Cord Jefferson’s comedy, “American Fiction,” has won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2023 Middleburg Film Festival. Since winning the same prize at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film has been steadily rising in our combined Best Picture odds, where it’s currently in ninth place as a predicted nominee. Jefferson also received the award for Special Achievement in Filmmaking for his debut feature.
The top documentary prize went to Vanessa Hope‘s “Invisible Nation,” which follows the election and subsequent administration of Taiwan’s first female president, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen. The top award for international filmmaking went to the J.A. Bayona film “Society of the Snow,” about the 29 survivors Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the Andes in 1972, and the extreme measures they had to take to stay alive while they were trapped.
See ‘American Fiction’ trailer: Jeffrey Wright stars in Cord Jefferson’s acclaimed directorial debut [Watch]
The festival,...
The top documentary prize went to Vanessa Hope‘s “Invisible Nation,” which follows the election and subsequent administration of Taiwan’s first female president, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen. The top award for international filmmaking went to the J.A. Bayona film “Society of the Snow,” about the 29 survivors Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the Andes in 1972, and the extreme measures they had to take to stay alive while they were trapped.
See ‘American Fiction’ trailer: Jeffrey Wright stars in Cord Jefferson’s acclaimed directorial debut [Watch]
The festival,...
- 10/23/2023
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
How does one create a film festival during an actors strike? Middleburg Film Festival executive director Susan Koch explains she’s approached programming the Virginia fest in the same manner as she has always done. “We looked for the strongest films and a wide range of films that represent diverse voices and ones we feel will expand our view of the world,” she tells Variety.
Now in its 11th year, the festival continues to be a carefully curated weekend of films and conversations, including many of the year’s buzziest titles. “Rustin,” a Netflix biopic of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin that was directed by George C. Wolfe, will open the four-day fest. Wolfe will receive the festival’s Impact Award for his work in bringing the impactful civil and LGBTQ rights story to the screen. Searchlight’s “Poor Things” and A24’s “Priscilla” are also among films screening from Oct.
Now in its 11th year, the festival continues to be a carefully curated weekend of films and conversations, including many of the year’s buzziest titles. “Rustin,” a Netflix biopic of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin that was directed by George C. Wolfe, will open the four-day fest. Wolfe will receive the festival’s Impact Award for his work in bringing the impactful civil and LGBTQ rights story to the screen. Searchlight’s “Poor Things” and A24’s “Priscilla” are also among films screening from Oct.
- 10/19/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Gearing up for its 11th year, the Middleburg Film Festival, set to run October 19 through 22, has revealed the rest of this years’ honorees exclusively to IndieWire.
For the newly announced Friday Centerpiece film “The Zone of Interest,” lead Christian Friedel, who plays a Nazi officer living right outside Auschwitz, striving to build an idyllic life for his family near the concentration camp, will be in attendance at the festival to receive the Breakthrough Actor Award.
For the Saturday Spotlight film “American Fiction,” the recent TIFF People’s Choice Award starring Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated novelist that gains acclaim from a book intended to satirize the tired and offensive tropes found in Black American fiction, writer-director Cord Jefferson will be in town to receive the Special Achievement in Filmmaking Award.
Finally, Oscar-winning makeup artist Kazu Hiro will be on hand to receive the Distinguished Makeup Designer Award for his work...
For the newly announced Friday Centerpiece film “The Zone of Interest,” lead Christian Friedel, who plays a Nazi officer living right outside Auschwitz, striving to build an idyllic life for his family near the concentration camp, will be in attendance at the festival to receive the Breakthrough Actor Award.
For the Saturday Spotlight film “American Fiction,” the recent TIFF People’s Choice Award starring Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated novelist that gains acclaim from a book intended to satirize the tired and offensive tropes found in Black American fiction, writer-director Cord Jefferson will be in town to receive the Special Achievement in Filmmaking Award.
Finally, Oscar-winning makeup artist Kazu Hiro will be on hand to receive the Distinguished Makeup Designer Award for his work...
- 10/2/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
With festival season in full swing, the Middleburg Film Festival has just announced its first round of selections for the upcoming 11th edition of the festivities, which runs from October 19-22. Several notable celebrities were also announced as the recipients of special honors being handed out by the festival.
The opening night film will be Netflix’s civil rights biopic, “Rustin,” starring Emmy winner Colman Domingo as the titular organizer of the 1963 March on Washington who faced ostracization due to his sexuality. The Centerpiece film that will screen on Saturday evening is Alexander Payne’s latest, “The Holdovers,” which stars Paul Giamatti as a crabby boarding school teacher who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to look after students who have nowhere to go. Also screening this year is the sophomore effort from Emerald Fennell, “Saltburn,” starring Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan as an Oxford student trying to...
The opening night film will be Netflix’s civil rights biopic, “Rustin,” starring Emmy winner Colman Domingo as the titular organizer of the 1963 March on Washington who faced ostracization due to his sexuality. The Centerpiece film that will screen on Saturday evening is Alexander Payne’s latest, “The Holdovers,” which stars Paul Giamatti as a crabby boarding school teacher who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to look after students who have nowhere to go. Also screening this year is the sophomore effort from Emerald Fennell, “Saltburn,” starring Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan as an Oxford student trying to...
- 9/6/2023
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Paramount is exploring a potential sale of a majority stake in its BET business, which includes BET, VH1 and the BET+ streaming service, a source familiar with the matter tells The Hollywood Reporter.
A second source tells THR that Tyler Perry, a longtime partner of BET, is engaged in conversations to buy the stake. Perry’s deal with Paramount, which began in 2017, is said to be coming up, and the BET purchase, if it happens, would give him ownership of the brand that airs many of his shows.
The sources both cautioned that discussions around the sale are still in the early stages, and there is no guarantee of any transaction taking place. Other parties are also said to have expressed an interest in the BET businesses.
They added that if a deal closes, Paramount expects to maintain a minority stake in the business, as well as a commercial relationship.
A second source tells THR that Tyler Perry, a longtime partner of BET, is engaged in conversations to buy the stake. Perry’s deal with Paramount, which began in 2017, is said to be coming up, and the BET purchase, if it happens, would give him ownership of the brand that airs many of his shows.
The sources both cautioned that discussions around the sale are still in the early stages, and there is no guarantee of any transaction taking place. Other parties are also said to have expressed an interest in the BET businesses.
They added that if a deal closes, Paramount expects to maintain a minority stake in the business, as well as a commercial relationship.
- 3/6/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
by Nathaniel R
"Is this starting to looking familiar?," the driver asked as we neared our destination, surrounded by lush greens on every side. Yes, yes, it's all very familiar. Horse and wine country. We've been coming to the Middleburg Film Festival, for so many years now that it now has the kind of nostalgic pull that only comes from the combo of staying power and lovely memories. The festival launched back in 2012. On Thursday October 13th, opening day in 2022, sandwiched between the first screening (TÁR) and the opening night film (White Noise), the festival's founder Sheila Johnson, welcomed corporate sponsors, select press, and Virginia power players like Middleburg's Mayor at a special reception to toast the 10th Anniversary edition of the festival...
"Is this starting to looking familiar?," the driver asked as we neared our destination, surrounded by lush greens on every side. Yes, yes, it's all very familiar. Horse and wine country. We've been coming to the Middleburg Film Festival, for so many years now that it now has the kind of nostalgic pull that only comes from the combo of staying power and lovely memories. The festival launched back in 2012. On Thursday October 13th, opening day in 2022, sandwiched between the first screening (TÁR) and the opening night film (White Noise), the festival's founder Sheila Johnson, welcomed corporate sponsors, select press, and Virginia power players like Middleburg's Mayor at a special reception to toast the 10th Anniversary edition of the festival...
- 10/15/2022
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
The Middleburg Film Festival in Northern Virginia kicks off on October 13 for four days. It first took place in 2013, back when founder Sheila Johnson took some advice from the Sundance Kid himself — Robert Redford – who thought the Salamander Resort would be a good place to hold an annual celebration of cinema. This year marks its 10th anniversary.
The black comedy “White Noise” opens the festival. Writer/director Noah Baumbach will be feted with the 10th Anniversary Spotlight Filmmaker Award. He adapted Don DeLillo’s novel of the same name and his film version stars Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig. Baumbach screened his Oscar-winning film “Marriage Story,” which also starred Driver, at the fest in 2019.
See‘The Good Nurse’ surprises at Toronto with ‘bone-chilling’ Eddie Redmayne performance
On Friday, October 14, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” will be the centerpiece attraction. The first ‘Knives Out’ from 2019 proved to be an audience pleaser,...
The black comedy “White Noise” opens the festival. Writer/director Noah Baumbach will be feted with the 10th Anniversary Spotlight Filmmaker Award. He adapted Don DeLillo’s novel of the same name and his film version stars Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig. Baumbach screened his Oscar-winning film “Marriage Story,” which also starred Driver, at the fest in 2019.
See‘The Good Nurse’ surprises at Toronto with ‘bone-chilling’ Eddie Redmayne performance
On Friday, October 14, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” will be the centerpiece attraction. The first ‘Knives Out’ from 2019 proved to be an audience pleaser,...
- 10/1/2022
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story,” “White Noise” and “The Whale” are among the first films announced for this year’s Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia, celebrating its tenth anniversary.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” breakout star Stephanie Hsu will be given the Rising Star Award, for her incredible performance in The Daniels’ critically-acclaimed dramedy, which has generated awards buzz. The fest will also hold a special screening of the movie after its huge success, becoming A24’s first film to surpass 100 million.
The entire festival will be held in person with screenings, conversations and events from Oct. 13-16. Opening the fest on Thursday is Netflix’s “White Noise” starring Adam Driver. Writer and director Noah Baumbach will return after bringing “Marriage Story” (2019), to accept the 10th Anniversary Spotlight Filmmaker Award.
Netflix’s “Knives Out” sequel “Glass Onion” from writer, director and producer Rian Johnson will screen as the Friday...
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” breakout star Stephanie Hsu will be given the Rising Star Award, for her incredible performance in The Daniels’ critically-acclaimed dramedy, which has generated awards buzz. The fest will also hold a special screening of the movie after its huge success, becoming A24’s first film to surpass 100 million.
The entire festival will be held in person with screenings, conversations and events from Oct. 13-16. Opening the fest on Thursday is Netflix’s “White Noise” starring Adam Driver. Writer and director Noah Baumbach will return after bringing “Marriage Story” (2019), to accept the 10th Anniversary Spotlight Filmmaker Award.
Netflix’s “Knives Out” sequel “Glass Onion” from writer, director and producer Rian Johnson will screen as the Friday...
- 9/22/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Irene Bedard was arrested for disorderly conduct, Ohio police have confirmed.
The 55-year-old is best known for voicing the titular character in Disney’s 1995 animated film Pocahontas.
According to a police report obtained by People, two females were arguing when they “walked out into the street screaming, without any regard for traffic”.
After two officers separated the pair, one was identified as Bedard, and the other was identified as Sheila Johnson.
A third officer came on the scene and spoke with Bedard, and the report says: “As [she] spoke, there was a strong odour of an alcoholic beverage on her breath.”
However, she told Ohio police that she had not consumed any alcohol that day. Although, she did disclose that she had consumed a bottle of vodka the day before.
Bedard then explained that Johnson had been trying to help her into her “studio”, but she was unable to locate her keys.
The 55-year-old is best known for voicing the titular character in Disney’s 1995 animated film Pocahontas.
According to a police report obtained by People, two females were arguing when they “walked out into the street screaming, without any regard for traffic”.
After two officers separated the pair, one was identified as Bedard, and the other was identified as Sheila Johnson.
A third officer came on the scene and spoke with Bedard, and the report says: “As [she] spoke, there was a strong odour of an alcoholic beverage on her breath.”
However, she told Ohio police that she had not consumed any alcohol that day. Although, she did disclose that she had consumed a bottle of vodka the day before.
Bedard then explained that Johnson had been trying to help her into her “studio”, but she was unable to locate her keys.
- 8/24/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
The inaugural DC Power Index Prize will honor Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova, Capitol police officer Caroline Edwards and National Institutes of Health bioethicist Christine Grady, among others, at a ceremony on Wednesday.
The prize honors women “who exemplify resilience, foster innovation, exhibit flexibility in times of crisis, and make a social and cultural impact.” Edwards, for instance, testified before the January 6th Committee last month on what she and other officers faced during the Capitol siege. Grady, chief of the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health, has been a leading voice on the ethical challenges surrounding the Covid crisis.
The DC Power Index Prize was created by magazine editor Joanna Coles, Microsoft’s Teresa Carlson and Paramount Global’s DeDe Lea. Coles created the annual Power 100 lunch in New York.
Others to be honored include mezzo soprano Denyce Graves and actress, singer and activist Melora Hardin,...
The prize honors women “who exemplify resilience, foster innovation, exhibit flexibility in times of crisis, and make a social and cultural impact.” Edwards, for instance, testified before the January 6th Committee last month on what she and other officers faced during the Capitol siege. Grady, chief of the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health, has been a leading voice on the ethical challenges surrounding the Covid crisis.
The DC Power Index Prize was created by magazine editor Joanna Coles, Microsoft’s Teresa Carlson and Paramount Global’s DeDe Lea. Coles created the annual Power 100 lunch in New York.
Others to be honored include mezzo soprano Denyce Graves and actress, singer and activist Melora Hardin,...
- 7/19/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
“I believe that a big reason why this ambitious idea of throwing a music festival in Harlem in which somewhere between 70,000 to 90,000 people every weekend would see performances was so that there was something joyous and hopeful for people at that point were kind of at the end of their rope,” Summer of Soul (Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson says about the importance the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival had to a Black America ravaged by violence and assassination.
“It was a healing moment, if you will,” Thompson added during the film’s panel at Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees event. The Roots drummer, bestselling author, musicologist and now Oscar nominee made his feature directorial debut with the feature documentary.
Having premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival in 2021, Summer of Soul took home the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the documentary categories in Park City.
“It was a healing moment, if you will,” Thompson added during the film’s panel at Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees event. The Roots drummer, bestselling author, musicologist and now Oscar nominee made his feature directorial debut with the feature documentary.
Having premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival in 2021, Summer of Soul took home the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the documentary categories in Park City.
- 3/5/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Current best picture frontrunner “Belfast” has scooped the top prize at the Middleburg Film Festival.
Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical “Belfast,” a black-and-white family drama about the Northern Ireland city in the late ’60s, was awarded best narrative film.
Branagh also appeared at the festival to receive the director spotlight award. The award for best documentary film went to National Geographic’s “The Rescue,” directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin — the Academy Award-winning filmmakers of “Free Solo.”
“Congratulations to our Audience Award winners ‘Belfast’ and ‘The Rescue,'” said Mff Executive Director Susan Koch. “We were so honored to have Kenneth Branagh join us to present ‘Belfast’ with its masterful filmmaking, deeply moving story and stunning performances. ‘The Rescue’ had our audience on the edge of their seats and cheering by the end for a film that showcases the very best of what documentary filmmaking can do.”
Branagh’s movie,...
Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical “Belfast,” a black-and-white family drama about the Northern Ireland city in the late ’60s, was awarded best narrative film.
Branagh also appeared at the festival to receive the director spotlight award. The award for best documentary film went to National Geographic’s “The Rescue,” directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin — the Academy Award-winning filmmakers of “Free Solo.”
“Congratulations to our Audience Award winners ‘Belfast’ and ‘The Rescue,'” said Mff Executive Director Susan Koch. “We were so honored to have Kenneth Branagh join us to present ‘Belfast’ with its masterful filmmaking, deeply moving story and stunning performances. ‘The Rescue’ had our audience on the edge of their seats and cheering by the end for a film that showcases the very best of what documentary filmmaking can do.”
Branagh’s movie,...
- 10/18/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
“Summer of Soul,” Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s acclaimed documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, has been acquired by the Disney-owned Searchlight Pictures in a deal that also will bring the film to Hulu.
The documentary, which won both the Grand Jury prize and Audience award at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, served as the directorial debut for Thompson, who has been the drummer of hip-hop band The Roots for over three decades. “Summer of Soul” will have a theatrical release, will stream in the United States on Hulu, and will stream internationally on Star and Star+. Premiere dates have not been announced.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,” Thompson said in a statement. “This is truly an honor. ‘Summer Of Soul’ is a passion project and to have it resonate with so many people on so many levels has been incredibly rewarding.
The documentary, which won both the Grand Jury prize and Audience award at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, served as the directorial debut for Thompson, who has been the drummer of hip-hop band The Roots for over three decades. “Summer of Soul” will have a theatrical release, will stream in the United States on Hulu, and will stream internationally on Star and Star+. Premiere dates have not been announced.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,” Thompson said in a statement. “This is truly an honor. ‘Summer Of Soul’ is a passion project and to have it resonate with so many people on so many levels has been incredibly rewarding.
- 2/5/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Two days after picking up Sundance’s Documentary Grand Jury Prize, Summer of Soul has been picked up by Searchlight and Hulu.
The acquisition of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s directorial debut is for worldwide rights, parent company Disney says, in a deal put together by Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan and brokered by Cinetic Media.
With appearances by Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, the Staples Sisters, Stevie Wonder, Glady Knight and the Pips, Max Roach, Abby Lincoln and many more, the music-themed documentary is set for a theatrical release as well as streaming on Hulu in America and internationally on Star and Star+.
A true time capsule of then and now, Summer of Soul is packed with newly unearthed footage of the nearly forgotten but star-studded Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. In that vein,...
The acquisition of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s directorial debut is for worldwide rights, parent company Disney says, in a deal put together by Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan and brokered by Cinetic Media.
With appearances by Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, the Staples Sisters, Stevie Wonder, Glady Knight and the Pips, Max Roach, Abby Lincoln and many more, the music-themed documentary is set for a theatrical release as well as streaming on Hulu in America and internationally on Star and Star+.
A true time capsule of then and now, Summer of Soul is packed with newly unearthed footage of the nearly forgotten but star-studded Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. In that vein,...
- 2/5/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
“Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” has become Sundance’s next major acquisition title, selling to Searchlight Pictures and Hulu.
An individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap it’s the biggest documentary sale in history, although no specifics were given. Another individual close to the transaction pegged the sale at $15 million. Buzz has been building around the film since its premiere last Thursday, sparking a bidding war for the documentary from The Roots bandleader Questlove. It was also the winner of the Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
Searchlight Pictures and Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan, acquired the worldwide rights to “Summer of Soul,” while Hulu will exclusively stream the doc domestically and Star and Star+ will stream it internationally.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,...
An individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap it’s the biggest documentary sale in history, although no specifics were given. Another individual close to the transaction pegged the sale at $15 million. Buzz has been building around the film since its premiere last Thursday, sparking a bidding war for the documentary from The Roots bandleader Questlove. It was also the winner of the Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
Searchlight Pictures and Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan, acquired the worldwide rights to “Summer of Soul,” while Hulu will exclusively stream the doc domestically and Star and Star+ will stream it internationally.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,...
- 2/5/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Lee Isaac Chung’s semi-autobiographical drama “Minari” has won this year’s Audience Award for Best Narrative Film at the Middleburg Film Festival. It’s the latest honor for the indie drama, which is one to keep an eye on this awards season since it previously claimed both the Grand Jury Prize (Dramatic) and the Audience Award (Dramatic) at the Sundance Film Festival back in January. This latest honor shows that the film is gaining serious momentum towards becoming a Oscar contender.
See‘Minari’ trailer: Sundance winner stars Oscar contender Steven Yeun a Korean-American family man in Arkansas [Watch]
The festival, which conducted mainly online screenings with a few held outdoors or in drive-in settings, is based in suburban Washington, D.C., and all the past recipients of this honor have gone on to be big factors in the Oscar race. Five of the past seven Middleburg winners scored Best Picture...
See‘Minari’ trailer: Sundance winner stars Oscar contender Steven Yeun a Korean-American family man in Arkansas [Watch]
The festival, which conducted mainly online screenings with a few held outdoors or in drive-in settings, is based in suburban Washington, D.C., and all the past recipients of this honor have gone on to be big factors in the Oscar race. Five of the past seven Middleburg winners scored Best Picture...
- 10/22/2020
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Fernando Meirelles’s film, “The Two Popes,” has won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Film at the 2019 Middleburg Film Festival. Along with winning the same award at the Hamptons International Film Festival earlier this month, the film is now gaining momentum to be a serious top-tier Oscar contender.
The festival, which just wrapped up its seventh year, is based in suburban Washington, D.C., and all of the past recipients of this honor have factored into the Oscar race in a big way. Five of the last six winners scored Best Picture nominations: “Philomena” (2013), “The Imitation Game” (2014), “Spotlight” (2015), “Lion” (2016) and “Green Book” (2018). Both “Spotlight” and “Green Book” went even further and took home the Best Picture prize. “The Two Popes” is currently in 13th place to win Best Picture with 37/1 odds of winning, according to our combined odds.
See‘The Two Popes’: Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins face...
The festival, which just wrapped up its seventh year, is based in suburban Washington, D.C., and all of the past recipients of this honor have factored into the Oscar race in a big way. Five of the last six winners scored Best Picture nominations: “Philomena” (2013), “The Imitation Game” (2014), “Spotlight” (2015), “Lion” (2016) and “Green Book” (2018). Both “Spotlight” and “Green Book” went even further and took home the Best Picture prize. “The Two Popes” is currently in 13th place to win Best Picture with 37/1 odds of winning, according to our combined odds.
See‘The Two Popes’: Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins face...
- 10/22/2019
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
For the last seven years, audiences have flocked to the Middleburg Film Festival. Running October 17th – 21st, and situated in the wine-country hills of historic Middleburg, Virg., the festival usually highlights some of the year’s buzziest titles, and 2019 is no exception.
“We’re a smaller festival with fewer overall screenings than other events, so we really have to think hard about our selections,” says Mff Executive Director Susan Koch. Mff is also a unique festival in that it’s exclusively run by women. “One of our signature events is our Women in Film luncheon,” she says, “which is a terrific networking event and extremely important as a tool for allowing women to have their voices and opinions heard.”
Programming director Connie White was responsible for whittling down a schedule of 34 films the festival should highlight. Mff’s opening night selection is “Marriage Story,” while the closing night will screen “The Irishman” – both from Netflix,...
“We’re a smaller festival with fewer overall screenings than other events, so we really have to think hard about our selections,” says Mff Executive Director Susan Koch. Mff is also a unique festival in that it’s exclusively run by women. “One of our signature events is our Women in Film luncheon,” she says, “which is a terrific networking event and extremely important as a tool for allowing women to have their voices and opinions heard.”
Programming director Connie White was responsible for whittling down a schedule of 34 films the festival should highlight. Mff’s opening night selection is “Marriage Story,” while the closing night will screen “The Irishman” – both from Netflix,...
- 10/17/2019
- by Nick Clement
- Variety Film + TV
In its seventh year, the four-day Middleburg Film Festival, which takes place in the heart of Virginia’s historic wine and horse country amid gorgeous fall foliage, is bigger than ever as it unspools a record 34 films this year. Running from October 17 to 20, the impeccably curated lineup, overseen by founder Sheila Johnson and executive director Susan Koch, continues to feature some of the year’s Oscar-buzziest films as well as welcome discoveries to be found among the documentaries and foreign films.
The opening-night event will be “Marriage Story,” starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson as a showbiz couple engaged in a contentious divorce. Its director, Noah Baumbach, will be honored with the festival’s Spotlight Director Award and will participate in a Q&a session afterward. The closer will be Martin Scorsese‘s “The Irishman,” which just wowed attendees after its premiere at the New York Film Festival.
See‘The...
The opening-night event will be “Marriage Story,” starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson as a showbiz couple engaged in a contentious divorce. Its director, Noah Baumbach, will be honored with the festival’s Spotlight Director Award and will participate in a Q&a session afterward. The closer will be Martin Scorsese‘s “The Irishman,” which just wowed attendees after its premiere at the New York Film Festival.
See‘The...
- 10/2/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: The success of recent documentaries about Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Fred Rogers proves that people are craving heroes right now. Enter Willie O’Ree, the NHL’s first black player, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday.
He is the subject of Willie, an upcoming feature-length docu whose executive producer Bryant McBride says is “10 percent about hockey and 90 percent about life.” Watch a teaser trailer above.
The man’s story is as improbable as it is impressive. O’Ree’s great-grandfather escaped slavery in 1778, and the family still has the original parchment document of his sale.
A native of Fredericton, New Brunswick, O’Ree shattered the NHL’s color barrier with the Boston Bruins in 1958, amid the birth of the Civil Rights movement and the struggle to end Jim Crow. Although he had to deal with racist taunts by fans and some opponents, he was welcomed by teammates and management.
He is the subject of Willie, an upcoming feature-length docu whose executive producer Bryant McBride says is “10 percent about hockey and 90 percent about life.” Watch a teaser trailer above.
The man’s story is as improbable as it is impressive. O’Ree’s great-grandfather escaped slavery in 1778, and the family still has the original parchment document of his sale.
A native of Fredericton, New Brunswick, O’Ree shattered the NHL’s color barrier with the Boston Bruins in 1958, amid the birth of the Civil Rights movement and the struggle to end Jim Crow. Although he had to deal with racist taunts by fans and some opponents, he was welcomed by teammates and management.
- 11/13/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
“Green Book” won the Audience Award for Best Narrative at the Middleburg Film Festival on Monday, putting it in good standing for Oscar glory.
Even though the showcase, based in suburban Washington, D.C., is only in its sixth year, the winner of this honor has factored into the Oscar race in a major way. The first four years of the festival saw the winner of this prize receive Best Picture nominations: “Philomena” (2013), “The Imitation Game” (2014), “Spotlight” (2015), which won the Oscar, and “Lion” (2016). Last year’s winner, “Mudbound,” missed out in Oscar’s top category but still managed to get four nominations, including Best Supporting Actress (Mary J. Blige) and Best Adapted Screenplay. “Green Book” is currently in sixth place to claim the Best Picture Oscar, according our combined odds.
See 2018 Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Awards: ‘Green Book’ wins on way to Oscars
Directed by Peter Farrelly,...
Even though the showcase, based in suburban Washington, D.C., is only in its sixth year, the winner of this honor has factored into the Oscar race in a major way. The first four years of the festival saw the winner of this prize receive Best Picture nominations: “Philomena” (2013), “The Imitation Game” (2014), “Spotlight” (2015), which won the Oscar, and “Lion” (2016). Last year’s winner, “Mudbound,” missed out in Oscar’s top category but still managed to get four nominations, including Best Supporting Actress (Mary J. Blige) and Best Adapted Screenplay. “Green Book” is currently in sixth place to claim the Best Picture Oscar, according our combined odds.
See 2018 Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Awards: ‘Green Book’ wins on way to Oscars
Directed by Peter Farrelly,...
- 10/22/2018
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Sheila Johnson, who along with ex-husband Bob Johnson started Bet almost 30 years ago may now perhaps regret ever doing it. In an interview yesterday Ms. Johnson said that she’s not happy at all with the current state of the network:
“Don’t even get me started ! I don’t watch it. I suggest to my kids [a twentysomething daughter and a college-age son] that they don’t watch it… I’m ashamed of it, if you want to know the truth.”
Furthermore she stated that:
“I just really wish—and not just Bet but a lot of television programming—that they would stop lowering the bar so far just so they can get eyeballs to the screen. I know they think that’s what’s going to keep programming on the air; that’s what’s going to sell advertising. But there has got to be some responsibility. Somebody has got to take this over.”
In addition Ms.
“Don’t even get me started ! I don’t watch it. I suggest to my kids [a twentysomething daughter and a college-age son] that they don’t watch it… I’m ashamed of it, if you want to know the truth.”
Furthermore she stated that:
“I just really wish—and not just Bet but a lot of television programming—that they would stop lowering the bar so far just so they can get eyeballs to the screen. I know they think that’s what’s going to keep programming on the air; that’s what’s going to sell advertising. But there has got to be some responsibility. Somebody has got to take this over.”
In addition Ms.
- 4/30/2010
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Cinemocracy In Action! A while back I announced the upcoming Impact Film Festival at The Evening Class. I’ve since received the festival’s official announcement of the confirmed panelists and moderators for its slate of films set to screen for lawmakers, candidates and delegates at the Democratic National Convention ("DNC"). Three U.S. Senators, eight U.S. Representatives, one Mayor, eight leading journalists/ commentators, as many party and issue activists along with luminaries Sheila Johnson, Kerry Kennedy, Davis Guggenheim and Grace Guggenheim, Hillary Rosen, James Hoffa and others are set to participate. Panelists for the Republican National Convention ("Rnc") will be released in a subsequent announcement.
“This Festival set out to have an impact on political discourse and we are honored to have so many lawmakers, journalists and activists joining our filmmakers and subjects to discuss the issues and priorities explored in our exceptional films,” said Jody Arlington, one...
“This Festival set out to have an impact on political discourse and we are honored to have so many lawmakers, journalists and activists joining our filmmakers and subjects to discuss the issues and priorities explored in our exceptional films,” said Jody Arlington, one...
- 8/24/2008
- by Michael Guillen
- Screen Anarchy
E! Networks this week began offering up celebrity dish on a disc at Wal-Mart stores nationwide. E! the DVD, a monthly look at the world of celebrity and fashion, now sits alongside similar printed publications at Wal-Mart checkout stands, where it sells for $4.96. While the jury is still out as to whether mainstream consumers will glom on to a DVD magazine, executives at E! couldn't have landed a better retailer to make their first foray into the world of DVD. Wal-Mart is the nation's top seller of home videos, with an estimated overall home video retail market share of about 30%. "I believe that the time is right for this type of product because the popularity of DVD has never been greater," said Sheila Johnson, senior vp business operations and general counsel at E! Networks.
- 5/27/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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