IDFA Artistic Director Under Fire After Applauding “From the River to the Sea” Opening Night Protest
Orwa Nyrabia, the award-winning documentarian who has served as artistic director of the International Documentary Film Festival since 2018, is facing blistering criticism and calls for his resignation after being captured on video applauding as protesters interrupted the Amsterdam-based fest’s opening night ceremony on Wednesday while holding a banner proclaiming, “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free,” a phrase widely understood to be a call for the elimination of the state of Israel.
Sixteen high-profile members of the Israeli film community on Thursday signed a letter addressed to IDFA and the international film industry in which they expressed “uttermost dismay, disappointment and concern” at Nyrabia’s conduct on the biggest night of arguably the largest documentary film festival in the world. “We see this as a personal attack against us,” they declared. “We call on the director of IDFA, and on its board of directors, to clearly and resoundingly distance themselves,...
Sixteen high-profile members of the Israeli film community on Thursday signed a letter addressed to IDFA and the international film industry in which they expressed “uttermost dismay, disappointment and concern” at Nyrabia’s conduct on the biggest night of arguably the largest documentary film festival in the world. “We see this as a personal attack against us,” they declared. “We call on the director of IDFA, and on its board of directors, to clearly and resoundingly distance themselves,...
- 11/10/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On Wednesday evening, while most of Hollywood was cheering the news that the months-long actors strike had just come to an end, some 200 invited members of the industry — most of them avowed supporters of Israel — convened at the Museum of Tolerance in West L.A. for a screening of a film unlike any other: Bearing Witness, which comprises 43 minutes of footage of atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens on Oct. 7.
The somber gathering took place under heavy guard. Another media outlet leaked the location at which it would be taking place, resulting in threats against the museum and necessitating an FBI advance team in the days leading up to it. On Wednesday, a considerable number of LAPD officers were stationed inside the museum’s theater, out on the surrounding streets and in a helicopter overhead. But in the end, there appeared to be no more than a few...
The somber gathering took place under heavy guard. Another media outlet leaked the location at which it would be taking place, resulting in threats against the museum and necessitating an FBI advance team in the days leading up to it. On Wednesday, a considerable number of LAPD officers were stationed inside the museum’s theater, out on the surrounding streets and in a helicopter overhead. But in the end, there appeared to be no more than a few...
- 11/9/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The Board of Directors has worked exhaustively to consider the great diversity of opinions among our members on this issue… the Board’s viewpoints are varied, and we found consensus out of reach. For these reasons, we have decided not to comment publicly.”
Richard Trank
After more than two weeks of silence, Writers Guild of America West president Meredith Stiehm finally issued a statement on behalf of the union’s board about the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7. While the Wgaw has never had problems making statements about controversial issues, for some reason this particular writers room could not come to a “consensus” on the largest slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust.
Fellow guilds like the DGA and SAG-AFTRA somehow were able to come to consensus to make clear statements on the issue of a terrorist organization reportedly decapitating babies, torturing and raping women, kidnapping elderly Holocaust survivors, parading...
Richard Trank
After more than two weeks of silence, Writers Guild of America West president Meredith Stiehm finally issued a statement on behalf of the union’s board about the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7. While the Wgaw has never had problems making statements about controversial issues, for some reason this particular writers room could not come to a “consensus” on the largest slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust.
Fellow guilds like the DGA and SAG-AFTRA somehow were able to come to consensus to make clear statements on the issue of a terrorist organization reportedly decapitating babies, torturing and raping women, kidnapping elderly Holocaust survivors, parading...
- 10/27/2023
- by Richard Trank
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
I take great pride when I read news stories in my Hollywood Reporter about young people from a wide array of ethnic groups making their entry into the wonderful world of motion pictures. Last month, almost 400 people, many from the Asian, African-American and Latino communities, were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. More than a few of them have experienced hardship, discrimination and intolerance, but they persevered and can now take great pride in being members of the film industry’s most prestigious organization.
I know the feeling well.
I was born on the Lower East Side in 1939. My parents were born in Europe and were lucky to arrive in this country before the Holocaust, unlike other members of our family who were murdered by the Nazis. We lived in the projects just off the East River Drive.
I take great pride when I read news stories in my Hollywood Reporter about young people from a wide array of ethnic groups making their entry into the wonderful world of motion pictures. Last month, almost 400 people, many from the Asian, African-American and Latino communities, were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. More than a few of them have experienced hardship, discrimination and intolerance, but they persevered and can now take great pride in being members of the film industry’s most prestigious organization.
I know the feeling well.
I was born on the Lower East Side in 1939. My parents were born in Europe and were lucky to arrive in this country before the Holocaust, unlike other members of our family who were murdered by the Nazis. We lived in the projects just off the East River Drive.
- 8/2/2022
- by Rabbi Marvin Hier
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With much of the world’s population currently advised to remain at home due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Netflix (and other streaming services) are more popular than ever. The company is reporting record audience numbers, which isn’t exactly surprising given that they almost literally have a captive audience, and over the last few weeks, Netflix has become so popular that in Europe they’ve had to decrease their video quality as so many people are streaming that they were in danger of slowing down the whole internet.
With cinemas now closed, folks want something to look forward to in the weeks to come and thankfully, we know what to expect. Below you’ll find what’s on May’s menu for the United States, with this being just the first batch of announced titles and more to follow soon.
“May 1st:
All Day and a Night (2020) N – Drama featuring...
With cinemas now closed, folks want something to look forward to in the weeks to come and thankfully, we know what to expect. Below you’ll find what’s on May’s menu for the United States, with this being just the first batch of announced titles and more to follow soon.
“May 1st:
All Day and a Night (2020) N – Drama featuring...
- 4/8/2020
- by David James
- We Got This Covered
Barbra Streisand is singing praises over late former Israeli leader Shimon Peres in a new documentary from Oscar winner Richard Trank.
"He was gifted with the ability to listen to others who did not share his views, and still remain determined to find a path forward," Streisand says in a new clip from the film, titled Never Stop Dreaming: The Life and Legacy of Shimon Peres. "President Peres was all about love and compassion. He was a giver, not a taker," she added.
Joining Streisand in the film are Barack Obama, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Israeli Prime Minister...
"He was gifted with the ability to listen to others who did not share his views, and still remain determined to find a path forward," Streisand says in a new clip from the film, titled Never Stop Dreaming: The Life and Legacy of Shimon Peres. "President Peres was all about love and compassion. He was a giver, not a taker," she added.
Joining Streisand in the film are Barack Obama, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Israeli Prime Minister...
- 9/12/2017
- by Lauren Huff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Barack Obama and Barbra Streisand have been booked in a new movie. The 44th president of the United States will appear alongside Babs in a new documentary about Shimon Peres, the late Israeli politician who served as both president and prime minister of Israel.
Titled Never Stop Dreaming: The Life and Legacy of Shimon Peres, the project is being directed by Oscar-winning documentarian Richard Trank for Moriah Films, the documentary film production division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Trank tells THR that Peres and his family asked the Moriah team — including the filmmaker and Rabbi Marvin Hier, also an Oscar winner...
Titled Never Stop Dreaming: The Life and Legacy of Shimon Peres, the project is being directed by Oscar-winning documentarian Richard Trank for Moriah Films, the documentary film production division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Trank tells THR that Peres and his family asked the Moriah team — including the filmmaker and Rabbi Marvin Hier, also an Oscar winner...
- 8/2/2017
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cinedigm Corp has struck a multi-year deal with Edward Noeltner’s Cinema Management Group to handle home entertainment distribution on the Moriah Films’ documentary film collection of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
The deal covers home video, digital, television and non-theatrical rights in the Us and all digital rights in Canada. The titles will also be available on Cinedigm’s direct-to-consumer digital channel, Docurama.
Los Angeles-based Moriah Films has won two best documentary Academy Awards for Genocide in 1981 and The Long Way Home in 1997.
The Moriah catalogue includes The Prime Ministers: Tnhe Pioneers; Winston Churchill: Walking With Destiny:
I Have Never Forgotten You: The Life & Legacy Of Simon Wiesenthal; Ever Again; and Echoes That Remain.
“Cinedigm is proud to represent this historically rich and profoundly important catalogue of films and, through Docurama, provide another outlet to those searching for beautifully produced films that tell a moving story of a people’s courage, faith and unbelievable...
The deal covers home video, digital, television and non-theatrical rights in the Us and all digital rights in Canada. The titles will also be available on Cinedigm’s direct-to-consumer digital channel, Docurama.
Los Angeles-based Moriah Films has won two best documentary Academy Awards for Genocide in 1981 and The Long Way Home in 1997.
The Moriah catalogue includes The Prime Ministers: Tnhe Pioneers; Winston Churchill: Walking With Destiny:
I Have Never Forgotten You: The Life & Legacy Of Simon Wiesenthal; Ever Again; and Echoes That Remain.
“Cinedigm is proud to represent this historically rich and profoundly important catalogue of films and, through Docurama, provide another outlet to those searching for beautifully produced films that tell a moving story of a people’s courage, faith and unbelievable...
- 8/14/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Title: The Prime Ministers Director: Richard Trank An insider’s account of almost six decades of Israeli history, the deadly dull “The Prime Ministers” is a Zionist booster shot that trades away what benefits in firsthand recollection and access it has through a steady drip of reflexive self-importance. The thirteenth production of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Academy Award-winning Moriah Films banner, this documentary isn’t so much a work of historical illumination or even the cinematic equivalent of a series of policy papers as it is a very tightly curated field trip through the turbulent annals of modern Israel. A viewer’s taste will vary accordingly. Adapted from a bestselling book by Yehuda [ Read More ]
The post The Prime Ministers Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post The Prime Ministers Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 11/7/2013
- by bsimon
- ShockYa
Opening this weekend at the Quad Cinema in NYC and on November 6th in Los Angeles at The Royal and Town Center in Encino, The Prime Ministers is a new documentary directed by Richard Trank and produced by Rabbi Marvin Hier. The film is an epic film that looks at six decades of Israel’s history—from its founding until the early 21st century, and it is the thirteenth production of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s two-time Academy Award®-winning Moriah Films.
Based on Ambassador Yehuda Avner's bestselling book, the documentary retells stories form the offices of several of Israel's Prime Ministers among them Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Shimon Peres. Furthermore, the film counts with incredible voice-over work by some of Hollywood's biggest stars. With Sandra Bullock as the voice of Golda Meir, Michael Douglas as the voice of Yitzhak Rabin, Christoph Waltz as the voice of Menachem Begin, and Leonard Nimoy as the voice of Levi Eshkol, Trank's latest work recreates some of the most important events of the 20th and 21st.
For more information on the film visit Here...
Based on Ambassador Yehuda Avner's bestselling book, the documentary retells stories form the offices of several of Israel's Prime Ministers among them Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Shimon Peres. Furthermore, the film counts with incredible voice-over work by some of Hollywood's biggest stars. With Sandra Bullock as the voice of Golda Meir, Michael Douglas as the voice of Yitzhak Rabin, Christoph Waltz as the voice of Menachem Begin, and Leonard Nimoy as the voice of Levi Eshkol, Trank's latest work recreates some of the most important events of the 20th and 21st.
For more information on the film visit Here...
- 10/19/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Richard Trank's The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers chronicles the first 60 years of Israel's existence and the politicians who served as its global face, but this particular rendition of a history often told is little more than propaganda. It's based on a book of the same title by ambassador Yehuda Avner, who is also the doc's premier talking head, and is sponsored by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an L.A.–based organization named for the famous Nazi-hunter that focuses on "racism in America and the history of the Holocaust." But Trank directs the viewer's attention neither toward racism in America, nor directly toward the Holocaust (though no discussion of Israel's founding could avoid it), but rather toward a back-slapping view of American-Israeli political...
- 10/16/2013
- Village Voice
Title: It Is No Dream: The Life of Theodor Herzl Director: Richard Trank It is probably the second-most famous quote involving a dream: “If you will it, it is no dream.” It was the rallying cry of a different people — that of Zionist Jews longing to establish their own state, eternally etched into history — when written by Theodor Herzl in 1902. Richard Trank’s documentary channels Herzl’s immortal phrase to tell the story of a man with momentous ideals and a revolutionary approach to combating anti-Semitism and establishing a brave new future for the Jewish people, paying tribute both to a man and to his enduring legacy. Like many [ Read More ]...
- 8/10/2012
- by abe
- ShockYa
Studiously researched, It Is No Dream: The Life of Theodore Herzl reveals the life that informed Austro-Hungarian journalist-playwright Theodor Herzl‘s creation of the Zionist Movement, which ultimately led to the founding of the state of Israel. Directed by Richard Trank, the film uses Herzl’s diaries and photographs, correspondence and drama, as well as a limited but effective pool of other historical artifacts to recreate the dynamic world of central European Jewry that Herzl sprang from, while explaining the rapid development of his politic cause in a way that will resonate with both laymen and history buffs alike. Narrated by Ben Kingsley, it features some dexterous voice work by Christoph Waltz, who inhabits the voice of Herzl’s writings.
A documentarian veteran, Trank is the longtime principal writer/producer/director at Moriah Films, which is the documentary production wing of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Perhaps best known for...
A documentarian veteran, Trank is the longtime principal writer/producer/director at Moriah Films, which is the documentary production wing of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Perhaps best known for...
- 8/9/2012
- by Brandon Harris
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
He’s the writer-director of TV series The Kill Point, starring Steve Cirbus, Donnie Wahlberg and Michael Hyatt, about a group of Iraq veterans who pull off a major bank heist. He’s also dabbled in a spot of editing, acting and producing with comedy Big Fan.
Now Josh Trank sets his sights higher by taking on his ‘reality TV’ style sci-fi thriller, Chronicle, about three high school friends who gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery and find their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides. The new film stars Michael B. Jordan and Michael Kelly, and relative newcomers Alex Russell and Dane DeHaan.
At an exclusive ‘first-see’ screening in central London in January, Trank talked about the origins of the Chronicle, working with director John Landis’s son, Max Landis, on the ideas and the script, his documentary influence, whether he’s been asked to revamp Fantastic Four/X-Men,...
Now Josh Trank sets his sights higher by taking on his ‘reality TV’ style sci-fi thriller, Chronicle, about three high school friends who gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery and find their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides. The new film stars Michael B. Jordan and Michael Kelly, and relative newcomers Alex Russell and Dane DeHaan.
At an exclusive ‘first-see’ screening in central London in January, Trank talked about the origins of the Chronicle, working with director John Landis’s son, Max Landis, on the ideas and the script, his documentary influence, whether he’s been asked to revamp Fantastic Four/X-Men,...
- 1/26/2012
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Writing about two Pov-style films in one week is fine, but let's cap it here. A few days ago we told you about that Twister-like shaky cam film and now we've got a superhero movie giving the technique a go. As reported by THR, John Landis' son, Max, is in negotiations to hand over his spec script, Chronicle, to Twentieth Century Fox. The project will have a duo of second generation filmmakers on board because the director, Josh Trank, it the son of Oscar-winning producing Richard Trank.
The piece is about three teens from Portland who head out into the woods and come in contact with a strange substance after which they develop superhuman abilities. They mess around and get used to their new powers together for a while, but then end up turning on each other when personal and family issues get in the way.
This is somewhat different.
The piece is about three teens from Portland who head out into the woods and come in contact with a strange substance after which they develop superhuman abilities. They mess around and get used to their new powers together for a while, but then end up turning on each other when personal and family issues get in the way.
This is somewhat different.
- 8/11/2010
- by Perri Nemiroff
- Cinematical
THR are reporting that 20th Century Fox is looking to pick up Chronicle, which comes from two second-generation Hollywood movie-makers: Max Landis, the son of legendary director John penned the spec script; and first-time director Josh Trank, son of Oscar-winning documentarian Richard Trank is attached to direct. According to THR, the story focuses on:
…the lives of three Portland teens that become exposed to a mysterious substance in the woods, and, as a result, begin to develop incredible powers. They work together to hone their skills for fun, until personal and family problems begin to turn them against one another.
Chronicle will reportedly be another entry in to the ever-growing canon of films that use a hand-held, documentary-style that already includes Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity.
…the lives of three Portland teens that become exposed to a mysterious substance in the woods, and, as a result, begin to develop incredible powers. They work together to hone their skills for fun, until personal and family problems begin to turn them against one another.
Chronicle will reportedly be another entry in to the ever-growing canon of films that use a hand-held, documentary-style that already includes Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity.
- 8/11/2010
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Looks like John Landis has landed one talented son. Because his script-writing progeny Max has sparked interest at Fox with a superpowered teen screenplay called Chronicles.
Having served time under his dad whilst working on Masters of Horror , Max also cut his teeth penning shorts and episodes of NBC horror anthology Fear Itself.
Chronicles - which is expected to be shot Blair Witch style on handicam - tells the story of three Portland teenagers who develop superpowers after a trip into the woods exposes them to a strange substance. The friends soon become nemeses as their enhancements lead to rivalry.
Relative newcomer, online helmer Josh Trank is set to direct, and his teaming with Max Landis is perfect. He also has a famous father - this time Oscar-winning The Long Way Home producer Richard Trank.
So what do you make of the Landis-Trank handicam duo? Will this be like Kick-Ass meets Cloverfield?...
Having served time under his dad whilst working on Masters of Horror , Max also cut his teeth penning shorts and episodes of NBC horror anthology Fear Itself.
Chronicles - which is expected to be shot Blair Witch style on handicam - tells the story of three Portland teenagers who develop superpowers after a trip into the woods exposes them to a strange substance. The friends soon become nemeses as their enhancements lead to rivalry.
Relative newcomer, online helmer Josh Trank is set to direct, and his teaming with Max Landis is perfect. He also has a famous father - this time Oscar-winning The Long Way Home producer Richard Trank.
So what do you make of the Landis-Trank handicam duo? Will this be like Kick-Ass meets Cloverfield?...
- 8/11/2010
- Screenrush
This could either be good, or really cheesy. Heat Vision reports that 20th Century Fox is "in negotiations" to acquire a spec script by Max Landis, son of John Landis, titled Chronicle that's a super-powered thriller of sorts. The plot focuses on the lives of three Portland teens that become exposed to a mysterious substance in the woods, and, as a result, begin to develop incredible powers. They work together to hone their skills for fun, until personal problems begin to turn them against one another. It'll be shot documentary-style like Paranormal Activity or The Last Exorcism and first-time feature director Josh Trank will helm the project. Josh Trank previously directed a web series called "Killpoint" in 2007 and was the editor on Big Fan, Robert Siegel's indie starring Patton Oswalt. He's also the son of documentary filmmaker Richard Trank, who won a best documentary Oscar as a producer on...
- 8/10/2010
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Tonight the Writers Guild held the 2010 Writers Guild Awards at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and the Hudson Theatre at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City. The winners were no real surprise as Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner took home the award for adapted screenplay and Mark Boal won for his Hurt Locker screenplay in the original screenplay category. The Cove won for documentary screenplay.
Of course, this gives both of these scripts a bump in consideration at the Oscars, but it should be remembered several films were not eligible for a WGA nomination based on Guild rules.
Of the films nominated for an Oscar that were not eligible for a WGA Award include An Education, District 9 and In the Loop in the adapted category. In the original screenplay category both Inglourious Basterds and Up were not eligible. These films, according to Steve Pond at The Wrap,...
Of course, this gives both of these scripts a bump in consideration at the Oscars, but it should be remembered several films were not eligible for a WGA nomination based on Guild rules.
Of the films nominated for an Oscar that were not eligible for a WGA Award include An Education, District 9 and In the Loop in the adapted category. In the original screenplay category both Inglourious Basterds and Up were not eligible. These films, according to Steve Pond at The Wrap,...
- 2/21/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
As hard as it may be to believe sometimes, someone (or someones) actually sits down and writes a movie or TV show before you end up seeing it at your local multiplex or on your favorite TV network. The people who do the sitting and the writing are, surprisingly, called writers and, like the Directors, the Golden Globes and the Oscars, they have their own awards show.
This week, the Writers Guild of America, which is the trade group and advocate for writers, announced its nominations for outstanding achievement in feature film and television, radio, news, promotional writing, and graphic animation during the 2009 season to be honored at the upcoming 2010 Writers Guild Awards on February 20, 2010, in Los Angeles and New York.
We realize that these nominations may not be as glamorous as the Golden Globes or the Oscars, but we kinda like writers around here and think they do a pretty important job.
This week, the Writers Guild of America, which is the trade group and advocate for writers, announced its nominations for outstanding achievement in feature film and television, radio, news, promotional writing, and graphic animation during the 2009 season to be honored at the upcoming 2010 Writers Guild Awards on February 20, 2010, in Los Angeles and New York.
We realize that these nominations may not be as glamorous as the Golden Globes or the Oscars, but we kinda like writers around here and think they do a pretty important job.
- 1/13/2010
- by Joe Gillis
- The Flickcast
Writers Guild of America has announced nominations for outstanding achievement in writing for the screen during the past year.
There are three categories of nominees: original, adapted and documentary.
The winners will be announced on Saturday, February 20th, from a ceremony in Los Angeles and New York.
Last year’s winners were “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Milk.” Both movies later won an Oscar.
Check out the list of nominees:
Original Screenplay
“500 Days of Summer” – Written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber
“Avatar” – Written by James Cameron
“The Hangover” – Written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore
“The Hurt Locker” – Written by Mark Boal
“A Serious Man” – Written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Adapted Screenplay
“Crazy Heart” – Screenplay by Scott Cooper; Based on the novel by Thomas Cobb
“Julie & Julia” – Screenplay by Nora Ephron; Based on the books Julie & Julia by Julie Powell and My Life in France by Julia Child...
There are three categories of nominees: original, adapted and documentary.
The winners will be announced on Saturday, February 20th, from a ceremony in Los Angeles and New York.
Last year’s winners were “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Milk.” Both movies later won an Oscar.
Check out the list of nominees:
Original Screenplay
“500 Days of Summer” – Written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber
“Avatar” – Written by James Cameron
“The Hangover” – Written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore
“The Hurt Locker” – Written by Mark Boal
“A Serious Man” – Written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Adapted Screenplay
“Crazy Heart” – Screenplay by Scott Cooper; Based on the novel by Thomas Cobb
“Julie & Julia” – Screenplay by Nora Ephron; Based on the books Julie & Julia by Julie Powell and My Life in France by Julia Child...
- 1/13/2010
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
The nominations for 2010 Writers Guild Awards have been unveiled on Monday, January 11. Among the list are James Cameron's "Avatar", Bradley Cooper-starring comedy "The Hangover", and Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker". The three movies will compete with "A Serious Man" and "500 Days of Summer" for Original Screenplay award.
"Star Trek" also has a place on the list as the J.J. Abrams-directed movie is nominated for Adapted Screenplay prize. It will be up against "Crazy Heart", "Julie & Julia", "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire", and "Up in the Air", which receive nods for the same category.
The winners of the 2010 Writers Guild Awards will be announced during ceremonies, which will be held on February 20 simultaneously at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and the Hudson Theatre at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City. Beside honoring movies, the event will also present awards to TV,...
"Star Trek" also has a place on the list as the J.J. Abrams-directed movie is nominated for Adapted Screenplay prize. It will be up against "Crazy Heart", "Julie & Julia", "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire", and "Up in the Air", which receive nods for the same category.
The winners of the 2010 Writers Guild Awards will be announced during ceremonies, which will be held on February 20 simultaneously at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and the Hudson Theatre at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City. Beside honoring movies, the event will also present awards to TV,...
- 1/12/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
The Writers Guild of America has announced nominations for outstanding achievement in writing for the screen during the past year. Winners will be honored at the 2010 Writers Guild Awards held on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York.
Some interesting notes:
Not one but two sci-fi films received noms -- "Avatar" written by James Cameron and "Star Trek" written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman
"Inglourious Basterds" was Not nominated! Huh?
"The Hangover" yay!
"Julie and Julia" honestly? I loved the Julia Child part, but the Julie Powell part dragged the whole film for me.
And kudos to Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story." The documentary was not included in the Academy longlist, but received a writing nomination.
Here's the complete list of nominees of the 2010 Writers Guild Awards. I highlighted who I think should win:
Original Screenplay
(500) Days of Summer, Written by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber; Fox Searchlight
Avatar,...
Some interesting notes:
Not one but two sci-fi films received noms -- "Avatar" written by James Cameron and "Star Trek" written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman
"Inglourious Basterds" was Not nominated! Huh?
"The Hangover" yay!
"Julie and Julia" honestly? I loved the Julia Child part, but the Julie Powell part dragged the whole film for me.
And kudos to Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story." The documentary was not included in the Academy longlist, but received a writing nomination.
Here's the complete list of nominees of the 2010 Writers Guild Awards. I highlighted who I think should win:
Original Screenplay
(500) Days of Summer, Written by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber; Fox Searchlight
Avatar,...
- 1/11/2010
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Some critics may have taken potshots at James Cameron's screenplay for "Avatar," but it has earned a nomination from the Writers Guild of America, which announced nominations for the 2010 WGA Awards on Monday.
Cameron -- who was also nominated by the WGA for "Titanic," though that movie failed to earn a best screenplay Oscar nomination -- will compete for the honor with Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber, nominated for their fractured romance "(500) Days of Summer"; Jon Lucas & Scott Moore for breakout summer comedy "The Hangover"; Mark Boal for his Iraq War study, "The Hurt Locker"; and Joel Coen & Ethan Coen for their modern-day retelling of the story of Job, "A Serious Man."
In the adapted screenplay category, the nominees are "Crazy Heart," screenplay by Scott Cooper, based on the novel by Thomas Cobb; "Julie & Julia," which Nora Ephron adapted from two books, "Julie & Julia" by Julie Powell and "My Life in France,...
Cameron -- who was also nominated by the WGA for "Titanic," though that movie failed to earn a best screenplay Oscar nomination -- will compete for the honor with Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber, nominated for their fractured romance "(500) Days of Summer"; Jon Lucas & Scott Moore for breakout summer comedy "The Hangover"; Mark Boal for his Iraq War study, "The Hurt Locker"; and Joel Coen & Ethan Coen for their modern-day retelling of the story of Job, "A Serious Man."
In the adapted screenplay category, the nominees are "Crazy Heart," screenplay by Scott Cooper, based on the novel by Thomas Cobb; "Julie & Julia," which Nora Ephron adapted from two books, "Julie & Julia" by Julie Powell and "My Life in France,...
- 1/11/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America announced their nominations Monday for outstanding achievements in screenwriting in 2009, and there are a few surprises and glaring omissions. The 2010 Writers Guild Awards held on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York.
James Cameron’s script for Avatar, arguably the weakest element of the science fiction blockbuster and criticized for its likeness to other concepts, was nominated for “Original Screenplay.” Competing in the same category is R-rated comedy The Hangover, which was a funny flick but seems silly up against (500) Days of Summer and serious “Best Picture” contender The Hurt Locker.
Star Trek also raised eyebrows in the “Adapted Screenplay” category.
Michael Moore’s stunt-filled Capitalism: A Love Story picked up a nomination in “Documentary Screenplay,” after missing the short list for the doc Oscar. I guess the guild thought shouting into a bullhorn on Wall Street was worthy of recognition.
James Cameron’s script for Avatar, arguably the weakest element of the science fiction blockbuster and criticized for its likeness to other concepts, was nominated for “Original Screenplay.” Competing in the same category is R-rated comedy The Hangover, which was a funny flick but seems silly up against (500) Days of Summer and serious “Best Picture” contender The Hurt Locker.
Star Trek also raised eyebrows in the “Adapted Screenplay” category.
Michael Moore’s stunt-filled Capitalism: A Love Story picked up a nomination in “Documentary Screenplay,” after missing the short list for the doc Oscar. I guess the guild thought shouting into a bullhorn on Wall Street was worthy of recognition.
- 1/11/2010
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Today the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced their 2009 nominees for best adapted, original and documentary screenplays. However, before you go examining the noms too closely be sure and know the following scripts were not eligible due to their failure to qualify under WGA rules, which require scripts to be written for productions that are signatories to the guild's Minimum Basic Agreement, or the agreement of affiliated international guilds.
Those that failed to qualify include: Inglourious Basterds A Single Man The Road An Education Me and Orson Welles In the Loop District 9 That list comes courtesy of Steve Pond at The Wrap who added the following films that don't qualify for adapted and original screenplay categories either: Adam Antichrist Broken Embraces Capitalism: A Love Story (it is eligible for documentary screenplay) The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond Moon Trucker The White Ribbon Angels and...
Those that failed to qualify include: Inglourious Basterds A Single Man The Road An Education Me and Orson Welles In the Loop District 9 That list comes courtesy of Steve Pond at The Wrap who added the following films that don't qualify for adapted and original screenplay categories either: Adam Antichrist Broken Embraces Capitalism: A Love Story (it is eligible for documentary screenplay) The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond Moon Trucker The White Ribbon Angels and...
- 1/11/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has announced the nominations for their awards honoring 2009’s films, with a few surprises, notably Chris Rock’s Good Hair in the Documentary Writing section. And given all the reviews of Avatar that I’ve read which attack the script’s writing, especially the dialogue, I’m surprised to see it on the list for Original Screenplay. I thought The Hangover was silly fun, but, I don’t know if I’d say it was what we’d call great writing. I think I’d take the writing in noticeably absent Inglorious Basterds over those 2 films.
Also surprised not to see Tom Ford’s adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s novel, A Single Man. I’d take that over Star Trek in that category.
Winners will be honored at the 2010 Writers Guild Awards held on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at simultaneous ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles.
Also surprised not to see Tom Ford’s adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s novel, A Single Man. I’d take that over Star Trek in that category.
Winners will be honored at the 2010 Writers Guild Awards held on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at simultaneous ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles.
- 1/11/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Today and tomorrow, Lee will remember five Holocaust documentaries he worked on. Few composers had the chance to revisit this event so many times and find so many musical ways in music to underscore the unusual, horrifying and sometimes inspirational stories which all started from an event that denies human logic.
I am normally a reasonable and logical person with a good sense of balance and an understanding of fairness. However, there is no part of me that can understand or comprehend or explain the horror of the Holocaust. I have worked on five very distinguished documentary feature films about the Holocaust and each one of them makes me fall silent and sends me into a deep disturbed questioning as to why, why, why? I have been privileged to work with some very distinguished film makers on these amazing films: Richard Trank, Mark Jonathan Harris, Rabbi Marvin Hier, Deborah Oppenheimer,...
I am normally a reasonable and logical person with a good sense of balance and an understanding of fairness. However, there is no part of me that can understand or comprehend or explain the horror of the Holocaust. I have worked on five very distinguished documentary feature films about the Holocaust and each one of them makes me fall silent and sends me into a deep disturbed questioning as to why, why, why? I have been privileged to work with some very distinguished film makers on these amazing films: Richard Trank, Mark Jonathan Harris, Rabbi Marvin Hier, Deborah Oppenheimer,...
- 4/28/2009
- Daily Film Music Blog
COLOGNE, Germany -- Politics past and present, an apocalyptic fantasy set in modern-day Russia and the art of cooking a good meal are among the highlights of this year's Berlinale Special, the gala sidebar of the Berlin International Film Festival.
"I Have Never Forgotten You -- The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal," Richard Trank's documentary on the legendary Nazi hunter, will have its world premiere in Berlin. The documentary, narrated by Nicole Kidman, includes previously unseen archival material as well as interviews with Wiesenthal's closest friends and family.
Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean and founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, who co-wrote and co-produced the film, will attend the premiere.
Another highly political film, "The Lark Farm", from Italian brothers Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, will debut in the sidebar. Starring Paz Vega, Germany's Moritz Bleibtreu, Arsinee Khanjian and Angela Molina, the film focuses on an Armenian family in Turkey in May 1915 as the Ottoman Empire orders the expulsion and widespread slaughter of the Armenian minority.
"I Have Never Forgotten You -- The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal," Richard Trank's documentary on the legendary Nazi hunter, will have its world premiere in Berlin. The documentary, narrated by Nicole Kidman, includes previously unseen archival material as well as interviews with Wiesenthal's closest friends and family.
Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean and founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, who co-wrote and co-produced the film, will attend the premiere.
Another highly political film, "The Lark Farm", from Italian brothers Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, will debut in the sidebar. Starring Paz Vega, Germany's Moritz Bleibtreu, Arsinee Khanjian and Angela Molina, the film focuses on an Armenian family in Turkey in May 1915 as the Ottoman Empire orders the expulsion and widespread slaughter of the Armenian minority.
- 1/25/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Moriah Films
NEW YORK -- Examining the timely and unfortunately pertinent topic of the renewed intensity of anti-Semitism in Europe, this documentary from screenwriter-director Richard Trank ("The Long Way Home") offers a litany of images and sound bites that are all too disturbing. Although "Ever Again" lacks the dramatic focus that would make it truly distinctive, it offers a timely wake-up call that should be well heeded. The film is playing in about 20 theaters in major U.S. cities.
Produced by a division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and narrated by Kevin Costner, the film examines the resurgence of neo-Nazi organizations and political parties as well as the Islamic religious fundamentalism that is rearing its head in such countries as the U.K., France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. It utilizes generous amounts of cautionary commentary from the center's Rabbi Marvin Hier, who co-produced, and lawyer and social commentator Alan Dershowitz.
The film explores a wide range of disturbing trends and symptoms, from Nobel Prize winner Jose Saramango's anti-Semitic comments to the rise in Germany of the National Democratic Party, which owes no small debt to the Nazis. Included is footage of a large neo-Nazi rally, complete with rock music featuring lyrics excoriating Jews, which was held less than an hour from Berlin.
Also profiled are militant Muslim leaders who, having been expelled from various Middle Eastern countries, have settled in large European cities where they are given free rein to deliver their inflammatory cries to violence.
The main problem with the film is its lack of context and background information, as it seems to rely much more heavily on the shock value of its images. Running a mere 73 minutes, it has a sketchy quality that will prove unsatisfying to those looking for something a bit thematically deeper than a simple warning bulletin.
NEW YORK -- Examining the timely and unfortunately pertinent topic of the renewed intensity of anti-Semitism in Europe, this documentary from screenwriter-director Richard Trank ("The Long Way Home") offers a litany of images and sound bites that are all too disturbing. Although "Ever Again" lacks the dramatic focus that would make it truly distinctive, it offers a timely wake-up call that should be well heeded. The film is playing in about 20 theaters in major U.S. cities.
Produced by a division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and narrated by Kevin Costner, the film examines the resurgence of neo-Nazi organizations and political parties as well as the Islamic religious fundamentalism that is rearing its head in such countries as the U.K., France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. It utilizes generous amounts of cautionary commentary from the center's Rabbi Marvin Hier, who co-produced, and lawyer and social commentator Alan Dershowitz.
The film explores a wide range of disturbing trends and symptoms, from Nobel Prize winner Jose Saramango's anti-Semitic comments to the rise in Germany of the National Democratic Party, which owes no small debt to the Nazis. Included is footage of a large neo-Nazi rally, complete with rock music featuring lyrics excoriating Jews, which was held less than an hour from Berlin.
Also profiled are militant Muslim leaders who, having been expelled from various Middle Eastern countries, have settled in large European cities where they are given free rein to deliver their inflammatory cries to violence.
The main problem with the film is its lack of context and background information, as it seems to rely much more heavily on the shock value of its images. Running a mere 73 minutes, it has a sketchy quality that will prove unsatisfying to those looking for something a bit thematically deeper than a simple warning bulletin.
- 12/13/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Simon Wiesenthal Center dean and founder Rabbi Marvin Hier and director Richard Trank have started production on a new, feature-length documentary examining the life of Simon Wiesenthal. Nicole Kidman will narrate the film, produced by the center's documentary films division Moriah Films, which is eyeing a fall 2006 release. Funded by a grant from board members Roland and Dawn Arnall, the film will feature interviews with long-time Wiesenthal associates, government leaders from around the world, friends and family members. Edward Noeltner's Cinema Management Group will handle presales on the project.
- 2/14/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Screened at the Hollywood International Film Festival
The latest production from the Oscar-winning Moriah Films division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, "Unlikely Heroes" goes beyond the well-documented Warsaw Ghetto uprising to take a fascinating look at seven lesser-known individual paths to resistance.
By incorporating interviews -- in some cases with the surviving subjects -- along with recently unearthed archival footage and photographs as well as newly filmed sequences establishing the international locations where the events took place, director Richard Trank has crafted a moving documentary that should go on to receive considerable attention following its Hollywood film festival premiere.
Included among those profiles in courage is the remarkable story of a rabbi's son who joined the underground and would frequently disguise himself as a high-ranking Nazi in the Hungarian Arrow Cross in order to save the lives of many of his brethren.
Also chronicled are the efforts of a Vienna-born artist and early art therapy advocate who encouraged children in her Theresienstadt camp to secretly draw and paint as a way to escape the everyday horrors of the camp; a pair of Polish sisters in Auschwitz who systematically snuck bits of gunpowder out of a munitions factory until there was enough to blow up a crematorium; and a young French boy who survived the camps by performing songs for fellow Jews and Nazis alike and would later change his name to Robert Clary, of "Hogan's Heroes" fame.
Connecting the self-contained portraits is the stirring narration provided by Ben Kingsley, tastefully underscored by Lee Holdridge's symphonic compositions and the use of period songs.
The latest production from the Oscar-winning Moriah Films division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, "Unlikely Heroes" goes beyond the well-documented Warsaw Ghetto uprising to take a fascinating look at seven lesser-known individual paths to resistance.
By incorporating interviews -- in some cases with the surviving subjects -- along with recently unearthed archival footage and photographs as well as newly filmed sequences establishing the international locations where the events took place, director Richard Trank has crafted a moving documentary that should go on to receive considerable attention following its Hollywood film festival premiere.
Included among those profiles in courage is the remarkable story of a rabbi's son who joined the underground and would frequently disguise himself as a high-ranking Nazi in the Hungarian Arrow Cross in order to save the lives of many of his brethren.
Also chronicled are the efforts of a Vienna-born artist and early art therapy advocate who encouraged children in her Theresienstadt camp to secretly draw and paint as a way to escape the everyday horrors of the camp; a pair of Polish sisters in Auschwitz who systematically snuck bits of gunpowder out of a munitions factory until there was enough to blow up a crematorium; and a young French boy who survived the camps by performing songs for fellow Jews and Nazis alike and would later change his name to Robert Clary, of "Hogan's Heroes" fame.
Connecting the self-contained portraits is the stirring narration provided by Ben Kingsley, tastefully underscored by Lee Holdridge's symphonic compositions and the use of period songs.
Screened at the Hollywood International Film Festival
The latest production from the Oscar-winning Moriah Films division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, "Unlikely Heroes" goes beyond the well-documented Warsaw Ghetto uprising to take a fascinating look at seven lesser-known individual paths to resistance.
By incorporating interviews -- in some cases with the surviving subjects -- along with recently unearthed archival footage and photographs as well as newly filmed sequences establishing the international locations where the events took place, director Richard Trank has crafted a moving documentary that should go on to receive considerable attention following its Hollywood film festival premiere.
Included among those profiles in courage is the remarkable story of a rabbi's son who joined the underground and would frequently disguise himself as a high-ranking Nazi in the Hungarian Arrow Cross in order to save the lives of many of his brethren.
Also chronicled are the efforts of a Vienna-born artist and early art therapy advocate who encouraged children in her Theresienstadt camp to secretly draw and paint as a way to escape the everyday horrors of the camp; a pair of Polish sisters in Auschwitz who systematically snuck bits of gunpowder out of a munitions factory until there was enough to blow up a crematorium; and a young French boy who survived the camps by performing songs for fellow Jews and Nazis alike and would later change his name to Robert Clary, of "Hogan's Heroes" fame.
Connecting the self-contained portraits is the stirring narration provided by Ben Kingsley, tastefully underscored by Lee Holdridge's symphonic compositions and the use of period songs.
The latest production from the Oscar-winning Moriah Films division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, "Unlikely Heroes" goes beyond the well-documented Warsaw Ghetto uprising to take a fascinating look at seven lesser-known individual paths to resistance.
By incorporating interviews -- in some cases with the surviving subjects -- along with recently unearthed archival footage and photographs as well as newly filmed sequences establishing the international locations where the events took place, director Richard Trank has crafted a moving documentary that should go on to receive considerable attention following its Hollywood film festival premiere.
Included among those profiles in courage is the remarkable story of a rabbi's son who joined the underground and would frequently disguise himself as a high-ranking Nazi in the Hungarian Arrow Cross in order to save the lives of many of his brethren.
Also chronicled are the efforts of a Vienna-born artist and early art therapy advocate who encouraged children in her Theresienstadt camp to secretly draw and paint as a way to escape the everyday horrors of the camp; a pair of Polish sisters in Auschwitz who systematically snuck bits of gunpowder out of a munitions factory until there was enough to blow up a crematorium; and a young French boy who survived the camps by performing songs for fellow Jews and Nazis alike and would later change his name to Robert Clary, of "Hogan's Heroes" fame.
Connecting the self-contained portraits is the stirring narration provided by Ben Kingsley, tastefully underscored by Lee Holdridge's symphonic compositions and the use of period songs.
- 10/22/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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