which focused on the benefits of co-pr...
 

CMG has acquired worldwide rights to riveting Venezuelan feature LIZ EN SEPTIEMBRE

VENEZUELAN SUCCESS “LIZ EN SEPTIEMBRE” ACQUIRED BY CINEMA MANAGEMENT GROUP   On the first day of the AFM, Cinema Management Group (CMG) has acquired worldwide rights to riveting Venezuelan feature LIZ EN SEPTIEMBRE, eyeing major international film festival opportunities for its international premiere.   LIZ EN SEPTIEMBRE is written and directed by the lauded and award-winning filmmaker Fina Torres.  The film follows in a line of renowned successes for Torres who ha...
 

Come see Leading Lady and Summer Hill Films

Reminder to come see Leading Lady at our AFM Screening November 7th at 7pm in Loews 1.       ...
 

Want to see Iron Sky The Coming Race with Adolf Hitler riding a dinosaur in the Hollow Earth? crowdfund...

IRON SKY GOES HOLLOW EARTH WITH DINOSAURS AND 10 MILLION CROWD FUNDING CAMPAIGN TARGET   The Producers launch first promo today, Tom Green joins the cast as a cult leader on the Moon.   Iron Sky The Coming Race, a sequel to the 2012 cult hit Iron Sky, is marching towards the 2015 production, eyeing 2016 release. Today, November 6th, the filmmakers have launched a 4 minute promo of the upcoming film, featuring Adolf Hitler riding a dinosaur in the Hollow Earth. The promo spearhe...
 

Voltage Pictures library which Recreation Media is representing at AFM

 
Selected highlights from the Voltage Pictures library which Recreation Media is representing at the 2014 American Film Market (Nov 5-12), split into following categories: Auteurs/Prestige pictures, Action/Adventure/Thriller genre titles and Horror/Sci-Fi films. We have many more exciting titles from Voltage on offer, and we encourage you to get in touch with us for a complete list, detailed information and territorial availabilities. Come visit us at AFM! Our sales...
 

Timber tonight starring Josh Peck & James Ransone

THE TIMBER     MARKET SCREENING   November 7th (Friday) -  Loe...
 

Global Genesis Group Have Acquired the Exclusive International Rights to the Award Winning Philip K Dick Movie Radio Free Albemu

 
Global Genesis Group is excited to announce that they have acquired the exclusive International rights to the award-winning movie Radio Free Albemuth, adapted from science fiction mastermind Philip K. Dick, the creator of Blade Runner, Minority Report and A Scanner Darkly. The feature film stars Boardwalk Empire’s Shea Whigham, Viking’s Katheryn Winnick and Alanis Morissette. Omar Kaczmarczyk Global IP Manager of Global Genesis Group, said "this is an absolute coup for GGG to ob...
 

Wild Bunch announced today that it has acquired international rights to Oliver Stone’s untitled film about Edward Snowden

 
Wild Bunch announced today that it has acquired international rights to Oliver Stone’s untitled film about Edward Snowden, which will star Joseph Gordon - Levitt in the leading role.   The deal was negotiated between Wild Bunch’s Vincent Maraval and Stone’s long –time producing partner, Moritz Borman. The film is currently in pre-production in Munich and principal photography will begin in January 2015.    Earlier this year, it was announced that Snowd...
 

Norah Shapiro’s moving coming of age documentary “MISS TIBET: Beauty In Exile” has World premiere at the forthcoming DOC NYC 201

Taking place in the epicenter of the exiled Tibetan community, film follows a Tibetan-American teenager who travels to India to participate in a beauty pageant with a difference. Flying Pieces Productions is happy to announce that MISS TIBET: BEAUTY IN EXILE will have its world premiere at the prestigious DOC NYC film festival in New York, which will run from November 13-20, 2014. Tickets are now on sale at:http://www.docnyc.net/film/miss-tibet-beauty-in-exile/#.VD_Zh77xaFK Target gr...
 

From the producers of THROWDOWN.......CHECKMATE (Vinnie Jones, Danny Glover, Sean Astin, Mischa Barton)

NEW PROMOS AVAILABLE IN LOEWS SUITE 543...     From the producers of TH...
 

Shanghai New Culture Media Group invests in Co-Pro Action COMEDY "SKIPTRACE" STARRING JACKIE CHAN, Johnny Knoxville

 
Shanghai New Culture Media Group Company Limited (“SNC”) announced today that it has joined Talent International and Dasym Media in co-financing the film SKIPTRACE, a Sino-US. Co-Production. The action comedy — starring Jackie Chan (Rush Hour, The Karate Kid), Johnny Knoxville (Jackass, Bad Grandpa) and Bingbing Fan (Iron Man 3) and directed by Renny Harlin (The Legend of Hercules, Die Hard 2) — is produced by Talent International, Dasym Media, Jackie Chan, Esmond Ren, Ch...
 

AntIpode lineup at AFM

Antipode Sales brings best russian & ukranian doc and fiction art-films for festivals, theatrical distribution and tv-channels : Marc’Aurelio of the Future Roma IFF 2014 - ANGELS OF REVOLUTION by Alexey Fedorchenko  (First on the Moon and Ovsyanki/Silent Souls (both award winners at the Venice International Film Festival)) Andrei Konchalovsky "The Postman’s White Nights" - Venice 2014 Silver Lion  Victoria Trifomenko’s "Broth...
 

Carnaby International Announces Star-Studded Slate for AFM

 
MARTIN SCORSESE, JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS, BROOKLYN DECKER AND DANNY DYER AMONGST THE STARS OUT FOR CARNABY AT AFM   With two world premieres, eight films in production, as well as its first-ever major television series, Carnaby International are attending their second American Film Market this November with a high profile, varied line-up of exciting titles—and a growing reputation for pulling in A-list talent.   Actors starring in Carnaby’s recent acquisitions include...
 

Tonight America's Next Top Model Makes AFM Debut in Chasing Taste

April Wilkner, a popular finalist in Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model, makes her feature film debut in the award-winning indie romantic comedy, CHASING TASTE, screening at AFM in Fairmont 3 tonight at 5:00pm. ...
 

AFI FEST Day 1

            ...
 

AFM Roundtables & Conversations

AFM Roundtables and Industry Conversations take place in the AFM Studio on the lobby level of the Loews Hotel.  Updates will be posted as announced on this page, AFM’s Facebook page and AFM365™.   Wednesday, November 5 4:00pm - 5:30pm Conversation:  How to Work the AFM with Jonathan Wolf, AFM Managing Dir...
 

The updated AFM Conference Series

The AFM Conference Series gives attendees tremendous knowledge, insight, access, value and a rare opportunity to hear from the industry’s global thought leaders, decision makers and experts who all converge annually at the AFM. The AFM Conference Series will take place Friday Nov. 7 – Tuesday Nov. 11, from 9:15am – 12:45pm daily and will include Conferences on Finance, Pitching, Production, Marketing and Distribution. From treatment to screen, it’s all c...
 

Partner Fest AFI opens today

The American Film Institute's annual celebration of international cinema from modern masters and emerging filmmakers, AFI FEST features nightly red-carpet galas, special screenings, conversations and tributes. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for both Short Films categories of the annual Academy Awards®, and AFI FEST is still the only film festival in the United States to hold the prestigious FIAPF accreditation, assuring a hi...
 

Asia Society honored Fosun and Studio 8 at the USA China Forum

The Asia Society Southern California’s U.S.-China Film Summit is the premier U.S. event uniting Hollywood and Chinese film-industry leaders to discuss business collaboration and the latest market trends.   Asia Society Southern California honored Fosun Internationaland Studio 8 with the 2014 Film Partnership of the Year award at the U.S.-China Film Summit Gala Dinner on November 5. Fosun’s stake in Studio 8 marks the biggest Chinese investment in U.S. f...
 

Overcoming all barriers, Kamasutra 3D all set for an early 2015 release

 
The most anticipated movie in the last two years among the film enthusiasts, Kamasutra 3D, is finally gearing up for a mega release in early 2015. The movie that is on the final post-production stage has already set to garner the accolades of film critics around the globe. The film’s promo video has already touched 25 million hits on YouTube within months after its upload. At the American Film Market, the team Kamasutra 3D will be meeting their international partners and associates at AFM...
 

Lotus Entertainment has come on board to co-finance and co-produce Sacha Gervasi's (HITCHCOCK, ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL) NOVEMB

 
 Chloë Grace Moretz and Academy Award® Nominee Catherine Keener Star with Lotus introducing the Elevated Thriller to Foreign Buyers at the AFM Lotus Entertainment has come on board to co-finance and co-produce Sacha Gervasi's (HITCHCOCK, ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL) NOVEMBER CRIMINALS starring Chloë Grace Moretz (THE EQUALIZER, IF I STAY) and two-time Academy Award® Nominee Catherine Keener (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, CAPOTE). The screenplay has been adapted by Academy Award&re...
 

Michael Shannon & Kevin Spacey to Star in Elvis & Nixon for BLOOM

Academy Award® Nominee Michael Shannon (MAN OF STEEL, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD) will star as Elvis Presley alongside two-time Academy Award® Winner Kevin Spacey (AMERICAN BEAUTY, THE USUAL SUPSPECTS) who will star as Richard Nixon in the extraordinary true story ELVIS & NIXON. To be directed by Liza Johnson (HATESHIP LOVESHIP, RETURN), ELVIS & NIXON is based off a screenplay by Cary Elwes and Hanala and Joey Sagal. Cassian Elwes (Dallas Buyers Club, The Butler), a...
 

Day 2 at AFM with Hong kong Day

DAY 2 (NOV 6): HONG KONG DAY Today also saw the announcement of this year’s Hong Kong Day. A continued partnership between AFM and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event which is being staged for the fifth consecutive year, will feature a series of activities spotlighting the benefits of co-producing in Hong Kong.   HONG KONG DAY AT AMERICAN FILM MARKET SCHEDULE   10.00am - Opening Ceremony (ribbon cutting)       &nb...
 

Opening AFM Day 1 – How to Work the AFM

The American Film Market (AFM®) opened yesterday with the first in a series of ‘Roundtable and Conversation’ events kicking off with; ‘How to Work the AFM’ with AFM Managing Director, Jonathan Wolf. Taking place in a packed AFM Studio in the Lowes Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Wolf provided attendees insight and advice on how to work this year’s market. Below are some key quotes from the discussion: “We estimate between $800 million and 1 billion of bu...
 

 

Oscar Isaac: Probably Time for Oscar & AFI Fest 2014 Opens Wide

0
0

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent

 

What is it about Oscar Isaac? When he and Jessica Chastain kicked off AFI Fest 2014 Opening Night with A Most Violent Year, the energy between the two of them was evident.

Not because they both attended Juilliard, or because they are both born in March, or even the visible screen chemistry as a couple on film. But because if you trace both of their film choices, between the pair, you begin to see them build their credits and their onscreen imprints in a meaningful trajectory.

Chastain, already tapped by Oscar noms, has been more visible. Isaac should have been more visible, from Drive (2011) to Inside Llewyn Davis (2103) by the Coen Bros. to this Most Violent Year, the Guatemalan-born actor has displayed stunning skills.

While this may sound like a shameless wake-up call to go see A Most Violent Year, directed by J.C. Chandor (Margin Call), it is also a shameless plug to view his other films as well, especially Drive, where arguably, he was overlooked that year.

Enough about opening night, the “period piece” opener qualifies for being from the historic American Fear & Greed epoch of 1981. (Feel old anyone?) Set in New York, it capitalizes on the human powerhouse in a suit that Oscar Isaac puts forth. But no spoiler alerts here, go see it on Dec. 31, a bold release date in the final window for Oscar qualifying films.

Today, at Carmen Miranda Square and Hollywood Blvd. at the Roosevelt Hotel, AFI Fest 2014 presented by AUDI, is officially ON now. 

Inside the VIZIO Media Lounge, with the snacks and free WiFi, laptops hum to seven-plus sponsored screens of streaming distraction in the mix.

Outside, across the street, a fake Marilyn Monroe holds a sun umbrella up to avoid a fake Freddy Krueger and fake Spiderman checking out a fake Catwoman. This is normal Hollywood being Hollywood outside the former Grauman’s Chinese Theater, scene of so many historic cinema memories from the handprint/footprint gatherings to the induction of new stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Sidney Patrick Grauman, who died in March 1950 in Beverly Hills, would likely chuckle at the impersonators holding conversation between the smiles and snapshots.

While all the AFI signage is in place, the place looks legitimate, welcoming.

Tonight there is a “Young Hollywood Roundtable,” with the wild-spoken phenom Jenny Slate (Obvious Child), Jena Malone, among others. Jenny Slate is a must-see in the end of the mostly male-dominated stand-up comedy era. Screenings of the day include the mercurially reviewed Clouds of Sils Maria, with Juilette Binoche, Kristen Stewart and Chloë Grace Moretz.

Tomorrow Michael Keaton and Edward Norton talk acting at 11:00 am, then Paul Thomas Anderson holds court before his latest film Inherent Vice screens.

We will keep you covered at AFI Fest 2014 presented by AUDI, Day Two to come…

Mark up your must-watch lists for these films as they announce the release dates.

 

# # #

AFI Fest Day 2

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°4

0
0

 

FILMFESTIVALS.COM AT AFM : This weekly newsletter reaches 179 000  subscribers.       Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  RSS         

Read this online I Previous AFM Newsletters  N°1N°2N°3Email us I Advertize in our Newsletters and eBlasts 

Filmfestivals.com was established in 1995, over the years we became the premier link between film and festivals with 6.000 festivals listed, over 22 000 festival organizers contacts in our database,  75.000 articles and 830 000 unique visitors per year... 

Last minute offer: ONLY 99$ to be promoted in the next AFM Dailies. 
Email us if you want to be  featured and promoted in tomorrow's online dailies and in the NEXT AFM newsletter.

________________________________________________________________________________

 

Feature-Length Neo-Noir Thriller "The Girl, The Gun, and Everything" Completed and Selling at AFM

"The Girl, The Gun, & Everything is Chicago-born writer and director Mario Bova's first foray into feature film territory.  Despite the loss of the tax credit for film companies in West Michigan, Mario is determined to showcase the potential that both the city of Grand Rapids and its inhabitants have to offer.  The film has turned into an exciting collaborative effort between several area musicians, actors, designers, and artists.  Josh Tyron (Director of Photograph. Contact Mario Bova
 

Director JACKIE KONG at AFM with new slate of films

Cult Film Director Jackie Kong will be appearing at AFM Monday and Tuesday.  Jackie brings to AFM her latest film, “CoExistence”, a Romeo and Juliet thriller love story with Vampires, and a surprise at every turn. This heart racing supernatural modern version of Shakespeare's classic will keep you on the edge of your seat. Teen Stars, and Veteran actors - Rutger Hauer, John Savage, and Daryl Hannah are certain to make it another Jackie Kong classic. Contact Jackie Kong.
 

Iron Dragon TV launches at AFM!

http://www.irondragon.tv Iron Dragon TV :  the new action martial arts channel is launching next week in HD Roku and in 4K Ultra HD on UltraFlix. Send us your email address and we will send you a link to load the channel and receive your free rental to try the channel out. Contact us ...
 

BondIt is a new speciality entertainment financing firm - See you at AFM

www.BondIt.us   BondIt is a new speciality entertainment financing firm.   Union Deposits BondIt covers feature film union deposits for SAG, DGA, IATSE, AEA, ACTRA, IFP, etc… freeing up the cash liquidity within a production budget.   Domestic & International Film Sales BondIt monetizes sales deals for sales agents & filmmakers at 80-90 cents on the dollar within 24-48 hours  CONTACT US...
 

Screening Services Group wishes you a successful AFM

  Screening Services Group wishes you a successful AFM...Contact us for special rates
 
________________________________________________________________________________
 

How to Work the AFM - Another conversation with Jonathan Wolf, AFM Managing Director

user
Saturday, November 8 4:00pm - 5:30pm Conversation: How to Work the AFM with Jonathan Wolf, AFM Managing Director    Access: AFM Badge or copy of a registration confirmation email if you haven't picked up your badge.   ...
 
 

The Elevator Pitch Conference at AFM Saturday, November 8

user
First Session - Pitching Essentials A good pitch can get a bad film made while a bad pitch can leave a terrific project languishing on the shelf. Pitching is part art (it’s creative), part science (it needs to follow a tight script) and part sales (you have to wow them). Conference attendees will learn the essential rules and tools of pitching from the experts. Second Session - The 2-Minute Pitches Volunteers selected in advance (you?) ...
 
 

AFM Finance Conference Current Issues in Film Finance & Building Your Global Film Financing Strategy

FINANCE CONFERENCE 9:15AM- 12:45PM    AFM CONFERENCE SERIES LOCATION: Fairmont Hotel- Starlight Ballroom- 101 Wilshire Blvd. Richard Klubeck, United Talent Agency and Brett Ratner at the AFM Finance Conference. 9:15AM                      Finance Conference                 &nbs...
 
 

Europacorp signs an output distribution deal with Canadian VVS Films

VVS Films to distribute in Canada all films by EuropaCorp. First film in th eoutput deal between Luc besson's Company and VVS Films is Transporter Legacy by Camille Delamarre,(currently in post production) which is set for june 15th 2015 release. ...
 

AFI Fest Day 2

                  ...
 

Carnaby International hosted CASUAL ENCOUNTERS post-premiere reception

BROOKLYN DECKER at Casual Encounters premiere party hosted by Carnaby International at 800MAIN, Venice Photo Credit, Michael Bezjian    Brooklyn Decker, Cole Payne, Sean O’Kelly, Andrew Loveday, Tania Sarra, Alex Tate attended the event Thursday November 6 2014 at 800MAIN, 800 Main St, Venice The beautiful and very talented Brooklyn Decker posed for photographers alongside Carnaby International executives, the sales team for her new film CASUAL ENCOUNTERS...
 

Have a drink with friends at Breaking Glass...

Bruno Chatelin can't join...so have a drink on him :-) ...
 

A Bet at AFM: The Hammer vs. The Bully – Who Will Win?

Hundreds of companies do business at the American Film Market, but how many filmmakers will actually see profits from their films?  There are all kinds of movies up for sale and worldwide distribution, many of which will not see any success, be it critical acclaim or profitability. Suites at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel are filled with sales reps and buyers galore and there are also tons of people in the lobby, networking and pitching projects.   Fred Williamson aka &...
 

Principal photography has commenced on the Millennium Films production of “Mechanic: Resurrection” in Bangkok

JASON STATHAM REPRISES STARRING ROLE JESSICA ALBA, MICHELLE YEOH AND TOMMY LEE JONES JOIN CAST   Principal photography has commenced on the Millennium Films production of “Mechanic: Resurrection” in Bangkok, Thailand on November 4th.   Jason Statham reprises his title role as Arthur Bishop, the master assassin who faked his death, in an attempt to walk away from his former profession, in order to lead a peaceful and quiet retirement.   It’s a big step up i...
 

BEYOND SKYLINE Cast Announcement

CAST ANNOUNCEMENT Variety - Frank Grillo to star in BEYOND SKYLINE  STEPHEN LOVEKIN/GETTY IMAGES   NOVEMBER 7, 2014 | 01:22PM PT Frank Grillo will star in “Beyond Skyline,” a spin-off to 2010’s alien invasion adventure, “Skyline.” The signing comes on the heels of Grillo’s role in the DirecTV mixed martial arts series “Kingdom,” as well as roles in box office hits “The Pu...
 

Last minute pick up of FIELD FREAK by TomCat Films

  "Folker's film 'Field Freak' is absurd and deliciously frightening"- Digital Journal     Charles a former best selling writer, is desperately trying to pen his next book and needs a place free of distractions. Little does he know, his entire family is being watched. Strange bumps in the night escalate into a nerve wrecking encounter with the creature by Charles’s wife Linda. The story takes a wacky turn when they hire a psychotic, pest-contr...
 

AFM Screenings & Events UPDATE Saturday, November 8

Added Screenings Film: Wicked Flying Monkeys 3D (aka Save Oz!) 3D Time: 11:00am Theatre: AMC Santa Monica, Screen 1 Company: FilmSharks International AFM Events 9:15am - 12:45pm Pitch Conference sponsored by ROSKINO   Fairmont Hotel - Starlight Ballroom     3:00pm - 4:00pm Producers Forum   ...
 

The Taipei Film Commission at AFM

The Taipei Film Commission (TFC) attends the AFM this year as exhibitor from 11/5-11/12, presenting two Taiwanese films to the market this year, Dream Flight, introducing the director and producer; and two decades after The Wedding Banquet, Oscar-Winning Producer Li-Kong Hsu presents a new dramatic comedy Baby Steps, introducing the producer, director and actors to appear in a series of events.   We invite and welcome you to join the following events organized by the...
 

Carnaby International plays Football and Hangman...

 
CARNABY INTERNATIONAL PLAYS FOOTBALL AND HANGMAN! GRABS TWO MORE FILMS FOR AFM SALES:LONDON TOWN and HE WILL HANG   Carnaby International today announced two more pictures under its multi-picture deal with Martin Scorsese's TOMORROW producer and writer Stuart Brennan, according to co-CEO Sean O’Kelly.   Financed by Imaginarium Tower, Carnaby International has picked up sales on football (soccer to us Yanks) drama LONDON TOWN, to be penned by Brennan and produced by Studi...
 

TriCoast Worldwide has acquired worldwide sales rights to Virtu* Entertainment’s gritty vet pic, BATTLE SCARS

TRICOAST WORLDWIDE ACQUIRES VIRTU* ENTERTAINMENT’S GRITTY VET FILM BATTLE SCARS Writer/Director Danny Buday’s Film Tackles PTSD and Social Reintegration for Veterans www.battlescarsmovie.com  LA-based leading sales/distribution company TriCoast Worldwide has acquired worldwide sales rights to Virtu* Entertainment’s gritty vet pic, BATTLE SCARS. Written and directed by Danny Buday, with Heather McComb, George Young Warner and Buday serving as producers; the film stars ...
 

Buyers Flock To Michael Apted’s “Unlocked” For Alex Walton’s Bloom

 Noomi Rapace, Michael Douglas, Orlando Bloom, John Malkovich and Toni Collette Star   BLOOM announced today that they have seen strong international sales on director Michael Apted's (The World Is Not Enough, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) UNLOCKED starring Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Academy Award® Winner Michael Douglas (The Game, Wall Street) and Orlando Bloom (THE HOBBIT franchise; THE LORD OF THE RINGS fran...
 
 

Film additions from Cardinal XD

  New Information:   Blood Reef (Ving Rhames, Luke Goss) Checkmate (Vinnie Jones, Danny Glover, Sean Astin, Mischa Barton) 24 Hours (Tom Sizemore, Michael Pare) Decommissioned (Johnny Messner, James Rem...

“Decommissioned,” directed by Timothy Woodward, Jr. makes its debut during AFM 2014

The newest film from director Timothy Woodward, Jr., “Decommissioned,” makes its debut during AFM 2014 (November 7-12.) Production on the film just wrapped this week in Los Angeles. Foreign sales of the new film are being handled by Cardinal XD (Loews Hotel, Room 543.)  See: http://www.cardinalxd.com/decommissioned British actor Vinnie Jones stars in “Decommissioned,” a film about a retired FBI agent whose life is turned upside down when he discovers he's the pa...
 

Award winning Australian mystery TOUCH & The Freaks added to AFM

TOUCH   (Completed) :  A high-impact, confident Australian feature-film debut, Touch is a tight and enigmatic thriller about a woman who takes to the road with her daughter, running from a mysterious pursuer. 2014 Sydney Film Festival Official Selection 2014 ACS (WA & SA) Feature Film Gold Winner  "A compelling, cryptic movie that should ideally be seen without any idea what to expect" Screen International Cast: Leeanna Walsmann, Matt Day TOUCH TRAILER...
 

Documentary filmmaker Kevin Breslin will present his FIRST feature length motion picture, “Blowtorch"

Documentary filmmaker Kevin Breslin will present his FIRST feature length motion picture, “Blowtorch,” during AFM 2014 (November 5-12.) Foreign sales of the new film are being handled by Cardinal XD (Loews Hotel, Room 543.)  See: http://www.cardinalxd.com/blowtorch Breakout actor Jack Falahee, one of the leading cast members in the new hit ABC TV series “How to Get Away with Murder,” stars in the Brooklyn-based crime thriller, based on a true story. “Blowtor...
 

Magnolia Acquires World Rights to Music Doc THE WRECKING CREW

  The Wagner/Cuban Company's Magnolia Pictures announced that they have acquired world rights to THE WRECKING CREW, a documentary about the legendary group of studio musicians known as “the Wrecking Crew” based in Los Angeles in the 1960s who played on an extraordinary number of hit records—some of the biggest and most beloved songs of the 20th century. For years, the Wrecking Crew were the de-facto backing band on hit records by the Beach Boys, Elvis, Frank Si...
 

Susan Sarandon, Allison Janney and Stephen Amell to star in WHATEVER MAKES YOU HAPPY -

Mimi Steinbauer, President and CEO of Radiant Films International. Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (ARBITRAGE, TAMMY), six-time Emmy winning Allison Janney (CBS’s “Mom”, THE WAY WAY BACK, JUNO), BAFTA and Stephen Amell (The CW’s “Arrow,” ABC’s “The Practice”) are in discussions to star in Emmy award winning writer/producer Cindy Chupack’s (HBO’s “Sex and the City,” ABC’s “Modern Family,”) directorial d...
 
 
 

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°3

 

 

 

Impressions of Dok Leipzig

0
0

Impressions of Dok Leipzig for filmfestivals.com

 

The 57th International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film that took place from October 27th -  November 2nd, 2014,  known as Dok Leipzig, is one of the oldest documentary festivals in the world. Originally founded in 1955 when it was the only independent film festival in the German Democratic Republic, a socialist state under Soviet control, the festival has traditionally attracted controversy by allowing the exchange of ideas between East and West, while promoting films that advocate peace and human dignity, freedom of mind and spirit, and freedom of speech. In the past, rebellion against oppression and abuse of power have been key festival themes.

 

Of the 368 films screened this year, for me there is only one that truly stands out as a landmark documentary in Leipzig:  it defines one of the most important historical moments today in the fight for free speech, freedom of the press, and the rights of investigative journalists while coinciding with Germany’s  25th  anniversary celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9th   1989 and the leading roll the city of Leipzig played  instigating the fall of communism.

 

This former East German population is still haunted by dark memories of living in constant fear under Stasi surveillance and wire taping which made the selection of  “Citizenfour” as the Opening Night Film of Dok Leipzig 2014  an extremely important  declaration, reminding citizens of the liberties they fought so hard to win- to know what their government is doing, and to prevent such tyranny from ever returning. In tough defiant accents, they repeated their determination to never allow this to corrode German society again; some cited their parents generation living under Nazi spying and surveillance, and eventual rounding up of ordinary citizens stamped as “traitors” to concentration camps.

 

Laura Poitras’ film “Citizenfour” records the 8 days inside a Hong Kong  hotel room where former NSA contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden met with Glenn Greenwald and  Ewan MacAskill of London’s Guardian newspaper to reveal  what he knew about the National Security Agency’s worldwide surveillance network. Snowden explains his motivations for going public and suddenly becomes aware of the dramatic impact on his life once the media circus stakes him out.

 

Monday evening, October 27th   2014 became the German Premiere of “Citizenfour”  and Edward Snowden addressed the Dok Leipzig audience with a video link message…

“I´ve never agreed to do an introduction to this film. Not in the UK, not in the US –  But when somebody asked me if I would do it for Leipzig, I said yes and that`s because your history is an inspiration to me. It’s critical that we remember the lessons from history. And Leipzig reminded us that the wall and the GDR didn`t go down because of bombs or guns or violent resistance. It was brought down by ordinary people on the streets in the square on Mondays. Ordinary people against extraordinary powers reminded us that the legitimacy of governments is derived from this consent of the people that they are governing. And today when that principle is so often forgotten, we have so many governments, even in liberal democracies, western democracies, not just authoritarian regimes, that so frequently favor tactics of deception and secrecy we do remember that the consent of the government is only meaningful if it`s informed” said the soft spoken Snowden. 

 

 

Festival director Claas Danielson added that  “Freedom is an elementary theme that accompanies us in life and will follow us through this festival and declared his support for the online campaign  petition demanding protection, safety, and asylum for Edward Snowden.

 

 On Wednesday night, October 29th, the Peaceful Revolution Foundation held a special ceremony at Leipzig’s St. Nicolas Church, (the exact location where mass demonstrations sparked events in 1989) and presented the Leipziger Ring Award

to Laura Poitras for “Citizenfour” …  “to honor an artistic documentary film that shows exemplary civic engagement for democracy and human rights, made with great personal commitment and courage in the face of resistance and restrictions on freedom of opinion and freedom of the press”. In addition to the prize money, the winner receives the “Leipziger Ring” statuette, which commemorates the major demonstrations in Leipzig Old Town Square in the autumn of 1989, and the burning candles that protesters held in their hands as a sign of non-violence.

 

 

The Foundation’s Jury stated that “Snowden had risked his life and freedom to make the world aware of intelligence service practices that hardly anyone would have believed possible. With her film, Laura Poitras had rendered a great service to the freedom of all people”. In his opening speech, Foundation President, Professor Dr. Rainer Vor, recalled the still rampant xenophobia in this country, but also cited the “intelligence services that had lost every restraint in their mania for surveillance”.

 

At Thursday morning’s press conference at the Zeitgeschictliches Forum Leipzig, Poitras, who now lives in Berlin, answered questions about “Citizenfour” which she explained evolved while making the 3rd film in her trilogy about America post  9/11   after  “My Country, My Country”  and  “The Oath” and was mysteriously contacted over the internet by Edward Snowden.

 

Poitras added…  “There was a sense of urgency to get this film out as soon as possible while staying under the radar. People involved in the film had to be prepared they would be under surveillance, but no one backed away, rather, people have come forward to support it.  This is really an important award and I am very moved to receive this award here, from people who took down the Berlin Wall”.

 

 

“It’s interesting that I now live in the former East Germany with it’s long history of surveillance and repression, where the governments, with the Stasi and during the Nazi era, collected information on its citizens and employed informants, but today

 

there are laws to protect from this enshrined in the constitution. I came here because it is a place that would provide protection for the work that I do, and there is a community of people interested in the work”.

 

As a visual journalist and a US citizen, I am trying to document with images and a camera something about the world that I see. I think as Americans we have drifted away morally from our basic core principles and that is what I am communicating.”  concluded Laura Poitras.

 

Madelyn Most         November 4, 2014

 

 

 

AttachmentSize
leipzig4filmfestivals.doc39 KB

New York: New York City Independent Film Festival

0
0

Staged for the fifth time, the New York City Independent Film Festival show cased this year from October 15-19 over 254 films from 38 countries covering feature films, documentaries and short films.  Aimed at new, underground and experimental independent filmmakers the NYCIFF has established itself as a festival platform for domestic and foreign independent producers and directors. Panels of more than 100 judges selected  from 1000 submissions 47 features, 132 short films and 75 super short  films.   Productions competed for 10 awards which were received by independent film makers who already had some track records. Apart from the North America participants responsible for most productions screened, 36 countries were represented.  The program included numerous classes and sessions on themes ranging from camera work, acting, distribution, and funding, as well as live shows and receptions.

Judging from comments made by filmmakers and festival staff it seems that virtually all films were submitted primarily through Withoutabox   but also through websites like ClickFor Festivals and others. Submission fees for the productions ranging from $45 - $65 are the principal funding source for the festival; though close to 20% of the fee go to the Wihoutabox service.  Without box is owned by IMDb and both companies are part of amazon com. Apart from ticket sales to the 3250 attendees this year the submission fee appears to be the other principal source of income for NYCIFF.  Service and product contributions were received from partners and supporters from   beverage, food and other companies, including the director’s Cieri International Corporation which supported four awards.  According to Dennis Cieri the festival has been expanding to a larger number of submissions and selections. It involved this year more judges, twenty volunteers and interns, as well as a growing festival staff. Compare to 2013 the audience increased by 46 percent. Given its consolidation the festival‘s goal is now to raise more funds from sponsors and partners.  At one point a festival crowd funding campaign was initiated though it is not active now

Starting around 9 in the morning productions were shown through the late evening hours insix screening rooms at the Producers’ Club and the Adelante Studios attracting only small groups attended during daytime hours, though more were drawn during evening hours and on the weekend.  The ambience was festive with most film makers satisfied with what the festival offered them. There seemed to be a consensus that better independent productions were programmed in this year’s edition. Despite this some observed that by and large current new production scored higher from a technical point of view but that many film makers had a problem narrating their story. As one director observed ”They [the filmmakers] learn in school which camera to use and they do acquire technical skills... but frequently have not developed an appropriate story telling ability”

Talking to associates covering the film scene here I was struck that the NYCIFF had a very low profile; only few were familiar with the fest. Thus I was wondering why independents would submit their productions to the festival. For once they hope but did not seem to expect that a distributor would pick up their film at the festival. To date Gregory Blair’s horror film Deadly Revisions from the 2014 programs has been picked up by SGL Entertainment.  Filmmakers consider the NYCIFF as a marketing tool for reaching a larger audience and creating a buzz for their production.   They also identified the ease of entering their film through Withoutabox which helped them to choose a festival from a list of close to 1000 festivals listed by that service.  More importantly having their film selected for a New York based festival, even if it is relatively unknown, enhances the possibility of getting funding for future projects, a point made by several foreign film makers.  Being in New York is also considered essential for effective networking. Lastly they will be listed with their films in the internet film data base IMDb once they use Withoutabox and be able to apply it for marketing their productions by uploading trailers and full films.   The listing of the film or title page remains on IMDb if the film is eventually released. Through IMDb the associated venture CreateSpace productions can be placed for video downloads on the Amazon Video on Demand service or DVD sales.

Thus from the filmmaker’s perspective, the New York City Independent Film Festival appears to be a viable festival platform to consider.

 

Claus Mueller          filmexchange@gmail.com

 

 

 


Black Nights’ inaugural International competition brings record number of premieres to Tallinn

0
0

The 18th Black Nights film festival beginning on the 14th November will present 18 worldwide entries in the main competition, among them a record-breaking number of International and European premieres. The competition programme presents a remarkable variety of film cultures.

The decision by FIAPF to accredit Black Nights as one of the festivals with thematically and geographically unlimited competition has considerably widened the reach of the international competition programme. “At the same time the logic of the programme hasn’t changed,” assures festival director Tiina Lokk. “Powerful films by renowned masters compete with debuts that might get a push for their international breakthrough at the Black Nights.”

The interest of filmmakers to save the premieres for one of the last festivals of the year has grown annually. “This year Black Nights has a record breaking four International and six European premieres in the International competition. There are also six Scandinavian premieres in the competition,” which according to Lokk speaks of the trust by filmmakers. The special feature of this year’s competition is the selection of countries represented – like South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, India, Japan and others.

According to the director of Black Nights there are six strong debut films in the competition. The oldest director comes from the current focus country – Poland - Jerzy Stuhr (67) began his acting career in the early 1970’s. His latest directing piece “Citizen” is only his sixth feature film.

“I would also like to point out the new film by Takashi Miike ‘Over Your Dead Body’. One of the most celebrated Japanese directors, Miike has made almost 100 films. Of European premieres it’s worth to keep an eye on ‘Move’ by Marat Sarulu from Kyrgyzstan that represents the unknown new wave of Central Asia. The youngest director in the international competition is Estonian Martti Helde with ‘In the Crosswinds’.”

International competition programme of the Black Nights Film Festival 2014:

International premiere:
· “Apostle” (South-Korea, Director Kim Jin Moo)
· “Go On Living” (Mexico, Director Alejandra Sánchez)
· “Valley” (Israel, Director Sophie Artus)
· “Citizen” (Poland, Director Jerzy Stuhr)

European premiere:
· “Move” (Kyrgyzstan, Director Marat Sarulu)
· “Elephant Song” (Canada, Director Charles Binamé)
· “Inferno” (Slovenia-Croatia, Director Vinko Möderndorfer)
· “Taksu” (Japan-Thailand-Indonesia-USA, Director Kiki Sugino)
· “The Theory of Everything” (United Kingdom, Director James Marsh)
· “Today” (Iran, Director Reza Mirkarima)

Scandinavian premiere:
· “Angels of Revolution” (Russia, Director Alexey Fedorchenko)
· “In the Sands of Babylon (Iraq-United Kingdom-Netherlands-United Arab Emirates, Director Jabarah Al-Daradji)
· “Lucifer” (Belgium, Director Gust van den Berghe)
· “Margarita, with a Straw” (India, Director Shonali Bose)
· “Over Your Dead Body” (Japan, Director Takashi Miike)
· “Yvone Kane” (Portugal-Brazil-Mozambique, Director Margarida Cardoso)

Baltic premiere:
· “Itsi Bitsi” (Denmark, Director Ole Christian Madsen)

Estonian film:
· “In the Crosswind” (Estonia, Director Martti Helde)

The international competition films will be judged by the international jury: Mark Axelrod (USA), Kati Outinen (Finland), Andrei Proshkin (Russia), Elina Reinold (Estonia), Benson Taylor (United Kingdom) and Tomas Wasilewski (Poland).

The grand prix of the best film includes a 10000 euro grant by the city of Tallinn. The best director, best actress, actor and cinematographer will be awarded. The international film critics’ jury (FIPRESCI) will give a special award as well as the ecumenical jury.

Next to the international competition programme there are three more competitions at the Black Nights: five films are running for the Estonian Film award, ten films each for the Tridens Baltic Sea and Nordic debut film competition and the North American film competition.

The International Film Producers’ Association has designated Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival as a non-specialized competitive festival. Black Nights Film Festival is the 15th international film festival to be inducted to that category by FIAPF. The most influential film festival of the European North Eastern region takes place from 14th to 30th November. Tickets will be on sale from 7th November.

Film still from "In the Crosswinds"

AFI Fest Day 4 Nov 11

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°5

0
0

FILMFESTIVALS.COM AT AFM : This newsletter reaches 179 000  subscribers.       Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  RSS         

Read this online I Previous AFM Newsletters  N°1 N°2 N°3 N°4Email us I Advertize in our Newsletters and eBlasts 

Filmfestivals.com was established in 1995, over the years we became the premier link between film and festivals with 6.000 festivals listed, over 22 000 festival organizers contacts in our database,  75.000 articles and 830 000 unique visitors per year... 

Last minute offer: ONLY 99$ to be promoted in the next AFM Dailies. 
Email us if you want to be  featured and promoted in tomorrow's online dailies and in the NEXT AFM newsletter.

Digital Gym

 

Learn how TV & Film Makers are generating new internet revenues with Smart Tones.

Smart Tones connects film and TV to mobile devices using patented sound codes that you embed in the content to deliver rich interactive experiences, bonus content, games, coupons and instant purchases.  Directors can now direct the second screen experience, producers are adding new revenues for direct e-commerce and advertisers receive data analytics and ROI.  See how Smart Tones can work for you.  Contact us for a demo. ...
 

Digital Gym

 

Shots from the Elevator Pitch Conference at AFM Saturday, November 8

Stephanie Palmer, Cassian Elwes, Tobin Armbrust, Eric Roberts, andMary McGuckian at AFM Pitch Conference. Producer, Tobin Armburst, Producer, Cassian Elwes and Stephanie Palmer, Author, "Good in a Room". First Session - Pitching Essentials A good pitch can get a bad film made while a bad pitch can leave a terrific project languishing on the shelf. Pitching is part art (it’s creative), part science (it needs to follow a tight script) and part sales (you ...
 

 

AFM Producers Forum Nov 9 Schedule

user
  The AFM Producers Forum is exclusively for experienced producers from around the world, to learn and network at the AFM. The AFM Producers Forum is hosted – there is no additional cost to participate – but participation is limited to 400 producers. Sunday, November 9 3:00 - 4:00 PM - Two Concurrent Sessions: 1. China Co-Productions: What, Why and How 2. Digital Delivery ...
 

AFM Roundtable Nov 9 Schedule : The Passion of the Film: Reaching the Faith Community

user
Sunday, November 9 10:30am - 12:30pm Roundtable - The Passion of the Film: Reaching the Faith Community   Producers and distributors of recent faith and family hits have found success with new narratives and new marking tools.  Filmmakers and marketers reveal the essential elements of story, ministry and outreach that will optimize exposure to reach and serve their audience.   Spe...
 

2014 AFM Producers Forum keynotes on distribution

All AFM Producers Forum Activities will be held on the courtyard level of Le Merigot Hotel, 1740 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica (next door to the Loews Hotel). Jerome Courshon, Producer/Creator, "The Secrets to Distribution" speaking at AFM Producers Forum 3:00 - 4:00 PM - Two Concurrent Sessions: 1. US Distribution: A Map for Independent Producers 2. How to Leverage the AFM to Move Your Proj...
 

Production Conference November 9: Producing For a Worldwide Audience & Accessing and Securing Talent

user
The AFM Conference Series gives attendees tremendous knowledge, insight, access, value and a rare opportunity to hear from the industry’s global thought leaders, decision makers and experts who all converge annually at the AFM. Doors & Will Call Open at 8:00am Conference Hours: 9:15am - 12:45pm daily Conference Location:  Fairmont Hotel, Starlight Ballroom - 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica     First Session - Producing For a ...
 

AFM Screenings & Events UPDATE Sunday, November 9

user
  Added Screenings Film: Don't Go Breaking My Heart 2 Time: 9:00am Theatre: Doubletree 2 Company: Media Asia Distribution Film: Spring Time: 3:00pm Theatre: Fairmont 5 Company: XYZ Films Film: The Dead Lands Time: 5:00pm Theatre: Fairmont 5 Company: XYZ Films Film: Real Blood: The True Beginning Time: 7:00pm Theatre: Ocean Company: Little Books Little Films AFM Events 9:15am - 12:45pm Production Conference sponsored by ...
 

 

AFM / Get Social @ #IndyohLounge Sunday Nov 9th 1733 Ocean Ave.

Sunday Nov 9th, 1733 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica 1PM - 2PM - Workshop "DISTRIBUTION 411 your questions answered" Speaker - JEROME COURSHON / Distribution Expert 3PM - 4PM - Sunscreen Film Festival "FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS" Speaker - Diana Romero / Festival Programmer 5PM- 8PM - Breaking Glass Pictures Cocktail Mixer Founded in 2009 by Richard Wolff and Richard Ross...
 

Success shined at last night's (Nov. 8th) 2014 Taiwan Cinema Party at the Santa Monica Loews hotel

Baby Steps from left to right  Candi Guterres (Art Director) Anthony Stabley (Production Designer) George Shaw (Composer) Li-Kong Hsu Lauryn Nicole Hamilton (Supporting Cast) Michael Adam Hamilton (Lead cast “Tate”) Justine Ruedas (Supporting Cast) Ah-Leh Gua (Lead Cast “Ma”) Barney Cheng (Writer/Director/Cast “Danny”) Stephen Israel (Producer)    Success shined at last night's (Nov. 8th) 2014 Taiwan Cinema Party at the Santa M...
 

Z FOR ZACHARIAH / First Look

Lotus Entertainment released a first look photo from Craig Zobel's Z for Zachariah starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Margot Robbie and Chris Pine, adapted from Robert C. O’Brien post-apocalyptic novel which follows a small-town girl who survives a nuclear war. Produced by Material Pictures, the film is executive produced by Lucky Hat Entertainment along with Silver Reel and Lotus Entertainment, who is handling international sales.   ...
 

Zombies invade the Wild West

 
The West is about to get wilder. Zombie Western Bullets for the Dead is primed to start principal photography 17th November.   From the Australian producers of Iron Sky and The Time Guardian, this is a film about a hardened bounty hunter James Dalton (Christopher Sommers), a gang of outlaws in his trust led by Annie Blake (Vanessa Moltzen), and a preacher who are forced to work together and battle their way across the American west of the 1870s when the zombie apocalypse begins.   ...
 

Suburban Gothic at AFM

MARKET SCREENING   November 9th (Sunday) -  Loews 2 @ 9:00am     Cast:  Kat Dennings (THOR, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, TWO BROKE GIRLS),  Matthew Gray Gubler (CRIMINAL MINDS) & Ray Wise      Raymond has a prestigious MBA, but he can't find work. He can channel the paranormal, but chatting with a cute girl mystifies him. Kicked out of his big city apartment, Raymond returns home to his overbearing mother, ex-jo...
 

THE BLACK HOLE starring Malcom McDowell, Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller and Family Content by ITN

THE BLACK HOLE 112 min. Sci-Fi/Thriller. Complete.  Cast: Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), Natalie Distler (Rescue Me), Izzie Steele   Synopsis: A high school musician experiences visual and auditory hallucinations as she starts to witness the collapse of space and time, leading her through a portal to a parallel universe.   ...
 

Actor Ving Rhames has been signed to co-star alongside Luke Goss in the new action film “Blood Reef.”

ACTOR VING RHAMES SIGNED TO CO-STAR WITH LUKE GOSS IN NEW ACTION FILM “BLOOD REEF,”  Renowned actor Ving Rhames has been signed to co-star alongside Luke Goss in the new action film “Blood Reef.” Foreign sales of the new film are being handled by Cardinal XD (Loews Hotel, Room 543. See: http://www.cardinalxd.com/blood-reef “Blood Reef” is a new science-fiction, action/adventure film being co-produced by Cardinal XD and Bri...
 

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°4

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°3

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°2

 

AFM Marketing Conference Nov 10/ Creating Effective Social Media Campaigns & The Role of the Publicist and Why You Need One

0
0

Monday, November 10 Marketing Conference sponsored by iQIYI

  • First Session - The Engagement Factor- Creating Effective Social Media Campaigns 
    Connecting with and engaging the core audience in authentic, creative and ongoing ways is critical. The social media and marketing gurus behind successful campaigns cover the essentials of creating a customized and innovative digital marketing strategy. Learn why timing is critical, how the consumer can be the most effective marketing tool and where the audience discovery process is headed.

    Moderator:

    Natalie Bruss, VP, Digital Partnership, ID

    Initial Panelists: 


Clay Dollarhide, Publicist, Ginsberg/Libby

Mickey Meyer, Co-Founder, JASH

Anne Zeiser, President & CEO, Azure Media, LLC

  • Second Session - The Role of the Publicist and Why You Need One
    Publicity is capable of making or breaking a film but it’s often overlooked by independent producers. Beginning in pre-production, publicists play a key role through production, post, festivals and distribution. Leading publicists disclose the dark arts of publicity, the value of crisis management and the achievements and horror stories behind successful independent and large budget campaigns.


    Moderator:


Gary Foster, Partner, Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment

Initial Panelists: 


Dana Archer, President & Partner, DDA PR

Chris Day, Head, Corporate Communications, UTA
Jill Jones, EVP Marketing & Publicity, Mister Smith Entertainment

Marian Koltai-Levine, EVP Film, PMK*BNC

 

POW! AFI Fest: Tons of Talent, Michael Keaton & Edward Norton, Plus Kristen Stewart, More A-Listers

0
0

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent

When Michael Keaton “was frozen” in a scene for the newly released Birdman, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, according to Edward Norton, who appeared with him at an AFI conversation on 11/8, “you could see he was having trouble.”

“I mean, I don’t know if this story is apocryphal,” Norton offered, “but there’s this story I heard (from a director), that when Greta Garbo was in Queen Christina (dir. Rouben Mamoulian) she was paralyzed in a scene. It’s the scene where she is on the boat, leaving her homeland, and Greta Garbo said she didn’t know what to do. The story goes that the director said ‘Just stare at the wall. And think about what you had for breakfast.’”

“It goes back to Eisenstein, he said the audience would hang their emotions on it.”

Norton was the counterpoint to the extreme American hardscrabble realism of Michael Keaton. “I came from a family of seven, actually a family of nine, my mother lost two children, two died. We had one car, no money to go see movies. I mostly watched movies on TV.”

“For me, when a 67-year-old lady outside a Safeway tells me what she really thinks of a movie I’m in, that’s really gratifying,” he said. 

And in that scene Norton refers to, Keaton said “hey, I didn’t know I wasn’t prepared for that scene until I was already in it. I don’t know why, I knew it was coming up.”

“Sometimes (as an actor) you have to find it, you know it’s in there. You hope you find it. I found something else!”

Birdman, which also stars Emma Stone as his daughter, is a showpiece for Michael Keaton. From the mercurial director of Biutiful (Javier Bardem), Birdman pits Norton against Keaton, but “it was like a head-on collision, making this movie, because you lived through it and afterward, you go ‘wow, this happened, that happened.”

Birdman was released in Oct. and should net some award nods for all. Writer Stacey Wilson moderated this conversation so well, she was seamless, hands down the best.

 

Paul Thomas Anderson a/k/a PTA Forces Us to Watch MONDO HOLLYWOOD Uncut

 

Because he has four kids with Maya Rudolph, Paul Thomas Anderson, known affectionately as PTA, can’t really be a sadist, can he?

After a force-watch of the banned-in-France 1965-1967 film MONDO HOLLYWOOD directed by Robert Carl Cohen, you wonder though.

MONDO is so wretchedly inappropriate as to be art, then so arty as to be legend, and encompasses Baba Ram Dass acid-sessions in Topanga Canyon to a runaway heir decamped in Malibu with a monkey to Rotary Club sexist quasi-Fascists to the famed Gypsy Boots who was a Rousseau-like noble savage living under the Hollywood sign as a caveman to star arrival footage of Queen Elizabeth (Taylor) and King Richard (Burton) to psychedelic montages designed to trigger seizures, the entirety of which clocks in well over two hours.

This was followed by a meandering Q & A hosted by PTA with director Robert Carl Cohen, who at 85, was more interested in talking about why he moved to Boulder, and how he beat bladder cancer, which actually turned into performance art with Cohen admitting “I don’t know why someone so famous would want to interview me.”

“Did you see his film about the mines (There Will Be Blood)? It was so real, I mean I once worked in a mercury mine. Cinnabar is the ore for mercury."

"And his new film Inherent Vice (set in 1970’s)? I said how could this kid (at the time) have made a film so true to the period?”

The cult film director concluded with, “I mean, I got banned for Mondo in France, but I never showed a drug session… In his film, nine out of 10 scenes show people smoking pot!”

 

The Hollywood Kids Are All Right (AFI Young Hollywood Roundtable)

 

Upcoming Hollywood is A-Okay, especially 17-year-old Joey King (a/k/a “China Girl" from Oz the Great and Powerful), that’s the takeaway from The Young Hollywood Roundtable at AFI Fest presented by AUDI. 

Joining Joey, the Roundtable discussion included Logan Lerman (Noah), Jena Malone (Hunger Games), and Jenny Slate (Obvious Child) in what became a strangely meaningful moment when moderator Amy Kaufman from the Los Angeles Times whipped out a fan letter dated from 1998 to Jena, who had by then starred as a child in Bastard Out of Carolina, Contact (Jodie Foster), and Step Mom (Julia Roberts).

While it sounds weird, when the Boston-born reporter begged Jena to “read it out loud," it was actually an incredibly moving moment. Kaufman had seen Malone in Step Mom and asked for help in becoming an actress. 

“Hashtag What?,” to coin a phrase by Joey King.

Although Jena Malone played a strident killer aimed at Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games, and MAY possibly be the next (and first) female Robin ever cast in the role with the new Batman vs Superman movie from Marvel, Jena was not only humbled by the tribute but did read it aloud.

Then Malone added, “Julia Roberts turned 30 on the set (of Step Mom). She took us all out. She is an incredible person.”

Logan Lerman, who played Mel Gibson’s son in The Patriot when he was a kid, equated being a child actor with set dressing. “You know, they bring out the kid. That was me.” Now he just leaped from Noah with Russell Crowe to a wider role in FURY with Brad Pitt. “We all wanted a really immersive experience on that film,” he recounted. Immersive, how? “Punched Brad Pitt in the face. He said to! Brad is the nicest guy (read: no ego), so laid back.”

But wait, there’s more. Next Jenny Slate, whose big screen mainstream debut in Obvious Child has blown back the critics, turns out to have gone to high school with Amy Kaufman. And is cautioned when she describes herself as a “random dork” back then. “Actually she was the Valedictorian,” Kaufman corrects.

Joey King rounded out the discussion with her own advice for young actors: “Be A BOSS. Own it. Own the role, own the awkwardness.” 

 

The Big Kids of Hollywood Are All Right Too (AFI’s Indie Contenders Panel)

 

Yes, that is the goddess known as Tilda Swinton, with the stiffened egg-white blonde hair, making folded birdie-wing motions and floating early out of the Indie Contenders Panel while mouthing ‘Gotta fly.’

This was just one of the inimitable moments captured when Swinton, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Monaghan, Bill Hader, Marion Cotillard, Jake Gyllenhaal, and directors Damien Chazelle (Whiplash), and J.C. Chandor (A Most Violent Year, Margin Call) got together for a chat with Scott Feinberg of The Hollywood Reporter.

Here are some highlights from the meeting of independent minds:

Kristen Stewart, in her usual no-holds-barred style, said she will commit to a project "based on one line of dialogue, or one person in the film... And I'll make a bad movie" if she likes one of the above.

“To really understand independent film before it had a capital ‘I,’ you must seek out the work of Derek Jarman,” Swinton implored. “Experimental films. Art films… I mean independent films as opposed to co-dependent films.”

Marion Cotillard, the award-winning etherealist from France, "doesn't make decisions" about roles "they choose me, the characters." As in, "a role has to be life or death for me."

Bill Hader (Skeleton Twins) basically summed up his climb in Hollywood from driver for the famous to famous himself as "don't be an asshole" when you're famous.

Risktaking Jake Gyllenhaal admitted if he finds something way out of his arena of experience or emotion, he “will reach for it.” But on a practical level, "Learn your lines.That's it. Know your lines."

“I worked with Jake on Source Code, I know he has this speed reading thing,” Michelle Monaghan confirmed. “We were like throwing lines back and forth (fast).”

J.C. Chandor, who took a literal dog’s age to get his feature Margin Call made, said “I tell my friends ‘make a two minute short film, just make it.’ Because it all works toward making films.”

And Damien, the boy wonder from Harvard whose Whiplash is a darling at AFI right now, basically left the room reeling by standing his ground in this starry patch.

 

Next - Mark Wahlberg premieres The Gambler at AFI Fest presented by AUDI.

 

Stay sharp, more to come, including the Technicolor Keynote…

 

# # #

 

AFI Fest Day 5 Nov 12

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°6

0
0

FILMFESTIVALS.COM AT AFM : This newsletter reaches 179 000  subscribers.       Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  RSS         

Read this online I Previous AFM Newsletters  N°1 N°2 N°3 N°4  N°5Email us I Advertize in our Newsletters and eBlasts 

Filmfestivals.com was established in 1995, over the years we became the premier link between film and festivals with 6.000 festivals listed, over 22 000 festival organizers contacts in our database,  75.000 articles and 830 000 unique visitors per year... 

Last minute offer: ONLY 99$ to be promoted in the next AFM Dailies. 
Email us if you want to be  featured and promoted in tomorrow's online dailies and in the NEXT AFM newsletter.

Digital Gym

 

Director JACKIE KONG busy at AFM promoting her new slate of films

Cult Film Director Jackie Kong is bringing to AFM her new slate of films.  Her latest film, “CoExistence”, a Romeo and Juliet thriller love story with Vampires, and a surprise at every turn. This heart racing supernatural modern version of Shakespeare's classic will keep you on the edge of your seat.   Teen Stars, and Veteran actors - Rutger Hauer, John Savage, and Daryl Hannah are certain to make it another Jackie Kong classic. &nbs..
 

Digital Gym

 
 

AFM Roundtable Nov 10: Distributing and Monetizing Documentaries

user
Roundtables & Conversations AFM Roundtables and Industry Conversations take place in the AFM Studio on the lobby level of the Loews Hotel. Monday, November 10 5:00pm - 6:30pm Roundtable - Distributing and Monetizing Documentaries   Speakers: Stephen Nemeth, President, Rhino Films Caitrin Rogers, Film Producer, Tremolo Productions Meyer Shwarzstein, President,...
 

Nov 10 2014 AFM Producers Forum: How to Produce in the Emerging New Film Ecosystem

The sessions will be held on the courtyard level of Le Merigot Hotel, 1740 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica (next door to the Loews Hotel). Monday, November 10 3:00 - 4:00 PM - Two Concurrent Sessions: 1. How to Produce in the Emerging New Film Ecosystem 2. Protecting Your Rights: The Producer's Guide to Distribution Contracts and Chain of Title   Ted Hope, Author, "Hope for Film" ...
 

AFM Marketing Conference Nov 10/ Creating Effective Social Media Campaigns & The Role of the Publicist and Why You Need One

user
Monday, November 10 Marketing Conference sponsored by iQIYI First Session - The Engagement Factor- Creating Effective Social Media Campaigns  Connecting with and engaging the core audience in authentic, creative and ongoing ways is critical. The social media and marketing gurus behind successful campaigns cover the essentials of creating a customized and innovative digital marketing strategy. Learn why timing is critical, how the consumer can be t...
 

AFM Screenings & Events UPDATE Monday, November 10

user
Added Screenings Film: Glass Chin Time: 11:00am Theatre: Fairmont 5 Company: Myriad Pictures Film: The Malibu Tapes Time: 1:00pm Theatre: Loews 3 Company: Sunny Oak Films Film: The Last Five Years Time: 3:00pm Theatre: Broadway 3 Company: The Exchange Film: Wind Walkers Time: 3:00pm Theatre: AMC Santa Monica 5 Company: TriCoast Worldwide AFM Events 9:15am - 12:45pm Marketing Conference sponsored by iQIYI ...
 
 

AFM Day 5 – Finance Conference & AFM Events (November 9, 2014)

Mark Damon, CEO & Chairman, Foresight Unlimited, is seen at the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) at the Loews Santa Monica Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Alexandra Wyman/Invision for IFTA/AP Images) PRODUCTION CONFERENCE As part of this year’s AFM CONFERENCE SERIES, attendees were invited to the Fairmont Hotel to a session on ‘Producing For a Worldwide Audience’ with moderator: Paul Hertzberg / President & CEO, CineTel Films, Inc and panellist...
 

AFM Events (November 9, 2014) THE PASSION OF FILM: REACHING THE FAITH COMMUNITY

Barbara Mudge, President & Founder, Worldwide Film Entertainment, and from left, Bobby Downes, CEO & Founder, ChristianCinema.com, Jim Mhoon, VP, Content Development & Integration, Focus on the Family, Mark Borde, Co-President, Freestyle Releasing, Ash Greyson, President & CEO, Ribbow Media, and Sophia Karteris Kelley, SVP Programming, UPtv are seen at the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) at the Loews Santa Monica Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Alex...
 

Road Hard – A Comedian’s Journey from Crowdfunding to Distribution with ADAM CAROLLA

Adam Carolla speaks at the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) at the Loews Santa Monica Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Alexandra Wyman/Invision for IFTA/AP Images) Adam Carolla speaks at the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) at the Loews Santa Monica Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Alexandra Wyman/Invision for IFTA/AP Images) Road Hard – A Comedian’s Journey from Crowdfunding to Distribution, which took place at the AFM Studio earlier ...
 

Mike Tyson at AFM to promote the upcoming film CHAMPS,

Laurence Gornall, and from left, Mike Tyson and Bert Marcus are seen at the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) at the Loews Santa Monica Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014 in Santa Monica, Calif.(Alexandra Wyman/Invision for IFTA/AP Images)   Mike Tyson was in town to promote the upcoming film CHAMPS, which The Works is selling here at AFM  ...
 

AFI Fest Day 5 Nov 12

              

Essence Atkins, David James Elliott and Heather McComb shine at AFM premiere of BATTLE SCARS

Actors Essence Atkins (Half & Half), David James Elliott (JAG), and Heather McComb (Ray Donovan) joined writer/director Danny Buday and producers Lane Carlson and George Young Warner at AFM Sunday for a distributor screening of BATTLE SCARS. The film was recently acquired by TriCoast Worldwide for sales.     BATTLE SCARS stars Zane Holtz (PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER; FROM DUSK ‘TIL DAWN); Heather McComb; Ryan Eggold (NBC’s The Blacklist); Fairuza Balk (AMERICAN HIS...
 

First look photo from Jim Gillespie’s thriller TAKE DOWN.

From left to right, the cast names are as follows: Umar Malik, Thalissa Teixeira, Dominic Sherwood, Jeremy Sumpter, Phoebe Tonkin, Max Deacon, Yuho Yamashita, Elliot Knight ...

Bill Nighy, Anna Friel and Greg Wise get into the swim with Heidi and the Magic Pool for Carnaby International

Carnaby International’s Tania Sarra today announced they had cleared much of the world’s film sales territories for its new entry into the durable global Heidi franchise with the family adventure HEIDI AND THE MAGIC POOL. In a deal with a major Hollywood Studio, the territories included in the one single deal are: the UK; Australia and New Zealand; France; Benelux; the Czech Republic; Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland; Greece; Portugal; Slovakia; Scandinavia; India, Israel, South Afri...

Double Dutch International, has announced a series of deals for ELLIOT: THE LITTLEST REINDEER at AFM'14.

Jason Moring, President of Double Dutch International, has announced a series of deals for ELLIOT: THE LITTLEST REINDEER at AFM'14.   ELLIOT: THE LITTLEST REINDEER is based on a multi-award winning screenplay, having been named best Canadian screenplay in all categories by Praxis and securing the Angel Award in Monaco for Best Children's Screenplay. The animated feature is directed by Paul Griffin. Griffin was the lead animator on HAPPY FEET TWO and STAR WARS: ATTACK OF TH...
 

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°4

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°3

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°2

 


AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°7

0
0

FILMFESTIVALS.COM AT AFM : This newsletter reaches 179 000  subscribers.       Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  RSS         

Read this online I Previous AFM Newsletters  N°1 N°2 N°3 N°4  N°5 N°6 I Email us I Advertize in our Newsletters and eBlasts 

Filmfestivals.com was established in 1995, over the years we became the premier link between film and festivals with 6.000 festivals listed, over 22 000 festival organizers contacts in our database,  75.000 articles and 830 000 unique visitors per year... 

Last minute offer: ONLY 99$ to be promoted in the next AFM Dailies. 
Email us if you want to be  featured and promoted in tomorrow's online dailies and in the NEXT AFM newsletter.

Digital Gym

AfricaFilmAcademy – Film In a Box (FIB)

FIB - VOICES AFRICA  "I was just 10 years when I saw the Shawshank redemption. From then on I was free. Growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in Ajegunle in Nigeria, we never visited anywhere else but the outer fringes of our “povertyhood” and what I saw and touched daily formed the hope I had for my future. Walking out of Baba Lati’s house that afternoon, I felt a rush of blood to my head, I felt a hunger to conquer my world and grow bigger than my re"...
 
 

The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) created by the Africa Film Academy will celebrate 11th edition

The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) is an offshoot of the Africa Film Academy. It was created in 2005 by Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.The Academy, founded on the best film tradition, is geared towards research, training and propagating filmmaking in Africa. Established in 2005, AMAA aims to facilitate the development and relevance of African film & cinema by providing a rewards & recognition platform for film makers on the continent. ...Contact Peace Anyiam-Osigwe during AFM 
 

The Vincent the Artist promo premiered at AFM with an overwhelmingly positive response.

The Vincent the Artist promo premiered at AFM with an overwhelmingly positive response. If you missed the 4-minute animated promo please visit, www.vincenttheartist.com to see it! Stay tuned for more updates.  Vincent, a lovable young animated character dreams of being a great artist, against the wishes of his father. Determined, he sets out on a journey to follow his destiny, and in doing so discovers life’s biggest lessons as he travels to New York and joins the circus…...Contact Deborah Romare
 

Digital Gym

 

Producers forum Keynotes Nov 11

user
Tuesday, November 11 3:00 - 4:00 PM - Two Concurrent Sessions: 1. Making Your Budget Work 2. Pre-pre Production: Building Independence by Finding Your Audience First Jenny Hinkey, Producer, “Veronica Mars”, “Annabelle”, “500 Days of Summer”   Max Silverman, Operations Czar, Seed&Spark   4:30 - 5:30 PM - Two Concurrent Session...
 

Distribution Conference Nov 11: DIY Distribution: Finding Your Film's Audience and Digital Niche moderated by Russell Schwartz

Second Session - DIY Distribution: Finding Your Film's Audience and Digital Niche What every producer needs to know before bypassing distributors and aggregators. Platforms and filmmakers take the audience through the range of options and reveal how to find and select the distribution channel that will deliver the most enthusiastic audience for every film.   Moderator: Russell Schwartz, President, Domestic Marketing, Relativity Europa Distrib...
 

Distribution Conference at AFM Nov 11: Video on Demand: 2015 moderated by Alex Fragen

Distribution Conference sponsored by iQIYI First Session - Video on Demand: 2015 VOD could soon be the primary source of revenue for independent filmmakers. Many see a future where all films are available worldwide and every film finds its audience. Leading aggregators and distributors come together to separate fact from fiction - exploring who is making money, how they are doing it and what the future holds.   Moderator: Alex Fragen, Glob...
 

AFM Events UPDATE Tuesday, November 11

user
  AFM Events 9:15am - 12:45pm Distribution Conference sponsored by iQIYI   Fairmont Hotel - Starlight Ballroom     3:00pm - 4:00pm Producers Forum   • Making Your Budget Work   • Pre-pre Production: Building Independence by Finding ...
 

AFM Marketing Panel Nov 10: Creating effective social media campaigns moderated by Natalie Bruss

AFM Day 6 – Finance Conference & AFM Events (November 10, 2014) Mickey Meyer, and from left, Natalie Bruss, Anne Zeiser, Alan Beard and Clay Dollarhide attend the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) Marketing Conference at the Fairmont Hotel on Monday, Nov. 10, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Alexandra Wyman/Invision for IFTA/AP Images) As part of this year’s AFM CONFERENCE SERIES, attendees were invited to the Fairmont Hotel to a session on ‘CREATING EFFECTIVE SOCIAL MED...
 

AFM Panel Nov 10: The Role of a Publicist and Why you Need One, moderated by Gary Foster

Gary Foster, and from left, Marian Koltai-Levine, Jill Jones, Dana Archer and Chris Day attend the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) Marketing Conference at the Fairmont Hotel on Monday, Nov. 10, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Alexandra Wyman/Invision for IFTA/AP Images) The second of the two marketing sessions Nov 10  addressed the topic of ‘THE ROLE OF THE PUBLICIST AND WHY YOU NEED ONE’ with moderator: Gary Foster / Producer and panellists: Dane Archer / DDA Publi...
 

Alissa Miller attends the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) Producers Forum

Alissa Miller attends the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) Producers Forum at the JW Le Merigot Hotel on Monday, Nov. 10, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Alexandra Wyman/Invision for IFTA/AP Images) Nov 10, late in the afternoon during the Producers Forum, attendees chose from two concurrent sessions: speaker Ted Hope spoke about “Protecting Your Rights: The Producer’s Guide to Distribution Contracts and Chain of Title”; and speaker Alissa Miller spoke about “Working ...
 

Ted Hope on Protecting Your Rights at the Producers Forum Nov 10

Ted Hope attends the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) Producers Forum at the JW Le Merigot Hotel on Monday, Nov. 10, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Alexandra Wyman/Invision for IFTA/AP Images) Late in the afternoon during the Producers Forum, attendees chose from two concurrent sessions: speaker Ted Hope spoke about “Protecting Your Rights: The Producer’s Guide to Distribution Contracts and Chain of Title” while speaker Alissa Miller spoke about “Working with ...
 

Director Phil Gorn from Wonderphil Entertainment, LLC with star Vivica A. Fox promoting her latest project GIBBY.

Director Phil Gorn from Wonderphil Entertainment, LLC with star Vivica A. Fox promoting her latest project GIBBY.   ...
 
 

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°4

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°3

AFM DAILIES - Filmfestivals.com Newsletter N°2

Digital Gym

DAILIES FROM AFI

AFI World Premiere: Mark Wahlberg Puts His Chips on Oscar in The Gambler, All In

Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent Mark Wahlberg sits in a director’s chair on stage to a packed house at The Dolby Theater after the world premiere of his new film The Gambler at AFI Fest presented by AUDI, and says “there are four pictures on the wall in my basement. Steve McQueen, Jimmy Cagney, John Garfield… and James Caan. I wanted him (Caan) to see The Gambler. He comes over to my house, sees the pictures on the wall, and says ‘Did you put this up just...
 

POW! AFI Fest: Tons of Talent, Michael Keaton & Edward Norton, Plus Kristen Stewart, More A-Listers

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent When Michael Keaton “was frozen” in a scene for the newly released Birdman, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, according to Edward Norton, who appeared with him at an AFI conversation on 11/8, “you could see he was having trouble.” “I mean, I don’t know if this story is apocryphal,” Norton offered, “but there’s this story I heard (from a director), that when Greta ...
 

Oscar Isaac: Probably Time for Oscar & AFI Fest 2014 Opens Wide

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent   What is it about Oscar Isaac? When he and Jessica Chastain kicked off AFI Fest 2014 Opening Night with A Most Violent Year, the energy between the two of them was evident. Not because they both attended Juilliard, or because they are both born in March, or even the visible screen chemistry as a couple on film. But because if you trace both of their film choices, between the pair, you begin to see them build their credits and their onscr...
 

Living Legend Sophia Loren’s Top10 Fun Facts & AFI Star-Packed 2014 Fest Warms Up

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent When Sophia Loren was tapped as the banner honoree of the 2014 AFI FEST presented by AUDI, it was no surprise that they also dubbed her “one of the last living legends” of Hollywood. But that only begins to explain the career of Loren, having come from the proverbial nowhere to grace screens worldwide with a kind of charisma unseen in the bevy of ‘dark-haired beauties’ before her. As AFI opens its annual gala tomorrow, h...

More from Quendrith Johnson's blog

We Are Now Accepting Submissions for 2015!

0
0

We, NYC Independent Film Fest are accepting submissions for next years festival. Since this years festival has been the most successful year so far, we are planning for next years event to be even better. Screening narratives, shorts, documentaries, animation, and music videos we are excited to once again embrace the art and mastery of independent film in the one of the greatest cities in the world. 

New York City Film Festival is a festival concentrating on the value and art of independent filmmaking. Since the birth of the festival in 2010, the increase of films that have been admitted and showcased shows the true amount of growth thta NYC Indie Film Fest has been able to accomplish. Not only is this astonishing, it shows the true mission that is trying to be fulfilled. This mission includes the participation of the NYC community and indie filmmakers from all over the world coming together to celebrate and contribute to a specific world of independent filmmaking. 

 

 

 

'Dys-' and 'The Cold Heart' Win Audience Awards at Cellar Door Film Festival!

0
0

 

Dys- and The Cold Heart win Audience Awards at 2014 Cellar Door Film Festival!

Films triumph as audience favourites in CDFF’s inaugural year

 

OTTAWA, ON – Nov. 11, 2014 –   After an enthusiastic first season, Ottawa’s Cellar Door Film Festival (CDFF) is pleased to announce the two Audience Award winners for CDFF 2014. Dys-, directed by Maude Michaud, wins the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at CDFF ‘14 while The Cold Heart (Das Kalte Herz), directed by Hannes Rall, emerges with the Audience Award for Best Short Film. The selection of the Canadian horror film Dys- and the German animated fable The Cold Heart makes an especially fine pair for Cellar Door’s celebration of both Canadian and international filmmakers and it showcases Ottawa’s appetite for a strong range of styles and stories.

Dys- screened at the festival to an engaged audience on Saturday night with Montreal director Maude Michaud in attendance along with actor Alex Goldrich, make-up effects artist Sébastien Montpetit, and sound operator Maxime Boileau. The Cold Heart screened in Cellar Door’s short film program “From the Basement of the World: So Cold and So Dark.” Both screenings enjoyed strong attendance at Club SAW. The Cellar Door team congratulates both films and thanks the filmmakers for making the inaugural edition of the festival such a success.

Cellar Door Film Festival would like to thank its Presenting Sponsors, the School for Studies in Art and Culture at Carleton University and the SPARTA Film Challenge, as well as its Supporting Sponsors, the Carleton University Alumni Association, GNA Heating and Cooling, The Haunted Walk of Ottawa, and Used Ottawa for making the festival a reality. Cellar Door also wishes to thank all the Friends of the Festival, volunteers, filmmakers, family members, and fans who came out to support the launch of Ottawa’s newest film festival. We hope to see you all behind the Cellar Door next year!

About Cellar Door Film Festival
Cellar Door Film Festival (CDFF) aims to be Ottawa's first showcase of speculative cinema (horror, sci-fi, and fantasy), while celebrating the creativity of the Ottawa film scene and spotlighting the city as a setting for the sinister and supernatural. CDFF encourages film culture, education, and production in Ottawa by promoting the creation, screening, and distribution of local, national and international films in the Nation’s capital.

 

-30-

 

For high-res images, please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d837xwjrboslk36/AADxzKn7s12wXmGXfLUQZ6Eta?dl=0

www.cdff.ca | Facebook.com/CellarDoorFF | Twitter: @CellarDoorFF | #CDFF14

AttachmentSize
CDFF Audience Awards (1).pdf348.39 KB

Full Program for the 2014 AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN IN CINEMA FILM FESTIVAL

0
0

 

 The African-American Women in Cinema announced today the FULL LINE-UP of this year’s 17th Annual AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN IN CINEMA FILM FESTIVAL (November 19th– 22nd), which features an opening night premiere and reception, keynote panels, additional premiere screenings, a youth filmmaking event, and a short films program. The films chosen for this year’s festival are judged by a jury committee made up of prominent industry leaders, who adhere to the organization’s mission statement of promoting films from African American, Latina, Native American and the Asian diaspora. AAWIC is the only film festival in New York City with such a wide multicultural reach.

 

The Opening Night selection is the New York premiere of Princess Monique’s SEASONS OF LOVE. Starring Gladys Knight, Taraji P. Henson, Method Man and LeToya Luckett, the film follows one couple’s romantic ups and downs, as they struggle to determine the things that matter most in life. The film also features Ana Isabella, a rising star from Puerto Rico. The film is a Lifetime Studios production and will premiere on Lifetime on November 23rd.

 

AAWIC is also pleased to announce the premiere event entitled INTERNATIONAL DAY presented by UNESCO NYS and African Women for Good Governance on November 22nd. There will be a panel discussion called Discussing the African Film Industry moderated by Winsome Sinclair (prominent casting director). Following the discussion there will be a special presentation organized by African Women for Good Governance and later a film screening hosted by producer Mohamed Dione.

 

The festival will close with an awards VIP reception that will take place at the United Nations and the Nigerian Embassy, respectively. The President of African Women for Good Governance and Ambassador of UNESCO, Sire Dione Conde,

(more)

expressed her excitement for the festival, stating, “We are pleased to be a part of such a prestigious festival that celebrates women in the industry and are very happy to present the first ever International Day! We look forward to making history together.” 

 

Below are the full program details:

 

The 17th Annual AAWIC Film Festival Premiere Screenings

 

Opening Night Selection

SEASONS OF LOVE

Director: Princess Monique

 

Closing Night Selection 1 (hosted by 103.9 FM)

THE GRAND GESTURE

Director: Dana Verde

 

Closing Night Selection 2 (hosted by 103.9 FM)

Strings Attached

Director: Nelcie Souffrant

 

Closing Night Selection 3 (hosted by 103.9 FM)

On My Own

Director: Rachel Miller-Bradshaw

 

Afraid of Dark

Director: Mya B.

 

Christmas Wedding Baby

Director: Kiara Jones

 

Naturally Native

Director: Valerie Red-Horse

 

Hate Crimes in the Heartland

Director: Rachel Lyon

 

Our Closing Night Screenings are hosted by 103.9 FM and are composed of both short and feature-length films. There is a Q&A session with the filmmakers following the screening of CHRISTMAS WEDDING BABY and NATURALLY NATIVE.

 

(more)

Special Short Film Screening Program

 

The Bully

Director: Jamie Burton-Oare

Synopsis: Two kids, who grew up in the same neighborhood where one bullied the other, have children later in life. Their children are now in the same situation as their parents, but the outcome is different.

 

Mani-Pedi

Director: Sandra Nixon

Synopsis: Have you ever wonder what the nail technicians are talking about, while you were getting your manicure & pedicure? This short comedy shows how a normal day at a nail salon turns out to be an amusing experience….when you get past the language barrier.

 

Lift Every Voice

Director: Monet Gray

Synopsis: This film examines how one teacher’s unconventional method of incorporating RAP and HIP-HOP music into her lessons was able to get her public school students motivated and interested in their education.

 

Buenos Aires Rap

Director: Diane Ghogomu

Synopsis: In a cosmopolitan city where class and color segregation are the norms, a group of minority kids are brought together through a shared love of music transcending that of political and economical deviations.

 

Greenhouse

Director: Ah-Keisha McCants

Synopsis: The short film follows eight-year-old twin boys from the New Jersey suburbs, who appear to be raising themselves in the absence of their parents. They both yearn for an escape, but it soon becomes apparent that “nobody and nothing is what it seems”.

 

Field Goal

Director: Tanesa Kassa

Synopsis: Monica Jones, a secretary at a law firm attending law school, is dedicated to her relationship with blue-collared and workaholic boyfriend, Darius Smith. The same can’t be said of Darius whose busy schedule has turned the relationship dull. This is their commitment story.

 

Fixed

Director: Ashley Ellis

Synopsis: After the funeral of Eric Ross, family and friends gather at the home of his mother to find comfort and answers. When a devious yet familiar face from the past shows up with details regarding Ross’s mysterious death, it may be more than his mother can handle.

 

Each year, AAWIC invites key industry players to participate in provocative panel discussions on the nature of the business and the course of African-American cinema in mainstream media. This year, no less, AAWIC offers an array of stimulating film conversations that make up the PANELS PROGRAM.           

 

(more)

The 17th AAWIC Film Festival Panels

 

Diversity in the Guilds

Discussion will be around the various diversity initiatives of each organization and how attendees can benefit from joining them.

 

Female Documentary Filmmakers - Keynote Panel

 

Choose To Live!

Presented by the American Diabetes Association

 

NY Loves Film Roundtable Discussion

Given by NYS Governor’s Office for Motion Picture & Television Development Empire State Development

 

Presentation: SKY Financial Group LLC|SKY Brokerage LLC

 

Keynote Session on Transmedia Platforms

 

Meet the Distributors!

 

Let’s Talk Finance!

 

How to Get Your Kids in Show Business

 

Screening of Our Youth: Presented by DCTV

 

The annual film festival highlights the best in African-American cinema, featuring works from independent filmmakers as well as fresh new talent. AAWIC founder and executive producer, Terra Renee, exclaims, "I am very pleased about this year’s event. Our goal has always been to take this festival to the next level. I believe this year will set the stage and we will make history.” This year, the festival producer is Lamonia Brown, a prominent industry veteran.

 

Advance all-access passes are currently available through online purchase via aawic.org. There will also be an opportunity to purchase single screening and panel discussion tickets. More ticket information for the 17th African-American Women in Cinema Film Festival is available at aawic.org/purchase-tickets.

 

 

AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN CINEMA

The African American Women in Cinema Film Festival is one of the largest female film events in the country. For the past decade, the AAWIC organization has served as a continuous support for the vibrant work of women filmmakers. The organization is dedicated to providing a platform and showcase for aligning experienced and novice filmmakers, directors, producers, screenwriters   and/or actors. Its mission is to expand, explore and create business opportunities for minority women filmmakers throughout the entertainment industry. It is the goal of AAWIC to give artistic

(more)

women a path to fulfilling their dreams through showcasing their talents, exposure to peers’ interaction, and mentoring by established professionals.       

 

This year, AAWIC receives generous support from Raymour & Flanigan, 103.9 FM, Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, New York Women in Film & Television, National Urban League, Demetrix, DCTV, Sky Financial, Tinkerer Studios, Rx Pharmacy, and Media Services. For more information, visit www.aawic.organd follow @aawic on Twitter.

 

 

AFI Reality Movies: American Sniper, SELMA, Tales of The Grim Sleeper

0
0

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent

Only Clint Eastwood could take the story of slain US Military Sniper Chris Kyle, who was mysteriously shot and killed at age 38 last year at a Texas gun range by a fellow vet, and make it a hit as well as a memorial to the man in question. The surprise screening of this highly anticipated feature film last night at AFI Fest presented by AUDI was a crowd-thriller, especially in its subtlety, its restrained sound design, the whoosh of wind, the crack of bullets, and the long silences in between.

Bradley Cooper basically inhabits the role of Kyle, the most decorated-ever ‘American Sniper’ known by the enemy as the so-called ‘Devil of Ramadi.’ His confirmed (body found) and claimed (no body found) war-kills total into triple digits. Consider that this man could literally blow your head off at 5280 ft. (a literal mile), which made this former Navy SEAL a hero even among snipers who consider any target over 3000 ft. truly difficult.

But this story, based on the book “American Sniper” by Chris Kyle, which Bradley Cooper bought the rights to and allegedly once had Spielberg in mind to direct, brings up the challenge of depicting a real-life situation on film. 

There is no argument that American Sniper, to be released in Dec. is a must-see, both for Bradley Cooper’s DNA-level performance and Eastwood’s skillfully compassionate direction. 

However, like two other reality-based or true-story-based movies at AFI, SELMA about Martin Luther King Jr. and his ascendency with the Civil Rights movement, and Tales of the Grim Sleeper (dir. Nick Broomfield) about a scourge in the black community in South Central Los Angeles where a serial killer went unchecked for 25-plus years, questions arise outside the critical framework of the film as art itself.

There is no doubt SELMA, even the word association with pivotal moments in the South, starring David Oyelowo is a meaningful film. Produced by Oprah Winfrey among others, SELMA is a historic period piece important as a historic period piece, a new take on a familiar story. Also a very important one to tell. But Tales of the Grim Sleeper involves ongoing litigation that involves an incarcerated suspect who has allegedly wantonly sexually brutalized, tortured, and slain women he considered ‘just whores, prostitutes.’ And the LAPD is seen by some as culpable in this long run of terror because these women where ‘just whores, prostitutes.’ 

So, down the block from SELMA at the Egyptian Theatre, after Tales of the Grim Sleeper is screened, it turns out at least two members of an LAPD Task Force have surreptitiously entered the theater and are called out by Margaret Prescod, a victim advocate who has been trying to shed light on the ritual slaughter/disappearance of hundreds of women in South Central LA since 1985. 

Nick Broomfield is on stage with Pamela Brooks from South Central LA and Margaret Prescod as she points out the LAPD in the audience. When the spotlight in the theatre is turned to the unexpected guests from law enforcement, they are invited to the stage to introduced themselves and make a statement. 

Nick Broomfield appears to welcome their input, although they decline to participate, possibly because of the litigation underway, the scrutiny put on the LAPD in the wake of this ‘scandal’ and more likely because they are not authorized to go on the record. Erring in their favor, one could say they are just here to watch the movie, but their presence is palpably intimidating, even for the audience.  

Yet Broomfield as director of this documentary brings in another dimension of confusion. It is Pamela Brooks, community activist and a now-sober former prostitute, who set up his access into South Central LA and calls him “my England boy… some white boy from England.” Which begs the question, should this story be told by “some white boy from England”?

Basically no one listened to Margaret Prescod for a quarter of a century while she stood front and center in the neighborhood and in the media, yelling and screaming to be heard - to be a voice of the dead girls and women ages 14 and up, and for their surviving families who had no attention paid to their loss. 

This is SELMA all over again, in other words, where someone has to take a stand and overcome the opposition to delving into the murders of so many black girls and women. Hundreds of polaroid to 35 mm to digital snapshots of these victims were found in the alleged ‘Grim Sleeper’s’ possession, and these smiling faces, unaware they will be later ritually killed, have flown by on screen.

American Sniper, SELMA, and Tales of the Grim Sleeper all deal with the value of human life (whether at home or abroad) and the notion of personal and social responsibility. Each film presents a specific facet of how we, as a society, process the concepts of war hero vs patriot vs cold blooded killer.

AFI Fest presented by AUDI really opens an opportunity for dialogue here, both for cineastes and the general public at large, and underscores the importance of visual story-telling as a way to examine our core beliefs as a culture.

 

Next Up: Sophia Loren Tribute, Marriage Italian Style, and the screening of Still Alice, starring Julianne Moore.

 

Stay tuned for more thought-provoking programming from AFI Fest presented by AUDI.

 

# # #

 
Viewing all 5397 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images