Chris Smith’s “Devo” will open the ninth edition of Chicago’s Doc10 documentary film festival on May 2.
The film, which premiered at Sundance 2024, charts the life of the art-movement-turned-band Devo from Akron, Ohio, through archival footage of the band and candid sit-down interviews with band members. Smith follows the band on their journey from Dadaist, Kent State radicals to unlikely icons of 1980s MTV. Currently celebrating their 50 years of De-Evolution Tour, Devo band members will join Doc10 in a live, virtual Q&a moderated by Wxrt’s Marty Lennartz.
Doc10, a four-day fest running May 2-5, features a selection of 10 documentaries making their Chicago premieres along with a package of 10 prestigious documentary shorts. The fest is hosted by Chicago Media Project, a company that has generated more than $8.5 million in funding for documentary projects. Cmp has directly supported over 150 films including “Icarus,” “Crip Camp” and most recently “Gaucho, Gaucho,...
The film, which premiered at Sundance 2024, charts the life of the art-movement-turned-band Devo from Akron, Ohio, through archival footage of the band and candid sit-down interviews with band members. Smith follows the band on their journey from Dadaist, Kent State radicals to unlikely icons of 1980s MTV. Currently celebrating their 50 years of De-Evolution Tour, Devo band members will join Doc10 in a live, virtual Q&a moderated by Wxrt’s Marty Lennartz.
Doc10, a four-day fest running May 2-5, features a selection of 10 documentaries making their Chicago premieres along with a package of 10 prestigious documentary shorts. The fest is hosted by Chicago Media Project, a company that has generated more than $8.5 million in funding for documentary projects. Cmp has directly supported over 150 films including “Icarus,” “Crip Camp” and most recently “Gaucho, Gaucho,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Greenwich Entertainment has acquired U.S. rights to Copa 71, a documentary about the pioneering “Unofficial Women’s World Cup” that created a sensation in 1971 but has since been virtually erased from history. Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine (Billie) directed the film, which is executive produced by tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams and soccer star Alex Morgan.
Greenwich plans a summer theatrical release of the documentary, a co-production of New Black Films, Dogwoof, and Westbrook Studios.
“In August 1971, soccer teams from England, Argentina, Mexico, France, Denmark, and Italy gathered at Mexico City’s sun-drenched Azteca Stadium,” notes a synopsis of the film. “The scale of the tournament was monumental: lavish sponsorship, extensive TV coverage, merchandise on every street corner, and crowds of over 100,000 roaring fans turn this historic stadium into a cauldron of noise match after match.”
The synopsis continues, “A fawning media treat the players like rock stars.
Greenwich plans a summer theatrical release of the documentary, a co-production of New Black Films, Dogwoof, and Westbrook Studios.
“In August 1971, soccer teams from England, Argentina, Mexico, France, Denmark, and Italy gathered at Mexico City’s sun-drenched Azteca Stadium,” notes a synopsis of the film. “The scale of the tournament was monumental: lavish sponsorship, extensive TV coverage, merchandise on every street corner, and crowds of over 100,000 roaring fans turn this historic stadium into a cauldron of noise match after match.”
The synopsis continues, “A fawning media treat the players like rock stars.
- 2/14/2024
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: NBC News Studios today announced it has partnered with Westbrook Studios and BET Studios to co-produce the feature documentary The Debutantes, directed by Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker Contessa Gayles. The Debutantes is the story of an intergenerational group of Black women and girls in Canton, Ohio revitalizing the debutante ball, a once popular tradition of the Black middle class.
Contessa is a non-fiction film director, Dp, editor and an Emmy-nominated producer. She tells stories about identity, socio-political movement, healing, Black liberation and radical imagination. As an independent filmmaker, her work has been supported by Impact Partners, Field of Vision, Artemis Rising Foundation, the International Documentary Association, the California Arts Council and Queen Latifah’s Queen Collective.
Filmed at the 2022 Cotillion, this coming-of-age film follows Canton’s first group of Black debutantes in over a decade as they prepare for their formal debut to society as young women. Long considered a symbol of middle class respectability,...
Contessa is a non-fiction film director, Dp, editor and an Emmy-nominated producer. She tells stories about identity, socio-political movement, healing, Black liberation and radical imagination. As an independent filmmaker, her work has been supported by Impact Partners, Field of Vision, Artemis Rising Foundation, the International Documentary Association, the California Arts Council and Queen Latifah’s Queen Collective.
Filmed at the 2022 Cotillion, this coming-of-age film follows Canton’s first group of Black debutantes in over a decade as they prepare for their formal debut to society as young women. Long considered a symbol of middle class respectability,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Paramount’s Republic Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to the inspirational documentary Lift, from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker David Petersen, slating it for release via Paramount Global Content Distribution. In the U.S., the film will hit select theaters on September 15th and bow on digital on the 22nd. Pic will also soon hit the UK, debuting on digital on the 25th.
Exec produced by world-renowned ballerina Misty Copeland, who also served as Principal Advisor, Lift shines a spotlight on the transformative power of dance and the invisible story of homelessness in America through young home-insecure ballet dancers and their mentor who inspires them at New York Theatre Ballet. Guided by Steven Melendez, whose journey leads back to his childhood shelter, their path within the Lift scholarship program becomes a celebration of joy and triumph in the face of adversity.
Presented by Vulcan Productions and Beaufort 9 Films, in association...
Exec produced by world-renowned ballerina Misty Copeland, who also served as Principal Advisor, Lift shines a spotlight on the transformative power of dance and the invisible story of homelessness in America through young home-insecure ballet dancers and their mentor who inspires them at New York Theatre Ballet. Guided by Steven Melendez, whose journey leads back to his childhood shelter, their path within the Lift scholarship program becomes a celebration of joy and triumph in the face of adversity.
Presented by Vulcan Productions and Beaufort 9 Films, in association...
- 8/7/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles, Feb 18 (Ians) Tennis legends Serena Williams and Venus Williams along with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios have boarded the feature documentary ‘Copa 71’ about the 1971 women’s World Cup football.
The Williams sisters will serve as executive producers of the film, which is a Dogwoof and New Black Films co-production. The project is executive produced and backed by Westbrook, reports ‘Variety’.
Currently in production stage and promising never-before-seen archival footage, ‘Copa 71’ tells the story of the 1971 women’s World Cup, which saw football teams from all over the world gather in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium to compete in front of more than 100,000 spectators.
As per ‘Variety’, it was the last women’s World Cup until the official FIFA event 20 years later. Dismissed by both FIFA and domestic football associations around the world, the event was written out of history – until now.
In addition to...
The Williams sisters will serve as executive producers of the film, which is a Dogwoof and New Black Films co-production. The project is executive produced and backed by Westbrook, reports ‘Variety’.
Currently in production stage and promising never-before-seen archival footage, ‘Copa 71’ tells the story of the 1971 women’s World Cup, which saw football teams from all over the world gather in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium to compete in front of more than 100,000 spectators.
As per ‘Variety’, it was the last women’s World Cup until the official FIFA event 20 years later. Dismissed by both FIFA and domestic football associations around the world, the event was written out of history – until now.
In addition to...
- 2/18/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios have boarded the feature documentary “Copa 71,” about the 1971 Women’s World Cup of soccer.
The Williams sisters will serve as executive producers on the film, which is a Dogwoof and New Black Films co-production. The project is executive produced and backed by Westbrook.
Currently in production and promising never-before-seen archival footage, “Copa 71” tells the story of the 1971 Women’s World Cup, which saw soccer teams from all over the world gather in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium to compete in front of more than 100,000 spectators. It was the last women’s World Cup until the official FIFA event 20 years later. Dismissed by both FIFA and domestic football associations around the world, the event was written out of history — until now.
In addition to her legendary career as one of the greatest and most decorated tennis players of all time,...
The Williams sisters will serve as executive producers on the film, which is a Dogwoof and New Black Films co-production. The project is executive produced and backed by Westbrook.
Currently in production and promising never-before-seen archival footage, “Copa 71” tells the story of the 1971 Women’s World Cup, which saw soccer teams from all over the world gather in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium to compete in front of more than 100,000 spectators. It was the last women’s World Cup until the official FIFA event 20 years later. Dismissed by both FIFA and domestic football associations around the world, the event was written out of history — until now.
In addition to her legendary career as one of the greatest and most decorated tennis players of all time,...
- 2/18/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime Sports Documentary Films is set to release a documentary feature based on the life of basketball star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, entitled “Stand.” The documentary will premiere in early 2023.
Directed by Joslyn Rose Lyons, “Stand” explores the personal and professional struggles of Abdul-Rauf, from being bullied as a child due to his Tourette’s syndrome to becoming a target of hate speech and Islamophobia during his basketball career. The documentary film features exclusive interviews with several basketball and entertainment stars including Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, Shaquille O’Neal, Jalen Rose, Mahershala Ali and Ice Cube.
“It is an honor to be collaborating with Showtime and the production team and working with our director, Joslyn Rose Lyons,” Abdul-Rauf said in a statement. “Joslyn has brought a stellar, brilliant vision to this film. My hope is that my story will help heal and bring new perspective to the world.”
The film marks Lyons’ feature-length directorial debut.
Directed by Joslyn Rose Lyons, “Stand” explores the personal and professional struggles of Abdul-Rauf, from being bullied as a child due to his Tourette’s syndrome to becoming a target of hate speech and Islamophobia during his basketball career. The documentary film features exclusive interviews with several basketball and entertainment stars including Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, Shaquille O’Neal, Jalen Rose, Mahershala Ali and Ice Cube.
“It is an honor to be collaborating with Showtime and the production team and working with our director, Joslyn Rose Lyons,” Abdul-Rauf said in a statement. “Joslyn has brought a stellar, brilliant vision to this film. My hope is that my story will help heal and bring new perspective to the world.”
The film marks Lyons’ feature-length directorial debut.
- 8/25/2022
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Documentary Films has acquired worldwide television and streaming rights to Master of Light, the SXSW award-winning film about artist George Anthony Morton, who honed his exceptional talent while serving a prison sentence.
Dutch filmmaker Rosa Ruth Boesten directed the documentary, which is produced by Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams, Ilia Roomans, and Anousha Nzume.
“I learned about George through a mutual friend who met George in New York and told me about his story,” Boesten told Deadline at SXSW, where her film premiered, winning the Grand Jury Prize for documentary. “He just had a New York Times article that came out and I read about the story and was just blown away by his artwork. And that’s when I reached out, and that’s where it started for me.”
Morton “is a classical painter who spent ten years in federal prison for dealing drugs. While incarcerated, he nurtured...
Dutch filmmaker Rosa Ruth Boesten directed the documentary, which is produced by Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams, Ilia Roomans, and Anousha Nzume.
“I learned about George through a mutual friend who met George in New York and told me about his story,” Boesten told Deadline at SXSW, where her film premiered, winning the Grand Jury Prize for documentary. “He just had a New York Times article that came out and I read about the story and was just blown away by his artwork. And that’s when I reached out, and that’s where it started for me.”
Morton “is a classical painter who spent ten years in federal prison for dealing drugs. While incarcerated, he nurtured...
- 8/25/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Documentary Films announced on Thursday that it has acquired “Master of Light,” the debut documentary from filmmaker Rosa Ruth Boesten which won the Grand Jury Award at this year’s South By Southwest Festival.
“Master of Light” follows the story of George Anthony Morton, a Black painter who was sentenced to ten years in prison for dealing drugs and spent his time behind bars honing his craft as a classical artist. After returning to the outside world, he heads home to Kansas City to use his art to mend his broken relationship with his mother while trying to break into an artistic world dominated by white painters.
Also Read:
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“As a first-time director, I am overwhelmed with excitement to work with such an acclaimed company as HBO Documentary Films,” Boesten said in a statement. “We...
“Master of Light” follows the story of George Anthony Morton, a Black painter who was sentenced to ten years in prison for dealing drugs and spent his time behind bars honing his craft as a classical artist. After returning to the outside world, he heads home to Kansas City to use his art to mend his broken relationship with his mother while trying to break into an artistic world dominated by white painters.
Also Read:
‘Mike’ Review: Hulu’s Mike Tyson Series Offers Complicated Look at Boxer’s Demise
“As a first-time director, I am overwhelmed with excitement to work with such an acclaimed company as HBO Documentary Films,” Boesten said in a statement. “We...
- 8/25/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
The Sundance Institute has unveiled the producers and the projects selected for this summer’s Producers Lab and Producers Summit. Taking place July 25-28 and July 29-31, respectively, the events are being held in person at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort. The Producers Lab will feature six fiction films’ and five nonfiction films’ producers and their projects while the summit will host 40 industry insiders and 26 indie filmmakers.
Advisors for the feature film program include David Hinojosa (Zola, Bodies Bodies Bodies), Amy Lo (Nancy, Sugar), Riva Marker (The Guilty, Relic), Josh Penn (Beasts of the Southern Wild) and Jason Michael Berman (Nine Days, Uncorked) while the documentary film program features Daffodil Altan (PBS’ Frontline), Violet Feng (Hidden Letters, Tigre Gente), Andrea Meditch (Ernie & Joe, Fathom), Bob Moore (Midwives, Softie) and Amanda Spain (MSNBC Films).
Industry participants in this year’s summit include Maria Altamirano...
The Sundance Institute has unveiled the producers and the projects selected for this summer’s Producers Lab and Producers Summit. Taking place July 25-28 and July 29-31, respectively, the events are being held in person at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort. The Producers Lab will feature six fiction films’ and five nonfiction films’ producers and their projects while the summit will host 40 industry insiders and 26 indie filmmakers.
Advisors for the feature film program include David Hinojosa (Zola, Bodies Bodies Bodies), Amy Lo (Nancy, Sugar), Riva Marker (The Guilty, Relic), Josh Penn (Beasts of the Southern Wild) and Jason Michael Berman (Nine Days, Uncorked) while the documentary film program features Daffodil Altan (PBS’ Frontline), Violet Feng (Hidden Letters, Tigre Gente), Andrea Meditch (Ernie & Joe, Fathom), Bob Moore (Midwives, Softie) and Amanda Spain (MSNBC Films).
Industry participants in this year’s summit include Maria Altamirano...
- 7/25/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sundance Institute, the nonprofit organization that puts on the yearly film festival in Park City, has announced the entrants for its Producers Lab and Producers Summit.
Both events, the former taking place from July 25 to 28 and the latter from July 29 to 31, will be held in person at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort. The Institute picked six fiction film and five non-fiction film producers and their projects. Producers Lab and Producers Summit, which counts more than 40 industry leaders and 26 independent filmmakers among its participants, supports up-and-coming producers through year-round mentorship, granting, educational resources, strategic introductions, and networking opportunities with the industry.
“It has been three years since we have been able to gather in person, and over this time, the landscape for independent storytelling has shifted dramatically. It’s never been more critical to work to create a sustainable future for independent producers, a key priority for the Lab and Summit,...
Both events, the former taking place from July 25 to 28 and the latter from July 29 to 31, will be held in person at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort. The Institute picked six fiction film and five non-fiction film producers and their projects. Producers Lab and Producers Summit, which counts more than 40 industry leaders and 26 independent filmmakers among its participants, supports up-and-coming producers through year-round mentorship, granting, educational resources, strategic introductions, and networking opportunities with the industry.
“It has been three years since we have been able to gather in person, and over this time, the landscape for independent storytelling has shifted dramatically. It’s never been more critical to work to create a sustainable future for independent producers, a key priority for the Lab and Summit,...
- 7/25/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Institute has named the participants for its 2022 Producers Lab and Summit, both of which are set to take place in person this year at Utah’s Sundance Mountain Resort.
The Fellows and projects selected for the Lab’s Feature Film Program are Apoorva Guru Charan (The Rotting Of Casey Culpepper), Leah Chen Baker (The President’s Cake), Eli Raskin (Starfuckers), Chloe Sabin (Sales Per Hour), and the duo of Helena Sardinha and Doménica Castro (Huella). Those set for the Lab’s Documentary Film Program are Lindsey Dryden (Untitled Dwarfism Project), Yoni Golijov (Untitled Sura Mallouh Project), Dawne Langford (Untitled Baltimore Project), Neyda Martinez (Bartolo) and Igor Myakotin (Queendom).
Jade Jackson (Losa), Lauren Lopez de Victoria (Forward), Fox Maxy (Water Tight), Albert Tholen and Aiko Masubuchi (Earthquake), and Séverine Tibi (Birthday) will participate in the Producers Summit on the Fiction Features side, with Nonfiction Feature participants to include Jude Chehab...
The Fellows and projects selected for the Lab’s Feature Film Program are Apoorva Guru Charan (The Rotting Of Casey Culpepper), Leah Chen Baker (The President’s Cake), Eli Raskin (Starfuckers), Chloe Sabin (Sales Per Hour), and the duo of Helena Sardinha and Doménica Castro (Huella). Those set for the Lab’s Documentary Film Program are Lindsey Dryden (Untitled Dwarfism Project), Yoni Golijov (Untitled Sura Mallouh Project), Dawne Langford (Untitled Baltimore Project), Neyda Martinez (Bartolo) and Igor Myakotin (Queendom).
Jade Jackson (Losa), Lauren Lopez de Victoria (Forward), Fox Maxy (Water Tight), Albert Tholen and Aiko Masubuchi (Earthquake), and Séverine Tibi (Birthday) will participate in the Producers Summit on the Fiction Features side, with Nonfiction Feature participants to include Jude Chehab...
- 7/25/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Westbrook Studios and Rei Co-op Studios have teamed up to produce a documentary about the first all-Black team, supported by Nepali Sherpas, to summit Mount Everest. News & Documentary Emmy nominee Rolake Bamgbose (Connected to the World) and Justice A. Whitaker (Restrictions Apply) will direct and produce the project about the team’s historic achievement, notched earlier this month, via their Shango Light Films banner, in their feature debut.
The as-yet-untitled documentary will follow nine athletes as they shift the legacy in a white-dominated sport while experiencing a unique global cultural exchange during their triumphant journey to the top of the famous peak. Rooted in the story of the Everest ascent and the year of training the climbers underwent as a team, the film’s true emotional anchor is embedded in the individual journeys undertaken by each of the climbers, representing the diversity of the Black experience in the outdoor community.
The as-yet-untitled documentary will follow nine athletes as they shift the legacy in a white-dominated sport while experiencing a unique global cultural exchange during their triumphant journey to the top of the famous peak. Rooted in the story of the Everest ascent and the year of training the climbers underwent as a team, the film’s true emotional anchor is embedded in the individual journeys undertaken by each of the climbers, representing the diversity of the Black experience in the outdoor community.
- 5/23/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“I believe that a big reason why this ambitious idea of throwing a music festival in Harlem in which somewhere between 70,000 to 90,000 people every weekend would see performances was so that there was something joyous and hopeful for people at that point were kind of at the end of their rope,” Summer of Soul (Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson says about the importance the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival had to a Black America ravaged by violence and assassination.
“It was a healing moment, if you will,” Thompson added during the film’s panel at Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees event. The Roots drummer, bestselling author, musicologist and now Oscar nominee made his feature directorial debut with the feature documentary.
Having premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival in 2021, Summer of Soul took home the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the documentary categories in Park City.
“It was a healing moment, if you will,” Thompson added during the film’s panel at Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees event. The Roots drummer, bestselling author, musicologist and now Oscar nominee made his feature directorial debut with the feature documentary.
Having premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival in 2021, Summer of Soul took home the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the documentary categories in Park City.
- 3/5/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s multi-faceted media company Westbrook Inc. has named former Vice executive Jannat Gargi as VP and head of documentaries for Westbrook Studios, its production division.
Gargi formerly served as VP of documentaries for Vice Studios, where she oversaw projects like Flee, an animated doc following a gay man who reveals his refugee status. Prior to Vice, Gargi served as head of documentary films for production company Vulcan Productions.
Starting later this month, Gargi will be tasked with developing both features and series at Westbrook, reporting to studio co-presidents Terence Carter (who also serves as head of television) and head of features Jon Mone, Realscreen reports.
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Gargi formerly served as VP of documentaries for Vice Studios, where she oversaw projects like Flee, an animated doc following a gay man who reveals his refugee status. Prior to Vice, Gargi served as head of documentary films for production company Vulcan Productions.
Starting later this month, Gargi will be tasked with developing both features and series at Westbrook, reporting to studio co-presidents Terence Carter (who also serves as head of television) and head of features Jon Mone, Realscreen reports.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 9/14/2021
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Jannat Gargi has been named senior vice president and head of documentaries at Westbrook, where she will be tasked with making non-fiction features and premium series.
She joins the media company from Vice Studios, where she most recently held the role of vice president of documentaries. At Vice, Gargi developed documentaries such as “Flee,” which won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and will be released by Neon this fall, as well as a limited series for ESPN’s “30 For 30” about the American Gladiators.
Westbrook is the media company founded by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Its films and series include “Cobra Kai,” “Red Table Talk” and “King Richard.” The company was in the headlines over the weekend after news broke that it was in talks to sell itself to a media venture backed by private equity firm Blackstone and led by Disney vets Tom Staggs and Kevin Mayer.
She joins the media company from Vice Studios, where she most recently held the role of vice president of documentaries. At Vice, Gargi developed documentaries such as “Flee,” which won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and will be released by Neon this fall, as well as a limited series for ESPN’s “30 For 30” about the American Gladiators.
Westbrook is the media company founded by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Its films and series include “Cobra Kai,” “Red Table Talk” and “King Richard.” The company was in the headlines over the weekend after news broke that it was in talks to sell itself to a media venture backed by private equity firm Blackstone and led by Disney vets Tom Staggs and Kevin Mayer.
- 9/13/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Five fiction, five non-fiction producers will take part in Producers Lab.
Sundance Institute has announced participants for its Producers Lab that takes place from July 25-29 and Producers Summit that runs August 2-5.
Five fiction film and five nonfiction producers and their projects have been selected for the Producers Labs, and more than 50 industry leaders and 65 independent filmmakers will participate in the Producers Summit. Both events are digital-only.
The Fellows and projects selected for the 2021 Feature Film Producers Lab are: Katie White, Caity (US); Deidre Backs (Mark Silverman honouree), Fancy Dance (US); Duran Jones, The Incredible Heist Of Hallelujah Jones (US); Shao Min Chew Chia,...
Sundance Institute has announced participants for its Producers Lab that takes place from July 25-29 and Producers Summit that runs August 2-5.
Five fiction film and five nonfiction producers and their projects have been selected for the Producers Labs, and more than 50 industry leaders and 65 independent filmmakers will participate in the Producers Summit. Both events are digital-only.
The Fellows and projects selected for the 2021 Feature Film Producers Lab are: Katie White, Caity (US); Deidre Backs (Mark Silverman honouree), Fancy Dance (US); Duran Jones, The Incredible Heist Of Hallelujah Jones (US); Shao Min Chew Chia,...
- 7/22/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Sundance Institute on Thursday announced 10 participants for its upcoming weeklong Producers Lab — emerging producers behind five nonfiction and five fiction feature projects who will get a year of mentorship, creative support, and networking opportunities.
Additionally, Sundance also announced some of the lineup for its Producers Summit, which runs from August 2-5 on the online Sundance Collab platform. The event brings together financiers, agents, and distributors, alongside emerging and mid-career producers for discussions around issues in the field. Hasan Minhaj will deliver a keynote on the critical role of bold, personal storytelling.
The Producers Lab will take place July 25-29, and represent the beginning of a year of support participants will receive. On the fiction side, this year’s advisors include Mollye Asher (“Nomadland”), Amy Lo (“Nancy”), Paul Mezey (“After Yang”), and Laura Rister (“The Tale”). Nonfiction advisors include Violeta Bava (“Azor”) Jannat Gargi (Vice Studios), Andrea Meditch (“Fathom”), and...
Additionally, Sundance also announced some of the lineup for its Producers Summit, which runs from August 2-5 on the online Sundance Collab platform. The event brings together financiers, agents, and distributors, alongside emerging and mid-career producers for discussions around issues in the field. Hasan Minhaj will deliver a keynote on the critical role of bold, personal storytelling.
The Producers Lab will take place July 25-29, and represent the beginning of a year of support participants will receive. On the fiction side, this year’s advisors include Mollye Asher (“Nomadland”), Amy Lo (“Nancy”), Paul Mezey (“After Yang”), and Laura Rister (“The Tale”). Nonfiction advisors include Violeta Bava (“Azor”) Jannat Gargi (Vice Studios), Andrea Meditch (“Fathom”), and...
- 7/22/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Sundance Institute Sets 10 Producers For 2021 Lab & Summit, Unveils Advisors & Industry Participants
On Wednesday, Sundance Institute named the fellows selected for its 2021 Producers Lab and Summit.
Producers and projects selected on the feature film side include Katie White (Caity), Deidre Backs (Fancy Dance), Duran Jones (The Incredible Heist of Hallelujah Jones), Shao Min Chew Chia (The Plutonians), and Austin Sepulveda (Sundown Town).
Those chosen for the Documentary Producers Lab are Jole Estrella Horwitz (All that is Solid (Todo Lo Sólido)), Darcy McKinnon (Commuted), Keith Wilson (I Didn’t See You There), Razi Jafri (Loyalty) and Ann Bennett (Razing Liberty Square).
Fiction producers serving as advisors at this year’s program include Mollye Asher (Nomadland), Amy Lo (Nancy), Paul Mezey (After Yang) and Laura Rister (The Tale). Nonfiction advisors will include Violeta Bava (Azor), Jannat Gargi (Vice Studios), Andrea Meditch (Fathom), and Tracy Rector (Nia Tero).
This year’s Producers Lab is set for July 25-29. The Producers Summit will take place between...
Producers and projects selected on the feature film side include Katie White (Caity), Deidre Backs (Fancy Dance), Duran Jones (The Incredible Heist of Hallelujah Jones), Shao Min Chew Chia (The Plutonians), and Austin Sepulveda (Sundown Town).
Those chosen for the Documentary Producers Lab are Jole Estrella Horwitz (All that is Solid (Todo Lo Sólido)), Darcy McKinnon (Commuted), Keith Wilson (I Didn’t See You There), Razi Jafri (Loyalty) and Ann Bennett (Razing Liberty Square).
Fiction producers serving as advisors at this year’s program include Mollye Asher (Nomadland), Amy Lo (Nancy), Paul Mezey (After Yang) and Laura Rister (The Tale). Nonfiction advisors will include Violeta Bava (Azor), Jannat Gargi (Vice Studios), Andrea Meditch (Fathom), and Tracy Rector (Nia Tero).
This year’s Producers Lab is set for July 25-29. The Producers Summit will take place between...
- 7/22/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sundance Institute has invited 10 different emerging producers -- six women and four men, split evenly between fiction and non-fiction projects -- to participate in its week-long Producers Lab.
The invited fellows will get mentoring from veteran Hollywood producers between July 25-29 who will aid the independent producers to deepen the creative potential of their projects and develop new creative instincts. They'll then be invited to a Producers Summit between August 2-5, which is a gathering of other producers for a series of roundtables, one-on-one meetings and conversations, including a keynote address by Hasan Minhaj. More than 50 industry leaders and 65 indie filmmakers will participate and will receive ongoing year-long mentorship, creative support and networking opportunities.
Both events will take place digitally this year on Sundance Co//ab. Artist support director Shira Rockowitz and documentary film program deputy director Kristin Feeley are leading the event for the Sundance Institute.
This year’s...
The invited fellows will get mentoring from veteran Hollywood producers between July 25-29 who will aid the independent producers to deepen the creative potential of their projects and develop new creative instincts. They'll then be invited to a Producers Summit between August 2-5, which is a gathering of other producers for a series of roundtables, one-on-one meetings and conversations, including a keynote address by Hasan Minhaj. More than 50 industry leaders and 65 indie filmmakers will participate and will receive ongoing year-long mentorship, creative support and networking opportunities.
Both events will take place digitally this year on Sundance Co//ab. Artist support director Shira Rockowitz and documentary film program deputy director Kristin Feeley are leading the event for the Sundance Institute.
This year’s...
- 7/22/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: A documentary about American Gladiators, widely considered one of the first reality competition series, is set as ESPN’s latest 30 for 30.
Deadline understands that the untitled documentary, which explores the story of the show, which ran from 1989 to 1996 and was later rebooted by NBC in 2008, comes from Vice Studios and ESPN Films.
The project will feature many of the larger than life former Gladiators, as well as Johnny Ferraro, who has been referred to as ‘the Godfather of reality television.”
The show, which aired in syndication was created by Ferraro and Dan Carr, matched a cast of amateur athletes against each other as well as against the show’s gladiators.
Ben Berman, who directed The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, which followed the final tour of a dying magician and aired at Sundance in 2019, will helm the doc.
It is ESPN’s latest 30 for 30; the 2019/2020 season of the long-running sports doc...
Deadline understands that the untitled documentary, which explores the story of the show, which ran from 1989 to 1996 and was later rebooted by NBC in 2008, comes from Vice Studios and ESPN Films.
The project will feature many of the larger than life former Gladiators, as well as Johnny Ferraro, who has been referred to as ‘the Godfather of reality television.”
The show, which aired in syndication was created by Ferraro and Dan Carr, matched a cast of amateur athletes against each other as well as against the show’s gladiators.
Ben Berman, who directed The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, which followed the final tour of a dying magician and aired at Sundance in 2019, will helm the doc.
It is ESPN’s latest 30 for 30; the 2019/2020 season of the long-running sports doc...
- 4/12/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“Summer of Soul,” Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s acclaimed documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, has been acquired by the Disney-owned Searchlight Pictures in a deal that also will bring the film to Hulu.
The documentary, which won both the Grand Jury prize and Audience award at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, served as the directorial debut for Thompson, who has been the drummer of hip-hop band The Roots for over three decades. “Summer of Soul” will have a theatrical release, will stream in the United States on Hulu, and will stream internationally on Star and Star+. Premiere dates have not been announced.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,” Thompson said in a statement. “This is truly an honor. ‘Summer Of Soul’ is a passion project and to have it resonate with so many people on so many levels has been incredibly rewarding.
The documentary, which won both the Grand Jury prize and Audience award at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, served as the directorial debut for Thompson, who has been the drummer of hip-hop band The Roots for over three decades. “Summer of Soul” will have a theatrical release, will stream in the United States on Hulu, and will stream internationally on Star and Star+. Premiere dates have not been announced.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,” Thompson said in a statement. “This is truly an honor. ‘Summer Of Soul’ is a passion project and to have it resonate with so many people on so many levels has been incredibly rewarding.
- 2/5/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Two days after picking up Sundance’s Documentary Grand Jury Prize, Summer of Soul has been picked up by Searchlight and Hulu.
The acquisition of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s directorial debut is for worldwide rights, parent company Disney says, in a deal put together by Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan and brokered by Cinetic Media.
With appearances by Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, the Staples Sisters, Stevie Wonder, Glady Knight and the Pips, Max Roach, Abby Lincoln and many more, the music-themed documentary is set for a theatrical release as well as streaming on Hulu in America and internationally on Star and Star+.
A true time capsule of then and now, Summer of Soul is packed with newly unearthed footage of the nearly forgotten but star-studded Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. In that vein,...
The acquisition of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s directorial debut is for worldwide rights, parent company Disney says, in a deal put together by Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan and brokered by Cinetic Media.
With appearances by Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, the Staples Sisters, Stevie Wonder, Glady Knight and the Pips, Max Roach, Abby Lincoln and many more, the music-themed documentary is set for a theatrical release as well as streaming on Hulu in America and internationally on Star and Star+.
A true time capsule of then and now, Summer of Soul is packed with newly unearthed footage of the nearly forgotten but star-studded Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. In that vein,...
- 2/5/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
“Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” has become Sundance’s next major acquisition title, selling to Searchlight Pictures and Hulu.
An individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap it’s the biggest documentary sale in history, although no specifics were given. Another individual close to the transaction pegged the sale at $15 million. Buzz has been building around the film since its premiere last Thursday, sparking a bidding war for the documentary from The Roots bandleader Questlove. It was also the winner of the Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
Searchlight Pictures and Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan, acquired the worldwide rights to “Summer of Soul,” while Hulu will exclusively stream the doc domestically and Star and Star+ will stream it internationally.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,...
An individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap it’s the biggest documentary sale in history, although no specifics were given. Another individual close to the transaction pegged the sale at $15 million. Buzz has been building around the film since its premiere last Thursday, sparking a bidding war for the documentary from The Roots bandleader Questlove. It was also the winner of the Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
Searchlight Pictures and Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan, acquired the worldwide rights to “Summer of Soul,” while Hulu will exclusively stream the doc domestically and Star and Star+ will stream it internationally.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,...
- 2/5/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Neon made one of the first 2021 Sundance acquisitions on Friday with Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s “Flee,” executive produced by Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
The film, which sold for an undisclosed seven-figure amount after an overnight bidding war, was officially selected for Cannes 2020 and made its debut on opening night of Sundance in the World Documentary Competition to rave reviews.
“Flee” tells the story of Amin Nawabi (a pseudonym) as he deals with a painful secret that he has kept for 20 years — a secret that threatens his life and the life of his soon-to-be husband. Recounted mostly through animation to Rasmussen, Nawabi tells the story of his journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan.
“Flee” is produced by Final Cut for Real, in co-production with animation studio Sun Creature, Denmark, Vivement Lundi!, France, MostFilm, Sweden, Mer Film, Norway and Arte France and Vpro, Nederland. Monica Hellström and Signe Byrge Sørensen produced,...
The film, which sold for an undisclosed seven-figure amount after an overnight bidding war, was officially selected for Cannes 2020 and made its debut on opening night of Sundance in the World Documentary Competition to rave reviews.
“Flee” tells the story of Amin Nawabi (a pseudonym) as he deals with a painful secret that he has kept for 20 years — a secret that threatens his life and the life of his soon-to-be husband. Recounted mostly through animation to Rasmussen, Nawabi tells the story of his journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan.
“Flee” is produced by Final Cut for Real, in co-production with animation studio Sun Creature, Denmark, Vivement Lundi!, France, MostFilm, Sweden, Mer Film, Norway and Arte France and Vpro, Nederland. Monica Hellström and Signe Byrge Sørensen produced,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Neon has made the first acquisition out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, taking North American rights to Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s Flee for an undisclosed seven-figure sum after an overnight bidding war.
The film, executive produced by Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, was an official selection for Cannes 2020 and made its debut on opening night of Sundance in the World Documentary Competition. Rasmussen directed and co-wrote the movie with Amin Nawabi.
Playing in the world premiere section, Flee follows Nawabi, who arrives as an unaccompanied minor in Denmark from Afghanistan. Today, he is a successful academic and is getting married to his longtime boyfriend. A secret he has been hiding for 20 years threatens to ruin the life he has built. Recounted mostly through animation to Rasmussen — his close friend and high school classmate, he tells for the first time the story of his extraordinary journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan.
The film, executive produced by Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, was an official selection for Cannes 2020 and made its debut on opening night of Sundance in the World Documentary Competition. Rasmussen directed and co-wrote the movie with Amin Nawabi.
Playing in the world premiere section, Flee follows Nawabi, who arrives as an unaccompanied minor in Denmark from Afghanistan. Today, he is a successful academic and is getting married to his longtime boyfriend. A secret he has been hiding for 20 years threatens to ruin the life he has built. Recounted mostly through animation to Rasmussen — his close friend and high school classmate, he tells for the first time the story of his extraordinary journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan.
- 1/29/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Robert Redford’s The Redford Center has elected both Dylan Redford and Jannat Gargi as co-chairs to its Board of Directors, the environmental nonprofit organization announced Thursday.
Dylan Redford is the son of the late James Redford, the co-founder of the organization who died at 58 last month. He joins Gargi, a co-chair since 2019 and vice president and head of documentaries for Vice Studios.
Together Redford and Gargi will lend their expertise to The Redford Center’s goal of producing impact-driven film and media in the fight for environmental justice, protection and repair.
“I am honored to be working alongside Jannat Gargi and the distinguished leaders of The Redford Center to further execute the mission set forth by my father and grandfather,” Dylan Redford said in a statement. “As a young filmmaker, my goal is to inspire the next generation of storytellers and drive the immediate action needed to protect the environment.
Dylan Redford is the son of the late James Redford, the co-founder of the organization who died at 58 last month. He joins Gargi, a co-chair since 2019 and vice president and head of documentaries for Vice Studios.
Together Redford and Gargi will lend their expertise to The Redford Center’s goal of producing impact-driven film and media in the fight for environmental justice, protection and repair.
“I am honored to be working alongside Jannat Gargi and the distinguished leaders of The Redford Center to further execute the mission set forth by my father and grandfather,” Dylan Redford said in a statement. “As a young filmmaker, my goal is to inspire the next generation of storytellers and drive the immediate action needed to protect the environment.
- 11/19/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Spin Film and Vulcan Productions announced on Wednesday that Oscar-nominated director Skye Fitzgerald is in the last stages of post-production on “Hunger Ward,” a short documentary about the war in Yemen.
“Hunger Ward,” filmed in Yemen in early 2020, follows two female health care workers, Dr. Aida Alsadeeq and Nurse Mekkia Mahdi, who are fighting in opposition of widespread starvation in the country. The crisis has affected children due to the ongoing civil war in Yemen, which the documentary follows closely.
“Though the war in Yemen has recently fallen off the front page, violence, hunger and heartbreak continue to be the norm throughout the country. The fact that children are dying from malnutrition and outright starvation in 2020 is an outrage and an indictment of the entire global community,” said Fitzgerald in a statement. “The Covid crisis is only exacerbating the situation and making it even more dangerous for local doctors and aid workers to function effectively.
“Hunger Ward,” filmed in Yemen in early 2020, follows two female health care workers, Dr. Aida Alsadeeq and Nurse Mekkia Mahdi, who are fighting in opposition of widespread starvation in the country. The crisis has affected children due to the ongoing civil war in Yemen, which the documentary follows closely.
“Though the war in Yemen has recently fallen off the front page, violence, hunger and heartbreak continue to be the norm throughout the country. The fact that children are dying from malnutrition and outright starvation in 2020 is an outrage and an indictment of the entire global community,” said Fitzgerald in a statement. “The Covid crisis is only exacerbating the situation and making it even more dangerous for local doctors and aid workers to function effectively.
- 8/26/2020
- by Mackenzie Nichols
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, El Gouna announces CineGouna Platform finalists, “Decrypted” gets back to filming in the U.K. after a five-month layoff, Zdf boards a Danish co-production and Vice appoints a new VP for its U.K. non-fiction branch.
Festivals
Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival (Gff), rescheduled to take place in person Oct. 23-31, has announced the 18 finalist projects selected to participate in this year’s 4th edition of the CineGouna Platform for projects produced or co-produced by Mena countries, running Oct. 25-30.
Also in its fourth year, CineGouna SpringBoard, a co-production lab dedicated to supporting regional projects, will feature 65 projects in development and 34 films in post-production.
This year, 18 projects were selected to participate in CineGouna Platform, 12 in development and six in post. At the end of the Platform, a best project will be selected and receive the CineGounda Platform Certificate and a cash prize of $15,000.
“CineGouna...
Festivals
Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival (Gff), rescheduled to take place in person Oct. 23-31, has announced the 18 finalist projects selected to participate in this year’s 4th edition of the CineGouna Platform for projects produced or co-produced by Mena countries, running Oct. 25-30.
Also in its fourth year, CineGouna SpringBoard, a co-production lab dedicated to supporting regional projects, will feature 65 projects in development and 34 films in post-production.
This year, 18 projects were selected to participate in CineGouna Platform, 12 in development and six in post. At the end of the Platform, a best project will be selected and receive the CineGounda Platform Certificate and a cash prize of $15,000.
“CineGouna...
- 8/17/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Vice Studios has tapped veteran producer Jannat Gargi to fill the newly created role of vp, head of documentaries in the U.S.
Based in Seattle, Gargi will report to Danny Gabai, executive vp and head of Vice Studios U.S., a division of Vice Media. Gargi previously served as head of documentary films for Vulcan Productions, where her credits included The Reason I Jump, the 2020 Sundance audience award winner, Ghost Fleet, Step and and the Oscar-nominated Body Team 12.
At Vice Studios, Gargi, whose background straddles the film, TV and streaming spaces, will oversee documentary projects and lead programming strategy ...
Based in Seattle, Gargi will report to Danny Gabai, executive vp and head of Vice Studios U.S., a division of Vice Media. Gargi previously served as head of documentary films for Vulcan Productions, where her credits included The Reason I Jump, the 2020 Sundance audience award winner, Ghost Fleet, Step and and the Oscar-nominated Body Team 12.
At Vice Studios, Gargi, whose background straddles the film, TV and streaming spaces, will oversee documentary projects and lead programming strategy ...
- 6/29/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Vice Studios has tapped veteran producer Jannat Gargi to fill the newly created role of vp, head of documentaries in the U.S.
Based in Seattle, Gargi will report to Danny Gabai, executive vp and head of Vice Studios U.S., a division of Vice Media. Gargi previously served as head of documentary films for Vulcan Productions, where her credits included The Reason I Jump, the 2020 Sundance audience award winner, Ghost Fleet, Step and and the Oscar-nominated Body Team 12.
At Vice Studios, Gargi, whose background straddles the film, TV and streaming spaces, will oversee documentary projects and lead programming strategy ...
Based in Seattle, Gargi will report to Danny Gabai, executive vp and head of Vice Studios U.S., a division of Vice Media. Gargi previously served as head of documentary films for Vulcan Productions, where her credits included The Reason I Jump, the 2020 Sundance audience award winner, Ghost Fleet, Step and and the Oscar-nominated Body Team 12.
At Vice Studios, Gargi, whose background straddles the film, TV and streaming spaces, will oversee documentary projects and lead programming strategy ...
- 6/29/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film Festivals
Social network-educational site Stage 32 will offer SXSW filmmakers a showcase for their projects beginning in April.
The site made the announcement on Monday, three days after the film festival was canceled due to concerns about the coronavirus epidemic. Filmmakers and content creators accepted into SXSW 2020 are welcome to submit their pics for screening. Filmmakers will have a choice whether to screen privately to Stage 32’s community or publicly.
“As filmmakers, producers, screenwriters and actors ourselves, all of us at Stage 32 are devastated for everyone impacted by the cancellation of SXSW,” said Stage 32 CEO Richard “Rb” Botto. “Given the sad reality that the coronavirus will likely cause more festival cancellations, we want to assure that these filmmakers and their connections get the exposure their work and efforts so richly deserve.”...
Social network-educational site Stage 32 will offer SXSW filmmakers a showcase for their projects beginning in April.
The site made the announcement on Monday, three days after the film festival was canceled due to concerns about the coronavirus epidemic. Filmmakers and content creators accepted into SXSW 2020 are welcome to submit their pics for screening. Filmmakers will have a choice whether to screen privately to Stage 32’s community or publicly.
“As filmmakers, producers, screenwriters and actors ourselves, all of us at Stage 32 are devastated for everyone impacted by the cancellation of SXSW,” said Stage 32 CEO Richard “Rb” Botto. “Given the sad reality that the coronavirus will likely cause more festival cancellations, we want to assure that these filmmakers and their connections get the exposure their work and efforts so richly deserve.”...
- 3/9/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Picturehouse Entertainment has picked up U.K. distribution rights for the Sundance prize-winning documentary “The Reason I Jump” from MetFilm Sales.
Picturehouse’s Clare Binns and Paul Ridd and MetFilm’s Vesna Cudic negotiated the deal following the film’s world premiere at last month’s Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema Documentary Audience Award.
Directed by Jerry Rothwell (“How to Change the World”), the poetic doc tackles the experiences of non-speaking autistic people, using various formal techniques to evoke their different perspectives. The film is freely adapted from the eponymous best-selling book by Naoki Higashida that was later translated into English by novelist David Mitchell.
While the original book took the form of a questionnaire filled out by non-verbal interviewees, this film adaption evokes the participants’ lived experience via textured sound design and cinematography along with other lyrical approaches.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be releasing this remarkable and important film,...
Picturehouse’s Clare Binns and Paul Ridd and MetFilm’s Vesna Cudic negotiated the deal following the film’s world premiere at last month’s Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema Documentary Audience Award.
Directed by Jerry Rothwell (“How to Change the World”), the poetic doc tackles the experiences of non-speaking autistic people, using various formal techniques to evoke their different perspectives. The film is freely adapted from the eponymous best-selling book by Naoki Higashida that was later translated into English by novelist David Mitchell.
While the original book took the form of a questionnaire filled out by non-verbal interviewees, this film adaption evokes the participants’ lived experience via textured sound design and cinematography along with other lyrical approaches.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be releasing this remarkable and important film,...
- 2/24/2020
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Productions is producing Naoki Higashida’s bestseller “The Reason I Jump” as a documentary about autism, Variety has learned exclusively.
The book was written in 2005 by Higashida, who was 13 at the time, and published in Japan in 2007. The English translation was published in 2013. Higashida wrote the book to help communicate his own needs and thoughts to his family, and shine a light for other autistic individuals around the world. Most of the memoir is told through 58 questions Higashida and other people dealing with autism are commonly asked.
The film is presented by Vulcan Productions, the British Film Institute, the Idea Room, MetFilm Production, and Runaway Fridge. The producers include Stevie Lee, Jeremy Dear, and Al Morrow. Allen is an executive producer along with Carole Tomko, Jannat Gargi, and Rocky Collins.
The film, announced on Wednesday, is in production and part of a larger effort from...
The book was written in 2005 by Higashida, who was 13 at the time, and published in Japan in 2007. The English translation was published in 2013. Higashida wrote the book to help communicate his own needs and thoughts to his family, and shine a light for other autistic individuals around the world. Most of the memoir is told through 58 questions Higashida and other people dealing with autism are commonly asked.
The film is presented by Vulcan Productions, the British Film Institute, the Idea Room, MetFilm Production, and Runaway Fridge. The producers include Stevie Lee, Jeremy Dear, and Al Morrow. Allen is an executive producer along with Carole Tomko, Jannat Gargi, and Rocky Collins.
The film, announced on Wednesday, is in production and part of a larger effort from...
- 9/19/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
David and Flora in Lisa Leeman’s One Lucky Elephant The Los Angeles Film Festival will take place from June 17-27. Camera, Camera: (Director Malcolm Murray Writer Michael Meyer, Producer Josh Haner.) This gorgeously shot, poetic documentary, set in the free-for-all playground of Laos, gazes at the ex-pats and tourists who live out their fantasies of the "exotic East" through the lenses of their omnipresent cameras. World Premiere Circo – USA/Mexico: (Director Aaron Schock, Producers Aaron Schock, Sally Jo Fifer, Jannat Gargi.) The Ponce family – who have owned a traveling circus for over one hundred years – find themselves struggling to survive a growing family conflict and the severe economic downturn in this beautifully crafted documentary. World Premiere Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone: [...]...
- 5/5/2010
- by Anna Robinson
- Alt Film Guide
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