Multi-faceted digital star Todrick Hall is celebrating the release this week of his debut documentary, Behind The Curtain -- an AwesomenessTV-produced project chronicling the 32-year-old's ascension to fame as well as a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of his Straight Outta Oz visual album (which was also the name of a subsequent tour).
Hall will be attending the premiere of Behind The Curtain tonight in his home state of Texas, though the film -- which was directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright (Call Me Kuchu) -- officially bowed yesterday on digital platforms, including iTunes and Amazon. "The amount of opportunities that I was right to audition for were so small, being an openly gay African-American man in the industry,” Hall told Billboard of conceiving Straight Outta Oz. “I just felt that I needed to get these things out in a way that didn’t make me seem like a victim or an angry black man.
Hall will be attending the premiere of Behind The Curtain tonight in his home state of Texas, though the film -- which was directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright (Call Me Kuchu) -- officially bowed yesterday on digital platforms, including iTunes and Amazon. "The amount of opportunities that I was right to audition for were so small, being an openly gay African-American man in the industry,” Hall told Billboard of conceiving Straight Outta Oz. “I just felt that I needed to get these things out in a way that didn’t make me seem like a victim or an angry black man.
- 12/13/2017
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Todrick Hall is giving fans an intimate look into his life — and his rise to fame.
The 32-year-old singer and actor documented the making of his visual album Straight Outta Oz in Behind the Curtain: Todrick Hall. The documentary, directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright (Call Me Kuchu) offers a look into his hectic schedule and most important relationships, like his mom.
“I am so excited to be sharing this beautiful, vulnerable, heartwarming film with my family, friends and most of all my fans,” Hall tells People. “I have spent my YouTube career encouraging others and trying to be a trailblazer...
The 32-year-old singer and actor documented the making of his visual album Straight Outta Oz in Behind the Curtain: Todrick Hall. The documentary, directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright (Call Me Kuchu) offers a look into his hectic schedule and most important relationships, like his mom.
“I am so excited to be sharing this beautiful, vulnerable, heartwarming film with my family, friends and most of all my fans,” Hall tells People. “I have spent my YouTube career encouraging others and trying to be a trailblazer...
- 11/13/2017
- by Ale Russian
- PEOPLE.com
Brace yourself. The annual multi-pronged South By Southwest Conferences and Festivals — SXSW, of course — is hitting Austin, Texas later this week for days and days of fresh film offerings (and music and interactive stuff, too, but we can only do so much here). With it comes the promise of a brand new season of festival-going, along with a slew of films to get excited about finally checking out (and, because it’s Austin, lots of tasty barbecue to enjoy).
From SXSW regulars like Bob Byington and Joe Swanberg to rising stars like Nanfu Wang and Laura Terruso to marquee names like Terrence Malick and Edgar Wright — and just about everything in between — this year’s SXSW Film Festival is offering up its most robust slate yet. We’ve picked out a baker’s dozen of worthy new features to add to your SXSW schedule.
Check out 13 new films from this...
From SXSW regulars like Bob Byington and Joe Swanberg to rising stars like Nanfu Wang and Laura Terruso to marquee names like Terrence Malick and Edgar Wright — and just about everything in between — this year’s SXSW Film Festival is offering up its most robust slate yet. We’ve picked out a baker’s dozen of worthy new features to add to your SXSW schedule.
Check out 13 new films from this...
- 3/8/2017
- by Chris O'Falt, David Ehrlich, Eric Kohn, Jude Dry, Kate Erbland and Steve Greene
- Indiewire
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit the interwebs. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
Aferim! (Radu Jude)
Leave it to a Romanian director to make a movie that best expresses the dangers of the dyed-in-the-wool mindset of modern America. Culled partly from historical documents, Aferim! is a twisted history lesson whose messages transcend its insular time period of 19th-century Romania. Its story concerns Constable Costandin (Teodor Corban) and his son, Ionita (Mihai Comanoiu), who chase after a wanted Gypsy slave...
Aferim! (Radu Jude)
Leave it to a Romanian director to make a movie that best expresses the dangers of the dyed-in-the-wool mindset of modern America. Culled partly from historical documents, Aferim! is a twisted history lesson whose messages transcend its insular time period of 19th-century Romania. Its story concerns Constable Costandin (Teodor Corban) and his son, Ionita (Mihai Comanoiu), who chase after a wanted Gypsy slave...
- 6/24/2016
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
The Sheffield Doc/Fest is one of the world’s premiere non-fiction film festivals, celebrating both the art and business of documentary film. The business part is a key component, as Sheffield’s MeetMarket has unlocked over $53 million of deals for documentarians since its inception in 2006. It’s for this reason that the filmmakers at Sheffield, while in addition to being top-of-their-field artists, are also experts at how to pitch their projects and getting investors onboard.
To tap into some of that knowledge, IndieWire reached out to six of these experienced filmmakers who have had success pitching and are participating in this year’s MeetMarket, to get their advice about what does and does not work when presenting your project to investors.
Read More: How Field Of Vision’s Quick Production Turnaround Is Changing The Way Documentaries Are Made And Seen
What Works
Maya Gallus, “A Female Gaze”: “This is a film about women filmmakers and how their ‘gaze’ reveals itself in the work. The topic is urgent right now as there is much in the news about the paucity of women at the helm in film and television and why we need to correct this gender disparity. It’s really a film about how the stories we tell reveal who we are as a society. So the timing is excellent. Funders are open and ready to listen. And there is no other contemporary film on the subject.”
Al Morrow, “Sour Grapes”:“Humor always helps in a pitch no matter what the subject or overall tone of the film. I always try and bring out the lighter moments in a story.”
Lindsey Dryden, “Canary In A Coal Mine”: “Successful pitches for me and my teams have been the ones where we’re clear about our story and how we’re going to tell it, succinct, and obviously really excited about the film. That enthusiasm is infectious, especially when it comes from a strong, skilled team.”
Jessica Wolfson, “Did It! From Yippie To Yuppie: Jerry Rubin, An American Revolutionary”:Sometimes you get wrapped up in the pitch and forget to read the reaction of the person you are talking to. Having a partner at the table is great because it allows you to take a moment and assess the situation while the other person is talking. At the Ifp Film Week, [co-director] Paul [Lovelace] and I were able to do that. This helped us make the pitch more engaging for the other end of the table.”
Jeanie Finlay, “Luxury Bitches”: “Being accepted to pitch is not the be all and end all and money will not just appear from sky. It’s worth seeing if people have time to meet outside of the official timetable. A pitch is essentially just a meeting. The most important thing is following up with commissioners and financiers afterwards. Lots of people give ‘great meeting’ and you can have a lot of exciting discussions, but if that isn’t followed up afterwards it was just a lovely meeting.”
Read More: Why Documentary Filmmakers Must Take Care of Legal Business Early and Often
What Doesn’t Work
Lindsey Dryden, “Canary In A Coal Mine”: “I think filmmakers often make a couple of key mistakes (and we’re all guilty of them from time to time). The first is pitching too hard: talking endlessly, lecturing whoever they’re meeting until their eyes glaze over, and not listening. Secondly, filmmakers often don’t tell the actual story: they describe their subject or theme or context, but don’t tell you what’s actually going to happen, how the story will unfold, and how they’re going to tell this story in a unique way. These are things documentary filmmakers can’t know for certain – and films like ‘Call Me Kuchu’ and ‘The Overnighters’ are brilliant examples of completely unexpected twists – but we should be damn good at imagining how our stories might play out.”
Sara Stockmann, Producer of Bobbi Jene”: “It is understandable that pitch teams want to give a 360 degree understanding of their project and in doing so they often get lost in too many details and factual information.”
Maya Gallus, “A Female Gaze”: “Too much extraneous talk. Get to the point: what is the story, who is going to be in it, do you have special or unique access, and what will the audience see. Show a clip. Then let them ask questions.”
Read More: The Critical Role Non-Profits Played in Getting This Year’s Tribeca Film Festival Docs Made
Advice To Filmmakers Get Ready To Pitch
Al Morrow, “Sour Grapes”: “The trailer is everything. If you have a strong trailer that works as a three minute experience and shows the potential and scale of the story you’re most of the way there. It needs to look like your film will look. You can’t say, ‘here’s a trailer, but the film will be different/better.'”
Sara Stockmann, “Bobbi Jene”: “Know whom you are talking to. Do your research on the decision makers. It doesn’t make sense to pitch a project to a decision maker who is not open to the kind of story you are presenting. If you have a great project you will find funding, but don’t waste your energy on 50 meetings. Instead select the five top on your list and save your energy for these. Financing is building a dialogue. Try to collect information from the person you are pitching to. It will come in handy on a future project.”
Lindsey Dryden, “Canary In A Coal Mine”: “A pitch doesn’t have to be formal: it’s the opportunity to have a conversation about the amazing thing you want to make, so keep it conversational, know how to describe your film in a few bullet points, let your passion for the story shine through, and remember to listen. The people you’re pitching to are usually interesting and talented folk who want to discover the ways that you’re interesting and talented, so keep it informal and enjoy the exchange.”
Jessica Wolfson, “Did It! From Yippie To Yuppie: Jerry Rubin, An American Revolutionary”: “[T]ake some time to think of questions you think someone might ask about your film, particularly the more challenging aspects. Because they will ask these questions. Being confident in your answers and in the vision of your film, this will help make a successful pitch.”
Maya Gallus, “A Female Gaze”: “Establish why this film needs to be made now, and why you are the one to make it. Emphasize your passion about the story or access to the subjects – anything to differentiate yourself from the pack.”
Jeanie Finlay, “Luxury Bitches”: “Lastly, do not attempt to pitch to people after 9pm. I saw a funder being accosted on the dance floor last year at about midnight being given proposals and DVDs by an eager filmmaker. I would put money on it that it didn’t result in a commission. Just go to the parties and have fun and let other people do the same.”
Stay on top of the latest in gear and filmmaking news! Sign up for the Indiewire Toolkit newsletter here.
Related storiesHow 'The Witness' Evolved From HBO-Scripted Series To A Doc Revealing the Truth Behind A Shocking MurderHow Field Of Vision's Quick Production Turnaround Is Changing The Way Documentaries Are Made And SeenWatch: The Short About a Changing Williamsburg That Was Inspired by the Once-Lost 'Los Sures'...
To tap into some of that knowledge, IndieWire reached out to six of these experienced filmmakers who have had success pitching and are participating in this year’s MeetMarket, to get their advice about what does and does not work when presenting your project to investors.
Read More: How Field Of Vision’s Quick Production Turnaround Is Changing The Way Documentaries Are Made And Seen
What Works
Maya Gallus, “A Female Gaze”: “This is a film about women filmmakers and how their ‘gaze’ reveals itself in the work. The topic is urgent right now as there is much in the news about the paucity of women at the helm in film and television and why we need to correct this gender disparity. It’s really a film about how the stories we tell reveal who we are as a society. So the timing is excellent. Funders are open and ready to listen. And there is no other contemporary film on the subject.”
Al Morrow, “Sour Grapes”:“Humor always helps in a pitch no matter what the subject or overall tone of the film. I always try and bring out the lighter moments in a story.”
Lindsey Dryden, “Canary In A Coal Mine”: “Successful pitches for me and my teams have been the ones where we’re clear about our story and how we’re going to tell it, succinct, and obviously really excited about the film. That enthusiasm is infectious, especially when it comes from a strong, skilled team.”
Jessica Wolfson, “Did It! From Yippie To Yuppie: Jerry Rubin, An American Revolutionary”:Sometimes you get wrapped up in the pitch and forget to read the reaction of the person you are talking to. Having a partner at the table is great because it allows you to take a moment and assess the situation while the other person is talking. At the Ifp Film Week, [co-director] Paul [Lovelace] and I were able to do that. This helped us make the pitch more engaging for the other end of the table.”
Jeanie Finlay, “Luxury Bitches”: “Being accepted to pitch is not the be all and end all and money will not just appear from sky. It’s worth seeing if people have time to meet outside of the official timetable. A pitch is essentially just a meeting. The most important thing is following up with commissioners and financiers afterwards. Lots of people give ‘great meeting’ and you can have a lot of exciting discussions, but if that isn’t followed up afterwards it was just a lovely meeting.”
Read More: Why Documentary Filmmakers Must Take Care of Legal Business Early and Often
What Doesn’t Work
Lindsey Dryden, “Canary In A Coal Mine”: “I think filmmakers often make a couple of key mistakes (and we’re all guilty of them from time to time). The first is pitching too hard: talking endlessly, lecturing whoever they’re meeting until their eyes glaze over, and not listening. Secondly, filmmakers often don’t tell the actual story: they describe their subject or theme or context, but don’t tell you what’s actually going to happen, how the story will unfold, and how they’re going to tell this story in a unique way. These are things documentary filmmakers can’t know for certain – and films like ‘Call Me Kuchu’ and ‘The Overnighters’ are brilliant examples of completely unexpected twists – but we should be damn good at imagining how our stories might play out.”
Sara Stockmann, Producer of Bobbi Jene”: “It is understandable that pitch teams want to give a 360 degree understanding of their project and in doing so they often get lost in too many details and factual information.”
Maya Gallus, “A Female Gaze”: “Too much extraneous talk. Get to the point: what is the story, who is going to be in it, do you have special or unique access, and what will the audience see. Show a clip. Then let them ask questions.”
Read More: The Critical Role Non-Profits Played in Getting This Year’s Tribeca Film Festival Docs Made
Advice To Filmmakers Get Ready To Pitch
Al Morrow, “Sour Grapes”: “The trailer is everything. If you have a strong trailer that works as a three minute experience and shows the potential and scale of the story you’re most of the way there. It needs to look like your film will look. You can’t say, ‘here’s a trailer, but the film will be different/better.'”
Sara Stockmann, “Bobbi Jene”: “Know whom you are talking to. Do your research on the decision makers. It doesn’t make sense to pitch a project to a decision maker who is not open to the kind of story you are presenting. If you have a great project you will find funding, but don’t waste your energy on 50 meetings. Instead select the five top on your list and save your energy for these. Financing is building a dialogue. Try to collect information from the person you are pitching to. It will come in handy on a future project.”
Lindsey Dryden, “Canary In A Coal Mine”: “A pitch doesn’t have to be formal: it’s the opportunity to have a conversation about the amazing thing you want to make, so keep it conversational, know how to describe your film in a few bullet points, let your passion for the story shine through, and remember to listen. The people you’re pitching to are usually interesting and talented folk who want to discover the ways that you’re interesting and talented, so keep it informal and enjoy the exchange.”
Jessica Wolfson, “Did It! From Yippie To Yuppie: Jerry Rubin, An American Revolutionary”: “[T]ake some time to think of questions you think someone might ask about your film, particularly the more challenging aspects. Because they will ask these questions. Being confident in your answers and in the vision of your film, this will help make a successful pitch.”
Maya Gallus, “A Female Gaze”: “Establish why this film needs to be made now, and why you are the one to make it. Emphasize your passion about the story or access to the subjects – anything to differentiate yourself from the pack.”
Jeanie Finlay, “Luxury Bitches”: “Lastly, do not attempt to pitch to people after 9pm. I saw a funder being accosted on the dance floor last year at about midnight being given proposals and DVDs by an eager filmmaker. I would put money on it that it didn’t result in a commission. Just go to the parties and have fun and let other people do the same.”
Stay on top of the latest in gear and filmmaking news! Sign up for the Indiewire Toolkit newsletter here.
Related storiesHow 'The Witness' Evolved From HBO-Scripted Series To A Doc Revealing the Truth Behind A Shocking MurderHow Field Of Vision's Quick Production Turnaround Is Changing The Way Documentaries Are Made And SeenWatch: The Short About a Changing Williamsburg That Was Inspired by the Once-Lost 'Los Sures'...
- 6/14/2016
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Tribeca Film Institute (Tfi), in partnership with Ford Foundation’s JustFilms initiative, has announced the grant recipients of the 2015/2016 Tfi New Media Fund. Grantees were selected by an advisory board comprised of Just Vision’s Julia Bacha, director Malika Zouhali-Worrall (Call Me Kuchu), director-producer Sandi Dubowski (Trembling Before G-d), Google’s Lisa Steiman and Chicken & Egg Pictures’ Jenni Wolfson. The fund provides monetary grants and support to nonfiction, transmedia projects which tackle a social issue. Each of the three selected projects will receive $50,000 in funding as well as expert mentorship for producers to help them develop their projects and build engagement with audiences. You […]...
- 12/10/2015
- by Paula Bernstein
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Tribeca Film Institute (Tfi), in partnership with Ford Foundation’s JustFilms initiative, has announced the grant recipients of the 2015/2016 Tfi New Media Fund. Grantees were selected by an advisory board comprised of Just Vision’s Julia Bacha, director Malika Zouhali-Worrall (Call Me Kuchu), director-producer Sandi Dubowski (Trembling Before G-d), Google’s Lisa Steiman and Chicken & Egg Pictures’ Jenni Wolfson. The fund provides monetary grants and support to nonfiction, transmedia projects which tackle a social issue. Each of the three selected projects will receive $50,000 in funding as well as expert mentorship for producers to help them develop their projects and build engagement with audiences. You […]...
- 12/10/2015
- by Paula Bernstein
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
June is Lgbt Pride Month. What better way to commemorate the occasion than by streaming these 10 great Lgbt documentaries on Netflix (okay, we can think of some other ways)? From the love stories of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and curator-collector Sam Wagstaff in "Black White + Gray" and the four decades long romance of Thea Spyer and Edie Windsor (which eventually led to their groundbreaking marriage ceremony once Doma was overturned) in "Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement," these documentaries portray Lgbt life and love -- as well as the challenges and tragedies faced by AIDS ("How to Survive a Plague," "Wish We Were Here"), discrimination ("Brother Outsider") and anti-gay laws in places like Uganda ("Call Me Kuchu") as well as in the U.S. ("Bridegroom"). Read More: Here are New Titles on Netflix This June After delving into the deeply serious, thoughtful and provocative "Red Without Blue," which explores the struggles...
- 6/1/2014
- by Paula Bernstein
- Indiewire
Honoring the best and brightest of the media industry, the 25th GLAAD Media Awards took over the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on Saturday (May 3).
Emmy Rossum showed up at the fancy fete in a rose pink fit-and-flare dress with plenty of beads and sequins as she posed up a storm for the shutterbugs before heading inside to catch all the action.
Meanwhile, Naomi Watts also opted for a pink pastel ensemble including a strapless top with cropped trousers and black strappy sandals.
Providing plenty more eye candy were beautiful singing sirens such as Kacey Musgraves and Kylie Minogue.
The 25th GLAAD Media Awards handed out their first round of trophies at the NYC shindig, with another ceremony planned for the West Coast later this month.
And the winners are:
Outstanding Film - Wide Release: "Philomena"
Outstanding Film - Limited Release: "Concussion"
Outstanding Documentary: (tie) "Bridegroom," "Call Me Kuchu...
Emmy Rossum showed up at the fancy fete in a rose pink fit-and-flare dress with plenty of beads and sequins as she posed up a storm for the shutterbugs before heading inside to catch all the action.
Meanwhile, Naomi Watts also opted for a pink pastel ensemble including a strapless top with cropped trousers and black strappy sandals.
Providing plenty more eye candy were beautiful singing sirens such as Kacey Musgraves and Kylie Minogue.
The 25th GLAAD Media Awards handed out their first round of trophies at the NYC shindig, with another ceremony planned for the West Coast later this month.
And the winners are:
Outstanding Film - Wide Release: "Philomena"
Outstanding Film - Limited Release: "Concussion"
Outstanding Documentary: (tie) "Bridegroom," "Call Me Kuchu...
- 5/5/2014
- GossipCenter
Somewhat oddly, the GLAAD Media Awards split their awards across two ceremonies, three weeks apart, on opposite coasts. On Saturday, the second of these took place in New York, as a range of films, TV shows and media outlets were honored for commendable coverage of Lgbt issues. Included in the second ceremony were the two chief film awards. Best Picture Oscar nominee "Philomena" took the prize for best film in wide release, beating out the likes of "Blue is the Warmest Color" and three-time Oscar winner "Dallas Buyers Club." In the limited release section, I'm pleased to see that Stacie Passon's excellent but neglected lesbian drama "Concussion" was recognized. At the earlier ceremony, "Bridegroom" and "Call Me Kuchu" had tied for the documentary award, while "Behind the Candelabra," already lavishly rewarded, took the TV film/miniseries prize. On the TV front, Netflix's "Orange is the New Black" was named...
- 5/5/2014
- by Guy Lodge
- Hitfix
ABC's Family drama The Fosters, produced by Jennifer Lopez was a big winner Saturday night at the 25th annual GLAAD Media Awards, which recognizes accurate representation of the Lgbt community in the media. The Fosters, which has been picked up for a second season, stars Teri Polo and Sherri Saum as two lesbian mothers raising a blended family, who suddenly have their already child-heavy multi-ethnic household turned upside down when a wayward teenage girl moves in. Laverne Cox, the transgendered co-star of Netflix original series Orange is the New Black, was presented with the Stephen F. Kolzak award. The powerful and moving film Call Me Kuchu - which...
- 4/14/2014
- by Vanessa Martinez
- ShadowAndAct
Jennifer Lopez and Tegan and Sara were honoured at the 25th GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday (April 12).
The first of two ceremonies paying tribute to advocates for the Lgbt community was held last night at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, with Ross Mathews overseeing the festivities.
Lopez was the top honoree of the night, receiving the Vanguard Award for her support of equal marriage.
She was also commended for bringing important issues impacting the Lgbt community to light in The Fosters, the television drama programme that she produces.
The Fosters - which is about an interracial lesbian couple - was the recipient of the Outstanding Drama Series prize.
Tegan and Sara won in the Outstanding Music Artist category over Elton John, Goldfrapp, Lady Gaga and Vampire Weekend.
The Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series Award went to the Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra.
Another slate of awards will be given...
The first of two ceremonies paying tribute to advocates for the Lgbt community was held last night at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, with Ross Mathews overseeing the festivities.
Lopez was the top honoree of the night, receiving the Vanguard Award for her support of equal marriage.
She was also commended for bringing important issues impacting the Lgbt community to light in The Fosters, the television drama programme that she produces.
The Fosters - which is about an interracial lesbian couple - was the recipient of the Outstanding Drama Series prize.
Tegan and Sara won in the Outstanding Music Artist category over Elton John, Goldfrapp, Lady Gaga and Vampire Weekend.
The Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series Award went to the Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra.
Another slate of awards will be given...
- 4/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Jennifer Lopez and Tegan and Sara were honoured at the 25th GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday (April 12).
The first of two ceremonies paying tribute to advocates for the Lgbt community was held last night at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, with Ross Mathews overseeing the festivities.
Lopez was the top honoree of the night, receiving the Vanguard Award for her support of equal marriage.
She was also commended for bringing important issues impacting the Lgbt community to light in The Fosters, the television drama programme that she produces.
The Fosters - which is about an interracial lesbian couple - was the recipient of the Outstanding Drama Series prize.
Tegan and Sara won in the Outstanding Music Artist category over Elton John, Goldfrapp, Lady Gaga and Vampire Weekend.
The Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series Award went to the Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra.
Another slate of awards will be given...
The first of two ceremonies paying tribute to advocates for the Lgbt community was held last night at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, with Ross Mathews overseeing the festivities.
Lopez was the top honoree of the night, receiving the Vanguard Award for her support of equal marriage.
She was also commended for bringing important issues impacting the Lgbt community to light in The Fosters, the television drama programme that she produces.
The Fosters - which is about an interracial lesbian couple - was the recipient of the Outstanding Drama Series prize.
Tegan and Sara won in the Outstanding Music Artist category over Elton John, Goldfrapp, Lady Gaga and Vampire Weekend.
The Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series Award went to the Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra.
Another slate of awards will be given...
- 4/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Jennifer Lopez took time away from her American Idol judging duties to accept the Vanguard Award at the 25th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Saturday night. The Vanguard Award is presented to a media professional, who – through their work – has made a significant difference in support of Lgbt equality, and Lopez was recognized individually for her longtime support for marriage equality as well as for executive producing ABC Family’s The Fosters, which took home this year’s Award for Outstanding Drama Series.
“Tonight, I thank GLAAD not only for giving me the Vanguard Award, but for honoring The Fosters as the Outstanding Drama of the Year. We are so proud of this show, because our biggest hope is that it’s outstanding because it is doing the same for young people – helping them feel loved, understood, included – as Rita did for me, and as GLAAD does today,” said Lopez.
“I...
“Tonight, I thank GLAAD not only for giving me the Vanguard Award, but for honoring The Fosters as the Outstanding Drama of the Year. We are so proud of this show, because our biggest hope is that it’s outstanding because it is doing the same for young people – helping them feel loved, understood, included – as Rita did for me, and as GLAAD does today,” said Lopez.
“I...
- 4/13/2014
- by Aaron Landry
- The Backlot
What’s new, what’s hot, and what you may have missed, now available to stream.
new to stream
Avengers Assemble (aka Marvel’s The Avengers): one of the best superhero movies ever made, this is funny, poignant, exciting, and involving [my review] [at Netflix] Call Me Kuchu: powerful documentary about gay men fighting for equal rights and human dignity in Uganda [at Netflix] Fright Night: 2011 update of the classic 80s comedy horror features a killer performance by David Tennant as a stage magician [my review] [at Netflix] Populaire: ridiculous charming and totally delightful, this is a sly sendup of sports movies within a hugely smart and funny nostalgic romance [my review] [at Netflix] The Queen of Versailles: entertaining look at the financial troubles of one of the wealthiest families in America… and perhaps one of the most dysfunctional [my review] [at Netflix]
streaming now, while it’s still in theaters
The Machine: the bleak chic of this Sf drama is intriguing, but the...
new to stream
Avengers Assemble (aka Marvel’s The Avengers): one of the best superhero movies ever made, this is funny, poignant, exciting, and involving [my review] [at Netflix] Call Me Kuchu: powerful documentary about gay men fighting for equal rights and human dignity in Uganda [at Netflix] Fright Night: 2011 update of the classic 80s comedy horror features a killer performance by David Tennant as a stage magician [my review] [at Netflix] Populaire: ridiculous charming and totally delightful, this is a sly sendup of sports movies within a hugely smart and funny nostalgic romance [my review] [at Netflix] The Queen of Versailles: entertaining look at the financial troubles of one of the wealthiest families in America… and perhaps one of the most dysfunctional [my review] [at Netflix]
streaming now, while it’s still in theaters
The Machine: the bleak chic of this Sf drama is intriguing, but the...
- 3/24/2014
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Among the many things that Los Angeles-based Film Independent does, besides the high-profile Independent Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, is provide crucial support to independent filmmakers. Every year a select few get chosen to participate in their Documentary Lab, which is designed to help them during the post-production phase on a film. In the past, participants have gone on to complete excellent work, among them Andrew Droz Palermo & Tracy Droz Tragos, whose "Rich Hill" won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, as well as Pj Raval ("Before You Know It"), Hilla Medalia’s ("Dancing in Jaffa"), Nicholas Wrathall ("Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia"), Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali Worrall ("Call Me Kuchu"), Laura Nix and Julia Meltzer ("The Light In Her Eyes") and Nicole Karsin ("We Women Warriors"). Among this year's mentors are editor Doug Blush ("20 Feet from Stardom"), Laura Gabbert...
- 3/17/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards went off without a hitch earlier this evening (February 22) with "12 Years a Slave" continuing to make waves snagging the biggest prize of the night.
Before her film won Outstanding Motion Picture, the gorgeous Lupita Nyong'o added another piece of hardware to her already impressive collection taking home a trophy for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, while Kerry Washington snagged up her second Image Award with a win for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series. Kerry's show "Scandal" also won Outstanding Drama Series.
In addition, the hilarious Kevin Hart took home Entertainer of the Year, while Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela with a touching speech and musical dedication.
"He was everything we have all have heard and more. He was humble and he was unscathed by any kind of bitterness after all that we know he's been through," Winfrey said.
Before her film won Outstanding Motion Picture, the gorgeous Lupita Nyong'o added another piece of hardware to her already impressive collection taking home a trophy for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, while Kerry Washington snagged up her second Image Award with a win for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series. Kerry's show "Scandal" also won Outstanding Drama Series.
In addition, the hilarious Kevin Hart took home Entertainer of the Year, while Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela with a touching speech and musical dedication.
"He was everything we have all have heard and more. He was humble and he was unscathed by any kind of bitterness after all that we know he's been through," Winfrey said.
- 2/23/2014
- GossipCenter
The 45th NAACP Image Awards were presented Saturday night (Feb. 22), with names like Kevin Hart, Kerry Washington, "12 Years a Slave" director Steve McQueen and Lupita Nyong'o being honored.
The Image Awards pay tribute to the best in film, TV, writing, music and literature. Take a look at the full list of winners below.
Winners are in bold.
Entertainer of the Year
Kevin Hart
Film
Outstanding Motion Picture
"12 Years A Slave" "Fruitvale Station""Lee Daniels' The Butler""Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom""The Best Man Holiday"
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Forest Whitaker - "Lee Daniels' The Butler"Chadwick Boseman - "42"Chiwetel Ejiofor - "12 Years A Slave"Idris Elba - "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom"Michael B. Jordan - "Fruitvale Station"
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Angela Bassett - "Black Nativity"Halle Berry - "The Call"Jennifer Hudson - "Winnie Mandela"Kerry Washington - "Tyler Perry Presents Peeples"Nicole Beharie...
The Image Awards pay tribute to the best in film, TV, writing, music and literature. Take a look at the full list of winners below.
Winners are in bold.
Entertainer of the Year
Kevin Hart
Film
Outstanding Motion Picture
"12 Years A Slave" "Fruitvale Station""Lee Daniels' The Butler""Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom""The Best Man Holiday"
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Forest Whitaker - "Lee Daniels' The Butler"Chadwick Boseman - "42"Chiwetel Ejiofor - "12 Years A Slave"Idris Elba - "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom"Michael B. Jordan - "Fruitvale Station"
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Angela Bassett - "Black Nativity"Halle Berry - "The Call"Jennifer Hudson - "Winnie Mandela"Kerry Washington - "Tyler Perry Presents Peeples"Nicole Beharie...
- 2/23/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
What:
Fd Zone and Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival presents
Rainbow Warriors
Best of Kashish Documentaries
Screening of
Two Girls Against The Rain
Are We So Different (Amraki Etoi Bhinno)
Project Bolo: Indian Lgbt Movement
Call Me Kuchu
Breaking Free
At Fd Zone.
When:
23rd February, 2014.
2 Pm to 6 Pm.
Entry:
Free and open to all.
Venue:
Rr Theatre
10th floor
Films Division
24, Pedder Road
Mumbai-400026
About the event:
Session 1: Lgbt Lives in Asia
Intro — 15 min
Two Girls Against The Rain
Dir: Sao Sopheak
11 mins | 2012 | Khmer with Est | Cambodia
A captivatingly courageous and touching film about a lesbian couple in Cambodia. Soth Yun and Sem Eang, both now in their late 50s, loved each other since the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime,when more than two million people died. Soth and Sem survived. The deep bond existing between them and their strength has helped them overcome all.
Winner of Best...
Fd Zone and Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival presents
Rainbow Warriors
Best of Kashish Documentaries
Screening of
Two Girls Against The Rain
Are We So Different (Amraki Etoi Bhinno)
Project Bolo: Indian Lgbt Movement
Call Me Kuchu
Breaking Free
At Fd Zone.
When:
23rd February, 2014.
2 Pm to 6 Pm.
Entry:
Free and open to all.
Venue:
Rr Theatre
10th floor
Films Division
24, Pedder Road
Mumbai-400026
About the event:
Session 1: Lgbt Lives in Asia
Intro — 15 min
Two Girls Against The Rain
Dir: Sao Sopheak
11 mins | 2012 | Khmer with Est | Cambodia
A captivatingly courageous and touching film about a lesbian couple in Cambodia. Soth Yun and Sem Eang, both now in their late 50s, loved each other since the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime,when more than two million people died. Soth and Sem survived. The deep bond existing between them and their strength has helped them overcome all.
Winner of Best...
- 2/19/2014
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
The 2014 GLAAD Media Awards nominations have been announced, celebrating TV shows, movies, music artists and journalism that puts forth fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.
The awards are given our in two ceremonies, April 12 in Los Angeles and May 3 in New York. The nominees are as follows:
Outstanding Drama Series
"The Fosters"
"Grey's Anatomy"
"Orphan Black"
"Pretty Little Liars"
"Shameless"
Outstanding Comedy Series
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
"Glee"
"Modern Family"
"Orange is the New Black"
"Please Like Me"
Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without a regular Lgbt character)
"Bride and Prejudice," "The Soul Man"
"Larp and the Real Girl," "Supernatural"
"Secret Lives," "Drop Dead Diva"
"Snow Angels," "Elementary"
"There's the Door," "Necessary Roughness"
Outstanding TV Movie or Miniseries
"Behind the Candelabra"
"In the Flesh"
Outstanding Documentary
"Bridegroom"
"Call Me Kuchu"
"God Loves Uganda"
"The New Black"
"Valentine Road...
The awards are given our in two ceremonies, April 12 in Los Angeles and May 3 in New York. The nominees are as follows:
Outstanding Drama Series
"The Fosters"
"Grey's Anatomy"
"Orphan Black"
"Pretty Little Liars"
"Shameless"
Outstanding Comedy Series
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
"Glee"
"Modern Family"
"Orange is the New Black"
"Please Like Me"
Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without a regular Lgbt character)
"Bride and Prejudice," "The Soul Man"
"Larp and the Real Girl," "Supernatural"
"Secret Lives," "Drop Dead Diva"
"Snow Angels," "Elementary"
"There's the Door," "Necessary Roughness"
Outstanding TV Movie or Miniseries
"Behind the Candelabra"
"In the Flesh"
Outstanding Documentary
"Bridegroom"
"Call Me Kuchu"
"God Loves Uganda"
"The New Black"
"Valentine Road...
- 1/30/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
With two big ceremonies coming up (April 12th in Los Angeles and May 3rd in New York City), the 2014 GLAAD Media Awards has a ton of great nominees all vying for a trophy.
On the film end of things, “Dallas Buyers Club” and “Blue is the Warmest Color” both received nods, and “Orange is the New Black” and “Pretty Little Liars” lead the way for television.
The GLAAD Media Awards honors the biggest and brightest stars in entertainment, journalism and real-life Lgbt movements.
The nominees for the 2014 GLAAD Media Awards are:
Outstanding Film – Wide Release
Blue Is the Warmest Color (Sundance Selects)
Dallas Buyers Club (Focus Features)
Kill Your Darlings (Sony Pictures Classics)
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Philomena (The Weinstein Company)
Outstanding Film – Limited Release
Concussion (RADiUS-The Weinstein Company)
Geography Club (Breaking Glass Pictures)
Out in the Dark (Breaking Glass Pictures)
Reaching for the Moon...
On the film end of things, “Dallas Buyers Club” and “Blue is the Warmest Color” both received nods, and “Orange is the New Black” and “Pretty Little Liars” lead the way for television.
The GLAAD Media Awards honors the biggest and brightest stars in entertainment, journalism and real-life Lgbt movements.
The nominees for the 2014 GLAAD Media Awards are:
Outstanding Film – Wide Release
Blue Is the Warmest Color (Sundance Selects)
Dallas Buyers Club (Focus Features)
Kill Your Darlings (Sony Pictures Classics)
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Philomena (The Weinstein Company)
Outstanding Film – Limited Release
Concussion (RADiUS-The Weinstein Company)
Geography Club (Breaking Glass Pictures)
Out in the Dark (Breaking Glass Pictures)
Reaching for the Moon...
- 1/30/2014
- GossipCenter
This morning the national Lgbt media advocacy organization GLAAD announced nominees for the 25th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. According to GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis, the year “has brought momentous progress for Lgbt people and families – and our nominees have created images and stories that continue to challenge misconceptions, shatter stereotypes, and change hearts and minds of millions all across the globe.”
There are 130 nominees in 29 categories but a few notable honorees include wide release films Dallas Buyers Club, Philomena and Kill Your Darlings, all of which were previously reviewed here on TheBacklot.
In the limited release category, Geography Club scored a nod. (The film is based on the classic Ya novel by AfterElton alum Brent Hartinger.)
In the outstanding TV drama category, ABC Family scored 2 nominees: The Fosters and Pretty Little Liars.
In the TV comedy category, perennial nominees Modern Family and Glee were joined by Brooklyn Nine-Nine and...
There are 130 nominees in 29 categories but a few notable honorees include wide release films Dallas Buyers Club, Philomena and Kill Your Darlings, all of which were previously reviewed here on TheBacklot.
In the limited release category, Geography Club scored a nod. (The film is based on the classic Ya novel by AfterElton alum Brent Hartinger.)
In the outstanding TV drama category, ABC Family scored 2 nominees: The Fosters and Pretty Little Liars.
In the TV comedy category, perennial nominees Modern Family and Glee were joined by Brooklyn Nine-Nine and...
- 1/30/2014
- by Dennis Ayers
- The Backlot
Adding their picks to the awards season deluge, the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards unveiled the official list of nominees.
Not surprisingly, “The Butler” will compete in categories including Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Supporting Actor & Actress and Writing.
Meanwhile, Kerry Washington’s “Scandal” is up for Outstanding Drama Series, and Ms. Washington herself received a nod for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock gushed, “This has been an incredible year from the artistic community, with phenomenal contributions across the board from the music, television, motion picture, and literature genres that have the power and impact to drive social change.”
The 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards will go live on Friday, February 21st.
And the nominees are:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
"House of Lies" (Showtime)
"Modern Family" (ABC)
"Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
"The Game" (Bet)
"The Soul Man" (TV Land)
Outstanding Actor in...
Not surprisingly, “The Butler” will compete in categories including Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Supporting Actor & Actress and Writing.
Meanwhile, Kerry Washington’s “Scandal” is up for Outstanding Drama Series, and Ms. Washington herself received a nod for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock gushed, “This has been an incredible year from the artistic community, with phenomenal contributions across the board from the music, television, motion picture, and literature genres that have the power and impact to drive social change.”
The 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards will go live on Friday, February 21st.
And the nominees are:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
"House of Lies" (Showtime)
"Modern Family" (ABC)
"Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
"The Game" (Bet)
"The Soul Man" (TV Land)
Outstanding Actor in...
- 1/10/2014
- GossipCenter
The 2014 NAACP Image Awards nominations were announced Thursday (Jan. 9) at the Television Critics Association press tour by David Oyelowo ("The Butler"), Joe Morton ("Scandal"), Keke Palmer ("CrazySexyCool"), Bresha Webb ("Love That Girl!") and Gina Torres ("Suits").
The 45th annual NAACP Image Awards airs live Saturday, Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on TVOne.
The list of nominees:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
· "House of Lies" (Showtime)
· "Modern Family" (ABC)
· "Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
· "The Game" (Bet)
· "The Soul Man" (TV Land)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
· Andre Braugher - "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (Fox)
· Cedric The Entertainer - "The Soul Man" (TV Land)
· Don Cheadle - "House of Lies" (Showtime)
· Dulé Hill - "Psych" (USA Network)
· Kevin Hart - "Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
· Aisha Tyler - "Archer" (FX Networks)
· Mindy Kaling - "The Mindy Project" (Fox)
· Niecy Nash - "The Soul Man" (TV Land...
The 45th annual NAACP Image Awards airs live Saturday, Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on TVOne.
The list of nominees:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
· "House of Lies" (Showtime)
· "Modern Family" (ABC)
· "Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
· "The Game" (Bet)
· "The Soul Man" (TV Land)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
· Andre Braugher - "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (Fox)
· Cedric The Entertainer - "The Soul Man" (TV Land)
· Don Cheadle - "House of Lies" (Showtime)
· Dulé Hill - "Psych" (USA Network)
· Kevin Hart - "Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
· Aisha Tyler - "Archer" (FX Networks)
· Mindy Kaling - "The Mindy Project" (Fox)
· Niecy Nash - "The Soul Man" (TV Land...
- 1/9/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
In the deeply religious Christian nation of Uganda, homosexuality is a crime punishable by death. But after returning from a stint in South Africa, David Kato wanted to fight to liberate oppressed Ugandians who were forced to remain in the closet due to the nation's anti-homosexual bill. As Uganda's first openly gay man, David Kato fights to defeat this bill while overcoming brutal physical and verbal persecution in Call Me Kuchu, a documentary by Malika Zouhali-Worrall and Katherine Fairfax Wright. Working against a violent culture of anti-homosexuality, David's story is ...
- 12/17/2013
- by krelth
- International Documentary Association
Documentaries have come a long way in the past 20 years, especially in the last decade. Documentary film has developed into a popular and visible form of entertainment, while having a bigger effect on society, usually addressing important issues with the goal of informing the public and pushing for social change. Ten years ago, it was more difficult to name 10 “great” documentaries released in one single year. Oh, how times have changed. There are so many incredible docs released each year – most never released wide – that it is impossible to catch up with each – but we try our best here at Sound On Sight. The following is a list of recent documentaries recommended most by our staff. It was hard to choose between the many great docs released this year, but we decided to narrow it down to a list of 10, based on what received the most votes from our end-year...
- 12/17/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
A feature project that we've been following since 2011, when it was selected for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab that year, is now set to make its world premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival next month. Titled Imperial Dreams, it's produced by the same filmmaker (Katherine Fairfax Wright) who co-directed, edited, and shot the acclaimed documentary Call Me Kuchu (the powerful and moving film that follows the daily life of David Kato – the first openly gay Ugandan man). Malik Vitthal makes his feature film directorial debut from a script he co-wrote with Ismet Prcic. And, as we are only just learning, John Boyega stars in the film, which is...
- 12/12/2013
- by Natasha Greeves
- ShadowAndAct
We will be taking a closer look at each of the 15 contenders for Best Documentary soon, but for now let's look at the films that Oscar's doc branch decided to shortlist from that gargantuan list of 151 contenders. All of the titles are rather high profile with a few left field contenders for fun. I was surprised to not see the likes of A River Changes Course, Let the Fire Burn (the only Ida nominee which didn't make it), At Berkeley, Call me Kuchu, and my personal favourite, The Missing Picture, but this looks like a fairly well representative list of films from what has arguably been one of the strongest years ever for documentaries.
The 15 contenders are:
The Act of Killing The Armstrong Lie Blackfish The Crash Reel Cutie and the Boxer Dirty Wars First Cousin: Once Removed God Loves Uganda (Reviewed) Life According to Sam Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer (Reviewed) Stories We Tell,...
The 15 contenders are:
The Act of Killing The Armstrong Lie Blackfish The Crash Reel Cutie and the Boxer Dirty Wars First Cousin: Once Removed God Loves Uganda (Reviewed) Life According to Sam Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer (Reviewed) Stories We Tell,...
- 12/4/2013
- by Glenn Dunks
- FilmExperience
Seven documentary films have been selected as recipients of the Catapult Film Fund’s fall 2013 development grant. Since launching in 2010, over $700,000 has been awarded to 37 films via the Catapult program. 465 proposals were submitted this time around, doubling the number of spring 2013 proposals.A previous Catapult grantee is “Call Me Kuchu,” directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zohali-Worrall, which debuted in 2012 at the Berlin Film Festival, and continued on as a festival hit, followed by a theatrical release earlier this year in the U.S. and U.K. The following film projects were chosen for funding: A Very Cold War, Dir. May AbdallaA Very Cold War is set at the frontline of the fast changing Arctic. As the Un decides how to divide up state sovereignty into the High North we travel into the lives of American entrepreneurs, Danish scientists and Russian priests who are investing in the thawing ice...
- 11/15/2013
- by Beth Hanna
- Thompson on Hollywood
Thus far this year, we've seen 2 relatively high-profile documentaries on Lgbtq rights in Uganda - Roger Ross Williams' God Loves Uganda and Call Me Kuchu from filmmakers Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall. I've been alerted to an upcoming new documentary that will tackle similar matters, but this time, in a country northwest of Uganda - Nigeria. It comes from New York-based director Habeeb Lawal, who shot the film in Nigeria, which takes on the country's proposed anti-gay bill and the people it ultimately affects. Titled Veil of Silence, here's an official synopsis: On the brink of an impending law that could re-write their destinies, young...
- 11/7/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Blue is the Warmest Color, the erotic French drama, has moviegoers and film bloggers talking. Hear what Katey, Joe, Nick and Nathaniel have to say about it in the new podcast (we held the conversation for a week to give more of you a chance to see it). We also revisit the trilogy capping Before Midnight starring screenwriter/actors Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke.
This week's podcast also features affectionate (?) sidebar shoutouts to acclaimed documentary Call Me Kuchu, cranky moviegoers and ushers, Disney's Frozen, John Cassavettes Faces, the Israeli drama Late Marriage, the Ridley Scott classic Thelma & Louise, Sarah Paulson & Queen Latifah, and movie characters we'd like to drop back in on.
You can listen at the bottom of the post or download it on iTunes. Join in the conversation in the comments.
Supplemental Reading / Listening:
Blue Is...-Nathaniel's review
These Sapphic Superstar tweets ... referenced in the podcast
Operation Kino -...
This week's podcast also features affectionate (?) sidebar shoutouts to acclaimed documentary Call Me Kuchu, cranky moviegoers and ushers, Disney's Frozen, John Cassavettes Faces, the Israeli drama Late Marriage, the Ridley Scott classic Thelma & Louise, Sarah Paulson & Queen Latifah, and movie characters we'd like to drop back in on.
You can listen at the bottom of the post or download it on iTunes. Join in the conversation in the comments.
Supplemental Reading / Listening:
Blue Is...-Nathaniel's review
These Sapphic Superstar tweets ... referenced in the podcast
Operation Kino -...
- 11/3/2013
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
What’s new, what’s hot, and what you may have missed, now available to stream on Netflix and Amazon Instant Video.
streaming now, before it’s on dvd
Computer Chess: oddball indie mockumentary about an early-80s convention of programmers; trippy and dryly funny [at Amazon Instant Video]
modern horror classics for Halloween
The Awakening: engrossing performances by Rebecca Hall and Dominic West and elegant scares make for a ghost story that feels both classic and progressive at the same time [my review] [at Amazon Instant Video] Chained: an unnerving and provocative grenade lobbed into the heart of the serial-killer horror subgenre [my review] [at Amazon Instant Video] Frailty: Bill Paxton is a serial killer and a loving dad; horrifying in how it turns the supernatural and the insane into an ordinary part of everyday life [my review] [at Amazon Instant Video] Mama: truly disturbing and unexpectedly poignant, with original and effective scares and a feminist spin on motherhood anxieties [my review] [at Amazon Instant Video] Trollhunter: totally fresh mockumentary fantasy, dryly satirical and deliciously suspenseful…...
streaming now, before it’s on dvd
Computer Chess: oddball indie mockumentary about an early-80s convention of programmers; trippy and dryly funny [at Amazon Instant Video]
modern horror classics for Halloween
The Awakening: engrossing performances by Rebecca Hall and Dominic West and elegant scares make for a ghost story that feels both classic and progressive at the same time [my review] [at Amazon Instant Video] Chained: an unnerving and provocative grenade lobbed into the heart of the serial-killer horror subgenre [my review] [at Amazon Instant Video] Frailty: Bill Paxton is a serial killer and a loving dad; horrifying in how it turns the supernatural and the insane into an ordinary part of everyday life [my review] [at Amazon Instant Video] Mama: truly disturbing and unexpectedly poignant, with original and effective scares and a feminist spin on motherhood anxieties [my review] [at Amazon Instant Video] Trollhunter: totally fresh mockumentary fantasy, dryly satirical and deliciously suspenseful…...
- 10/31/2013
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
It's one of two recent high-profile documentaries on Lgbt rights in Uganda - the other being Call Me Kuchu, directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall, which documents the daily lives of David Kato – the first openly gay Ugandan man - and three fellow “kuchus” (Lgbt Ugandans). I'll also add Wanuri Kahiu's Jambula Tree, a South African-Kenya co-production currently in development, which also puts a spotlight on the treatment of LGBTs in Uganda. Although Kahiu's film is a work of fiction, based on a short story that won the Caine Prize for short stories in 2007. Call Me Kuchu is now on home video, while...
- 9/25/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Cinedigm Entertainment Group has released, on DVD and VOD, Call Me Kuchu - the powerful and moving film that documents the daily lives of David Kato – the first openly gay Ugandan man - and three fellow “kuchus” (Lgbt Ugandans), culminating in a brutal and senseless murder that sent shock waves throughout the world. Over the course of two years, filmmakers Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall documented the daily lives of the outspoken and inspiring Kato and his fellow “kuchus” as Uganda was emerging as a frontier in the battle for African Lgbt rights. An alum of Film Independent’s Artist Development Program, Call Me Kuchu earned stellar...
- 9/24/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The Ifp Independent Filmmaker Conference’s “Blitz Wisdom” panels are quick, Ted-like talks from filmmakers discussing their projects and/or offering tips and pointers. Here are a few highlights from Malika Zouhali-Worrall’s Blitz Wisdom on the making of the documentary Call Me Kuchu and how they created this successful and highly provocative documentary about the first openly gay man in Uganda: – When researching a topic for your film, find a cause that is topical and personal to you and research, research, research. While the filmmakers had no direct connection to the Lgbt situation in Uganda, they had learned a great deal […]...
- 9/16/2013
- by Katie Carman-Lehach
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The Ifp Independent Filmmaker Conference’s “Blitz Wisdom” panels are quick, Ted-like talks from filmmakers discussing their projects and/or offering tips and pointers. Here are a few highlights from Malika Zouhali-Worrall’s Blitz Wisdom on the making of the documentary Call Me Kuchu and how they created this successful and highly provocative documentary about the first openly gay man in Uganda: – When researching a topic for your film, find a cause that is topical and personal to you and research, research, research. While the filmmakers had no direct connection to the Lgbt situation in Uganda, they had learned a great deal […]...
- 9/16/2013
- by Katie Carman-Lehach
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Tags: Rachel MaddowLady GagaMelissa EtheridgePretty Little LiarsTrap for CinderellaJane LynchIMDb
Good afternoon everyone!
Sia declared her excitement on Twitter after today’s historic rulings.
Yayayayayayayay!!! Equality!!!
— sia furler (@Sia) June 26, 2013
Last night out rocker Vicci Martinez (The Voice) stopped by Logo’s Hot 100 party in Hollywood, CA.
Photo by Rodrigo Vaz/Getty Images
Radio and TV host Heidi Hamilton (That Sex Show) also worked her magic on the red carpet. It was a super classy event.
Photo by Rodrigo Vaz/Getty Images
Out costume designer Mandi Line revealed that if the cast of Pretty Little Liars are wearing flat shoes, then they’re up to something.
Lady Gaga has once again landed near the top of Forbes world’s most powerful celebrities list. Gaga ranked second and Oprah Winfrey claimed the coveted #1 spot.
Keira Knightley has signed on to produce and star in The Other Typist, based on Suzanne Rindell...
Good afternoon everyone!
Sia declared her excitement on Twitter after today’s historic rulings.
Yayayayayayayay!!! Equality!!!
— sia furler (@Sia) June 26, 2013
Last night out rocker Vicci Martinez (The Voice) stopped by Logo’s Hot 100 party in Hollywood, CA.
Photo by Rodrigo Vaz/Getty Images
Radio and TV host Heidi Hamilton (That Sex Show) also worked her magic on the red carpet. It was a super classy event.
Photo by Rodrigo Vaz/Getty Images
Out costume designer Mandi Line revealed that if the cast of Pretty Little Liars are wearing flat shoes, then they’re up to something.
Lady Gaga has once again landed near the top of Forbes world’s most powerful celebrities list. Gaga ranked second and Oprah Winfrey claimed the coveted #1 spot.
Keira Knightley has signed on to produce and star in The Other Typist, based on Suzanne Rindell...
- 6/26/2013
- by Bridget McManus
- AfterEllen.com
To the outside observer, political movements can become reduced to a series of rarely-challenged expressions of conventional wisdom. Plenty such axioms exist when it comes to Lgbt rights: marriage equality is inevitable in the U.S.; most African-Americans oppose equal marriage rights because of their religion; Lgbt people are invisible everywhere but the West. But two new documentaries "The New Black" and "Call Me Kuchu," which are landing on the scene contemporaneously, present a compelling challenge to these assumptions. "The New Black" just won the audience award for best feature at AFI Docs. Yoruba Richen's "The New Black" focuses on the Question 6 campaign in Maryland, a 2012 ballot initiative which asked voters to affirm or reject a marriage equality bill passed earlier by the legislature. Similar campaigns took place in Washington and Maine, but the Maryland campaign was different because of the state's racial composition: African-Americans make up 30 percent...
- 6/25/2013
- by Jacob Combs
- Thompson on Hollywood
Documentaries come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but one thing the vast majority of them have in common is that they’re usually telling a story about something that has happened in the past. They could be looking back centuries, decades or years, but more often than not they’re exploring events that have already come to pass. Call Me Kuchu is a less common example of a film that explores an ongoing story by following people and events as they unfold, and the result is an at times harrowing, heartbreaking and hopeful look at the best and worst humanity has to offer. While the subject of gay rights divides the United States for the most part evenly and peaceably, other countries vary wildly. Some are more accepting, and some are far more restrictive. Uganda belongs in the latter camp with 95% of Ugandans aligning themselves directly against homosexuality. Gay sex is already illegal and punishable by...
- 6/17/2013
- by Rob Hunter
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
In 2009, a bill was proposed in the Ugandan parliament that would outlaw homosexuality, making the offense punishable by death. In response, the newspaper The Rolling Stone began outing members of the Lgbt community with the headline “Hang Them.” The Lgbt activist David Kato, the first openly gay man in the rapidly anti-gay nation of Uganda, took the publication to court to prevent them from further printing the names and pictures of gay people — and won. Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali Worral’s remarkable documentary Call Me Kuchu chronicles the brave battles of Kato and his comrades, as they very publicly seek to …...
- 6/14/2013
- by Nick Dawson
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Wedging The Closet Door Open In Uganda
In the United States, the last few decades have been tarnished with the debate over whether or not homosexual couples should have the same legal rights as traditionally married straight couples, but as atrocious as that contention is, it pales in comparison to the injustices that gay citizens of Uganda must endure. There, approximately 95% of the population believes that homosexuality is a blasphemous choice made by perverts hellbent on summoning the wrath of God to destroy Uganda just as he had Sodom and Gomorrah, and for this, they deserve death. This extremist view has ironically been cultivated by wealthy American Evangelical Christian groups and successfully spread to the point where there is now a proposed piece of legislation called the Anti-Homosexuality Bill that, if passed, would make homosexuality punishable by death. Yet, a few brave souls still fight the good fight against obtuse...
In the United States, the last few decades have been tarnished with the debate over whether or not homosexual couples should have the same legal rights as traditionally married straight couples, but as atrocious as that contention is, it pales in comparison to the injustices that gay citizens of Uganda must endure. There, approximately 95% of the population believes that homosexuality is a blasphemous choice made by perverts hellbent on summoning the wrath of God to destroy Uganda just as he had Sodom and Gomorrah, and for this, they deserve death. This extremist view has ironically been cultivated by wealthy American Evangelical Christian groups and successfully spread to the point where there is now a proposed piece of legislation called the Anti-Homosexuality Bill that, if passed, would make homosexuality punishable by death. Yet, a few brave souls still fight the good fight against obtuse...
- 6/14/2013
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
There hasn't been a lot of good P.R. for civil rights in Uganda in the last few years, what with its parliament's proposed legislation that would make homosexual activity punishable by death. Call Me Kuchu, a powerful documentary by first-time filmmakers Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall, doesn't cast the country's anti-gay movement in a favorable light at all -- which is to say, it depicts the anti-gay movement fairly and accurately -- but it finds inspiration in the brave efforts of Uganda's small community of gay activists. Taking its title from a Ugandan slang term for gays and lesbians, "Call Me Kuchu" focuses primarily on David Kato, the first openly gay man in Uganda (!) who serves as the Lgbt community's unofficial leader. To...
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- 6/14/2013
- Screen Anarchy
Shot in Uganda in a time when it is illegal to identify as homosexual, Call Me Kuchu begins as a casual, on-the-ground account of life for an Lgbt person living in a country in which human rights and civic freedoms have been pushed aside by religious extremists and hate groups. It ends as a eulogy for ts own central subject.
In January 2011, Ugandan Lgbt activist David Kato Kisule was found murdered in his house. Often referred to as the first openly gay man in Uganda, he was the figurehead of the small and struggling gay rights movement in his country. At the time Ugandan politicians – led by MP David Bahati – were pushing forward an anti-homosexuality bill that became known in the global press as Uganda’s “Kill the Gays” bill. Repercussions from the murder sounded globally, with rallies and memorials being held around the world in his honor, and leading voices like Human Rights Watch,...
In January 2011, Ugandan Lgbt activist David Kato Kisule was found murdered in his house. Often referred to as the first openly gay man in Uganda, he was the figurehead of the small and struggling gay rights movement in his country. At the time Ugandan politicians – led by MP David Bahati – were pushing forward an anti-homosexuality bill that became known in the global press as Uganda’s “Kill the Gays” bill. Repercussions from the murder sounded globally, with rallies and memorials being held around the world in his honor, and leading voices like Human Rights Watch,...
- 6/14/2013
- by Brian Juergens
- The Backlot
A few weeks back, we offered up this list of 10 Lgbt films you should see on the film festival circuit this summer, but there's also a few heading to traditional release. Among them is Malika Zouhali-Worrall and Katherine Fairfax Wright's Ugandan Lgbt rights doc "Call Me Kuchu," which is being released this Friday in New York (and then next weekend in La) after nearly a year and half of winning considerable accolades on the festival circuit. Upon its world premiere at the Berlinale last year, the film won the Teddy Award for best Lgbt documentary. It followed that win with prizes for best international feature at Hot Docs, the audience award at Frameline, and the Amnesty International human rights award at Durban. Specifically focused around Lgbt people and activists in Uganda, "Call Me Kuchu" (gay and transgendered citizens are called "kuchus") centers around the life and tragic death of David Kato,...
- 6/13/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
Equally gut-wrenching and inspiring, the documentary Call Me Kuchu beams right from Uganda, the global hypocenter in the ongoing and intensifying struggle over Lgbt rights. Directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall, the film—from its opening moments—jumps right into the fray of Uganda's media and government-sanctioned homophobia, outlining its outsider roots (leftover colonial laws from Britain; rightwing American evangelicals stoking the flames of bigotry) while making clear the Ugandan complicity in and responsibility for the anti-gay bigotry that has swept the country.
What makes Kuchu work as taut agitprop, and ultimately to devastating emotional effect, is that Wright and Zouhali-Worrall allow the enormity of the film's pol...
What makes Kuchu work as taut agitprop, and ultimately to devastating emotional effect, is that Wright and Zouhali-Worrall allow the enormity of the film's pol...
- 6/12/2013
- Village Voice
Last fall, Cinedigm Entertainment Group acquired all U.S. distribution rights to Call Me Kuchu - the powerful and moving film that documents the daily lives of David Kato – the first openly gay Ugandan man - and three fellow “kuchus” (Lgbt Ugandans), culminating in a brutal and senseless murder that sent shock waves throughout the world. Over the course of two years, filmmakers Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall documented the daily lives of the outspoken and inspiring Kato and his fellow “kuchus” as Uganda was emerging as a frontier in the battle for African Lgbt rights. Cinedigm has set a theatrical release date for the acclaimed film for this...
- 6/10/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Specifically focused around Lgbt people and Lgbt activists in Uganda, the documentary "Call Me Kuchu" (Uganda's gay and transgendered activists refer to themselves as "kuchus"), directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall, centers around the life and tragic death of David Kato, a veteran activist who spent years fighting against his country’s homophobic society. Read More: First-Time Directing Duo Talk Ugandan Lgbt Rights Doc 'Call Me Kuchu' Among other terrifying things, an anti-homosexuality bill proposing death for HIV-positive gay men is introduced and Kato is one of the few brave enough to try and stop it. Unfortunately, after courageously changing the face of Lgbt rights in the country, Kato was brutally murdered. After wowing on the festival circuit, the documentary opens in select theaters this Friday. Below, watch two clips from the film, exclusive to Indiewire.
- 6/10/2013
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
Several films we've covered on this site over the years were recipients of grants from Chicken & Egg Pictures - Buddha of Africa; The Supreme Price; The New Black; Call Me Kuchu and several others. I should also note that Nekisa Cooper, producer of Pariah, was awarded the the first Creative Producer grant from Chicken and Egg Pictures in 2011 at the Sundance Film Festival - a $10,000 award! So you're strongly encouraged to apply, assuming you qualify. Details from the email announcement, below: It's that exciting time of year again! Chicken & Egg Pictures is looking for more talented and...
- 6/4/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Call Me Kuchu: The universality of anti-gay hate in Uganda (photo: Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato in Call Me Kuchu) It’s impossible to watch Call Me Kuchu, Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall’s affecting and shocking documentary about the fight for gay rights in Uganda, and not rail against the religion-inspired hatred that many Ugandans hold towards homosexuals. It’s even tempting to look down upon the ignorant and hateful East Africans who embrace such views and consider them the product of "Third World thinking." And yet many Americans hold comparable opinions. Search the various comment boards that deal in such political and social matters and you’ll easily find educated, technology-savvy, big city Americans who use the same justification to condemn, sometimes violently, "the gay lifestyle." So, while Call Me Kuchu bears witness to those fighting against well-organized prejudice in Uganda, it also reminds us...
- 6/1/2013
- by Mark Keizer
- Alt Film Guide
Last year, the internationally-acclaimed feature documentary Call Me Kuchu (read Nijla's review Here) documented the what life is like for homosexuals in Uganda. This year, Roger Ross Williams tackles a similar topic in his new documentary God Loves Uganda. And also this year, directors Shaun Kadlec and Deb Tullmann head just northwest of Uganda with Born This Way, a feature documentary on the lives of gays and lesbians in Cameroon, and seeks to make it clear that the worldwide struggle for tolerance and equality still has a long way to go. Here's a synopsis: Like everywhere else in the world, gays and lesbians in Cameroon seek refuge in the city. The...
- 5/24/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
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