“Definitely the most challenging thing I’ve had to do thus far as an actor, a lot of mental gymnastics involved,” Jharrel Jerome admits about the uniqueness of his role in the Boots Riley-created absurdist series I’m A Virgo, on which he plays a previously extremely sheltered 13-foot-tall Oakland teen. “At no point do I look my scene partners in the eye, and as an actor that’s so critical, you know, as connection.”
Jerome, an Emmy winner for When They See Us, was joined by Riley and co-stars Olivia Washington and Walton Goggins, plus costume designer Deirdra E. Govan, for a conversation about their series at Deadline Studio at Prime Experience.
Watch the interview here and see photos from the event below.
Launched in June 2023 with all seven episodes, the small-screen debut of Coup frontman and Sorry to Bother You director Riley is a true display of originality...
Jerome, an Emmy winner for When They See Us, was joined by Riley and co-stars Olivia Washington and Walton Goggins, plus costume designer Deirdra E. Govan, for a conversation about their series at Deadline Studio at Prime Experience.
Watch the interview here and see photos from the event below.
Launched in June 2023 with all seven episodes, the small-screen debut of Coup frontman and Sorry to Bother You director Riley is a true display of originality...
- 5/13/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Nearly a month after Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars speech reverberated across Hollywood and caused a wave of controversy, 455 Jewish creatives (and counting) have signed a letter in a show of support.
“We were alarmed to see some of our colleagues in the industry mischaracterize and denounce his remarks. Their attacks on Glazer are a dangerous distraction from Israel’s escalating military campaign which has already killed over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza and brought hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation,” reads the letter, published amid the continued conflict in the Middle East. “We grieve for all those who have been killed in Palestine and Israel over too many decades, including the 1200 Israelis killed in the October 7 Hamas attacks and the 253 hostages taken.”
The letter is signed by a mix of actors, writers, producers, filmmakers and other creatives. Among those backing Glazer are Joker star Joaquin Phoenix; Killer Films vet Pamela Koffler...
“We were alarmed to see some of our colleagues in the industry mischaracterize and denounce his remarks. Their attacks on Glazer are a dangerous distraction from Israel’s escalating military campaign which has already killed over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza and brought hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation,” reads the letter, published amid the continued conflict in the Middle East. “We grieve for all those who have been killed in Palestine and Israel over too many decades, including the 1200 Israelis killed in the October 7 Hamas attacks and the 253 hostages taken.”
The letter is signed by a mix of actors, writers, producers, filmmakers and other creatives. Among those backing Glazer are Joker star Joaquin Phoenix; Killer Films vet Pamela Koffler...
- 4/10/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update: More than 300 Jewish creatives — including eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, “SNL” star Sarah Sherman, actor and documentarian Alex Winter and “Seinfeld” writer Larry Charles — have added their names to the list of signatories of an open letter in support of Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars speech.
The number of signees now sits at 492, having more than tripled since Variety first published the April 5 letter, which criticized the attacks on Glazer for being a “dangerous distraction” from the mounting death toll in Gaza while also contributing to the “suppression of free speech and dissent.”
New additions also include Oscar-winning “Anatomy of a Fall” co-writer Arthur Harari, veteran U.K. producer and Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas, “Girls” co-showrunner and co-writer Jenni Konner and “The Hunger Games” writer and director and four-time Oscar nominee Gary Ross. Many members of the Israeli film community have also signed the open letter, including Oren Moverman, Nadav Lapid,...
The number of signees now sits at 492, having more than tripled since Variety first published the April 5 letter, which criticized the attacks on Glazer for being a “dangerous distraction” from the mounting death toll in Gaza while also contributing to the “suppression of free speech and dissent.”
New additions also include Oscar-winning “Anatomy of a Fall” co-writer Arthur Harari, veteran U.K. producer and Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas, “Girls” co-showrunner and co-writer Jenni Konner and “The Hunger Games” writer and director and four-time Oscar nominee Gary Ross. Many members of the Israeli film community have also signed the open letter, including Oren Moverman, Nadav Lapid,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Ellise Shafer and Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Miriam Margolyes has called on all Jews “to shout, beg, scream for a ceasefire” in Gaza as the Palestinian territory continues to deal with rising death tolls and, according to aid agency Unrwa USA, is facing a “man-made famine.”
The veteran British-Australian actress and activist, who is best known for starring as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film franchise, released a video on Saturday via the Jewish Council of Australia, in which she said Israel’s prosecution of its war in Gaza has left her “so ashamed of Israel.”
She added, “To me, it seems as if Hitler has won. He’s changed us Jews from being compassionate and caring and do unto others as you would have them do unto you into this vicious, genocidal nationalist nation, pursuing and killing women and children.”
Margolyes said that she condemned Hamas’ actions. On Oct. 7 last year, Hamas launched a terrorist...
The veteran British-Australian actress and activist, who is best known for starring as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film franchise, released a video on Saturday via the Jewish Council of Australia, in which she said Israel’s prosecution of its war in Gaza has left her “so ashamed of Israel.”
She added, “To me, it seems as if Hitler has won. He’s changed us Jews from being compassionate and caring and do unto others as you would have them do unto you into this vicious, genocidal nationalist nation, pursuing and killing women and children.”
Margolyes said that she condemned Hamas’ actions. On Oct. 7 last year, Hamas launched a terrorist...
- 4/9/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the weeks since the 2024 Academy Awards, figures throughout Hollywood have continued to declare their support for director Jonathan Glazer. While accepting the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film for The Zone of Interest, a film that centers on the Holocaust, the Jewish director criticized the dehumanization of “victims of October the 7th in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza.”
The most recent show of support comes from an open letter signed by more than 150 Jewish creatives, including Joaquin Phoenix, Elliott Gould, Ilana Glazer, Chloe Fineman, Todd Haynes,...
The most recent show of support comes from an open letter signed by more than 150 Jewish creatives, including Joaquin Phoenix, Elliott Gould, Ilana Glazer, Chloe Fineman, Todd Haynes,...
- 4/5/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
More than 150 Jewish industry professionals, including Joaquin Phoenix, Joel Coen, and Todd Haynes, have lent their names to a new open letter penned in support of Jonathan Glazer’s much-debated Oscars acceptance speech. Scroll down to read the full letter and list of names.
The full list of signatories first reported on by Variety features 151 names from across the film and TV world like Sorry to Bother You filmmaker Boots Riley, veteran indie director Nicole Holofcener, British auteur Mike Leigh, Passages filmmaker Ira Sachs, and Gossip Girl actor and writer Tavi Gevinson. Deadline was handed a copy of the letter and its signatories. We have also contacted reps for several names listed to confirm their involvement.
The open letter states that the signees “support Jonathan Glazer’s statement from the 2024 Oscars,” adding they have been “alarmed” to see their industry colleagues “mischaracterize and denounce his remarks.”
“Their attacks on Glazer...
The full list of signatories first reported on by Variety features 151 names from across the film and TV world like Sorry to Bother You filmmaker Boots Riley, veteran indie director Nicole Holofcener, British auteur Mike Leigh, Passages filmmaker Ira Sachs, and Gossip Girl actor and writer Tavi Gevinson. Deadline was handed a copy of the letter and its signatories. We have also contacted reps for several names listed to confirm their involvement.
The open letter states that the signees “support Jonathan Glazer’s statement from the 2024 Oscars,” adding they have been “alarmed” to see their industry colleagues “mischaracterize and denounce his remarks.”
“Their attacks on Glazer...
- 4/5/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Cinereach has announced a new direction for the organization under the leadership of new CEO Jennifer Strachan.
Cinereach will primarily operate as a media incubator focused on narrative research and strategy development, with the goal of advancing stories that spark greater curiosity, understanding, empathy, and agency. Cinereach’s production work will also expand beyond film, to new and emerging media platforms.
Under Strachan’s leadership, Cinereach has developed a proprietary research method, produced in collaboration with community partners and issue experts. Cinereach’s researchers and partners will deconstruct social issues, map out their ecosystems, and ultimately identify highly entertaining narrative opportunities for film, television and emerging media. They’re currently incubating topics with partners including: climate visibility in partnership with Good Energy, civic leadership with Partnership for Public Service, and Black female identifying creators in partnership with Soul Center.
“Cinereach has and always will be committed to telling powerful stories in collaboration with great storytellers,...
Cinereach will primarily operate as a media incubator focused on narrative research and strategy development, with the goal of advancing stories that spark greater curiosity, understanding, empathy, and agency. Cinereach’s production work will also expand beyond film, to new and emerging media platforms.
Under Strachan’s leadership, Cinereach has developed a proprietary research method, produced in collaboration with community partners and issue experts. Cinereach’s researchers and partners will deconstruct social issues, map out their ecosystems, and ultimately identify highly entertaining narrative opportunities for film, television and emerging media. They’re currently incubating topics with partners including: climate visibility in partnership with Good Energy, civic leadership with Partnership for Public Service, and Black female identifying creators in partnership with Soul Center.
“Cinereach has and always will be committed to telling powerful stories in collaboration with great storytellers,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2024 Independent Spirit Awards took place on Sunday at the traditional Santa Monica beach tent location, with Aidy Bryant hosting. “Past Lives” took home the coveted Best Feature award, with “Beef” being honored as Best New Scripted Series. Check out the full list of winners and nominees below.
Best Feature
“Past Lives”
Producers: David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon
“All of Us Strangers”
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey
“American Fiction”
Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair
“May December”
Producers: Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Grant S. Johnson, Pamela Koffler, Tyler W. Konney, Sophie Mas, Natalie Portman, Christine Vachon
“Passages”
Producers: Michel Merkt, Saïd Ben Saïd
“We Grown Now”
Producers: Minhal Baig, Joe Pirro
Best Lead Performance
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”
Jessica Chastain, “Memory”
Greta Lee, “Past Lives”
Trace Lysette, “Monica”
Natalie Portman, “May December”
Judy Reyes, “Birth/Rebirth”
Franz Rogowski, “Passages”
Andrew Scott, “All of Us Strangers”
Teyana Taylor,...
Best Feature
“Past Lives”
Producers: David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon
“All of Us Strangers”
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey
“American Fiction”
Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair
“May December”
Producers: Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Grant S. Johnson, Pamela Koffler, Tyler W. Konney, Sophie Mas, Natalie Portman, Christine Vachon
“Passages”
Producers: Michel Merkt, Saïd Ben Saïd
“We Grown Now”
Producers: Minhal Baig, Joe Pirro
Best Lead Performance
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”
Jessica Chastain, “Memory”
Greta Lee, “Past Lives”
Trace Lysette, “Monica”
Natalie Portman, “May December”
Judy Reyes, “Birth/Rebirth”
Franz Rogowski, “Passages”
Andrew Scott, “All of Us Strangers”
Teyana Taylor,...
- 2/25/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Following a turbulent year marked by dueling industry strikes and the violent contraction–if not yet full pop–of the streaming bubble, 2024 has thus far been pretty good to Hollywood. It certainly helps that we’re in the middle of awards season, which for cineastes amounts to a three-month holiday largely characterized by voluminous binge-watching. And not just binge-watching of the year’s top films. For the curious, the season also offers up a smuggler’s bounty full of talking special post-screening Q&As, roundtables, filmmaker panels, celebratory cocktail receptions and more.
Traditionally Film Independent’s Directors Close-Up series has been a little bit of all of the above, presenting behind-the-scenes insight into the year’s most important works of cinema, straight from the mouths and brains of filmmakers themselves. As the virtual portion of this year’s programming winds down (see below), we’re looking ahead now to our...
Traditionally Film Independent’s Directors Close-Up series has been a little bit of all of the above, presenting behind-the-scenes insight into the year’s most important works of cinema, straight from the mouths and brains of filmmakers themselves. As the virtual portion of this year’s programming winds down (see below), we’re looking ahead now to our...
- 2/7/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Mubi has unveiled their February 2024 lineup, featuring Roy Andersson’s little-seen 1991 short World of Glory, Nicole Holofcener’s Lovely & Amazing starring Catherine Keener with an early Jake Gyllenhaal performance, and special Black History Month selections: Spike Lee’s Red Hook Summer, Kasi Lemmon’s Eve’s Bayou, Carl Franklin’s One False Move, and more.
Check out the lineup below, including recently added January titles, and get 30 days free here.
Just-Added
American Movie, directed by Christopher Smith | Festival Focus: Sundance
Pieces of April, directed by Peter Hedges | Festival Focus: Sundance
The Blair Witch Project, directed by Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez | Festival Focus: Sundance
But I’m a Cheerleader, directed by Jamie Babbit | Festival Focus: Sundance
Secretary, directed by Steven Shainberg | Festival Focus: Sundance
Medicine for Melancholy directed by Barry Jenkins | First Films First
Antiviral, directed by Brandon Cronenberg | First Films First
Shithouse, directed by Cooper Raiff | First Films First
Age of Panic,...
Check out the lineup below, including recently added January titles, and get 30 days free here.
Just-Added
American Movie, directed by Christopher Smith | Festival Focus: Sundance
Pieces of April, directed by Peter Hedges | Festival Focus: Sundance
The Blair Witch Project, directed by Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez | Festival Focus: Sundance
But I’m a Cheerleader, directed by Jamie Babbit | Festival Focus: Sundance
Secretary, directed by Steven Shainberg | Festival Focus: Sundance
Medicine for Melancholy directed by Barry Jenkins | First Films First
Antiviral, directed by Brandon Cronenberg | First Films First
Shithouse, directed by Cooper Raiff | First Films First
Age of Panic,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
After being postponed due to the strikes, the 14th annual Governors Awards will take place Jan. 9. Honorary Awards will be presented to Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks and editor Carol Littleton, with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award bestowed upon the Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter.
Satter might have a shorter IMDb page than her fellow honorees, but her work at the institute founded by Robert Redford has influenced the industry across genres and borders, helping to launch or steer the trajectories of many of Hollywood’s leading artists.
As the founding director of Sundance’s feature film program (the institute’s inaugural program), Satter has supported and spurred on early works by some of today’s most in-demand filmmakers, including Damien Chazelle, Ryan Coogler, Boots Riley, Lulu Wang, Paul Thomas Anderson and Quentin Tarantino, to name just a few.
“For over 40 years, I have had the incredible opportunity to develop and...
Satter might have a shorter IMDb page than her fellow honorees, but her work at the institute founded by Robert Redford has influenced the industry across genres and borders, helping to launch or steer the trajectories of many of Hollywood’s leading artists.
As the founding director of Sundance’s feature film program (the institute’s inaugural program), Satter has supported and spurred on early works by some of today’s most in-demand filmmakers, including Damien Chazelle, Ryan Coogler, Boots Riley, Lulu Wang, Paul Thomas Anderson and Quentin Tarantino, to name just a few.
“For over 40 years, I have had the incredible opportunity to develop and...
- 1/9/2024
- by Paul Plunkett
- Variety Film + TV
Boots Riley is an interesting man. Maybe it’s because of his musical background or just his own clear idea of his creative journey, but he definitely marches to the beat of his own drum. After making one of the most stylish directorial debuts of the past 10 years with “Sorry to Bother You,” he didn’t turn that success into a golden ticket to make a blockbuster or another high-profile film.
Continue reading Boots Riley’s New Film Is Said To Be About Female Shoplifters & Will Be Released Via Neon at The Playlist.
Continue reading Boots Riley’s New Film Is Said To Be About Female Shoplifters & Will Be Released Via Neon at The Playlist.
- 1/8/2024
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
The director of 2018’s Sorry To Bother You – Boots Riley – is finally getting his next film up and running with Neon backing the project.
If you saw Sorry To Bother You in cinemas back in 2018, whether you loved it or hated it, there was no arguing that the film heralded the arrival of a filmmaker with ideas.
It was one of this writer’s favourite films of the year, attacking corporate-driven American culture through clever satire, compelling weirdness and unbridled creativity. I dug into the sheer design of the film in fact back in 2020, right here.
Boots Riley was the filmmaker behind Sorry To Bother You and in the years since, we haven’t seen a cinematic follow-up from him. Riley did create the Amazon series, I Am Virgo. That was another big creative swing, although for this writer at least, perhaps a switch to longer-form storytelling lost some of...
If you saw Sorry To Bother You in cinemas back in 2018, whether you loved it or hated it, there was no arguing that the film heralded the arrival of a filmmaker with ideas.
It was one of this writer’s favourite films of the year, attacking corporate-driven American culture through clever satire, compelling weirdness and unbridled creativity. I dug into the sheer design of the film in fact back in 2020, right here.
Boots Riley was the filmmaker behind Sorry To Bother You and in the years since, we haven’t seen a cinematic follow-up from him. Riley did create the Amazon series, I Am Virgo. That was another big creative swing, although for this writer at least, perhaps a switch to longer-form storytelling lost some of...
- 1/8/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
RedBird Imi, the media investment firm headed by ex-CNN chief Jeff Zucker, has made an investment in Media Res, the studio behind Apple TV+’s hit series “The Morning Show.”
Financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed. It’s the first investment by RedBird Imi into scripted entertainment. Media Res founder and CEO Michael Ellenberg will retain a majority ownership and continue to run day-to-day operations of the company, while Zucker will take a seat on the board.
Media Res, based in L.A., said it will use the investment to “strike new strategic partnerships” and to continue its mission of “championing artists’ original ideas and sourcing projects from exceptional IP.”
Season 3 of “The Morning Show,” starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, last month became the most-watched drama to date on Apple TV+. Media Res’ current slate includes the second season of the Apple TV+ series “Pachinko,...
Financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed. It’s the first investment by RedBird Imi into scripted entertainment. Media Res founder and CEO Michael Ellenberg will retain a majority ownership and continue to run day-to-day operations of the company, while Zucker will take a seat on the board.
Media Res, based in L.A., said it will use the investment to “strike new strategic partnerships” and to continue its mission of “championing artists’ original ideas and sourcing projects from exceptional IP.”
Season 3 of “The Morning Show,” starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, last month became the most-watched drama to date on Apple TV+. Media Res’ current slate includes the second season of the Apple TV+ series “Pachinko,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In a year that was defined by as much drama off-screen with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes as there was on-screen, 2023 saw the era of Peak TV come to a bruised end, but not without getting a few last solid punches in.
Ted Lasso sputtered to a pretty standard end as heavyweights Succession and Reservation Dogs made their last bows with exits on HBO and FX respectively that will almost certainly stand the test of time as some of the best finales ever executed. Entering the arena, filmmaker Boots Riley made his small screen debut with the quick witted and startling creatively I’m A Virgo on Amazon Prime Video. From the other side of the Atlantic, Adjani Salmon flexed some serious star power and unconventional wisdom on Paramount+/Showtime with Dreaming Whilst Black.
As the Great Contraction brought cancellations galore, removal of titles, and subscription hikes, one thing...
Ted Lasso sputtered to a pretty standard end as heavyweights Succession and Reservation Dogs made their last bows with exits on HBO and FX respectively that will almost certainly stand the test of time as some of the best finales ever executed. Entering the arena, filmmaker Boots Riley made his small screen debut with the quick witted and startling creatively I’m A Virgo on Amazon Prime Video. From the other side of the Atlantic, Adjani Salmon flexed some serious star power and unconventional wisdom on Paramount+/Showtime with Dreaming Whilst Black.
As the Great Contraction brought cancellations galore, removal of titles, and subscription hikes, one thing...
- 12/30/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: This story was originally published on November 1, 2023, and has now been updated to include new honorees.
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival will honor actress and filmmaker Kristen Stewart; filmmakers Christopher Nolan, Maite Alberdi, and Celine Song; and journalist and producer Pat Mitchell with awards at its annual opening night gala and fundraiser.
The fundraiser will take place January 18, 2024 on the opening night of next year’s Sundance, this year celebrating 40 years of the film festival.
Stewart, who will appear in two films at this year’s Sundance, including U.S. Dramatic Competition title “Love Me” and Midnight movie “Love Lies Bleeding,” will receive the Visionary Award “in recognition of her work as an uncompromising artist and contributions to the field of independent film.”
“Oppenheimer” director Nolan will receive a new prize from Sundance called the Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award. Nolan’s “Memento” from 2001 played at Sundance that year. Meanwhile, Song...
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival will honor actress and filmmaker Kristen Stewart; filmmakers Christopher Nolan, Maite Alberdi, and Celine Song; and journalist and producer Pat Mitchell with awards at its annual opening night gala and fundraiser.
The fundraiser will take place January 18, 2024 on the opening night of next year’s Sundance, this year celebrating 40 years of the film festival.
Stewart, who will appear in two films at this year’s Sundance, including U.S. Dramatic Competition title “Love Me” and Midnight movie “Love Lies Bleeding,” will receive the Visionary Award “in recognition of her work as an uncompromising artist and contributions to the field of independent film.”
“Oppenheimer” director Nolan will receive a new prize from Sundance called the Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award. Nolan’s “Memento” from 2001 played at Sundance that year. Meanwhile, Song...
- 12/14/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Bold Speeches from Auteurs and Comfy Couches: IndieWire Honors 2023 Is the Awards Show Like No Other
IndieWire Honors recognized some of the biggest movies and TV shows of the year last night, including “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Beef,” and “John Wick: Chapter 4,” but the filmmakers’ speeches reflected how their current work couldn’t exist without the support they received early in their careers — much of it from IndieWire.
Todd Haynes, director of Netflix marquee title “May December,” accepted the Visionary Award with a memory of screening his breakout short “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” to rave reviews before the cease-and-desists from her estate rolled in. Greta Gerwig, writer-director of Warner Bros. global blockbuster “Barbie” and recipient of the Auteur Award, recalled doing her very first interviews with Anne Thompson for her solo directorial debut “Lady Bird” at Telluride.
Lily Gladstone upped the ante: In receiving breakout the Performance Award for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” she used her time to talk about the...
Todd Haynes, director of Netflix marquee title “May December,” accepted the Visionary Award with a memory of screening his breakout short “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” to rave reviews before the cease-and-desists from her estate rolled in. Greta Gerwig, writer-director of Warner Bros. global blockbuster “Barbie” and recipient of the Auteur Award, recalled doing her very first interviews with Anne Thompson for her solo directorial debut “Lady Bird” at Telluride.
Lily Gladstone upped the ante: In receiving breakout the Performance Award for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” she used her time to talk about the...
- 12/7/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
What is a TV “comedy” in 2023? In an era of blurred genres, it’s not so cut and dry anymore. Opening Variety’s “A Night in the Writer’s Room,” Variety’s Michael Schneider asked the nine comedy writers on stage to raise their hand if their show features a death. Most did. He followed up by asking, how many of those deaths were murders?
Many kept their hands up high — but holding his hand the highest was “Only Murders in the Building” co-creator John Hoffman “I feel like that’s the beauty of [comedy], that you can kind of do anything … pick a world, be specific about it, be stupid about it, and then you’re good,” Hoffman said of the ability now on television to stretch the definition of comedy.
“It takes a lot of work to subtract comedy from real life,” echoed Boots Riley (“I’m a Virgo”) in...
Many kept their hands up high — but holding his hand the highest was “Only Murders in the Building” co-creator John Hoffman “I feel like that’s the beauty of [comedy], that you can kind of do anything … pick a world, be specific about it, be stupid about it, and then you’re good,” Hoffman said of the ability now on television to stretch the definition of comedy.
“It takes a lot of work to subtract comedy from real life,” echoed Boots Riley (“I’m a Virgo”) in...
- 12/1/2023
- by Valerie Wu
- Variety Film + TV
The 33rd annual Gotham Awards are ushering in award season by spotlighting independent films, with nominations across ten award categories that include 20 feature films, 11 series, and 30 performances.
The gala took place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City and was attended by Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Leonard DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Colman Domingo, Julianne Moore, Bradley Cooper, Carey MulliganGreta Lee, Penélope Cruz, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Jeffrey Wright, Cailee Spaeny, Boots Riley, Teyana Taylor, Juliette Binoche, Bella Ramsey, Franz Rogowski and many more.
Leading the nominations are, All Of Us Strangers by Andrew Haugh, Celine Song’s Past Lives and Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest.
Best Feature nominations include Passages, Past Lives, Reality, Showing Up, and A Thousand and One while series nominations include Beef, I’m a Virgo, The Last of Us, and Swarm. Performance Nominations Include Penélope Cruz, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams,...
The gala took place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City and was attended by Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Leonard DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Colman Domingo, Julianne Moore, Bradley Cooper, Carey MulliganGreta Lee, Penélope Cruz, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Jeffrey Wright, Cailee Spaeny, Boots Riley, Teyana Taylor, Juliette Binoche, Bella Ramsey, Franz Rogowski and many more.
Leading the nominations are, All Of Us Strangers by Andrew Haugh, Celine Song’s Past Lives and Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest.
Best Feature nominations include Passages, Past Lives, Reality, Showing Up, and A Thousand and One while series nominations include Beef, I’m a Virgo, The Last of Us, and Swarm. Performance Nominations Include Penélope Cruz, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams,...
- 11/27/2023
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
A stage musical adaptation of The Queen’s Gambit, Walter Tevis’ best-selling novel which became a hit series on Netflix, is in the works, with Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter Mitski attached to write the music & lyrics, playwright Eboni Booth (Primary Trust) writing the book and Obie Award-winner Whitney White (Jaja’s African Hair Braiding) set to direct.
The project was announced today by producers Level Forward, Tony-winning Tina star Adrienne Warren, Lawryn Lacroix, and Tony Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs (Hadestown).
“Before Level Forward even brought the idea of making a musical of The Queen’s Gambit, I was a fan of the Netflix show, and an even greater fan of the original novel,” said Mitski in a statement. “So I was already determined to be a member of this team. And then I met Eboni and Whitney, and my determination grew tenfold!
The project was announced today by producers Level Forward, Tony-winning Tina star Adrienne Warren, Lawryn Lacroix, and Tony Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs (Hadestown).
“Before Level Forward even brought the idea of making a musical of The Queen’s Gambit, I was a fan of the Netflix show, and an even greater fan of the original novel,” said Mitski in a statement. “So I was already determined to be a member of this team. And then I met Eboni and Whitney, and my determination grew tenfold!
- 11/15/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Open Television and the Sundance Institute have joined forces for a new initiative aimed at expanding support for intersectional storytellers.
Launching amid the fifth anniversary of the annual #OTVFellows program, Pitch, Please! will serve as a launching pad for fellowship participants — a collection of independent artists marginalized by their race, gender, sexuality, class, disability or nationality — and their creative projects. As part of the program, selected members of the cohort will pitch their series, short films and video art concepts to a panel of creative advisors and a live audience.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Sundance Institute to bring Pitch, Please! to life,” Elijah McKinnon, co-founder and executive director of Open Television, said. “Feedback is the ultimate gift when you are crafting your skill as a storyteller and this initiative provides an intentional opportunity for our fellows to share their pitches in an innovative format that...
Launching amid the fifth anniversary of the annual #OTVFellows program, Pitch, Please! will serve as a launching pad for fellowship participants — a collection of independent artists marginalized by their race, gender, sexuality, class, disability or nationality — and their creative projects. As part of the program, selected members of the cohort will pitch their series, short films and video art concepts to a panel of creative advisors and a live audience.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Sundance Institute to bring Pitch, Please! to life,” Elijah McKinnon, co-founder and executive director of Open Television, said. “Feedback is the ultimate gift when you are crafting your skill as a storyteller and this initiative provides an intentional opportunity for our fellows to share their pitches in an innovative format that...
- 11/2/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Christopher Nolan, Celine Song and Maite Alberdi will be feted at a gala fundraiser on the opening night of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, the nonprofit Sundance Institute said Wednesday.
The Jan. 18 gathering, which will take place at the DeJoria Center, will “raise critical funds to support independent artists year-round through labs, grants and public programming that nurture artists globally.”
Nolan, who started in indie film before becoming the director of large-scale studio blockbusters like this year’s Oppenheimer, will be honored with the first-ever Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award. Song, the writer and director of this year’s Past Lives, and Alberdi, who helmed this year’s documentary The Eternal Memory, will each receive the Vanguard Award, Song for fiction and Alberdi for nonfiction.
Meanwhile, former Sundance Institute Board Chair and trustee Pat Mitchell will receive the Vanguard Award for Philanthropy.
“As we step into the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival,...
The Jan. 18 gathering, which will take place at the DeJoria Center, will “raise critical funds to support independent artists year-round through labs, grants and public programming that nurture artists globally.”
Nolan, who started in indie film before becoming the director of large-scale studio blockbusters like this year’s Oppenheimer, will be honored with the first-ever Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award. Song, the writer and director of this year’s Past Lives, and Alberdi, who helmed this year’s documentary The Eternal Memory, will each receive the Vanguard Award, Song for fiction and Alberdi for nonfiction.
Meanwhile, former Sundance Institute Board Chair and trustee Pat Mitchell will receive the Vanguard Award for Philanthropy.
“As we step into the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Sundance Institute will honor Christopher Nolan with the first-ever Sundance Trailblazer Award. The Opening Night Gala: Celebrating 40 Years Presented Chase Sapphire, on January 18, 2024 at the DeJoria Center in Utah, will also present the annual Vanguard Award to “Past Lives” writer/director Celine Song and “The Eternal Memory” writer/director Maite Alberdi. Their 40th annual film festival will take place from January 18 through January 28, 2024, as well as online from January 25 to January 28.
“As we step into the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival, it is a distinct honor to recognize Christopher Nolan, a prodigious artist whose singular talent and remarkable body of work have made him one of the most respected filmmakers of our time. We are looking forward to spotlighting the unique voices of both Celine and Maite, storytellers we have been supporting and deeply believe in. All three of these storytellers represent Sundance’s values,” said Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicente.
“As we step into the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival, it is a distinct honor to recognize Christopher Nolan, a prodigious artist whose singular talent and remarkable body of work have made him one of the most respected filmmakers of our time. We are looking forward to spotlighting the unique voices of both Celine and Maite, storytellers we have been supporting and deeply believe in. All three of these storytellers represent Sundance’s values,” said Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicente.
- 11/1/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
A lot can happen in 146 days. When the Writers Guild strike started in May, Drew Barrymore was one of its early folk heroes, when she stepped down as host of the MTV Movie & TV Awards in solidarity. But four months later, Barrymore became one of the strike’s most reviled public figures when she tried to rationalize the decision to bring back her daytime talk show in the midst of a work stoppage. There were many winners and losers to come out of this hot labor summer, and it’s not over yet, as SAG-AFTRA looks to seal its own deal with the AMPTP. But as the WGA prepares to vote on its hard-fought new contract, here are some of the entities that made it to the other side on the rise — or a bit imperiled.
Winners Adam Conover (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images)
Adam Conover
The standup and...
Winners Adam Conover (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images)
Adam Conover
The standup and...
- 9/29/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
With TV and films stalled due to the ongoing writers and actors strike, director Judd Apatow and filmmaker J.J. Abrams sat down for a virtual conversation with Ed Solomon on Tuesday evening to talk in-depth about their writing process and working alongside filmmaker Matt Reeves as teenagers. During the 11th episode of The Black List’s Word by Word, the trio steered clear of conversations about the double strike.
At the start of the conversation, Solomon shared that Abrams and Apatow were eager to jump on the episode when learning...
At the start of the conversation, Solomon shared that Abrams and Apatow were eager to jump on the episode when learning...
- 9/6/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
David Fincher made an appearance in Venice on Sunday to promote his new Michael Fassbender-led Netflix film “The Killer.” While his press conference largely focused on praising his collaborators and expressing his excitement for his new crime thriller, he also briefly addressed the ongoing Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Fincher expressed hope that the two guilds could reach mutually beneficial deals with the AMPTP because he can “see both sides” of the dispute.
His comments didn’t impress Boots Riley. The “I’m a Virgo” director took to Twitter to criticize Fincher’s answer about the strikes — and cited a comment about Fassbender’s character as evidence that Fincher’s films propogate a “distorted worldview.”
"My hope is someone will see this film and get very nervous about the person in line behind them at Home Depot"
This is who he hopes his films will convince ppl to see as their enemy.
His comments didn’t impress Boots Riley. The “I’m a Virgo” director took to Twitter to criticize Fincher’s answer about the strikes — and cited a comment about Fassbender’s character as evidence that Fincher’s films propogate a “distorted worldview.”
"My hope is someone will see this film and get very nervous about the person in line behind them at Home Depot"
This is who he hopes his films will convince ppl to see as their enemy.
- 9/3/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Award-winning producers Mimi Valdés and Nina Yang Bongiovi are teaming up for a new venture, Fly Green Socks, a multicultural media company focused on producing hip-hop narratives in film.
“Hip-hop is a culture defining superpower, influencing fashion, technology and even politics. But it’s severely underrepresented in Hollywood as its own film genre,” Valdés and Yang Bongiovi said in a statement announcing their partnership. “Our goal with Fly Green Socks is to create a new lane of films dedicated to uplifting the hip-hop ecosystem.”
According to an Ifpi survey, over 1.85 billion people worldwide listen to hip-hop.
The co-founders added: “With hip-hop celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, there’s a goldmine of untapped stories for us to champion with innovative filmmakers. We look forward to using our combined experience and deep relationships in music and film to deliver high-quality storytelling that impacts culture.”
Valdés and Yang Bongiovi first met while producing “Dope,...
“Hip-hop is a culture defining superpower, influencing fashion, technology and even politics. But it’s severely underrepresented in Hollywood as its own film genre,” Valdés and Yang Bongiovi said in a statement announcing their partnership. “Our goal with Fly Green Socks is to create a new lane of films dedicated to uplifting the hip-hop ecosystem.”
According to an Ifpi survey, over 1.85 billion people worldwide listen to hip-hop.
The co-founders added: “With hip-hop celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, there’s a goldmine of untapped stories for us to champion with innovative filmmakers. We look forward to using our combined experience and deep relationships in music and film to deliver high-quality storytelling that impacts culture.”
Valdés and Yang Bongiovi first met while producing “Dope,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Walton Goggins may not be part of “Justified: City Primeval,” but he “can’t wait” to see the continuation of the FX staple.
“There’s a season, kind of, for everything,” Goggins said in an interview that was conducted ahead of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The actor noted that his choice to stay out of the project wasn’t “one-sided.” “This isn’t the right place and time.”
“But I can’t wait to see it, and I can’t wait to see Raylan Givens again. Tim [Olyphant] is such a wonderful actor and Boyd Holbrook — I love him,” Goggins said. “I’ll be there. I’ll be watching it to the bitter end.”
Also Read:
‘Justified: City Primeval’ Star Vivian Olyphant ‘I’m Not Paying Much Attention’ to Nepo Baby Discussion
Goggins originally starred in “Justified” as Boyd Crowder. The character was first introduced as one of Raylan Givens’ childhood friends.
“There’s a season, kind of, for everything,” Goggins said in an interview that was conducted ahead of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The actor noted that his choice to stay out of the project wasn’t “one-sided.” “This isn’t the right place and time.”
“But I can’t wait to see it, and I can’t wait to see Raylan Givens again. Tim [Olyphant] is such a wonderful actor and Boyd Holbrook — I love him,” Goggins said. “I’ll be there. I’ll be watching it to the bitter end.”
Also Read:
‘Justified: City Primeval’ Star Vivian Olyphant ‘I’m Not Paying Much Attention’ to Nepo Baby Discussion
Goggins originally starred in “Justified” as Boyd Crowder. The character was first introduced as one of Raylan Givens’ childhood friends.
- 7/18/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Anthony Rapp claims the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers repeatedly cancelled meetings during the final days of the extended contract negotiations with SAG-AFTRA, and wanted “free rein” on several issues, including AI and self-taping.
“[After] a certain point in the process I’m not surprised that we’re here, but initially, I thought, Ok, maybe they’re getting the message,” the Star Trek: Discovery actor and member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday during the first day of the actor’s union strike. “Because we went in with the strike authorization vote — it was a really excellent turnout, it was a huge margin — I thought that would be enough leverage to maybe make them get a little more serious.”
Rapp said that as a first-time negotiating committee member, he found the studios’ approach to working on a new theatrical and TV basic contract — talks...
“[After] a certain point in the process I’m not surprised that we’re here, but initially, I thought, Ok, maybe they’re getting the message,” the Star Trek: Discovery actor and member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday during the first day of the actor’s union strike. “Because we went in with the strike authorization vote — it was a really excellent turnout, it was a huge margin — I thought that would be enough leverage to maybe make them get a little more serious.”
Rapp said that as a first-time negotiating committee member, he found the studios’ approach to working on a new theatrical and TV basic contract — talks...
- 7/17/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Plot: A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy in this pulpy mystery caper.
Review: Certain filmmakers come along that define a style of movie-making that turns their name into a descriptor. In recent years, Jordan Peele has become the benchmark against which many genre films have been compared, especially when they focus on the Black experience. Storytellers like Donald Glover and Boots Riley have come close to earning similar name recognition as Peele. Now, we can add Juel Taylor to the list. They Cloned Tyrone, Taylor’s directorial debut, is a smart science fiction tale wrapped in a comedic allegory that blends blaxploitation with a contemporary flair for a truly unique movie. With yet another stellar leading turn by John Boyega, They Cloned Tyrone showcases great turns from Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris for the weirdest movie of the summer.
Review: Certain filmmakers come along that define a style of movie-making that turns their name into a descriptor. In recent years, Jordan Peele has become the benchmark against which many genre films have been compared, especially when they focus on the Black experience. Storytellers like Donald Glover and Boots Riley have come close to earning similar name recognition as Peele. Now, we can add Juel Taylor to the list. They Cloned Tyrone, Taylor’s directorial debut, is a smart science fiction tale wrapped in a comedic allegory that blends blaxploitation with a contemporary flair for a truly unique movie. With yet another stellar leading turn by John Boyega, They Cloned Tyrone showcases great turns from Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris for the weirdest movie of the summer.
- 7/14/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Unlike many awards shows, which simply honor the media that came out within a single year, the Emmys makes things a little more complicated, and that means nominations day can be a bit befuddling. Why wasn’t that show you just watched nominated for a prize? Well, because it was not eligible. But that one you watched last year? Well, yes, that’s in the running.
With that in mind, here’s some clarification on what seasons of TV actually did get kudos Wednesday.
What are the eligibility dates for the 2023 Emmys?
Shows that aired between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, were eligible for the 2023 Emmys. To qualify, a series must have aired a required number of episodes before the May 31 cutoff. For most, that’s six. For documentary or hosted nonfiction, it’s three. The outliers to all of these rules are limited and anthology series, which must complete their runs...
With that in mind, here’s some clarification on what seasons of TV actually did get kudos Wednesday.
What are the eligibility dates for the 2023 Emmys?
Shows that aired between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, were eligible for the 2023 Emmys. To qualify, a series must have aired a required number of episodes before the May 31 cutoff. For most, that’s six. For documentary or hosted nonfiction, it’s three. The outliers to all of these rules are limited and anthology series, which must complete their runs...
- 7/12/2023
- by Esther Zuckerman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A gigantic mega tech corporation like Amazon doesn’t generally have a ton of bad days, but in the streaming space, the company can’t seem to catch a break. The streamer clearly wants to be taken seriously as a TV giant, pouring money into expensive legacy IP shows and original properties alike. But those efforts to buy Prime’s way into critical prestige and popularity don’t always pay off.
Prime Video’s biggest shows, such as “The Rings of Power” and “Citadel,” have been greeted with audience apathy, critical failure, or both. Reports from behind the scenes at Amazon Studios have alleged creative frustration between artists and studio executives, with complaints of wishy washy leadership that doesn’t let series thrive.
The result of Prime Video’s ongoing struggles to define itself is an incredibly erratic library of original titles. While none of the big name streamers only focus on one singular thing,...
Prime Video’s biggest shows, such as “The Rings of Power” and “Citadel,” have been greeted with audience apathy, critical failure, or both. Reports from behind the scenes at Amazon Studios have alleged creative frustration between artists and studio executives, with complaints of wishy washy leadership that doesn’t let series thrive.
The result of Prime Video’s ongoing struggles to define itself is an incredibly erratic library of original titles. While none of the big name streamers only focus on one singular thing,...
- 7/12/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Union Solidarity Coalition, a group founded by writers and filmmakers moved by solidarity on the picket lines, has set a fundraising Solidarity Night for Sat. July, 15 to raise money for crew members affected by the ongoing writers’ strike. The event will be held in downtown Los Angeles from 6-10 p.m.
All proceeds from Solidarity Night will go to the Tusc Fund of MPTF, benefitting film crew members who are at risk of losing their healthcare during the work stoppage.
A host committee including Lulu Wang, Boots Riley, Ben Stiller, Jay Roach, Daniel Kwan, Bob Odenkirk, Joe Robert Cole, Natasha Lyonne and many others will welcome attendees to a mixer to underscore Tusc’s mission of inter-union solidarity in the TV and film industry, “creating a space for writers, directors, actors and crew to interact in a casual space where entertainment takes on a different meaning than just a...
All proceeds from Solidarity Night will go to the Tusc Fund of MPTF, benefitting film crew members who are at risk of losing their healthcare during the work stoppage.
A host committee including Lulu Wang, Boots Riley, Ben Stiller, Jay Roach, Daniel Kwan, Bob Odenkirk, Joe Robert Cole, Natasha Lyonne and many others will welcome attendees to a mixer to underscore Tusc’s mission of inter-union solidarity in the TV and film industry, “creating a space for writers, directors, actors and crew to interact in a casual space where entertainment takes on a different meaning than just a...
- 7/11/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Every year at Emmy nomination time, the grumble is heard: ‘Dude, where’s my show?’ It can feel like a kick in the teeth if you’ve been watching something truly great and its name isn’t called.
Here’s the bottom line: if a show didn’t air the required number of episodes before the May 31 deadline, it’s out. That means if it’s a series there needs to be a minimum of six episodes available for public viewing on a national platform (not just voter screeners) by that date. For documentary series or hosted nonfiction series, it’s three episodes. For limited/ anthology series, all episodes must have aired by deadline.
So for example, Apple TV+ drama series Silo missed the deadline by a mere squeak. Its sixth—and qualifying—episode, “The Relic”, aired on June 2.
And this is why...
Here’s the bottom line: if a show didn’t air the required number of episodes before the May 31 deadline, it’s out. That means if it’s a series there needs to be a minimum of six episodes available for public viewing on a national platform (not just voter screeners) by that date. For documentary series or hosted nonfiction series, it’s three episodes. For limited/ anthology series, all episodes must have aired by deadline.
So for example, Apple TV+ drama series Silo missed the deadline by a mere squeak. Its sixth—and qualifying—episode, “The Relic”, aired on June 2.
And this is why...
- 7/11/2023
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
From the fiery sparks singeing the palms of Roman candle wielders nationwide, to the turgid temps threatening to burst the bulbous skulls off of every analog thermometer, to the spicy Scoville units lustily applied to backyard barbecue options, July is all about heat. And if like David Johansen’s alter ego, you like your Don’t-Miss Indies hot, hot, hot, well… Just keep reading. Just don’t go anywhere without sunscreen!
Flamin’ Hot
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: Hulu, Disney+
Director: Eva Longoria
Cast: Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert, Emilio Rivera, Tony Shalhoub
Why We’re Excited: Most famous for her role as feisty and stunning Latina housewife Gabrielle Solis in the ABC megahit Desperate Housewives, Eva Longoria’s directorial debut is a biographical dramedy based on Richard Montañez’s (admittedly disputed) memoir, A Boy, a Burrito and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive. The...
Flamin’ Hot
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: Hulu, Disney+
Director: Eva Longoria
Cast: Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert, Emilio Rivera, Tony Shalhoub
Why We’re Excited: Most famous for her role as feisty and stunning Latina housewife Gabrielle Solis in the ABC megahit Desperate Housewives, Eva Longoria’s directorial debut is a biographical dramedy based on Richard Montañez’s (admittedly disputed) memoir, A Boy, a Burrito and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive. The...
- 7/4/2023
- by Su Fang Tham
- Film Independent News & More
The full programme is to be announced on July 6.
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023 is to close with the UK premiere of Babak Jalali’s Fremont.
The darkly comic drama continues its festival run, with an international premiere set for Karlovy Vary, having previously been selected for Sundance and SXSW.
The film centres on troubled 20-something Donya, played in a debut performance by former TV journalist Anaita Wali Zada. Like her character in the film, Zada was forced to flee Afghanistan. Donya is an Afghan translator whose work for the US government has led to her becoming lost and adrift in the titular Californian town,...
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023 is to close with the UK premiere of Babak Jalali’s Fremont.
The darkly comic drama continues its festival run, with an international premiere set for Karlovy Vary, having previously been selected for Sundance and SXSW.
The film centres on troubled 20-something Donya, played in a debut performance by former TV journalist Anaita Wali Zada. Like her character in the film, Zada was forced to flee Afghanistan. Donya is an Afghan translator whose work for the US government has led to her becoming lost and adrift in the titular Californian town,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The mysterious antagonist of the Amazon series I’m a Virgo, directed by Boots Riley, is Jay Widow, also known as The Hero. Portrayed by Walton Goggins, The Hero captivates viewers with his unique and darkly humorous endeavors. Hero, whose journey is motivated by severe loneliness and a desire to escape the routine, intertwines fake heroism, disappointment, and the search for a meaningful connection in his life. Let’s delve deeper into his psyche to get to know him better.
Spoilers Ahead
How Did The Hero’s Perception Of Fake Heroism Get Shattered?
The Hero, also known as Jay Widow, was once a renowned comic book author who wanted to break free from the pages of a comic book and decided to bring his superhero alter-ego to life. Donning a superhero costume with a drone attached to it, he soared through the city. He intended to challenge what was regular and mundane,...
Spoilers Ahead
How Did The Hero’s Perception Of Fake Heroism Get Shattered?
The Hero, also known as Jay Widow, was once a renowned comic book author who wanted to break free from the pages of a comic book and decided to bring his superhero alter-ego to life. Donning a superhero costume with a drone attached to it, he soared through the city. He intended to challenge what was regular and mundane,...
- 6/24/2023
- by Poulami Nanda
- Film Fugitives
When Boots Riley was 12 years old, he wanted to be a superhero.
Growing up in the Eighties in East Oakland with a civil rights attorney father, the younger Riley was drawn to a different version of justice. He remembers losing himself in comic books — he loved Daredevil, and anything with ninjas — and coming away determined to make “caped crusader” a career path.
“I was in serious gymnastics, martial arts, throwing stars, doing nunchucks. I was practicing sneaking into rooms silently,” he recalls, some 40 years later, over lunch in Oakland on a warm afternoon.
Growing up in the Eighties in East Oakland with a civil rights attorney father, the younger Riley was drawn to a different version of justice. He remembers losing himself in comic books — he loved Daredevil, and anything with ninjas — and coming away determined to make “caped crusader” a career path.
“I was in serious gymnastics, martial arts, throwing stars, doing nunchucks. I was practicing sneaking into rooms silently,” he recalls, some 40 years later, over lunch in Oakland on a warm afternoon.
- 6/24/2023
- by Emma Silvers
- Rollingstone.com
“I’m a Virgo” certainly has a unique premise. The Amazon Prime Video series, which premiered on June 23, tells the story of a 19-year-old named Cootie (Emmy winner Jharrel Jerome) who’s 13 feet tall and hidden away from the world until he sets out and meets a superhero named The Hero (Walton Goggins). That summary is less surprising when you realize the series was created by Boots Riley, the filmmaker behind the outlandish satire “Sorry to Bother You.” But what do critics think of his foray into television?
If TV journalists are any indication, “I’m a Virgo” is an early Emmy contender for 2024. As of this writing it has a MetaCritic score of 86 based on 17 reviews that have been counted thus far — all of them positive. It also has a Rotten Tomatoes freshness rating of 97% based on 33 reviews, only one of which is listed as rotten. The Rt critics’ consensus says,...
If TV journalists are any indication, “I’m a Virgo” is an early Emmy contender for 2024. As of this writing it has a MetaCritic score of 86 based on 17 reviews that have been counted thus far — all of them positive. It also has a Rotten Tomatoes freshness rating of 97% based on 33 reviews, only one of which is listed as rotten. The Rt critics’ consensus says,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Jharrel Jerome is larger than ever - in real life and on screen. The 25-year-old actor stars in Prime Video's surreal series "I'm a Virgo" as Cootie, an overgrown, 13-foot-tall sheltered teen living in Oakland, CA. It's the first time Jerome has led a project since starring in award-winning titles like Oscar best picture "Moonlight" and Ava DuVernay's true-life-inspired series "When They See Us," making it his biggest role to date - and his biggest challenge. Really, everything about "I'm a Virgo" is big. Jerome is best known for his emotional performances in the aforementioned, the latter of which he tells Popsugar "was one of the hardest things I'll ever do." But "I'm a Virgo" - which, per Prime Video, follows Cootie as he "escapes to experience the beauty and contradictions of the real world" for the first time - was the ultimate acting test for him. The Boots...
- 6/23/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
I’m a Virgo, an Amazon series directed by Boots Riley, is a story of self-exploration and the complexities of existing in a world that often rejects individuality. Set against a contemporary backdrop, this thought-provoking series delves into the life of Cootie, a 13-foot-tall, gigantic teenager, as he embarks on a transformative journey of discovering his true self. Although Cootie thought he could fly high and do amazing things, he was faced with many difficult situations where people wanted to take advantage of him because of his size. But as he went through these challenges, Cootie learned that real heroes are not just characters in colorful comic books. Being a hero requires thinking carefully and being patient. It’s not about having superpowers or being big but about making wise choices and staying calm in tough times.
Spoilers Ahead
Was Cootie Really A Villain?
Played by Moonlight actor Jharrel Jerome, Cootie...
Spoilers Ahead
Was Cootie Really A Villain?
Played by Moonlight actor Jharrel Jerome, Cootie...
- 6/23/2023
- by Poulami Nanda
- Film Fugitives
It’s a coming-of-age story of epic proportions! New from Amazon Studios is the highly anticipated comedy series “I’m a Virgo,” which will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video on Thursday, June 22. “When They See Us” and “Moonlight” star Jharrel Jerome leads the cast as Cootie, a 13-foot-tall Black man living in Oakland, California, and experiencing the world in all its guts and glory for the first time. The fantastical, absurdist series comes from “Sorry to Bother You” filmmaker Boots Riley, who directs all episodes of the comedy. All seven episodes will be released simultaneously on June 22 on Prime Video. You can watch I'm a Virgo: Season 1 with a 30-Day Free Trial of Amazon Prime Video.
How to Watch ‘I'm a Virgo’ Series Premiere When: Thursday, June 22, 2023 Where: Amazon Prime Video Stream: Watch with a 30-Day Free Trial of Amazon Prime Video. 30-Day Free Trial$8.99 / month amazon.com...
How to Watch ‘I'm a Virgo’ Series Premiere When: Thursday, June 22, 2023 Where: Amazon Prime Video Stream: Watch with a 30-Day Free Trial of Amazon Prime Video. 30-Day Free Trial$8.99 / month amazon.com...
- 6/23/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Afro-surrealism has been on Hollywood’s radar for some time now. From Donald Glover’s groundbreaking series “Atlanta” to Terence Nance’s thought-provoking “Random Acts of Flyness” and Jordan Peele’s critically acclaimed films “Get Out” and “Nope,” this formerly niche genre seems to be thriving in mainstream entertainment.
Writer, producer and musician Boots Riley, whose 2018 film “Sorry to Bother You” catapulted him to prominence as a filmmaker, returns with his latest project: “I’m A Virgo” on Prime Video. This highly anticipated series solidifies his position among the pioneers of the Afro-surrealist genre.
Afrofuturism and Afro-surrealism, often seen as interchangeable, are different. Where Afrofuturism blends the African diaspora’s art, science and music to speculate on the future, Afro-surrealism is about the now. Why romanticize a dystopian future when so many working-class Black and brown bodies live in oppressive spaces at this moment?
Also Read:
The Most Anticipated TV Shows...
Writer, producer and musician Boots Riley, whose 2018 film “Sorry to Bother You” catapulted him to prominence as a filmmaker, returns with his latest project: “I’m A Virgo” on Prime Video. This highly anticipated series solidifies his position among the pioneers of the Afro-surrealist genre.
Afrofuturism and Afro-surrealism, often seen as interchangeable, are different. Where Afrofuturism blends the African diaspora’s art, science and music to speculate on the future, Afro-surrealism is about the now. Why romanticize a dystopian future when so many working-class Black and brown bodies live in oppressive spaces at this moment?
Also Read:
The Most Anticipated TV Shows...
- 6/23/2023
- by Karama Horne
- The Wrap
Annie Murphy joins us on this week's show to talk all about the first episode of the new Black Mirror, 'Joan Is Awful'. Plus Patrick Gibson gets cornered by Boydy and grilled over what would have happened in Season 3 of The Oa (and manages to talk about his show Before We Die as well).
Elsewhere, we get our Skrull on for Secret Invasion on Disney+, face midlife with a smile in Channel 4's The Change, and try to become one with the unique mind of Boots Riley in I'm A Virgo on Prime. Plus the team break down exactly what they'd watch if they each had 19 hours to spare.
Listen to the episode on your podcast app of choice or the player above. And if you want to subscribe to Pilot TV+, find all the details here.
Elsewhere, we get our Skrull on for Secret Invasion on Disney+, face midlife with a smile in Channel 4's The Change, and try to become one with the unique mind of Boots Riley in I'm A Virgo on Prime. Plus the team break down exactly what they'd watch if they each had 19 hours to spare.
Listen to the episode on your podcast app of choice or the player above. And if you want to subscribe to Pilot TV+, find all the details here.
- 6/22/2023
- by James Dyer
- Empire - TV
“They’re Scared”: 5,000-Plus Demonstrators Rally in L.A. to Support Writers Strike, Pressure Studios
Over 5,000 writers and supporters descended on the mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles on Wednesday to rally support during the eighth week of the Writers Guild of America labor stoppage.
The “WGA Strong” rally featured spirited and sometimes expletive-filled speeches from the likes of I’m a Virgo writer-director Boots Riley, WGA negotiating committee member Adam Conover and Teamsters Local 399 leader Lindsay Dougherty, as well as a musical performance from singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc (who pointedly sang, at one point, “I Need a Dollar”). The overall message to writers, who are now 51 days into their first strike in 15 years? Hollywood labor is behind you.
The event also served as something of a flex to the industry. “We are out here today to tell the companies how strong we are,” said WGA negotiating committee member Conover (The G Word), who acted as the rally’s emcee. He added, “Carol [Lombardini, the president of the AMPTP] didn’t plan for how strong we are.
The “WGA Strong” rally featured spirited and sometimes expletive-filled speeches from the likes of I’m a Virgo writer-director Boots Riley, WGA negotiating committee member Adam Conover and Teamsters Local 399 leader Lindsay Dougherty, as well as a musical performance from singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc (who pointedly sang, at one point, “I Need a Dollar”). The overall message to writers, who are now 51 days into their first strike in 15 years? Hollywood labor is behind you.
The event also served as something of a flex to the industry. “We are out here today to tell the companies how strong we are,” said WGA negotiating committee member Conover (The G Word), who acted as the rally’s emcee. He added, “Carol [Lombardini, the president of the AMPTP] didn’t plan for how strong we are.
- 6/21/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny and Xennia Hamilton
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Thousands of striking Writers Guild of America members along with other union workers marched in solidarity past the Academy Museum in Los Angeles on Wednesday before staging a rally at the La Brea Tar Pits.
The rally was hosted by WGA board and negotiating committee member Adam Conover, who has become one of the most outspoken voices in the Writers Guild after he called out Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav during a CNN interview on the first day of the strike.
“[AMPTP president] Carol Lombardini did not plan for how strong we are. She did not plan for the fact that eight weeks in, we are bringing the same energy as on Day 1,” Conover said. “She did not plan for our picket lines to include members from every union in town! We are marching with janitors, with housekeepers, with teachers, with strippers! We have union strippers! And that because we know have the same fight.
The rally was hosted by WGA board and negotiating committee member Adam Conover, who has become one of the most outspoken voices in the Writers Guild after he called out Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav during a CNN interview on the first day of the strike.
“[AMPTP president] Carol Lombardini did not plan for how strong we are. She did not plan for the fact that eight weeks in, we are bringing the same energy as on Day 1,” Conover said. “She did not plan for our picket lines to include members from every union in town! We are marching with janitors, with housekeepers, with teachers, with strippers! We have union strippers! And that because we know have the same fight.
- 6/21/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
There’s a festival feel at the La Brea Tar Pits with live performances from Aloe Blacc and Boots Riley.
Blacc said that he was there to sing for the writers and that he wishes “there was more I could do for you” but that he stands in “solidarity”, while Riley performed an acapella song called Everything after saying “the whole world is looking at us and we can’t let them down” (see clips below).
But while there’s live music, the sense of injustice from the thousand-plus writers attending the WGA Strong March and Rally for a Fair Contract was even louder.
Adam Conover, the Wgaw Board and Negotiating Committee Member who organized the event, drew large cheers when he pointed out that the writers were being supported by a slew of other unions, including actors, directors, drivers, janitors and strippers.
“Corporate greed” has been the main message...
Blacc said that he was there to sing for the writers and that he wishes “there was more I could do for you” but that he stands in “solidarity”, while Riley performed an acapella song called Everything after saying “the whole world is looking at us and we can’t let them down” (see clips below).
But while there’s live music, the sense of injustice from the thousand-plus writers attending the WGA Strong March and Rally for a Fair Contract was even louder.
Adam Conover, the Wgaw Board and Negotiating Committee Member who organized the event, drew large cheers when he pointed out that the writers were being supported by a slew of other unions, including actors, directors, drivers, janitors and strippers.
“Corporate greed” has been the main message...
- 6/21/2023
- by Katie Campione, Rosy Cordero and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA Strong March and Rally for a Fair Contract has kicked off in LA with thousands of members of the guild including Damon Lindelof and Boots Riley taking to the parks and streets.
Damon Lindelof (Deadline)
Mrs. Davis exec producer Lindelof and Riley, whose Amazon series I’m A Virgo, starring Jharrel Jerome comes out this week, were joined by WGA leadership including WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, former President David Goodman, Vice President Michele Mulroney, Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Thomas and WGA board member Liz Alper as the group assembled in Pan Pacific Park.
Stiehm told Deadline that the writers are “motivated”. “Showing solidarity and energy and fight on day 51 of the strike… We’re certainly making the best of it,” she said, adding that the WGA is “open every day” for the AMPTP to get back to the negotiating table.
The march will then head west along along 3rd Street,...
Damon Lindelof (Deadline)
Mrs. Davis exec producer Lindelof and Riley, whose Amazon series I’m A Virgo, starring Jharrel Jerome comes out this week, were joined by WGA leadership including WGA West President Meredith Stiehm, former President David Goodman, Vice President Michele Mulroney, Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Thomas and WGA board member Liz Alper as the group assembled in Pan Pacific Park.
Stiehm told Deadline that the writers are “motivated”. “Showing solidarity and energy and fight on day 51 of the strike… We’re certainly making the best of it,” she said, adding that the WGA is “open every day” for the AMPTP to get back to the negotiating table.
The march will then head west along along 3rd Street,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Peter White, Katie Campione and Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
When the time comes to write about the 2020s in film, Covid will undoubtedly be viewed as the defining event of the decade. But as the pandemic becomes part of our new normal, one aspect of Covid continues to inspire filmmakers: quarantine. In many ways more than the virus itself, the collective act of hunkering down and staying put has been coming up a lot in films lately. And it’s not hard to imagine that quarantine helped give birth to “I’m A Virgo,” Boots Riley’s sophomore effort after bursting onto the scene in 2018 with his absurdist satire “Sorry To Bother You.
Continue reading ‘I’m A Virgo’ Review: Boots Riley’s Absurdist Coming-Of-Age Series Is A Giant Delight at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘I’m A Virgo’ Review: Boots Riley’s Absurdist Coming-Of-Age Series Is A Giant Delight at The Playlist.
- 6/20/2023
- by Brandon Wilson
- The Playlist
Plot: A darkly-comedic fantastical coming-of-age joyride about Cootie, a 13-foot-tall young Black man in Oakland, CA. Having grown up hidden away, passing time on a diet of comic books and TV shows, he escapes to experience the beauty and contradictions of the real world. He forms friendships, finds love, navigates awkward situations, and encounters his idol, the real life superhero named The Hero. I’m A Virgo is a mythical odyssey that questions the purpose of the mythical odyssey.
Review: Boots Riley’s feature film directional debut, Sorry To Bother You, was a festival darling when it premiered in 2018. It has taken Riley half a decade to bring his sophomore effort to the screen. I’m A Virgo is a seven-episode series premiering on Prime Video, which has given Riley three times as much space to tell an epic and surreal story that is part fairy tale, part parable, and utterly unique.
Review: Boots Riley’s feature film directional debut, Sorry To Bother You, was a festival darling when it premiered in 2018. It has taken Riley half a decade to bring his sophomore effort to the screen. I’m A Virgo is a seven-episode series premiering on Prime Video, which has given Riley three times as much space to tell an epic and surreal story that is part fairy tale, part parable, and utterly unique.
- 6/14/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
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