Exclusive: Yemi Bamiro (Fight the Power) has been set to direct Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story, a documentary spotlighting the life and work of activist, cultural icon, and renowned photojournalist Kwame Brathwaite, which Wayfarer Studios is developing in partnership with Misfits Entertainment, The Creative Coalition, and The Kwame Brathwaite Archive.
A celebration of Black history, art, and culture, the film will chart Brathwaite’s rise to a position of huge influence against the backdrop of the second Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and the evolution of modern art. A trailblazer and founding father of the “Black is Beautiful” movement, Brathwaite is perhaps best known for co-creating Grandassa Models, a group of Black female models that promoted African-inspired fashion and beauty ideals, aiming to foster a shift away from from the more traditional Eurocentric standard by highlighting a more cosmopolitan look and feel.
A celebration of Black history, art, and culture, the film will chart Brathwaite’s rise to a position of huge influence against the backdrop of the second Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and the evolution of modern art. A trailblazer and founding father of the “Black is Beautiful” movement, Brathwaite is perhaps best known for co-creating Grandassa Models, a group of Black female models that promoted African-inspired fashion and beauty ideals, aiming to foster a shift away from from the more traditional Eurocentric standard by highlighting a more cosmopolitan look and feel.
- 10/30/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Creative Coalition’s annual Humanitarian Awards takes place the week of the Primetime Emmys — but even though the big show was pushed to January, the benefit luncheon still took place on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the La Peer Hotel rooftop in West Hollywood, attracting a wide range of honorees and presenters.
The Humanitarian Awards recognizes talent who donate their time, resources and their celebrity to promote worthy social causes. This year, honors went to Jason Alexander, Pauline Chalamet, Billy Eichner, Wendie Malick, Arian Moayed and Lena Waithe, as well as Josefina López, who was saluted with the Your Voice Carries Weight award. Presenters included Alyssa Milano, Cazzie David, Lawrence O’Donnell, Gloria Calderón Kellet, Samantha Hanratty, Debbie Levin, Bradley Whitford and Darnell Moore.
Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton hosted the luncheon, which opened with remarks from The Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk; both cited the org’s continued fight for arts funding and education.
The Humanitarian Awards recognizes talent who donate their time, resources and their celebrity to promote worthy social causes. This year, honors went to Jason Alexander, Pauline Chalamet, Billy Eichner, Wendie Malick, Arian Moayed and Lena Waithe, as well as Josefina López, who was saluted with the Your Voice Carries Weight award. Presenters included Alyssa Milano, Cazzie David, Lawrence O’Donnell, Gloria Calderón Kellet, Samantha Hanratty, Debbie Levin, Bradley Whitford and Darnell Moore.
Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton hosted the luncheon, which opened with remarks from The Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk; both cited the org’s continued fight for arts funding and education.
- 9/25/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The heat wave in Los Angeles couldn’t get in the way of the church of Sheryl Lee Ralph.
The “Abbott Elementary” actor was met with a standing ovation in Beverly Hills on Sunday at the Creative Coalition’s Television Humanitarian Awards Gala Luncheon, where she was an honoree. Hosted by Variety‘s Marc Malkin, the ceremony was meant to celebrate a number of figures working in the TV industry who also devote their time to worthy social causes. Ralph received the honor, presented to her by “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” star Reid Scott, for her work with Diva.
She began her acceptance speech with a powerful rendition of Dianne Reeves’ “Endangered Species: “I am an endangered species / But I sing no victim’s song / I am a woman I am an artist / And I know where my voice belongs.”
“Forty years ago, America stood up and, in no uncertain terms,...
The “Abbott Elementary” actor was met with a standing ovation in Beverly Hills on Sunday at the Creative Coalition’s Television Humanitarian Awards Gala Luncheon, where she was an honoree. Hosted by Variety‘s Marc Malkin, the ceremony was meant to celebrate a number of figures working in the TV industry who also devote their time to worthy social causes. Ralph received the honor, presented to her by “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” star Reid Scott, for her work with Diva.
She began her acceptance speech with a powerful rendition of Dianne Reeves’ “Endangered Species: “I am an endangered species / But I sing no victim’s song / I am a woman I am an artist / And I know where my voice belongs.”
“Forty years ago, America stood up and, in no uncertain terms,...
- 9/12/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
The Creative Coalition has announced its crop of high profile honorees for this year’s eighth annual Television Humanitarian Awards Gala.
The list includes James Cromwell (“Succession”), Colman Domingo (“Euphoria”), Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”); and Samantha Hanratty (“Yellowjackets”), along with Melissa Rauch (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Paul Scheer (“Black Monday”).
The Television Humanitarian Awards Gala, which takes place during Emmy week, highlights prominent figures in the television industry, as well as 2022 Emmy Award nominees who use the power of their celebrity for social good.
“Grey’s Anatomy” and co-executive producer and writer Jamie Denbo have also been named the recipient of the Your Voice Carries Weight Award – which honors a television leader for their advocacy work in obesity awareness – for the episode, “Living in a House Divided.”
Variety’s Marc Malkin will host this year’s ceremony, which is scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 11, 2022 in Los Angeles.
The list includes James Cromwell (“Succession”), Colman Domingo (“Euphoria”), Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”); and Samantha Hanratty (“Yellowjackets”), along with Melissa Rauch (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Paul Scheer (“Black Monday”).
The Television Humanitarian Awards Gala, which takes place during Emmy week, highlights prominent figures in the television industry, as well as 2022 Emmy Award nominees who use the power of their celebrity for social good.
“Grey’s Anatomy” and co-executive producer and writer Jamie Denbo have also been named the recipient of the Your Voice Carries Weight Award – which honors a television leader for their advocacy work in obesity awareness – for the episode, “Living in a House Divided.”
Variety’s Marc Malkin will host this year’s ceremony, which is scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 11, 2022 in Los Angeles.
- 8/12/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
When the White House Correspondents’ Association hosts its first dinner in two years on April 30, it’ll be matched by the return of another D.C. tradition: pre- and post- event receptions, dinners and brunches that have made for a weekend of socializing and schmoozing.
Among the night before parties: Funny or Die and People, which will co-sponsor a late-night fete at The Reach at the Kennedy Center. Both brands have new owners: Henry R. Munoz, III bought Funny or Die and Dotdash purchased People last year and it’s now led by now led by Leah Wyar and Liz Vaccariello. For both brands, this will be their first Whcd weekend event in several years. In 2006, People started an annual party with Time on the Friday evening before the dinner, and the event got to be known for its mix of Hollywood celebrities and White House figures, as well as a hefty swag bag.
Among the night before parties: Funny or Die and People, which will co-sponsor a late-night fete at The Reach at the Kennedy Center. Both brands have new owners: Henry R. Munoz, III bought Funny or Die and Dotdash purchased People last year and it’s now led by now led by Leah Wyar and Liz Vaccariello. For both brands, this will be their first Whcd weekend event in several years. In 2006, People started an annual party with Time on the Friday evening before the dinner, and the event got to be known for its mix of Hollywood celebrities and White House figures, as well as a hefty swag bag.
- 4/19/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Alex Borstein, Yvette Nicole Brown, Justin Hartley, Padma Lakshmi, Mj Rodriguez and Brittany Snow have been named the 2021 honorees for the Creative Coalition’s 7th annual Television Humanitarian Awards.
The event, to be held in-person on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the private residence of Academy Award-nominated producer Lawrence Bender, celebrates the charitable work of honorees and their support of various nonprofit organizations and causes. Variety’s Marc Malkin will host the event.
Launched by the Creative Coalition in 2015, the Television Humanitarian Awards shines a spotlight on TV industry talent who use the power of their celebrity for social good. It also serves as an opportunity to tout the work of the Creative Coalition, which serves as an advocacy org for the arts.
Among this year’s honorees, Borstein will be recognized for her work with the National Hemophilia Foundation; Hartley will be recognized for his work with Operation Therapy; Lakshmi will...
The event, to be held in-person on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the private residence of Academy Award-nominated producer Lawrence Bender, celebrates the charitable work of honorees and their support of various nonprofit organizations and causes. Variety’s Marc Malkin will host the event.
Launched by the Creative Coalition in 2015, the Television Humanitarian Awards shines a spotlight on TV industry talent who use the power of their celebrity for social good. It also serves as an opportunity to tout the work of the Creative Coalition, which serves as an advocacy org for the arts.
Among this year’s honorees, Borstein will be recognized for her work with the National Hemophilia Foundation; Hartley will be recognized for his work with Operation Therapy; Lakshmi will...
- 9/3/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Daniel Dae Kim will lead an all-star cast in a re-creation of the original “The Adventures of Superman” radio serial during the second installment of DC FanDome, Warner Bros. announced Friday.
Kim is one of three actors who will voice Superman in the one-hour production, which is being produced using original scripts recently found in Warner Bros. archives. The event is being held in support of The Creative Coalition, a Hollywood nonprofit that aims to address entertainment industry issues as well as urgent social issues.
Joining Kim as Superman in the production is Wilson Cruz (“Star Trek: Discovery”) and current Creative Coalition president Tim Daly (“Madam Secretary’). Also appearing are Jason Alexander, Troian Bellisario (“Pretty Little Liars”), Erich Bergen (“Madam Secretary”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry”), Terry Crews (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Sam Daly (“Hunters”), Lea DeLaria (“Orange Is the New Black”), Giancarlo Esposito, Sean Giambrone (“The Goldbergs”), Nicholas Gonzalez (“The Good Doctor”), Jason Isaacs...
Kim is one of three actors who will voice Superman in the one-hour production, which is being produced using original scripts recently found in Warner Bros. archives. The event is being held in support of The Creative Coalition, a Hollywood nonprofit that aims to address entertainment industry issues as well as urgent social issues.
Joining Kim as Superman in the production is Wilson Cruz (“Star Trek: Discovery”) and current Creative Coalition president Tim Daly (“Madam Secretary’). Also appearing are Jason Alexander, Troian Bellisario (“Pretty Little Liars”), Erich Bergen (“Madam Secretary”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry”), Terry Crews (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Sam Daly (“Hunters”), Lea DeLaria (“Orange Is the New Black”), Giancarlo Esposito, Sean Giambrone (“The Goldbergs”), Nicholas Gonzalez (“The Good Doctor”), Jason Isaacs...
- 9/4/2020
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Are you ready to travel back to the 1940s when Netflix did not exist and radio shows were the epicenter of entertainment? During DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse on September 12, Warner Bros. and The Creative Coalition will bring the classic Superman radio series to life.
The re-enactments of the Superman radio series will be available all day during the virtual confab and feature an all-star roster of actors toplined by Wilson Cruz (Star Trek: Discovery), Tim Daly (Madam Secretary) and Daniel Dae Kim (Hawaii Five-0) as the Man of Steel himself. Using original scripts from the long-running radio serial recently unearthed from the Warner Bros. Studios vault, this rare production will allow fans to experience the superhero in a unique way.
“We are thrilled to join comic fans and creators at DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse to bring the original Superman to life and celebrate the arts,” said The Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk.
The re-enactments of the Superman radio series will be available all day during the virtual confab and feature an all-star roster of actors toplined by Wilson Cruz (Star Trek: Discovery), Tim Daly (Madam Secretary) and Daniel Dae Kim (Hawaii Five-0) as the Man of Steel himself. Using original scripts from the long-running radio serial recently unearthed from the Warner Bros. Studios vault, this rare production will allow fans to experience the superhero in a unique way.
“We are thrilled to join comic fans and creators at DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse to bring the original Superman to life and celebrate the arts,” said The Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk.
- 9/4/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood is standing up for the arts with a handful of actors joining The Creative Coalition’s delegation at Capitol Hill on Apr 24. Their goal? To speak out against the White House’s efforts to cut federal funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Actors Chrissy Metz, Tituss Burgess, Niecy Nash, Cheryl Hines and Haley Joel Osment are among those joining Creative Coalition president Tim Daly of “Madam Secretary” for The Creative Coalition’s #RightToBearArts Day, meeting with members of Congress right before the White House Correspondents dinner, Variety has learned.
They will use the time to convince national leaders to continue funding the Nea. In February, President Donald Trump released his 2021 fiscal year budget, which included the elimination of the Nea. This is his fourth attempt to defund the agency, but the budget will not pass unless Congress agrees.
“The arts account for America’s largest export, yet...
Actors Chrissy Metz, Tituss Burgess, Niecy Nash, Cheryl Hines and Haley Joel Osment are among those joining Creative Coalition president Tim Daly of “Madam Secretary” for The Creative Coalition’s #RightToBearArts Day, meeting with members of Congress right before the White House Correspondents dinner, Variety has learned.
They will use the time to convince national leaders to continue funding the Nea. In February, President Donald Trump released his 2021 fiscal year budget, which included the elimination of the Nea. This is his fourth attempt to defund the agency, but the budget will not pass unless Congress agrees.
“The arts account for America’s largest export, yet...
- 3/4/2020
- by Mackenzie Nichols
- Variety Film + TV
After announcing its relaunch earlier this month, 1091, which was formally known as The Orchard Film Group, has made its first acquisition, snagging North American distribution rights to the Hannah Pearl Utt-directed Sundance film, Before You Know It. Utt, who made her directorial debut with this feature, also stars opposite Jen Tullock, Judith Light, Mandy Patinkin, Mike Colter, and Alec Baldwin. 1091 is aiming to release the film in theaters sometime during the second half of 2019.
Written by Utt and Tullock, the pic thrusts co-dependent, thirty-something sisters Rachel and Jackie Gurner into a literal soap opera after a long-kept family secret is revealed, taking them on a journey that proves that you really can come of age, at any age.
Mallory Schwartz, Josh Hetzler, and James Brown produced the project. Executive producers are Giri Tharan, Donna and Kevin Gruneich, Eric and Susan Fredston-Hermann, Mary Jane Skalski, Robin Bronk, Tim Daly, and Brian DeVine.
Written by Utt and Tullock, the pic thrusts co-dependent, thirty-something sisters Rachel and Jackie Gurner into a literal soap opera after a long-kept family secret is revealed, taking them on a journey that proves that you really can come of age, at any age.
Mallory Schwartz, Josh Hetzler, and James Brown produced the project. Executive producers are Giri Tharan, Donna and Kevin Gruneich, Eric and Susan Fredston-Hermann, Mary Jane Skalski, Robin Bronk, Tim Daly, and Brian DeVine.
- 4/11/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Hannah Pearl Utt’s feature directorial debut to open theatrically this year.
In the first acquisition announcement since The Orchard film group was rebranded as 1091, the company has picked up North American rights to Sundance entry Before You Know It.
Hannah Pearl Utt’s feature directorial debut stars Judith Light, Mandy Patinkin, Mike Colter and Alec Baldwin alongside Utt and Jen Tullock and premiered in U.S. Dramatic Competition in January.
1091 plans a theatrical release in the second half of the year on the story of co-dependent, thirty-something sisters who must deal with a startling family revelation.
Utt and Tullock...
In the first acquisition announcement since The Orchard film group was rebranded as 1091, the company has picked up North American rights to Sundance entry Before You Know It.
Hannah Pearl Utt’s feature directorial debut stars Judith Light, Mandy Patinkin, Mike Colter and Alec Baldwin alongside Utt and Jen Tullock and premiered in U.S. Dramatic Competition in January.
1091 plans a theatrical release in the second half of the year on the story of co-dependent, thirty-something sisters who must deal with a startling family revelation.
Utt and Tullock...
- 4/11/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
1091 has acquired the North American distribution rights to the 2019 Sundance comedy “Before You Know It,” the company’s first theatrical pick up under their new name since changing from The Orchard, 1091 announced Thursday.
Hannah Pearl Utt’s feature directorial debut played in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance, and 1091 is planning to release the film in the second half of 2019.
Judith Light, Mandy Patinkin, Mike Colter and Alec Baldwin star in the film alongside Utt and Jen Tullock. “Before You Know It” thrusts co-dependent, thirty-something sisters Rachel and Jackie Gurner into a literal soap opera after they learn that their mother they thought was long dead is alive and starring on a soap opera. Utt and Tullock co-wrote the screenplay.
Also Read: Daniel Stein Named Executive Chairman of 1091, Formerly The Orchard
The film was produced by Mallory Schwartz, Josh Hetzler and James Brown. Executive producers on the film are Giri Tharan,...
Hannah Pearl Utt’s feature directorial debut played in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance, and 1091 is planning to release the film in the second half of 2019.
Judith Light, Mandy Patinkin, Mike Colter and Alec Baldwin star in the film alongside Utt and Jen Tullock. “Before You Know It” thrusts co-dependent, thirty-something sisters Rachel and Jackie Gurner into a literal soap opera after they learn that their mother they thought was long dead is alive and starring on a soap opera. Utt and Tullock co-wrote the screenplay.
Also Read: Daniel Stein Named Executive Chairman of 1091, Formerly The Orchard
The film was produced by Mallory Schwartz, Josh Hetzler and James Brown. Executive producers on the film are Giri Tharan,...
- 4/11/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2019 Interior Appropriations Bill, and in it approved $155 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (Nea), an increase of $2.2 million over the current funding level. The Creative Coalition is also pleased that House members resoundingly voted down an amendment by a vote of 114–297 that would have slashed Nea funding by 15 percent.
This bipartisan victory for the Arts will ensure all Americans, especially those in rural and underserved communities, maintain the #RightToBearArts.
“The Arts are of tremendous benefit to underserved communities of the United States,” said actor and President of The Creative Coalition, Tim Daly. “Access to the arts has been proven to drive economic development, define American culture, and empower our children.”
Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition, added,
We thank Congress for acknowledging statistics that show investment in the arts is a wise decision...
This bipartisan victory for the Arts will ensure all Americans, especially those in rural and underserved communities, maintain the #RightToBearArts.
“The Arts are of tremendous benefit to underserved communities of the United States,” said actor and President of The Creative Coalition, Tim Daly. “Access to the arts has been proven to drive economic development, define American culture, and empower our children.”
Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition, added,
We thank Congress for acknowledging statistics that show investment in the arts is a wise decision...
- 7/19/2018
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
TheWrap and The Female Quotient Present “Changing Hollywood: The Road to 50/50 by 2020” at the 71st Cannes Film Festival, moderated by Sharon Waxman with producer Cassian Elwes, film executive Chaz Ebert, actress Dionne Audain, Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk, documentary filmmaker Lucy Walker and Swedish Film Institute’s Anna Swerner.
Read original story The Scene at TheWrap and The Female Quotient’s Cannes Panel on Gender Equity (Photos) At TheWrap...
Read original story The Scene at TheWrap and The Female Quotient’s Cannes Panel on Gender Equity (Photos) At TheWrap...
- 5/15/2018
- by Photographed by Genevieve Caron
- The Wrap
A group six of leading entertainment industry insiders and activists on Monday affirmed that the goal of gender equity in Hollywood can be achieved if women continue to insist on change.
“Every time you ask difficult questions about this topic you create an uncomfortable atmosphere,” said panelist Anna Serner, CEO of the Swedish Film Institute, a public entity that finances film in Sweden, at a Wrap-sponsored panel focused on gender equity at the Cannes Film Festival.
But Serner said it was imperative to “count, count, count” the number of women to get to fully 50-50 equity. “Forty-sixty is rubbish,” she said.
Serner was one of the first women to adopt the “50/50 by 2020” mission to achieve full gender parity in the film industry, and in three years the institute has achieved just that in film funding, she said.
She was joined on the panel by veteran film producer and activist Cassian Elwes...
“Every time you ask difficult questions about this topic you create an uncomfortable atmosphere,” said panelist Anna Serner, CEO of the Swedish Film Institute, a public entity that finances film in Sweden, at a Wrap-sponsored panel focused on gender equity at the Cannes Film Festival.
But Serner said it was imperative to “count, count, count” the number of women to get to fully 50-50 equity. “Forty-sixty is rubbish,” she said.
Serner was one of the first women to adopt the “50/50 by 2020” mission to achieve full gender parity in the film industry, and in three years the institute has achieved just that in film funding, she said.
She was joined on the panel by veteran film producer and activist Cassian Elwes...
- 5/14/2018
- by Zalika Scott
- The Wrap
Arts leaders and a conservative policy-maker clashed over President Trump’s plan to do away with federal funding for the arts at TheWrap’s Power Women Breakfast in Washington DC on Wednesday. “Do we really want Trump administration influencing art?” asked Romina Boccia, the Grover M. Hermann Research Fellow for budgetary affairs at the Heritage Foundation. Robin Bronk, CEO of the Creative Coalition, shot back: “We’re talking about the federal government funding arts, not the government making judgments on what is art.” The panel, “Public Funding for the Arts: The New Priorities,” got heated when Boccia insisted that President Trump...
- 4/19/2017
- by Brian Flood
- The Wrap
TheWrap’s Power Women Breakfast series features a panel, “Public Funding for the Arts: The New Priorities,” featuring SAG-aftra President Gabrielle Carteris, Robin Bronk, CEO of the Creative Coalition, and Romina Boccia, the Grover M. Hermann Research Fellow for budgetary affairs at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday morning. The breakfast will be hosted by TheWrap’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Sharon Waxman and live streamed on TheWrap’s Facebook channel. Waxman will also moderate the discussion on public funding for the arts. This is the second year the series has come to the nation’s capital to...
- 4/19/2017
- by Brian Flood
- The Wrap
The Creative Coalition has announced that acclaimed director Alejandro Monteverde’s "Little Boy" is the latest selection to be included in the organization’s prestigious 2015 Spotlight Initiative Film Slate. "Little Boy" is a narrative film that reveals the indescribable love a little boy has for his father and the love a father has for his son. "Little Boy" is distributed by Open Road Films and opens in theaters on April 24, 2015.
“'Little Boy' embodies the tenets of the Spotlight Initiative by using the powerful medium of film to highlight a period in history with lessons that are relevant to social welfare today,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films, said, “On behalf of 'Little Boy,' we feel tremendously appreciative to be chosen for the Spotlight Initiative. The program helps nurture the most creative area of moviemaking – independent film – helping ensure that the artistic creativity of indie film flourishes.”
The Creative Coalition's Spotlight Initiative is an integrated partnership that champions the art and craft of independent filmmaking by providing cause-related marketing strategies and issue campaign resources that allow the film’s message to reach beyond the movie screen. By bringing in influencers from the business, entertainment, arts, and policy arenas to support Spotlight Initiative films, The Creative Coalition is able to promote socially relevant, independent filmmaking.
"Little Boy" is a powerful and moving film about a little boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home from World War II alive. The heartwarming story will capture your heart and lift your spirits as it reveals the indescribable love a little boy has for his father and the love a father has for his son.
Set in the 1940s, "Little Boy" is an instant cinematic classic that captures the wonder of life through the eyes of a seven-year-old little boy. A moviegoing experience for all ages, "Little Boy" features an all-star cast/crew including Oscar® nominated actors Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson as well as Ben Chaplin, Michael Rapaport, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Ted Levine, David Henrie, Eduardo Verástegui, and newcomer Jakob Salvati.
The film is directed by Smithsonian Institute Award winning director Alejandro Monteverde ("Bella") from a screenplay by Monteverde and Pepe Portillo. Executive produced by Eduardo Verástegui, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, Emilio Azcárraga Jean, Bernardo Gómez Martinez, Mickey O’Hare, and Sean Wolfington, the film is produced by Leo Severino, Eduardo Verástegui, and Alejandro Monteverde. The film is co-executive produced by Ricardo Del Río Galnares.
“'Little Boy' embodies the tenets of the Spotlight Initiative by using the powerful medium of film to highlight a period in history with lessons that are relevant to social welfare today,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films, said, “On behalf of 'Little Boy,' we feel tremendously appreciative to be chosen for the Spotlight Initiative. The program helps nurture the most creative area of moviemaking – independent film – helping ensure that the artistic creativity of indie film flourishes.”
The Creative Coalition's Spotlight Initiative is an integrated partnership that champions the art and craft of independent filmmaking by providing cause-related marketing strategies and issue campaign resources that allow the film’s message to reach beyond the movie screen. By bringing in influencers from the business, entertainment, arts, and policy arenas to support Spotlight Initiative films, The Creative Coalition is able to promote socially relevant, independent filmmaking.
"Little Boy" is a powerful and moving film about a little boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home from World War II alive. The heartwarming story will capture your heart and lift your spirits as it reveals the indescribable love a little boy has for his father and the love a father has for his son.
Set in the 1940s, "Little Boy" is an instant cinematic classic that captures the wonder of life through the eyes of a seven-year-old little boy. A moviegoing experience for all ages, "Little Boy" features an all-star cast/crew including Oscar® nominated actors Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson as well as Ben Chaplin, Michael Rapaport, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Ted Levine, David Henrie, Eduardo Verástegui, and newcomer Jakob Salvati.
The film is directed by Smithsonian Institute Award winning director Alejandro Monteverde ("Bella") from a screenplay by Monteverde and Pepe Portillo. Executive produced by Eduardo Verástegui, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, Emilio Azcárraga Jean, Bernardo Gómez Martinez, Mickey O’Hare, and Sean Wolfington, the film is produced by Leo Severino, Eduardo Verástegui, and Alejandro Monteverde. The film is co-executive produced by Ricardo Del Río Galnares.
- 4/10/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Creative Coalition has announced the 2015 Spotlight Initiative Awards will be bestowed on Zoë Kravitz, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kellan Lutz and recent Golden Globe Winner Jeffrey Tambor at The Creative Coalition Awards Gala Dinner in Park City, Utah on January 24th. The annual gala evening is a marquee event with creative talent and executives from the arenas of entertainment and media gathering to celebrate these luminaries and the art and craft of independent film.
Details are as follows:
Saturday, January 24, 2015
8:00 pm
Nikki Beach at Riverhorse on Main
540 Main Street
Park City, Utah
“This year’s class of honorees represents a journey of triumph for independent film. The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative Award was created to support the artistry of independent film and those who create it,” said CEO of The Creative Coalition Robin Bronk.
For ticket information visit Here
About The Creative Coalition and the Spotlight Initiative:
The Creative Coalition is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan 501 (c)(3) social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President. The Spotlight Initiative Awards are a prestigious honor in the independent film arena.
Previous recipients include Dustin Hoffman, Kathy Bates, Eddie Izzard, and Josh Lucas for Boychoir; William H. Macy and John Hawkes for The Sessions; Kevin Spacey, Demi Moore, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, and Stanley Tucci for Margin Call; Vera Farmiga for Goats; Maggie Gyllenhaal for Hysteria; and directors Quentin Tarantino, Taylor Hackford, George Hickenlooper, Lee Daniels, Roland Emmerich, and Barry Levinson. Other Spotlight Initiative Award winners include Cicely Tyson, Marcia Gay Harden, Melissa Leo, Elijah Wood, Anna Kendrick, Ellen Barkin, Alan Arkin, Tracy Morgan, Kate Bosworth, Jane Lynch, Shailene Woodley, Alfred Molina, Cheryl Hines, Josh Gad, Jonathan Pryce, Rose McGowan, and Emile Hirsch, among others.
About Nikki Beach Worldwide:
In 1998, entrepreneur Jack Penrod introduced the world to Nikki Beach; the ultimate beach club concept that combines the elements of entertainment, dining, music, fashion, film and art into one. Today, the Nikki Beach concept has transcended its international venues and grown into a global, multifaceted luxury lifestyle & hospitality brand comprising of a Beach Club Division; a Lifestyle Division (including an exclusive branding & clothing line found at the Boutiques located at all Nikki Beach locations, a music label and Nikki Style Magazine, a luxury travel, fashion & lifestyle publication produced two times a year); a Special Events Division; a Hotels & Resorts Division; and Nikki Cares, a 501c3 Non-Profit Charity Division
Nikki Beach can now be experienced in: Miami Beach, Florida, USA; St. Tropez, France; St. Barth, French West Indies; Marbella, Spain; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Marrakech, Morocco; Koh Samui, Thailand; Mallorca, Spain; Ibiza, Spain; Phuket, Thailand; Porto Heli, Greece; Bali, Indonesia; and pop-up locations in Cannes, France during the Cannes International Film Festival, Canada during the Toronto International Film Festival and in Park City, Utah, USA during the Sundance Film Festival. The Hotels & Resorts division has a current location in Koh Samui, Thailand & Porto Heli, Greece and in 2015 will be opening a hotel property in Dubai, UAE; For more information about Nikki Beach Worldwide, please visit:Here...
Details are as follows:
Saturday, January 24, 2015
8:00 pm
Nikki Beach at Riverhorse on Main
540 Main Street
Park City, Utah
“This year’s class of honorees represents a journey of triumph for independent film. The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative Award was created to support the artistry of independent film and those who create it,” said CEO of The Creative Coalition Robin Bronk.
For ticket information visit Here
About The Creative Coalition and the Spotlight Initiative:
The Creative Coalition is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan 501 (c)(3) social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President. The Spotlight Initiative Awards are a prestigious honor in the independent film arena.
Previous recipients include Dustin Hoffman, Kathy Bates, Eddie Izzard, and Josh Lucas for Boychoir; William H. Macy and John Hawkes for The Sessions; Kevin Spacey, Demi Moore, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, and Stanley Tucci for Margin Call; Vera Farmiga for Goats; Maggie Gyllenhaal for Hysteria; and directors Quentin Tarantino, Taylor Hackford, George Hickenlooper, Lee Daniels, Roland Emmerich, and Barry Levinson. Other Spotlight Initiative Award winners include Cicely Tyson, Marcia Gay Harden, Melissa Leo, Elijah Wood, Anna Kendrick, Ellen Barkin, Alan Arkin, Tracy Morgan, Kate Bosworth, Jane Lynch, Shailene Woodley, Alfred Molina, Cheryl Hines, Josh Gad, Jonathan Pryce, Rose McGowan, and Emile Hirsch, among others.
About Nikki Beach Worldwide:
In 1998, entrepreneur Jack Penrod introduced the world to Nikki Beach; the ultimate beach club concept that combines the elements of entertainment, dining, music, fashion, film and art into one. Today, the Nikki Beach concept has transcended its international venues and grown into a global, multifaceted luxury lifestyle & hospitality brand comprising of a Beach Club Division; a Lifestyle Division (including an exclusive branding & clothing line found at the Boutiques located at all Nikki Beach locations, a music label and Nikki Style Magazine, a luxury travel, fashion & lifestyle publication produced two times a year); a Special Events Division; a Hotels & Resorts Division; and Nikki Cares, a 501c3 Non-Profit Charity Division
Nikki Beach can now be experienced in: Miami Beach, Florida, USA; St. Tropez, France; St. Barth, French West Indies; Marbella, Spain; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Marrakech, Morocco; Koh Samui, Thailand; Mallorca, Spain; Ibiza, Spain; Phuket, Thailand; Porto Heli, Greece; Bali, Indonesia; and pop-up locations in Cannes, France during the Cannes International Film Festival, Canada during the Toronto International Film Festival and in Park City, Utah, USA during the Sundance Film Festival. The Hotels & Resorts division has a current location in Koh Samui, Thailand & Porto Heli, Greece and in 2015 will be opening a hotel property in Dubai, UAE; For more information about Nikki Beach Worldwide, please visit:Here...
- 1/13/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
“It was the decision of a lifetime. I had a couple hundred bucks, a backpack, and not much else, other than a ton of will. I certainly wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t make the decision to grab that backpack and work my way to California.’’ — Jared Leto, The Art of Discovery
CEO of The Creative Coalition Robin Bronk has just released The Art of Discovery published by Rizzoli New York and sponsored by Renaissance Hotels. This is her third book of celebrity portraits and interviews where a portion of the proceeds goes to The Creative Coalition’s campaign to encourage support for the arts in public schools and in communities. Bronk says:
I came up with the idea for this book after spending almost two decades traveling with actors, members of The Creative Coalition, to all corners of the world on various service projects. There’s a lot of time spent waiting in airports, and crossing countries on buses and trains. I work with the greatest storytellers and I wanted to create a vehicle to share these tales of discovery and inspiration that would support the arts — the core of why The Creative Coalition exists.
This collection of inspirational stories from 100 notable celebrities was photographed by celebrity photographer Jeff Vespa and elegantly designed by award-winning art director and designer Nancy Rouemy of We Live Type Ltd. Rouemy’s modern and innovative typography and brilliant photographic art direction paired with Vespa’s stunning shots make for a mesmerizing visual experience.
Vespa and Rouemy collaborated together on set, but mostly 2800 miles apart. Rouemy says:
It was thrilling to art direct many of the artists at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, and, via the Internet from New York, in Los Angeles. I shared a screen with Jeff and was able to see everyone on set in Los Feliz and direct from my New York office; yet, they couldn’t see me, only hear my voice. During each shoot, every single artist parroted, “I feel like I’m in the movie, “Her!’’
Bronk credits Rouemy as an “off the charts designer who made the book sing.’’ Bronk continues:
We were tremendously fortunate to have Nancy Rouemy on the team. Her creative mastery and experience were instrumental in garnering a publishing deal with the premier coffee table book publisher, Rizzoli. That, coupled with the support of Renaissance Hotels — a company that is vested into supporting arts in America — has made for a powerful campaign to do well by doing good.
The Art of Discovery is not your typical coffee table book of celebrities. It’s a deep exploration of spirit and insight. It is a reminder that anyone can turn a dream into reality. The heart and tone of each individual story is the result of, as Rouemy encapsulates, “What was that pinpointed moment that either changed the direction of your life or inspired you creatively?”
One of the featured artists Jena Malone shares the story of her mother who worked two jobs and was “always a little disheveled and dirty, just like a mom.” Then one day she saw her mother playing Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, and was blown away by what she saw:
She looked enchanting — long hair; make-up, and a beautiful red dress. She had transformed herself, and she didn’t make a big deal out of it.
Malone goes on to say, “I wanted that metamorphosis — that ability to change, to elevate, to be a completely different person.”
Mark Webber shares his experience of being homeless for two years:
Bathed in Polo cologne... I remember lying in a sleeping bag next to my mom in the freezing cold one night and making a connection with a star. It was my first spiritual experience…
At that moment, I knew that life was going to be ok. I still look up to the stars to remind myself that I can still take risks, explore my fears, and challenge myself.
As with the best creative processes, the project was enhanced by unexpected magic. Nancy Rouemy shares her experience photographing Jason Alexander:
I wanted to create something unexpected and funny for Jason Alexander’s photo. While researching existing images of Alexander, I kept focusing on his bald head. I saw it as “prime real estate,’’ and decided to top his shine with a stuffed white dove. When I married the final image with the text (which I received after the shoot), ala kazam... serendipity!
Alexander admits, “My entire childhood, I wanted to be a magician.... My hands were genetically small and especially challenged to accomplish the particular dexterity of the great close-up magicians.’’
However, transfixed by Ben Vereen on stage in “Pippin,’’ Alexander realizes, “the theater is an illusion, a huge and amazing illusion... I could still have magic in my life.’’ The magician’s dove was the perfect prop and Jason’s roaming eyes — nailed it.
The Art of Discovery is the latest entry of a series of books that Bronk created and edited for The Creative Coalition (www.thecreativecoalition.org) that maximizes the power and position of celebrity to serve the common good. The Art of Discovery was sponsored by Renaissance Hotels. The Creative Coalition was galvanized in 1989 by actors Christopher Reeve, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin and Ron Silver to marshal the voice and reach of the arts community and entertainment industry to support social welfare issues, particularly arts in education. The Art of Discovery is available in local bookstores and at barnesandnoble.com...
CEO of The Creative Coalition Robin Bronk has just released The Art of Discovery published by Rizzoli New York and sponsored by Renaissance Hotels. This is her third book of celebrity portraits and interviews where a portion of the proceeds goes to The Creative Coalition’s campaign to encourage support for the arts in public schools and in communities. Bronk says:
I came up with the idea for this book after spending almost two decades traveling with actors, members of The Creative Coalition, to all corners of the world on various service projects. There’s a lot of time spent waiting in airports, and crossing countries on buses and trains. I work with the greatest storytellers and I wanted to create a vehicle to share these tales of discovery and inspiration that would support the arts — the core of why The Creative Coalition exists.
This collection of inspirational stories from 100 notable celebrities was photographed by celebrity photographer Jeff Vespa and elegantly designed by award-winning art director and designer Nancy Rouemy of We Live Type Ltd. Rouemy’s modern and innovative typography and brilliant photographic art direction paired with Vespa’s stunning shots make for a mesmerizing visual experience.
Vespa and Rouemy collaborated together on set, but mostly 2800 miles apart. Rouemy says:
It was thrilling to art direct many of the artists at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, and, via the Internet from New York, in Los Angeles. I shared a screen with Jeff and was able to see everyone on set in Los Feliz and direct from my New York office; yet, they couldn’t see me, only hear my voice. During each shoot, every single artist parroted, “I feel like I’m in the movie, “Her!’’
Bronk credits Rouemy as an “off the charts designer who made the book sing.’’ Bronk continues:
We were tremendously fortunate to have Nancy Rouemy on the team. Her creative mastery and experience were instrumental in garnering a publishing deal with the premier coffee table book publisher, Rizzoli. That, coupled with the support of Renaissance Hotels — a company that is vested into supporting arts in America — has made for a powerful campaign to do well by doing good.
The Art of Discovery is not your typical coffee table book of celebrities. It’s a deep exploration of spirit and insight. It is a reminder that anyone can turn a dream into reality. The heart and tone of each individual story is the result of, as Rouemy encapsulates, “What was that pinpointed moment that either changed the direction of your life or inspired you creatively?”
One of the featured artists Jena Malone shares the story of her mother who worked two jobs and was “always a little disheveled and dirty, just like a mom.” Then one day she saw her mother playing Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, and was blown away by what she saw:
She looked enchanting — long hair; make-up, and a beautiful red dress. She had transformed herself, and she didn’t make a big deal out of it.
Malone goes on to say, “I wanted that metamorphosis — that ability to change, to elevate, to be a completely different person.”
Mark Webber shares his experience of being homeless for two years:
Bathed in Polo cologne... I remember lying in a sleeping bag next to my mom in the freezing cold one night and making a connection with a star. It was my first spiritual experience…
At that moment, I knew that life was going to be ok. I still look up to the stars to remind myself that I can still take risks, explore my fears, and challenge myself.
As with the best creative processes, the project was enhanced by unexpected magic. Nancy Rouemy shares her experience photographing Jason Alexander:
I wanted to create something unexpected and funny for Jason Alexander’s photo. While researching existing images of Alexander, I kept focusing on his bald head. I saw it as “prime real estate,’’ and decided to top his shine with a stuffed white dove. When I married the final image with the text (which I received after the shoot), ala kazam... serendipity!
Alexander admits, “My entire childhood, I wanted to be a magician.... My hands were genetically small and especially challenged to accomplish the particular dexterity of the great close-up magicians.’’
However, transfixed by Ben Vereen on stage in “Pippin,’’ Alexander realizes, “the theater is an illusion, a huge and amazing illusion... I could still have magic in my life.’’ The magician’s dove was the perfect prop and Jason’s roaming eyes — nailed it.
The Art of Discovery is the latest entry of a series of books that Bronk created and edited for The Creative Coalition (www.thecreativecoalition.org) that maximizes the power and position of celebrity to serve the common good. The Art of Discovery was sponsored by Renaissance Hotels. The Creative Coalition was galvanized in 1989 by actors Christopher Reeve, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin and Ron Silver to marshal the voice and reach of the arts community and entertainment industry to support social welfare issues, particularly arts in education. The Art of Discovery is available in local bookstores and at barnesandnoble.com...
- 11/4/2014
- by Erin Grover
- Sydney's Buzz
Validating with hard data the economic relevance of the arts, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has released new numbers that reassure the great impact these industries have on the well-being of the economy as a whole. As one of the most prominent advocates for the arts in the entertainment industry, The Creative Coalition expanded on these crucial new information in the following press release.
See below
For the first time ever, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Bea), the federal agency charged with calculating our gross domestic product, has released official data measuring the impact of the arts and culture sector on our nation’s economy.
The Bea’s report, released this morning, finds that the arts and cultural industries account for $504 billion, with 3.2% of our total gross domestic product (Gdp) flowing from our arts and culture sector. The data also notes that the arts have been hard hit by the recession and accounted for 3.5% to 3.7% of Gdp in the years 1998 to 2006.
“That’s a huge and under-appreciated impact,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “The arts are an essential component of a healthy American economy. From film and television crews to designers to tourist spending related to museums and arts festivals, the arts are creating good jobs and powering local economies around the country. Today’s report finds that more than two million Americans work in our creative industries.”
Despite the fact that the arts account for 3.2% of our Gdp, federal investment in the sector accounts for only .004% of our federal budget. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee voted to cut arts funding by an additional 49%.
“This should be a wake-up call to Washington,” said The Creative Coalition’s Bronk. “Our federal investment in the arts is not in line with today’s numbers. With so many jobs at stake, we should be investing more, not less, in our arts and culture sector.
To learn more about The Creative Coalition visit Here...
See below
For the first time ever, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Bea), the federal agency charged with calculating our gross domestic product, has released official data measuring the impact of the arts and culture sector on our nation’s economy.
The Bea’s report, released this morning, finds that the arts and cultural industries account for $504 billion, with 3.2% of our total gross domestic product (Gdp) flowing from our arts and culture sector. The data also notes that the arts have been hard hit by the recession and accounted for 3.5% to 3.7% of Gdp in the years 1998 to 2006.
“That’s a huge and under-appreciated impact,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “The arts are an essential component of a healthy American economy. From film and television crews to designers to tourist spending related to museums and arts festivals, the arts are creating good jobs and powering local economies around the country. Today’s report finds that more than two million Americans work in our creative industries.”
Despite the fact that the arts account for 3.2% of our Gdp, federal investment in the sector accounts for only .004% of our federal budget. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee voted to cut arts funding by an additional 49%.
“This should be a wake-up call to Washington,” said The Creative Coalition’s Bronk. “Our federal investment in the arts is not in line with today’s numbers. With so many jobs at stake, we should be investing more, not less, in our arts and culture sector.
To learn more about The Creative Coalition visit Here...
- 12/7/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Congratulations to Robin Bronk are due, not only for being honored at Jesse Jackson's 72nd birthday, but for her good work year round, bringing the entertainment community face to face with the issues of education in America today.
The Creative Coalition is the premiere nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance, primarily public education, the First Amendment, and arts advocacy. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President. As CEO, Bronk is dedicated to educating and mobilizing members of The Creative Coalition on issues of public importance. As a seasoned Capitol Hill strategist, she has represented The Creative Coalition at numerous Congressional Hearings, and the White House. Bronk is an author and a frequent public speaker.
She produced the feature film airing on Showtime, Poliwood, directed by Academy Award-winner Barry Levinson. She also produced the award-winning Watch What You Watch PSA campaign addressing girls and body image. Bronk pens a weekly “Five Minutes…” column for The Hill newspaper. Bronk grew up in Clemson, South Carolina and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University. She resides in New York with her three daughters.
The Rainbow Push Coalition and the Citizenship Education Fund held their Annual Awards Gala , Friday, November 22, 2013 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The event celebrated Rev. Jackson’s 72nd birthday and his lifetime of service in the struggle for civil and human rights at home and abroad. Significantly, Rev. Jackson just returned from meaningful visits to Nigeria, South Africa, and Brazil, addressing the critical issues facing the African Diaspora, and drawing links to the plight of African- Americans at home.
This year also marks critical landmark struggles in the U.S., from the fight to protect the Voting Rights Act from the Supreme Court decision, to commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the Church bombings in Birmingham, to critical movements to protect the Affordable Care Act from the current onslaught in Congress.
Robin Bronk, CEO, The Creative Coalition was honored along with Lysa Heslov, Founder and Executive Director of Children Mending Hearts; Steve McKeever, music producer and CEO of Hidden Beach Records; Lester McKeever, Principal of Washington, Pittman and McKeever; Andrew Young, former Us Ambassador to the Un; Rev. Joseph Bryant, Senior Pastor, Calvary Hill Community Church; Jeffrey David Cox, Sr., National President, American Federation of Government Employees/AFL-CIO; Thomas Saenz, President and General Counsel, Maldef.
Music was performed by Jin Jin Reevs and Hitzville.
Proceeds from the gala celebration are being directed to the commitment to providing scholarships for students across the country, to expand their higher education opportunities.
The Creative Coalition is the premiere nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance, primarily public education, the First Amendment, and arts advocacy. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President. As CEO, Bronk is dedicated to educating and mobilizing members of The Creative Coalition on issues of public importance. As a seasoned Capitol Hill strategist, she has represented The Creative Coalition at numerous Congressional Hearings, and the White House. Bronk is an author and a frequent public speaker.
She produced the feature film airing on Showtime, Poliwood, directed by Academy Award-winner Barry Levinson. She also produced the award-winning Watch What You Watch PSA campaign addressing girls and body image. Bronk pens a weekly “Five Minutes…” column for The Hill newspaper. Bronk grew up in Clemson, South Carolina and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University. She resides in New York with her three daughters.
The Rainbow Push Coalition and the Citizenship Education Fund held their Annual Awards Gala , Friday, November 22, 2013 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The event celebrated Rev. Jackson’s 72nd birthday and his lifetime of service in the struggle for civil and human rights at home and abroad. Significantly, Rev. Jackson just returned from meaningful visits to Nigeria, South Africa, and Brazil, addressing the critical issues facing the African Diaspora, and drawing links to the plight of African- Americans at home.
This year also marks critical landmark struggles in the U.S., from the fight to protect the Voting Rights Act from the Supreme Court decision, to commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the Church bombings in Birmingham, to critical movements to protect the Affordable Care Act from the current onslaught in Congress.
Robin Bronk, CEO, The Creative Coalition was honored along with Lysa Heslov, Founder and Executive Director of Children Mending Hearts; Steve McKeever, music producer and CEO of Hidden Beach Records; Lester McKeever, Principal of Washington, Pittman and McKeever; Andrew Young, former Us Ambassador to the Un; Rev. Joseph Bryant, Senior Pastor, Calvary Hill Community Church; Jeffrey David Cox, Sr., National President, American Federation of Government Employees/AFL-CIO; Thomas Saenz, President and General Counsel, Maldef.
Music was performed by Jin Jin Reevs and Hitzville.
Proceeds from the gala celebration are being directed to the commitment to providing scholarships for students across the country, to expand their higher education opportunities.
- 11/25/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Late as usual. People are attending Mipcom in Cannes and in November Afm in Santa Monica, and I’m only now getting around to writing about my own private Toronto. I chose films I would not be able to see soon in a theater near me and I chose films because my schedule permitted me to see them. Occasionally I chose films my friends were going to and that happened when my time was not demanding other things be done.
I wish I could have seen 100 other films too but for some reason or another I could not fit them in.
I moderated a wonderful panel (and we did blog on that!) on international film financing with Sffs’ Ted Hope, UTA’s Rena Ronson, Revolution’s Andrew Eaton, and Hollywood-based Cross Creek’s Brian Oliver, and Paul Miller, Head of Film Financing, from the Doha Film Institute, Qatar's first international organization dedicated to film financing, production, education and two film festivals.
I also spoke with Toronto Talent Lab filmmakers and then I filled my days with films – I did get an interview with Gloria’s director Sebastian Lelio and Berlin Best Actress winner Paulina Garcia and with Marcela Said, director of The Summer of Flying Fish but mostly I watched film after film after film – up to five a day, just like in the old days when I had to do it for my acquisitions jobs. This was pure pleasure. Friends would meet before the film, we would watch and disperse. And we would meet again at the cocktail hour or the dinner hour and then disperse again.
My partner Peter had lots of meetings with the Talent of Toronto from the Not Short on Shorts and the Talent Lab Mentoring Programs.
Parties like the Rotterdam-Screen International party gave us the chance to catch up with our Dutch friends whom we have not seen for the last two years. Ontario Media Development Corporation’s presenting the International Financing Forum luncheon gave us the chance to talk to lots of upcoming filmmakers and old friends again who were mentoring them. The panel Forty Years On: Women’s Film Festivals Today, moderated by Kay Armatage, former Tiff programmer, Professor Emeritus University of Toronto, and featuring Debra Zimmerman, Executive Director of Women Make Movies, NYC, Melissa Silverstein, Do-Fojnder an dArtistic Director of the Athena Film Festival in NYC and blogger of Women in Hollywood, So-In Hong, Director of Programming of the International Women’s Film Festival in Seoul had a rapport and didn’t hesitate to challenge each other. It felt like a party even though the subject was quite serious. The SXSW party was crowded as always, filled with everyone we could possibly know. It is always a great party we all want to attend.
One of the great dinners was that of The Creative Coalition Spotlight Awards Dinner honoring Alfre Woodard (12 Years a Slave), Hill Harper (1982, CSI: NY), Sharon Leal (1982), Matt Letscher (Scandal, The Carrie Diaries), Brenton Thwaites (Oculus, Maleficient), Tommy Oliver (1982, Kinyarwanda – I am a great fan of Tommy’s!), Tom Ortenberg (CEO, Open Road Films which has a coventure with Regal Theaters and AMC Theaters recently acquired by the richest man in China), and David Arquette (The Scream series). Our hostess, Robin Bronk is so welcoming and so dedicated to furthering the cause of universal education as a human right, education in the arts as a must. I admire her presence and her good work.
Here is a list of the great (and not so great, but never bad) films I got to see. I also list those I continue to hear about even now. I do not list all the films which were picked up during the festival and later. For that, you can go to SydneysBuzz.com and buy the Fall Rights Roundup 2013 and see all films whose rights were acquired (and announced) and by whom with links to all companies and Cinando for further research. For buyers it will, by deduction, show what is still available for Afm and for programmers, it will show who is in charge of the film for specific territories. The second edition will be issued two weeks after Afm.
One of the first films I saw and still retaining its place as one of my favorites was the documentary Finding Vivian Maier which begins with the discovery of photographs by an unknown woman named Vivian Maier by filmmaker John Maloof. As the mystery of this woman is uncovered, the audience is treated to her stunning work and the story of who she was.
One of my favorite films was by one of my favorite directors, Lucas Moodyson. We Are The Best (Isa: Trust Nordisk) was a great surprise, the story of three teeny-bopper punk-influenced girls who loved getting into unusual situations. It was loving and fun, darling and funny. I would take my children to see it and would delight in seeing it again. It was the biggest surprise for me. I can see why Magnolia snapped it up for the U.S. I thank programmer Steve Gravenstock for giving me the ticket for this film which I would have missed otherwise.
I had missed Jodorowsky’s Dune in Cannes. I am a great fan of El Topo and was eager to see this film. I was surprised at the elegance and skill of Jodorowsky in explaining his vision. Afterward, Gary Springer, our favorite publicist, arranged a wonderful reception at a classic comic book store where we loaded up on some fascinating graphic novels and Gary showed us his depiction on an old issue of Mad Magazine discussing the making of Jaws which he was in. picture here.
A totally unique and unexpected film about the African Diaspora, Belle, written and directed by Amma Asante was not talked about much to my surprise, perhaps because Fox Searchlight acquired all rights worldwide from Bankside before the festival. It is a stunningly beautiful British period piece of the 18th century about a mixed race aristocratic beauty.
My favorite film, on a par with The Patience Stone last year was Bobo (Isa: Wide) by Ines Oliveira starring Paula Garcia Aissato Indjai, produced by my friend Fernando Vendrell who gave me a ticket when I could not get one myself. This story of a woman who does nothing except go to work is forced to accept a claning woman and her young sister from Guinea-Bissau. Together they face down their demons. I love the cross-cultural understanding which results in their shared situations. I recently saw Mother of George and found the same warm connection across great cultural divides, though this one was of generations.
I wish I could have seen Pays Barbare/ Barbaric Land, the Italian/ French doc in Wavelengths about Mussolini’s attempted subjugation of Ethiopia (the only country in Africa never colonized). It sounds like great political poetry.
1982 which had previously won the prize of the jury I served on for Us Works in Progress held in July at the Champs Elysees Film Festival in Paris. It was deeply moving and disturbing film which depicts the shattering and the healing of a family. It also helps feed the pipeline begun with Lee Daniels producing Monster’s Ball who went on to direct to such films as Precious and The Butler. If the African American experience can continue to be expressed so eloquently by such filmmakers as Tommy Oliver, Rashaad Ernesto Green (Sundance 2012’s Gun Hill Road), Ava DuVernay (Middle of Nowhere), then a film literate audience will foster greater growth of even more talent in the coming generation. While I didn’t see All Is By My Side by U.K.’s John Ridley which is about Jimi Hendrix nor (yet!) the most highly acclaimed film of the festival, 12 Years a Slave by U.K.’s Steve McQueen, but I would include them in this discussion of the African American Experience.
On the subject of Africa, where last Sundance God Loves Uganda shocked and upset me, this year Mission Congo (Cinephil) revealed much of the same cultural divide only these two films show the negative impact of the Christian right upon already besieged Africans. What is done in the name of a righteous G-d is cause for dialogue and oversight.
Israel and the Middle East
No major turmoil or denunciations this year (Thank G-d, Allah, or whoever She may be). Katriel Schory, head of the Israeli Film Fund told me that if I could only see one film, then it should be Bethlehem which is the country’s submission for Academy Award Consideration for the Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. It was a sad and clear eyed microcosmic view of the issues of trust and betrayals played out among every level of the society. People compared it to Omar by Hany Abu-Assad,the filmmaker of a favorite of mine, Paradise Now, but I did not see Omar.
Rags and Tatters at first seemed like a documentary, and does have doc footage, but it is a circular story that ends where it began but with much more understanding of the chaotic events in Cairo. Really worth watching.
Latino
Of the Latino films two Chilean films, Gloria (Chile) and The Summer of Flying Fish (Review), were accompanied by interviews which you can read on my previous blogs here and here. El Mudo from Peru by the Vega brothers was in the odd vien of their previous film, October. Not sure at the end just what the film was saying…
Toronto Film Fest Programmer Diana Sanchez’s official count of Latino films in the festival is 16. Of these, 5 are by women; 30% is a strong number. Venezuela and Chile are strong with year with two films each. Two other films might have been chosen except they went to San Sebastian for their world premieres. Especially hot this year was Mexico. 4 films are here but she might have chosen 10 if she could have. Costa Rica is making a showing with All About the Feathers and Central America is making more movies. There is lots of industry buzz coming from the good pictures from Brazil like A Wolf at the Door from Sao Paolo production
She is not counting Gravity by Alfonso Cuaron as as Latino film but as a U.S. film.
And Our White Society
The Dinner (Isa: Media Luna) by Menno Meyjes ♀ (Isa: Media Luna), a Dutch film deals with the personal and political as two families disintegrate when the affluent sons kill a homeless woman. Deeply disturbing social issues on the other side of the spectrum from those of 1982 and yet very much the same. How a society can foster such dissonance in class structure today which results in the disintegration of family and even a nation’s political life is, as I said, deeply disturbing. Based on the N.Y. Times best selling book which sold over 650,000 in The Netherlands, and is published in 22 countries, it stars four of Holland’s most renowned actors, Jacob Derwig, Thekla Reuten, Daan Schuurmans, and Kim van Kooten. This is a story that could be remade in America and still maintain its strength. The writer-director Menno Meyjes wrote the Academy Award nominee The Color Purple and collaborated with director Steven Speilberg on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In 2008 he directed Manolete with Penelope Cruz and Adrien Brody.
The Last of Robin Hood was a romp which thrilled us because Peter Belsito, my own dear husband, had a moment on screen (as the director of Errol Flynn’s last film Cuban Rebel Girls). He got the part because he had had an equally small role in the original Cuban Rebel Girls when it filmed in Cuba in 1959, four months after the Revolution. He happened to be there on vacation with his family including his 18 year old sister and his crazy aunt because Puerto Rico was full that year and Cuba had plenty of room. Directors Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland invited him to play in their film. The film actually had more meaning than merely a romp as it revealed what lays below the June-September love affair between Errol Flynn and 15 year old Beverly Aadland, the nature of fame (“a religion in this godless country” to quote Flynn himself) and ambition. Kevin Kline, Susan Sarandan and Dakota Fanning were all great in the repertoire piece.
Can a Song Save Your Life? garnered great praise as the film that followed the simple pure Once. I found it a bit flat though it kept my interest enough that I was not contemplating leaving. But it lacked the simplicity of Once.
Fading Gigolo proves that a Woody Allen Film is a Genre. John Turturro makes a Woody Allen middle-aged man fantasy of a wished for love affair with a Hasidic woman. Turturro is always lovable on screen, but his directing has something inauthentic about it…the only authentic thing was the twice-stated thought that somewhere in his heritage he was really Jewish. When I saw his previous film Passione, about Italians and passion, the opening song, being one of the first Cuban songs I ever heard, turned me off because again, it was inauthentic. It was Cuban, not Italian. I think he is not comfortable in his Italian guise.
Other films at Tiff I have seen previously:
Only Lovers Left Alive by Jim Jarmusch (Isa: HanWay, U.S. Spc). If you can see it as a dream of night, then the vampires dreaminess might appeal to you. I personally was ready to fall into my own stupor after watching this 123 minute movie of Vampires who have seen it all. Zzzzzz.
Don Jon is sexy and sweet. Scarlett Johansson is a superb comedienne, equal to Claudette Colbert in this film about two totally media mesmerized young lovers. ___ and his father are also great straight men. I loved this film, so funny and sweet and all about sex. Loved it!
Borgman Darkest humor, or is it humor? Creepy and definitely engrossing. Dutch filmmaker Alex van Warmerdam at his best. This is the Netherlands' Official Academy Awards Submission.
What I hear was good:
Aside from the ones that got snapped up for lots of money and are covered in all the trades already, there are films which I keep hearing about even now and will see:
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
12 Years a Slave (Isa: Summit, U.S. Fox Searchlight)
The Lunchbox (Isa: The Match Factory)
Prisoners (Isa: Summit/ Lionsgate, U.S.: Warner Bros)
Dallas Buyers Clubs (Isa: Voltage, U.S. Focus Features)
Life of Crime (Isa: Hyde Park, U.S.: )
A Touch of Sin (Isa: MK2, U.S. Kino Lorber)
Gravity (Isa: Warner Bros. U.S. Warner Bros.)
Enough Said (Isa: Fox Searchlight, U.S. Fox Searchlight)
La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) (Isa: Pathe, U.S. Criterion) Italy’s submission for Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film
Violette (Isa: Doc & Film, U.S.: ?)
Omar (Isa: The Match Factory, U.S.: ?)
Le Passe (The Past) (Isa: Memento, U.S. Spc) Iran’s submission for Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
To the Wolf (Isa: Pascale Ramonda)
The Selfish Giant (Isa: Protagonist, U.S. IFC)
At Berkeley by Frederick Wiseman (Isa: Doc & Film, U.S. Zipporah)
The Unknown Known (Isa: Entertainment One, U.S. Radius-twc)
Ain’t Misbehavin (Un Voyager) by Marcel Ophuls (Isa: Wide House)
Faith Connections by Pan Nalin (Isa: Cite Films). This Indian French film, produced by Raphael Berduo among others is written about here.
Civil Rights (?)
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
12 Years a Slave (Isa: Summit, U.S. Fox Searchlight)
Belle (Isa: Bankside, all rights sold to Fox Searchlight)
Lgbt
Kill Your Darlings: The youthful finding of himself by Alan Ginsburg as he enters Colombia University and meets Lucien Carr, Jack Kerouac and Alan Bourroughs revolves around a murder which actually happened. The period veracity and Daniel Radcliffe’s acting carry the film into a fascinating character study. (U.S. Spc)
Dallas Buyers Club (Isa: Voltage, U.S. Focus Features)
Tom a la ferme / Tom at the Farm by Xavier Dolan Isa: MK2, U.S.:)
L’Armee du salut/ Salvation Army by Abdellah Taia (Isa: - U.S.:-)
Eastern Boys (Isa: Films Distribution)
Pelo Malo/ Bad Hair (FiGa Films)
The Dog (Producer Rep: Submarine)
Ignasi M. (Isa: Latido)
Gerontophilia (Isa: MK2, U.S. Producer Rep: Filmoption)...
I wish I could have seen 100 other films too but for some reason or another I could not fit them in.
I moderated a wonderful panel (and we did blog on that!) on international film financing with Sffs’ Ted Hope, UTA’s Rena Ronson, Revolution’s Andrew Eaton, and Hollywood-based Cross Creek’s Brian Oliver, and Paul Miller, Head of Film Financing, from the Doha Film Institute, Qatar's first international organization dedicated to film financing, production, education and two film festivals.
I also spoke with Toronto Talent Lab filmmakers and then I filled my days with films – I did get an interview with Gloria’s director Sebastian Lelio and Berlin Best Actress winner Paulina Garcia and with Marcela Said, director of The Summer of Flying Fish but mostly I watched film after film after film – up to five a day, just like in the old days when I had to do it for my acquisitions jobs. This was pure pleasure. Friends would meet before the film, we would watch and disperse. And we would meet again at the cocktail hour or the dinner hour and then disperse again.
My partner Peter had lots of meetings with the Talent of Toronto from the Not Short on Shorts and the Talent Lab Mentoring Programs.
Parties like the Rotterdam-Screen International party gave us the chance to catch up with our Dutch friends whom we have not seen for the last two years. Ontario Media Development Corporation’s presenting the International Financing Forum luncheon gave us the chance to talk to lots of upcoming filmmakers and old friends again who were mentoring them. The panel Forty Years On: Women’s Film Festivals Today, moderated by Kay Armatage, former Tiff programmer, Professor Emeritus University of Toronto, and featuring Debra Zimmerman, Executive Director of Women Make Movies, NYC, Melissa Silverstein, Do-Fojnder an dArtistic Director of the Athena Film Festival in NYC and blogger of Women in Hollywood, So-In Hong, Director of Programming of the International Women’s Film Festival in Seoul had a rapport and didn’t hesitate to challenge each other. It felt like a party even though the subject was quite serious. The SXSW party was crowded as always, filled with everyone we could possibly know. It is always a great party we all want to attend.
One of the great dinners was that of The Creative Coalition Spotlight Awards Dinner honoring Alfre Woodard (12 Years a Slave), Hill Harper (1982, CSI: NY), Sharon Leal (1982), Matt Letscher (Scandal, The Carrie Diaries), Brenton Thwaites (Oculus, Maleficient), Tommy Oliver (1982, Kinyarwanda – I am a great fan of Tommy’s!), Tom Ortenberg (CEO, Open Road Films which has a coventure with Regal Theaters and AMC Theaters recently acquired by the richest man in China), and David Arquette (The Scream series). Our hostess, Robin Bronk is so welcoming and so dedicated to furthering the cause of universal education as a human right, education in the arts as a must. I admire her presence and her good work.
Here is a list of the great (and not so great, but never bad) films I got to see. I also list those I continue to hear about even now. I do not list all the films which were picked up during the festival and later. For that, you can go to SydneysBuzz.com and buy the Fall Rights Roundup 2013 and see all films whose rights were acquired (and announced) and by whom with links to all companies and Cinando for further research. For buyers it will, by deduction, show what is still available for Afm and for programmers, it will show who is in charge of the film for specific territories. The second edition will be issued two weeks after Afm.
One of the first films I saw and still retaining its place as one of my favorites was the documentary Finding Vivian Maier which begins with the discovery of photographs by an unknown woman named Vivian Maier by filmmaker John Maloof. As the mystery of this woman is uncovered, the audience is treated to her stunning work and the story of who she was.
One of my favorite films was by one of my favorite directors, Lucas Moodyson. We Are The Best (Isa: Trust Nordisk) was a great surprise, the story of three teeny-bopper punk-influenced girls who loved getting into unusual situations. It was loving and fun, darling and funny. I would take my children to see it and would delight in seeing it again. It was the biggest surprise for me. I can see why Magnolia snapped it up for the U.S. I thank programmer Steve Gravenstock for giving me the ticket for this film which I would have missed otherwise.
I had missed Jodorowsky’s Dune in Cannes. I am a great fan of El Topo and was eager to see this film. I was surprised at the elegance and skill of Jodorowsky in explaining his vision. Afterward, Gary Springer, our favorite publicist, arranged a wonderful reception at a classic comic book store where we loaded up on some fascinating graphic novels and Gary showed us his depiction on an old issue of Mad Magazine discussing the making of Jaws which he was in. picture here.
A totally unique and unexpected film about the African Diaspora, Belle, written and directed by Amma Asante was not talked about much to my surprise, perhaps because Fox Searchlight acquired all rights worldwide from Bankside before the festival. It is a stunningly beautiful British period piece of the 18th century about a mixed race aristocratic beauty.
My favorite film, on a par with The Patience Stone last year was Bobo (Isa: Wide) by Ines Oliveira starring Paula Garcia Aissato Indjai, produced by my friend Fernando Vendrell who gave me a ticket when I could not get one myself. This story of a woman who does nothing except go to work is forced to accept a claning woman and her young sister from Guinea-Bissau. Together they face down their demons. I love the cross-cultural understanding which results in their shared situations. I recently saw Mother of George and found the same warm connection across great cultural divides, though this one was of generations.
I wish I could have seen Pays Barbare/ Barbaric Land, the Italian/ French doc in Wavelengths about Mussolini’s attempted subjugation of Ethiopia (the only country in Africa never colonized). It sounds like great political poetry.
1982 which had previously won the prize of the jury I served on for Us Works in Progress held in July at the Champs Elysees Film Festival in Paris. It was deeply moving and disturbing film which depicts the shattering and the healing of a family. It also helps feed the pipeline begun with Lee Daniels producing Monster’s Ball who went on to direct to such films as Precious and The Butler. If the African American experience can continue to be expressed so eloquently by such filmmakers as Tommy Oliver, Rashaad Ernesto Green (Sundance 2012’s Gun Hill Road), Ava DuVernay (Middle of Nowhere), then a film literate audience will foster greater growth of even more talent in the coming generation. While I didn’t see All Is By My Side by U.K.’s John Ridley which is about Jimi Hendrix nor (yet!) the most highly acclaimed film of the festival, 12 Years a Slave by U.K.’s Steve McQueen, but I would include them in this discussion of the African American Experience.
On the subject of Africa, where last Sundance God Loves Uganda shocked and upset me, this year Mission Congo (Cinephil) revealed much of the same cultural divide only these two films show the negative impact of the Christian right upon already besieged Africans. What is done in the name of a righteous G-d is cause for dialogue and oversight.
Israel and the Middle East
No major turmoil or denunciations this year (Thank G-d, Allah, or whoever She may be). Katriel Schory, head of the Israeli Film Fund told me that if I could only see one film, then it should be Bethlehem which is the country’s submission for Academy Award Consideration for the Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. It was a sad and clear eyed microcosmic view of the issues of trust and betrayals played out among every level of the society. People compared it to Omar by Hany Abu-Assad,the filmmaker of a favorite of mine, Paradise Now, but I did not see Omar.
Rags and Tatters at first seemed like a documentary, and does have doc footage, but it is a circular story that ends where it began but with much more understanding of the chaotic events in Cairo. Really worth watching.
Latino
Of the Latino films two Chilean films, Gloria (Chile) and The Summer of Flying Fish (Review), were accompanied by interviews which you can read on my previous blogs here and here. El Mudo from Peru by the Vega brothers was in the odd vien of their previous film, October. Not sure at the end just what the film was saying…
Toronto Film Fest Programmer Diana Sanchez’s official count of Latino films in the festival is 16. Of these, 5 are by women; 30% is a strong number. Venezuela and Chile are strong with year with two films each. Two other films might have been chosen except they went to San Sebastian for their world premieres. Especially hot this year was Mexico. 4 films are here but she might have chosen 10 if she could have. Costa Rica is making a showing with All About the Feathers and Central America is making more movies. There is lots of industry buzz coming from the good pictures from Brazil like A Wolf at the Door from Sao Paolo production
She is not counting Gravity by Alfonso Cuaron as as Latino film but as a U.S. film.
And Our White Society
The Dinner (Isa: Media Luna) by Menno Meyjes ♀ (Isa: Media Luna), a Dutch film deals with the personal and political as two families disintegrate when the affluent sons kill a homeless woman. Deeply disturbing social issues on the other side of the spectrum from those of 1982 and yet very much the same. How a society can foster such dissonance in class structure today which results in the disintegration of family and even a nation’s political life is, as I said, deeply disturbing. Based on the N.Y. Times best selling book which sold over 650,000 in The Netherlands, and is published in 22 countries, it stars four of Holland’s most renowned actors, Jacob Derwig, Thekla Reuten, Daan Schuurmans, and Kim van Kooten. This is a story that could be remade in America and still maintain its strength. The writer-director Menno Meyjes wrote the Academy Award nominee The Color Purple and collaborated with director Steven Speilberg on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In 2008 he directed Manolete with Penelope Cruz and Adrien Brody.
The Last of Robin Hood was a romp which thrilled us because Peter Belsito, my own dear husband, had a moment on screen (as the director of Errol Flynn’s last film Cuban Rebel Girls). He got the part because he had had an equally small role in the original Cuban Rebel Girls when it filmed in Cuba in 1959, four months after the Revolution. He happened to be there on vacation with his family including his 18 year old sister and his crazy aunt because Puerto Rico was full that year and Cuba had plenty of room. Directors Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland invited him to play in their film. The film actually had more meaning than merely a romp as it revealed what lays below the June-September love affair between Errol Flynn and 15 year old Beverly Aadland, the nature of fame (“a religion in this godless country” to quote Flynn himself) and ambition. Kevin Kline, Susan Sarandan and Dakota Fanning were all great in the repertoire piece.
Can a Song Save Your Life? garnered great praise as the film that followed the simple pure Once. I found it a bit flat though it kept my interest enough that I was not contemplating leaving. But it lacked the simplicity of Once.
Fading Gigolo proves that a Woody Allen Film is a Genre. John Turturro makes a Woody Allen middle-aged man fantasy of a wished for love affair with a Hasidic woman. Turturro is always lovable on screen, but his directing has something inauthentic about it…the only authentic thing was the twice-stated thought that somewhere in his heritage he was really Jewish. When I saw his previous film Passione, about Italians and passion, the opening song, being one of the first Cuban songs I ever heard, turned me off because again, it was inauthentic. It was Cuban, not Italian. I think he is not comfortable in his Italian guise.
Other films at Tiff I have seen previously:
Only Lovers Left Alive by Jim Jarmusch (Isa: HanWay, U.S. Spc). If you can see it as a dream of night, then the vampires dreaminess might appeal to you. I personally was ready to fall into my own stupor after watching this 123 minute movie of Vampires who have seen it all. Zzzzzz.
Don Jon is sexy and sweet. Scarlett Johansson is a superb comedienne, equal to Claudette Colbert in this film about two totally media mesmerized young lovers. ___ and his father are also great straight men. I loved this film, so funny and sweet and all about sex. Loved it!
Borgman Darkest humor, or is it humor? Creepy and definitely engrossing. Dutch filmmaker Alex van Warmerdam at his best. This is the Netherlands' Official Academy Awards Submission.
What I hear was good:
Aside from the ones that got snapped up for lots of money and are covered in all the trades already, there are films which I keep hearing about even now and will see:
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
12 Years a Slave (Isa: Summit, U.S. Fox Searchlight)
The Lunchbox (Isa: The Match Factory)
Prisoners (Isa: Summit/ Lionsgate, U.S.: Warner Bros)
Dallas Buyers Clubs (Isa: Voltage, U.S. Focus Features)
Life of Crime (Isa: Hyde Park, U.S.: )
A Touch of Sin (Isa: MK2, U.S. Kino Lorber)
Gravity (Isa: Warner Bros. U.S. Warner Bros.)
Enough Said (Isa: Fox Searchlight, U.S. Fox Searchlight)
La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) (Isa: Pathe, U.S. Criterion) Italy’s submission for Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film
Violette (Isa: Doc & Film, U.S.: ?)
Omar (Isa: The Match Factory, U.S.: ?)
Le Passe (The Past) (Isa: Memento, U.S. Spc) Iran’s submission for Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
To the Wolf (Isa: Pascale Ramonda)
The Selfish Giant (Isa: Protagonist, U.S. IFC)
At Berkeley by Frederick Wiseman (Isa: Doc & Film, U.S. Zipporah)
The Unknown Known (Isa: Entertainment One, U.S. Radius-twc)
Ain’t Misbehavin (Un Voyager) by Marcel Ophuls (Isa: Wide House)
Faith Connections by Pan Nalin (Isa: Cite Films). This Indian French film, produced by Raphael Berduo among others is written about here.
Civil Rights (?)
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
12 Years a Slave (Isa: Summit, U.S. Fox Searchlight)
Belle (Isa: Bankside, all rights sold to Fox Searchlight)
Lgbt
Kill Your Darlings: The youthful finding of himself by Alan Ginsburg as he enters Colombia University and meets Lucien Carr, Jack Kerouac and Alan Bourroughs revolves around a murder which actually happened. The period veracity and Daniel Radcliffe’s acting carry the film into a fascinating character study. (U.S. Spc)
Dallas Buyers Club (Isa: Voltage, U.S. Focus Features)
Tom a la ferme / Tom at the Farm by Xavier Dolan Isa: MK2, U.S.:)
L’Armee du salut/ Salvation Army by Abdellah Taia (Isa: - U.S.:-)
Eastern Boys (Isa: Films Distribution)
Pelo Malo/ Bad Hair (FiGa Films)
The Dog (Producer Rep: Submarine)
Ignasi M. (Isa: Latido)
Gerontophilia (Isa: MK2, U.S. Producer Rep: Filmoption)...
- 10/8/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
On Monday September 9th, The Creative Coalition held their annual Gala for the Spotlight Initiate Awards during the Toronto International Film Festival. Created in 2008, the Spotlight Initiative has served to support independent films that utilize the medium not only as an outlet for artistic expression but simultaneously as a relevant tool to create awareness and inspire society.
This year the honorees were Hill Harper, star and executive producer of Tommy Oliver's Tiff entry 1982, and star of "Covert Affairs", For Colored Girls, "CSI: NY" and Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films (Jobs, Side Effects, End of Watch), a co-venture between Regal Theaters and AMC (now owned by Chinese mogul Wang Jianlin, the wealthiest man in China, chairman of Dalian Wanda Group Corp., who just announced plans to create the world's largest movie studio in his home country).
Tom and Robin Bronk CEO of The Creative Coalition both attended Penn State University. And speaking of education, Robin made a point of reiterating the Creative Coalition's stand on public education, stating that the public schools are failing terribly in arts education and that the education of every child is a basic human right.
Robin Bronk also said, “We are pleased and quite proud to be honoring Hill Harper, star of CSI:ny and Executive Producer and star of Tommy Oliver's new film 1982, and Tom Ortenberg who is now CEO of Open Road, two individuals who – throughout their respective careers – have used their influential platforms within the entertainment industry to serve the common good.”
We had a great time catching up with old friends as well: Cotty Chubb whose next film The Dinner with Cate Blanchett was just announced and makes us all quite happy for him. Carol Polakoff was with Cotty and we made our usual promise to catch up with each other in L.A. We did catch up with Mark Urman of Paladin whose pick-up Metro Manila is U.K.’s Foreign-Language Oscar Entry.
We also spoke of his merger with 108 Media which is doing well. Sharing the dinner table with him and us were Susan Margolin, co-President of Cinedigm as well as old friends Paul Cohen, producer Bruce Weiss and Denise Kasell who has left the Coolidge Theater in Boston to return to her home in New York. Also spotted were Mark Amin who reminded me of those old days when video was king and he started the long-gone Trimark.Now head of Sobini Films, he has many projects happening.
The Creative Coalition is so gracious in hosting great events in Toronto, Sundance and having a weekly 5 minute session with President Obama. Based in New York City, the non-profit and non-partisan organization was founded in 1989 by important figures in the arts and entertainments fields. The group advocates for the importance of creative works to influence change in crucial social issues. For more information click Here.
This year the honorees were Hill Harper, star and executive producer of Tommy Oliver's Tiff entry 1982, and star of "Covert Affairs", For Colored Girls, "CSI: NY" and Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films (Jobs, Side Effects, End of Watch), a co-venture between Regal Theaters and AMC (now owned by Chinese mogul Wang Jianlin, the wealthiest man in China, chairman of Dalian Wanda Group Corp., who just announced plans to create the world's largest movie studio in his home country).
Tom and Robin Bronk CEO of The Creative Coalition both attended Penn State University. And speaking of education, Robin made a point of reiterating the Creative Coalition's stand on public education, stating that the public schools are failing terribly in arts education and that the education of every child is a basic human right.
Robin Bronk also said, “We are pleased and quite proud to be honoring Hill Harper, star of CSI:ny and Executive Producer and star of Tommy Oliver's new film 1982, and Tom Ortenberg who is now CEO of Open Road, two individuals who – throughout their respective careers – have used their influential platforms within the entertainment industry to serve the common good.”
We had a great time catching up with old friends as well: Cotty Chubb whose next film The Dinner with Cate Blanchett was just announced and makes us all quite happy for him. Carol Polakoff was with Cotty and we made our usual promise to catch up with each other in L.A. We did catch up with Mark Urman of Paladin whose pick-up Metro Manila is U.K.’s Foreign-Language Oscar Entry.
We also spoke of his merger with 108 Media which is doing well. Sharing the dinner table with him and us were Susan Margolin, co-President of Cinedigm as well as old friends Paul Cohen, producer Bruce Weiss and Denise Kasell who has left the Coolidge Theater in Boston to return to her home in New York. Also spotted were Mark Amin who reminded me of those old days when video was king and he started the long-gone Trimark.Now head of Sobini Films, he has many projects happening.
The Creative Coalition is so gracious in hosting great events in Toronto, Sundance and having a weekly 5 minute session with President Obama. Based in New York City, the non-profit and non-partisan organization was founded in 1989 by important figures in the arts and entertainments fields. The group advocates for the importance of creative works to influence change in crucial social issues. For more information click Here.
- 9/26/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
It seems like Sharon Stone might have found herself a new man.
The 55-year-old actress was seen just last March holding hands with her then much younger boyfriend, 27-year-old Argentinian model Martin Mica. Now the New York Post's Page Six exclusively reports the actress has moved on and into the arms of another man, 46-year-old Hamptons hotelier Michael Wudyka.
Said a source to Page Six, "They are really good for each other." Wudyka is reportedly a single father of two; Stone is a mother of three and was married twice, to Michael Greenburg and to Phil Bronstein.
In the below photo, taken April 26, Stone is seen standing between Wudyka and actor Josh Radnor during a visit to Capitol Hill where they promoted arts funding. According to the Post, this event is where the two met and struck up their romance. (Also in the photo, L-r: Eric Ackerman, Beth Behrs, Robin Bronk...
The 55-year-old actress was seen just last March holding hands with her then much younger boyfriend, 27-year-old Argentinian model Martin Mica. Now the New York Post's Page Six exclusively reports the actress has moved on and into the arms of another man, 46-year-old Hamptons hotelier Michael Wudyka.
Said a source to Page Six, "They are really good for each other." Wudyka is reportedly a single father of two; Stone is a mother of three and was married twice, to Michael Greenburg and to Phil Bronstein.
In the below photo, taken April 26, Stone is seen standing between Wudyka and actor Josh Radnor during a visit to Capitol Hill where they promoted arts funding. According to the Post, this event is where the two met and struck up their romance. (Also in the photo, L-r: Eric Ackerman, Beth Behrs, Robin Bronk...
- 6/5/2013
- by Liat Kornowski
- Huffington Post
The Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations to make the case to increase public funding for the arts and arts in education. Bronk’s testimony provided facts and figures that support the movement to incorporate art into President Obama’s Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education initiative.
The Creative Coalition encourages lawmakers to support arts funding as a budget priority that will pay back the nation exponentially.
"Art is the single educational resource and teaching tool that may be used effectively across every curriculum discipline to educate, motivate and activate students. We have the hard numbers to prove unequivocally that when arts are included in a curriculum, drop-out rates fall and test scores go up," said Ms. Bronk. "Furthermore, the economic development that arts infuse into a community -- where every dollar spent on the arts multiplies exponentially -- cannot be overstated. One could say that the arts ‘makes' a village."
The congressional hearing followed on the heels of the newly galvanized Congressional Steam Caucus.
For a copy of Ms. Bronk’s complete testimony, Click Here
About The Creative CoalitionThe Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance, primarily public education and arts advocacy. The organization has been leading arts delegations to Capitol Hill for over two decades. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization's President.
The Creative Coalition encourages lawmakers to support arts funding as a budget priority that will pay back the nation exponentially.
"Art is the single educational resource and teaching tool that may be used effectively across every curriculum discipline to educate, motivate and activate students. We have the hard numbers to prove unequivocally that when arts are included in a curriculum, drop-out rates fall and test scores go up," said Ms. Bronk. "Furthermore, the economic development that arts infuse into a community -- where every dollar spent on the arts multiplies exponentially -- cannot be overstated. One could say that the arts ‘makes' a village."
The congressional hearing followed on the heels of the newly galvanized Congressional Steam Caucus.
For a copy of Ms. Bronk’s complete testimony, Click Here
About The Creative CoalitionThe Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance, primarily public education and arts advocacy. The organization has been leading arts delegations to Capitol Hill for over two decades. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization's President.
- 4/29/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Creative Coalition's and The Asylum's the Passion Project Program is an extension of The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative, “P3” which will encourage and support passion projects in independent film. The program will kickoff tonight, January 18th, at an entertainment industry leadership dinner in Park City, Utah during the upcoming Film Festival.
The Creative Coalition created the Spotlight Initiative in 2008 to champion the art and craft of independent filmmaking with a unique and specific goal in mind: make a positive difference in the world by encouraging a film’s message to reach beyond the movie screen to the grassroots.
The Asylum, which just celebrated its 15th anniversary, is a motion picture production, financing, and worldwide distribution studio. With facilities in Burbank, California, The Asylum fully finances and produces 20-25 titles per year and has released over 350 titles to date.
“With our line of production financing and a new theatrical strategy, The Asylum is looking to supplement its fast-paced development process with more fully developed motion picture and series properties, including adaptations of existing material. Film projects with budgets of up to $1.5 million dollars will be considered,” said David Rimawi, partner at The Asylum.
“We are proud of The Asylum for being the first production company to participate in The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative Passion Project Program. The Asylum is truly an example of a company that believes in supporting the arts,” commented CEO of The Creative Coalition Robin Bronk. “From Napoleon Dynamite to Paranormal Activity – some of the most successful films in the indie world have been made for under a million dollars. We look forward to the success of these future selected film projects.”
***This is an invitation-only dinner. All press must be credentialed in advance. For press credential approval, please email rridinger@mprm.com. ***
About The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org)
The Creative Coalition is the premiere nonprofit, 501(c)(3) nonpartisan charity of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition uses the power and platform of the arts and entertainment communities in award-winning public service and advocacy campaigns. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President.
About The Asylum
Founded in 1997, The Asylum is a full production and distribution studio, specializing in creative content for the global film, television and home entertainment markets. Based in Burbank, California, the company fully finances and produces 20-25 titles per year. Along with a new theatrical distribution initiative, The Asylum also produces top rated TV premieres for Syfy Networks and Lifetime Television and has a series development deal with MTV. With over 150 titles in its library and an aggressive, cost-effective, reactive and collaborative production model, The Asylum is rapidly growing as one of the top independent studios.
The Creative Coalition created the Spotlight Initiative in 2008 to champion the art and craft of independent filmmaking with a unique and specific goal in mind: make a positive difference in the world by encouraging a film’s message to reach beyond the movie screen to the grassroots.
The Asylum, which just celebrated its 15th anniversary, is a motion picture production, financing, and worldwide distribution studio. With facilities in Burbank, California, The Asylum fully finances and produces 20-25 titles per year and has released over 350 titles to date.
“With our line of production financing and a new theatrical strategy, The Asylum is looking to supplement its fast-paced development process with more fully developed motion picture and series properties, including adaptations of existing material. Film projects with budgets of up to $1.5 million dollars will be considered,” said David Rimawi, partner at The Asylum.
“We are proud of The Asylum for being the first production company to participate in The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative Passion Project Program. The Asylum is truly an example of a company that believes in supporting the arts,” commented CEO of The Creative Coalition Robin Bronk. “From Napoleon Dynamite to Paranormal Activity – some of the most successful films in the indie world have been made for under a million dollars. We look forward to the success of these future selected film projects.”
***This is an invitation-only dinner. All press must be credentialed in advance. For press credential approval, please email rridinger@mprm.com. ***
About The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org)
The Creative Coalition is the premiere nonprofit, 501(c)(3) nonpartisan charity of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition uses the power and platform of the arts and entertainment communities in award-winning public service and advocacy campaigns. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President.
About The Asylum
Founded in 1997, The Asylum is a full production and distribution studio, specializing in creative content for the global film, television and home entertainment markets. Based in Burbank, California, the company fully finances and produces 20-25 titles per year. Along with a new theatrical distribution initiative, The Asylum also produces top rated TV premieres for Syfy Networks and Lifetime Television and has a series development deal with MTV. With over 150 titles in its library and an aggressive, cost-effective, reactive and collaborative production model, The Asylum is rapidly growing as one of the top independent studios.
- 1/18/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Washington -- Four years ago, Ben Affleck was a familiar presence around the Democratic convention, packing produce for charity and even winning a poker tournament. Singer Fergie performed with her Black Eyed Peas. Sheryl Crow sang, too, with Susan Sarandon joining in from the audience.
But none of these celebrities are planning a similar trip to Charlotte this year, and that's likely true for a number of other A-listers who were in Denver as well. In terms of star wattage, this gathering will be decidedly less sparkly.
Some reasons are obvious. A re-election bid is hardly as exciting as the historic anointment of the first black nominee, on his way to becoming the first black president. And Barack Obama is no longer a rising star: He's, well, an incumbent.
Also different is the general tone of this year's campaign – not so full of lofty thoughts about hope and change, but...
But none of these celebrities are planning a similar trip to Charlotte this year, and that's likely true for a number of other A-listers who were in Denver as well. In terms of star wattage, this gathering will be decidedly less sparkly.
Some reasons are obvious. A re-election bid is hardly as exciting as the historic anointment of the first black nominee, on his way to becoming the first black president. And Barack Obama is no longer a rising star: He's, well, an incumbent.
Also different is the general tone of this year's campaign – not so full of lofty thoughts about hope and change, but...
- 8/25/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Robin Bronk founder and CEO of The Creative Coalition wrote this article for Huffington Post.I know it's not kosher to post another's blog in toto, but she says it better than I could and so I post it anyway. Freedom of press!
Yesterday, Academy Award-nominated documentarian Josh Fox was arrested by U.S. Capitol police while trying to film a public Congressional Hearing. Isn't this the kind of chilling free speech episode we Americans condemn when it happens in other countries?
[Josh Fox, whose HBO documentary Gasland raised questions about the safety of the natural gas drilling technique known as horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, was handcuffed and led away on Wednesday as he tried to film a House Science Committee hearing on the topic. - John M. Broder, N.Y. Times]
The U.S. House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment was holding a public hearing, and Fox was there with his camera crew to get footage for a documentary film. According to press reports, the Subcommittee's Chairman exercised his authority to bar filming by individuals without proper House of Representatives' press credentials. Fox persisted, was arrested by Capitol Police, and charged with unlawful entry.
Fox says that he repeatedly sought permission in advance to film the public hearing, but those requests were denied by the House Committee. By all accounts, there was plenty of room for the camera, and the film crew was not interfering with the hearing. One Representative made just that point, and asked that the rules be waived so that Fox might stay. That request also was denied. It's one thing to regulate media access if the room had been chaotic and overrun by cameras, but that wasn't the case here.
Why should a documentary filmmaker, exercising his First Amendment rights, be denied the right to film a public hearing? If every person filming a hearing is required to have a certain press credential, Congressional Staff or the Capitol Police should have helped Fox obtain one, not arrest him. If every person filming a hearing isn't required to have a valid credential, and the rule is enforced selectively, then we should all be concerned about the constitutional implications. Limiting speech or media access based on the content of the speech or the viewpoint of the speaker runs afoul of our core free speech protections. Only through exposure to divergent views can we be informed enough to make the important decisions that citizens are called to make in a democracy.
What Fox is doing with his filmmaking is exactly the kind of communication at the heart of our First Amendment protections. Whether one agrees with the views expressed in Fox's films or not, we should all agree that citizens have a right to know and tell other citizens what our elected officials are doing. We shouldn't be arresting documentary filmmakers in America for filming public hearings.
Yesterday, Academy Award-nominated documentarian Josh Fox was arrested by U.S. Capitol police while trying to film a public Congressional Hearing. Isn't this the kind of chilling free speech episode we Americans condemn when it happens in other countries?
[Josh Fox, whose HBO documentary Gasland raised questions about the safety of the natural gas drilling technique known as horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, was handcuffed and led away on Wednesday as he tried to film a House Science Committee hearing on the topic. - John M. Broder, N.Y. Times]
The U.S. House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment was holding a public hearing, and Fox was there with his camera crew to get footage for a documentary film. According to press reports, the Subcommittee's Chairman exercised his authority to bar filming by individuals without proper House of Representatives' press credentials. Fox persisted, was arrested by Capitol Police, and charged with unlawful entry.
Fox says that he repeatedly sought permission in advance to film the public hearing, but those requests were denied by the House Committee. By all accounts, there was plenty of room for the camera, and the film crew was not interfering with the hearing. One Representative made just that point, and asked that the rules be waived so that Fox might stay. That request also was denied. It's one thing to regulate media access if the room had been chaotic and overrun by cameras, but that wasn't the case here.
Why should a documentary filmmaker, exercising his First Amendment rights, be denied the right to film a public hearing? If every person filming a hearing is required to have a certain press credential, Congressional Staff or the Capitol Police should have helped Fox obtain one, not arrest him. If every person filming a hearing isn't required to have a valid credential, and the rule is enforced selectively, then we should all be concerned about the constitutional implications. Limiting speech or media access based on the content of the speech or the viewpoint of the speaker runs afoul of our core free speech protections. Only through exposure to divergent views can we be informed enough to make the important decisions that citizens are called to make in a democracy.
What Fox is doing with his filmmaking is exactly the kind of communication at the heart of our First Amendment protections. Whether one agrees with the views expressed in Fox's films or not, we should all agree that citizens have a right to know and tell other citizens what our elected officials are doing. We shouldn't be arresting documentary filmmakers in America for filming public hearings.
- 2/2/2012
- by Robin Bronk
- Sydney's Buzz
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