Geneva, Dec 15 (Ians) The chief of the World Health Organization (Who) has said that he hopes that Covid-19 will no longer be a global health emergency sometime next year.
Addressing a press briefing in Geneva, Who Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the Who Covid-19 Emergency Committee will discuss next month the criteria for declaring an end to the Covid-19 emergency, Xinhua news agency reported.
“We’re hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency,” he said.
He added, however, that the Sars-CoV-2 virus, the culprit behind the Covid-19 pandemic, will not go away.
“It’s here to stay, and all countries will need to learn to manage it alongside other respiratory illnesses including influenza and Rsv (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), both of which are now circulating intensely in many countries,” he said.
The Who chief said...
Addressing a press briefing in Geneva, Who Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the Who Covid-19 Emergency Committee will discuss next month the criteria for declaring an end to the Covid-19 emergency, Xinhua news agency reported.
“We’re hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency,” he said.
He added, however, that the Sars-CoV-2 virus, the culprit behind the Covid-19 pandemic, will not go away.
“It’s here to stay, and all countries will need to learn to manage it alongside other respiratory illnesses including influenza and Rsv (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), both of which are now circulating intensely in many countries,” he said.
The Who chief said...
- 12/15/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Harrison Ford and Ke Huy Quan broke the internet in September when they ran into each other at Disney’s D23 convention and posed for a photograph. The moment was a reunion 38 years in the making, as the two actors starred opposite one another in Steven Spielberg’s 1984 adventure “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” Quan’s role as Short Round marked his first-ever movie. Ford recently told Uproxx that reuniting with Quan was a blessing.
“Oh yeah. Yeah, it was great to see him,” Ford said before heaping praise on Quan’s performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to see the film,” Ford said. “He is really terrific in his movie. And I’m so glad to see him…and what he has become. I’m so happy for him. He’s such a happy guy, too.”
When Uproxx reporter Mike Ryan...
“Oh yeah. Yeah, it was great to see him,” Ford said before heaping praise on Quan’s performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to see the film,” Ford said. “He is really terrific in his movie. And I’m so glad to see him…and what he has become. I’m so happy for him. He’s such a happy guy, too.”
When Uproxx reporter Mike Ryan...
- 12/14/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Washington, Sep 19 (Ians) US President Joe Biden has claimed that the Covid-19 pandemic is over, as millions suffer from long Covid and several countries still bear the brunt of the global health crisis.
On the CBS ’60 Minutes’ TV show on Sunday, Biden said: “The pandemic is over. We still have a problem with Covid. We’re still doing a lot of work on it. It’s, but the pandemic is over”.
“If you notice, no one’s wearing masks,” Biden said while gesturing at the gathering. “Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape. And so I think it’s changing.”
However, the US government still designates Covid-19 as a Public Health Emergency and the World Health Organization (Who) says it remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, reports CNN.
Last week, the Who said that future coronavirus waves are expected and that governments across the world need to...
On the CBS ’60 Minutes’ TV show on Sunday, Biden said: “The pandemic is over. We still have a problem with Covid. We’re still doing a lot of work on it. It’s, but the pandemic is over”.
“If you notice, no one’s wearing masks,” Biden said while gesturing at the gathering. “Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape. And so I think it’s changing.”
However, the US government still designates Covid-19 as a Public Health Emergency and the World Health Organization (Who) says it remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, reports CNN.
Last week, the Who said that future coronavirus waves are expected and that governments across the world need to...
- 9/19/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Geneva, Sep 15 (Ians) The World Health Organisation (Who) has said that future coronavirus waves are expected and that governments across the world need to remain vigilant and ready to respond to any threat that may emerge.
“We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic,” Who Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press briefing in Geneva on Wednesday.
According to the Who, during the week of September 5-11, the number of new weekly cases worldwide decreased by 28 per cent over the previous week to more than 3.1 million. The number of new weekly deaths was down 22 per cent to just under 11,000.
Tedros likened the pandemic response to a marathon race.
“Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap the rewards of all our hard work.”
Nevertheless, the Who’s experts continue to urge caution, Xinhua news agency reported.
“We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic,” Who Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press briefing in Geneva on Wednesday.
According to the Who, during the week of September 5-11, the number of new weekly cases worldwide decreased by 28 per cent over the previous week to more than 3.1 million. The number of new weekly deaths was down 22 per cent to just under 11,000.
Tedros likened the pandemic response to a marathon race.
“Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap the rewards of all our hard work.”
Nevertheless, the Who’s experts continue to urge caution, Xinhua news agency reported.
- 9/15/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Out now in theaters and on VOD / digital platforms is Reunion, starring Julia Ormond, and we have an exclusive clip just for Daily Dead readers!
"A pregnant woman returns to her recently deceased grandparents’ old family home to spend time with her estranged mother. What begins as a tenuous reunion slowly turns terrifying.
A psychological thriller that preys upon perception, Reunion sees veteran actress Julia Ormond deliver a tour-de-force performance of threateningly quiet intensity and features a twisty narrative that will burrow itself into the darkest corners of your mind."
Written and Directed by: Jake Mahaffy (Free in Deed) Produced by: Nadia Maxwell, Ainsley Gardiner, Georgina Conder, Mike S. Ryan Cast: Julia Ormond (TV's The Walking Dead: World Beyond, My Week With Marilyn), Emma Draper (Wellington Paranormal), Cohen Holloway (Thor: Ragnarok, What We Do In The Shadows), Ava Keane (Daffodils), Gina Laverty (Wellington Paranormal), John Bach (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers...
"A pregnant woman returns to her recently deceased grandparents’ old family home to spend time with her estranged mother. What begins as a tenuous reunion slowly turns terrifying.
A psychological thriller that preys upon perception, Reunion sees veteran actress Julia Ormond deliver a tour-de-force performance of threateningly quiet intensity and features a twisty narrative that will burrow itself into the darkest corners of your mind."
Written and Directed by: Jake Mahaffy (Free in Deed) Produced by: Nadia Maxwell, Ainsley Gardiner, Georgina Conder, Mike S. Ryan Cast: Julia Ormond (TV's The Walking Dead: World Beyond, My Week With Marilyn), Emma Draper (Wellington Paranormal), Cohen Holloway (Thor: Ragnarok, What We Do In The Shadows), Ava Keane (Daffodils), Gina Laverty (Wellington Paranormal), John Bach (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers...
- 2/5/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Due out in theaters and on VOD / digital platforms on February 5th is Reunion, starring Julia Ormond! Here's a look at the brand-new trailer:
"A pregnant woman returns to her recently deceased grandparents’ old family home to spend time with her estranged mother. What begins as a tenuous reunion slowly turns terrifying.
A psychological thriller that preys upon perception, Reunion sees veteran actress Julia Ormond deliver a tour-de-force performance of threateningly quiet intensity and features a twisty narrative that will burrow itself into the darkest corners of your mind."
Written and Directed by: Jake Mahaffy (Free in Deed) Produced by: Nadia Maxwell, Ainsley Gardiner, Georgina Conder, Mike S. Ryan Cast: Julia Ormond (TV's The Walking Dead: World Beyond, My Week With Marilyn), Emma Draper (Wellington Paranormal), Cohen Holloway (Thor: Ragnarok, What We Do In The Shadows), Ava Keane (Daffodils), Gina Laverty (Wellington Paranormal), John Bach (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers...
"A pregnant woman returns to her recently deceased grandparents’ old family home to spend time with her estranged mother. What begins as a tenuous reunion slowly turns terrifying.
A psychological thriller that preys upon perception, Reunion sees veteran actress Julia Ormond deliver a tour-de-force performance of threateningly quiet intensity and features a twisty narrative that will burrow itself into the darkest corners of your mind."
Written and Directed by: Jake Mahaffy (Free in Deed) Produced by: Nadia Maxwell, Ainsley Gardiner, Georgina Conder, Mike S. Ryan Cast: Julia Ormond (TV's The Walking Dead: World Beyond, My Week With Marilyn), Emma Draper (Wellington Paranormal), Cohen Holloway (Thor: Ragnarok, What We Do In The Shadows), Ava Keane (Daffodils), Gina Laverty (Wellington Paranormal), John Bach (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers...
- 12/22/2020
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Umc and Rlje Films are teaming for the release of Always and Forever, an indie drama starring Lauren London (Atl), Loretta Devine (P-Valley), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Power), Robbie Jones (One Tree Hill), Wood Harris (Creed), and Rocsi Diaz (The Bounce Back). Directed by Chris Stokes, the pic will get a day and date release in limited theaters and on VOD platforms on November 20 then Umc will exclusively stream the film beginning in early 2021.
The plot follows Nicole (Addai-Robinson), who seems to have it all – a great job, an adoring husband (Jones) – but her perfect world is shattered when her childhood friend is suddenly found dead. The tragedy reunites Nicole with her best friends from years ago, but they each soon find themselves in danger, targets of a deranged stalker. As the secrets of their past come back to haunt them, they’ll soon realize that a deadly nightmare is just beginning...
The plot follows Nicole (Addai-Robinson), who seems to have it all – a great job, an adoring husband (Jones) – but her perfect world is shattered when her childhood friend is suddenly found dead. The tragedy reunites Nicole with her best friends from years ago, but they each soon find themselves in danger, targets of a deranged stalker. As the secrets of their past come back to haunt them, they’ll soon realize that a deadly nightmare is just beginning...
- 10/1/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Fads and Miracles’ (Photo credit: Matt Sav.)
Tracey Rigney, Emma Freeman, Tanya Modini, Laura Scrivano, Zoe Pepper, Eve Spence and Amin Palangi are among the directors who will take part in Attagirl, the new lab dedicated to creating production and distribution pathways for feature films by female and non-binary creative teams.
Six Australian projects and one from New Zealand are among 13 from around the world selected for the lab designed and run by For Film’s Sake (Ffs), financially supported by Screen Australia’s Enterprise Business and Ideas funding program and other Australian and international screen agencies.
The first of three workshops consisting of nine days of project development during TIFF’s Industry Conference and digital festival begins tomorrow. The second next January will look at ways to identify and reach the target audience, including digital distribution and the future of exhibition.
The third, affiliated with the Sydney Film Festival in June,...
Tracey Rigney, Emma Freeman, Tanya Modini, Laura Scrivano, Zoe Pepper, Eve Spence and Amin Palangi are among the directors who will take part in Attagirl, the new lab dedicated to creating production and distribution pathways for feature films by female and non-binary creative teams.
Six Australian projects and one from New Zealand are among 13 from around the world selected for the lab designed and run by For Film’s Sake (Ffs), financially supported by Screen Australia’s Enterprise Business and Ideas funding program and other Australian and international screen agencies.
The first of three workshops consisting of nine days of project development during TIFF’s Industry Conference and digital festival begins tomorrow. The second next January will look at ways to identify and reach the target audience, including digital distribution and the future of exhibition.
The third, affiliated with the Sydney Film Festival in June,...
- 9/8/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
During its early years in the mid-1990s, Filmmaker was noteworthy for its coverage of microbudget, or “no budget,” production. In articles by Peter Broderick, we printed the budgets of films like Clerks, El Mariachi and Clean, Shaven, as well as—later in a cover story I wrote—Pi. Microbudget filmmaking has continued as a Filmmaker focus, although the degree to which our articles have focused on budget numbers has varied. To accompany Mike S. Ryan’s article on microbudget productions, we asked several filmmakers whose work has been made in ultra-low-budget conditions to articulate for us their reasons for working in this model […]...
- 3/17/2020
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
During its early years in the mid-1990s, Filmmaker was noteworthy for its coverage of microbudget, or “no budget,” production. In articles by Peter Broderick, we printed the budgets of films like Clerks, El Mariachi and Clean, Shaven, as well as—later in a cover story I wrote—Pi. Microbudget filmmaking has continued as a Filmmaker focus, although the degree to which our articles have focused on budget numbers has varied. To accompany Mike S. Ryan’s article on microbudget productions, we asked several filmmakers whose work has been made in ultra-low-budget conditions to articulate for us their reasons for working in this model […]...
- 3/17/2020
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
In today’s film news roundup, a “Clueless”-themed restaurant is coming, Dolly Parton’s literacy efforts are showcased in a movie and “The Artist’s Wife” gets release dates.
‘Clueless’ Restaurant
Paramount Pictures is bringing back a slice of its iconic 1995 comedy “Clueless” with an “As If!” pop-up restaurant in West Hollywood starting on March 31.
The studio is partnered with the creators of other themed television restaurants Saved by the Max (inspired by “Saved by the Bell”), The Peach Pit (inspired by “Beverly Hills 90210”) and The Breaking Bad Experience to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of “Clueless.” Aicia Silverstein starred as Cher Horowitz, who popularized “As If!” as an expression of disdain.
“As If!” will be open March 31 through May 8 (excluding Mondays) at 7100 Santa Monica Blvd. Tickets go on sale Friday for $35 each, and include a main and side dish and 90-minute entry window with “Cher-able” snacks and merchandise.
‘Clueless’ Restaurant
Paramount Pictures is bringing back a slice of its iconic 1995 comedy “Clueless” with an “As If!” pop-up restaurant in West Hollywood starting on March 31.
The studio is partnered with the creators of other themed television restaurants Saved by the Max (inspired by “Saved by the Bell”), The Peach Pit (inspired by “Beverly Hills 90210”) and The Breaking Bad Experience to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of “Clueless.” Aicia Silverstein starred as Cher Horowitz, who popularized “As If!” as an expression of disdain.
“As If!” will be open March 31 through May 8 (excluding Mondays) at 7100 Santa Monica Blvd. Tickets go on sale Friday for $35 each, and include a main and side dish and 90-minute entry window with “Cher-able” snacks and merchandise.
- 3/5/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
2010 began with hope, as I wrapped a small indie that looked like it might have legs. But the film soon faded into obscurity and hope faded with it. Two more efforts received little attention, and my heartache grew. But optimism sprung up again in 2015 when I collaborated with indie veteran, Mike S. Ryan, and the first film we made together got into Toronto. It felt like things were turning a corner. With barely a breath, we jumped into another. And for a moment, I saw through rose-colored glasses. Sadly, however, like with most small films, they too faded […]...
- 12/27/2019
- by A.D. Calvo
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
2010 began with hope, as I wrapped a small indie that looked like it might have legs. But the film soon faded into obscurity and hope faded with it. Two more efforts received little attention, and my heartache grew. But optimism sprung up again in 2015 when I collaborated with indie veteran, Mike S. Ryan, and the first film we made together got into Toronto. It felt like things were turning a corner. With barely a breath, we jumped into another. And for a moment, I saw through rose-colored glasses. Sadly, however, like with most small films, they too faded […]...
- 12/27/2019
- by A.D. Calvo
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Strand Releasing has acquired all U.S. rights to Tom Dolby’s “The Artist’s Wife” starring Lena Olin and Bruce Dern. The movie premiered at the Hamptons Film Festival, went on to play at the Mill Valley festival and will next go on to screen at Palm Springs.
Shot in the Hamptons and New York City, the film centers on Claire (Olin), who was once a promising painter and has long lived in the shadow of her husband, a renowned artist named Richard Smythson (Dern). When Richard is diagnosed with dementia, Claire must make challenging decisions for her family, her husband and ultimately, herself.
“The Artist’s Wife is about new beginnings and how challenges can open doors to self-discovery in life’s third act,” said Dolby, who added that the film “showcases Lena and Bruce’s talents front and center.”
The film was produced by Mike S. Ryan at Greyshack Films and by Dolby,...
Shot in the Hamptons and New York City, the film centers on Claire (Olin), who was once a promising painter and has long lived in the shadow of her husband, a renowned artist named Richard Smythson (Dern). When Richard is diagnosed with dementia, Claire must make challenging decisions for her family, her husband and ultimately, herself.
“The Artist’s Wife is about new beginnings and how challenges can open doors to self-discovery in life’s third act,” said Dolby, who added that the film “showcases Lena and Bruce’s talents front and center.”
The film was produced by Mike S. Ryan at Greyshack Films and by Dolby,...
- 12/20/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Joseph Cross and Annabeth Gish will topline the indie thriller Stay at Conder Beach, which is being directed by Aaron Khandros based on a script from Jonathan Patten.
It revolves anound two locals, drawn together by series of unexplained beach resort deaths, who grapple with a threat that might endanger more than just the local beach economy.
Cross will play Jordan, who has only called Conder Beach his home for two years. In the ensuing violence, he recognizes an opportunity to resolve his outsider status. Gish is Diane, a local who will do anything and everything to make sure those responsible for the violence are crushed.
Mike S. Ryan (Junebug) and Michael Bowes producing for Greyshack Films.
The film is being shot in Grand Isle, La, a location that serves to underline the inherent vulnerability of such region...
It revolves anound two locals, drawn together by series of unexplained beach resort deaths, who grapple with a threat that might endanger more than just the local beach economy.
Cross will play Jordan, who has only called Conder Beach his home for two years. In the ensuing violence, he recognizes an opportunity to resolve his outsider status. Gish is Diane, a local who will do anything and everything to make sure those responsible for the violence are crushed.
Mike S. Ryan (Junebug) and Michael Bowes producing for Greyshack Films.
The film is being shot in Grand Isle, La, a location that serves to underline the inherent vulnerability of such region...
- 12/21/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Junebug producer Mike Ryan and Phyllis Laing of Buffalo Gal Pictures among expert advisors.
Training and networking programme Trans Atlantic Partners (Tap) has unveiled the 2017 schedule of training modules connecting international producers with a special emphasis on co-productions.
Tap is holding training modules in Berlin from June 21-24 and Halifax, Canada, from September 12-17, when participants will also attend as delegates the Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners co-production market.
The programme provides networking and expert insight for film and TV producers from the Us, Canada and international markets.
This year’s experts include Mike Ryan of Greyshack Films (Junebug), Phyllis Laing of Buffalo Gal Pictures (Aloft), Canada Media Fund director of programme management Nathalie Clermont, German attorney Kai May, and Jeff Boone, manager of global scripted development at eOne Television USA.
Participating Us producers:
Allison Carter, Savage Rose; Reena Dutt, Painted Tree Productions & Off-Chance Productions; Kiara C Jones, Cultivated Films; Carolyn Mao; and Trevite Willis, [link...
Training and networking programme Trans Atlantic Partners (Tap) has unveiled the 2017 schedule of training modules connecting international producers with a special emphasis on co-productions.
Tap is holding training modules in Berlin from June 21-24 and Halifax, Canada, from September 12-17, when participants will also attend as delegates the Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners co-production market.
The programme provides networking and expert insight for film and TV producers from the Us, Canada and international markets.
This year’s experts include Mike Ryan of Greyshack Films (Junebug), Phyllis Laing of Buffalo Gal Pictures (Aloft), Canada Media Fund director of programme management Nathalie Clermont, German attorney Kai May, and Jeff Boone, manager of global scripted development at eOne Television USA.
Participating Us producers:
Allison Carter, Savage Rose; Reena Dutt, Painted Tree Productions & Off-Chance Productions; Kiara C Jones, Cultivated Films; Carolyn Mao; and Trevite Willis, [link...
- 6/19/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Junebug producer Mike Ryan and Phyllis Laing of Buffalo Gal Pictures among expert advisors.
Training and networking programme Trans Atlantic Partners (Tap) has unveiled the 2017 schedule of training modules connecting international producers with a special emphasis on co-productions.
Tap is holding training modules in Berlin from June 21-24 and Halifax, Canada, from September 12-17, when participants will also attend as delegates the Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners co-production market.
The programme provides networking and expert insight for film and TV producers from the Us, Canada and international markets.
This year’s experts include Mike Ryan of Greyshack Films (Junebug), Phyllis Laing of Buffalo Gal Pictures (Aloft), Canada Media Fund director of programme management Nathalie Clermont, German attorney Kai May, and Jeff Boone, manager of global scripted development at eOne Television USA.
Participating Us producers:
Allison Carter, Savage Rose; Reena Dutt, Painted Tree Productions & Off-Chance Productions; Kiara C Jones, Cultivated Films; Carolyn Mao; and Trevite Willis, [link...
Training and networking programme Trans Atlantic Partners (Tap) has unveiled the 2017 schedule of training modules connecting international producers with a special emphasis on co-productions.
Tap is holding training modules in Berlin from June 21-24 and Halifax, Canada, from September 12-17, when participants will also attend as delegates the Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners co-production market.
The programme provides networking and expert insight for film and TV producers from the Us, Canada and international markets.
This year’s experts include Mike Ryan of Greyshack Films (Junebug), Phyllis Laing of Buffalo Gal Pictures (Aloft), Canada Media Fund director of programme management Nathalie Clermont, German attorney Kai May, and Jeff Boone, manager of global scripted development at eOne Television USA.
Participating Us producers:
Allison Carter, Savage Rose; Reena Dutt, Painted Tree Productions & Off-Chance Productions; Kiara C Jones, Cultivated Films; Carolyn Mao; and Trevite Willis, [link...
- 6/19/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
‘A Critically Endangered Species’ Exclusive Trailer: Lena Olin Decides to End Her Life in SXSW Drama
“A Critically Endangered Species” will have its world premiere on Sunday, March 12, at this year’s SXSW. The drama stars Lena Olin (“Chocolat,” “Remember Me”) as the lead and Rosanna Arquette (“The Whole Nine Yards,” “Roadies”).
Read More: ‘Let There Be Light’ Exclusive Trailer: SXSW Documentary Explores Nuclear Fusion Research — Watch
The film follows Maya Dardel (Olin), an internationally acclaimed poet and novelist who decides to end her life. She makes the announcement on national radio and launches a search for young male published poetry writers to compete to become executors of her estate. As the men compete, Maya will make sure to challenge them intellectually, emotionally and sexually.
The cast also includes Nathan Keyes (“Britney Ever After’), Alexander Koch (“Always Shine”), Jordan Gavaris (“The Sea of Trees”), and Chris Voss (“There Is No God and We All Die Alone”). The film is by writing-directing duo Zachary Cotler and Magdalena Zyzak...
Read More: ‘Let There Be Light’ Exclusive Trailer: SXSW Documentary Explores Nuclear Fusion Research — Watch
The film follows Maya Dardel (Olin), an internationally acclaimed poet and novelist who decides to end her life. She makes the announcement on national radio and launches a search for young male published poetry writers to compete to become executors of her estate. As the men compete, Maya will make sure to challenge them intellectually, emotionally and sexually.
The cast also includes Nathan Keyes (“Britney Ever After’), Alexander Koch (“Always Shine”), Jordan Gavaris (“The Sea of Trees”), and Chris Voss (“There Is No God and We All Die Alone”). The film is by writing-directing duo Zachary Cotler and Magdalena Zyzak...
- 3/3/2017
- by Yoselin Acevedo
- Indiewire
As the definition of an independent film has shifted with the ever-expanding budget divide in American filmmaking — particularly Hollywood cutting back on its mid-range projects — when it comes time for awards season, it’s often only the highest profile of “indie films” that get recognized. While we do our best to recognize the films that often get unfortunately, a new awards has launched that honors the best of truly independent American cinema, featuring films all under a $1 million budget.
Aptly titled the American Independent Film Awards (aka AIFAs), they were voted on by international film festival programmers, U.S. based film festival programmers, and North American film critics (including yours truly.) “First and foremost, we would like to thank all film producers and distribution companies who helped us identify qualifying films and outline the categories. We’d also like to thank the international and American based film festival programmers, and...
Aptly titled the American Independent Film Awards (aka AIFAs), they were voted on by international film festival programmers, U.S. based film festival programmers, and North American film critics (including yours truly.) “First and foremost, we would like to thank all film producers and distribution companies who helped us identify qualifying films and outline the categories. We’d also like to thank the international and American based film festival programmers, and...
- 2/20/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
When the phone rang, I answered immediately. I knew Bebe Lerner, Zack Snyder’s personal publicist, was supposed to be calling me, but I wasn’t sure why. “Hi, Bebe,” I said. “Am I in trouble?” It’s a fair question. After all, my relationship to Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice has been a difficult one, and my reportage this spring set off way more controversy than I would have guessed possible. At this point, anytime I start to write about any DC film, I have a moment of hesitation. “Is this worth the hassle it will inevitably become?” One of my least favorite things about all of this has been the way all communication with Zack and Deb Snyder ceased the moment my reporting set off a ripple of bad publicity. I’ve been talking to the Snyders about their work since they were in post-production on 300, and...
- 6/21/2016
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
LatinoBuzz: Winners of 33rd Edition CineMart Include Academy Award-Nominee Ciro Guerra's New Project
The CineMart 2016 awards have been announced marking the close of the 33rd edition of the co-production market. German production "Berlin Alexanderplatz" was awarded the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award of €20,000, which is given to a project presented by a European producer. Colombian production "Birds of Passage" was awarded the €6,000 Arte International Prize and the Wouter Barendrecht Award went to Christopher Radcliff’s new project "The Strange Ones." The prize of €5,000 is given by the Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation. The jury for the Arte and Eurimages awards is comprised of the Netherlands Film Fund’s Dorien van de Pas, producer Annamaria Lodato and Fabien Westerhoff, head of international licensing, production and finance company Ffwd (formerly with Hanway and WestEnd). The Wouter Barendrecht Award is decided on by representatives of the Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation, Nelleke and Ellis Driessen.
CineMart selected 25 international projects to participate in the four day event which has been one of the most successful in recent years. Multiple conferences and panels covering topics ranging from “Making the most of a film festival” to “The Micro-Budget Talent Programmes” were held in front of packed audiences who were invited to be involved in the debates and receive advice. Mike S. Ryan (Greyshack Films), Michael Weber (The Match Factory), Winnie Lau (Jettone Films Ltd) and Bero Beyer (Director Iffr) discussing ‘The Creative Thunder of Cinema’ proved one of the highlights of Iffr 2016.
On making the announcement, Head of Industry and CineMart, Marit van den Elshout commented: “This year’s line-up was exceptional and inspiring. I speak on behalf of the entire team when I say that we could not be more proud – we have seen so many great projects, and so many talented teams behind them, the winners really exemplify this. I am also pleased to say that we hosted multiple extremely well attended panels and conversations, discussing the current state and possible future of the cinema that we love and cherish in Rotterdam.”
This year’s Eurimages Co-Production Development Award winner, "Berlin Alexanderplatz" by Burhan Qurbani (Germany) is a Sommerhaus Filmproduktion production. On the jury’s decision, Dorien van de Pas commented: “The project gives us a new and relevant view on a classic piece. The talented director has already made several films about urgent and relevant topics, that currently affect all our countries. Here he will combine elements of genre film with more political and emotional layers, which makes it accessible for a younger audience. The project leads to an ideal co-production scenario and the money of this award will be well employed for casting and further development.”
The Arte International Prize winner is "Birds of Passage" (Colombia) by Ciro Guerra, who is currently nominated for the Best Foreign Language Academy Award for "Embrace of the Serpent," produced by Ciudad Lunar Producciones and Blond Indian Films. On presenting the award, Annemaria Lodato commented: “We decided to give the Arte International Prize to a young South American filmmaker who has already produced a strong and convincing body of work. The project takes us into the heart of an indigenous community, a time and place never explored on screen.”
The Wouter Barendrecht Award winner is "The Strange Ones" (USA), directed by Christopher Radcliff and Lauren Wolkstein, produced by Sébastien Aubert. "Mysterious events surround the travels of two brothers as they make their way across a remote American landscape. On the surface all seems normal, but what appears to be a simple vacation soon gives way to something more complex, dark, and potentially deadly." On presenting the award Managing Director of Fortissimo Films, Nelleke Driessen commented: “The short film on which this film project is based, convinced the jury of the potential for the feature. We trust that the makers will succeed to translate this apparent simple story into an intriguing, multi layered psychological thriller.”
Hbf+Europe Distribution Support for International Co-productions
Next to these awards, Iffr’s Hubert Bals Fund is proud to announce the first selection of its brand-new distribution scheme: Hbf+Europe Distribution Support for International Co-productions. The scheme is designed to boost the distribution of internationally co-produced films from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe.
The Hbf is pleased to announce that the first Hbf+Europe Distribution grant of 20.000 Euro has been awarded to Heretic Outreach from Greece to support the distribution of "Babai" by Visar Morina (Kosovo, Germany, Macedonia and France) in Greece, Bulgaria and Egypt.
Full selection list for CineMart 2016:
"The Announcement" - Mahmut Fazil Coskun - Turkey/Bulgaria - Filmotto Production/The Chouchkov Brothers "Berlin Alexanderplatz" - Burhan Qurbani - Germany - Sommerhaus Filmproduktion GmbH "Birds of Passage" - Ciro Guerra - Colombia - Ciudad Lunar/Blond Indian Films "Bloody Marie" - Guido van Driel - the Netherlands/Germany - Family Affair Films/Schiwago Film GmbH "Bootlegger" - Caroline Monnet - Canada - Microclimat Films "Dark Room" - Itamar Alcalay - Israel/Germany - Lama Films/Komplizen Film "The Devil Outside" - Andrew Hulme - UK - Ipso Facto Productions "Is this What You Were Born For?" - Radu Jude - Romania - Hi Film Productions "Jessica" - Ninja Thyberg - Sweden - Plattform Produktion "The Last Harem" - Maryam Keshavarz - France/Portugal - Neon Productions/ Ítaca Films/MaraKesh Films (Art:Film) "The Notebooks" - Joana Hadjithomas, Khalil Joreige - Lebanon/France - Abbout Productions "Over the City" - Emir Baigazin - Kazakhstan/Germany - Emir Baigazin Production/Augenschein Filmproduktion "Pompei" - John Shank, Anna Falguères - Belgium/Italy - Tarantula/Solaria Film "Rafaël" - Ben Sombogaart - the Netherlands/Italy/Belgium/Tunisia - Rinkel Film/Verdeoro/Entre Chien et Loup/Nomadis Images/Cinetelefilms "Sick, Sick, Sick" - Alice Furtado - Brazil - Estúdio Giz/Oceano "Slam" - Partho Sen-Gupta - Australia - Invisible Republic "Sleep." - Jan-Willem van Ewijk - the Netherlands - Waterland Film/Propellor Film "The Strange Ones" - Christopher Radcliff, Lauren Wolkstein - France/USA - Adastra Films "Teenage Jesus" - Marie Grahtø - Denmark - Beofilm "Under the Sun" - Qiu Yang - France/China - House on Fire/Colorful Age Culture & Media "Der Unschuldige" - Simon Jaquemet - Switzerland - 8Horses "Ursa Major"- Benjamin Crotty - USA/France - AgX/Les Films du Bal "Vikings" - Daniel Hoesl - Austria - Ulrich Seidl Film Produktion GmbH "Wild Princess" - Ester Martin Bergsmark - Sweden - Garagefilm International (Art:Film) "What if Women Ruled the World?" - Yael Bartana - UK - Jacqui Davies Limited...
CineMart selected 25 international projects to participate in the four day event which has been one of the most successful in recent years. Multiple conferences and panels covering topics ranging from “Making the most of a film festival” to “The Micro-Budget Talent Programmes” were held in front of packed audiences who were invited to be involved in the debates and receive advice. Mike S. Ryan (Greyshack Films), Michael Weber (The Match Factory), Winnie Lau (Jettone Films Ltd) and Bero Beyer (Director Iffr) discussing ‘The Creative Thunder of Cinema’ proved one of the highlights of Iffr 2016.
On making the announcement, Head of Industry and CineMart, Marit van den Elshout commented: “This year’s line-up was exceptional and inspiring. I speak on behalf of the entire team when I say that we could not be more proud – we have seen so many great projects, and so many talented teams behind them, the winners really exemplify this. I am also pleased to say that we hosted multiple extremely well attended panels and conversations, discussing the current state and possible future of the cinema that we love and cherish in Rotterdam.”
This year’s Eurimages Co-Production Development Award winner, "Berlin Alexanderplatz" by Burhan Qurbani (Germany) is a Sommerhaus Filmproduktion production. On the jury’s decision, Dorien van de Pas commented: “The project gives us a new and relevant view on a classic piece. The talented director has already made several films about urgent and relevant topics, that currently affect all our countries. Here he will combine elements of genre film with more political and emotional layers, which makes it accessible for a younger audience. The project leads to an ideal co-production scenario and the money of this award will be well employed for casting and further development.”
The Arte International Prize winner is "Birds of Passage" (Colombia) by Ciro Guerra, who is currently nominated for the Best Foreign Language Academy Award for "Embrace of the Serpent," produced by Ciudad Lunar Producciones and Blond Indian Films. On presenting the award, Annemaria Lodato commented: “We decided to give the Arte International Prize to a young South American filmmaker who has already produced a strong and convincing body of work. The project takes us into the heart of an indigenous community, a time and place never explored on screen.”
The Wouter Barendrecht Award winner is "The Strange Ones" (USA), directed by Christopher Radcliff and Lauren Wolkstein, produced by Sébastien Aubert. "Mysterious events surround the travels of two brothers as they make their way across a remote American landscape. On the surface all seems normal, but what appears to be a simple vacation soon gives way to something more complex, dark, and potentially deadly." On presenting the award Managing Director of Fortissimo Films, Nelleke Driessen commented: “The short film on which this film project is based, convinced the jury of the potential for the feature. We trust that the makers will succeed to translate this apparent simple story into an intriguing, multi layered psychological thriller.”
Hbf+Europe Distribution Support for International Co-productions
Next to these awards, Iffr’s Hubert Bals Fund is proud to announce the first selection of its brand-new distribution scheme: Hbf+Europe Distribution Support for International Co-productions. The scheme is designed to boost the distribution of internationally co-produced films from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe.
The Hbf is pleased to announce that the first Hbf+Europe Distribution grant of 20.000 Euro has been awarded to Heretic Outreach from Greece to support the distribution of "Babai" by Visar Morina (Kosovo, Germany, Macedonia and France) in Greece, Bulgaria and Egypt.
Full selection list for CineMart 2016:
"The Announcement" - Mahmut Fazil Coskun - Turkey/Bulgaria - Filmotto Production/The Chouchkov Brothers "Berlin Alexanderplatz" - Burhan Qurbani - Germany - Sommerhaus Filmproduktion GmbH "Birds of Passage" - Ciro Guerra - Colombia - Ciudad Lunar/Blond Indian Films "Bloody Marie" - Guido van Driel - the Netherlands/Germany - Family Affair Films/Schiwago Film GmbH "Bootlegger" - Caroline Monnet - Canada - Microclimat Films "Dark Room" - Itamar Alcalay - Israel/Germany - Lama Films/Komplizen Film "The Devil Outside" - Andrew Hulme - UK - Ipso Facto Productions "Is this What You Were Born For?" - Radu Jude - Romania - Hi Film Productions "Jessica" - Ninja Thyberg - Sweden - Plattform Produktion "The Last Harem" - Maryam Keshavarz - France/Portugal - Neon Productions/ Ítaca Films/MaraKesh Films (Art:Film) "The Notebooks" - Joana Hadjithomas, Khalil Joreige - Lebanon/France - Abbout Productions "Over the City" - Emir Baigazin - Kazakhstan/Germany - Emir Baigazin Production/Augenschein Filmproduktion "Pompei" - John Shank, Anna Falguères - Belgium/Italy - Tarantula/Solaria Film "Rafaël" - Ben Sombogaart - the Netherlands/Italy/Belgium/Tunisia - Rinkel Film/Verdeoro/Entre Chien et Loup/Nomadis Images/Cinetelefilms "Sick, Sick, Sick" - Alice Furtado - Brazil - Estúdio Giz/Oceano "Slam" - Partho Sen-Gupta - Australia - Invisible Republic "Sleep." - Jan-Willem van Ewijk - the Netherlands - Waterland Film/Propellor Film "The Strange Ones" - Christopher Radcliff, Lauren Wolkstein - France/USA - Adastra Films "Teenage Jesus" - Marie Grahtø - Denmark - Beofilm "Under the Sun" - Qiu Yang - France/China - House on Fire/Colorful Age Culture & Media "Der Unschuldige" - Simon Jaquemet - Switzerland - 8Horses "Ursa Major"- Benjamin Crotty - USA/France - AgX/Les Films du Bal "Vikings" - Daniel Hoesl - Austria - Ulrich Seidl Film Produktion GmbH "Wild Princess" - Ester Martin Bergsmark - Sweden - Garagefilm International (Art:Film) "What if Women Ruled the World?" - Yael Bartana - UK - Jacqui Davies Limited...
- 2/4/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Michael Pitt, Imogen Poots, Isabelle Huppert and Willem Dafoe are all set to star in art-theft drama "The Sleeping Shepherd" for Solution Entertainment Group.
Inspired by real-life art thief Stephane Breitwieser, Pitt plays a failed painter who decides he would rather steal great art than paint it. As he criss-crosses Europe, he meets a bored rich girl (Poots) who gets a sexual thrill from art theft.
Soon caught, his co-dependent mother (Huppert) destroys $2 billion worth of irreplaceable masterpieces by chopping them up and tossing them into the nearby Rhine Canal. He and mom are sent to jail, where his jailhouse paintings become collector's items.
Frank Hudec directs from his own script while Mike S. Ryan will produce.
Source: Variety...
Inspired by real-life art thief Stephane Breitwieser, Pitt plays a failed painter who decides he would rather steal great art than paint it. As he criss-crosses Europe, he meets a bored rich girl (Poots) who gets a sexual thrill from art theft.
Soon caught, his co-dependent mother (Huppert) destroys $2 billion worth of irreplaceable masterpieces by chopping them up and tossing them into the nearby Rhine Canal. He and mom are sent to jail, where his jailhouse paintings become collector's items.
Frank Hudec directs from his own script while Mike S. Ryan will produce.
Source: Variety...
- 2/3/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The Solution Entertainment Group will introduce Efm buyers to Frank Hudec’s drama in Berlin next week. CAA represents North American rights.
Pitt and Poots play the leads in The Sleeping Shepherd, about an art thief who goes on a crime spree across Europe with a bored rich girl. Isabelle Huppert and Willem Dafoe rund out the key cast.
The story is inspired by the life of Stéphane Breitwieser, who admitted to stealing 239 works of art from 172 museums and exhibits across Europe from 1995-2001.
Mike S. Ryan of Junebug fame will produce the film.
The Solution Entertainment Group co-founders and partners Lisa Wilson and Myles Nestel made the announcement on Tuesday.
Pitt and Poots play the leads in The Sleeping Shepherd, about an art thief who goes on a crime spree across Europe with a bored rich girl. Isabelle Huppert and Willem Dafoe rund out the key cast.
The story is inspired by the life of Stéphane Breitwieser, who admitted to stealing 239 works of art from 172 museums and exhibits across Europe from 1995-2001.
Mike S. Ryan of Junebug fame will produce the film.
The Solution Entertainment Group co-founders and partners Lisa Wilson and Myles Nestel made the announcement on Tuesday.
- 2/2/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Oscar and Golden Globe-nominee Lena Olin (The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Enemies, A Love Story) has wrapped production of A Posthumous Woman, an independent drama directed by award-winning poet T. Zachary Cotler and novelist/producer Magdalena Zyzak. The film was produced by Mike Ryan of Greyshack Films and Morgan Jon Fox, a director and producer who placed in the 2009 edition of Filmmaker‘s 25 New Faces. Olin stars as a famous novelist who, after deciding to commit suicide, calls on young male writers to submit their work to her so that she can name one her literary executor. Starring alongside Olin […]...
- 11/16/2015
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Oscar and Golden Globe-nominee Lena Olin (The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Enemies, A Love Story) has wrapped production of A Posthumous Woman, an independent drama directed by award-winning poet T. Zachary Cotler and novelist/producer Magdalena Zyzak. The film was produced by Mike Ryan of Greyshack Films and Morgan Jon Fox, a director and producer who placed in the 2009 edition of Filmmaker‘s 25 New Faces. Olin stars as a famous novelist who, after deciding to commit suicide, calls on young male writers to submit their work to her so that she can name one her literary executor. Starring alongside Olin […]...
- 11/16/2015
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Ahead of his conversation at tomorrow’s Screen Forward conference, Mike S. Ryan fielded five questions about his career and recent Filmmaker piece “TV is Not the New Film.” A producer on such films as Meek’s Cutoff, The Comedy and Palindromes, Ryan explains how transmedia represents an loss of faith in the filmic medium, why True Detective is an exception to the rule of the TV writer as auteur, and what he looks for in a script. Filmmaker: In your “TV is Not the New Film” piece, you mention that the move to transmedia shows a “[loss] of faith in the medium,” while many others seem to argue that transmedia is […]...
- 9/22/2015
- by Sarah Salovaara
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Ahead of his conversation at tomorrow’s Screen Forward conference, Mike S. Ryan fielded five questions about his career and recent Filmmaker piece “TV is Not the New Film.” A producer on such films as Meek’s Cutoff, The Comedy and Palindromes, Ryan explains how transmedia represents an loss of faith in the filmic medium, why True Detective is an exception to the rule of the TV writer as auteur, and what he looks for in a script. Filmmaker: In your “TV is Not the New Film” piece, you mention that the move to transmedia shows a “[loss] of faith in the medium,” while many others seem to argue that transmedia is […]...
- 9/22/2015
- by Sarah Salovaara
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Jake Mahaffy appeared on Filmmaker‘s 25 New Faces list in 2005 following his Tarkovsky-esque black-and-white (shot on a hand cranked camera, no less) tale of American collapse, War. His very different 2008 feature Wellness won the Grand Prize at SXSW and now, seven years later, Mmhaffy is back with the Venice-premiering Free in Deed. Produced by Mike Ryan, it’s easily the film I’m anticipating most on the Fall festival circuit. From the film’s Facebook page: Set in the distinctive world of storefront churches and based on actual events, Free in Deed depicts one man’s attempts to perform a miracle. When […]...
- 8/3/2015
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Jake Mahaffy appeared on Filmmaker‘s 25 New Faces list in 2005 following his Tarkovsky-esque black-and-white (shot on a hand cranked camera, no less) tale of American collapse, War. His very different 2008 feature Wellness won the Grand Prize at SXSW and now, seven years later, Mmhaffy is back with the Venice-premiering Free in Deed. Produced by Mike Ryan, it’s easily the film I’m anticipating most on the Fall festival circuit. From the film’s Facebook page: Set in the distinctive world of storefront churches and based on actual events, Free in Deed depicts one man’s attempts to perform a miracle. When […]...
- 8/3/2015
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
After Tim Sutton’s portrait in 2014, this could this be a back-to-back Sundance editions with the idea of Memphis in the forefront. Taking perhaps the tortoise route towards fruition, Free in Deed was part of the same 2005 Screenwriters Lab (same year as Cary Fukunaga’s Sin Nombre and So Yong Kim’s Treeless Mountain) with stops at the but the Cannes Atelier, 2006 Sundance Institute Director Lab and Annenberg Film Fellowship Grant. This project is definitely in the homestretch. Jake Mahaffy who first broke out with Frontier section War in 2004 and followed that up with the 2008 SXSW Dramatic Comp Grand Jury Prize winning Wellness (also an Ifp Gotham Awards – Best Undistributed Film Nominee) has been keeping the coals fired up working in the short and installation forms. He had previously made appearances in Park City with his Motion Studies series in Gravity (2005), Mobile (2005), Heat (2005), Inertia (2008), and most recently broke onto the...
- 11/12/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Exclusive: 22 producers from across Europe, Canada and the Us to take part in this year’s training programme.
Internationally renowned training programme Trans Atlantic Partners (Tap) has unveiled its participants for this year’s edition.
The 22 producers from across Europe, Canada and the Us were selected by the Erich Pommer Institut (Epi) (Germany), new presenting partner Canadian Media Production Association (Cmpa) (Canada) and The Independent Filmmaker Project (USA).
Tap’s sixth edition will be incorporated into two training modules taking place in Berlin (June 17-22) and Halifax (Sept 8-14), and the producers will also participate as full delegates at the Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners.
Nadja Radojevic, Epi’s head of international training, commented: “Thanks to the excellent collaboration among the three Presenting Partners we can once more include a great line-up of experts, seminars and workshops. And of course, we are delighted to have acquired so many talented and experienced producers.
Experts for this...
Internationally renowned training programme Trans Atlantic Partners (Tap) has unveiled its participants for this year’s edition.
The 22 producers from across Europe, Canada and the Us were selected by the Erich Pommer Institut (Epi) (Germany), new presenting partner Canadian Media Production Association (Cmpa) (Canada) and The Independent Filmmaker Project (USA).
Tap’s sixth edition will be incorporated into two training modules taking place in Berlin (June 17-22) and Halifax (Sept 8-14), and the producers will also participate as full delegates at the Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners.
Nadja Radojevic, Epi’s head of international training, commented: “Thanks to the excellent collaboration among the three Presenting Partners we can once more include a great line-up of experts, seminars and workshops. And of course, we are delighted to have acquired so many talented and experienced producers.
Experts for this...
- 6/12/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
David Harewood and Edwina Findley have signed up to star in the indie drama titled Free In Deed, from writer/director Jake Mahaffy, which is based on a true story. In the film, Harewood will play a man who brings a small congregation together in order to perform the miraculous healing of an 8-year-old autistic child. Findley will play the boy’s mother. Production is set to begin this month in Memphis, Tn, with Mike S. Ryan’s Greyshack Films, and Brent Stiefel’s Votiv producing with Michael Bowes. Harewood will also star in Four Stars International's Paul Robeson biopic, which Vondie Curtis-Hall will direct, replacing South African...
- 2/14/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The first day of the Havana Film Festival I was at the Hotel Nacional, registering for the festival, seeing familiar faces from Cuba and the Caribbean and old friends from the USA: Oleg Vidov and his wife Joan Borsten were there as Oleg who had starred in 3 Soviet films made in Cuba was an honored guest. Havana regulars were there: Marlene Dermer, director of Laliff and Laurie Anne Schag, VP of International Documentary Association. Laurie Anne not only gives tours of Cuba with her colleague Geo Darder, but this year she also screened her film at the festival, the documentary Oshun’s 11 about a tour of the Yoruba Orisha religion in Cuba.
Harlan Jacobson of Talk Cinema and Sarah Miller brought in tours as well and we went together to the Acapulco theater to see the Puerto Rican romantic heist movie Hope, Despair (La Espera Desespera) by writer/ director Coraly Santaliz Perez (♀) . Im Global’s Bonnie Voland the VP of Marketing was there with with Stuart Ford and his friend. Bonnie gave a great presentation on marketing which I will report on in these pages soon. Im Global and Mundial, their their new joint venture with Gael Garcia Bernal, showed The Butler and Bolivar: The Liberator. This new Mundial title was oddly programmed at the same time as the Venezuelan version of the exact same story, Bolivar, el hombre de las dificultades by Luis Alberto Lamata, a Venezuelan-Cuban-Spanish co-production. I wonder if both cinemas were packed or if one was more popular than the other. Publicity and marketing at this festival is a strange and unknown process, though I know Caroline Libresco-produced and Grace Lee-directed American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs brought in audience after a radio interview with Caroline and Grace had aired.
Ruby Rich was also here giving a very interesting presentation on Queer Cinema whose historical roots (Todd Haynes, Derek Jarman) were mostly unknown to the young Cuban audience. She is an old hand in Havana, having attended the festival in the heady days of the 1970s. The theme of homosexuality was prevalent in many of the films this year. A government Institute of Human Sexuality has been established under the leadership of the daughter of Raul Castro, and Cuba has apologized for its past treatment of homosexuality. This reversal has opened the doors of freedom. Filmmaker Enrique Pineda Barnet, the writer of Soy Cuba, the great Russian-Cuban epic, used to have to work underground with his personal homosexual films (After his fame was established with La Bella del Alhambra he was “allowed” to work underground). He is now able to be officially accepted with his works like Verde, Verde which showed in the Festival. Venezuelan Miguel Ferrari’s Azul y no tan rosa was feted for his treatment of this little-discussed issues in his home country.
Enrique Pineda Barnet’s meditation on what it means to be gay in Havana (Verde, Verde) marks his first film in years to be accepted into the official festival.
The U.S. invitees who give workshops here and at the international film school Eictv makes me wonder who is making the connections and how. Last year Hawk Koch and Annette Benning were here and created a support mechanism of AMPAS with the festival. This year, aside from Oleg Vidov Bonnie Voland and Ruby Rich, other American invitees giving workshops included Robert Kraft (Avatar, Titanic, Moulin Rouge) on film music was obviously brought in by the Academy. Mike S. Ryan, an independent filmmaker from New York was the big surprise as we never knew his role as producer of such films as Todd Solondz’s Palindromes and Life During Wartime, Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy and Ira Sach’s Forty Shades of Blue, Hal Hartley’s Fay Grim and many more including Liberty Kid, the winner of HBO’s Latino Film Festival 2007 and Bela Tarr’s final film, The Turin Horse. His newly finished film is Last Weekend starring Patricia Clarkson and Zachary Booth. This Independent Spirit “Producer of the Year” winner was here working with filmmakers at Eictv, the international film school and also did a presentation in the festival conference series.
Im Global’s Stuart Ford and friend with Bonnie Voland at the Hotel Nacional
Oliver Stone, a favorite of Cuba since his HBO films Comandante and Persona Non Grata, brought in a History Channel doc series called The Untold History of the United States, made up basically of interviews with key people in the eras of World War II: Roosevelt, Truman and Wallace [sic],The Bomb, Cold War: Truman, Wallace [sic], Stalin, Churchill and the Bomb, The 1950s: Eisenhower, The Bomb and The Third World.
A fruit vendor on our walk to the Infanta Theater
Laurie Anne Schag secured radio promotion for Caroline Libresco of Sundance Institute and Grace Lee, here as a producer and director to show their new film: American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs. The audience at the Infanta Theater was mainly brought in by the radio show but also included us, the friends, and the Trinidad + Tobago delegation. The Q&A sessions were informed and informative as the Cubans and Americans discussed the notion of Revolution as put forward by Grace Lee Boggs a 90+ year old community organizer who came out of Barnard College in the 40s to Detroit and has never abandoned her Marxist Socialist standards but recognizes that social revolution can only succeed if the people themselves are revolutionized from grassroots action and within the individuals carrying out the action. Without transformation from within, action to change the government is only a rebellion. So what about the Cuban Revolution? The discussions were very enlightening and the audience felt that this film was new and interesting.
I attended the first of four screenings of Caribbean films hosted by ttff (Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival) at the Infanta Theater. My readers know from my blogs of last November how astonished and moved I was by the population makeup of Trinidad + Tobago and of the Caribbean in general. This area of small islands, formerly colonized by Spanish, French, German and Dutch has created a particular island culture society whose film culture is taking the next evolutionary step. Forming a marketplace and a place of cultural exchange among its constituents, ttff’s director Bruce Paddington is working with Cuba’s national film organization, Icaic’s Luis Notario to develop a real film market for Caribbean film. Apropos, Bruce was also showing his documentary on the Revolution in Grenada, called Foreward Ever: The Killing of a Revolution, which was the motto of Maurice Bishop the elected president who was forcefully removed and murdered by the opposition when the U.S. army under the Commander-in-Chief, President Ronald Reagan sent in forces presumably to protect the American medical students attending medical school there in 1983.
Twenty-five Cubans were also killed in the fighting which ensued on this otherwise always peaceful island where now a reconciliation among neighbors is still in process.
The other four screenings of ttff were varied and interesting in their unique Caribbean points of view. The opening film, Poetry is an Island: Derek Walcott was a portrait of the St. Lucia poet and Nobel Prize winner for literature. The short film, Passage, by Kareem Mortimer, a filmmaker I have known for many years from the Bahamas and Trinidad, was astounding in its recall of one of the most degrading aspects of the slave trade, as black Haitians huddled in the tiny hold of a decrepit fishing boat as they were smuggled into Florida from Haiti. Another short, Auntie, from the Barbados by Lisa Harewood told of a current social issue in which “Aunts” take care of young children while their single mothers go abroad to earn money for their care. As the child in this movie reaches her teen years, her mother sends for her which leaves a grieving single woman “Auntie” alone with no thanks and no child to care for in her older years. Other shorts included The Gardener by Jo Henriquez from Aruba and One Good Deed by Juliette McCawley from Trinidad + Tobago.
The window on Caribbean issues was opened wide. The Barbados comedy Payday in which two friends decide to leave their job as security guards and open their own business was made on a shoe string but gave a picture of how the youth are living today with ganga, grinding dancing, sexy encounters told with a sweet mischievous naughtiness. Songs of Redemption, by Miquel Galofre and Amanda Sans, winner of ttff’s Jury Prize and the Audience Award goes inside what had been Kingston Jamaica’s worst prison until the new prison director introduced classes to educate the prisoners, including a music rehabilition program which goes beyond all expectation… Truly redeeming.
Trinidad + Tobago filmmakers Karim Mortimer from Bahamas, Lisa Harewood from Barbaddos, Alex (Egyptian/ Austrian / Bahamanian business partner of Karim, Shakira Bourne
The film program was suspended for a full day in which all cultural and entertainment events throughout Cuba were cancelled to observe a national day of mourning for Nelson Mandela.
Harlan Jacobson of Talk Cinema and Sarah Miller brought in tours as well and we went together to the Acapulco theater to see the Puerto Rican romantic heist movie Hope, Despair (La Espera Desespera) by writer/ director Coraly Santaliz Perez (♀) . Im Global’s Bonnie Voland the VP of Marketing was there with with Stuart Ford and his friend. Bonnie gave a great presentation on marketing which I will report on in these pages soon. Im Global and Mundial, their their new joint venture with Gael Garcia Bernal, showed The Butler and Bolivar: The Liberator. This new Mundial title was oddly programmed at the same time as the Venezuelan version of the exact same story, Bolivar, el hombre de las dificultades by Luis Alberto Lamata, a Venezuelan-Cuban-Spanish co-production. I wonder if both cinemas were packed or if one was more popular than the other. Publicity and marketing at this festival is a strange and unknown process, though I know Caroline Libresco-produced and Grace Lee-directed American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs brought in audience after a radio interview with Caroline and Grace had aired.
Ruby Rich was also here giving a very interesting presentation on Queer Cinema whose historical roots (Todd Haynes, Derek Jarman) were mostly unknown to the young Cuban audience. She is an old hand in Havana, having attended the festival in the heady days of the 1970s. The theme of homosexuality was prevalent in many of the films this year. A government Institute of Human Sexuality has been established under the leadership of the daughter of Raul Castro, and Cuba has apologized for its past treatment of homosexuality. This reversal has opened the doors of freedom. Filmmaker Enrique Pineda Barnet, the writer of Soy Cuba, the great Russian-Cuban epic, used to have to work underground with his personal homosexual films (After his fame was established with La Bella del Alhambra he was “allowed” to work underground). He is now able to be officially accepted with his works like Verde, Verde which showed in the Festival. Venezuelan Miguel Ferrari’s Azul y no tan rosa was feted for his treatment of this little-discussed issues in his home country.
Enrique Pineda Barnet’s meditation on what it means to be gay in Havana (Verde, Verde) marks his first film in years to be accepted into the official festival.
The U.S. invitees who give workshops here and at the international film school Eictv makes me wonder who is making the connections and how. Last year Hawk Koch and Annette Benning were here and created a support mechanism of AMPAS with the festival. This year, aside from Oleg Vidov Bonnie Voland and Ruby Rich, other American invitees giving workshops included Robert Kraft (Avatar, Titanic, Moulin Rouge) on film music was obviously brought in by the Academy. Mike S. Ryan, an independent filmmaker from New York was the big surprise as we never knew his role as producer of such films as Todd Solondz’s Palindromes and Life During Wartime, Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy and Ira Sach’s Forty Shades of Blue, Hal Hartley’s Fay Grim and many more including Liberty Kid, the winner of HBO’s Latino Film Festival 2007 and Bela Tarr’s final film, The Turin Horse. His newly finished film is Last Weekend starring Patricia Clarkson and Zachary Booth. This Independent Spirit “Producer of the Year” winner was here working with filmmakers at Eictv, the international film school and also did a presentation in the festival conference series.
Im Global’s Stuart Ford and friend with Bonnie Voland at the Hotel Nacional
Oliver Stone, a favorite of Cuba since his HBO films Comandante and Persona Non Grata, brought in a History Channel doc series called The Untold History of the United States, made up basically of interviews with key people in the eras of World War II: Roosevelt, Truman and Wallace [sic],The Bomb, Cold War: Truman, Wallace [sic], Stalin, Churchill and the Bomb, The 1950s: Eisenhower, The Bomb and The Third World.
A fruit vendor on our walk to the Infanta Theater
Laurie Anne Schag secured radio promotion for Caroline Libresco of Sundance Institute and Grace Lee, here as a producer and director to show their new film: American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs. The audience at the Infanta Theater was mainly brought in by the radio show but also included us, the friends, and the Trinidad + Tobago delegation. The Q&A sessions were informed and informative as the Cubans and Americans discussed the notion of Revolution as put forward by Grace Lee Boggs a 90+ year old community organizer who came out of Barnard College in the 40s to Detroit and has never abandoned her Marxist Socialist standards but recognizes that social revolution can only succeed if the people themselves are revolutionized from grassroots action and within the individuals carrying out the action. Without transformation from within, action to change the government is only a rebellion. So what about the Cuban Revolution? The discussions were very enlightening and the audience felt that this film was new and interesting.
I attended the first of four screenings of Caribbean films hosted by ttff (Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival) at the Infanta Theater. My readers know from my blogs of last November how astonished and moved I was by the population makeup of Trinidad + Tobago and of the Caribbean in general. This area of small islands, formerly colonized by Spanish, French, German and Dutch has created a particular island culture society whose film culture is taking the next evolutionary step. Forming a marketplace and a place of cultural exchange among its constituents, ttff’s director Bruce Paddington is working with Cuba’s national film organization, Icaic’s Luis Notario to develop a real film market for Caribbean film. Apropos, Bruce was also showing his documentary on the Revolution in Grenada, called Foreward Ever: The Killing of a Revolution, which was the motto of Maurice Bishop the elected president who was forcefully removed and murdered by the opposition when the U.S. army under the Commander-in-Chief, President Ronald Reagan sent in forces presumably to protect the American medical students attending medical school there in 1983.
Twenty-five Cubans were also killed in the fighting which ensued on this otherwise always peaceful island where now a reconciliation among neighbors is still in process.
The other four screenings of ttff were varied and interesting in their unique Caribbean points of view. The opening film, Poetry is an Island: Derek Walcott was a portrait of the St. Lucia poet and Nobel Prize winner for literature. The short film, Passage, by Kareem Mortimer, a filmmaker I have known for many years from the Bahamas and Trinidad, was astounding in its recall of one of the most degrading aspects of the slave trade, as black Haitians huddled in the tiny hold of a decrepit fishing boat as they were smuggled into Florida from Haiti. Another short, Auntie, from the Barbados by Lisa Harewood told of a current social issue in which “Aunts” take care of young children while their single mothers go abroad to earn money for their care. As the child in this movie reaches her teen years, her mother sends for her which leaves a grieving single woman “Auntie” alone with no thanks and no child to care for in her older years. Other shorts included The Gardener by Jo Henriquez from Aruba and One Good Deed by Juliette McCawley from Trinidad + Tobago.
The window on Caribbean issues was opened wide. The Barbados comedy Payday in which two friends decide to leave their job as security guards and open their own business was made on a shoe string but gave a picture of how the youth are living today with ganga, grinding dancing, sexy encounters told with a sweet mischievous naughtiness. Songs of Redemption, by Miquel Galofre and Amanda Sans, winner of ttff’s Jury Prize and the Audience Award goes inside what had been Kingston Jamaica’s worst prison until the new prison director introduced classes to educate the prisoners, including a music rehabilition program which goes beyond all expectation… Truly redeeming.
Trinidad + Tobago filmmakers Karim Mortimer from Bahamas, Lisa Harewood from Barbaddos, Alex (Egyptian/ Austrian / Bahamanian business partner of Karim, Shakira Bourne
The film program was suspended for a full day in which all cultural and entertainment events throughout Cuba were cancelled to observe a national day of mourning for Nelson Mandela.
- 1/9/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Tribeca Film has acquired all North American rights to Rick Alverson’s The Comedy, starring Tim Heidecker as an aging Brooklyn hipster. The distributor is planning a select theatrical release day and date with a VOD and online launch. Photos: Tribeca Film Festival 2012: THR's Red Carpet Interviews The movie, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and also played South By Southwest, was produced by the indie music label Jagjaguwar in conjunction with Greyshack Films and Larry Fessenden's Glass Eye Pix, with Mike S. Ryan and Brent Kunkle serving as producers. Rough House Pictures, the production company run by Danny
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- 5/14/2012
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tribeca Film acquired all North American rights to the Rick Alverson-directed The Comedy, a film that bowed at 2012 Sundance Film Festival and also played SXSW. It will be released in October. Jagjaguwar produced in conjunction with Greyshack Films and Larry Fessenden’s Glass Eye Pix, along with Mike S. Ryan and Brent Kunkle producing. Rough House Pictures — the production company of Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Jody Hill, and Matt Reilly — attached themselves to the film during Sundance. Tribeca will do a select theatrical release day-and-date with on-demand platforms including video-on-demand offerings iTunes, Amazon Watch Instantly, Vudu, Xbox and Samsung Media Hub. On the cusp of inheriting his father’s estate, Swanson (Tim Heidecker) is a man with unlimited options. An aging hipster in Brooklyn, he spends his days bored and in aimless recreation with like-minded friends and they begin testing the limits of acceptable behavior. “Tim Heidecker’s...
- 5/14/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Days of Mary casts Juliette Lewis in remaining of Federic Fellini's Nights of Cabiria The film which is based on the original script by Ennio Flaino, Tullio Pinelli and Fellini, follows a girl who's seeking a romantic interest to escape her life in Reno, Neva and starts principal photography in Reno some time this fall, reports Variety. Constellation Entertainment picked up rights to the 1957 winner of the Best Foreign Language Oscar winner from the Fellini estate. Brad Michael Gilbert is set to helm from the script her wrote with Meg McGarry while Mike S. Ryan produces alongside Gilbert. Robbie Little's Little Film Co., is handling international sales for The Days of Mary, introducing the film to buyers in Cannes at first.
- 5/8/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Days of Mary casts Juliette Lewis in remaining of Federic Fellini's Nights of Cabiria The film which is based on the original script by Ennio Flaino, Tullio Pinelli and Fellini, follows a girl who's seeking a romantic interest to escape her life in Reno, Neva and starts principal photography in Reno some time this fall, reports Variety. Constellation Entertainment picked up rights to the 1957 winner of the Best Foreign Language Oscar winner from the Fellini estate. Brad Michael Gilbert is set to helm from the script her wrote with Meg McGarry while Mike S. Ryan produces alongside Gilbert. Robbie Little's Little Film Co., is handling international sales for The Days of Mary, introducing the film to buyers in Cannes at first.
- 5/8/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Over at Hammer to Nail, Michael Tully has announced the winner for the inaugural edition of his monthly Short Film Contest. This month’s winner, Kelly Sears’ Once It Started It Could Not End Otherwise, is available to watch online, and it’s unforgettable; a nightmare-ish collage of refracted high school memories, manipulated yearbook photos, and an escalating sense of dread.
You can stream Once It Started It Could Not End Otherwise over at Vimeo. My advice – don’t watch it at work unless you want your coworkers to see your terrified face.
Previously supported by Rooftop’s Filmmakers’ Fund, Sears’ short was chosen by a panel of judges including filmmaker David Gordon Green, reRun Gastropub curator Aaron Hillis, and Hammer to Nail editor Michael Tully. As part of her prize, Sears will receive fee waivers to several major Us film festivals, as well as a full review on Hammer...
You can stream Once It Started It Could Not End Otherwise over at Vimeo. My advice – don’t watch it at work unless you want your coworkers to see your terrified face.
Previously supported by Rooftop’s Filmmakers’ Fund, Sears’ short was chosen by a panel of judges including filmmaker David Gordon Green, reRun Gastropub curator Aaron Hillis, and Hammer to Nail editor Michael Tully. As part of her prize, Sears will receive fee waivers to several major Us film festivals, as well as a full review on Hammer...
- 2/22/2012
- by Dan Schoenbrun
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
We made it to Berlin and back in one piece. Melanie and I were at the Berlinale for the world premiere of Francine, our first narrative feature starring Melissa Leo. We couldn’t have possibly predicted the response to the film, which has been overwhelmingly positive. Francine showed in the festival’s Forum section, and sold out all four of its screenings before we even premiered. Melissa made the trip out to Berlin, and we were fortunate enough to have had several lively and very engaged Q&A sessions. Seeing the film together for the first time with an audience, especially after a very intense period of shooting, was gratifying beyond words. We want to thank Ifp & Filmmaker Magazine for allowing us this space to share some of our festival experiences as well as inviting us to speak on the New Talents, New Trends panel alongside Producer Mike S. Ryan...
- 2/21/2012
- by Brian M. Cassidy and Melanie Shatzky
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Mark Webber and Chloe Sevigny are attached to star in director Adam Bhala Lough’s indie drama Panarea. Jim Jarmusch is executive producing. The film follows a young married couple with intimacy issues who find themselves vacationing on an exotic Italian island where their commitment will be tested. The script was written by Adam Mansbach, author of the New York Times bestseller Go the F*ck to Sleep. Panarea will go into production this summer. Mangusta Productions’ Sol Tryon and Giancarlo Canavesio, and Mike S. Ryan are producing. Webber wrote and directed Sundance drama The End of Love, which premiered on Saturday at Library Center Theatre. He
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- 1/24/2012
- by Daniel Miller, Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mark Webber and Chloe Sevigny are set to star as the leads in director Adam Bhala Lough's sexually-charged Panarea . The film follows a young married couple with intimacy issues who find themselves vacationing on an exotic Italian island where their commitment will be tested and reaffirmed. Scripted by Adam Mansbach, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller "Go the F*ck to Sleep," Panarea is scheduled to go into production this summer. Jim Jarmusch is executive producing. Mangusta Productions'Sol Tryon and Giancarlo Canavesio have partnered with Mike S. Ryan ( Choke , Junebug , The Comedy ) to produce. Webber, coming off his three premieres at this year's Sundance Film Festival ( The End of Love , Save the Date and For a Good Time Call... ), will play Paul,...
- 1/24/2012
- Comingsoon.net
A pair of films from our favorite auteurs So Yong Kim's For Ellen (see Paul Dano still) and Antonio Campos' Simon Killer are finally making their long awaited world film fest debuts and items from an emerging talent base in the likes of Benh Zeitlin, Ry Russo-Young and James Ponsoldt are part of a handful of lucky filmmakers selected in Sundance's U.S. Dramatic Competiton section. Among the 10 out of 16 we guessed right, we find: Michael Mohan's Save the Date, Ben Lewin's The Surrogate, Colin Trevorrow's Safety Not Guaranteed, Ira Sachs' Keep the Lights On and the newly titled The End of Love - a sophomore effort from filmmaker and actor Mark Webber. Completing the section we find: The Comedy from Rick Alverson (produced by Mike S. Ryan), Filly Brown from Youssef Delara (former Visual Effects Associate on Star Trek), The First Time by...
- 11/30/2011
- IONCINEMA.com
While the reviews for Beginners were almost all positive, very few people have had a chance to see the film. I myself watch over 100 new releases each year and it still took me a few months to catch up on the movie. I finally got around to seeing Beginners this week and called it the most overlooked film of 2011. I guess I can no longer say this. Last night, the Gotham Independent Film Awards surprised everyone with a tie for Best Feature Film with Mike Mills‘ Beginners and Terrence Malick‘s The Tree of Life taking the top prize. Who would have ever guessed?
Best Feature winners from the past several years include Frozen River, Winter’s Bone, and The Hurt Locker. Hit the jump for the full press release.
via The Collider
Gotham Independent Film Awards™
Winners Announced
New York, NY (November 28, 2011) – The Independent Filmmaker Project (Ifp), the nation...
Best Feature winners from the past several years include Frozen River, Winter’s Bone, and The Hurt Locker. Hit the jump for the full press release.
via The Collider
Gotham Independent Film Awards™
Winners Announced
New York, NY (November 28, 2011) – The Independent Filmmaker Project (Ifp), the nation...
- 11/29/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Losers Take All has begun principal photography under the direction of Alex Steyermark (Prey for Rock & Roll). The small feature film will star Kyle Gallner (A Nightmare On Elm Street), Allison Scagliotti (Warehouse 13) and Tania Raymonde (Lost). The picture began production earlier this week in and around Memphis, Tennessee. The cast also includes Alexia Rasmussen (Listen to Your Heart), Aaron Himelstein (Joan of Arcadia), Billy Kay (Yelling to the Sky), Adam Herschman (Soul Men), and newcomer Peter Brensinger.
The film is set in the world of mid-1980's American independent rock music, follows a fictional punk/pop band "The Fingers" as they stumble, stagger and strum their way in what everyone thinks is the opposite direction of success--commercial or otherwise. But they are in the right place at the right time and the public is eager to embrace the D.I.Y. sounds of the underground, whether those in...
The film is set in the world of mid-1980's American independent rock music, follows a fictional punk/pop band "The Fingers" as they stumble, stagger and strum their way in what everyone thinks is the opposite direction of success--commercial or otherwise. But they are in the right place at the right time and the public is eager to embrace the D.I.Y. sounds of the underground, whether those in...
- 8/19/2010
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Indie helmer Alex Steyermark is setting Kyle Gallner (upcoming Elgin James' Little Birds) with an electric guitar in Losers Take All, a postcard to an era where grassroots promoting of garage bands didn't come about with a myspace page, and when the indie rock landscape was bands such as Sonic Youth, Black Flag and Minor Threat. Filming has already begun, scribes Andrew Pope and Winn Coslick are producing with Mike S. Ryan (Junebug) - Pope and Ryan just exec-produced Meek's Cutoff. Andrew Meyer and Roger Rawlings are executive producing. Filming is taking place in Memphis, Tennessee. Steyermark previously directed a pair I've never seen in Prey for Rock and Roll - so he has some experience working in the "genre". Written by Pope and Coslick, from a story by Rawlings and Ed Bradin, set in the world of mid-1980's American independent rock music, follows a fictional punk/pop...
- 8/19/2010
- IONCINEMA.com
Indie helmer Alex Steyermark is setting Kyle Gallner (upcoming Elgin James' Little Birds) with an electric guitar in Loser Take All, a postcard of era of grassroots promoting of garage bands and when the indie rock landscape was bands such as Sonic Youth, Black Flag and Minor Threat. Filming has already begun, scribes Andrew Pope and Winn Coslick are producing with Mike S. Ryan (Junebug) - Pope and Ryan just exec-produced Meek's Cutoff. Andrew Meyer and Roger Rawlings are executive producing. Filming is taking place in Memphis, Tennessee. Steyermark previously directed a pair I've never seen in Prey for Rock and Roll - so he has some experience working in the "genre". Written by Pope and Coslick, from a story by Rawlings and Ed Bradin, set in the world of mid-1980's American independent rock music, follows a fictional punk/pop band "The Fingers" as they stumble, stagger and...
- 8/19/2010
- IONCINEMA.com
Although this has been a subdued Sundance to begin with, the festival has hit its halfway mark without the significant midweek lull veterans come to expect. As Mike S. Ryan observed over at Hammer to Nail, the industry presence has been somewhat muted this year, so the crowds are as non-cinephilic as ever. This is not good for the audience reaction to the more challenging films. Yet the energy at the premieres and parties hasn’t much changed since the weekend, in part because it hasn’t been that palpable to begin with. One Us dramatic competition world premiere I saw at the Racquet Club this weekend was far from a sellout, even with a prime early evening slot. Still, many of the films continue to impress. Kevin Asch’s Holy Rollers, and...
- 1/26/2010
- by Brandon Harris
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
IFC Films has acquired U.S. rights to Todd Solodnz's "Life During Wartime," which won the best screenplay award at the Venice International Film Festival, where it debuted.
A quasi-sequel to the filmmaker's 1998 "Happiness," the film stars Shirley Henderson, Ciaran Hinds, Allison Janney, Michael Lerner, Charlotte Rampling, Ally Sheedy and Michael Kenneth Williams.
It will be distributed during the summer via the IFC in Theaters platform, which releases movies simultaneously in theaters and on VOD.
"Wartime" was produced by Christine Kunewa Walker and Derrick Tseng and exec produced by Elizabeth Redleaf and Mike S. Ryan for Werc Werk Works.
A quasi-sequel to the filmmaker's 1998 "Happiness," the film stars Shirley Henderson, Ciaran Hinds, Allison Janney, Michael Lerner, Charlotte Rampling, Ally Sheedy and Michael Kenneth Williams.
It will be distributed during the summer via the IFC in Theaters platform, which releases movies simultaneously in theaters and on VOD.
"Wartime" was produced by Christine Kunewa Walker and Derrick Tseng and exec produced by Elizabeth Redleaf and Mike S. Ryan for Werc Werk Works.
- 1/20/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Take a breath amidst the tornado of end-of-year best-of's top 10's lists to consider the persons and films highlighted by one of our favorite websites, Hammer to Nail. Their 2nd annual Golden Hammer Award goes to Larry Fessenden, truly one of the great contributors to contemporary independent film art and culture. Fessenden, whose films (including Wendigo, The Last Winter, Habit as writer/director and I Sell The Dead, House of the Devil, Wendy and Lucy, I Can See You as a producer), have long been made and released in the kind of low-budget, audience-targeted way that is starting to seem like the only way that makes sense. H2N contributor Mike S. Ryan makes the case for honoring Larry with an essay that cries hallelujah over the...
- 12/9/2009
- by Alicia Van Couvering
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The new indie production company Werc Werk Works has stepped in to fully finance and produce writer-director Todd Solondz’s next film, an untitled part-sequel, part-companion piece to his controversial dark comedy “Happiness," says Variety. Founded by Elizabeth Redleaf and producer Christine Kunewa Walker ("American Splendor,” “Factotum"), the company will initially produce three to four films a year. Solondz wrote the screenplay, which revolves around a group of struggling individuals. struggling to find a place for themselves in an unpredictable and volatile world. The narrative is told through a series of intersecting love stories.; the past haunts the present and imperils the future: ghosts circle and loom, trouble and console. The project has been incubating for years, with Emma Thompson, Demi Moore and Paul Reubens rumored to be attached. “Happiness," which featured themes of child molestation and rape, initially received an Nc-17 from the MPAA board but was eventually released unrated.
- 8/29/2008
- UGO Movies
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