Tag Archives: Larry Gleeson

Palm Springs International Film Festival

28th ANNUAL PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS

Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toni Erdmann Receives FIPRESCI Prize;
Gael García Bernal and Isabelle HuppertReceive Acting Prizes;
White Sun Receives New Voices/New Visions Award;
No Dress Code Required Receives The John Schlesinger Award;
Neruda Receives Cine Latino Award;
Mercenary Receives The HP Bridging The Borders Awards
 

Palm Springs, CA (January 14, 2017) – The 28th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) announced this year’s juried award winners at a luncheon at the Hilton Palm Springs on Saturday, January 14, 2017.  The Festival, held from January 2-16, 2017, screened 190 films from 72 countries. The Mercedes-Benz Audience Awards for Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature will be announced on Sunday, January 15.

 

FIPRESCI PRIZE

A special jury of international film critics reviewed 43 of the 85 official submissions for the Academy Awards(R) Best Foreign Language Film category screened at this year’s Festival.  Awards are presented to the Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor and Actress in a Foreign Language Film.

 

toni_erdmann_5_psiff
Director Maren Ade’s Toni Erdmann received the 2017 Palm Springs International Film Festival’s (PSIFF) FIPRESCI Prize for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year. (Photo courtesy of PSIFF Press Office)

FIPRESCI Prize for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year: Toni Erdmann(Germany), directed by Maren Ade.  In this unforgettable comedy, a prankster father puts on a wig and false teeth and invades the life of his rigid, ambitious corporate consultant daughter, whose life is upended in profound and often hilarious ways. The jury presented the award to the film, “for its originality, human complexity and unique tonal orchestration that seems natural and uncalculated. It is also an observant look at corporate culture carried by two wonderful performances.”

Neruda - Gael García Bernal (left) and Diego Muñoz (right).jpg
Gael Garcia Bernal (left) and Diego Munoz in a scene from Pablo Larrain’s biopic Neruda. (Photo courtesy of PSIFF Press Office)

FIPRESCI Prize for the Best Actor in a Foreign Language Film: Gael García Bernalin Neruda(Chile), directed by Pablo Larraín.  The jury said, “Bernal’s performance is the heart of the film’s tonal shifts, infusing the historical drama with the very poetry of its subject matter.”

Elle2_PSIFF.jpg
Actress Isabelle Huppert in character from Paul Verhoeven’s Elle. For her performance received the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actress in a Foreign Language Film. (Photo courtesy of PSIFF Press Office)

FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actress in a Foreign Language Film: Isabelle Huppert in Elle (France), directed by Paul Verhoeven.  The jury said, “Isabelle Huppert gives depth and humanity to a complex and conflicted character in a challenging, unorthodox film. Her intelligence, self-assurance, and gift for conveying rich emotional tones have never been more strikingly displayed.”

The FIPRESCI jury members were Kiva Reardon (programming associate, TIFF), Yael Shuv (chief film critic, Time Out Tel Aviv) and David Sterritt (editor-in-chief, Quarterly Review of Film and Video).

 

NEW VOICES/NEW VISIONS AWARD

The New Voices/New Visions competition showcases ten films from emerging international directors bringing their first or second narrative features to the Festival. The winner is selected by a jury of festival programmers and U.S. distributors.

 

white_sun_psiff
A scene from Deepak Rauniyar’s dark comedy, White Sun, a story about two brothers from each side of the Nepalese civil war reunited after 10 years for their father’s funeral. (Photo courtesy of PSIFF Press Office)

New Voices/New VisionsAward: White Sun(Nepal/U.S./Qatar/Netherlands), directed by Deepak Rauniyar. The film is a dark comedy about two brothers from each side of the Nepalese civil war brought together after 10 years for their father’s funeral. A trenchant, eye-catching parable, this is the best film to come out of Nepal in years.

 

The jury issued the following statement, “White Sun, for its sympathetic but unsentimental portrayals of multiple perspectives, artfully integrating landscape as a participating character in the film. Featuring stunning performances from an ensemble cast, directed with sensitivity, the film’s storytelling leaves space for the audience to experience the tension between tradition and modernity. The film balances personal and political drama with a touch of absurdist humor.”

New Voices/New Visions Special Mentions: Kati Kati (Kenya/Germany), directed by Mbithi Masya and Mellow Mud (Latvia), directed by Renars Vimba.  The jury said, “Both directors create worlds that lead the audience deeply into beautifully-realized worlds.”

The films were juried by Jonathan Howell (founder and director, Big World Pictures), Funa Maduka (Global Content Acquisition group, Netflix), Jane Schoettle (International Programmer, TIFF).

 

THE JOHN SCHLESINGER AWARD

The John Schlesinger Award, named after the director, writer, producer and festival supporter, is presented to the director of either a first or second feature documentary from among those screened at the festival.

 

no_dress_code_required_2

Cristina Herrera Borquez’ memorable documentary, No Dress Code Required, follows a same-sex couple, Victor and Fernando, as they fight for the right to be married in their home town of Mexicali, Baja California. No Dress Code Required received this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival’s (PSIFF) John Schlesinger Award. (Photo courtesy of PSIFF Press Office)

Schlesinger Award: No Dress Code Required (Mexico), directed by Cristina Herrera Bórquez. This memorable doc follows a same-sex couple, Víctor and Fernando, as they fight for the right to be married in their home town of Mexicali, Baja California. A rallying cry for equality and a testament to the power of ordinary people to become agents of change.

 

The jury issued the following statement, “For a film that does not let you look away as ordinary people rise to the challenge of fighting for their legal rights, the John Schlesinger Award goes to No Dress Code Required, a compelling documentary that puts us on the front line of the evolving story of marriage equality.”

 

Schlesinger Special Mention: Beauties of the Night (Mexico), directed by María José Cuevas.  The jury said, “For a beautifully crafted exploration of ageism with a powerful vision, and an empowering take on what it means to grow old in a culture obsessed with youth and beauty, Special Mention goes to Beauties of the Night.”

The films were juried by Daniela Elena Alatorre (head of documentary programming, Morelia International Film Festival), Fenton Bailey (co-founder, World of Wonder Productions), Sudeep Sharma (senior programmer, Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles).

 

CINE LATINO AWARD

The Cine Latino Award is presented to the best Ibero-American film screening at the festival.  The award aims to highlight the creativity seen in modern Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American films.  Cine Latino is supported in part by Acción Cultural Espanola, Spain’s Public Agency for Cultural Action.

 

neruda-luis-gnecco
Chilean Director Pablo Larrain’s Neruda is the 2017 Palm Springs International Film Festival’s (PSIFF) recipient of the Cino Latino Award for best Ibero -American film screening. (Photo courtesy of PSIFF Press Office)

Cine Latino Award: Neruda (Chile), directed by Pablo Larraín.  The jury said, “Bypassing narrative tropes associated with films about important historical figures and creating a nearly fantastical story that is as visually striking as it is telling about the relationship between an artist and his creation, the Cine Latino Grand Jury Prize goes to Neruda.”

Cine Latino Special Mention: Everything Else (Mexico), directed by Natalia Almada. The jury said, “Coming from a doc background gives this filmmaker a unique perspective and framing that has created a powerful film. Her story often asks more questions than there are answers for but anchored by a strong, yet understated performance this film succeeds.  The film is executed with precise framing and uncanny cinematography.”

 

The films were judged by Carlos Aguilar (film journalist), Lane Kneedler (Director of Programming, AFI Fest) and Andrea Roa (producer)

 

THE HP BRIDGING THE BORDERS AWARD

The HP Bridging the Borders Award is presented by Cinema Without Borders and Hewlett Packard, which honors the film that is most successful in exemplifying art that promotes bringing the people of our world closer together. The prize includes an HP ZBook 17 Mobile Workstation, valued at $4,000.

mercenary_1
Director Sacha Wolff’s Mercenary is the 2017 Palm Springs International Film Festival’s (PSIFF) recipient of the HP Bridging the Borders Award. (Photo courtesy of PSIFF Press Office)

HP Bridging the Borders Award: Mercenary (France), directed by Sacha Wolff.  The film is a fierce, moving thriller about a massive Polynesian rugby player recruited to play in France. This stunning debut film shows us a violent, unfamiliar world through the eyes of an unforgettable outsider.

 

The jury said, “The winner of HP Bridging The Border Award is the story of a tattooed, colossal 19 year-old recruited from his island shack in Wallis, New Caledonia , to the brutal world of a rugby team in France. Wolff, paints the contrasting societies with authenticity and elicits from his non-professional actor, Toki Pilioki a performance of quiet dignity that scorches your memory. The winning film is Mercenary by Sasha Wolff.”

 

Audience Award winners will be announced on Sunday, January 15.  The Best of the Fest screenings will take place on Monday, January 16.  For a complete list of screenings visit www.psfilmfest.org. 

The complete list of award winners are:

 

Mercedes-Benz Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature

TBA on Sunday, January 15

 

Mercedes-Benz Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature

TBA on Sunday, January 15

 

FIPRESCI Prize for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year

Toni Erdmann (Germany), directed by Maren Ade

 

FIPRESCI Prize for the Best Actor in a Foreign Language Film

Gael García Bernal in Neruda (Chile)

 

FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actress in a Foreign Language Film

Isabelle Huppert in Elle(France)

 

New Voices/New Visions Award

Winner:White Sun (Nepal/U.S./Qatar/Netherlands), directed by Deepak Runiyar

Special Mentions: Kati Kati (Kenya/Germany), directed by Mbithi Masya and Mellow Mud (Latvia), directed by Renars Vimba

 

The John Schlesinger Award

Winner: No Dress Code Required (Mexico), directed by Cristina Herrera Bórquez

Special Mention: Beauties of the Night (Mexico), directed by Maria José Cuevas

 

Cine Latino Award

Winner: Neruda (Chile), directed by Pablo Larraín

Special Mention: Everything Else (Mexico), directed by Natalia Alamda

 

HP Bridging the Borders Award

Winner: Mercenary (France), directed by Sacha Wolff

About The Palm Springs International Film Festival

The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming 135,000 attendees last year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries. The Festival is also known for its annual Film Awards Gala, a glamorous, black-tie event, presented by Chopard and sponsored by Mercedes Benz and Entertainment Tonight, and attended by 2,500.  The Film Awards Gala honors the year’s best achievements in cinema in front of and behind the camera.  The celebrated list of talents who have been honored in recent years includes Ben Affleck, Javier Bardem, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Julianne Moore, Brad Pitt, Eddie Redmayne, Julia Roberts, David O. Russell, Meryl Streep, and Reese Witherspoon.  PSIFF is organized by The Palm Springs International Film Society, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization with a mission to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness

For more information, call 760-778-8979 or 800-898-7256 or visit www.psfilmfest.org.
Contacts:
Steven Wilson/Ashley Patterson                                                                     David Lee
B|W|R Public Relations                                                                                 PSIFF
212.901.3920/310.550.7776                                                                          760.322.2930
(Source: PSIFF Press Office)

 

 

Santa Barbara International Film Festival

32nd #SBIFF Film Program

2 Comments

Posted by Larry Gleeson

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), presented by UGG®, will offer a vast array of films representing 50+ countries, 51 world premieres and 64 US premieres, along with tributes with the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.

OPENING NIGHT

SBIFF 2017 will kick off the festival on Wednesday, February 1st, at the historic Arlington Theatre with the World Premiere of CHARGED. The Opening Night Film is sponsored by UGG®.

charged_sbiff

Directed by Phillip Baribeau, CHARGED chronicles the journey of chef and outdoorsman, Eduardo Garcia and his recovery after being electrocuted by 2400 volts of electricity miles from help in the Montana backcountry.  Garcia had his hand amputated, lost ribs, muscle mass and nearly his life, but more important than what he lost is what he found. CHARGED tells Eduardo’s remarkable journey from getting up off the forest floor to becoming the man he is today.

The documentary is produced by Dennis Aig and Phillip Baribeau along with executive producers Teri Weinberg, Scott Ballew, Doug Ellin, Peter Hochfelder, Constance Schwartz–Morini and Michael Strahan.

INTERNATIONAL GALA

For the International Gala, the festival will feature the US Premiere of HEAL THE LIVING (Réparer les vivants) a French–Belgian drama directed by Katell Quillévéré and written by Quillévéré and Gilles Taurand. HEAL THE LIVING stars Tahar Rahim (A Prophet, The Past, Grand Central, The Informant), Emmanuelle Seigner (Venus in Fur, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) and Anne Dorval (Mommy, Heartbeats). Three seemingly unrelated stories are masterfully woven together in this family medical drama. A French teenager takes a road trip to the sea with friends to go surfing; a woman learns her heart is failing; and the staff at a regional hospital struggles through another day of saving lives. Cohen Media Group plans for a Spring 2017 release.

CLOSING NIGHT

The Festival will close with the Lone Scherfig’s period comedy–drama THEIR FINEST at the Arlington Theatre on Saturday, February 11 in advance of the film’s March 24 stateside release. The Closing Night Film is sponsored by Winchester Mystery House.

Their Finest Hour and A HalfDirected by Lone Sherfig
Their Finest directed by Lone Sherfig stars Gemma Arteton, left, as a scriptwriter in charge of writing female dialogue, and Bill Nighy as pretentious, fading movie star Ambrose Hilliard in this 1940’s British period comedy-drama.

The year is 1940, Britain. With the nation devastated by the war, the British ministry turns to propaganda films to boost morale at home. Realizing their films could use “a woman’s touch,” the ministry hires Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton) as a scriptwriter in charge of writing the female dialogue. Although her artist husband looks down on her job, Catrin’s natural flair quickly gets her noticed by charming lead scriptwriter Buckley (Sam Claflin). Catrin and Buckley set out to make an epic feature film based on the Battle of Dunkirk starring pretentious fading movie star Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy). As bombs are dropping all around them, Catrin, Buckley and their colorful cast and crew work furiously to make a film that will warm the hearts of the nation.

The film is produced by Stephen Woolley, Amanda Posey, Finola Dwyer and Elizabeth Karlsen. Christine Langan, Ed Wethered, Robert Norris, Ivan Dunleavy, Peter Watson, Zygi Kamasa and Thorsten Schumacher serve as executive producers. The film is produced by Number 9 Films and Wildgaze Films.

THE TRIBUTES

SBIFF has become an important showcase for Academy–Award® frontrunners, many of whom have arrived as nominees and gone on to win the Oscar. The 32nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival proudly celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film.  The complete list of 2017 Honorees (in date order) is as follows:

All tributes take place at the historic Arlington Theatre except the Variety Artisans Award, which will be at the Lobero Theatre.

THE PANELS

SBIFF has become renowned for creating smart, insightful panels that feature a who’s who in the world of filmmaking, including many Oscar® contenders.

The panel series begins on Saturday, February 4th with the “Movers and Shakers,” (Producers Panel), bringing together the industry’s most prolific producers to talk about current projects, hopes for the future of filmmaking, and insight into the creative process. Moderated by Glenn Whipp.

That same day proceeds with “It Starts With the Script” (Screenwriters Panel), bringing together top writers to discuss their craft. The panel will be moderated by Anne Thompson.

On Saturday, February 11th, Creative Forces: Women in the Business (Women’s Panel), will be moderated by Madelyn Hammond.

All panels take place at the Lobero Theatre.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The 2017 Film Program addresses timely themes including a focus on environmental activism, feminism in the Middle East, efforts to thwart ISIS around the world including, Mali and Kurdistan, the fight for democracy in Ukraine and the global refugee crisis. In addition, some of the new highlights in the program include the following sections:

  • Nordic Cinema Competition: A diverse showcase of contemporary cinema From Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
  • Crime Scenes: An international selection of crime thrillers and neo-noirs filled with gritty underworlds and moral nihilists.
  • Documentary Shorts: Refugees: A program of short documentaries featuring compelling stories from refugees living in Malawi, Syria, West Africa, Greece, Sweden and the United States.

The Jury – Films in several of the Festival’s film categories are in competition. These categories are viewed by a hand selected group of industry professionals including: Richard Raymond, Joanna Kerns, Jesus Lloveras, Tamara Asseyev, Martin Gooch, Anthony & Arnette Zerbe, Alan Marshall, Artie Schmidt, Janet Walker, Phyllis de Picciotto, Perry Lang and Mimi deGruy. On the last day of the Festival, the award winning films will be announced at the annual SBIFF awards breakfast.

ABOUT SBIFF

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non–profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 30 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 90,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and symposiums, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

Sponsors of the 32nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival include: UGG®, Belvedere Vodka, Dom Pérignon, Anti–Defamation League, Montecito Bank & Trust, Visit The Santa Ynez Valley, IMDB, Santa Barbara Foundation, Union Bank, Winchester Mystery House, Wells Fargo, Westerly Wines, The Bentson Foundation and many more supporting through trade.

SBIFF continues its commitment to education and the community through free programs like its 10–10–10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies, National Film Studies Program, AppleBox Family Films, 3rd Weekend and educational seminars. This past June, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. The theatre is SBIFF’s new home and is the catalyst for program expansion and marks the first time that Santa Barbara has had a 24/7 community center to expand their mission of educational outreach.

(Source: sbiff.org)

#AFI

WATCH THE AFI AWARDS 2016 VIDEO ALMANAC

Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

AFI asked Amy Adams, Mel Gibson, Donald Glover, Chris Pine, Martin Scorsese, Denzel Washington and many other artists what they’d like to be remembered for about their movies and TV shows, and why movies and television matter now. This AFI AWARDS 2016 video almanac serves as that part of film history. To see photos click here.

 

screen-shot-2017-01-13-at-5-13-22-pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The interviews were filmed at the AFI AWARDS luncheon, where each year the entertainment community celebrates the creative ensembles behind the year’s most outstanding films and television shows.

 

 

In order of appearance:

Martin Scorsese (SILENCE)
Jay Cocks (SILENCE)
Clint Eastwood (SULLY)
Denzel Washington (FENCES)
Amy Adams (ARRIVAL)
Mandy Moore (THIS IS US)
Donald Glover (ATLANTA)
John Lithgow (THE CROWN)
Kenneth Lonergan (MANCHESTER BY THE SEA)
Shawn Levy (ARRIVAL, STRANGER THINGS)
Eric Heisserer (ARRIVAL)
Damien Chazelle (LA LA LAND)
Matt and Ross Duffer (STRANGER THINGS)
Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham (HELL OR HIGH WATER)
Dan Cohen (ARRIVAL, STRANGER THINGS)
Saniyya Sidney (FENCES)
Taylor Sheridan (HELL OR HIGH WATER)
Cuba Gooding Jr. (THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY)
Mahershala Ali (MOONLIGHT)
Andrew Garfield (HACKSAW RIDGE, SILENCE)
Susan Kelechi Watson (THIS IS US)
Mel Gibson (HACKSAW RIDGE)
Vince Gilligan (BETTER CALL SAUL)
Chris Pine (HELL OR HIGH WATER)
Milo Ventimiglia (THIS IS US)
Brian Tyree Henry (ATLANTA)

(Source: afi.com)

Directors Guild of America

DGA Announces Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film for 2016

Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

January 12, 2017

Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay today announced the five nominees for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film for 2016.

Nominees for First-Time Feature Film Director Category Also Announced

 

paris-barclay
Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay (Photo via MadameNoir)

“These phenomenal filmmakers have captured our hearts and minds, breathing life into stories rarely told and revealing worlds rarely seen,” said Barclay. “What makes this recognition truly special is the knowledge that these five directors have made a lasting impression on their peers – directors and members of the director’s team who intimately understand the blood, sweat and tears necessary to create a feature film.”

 

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

Damien Chazelle La La Land (Lionsgate)

screen-shot-2017-01-12-at-12-49-16-pm

Mr. Chazelle’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Michael Beugg
  • First Assistant Director: Peter Kohn
  • Second Assistant Director: Paula Case
  • Assistant Unit Production Manager: Bart Lipton
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Brett Robinson
  • Additional Second Assistant Director: Dodi Rubenstein

*This is Mr. Chazelle’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

Garth Davis Lion (The Weinstein Company)

screen-shot-2017-01-12-at-12-50-22-pm

Mr. Davis’s Directorial Team:

  • First Assistant Director: Chris Webb
  • First Assistant Director: Ananya Rane (India Unit)
  • Second Assistant Directors: Mark Ingram (Australia Unit), Sunny Tiku (India Unit), KP Singh (India Unit), Shaunak Kapur (India Unit)

*This is one of two DGA Award nominations this year for Mr. Davis. He is also nominated in the First-Time Feature Film category for Lion. He was previously nominated for the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials in 2009 for “Shadow Puppets,” U.S. Cellular.

 

Barry Jenkins Moonlight (A24)

screen-shot-2017-01-12-at-12-51-59-pm

Mr. Jenkins’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Jennifer Radzikowski

*This is Mr. Jenkins’s first DGA Feature Film Award nomination.

 

Kenneth Lonergan Manchester by the Sea (Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions)

screen-shot-2017-01-12-at-12-53-22-pm

Mr. Lonergan’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Declan Baldwin
  • First Assistant Director: Michael J. Moore
  • Second Assistant Director: David Blazina
  • Second Second Assistant Directors: Tim LaDue, Scooter Perrotta

*This is Mr. Lonergan’s first DGA Award nomination.

Denis Villeneuve Arrival (Paramount Pictures)

screen-shot-2017-01-12-at-12-55-40-pm

Mr. Villeneuve’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Stan Wlodkowski
  • First Assistant Director: Donald L. Sparks
  • Second Assistant Director: Brigitte Goulet
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Karine P. Labelle

*This is Mr. Villeneuve’s first DGA Award nomination.

First-Time Feature Director Award

In addition, Mr. Barclay announced the five nominees for a new category, which debuted last year, recognizing the achievement of first-time feature film directors. First announced by Steven Spielberg at the 2015 DGA Awards, the Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First-Time Feature Film Director was created to showcase up-and-coming feature film talent.

paris-barclay“They say that ‘the only thing that stays the same is change,’ and that’s especially true when it comes to the art of filmmaking when driven by fresh viewpoints and new methods,” said Barclay. “The future of film is dependent on newly blazed trails and creative leaps of faith which is what we’re honoring with our first-time feature film director award. Congratulations to these five emerging filmmakers who have created projects that are as bold as they are innovative.”

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First-Time Feature Film Director for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

Garth Davis Lion (The Weinstein Company)

Kelly Fremon Craig The Edge of Seventeen (STX Entertainment)

Tim Miller Deadpool (Twentieth Century Fox)

Nate Parker Birth of a Nation (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Dan Trachtenberg 10 Cloverfield Lane (Paramount Pictures)

*Eligible directors for this award must have released his or her first feature-length film theatrically in Los Angeles or New York in 2016. Foreign films are eligible and the director does not need to be a DGA member.

The nominees in categories honoring outstanding directorial achievement in television, commercials and documentary for 2016 were announced on January 11, 2017. Click here to see that post.

The winners in all categories will be announced at the 69th Annual DGA Awards on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

BMW is the Exclusive Automotive Sponsor of the 69th Annual DGA Awards.

(Source: dga.org)

distribution

The Case for Theatrical Distribution-Putting Your Movie Into Theaters Still Makes Business Sense. Here’s Why:

Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

By Phillipe Diaz

A truth universally acknowledged: Everything is going digital, from the promotion of films to the way they are screened in movie theaters.

The bulk of film revenue comes from online, not only domestically but worldwide. Producers today wonder if their films still need theatrical and DVD distribution, both of which have been declining in profits, or if they can bypass these and go straight to the digital market. On top of lower returns, the fact that almost 30 new movies open every week crowds the theatrical market like never before. The clamor of do-it-yourself distribution makes things even more confusing. So, can a case still be made for theatrical release? Yes. Here’s why:

Source: The Case for Theatrical Distribution: Putting Your Movie Into Theaters Still Makes Business Sense. Here’s Why

(Excerpted from moviemaker.com)

Directors Guild of America

DGA Announces Nominees for Achievement in Television, Commercials and Documentary for 2016

1 Comment

By Larry Gleeson

 

Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay announced the DGA’s nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Television, Commercials and Documentary for 2016.

paris-barclay
Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay (Photo via MadameNoir)

“There’s so much to celebrate in such an incredible year for television, commercials and documentaries as we announce the DGA nominees for directorial achievement,” said Barclay. “As content across these categories reaches record levels, the bar is set higher than ever for directors – with each genre requiring unique skillsets and talents. And our nominees this year have far surpassed the challenge with such creative and captivating projects. I congratulate all of them on their exceptional work.”

 

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

 

THE DUFFER BROTHERS

Stranger Things, “Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers”

(Netflix)

The Duffer Brothers’ Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Timothy Lonsdale
  • First Assistant Director: Richard Denault
  • Second Assistant Directors: Maria Battle Campbell, Kristina M. Peterson
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Simeon Jones
  • Additional Second Assistant Director: Franchesca Winters

This is Mr. Matt Duffer’s first DGA Award nomination.

This is Mr. Ross Duffer’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

RYAN MURPHY

The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, “From the Ashes of Tragedy”

(FX)

Mr. Murphy’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Chip Vucelich
  • First Assistant Director: Leo Bauer
  • Second Assistant Director: Janell Sammelman
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Matt Pexa
  • Additional Second Assistant Director: Alicia Lewis

This is Mr. Murphy’s fourth DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series in 2014 for The Normal Heart; for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series in 2009 for the Glee pilot; and in 2010 for the Glee episode “The Power of Madonna.”

 

JONATHAN NOLAN

Westworld, “The Original”

(HBO)

Mr. Nolan’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Robert Del Valle
  • First Assistant Director: Kim H. Winther
  • Second Assistant Director: Jeff Okabayashi
  • Second Second Assistant Directors: Michelene Mundo, Katie Pruitt

This is Mr. Nolan’s first DGA Award nomination

 

MIGUEL SAPOCHNIK

Game of Thrones, “The Battle of the Bastards”

(HBO)

This is Mr. Sapochnik’s first DGA Award nomination

 

JOHN SINGLETON

The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, “The Race Card”

(FX)

Mr. Singleton’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Chip Vucelich
  • First Assistant Director: Dan Shaw
  • Second Assistant Director: Matt Pexa
  • Second Second Assistant Directors: Kim Richards, Kyle Hollingsworth

This is Mr. Singleton’s first DGA Award nomination

 

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

 

ALEC BERG

Silicon Valley, “Daily Active Users”

(HBO)

Mr. Berg’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Tyler Romary
  • First Assistant Director: Nick Mastandrea
  • Second Assistant Director: Sally Brunski
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Kim Richards
  • Additional Second Assistant Director: Kathleen D. Brennan

This is Mr. Berg’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

DONALD GLOVER

Atlanta, “B.A.N.”

(FX)

Mr. Glover’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Alex Orr
  • First Assistant Director: Veronica A. Hodge‑Hampton
  • Second Assistant Director: Jason Graham
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Danielle King
  • Additional Second Assistant Director: Mike Brune

This is Mr. Glover’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

MIKE JUDGE

Silicon Valley, “Founder Friendly”

(HBO)

Mr. Judge’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Tyler Romary
  • First Assistant Director: James “Billy” Burton
  • Second Assistant Director: Thomas Boucher
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Kim Richards

This is Mr. Judge’s third DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this same category in 2014 for the Silicon Valley episode “Minimum Viable Product” and in 2015 for the Silicon Valley episode “Binding Arbitration.”

 

BECKY MARTIN

Veep, “Inauguration”

(HBO)

Ms. Martin’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: David Hyman
  • First Assistant Director: Dale Stern
  • Second Assistant Director: Michelle Gritzer
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Chris Riddle
  • Additional Second Assistant Director: Gary Cotti

This is Ms. Martin’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

DALE STERN

Veep, “Mother”

(HBO)

Mr. Stern’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: David Hyman
  • First Assistant Director: Michelle Gritzer
  • Second Assistant Director: Jeff Rosenberg
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Chris Riddle
  • Additional Second Assistant Director: Cecilia Sweatman

This is Mr. Stern’s first DGA Award nomination.

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

 

RAYMOND DE FELITTA

Madoff

(ABC)

Mr. De Felitta’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Moshe Bardach
  • First Assistant Director: Scott Lazar
  • Second Assistant Director: David Fischer
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Ramona Murphy-Adair
  • Location Manager: Eddy Collyns

This is Mr. De Felitta’s first DGA Award nomination

 

THOMAS KAIL (Directed By)
ALEX RUDZINSKI (Live Television Direction By)

Grease Live!

(FOX)

Directorial Team:

  • Associate Directors: Carrie Havel, Adam Mishler, Brad Duns
  • Head Stage Manager: Garry Hood
  • Stage Managers: Jennifer Marquet, John Esposito, Jonathan Marks, Rob Sellers Jr., Dani Farrelly, Paul Forrest, Roy Friedland, Chris Hines, Roxanne Lozano, Drina Mohacsi, Tshaka Stewart, Mike Strauss, Cheryl Teetzel-Moore, Ari Woog, Katie Perkins

This is Mr. Kail’s first DGA Award nomination.

This is one of two DGA Award nominations this year for Mr. Rudzinski in this category. He is also nominated with Kenny Leon for Hairspray Live! He has not been previously nominated.

 

JAY ROACH

All the Way

(HBO)

Mr. Roach’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Scott Ferguson
  • First Assistant Director: Josh King
  • Second Assistant Director: Aaron Fitzgerald
  • Second Second Assistant Directors: Jason C. Brown, Matthew Milan

This is Mr. Roach’s third DGA Award nomination. He previously won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series in 2008 for Recount and in 2012 for Game Change.

 

STEVEN ZAILLIAN

The Night Of, “The Beach”

(HBO)

Mr. Zaillian’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Greer Yeaton
  • First Assistant Director: Michael Steele
  • Second Assistant Director: Ginger Gonzalez
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Rachel Iovine
  • Location Manager: Shane Haden

This is Mr. Zaillian’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

 

PAUL G. CASEY

Real Time with Bill Maher, “Show #1437”

(HBO)

Mr. Casey’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Director: Stacy Talbot
  • Stage Managers: Patrick Whitney, Brian Anderson

This is Mr. Casey’s third DGA Award nomination. He previously was nominated in this category in 2015 and 2014 for Real Time with Bill Maher “Show #1334” and “Show #1226.”

 

NORA GERARD

CBS Sunday Morning, “Charles Osgood Farewell Broadcast”

(CBS)

Ms. Gerard’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Directors: Bernard Rozenberg, Jessica Frank, Kate D’Arcy Coleman,
    Patricia Finnegan, Jyll Phillips‑Friedman
  • Stage Managers: Mark Dicso, Lindsley Newbury

This is Ms. Gerard’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

JIM HOSKINSON

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, “Episode #0179”

(CBS)

Mr. Hoskinson’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Directors: Yvonne De Mare, Karen Yaeger
  • Stage Manager: Mark McKenna

This is Mr. Hoskinson’s fourth DGA Award nomination. He previously was nominated in this category in 2015, 2013 and 2007 for The Colbert Report episodes “11040,” “10004” and “3052.”

 

DON ROY KING

Saturday Night Live, “Host: Dave Chappelle”

(NBC)

Mr. King’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Directors: Michael Mancini, Michael Poole, Bob Caminiti
  • Stage Managers: Gena Rositano, Chris Kelly

This is Mr. King’s eleventh DGA Award nomination. He previously won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials in 2015 for Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special and for Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming in 2013 for Saturday Night Live “Host: Justin Timberlake.” He was previously nominated for Saturday Night Live episodes in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014, and in 2015 in the Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Regularly Scheduled Programming category for the Saturday Night Live episode, “Host: Tracy Morgan/Musical Guest: Demi Lovato.”

 

PAUL PENNOLINO

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, “Episode #1030”

(TBS)

Mr. Pennolino’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Director: Jeremy Hardwick
  • Stage Manager: Laura Mack

This is Mr. Pennolino’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in
Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

JERRY FOLEY

Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 – The Best is Yet to Come

(NBC)

Mr. Foley’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Director: Randi Grossack
  • Key Stage Manager: Jeffry Gitter
  • Stage Managers: Bennymar Almonte, Lauren Class Schneider, Joey Despenzero, Jeff Markowitz, Karen Tasch Weiss

This is Mr. Foley’s ninth DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in the Musical Variety category, all for the Late Show with David Letterman, in 2007, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998 for episodes “#2773,” “#2452,” “#2187,” “#1876,” “#1634,” “#1527,” “#1294,” and “#958.”

 

TIM MANCINELLI

The Late Late Show with James Corden, “The Late Late Show Carpool Karaoke Primetime Special”

(CBS)

Mr. Mancinelli’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Directors: Matt Powers, Bac Delorme, Brian Sutherin
  • Stage Managers: Michael J. Schiff, Teri Pensky Hlubik

This is Mr. Mancinelli’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

LINDA MENDOZA

Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House

(PBS)

Ms. Mendoza’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Directors: Dora Mendoza, Kelly Hernacki
  • Stage Managers: Lynn Finkel, Elise Reaves, Phyllis Digilio-Kent

This is Ms. Mendoza’s second DGA Award nomination. She was previously nominated in the Musical Variety category in 2010 for Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in Performance at The White House.

 

PAUL MYERS

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, “A Very Special Full Frontal Special”

(TBS)

This is Mr. Myers’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

GLENN WEISS

The 70th Annual Tony Awards

(CBS)

Mr. Weiss’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Directors: Ken Diego, Robin Abrams, Ricky Kirshner
  • Stage Managers: Garry Hood, Peter Epstein, Joey Despenzero, Phyllis Digilio-Kent, Andrew Feigin, Doug Fogel, Jeffry Gitter, Arthur Lewis, Jeffrey M. Markowitz, Cyndi Owgang, Jeff Pearl, Alfonso Pena, Annette Powlis, Elise Reaves, Lauren Class Schneider, Jim Semmelman

This is Mr. Weiss’s thirteenth DGA Award nomination. He previously won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports – Specials in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015 for the 61st, 64th, 65th, 66th, 67th and 68th Annual Tony Awards. He was also nominated in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2008 for the 55th, 56th, 59th, 60th, and 62nd Annual Tony Awards. He was also nominated in 2015 for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series, together with Rob Ashford, for Peter Pan Live!

 

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

 

KEN FUCHS

Shark Tank, “801”

(ABC)

Mr. Fuchs’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Director: Amy Wilcox‑Barker
  • Head Stage Manager: Eric Rhoden
  • Stage Managers: Doug Neal, Michael Strauss

This is Mr. Fuchs’s second DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this category in 2015 for Shark Tank, “702.”

 

JOHN GONZALEZ

Live PD, “Episode 5”

(A&E)

Mr. Gonzalez’s Directorial Team:

  • Stage Manager: Jeff Buda

This is Mr. Gonzalez’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

BRIAN SMITH

STRONG, “Welcome to STRONG”

(NBC)

Mr. Smith’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Directors: Anna Moulaison‑Moore, David Charles
  • Stage Manager: Drew Lewandowski

This is Mr. Smith’s fourth DGA Award nomination. He previously won in this category in 2012 for Master Chef, “Episode #305.” He was also nominated in 2010 for Master Chef, “Episode #103,” and in 2011 for Master Chef, “Episode #201.”

 

J. RUPERT THOMPSON

American Grit, “The Finale ‑ Over the Falls”

(FOX)

Mr. Thompson’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Director: David Charles
  • Stage Managers: Daniel Curran, Kevin Fletcher

This is Mr. Thompson’s seventh DGA Award nomination. He previously won in this category in 2005 for Fear Factor, “Heist Fear Factor, Season 6 Premiere.” He was also nominated in 2006 for Fear Factor, “Military Fear Factor, Season Finale,” in 2008 for Estate of Panic, “102, That Sinking Feeling,” in 2011 for Fear Factor 2.0, “Scorpion Tales,” in 2012 for Stars Earn Stripes, “Amphibious Assault,” and in 2013 for The Hero, “Teamwork.”

 

BERTRAM VAN MUNSTER

The Amazing Race, “We’re Only Doing Freaky Stuff Today”

(CBS)

Mr. van Munster’s Directorial Team:

  • Associate Director: Dan Coffie

This is Mr. van Munster’s eleventh DGA Award nomination. He won in this category in 2007 for The Amazing Race, “Episode #1110” and was also nominated an additional eight times in this category for the The Amazing Race: in 2005 for “Episode #805,” in 2006 for “Episode #102,” in 2008 for “Episode #1303,” in 2009 for “Don’t Let A Cheese Hit Me,” in 2010 for “I Think We’re Fighting the Germans, Right?,” in 2011 for “You Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win?”, in 2013 for “Beards in the Wind,” and in 2015 for “Bring The Fun, Baby!” He was also nominated with Directors Jack Cannon and Elise Doganieri in 2014 for The Quest, “One True Hero.”

 

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

 

LIZ ALLEN

The Kicks, “Pilot”

(Amazon)

Ms. Allen’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Maria Melograne
  • First Assistant Director: Michael Williams
  • Second Assistant Director: Walter Parry

This is Ms. Allen’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

ALETHEA JONES

Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street, “Gortimer and the Jacks of All Trades”

(Amazon)

Ms. Jones’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Richard G. King
  • First Assistant Director: Lance W. Lanfear
  • Second Assistant Director: David Berke
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Christopher H. Cook

This is Ms. Jones’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

MICHAEL LEMBECK

A Nutcracker Christmas

(Hallmark Channel)

This is Mr. Lembeck’s second DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this category in 2011 for Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure.

 

TINA MABRY

An American Girl Story ‑ Melody 1963: Love Has to Win

(Amazon)

Ms. Mabry’s Directorial Team:

  • Unit Production Manager: Richard G. King
  • First Assistant Director: Otto Penzato
  • Second Assistant Director: David Berke
  • Second Second Assistant Director: Christopher H. Cook
  • Additional Second Assistant Directors: Candice Lee, Matthew W. Ross

This is Ms. Mabry’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

JOHN SCHULTZ

Adventures in Babysitting

(Disney Channel)

This is Mr. Schultz’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

 

LANCE ACORD

(Park Pictures)

Frankie’s Holiday, Apple – MAL

  • First Assistant Director: Thomas Smith

Movie Night, Kohl’s – Anomaly

  • First Assistant Director: Thomas Smith
  • Second Assistant Director: Rob Kay
  • DANTE ARIOLA

    (MJZ)

    Hold Your Breath, SunTrust – Strawberry Frog

    • Unit Production Manager: Natalie Hill
    • First Assistant Director: George Nessis
    • Second Assistant Director: Isaac Mejia

    Riding is the New Driving, Lyft – Made Movement

    • Unit Production Manager: Natalie Hill
    • First Assistant Director: John Lowe
    • Second Assistant Director: Julian Metter
    • Second Second Assistant Director: Dave Liehn

    Tell Me When To Go, Beats

    • Unit Production Managers: Natalie Hill, Susan Levin
    • First Assistant Director: Chris Medak
    • Second Assistant Director: Adam Stern
    • Second Second Assistant Director: Jani Vournas

    This is Mr. Ariola’s seventh DGA Award nomination in this category. He won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials for Snowball (Traveler’s Insurance), Human (Johnny Walker), and First Taste (Coca-Cola) in 2006. He was also nominated in this category in 2011, 2007, 2004, 2002 and 2000.

 

FREDRIK BOND

(MJZ)

Dive, Apple

  • First Assistant Director: Howell Caldwell

Everyday Hero, Philips – Ogilvy & Mather

World of Play, LG – Energy BBDO

  • Unit Production Manager: Line Postmyr
  • First Assistant Director: Anthony Dimino
  • Second Assistant Director: Spencer Taylor
  • Second Second Assistant Director: R. Ben Parker
  • Additional First Assistant Director: Chris Blanch
  • Additional Second Assistant Director: Steve Bagnara

This is Mr. Bond’s seventh DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this category in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2007 and 2004.

 

DEREK CIANFRANCE

(RadicalMedia)

Chase, Nike Golf – Wieden + Kennedy Portland

  • First Assistant Director: Rick Lange
  • Second Assistant Director: Ethan Ross

Doubts, Powerade – Wieden + Kennedy Portland

  • First Assistant Director: Mariela Comitini
  • Second Assistant Director: Brad Robinson

Expectations, Powerade – Wieden + Kennedy Portland

  • First Assistant Director: Mariela Comitini
  • Second Assistant Director: Brad Robinson

Manifesto, Squarespace – Anomaly

  • First Assistant Director: David Backus
  • Second Assistant Director: Josh Voegelin

This is Mr. Cianfrance’s first DGA Award nomination

 

AG ROJAS

(Park Pictures)

The Best Planet, S7 Airlines – Wieden + Kennedy Amsterdam

The Snail, Samsung – Leo Burnett USA

  • First Assistant Director: Robert Dean Phillips

This is Mr. Rojas’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary for 2016 are (in alphabetical order):

OTTO BELL

The Eagle Huntress

Sony Pictures Classics

This is Mr. Bell’s first DGA Award nomination

 

EZRA EDELMAN

O.J.: Made in America

ESPN Films

This is Mr. Edelman’s first DGA Award nomination

 

JOSH KRIEGMAN & ELYSE STEINBERG

Weiner

Sundance Selects/Showtime Documentary Films

This is Mr. Kriegman’s first DGA Award nomination.
This is Ms. Steinberg’s first DGA Award nomination

 

RAOUL PECK

I Am Not Your Negro

Magnolia Pictures

This is Mr. Peck’s first DGA Award nomination.

 

ROGER ROSS WILLIAMS

Life, Animated

The Orchard

This is Mr. Williams’s first DGA Award nomination

*The winners will be announced at the 69th Annual DGA Awards on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

(Source: dga.org)

*Featured photo via variety.com

 

#SBIFF, Documentary, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, World Premiere

2017 Opening Night Film – CHARGED

4 Comments

Posted by Larry Gleeson

The 2017 SBIFF will kick off the festival on Wednesday, February 1st, at the historic Arlington Theatre with the World Premiere of CHARGED. The Opening Night Film is sponsored by UGG®.

Directed by Phillip Baribeau, CHARGED chronicles the journey of chef and outdoorsman, Eduardo Garcia and his recovery after being electrocuted by 2400 volts of electricity miles from help in the Montana backcountry.  Garcia had his hand amputated, lost ribs, muscle mass and nearly his life, but more important than what he lost is what he found. CHARGED tells Eduardo’s remarkable journey from getting up off the forest floor to becoming the man he is today.

The documentary is produced by Dennis Aig and Phillip Baribeau along with executive producers Teri Weinberg, Scott Ballew, Doug Ellin, Peter Hochfelder, Constance Schwartz–Morini and Michael Strahan.

charged_sbiff

Opening Night Film
CHARGED

Directed by Phillip Baribeau
Starring Eduardo Garcia

Wednesday, February 1, 2017 @ 8:00pm
Arlington Theatre

CLICK HERE FOR PASSES

Directed by Phillip Baribeau, CHARGED chronicles the journey of chef and outdoorsman, Eduardo Garcia and his recovery after being electrocuted by 2400 volts of electricity miles from help in the Montana backcountry.  Garcia had his hand amputated, lost ribs, muscle mass and nearly his life, but more important than what he lost is what he found. CHARGED tells Eduardo’s remarkable journey from getting up off the forest floor to becoming the man he is today.

The documentary is produced by Dennis Aig and Phillip Baribeau along with executive producers Teri Weinberg, Scott Ballew, Doug Ellin, Peter Hochfelder, Constance Schwartz–Morini and Michael Strahan.

(Source: sbiff.org)

distribution

China Clears Golden Globe Winner ‘La La Land’ for Release

Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

By Fergus Ryan

Although the details are still being worked out, the film, which won a record-breaking seven Golden Globes on Sunday, has been cleared to open in the world’s second-largest movie market this year.

Fresh off its Golden Globes success, Damien Chazelle’s modern musical La La Land got some more good news with the announcement the film will get a release in China.

The Lionsgate film has been approved for distribution in China and will screen in the China Giant Screen format and possibly IMAX 2D, although a specific date is yet to be announced, according to local reports.

China Film Group, the state-backed film company, will be distributing the film, while Shanghai-based Baian Film and Joy Pictures will handle marketing.

Chinese-language posters and trailers were released on Tuesday featuring the film’s Chinese name, or Aiyue Zhicheng, which roughly translates as ‘Music-Loving City.”

screen-shot-2017-01-11-at-9-03-46-pm

Local reports indicate that Chazelle and actor Ryan Gosling will travel to China to promote the local release of the film at the end of January. Emma Stone may be absent due to scheduling conflicts.

The feel-good film won a record-breaking seven Golden Globes on Sunday night for Best Picture (Comedy or Musical), Best Actor (Comedy or Musical) for Ryan Gosling, Best Actress (Musical or Comedy) for Emma Stone, Best Screenplay and Best Director for Damien Chazelle, Best Score for Justin Hurwitz, and Best Original Song for “City of Stars.”

Taiwan pop star Jay Chou’s movie The Rooftop holds the box office record for a musical in China, earning RMB 120 million (US$17.3 million) in 2013. Universal’s 2012 big screen musical Les Misérables pulled in RMB 64.3 million ($9.3 million).

No doubt the film’s local distributors will be hoping to ape the success of last year’s The Revenant, which was able to piggy-back buzz from the Oscars to pull in RMB 377 million ($54.4 million) in China.

La La Land will mark the first time Ryan Gosling has featured on the big screen in China, while co-star Emma Stone has appeared four times previously, including Birdman in 2015, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, in 2014, the animated feature The Croods, in 2013, and The Amazing Spider-Man, in 2012.

screen-shot-2017-01-11-at-9-05-26-pm

(Source: chinafilminsider.com)

British Academy for Film and Television Arts

Nominations for the British Academy Film Awards in 2017

Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

On 10 January, the nominations for the British Academy Film Awards in 2017 were announced by Sophie Turner and Dominic Cooper.

maxresdefault
Sophie Turner, left, and Dominic Cooper announce the British Academy Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, January 19th, 2017 at BAFTA Headquarters, 195 Picadilly in London. (Photo via YouTube)

The nominations for the British Academy Film Awards in 2017 have been announced.

La La Land is nominated in 11 categories. Arrival and Nocturnal Animals both receive nine nominations and Manchester by the Sea has six. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Hacksaw Ridge, Lion and I, Daniel Blake receive five nominations each. Moonlight and Florence Foster Jenkins have both been nominated four times.

La La Land is nominated for Best Film, Original Music, Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, Costume Design and Sound.  Damien Chazelle is nominated for both Director and Original Screenplay and Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone for Leading Actor and Leading Actress.

Arrival receives nominations for Best Film, Adapted Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Editing, Sound and Special Visual Effects, as well as Director for Denis Villeneuve and Leading Actress for Amy Adams.

Nocturnal Animals is nominated for Leading Actor for Jake Gyllenhaal, and for Supporting Actor for Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The film is also nominated for Original Music, Cinematography, Editing, Production Design and Make Up & Hair. Tom Ford is nominated for both Director and Adapted Screenplay.

Manchester by the Sea is nominated for Best Film and Editing. Kenneth Lonergan is nominated for both Director and Original Screenplay. Casey Affleck is nominated for Leading Actor and Michelle Williams for Supporting Actress.

Ken Loach is nominated for Director for I, Daniel Blake, which is also nominated for Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Original Screenplay and Supporting Actress for Hayley Squires.

Moonlight is nominated for Best Film and Original Screenplay with two further nominations for Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris who are nominated for Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress respectively.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is nominated for Outstanding British Film, Production Design, Costume Design, Sound and Special Visual Effects.

Andrew Garfield is nominated for Leading Actor for Hacksaw Ridge, which is also nominated for Adapted Screenplay, Editing, Make Up & Hair and Sound.

Lion is nominated for Adapted Screenplay, Original Music and Cinematography. Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman are nominated for Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress respectively.

Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant are nominated for Leading Actress and Supporting Actor for their roles in Florence Foster Jenkins. The film is also nominated for Costume Design and Make Up & Hair.

Jeff Bridges is nominated for Supporting Actor for Hell or High Water, which is also nominated for Original Screenplay and Cinematography.

Natalie Portman is nominated for Leading Actress for Jackie, which is also nominated for Original Music and Costume Design.

Also receiving acting nominations are: Viggo Mortensen for Leading Actor for Captain Fantastic; Emily Blunt for Leading Actress for The Girl on the Train; and Viola Davis for Supporting Actress for Fences.

The four films nominated for Animated Film are Finding Dory, Kubo and the Two Strings, Moana and Zootropolis. The nominations for Film Not in the English Language are Dheepan, Julieta, Mustang, Son of Saul and Toni Erdmann.

Notes on Blindness is nominated for Documentary and Outstanding British Film. The film also receives a nomination for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Pete Middleton (Writer/Director/Producer), James Spinney (Writer/Director), and Jo-Jo Ellison (Producer).

The other nominations in the Documentary category are 13th, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years, The Eagle Huntress and Weiner.

Under the Shadow receives a nomination for Outstanding British Film, as well as for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Babak Anvari (Writer/Director) alongside the film’s producers Emily Leo, Oliver Roskill and Lucan Toh.

The other nominations for Outstanding British Film are American Honey and Denial.

The remaining nominations for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer are The Girl With All the Gifts (Mike Carey, Writer, Camille Gatin, Producer), The Hard Stop (George Amponsah, Writer/Director/Producer, Dionne Walker, Writer/Producer) and The Pass (John Donnelly, Writer, Ben Williams, Director).

Doctor Strange receives nominations for Production Design, Make Up & Hair and Special Visual Effects. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is nominated for Make Up & Hair and Special Visual Effects.

Five other feature films receive one nomination each: Hidden Figures for Adapted Screenplay; Hail, Caesar! for Production Design; Allied for Costume Design; Deepwater Horizon for Sound and The Jungle Book for Special Visual Effects.

The British Short Animation nominees are The Alan Dimension, A Love Story and Tough. The five nominations for British Short Film are Consumed, Home, Mouth of Hell, The Party and Standby.

The nominees for the Rising Star Award, announced last week, are Anya Taylor-Joy, Laia Costa, Lucas Hedges, Ruth Negga and Tom Holland. This audience award is voted for by the British public and presented to an actress or actor who has demonstrated exceptional talent and has begun to capture the imagination of the UK public.

The British Academy Film Awards take place on Sunday 12 February at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The ceremony will be hosted by Stephen Fry and will be broadcast exclusively on BBC One and BBC One HD. The ceremony is also broadcast in all major territories around the world.

bafta

About BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – featuring workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes – in the UK, USA and Asia; it offers unique access to the world’s most inspiring talent and connects with a global audience of all ages and backgrounds.

(Source: bafta.org)

#Berlinale, #BIFF, Berlin Film Festival, Berlinale Talents

Hugh Jackman’s Logan claws out world premiere in Berlin film festival

Leave a comment

Posted by Larry Gleeson

By Andrew Pulver

Logan, the third and final standalone Wolverine film to star Hugh Jackman as the adamantine-clawed mutant, is to receive its world premiere at the Berlin film festival in February.

Logan, which follows X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) and The Wolverine (2013) in featuring the character as its main protagonist, revolves around an ageing Wolverine whose powers are failing. Directed by James Mangold, and co-starring Patrick Stewart and Dafne Keen, Logan will screen an as out-of-competition film, ahead of its cinematic release in early March.

Also receiving its world premiere at the festival will be Viceroy’s House, the Gurinder Chadha-directed historical drama about the end of the Raj and the partition of India, featuring Hugh Bonneville as Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, and Gillian Anderson as Lady Edwina Mountbatten.

Like Logan, Viceroy’s House will screen in an out-of-competition slot; as will T2 Trainspotting, the long-awaited sequel to the 1996 Irvine Welsh adaptation. Although T2 Trainspotting will have been released in the UK before the festival begins, its screening at the festival is billed as an “international premiere”.

These films join the already announced lineup, which includes the Richard Gere thriller The Dinner, Penélope Cruz in The Queen of Spain and Aki Kaurismäki’s latest, The Other Side of Hope. The festival also revealed recently that this year’s opening film would be Django, a biopic of the jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt directed by Étienne Comar.

67berlinale_logo

The Berlin international film festival runs from 9-18 February.

(Source: theguardian.com)