Life for Ponyboi (River Gallo) has been no walk in the park. “I was born a little different,” he explains in regards to his being intersex (male-identifying/female-presenting), which led his Salvadorian immigrant parents to reject him for not “choosing” to be a traditional man. On his own from a very young age, Ponyboi eventually found safety with Vinny (Dylan O’Brien), a pimp who uses a laundromat as cover to run a drug business. But Ponyboi dreams of romance and a life out of a Marlboro ad imagined by Lisa Frank.
He drifts into a neon-pink glittery dream tunnel while riding one of the disgusting men who fetishize and hire him to fulfill their fantasies. Everyone wants something out of Ponyboi, but no one asks what he wants. His fantasy is to be rescued by a sensitive cowboy, which is why he can’t believe his eyes when he first...
He drifts into a neon-pink glittery dream tunnel while riding one of the disgusting men who fetishize and hire him to fulfill their fantasies. Everyone wants something out of Ponyboi, but no one asks what he wants. His fantasy is to be rescued by a sensitive cowboy, which is why he can’t believe his eyes when he first...
- 1/30/2024
- by Jose Solís
- The Film Stage
It’s Valentine’s Day in the early aughts. Rudy Giuliani plays a hand in New York politics, and residents are still recovering from the events of September 11. There are talks of a memorial, among other commemorations. Across the river, bus drivers are on strike and a young, self-proclaimed “Jersey girl” rides a trucker in the parking lot of the New Jersey Turnpike gas station. As Ponyboi (played by newcomer River Gallo) amps his client up with theatrical ad libs, the stout john offers a note: Could Ponyboi turn it down a notch and consider speaking less?
This droll opening scene, which begins with the sweaty tension of sex before landing on smirking humor, is emblematic of Esteban Arango’s feature Ponyboi. Premiering at Sundance in the U.S. Dramatic Competition and written by Gallo, its intersex lead who uses they/them pronouns, Ponyboi revises the crime drama by putting...
This droll opening scene, which begins with the sweaty tension of sex before landing on smirking humor, is emblematic of Esteban Arango’s feature Ponyboi. Premiering at Sundance in the U.S. Dramatic Competition and written by Gallo, its intersex lead who uses they/them pronouns, Ponyboi revises the crime drama by putting...
- 1/26/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Depending on how you look at it, “Ponyboi” is either a Trojan horse for exploring nonbinary gender identity or a hackneyed crime movie with a radically unorthodox queer protagonist. Either way, it’s a sordid yet stylish showcase for intersex actor (and activist) River Gallo, who uses “they/them” pronouns and sees the project as an opportunity to educate audiences about the social and psychological aspects of exhibiting both male and female traits in a world that classifies people in one box or the other.
It’s ironic therefore that, apart from Gallo’s category-defying title character, the rest of the ensemble is populated by such familiar stereotypes. Sparkling like a rhinestone in the rough, Ponyboi stands out amid a lineup of cartoon gangsters, tough-guy dealers and gum-smacking prostitutes — lowlifes recycled from a hundred late-night cable movies with superficially similar plots.
Still, cinema history is short on anyone remotely like Gallo,...
It’s ironic therefore that, apart from Gallo’s category-defying title character, the rest of the ensemble is populated by such familiar stereotypes. Sparkling like a rhinestone in the rough, Ponyboi stands out amid a lineup of cartoon gangsters, tough-guy dealers and gum-smacking prostitutes — lowlifes recycled from a hundred late-night cable movies with superficially similar plots.
Still, cinema history is short on anyone remotely like Gallo,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Bathed in the soft glow of neon lights, “Ponyboi” reminds us that the point of view from which a story is told can drastically alter the outcome, even if founded on familiar tropes The second feature from Colombian-born director Esteban Arango (Sundance 2020’s “Blast Beat”) is actor and screenwriter River Gallo’s self-conceived star-making project expanded from a 2019 short film of the same title that Gallo also starred in and co-directed themselves. Grounded on Gallo’s Intersex identity, the unapologetic crime saga with flourishes of comedy and romance often comes across as excitingly undefinable.
Few sights can place some of us back in the 2000s with more immediacy than a bedazzled Motorola Razr flip phone, an emblem of Millennial youth. Holding precisely one of those is how we first see Ponyboi (Gallo) in the daylight as he enters Fluff n’ Stuff, a New Jersey laundromat where he is employed both...
Few sights can place some of us back in the 2000s with more immediacy than a bedazzled Motorola Razr flip phone, an emblem of Millennial youth. Holding precisely one of those is how we first see Ponyboi (Gallo) in the daylight as he enters Fluff n’ Stuff, a New Jersey laundromat where he is employed both...
- 1/21/2024
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Indiewire
Dylan O'Brien Supports New Movie 'Ponyboi' at His First Premiere in 2 Years During Sundance Festival
Dylan O’Brien has returned to the red carpet to promote his new movie Ponyboi at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
The 32-year-old Teen Wolf alum attended the movie’s premiere at the Library Center Theatre on Saturday (January 20) in Park City, Utah.
This marks the first premiere Dylan has attended since July 2022 when he promoted his movie Not Okay with Zoey Deutch!
Keep reading to find out more…
Dylan kept his look casual but stylish. He wore black pants with a matching shirt and jacket. The actor finished off his look with a burgundy beanie and bright white shoes.
He was joined on the red carpet by costars Victoria Pedretti, Indya Moore, River Gallo, Annie Henk, Moises Acevedo, Aphrodite Armstrong, Miles Coreas, Kevin Matthew McDonald, NaTonia Monet and Keith William Richards.
Director Esteban Arango, producer Mark Ankner and co-producers Sade Clacken and Kristen Laffey were also present. We’ve got pics...
The 32-year-old Teen Wolf alum attended the movie’s premiere at the Library Center Theatre on Saturday (January 20) in Park City, Utah.
This marks the first premiere Dylan has attended since July 2022 when he promoted his movie Not Okay with Zoey Deutch!
Keep reading to find out more…
Dylan kept his look casual but stylish. He wore black pants with a matching shirt and jacket. The actor finished off his look with a burgundy beanie and bright white shoes.
He was joined on the red carpet by costars Victoria Pedretti, Indya Moore, River Gallo, Annie Henk, Moises Acevedo, Aphrodite Armstrong, Miles Coreas, Kevin Matthew McDonald, NaTonia Monet and Keith William Richards.
Director Esteban Arango, producer Mark Ankner and co-producers Sade Clacken and Kristen Laffey were also present. We’ve got pics...
- 1/21/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
When Ponyboi shooting gaffer Don Sean shared photos from the movie’s set on Instagram featuring Dylan O’Brien in 2022, the images quickly went viral. Fans shared their reactions on social media to the actor’s transformation for the film, which included a close fade, slits on his eyebrows, multiple chains, and facial hair shaved into a chin strap. It was a stark departure from his signature shaggy hair and beard.
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter at the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday, O’Brien and his co-star River Gallo (who also wrote the film) detailed how the look came together.
O’Brien noted that coming up with the character’s hair and costuming was a collaborative effort between himself, Gallo and director Esteban Arango. While Gallo wanted the actor to go for a look inspired by Jersey Shore star Pauly D to fit the film’s Jersey setting, O...
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter at the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday, O’Brien and his co-star River Gallo (who also wrote the film) detailed how the look came together.
O’Brien noted that coming up with the character’s hair and costuming was a collaborative effort between himself, Gallo and director Esteban Arango. While Gallo wanted the actor to go for a look inspired by Jersey Shore star Pauly D to fit the film’s Jersey setting, O...
- 1/21/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This isn’t a meteorology blog. We’re under no obligation to inform you that–despite a historically slow ski season start–the snow now falling across Northern Utah’s Wasatch Valley is voluminous and omnipresent. All the better excuse for sequestering oneself inside the weatherproofed walls of Park City’s myriad Sundance screening venues. And whether you’re a Sundance programmer, filmmaker, critic, industry wonk or civilian attendee, one thing is certain: there are currently a lot of granola bars getting smushed in a lot of people’s pockets.
Of course, our favorite among these snowblind wretches are our own Film Independent Fellows proudly debuting their new works at the festival. And by “Fellows” here we of course mean filmmakers who have been directly supported by Film Independent’s Lab Programs, Project Involve, Fast Track and Fiscal Sponsorship programs, as well as Emerging Filmmaker Award winners and grant recipients.
Of course, our favorite among these snowblind wretches are our own Film Independent Fellows proudly debuting their new works at the festival. And by “Fellows” here we of course mean filmmakers who have been directly supported by Film Independent’s Lab Programs, Project Involve, Fast Track and Fiscal Sponsorship programs, as well as Emerging Filmmaker Award winners and grant recipients.
- 1/20/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
On a dreary Valentine’s Day in New Jersey during the early aughts, intersex laundromat employee and sex worker Ponyboi (River Gallo) finds themselves embroiled in a bungled drug deal. Estranged from his family and afraid of coming clean to his best friend (Victoria Pedretti) and her husband (Dylan O’Brien)—also Ponyboi’s boss and clandestine sexual partner—he decides to go on the run and permanently escape the Garden State. Along the way, he crosses paths with a rugged kindly stranger who’s shrouded in mystery and en route to Las Vegas. Just when he’s ready to hitch a ride to the desert, however, […]
The post “The Experience of Being an Outsider Is a Universal One”: River Gallo and Esteban Arango on Ponyboi first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “The Experience of Being an Outsider Is a Universal One”: River Gallo and Esteban Arango on Ponyboi first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/20/2024
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
On a dreary Valentine’s Day in New Jersey during the early aughts, intersex laundromat employee and sex worker Ponyboi (River Gallo) finds themselves embroiled in a bungled drug deal. Estranged from his family and afraid of coming clean to his best friend (Victoria Pedretti) and her husband (Dylan O’Brien)—also Ponyboi’s boss and clandestine sexual partner—he decides to go on the run and permanently escape the Garden State. Along the way, he crosses paths with a rugged kindly stranger who’s shrouded in mystery and en route to Las Vegas. Just when he’s ready to hitch a ride to the desert, however, […]
The post “The Experience of Being an Outsider Is a Universal One”: River Gallo and Esteban Arango on Ponyboi first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “The Experience of Being an Outsider Is a Universal One”: River Gallo and Esteban Arango on Ponyboi first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/20/2024
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Exclusive: Fox Entertainment and its in-house studio division MarVista Entertainment are launching Tideline Entertainment, a production label that will focus on creating impactful and meaningful content with unique perspectives from differentiated storytellers, voices and creators worldwide.
Under the leadership of Hannah Pillemer, MarVista’s EVP and Head of Creative & Production, Tideline projects will range from movies and indie films to limited series, made-for-platform content and other cross-genre formats based on what best supports each creative vision.
The first project under Tideline is the Esteban Arango-directed Ponyboi, which is being produced and sold by Mark Ankner in partnership with 30Kft out of Sundance; the pic premieres Saturday in the fest’s U.S. Dramatic Competition section. The movie, written by River Gallo and starring Teen Wolf‘s Dylan O’Brien, follows a young intersex sex worker forced to confront their past while running from the mob after a drug deal goes sideways.
Under the leadership of Hannah Pillemer, MarVista’s EVP and Head of Creative & Production, Tideline projects will range from movies and indie films to limited series, made-for-platform content and other cross-genre formats based on what best supports each creative vision.
The first project under Tideline is the Esteban Arango-directed Ponyboi, which is being produced and sold by Mark Ankner in partnership with 30Kft out of Sundance; the pic premieres Saturday in the fest’s U.S. Dramatic Competition section. The movie, written by River Gallo and starring Teen Wolf‘s Dylan O’Brien, follows a young intersex sex worker forced to confront their past while running from the mob after a drug deal goes sideways.
- 1/19/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Sundance’s Fifth Annual Latinx House to Feature Artists From ‘Ponyboi,’ ‘In the Summers’ (Exclusive)
The 2024 edition of The Latinx House at Sundance will feature filmmakers and castmembers from many of the Latino-centered films screening at the festival.
“When we launched The Latinx House in 2019, we were committed to honoring the long legacy that Latinx creatives have built at the Sundance Film Festival,” co-founder Olga Segura said in a statement. “Over the last five years, we have built a home that’s welcoming and accepting of the journeys being told and inclusive of the leaders who are shaping our culture.”
Featured Sundance projects at Latinx House include anthology series God Save Texas, represented by director Iliana Sosa; short film Border Hopper, represented by filmmaker and star Gabriela Ortega; and U.S. dramatic competition entries Ponyboi, represented by director Esteban Arango and writer/star/producer River Gallo, and filmmaker Alessandra Lacorazza’s In the Summers. The latter will be feted at an invite-only party hosted by...
“When we launched The Latinx House in 2019, we were committed to honoring the long legacy that Latinx creatives have built at the Sundance Film Festival,” co-founder Olga Segura said in a statement. “Over the last five years, we have built a home that’s welcoming and accepting of the journeys being told and inclusive of the leaders who are shaping our culture.”
Featured Sundance projects at Latinx House include anthology series God Save Texas, represented by director Iliana Sosa; short film Border Hopper, represented by filmmaker and star Gabriela Ortega; and U.S. dramatic competition entries Ponyboi, represented by director Esteban Arango and writer/star/producer River Gallo, and filmmaker Alessandra Lacorazza’s In the Summers. The latter will be feted at an invite-only party hosted by...
- 1/17/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exhibiting Forgiveness.The Sundance Institute has announced the films selected for their 2024 Festival, which will take place January 18-28, 2024, in person in Utah. A selection of the films are available online across the U.S. from January 25-28.U.S. Dramatic COMPETITIONBetween the Temples (Nathan Silver): A cantor in a crisis of faith finds his world turned upside down when his grade school music teacher reenters his life as his new adult bat mitzvah student. World Premiere. DìDi (弟弟) (Sean Wang): In 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom. World Premiere. Exhibiting Forgiveness (Titus Kaphar): Utilizing his paintings to find freedom from his past, a Black artist on the path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father,...
- 12/13/2023
- MUBI
Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg in ‘A Real Pain’ (Courtesy of Sundance Institute)
82 films have been selected to screen during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. In addition, eight episodic titles and a New Frontier interactive experience have made the cut and will be included in the upcoming festival.
17,435 projects were submitted for 2024 inclusion, setting a new festival record.
“From the first edition in 1985, Sundance Film Festival has aimed to provide a space to gather, celebrate, and engage with risk-taking artists that are committed to bringing their independent visions to audiences — the Festival remains true to that goal to this day,” stated Robert Redford, Sundance Institute Founder and President. “It continues to evolve, but its legacy of showcasing bold work that starts necessary conversations continues with the 2024 program.”
The 40th Sundance Film Festival will take place January 18 – 28, 2024, in Park City and Salt Lake City. Ticket packages and passes are currently on sale.
82 films have been selected to screen during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. In addition, eight episodic titles and a New Frontier interactive experience have made the cut and will be included in the upcoming festival.
17,435 projects were submitted for 2024 inclusion, setting a new festival record.
“From the first edition in 1985, Sundance Film Festival has aimed to provide a space to gather, celebrate, and engage with risk-taking artists that are committed to bringing their independent visions to audiences — the Festival remains true to that goal to this day,” stated Robert Redford, Sundance Institute Founder and President. “It continues to evolve, but its legacy of showcasing bold work that starts necessary conversations continues with the 2024 program.”
The 40th Sundance Film Festival will take place January 18 – 28, 2024, in Park City and Salt Lake City. Ticket packages and passes are currently on sale.
- 12/6/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Sundance Film Festival 2024 has its bases covered. The 40th edition of the film festival will feature the premiere of Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun’s post-apocalyptic romance Love Me; Michael John Warren’s evolutionary documentary Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza; Steven Soderbergh’s haunted house thriller Presence; and 88 additional films, documentaries, and episodic titles.
Among the documentaries premiering at the festival are Luther: Never Too Much, following the life and legacy of Luther Vandross; Devo, about the new wave band formed in the wake of the Kent State massacre; Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,...
Among the documentaries premiering at the festival are Luther: Never Too Much, following the life and legacy of Luther Vandross; Devo, about the new wave band formed in the wake of the Kent State massacre; Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
It’s almost time again for me to pack my bags and head to Park City, Utah, for the 2024 edition of the Sundance Film Festival. The last few years have been challenging for the fest, with the 2021 and 2022 editions only being online due to the pandemic. The 2023 edition was a hybrid version that sported a few high-profile debuts, including A24’s horror hit Talk to Me, but overall was a bit of a modest year in terms of stuff that broke out. However, 2024 seems to be a high-end year for the fest, with tons of big stars on the way to the festival, including Pedro Pascal, Kristen Stewart (there with two movies), Sebastian Stan, Woody Harrelson and many more.
It’s always interesting to note the trend in storytelling at this famous indie fest. In recent years, the pandemic weighed highly on the fest, with many films acknowledging the toll it took,...
It’s always interesting to note the trend in storytelling at this famous indie fest. In recent years, the pandemic weighed highly on the fest, with many films acknowledging the toll it took,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Victoria Pedretti, star of the Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor and You, will make her Broadway debut opposite Succession‘s Jeremy Strong and The Sopranos‘ Michael Imperioli in An Enemy Of The People this winter.
As previously announced, Amy Herzog’s new adaptation of the Ibsen classic, to be directed by Sam Gold, begins previews at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, with an opening night set for Monday, March 18. The production is scheduled for a strictly limited 16-week engagement.
Complete casting will be announced at a later date.
Pedretti will play Petra Stockmann, daughter Strong’s Dr. Thomas Stockmann. Imperioli will portray Peter Stockmann, the elder brother of Thomas.
The synopsis: A small-town doctor considers himself a proud, upstanding member of his close-knit community. When he discovers a catastrophe that risks the lives of everyone in town, he raises the alarm. But he...
As previously announced, Amy Herzog’s new adaptation of the Ibsen classic, to be directed by Sam Gold, begins previews at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, with an opening night set for Monday, March 18. The production is scheduled for a strictly limited 16-week engagement.
Complete casting will be announced at a later date.
Pedretti will play Petra Stockmann, daughter Strong’s Dr. Thomas Stockmann. Imperioli will portray Peter Stockmann, the elder brother of Thomas.
The synopsis: A small-town doctor considers himself a proud, upstanding member of his close-knit community. When he discovers a catastrophe that risks the lives of everyone in town, he raises the alarm. But he...
- 12/4/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: 2022 finalists for the Latinx List, showcasing top works by up-and-coming Latinx screenwriters, have been unveiled by The Latin Tracking Board, Nalip, the Untitled Latinx Project, and The Black List.
The batch of selected scripts consists of five original pilots and six original features. Among the finalists are Daniel F. Pérez (2096) and Makana Lani (Contingent), who have received WGA-minimum script deals from Netflix, through the Latinx List’s partnership with the streamer announced last summer.
“By providing this opportunity, the Latinx List is kicking the door wide open for emerging writers, and I’m humbled to be selected among such talented creatives,” said Lani. “As a queer, underrepresented writer, I’m thrilled to be writing a script for Netflix–a company that’s truly following through on their mission of championing diverse voices.”
“I’m thrilled that 2096 is part of this year’s Latinx List, and so excited to develop with Netflix!
The batch of selected scripts consists of five original pilots and six original features. Among the finalists are Daniel F. Pérez (2096) and Makana Lani (Contingent), who have received WGA-minimum script deals from Netflix, through the Latinx List’s partnership with the streamer announced last summer.
“By providing this opportunity, the Latinx List is kicking the door wide open for emerging writers, and I’m humbled to be selected among such talented creatives,” said Lani. “As a queer, underrepresented writer, I’m thrilled to be writing a script for Netflix–a company that’s truly following through on their mission of championing diverse voices.”
“I’m thrilled that 2096 is part of this year’s Latinx List, and so excited to develop with Netflix!
- 2/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Emmy winner Murray Bartlett has signed with WME.
After a breakthrough performance on season one of HBO’s The White Lotus, Bartlett won his first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series. Additionally, he took home the Critics Choice Award and was nominated for a SAG Award and Independent Spirit Award for the role.
He can currently be seen starring in Hulu’s limited series Welcome to Chippendales, which premiered in November.
Bartlett will return to HBO in the upcoming series The Last of Us, which premieres January 15. He has also joined the Apple+ anthology series Extrapolations. On the film side, Bartlett recently wrapped production on the independent feature Ponyboi, written by River Gallo and directed by Esteban Arango.
Additional TV credits include Apple+ series Physical, Marvel/Netflix’s Iron Fist, CMT’s Nashville, CBS’ Limitless, Netflix revival of Tales of the City, and the HBO series Looking,...
After a breakthrough performance on season one of HBO’s The White Lotus, Bartlett won his first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series. Additionally, he took home the Critics Choice Award and was nominated for a SAG Award and Independent Spirit Award for the role.
He can currently be seen starring in Hulu’s limited series Welcome to Chippendales, which premiered in November.
Bartlett will return to HBO in the upcoming series The Last of Us, which premieres January 15. He has also joined the Apple+ anthology series Extrapolations. On the film side, Bartlett recently wrapped production on the independent feature Ponyboi, written by River Gallo and directed by Esteban Arango.
Additional TV credits include Apple+ series Physical, Marvel/Netflix’s Iron Fist, CMT’s Nashville, CBS’ Limitless, Netflix revival of Tales of the City, and the HBO series Looking,...
- 12/6/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Dylan O’Brien is a bloody mess in the upcoming drama “Ponyboi.”
Based on the 2019 award-winning short film of the same name, “Ponyboi” stars O’Brien, Victoria Pedretti, and Indya Moore, with writer-director River Gallo leading the feature.
The official synopsis reads: Ponyboi is an intersex runaway. He works at a laundromat and hustles as a sex worker. But after a mysterious encounter with a man from his dreams, he learns that perhaps he is worthy of leaving his seedy life in New Jersey behind.
First-look photos show O’Brien covered in blood, with Pedretti sporting a fake pregnant belly. The duo previously worked together on 2020 anthology series “Amazing Stories.”
Gallo co-directed the short alongside Sadé Clacken Joseph, with Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, and Seven Graham executive producing. “Ponyboi” premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.
The feature film is directed by Esteban Arango (“Blast Beat”) with Ed Wu serving as the cinematographer.
Based on the 2019 award-winning short film of the same name, “Ponyboi” stars O’Brien, Victoria Pedretti, and Indya Moore, with writer-director River Gallo leading the feature.
The official synopsis reads: Ponyboi is an intersex runaway. He works at a laundromat and hustles as a sex worker. But after a mysterious encounter with a man from his dreams, he learns that perhaps he is worthy of leaving his seedy life in New Jersey behind.
First-look photos show O’Brien covered in blood, with Pedretti sporting a fake pregnant belly. The duo previously worked together on 2020 anthology series “Amazing Stories.”
Gallo co-directed the short alongside Sadé Clacken Joseph, with Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, and Seven Graham executive producing. “Ponyboi” premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.
The feature film is directed by Esteban Arango (“Blast Beat”) with Ed Wu serving as the cinematographer.
- 12/1/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Back for a third year, the Latinx List has added some significant streamer sinew for 2022.
Netflix has now come on board with the scriptwriting initiative to offer WGA minimum script deals to two selected scribes. With five original feature films and five original pilot scripts to be chosen, the submission period for the 2022 Latinx List runs from now until September 2.
Successful candidates can expect to be notified soon after the submissions window closes. Scripts can be submitted here through blcklst.com.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Black List, Ulp, Nalip and Latin Tracking Board on this initiative,” says Pete Corona, Netflix’s Director of Drama Development. “Great storytellers are the archstone of great content and this further solidifies Netflix’s commitment to platforming inclusive stories from the U.S. Latinx community.”
“The Ulp is so thrilled to be partnering again with the Latin Tracking Board, Nalip,...
Netflix has now come on board with the scriptwriting initiative to offer WGA minimum script deals to two selected scribes. With five original feature films and five original pilot scripts to be chosen, the submission period for the 2022 Latinx List runs from now until September 2.
Successful candidates can expect to be notified soon after the submissions window closes. Scripts can be submitted here through blcklst.com.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Black List, Ulp, Nalip and Latin Tracking Board on this initiative,” says Pete Corona, Netflix’s Director of Drama Development. “Great storytellers are the archstone of great content and this further solidifies Netflix’s commitment to platforming inclusive stories from the U.S. Latinx community.”
“The Ulp is so thrilled to be partnering again with the Latin Tracking Board, Nalip,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
In 2016, Esteban Arango enrolled in Hola Mexico Film Festival’s mentorship program, Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today, with a short film — a coming-of-ager about two brothers from Colombia who love metal music and feel disillusioned by the American dream. Arango and his co-writer, Erick Castrillon, needed guidance on adapting the piece into a full-length project, and the pair found that support in the program. “Blast Beat” had its premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and is available on Hulu. Now, Arango returns to Hola Mexico (which takes place in Los Angeles through Sept. 25) for a special screening of the film on Sept. 23.
“I always thought that the movies that Hollywood put out about Latino experience were victimizing. We were always portrayed in negative ways,” says Arango, who is based in L.A. “So the most positive thing that came from [Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today] has been creating that community of filmmakers sharing this journey with you.
“I always thought that the movies that Hollywood put out about Latino experience were victimizing. We were always portrayed in negative ways,” says Arango, who is based in L.A. “So the most positive thing that came from [Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today] has been creating that community of filmmakers sharing this journey with you.
- 9/22/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Multi-platform media company Macro, which focuses on representing the voice and perspectives of Black people and people of color, has promoted two key executives.
CEO Charles D. King has named Poppy Hanks as EVP, film production and development, and Greta Talia Fuentes as VP, film production and development.
Hanks is widely known for her work with a range of writers and directors. She produced Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou, Esteban Arango’s Blast Beat and Alan Yang’s Tigertail, and will next produce Cleopatra Jones for Warner Bros. Pictures.
She executive produced the six-time Academy Award nominated Judas and The Black Messiah, directed by Shaka King, Ekwa Msangi’s Farewell Amor, Angel Kristi Williams’ Really Love, Boots Riley’s Sorry To Bother You, Dan Gilroy’s Roman J. Israel, Esq., Steven Caple Jr.’s The Land, and the multi-Oscar nominated Mudbound that was directed by Dee Rees and sold to...
CEO Charles D. King has named Poppy Hanks as EVP, film production and development, and Greta Talia Fuentes as VP, film production and development.
Hanks is widely known for her work with a range of writers and directors. She produced Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou, Esteban Arango’s Blast Beat and Alan Yang’s Tigertail, and will next produce Cleopatra Jones for Warner Bros. Pictures.
She executive produced the six-time Academy Award nominated Judas and The Black Messiah, directed by Shaka King, Ekwa Msangi’s Farewell Amor, Angel Kristi Williams’ Really Love, Boots Riley’s Sorry To Bother You, Dan Gilroy’s Roman J. Israel, Esq., Steven Caple Jr.’s The Land, and the multi-Oscar nominated Mudbound that was directed by Dee Rees and sold to...
- 9/2/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Macro founder and CEO Charles D. King announced promotions for film production and development executives Poppy Hanks and Greta Talia Fuentes.
Both longtime Macro employees, Hanks has been elevated to executive vice president of film production and development, while Fuentes has been upped to VP at the multi-platform media company.
“Poppy and Greta were members of the original team when I launched Macro six years ago, so there really aren’t enough words to describe my joy in announcing these promotions today,” King said, in a statement announcing the promotions.
“Poppy’s talent for story and her discerning eye have helped hone many of our award-winning films and she has been a trusted friend and colleague for two decades,” King continued. “Greta has grown into a true force in this business, with her strong relationships with artists and her keen ability to identify, package and develop projects all over town.
Both longtime Macro employees, Hanks has been elevated to executive vice president of film production and development, while Fuentes has been upped to VP at the multi-platform media company.
“Poppy and Greta were members of the original team when I launched Macro six years ago, so there really aren’t enough words to describe my joy in announcing these promotions today,” King said, in a statement announcing the promotions.
“Poppy’s talent for story and her discerning eye have helped hone many of our award-winning films and she has been a trusted friend and colleague for two decades,” King continued. “Greta has grown into a true force in this business, with her strong relationships with artists and her keen ability to identify, package and develop projects all over town.
- 9/2/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
This review was initially published timed to the show’s premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
Sublimely specific in content yet boasting wide appeal, Colombian filmmaker Esteban Arango’s “Blast Beat” expands on his short film with the same title (and starring the same co-leads) for a terrific bilingual debut that keenly scrutinizes the American Dream, those who pursue it vehemently, and the ones who reject it as the sole avenue to fulfillment.
Fleeing extortion in Bogota, Colombia, the upper-middle-class Restrepo teen brothers, Carlos Andres (Mateo Arias) and Mateo Adrian (Moises Arias), and their mother Nelly land in sultry Georgia to meet their father, played by Venezuelan-American actor Wilmer Valderrama in a rare but excellent dramatic turn charged with measured warmth and aggravation. It’s 1999, and the Eln armed group wrecks havoc in the South American nation.
Opposing forces fueled by rampant testosterone, the young men maintain a rivalrous relationship which,...
Sublimely specific in content yet boasting wide appeal, Colombian filmmaker Esteban Arango’s “Blast Beat” expands on his short film with the same title (and starring the same co-leads) for a terrific bilingual debut that keenly scrutinizes the American Dream, those who pursue it vehemently, and the ones who reject it as the sole avenue to fulfillment.
Fleeing extortion in Bogota, Colombia, the upper-middle-class Restrepo teen brothers, Carlos Andres (Mateo Arias) and Mateo Adrian (Moises Arias), and their mother Nelly land in sultry Georgia to meet their father, played by Venezuelan-American actor Wilmer Valderrama in a rare but excellent dramatic turn charged with measured warmth and aggravation. It’s 1999, and the Eln armed group wrecks havoc in the South American nation.
Opposing forces fueled by rampant testosterone, the young men maintain a rivalrous relationship which,...
- 5/24/2021
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
Oscar nominee Toni Collette, Damian Lewis, and Owen Teale star in horse racing drama, Dream Horse, from Bleecker Street and Topic Studios.
Directed by Euros Lyn, the film tells the true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town Welsh bartender, Jan Vokes (Collette). With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream in the hopes he can compete with the racing elites. The group’s investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks with grit and determination and goes on to race in the Welsh Grand National showing the heart of a true champion.
Rounding out the cast are Joanna Page, Karl Johnson, Steffan Rhodri, Anthony O’Donnell, Nicholas Farrell and Sian Phillips
The film, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, gallops into limited theaters today followed by an on-demand release on...
Directed by Euros Lyn, the film tells the true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town Welsh bartender, Jan Vokes (Collette). With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream in the hopes he can compete with the racing elites. The group’s investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks with grit and determination and goes on to race in the Welsh Grand National showing the heart of a true champion.
Rounding out the cast are Joanna Page, Karl Johnson, Steffan Rhodri, Anthony O’Donnell, Nicholas Farrell and Sian Phillips
The film, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, gallops into limited theaters today followed by an on-demand release on...
- 5/21/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
"You're brothers... you're supposed to lift each other up." Vertical Entertainment has debuted an official US trailer for an indie drama titled Blast Beat, which originally premiered at the (last year's) 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The film follows two young brothers from Colombia who struggle to fit into their new lives in suburban America. Blast Beat features an incredible and diverse cast of Mateo & Moises Arias, Daniel Dae Kim, Kali Uchis, Diane Guererro, plus Wilmer Valderrama. The film is a contemporary, Latinx immigration story that also features elements of heavy metal music via the character's interests, hence the film's title. Described as a "terrific bilingual debut that keenly scrutinizes the American Dream, those who pursue it vehemently, and the ones who reject it as the sole avenue to fulfillment." This looks so damn good. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Esteban Arango's Blast Beat, direct from YouTube: On...
- 4/14/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Monday, Oct. 5 Filipina Music Drama ‘Yellow Rose’ Backed by Gold House
Cultural movement Gold House is supporting the Filipina music drama “Yellow Rose” through its #GoldOpen campaign, which backed “Parasite,” “The Farewell,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Just Mercy.”
The Sony release, which opens Oct. 9, centers on an undocumented Filipina teen from a small Texas town who fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while having to decide between staying with her family or leaving the only home she has known.
The film, directed by Diana Paragas in her narrative feature debut, stars Eva Noblezada and Lea Salonga. Events include a live Twitter watch party on Oct. 8 and a streamed Q&a on Oct. 9 with the “Yellow Rose” cast and Paragas director moderated by Jazz Tangcay of Variety. The campaign also includes efforts to celebrate Filipino American history and Filipino storytellers through Cinema Sala and the Filipino American Historical Society.
Cultural movement Gold House is supporting the Filipina music drama “Yellow Rose” through its #GoldOpen campaign, which backed “Parasite,” “The Farewell,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Just Mercy.”
The Sony release, which opens Oct. 9, centers on an undocumented Filipina teen from a small Texas town who fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while having to decide between staying with her family or leaving the only home she has known.
The film, directed by Diana Paragas in her narrative feature debut, stars Eva Noblezada and Lea Salonga. Events include a live Twitter watch party on Oct. 8 and a streamed Q&a on Oct. 9 with the “Yellow Rose” cast and Paragas director moderated by Jazz Tangcay of Variety. The campaign also includes efforts to celebrate Filipino American history and Filipino storytellers through Cinema Sala and the Filipino American Historical Society.
- 10/6/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Wilmer Valderrama and the cast of “Blast Beat” dropped by TheWrap Studio at Sundance to discuss the coming-of-age immigrant story that unapologetically confronts the reality of growing up between cultures.
“We’ve been talking about this for a second and I think it’s been an ongoing conversation in Hollywood,” said Valderrama. “I feel like there’s a major urgency to try to tap into the immigrant story.”
“From a border story, to an immigrant story, as universal as they may be no matter what your origin is, it all ties into something and I think that Hollywood is understanding that there is an urgency to tell the stories. But also as urgent as it is, it is also critical to champion the ideas that really tap into the conversation, that the opinion can be of the audience,” added Valderrama.
Also Read: 'The Assistant' Director Kitty Green Says...
“We’ve been talking about this for a second and I think it’s been an ongoing conversation in Hollywood,” said Valderrama. “I feel like there’s a major urgency to try to tap into the immigrant story.”
“From a border story, to an immigrant story, as universal as they may be no matter what your origin is, it all ties into something and I think that Hollywood is understanding that there is an urgency to tell the stories. But also as urgent as it is, it is also critical to champion the ideas that really tap into the conversation, that the opinion can be of the audience,” added Valderrama.
Also Read: 'The Assistant' Director Kitty Green Says...
- 2/5/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Sibling rivalry seldom gets treated with any seriousness in modern mainstream cinema. This makes Esteban Arango’s new coming-of-ager Blast Beat quite the rarity on first glance. Brothers in name only, metal head Carly (Mateo Arias) and skater punk Teo (Moises Arias) can hardly share the same space together without going to war over something. The former is a mathematical genius that dreams of becoming a Nasa scientist in the United States, while the latter has talent to be a great artist but seems happiest committing petty crimes and tagging city walls in their native Bogotá.
This tenuous familial relationship is made even more so because of Colombia’s violent political climate in 1999. Government forces are waging war against guerilla outfits in the jungle as corruption runs rampant in the cities. After experiencing an upper-middle class existence for much of their life, the two wayward teens are thrust into an uncomfortable moment of transition.
This tenuous familial relationship is made even more so because of Colombia’s violent political climate in 1999. Government forces are waging war against guerilla outfits in the jungle as corruption runs rampant in the cities. After experiencing an upper-middle class existence for much of their life, the two wayward teens are thrust into an uncomfortable moment of transition.
- 1/27/2020
- by Glenn Heath Jr.
- The Film Stage
Back home in Bogota, teen brothers Carly and Mateo — played by siblings (and Disney Channel veterans) Mateo and Moisés Arias — are metal-blasting, skateboard-riding punks, and reluctant partners in crime. Carly, the sensible one, can’t prevent Mateo from dynamiting a dollhouse. But he’ll swoop in, hair flapping like a vampire’s cape, to rescue his younger brother from the cops — and then scold Mateo himself.
“Blast Beat,” an earnest dual coming-of-age drama written and directed by Esteban Arango, who co-wrote the script with high school friend Erick Castrillion, monitors the brothers’ misfit adventures when their upper-middle-class family is forced to move from Colombia to the outskirts of Atlanta. Arango, a Colombian himself, emigrated to the states in the late ’90s, when the film is less-than-convincingly set. (At least Cannibal Corpse T-shirts are the eternal metalhead uniform.)
The boys don’t fit into the suburbs. Their classmates seem unable to...
“Blast Beat,” an earnest dual coming-of-age drama written and directed by Esteban Arango, who co-wrote the script with high school friend Erick Castrillion, monitors the brothers’ misfit adventures when their upper-middle-class family is forced to move from Colombia to the outskirts of Atlanta. Arango, a Colombian himself, emigrated to the states in the late ’90s, when the film is less-than-convincingly set. (At least Cannibal Corpse T-shirts are the eternal metalhead uniform.)
The boys don’t fit into the suburbs. Their classmates seem unable to...
- 1/27/2020
- by Amy Nicholson
- Variety Film + TV
The Colombian high school senior at the center of director Esteban Arango's first feature, Blast Beat, is defined to equal degrees by his prodigious gift for engineering science, his dream of working at Nasa and his love of death metal. That last passion prompts the title, and cues the tireless bursts of aggressively thrashing musical breaks and montages that punctuate the action. Otherwise, it adds little to this pedestrian drama about a Latino family seeking political asylum in the U.S. while navigating the cultural shift. There's plenty of potential here to bring original insights to the immigrant experience,...
- 1/27/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Colombian high school senior at the center of director Esteban Arango's first feature, Blast Beat, is defined to equal degrees by his prodigious gift for engineering science, his dream of working at Nasa and his love of death metal. That last passion prompts the title, and cues the tireless bursts of aggressively thrashing musical breaks and montages that punctuate the action. Otherwise, it adds little to this pedestrian drama about a Latino family seeking political asylum in the U.S. while navigating the cultural shift. There's plenty of potential here to bring original insights to the immigrant experience,...
- 1/27/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Sundance 2020: The Most Diverse Lineup in History Shows Effort to Reach Underrepresented Communities
The diversity in the 2020 Sundance Film Festival lineup supports the organization’s mission to become increasingly inclusive. In the U.S. Dramatic Competition, 56% of the directors are people of color, a record. By comparison, during the 2017 and 2018 festivals, just 24% of U.S. Dramatic features had a director of color. Among the 66 films and 90 directors in all the competition categories this year, 44% of projects were directed by / 40% of directors are people of color, also an all-time high for the festival.
The outcome reflects the festival’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach as part of its programming process.
“Diversity has been a core component of Sundance’s mission since our inception,” said Kim Yutani, the festival’s Director of Programming. “We’re continually expanding our alliances and partnerships to ensure that we’re engaging communities where they are, and offering support that makes sense, and we’re continually evolving the Institute’s work.
The outcome reflects the festival’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach as part of its programming process.
“Diversity has been a core component of Sundance’s mission since our inception,” said Kim Yutani, the festival’s Director of Programming. “We’re continually expanding our alliances and partnerships to ensure that we’re engaging communities where they are, and offering support that makes sense, and we’re continually evolving the Institute’s work.
- 1/23/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
IndieWire reached out to the cinematographers behind the scripted narrative features premiering this week at Sundance to find out which cameras, lenses, and formats they used, and why they chose them to create the looks and meet the production demands of their films. Here are their responses.
Films appear in alphabetical order by title, and are organized by section:
1. U.S. Dramatic Competition
2. Premieres
3. Midnight
4. Next
5. World Dramatic Competition
Section: U.S. Dramatic Competition
“Blast Beat”
Dir: Esteban Arango, DoP: Ed Wu
Format: Red Helium 8K S35 Raw 6:5
Camera: Red Helium
Lens: Lomo Anamorphic Round
Wu: This was a film made with heart, blood, tears and soul. We fought for what we wanted creatively even though we had a limited budget for what we were trying to achieve. We knew that we wanted to make an “Uber-Metalized American Latino Adventure” movie, meaning we wanted to have some serious kick...
Films appear in alphabetical order by title, and are organized by section:
1. U.S. Dramatic Competition
2. Premieres
3. Midnight
4. Next
5. World Dramatic Competition
Section: U.S. Dramatic Competition
“Blast Beat”
Dir: Esteban Arango, DoP: Ed Wu
Format: Red Helium 8K S35 Raw 6:5
Camera: Red Helium
Lens: Lomo Anamorphic Round
Wu: This was a film made with heart, blood, tears and soul. We fought for what we wanted creatively even though we had a limited budget for what we were trying to achieve. We knew that we wanted to make an “Uber-Metalized American Latino Adventure” movie, meaning we wanted to have some serious kick...
- 1/22/2020
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
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