Gravitas Ventures has secured North American rights to Julian Rubinstein’s “The Holly,” a documentary about the high-profile shooting case of anti-gang activist Terrance Roberts. The film, which debuted at Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival in May, is executive produced by Adam McKay and Todd Schulman’s Hyperobject Industries. Gravitas will release the docu in three theaters and on-demand on Feb. 3.
Filmed over an eight-year period in Denver’s historic Holly neighborhood, the docu centers around activist, former gang member, and current Denver mayoral candidate Terrance Roberts. When the doc starts, Roberts — whose anti-gang efforts received federal funding — is facing life in prison for shooting someone at his own peace rally. The shooting happened in the Holly neighborhood, which was once the center of Denver’s Civil Rights movement. The neighborhood eventually became the home of Denver’s first Bloods street gang and a target of undercover police operations. In the doc,...
Filmed over an eight-year period in Denver’s historic Holly neighborhood, the docu centers around activist, former gang member, and current Denver mayoral candidate Terrance Roberts. When the doc starts, Roberts — whose anti-gang efforts received federal funding — is facing life in prison for shooting someone at his own peace rally. The shooting happened in the Holly neighborhood, which was once the center of Denver’s Civil Rights movement. The neighborhood eventually became the home of Denver’s first Bloods street gang and a target of undercover police operations. In the doc,...
- 12/2/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
The “Teen Mom” universe is expanding once again. MTV’s “Teen Mom: The Next Chapter” will follow franchise stars Amber Portwood (“Og”), Ashley Jones (“Teen Mom 2”), Briana DeJesus (“Teen Mom 2”), Catelynn Baltierra (“Og”), Cheyenne Floyd (“Og”), Jade Cline (“Teen Mom 2”), Leah Messer (“Teen Mom 2”) and Maci McKinney (“Og”), Variety can exclusively announce.
The series will premiere on Tuesday, September 6, at 8 p.m. Et.
The 15-episode show unites the casts of “Teen Mom Og” and “Teen Mom 2” and will follow the moms as they face the reality of parenthood as each are in many different stages. While some have children still in diapers, others are now mothers to teenagers. The first trailer, shared below, also reveals that Jenelle Evans, who was fired from “Teen Mom 2” in 2019, also makes an appearance.
Originally titled “Teen Mom” before being rebranded as “Teen Mom Og,” the show premiered in...
The series will premiere on Tuesday, September 6, at 8 p.m. Et.
The 15-episode show unites the casts of “Teen Mom Og” and “Teen Mom 2” and will follow the moms as they face the reality of parenthood as each are in many different stages. While some have children still in diapers, others are now mothers to teenagers. The first trailer, shared below, also reveals that Jenelle Evans, who was fired from “Teen Mom 2” in 2019, also makes an appearance.
Originally titled “Teen Mom” before being rebranded as “Teen Mom Og,” the show premiered in...
- 8/12/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has acquired the U.S. rights to “There There,” the latest film from “Support the Girls” and “Results” filmmaker Andrew Bujalski, out of the Tribeca Film Festival.
“There There” is described as an “uneasy comedy” about a delirious mirror image of everyday life in a distinctly twisted and discordant world. The film stars Jason Schwartzman, Lili Taylor, Lennie James, Molly Gordon, Avi Nash, Annie La Ganga, Roy Nathanson and Jon Natchez.
Magnolia plans to release the film later this year.
“There There” is something of an experimental film in which eight different performers were each filmed in isolation but then brought together in the edit. The story involves characters negotiating trust with one another. Oddly enough, the actors in the film were never within 1,000 miles of each other, and each gave their performances not even within a week of one another.
“We’re jazzed to be distributing another terrific film from Andrew Bujalski,...
“There There” is described as an “uneasy comedy” about a delirious mirror image of everyday life in a distinctly twisted and discordant world. The film stars Jason Schwartzman, Lili Taylor, Lennie James, Molly Gordon, Avi Nash, Annie La Ganga, Roy Nathanson and Jon Natchez.
Magnolia plans to release the film later this year.
“There There” is something of an experimental film in which eight different performers were each filmed in isolation but then brought together in the edit. The story involves characters negotiating trust with one another. Oddly enough, the actors in the film were never within 1,000 miles of each other, and each gave their performances not even within a week of one another.
“We’re jazzed to be distributing another terrific film from Andrew Bujalski,...
- 6/23/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to “There There,” Andrew Bujalski’s ensemble comedy starring Jason Schwartzman and Lili Taylor.
The film had its world premiere at Tribeca. The deal re-teams Bujalski with Magnolia which previously distributed the director’s “Support the Girls” and “Results.”
“We’re jazzed to be distributing another terrific film from Andrew Bujalski,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “‘There There’ is wonderful look at where a lot of us are today,” continued Bowles. Magnolia plans to release “There, There” later this year.
Bujalski said he couldn’t imagine a better partner than Magnolia to bring this “deeply off-kilter movie to the world.” “As distributors their savvy is extraordinary, but moreover, their level of commitment, both to filmmakers and their audiences, is unparalleled,” added the helmer, who also penned the film.
Schwartzman is best known for starring in “Rushmore,” “Fargo” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Taylor...
The film had its world premiere at Tribeca. The deal re-teams Bujalski with Magnolia which previously distributed the director’s “Support the Girls” and “Results.”
“We’re jazzed to be distributing another terrific film from Andrew Bujalski,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “‘There There’ is wonderful look at where a lot of us are today,” continued Bowles. Magnolia plans to release “There, There” later this year.
Bujalski said he couldn’t imagine a better partner than Magnolia to bring this “deeply off-kilter movie to the world.” “As distributors their savvy is extraordinary, but moreover, their level of commitment, both to filmmakers and their audiences, is unparalleled,” added the helmer, who also penned the film.
Schwartzman is best known for starring in “Rushmore,” “Fargo” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Taylor...
- 6/23/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Writer, director and award-winning journalist Julian Rubinstein’s anti-gang war documentary The Holly has tapped Oscar-winning filmmaker and Hyperobject Industries founder Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up) and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Todd Schulman (Borat) as executive producers ahead of its world premiere next month at Telluride’s Mountainfilm.
Executive producing alongside McKay and Schulman are Trygve Myhren, Kayvan Khalatbari, Chad Asarch, and K. Nicole Robinson Asarch, along with co-executive producer David Sirota (Don’t Look Up). The film is produced by filmmaker and theater company founder Donnie l. Betts (Music Is My Life), Sarah Dowland (The Crime of the Century) and Dia Sokol Savage (Finding Kendrick Johnson).
“I was completely blown away after seeing the rough cut of The Holly,” McKay said. “From income inequality, race, gun violence and corruption, this film is the macro of America in the micro.”
Based on Rubinstein’s New York Times Editor’s Choice pick The Holly: Five Bullets,...
Executive producing alongside McKay and Schulman are Trygve Myhren, Kayvan Khalatbari, Chad Asarch, and K. Nicole Robinson Asarch, along with co-executive producer David Sirota (Don’t Look Up). The film is produced by filmmaker and theater company founder Donnie l. Betts (Music Is My Life), Sarah Dowland (The Crime of the Century) and Dia Sokol Savage (Finding Kendrick Johnson).
“I was completely blown away after seeing the rough cut of The Holly,” McKay said. “From income inequality, race, gun violence and corruption, this film is the macro of America in the micro.”
Based on Rubinstein’s New York Times Editor’s Choice pick The Holly: Five Bullets,...
- 4/29/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Teen Mom: Family Reunion will return for more drama at MTV, which has renewed the spinoff series for Season 2.
In the MTV series, which premiered earlier in January, cast members from across the Teen Mom franchise embark on a tropical vacation featuring unexpected guests, new friendships and deep dives into family and relationship drama. The current cast features Maci Bookout, Amber Portwood, Cheyenne Floyd, Leah Messer, Briana DeJesus, Jade Cline, Ashley Jones and Farrah Abraham. The Season 2 cast will be revealed at a later date.
Adding to MTV’s Teen Mom slate will also be the return of Teen Mom 2. MTV shared that Teen Mom 2, will return for its 11th season on March 8 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt. In the upcoming season, Ashley, Briana, Jade, Kail and Leah navigate evolving stages of parenting, family dynamics, careers and love lives. Through their highs and lows they’ve learned...
In the MTV series, which premiered earlier in January, cast members from across the Teen Mom franchise embark on a tropical vacation featuring unexpected guests, new friendships and deep dives into family and relationship drama. The current cast features Maci Bookout, Amber Portwood, Cheyenne Floyd, Leah Messer, Briana DeJesus, Jade Cline, Ashley Jones and Farrah Abraham. The Season 2 cast will be revealed at a later date.
Adding to MTV’s Teen Mom slate will also be the return of Teen Mom 2. MTV shared that Teen Mom 2, will return for its 11th season on March 8 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt. In the upcoming season, Ashley, Briana, Jade, Kail and Leah navigate evolving stages of parenting, family dynamics, careers and love lives. Through their highs and lows they’ve learned...
- 2/16/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Starz has acquired “Finding Kendrick Johnson,” setting a December 2021 release date for writer-director Jason Pollock’s new documentary as part of the network’s holiday slate.
Narrated by Jenifer Lewis (“Black-ish”) and produced by Malcolm D. Lee alongside Pollock, “Finding Kendrick Johnson” is the product of an undercover, four-year investigation into the case of Kendrick Johnson, who was 17 years old when he was found dead in a rolled-up gym mat at Lowndes High School in 2013.
The documentary follows the course of events after an initial — and widely considered to be botched — investigation when the state of Georgia ruled Kj’s death accidental from positional asphyxiation. As shown in the documentary, the Johnson family hired their own forensic pathologist, who not only concluded Johnson’s death to be from non-accidental blunt force trauma, but openly spoke about the fact that any medical examiner should not rule a death due to positional...
Narrated by Jenifer Lewis (“Black-ish”) and produced by Malcolm D. Lee alongside Pollock, “Finding Kendrick Johnson” is the product of an undercover, four-year investigation into the case of Kendrick Johnson, who was 17 years old when he was found dead in a rolled-up gym mat at Lowndes High School in 2013.
The documentary follows the course of events after an initial — and widely considered to be botched — investigation when the state of Georgia ruled Kj’s death accidental from positional asphyxiation. As shown in the documentary, the Johnson family hired their own forensic pathologist, who not only concluded Johnson’s death to be from non-accidental blunt force trauma, but openly spoke about the fact that any medical examiner should not rule a death due to positional...
- 11/3/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
MTV is bringing back “16 and Pregnant,” which launched in 2009 but hasn’t aired since 2014.
What MTV is calling “a newly reimagined docuseries” will air a six-episode season beginning next month with all new moms and stories.
The 2020 iteration – part of MTV’s “16 and” franchise – will follow the unexpected pregnancy journey from multiple perspectives, not just from the young mother, according to MTV’s description. Video confessionals from members of each family aim to allow the series to more substantively explore the lives of those impacted by the experience.
Readers can watch a promo via the video above.
The original “16 and Pregnant” spawned three spinoffs, “Teen Mom Og” (a.k.a. the original “Teen Mom”), “Teen Mom 2” and “Teen Mom: Young + Pregnant.”
MTV recently launched a new “16 and” sister program “16 and Recovering,” a four-part documentary series that follows the triumphs and challenges of nine students...
What MTV is calling “a newly reimagined docuseries” will air a six-episode season beginning next month with all new moms and stories.
The 2020 iteration – part of MTV’s “16 and” franchise – will follow the unexpected pregnancy journey from multiple perspectives, not just from the young mother, according to MTV’s description. Video confessionals from members of each family aim to allow the series to more substantively explore the lives of those impacted by the experience.
Readers can watch a promo via the video above.
The original “16 and Pregnant” spawned three spinoffs, “Teen Mom Og” (a.k.a. the original “Teen Mom”), “Teen Mom 2” and “Teen Mom: Young + Pregnant.”
MTV recently launched a new “16 and” sister program “16 and Recovering,” a four-part documentary series that follows the triumphs and challenges of nine students...
- 9/18/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The 2020 Palm Springs International ShortFest has announced its festival juried award winners from the 332 shorts films featured throughout this year’s virtual edition, running June 16-22. Awards and cash prizes worth $25,000 were handed out, and a number of the winners are now eligible for the 2021 Academy Awards short film categories. See the full list of winners below.
At a time when all festivals have been forced to go virtual, there’s no telling how much buzz these events can generate, but the Oscar eligibility provides a nice boost for rising filmmakers coming out of ShortFest. It’s a long road ahead for festival films since the Oscars have now been pushed back to April 25 next year, with other awards ceremonies, including the Film Independent Spirit Awards (now April 24), falling in line. Expect a packed fall season as the backlog of titles from postponed dates, canceled festivals, and shuttered productions get unleashed.
At a time when all festivals have been forced to go virtual, there’s no telling how much buzz these events can generate, but the Oscar eligibility provides a nice boost for rising filmmakers coming out of ShortFest. It’s a long road ahead for festival films since the Oscars have now been pushed back to April 25 next year, with other awards ceremonies, including the Film Independent Spirit Awards (now April 24), falling in line. Expect a packed fall season as the backlog of titles from postponed dates, canceled festivals, and shuttered productions get unleashed.
- 6/21/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
The 2020 Palm Springs International ShortFest has announced its festival juried award winners from the 332 shorts films featured throughout this year’s virtual edition, running June 16-22. Awards and cash prizes worth $25,000 were handed out, and a number of the winners are now eligible for the 2021 Academy Awards short film categories. See the full list of winners below.
At a time when all festivals have been forced to go virtual, there’s no telling how much buzz these events can generate, but the Oscar eligibility provides a nice boost for rising filmmakers coming out of ShortFest. It’s a long road ahead for festival films since the Oscars have now been pushed back to April 25 next year, with other awards ceremonies, including the Film Independent Spirit Awards (now April 24), falling in line. Expect a packed fall season as the backlog of titles from postponed dates, canceled festivals, and shuttered productions get unleashed.
At a time when all festivals have been forced to go virtual, there’s no telling how much buzz these events can generate, but the Oscar eligibility provides a nice boost for rising filmmakers coming out of ShortFest. It’s a long road ahead for festival films since the Oscars have now been pushed back to April 25 next year, with other awards ceremonies, including the Film Independent Spirit Awards (now April 24), falling in line. Expect a packed fall season as the backlog of titles from postponed dates, canceled festivals, and shuttered productions get unleashed.
- 6/21/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Belgian-French drama “Matriochkas,” the documentary “The Heart Still Hums” and the animated film “The Fabric of You” have won the top prizes at the Palm Springs International ShortFest.
The festival unveiled the juried award winners Sunday from the 332 short films that were part of the official selection. Some of the winners are now qualified to enter the shorts categories for the Oscars.
The Best of the Festival Award, including a $5,000 prize from the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, went to “Matriochkas,” directed by Bérangère McNeese. The film centers on a 16-year-old who lives with her young mother and begins to discover her own sexuality. As she learns she is pregnant, her mother sees herself in her daughter, at the same age, facing the same choices.
“Writer/Director Bérangère McNeese brings a complex and bold point of view to the page and screen, drawing unexpected turns from the script and nuanced performances from her cast,...
The festival unveiled the juried award winners Sunday from the 332 short films that were part of the official selection. Some of the winners are now qualified to enter the shorts categories for the Oscars.
The Best of the Festival Award, including a $5,000 prize from the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, went to “Matriochkas,” directed by Bérangère McNeese. The film centers on a 16-year-old who lives with her young mother and begins to discover her own sexuality. As she learns she is pregnant, her mother sees herself in her daughter, at the same age, facing the same choices.
“Writer/Director Bérangère McNeese brings a complex and bold point of view to the page and screen, drawing unexpected turns from the script and nuanced performances from her cast,...
- 6/21/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“Matriochkas,” a French and Belgian short-film directed by Bérangère Mc Neese, has been named the best film of the 2020 Palm Springs International Shortfest, which announced its winners on Sunday. The film, about the sexual awakening of a 16-year-old girl over the course of a summer, is one of five films that can qualify for the Academy Awards in the short-film categories because of jury awards in Palm Springs.
The other Oscar-qualifying winners are Josephine Lohoar Self’s “The Fabric of You,” which was named best animated short; Savanah Leaf and Taylor Russell’s “The Heart Still Hums,” best documentary short; Inbar Horesh’s “Birth Right,” best live-action short over 15 minutes; and Laurynas Bareisa’s “Dummy,” best live-action short 15 minutes and under.
A total of 332 short films were part of the official selection at the festival, which did not physically take place this year because of the coronavirus. A number of...
The other Oscar-qualifying winners are Josephine Lohoar Self’s “The Fabric of You,” which was named best animated short; Savanah Leaf and Taylor Russell’s “The Heart Still Hums,” best documentary short; Inbar Horesh’s “Birth Right,” best live-action short over 15 minutes; and Laurynas Bareisa’s “Dummy,” best live-action short 15 minutes and under.
A total of 332 short films were part of the official selection at the festival, which did not physically take place this year because of the coronavirus. A number of...
- 6/21/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Documentarians from Ecuador, Argentina, Kenya, Vietnam and France are among projects from 19 countries to receive support totalling $520,000 from Sundance Institute.
Documentarians from Ecuador, Argentina, Kenya, Vietnam and France are among projects from 19 countries to receive support totalling $520,000 from Sundance Institute.
Documentary Fund recipients encompass projects in development, production, and post-production stages and their work spans subject matter from a deeply personal family project in Ecuador, to a mission to save libraries in Kenya, to a musical involving female and trans prisoners in Buenos Aires.
Frederick Wiseman’s Boston City Hall project, City Hall, is among post-production grant recipients.
A little...
Documentarians from Ecuador, Argentina, Kenya, Vietnam and France are among projects from 19 countries to receive support totalling $520,000 from Sundance Institute.
Documentary Fund recipients encompass projects in development, production, and post-production stages and their work spans subject matter from a deeply personal family project in Ecuador, to a mission to save libraries in Kenya, to a musical involving female and trans prisoners in Buenos Aires.
Frederick Wiseman’s Boston City Hall project, City Hall, is among post-production grant recipients.
A little...
- 5/20/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Jenelle Evans is no longer a cast member of Teen Mom 2. MTV cut all ties with Evans after it was revealed that her husband, David Eason killed the family dog.
“MTV ended its relationship with David Eason over a year ago in February 2018 and has not filmed any new episodes of ‘Teen Mom 2’ with him since,” an MTV spokesperson said in a statement to Deadline. “Additionally, we have stopped filming with Jenelle Eason as of April 6, 2019 and have no plans to cover her story in the upcoming season.”
Evans and Eason share 2-year-old daughter Ensley (see photo of Jenelle and Ensley above).
Teen Mom 2 follows Chelsea, Kailyn and Leah from second season of 16 and Pregnant and documents the challenging responsibilities of being a young mother. Each episode offers a unique look into their lives, while tackling a wide variety of issues, obstacles and celebratory milestones.
Teen Mom 2...
“MTV ended its relationship with David Eason over a year ago in February 2018 and has not filmed any new episodes of ‘Teen Mom 2’ with him since,” an MTV spokesperson said in a statement to Deadline. “Additionally, we have stopped filming with Jenelle Eason as of April 6, 2019 and have no plans to cover her story in the upcoming season.”
Evans and Eason share 2-year-old daughter Ensley (see photo of Jenelle and Ensley above).
Teen Mom 2 follows Chelsea, Kailyn and Leah from second season of 16 and Pregnant and documents the challenging responsibilities of being a young mother. Each episode offers a unique look into their lives, while tackling a wide variety of issues, obstacles and celebratory milestones.
Teen Mom 2...
- 5/8/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Brittany Snow, Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Natasha Leggero, Jameeliah Garrett, John Roberts, Jessica Lowe and Nasim Pedrad are set to lend their voices to the MTV half-hour animated comedy series "Fancy Bastards" at Titmouse Inc.
The story centers on a small town that is shocked to learn its five most awkward outcasts all share the same father - a notorious ginger cad who had an indiscretion filled night during a whirlwind visit to Vegas nine years ago... and just happens to be a prince. The misfits turn into royal rock stars overnight.
That isn't the only new series MTV has in the works though. The network will also team with young adult author Kirsten 'Kiwi' Smith on a TV series adaptation of the 2013 novel "Trinkets". Andrea Seigel ("Laggies") will pen the script, while Smith, Morgan J. Freeman and Dia Sokol Savage will executive produce.
The story revolves around three teenage...
The story centers on a small town that is shocked to learn its five most awkward outcasts all share the same father - a notorious ginger cad who had an indiscretion filled night during a whirlwind visit to Vegas nine years ago... and just happens to be a prince. The misfits turn into royal rock stars overnight.
That isn't the only new series MTV has in the works though. The network will also team with young adult author Kirsten 'Kiwi' Smith on a TV series adaptation of the 2013 novel "Trinkets". Andrea Seigel ("Laggies") will pen the script, while Smith, Morgan J. Freeman and Dia Sokol Savage will executive produce.
The story revolves around three teenage...
- 5/19/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Reality producer 11th Street Prods., the company behind the hit MTV Teen Mom franchise, has signed with CAA. It was previously at UTA. Led by Morgan J. Freeman and Dia Sokol Savage, 11th Street Prods. developed and produces Teen Mom and the series that spawned it, 16 And Pregnant, for MTV. Teen Mom 2 is currently the No.2 show in Women 18-34 and 18-49 in all of primetime cable, only behind AMC’s The Walking Dead.
- 1/17/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Following on from the Top 10 Screenwriting Tips from Script to Screen post, I thought I’d write a companion piece on pitching, as Saturday’s Script to Screen conference also featured “Pitch Intermission” sessions in which a panel of experts fielded pitches and then offered advice on how the screenwriters could hone their spiel. The industry figures giving their insider expertise were: Ron Simons, the producer of Gun Hill Road and Night Catches Us; Dana O’Keefe, a sales agent at Cinetic; Dia Sokol, a producer of both MTV reality shows and Mumblecore movies; and David Young, head writer at CollegeHumor.com. Below are the best 10 bits of advice that were handed out.
1. Wear your heart on your sleeve. “Put across why you’re passionate about in your project,” said Ron Simons, “because that will help us be passionate about it too.”
2. Keep it loose. “Try and be personal and conversational,...
1. Wear your heart on your sleeve. “Put across why you’re passionate about in your project,” said Ron Simons, “because that will help us be passionate about it too.”
2. Keep it loose. “Try and be personal and conversational,...
- 3/19/2012
- by Nick Dawson
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
"Being Michael Madsen" (2010)
Directed by Michael Mongillo
Released by Midnight Releasing
While not as distinguished or meta as "Being John Malkovich," expect this mockumentary about the "Reservoir Dogs" star to be equally surreal as Madsen recruits sister Virginia and "Kill Bill" co-stars Daryl Hannah and the late David Carradine to co-star in this film that sees him accused of murder. Rather than sit idly by, Madsen turns the table on the paparazzi photographer fueling the allegations by hiring a trio of filmmakers to follow his every move.
"Beneath Clouds" (2002)
Directed by Ivan Sen
Released by Cinema Epoch
This Australian drama stars Dannielle Hall and the late Damian Pitt as Lena and Vaughn, a pair of strangers thrown together by circumstance to travel across the country to Sydney where Lena hopes to learn more about her long-absent father and Vaughn hope to leave behind his criminal past and see his ailing mother.
Directed by Michael Mongillo
Released by Midnight Releasing
While not as distinguished or meta as "Being John Malkovich," expect this mockumentary about the "Reservoir Dogs" star to be equally surreal as Madsen recruits sister Virginia and "Kill Bill" co-stars Daryl Hannah and the late David Carradine to co-star in this film that sees him accused of murder. Rather than sit idly by, Madsen turns the table on the paparazzi photographer fueling the allegations by hiring a trio of filmmakers to follow his every move.
"Beneath Clouds" (2002)
Directed by Ivan Sen
Released by Cinema Epoch
This Australian drama stars Dannielle Hall and the late Damian Pitt as Lena and Vaughn, a pair of strangers thrown together by circumstance to travel across the country to Sydney where Lena hopes to learn more about her long-absent father and Vaughn hope to leave behind his criminal past and see his ailing mother.
- 9/7/2010
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
The New York-based duo behind Visit Films -- the International Sales Agents responsible for such films The Myth of the American Sleepover, The Taqwacores, Trash Humpers, The Freebie and Aaron Katz's Cold Weather, are getting into the distribution game with the newly launched division called Baxter Brothers Film Releasing. Fox Searchlight and Focus Features need not worry, as Ryan Kampe and Sylvan Tron are likely going to stick to what they know best -- smaller films looking for an entry point into the U.S. A DVD release have been laid out for Ivan Sen's Beneath Clouds or Dia Sokol's Sorry, Thanks, and I wouldn't be surprised if they break the bread next year.
- 8/21/2010
- IONCINEMA.com
They all say this show changed a little bit, but we guess it was expected for the 25th annual ceremony from Stapless Center, or if you prefer – the Spirit Awards.
Last week we were all occupied with Oscar, but it’s always the right time to take a look at (maybe) less popular ceremony, but still – the good one! We’re going to remind you of this ceremony highlights.
The Spirits, run by the nonprofit Film Independent, threw in some of its typically enjoyable ironic touches.
One of them was definitely David Spade who presented the best foreign award, starting with:
“You may not know this, but my movies play in other countries. They’re huge in Poland. I can’t set foot in Bulgaria.” Thanks for letting us know Spade!
On the other hand, we had a chance to see Ben Stiller, known for studio comedies more than any boutique film,...
Last week we were all occupied with Oscar, but it’s always the right time to take a look at (maybe) less popular ceremony, but still – the good one! We’re going to remind you of this ceremony highlights.
The Spirits, run by the nonprofit Film Independent, threw in some of its typically enjoyable ironic touches.
One of them was definitely David Spade who presented the best foreign award, starting with:
“You may not know this, but my movies play in other countries. They’re huge in Poland. I can’t set foot in Bulgaria.” Thanks for letting us know Spade!
On the other hand, we had a chance to see Ben Stiller, known for studio comedies more than any boutique film,...
- 3/10/2010
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
While clearly not as closely followed as the Guild Awards, let alone the Golden Globes, the Independent Spirit Awards casts a much wider net in terms of nominees by accepting any film that is screened at various festivals, even if it's not released in theatres. It does, however, limit the film's budget to $20 million.
Precious won Best Feature and Lee Daniels nabbed the Best Director award. Precious ladies, Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique also won the female acting awards while Jeff Bridges and Woody Harrelson got the male acting gongs.
Here's the full list of the nominess and winners...
Best Feature
Precious
Amreeka
500 Days of Summer
Sin Nombre
The Last Station
Best First Feature
Crazy Heart
A Single Man
Easier with Practice
Paranormal Activity
The Messenger
Best Director
Lee Daniels - Precious
Ethan Coen & Joel Coen - A Serious Man
Cary Fukunaga - Sin Nombre
James Gray - Two Lovers
Michael Hoffman...
Precious won Best Feature and Lee Daniels nabbed the Best Director award. Precious ladies, Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique also won the female acting awards while Jeff Bridges and Woody Harrelson got the male acting gongs.
Here's the full list of the nominess and winners...
Best Feature
Precious
Amreeka
500 Days of Summer
Sin Nombre
The Last Station
Best First Feature
Crazy Heart
A Single Man
Easier with Practice
Paranormal Activity
The Messenger
Best Director
Lee Daniels - Precious
Ethan Coen & Joel Coen - A Serious Man
Cary Fukunaga - Sin Nombre
James Gray - Two Lovers
Michael Hoffman...
- 3/8/2010
- Screenrush
Los Angeles (March 5, 2010) – Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, handed out top honors to Precious and Crazy Heart at this evening’s 25th Spirit Awards. (500) Days of Summer, Anvil! The Story of Anvil, An Education, Humpday, The Messenger, and A Serious Man also received awards at the milestone ceremony, held at La Live’s event deck in downtown Los Angeles and broadcast live and uncut on IFC. Acclaimed comedian Eddie Izzard was Master of Ceremonies, and Ben Stiller served as Honorary Chair.
The Spirit Awards was the first event to exclusively honor independent film, and over the past 25 years, has become the premier awards show for the independent film community, celebrating films made by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. Artists receiving industry recognition first at the Spirit Awards include Joel & Ethan Coen, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Ashley Judd,...
The Spirit Awards was the first event to exclusively honor independent film, and over the past 25 years, has become the premier awards show for the independent film community, celebrating films made by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. Artists receiving industry recognition first at the Spirit Awards include Joel & Ethan Coen, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Ashley Judd,...
- 3/6/2010
- Film Independent
Last night the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards at La Live's panoramic event deck in downtown Los Angeles and talk about predictable as I nailed 12 of the 13 winners in the categories I predicted, with Precious being the night's biggest winner taking home Best Feature, Director, Actress, Supporting Actress and First Screenplay. The only category I missed was Best First Feature, which I predicted Oren Moverman's The Messenger would take home the award, but instead it went to Scott Cooper's Crazy Heart, which also won for Best Actor, awarding Jeff Bridges on his way to an Oscar win this Sunday.
I have listed all the winners below, see you Sunday for the Oscars.
Best Feature Amreeka (500) Days of Summer The Last Station Precious Sin Nombre Best Director Michael Hoffman, The Last Station Lee Daniels, Precious Joel and Ethan Coen, A Serious Man Cary Fukunaga, Sin Nombre James Gray, Two Lovers Best Actor Jeff Bridges,...
I have listed all the winners below, see you Sunday for the Oscars.
Best Feature Amreeka (500) Days of Summer The Last Station Precious Sin Nombre Best Director Michael Hoffman, The Last Station Lee Daniels, Precious Joel and Ethan Coen, A Serious Man Cary Fukunaga, Sin Nombre James Gray, Two Lovers Best Actor Jeff Bridges,...
- 3/6/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
"Precious" took home five major honors at the 2010 Independent Spirit Awards including Gabourey Sidibe's first Best Actress win.
"Precious" won awards for Best Feature, Lee Daniels for Best Director, Geoffrey Fletcher for Best First Screenplay and Sidibe and Mo'Nique took home Best Actress and Best Supporting, respectively.
Best Feature
500 Days of Summer, Producers Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Mason Novick, Steven J. Wolfe
Amreeka, Producers Christina Piovesan, Paul Barkin
Precious, Producers Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness
Sin Nombre, Producer Amy Kaufman
The Last Station, Producers Chris Curling, Jens Meurer, Boonie Arnold
Best Director
The Coen Brothers for A Serious Man
Lee Daniels for Precious
Cary Fukunaga for Sin Nombre
James Grey for Two Lovers
Michael Hoffman for The Last Station
Best First Feature
A Single Man
Crazy Heart
Easier With Practice
The Messenger
Paranormal Activity
John Cassavetes Award
Big Fan
Humpday
The New Year Parade
Treeless Mountain
Zero Bridge
Best Screenplay
Alessandro Camon,...
"Precious" won awards for Best Feature, Lee Daniels for Best Director, Geoffrey Fletcher for Best First Screenplay and Sidibe and Mo'Nique took home Best Actress and Best Supporting, respectively.
Best Feature
500 Days of Summer, Producers Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Mason Novick, Steven J. Wolfe
Amreeka, Producers Christina Piovesan, Paul Barkin
Precious, Producers Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness
Sin Nombre, Producer Amy Kaufman
The Last Station, Producers Chris Curling, Jens Meurer, Boonie Arnold
Best Director
The Coen Brothers for A Serious Man
Lee Daniels for Precious
Cary Fukunaga for Sin Nombre
James Grey for Two Lovers
Michael Hoffman for The Last Station
Best First Feature
A Single Man
Crazy Heart
Easier With Practice
The Messenger
Paranormal Activity
John Cassavetes Award
Big Fan
Humpday
The New Year Parade
Treeless Mountain
Zero Bridge
Best Screenplay
Alessandro Camon,...
- 3/6/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Film Independent's Spirit Awards marked their 25th anniversary this year and shook things up by trading their afternoon beachside luncheon for a nighttime party downtown. The show was hosted by comedian Eddie Izzard and a handful of the actors who attended and presented were Jeremy Renner ("The Hurt Locker"), Maggie Gyllenhaal ("Crazy Heart"), Carey Mulligan ("An Education") and Vera Farmiga ("Up in the Air"). Best Actor winner Jeff Bridges performed a song from his film "Crazy Heart" with Oscar-nominated songwriters T Bone Burnett and Ryan Bingham. The rock band Anvil whose career was chronicled in the independent film "Anvil: The Story of Anvil" also performed live and took home Best Documentary.
The Spirit Awards have supported and rewarded independent films throughout the years and MakingOf is proud to have interviewed many of this year's nominees and winners. I've included the full list of nominated films and talent below along with links to our exclusive interviews.
The Spirit Awards have supported and rewarded independent films throughout the years and MakingOf is proud to have interviewed many of this year's nominees and winners. I've included the full list of nominated films and talent below along with links to our exclusive interviews.
- 3/5/2010
- Makingof.com
The 25th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards were announced on Tuesday, and two Austin-related projects were honored with nominations:
Christian McKay was nominated in the Best Supporting Male category for his portrayal of Orson Welles in local filmmaker Richard Linklater's latest feature, Me and Orson Welles. You can see photos of McKay and Linklater in our photo essay from the Me and Orson Welles red carpet in Austin.Dia Sokol, producer of Beeswax, was nominated for the Piaget Producers Award. Beeswax was filmed locally and starred many local filmmakers in acting roles. Jette reviewed the movie at SXSW this year; the above photo, with Sokol in the middle, was taken at the SXSW Q&A for Beeswax.
Austinites may recognize many other titles on the list, which you can read in full after the jump. A number of the nominated films played at SXSW or at Austin Film Festival this year.
Christian McKay was nominated in the Best Supporting Male category for his portrayal of Orson Welles in local filmmaker Richard Linklater's latest feature, Me and Orson Welles. You can see photos of McKay and Linklater in our photo essay from the Me and Orson Welles red carpet in Austin.Dia Sokol, producer of Beeswax, was nominated for the Piaget Producers Award. Beeswax was filmed locally and starred many local filmmakers in acting roles. Jette reviewed the movie at SXSW this year; the above photo, with Sokol in the middle, was taken at the SXSW Q&A for Beeswax.
Austinites may recognize many other titles on the list, which you can read in full after the jump. A number of the nominated films played at SXSW or at Austin Film Festival this year.
- 12/2/2009
- by Debbie Cerda
- Slackerwood
"Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" has come out as one of the nominations leaders at 2010 Independent Spirit Awards. The drama film, which sees Mariah Carey as a social worker, was on Tuesday, December 1 announced to be collecting five nods from the awards honoring independent filmmakers, and thus shared similar number with another drama "The Last Station".
The movie about an abused teen mother nabbed nominations for Best Feature, Best Director, Best Female Lead, Best First Screenplay and Best Supporting Female. It will battle against "Last Station" in the first three categories. For the Best Feature title, it is also up against "500 Days of Summer" "Amreeka" and "Sin Nombre".
"Precious" fails to bring recognition to Carey, but it does land two of its other major cast Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique. Sidibe is listed against Maria Bello, Nisreen Faour, Gwyneth Paltrow and Helen Mirren for Best Female Lead, while...
The movie about an abused teen mother nabbed nominations for Best Feature, Best Director, Best Female Lead, Best First Screenplay and Best Supporting Female. It will battle against "Last Station" in the first three categories. For the Best Feature title, it is also up against "500 Days of Summer" "Amreeka" and "Sin Nombre".
"Precious" fails to bring recognition to Carey, but it does land two of its other major cast Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique. Sidibe is listed against Maria Bello, Nisreen Faour, Gwyneth Paltrow and Helen Mirren for Best Female Lead, while...
- 12/2/2009
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
The Independent Spirit Awards announced their nominees earlier today. Listed below is the complete list of this year's nominated films, cast and crew members. MakingOf would like to congratulate the nominees and applaud the diverse roster of talented filmmakers. Please scroll down for links to exclusive interviews we've conducted with some of the nominated directors and writers.
The Independent Spirit Awards eligibility requirements for consideration are that the feature film must be 70 minutes in length and the total cost must be below $20 million. A film also must have screened at a major film festival or had a one-week engagement at a commercial theater.
The awards' ceremony has taken place the past 24 years the Saturday afternoon before the Academy Awards in Santa Monica. The ceremony is moving this year to downtown L.A. and will be held in the evening on Friday, March 5th.
This year's Independent Spirit Awards Nominees:
Best...
The Independent Spirit Awards eligibility requirements for consideration are that the feature film must be 70 minutes in length and the total cost must be below $20 million. A film also must have screened at a major film festival or had a one-week engagement at a commercial theater.
The awards' ceremony has taken place the past 24 years the Saturday afternoon before the Academy Awards in Santa Monica. The ceremony is moving this year to downtown L.A. and will be held in the evening on Friday, March 5th.
This year's Independent Spirit Awards Nominees:
Best...
- 12/2/2009
- Makingof.com
The Spirit Awards are coming! In 95 days. The nominees have a long time to decide which pair of jeans or casual designer wear would best suit the event. Though the Spirits have traditionally passed out their ever-so-slightly off mainstream prizes the day before the Oscars this year they’re moving to a Friday night situation on March 5th. All the better for partying? Still time to use those hangover cures before the Oscars on Sunday.
Sin Nombre, a 3 time nomineeHere are the nominees
Best Feature(500) Days Of Summer | Amreeka |Precious | Sin Nombre | The Last StationI warned y'all that The Last Station would have more awards strength than many pundits are indicating. I must get around to Sin Nombre before the end of this year. I suspect Precious is your winner since the Spirits generally award the actual Oscar hopefuls.
Best Director
The Coen Bros A Serious Man | Lee Daniels Precious...
Sin Nombre, a 3 time nomineeHere are the nominees
Best Feature(500) Days Of Summer | Amreeka |Precious | Sin Nombre | The Last StationI warned y'all that The Last Station would have more awards strength than many pundits are indicating. I must get around to Sin Nombre before the end of this year. I suspect Precious is your winner since the Spirits generally award the actual Oscar hopefuls.
Best Director
The Coen Bros A Serious Man | Lee Daniels Precious...
- 12/2/2009
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Although the nominees for the Academy Awards won't be announced until sometime next year, a few of the other award ceremonies are already in full swing including the Independent Spirit Awards, which recognize the best films shot for $20 million or less. This year's Spirit Award nominees were announced earlier today, and I think there are definitely some interesting choices. First off, the big one that everyone is picking up on is the fact that Paranormal Activity was nominated for Best First Feature. And why shouldn't it be? The Blair Witch Project won the exact same award back in 2000. Anvil! The Story of Anvil has been redeemed somewhat for the Oscar snub by getting a nod here for Best Documentary, and surprisingly, Jemaine Clement picked up a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Gentlemen Broncos. Other than that, some of the movies that scored multiple nominations include Precious, (500) Days of Summer,...
- 12/1/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
Actors Taraji P. Henson and Matt Dillon announced the nominees for the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Tuesday morning. Dramatic films "The Last Station" and "Precious" lead the pack with five nods each.
The winners will be announced on Friday, March 5, 2010 in L.A.
2010 Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer, Executive Producers are not listed)
(500) Days of Summer - Producers: Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Steven J. Wolfe
Amreeka - Producers: Paul Barkin,...
The winners will be announced on Friday, March 5, 2010 in L.A.
2010 Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer, Executive Producers are not listed)
(500) Days of Summer - Producers: Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Steven J. Wolfe
Amreeka - Producers: Paul Barkin,...
- 12/1/2009
- Extra
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire and The Last Station led the nominations for the 2010 Independent Spirit Awards with five each.
Both were nominated for best feature along with (500) Days of Summer, Amreeka, and Sin Nombre.
If you’re wondering where indie favorite and Oscar hopeful The Hurt Locker is, the movie was submitted for consideration last year and was no eligible for this year’s list. Though Kathryn Bigelow picked up “Best Feature” for the film at the Gotham Independent Film Awards last night.
As far as I know, Duncan Jones’ Moon is considered a British film and was correctly included in the British Indie Film nominees with several other solid picks (though I didn’t care for Fish Tank).
I was glad to see Anvil! included in the documentaries after it was left off the Oscar short list — though where’s The Cove? — plus love for 500 Days and Adventureland,...
Both were nominated for best feature along with (500) Days of Summer, Amreeka, and Sin Nombre.
If you’re wondering where indie favorite and Oscar hopeful The Hurt Locker is, the movie was submitted for consideration last year and was no eligible for this year’s list. Though Kathryn Bigelow picked up “Best Feature” for the film at the Gotham Independent Film Awards last night.
As far as I know, Duncan Jones’ Moon is considered a British film and was correctly included in the British Indie Film nominees with several other solid picks (though I didn’t care for Fish Tank).
I was glad to see Anvil! included in the documentaries after it was left off the Oscar short list — though where’s The Cove? — plus love for 500 Days and Adventureland,...
- 12/1/2009
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization behind the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced nominations this morning for the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Nominees for Best Feature include "(500) Days Of Summer," "Amreeka," "Precious," "Sin Nombre," and "The Last Station."
Taraji P. Henson and Matt Dillon also announced finalists for the Acura Someone to Watch Award, the Truer Than Fiction Award, and the Piaget Producers Award.
A Serious Man was selected for the Robert Altman Award, which is given to one film's director, casting director and ensemble cast.
The awards show will be held March 5, two days before the Oscars. The event will be held at the La Live campus downtown.
Visit the Spirit Awards official site right here.
And now, the nominees of the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature
"(500) Days Of Summer" - Producers: Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Steven J. Wolfe
"Amreeka" - Producers: Paul Barkin,...
Nominees for Best Feature include "(500) Days Of Summer," "Amreeka," "Precious," "Sin Nombre," and "The Last Station."
Taraji P. Henson and Matt Dillon also announced finalists for the Acura Someone to Watch Award, the Truer Than Fiction Award, and the Piaget Producers Award.
A Serious Man was selected for the Robert Altman Award, which is given to one film's director, casting director and ensemble cast.
The awards show will be held March 5, two days before the Oscars. The event will be held at the La Live campus downtown.
Visit the Spirit Awards official site right here.
And now, the nominees of the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature
"(500) Days Of Summer" - Producers: Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Steven J. Wolfe
"Amreeka" - Producers: Paul Barkin,...
- 12/1/2009
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
This morning, Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced the nominees for the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards. The leading nomination getters where Sony Pictures Classics' The Last Station and Lionsgate's Precious, both of which earned five nominations including Best Feature along with Amreeka, 500 Days of Summer and Sin Nombre. Precious also enjoyed nominations in Best Director (Lee Daniels), Best Actress (Gabourey Sidibe), Best Supporting Actress (Mo'Nique) and Best First Screenplay.
The leading studios where Fox Searchlight and Sony Classics, each of which took home 7 nominations, Searchlight even earning one for the critically loathed Gentlemen Broncos with Jemaine Clement earning a Best Supporting Male nod.
I'm very happy to see Christian McKay for Me and Orson Welles enjoying some love and hope it can translate to an Oscar nomination and I wonder if Samantha Morton's nomination for...
The leading studios where Fox Searchlight and Sony Classics, each of which took home 7 nominations, Searchlight even earning one for the critically loathed Gentlemen Broncos with Jemaine Clement earning a Best Supporting Male nod.
I'm very happy to see Christian McKay for Me and Orson Welles enjoying some love and hope it can translate to an Oscar nomination and I wonder if Samantha Morton's nomination for...
- 12/1/2009
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Precious and The Last Station have the most nods with 5 nominations a piece. So glad to see Jeff Bridges’ nomination for Crazy Heart. Even Paranormal Activity saw a nomination in Best First feature category.
The ceremony will air live and uncut on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Pst/11:00 p.m. Est on IFC from downtown Los Angeles.
The complete list of nominations:
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer)
“(500) Days Of Summer,” Producers: Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Steven J. Wolfe
“Amreeka,” Producers: Paul Barkin, Christina Piovesan
“Precious,” Producers: Lee Daniels, Gary Magness, Sarah Siegel-Magness
“Sin Nombre,” Producer: Amy Kaufman
“The Last Station,” Producers: Bonnie Arnold, Chris Curling, Jens Meuer
Best Director
Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, “A Serious Man”
Lee Daniels, “Precious”
Cary Joji Fukunaga, “Sin Nombre”
James Gray, “Two Lovers”
Michael Hoffman, “The Last Station”
Best First Feature (Award given to the director and producer)
A Single Man...
The ceremony will air live and uncut on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Pst/11:00 p.m. Est on IFC from downtown Los Angeles.
The complete list of nominations:
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer)
“(500) Days Of Summer,” Producers: Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Steven J. Wolfe
“Amreeka,” Producers: Paul Barkin, Christina Piovesan
“Precious,” Producers: Lee Daniels, Gary Magness, Sarah Siegel-Magness
“Sin Nombre,” Producer: Amy Kaufman
“The Last Station,” Producers: Bonnie Arnold, Chris Curling, Jens Meuer
Best Director
Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, “A Serious Man”
Lee Daniels, “Precious”
Cary Joji Fukunaga, “Sin Nombre”
James Gray, “Two Lovers”
Michael Hoffman, “The Last Station”
Best First Feature (Award given to the director and producer)
A Single Man...
- 12/1/2009
- by Michelle
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"The Last Station," which looks at Russian author Leo Tolstoy's final days, and "Precious," the portrait of a troubled inner-city teenager, led the 2010 Spirit Award nominations, with five each.
Both movies were nominated Tuesday morning for best feature along with "(500) Days of Summer," "Amreeka" and "Sin Nombre."
The Coen brothers' "A Serious Man" was awarded the group's Robert Altman Award, which goes to the film's cast and its casting director. And the indie horror hit "Paranormal Activity" even made an appearance with a nomination as best first feature.
"The Hurt Locker," one of the higher-profile indie films of the year, did not figure in the nominations, since the Spirit Awards nominated it in two categories last year.
Among distributors, Fox Searchlight and Sony Pictures Classics led the parade with seven nominations each.
Presented by the indie film organization Film Independent, the Spirit Awards, celebrating their 25th anniversary, will be handed out March 5 at L.
Both movies were nominated Tuesday morning for best feature along with "(500) Days of Summer," "Amreeka" and "Sin Nombre."
The Coen brothers' "A Serious Man" was awarded the group's Robert Altman Award, which goes to the film's cast and its casting director. And the indie horror hit "Paranormal Activity" even made an appearance with a nomination as best first feature.
"The Hurt Locker," one of the higher-profile indie films of the year, did not figure in the nominations, since the Spirit Awards nominated it in two categories last year.
Among distributors, Fox Searchlight and Sony Pictures Classics led the parade with seven nominations each.
Presented by the indie film organization Film Independent, the Spirit Awards, celebrating their 25th anniversary, will be handed out March 5 at L.
- 12/1/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"The Last Station," which looks at Russian author Leo Tolstoy's final days, and "Precious," the portrait of a troubled inner-city teenager, led the 2010 Spirit Award nominations announced Tuesday morning with five noms each.Both movies were nominated for best feature along with "(500) Days of Summer," "Amreeka" and "Sin Nombre."The Coen brothers' "A Serious Man" was awarded the group's Robert Altman Award, which goes to the film's cast and its casting director. And the indie horror hit "Paranormal Activity" even made an appearance with a nomination as best first feature."The Hurt Locker," one of the higher profile indie films of the year, did not figure in the nominations, since the Spirit Awards nominated it in two categories last year.Among distributors, Fox Searchlight and Sony Pictures Classics led the parade with seven nominations each.Presented by the indie film organization Film Independent, the Spirit Awards, celebrating their 25th anniversary,...
- 12/1/2009
- backstage.com
- Tons of stuff out on DVD worth watching, collecting, seeing for the first time, seeing for a second time and seeing for one time only (Duplicity). We begin with one of the best pictures of the year in Ramin Bahrani's Goodbye Solo (which comes equipped with a commentary track from the filmmaker and cinematographer Michael Simmonds). After bringing out films such as Branded to Kill, Criterion continues their further interest with a 5 film box set from Japan's Nikkatsu Noir period (I'll let their page do the heavy talking). Whit Stillman receives more Cc treatment, this time for his The Last Days of Disco and the one that is definitely worth checking out is Chantal Akerman's Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (check out the clip on the Criterion site). The Last Days of Disco New, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Whit Stillman Audio
- 8/25/2009
- IONCINEMA.com
James Cameron in Los Angeles with 70Mm prints of "Aliens" and "The Abyss"?!?! The Dardenne brothers in New York for a career retrospective?!?! The instant cult classic "The Room" with Tommy Wiseau live in Austin?!?! Be still my heart. There's something for all tastes this summer on the West Coast, the East Coast and as you'll notice, the Third Coast on our calendar of the must-see events on the repertory theater circuit in May, June and July. And don't miss our look at the indie films that are hitting theaters or headed to online, VOD or DVD premiere this summer.
Anthology Film Archives
With the New York Polish Film Festival (May 6-10) and first-runs of the docs "Ice People" (May 1-7) and "Audience of One" (May 8-14) and Ken Jacobs' reinvention of his 1969 work "Tom, Tom, The Piper's Son" with the 3D "Anaglyph Tom" (May 15-21) taking up the Anthology's screens,...
Anthology Film Archives
With the New York Polish Film Festival (May 6-10) and first-runs of the docs "Ice People" (May 1-7) and "Audience of One" (May 8-14) and Ken Jacobs' reinvention of his 1969 work "Tom, Tom, The Piper's Son" with the 3D "Anaglyph Tom" (May 15-21) taking up the Anthology's screens,...
- 5/5/2009
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
Dia Sokol’s “Sorry, Thanks” has such keen insight into human behavior that its accuracy almost seems like pure luck. Based around the confused, occasionally self-destructive behavior of several young people in San Francisco’s Mission District, it deals with relationship issues and wandering youth disillusionment through lightly engaging scenes that gradually develop a dramatic edge. Charismatic Max (Wiley Wiggins) grows confused about his relationship with his steady girlfriend (Ia Hernandez) when the …...
- 3/16/2009
- Indiewire
For good reasons — like the fact that all of Joe Swanberg's features have played here — the annual South by Southwest film festival in Austin, Texas, has a reputation as the adopted home of mumblecore. The dreaded M-word is used more and more negatively these days, but any term that labels films as diverse as Frownland, Lol, and Mutual Appreciation is a coinage looking for a definition. It was bound to fizzle at some point.
The terminology may be disintegrating, but the filmmakers behind these movies are still collaborating and still growing. This year, Andrew Bujalski (Funny Ha Ha, Mutual Appreciation) is back with his third feature, Beeswax, and Joe Swanberg (Hannah Takes the Stairs) is back with Alexander the Last. Swanberg's film features (among others) Justin Rice who starred in Bujalski's previous film, and the wardrobe is credited to Ry Russo-Young, whose latest film You Wont Miss Me played...
The terminology may be disintegrating, but the filmmakers behind these movies are still collaborating and still growing. This year, Andrew Bujalski (Funny Ha Ha, Mutual Appreciation) is back with his third feature, Beeswax, and Joe Swanberg (Hannah Takes the Stairs) is back with Alexander the Last. Swanberg's film features (among others) Justin Rice who starred in Bujalski's previous film, and the wardrobe is credited to Ry Russo-Young, whose latest film You Wont Miss Me played...
- 3/16/2009
- Pastemagazine.com
Sorry, Thanks is the directorial debut of Dia Sokol, the producer of films by Andrew Bujalski, Alex Karpovsky and Joe Swanberg; it stars Bujalski and a cast of largely non-actors; it was shot by Matthias Grunsky, the cinematographer of both Mutual Appreciation and Nights and Weekends. The sum total of these names and titles point in a certain trajectory of recent American film, one which need not be named by name to anyone who recognizes these references. But Sorry, Thanks equally reminds of the indie films of the 90s, the kind of low budget but fully realized ensemble films that, if you didn’t see at Sundance, you’ve seen hundreds of times on the Sundance channel, the kind that slowly and cumulatively but surely turned character actors like Sam Rockwell and Catherine Keener into something like stars. Sorry, Thanks, a uniquely moral film but also a ve ...
- 3/14/2009
- by Karina Longworth
- Spout
On the other end of the phone line, first time feature director though veteran film and television producer Dia Sokol admits that she’s more than a bit nervous for this interview about her naturalistic “anti-chemistry, unromantic comedy” debut Sorry, Thanks. “This never used to happen to me. As a producer, I’d listen to directors fumble their way through describing their films, and I’ve always jumped in and been the person to sell it, to be articulate about it, and now I totally get it,” she says. “When it’s your film, you’re totally inarticulate about it; it comes from inside of you, so you have no perspective.” Starring a mixed cast of ...
- 3/12/2009
- by Noralil Ryan Fores
- Spout
Cinematical has just received this exclusive clip from Sorry, Thanks, which will enjoy its premiere this month at the South By Southwest Film Festival. Directed by Dia Sokol, Sorry, Thanks stars our man Wiley Wiggins (Dazed and Confused) as a guy who has a one-night-stand while in a committed relationship ... and all the fun, complicated stuff that arises from that one encounter. The film also stars Kenya Miles and Andrew Bujalski.
I've seen Sorry, Thanks, and can vouch for its cute, awkward humor -- but I'll also note that Wiggins totally steals the show. Why he's not doing more, I do not know; count me as someone who'd love to see Wiggins pop up on the big screen at least a thousand times per year. But anyway, yeah, check out the clip below (which comes from one of my favorite scenes of the film).
Sorry, Thanks is set to take...
I've seen Sorry, Thanks, and can vouch for its cute, awkward humor -- but I'll also note that Wiggins totally steals the show. Why he's not doing more, I do not know; count me as someone who'd love to see Wiggins pop up on the big screen at least a thousand times per year. But anyway, yeah, check out the clip below (which comes from one of my favorite scenes of the film).
Sorry, Thanks is set to take...
- 3/5/2009
- by Erik Davis
- Cinematical
The feature film lineup for next month's South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival in Austin, Texas has been announced and trailers have started to come out of the woodwork. This will be just my second fest but, based on last year, I can't wait. The first two are world premieres playing in the Emerging Visions showcase
Sorry, Thanks (pictured). "Good luck leading with your heart, when your heart is an utter emotional idiot." Dia Sokol's feature debut follows the travails of a woman "reeling from a brutal breakup" who has a one-night stand with a "charming, disheveled wreck" who -- oops! -- has a long-term girlfriend. Andrew Bujalski also stars. Check out the trailer at the official site, which is a bit goofy and a bit wistful, two qualities that are essential for any relationship / "where is my life heading?" movie. Plus, it has the uber-cool and understated Wiley Wiggins as the "disheveled wreck,...
Sorry, Thanks (pictured). "Good luck leading with your heart, when your heart is an utter emotional idiot." Dia Sokol's feature debut follows the travails of a woman "reeling from a brutal breakup" who has a one-night stand with a "charming, disheveled wreck" who -- oops! -- has a long-term girlfriend. Andrew Bujalski also stars. Check out the trailer at the official site, which is a bit goofy and a bit wistful, two qualities that are essential for any relationship / "where is my life heading?" movie. Plus, it has the uber-cool and understated Wiley Wiggins as the "disheveled wreck,...
- 2/10/2009
- by Peter Martin
- Cinematical
In our continuing series to preview some of the little indies (or what some people would call “real independent films”) that will be playing at the 2009 SXSW Film Festival, I give you the trailer for mumblecore producer (Mutual Appreciation, Nights and Weekends) Dia Sokol’s feature directorial debut Sorry, Thanks.
As someone who lives in San Francisco, it’s always great to see some low budget films coming out of the bay area. Last year SXSW brought us Medicine For Melancholy, a “love story of bikes and one-night stands told through two African-American twenty-somethings dealing with the conundrum of being a minority in a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco.” Sorry, Thanks is also a relationship film but with a mumblecore ensemble comedy slant. Read more and watch the trailer after the jump.
Click Here to Watch the Video
Here is the official plot synopsis:
“It’S All Fun And Games Until...
As someone who lives in San Francisco, it’s always great to see some low budget films coming out of the bay area. Last year SXSW brought us Medicine For Melancholy, a “love story of bikes and one-night stands told through two African-American twenty-somethings dealing with the conundrum of being a minority in a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco.” Sorry, Thanks is also a relationship film but with a mumblecore ensemble comedy slant. Read more and watch the trailer after the jump.
Click Here to Watch the Video
Here is the official plot synopsis:
“It’S All Fun And Games Until...
- 2/4/2009
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
SXSW is one of my favorite festivals of the year as it showcases some of the best and most innovative real independent films, and with this host of world premiers, it's also playing alot of Sundance material as well as genre fare from all over the world, many of which we've covered heavily in these pages.
From the Sundance lineup, we have films like Moon, The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle, You Won't Miss Me, Grace, and Humpday, among others.
For the world genre material we've covered, there's Lake Mungo, The Square, Zift, and Awaydays.
I think you get the point that lots of great looking film will be playing. I'll leave a bit of the exploration to you..
Lineup after the break.
Narrative Features Competition
Artois the Goat
Director: Kyle Bogart. Writer: Cliff and Kyle Bogart
Lab technician Virgil Gurdies embarks on an epic quest to craft the greatest...
From the Sundance lineup, we have films like Moon, The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle, You Won't Miss Me, Grace, and Humpday, among others.
For the world genre material we've covered, there's Lake Mungo, The Square, Zift, and Awaydays.
I think you get the point that lots of great looking film will be playing. I'll leave a bit of the exploration to you..
Lineup after the break.
Narrative Features Competition
Artois the Goat
Director: Kyle Bogart. Writer: Cliff and Kyle Bogart
Lab technician Virgil Gurdies embarks on an epic quest to craft the greatest...
- 2/2/2009
- QuietEarth.us
The lineup for the 2009 SXSW Film Festival is now out, and pasted in full after the jump. First skim highlights: Andrew Bujalski's Beeswax, which will world premiere in a matter of days in Berlin. Sorry, Thanks, directed by Dia Sokol (producer of Mutual Appreciation and Nights and Weekends), and starring Wiley Wiggins and Bujalski. New features by both Joe Swanberg (Alexander the Last, starring Jess Weixler, Justin Rice and Barlow Jacobs) and Kris Swanberg (It Was Great, But I Was Ready To Come Home, screening in Narrative Competition). Objectified, a new documentary by Helvetica director Gary Hustwit. True Adolescents, about ...
- 2/2/2009
- by Karina Longworth
- Spout
The lineup for the 2009 SXSW Film Festival is now out, and pasted in full after the jump. First skim highlights: Andrew Bujalski's Beeswax, which will world premiere in a matter of days in Berlin. Sorry, Thanks, directed by Dia Sokol (producer of Mutual Appreciation and Nights and Weekends), and starring Wiley Wiggins and Bujalski. New features by both Joe Swanberg (Alexander the Last, starring Jess Weixler, Justin Rice and Barlow Jacobs) and Kris Swanberg (It Was Great, But I Was Ready To Come Home, screening in Narrative Competition). Objectified, a new documentary by Helvetica director Gary Hustwit. True Adolescents, about ...
- 2/2/2009
- by Karina Longworth
- Spout
IFP handed out $130,000 in cash and in-kind prizes Thursday at its annual Independent Filmmaker Awards.
Joseph Cashiola received IFP's inaugural $50,000 Independent Filmmaker Lab Finishing Grant for his feature directorial debut, the drama "A Thing as Big as the Ocean."
Other awards at the ceremony hosted by Ally Sheedy and Kevin Corrigan included the $10,000 Adrienne Shelly Director's Grant given to Dia Sokol for her feature debut, "Sorry, Thanks." The Adrienne Shelly Foundation and Artists Public Domain funded the prize.
The $10,000 Kodak Grand Jury Screenwriting Prize went to Benjamin Bates for his "Walrus Eating Baloney," one of 150 works-in-progress in Independent Film Week's current Project Forum.
Another feature in the lineup, "The Promise of Freedom," earned filmmaker Beth Murphy the $10,000 Fledgling Fund Award for Socially Conscious Documentaries.
Eight other filmmakers won Panasonic Digital Filmmaking Grants. All winners were assigned producers as mentors, and each of the winning projects will be assigned a producing mentor.
Joseph Cashiola received IFP's inaugural $50,000 Independent Filmmaker Lab Finishing Grant for his feature directorial debut, the drama "A Thing as Big as the Ocean."
Other awards at the ceremony hosted by Ally Sheedy and Kevin Corrigan included the $10,000 Adrienne Shelly Director's Grant given to Dia Sokol for her feature debut, "Sorry, Thanks." The Adrienne Shelly Foundation and Artists Public Domain funded the prize.
The $10,000 Kodak Grand Jury Screenwriting Prize went to Benjamin Bates for his "Walrus Eating Baloney," one of 150 works-in-progress in Independent Film Week's current Project Forum.
Another feature in the lineup, "The Promise of Freedom," earned filmmaker Beth Murphy the $10,000 Fledgling Fund Award for Socially Conscious Documentaries.
Eight other filmmakers won Panasonic Digital Filmmaking Grants. All winners were assigned producers as mentors, and each of the winning projects will be assigned a producing mentor.
- 9/18/2008
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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