Actress Rooney Mara, joined a notable group of honorees last night at the historic Arlington Theater, including last year’s recipients Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones as she accepted the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s (SBIFF) prestigious Cinema Vanguard Award.
The event was moderated by Joe McGovern from Entertainment Weekly. McGovern engaged with Mara gently drawing out the diminutive actress. Throughout the conversation, clips were intermittently shown from Mara’s body of work including the Side Effects , Her and The Social Network, a biographical drama of Mark Zuckerberg and the genesis of Facebook.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival Executive Director Roger Durling (Photo Credit: The Independent)
Festival Director Roger Durling praised Mara by saying,
“From her scene-stealing turn in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to her outstanding performance in Carol, Rooney has repeatedly showcased her talents as one of the most gifted actors of her generation. I truly admire the enigmatic and complex nature of her performances. She’s an adept, beguiling actor, and we are proud to present her with this year’s Cinema Vanguard Award.”
Rooney’s Carol Director, Todd Haynes presented the award with Aussie Cate Blanchette providing a rousing tribute recorded earlier from her home Down Under.
Past recipients of the award include Amy Adams, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman, Ryan Gossling and Stanley Tucci. The award was created to recognize “actors who have forged their own path – taking artistic risks while making a significant and unique contribution to film.”
The 66th Berlin International Film Festival, also known as Berlinale, is set to open February 11th and run through the 21st of February, 2016. This year’s President of the Jury will be Meryl Streep. Opening night film is Hail Caesar! from the Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan.
(Image from theblaze.com)
(Courtesy: Berlinale Festival)
Each year up to 400 films are shown in a splendid array of world cinema with ticket sales around 300,00 and admissions estimated at 500,000 Berlinale is widely considered the world’s largest publicly attended film festival. In addition, the festival’s media events are very reputable. Dieter Kosslick is embarking on his 15th year as the festival’s director. Stay tuned for daily updates! Until then, I’ll see you at the movies…
Last night was a total knockout at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival with Sylvester Stallone receiving the festival’s esteemed Montecito Award.
SANTA BARBARA, CA – FEBRUARY 09: Actor Sylvester Stallone attends the Montecito Award at the Arlington Theater at the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 9, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)
Stallone arrived arm-in-arm with his wife Jennifer and made their way into the historic Arlington Theater where Sylvester took the stage and carried a heartfelt dialogue with Deadline’s Pete Hammond.
SANTA BARBARA, CA – FEBRUARY 09: .Actor Sylvester Stallone and model Jennifer Flavin attend the Montecito Award at the Arlington Theater at the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 9, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)
At the end of the conversation, the original Apollo Creed Carl Weathers recounted his audition for the role of Apollo Creed and presented Stallone with the award.
(Video Credit: YSL Digital Films – Gary, Harlene and William Conlin. Titles by Larry Gleeson)
Guests made their way to the festival’s Hennessey Lounge afterwards to celebrate the evening.
(Source: Press release provided by Santa Barbara International Film Festival)
(Credit: YSL Digital – Gary, Harlene and William Conlin)
Monday night at the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival started off with a bang as hundreds of fans lined the streets to get a glimpse of Oscar nominated actresses Saoirse Ronan (BROOKLYN) and Brie Larson (ROOM). The leading ladies were presented with the Outstanding Performers of the Year Award sponsored by Dom Perignon.
In almost matching shoulder-baring white dresses, Ronan (wearing a Chloe dress and Jimmy Choo shoes), walked the carpet in Santa Barbara while Larson (wearing an Emilia Wiskstead jumpsuit) was regrettably unable to attend in person. She did, however, Skype, a first at SBIFF, into the presentation moderated by Pete Hammond. The irony of the space Larson was Skyping from was not lost on Hammond, who commented that it looked like she might have been back on the set of ROOM.
SANTA BARBARA, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Moderator Pete Hammond speaks with Actor Brie Larson at the Outstanding Performer of the Year ceremony at the Arlington Theater during the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 8, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)
Larson discussed her favorite movies as a child, one being GONE WITH THE WIND. She followed up by sharing that the physicality of her role in ROOM was incredibly intense and was a vital part of understanding her character.
Following Larson’s conversation, Ronan took the stage. Ronan not only touched on the power of story telling but laughed about the fact it has taken almost 11 years for her name to be pronounced correctly in the business – going through each iteration.
SANTA BARBARA, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Actress Saoirse Ronan of “Brooklyn” speaks at the Outstanding Performer of the Year ceremony at the Arlington Theater during the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival. on February 8, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)
Accepting her award with tears in her eyes, Ronan closed the evening with heartfelt words and expressed how grateful she was to be a part of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
SANTA BARBARA, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Actress Saoirse Ronan of “Brooklyn” receives the Outstanding Performer of the Year ceremony at the Arlington Theater during the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival. on February 8, 2016 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)
(Source: Santa Barbara International Film Festival)
It was a busy night in Santa Barbara, as the 31st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival feted its Virtuosos at the historical Arlington Theater. Elizabeth Banks, Paul Dano, O’Shea Jackson, Jr, Géza Röhrig, Jacob Tremblay, and Alicia Vikander took to the stage for discussions with moderator Dave Karger and to be presented with their awards by Leonard Maltin.
Joel Edgerton was regrettably unable to attend, but a taped interview with Karger played during his portion of the tribute evening, which was sponsored by Travel and Leisure.
With honoree ages ranging from nine to 48, the evening began with Elizabeth Banks, who told the audience that the LOVE AND MERCY script was one of only two scripts she has ever fallen in love with (the other was ZAC AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO) and the success of the first film as a director, PITCH PERFECT 2. Paul Dano followed and talked about the three months of preparing he did with the music of The Beach Boys for LOVE AND MERCY.
After Joel Edgerton’s taped conversation played, O’Shea Jackson, Jr explained that it was his father’s idea that Jackson, Jr play him in STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, not the other way around! He discussed studying screenwriting at USC and how he needed to grow confidence to become an actor. As the audience applauded at the end of his conversation, he exclaimed, ‘I feel like The Rock!’
Géza Röhrig spoke to Karger about how he had already been a musician, poet, and teacher, and joked that yes, he did expect to one day be sitting on a stage in Santa Barbara accepting an award for acting. Before SON OF SAUL, Géza had only acted once before, 25 years ago in a Hungarian mini-series. Next up, Jacob Tremblay charmed the crowd while describing the emotionally stressful ROOM. ‘If you’re an adult or a mom you understand what’s happening, but if you’re a kid you’re like, ‘oh whatever’,’ he said about his viewing experience.
Last to the stage, but certainly not least, Alicia Vikander spoke about how her background in dance has helped her as an actress. She mentioned in particular that it helped her with the physicality of her character in EX-MACHINA. She also discussed the challenges of playing such a range of emotions in THE DANISH GIRL.
The fourth day of the festival began with a breakfast where filmmakers around the world bonded over bagels and coffee in the Lobero Courtyard.
The Lobero also played host to the esteemed writer’s and producer’s panels. LA Times’ Glenn Whipp moderated a panel of producers from some of this year’s most buzzed about movies, Finola Dwyer (BROOKLYN), Ed Guiney (ROOM), Jeremy Kleiner (THE BIG SHORT), Steve Golin (SPOTLIGHT) and Mary Parent (THE REVENANT). The panel discussed what makes a good producer, “making it work” even under difficult circumstances, and diversity in filmmaking. On the latter, Mary Parent said “as a woman, I’m thrilled the conversation is happening”.
Festival goers were then treated to the “It Starts With the Script” Writers Panel. IndieWIRE’s Anne Thompson led a conversation with some some of the year’s top screenwriters including Pete Docter (INSIDE OUT), Emma Donoghue (ROOM), Alex Garland (EX MACHINA), Drew Goddard (THE MARTIAN), Jonathan Herman (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON), Charlie Kaufman (ANAMOLISA), Phyllis Nagy (CAROL), Charles Randolph (THE BIG SHORT), and Josh Singer (SPOTLIGHT). Audiences were captivated by the group’s discussion of the process of giving life to a film, the challenges that arise on the journey to the big screen, and what it takes to succeed.
Throughout the day as well, SBIFF volunteers handed out free popcorn and soda to families and festival goers as they stormed the Arlington Theater to catch two of this past year’s biggest animated hits, INSIDE OUT and MINIONS, at the community AppleBox screenings. (Source: SBIFF Press Office)
Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider rolled out the welcome mat to a sold-out, energetic audience and then introduced “the-one-and-only Roger Durling,” the Festival’s Executive Director, at the opening of the 31st edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival inside the historic Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, California, February 3rd, 2016.
(Credit: Larry Gleeson)
SBIFF Executive Roger Durling introduced The Little Prince director, Mark Osborne to a rollicking Arlington Theater audience. Osborne reminisced about how his wife had introduced him to the novel years ago and inspired him to make the film. In addition, Osborne credited his own daughter as inspiration for the character of the young girl and revealed that his son was the voice of the Little Prince. Soon after, star Mackenzie Foy appeared and mesmerized the crowd in a full-length evening gown as she gushed, “I’m honored to be a apart of this unique film.” Last but not least, local Santa Barbarian and long-time resident, Jeff Bridges, joined the group by saying he was looking forward to seeing the film in his hometown.
On Sunday, February 7th, Terrance Malick’s experiential KNIGHT OF CUPS will have its US Premiere at the Arlington Theatre as the festival’s Centerpiece Film. The highly anticipated film stars Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Frieda Pinto, Isabel Lucas, Imogen Poots, Wes Bentley, Brian Dennehy and Teresa Palmer, among others. Xavier Giannoli’s funny and emotional drama MARGUERITE will close out the festival on Saturday, February 13th. 1921, the beginning of the Golden Twenties. Not far from Paris. For information on tickets, passes and packages click here.
If air travel is required for your attendance, Alaska Airlines, the official airline for the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, is offering 10% discounts on airfare between Santa Barbara, Los Angeles or Burbank, California and any of Alaska Airlines departure cities (excluding Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica and Prudhoe Bay) now through February 16th, 2016. Book by February 16, 2016. Click here. Discounts are automatically applied. Restrictions apply. See site for details.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) announces screen legends and beloved titles for its 7th annual TCM Classic Film Festival set to take place April 28-May 1, 2016, in Hollywood including:
Tribute to actress Gina Lollobrigida featuring screenings of her Golden Globe® nominated film, Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell (1986) and Trapeze (1956)
Appearance by Marlee Matlin to introduce a screening of her Oscar® winning role in the 30th anniversary of Children of a Lesser God (1986)
Introduction by groundbreaking filmmaker Bruce Brown for a screening of 50th anniversary of his film The Endless Summer (1966)
The 2016 TCM Film Festival will also feature a special live event:
Voices of Light: The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) featuring the original score by Richard Einhorn with conductor Dr. Mark Sumner and a live orchestra and chorus
Additionally, festival attendees will enjoy four premiere restorations of the following films:
The Kid (1921), U.S. premiere restoration
The Song of Bernadette (1943) world premiere restoration
The Keys Of The Kingdom (1944) world premiere restoration
Private Property (1960) world premiere restoration
Complete bios for each of the artists appearing at the 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival can be found at filmfestival.tcm.com
The Asian Film Awards Academy announced the nominations for the 10th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong today, with 18 nominations for Japanese films (including co-production film for the Best Film Award) and talents in 15 categories, including a nomination for “Three Stories of Love” (Director: Ryosuke Hashiguchi) for the Best Film Award.
Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), together with the Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival, created the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFA Academy), a nonprofit organization, in 2013 to promote and develop Asian cinema and its talents. Organized by the AFA Academy, the Asian Film Awards (AFA) will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year.
Today’s announcement encompassed 77 nominations for 15 awards. The nominations represent 36 films from 9 countries and regions. World-renowned Hong Kong director Mr. Johnnie TO Kei-fung will serve as this year’s Jury President and lead a jury comprising two charismatic and popular celebrities, Hong Kong actor Mr. Sean LAU Ching-wan and mainland Chinese actress Ms. GAO Yuanyuan, as well as 12 respected film industry professionals, festival programmers and critics from around the world, who will together choose the best Asian works.
The 10th Asian Film Awards is scheduled for March 17, 2016 at The Venetian Macao. To commemorate the special occasion of the AFA’s 10th anniversary, a new award has been created in the category of Best Sound. Skillful recording, editing and mixing of sound is an often unnoticed but critical element in filmmaking, and this award is being given to recognize excellence in the field and to encourage talent.
Dr. Wilfred WONG Ying-wai, SBS, JP, Chairman of the AFA Academy and the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, said,
“The Asian Film Awards’ annual ceremony recognizes many outstanding Asian filmmakers and we have also launched year-round initiatives to sustain the promotion of Asian movies. Our Academy has developed from the annual awards to an entity that now organizes audience and professional development programs such as master classes, film festival visits for students, young professional training programs and film roadshows around the globe. The 10th anniversary is a special occasion for all the past winners to join together in this spectacular event and to testify to the great work of Asian filmmakers and industries.”
For further information or inquiries, please contact:
The new feature-length documentary film, Midnight Return, will make its U.S. premiere at the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Friday, February 12, at 8:20 PM with an encore screening on Saturday, February 13, at 2:00PM. Follow Billy Hayes as he returns to Turkey 30 years after his daring escape from prison to face the country still haunted by the film, Midnight Express – a movie that turned him into an international celebrity and made him the enemy of Turkey. Both screenings will be followed by a Q&A with Writer/Director Sally Sussman and Billy Hayes.
From the moment it stunned the world at the Cannes Film Festival in 1978, MidnightExpress cemented its place in film history as an artistic and financial success, winning two Academy Awards and the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture drama, before becoming an indelible part of pop culture. But its lasting impact has been on Turkish people worldwide who still condemn the film as racist and blame Billy Hayes for defaming them and their country.
In an effort to clear his conscience and re-visit the scenes of his youth, Billy Hayes attempts a rapprochement with the Turkish nation but is refused entry. It is only when he receives an invitation from a most ironic source that he returns to Turkey and faces a nation still haunted by the film and his own demons as well. Interviews include Oliver Stone, Peter Guber, Alan Parker, David Puttnam, Giorgio Moroder, Billy Hayes, Ahmet Ertegun, Peter Greenberg, Jeffrey Lyons, and many others.
Entirely self-financed, the film is written, directed and produced by the Emmy winning and WGA award-winning Sally Sussman. in addition, Producer Anthony Morina is a three-time Emmy winner, and a CableACE Award winner.
LINKS
• Media Contact: midnightreturnINFO@gmail.com OR 310-429-3979
• Official Website: http://MidnightReturnDocumentary.com/
• Instagram: @MIDNIGHTRETURNDOCUMENTARY
Visit for more information about the Santa Barbara screenings of Midnight Return and to purchase tickets visit the festival site: sbiff.org.
Park City, UT — Sundance Institute tonight announced the prizes in feature filmmaking at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, with top awards going to Between Sea and Land, The Birth of a Nation, First Girl I Loved, Jim: The James Foley Story, Sand Storm, Sonita and Weiner. The Birth of a Nation and Sonita won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award for their respective sections.
(Credit: Elliot Davis)
(Credit: Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami)
(L-R) The Birth of a Nation, Credit:Eliot Davis; Sonita, Credit:Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami
Full video of the ceremony, hosted by director Taika Waititi in Park City, Utah:
The ceremony is the culmination of the 2016 Festival, which presented 123 feature-length and 72 short films – selected from 12,793 submissions – to independent film-loving audiences in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance, Utah.
Jury prizes were awarded by six groups of film and culture leaders, who screened all films in their respective sections and jointly decided which standout artistic and story elements to recognize. This year’s jurors were: Simon Kilmurry, Jill Lepore, Shola Lynch, Louie Psihoyos, Amy Ziering, Mark Adams, Lena Dunham, Jon Hamm, Avy Kaufman, Franklin Leonard, Randall Poster, Fernanda Solórzano, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Mila Aung-Thwin, Tine Fischer and Asif Kapadia. In addition, Festival audiences voted for their favorite films to receive five Audience Awards in each of the U.S. and World Competitions and NEXT.
Feature film award winners in previous years include: Whiplash, Fruitvale Station, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Twenty Feet from Stardom, Searching for Sugarman, The Square, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Cartel Land, The Wolf Pack, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Dope, Dear White People, The Cove and Man on Wire.
2016 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL FEATURE FILM AWARDS:
The U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Documentary was presented by Louis Psihoyos to: Weiner / U.S.A. (Directors: Josh Kriegman, Elyse Steinberg) — With unrestricted access to Anthony Weiner’s New York City mayoral campaign, this film reveals the human story behind the scenes of a high-profile political scandal as it unfolds, and offers an unfiltered look at how much today’s politics is driven by an appetite for spectacle.
The U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic was presented by Franklin Leonard to: The Birth of a Nation / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Nate Parker) — Set against the antebellum South, this story follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. After witnessing countless atrocities against fellow slaves, Nat devises a plan to lead his people to freedom. Cast: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, Mark Boone Jr.
The World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary was presented by Asif Kapadia to: Sonita / Germany, Iran, Switzerland (Director: Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami) — If 18-year-old Sonita had a say, Michael Jackson and Rihanna would be her parents and she’d be a rapper who tells the story of Afghan women and their fate as child brides. She finds out that her family plans to sell her to an unknown husband for $9,000.
The World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic was presented by Apichatpong Weerasethakul to: Sand Storm / Israel (Director and screenwriter: Elite Zexer) — When their entire lives are shattered, two Bedouin women struggle to change the unchangeable rules, each in her own individual way. Cast: Lamis Ammar, Ruba Blal-Asfour, Hitham Omari, Khadija Alakel, Jalal Masrwa.
The Audience Award: U.S. Documentary, Presented by Acura was presented by Matt Ross to: Jim: The James Foley Story / U.S.A. (Director: Brian Oakes) — The public execution of American conflict journalist James Foley captured the world’s attention, but he was more than just a man in an orange jumpsuit. Seen through the lens of his close childhood friend, Jim: The James Foley Story moves from adrenaline-fueled front lines and devastated neighborhoods of Syria into the hands of ISIS.
The Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic, Presented by Acura was presented by Matt Ross to: The Birth of a Nation / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Nate Parker) — Set against the antebellum South, this story follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. After witnessing countless atrocities against fellow slaves, Nat devises a plan to lead his people to freedom. Cast: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, Mark Boone Jr.
The Audience Award: World Cinema Documentary was presented by Rose McGowan to: Sonita / Germany, Iran, Switzerland (Director: Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami) — If 18-year-old Sonita had a say, Michael Jackson and Rihanna would be her parents and she’d be a rapper who tells the story of Afghan women and their fate as child brides. She finds out that her family plans to sell her to an unknown husband for $9,000.
The Audience Award: World Cinema Dramatic was presented by Rose McGowan to: Between Sea and Land / Colombia (Director: Carlos del Castillo, Screenwriter: Manolo Cruz) — Alberto, who suffers from an illness that binds him into a body that doesn’t obey him, lives with his loving mom, who dedicates her life to him. His sickness impedes him from achieving his greatest dream of knowing the sea, despite one being located just across the street. Cast: Manolo Cruz, Vicky Hernandéz, Viviana Serna, Jorge Cao, Mile Vergara, Javier Sáenz.
The Audience Award: NEXT, Presented by Adobe was presented by Taika Waititi to: First Girl I Loved / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Kerem Sanga) — Seventeen-year-old Anne just fell in love with Sasha, the most popular girl at her L.A. public high school. But when Anne tells her best friend, Clifton—who has always harbored a secret crush on her—he does his best to get in the way. Cast: Dylan Gelula, Brianna Hildebrand, Mateo Arias, Jennifer Prediger, Tim Heidecker, Pamela Adlon.
The Directing Award: U.S. Documentary was presented by Amy Ziering to: Roger Ross Williams for his film Life, Animated / U.S.A. (Director: Roger Ross Williams) — Owen Suskind, an autistic boy who could not speak for years, slowly emerged from his isolation by immersing himself in Disney animated movies. Using these films as a roadmap, he reconnects with his loving family and the wider world in this emotional coming-of-age story.
The Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic was presented by Mark Adams to: Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan for their film Swiss Army Man / U.S.A. (Directors and screenwriters: Daniel Scheinert, Daniel Kwan) — Hank, a hopeless man stranded in the wild, discovers a mysterious dead body. Together the two embark on an epic journey to get home. As Hank realizes the body is the key to his survival, this once-suicidal man is forced to convince a dead body that life is worth living. Cast: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
The Directing Award: World Cinema Documentary was presented by Mila Aung Thwain to: Michal Marczak for his filmAll These Sleepless Nights / Poland (Director: Michal Marczak) — What does it mean to be awake in a world that seems satisfied to be asleep? Kris and Michal push their experiences of life and love to a breaking point as they restlessly roam the city streets in search of answers, adrift in the euphoria and uncertainty of youth.
The Directing Award: World Cinema Dramatic was presented by Randall Poster to: Belgica / Belgium, France, Netherlands (Director: Felix van Groeningen, Screenwriters: Felix van Groeningen, Arne Sierens) — In the midst of Belgium’s nightlife scene, two brothers start a bar and get swept up in its success. Cast: Stef Aerts, Tom Vermeir, Charlotte Vandermeersch, Hélène De Vos.
The Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: U.S. Dramatic was presented by Lena Dunham to: Chad Hartigan forMorris from America / U.S.A., Germany (Director and screenwriter: Chad Hartigan) — Thirteen-year-old Morris, a hip-hop loving American, moves to Heidelberg, Germany, with his father. In this completely foreign land, he falls in love with a local girl, befriends his German tutor-turned-confidant, and attempts to navigate the unique trials and tribulations of adolescence. Cast: Markees Christmas, Craig Robinson, Carla Juri, Lina Keller, Jakub Gierszał, Levin Henning.
A U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Editing was presented by Jill Lepore to: Penny Lane and Thom Stylinski for NUTS! / U.S.A. (Director: Penny Lane) — The mostly true story of Dr. John Romulus Brinkley, an eccentric genius who built an empire with his goat-testicle impotence cure and a million-watt radio station. Animated reenactments, interviews, archival footage, and one seriously unreliable narrator trace his rise from poverty to celebrity and influence in 1920s America.
A U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for For Social Impact Filmmaking was presented by Simon Kilmurry to: Trapped / U.S.A. (Director: Dawn Porter) — American abortion clinics are in a fight for survival. Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws are increasingly being passed by states that maintain they ensure women’s safety and health, but as clinics continue to shut their doors, opponents believe the real purpose of these laws is to outlaw abortion.
A U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Writing was presented by Shola Lynch to: Kate Plays Christine / U.S.A. (Director: Robert Greene) — This psychological thriller follows actor Kate Lyn Sheil as she prepares to play the role of Christine Chubbuck, a Florida television host who committed suicide on air in 1974. Christine’s tragic death was the inspiration for Network, and the mysteries surrounding her final act haunt Kate and the production.
A U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Vérité Filmmaking was presented by Shola Lynch to: The Bad Kids / U.S.A. (Directors: Keith Fulton, Lou Pepe) — At a remote Mojave Desert high school, extraordinary educators believe that empathy and life skills, more than academics, give at-risk students command of their own futures. This coming-of-age story watches education combat the crippling effects of poverty in the lives of these so-called “bad kids.”
A U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award was presented by Lena Dunham to: As You Are / U.S.A. (Director: Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, Screenwriters: Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, Madison Harrison) — As You Are is the telling and retelling of a relationship between three teenagers as it traces the course of their friendship through a construction of disparate memories prompted by a police investigation. Cast: Owen Campbell, Charlie Heaton, Amandla Stenberg, John Scurti, Scott Cohen, Mary Stuart Masterson.
A U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Performance was presented by Avy Kaufman to: Joe Seo for Spa Night / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Andrew Ahn) — Los Angeles’s Korean spas serve not only as meeting places but also as a bridge between past and future for generations of immigrant families. Spa Night explores one Korean American family’s dreams and realities as each member struggles with the overlap of personal desire, disillusionment, and sense of tradition. Cast: Joe Seo, Haerry Kim, Youn Ho Cho, Tae Song, Ho Young Chung, Linda Han.
A U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Individual Performance was presented by Jon Hamm to: Melanie Lynskey in The Intervention / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Clea DuVall) — A weekend getaway for four couples takes a sharp turn when one of the couples discovers the entire trip was orchestrated to host an intervention on their marriage. Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Cobie Smulders, Alia Shawkat, Clea DuVall, Natasha Lyonne, Ben Schwartz.
A U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Individual Performance was presented by Jon Hamm to: Craig Robinson in Morris from America / U.S.A., Germany (Director and screenwriter: Chad Hartigan) — Thirteen-year-old Morris, a hip-hop loving American, moves to Heidelberg, Germany, with his father. In this completely foreign land, he falls in love with a local girl, befriends his German tutor-turned-confidant, and attempts to navigate the unique trials and tribulations of adolescence. Cast: Markees Christmas, Craig Robinson, Carla Juri, Lina Keller, Jakub Gierszał, Levin Henning.
A World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Debut Feature was presented by Asif Kapadia to: Heidi Brandenburg and Mathew Orzel for their film When Two Worlds Collide / Peru (Directors: Heidi Brandenburg, Mathew Orzel) — An indigenous leader resists the environmental ruin of Amazonian lands by big business. As he is forced into exile and faces 20 years in prison, his quest reveals conflicting visions that shape the fate of the Amazon and the climate future of our world.
A World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Cinematography was presented by Mila Aung Thwain to: Director and cinematographer Pieter-Jan De Pue for his film The Land of the Enlightened / Belgium (Director: Pieter-Jan De Pue) — A group of Kuchi children in Afghanistan dig out old Soviet mines and sell the explosives to child workers in a lapis lazuli mine. When not dreaming of an Afghanistan after the American withdrawal, Gholam Nasir and his gang control the mountains where caravans are smuggling the blue gemstones.
A World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Editing was presented by Asif Kapadia to: Mako Kamitsuna and John Maringouin for We Are X / United Kingdom, U.S.A., Japan (Director: Stephen Kijak) — As glam rock’s most flamboyant survivors, X Japan ignited a musical revolution in Japan during the late ’80s with their melodic metal. Twenty years after their tragic dissolution, X Japan’s leader, Yoshiki, battles with physical and spiritual demons alongside prejudices of the West to bring their music to the world.
A World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting was presented by Fernanda Solórzano to: Vicky Hernandéz and Manolo Cruz in Between Sea and Land / Colombia (Director: Carlos del Castillo, Screenwriter: Manolo Cruz) — Alberto, who suffers from an illness that binds him into a body that doesn’t obey him, lives with his loving mom, who dedicates her life to him. His sickness impedes him from achieving his greatest dream of knowing the sea, despite one being located just across the street. Cast: Manolo Cruz, Vicky Hernandéz, Viviana Serna, Jorge Cao, Mile Vergara, Javier Sáenz.
A World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Screenwriting was presented by Randall Poster to: Ana Katz and Inés Bortagaray in Mi Amiga del Parque / Argentina, Uruguay (Director: Ana Katz, Screenwriters: Ana Katz, Inés Bortagaray) — Running away from a bar without paying the bill is just the first adventure for Liz (mother to newborn Nicanor) and Rosa (supposed mother to newborn Clarisa). This budding friendship between nursing mothers starts with the promise of liberation but soon ends up being a dangerous business. Cast: Julieta Zylberberg, Ana Katz, Maricel Álvarez, Mirella Pascual, Malena Figó, Daniel Hendler.
A World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Unique Vision and Design was presented by Fernanda Solórzano to: Agnieszka Smoczyńska for The Lure / Poland (Director: Agnieszka Smoczynska, Screenwriter: Robert Bolesto) — Two mermaid sisters, who end up performing at a nightclub, face cruel and bloody choices when one of them falls in love with a beautiful young man. Cast: Marta Mazurek, Michalina Olszanska, Jakub Gierszal, Kinga Preis, Andrzej Konopka, Zygmunt Malanowicz.
The following awards were presented at separate ceremonies at the Festival:
SHORT FILM AWARDS:
Jury prizes and honorable mentions in short filmmaking were presented at a ceremony in Park City, Utah on January 27. The Short Film Grand Jury Prize was awarded to:Thunder Road / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Jim Cummings). The Short Film Jury Award: U.S. Fiction was presented to: The Procedure / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Calvin Lee Reeder). The Short Film Jury Award: International Fiction was presented to: Maman(s) / France (Director and screenwriter: Maïmouna Doucouré ). The Short Film Jury Award: Non-fiction was presented to: Bacon & God’s Wrath / Canada (Director: Sol Friedman). The Short Film Jury Award: Animation was presented to: Edmond / United Kingdom (Director and screenwriter: Nina Gantz). A Short Film Special Jury Award for Outstanding Performance was presented to: Grace Glowicki for her performance in Her Friend Adam. A Short Film Special Jury Award for Best Direction was presented to: Peacock / Czech Republic (Director: Ondřej Hudeček, Screenwriters: Jan Smutny, Ondřej Hudeček).
The Short Film jurors were star and co-creator of Comedy Central’s Key & Peele, Keegan-Michael Key; development executive at Amazon Studios, Gina Kwon; and chief film critic for MTV, Amy Nicholson. The Short Film program is presented by YouTube.
GLOBAL FILMMAKING AWARDS:
The winning directors and projects of the 2016 Sundance Institute Global Filmmaking Awards in recognition and support of emerging independent filmmakers from around the world, are:
August (Cuba) / Writer-Director: Armando Capo
In August 1994, Carlos comes of age during the Cuban Raft Exodus. He loses his first love, his friends leave the country, he discovers sex, and for the first time feels afraid about his future.
Insha’ Allah (India) / Writer-Director: Geetu Mohandas
11 year old Mullakoya, tired of living in the shadow of the colorful, magical-realist folklore that surrounds his missing older brother, sets off on a treacherous journey from the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea to the Indian mainland to search for him.
Sicilian Ghost Story (Italy) / Writer-Directors: Antonio Piazza, Fabio Grassadonia
When a local Mafia don’s son is kidnapped, a young Sicilian girl refuses to accept the sudden disappearance of the boy she loves. Based on real life events at the height of the Mafia’s reign in Palermo, Sicilian Ghost Story is a striking and unique look at the power that love has to survive in the darkest of worlds.
The Treasure (Morocco) / Writer-Director: Abdellah Taia
Janine, a French woman born in Morocco, accompanied by her building manager, Mohamed, set out on an adventure in search of a hidden treasure in the mountains of Atlas. The journey into her past becomes an exploration of post-colonial identity in Morocco.
SLOAN SCIENCE IN FILM AWARDS:
The 2016 Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize, presented to an outstanding feature film about science or technology, was presented to Embrace of the Serpent directed by Ciro Guerra. The film received a $20,000 cash award from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
SUNDANCE INSTITUTE | AMAZON STUDIOS PRODUCERS AWARDS:
The recipients of the the 2016 Sundance Institute | Amazon Studios Producers Awards are Sara Murphy and Adele Romanski, producers of Morris From America and Julie Goldman, executive producer of Weiner and Life, Animated. Through the Sundance Institute Feature Film Program and Documentary Film Program, the awards grant money to emerging producers of films at the Sundance Film Festival. The award recognizes bold vision and a commitment to continuing work as a creative producer in the independent space.
