Exclusive: Amazon MGM Studios has tapped Taylor Chukwu (The Mysterious Benedict Society) to script The Truth About Mrs. Claus, a new film based on the same-name book by Meena Harris that is currently in development.
The story takes place at the North Pole, where every elf dreams of being part of Santa’s workshop. But only a select few get to know an amazing secret: Mrs. Claus is the true force behind Christmas. Through the eyes of a precocious elf girl who dreams of something more, we set off on a journey to meet the world’s most brilliant and secretive entrepreneur.
Hillman Grad Productions and Phenomenal Media will produce, with Tori Sampson executive producing. Rishi Rajani, Rocio Melara, and Travis Ing will oversee for Hillman Grad.
Prior to adaptating The Truth About Mrs. Clause, Chukwu served as a staff writer on Disney+’s series The Mysterious Benedict Society, based...
The story takes place at the North Pole, where every elf dreams of being part of Santa’s workshop. But only a select few get to know an amazing secret: Mrs. Claus is the true force behind Christmas. Through the eyes of a precocious elf girl who dreams of something more, we set off on a journey to meet the world’s most brilliant and secretive entrepreneur.
Hillman Grad Productions and Phenomenal Media will produce, with Tori Sampson executive producing. Rishi Rajani, Rocio Melara, and Travis Ing will oversee for Hillman Grad.
Prior to adaptating The Truth About Mrs. Clause, Chukwu served as a staff writer on Disney+’s series The Mysterious Benedict Society, based...
- 12/14/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Shane Atkinson’s “Laroy,” a crime thriller laced with dark comedy, swept three major prizes at the 49th edition of the Deauville American Film Festival.
The movie, which marks Atkinson’s feature debut and showcases Coen brothers influences, won the Grand Prize, the Audience Award and the Critics Award. It stars John Magaro as Ray, who decides to kill himself after discovering his wife has been cheating on him. But just before he pulls a trigger, a stranger takes him for a low-rent hitman. The movie was produced by the Cannes-based company Adastra Films and was acquired by a French distributor, Arp Selection, during the Deauville Film Festival. It previously opened at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The Jury Prize, meanwhile was shared by two films, Sean Price Williams’ “The Sweet East” and Iranian-born director Babak Jalali’s “Fremont.” “The Sweet East” marks the feature debut of Price, a well-established cinematographer whose credits include “Good Time.
The movie, which marks Atkinson’s feature debut and showcases Coen brothers influences, won the Grand Prize, the Audience Award and the Critics Award. It stars John Magaro as Ray, who decides to kill himself after discovering his wife has been cheating on him. But just before he pulls a trigger, a stranger takes him for a low-rent hitman. The movie was produced by the Cannes-based company Adastra Films and was acquired by a French distributor, Arp Selection, during the Deauville Film Festival. It previously opened at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The Jury Prize, meanwhile was shared by two films, Sean Price Williams’ “The Sweet East” and Iranian-born director Babak Jalali’s “Fremont.” “The Sweet East” marks the feature debut of Price, a well-established cinematographer whose credits include “Good Time.
- 9/9/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Content production shop SuperBloom House has launched a new vertical that will pair Hollywood writers and digital creators with brands.
Named The Creative Collective, founding members include “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl” showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, Olympian turned TV host Gus Kenworthy, showrunner Ryan Duffy, journalist Mickey Rapkin and more. The roster will be available to brands looking for bespoke collaborations that go beyond traditional advertising. Other figures from music, film, photography, gaming and documentary filmmaking are on board.
SuperBloom House, founded by Briony McCarthy and Tom Dunlap, intends to create a single point of entry for deals that usually require multiple agencies and negotiators – especially at a time with performers and writers hope to diversify income streams during the ongoing Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Services will include digital docs, screenwriting, IP development, branded long and short-form films, reality TV and merchandising.
“By bringing...
Named The Creative Collective, founding members include “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl” showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, Olympian turned TV host Gus Kenworthy, showrunner Ryan Duffy, journalist Mickey Rapkin and more. The roster will be available to brands looking for bespoke collaborations that go beyond traditional advertising. Other figures from music, film, photography, gaming and documentary filmmaking are on board.
SuperBloom House, founded by Briony McCarthy and Tom Dunlap, intends to create a single point of entry for deals that usually require multiple agencies and negotiators – especially at a time with performers and writers hope to diversify income streams during the ongoing Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Services will include digital docs, screenwriting, IP development, branded long and short-form films, reality TV and merchandising.
“By bringing...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Deauville American Film Festival will forge ahead with its honorary tributes to stars such as Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Peter Dinklage and Joseph Gordon-Levitt despite the fact that they won’t be in attendance due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
The festival’s artistic director, Bruno Barde, told Variety ahead of the event’s press conference on Thursday that he empathized with actors and writers who are on strike to “protect themselves against the dangers of artificial intelligence.”
“AI has always existed in cinema and it’s now posing a threat to screenwriters, set designers, dubbers and, of course, to actors whom we’re using the image of. Cinema is an art that elevates humankind, and artificial intelligence does the exact opposite. It’s a danger,” Barde said.
And while he stands in solidarity with the strike, he has opted “to maintain all the tributes which will pay homage to careers...
The festival’s artistic director, Bruno Barde, told Variety ahead of the event’s press conference on Thursday that he empathized with actors and writers who are on strike to “protect themselves against the dangers of artificial intelligence.”
“AI has always existed in cinema and it’s now posing a threat to screenwriters, set designers, dubbers and, of course, to actors whom we’re using the image of. Cinema is an art that elevates humankind, and artificial intelligence does the exact opposite. It’s a danger,” Barde said.
And while he stands in solidarity with the strike, he has opted “to maintain all the tributes which will pay homage to careers...
- 8/17/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
One of the top three strictly American indie film festivals outside of the US, France’s Deauville American Film Festival has unveiled the fourteen titles in the competition section with films dating back to Marian Mathias‘ Runner (Venice 2022) passing through (Sundance) in heavyweight contender Celine Song‘s Past Lives and Babak Jalali‘s Fremont to Berlinale with John Trengove‘s Manodrome and to the Tribeca with Hannah Peterson‘s The Graduate plus some Directors’ Fortnight titles for good measure.
The 49th edition takes place between September 1st and the 10th and they’ll likely throw in a trio of French title world premieres in the mix.…...
The 49th edition takes place between September 1st and the 10th and they’ll likely throw in a trio of French title world premieres in the mix.…...
- 7/28/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
France’s Deauville American Film Festival has unveiled the 14 U.S. indie titles selected for competition in its 49th edition running from September 1 to 10.
They include Celine Song’s Sundance hit Past Lives; Jesse Eisenberg-starring Berlin Golden Bear Contender Manodrome by John Trengove as well as Sean Price Williams’ The Sweet East and Joanna Arnow’s micro-budget debut The Feeling That The Time For Doing Something Has Passed, which both debuted in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight in May.
“Always in search of the talent of tomorrow, which is already enjoying success today, the strong competition of nine first films and eight films by female directors gives hope for the future of independent cinema,” said festival director Bruno Barde.
This year’s main competition jury will be presided over by actor-director-producer Guillaume Canet, with other members including filmmakers Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Alexandre Aja and Léa Mysius as well as actress Rebecca Marder.
They include Celine Song’s Sundance hit Past Lives; Jesse Eisenberg-starring Berlin Golden Bear Contender Manodrome by John Trengove as well as Sean Price Williams’ The Sweet East and Joanna Arnow’s micro-budget debut The Feeling That The Time For Doing Something Has Passed, which both debuted in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight in May.
“Always in search of the talent of tomorrow, which is already enjoying success today, the strong competition of nine first films and eight films by female directors gives hope for the future of independent cinema,” said festival director Bruno Barde.
This year’s main competition jury will be presided over by actor-director-producer Guillaume Canet, with other members including filmmakers Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Alexandre Aja and Léa Mysius as well as actress Rebecca Marder.
- 7/27/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
“She plans to continue working with ‘first-time performers in live settings’ and is developing a feature she hopes will be in production in the next year,” is how the profile of writer/director Hannah Peterson concluded for our 25 New Faces of Independent Film list in 2018. The Graduates, about a group of students returning to their high school one year after a mass shooting, is that feature, having just made its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, winning Best Cinematography in a U.S. Narrative Feature for director of photography Carolina Costa. Co-starring John Cho, Maria Dizzia and Mina Sundwall, The […]
The post “How Do You Evoke the History of Violence in a Space Without Showing It?”: Hannah Peterson on The Graduates first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “How Do You Evoke the History of Violence in a Space Without Showing It?”: Hannah Peterson on The Graduates first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 6/20/2023
- by Erik Luers
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
“She plans to continue working with ‘first-time performers in live settings’ and is developing a feature she hopes will be in production in the next year,” is how the profile of writer/director Hannah Peterson concluded for our 25 New Faces of Independent Film list in 2018. The Graduates, about a group of students returning to their high school one year after a mass shooting, is that feature, having just made its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, winning Best Cinematography in a U.S. Narrative Feature for director of photography Carolina Costa. Co-starring John Cho, Maria Dizzia and Mina Sundwall, The […]
The post “How Do You Evoke the History of Violence in a Space Without Showing It?”: Hannah Peterson on The Graduates first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “How Do You Evoke the History of Violence in a Space Without Showing It?”: Hannah Peterson on The Graduates first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 6/20/2023
- by Erik Luers
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Cypher, written and directed by Chris Moukarbel, took the best U.S. narrative feature prize at the Tribeca Festival. The pseudo-documentary about the rise of Tierra Whack world premiered here last week. The jury cited “its kaleidoscopic use of music, created imagery and found materials, in service of an interrogation of celebrity, conspiracy culture and the nature of narrative reality itself.”
Smoking Tigers won Best Performance in the U.S. narrative category for Ji-Young Yoo as well as Best Screenplay for So Young Shelly Yo, who directed the film about a Korean-American girl staggering under her parents’ separation in her feature directorial debut. Best Cinematography went to Caroline Costa for The Graduates, directed by Hannah Peterson, about a high school senior facing the one-year mark of a tragic school shooting that took her boyfriend.
The 22nd annual Tribeca Festival runs June 7-18. It announced the winning storytellers today at an awards ceremony at Racket NYC.
Smoking Tigers won Best Performance in the U.S. narrative category for Ji-Young Yoo as well as Best Screenplay for So Young Shelly Yo, who directed the film about a Korean-American girl staggering under her parents’ separation in her feature directorial debut. Best Cinematography went to Caroline Costa for The Graduates, directed by Hannah Peterson, about a high school senior facing the one-year mark of a tragic school shooting that took her boyfriend.
The 22nd annual Tribeca Festival runs June 7-18. It announced the winning storytellers today at an awards ceremony at Racket NYC.
- 6/15/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Filmmaker Tyler Taormina (Ham on Rye) has wrapped production on Long Island on Christmas Eve In Miller’s Point, a Christmas comedy to star Michael Cera (Life & Beth), Elsie Fisher (Barry), Maria Dizzia (The Good Nurse), Francesca Scorsese (We Are Who We Are), Ben Shenkman (Billions), Gregg Turkington (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), Sawyer Spielberg (Masters of the Air) and newcomer Matilda Fleming.
Written by Taormina, Eric Berger and Kevin Anton, the film watches as four generations of the Balsano family gather for what may be the last Christmas in the family home. As they lose themselves in rowdy celebration, cousins Emily and Michelle sneak away to a winter wonderland, where suburban teenagers find their rebellious paradise.
The project hails from Omnes Films and was produced in association with Crypto Castle Productions and Puente Films. Producers included Cera, Krista Minto, Taormina, David Croley Broyles and Duncan Sullivan. The executive producers are Jeremy Gardner,...
Written by Taormina, Eric Berger and Kevin Anton, the film watches as four generations of the Balsano family gather for what may be the last Christmas in the family home. As they lose themselves in rowdy celebration, cousins Emily and Michelle sneak away to a winter wonderland, where suburban teenagers find their rebellious paradise.
The project hails from Omnes Films and was produced in association with Crypto Castle Productions and Puente Films. Producers included Cera, Krista Minto, Taormina, David Croley Broyles and Duncan Sullivan. The executive producers are Jeremy Gardner,...
- 6/15/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Graduates,” which counts Chloé Zhao and John Cho among its executive producers and gets its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, revolves around school shooting survivors who are unable to move on even one year later. It’s a compelling subject, for sure, but one on which no dramatic treatments have been nearly as astute or profound as what’s already been in the news.
Genevieve (Mina Sundwall of Netflix’s “Lost in Space”), who lost her boyfriend in a shooting and owes her teacher several assignments, doubts her test score is sufficient to get her into college and contemplates taking a gap year post-graduation. Ben (Alex R. Hibbert of “Moonlight”), who lost his friend and coworker at his part-time job, has transferred and quit the basketball team before dropping out of high school entirely. John (Cho), who lost his son, continues to coach at the school even though...
Genevieve (Mina Sundwall of Netflix’s “Lost in Space”), who lost her boyfriend in a shooting and owes her teacher several assignments, doubts her test score is sufficient to get her into college and contemplates taking a gap year post-graduation. Ben (Alex R. Hibbert of “Moonlight”), who lost his friend and coworker at his part-time job, has transferred and quit the basketball team before dropping out of high school entirely. John (Cho), who lost his son, continues to coach at the school even though...
- 6/10/2023
- by Martin Aubert Tsai
- The Wrap
With 109 narrative and documentary features, as well as a bevy of shorts, TV series, podcasts, games and live music events, the Tribeca Festival offers a wide range of media in its 22nd year.
“It’s all about creating an entire festival program that harmonizes together,” says Tribeca Festival director and VP of programming, Cara Cusuamno. “The idea of discovery is a touchpoint that we come back to quite a lot. Whether it’s the discovery of a specific voice, an artist, or first-time creator in film, television, immersive or the discovery of the audience itself experiencing something that they had not sought out before.”
The festival runs June 7-18. As always, Tribeca Festival will spotlight a number of projects directed by boldface names including Frank Marshall (“Rather”), Chelsea Peretti (“First Time Female Director”) and Steven Soderbergh (“Full Circle”).
“It’s quality first,” says Cusuamno. “These projects would not be in...
“It’s all about creating an entire festival program that harmonizes together,” says Tribeca Festival director and VP of programming, Cara Cusuamno. “The idea of discovery is a touchpoint that we come back to quite a lot. Whether it’s the discovery of a specific voice, an artist, or first-time creator in film, television, immersive or the discovery of the audience itself experiencing something that they had not sought out before.”
The festival runs June 7-18. As always, Tribeca Festival will spotlight a number of projects directed by boldface names including Frank Marshall (“Rather”), Chelsea Peretti (“First Time Female Director”) and Steven Soderbergh (“Full Circle”).
“It’s quality first,” says Cusuamno. “These projects would not be in...
- 6/7/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Tribeca Festival has announced the lineup of its 2023 festival, which includes new films from actors Chelsea Peretti and David Duchovny and documentaries about Rock Hudson and news anchor Dan Rather.
This year’s event, which takes place from June 7-18, will feature 109 feature films from 127 filmmakers across 36 countries. There will be 93 world premieres, one international premiere, eight North American premieres, one U.S. premiere and six New York premieres.
Among the lineup, there are offerings from 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. For the first time, more than half of feature films in competition (68%) are directed by women, while 41% (45) of all feature films are directed by women. Additionally, 36% (39) of feature films are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.
This year’s festival also spotlights a number of films directed by actors, such as “First Time Female Director” by Peretti; “Maggie Moore(s)” by...
This year’s event, which takes place from June 7-18, will feature 109 feature films from 127 filmmakers across 36 countries. There will be 93 world premieres, one international premiere, eight North American premieres, one U.S. premiere and six New York premieres.
Among the lineup, there are offerings from 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. For the first time, more than half of feature films in competition (68%) are directed by women, while 41% (45) of all feature films are directed by women. Additionally, 36% (39) of feature films are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.
This year’s festival also spotlights a number of films directed by actors, such as “First Time Female Director” by Peretti; “Maggie Moore(s)” by...
- 4/18/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The 22nd edition of NYC’s Tribeca Film Festival appears to have star power to spare, with Michael Shannon, John Slattery, Chelsea Peretti, David Duchovny, Jennifer Esposito, Randall Park, real-life couple Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe and Steve Buscemi among those with new films premiering among the 100-plus features screening this year from June 7 through June 18.
A few interesting stats: There are 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. 41% of all feature films are directed by women and, for the first time, more than half of competition feature films are directed by women. And 39 of the feature films represented are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.
For the third year, the Tribeca Fest will include the “Expressions of Black Freedom” program, including a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which will highight the world premiere of “All Up in the Biz,” a documentary about hip-hop legend Biz Markie,...
A few interesting stats: There are 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. 41% of all feature films are directed by women and, for the first time, more than half of competition feature films are directed by women. And 39 of the feature films represented are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.
For the third year, the Tribeca Fest will include the “Expressions of Black Freedom” program, including a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which will highight the world premiere of “All Up in the Biz,” a documentary about hip-hop legend Biz Markie,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
The 22nd edition of the Tribeca Festival unveiled a 2023 lineup with a record number of female helmers and heavy on films directed by actors like Chelsea Peretti’s First Time Female Director, John Slattery thriller Maggie Moore(s) with Tina Fey and Jon Hamm, David Duchovny’s Bucky F*cking Dent and Steve Buscemi’s The Listener.
Marvel also screens its first original documentary, Stan Lee by David Gelb, as the fest unspools June 7-18 in New York City. Also making an appearance: Downtown Owl by Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater, and Eric Larue by Michael Shannon.
In all, 109 feature, narrative, documentary and animated films from 127 directors across 36 countries will showcase emerging and household names.
Tribeca is expanding its Midnight offering this year, and will also present its second annual Human/Nature award for environmental storytelling to world-premiering Common Ground by Rebecca and Josh Tickell.
Related music and live events...
Marvel also screens its first original documentary, Stan Lee by David Gelb, as the fest unspools June 7-18 in New York City. Also making an appearance: Downtown Owl by Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater, and Eric Larue by Michael Shannon.
In all, 109 feature, narrative, documentary and animated films from 127 directors across 36 countries will showcase emerging and household names.
Tribeca is expanding its Midnight offering this year, and will also present its second annual Human/Nature award for environmental storytelling to world-premiering Common Ground by Rebecca and Josh Tickell.
Related music and live events...
- 4/18/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2022 Sundance Film Festival has unveiled its short film program, curated from an all-time high of 10,374 submissions.
The films — encompassing categories like domestic and international live-action as well as animation — will screen throughout the hybrid festival in person, at satellite venues, and online.
“Short films are such a vital part of the independent storytelling culture that Sundance Institute has consistently put its full support behind. We’re all happy for the opportunity this year’s hybrid in-person and online,” said Kim Yutani, director of programming at Sundance.
In addition to the new crop of shorts, Sundance will also roll out a retrospective titled “From The Collection,” celebrating four decades of its notable past creators. These include works from the likes of Garrett Bradley, Destin Daniel Cretton, Cheryl Dunye, Nash Edgerton, Tamara Jenkins and Taika Waititi.
“The films selected for the ‘From the Collection’ program run the stylistic and subject matter gamut,...
The films — encompassing categories like domestic and international live-action as well as animation — will screen throughout the hybrid festival in person, at satellite venues, and online.
“Short films are such a vital part of the independent storytelling culture that Sundance Institute has consistently put its full support behind. We’re all happy for the opportunity this year’s hybrid in-person and online,” said Kim Yutani, director of programming at Sundance.
In addition to the new crop of shorts, Sundance will also roll out a retrospective titled “From The Collection,” celebrating four decades of its notable past creators. These include works from the likes of Garrett Bradley, Destin Daniel Cretton, Cheryl Dunye, Nash Edgerton, Tamara Jenkins and Taika Waititi.
“The films selected for the ‘From the Collection’ program run the stylistic and subject matter gamut,...
- 12/10/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Institute today unveiled the Short Film program for the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, as well as the “From the Collection” program—a lineup of 40 shorts from festivals past that will be available for streaming online, in celebration of the nonprofit’s 40th anniversary.
This year’s festival slate comprises work from 26 countries, with 59 shorts selected for from a record 10,374 submissions. All shorts will screen in programs or preceding features in-person in Utah, with most also screening online as part of the 40th anniversary collection, and an assortment screening in person at seven Satellite Screens venues around the country during the second weekend of the festival, taking place from January 20-30.
The “From the Collection” program will feature early works from notable directors including Garrett Bradley, Destin Daniel Cretton, Cheryl Dunye, Nash Edgerton, Tamara Jenkins and Taika Waititi, among others. It will play on demand on Sundance’s online platform,...
This year’s festival slate comprises work from 26 countries, with 59 shorts selected for from a record 10,374 submissions. All shorts will screen in programs or preceding features in-person in Utah, with most also screening online as part of the 40th anniversary collection, and an assortment screening in person at seven Satellite Screens venues around the country during the second weekend of the festival, taking place from January 20-30.
The “From the Collection” program will feature early works from notable directors including Garrett Bradley, Destin Daniel Cretton, Cheryl Dunye, Nash Edgerton, Tamara Jenkins and Taika Waititi, among others. It will play on demand on Sundance’s online platform,...
- 12/10/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Hannah Peterson has been tapped to adapt and direct Daniel Hornsby’s critically acclaimed novel, Via Negativa for the big screen. The film is being produced by Complementary Colors.
Via Negativa tells the story of a spurned priest who goes on a mythic road trip with a wounded coyote, a loaded pistol, and a mission to avenge his best friend. Hornsby’s 2020 debut novel tells the story of Father Dan, whose Toyota Camry becomes a mobile confessional for all the troubled and fascinating characters he meets along the way.
Producing for Complementary Colors are founding partner Jonah Disend (Mayday) and Bobby Hoppey (Pig) who recently joined the company as Vice President, Production and Development.
Peterson most recently collaborated with Chloé Zhao on Marvel Studio’s Eternals as well as this year’s Oscar winner for best picture, Nomadland.
Her short film, East of the River, premiered at Tribeca Film...
Via Negativa tells the story of a spurned priest who goes on a mythic road trip with a wounded coyote, a loaded pistol, and a mission to avenge his best friend. Hornsby’s 2020 debut novel tells the story of Father Dan, whose Toyota Camry becomes a mobile confessional for all the troubled and fascinating characters he meets along the way.
Producing for Complementary Colors are founding partner Jonah Disend (Mayday) and Bobby Hoppey (Pig) who recently joined the company as Vice President, Production and Development.
Peterson most recently collaborated with Chloé Zhao on Marvel Studio’s Eternals as well as this year’s Oscar winner for best picture, Nomadland.
Her short film, East of the River, premiered at Tribeca Film...
- 9/8/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Nomadland, the Oscar-tipped feature film from Chloé Zhao, debuted on Hulu Friday after getting a limited theatrical release in the U.S. The film stars Frances McDormand as Fern, an older woman and working class widow who travels the American west in a van, in which she also lives. Though Nomadland is not a true story or a documentary, the film often blurs the line between fiction and reality by centering real places and communities, as well as casting a number of real people who are playing fictionalized versions of themselves.
To further capture the feel of the nomadic experience, Zhao used a bare bones crew who traveled in vans and stayed in motels for the four-month production. Many critics and early reviewers, including our review out of TIFF last September, responded to a more authentic representation of America than we tend to get in mainstream cinema. When one considers...
To further capture the feel of the nomadic experience, Zhao used a bare bones crew who traveled in vans and stayed in motels for the four-month production. Many critics and early reviewers, including our review out of TIFF last September, responded to a more authentic representation of America than we tend to get in mainstream cinema. When one considers...
- 2/19/2021
- by Kayti Burt
- Den of Geek
“I’m not the kind of filmmaker who just makes films,” Chloé Zhao told IndieWire earlier this year. “I have to be in love with my subject matter and want to learn more about it. Someone once said to me that passion doesn’t sustain, but curiosity does. I have to be excited by little things I discover along the way.” Zhao’s approach is just one reason the upcoming “Nomadland” ranks among the best films of 2020. Starring two-time Oscar winner Frances McDormand, the acclaimed drama won the Golden Lion at Venice and the People’s Choice Award at TIFF.
McDormand stars as Fern, a woman in her sixties who rebounds from losing everything in the Great Recession by journeying through the American West as a van-dwelling nomad. While the film also stars “Good Night, and Good Luck” Oscar nominee David Strathairn in a key supporting role, the majority of...
McDormand stars as Fern, a woman in her sixties who rebounds from losing everything in the Great Recession by journeying through the American West as a van-dwelling nomad. While the film also stars “Good Night, and Good Luck” Oscar nominee David Strathairn in a key supporting role, the majority of...
- 12/14/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The 26th edition of the Slamdance Film Festival has set its slate for the films in the Narrative and Documentary Feature Film Competition programs as well as the lineup for their Breakouts section. The fest will take place in Park City, Utah January 24-30, 2020.
As the fest “by filmmakers, for filmmakers,” this year’s Slamdance will feature 16 premieres, including 10 world premieres with films from United States, Belarus, Canada Germany, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, and South Africa. The films in competition are feature-length directorial debuts with budgets of less than $1 million and without Us distribution. Films in both categories are also eligible for the Audience Award and Spirit of Slamdance Award.
“Slamdance is above all a place of discovery,” said Slamdance Co-founder and President Peter Baxter. “Every year filmmakers break out of the festival because the industry at large recognizes the need for new voices. With a record breaking 8,231 submissions this year,...
As the fest “by filmmakers, for filmmakers,” this year’s Slamdance will feature 16 premieres, including 10 world premieres with films from United States, Belarus, Canada Germany, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, and South Africa. The films in competition are feature-length directorial debuts with budgets of less than $1 million and without Us distribution. Films in both categories are also eligible for the Audience Award and Spirit of Slamdance Award.
“Slamdance is above all a place of discovery,” said Slamdance Co-founder and President Peter Baxter. “Every year filmmakers break out of the festival because the industry at large recognizes the need for new voices. With a record breaking 8,231 submissions this year,...
- 12/2/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The Slamdance Film Festival unveiled its 2020 lineup of microbudget films Monday that will premiere at the Sundance alternative, among of which include projects about Chernobyl, a brainwashing camp, drag queens and a taxidermist looking for Bigfoot.
All films in competition during its weeklong celebration in Park City from Jan. 24-30 have no U.S. distribution and a budget of under $1 million. Films from 10 countries will participate: U.S., Belarus, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, and South Africa.
“Slamdance is above all a place of discovery,” said Slamdance Co-founder and President Peter Baxter. “Every year filmmakers break out of the festival because the industry at large recognizes the need for new voices. With a record breaking 8,231 submissions this year, our artist-led organization brings a lineup full of wonderful risk taking and unique storytelling. That’s the spirit of Slamdance 2020.”
Also Read: 'High Flying Bird' Film Review: Steven Soderbergh...
All films in competition during its weeklong celebration in Park City from Jan. 24-30 have no U.S. distribution and a budget of under $1 million. Films from 10 countries will participate: U.S., Belarus, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, and South Africa.
“Slamdance is above all a place of discovery,” said Slamdance Co-founder and President Peter Baxter. “Every year filmmakers break out of the festival because the industry at large recognizes the need for new voices. With a record breaking 8,231 submissions this year, our artist-led organization brings a lineup full of wonderful risk taking and unique storytelling. That’s the spirit of Slamdance 2020.”
Also Read: 'High Flying Bird' Film Review: Steven Soderbergh...
- 12/2/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Selectors considered record 8,231 submissions.
New work from Uruguay, Japan and South Africa are among the 20-strong Slamdance Film Festival feature film competition line-up unveiled on Monday (December 2) alongside the second Breakouts selection.
The 26th edition of the Park City, Utah, festival runs from January 24-30 and across all sections includes 16 premieres, including 10 world, 5 North American, and one Us berths. All competition films are feature-length directorial debuts with budgets under $1m and without Us distribution. All are eligible for the Audience Award and Spirit of Slamdance Award, the latter of which is voted upon by filmmakers at the festival.
“Slamdance is...
New work from Uruguay, Japan and South Africa are among the 20-strong Slamdance Film Festival feature film competition line-up unveiled on Monday (December 2) alongside the second Breakouts selection.
The 26th edition of the Park City, Utah, festival runs from January 24-30 and across all sections includes 16 premieres, including 10 world, 5 North American, and one Us berths. All competition films are feature-length directorial debuts with budgets under $1m and without Us distribution. All are eligible for the Audience Award and Spirit of Slamdance Award, the latter of which is voted upon by filmmakers at the festival.
“Slamdance is...
- 12/2/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
AFI Fest 2019 November 14–21: Full Festival Lineup
The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the films that will play in the New Auteurs, Cinema’s Legacy, Midnight, Shorts and AFI Conservatory Showcase sections at AFI Fest 2019 presented by Audi, completing the festival’s program.
The complete AFI Fest program includes 142 titles of which 51% are directed by women. This year’s program represents 52 countries, and includes eight official International Feature Film Oscar®submissions as well as four World Premieres. The total film breakdown by section is: Galas (6), Alan J. Pakula Tribute (4), Special Screenings (8), New Auteurs (24), World Cinema (16), Midnight (2), Cinema’s Legacy (5), Documentary Films & Encore Screenings (16), Short Films (40) and AFI Conservatory Showcase (21).
Highlighting emerging directors, New Auteurs is the festival’s platform for internationally diverse new filmmakers to showcase their latest films. This year, the section is comprised of 24 films, with 17 helmed by female filmmakers. The section includes two official International Feature...
The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the films that will play in the New Auteurs, Cinema’s Legacy, Midnight, Shorts and AFI Conservatory Showcase sections at AFI Fest 2019 presented by Audi, completing the festival’s program.
The complete AFI Fest program includes 142 titles of which 51% are directed by women. This year’s program represents 52 countries, and includes eight official International Feature Film Oscar®submissions as well as four World Premieres. The total film breakdown by section is: Galas (6), Alan J. Pakula Tribute (4), Special Screenings (8), New Auteurs (24), World Cinema (16), Midnight (2), Cinema’s Legacy (5), Documentary Films & Encore Screenings (16), Short Films (40) and AFI Conservatory Showcase (21).
Highlighting emerging directors, New Auteurs is the festival’s platform for internationally diverse new filmmakers to showcase their latest films. This year, the section is comprised of 24 films, with 17 helmed by female filmmakers. The section includes two official International Feature...
- 10/31/2019
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The fifth annual Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Project will kick off in November to support five pairs of female filmmakers with a three-day immersive program headed by industry professionals.
The 10 women will work with master class advisors like Sarah Jessica Parker and producer Alison Benson (“Divorce”) along with mentors such as producer Anne Carey (“Can You Ever Forgive Me”), director/producer Lesli Linka Glatter and Catherine Keener. Writing mentors will include Semi Chellas and Olivia Milch (“Ocean’s 8”). Judges will include producer Dede Gardner (“Moonlight”) and Diane Kruger.
Each pair of contestants will work on their short narrative films with industry professionals. As part of the program, duos will also receive personal mentorship and master classes on music composition, costume design, producing, casting and directing, working with filmmaking professionals to shape their projects. At the finale of Through Her Lens, films will be presented to the group of five jurors,...
The 10 women will work with master class advisors like Sarah Jessica Parker and producer Alison Benson (“Divorce”) along with mentors such as producer Anne Carey (“Can You Ever Forgive Me”), director/producer Lesli Linka Glatter and Catherine Keener. Writing mentors will include Semi Chellas and Olivia Milch (“Ocean’s 8”). Judges will include producer Dede Gardner (“Moonlight”) and Diane Kruger.
Each pair of contestants will work on their short narrative films with industry professionals. As part of the program, duos will also receive personal mentorship and master classes on music composition, costume design, producing, casting and directing, working with filmmaking professionals to shape their projects. At the finale of Through Her Lens, films will be presented to the group of five jurors,...
- 10/28/2019
- by Mackenzie Nichols
- Variety Film + TV
Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Catherine Keener among attending industry.
Five pairs of women filmmakers have been selected to receive project support for short narrative films in the fifth year of Through Her Lens, the programme launched by Tribeca and Chanel with Pulse Films and Tribeca Film Institute.
Participants will gather in New York for the initiative, which is set to run from November 4-6. The three-day immersive programme provides one-on-one mentorship, and masterclasses on script-to-screen development, casting, music composition, costume design, producing, and directing.
Participants will work with mentors to shape and refine their projects and pitches, culminating in a...
Five pairs of women filmmakers have been selected to receive project support for short narrative films in the fifth year of Through Her Lens, the programme launched by Tribeca and Chanel with Pulse Films and Tribeca Film Institute.
Participants will gather in New York for the initiative, which is set to run from November 4-6. The three-day immersive programme provides one-on-one mentorship, and masterclasses on script-to-screen development, casting, music composition, costume design, producing, and directing.
Participants will work with mentors to shape and refine their projects and pitches, culminating in a...
- 10/28/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Disney Channel’s first original scripted series made exclusively for release on YouTube is “Shook,” a hip-hop dance short-form series starring Sofia Wylie, produced by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass.
“Shook” will debut Saturday, Sept. 28, on Disney Channel’s YouTube channel. The scripted single-camera show centers on 15-year-old Mia (Wylie), who yearns to dance professionally but is hindered by daily obligations to her little sister and their single mom, a registered nurse. Mia begins to express her true and best self through dance with the support of her extroverted best friend, Fredgy, and a new mentor, Ritz, who introduces her to the world of street dance.
Wylie, best known for her role as Buffy Driscoll in the Disney Channel series “Andi Mack,” stars in the upcoming “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” for the Disney Plus subscription-streaming service.
The Duplass Brothers are executive producing through their Dbp Donut banner.
“Shook” will debut Saturday, Sept. 28, on Disney Channel’s YouTube channel. The scripted single-camera show centers on 15-year-old Mia (Wylie), who yearns to dance professionally but is hindered by daily obligations to her little sister and their single mom, a registered nurse. Mia begins to express her true and best self through dance with the support of her extroverted best friend, Fredgy, and a new mentor, Ritz, who introduces her to the world of street dance.
Wylie, best known for her role as Buffy Driscoll in the Disney Channel series “Andi Mack,” stars in the upcoming “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” for the Disney Plus subscription-streaming service.
The Duplass Brothers are executive producing through their Dbp Donut banner.
- 8/21/2019
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
The first names that come to mind for producing a hip-hop dance series aren’t Mark and Jay Duplass. Nevertheless, the ubiquitous siblings will produce one and simultaneously extend their dominion to Disney Channel. Actors, directors, producers, and writers commonly known as the Duplass Brothers will executive produce the short-form series “Shook” for Disney Channel’s YouTube, it was announced Wednesday. The modern hip-hop dance series will be made available on Saturday, Sept. 28.
“Shook” stars Sofia Wylie — lately of “Andi Mack” and star of the upcoming “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” for Disney+ — as 15-year-old Mia, who wants to take up dancing professionally. But her first duty is to her family — her younger sister Skylar and her busy single mom who’s a registered nurse — which doesn’t leave a lot of time to pursue her dream. Through her outgoing best friend Fredgy and mentor Ritz, Mia begins...
“Shook” stars Sofia Wylie — lately of “Andi Mack” and star of the upcoming “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” for Disney+ — as 15-year-old Mia, who wants to take up dancing professionally. But her first duty is to her family — her younger sister Skylar and her busy single mom who’s a registered nurse — which doesn’t leave a lot of time to pursue her dream. Through her outgoing best friend Fredgy and mentor Ritz, Mia begins...
- 8/21/2019
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
Shook, a hip-hop dance focused original short-form series starring singer/actress/dancer Sofia Wylie, will debut next month, the Disney Channel announced today.
Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass serve as executive producers through their Dbp Donut banner. The series will be available on Disney Channel’s YouTube page.
“It’s not every day that Disney asks you to partner on a diverse, fun, avant-garde dance series. Actually, this may never happen again, so we’re enjoying it while it lasts,” said Mark Duplass, co-founder of Dbp Donut.
The scripted, single-camera project centers around Mia, a 15-year-old dancer with big dreams. Her future is hindered by daily obligations to her little sister and their single mom. After Mia’s friends introduce her to the vibrant world of street dance, she begins to express her true and best self through dance.
Joining Wylie (Disney Channel’s Andi Mack and the upcoming High...
Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass serve as executive producers through their Dbp Donut banner. The series will be available on Disney Channel’s YouTube page.
“It’s not every day that Disney asks you to partner on a diverse, fun, avant-garde dance series. Actually, this may never happen again, so we’re enjoying it while it lasts,” said Mark Duplass, co-founder of Dbp Donut.
The scripted, single-camera project centers around Mia, a 15-year-old dancer with big dreams. Her future is hindered by daily obligations to her little sister and their single mom. After Mia’s friends introduce her to the vibrant world of street dance, she begins to express her true and best self through dance.
Joining Wylie (Disney Channel’s Andi Mack and the upcoming High...
- 8/21/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
Awards were handed out Thursday at the 25th annual Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, with nine films earning honors in the jury, audience and sponsored categories.
The narrative jury prize was awarded to the feminist puppet animation film “Dollhouse: The Eradication of Female Subjectivity in American Popular Culture,” directed by Nicole Brending. Honorable mention was given to “Cat Sticks,” directed by Ronny Sen.
“Dollhouse wasn’t like any other film at the festival or any festival. It was outrageous, bold, hilarious,” read the jury statement from Frédéric Forestier, Shih-Ching Tsou and Jeremiah Zagar. “We’re also giving it the grand prize because we think it really embodies the spirit of the Slamdance. ‘Cat Sticks’ is unbelievably gorgeous and has some of the most incredible poetic moments of any movies we’ve ever seen. We hope it finds a vein in American culture!”
The documentary jury prize was awarded to David Hambridge’s “Kifaru,...
The narrative jury prize was awarded to the feminist puppet animation film “Dollhouse: The Eradication of Female Subjectivity in American Popular Culture,” directed by Nicole Brending. Honorable mention was given to “Cat Sticks,” directed by Ronny Sen.
“Dollhouse wasn’t like any other film at the festival or any festival. It was outrageous, bold, hilarious,” read the jury statement from Frédéric Forestier, Shih-Ching Tsou and Jeremiah Zagar. “We’re also giving it the grand prize because we think it really embodies the spirit of the Slamdance. ‘Cat Sticks’ is unbelievably gorgeous and has some of the most incredible poetic moments of any movies we’ve ever seen. We hope it finds a vein in American culture!”
The documentary jury prize was awarded to David Hambridge’s “Kifaru,...
- 2/1/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Nicole Brending’s “Dollhouse: The Eradication of Female Subjectivity in American Popular Culture” has won the Narrative Feature Grand Jury prize and the Spirit of Slamdance award at the 25th Slamdance Film Festival.
The film follows rise and fall of fictional child pop star Junie Spoons as her life story unfolds, as told by those who knew her.
“’Dollhouse’ wasn’t like any other film at the festival or any festival,” the feature film jury said. “It was outrageous, bold, hilarious. We’re also giving it the grand prize because we think it really embodies the spirit of the Slamdance.”
Winners were announced at a ceremony at the Treasure Mountain Inn in Park City, Utah on Thursday evening. The festival runs concurrently with the Sundance Film Festival. The Slamdance feature competition is limited to films made by first-time directors with budgets under $1 million and without U.S. distribution.
“The Vast of Night,...
The film follows rise and fall of fictional child pop star Junie Spoons as her life story unfolds, as told by those who knew her.
“’Dollhouse’ wasn’t like any other film at the festival or any festival,” the feature film jury said. “It was outrageous, bold, hilarious. We’re also giving it the grand prize because we think it really embodies the spirit of the Slamdance.”
Winners were announced at a ceremony at the Treasure Mountain Inn in Park City, Utah on Thursday evening. The festival runs concurrently with the Sundance Film Festival. The Slamdance feature competition is limited to films made by first-time directors with budgets under $1 million and without U.S. distribution.
“The Vast of Night,...
- 2/1/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
We have the prize winners from the 25th anniversary Slamdance Film Festival in Park City. Dollhouse: The Eradication of Female Subjectivity in American Popular Culture took the Jury Award for Narrative Features, and its director Nicole Brending also scored the George Starks Spirit of Slamdance Award. Kifaro won both the Jury Award and Audience Award for Documentary Features.
A no-holds-barred look at misogyny as told by puppets, Dollhouse charts the life and times of Junie Spoons, a once-popular child star and tween idol who peaks at 18 and is D-listed to society’s where-are-they-now junk drawer. Spanning four years, Kifaru follows two ranger recruits mentored by a seasoned ranger with an unorthodox approach to caring for the world’s last northern white rhino.
The fest’s two other Audience Awards went to Andrew Patterson’s The Vast of Night (Narrative Feature) and Patrick Creadon’s Ski Bum: The Warren Miller Story...
A no-holds-barred look at misogyny as told by puppets, Dollhouse charts the life and times of Junie Spoons, a once-popular child star and tween idol who peaks at 18 and is D-listed to society’s where-are-they-now junk drawer. Spanning four years, Kifaru follows two ranger recruits mentored by a seasoned ranger with an unorthodox approach to caring for the world’s last northern white rhino.
The fest’s two other Audience Awards went to Andrew Patterson’s The Vast of Night (Narrative Feature) and Patrick Creadon’s Ski Bum: The Warren Miller Story...
- 2/1/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Kifaru named best documentary, audience award winner.
Dollhouse: The Eradication Of Female Subjectivity In American Popular Culture was awarded the Slamdance 2019 narrative grand jury prize on Thursday night (31).
Nicole Brending’s film took its place on the honour roll alongside David Hambridge’s documentary prize winner Kifaru.
Audience Awards went to Andrew Patterson’s narrative feature The Vast Of Night and Kifaru again, while Patrick Creadon’s Ski Bum: The Warren Miller Story earned the Best of Breakouts Audience Award in Park City.
“Slamdance has helped launch many filmmakers that have gone on to change the face of entertainment,” said Slamdance co-founder Peter Baxter.
Dollhouse: The Eradication Of Female Subjectivity In American Popular Culture was awarded the Slamdance 2019 narrative grand jury prize on Thursday night (31).
Nicole Brending’s film took its place on the honour roll alongside David Hambridge’s documentary prize winner Kifaru.
Audience Awards went to Andrew Patterson’s narrative feature The Vast Of Night and Kifaru again, while Patrick Creadon’s Ski Bum: The Warren Miller Story earned the Best of Breakouts Audience Award in Park City.
“Slamdance has helped launch many filmmakers that have gone on to change the face of entertainment,” said Slamdance co-founder Peter Baxter.
- 1/31/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.