Nestled deep in the first half of “All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt,” once we have acclimated to its sensuous audiovisual idioms, is an encounter between former lovers Mack (Charleen McClure) and Wood (Reginald Helms Jr.), no longer sharing a mutual path. Few words escape their lips, but their hands hold onto one another with loving desperation, as if hoping that through a long embrace, everything unsaid could, by osmosis, seep into their bodies. Their kinetic exchange — with fingers clasped tightly that communicate their unwillingness to let go — sits in nearly silent contemplation.
Elsewhere in writer-director Raven Jackson’s debut feature, however, the perpetual cacophony of nature in the rural South scores the rich imagery like a tireless orchestra that ties everything we witness back to the land. The sounds of torrential rain drenching everything in its way, of crickets and frogs serenading the moon, all intermingle in communion with...
Elsewhere in writer-director Raven Jackson’s debut feature, however, the perpetual cacophony of nature in the rural South scores the rich imagery like a tireless orchestra that ties everything we witness back to the land. The sounds of torrential rain drenching everything in its way, of crickets and frogs serenading the moon, all intermingle in communion with...
- 1/22/2023
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
In the American South, they’ve been known to say, “A child’s gotta eat their share of dirt.” And Raven Jackson’s thoughtful, fragmentary portrait of a Black woman over four decades of rural Mississippian life certainly encompasses the kind of hard life lessons that could be thus summed up. But the strange poetry of the film’s title also gently turns that harsh homily on its head, instead relating it to the tradition, inherited from African ancestors and still relatively common in parts of the country, for Black women to gather across generations and harvest little scoops of pale dirt from the roadside — actually the chalky mineral kaolinite which is plentiful across the southeastern U.S. — to eat, as a kind of communal ritual.
“All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt” is deeply invested in the investigation of tradition, family and memory, and the sensory, evocative language of the...
“All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt” is deeply invested in the investigation of tradition, family and memory, and the sensory, evocative language of the...
- 1/22/2023
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Entertainment studio Topic Studios and New York-based production company Loveless have entered into an all-media first-look deal, partnering to develop scripted and unscripted projects across TV, film and podcasts.
Topic Studios, the entertainment studio from First Look Media, which recently produced the Golden Globe-nominated legal thriller “The Mauritanian,” and Loveless, the production company founded by Emmy-nominees Carly Hugo and Matt Parker, have come together for the new venture, with aims to curate a homegrown slate of new content. The new pact between has already produced an early development slate, which includes a scripted TV series, a docuseries and a feature film.
“Matt and Carly are two of the hardest-working and most innovative producers out there,” Maria Zuckerman, head of Topic Studios, said in a statement announcing the partnership. “With their prodigious relationships, endless creativity, and great eye, we at Topic Studios are excited to partner with Loveless and ignite many great new projects to come.
Topic Studios, the entertainment studio from First Look Media, which recently produced the Golden Globe-nominated legal thriller “The Mauritanian,” and Loveless, the production company founded by Emmy-nominees Carly Hugo and Matt Parker, have come together for the new venture, with aims to curate a homegrown slate of new content. The new pact between has already produced an early development slate, which includes a scripted TV series, a docuseries and a feature film.
“Matt and Carly are two of the hardest-working and most innovative producers out there,” Maria Zuckerman, head of Topic Studios, said in a statement announcing the partnership. “With their prodigious relationships, endless creativity, and great eye, we at Topic Studios are excited to partner with Loveless and ignite many great new projects to come.
- 2/23/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Much has been written about “Joker” composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, the Icelandic cellist who may well walk off with the Oscar Sunday night, making her only the third woman to win an Academy Award for best original score.
But she’s not the only woman who has composed scores for Oscar-nominated films. In fact, five others are in contention in the documentary feature, documentary short subject and animated short categories.
Three of the five nominated films in the doc shorts category were scored by women (and one of the other two has no score): Sasha Gordon for “Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl),” Amanda Jones for “St. Louis Superman” and Laura Karpman for “Walk Run Cha-Cha.”
Music for the documentary feature “For Sama” was composed by London-based Nainita Desai, and Japanese composer Karen Tanaka scored the nominated animated short film “Sister.”
The number is...
But she’s not the only woman who has composed scores for Oscar-nominated films. In fact, five others are in contention in the documentary feature, documentary short subject and animated short categories.
Three of the five nominated films in the doc shorts category were scored by women (and one of the other two has no score): Sasha Gordon for “Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl),” Amanda Jones for “St. Louis Superman” and Laura Karpman for “Walk Run Cha-Cha.”
Music for the documentary feature “For Sama” was composed by London-based Nainita Desai, and Japanese composer Karen Tanaka scored the nominated animated short film “Sister.”
The number is...
- 2/7/2020
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Non-fiction storytelling is well-represented in this year’s Oscar race. Five movies are vying for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar, but many of the contenders for Best Documentary (Short Subject) are almost feature-length experiences as well. The Academy’s rules allow shorts to run up to 40 minutes; two of this year’s nominees run exactly that length, while the others are close to half an hour. By contrast, the longest animated short nominee is just under 15 minutes, while the longest live action short is 25 minutes. That’s understandable: The documentary form often demands more time to establish context, and this year’s nominees illustrate that challenge.
As usual for the category, all of the contenders deal with timely (and often troubling) subject matter through personal dramas from around the world. It’s a particularly strong collection of non-fiction filmmaking as well. Each nominee works around the traditional talking-head approach with vivid,...
As usual for the category, all of the contenders deal with timely (and often troubling) subject matter through personal dramas from around the world. It’s a particularly strong collection of non-fiction filmmaking as well. Each nominee works around the traditional talking-head approach with vivid,...
- 1/29/2020
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
The 2019 Sundance Film Festival has announced its Indie Episodic, Shorts and Special Events slate, which will include series executive produced by people like Jordan Peele and Steven Soderbergh, as well as episodic content starring Rosamund Pike.
The Untitled Amy Berg Documentary, directed and produced by Berg, will also be heading to the festival, as will Kyra Sedgwick’s “Girls Weekend,” starring Amy Landecker and Ali Liebegott.
Overall, 12 episodic works, 73 short films from 33 countries and four special events have joined the festival slate that was first announced last week. Of the projects announced on Monday, 53 percent were directed or created by one or more women, 51 percent were directed or created by one or more filmmaker of color, and 26 percent were created or directed by one or more people who identify as Lgbtqia.
Also Read: Sundance Documentary 'Ask Dr. Ruth' Picked Up by Hulu and Magnolia
“Our newly-expanded programming team took in...
The Untitled Amy Berg Documentary, directed and produced by Berg, will also be heading to the festival, as will Kyra Sedgwick’s “Girls Weekend,” starring Amy Landecker and Ali Liebegott.
Overall, 12 episodic works, 73 short films from 33 countries and four special events have joined the festival slate that was first announced last week. Of the projects announced on Monday, 53 percent were directed or created by one or more women, 51 percent were directed or created by one or more filmmaker of color, and 26 percent were created or directed by one or more people who identify as Lgbtqia.
Also Read: Sundance Documentary 'Ask Dr. Ruth' Picked Up by Hulu and Magnolia
“Our newly-expanded programming team took in...
- 12/3/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
In only its second year of bringing independent television to Park City as part of its Indie Episodics section, Sundance has picked a dozen series that could include the next big TV hit. Among the announced independent shows include works by Nick Hornby, Richie Mehta, and Kyra Sedgwick, which range from comedies about start-ups to dating comedies about trans relationships to dramas about race. Sundance is also bringing in some other TV projects under its Special Events banner, including the newest season of IFC’s ongoing doc parody series “Documentary Now!” and Gregg Araki’s upcoming Starz series “Now Apocalypse,” executive produced by Steven Soderbergh.
The Special Events section will also play home to a brand new (and as yet untitled) documentary from Sundance regular Amy Berg, which tracks the creation of the Women’s March and what followed.
In an announcement, Sundance director of programming Kim Yutani said that...
The Special Events section will also play home to a brand new (and as yet untitled) documentary from Sundance regular Amy Berg, which tracks the creation of the Women’s March and what followed.
In an announcement, Sundance director of programming Kim Yutani said that...
- 12/3/2018
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
Special Events include Gregg Araki’s Now Apocalypse.
The second year of the Indie Episodic section at Sundance Film Festival brings world premieres of the Nick Hornby marriage therapy comedy State Of The Union directed by Stephen Frears and starring Rosamund Pike and Chris O’Dowd, and Kyra Sedgwick’s Girls Weekend, about a queer daughter who returns for a family gathering in Las Vegas.
Festival programmers have lined up 12 Episodic works, alongside four special events, among them Gregg Araki’s half-hour Starz comedy series Now Apocalypse about the misadventures of four friends in Los Angeles. Steven Soderbergh is among the executive producers.
The second year of the Indie Episodic section at Sundance Film Festival brings world premieres of the Nick Hornby marriage therapy comedy State Of The Union directed by Stephen Frears and starring Rosamund Pike and Chris O’Dowd, and Kyra Sedgwick’s Girls Weekend, about a queer daughter who returns for a family gathering in Las Vegas.
Festival programmers have lined up 12 Episodic works, alongside four special events, among them Gregg Araki’s half-hour Starz comedy series Now Apocalypse about the misadventures of four friends in Los Angeles. Steven Soderbergh is among the executive producers.
- 12/3/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Sasha Gordon has composed the scores for many features and short films, including the 2010 Oscar-winning short “God of Love,” and her own 2011 short film “Manhattan Melody” premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. Now, she will soon release her debut feature film “It Had To Be You” about a woman struggling with a sudden marriage proposal and her place in the world.
Read More: Cristin Milioti Talks Alternate Ending Of Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf Of Wall Street’
The film stars Cristin Milioti (“How I Met Your Mother,” “Wolf of Wall Street”) as Sonia, a neurotic jingle writer who dreams of an exciting, liberating life, but when her laidback boyfriend Chris (Dan Soder) suddenly proposes to her, she’s thrown into a world of doubt. Soon, she must decide whether to pursue her own fantasies or join the love of her life in holy matrimony. It co-stars Halley Feiffer (“The Squid and the Whale...
Read More: Cristin Milioti Talks Alternate Ending Of Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf Of Wall Street’
The film stars Cristin Milioti (“How I Met Your Mother,” “Wolf of Wall Street”) as Sonia, a neurotic jingle writer who dreams of an exciting, liberating life, but when her laidback boyfriend Chris (Dan Soder) suddenly proposes to her, she’s thrown into a world of doubt. Soon, she must decide whether to pursue her own fantasies or join the love of her life in holy matrimony. It co-stars Halley Feiffer (“The Squid and the Whale...
- 10/18/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
"I always thought that by the time I got married, I would be different." Samuel Goldwyn Films has debuted a trailer for an indie romantic comedy called It Had to Be You, about a woman who freaks out when she learns her boyfriend is going to propose to her. Actress Cristin Milioti (seen in The Wolf of Wall Street, The Brass Teapot, "Fargo", "The Mindy Project") stars, with Dan Soder, Halley Feiffer, Kate Simses, Erica Sweany, Mark Gessner and Rachel York. This is definitely very quirky, but there's also some charm to it, mostly because Cristin Milioti is quite talented and it's nice to see her in a fun role like this. The trailer ends rather abruptly, like there's more going on - but I guess we have to see the film to find out what. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Sasha Gordon's It Had to Be You,...
- 10/4/2016
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
A kidnapper gets more than he bargained for in Pet. Starring Dominic Monaghan, Ksenia Solo, and Jennette McCurdy, the psychological horror film has been acquired by Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films, with Us theatrical, VOD, and DVD release dates slated for December.
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA (October 4, 2016) – Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that they have acquired the psychological thriller Pet, directed by Carles Torrens and written by Jeremy Slater. The film stars Dominic Monaghan (Lost, The Lord Of The Rings Series), Ksenia Solo (Black Swan, Lost Girl), and Jennette McCurdy (iCarly, Sam & Cat). Pet had its World Premiere at the 2016 South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin. Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films will release the film in U.S. theaters and on demand on December 2, 2016, and it will be available on DVD on December 27.
In the vein of Hard Candy and Gone Girl, Pet...
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA (October 4, 2016) – Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that they have acquired the psychological thriller Pet, directed by Carles Torrens and written by Jeremy Slater. The film stars Dominic Monaghan (Lost, The Lord Of The Rings Series), Ksenia Solo (Black Swan, Lost Girl), and Jennette McCurdy (iCarly, Sam & Cat). Pet had its World Premiere at the 2016 South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin. Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films will release the film in U.S. theaters and on demand on December 2, 2016, and it will be available on DVD on December 27.
In the vein of Hard Candy and Gone Girl, Pet...
- 10/4/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Keep up with the wild and wooly world of indie film acquisitions with our weekly Rundown of everything that’s been picked up around the globe. Check out last week’s Rundown here.
– Exclusive: Zeitgeist Films has announced that it has acquired “Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story,” a documentary about two fascinating (and unsung) heroes of 60+ years of Hollywood history. Directed by Daniel Raim and executive produced by Danny DeVito, the film had its premiere in the Cannes Classics section of the Festival.
The film will open in the first quarter of 2017 with a national rollout to follow.
– Open Road Films has acquired all North American rights to the romantic comedy “Home Again,” which will star Reese Witherspoon. The film was written by Hallie Meyers-Shyer and will be directed by Meyers-Shyer in her directorial debut. Nancy Meyers is producing alongside Black Bicycle Entertainment’s Erika Olde, who also financed the film.
– Exclusive: Zeitgeist Films has announced that it has acquired “Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story,” a documentary about two fascinating (and unsung) heroes of 60+ years of Hollywood history. Directed by Daniel Raim and executive produced by Danny DeVito, the film had its premiere in the Cannes Classics section of the Festival.
The film will open in the first quarter of 2017 with a national rollout to follow.
– Open Road Films has acquired all North American rights to the romantic comedy “Home Again,” which will star Reese Witherspoon. The film was written by Hallie Meyers-Shyer and will be directed by Meyers-Shyer in her directorial debut. Nancy Meyers is producing alongside Black Bicycle Entertainment’s Erika Olde, who also financed the film.
- 9/23/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to Sasha Gordon’s subversive rom-com starring Cristin Milioti and Dan Soder.
It Had To Be You premiered at the Austin Film Festival and centres on a neurotic jingle writer who is given three days in which to decide whether to marry her fiancé or take a leap and pursue her fantasies.
“We were drawn to Sasha’s fresh take on the romantic comedy,” said Melanie Miller, executive vice-president at Samuel Goldwyn Films. “Festival-goers have embraced the film and we can’t wait to bring it to a wider audience.”
The film is scheduled to open on October 21.
“Samuel Goldwyn has released some of my favourite indies so working with them on my debut feature is truly a dream come true,” said Gordon.
Rachel Brenna, Richard Arlook, Benjamin Kruger and Levi Abrino produced the film and Chris Columbus served as executive producer.
Miller and [link...
It Had To Be You premiered at the Austin Film Festival and centres on a neurotic jingle writer who is given three days in which to decide whether to marry her fiancé or take a leap and pursue her fantasies.
“We were drawn to Sasha’s fresh take on the romantic comedy,” said Melanie Miller, executive vice-president at Samuel Goldwyn Films. “Festival-goers have embraced the film and we can’t wait to bring it to a wider audience.”
The film is scheduled to open on October 21.
“Samuel Goldwyn has released some of my favourite indies so working with them on my debut feature is truly a dream come true,” said Gordon.
Rachel Brenna, Richard Arlook, Benjamin Kruger and Levi Abrino produced the film and Chris Columbus served as executive producer.
Miller and [link...
- 9/21/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Samuel Goldwyn Films has secured North American rights to It Had To Be You, starring Cristin Milioti (How I Met Your Mother) and Dan Soder (Inside Amy Schumer). The romantic comedy, which world premiered at the Austin Film Festival, is slated for an October 21 release. Helmed and written by Sasha Gordon, the film follows Sonia (Milioti) a quirky, neurotic jingle writer who has always dreamt of a big and exciting life. Surprised by a sudden proposal and subsequent…...
- 9/21/2016
- Deadline
Exclusive: The Us sales company has also started talks on Sarah Gordon’s It Had To Be You.
Shoreline Entertainment has been talking to buyers on two new sales titles in Cannes.
Kim Rocco Shields’ Love Is All You Need? is based on a short film that went viral and tackles tolerance and bullying by taking place in a world where heterophobia is prevalent and being gay is regarded as being straight and vice-versa.
Briana Evigan from Step Up 2 stars alongside Tyler Blackburn, Kyla Kenedy, Ana Ortiz, Emily Osment, Elisabeth Röhm and Jeremy Sisto.
It Had To Be You stars Cristin Milioti and Dan Soder in the story of a neurotic jingle writer at a crossroads when he fiancé proposes. Sasha Gordon directed.
Shoreline director of acquisitions Melody Djavadi brokered the deals with Will Lowery of Apa and Jennifer Grey.
Shoreline Entertainment has been talking to buyers on two new sales titles in Cannes.
Kim Rocco Shields’ Love Is All You Need? is based on a short film that went viral and tackles tolerance and bullying by taking place in a world where heterophobia is prevalent and being gay is regarded as being straight and vice-versa.
Briana Evigan from Step Up 2 stars alongside Tyler Blackburn, Kyla Kenedy, Ana Ortiz, Emily Osment, Elisabeth Röhm and Jeremy Sisto.
It Had To Be You stars Cristin Milioti and Dan Soder in the story of a neurotic jingle writer at a crossroads when he fiancé proposes. Sasha Gordon directed.
Shoreline director of acquisitions Melody Djavadi brokered the deals with Will Lowery of Apa and Jennifer Grey.
- 5/17/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Review by Stephen Jones
It Had To Be You screens Friday, November 13th at 7:00pm at The Tivoli Theater as part of this year’s St. louis International Film Festival. Ticket information can be found Here
It Had To Be You is a very, very average movie elevated by the sheer likability of Cristin Milioti. Nothing in the movie is particularly groundbreaking, no envelopes are pushed, but Milioti radiates. She isn’t exactly new on the acting scene; she got her initial exposure (of note) being way too good for the last season of How I Met Your Mother, then a too-brief role in “Wolf of Wall Street,” but here she is carrying an entire movie on the back of her screen presence and charm.
The rest of the movie is perfectly fine, save the person-shaped section of drywall they cast as the male lead. The cast as a whole is mostly solid,...
It Had To Be You screens Friday, November 13th at 7:00pm at The Tivoli Theater as part of this year’s St. louis International Film Festival. Ticket information can be found Here
It Had To Be You is a very, very average movie elevated by the sheer likability of Cristin Milioti. Nothing in the movie is particularly groundbreaking, no envelopes are pushed, but Milioti radiates. She isn’t exactly new on the acting scene; she got her initial exposure (of note) being way too good for the last season of How I Met Your Mother, then a too-brief role in “Wolf of Wall Street,” but here she is carrying an entire movie on the back of her screen presence and charm.
The rest of the movie is perfectly fine, save the person-shaped section of drywall they cast as the male lead. The cast as a whole is mostly solid,...
- 11/13/2015
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Read More: St. Lawrence International Film Festival Announces 2015 Award Winners The New York No Limits Film Series has announced the full lineup for its 2015 summit. The lineup consists of 18 independent films, both feature-lengths and shorts, from directors around the world. The summit will be held from November 12-14. The full lineup is as follows: Official Selections - Feature Films: "It Had to Be You" - Sasha Gordon "Malady" - Jack James "Pretend We're Kissing" - Matt Sadowski "selectEd" - Kayla McCormick Official Selections - Short Films: "And It Was Good" - Graham Waterston "Chateau Sauvignon" - David Maire "Dance of the Neurons" - Jody Oberfelder & Eric Siegel "Every Day My Dad Dies" - Steven Rico "Girl in the Chair" - M. Louis Gordon "iDeal Wife" - Sylvia Congxin Qi "If I Had A Piano (I'd Play You the Blues)" - Stephanie Gardner "The Lotus...
- 10/26/2015
- by Ryan Anielski
- Indiewire
The 2015 Woodstock “Fiercely Independent” Film Festival celebrated its Sweet 16, and came to a close on October 4.
The awards went to:
Best Feature Narrative: "Oliver’s Deal" directed by Barney Elliott
Honorable Mention: "It Had to be You" directed by Sasha Gordon.
Best Feature Documentary: "Incorruptible" directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi.
Honorable Mention: "The Babushkas of Chernobyl" directed by Holly Morris, co-directed by Anne Bogart.
Best Animation: "The Five Minute Museum" directed by Paul Bush.
Honorable Mention: "Religatio" directed by Jaime Giraldo.
Best Short Narrative: "Stanhope" directed by Solvan "Slick" Naim.
Honorable Mention: "Welcome" (Bienvenidos) directed by Javier Fesser.
Best Short Student Short Film: "Against the Night" directed by Stefan Kubicki.
Best Short Documentary: "All About Amy" directed by Samuel Centore.
Honorable Mention: "Naneek" directed by Neal Steeno.
The Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography: "Bob and the Trees" directed by Diego Ongaro with cinematography by Chris Teague and Danny Vecchione.
James Lyons Award for Best Editing of a Feature Narrative: "Oliver’s Deal" directed by Barney Elliott and edited by J.L. Romeu and Roberto Benavides.
Honorable Mention: "Touched With Fire" directed by Paul Dalio and edited by Paul Dalio and Lee Percy.
James Lyons Award for Best Editing of a Feature Documentary: "The Babushkas of Chernobyl" directed by Holly Morris and edited by Michael Taylor, Richard Howard, and Mary Manhardt
Honorable Mention: "I Will Not Be Silenced" directed by Judy Rymer and edited by Paul Hamilton.
Ultra Indie Award: "Lamb" directed by Ross Partridge.
Honorable Mention: "Bob and the Trees" directed by Diego Ongaro.
The World Cinema Award: "Meet Me in Venice" directed by Eddy Terstall.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Roberta Petzoldt ("Meet Me in Venice").
Tangerine Entertainment Juice Award for Best Female Feature Director: Linda-Maria Birbeck director of "There Should be Rules."
Carpe Diem Award Andretta Award for Best Film: "Waffle Street" directed by Eshom Nelms and Ian Nelms.
Fiercely Independent Award was presented by Atom Egoyan to Guy Maddin
Honorary Maverick Award was presented by Guy Maddin to Atom Egoyan.
For more information about the Woodstock Film Festival: http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/
Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, Susan Kouguell teaches screenwriting at Purchase College Suny, and presents international seminars on screenwriting and film. Author of Savvy Characters Sell Screenplays! and The Savvy Screenwriter, she is chairperson of Su-City Pictures East, LLC, a consulting company founded in 1990 where she works with writers, filmmakers, and executives worldwide. www.su-city-pictures.com, http://su-city-pictures.com/wpblog...
The awards went to:
Best Feature Narrative: "Oliver’s Deal" directed by Barney Elliott
Honorable Mention: "It Had to be You" directed by Sasha Gordon.
Best Feature Documentary: "Incorruptible" directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi.
Honorable Mention: "The Babushkas of Chernobyl" directed by Holly Morris, co-directed by Anne Bogart.
Best Animation: "The Five Minute Museum" directed by Paul Bush.
Honorable Mention: "Religatio" directed by Jaime Giraldo.
Best Short Narrative: "Stanhope" directed by Solvan "Slick" Naim.
Honorable Mention: "Welcome" (Bienvenidos) directed by Javier Fesser.
Best Short Student Short Film: "Against the Night" directed by Stefan Kubicki.
Best Short Documentary: "All About Amy" directed by Samuel Centore.
Honorable Mention: "Naneek" directed by Neal Steeno.
The Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography: "Bob and the Trees" directed by Diego Ongaro with cinematography by Chris Teague and Danny Vecchione.
James Lyons Award for Best Editing of a Feature Narrative: "Oliver’s Deal" directed by Barney Elliott and edited by J.L. Romeu and Roberto Benavides.
Honorable Mention: "Touched With Fire" directed by Paul Dalio and edited by Paul Dalio and Lee Percy.
James Lyons Award for Best Editing of a Feature Documentary: "The Babushkas of Chernobyl" directed by Holly Morris and edited by Michael Taylor, Richard Howard, and Mary Manhardt
Honorable Mention: "I Will Not Be Silenced" directed by Judy Rymer and edited by Paul Hamilton.
Ultra Indie Award: "Lamb" directed by Ross Partridge.
Honorable Mention: "Bob and the Trees" directed by Diego Ongaro.
The World Cinema Award: "Meet Me in Venice" directed by Eddy Terstall.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Roberta Petzoldt ("Meet Me in Venice").
Tangerine Entertainment Juice Award for Best Female Feature Director: Linda-Maria Birbeck director of "There Should be Rules."
Carpe Diem Award Andretta Award for Best Film: "Waffle Street" directed by Eshom Nelms and Ian Nelms.
Fiercely Independent Award was presented by Atom Egoyan to Guy Maddin
Honorary Maverick Award was presented by Guy Maddin to Atom Egoyan.
For more information about the Woodstock Film Festival: http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/
Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, Susan Kouguell teaches screenwriting at Purchase College Suny, and presents international seminars on screenwriting and film. Author of Savvy Characters Sell Screenplays! and The Savvy Screenwriter, she is chairperson of Su-City Pictures East, LLC, a consulting company founded in 1990 where she works with writers, filmmakers, and executives worldwide. www.su-city-pictures.com, http://su-city-pictures.com/wpblog...
- 10/6/2015
- by Susan Kouguell
- Sydney's Buzz
The fifth edition of the Us in Progress co-production forum will be held on October 22-23rd, 2015, as a part of the 6th American Film Festival in Wrocław (October 20-25th).
Us in Progress aims to facilitate professional networking among European film professionals and emerging independent filmmakers from the United States. A biannual event, Us in Progress is also held in June during the Champs-Elysees Film Festival in Paris.
Invite-only screenings will feature six projects selected from fifty American independent feature-length submissions, all in final editing stages. Congratulations to the 2015 Us in Progress Wrocław participants:
"Actor Martinez" by Mike Ott & Nathan Silver "Alaska is a Drag" by Shaz Bennett "Americana" by Zachary Shedd "It Had to Be You" by Sasha Gordon "The Alchemist Cookbook" by Joel Potrykus "The Loner" by Daniel Grove Invited to Wroclaw, the filmmakers and/or their producers will present the projects to top European buyers and festival programmers (Locarno, Edinburgh, Versatile, Memento and Trust Nordisk among others) and attend one-to-one meetings and network.
The 2015 Us in Progress Wrocław partners provide in-kind awards of post-production service packages of combined value amounting to $40,000. Partners from the leading Polish sound and image studios include:
-Soundflower Studio and Maciej Zieliński
-Chimney Poland
-Fixafilms
-Toya Studios .
Prizes are also being offered by Producers' Network at Cannes and Ale kino+ (TV rights acquisition offer).
In 2014, the top prize was awarded to the producers/directors of "Homefront" (by Tyler Walker and Fidel Ruiz-Healy). They recently color-graded in Warsaw's Chimney.
Selections from last year's slate "God Bless the Child" and "Take Me to the River" had World Premieres at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival and the 2015 Sundance Film festivals, respectively. Both films will screen this year in the Spectrum competition at the American Film Festival.
To learn more or contact Us in Progress please email: aff[At]snh.org.pl...
Us in Progress aims to facilitate professional networking among European film professionals and emerging independent filmmakers from the United States. A biannual event, Us in Progress is also held in June during the Champs-Elysees Film Festival in Paris.
Invite-only screenings will feature six projects selected from fifty American independent feature-length submissions, all in final editing stages. Congratulations to the 2015 Us in Progress Wrocław participants:
"Actor Martinez" by Mike Ott & Nathan Silver "Alaska is a Drag" by Shaz Bennett "Americana" by Zachary Shedd "It Had to Be You" by Sasha Gordon "The Alchemist Cookbook" by Joel Potrykus "The Loner" by Daniel Grove Invited to Wroclaw, the filmmakers and/or their producers will present the projects to top European buyers and festival programmers (Locarno, Edinburgh, Versatile, Memento and Trust Nordisk among others) and attend one-to-one meetings and network.
The 2015 Us in Progress Wrocław partners provide in-kind awards of post-production service packages of combined value amounting to $40,000. Partners from the leading Polish sound and image studios include:
-Soundflower Studio and Maciej Zieliński
-Chimney Poland
-Fixafilms
-Toya Studios .
Prizes are also being offered by Producers' Network at Cannes and Ale kino+ (TV rights acquisition offer).
In 2014, the top prize was awarded to the producers/directors of "Homefront" (by Tyler Walker and Fidel Ruiz-Healy). They recently color-graded in Warsaw's Chimney.
Selections from last year's slate "God Bless the Child" and "Take Me to the River" had World Premieres at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival and the 2015 Sundance Film festivals, respectively. Both films will screen this year in the Spectrum competition at the American Film Festival.
To learn more or contact Us in Progress please email: aff[At]snh.org.pl...
- 10/1/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
With the American Film Festival in Wrocław comes the Us in Progress co-production forum initiative. It also means that micro gems might trickle down from Europe in the unfinished form into Sundance and/or SXSW in early 2016. On the plate for October 22nd and 23rd, the six projects selected for the 2015 Us in Progress Wrocław include:
Actor Martinez by Mike Ott and Nathan Silver
Up until now, the project that teams Littlerock, Pearblossom Hwy and Lake Los Angeles helmer with Exit Elena, Soft in the head, Uncertain Terms and Stinking Heaven had no title. This
stars Bobby Black, Connor Long and Lindsay Burdge.
Alaska is a Drag by Shaz Bennett
Based on her 2012 short, if Rocky and Hedwig had a love child – that would best describe our hero Leo — an aspiring superstar – if he can just get out of Alaska. Everyone who works in a fish cannery – slicing fish for...
Actor Martinez by Mike Ott and Nathan Silver
Up until now, the project that teams Littlerock, Pearblossom Hwy and Lake Los Angeles helmer with Exit Elena, Soft in the head, Uncertain Terms and Stinking Heaven had no title. This
stars Bobby Black, Connor Long and Lindsay Burdge.
Alaska is a Drag by Shaz Bennett
Based on her 2012 short, if Rocky and Hedwig had a love child – that would best describe our hero Leo — an aspiring superstar – if he can just get out of Alaska. Everyone who works in a fish cannery – slicing fish for...
- 9/23/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Clouds of Sils Maria director to receive Master of Cinema Award.
French director Olivier Assayas is to receive the Master of Cinema Award at this year’s Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival (Oct 9-24) following previous recipients such as Wim Wenders, Atom Egoyan and Zhang Yimou,
Festival director Michael Kötz said: “Assayas’ directorial work has an intelligent depth to it which make his films more captivating with every viewing. He has a unique and distinctive style that is all his own.”
Assayas has directed films including Carlos – Der Schakal, Irma Vep and Clouds of Sils Maria.
The award will be presented to Assayas on Oct 10 before a screening of his 2012 film Après Mai – Something in the Air.
World/international premieres
Kazakh filmmakers Ruslan Magomadov and Serik Abishev’s Once at an Orphanage will have its world premiere in the festival’s 22-title International Competition for the Grand Newcomer Award Mannheim-Heidelberg.
Iranian director Vahid Qazimirsaeid’s Road to Shahriyar...
French director Olivier Assayas is to receive the Master of Cinema Award at this year’s Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival (Oct 9-24) following previous recipients such as Wim Wenders, Atom Egoyan and Zhang Yimou,
Festival director Michael Kötz said: “Assayas’ directorial work has an intelligent depth to it which make his films more captivating with every viewing. He has a unique and distinctive style that is all his own.”
Assayas has directed films including Carlos – Der Schakal, Irma Vep and Clouds of Sils Maria.
The award will be presented to Assayas on Oct 10 before a screening of his 2012 film Après Mai – Something in the Air.
World/international premieres
Kazakh filmmakers Ruslan Magomadov and Serik Abishev’s Once at an Orphanage will have its world premiere in the festival’s 22-title International Competition for the Grand Newcomer Award Mannheim-Heidelberg.
Iranian director Vahid Qazimirsaeid’s Road to Shahriyar...
- 9/22/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Founded in 2013 by "I Believe in Unicorns" director Leah Meyerhoff, Film Fatales is a bicoastal collective of women filmmakers who mentor and collaborate in an indie space that's far removed from the sexist world of Hollywood—and therefore all the more likely to make impact. “At a time when audiences are hungry for a diversity of stories on screen, we’ve compiled a list of recent films directed by women that everyone should see, as well as a selection of older titles which continue to inspire us,” said Film Fatales founder Leah Meyerhoff, who shared the following list with Bitch Media. Film Fatales in NY and La include Meyerhoff, Eliza Hittman, Ry Russo Young, Stewart Thorndike, Marielle Heller, Leslye Headland, Sasha Gordon, Jess Weixler and Josephine Decker. Here are their picks for the best films made by women, including "Appropriate Behavior," "Diary of a Teenage Girl," "A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,...
- 7/9/2015
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Principal photography got underway this week in Toronto on David Bezmozgis’ drama. Mongrel Media holds Canadian rights.
Natasha stars Alex Ozerov, Sasha Gordon and Deanna Dezmari and centres on the slacker son of Russian immigrants who embarks upon an affair with the daughter of his uncle’s intended bride.
The film is scheduled for early 2015 and is based on one of the tales from Bezmozgis’ first published novel, Natasha And Other Stories.
Bill Marks and Deborah Marks produce the feature, which was made with the backing of Telefilm Canada.
Natasha stars Alex Ozerov, Sasha Gordon and Deanna Dezmari and centres on the slacker son of Russian immigrants who embarks upon an affair with the daughter of his uncle’s intended bride.
The film is scheduled for early 2015 and is based on one of the tales from Bezmozgis’ first published novel, Natasha And Other Stories.
Bill Marks and Deborah Marks produce the feature, which was made with the backing of Telefilm Canada.
- 7/11/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
We’ve already got the The Black List, which highlights Hollywood’s top unproduced screenplays as voted on by those in the business. In an effort to dig deeper for more independent hidden talent, New York University has recently announced The Purple List, showcasing the top production ready feature screenplays written by students or recent alums of the Grad Film Program.
As voted on by a number of people in the industry, such as Jodie Foster, John Sayles and Karyn Kusama, could the below be the next Sin Nombre, Pariah, Circumstance or Gun Hill Road? Check out the list, which was founded by thesis students Ash Bhalla and Shandor Garrison. There is more on their official site, via indieWIRE, who also provide a quote from Nyu Grad Film Creative Director Spike Lee:
“The movie industry has long taken notice of the talent that comes out of Nyu Grad Film,...
As voted on by a number of people in the industry, such as Jodie Foster, John Sayles and Karyn Kusama, could the below be the next Sin Nombre, Pariah, Circumstance or Gun Hill Road? Check out the list, which was founded by thesis students Ash Bhalla and Shandor Garrison. There is more on their official site, via indieWIRE, who also provide a quote from Nyu Grad Film Creative Director Spike Lee:
“The movie industry has long taken notice of the talent that comes out of Nyu Grad Film,...
- 3/21/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Vanessa Lemor (Savanah Wiltfong) is your typical not-so-typical teenager, going through life overly focused on a boy, Philip. In a relationship (of some sort), Vanessa is surprised when Philip suddenly breaks things off, and it quickly becomes difficult to decide which of them has a bigger Philip infatuation.
In her effort to reconnect with (stalk) Philip, Vanessa decides to transfer to his private school, and because of her half-Eskimo heritage, she manages a scholarship. Of course, things do not work out quite according to plan, and Vanessa finds herself instantly on the bottom of the social ladder. She has to find a way to claw her way up if she wants Philip to pay attention to her, but she soon begins to wonder if she wants Philip, or wants out of her popularity exile.
That's the short version of Dear Lemon Lima, a spin on the classic coming-of-age formula that...
In her effort to reconnect with (stalk) Philip, Vanessa decides to transfer to his private school, and because of her half-Eskimo heritage, she manages a scholarship. Of course, things do not work out quite according to plan, and Vanessa finds herself instantly on the bottom of the social ladder. She has to find a way to claw her way up if she wants Philip to pay attention to her, but she soon begins to wonder if she wants Philip, or wants out of her popularity exile.
That's the short version of Dear Lemon Lima, a spin on the classic coming-of-age formula that...
- 3/5/2011
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Happy Valentine.s Day! Ryan Silbert, producer of the Academy Award®-nominated short film God Of Love, offers writer, director and star Luke Matheny.s picks for romantic V-Day movies.
God Of Love
2011 Academy Award® Nominee for Best Live Action Short Film
In the mood for dinner and a movie tonight with a significant other? On your own? It doesn.t matter: Luke Matheney offers his top eight for a date in a homage to the holiday.eight of the best Valentine.s Day films, in his opinion. So here they are!
Joe vs. The Volcano Paris Blues Miracle of Morgan.s Creek The Bodyguard The Thomas Crown Affair Doc Hollywood Shop Around the Corner Arthur
Want to know more? Ask Him!
God Of Love is produced by Gigi Dement, Stefanie Walmsley and Ryan Silbert. It stars Matheny, Marian Brock andChristopher Hirsh. Director of Photography was Bobby Websterand original music is by Sasha Gordon.
God Of Love
2011 Academy Award® Nominee for Best Live Action Short Film
In the mood for dinner and a movie tonight with a significant other? On your own? It doesn.t matter: Luke Matheney offers his top eight for a date in a homage to the holiday.eight of the best Valentine.s Day films, in his opinion. So here they are!
Joe vs. The Volcano Paris Blues Miracle of Morgan.s Creek The Bodyguard The Thomas Crown Affair Doc Hollywood Shop Around the Corner Arthur
Want to know more? Ask Him!
God Of Love is produced by Gigi Dement, Stefanie Walmsley and Ryan Silbert. It stars Matheny, Marian Brock andChristopher Hirsh. Director of Photography was Bobby Websterand original music is by Sasha Gordon.
- 2/14/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A Leona Lewis lookalike has claimed that the X Factor winner's rise to international fame has ruined her life. Penge shopworker Sasha Gordon said that she has even considered facial plastic surgery to stop "fans" mobbing her at every turn. The 22-year-old explained that she gets all the downsides of celebrity living, but none of the advantages. She told the Daily Mail: "Every time I go for a [job] interview people comment on how much I look like Leona. You can see them thinking that taking me on might be too (more)...
- 1/16/2010
- by By Sarah Rollo
- Digital Spy
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