This article appears in the SXSW 2024 issue of Den of Geek magazine. Check out all of our SXSW coverage here.
Grand Theft Hamlet is about as absurd a mash-up as its title would have you believe. It’s a documentary about Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, two actors left jobless at the height of the pandemic who decide to put on a live-streamed production of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Grand Theft Auto Online.
Partway through the film, which was shot entirely in-game, as Sam is rehearsing the play’s famous “To be or not to be” speech on the beaches of Los Santos, a masked player walks up and calls him a bitch over chat, utterly unmoved by the iconic soliloquy. Other rehearsals are interrupted by helicopters and shootouts, all fitting encapsulations of the stark juxtaposition at the heart of the documentary. But GTA and Shakespeare may not be...
Grand Theft Hamlet is about as absurd a mash-up as its title would have you believe. It’s a documentary about Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, two actors left jobless at the height of the pandemic who decide to put on a live-streamed production of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Grand Theft Auto Online.
Partway through the film, which was shot entirely in-game, as Sam is rehearsing the play’s famous “To be or not to be” speech on the beaches of Los Santos, a masked player walks up and calls him a bitch over chat, utterly unmoved by the iconic soliloquy. Other rehearsals are interrupted by helicopters and shootouts, all fitting encapsulations of the stark juxtaposition at the heart of the documentary. But GTA and Shakespeare may not be...
- 3/10/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Competition comes from Paramount’s ‘Paw Patrol’ and ‘Sumotherhood’.
Pop icon Taylor Swift is looking to extend her cultural reach to cinemas this weekend, through the event cinema release of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.
Opening in 651 UK-Ireland venues through Trafalgar Releasing, the film is a 168-minute recording of three Swift gigs from the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in August 2023, as part of Swift’s ongoing tour playing music from across her career.
It is the latest concert film from UK- and US-based director Sam Wrench, a former competitive slalom skier who has also directed BTS: Permission To Dance...
Pop icon Taylor Swift is looking to extend her cultural reach to cinemas this weekend, through the event cinema release of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.
Opening in 651 UK-Ireland venues through Trafalgar Releasing, the film is a 168-minute recording of three Swift gigs from the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in August 2023, as part of Swift’s ongoing tour playing music from across her career.
It is the latest concert film from UK- and US-based director Sam Wrench, a former competitive slalom skier who has also directed BTS: Permission To Dance...
- 10/13/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
There’s a lot to enjoy, but nothing new, in this documentary that focuses on a key transitional period in Muhammad Ali’s life
Here to prove you can never have enough documentaries about Muhammad Ali is New York director Muta’Ali Muhammad, who has made a new film on the subject for the US’s Smithsonian Channel; it is entertaining, but perhaps unsure of what exactly it’s saying that is new. It focuses on the legendary boxer’s public life from 1959 to 1964, as he negotiated a new existence as world champion and member of the Nation of Islam, changing his name from Cassius Clay to (initially) Cassius X in a key transitional moment. It is written by Scottish author and producer Stuart Cosgrove, adapting his own 2020 book Cassius X: A Legend in the Making.
This perfectly watchable film moves with breezy fluency from Ali’s early years, the sensational...
Here to prove you can never have enough documentaries about Muhammad Ali is New York director Muta’Ali Muhammad, who has made a new film on the subject for the US’s Smithsonian Channel; it is entertaining, but perhaps unsure of what exactly it’s saying that is new. It focuses on the legendary boxer’s public life from 1959 to 1964, as he negotiated a new existence as world champion and member of the Nation of Islam, changing his name from Cassius Clay to (initially) Cassius X in a key transitional moment. It is written by Scottish author and producer Stuart Cosgrove, adapting his own 2020 book Cassius X: A Legend in the Making.
This perfectly watchable film moves with breezy fluency from Ali’s early years, the sensational...
- 10/11/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
A boxing legend is born.
This week, the trailer debuted for the new documentary “Cassius X: Becoming Ali”, which tells the story of the man who would become Muhammad Ali.
Read More: Muhammad Ali 80th Birthday To Be Marked With Virtual Event
Focusing on the early years of his life and career, the documentary tracks Ali, back when he was known as Cassius Clay, on his journey from rookie boxer out of Louisville, Ken., to becoming the world heavyweight champion.
It also follows Ali’s evolution from working class intellectual to one of the most influential civil right advocates in American history, inspired by the teachings of Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad and his friendship with civil rights icon Malcolm X.
Read More: Muhammad Ali & Malcolm X Form An Unbeatable Bond In ‘Blood Brothers’ Documentary Trailer
Malcolm would spur the young boxer to take the name Cassius X, before...
This week, the trailer debuted for the new documentary “Cassius X: Becoming Ali”, which tells the story of the man who would become Muhammad Ali.
Read More: Muhammad Ali 80th Birthday To Be Marked With Virtual Event
Focusing on the early years of his life and career, the documentary tracks Ali, back when he was known as Cassius Clay, on his journey from rookie boxer out of Louisville, Ken., to becoming the world heavyweight champion.
It also follows Ali’s evolution from working class intellectual to one of the most influential civil right advocates in American history, inspired by the teachings of Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad and his friendship with civil rights icon Malcolm X.
Read More: Muhammad Ali & Malcolm X Form An Unbeatable Bond In ‘Blood Brothers’ Documentary Trailer
Malcolm would spur the young boxer to take the name Cassius X, before...
- 10/5/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Speciality distributor Cosmic Cat has set U.K. release dates for documentary “Cassius X: Becoming Ali.”
The film follows the early years of Cassius Clay, from a bright-eyed rookie boxer from Louisville, Kentucky, to world heavyweight champion and from working class intellectual to one of America’s most influential civil rights campaigners. The film reveals how the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, reinforced by a friendship with revolutionary preacher, Malcolm X, set Clay on the journey to become Cassius X, before his induction to the Nation of Islam and ascension to the name of Muhammad Ali.
“Cassius X: Becoming Ali” is directed by Muta’Ali Muhammad (“Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn”) and is based on the book “Cassius X: A Legend In The Making” by journalist Stuart Cosgrove. It is produced by Two Rivers Media (“The Small Hand (Ghost Story),” “Killing Escobar”) in association with Paramount Media Networks and MTV Entertainment Studios...
The film follows the early years of Cassius Clay, from a bright-eyed rookie boxer from Louisville, Kentucky, to world heavyweight champion and from working class intellectual to one of America’s most influential civil rights campaigners. The film reveals how the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, reinforced by a friendship with revolutionary preacher, Malcolm X, set Clay on the journey to become Cassius X, before his induction to the Nation of Islam and ascension to the name of Muhammad Ali.
“Cassius X: Becoming Ali” is directed by Muta’Ali Muhammad (“Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn”) and is based on the book “Cassius X: A Legend In The Making” by journalist Stuart Cosgrove. It is produced by Two Rivers Media (“The Small Hand (Ghost Story),” “Killing Escobar”) in association with Paramount Media Networks and MTV Entertainment Studios...
- 10/5/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Documentaries
U.K. TV producer Content Kings and production finance broker and distribution agent Silverlining Rights have revealed a raft of international pre-sales for “Diana: The Ultimate Truth” (1×60’), a documentary which investigates the circumstances leading up to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, 25 years ago. Despite a verdict of unlawful killing and two police investigations into the devastating crash, many questions around what happened, and who is responsible, remain. The documentary follows journalist Mark Williams-Thomas whose investigation includes interviews with security experts; forensic crash investigators and photographers at the Metropolitan Police who investigated the fatal car crash; and a new witness to the crash – all speaking for the first time – along with close friends of Princess Diana, and individuals caught up in her infamous BBC Panorama interview.
The documentary has been pre-sold to Reelz (U.S.), Paramount+ (U.K.), Foxtel’s Fox Docos (Australia), TV2 (Denmark), Rtl Deutschland (Germany...
U.K. TV producer Content Kings and production finance broker and distribution agent Silverlining Rights have revealed a raft of international pre-sales for “Diana: The Ultimate Truth” (1×60’), a documentary which investigates the circumstances leading up to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, 25 years ago. Despite a verdict of unlawful killing and two police investigations into the devastating crash, many questions around what happened, and who is responsible, remain. The documentary follows journalist Mark Williams-Thomas whose investigation includes interviews with security experts; forensic crash investigators and photographers at the Metropolitan Police who investigated the fatal car crash; and a new witness to the crash – all speaking for the first time – along with close friends of Princess Diana, and individuals caught up in her infamous BBC Panorama interview.
The documentary has been pre-sold to Reelz (U.S.), Paramount+ (U.K.), Foxtel’s Fox Docos (Australia), TV2 (Denmark), Rtl Deutschland (Germany...
- 6/14/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: HBO Documentary Films is embarking on a documentary about pioneering supermodel Donyale Luna, one of the first Black models to be featured on the covers of major European fashion magazines.
Nailah Jefferson (Vanishing Pearls: The Oystermen of Pointe à la Hache), is directing the film, teaming with Oscar- and Emmy-winning Lightbox, and Jeff Friday Media (HBO’s Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn).
Luna was born Peggy Anne Freeman in Detroit in 1945 and began going by the name Donyale Luna in her late teens as she launched her modeling career. In March 1966 she became the first model of color to grace the cover of the British edition of Vogue (wearing a Chloé dress and photographed by David Bailey). She also appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar and other leading fashion publications. Richard Avedon and William Claxton are among the greats who photographed her.
Nailah Jefferson (Vanishing Pearls: The Oystermen of Pointe à la Hache), is directing the film, teaming with Oscar- and Emmy-winning Lightbox, and Jeff Friday Media (HBO’s Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn).
Luna was born Peggy Anne Freeman in Detroit in 1945 and began going by the name Donyale Luna in her late teens as she launched her modeling career. In March 1966 she became the first model of color to grace the cover of the British edition of Vogue (wearing a Chloé dress and photographed by David Bailey). She also appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar and other leading fashion publications. Richard Avedon and William Claxton are among the greats who photographed her.
- 6/13/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Dan Sefton To Adapt Ex-Genesis Drummer’s Novel For TV
Mallorca Files creator Dan Sefton is to adapt the story of ex-Genesis drummer Chris Stewart’s life for TV. Based on Stewart’s novel Driving Over Lemons, Sefton, along with a team including Simon Lupton, Nick Leese, Alvaro Alonso and Manuel Yebra, will turn the retired musician’s incredible life story into a comedy-drama, with no network attached yet. At 17, Stewart left Genesis and turned his back on rock-n-roll for a career as a sheep shearer and travel writer. Inspired by his family’s adventures, the drama follows Chris, a hapless optimist, and his pragmatic wife Ana, as the couple embark on a new life, uprooting from the UK and relocating to Andalusia in an attempt to build a new life in the Alpujarra mountains. Sefton’s indie Seven Sea Films is producing with Leese’s Tin Hat Film...
Mallorca Files creator Dan Sefton is to adapt the story of ex-Genesis drummer Chris Stewart’s life for TV. Based on Stewart’s novel Driving Over Lemons, Sefton, along with a team including Simon Lupton, Nick Leese, Alvaro Alonso and Manuel Yebra, will turn the retired musician’s incredible life story into a comedy-drama, with no network attached yet. At 17, Stewart left Genesis and turned his back on rock-n-roll for a career as a sheep shearer and travel writer. Inspired by his family’s adventures, the drama follows Chris, a hapless optimist, and his pragmatic wife Ana, as the couple embark on a new life, uprooting from the UK and relocating to Andalusia in an attempt to build a new life in the Alpujarra mountains. Sefton’s indie Seven Sea Films is producing with Leese’s Tin Hat Film...
- 1/11/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
On the night of Aug. 23, 1989, 16-year-old Yusuf Hawkins went with his East New York friends to the predominantly Italian-American neighborhood of Bensonhurst, responding to a used car sales ad. After being misidentified as the boyfriend of a local girl, Hawkins was attacked by an angry mob of young white men, and was eventually shot dead. His death sparked outrage, bringing simmering racial tensions to a boil, leading to an aftermath that engulfed the city as Hawkins’ family demanded justice. Directed by Muta’Ali Muhammad (“Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee”) the HBO documentary, “Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn,” relives that tragic night that exposed deep racial prejudices which continue to haunt the country today.
Ahead of the opening of Spike Lee’s incendiary ”Do the Right Thing” just a month prior on July 21, 1989, a few mostly white critics predicted that the film’s portrayal of racial divisions in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood might lead to riots.
Ahead of the opening of Spike Lee’s incendiary ”Do the Right Thing” just a month prior on July 21, 1989, a few mostly white critics predicted that the film’s portrayal of racial divisions in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood might lead to riots.
- 8/12/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has set its lineup for the 2020 virtual edition of the fest which runs August 21-30. In addition, IMDb will simulcast The Best of the ABFF Awards Ceremony on its homepage on closing night.
The online fest will bring the energy and magic of the live fest as it spotlights the best of independent Black cinema, studio premieres, conversations and panels, along with virtual networking events. ABFF will also introduce the inaugural John Singleton Award for Best First Feature for a director of African descent.
Of the 90 films featured in this year’s fest, 90% of the submissions are from Black filmmakers, 70% are first time filmmakers and approximately 40% are women.
“The more than 90 films in this year’s festival are the work of a group of powerful and passionate storytellers who reflect the diversity of voices in our industry,” said Jeff Friday, founder and CEO ABFF Ventures.
The online fest will bring the energy and magic of the live fest as it spotlights the best of independent Black cinema, studio premieres, conversations and panels, along with virtual networking events. ABFF will also introduce the inaugural John Singleton Award for Best First Feature for a director of African descent.
Of the 90 films featured in this year’s fest, 90% of the submissions are from Black filmmakers, 70% are first time filmmakers and approximately 40% are women.
“The more than 90 films in this year’s festival are the work of a group of powerful and passionate storytellers who reflect the diversity of voices in our industry,” said Jeff Friday, founder and CEO ABFF Ventures.
- 7/23/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Good news for a documentary feature this blog has been following since its Kickstarter campaign in 2012, when we first profiled it. Directed by their grandson Muta'Ali Muhammad, and titled "Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee," the "documentary style film about Love, art and activism" tells the life and love story of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, for the first time, incorporating candid and revealing conversations and much more. It's a film that's been touring the film festival circuit for about a year now, and, announced this afternoon, many more will get to see it, as Centric TV picked up the documentary and slotted it for a Sunday, January 17, 2016, 3pm...
- 1/17/2016
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Good news for a documentary feature this blog has been following since its Kickstarter campaign in 2012, when we first profiled it. Directed by their grandson Muta'Ali Muhammad, and titled "Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee," the "documentary style film about Love, art and activism" tells the life and love story of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, for the first time, incorporating candid and revealing conversations and much more. It's a film that's been touring the film festival circuit for about a year now, and, announced this afternoon, many more will get to see it, as Centric TV has picked up the documentary and slotted it for a Sunday, January 17, 2016, 3pm...
- 1/11/2016
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Wonderful news! You might recall the feature documentary on the lives of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee we highlighted the Kickstarter campaign for ($53,000 was raised successfully), directed by their grandson, Muta'Ali Muhammad. Titled Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee, and described as "a documentary style film about Love, art and activism," the film will tell the life and love story of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, for the first time, incorporating candid and revealing conversations and much more. So it'll be a night celebrating her 90th birthday, with lots of black celebs, which will include a 30-minute preview of the above...
- 10/26/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
After years of viewing their public talents through their various award-winning projects, the backstage life and times of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee will finally be recognized in the forthcoming documentary, “Life's Essentials With Ruby Dee.”
Directed by Dee’s grandson Muta'Ali Muhammad and his partner Jevon “NJ” Frank, the documentary marks the first official project chronicling the couple's long careers and 57 years of marriage.
“We have received several proposals over the years [to do a film], but it never seemed to be the right time or circumstance,” Dee explained to The Huffington Post.
“Ossie and I were gratified to discover that some of our most satisfying collaborations were with our adult children, so when my eldest grandson, Muta'Ali Muhammad, approached me about this documentary I was intrigued,” she continued. “So I checked his credentials -- and they were as impressive as his pedigree!"
Dee said it was a "joy" to work with her grandson,...
Directed by Dee’s grandson Muta'Ali Muhammad and his partner Jevon “NJ” Frank, the documentary marks the first official project chronicling the couple's long careers and 57 years of marriage.
“We have received several proposals over the years [to do a film], but it never seemed to be the right time or circumstance,” Dee explained to The Huffington Post.
“Ossie and I were gratified to discover that some of our most satisfying collaborations were with our adult children, so when my eldest grandson, Muta'Ali Muhammad, approached me about this documentary I was intrigued,” she continued. “So I checked his credentials -- and they were as impressive as his pedigree!"
Dee said it was a "joy" to work with her grandson,...
- 6/21/2012
- by Brennan Williams
- Huffington Post
Here's an exclusive clip from the feature documentary on the lives of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee we previously told you about. Directed by their grandson, Muta'Ali Muhammad, it's the first of its kind ever! And don't they (Ossie & Ruby) deserve this kind of filmic recognition? Titled Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee, and described as "a documentary style film about Love, art and activism," the film will tell the life and love story of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, for the first time, incorporating candid and revealing conversations and much more. Below, you'll find a new clip from the project featuring actor/activist Danny...
- 6/11/2012
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Now here's a project to get behind, if there ever was one! A feature documentary on the lives of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, directed by their grandson, Muta'Ali Muhammad - I think the first of its kind ever! Titled Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee, and described as "a documentary style film about Love, art and activism," the film will tell the life and love story of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, for the first time, incorporating candid and revealing conversations and much more. But I'll say no more; watch the video pitch below, and if you're moved by it, head on over to the project's Kickstarter page to contribute - the goal is to raise...
- 5/22/2012
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
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