Just this year, Sean Wang is already a Sundance breakout and an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker. Finally, Wang’s feature debut “Dìdi” will be in theaters thanks to Focus Features.
The semi-autobiographical coming of age story of “Dìdi” follows a Taiwanese-American tween (Izaac Wang) in 2008. At 13 years old, he’s just about to begin high school and he learns “how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love his mom,” during the last month of summer, per the film’s synopsis.
Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua, Raul Dial, Aaron Chang, Mahaela Park, Chiron Cilia Denk, Montay Boseman, Sunil Mukherjee Maurillo, Alaysia Simmons, Alysha Syed, Georgie August, and Joan Chen also star.
Wang writes, directs, and produces, with Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, and Valerie Bush also producing. The executive producers include Chris Columbus, Eleanor Columbus, Dave A. Liu, Jennifer J. Pritzker, Robina Riccitiello, Joan Chen, Chris Quintos Cathcart, and Tyler Boehm.
The semi-autobiographical coming of age story of “Dìdi” follows a Taiwanese-American tween (Izaac Wang) in 2008. At 13 years old, he’s just about to begin high school and he learns “how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love his mom,” during the last month of summer, per the film’s synopsis.
Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua, Raul Dial, Aaron Chang, Mahaela Park, Chiron Cilia Denk, Montay Boseman, Sunil Mukherjee Maurillo, Alaysia Simmons, Alysha Syed, Georgie August, and Joan Chen also star.
Wang writes, directs, and produces, with Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, and Valerie Bush also producing. The executive producers include Chris Columbus, Eleanor Columbus, Dave A. Liu, Jennifer J. Pritzker, Robina Riccitiello, Joan Chen, Chris Quintos Cathcart, and Tyler Boehm.
- 5/14/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Anatomy Of A Fall’s Swann Arlaud will star in Sukkwan Island, a psychological thriller from French director Vladimir de Fontenay that mk2 Films has boarded for sales.
Woody Norman, best known for C’mon C’mon, co-stars in the film about a father and son on a quest for survival deep in the Norwegian fjords. Production started in Norway in February and is being shot in three parts to follow the rhythm of the seasons, with further filming between Glasgow and Norway set for May.
France’s Haut et Court produces and will release Sukkwan Island in France. Co-producers include Norway’s Maipo Film,...
Woody Norman, best known for C’mon C’mon, co-stars in the film about a father and son on a quest for survival deep in the Norwegian fjords. Production started in Norway in February and is being shot in three parts to follow the rhythm of the seasons, with further filming between Glasgow and Norway set for May.
France’s Haut et Court produces and will release Sukkwan Island in France. Co-producers include Norway’s Maipo Film,...
- 5/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Mexican-us filmmaker Carlos López Estrada will deliver Sundance Film Festival: London’s keynote address at the festival’s third annual industry programme, with further speakers confirmed from Studiocanal, BFI, BBC Film, Film4, Bafta and Sky.
The festival runs at London’s Picturehouse Central from June 6-9.
López Estrada’s director credits include his feature debut Blindpostting which opened Sundance in 2018, and animation Raya And The Last Dragon, which he co-directed with Don Hall.
As a producer, he is founder of Antigravity Academy, a production company specialising in creating opportunities for emerging talent. Antigravity’s first produced project, Dìdi (弟弟), written and directed by Sean Wang,...
The festival runs at London’s Picturehouse Central from June 6-9.
López Estrada’s director credits include his feature debut Blindpostting which opened Sundance in 2018, and animation Raya And The Last Dragon, which he co-directed with Don Hall.
As a producer, he is founder of Antigravity Academy, a production company specialising in creating opportunities for emerging talent. Antigravity’s first produced project, Dìdi (弟弟), written and directed by Sean Wang,...
- 5/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Sundance Film Festival is heading to London again this summer and the programme is full of cinematic goodies. More below.
The days are getting lighter, the sun is shining ever so slightly more now and we’ve packed away our thickest wool jumpers, although we still need some thick socks. That must mean one thing and one thing only.
Sundance Film Festival: London is almost upon us.
Some might say summer is coming too, but we’re mostly excited for Sundance London, which has just revealed their full programme for this year’s festival. The festival brings a fine selection of films which originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, in Park City, Utah. The crème de la crème, so to speak.
The festival will open on 6 June with a screening of Kneecap, Rich Peppiatt’s Irish-language film and draw to a close on 9 June with Sean Wang...
The days are getting lighter, the sun is shining ever so slightly more now and we’ve packed away our thickest wool jumpers, although we still need some thick socks. That must mean one thing and one thing only.
Sundance Film Festival: London is almost upon us.
Some might say summer is coming too, but we’re mostly excited for Sundance London, which has just revealed their full programme for this year’s festival. The festival brings a fine selection of films which originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, in Park City, Utah. The crème de la crème, so to speak.
The festival will open on 6 June with a screening of Kneecap, Rich Peppiatt’s Irish-language film and draw to a close on 9 June with Sean Wang...
- 4/23/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Exclusive: Kelly Marie Tran and Miles Robbins will star in Shal Ngo’s Control Freak, a psychological thriller from WorthenBrooks for Hulu Originals. The feature film has wrapped production and will premiere in early 2025.
Control Freak follows a motivational speaker plagued by an uncontrollable itch on her head, who becomes infected with a parasitic demon from her homeland. Tran stars as “Valerie,” alongside Robbins who plays her husband, “Robbie.”
Additional cast includes Toan Le (The Sympathizer) as Valerie’s father, “Sang” and Kieu Chinh (The Joy Luck Club) as her “Aunt Thuy.”
Toan Le and Kieu Chinh
Ngo was tapped to direct Control Freak based on the short film Control. He also wrote and directed for Season 2 of Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween. WorthenBrooks developed Control Freak for Hulu Originals with David Brooks,...
Control Freak follows a motivational speaker plagued by an uncontrollable itch on her head, who becomes infected with a parasitic demon from her homeland. Tran stars as “Valerie,” alongside Robbins who plays her husband, “Robbie.”
Additional cast includes Toan Le (The Sympathizer) as Valerie’s father, “Sang” and Kieu Chinh (The Joy Luck Club) as her “Aunt Thuy.”
Toan Le and Kieu Chinh
Ngo was tapped to direct Control Freak based on the short film Control. He also wrote and directed for Season 2 of Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween. WorthenBrooks developed Control Freak for Hulu Originals with David Brooks,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The Rooftop Films 2024 Filmmaker Fund winners have officially been unveiled, with buzzy titles like Eliza Hittman’s fourth feature “Motherlove” and Debra Granik and Alex Mallis’ collaborative documentary among the top titles.
This year, twenty-three cash and service grants will be provided to independent filmmakers to support the production of their next short or feature film, including two Rooftop Films Water Tower Feature Film cash grants, generously supported by the Laurence W. Levine Foundation. In the past 24 years, Rooftop Films has awarded over $2,300,000 in cash and services to notable films and filmmakers including Alex Ross Perry, Carlos López Estrada, Nikyatu Jusu, and David Lowery.
Among the 2024 grantees are Eliza Hittman for her highly-anticipated fourth feature film, “Motherlove,” and Debra Granik and Alex Mallis for their untitled collaborative documentary investigating the past, present, and future of legalized marijuana in New York state.
Hittman’s acclaimed third feature “Never Rarely Sometimes Always...
This year, twenty-three cash and service grants will be provided to independent filmmakers to support the production of their next short or feature film, including two Rooftop Films Water Tower Feature Film cash grants, generously supported by the Laurence W. Levine Foundation. In the past 24 years, Rooftop Films has awarded over $2,300,000 in cash and services to notable films and filmmakers including Alex Ross Perry, Carlos López Estrada, Nikyatu Jusu, and David Lowery.
Among the 2024 grantees are Eliza Hittman for her highly-anticipated fourth feature film, “Motherlove,” and Debra Granik and Alex Mallis for their untitled collaborative documentary investigating the past, present, and future of legalized marijuana in New York state.
Hittman’s acclaimed third feature “Never Rarely Sometimes Always...
- 4/18/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Lil Nas X’s feature documentary has been acquired by Universal Pictures Content Group for international distribution.
“Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” is a fly-on-the-wall feature helmed by Oscar-nominated director Carlos López Estrada (“Billie Eilish: When the Party’s Over”) and filmmaker Zac Manuel. It follows the Grammy-winning artist as he embarks on his first world tour.
It is set to be released internationally on digital platforms May 20.
“The diaristic film is a remarkably intimate portrait of a musician navigating identity, family, expectations and acceptance, all while reflecting on his place within the legacy of Black, queer performers,” reads the logline. “Shot over the course of 60 days with unparalleled access, the film follows Montero Hill, aka Lil Nas X, on an emotional odyssey through the creation and performance of the critically acclaimed ‘Long Live Montero’ show.”
Variety called the documentary a “rambunctious and at times exhilarating backstage concert movie,...
“Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” is a fly-on-the-wall feature helmed by Oscar-nominated director Carlos López Estrada (“Billie Eilish: When the Party’s Over”) and filmmaker Zac Manuel. It follows the Grammy-winning artist as he embarks on his first world tour.
It is set to be released internationally on digital platforms May 20.
“The diaristic film is a remarkably intimate portrait of a musician navigating identity, family, expectations and acceptance, all while reflecting on his place within the legacy of Black, queer performers,” reads the logline. “Shot over the course of 60 days with unparalleled access, the film follows Montero Hill, aka Lil Nas X, on an emotional odyssey through the creation and performance of the critically acclaimed ‘Long Live Montero’ show.”
Variety called the documentary a “rambunctious and at times exhilarating backstage concert movie,...
- 2/27/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features will open its Sundance Film Festival acquisition Dìdi on July 26.
The movie from Oscar nominee Sean Wang premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical and audience acclaim, winning both the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast.
Inspired by Wang’s youth, the pic follows a 13-year old Taiwanese-American in the last month of summer 2008 before high school begins. The boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom. Wang also wrote in addition to directing.
Producers are Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush and Wang. Didi stars Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen and Chang Li Hua.
Wang’s latest film, Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó (Grandma & Grandma), premiered at SXSW 2023 where it won the Grand Jury Prize & Audience Award and is...
The movie from Oscar nominee Sean Wang premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it received critical and audience acclaim, winning both the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast.
Inspired by Wang’s youth, the pic follows a 13-year old Taiwanese-American in the last month of summer 2008 before high school begins. The boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom. Wang also wrote in addition to directing.
Producers are Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush and Wang. Didi stars Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen and Chang Li Hua.
Wang’s latest film, Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó (Grandma & Grandma), premiered at SXSW 2023 where it won the Grand Jury Prize & Audience Award and is...
- 2/14/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The BFI Flare: London Lgbtqia+ Film Festival has revealed the line-up for its 38th edition which takes place March 13-24.
The programme comprises 57 features across the Hearts, Bodies and Mind strands, four of which are world premieres.
Scroll down for full line-up
World premiering is Karen Knox’s sophomore feature We Forgot To Break Up about a trans musician caught in a love triangle with his bandmates. The Canadian actress and filmmaker’s debut Adult Adoption premiered at Glasgow Film Festival in 2022.
Other world premieres are Kat Rohrer’s Austrian romantic comedy What A Feeling about two women who meet...
The programme comprises 57 features across the Hearts, Bodies and Mind strands, four of which are world premieres.
Scroll down for full line-up
World premiering is Karen Knox’s sophomore feature We Forgot To Break Up about a trans musician caught in a love triangle with his bandmates. The Canadian actress and filmmaker’s debut Adult Adoption premiered at Glasgow Film Festival in 2022.
Other world premieres are Kat Rohrer’s Austrian romantic comedy What A Feeling about two women who meet...
- 2/13/2024
- ScreenDaily
Focus Features had landed the worldwide rights to Sean Wang’s feature directorial debut Dídi, which won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film is set in 2008 in the San Francisco Bay Area and, according to the film’s logline, follows an “impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.”
Izaac Wang (Good Boys) stars in the film, alongside Joan Chen, Shirley Chen and Chang Li Hu. The film was also awarded the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast.
THR‘s Sundance review of the film reads: “The film is a very solid entry in the annals of coming-of-age films, reminiscent of Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade in both its affection for its young characters and its willingness to meet them on their own terms.
The film is set in 2008 in the San Francisco Bay Area and, according to the film’s logline, follows an “impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.”
Izaac Wang (Good Boys) stars in the film, alongside Joan Chen, Shirley Chen and Chang Li Hu. The film was also awarded the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast.
THR‘s Sundance review of the film reads: “The film is a very solid entry in the annals of coming-of-age films, reminiscent of Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade in both its affection for its young characters and its willingness to meet them on their own terms.
- 1/31/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Focus Features has acquired worldwide rights to Sean Wang’s popular Sundance coming-of-age tale Didi, winner of the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and the U.S. Dramatic special jury award for best ensemble cast.
Didi is set in California’s Bay Area in 2008 and follows a group of first-generation teens seen through the eyes of a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy.
Izaac Wang stars alongside Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, and Chang Li Hua.
Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush, and Wang served as producers on the Antigravity Academy and Spark Features production, with Chris Quintos Cathcart, Tyler Boehm, Robina Riccitiello,...
Didi is set in California’s Bay Area in 2008 and follows a group of first-generation teens seen through the eyes of a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy.
Izaac Wang stars alongside Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, and Chang Li Hua.
Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush, and Wang served as producers on the Antigravity Academy and Spark Features production, with Chris Quintos Cathcart, Tyler Boehm, Robina Riccitiello,...
- 1/31/2024
- ScreenDaily
“Dìdi,” a coming-of-age drama that won the U.S. dramatic audience award at Sundance, has sold to Focus Features. The semi-autobiographical film was written, produced and directed by Sean Wang in his feature debut.
The film follows a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy in the throes of an awkward adolescence, as he enjoys the last month of summer before high school begins. He experiences the pangs of first love, becomes friends with some skaters (after promising to make videos of them), fights with his older sister and gets a hard-earned understanding of his mom. It is set in 2008, when MySpace was still a thing and TikTok had yet to explode.
Wang says he hopes that audiences will be able to see a version of themselves in the film, which stars Izaac Wang as the filmmaker’s cinematic alter-ego and Joan Chen (“The Last Emperor”) as his onscreen mother.
“’Dìdi (弟弟)’ is...
The film follows a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy in the throes of an awkward adolescence, as he enjoys the last month of summer before high school begins. He experiences the pangs of first love, becomes friends with some skaters (after promising to make videos of them), fights with his older sister and gets a hard-earned understanding of his mom. It is set in 2008, when MySpace was still a thing and TikTok had yet to explode.
Wang says he hopes that audiences will be able to see a version of themselves in the film, which stars Izaac Wang as the filmmaker’s cinematic alter-ego and Joan Chen (“The Last Emperor”) as his onscreen mother.
“’Dìdi (弟弟)’ is...
- 1/31/2024
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features said Wednesday that it has acquired global rights on Sean Wang’s Dìdi, which won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast at the just-concluded Sundance Film Festival.
Last week, Wang was nominated for an Oscar for his documentary short Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó, which premiered at SXSW last year and won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. That movie hits Disney+ and Hulu on February 9.
Dìdi is set in 2008 in the Bay Area, and a portrait of early millennial first-generation teenagers as seen through the lens of a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy, played by Izaac Wang. Pic is produced by Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush and Wang. It stars Joan Chen, Shirley Chen and Chang Li Hua.
Dìdi is an Antigravity Academy and...
Last week, Wang was nominated for an Oscar for his documentary short Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó, which premiered at SXSW last year and won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. That movie hits Disney+ and Hulu on February 9.
Dìdi is set in 2008 in the Bay Area, and a portrait of early millennial first-generation teenagers as seen through the lens of a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy, played by Izaac Wang. Pic is produced by Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush and Wang. It stars Joan Chen, Shirley Chen and Chang Li Hua.
Dìdi is an Antigravity Academy and...
- 1/31/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival winners are in, with films like “In the Summers,” “Didi,” and “Daughters” dominating across the categories. “In the Summers” filmmaker Alessandra Lacorazza, whose film centers on a fractured family in New Mexico, also won the Directing prize in U.S. Dramatic.
On Friday, January 26, the winners of juried prizes were shared out of the competition sections, including the U.S. Dramatic Competition, U.S. Documentary Competition, World Cinema Dramatic Competition, World Cinema Documentary Competition, and the Next lineup.
The 2024 Sundance jury consisted of 16 filmmakers and artists across all sections, with the U.S. Dramatic Competition jury made up of “Winter’s Bone” director/co-writer Debra Granik, “Shortcomings” screenwriter Adrian Tomine, and “Master of None” producer Lena Waithe.
“Navalny” producer Shane Boris, “The Disappearance of Shere Hite” director Nicole Newnham, and “The Sentence” director Rudy Valdez serve on the U.S. Documentary Competition jury, with “The Babadook” director Jennifer Kent,...
On Friday, January 26, the winners of juried prizes were shared out of the competition sections, including the U.S. Dramatic Competition, U.S. Documentary Competition, World Cinema Dramatic Competition, World Cinema Documentary Competition, and the Next lineup.
The 2024 Sundance jury consisted of 16 filmmakers and artists across all sections, with the U.S. Dramatic Competition jury made up of “Winter’s Bone” director/co-writer Debra Granik, “Shortcomings” screenwriter Adrian Tomine, and “Master of None” producer Lena Waithe.
“Navalny” producer Shane Boris, “The Disappearance of Shere Hite” director Nicole Newnham, and “The Sentence” director Rudy Valdez serve on the U.S. Documentary Competition jury, with “The Babadook” director Jennifer Kent,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson and Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Lil Nas X has shared an introspective single, “Where Do We Go Now?” The reflective song was written for his HBO Original documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, which premieres Jan. 27 on Max.
The rapper announced the song, co-written by Lil Nas X alongside Omer Fedi and Blake Slatkin, earlier this week, teasing its inward-leaning nature by noting on social media, “good news yall im dropping new music to match with your depression.”
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero follows Lil Nas X as he prepares to embark on his first U.
The rapper announced the song, co-written by Lil Nas X alongside Omer Fedi and Blake Slatkin, earlier this week, teasing its inward-leaning nature by noting on social media, “good news yall im dropping new music to match with your depression.”
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero follows Lil Nas X as he prepares to embark on his first U.
- 1/26/2024
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
The 40th edition of Sundance Film Festival kicks off today, and notably, queer and Himalaya-themed films take over the Asian/Asian diaspora slate of the mountain festival. In previous years, Sundance has been a frontier for Asian diaspora films. Last year alone saw a full slate of Asian diaspora films, with “Past Lives” (Celine Song), “Shortcomings” (Randall Park), “The Persian Version” (Maryam Keshavarz), and more, among others – there are considerably less Asian American films in the primary competition. This year, in the US Dramatic Competition, only one film, “Didi (弟弟)” by Sean Wang stands out amid the crowd.
Films about the Himalayas have taken center-stage in the World Cinema Competitions, however, with three titles this year: “Girls will be Girls” (Shuchi Talati), “Agent of Happiness” (Arun Bhattarai), and “Nocturnes” (Anirban Dutta). Queer Asian diaspora cinema is front and center this year as well, with “Layla” (Amrou Al-Khadi) and “Desire Lines...
Films about the Himalayas have taken center-stage in the World Cinema Competitions, however, with three titles this year: “Girls will be Girls” (Shuchi Talati), “Agent of Happiness” (Arun Bhattarai), and “Nocturnes” (Anirban Dutta). Queer Asian diaspora cinema is front and center this year as well, with “Layla” (Amrou Al-Khadi) and “Desire Lines...
- 1/20/2024
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X is giving fans an all-access pass to his creative ingenuity in the full trailer for the upcoming HBO documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, which you can check out above.
Premiering Saturday, Jan. 27 at 8 pm (and streaming the same day on Max), the film “captures the creative dynamo and mesmerizing star power of Lil Nas X” as he prepares for and embarks on his first headlining tour in the U.S.
More from TVLineEmily in Paris' Ashley Park Recovering From 'Critical Septic Shock' as Season 4 Begins ProductionLaw & Order Toronto Trailer: Canada's Criminal Intent...
Premiering Saturday, Jan. 27 at 8 pm (and streaming the same day on Max), the film “captures the creative dynamo and mesmerizing star power of Lil Nas X” as he prepares for and embarks on his first headlining tour in the U.S.
More from TVLineEmily in Paris' Ashley Park Recovering From 'Critical Septic Shock' as Season 4 Begins ProductionLaw & Order Toronto Trailer: Canada's Criminal Intent...
- 1/19/2024
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
On Twitter, we see Lil Nas X the troll. In his music, we hear Lil Nas X the musician. And in his new documentary, the “J Christ” singer hopes to give viewers a glimpse of Lil Nas X the human.
“Some people think my music is dope. Some people see me as this satanic devil. But me?” he reflects while laying down.
The trailer shows clips of his upbringing as he was grappling with deep anxiety attacks, and videos from his performances as he talks about the struggles of coming out to his family.
“Some people think my music is dope. Some people see me as this satanic devil. But me?” he reflects while laying down.
The trailer shows clips of his upbringing as he was grappling with deep anxiety attacks, and videos from his performances as he talks about the struggles of coming out to his family.
- 1/18/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
HBO has released the official trailer and key art for the original documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero!
Produced by RadicalMedia and directed by Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel, the Lil Nas X special debuts Saturday, January 27 at 8:00-9:35 p.m. Et/Pt on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
Per the network, the documentary “captures the creative dynamo and mesmerizing star power of Lil Nas X, the groundbreaking, Grammy award-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter, as he prepares for and embarks on his first-ever headlining U.S. tour. With unparalleled access, the film follows the genre-breaking artist on a personal journey of self-investigation and discovery as he creates, rehearses, and performs nightly in front of his legions of devoted fans.”
Keep reading to find out more…
The full synopsis: “Spanning 60 days of the Long Live Montero tour in 2022/2023, the verité-style film delves beneath...
Produced by RadicalMedia and directed by Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel, the Lil Nas X special debuts Saturday, January 27 at 8:00-9:35 p.m. Et/Pt on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
Per the network, the documentary “captures the creative dynamo and mesmerizing star power of Lil Nas X, the groundbreaking, Grammy award-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter, as he prepares for and embarks on his first-ever headlining U.S. tour. With unparalleled access, the film follows the genre-breaking artist on a personal journey of self-investigation and discovery as he creates, rehearses, and performs nightly in front of his legions of devoted fans.”
Keep reading to find out more…
The full synopsis: “Spanning 60 days of the Long Live Montero tour in 2022/2023, the verité-style film delves beneath...
- 1/18/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Exclusive: The MacRo Lodge at Sundance Film Festival (www.StayMACRO.com), hosted by MacRo Founder & CEO Charles D. King (Mudbound, Judas and the Black Messiah) and his wife Stacey Walker King, Chief Brand Officer of the company, returns to the Sundance Film Festival for its seventh annual showcase of panels and parties at the iconic film festival to champion inclusion and people of color at its prime location at 136 Heber Avenue in Park City, Ut with three days of programming.
Featured events from January 19-21, 2024 will include appearances by David Alan Grier, Demario Driver, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Jay Ellis, Ji-Young Yoo, Justice Smith, Keir Gilchrist, Michelle Farrah Huang, Normani, director/writer/producers Anna Boden, Carlos Lopez Estrada, Dawn Porter, Kobi Libii and Ryan Fleck, producers Datari Turner, Debby Wolfe, Debra Martin Chase, Jelani Johnson, Leah Smith, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Poppy Hanks, Sonja Warfield and more.
Midnight MacRo, MacRo’s...
Featured events from January 19-21, 2024 will include appearances by David Alan Grier, Demario Driver, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Jay Ellis, Ji-Young Yoo, Justice Smith, Keir Gilchrist, Michelle Farrah Huang, Normani, director/writer/producers Anna Boden, Carlos Lopez Estrada, Dawn Porter, Kobi Libii and Ryan Fleck, producers Datari Turner, Debby Wolfe, Debra Martin Chase, Jelani Johnson, Leah Smith, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Poppy Hanks, Sonja Warfield and more.
Midnight MacRo, MacRo’s...
- 1/12/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Film lovers, filmmakers, industry insiders, actors, artists and more are expected to return en masse for the milestone festivities that will include a packed calendar of parties, panels, concerts, gatherings and networking opportunities, in addition to all the big-screen showings. Below is a roundup of all of the intel The Hollywood Reporter has gathered thus far, featuring events in Park City. All times listed are local and information for how to submit an event is at the end of the list.
Houses, Lodges and Activations
Acura House of Energy
Acura House of Energy, 550 Swede Alley, daily from Jan. 19-22 (with both public and private, invite-only hours)
Acura returns to Sundance for a 14th year as presenting sponsor and official vehicle of the festival by bringing new “energy” to its commitment to uplift independent artists and underrepresented through official Sundance programming and a reimagined, revamped space dubbed the Acura House of Energy.
Houses, Lodges and Activations
Acura House of Energy
Acura House of Energy, 550 Swede Alley, daily from Jan. 19-22 (with both public and private, invite-only hours)
Acura returns to Sundance for a 14th year as presenting sponsor and official vehicle of the festival by bringing new “energy” to its commitment to uplift independent artists and underrepresented through official Sundance programming and a reimagined, revamped space dubbed the Acura House of Energy.
- 1/12/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Participants include Christine Vachon and Steven Soderbergh.
The Sundance Film Festival has revealed details of this year’s Beyond Film programme of panels and discussions, with participants including Steven Soderbergh, Christine Vachon, Jesse Eisenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lucy Lawless.
The festival, which runs January 18-28, has also added the world premiere screening of The Greatest Night in Pop to this year’s film line-up. The UK/US documentary, directed by Bao Nguyen, tells the story of 1985 fund-raising pop song We Are the World. Nguyen, producer Julia Nottingham and producer and subject Lionel Richie will be present for a post-screening conversation.
The Sundance Film Festival has revealed details of this year’s Beyond Film programme of panels and discussions, with participants including Steven Soderbergh, Christine Vachon, Jesse Eisenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lucy Lawless.
The festival, which runs January 18-28, has also added the world premiere screening of The Greatest Night in Pop to this year’s film line-up. The UK/US documentary, directed by Bao Nguyen, tells the story of 1985 fund-raising pop song We Are the World. Nguyen, producer Julia Nottingham and producer and subject Lionel Richie will be present for a post-screening conversation.
- 1/5/2024
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Participants include Christine Vachon and Steven Soderbergh.
The Sundance Film Festival has revealed details of this year’s Beyond Film programme of panels and discussions, with participants including Steven Soderbergh, Christine Vachon, Jesse Eisenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lucy Lawless.
The festival, which runs January 18-28, has also added the world premiere screening of The Greatest Night in Pop to this year’s film line-up. The UK/US documentary, directed by Bao Nguyen, tells the story of 1985 fund-raising pop song We Are the World. Nguyen, producer Julia Nottingham and producer and subject Lionel Richie will be present for a post-screening conversation.
The Sundance Film Festival has revealed details of this year’s Beyond Film programme of panels and discussions, with participants including Steven Soderbergh, Christine Vachon, Jesse Eisenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lucy Lawless.
The festival, which runs January 18-28, has also added the world premiere screening of The Greatest Night in Pop to this year’s film line-up. The UK/US documentary, directed by Bao Nguyen, tells the story of 1985 fund-raising pop song We Are the World. Nguyen, producer Julia Nottingham and producer and subject Lionel Richie will be present for a post-screening conversation.
- 1/5/2024
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Lil Nas X (Photograph by Courtesy of HBO)
HBO’s set a January 27, 2024 premiere date for Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero. The documentary from directors directed by Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel is a behind-the-scenes look at the Grammy Award-winner’s “Long Live Montero” tour.
In addition to interviews with Lil Nas X, the documentary features his show producer Saul Levitz, manager Adam Leber, creative director/stylist Hodo Musa, lead choreographer/show director Sean Bankhead, choreography assistant Christian Owens, horse designer Margot Rada, and tour videographer Aaron Idelson. Family members Chase White, Lamarco Hill, Robert Sleepy, Tramon Hill, Mia Stafford, and Robert Stafford also participate in the documentary which premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival.
HBO offered this lengthy synopsis:
“Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero captures the creative dynamo and mesmerizing star power of Lil Nas X, the groundbreaking, Grammy award-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter, as he...
HBO’s set a January 27, 2024 premiere date for Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero. The documentary from directors directed by Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel is a behind-the-scenes look at the Grammy Award-winner’s “Long Live Montero” tour.
In addition to interviews with Lil Nas X, the documentary features his show producer Saul Levitz, manager Adam Leber, creative director/stylist Hodo Musa, lead choreographer/show director Sean Bankhead, choreography assistant Christian Owens, horse designer Margot Rada, and tour videographer Aaron Idelson. Family members Chase White, Lamarco Hill, Robert Sleepy, Tramon Hill, Mia Stafford, and Robert Stafford also participate in the documentary which premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival.
HBO offered this lengthy synopsis:
“Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero captures the creative dynamo and mesmerizing star power of Lil Nas X, the groundbreaking, Grammy award-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter, as he...
- 1/4/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
If you missed Lil Nas X’s Long Live Montero tour in 2022 or 2023, or if you just want to relive it, you’ll get a chance to see it on HBO later this month. The concert documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero — which previously premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival — will get a wide premiere at 8 p.m. Et on Jan. 27 on the network, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and it will also be available to stream on Max.
Filmmakers Carlos López Estrada, who received an Oscar...
Filmmakers Carlos López Estrada, who received an Oscar...
- 1/4/2024
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Lil Nas X’s concert documentary that captured his first global tour is coming to HBO.
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero will debut on the network on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. Et; it will also stream on Max. The film had its world premiere at last year’s Toronto Film Festival.
The documentary follows the Grammy-winning rapper, born Montero Hill, over 60 days as he performs on his Long Live Montero tour, which supported Montero, his full-length 2021 debut album. In the diary film, Lil Nas X discusses his career and his place in the pop world as a Black and queer performer.
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is directed by Zac Manuel and Carlos López Estrada, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose credits include Blindspotting, Summertime and Raya and the Last Dragon; he has also directed music videos for Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and Carly Rae Jepsen. Manuel’s cinematography and directing credits include Alone,...
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero will debut on the network on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. Et; it will also stream on Max. The film had its world premiere at last year’s Toronto Film Festival.
The documentary follows the Grammy-winning rapper, born Montero Hill, over 60 days as he performs on his Long Live Montero tour, which supported Montero, his full-length 2021 debut album. In the diary film, Lil Nas X discusses his career and his place in the pop world as a Black and queer performer.
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is directed by Zac Manuel and Carlos López Estrada, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose credits include Blindspotting, Summertime and Raya and the Last Dragon; he has also directed music videos for Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and Carly Rae Jepsen. Manuel’s cinematography and directing credits include Alone,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fans may not have much longer to wait for new music from Lil Nas X. The rapper, whose debut LP Montero dropped in 2021, confirmed that there is, at the very least, a single on the way.
“Wrote and directed my own music video for the first time,” Nas wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Excited for y’all to see. It’s the best one yet!” He added three emojis: a church, a white heart, and a peace dove.
wrote And directed my own music video for the first time. excited for y’all to see.
“Wrote and directed my own music video for the first time,” Nas wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Excited for y’all to see. It’s the best one yet!” He added three emojis: a church, a white heart, and a peace dove.
wrote And directed my own music video for the first time. excited for y’all to see.
- 12/29/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Ethan Embry (Grace and Frankie) and Margarita Levieva (The Deuce) are in production in Pittsburgh on The Gymnast, a new indie marking the narrative feature debut of writer-director Charlotte Glynn. Starring alongside them is newcomer Britney Wheeler, a gymnast from upstate New York, who was discovered after a nationwide casting search, and Will Mossek (Life & Beth).
Set in Pittsburgh, 1993, The Gymnast follows an aspiring Olympic gymnast and her single father who has dedicated himself to his daughter’s success. When the young athlete suffers a potentially career-ending injury, their relationship suffers as they fight to discover who they are without gymnastics.
Pic’s producer is Ricky Tollman. Max Mooney is co-producing, with Randy Manis, Luke Spears, Henry Simonds, Offer Egozy, Liesl Wilke and Kate Geller serving as executive producers. In addition to the Sundance Institute’s Catalyst program, the project has been...
Set in Pittsburgh, 1993, The Gymnast follows an aspiring Olympic gymnast and her single father who has dedicated himself to his daughter’s success. When the young athlete suffers a potentially career-ending injury, their relationship suffers as they fight to discover who they are without gymnastics.
Pic’s producer is Ricky Tollman. Max Mooney is co-producing, with Randy Manis, Luke Spears, Henry Simonds, Offer Egozy, Liesl Wilke and Kate Geller serving as executive producers. In addition to the Sundance Institute’s Catalyst program, the project has been...
- 12/20/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The 40th Edition of the Sundance Film Festival announced their 53 Short Films for the 2024 lineup in addition to a 20th anniversary 4K restored version of Napoleon Dynamite, as well as other Sundance fave re-releases.
There’s a 30th anniversary of Go Fish, 25th anniversary of Three Seasons and the 20th anniversary of Dig! (with 30 minutes of additional footage), titled Dig! Xx.
There’s also restorations of The Babadook and Pariah, and restorations of Mississippi Masala and The Times of Harvey Milk.
In addition, there’s several Sundance alum panels including Power of Story: Four Decades of Taking Chances about the legacy of independent storytelling featuring Miguel Arteta, Richard Linklater, Dawn Porter, and Christine Vachon; a screening of seminal short films from Sundance’s history hosted by Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass; and a workshop for emerging creators with Carlos López Estrada and others.
The shorts for 2024 were curated from 12,098 submissions,...
There’s a 30th anniversary of Go Fish, 25th anniversary of Three Seasons and the 20th anniversary of Dig! (with 30 minutes of additional footage), titled Dig! Xx.
There’s also restorations of The Babadook and Pariah, and restorations of Mississippi Masala and The Times of Harvey Milk.
In addition, there’s several Sundance alum panels including Power of Story: Four Decades of Taking Chances about the legacy of independent storytelling featuring Miguel Arteta, Richard Linklater, Dawn Porter, and Christine Vachon; a screening of seminal short films from Sundance’s history hosted by Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass; and a workshop for emerging creators with Carlos López Estrada and others.
The shorts for 2024 were curated from 12,098 submissions,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Sundance Institute unveiled the lineup of 53 short films for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, taking place Jan. 18-28 in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. The film fest will happen in person, with a selection of titles available online from Jan. 25-28. Sundance was forced to re-format its 2021 and 2022 editions as virtual events because of the pandemic, but it returned in physical form in 2023.
Celebrating its 40th edition, Sundance will also feature a slate of special screenings including a restored version of “Napoleon Dynamite,” which first premiered at the festival in 2004, as well as 2014’s “The Babadook” and 1984’s “The Times of Harvey Milk.” Festival programming also includes events with Richard Linklater, Miguel Arteta, Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass, Carlos López Estrada, Sterlin Harjo, Steve James, Dawn Porter, Nzingha Stewart and Christine Vachon.
“Selecting the shorts for the Festival Program every year is an exercise in taking the pulse of film culture,...
Celebrating its 40th edition, Sundance will also feature a slate of special screenings including a restored version of “Napoleon Dynamite,” which first premiered at the festival in 2004, as well as 2014’s “The Babadook” and 1984’s “The Times of Harvey Milk.” Festival programming also includes events with Richard Linklater, Miguel Arteta, Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass, Carlos López Estrada, Sterlin Harjo, Steve James, Dawn Porter, Nzingha Stewart and Christine Vachon.
“Selecting the shorts for the Festival Program every year is an exercise in taking the pulse of film culture,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Anniversary screenings include Park City hits Napoleon Dynamite, Mississippi Masala, The Babadook.
Sundance Film Festival has unveiled the 53 shorts as well as the eight films celebrating the festival’s 40th edition – a list which includes Park City hits Napoleon Dynamite, Mississippi Masala, and The Babadook.
The 40th edition celebration screenings and events are set for the second half of the festival from January 23-26, 2024, with a slate of retrospective programming that will bring alumni artists together for conversations and gatherings.
Sundance Film festival runs January 18-28, 2024, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, with a selection of titles...
Sundance Film Festival has unveiled the 53 shorts as well as the eight films celebrating the festival’s 40th edition – a list which includes Park City hits Napoleon Dynamite, Mississippi Masala, and The Babadook.
The 40th edition celebration screenings and events are set for the second half of the festival from January 23-26, 2024, with a slate of retrospective programming that will bring alumni artists together for conversations and gatherings.
Sundance Film festival runs January 18-28, 2024, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, with a selection of titles...
- 12/12/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The 2024 Sundance lineup is coming into fuller view, including celebrations for its 40th edition and its shorts program. The festival will take place January 18 through 28 in-person in Park City and Salt Lake City, with a selection of titles available online nationwide from January 25 through 28 via digital platforms.
The festival will introduce new short films for 2024 across eight curated programs, including a festival retrospective hosted by Mark and Jay Duplass. This year’s programming for new titles features 53 short films selected from 12,098 submissions, the highest number on record. Of these submissions, 5,323 were from the U.S., and 6,799 were international. The selected shorts represent 22 countries.
In addition to the shorts programming, the special 40th edition celebration screenings and events kick off on January 23, bringing Sundance alumni together for conversations and gatherings while revisiting iconic films like new 4K restorations of “Napoleon Dynamite” for its 20th anniversary, the 25th anniversary of “Three Seasons,...
The festival will introduce new short films for 2024 across eight curated programs, including a festival retrospective hosted by Mark and Jay Duplass. This year’s programming for new titles features 53 short films selected from 12,098 submissions, the highest number on record. Of these submissions, 5,323 were from the U.S., and 6,799 were international. The selected shorts represent 22 countries.
In addition to the shorts programming, the special 40th edition celebration screenings and events kick off on January 23, bringing Sundance alumni together for conversations and gatherings while revisiting iconic films like new 4K restorations of “Napoleon Dynamite” for its 20th anniversary, the 25th anniversary of “Three Seasons,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Carlos López Estrada is launching the Antigravity Academy Screenwriters Camp, a program designed to develop and package five features from first-time emerging filmmakers.
The program will be run by Abiram Brizuela, Antigravity’s head of incubator, and backed by independent film financier and Unapologetic Projects co-ceo Chris Quintos Cathcart. Brizuela is the executive director of The Unusual Suspects Theater Company and previously served as director of artist community at the Sundance Institute.
“This is a program built out of necessity. We’ve met hundreds of incredible filmmakers waiting to be seen. Filmmakers who anchor their stories on their own identity and explore the nuances of life from unprecedented perspectives,” stated Brizuela and López Estrada. “We’re proud to provide a platform where these storytellers can exchange ideas, engage in artistic practice, explore the power of their creative voice, and ultimately find a path forward for their films.
The program will be run by Abiram Brizuela, Antigravity’s head of incubator, and backed by independent film financier and Unapologetic Projects co-ceo Chris Quintos Cathcart. Brizuela is the executive director of The Unusual Suspects Theater Company and previously served as director of artist community at the Sundance Institute.
“This is a program built out of necessity. We’ve met hundreds of incredible filmmakers waiting to be seen. Filmmakers who anchor their stories on their own identity and explore the nuances of life from unprecedented perspectives,” stated Brizuela and López Estrada. “We’re proud to provide a platform where these storytellers can exchange ideas, engage in artistic practice, explore the power of their creative voice, and ultimately find a path forward for their films.
- 12/12/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg in ‘A Real Pain’ (Courtesy of Sundance Institute)
82 films have been selected to screen during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. In addition, eight episodic titles and a New Frontier interactive experience have made the cut and will be included in the upcoming festival.
17,435 projects were submitted for 2024 inclusion, setting a new festival record.
“From the first edition in 1985, Sundance Film Festival has aimed to provide a space to gather, celebrate, and engage with risk-taking artists that are committed to bringing their independent visions to audiences — the Festival remains true to that goal to this day,” stated Robert Redford, Sundance Institute Founder and President. “It continues to evolve, but its legacy of showcasing bold work that starts necessary conversations continues with the 2024 program.”
The 40th Sundance Film Festival will take place January 18 – 28, 2024, in Park City and Salt Lake City. Ticket packages and passes are currently on sale.
82 films have been selected to screen during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. In addition, eight episodic titles and a New Frontier interactive experience have made the cut and will be included in the upcoming festival.
17,435 projects were submitted for 2024 inclusion, setting a new festival record.
“From the first edition in 1985, Sundance Film Festival has aimed to provide a space to gather, celebrate, and engage with risk-taking artists that are committed to bringing their independent visions to audiences — the Festival remains true to that goal to this day,” stated Robert Redford, Sundance Institute Founder and President. “It continues to evolve, but its legacy of showcasing bold work that starts necessary conversations continues with the 2024 program.”
The 40th Sundance Film Festival will take place January 18 – 28, 2024, in Park City and Salt Lake City. Ticket packages and passes are currently on sale.
- 12/6/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
It’s almost time again for me to pack my bags and head to Park City, Utah, for the 2024 edition of the Sundance Film Festival. The last few years have been challenging for the fest, with the 2021 and 2022 editions only being online due to the pandemic. The 2023 edition was a hybrid version that sported a few high-profile debuts, including A24’s horror hit Talk to Me, but overall was a bit of a modest year in terms of stuff that broke out. However, 2024 seems to be a high-end year for the fest, with tons of big stars on the way to the festival, including Pedro Pascal, Kristen Stewart (there with two movies), Sebastian Stan, Woody Harrelson and many more.
It’s always interesting to note the trend in storytelling at this famous indie fest. In recent years, the pandemic weighed highly on the fest, with many films acknowledging the toll it took,...
It’s always interesting to note the trend in storytelling at this famous indie fest. In recent years, the pandemic weighed highly on the fest, with many films acknowledging the toll it took,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Providing our first glimpse at the next year in cinema, the 2024 Sundance Film Festival has unveiled its lineup of 82 films, eight episodic titles, and New Frontier interactive experiences. Taking place January 18–28, 2024, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, with a selection of titles available online nationwide from January 25–28, 2024, the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Notable highlights in this year’s edition includes Steven Soderbergh’s new Lucy Liu-led feature Presence, Rose Glass’ Love Lies Bleeding starring Kristen Stewart, Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow, Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden’s Freaky Tales starring Pedro Pascal, the Zellners’ Sasquatch Sunset, Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man, Handling the Undead starring Renate Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie, the Saoirse Ronan-led The Outrun, Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, Nathan Silver’s Between the Temples starring Jason Schwartzman, Brett Story and Stephan Maing’s Amazon Labor Union documentary Union,...
Notable highlights in this year’s edition includes Steven Soderbergh’s new Lucy Liu-led feature Presence, Rose Glass’ Love Lies Bleeding starring Kristen Stewart, Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow, Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden’s Freaky Tales starring Pedro Pascal, the Zellners’ Sasquatch Sunset, Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man, Handling the Undead starring Renate Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie, the Saoirse Ronan-led The Outrun, Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, Nathan Silver’s Between the Temples starring Jason Schwartzman, Brett Story and Stephan Maing’s Amazon Labor Union documentary Union,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
If there's a constant, all-encompassing rule to the universe, it's that absolutely nothing is built to last. If all matter is doomed to the inescapable fate of entropy, and every living thing eventually dies, then what hope do such lovely intangibles as love, desire, and dreams have?
Well, to quote that ersatz Disney prince, Vision, "a thing isn't beautiful because it lasts." Love, dreams, and wishes are beautiful almost because of the fact that they can't always come true; it's the hope, the having of these wishes, that makes life worth living more than merely the attainment of them. Walt Disney and the studio that still bears his name have been a proponent of this principle for Disney (the man's) entire life and Disney (the studio's) existence to date. And now that the studio has reached the milestone of sticking around for 100 years, it's only natural that they'd wish to...
Well, to quote that ersatz Disney prince, Vision, "a thing isn't beautiful because it lasts." Love, dreams, and wishes are beautiful almost because of the fact that they can't always come true; it's the hope, the having of these wishes, that makes life worth living more than merely the attainment of them. Walt Disney and the studio that still bears his name have been a proponent of this principle for Disney (the man's) entire life and Disney (the studio's) existence to date. And now that the studio has reached the milestone of sticking around for 100 years, it's only natural that they'd wish to...
- 11/22/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
Exclusive: There’s been much celebratory talk here at the Tokyo Film Festival about a new dawn of internationally-minded Japanese artists led by directors such as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Makoto Shinkai, and Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
One of the key creative voices often mentioned amongst this new Japanese set is Genki Kawamura, known internationally by audiences as the writer of If Cats Disappeared from the World, one of Japanese literature’s most successful contemporary novels, and the filmmaker who brought that book and titles such as Suzume, Weathering with You, and, most recently, Kore-eda’s Cannes prize-winning Monster to the big screen.
Born in Yokohama in 1979, Kawamura began his career at entertainment juggernaut Toho, where he was identified early as a promising talent. He cut his teeth on pics like Tetsuya Nakashima’s 2010 feature Confessions, which was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Oscar, and Mamoru Hosoda’s The Boy and the Beast.
One of the key creative voices often mentioned amongst this new Japanese set is Genki Kawamura, known internationally by audiences as the writer of If Cats Disappeared from the World, one of Japanese literature’s most successful contemporary novels, and the filmmaker who brought that book and titles such as Suzume, Weathering with You, and, most recently, Kore-eda’s Cannes prize-winning Monster to the big screen.
Born in Yokohama in 1979, Kawamura began his career at entertainment juggernaut Toho, where he was identified early as a promising talent. He cut his teeth on pics like Tetsuya Nakashima’s 2010 feature Confessions, which was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Oscar, and Mamoru Hosoda’s The Boy and the Beast.
- 10/26/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: FX is developing a half-hour comedy series based on the 2021 This American Life segment “I Was a Teenage Smuggler.” The series will be penned by Joanna Calo, Carlos López Estrada and the story’s reporter Kevin Sieff. They will serve also executive produce alongside Ira Glass and Alissa Shipp of This American Life.
FX had no comment.
The series will follow a group of Mexican teens who thanks to a loophole in U.S. immigration law that prevents anyone under 18 from being prosecuted, are enlisted by cartels to smuggle migrants across the border. The teens soon find themselves making unfathomable amounts of money and living the lives of their dreams but with an ever-ticking clock until they are legally considered adults.
Estrada is also attached to direct the pilot and produces via his Antigravity Academy banner.
Calo is the co-showrunner, executive producer, writer and director of FX’s The Bear,...
FX had no comment.
The series will follow a group of Mexican teens who thanks to a loophole in U.S. immigration law that prevents anyone under 18 from being prosecuted, are enlisted by cartels to smuggle migrants across the border. The teens soon find themselves making unfathomable amounts of money and living the lives of their dreams but with an ever-ticking clock until they are legally considered adults.
Estrada is also attached to direct the pilot and produces via his Antigravity Academy banner.
Calo is the co-showrunner, executive producer, writer and director of FX’s The Bear,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Jamila Woods will support her upcoming album Water Made Us with a newly announced 2024 tour. Along with the news, Woods has shared one final look at the record, the Saba-featuring track “Practice.”
The Chicago singer’s 2024 tour begins February 1st in Seattle. From there, she’ll travel down the West Coast for shows in Portland, San Fransisco, and Los Angeles before heading east, hitting Phoenix, Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, DC, Philly, and more. The North American trek wraps up February 23rd in Woods’ hometown before a brief UK/Europe tour begins in April.
Tickets to Woods’ upcoming shows go on sale Friday, October 13th via Ticketmaster.
Produced by McClenney, who described the track as a “puzzle piece” Woods spent a lot of time perfecting, “Practice” finds the soul singer attempting to let go of the idea that every new relationship must be the relationship.
“‘Practice is a song I made...
The Chicago singer’s 2024 tour begins February 1st in Seattle. From there, she’ll travel down the West Coast for shows in Portland, San Fransisco, and Los Angeles before heading east, hitting Phoenix, Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, DC, Philly, and more. The North American trek wraps up February 23rd in Woods’ hometown before a brief UK/Europe tour begins in April.
Tickets to Woods’ upcoming shows go on sale Friday, October 13th via Ticketmaster.
Produced by McClenney, who described the track as a “puzzle piece” Woods spent a lot of time perfecting, “Practice” finds the soul singer attempting to let go of the idea that every new relationship must be the relationship.
“‘Practice is a song I made...
- 10/10/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Music
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues in the United States, a new report from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative assesses the state of Hispanic and Latino representation in Hollywood’s top-grossing films.
The full study will be released next month, examining 1,600 top-grossing films released from 2007 to 2022 and more than 69,000 speaking characters, with qualitative data about how those Latino and Hispanic characters are presented in films, including whether they “stereotype or stigmatize” the community. It’s the third study analyzing Hispanic and Latino representation from the Initiative’s researchers, led by founder Dr. Stacy L. Smith.
According to the report, Hispanic/Latino actors filled just 10 leading or co-lead roles across last year’s 100 top-grossing films, and eight of those 10 roles went to Hispanic/Latina actors. In the 16-year span studied, just 76 actors filled lead or co-lead roles; 44 were Hispanic/Latina; and five were Hispanic/Latinas aged 45 and older.
Overall, the study showed...
The full study will be released next month, examining 1,600 top-grossing films released from 2007 to 2022 and more than 69,000 speaking characters, with qualitative data about how those Latino and Hispanic characters are presented in films, including whether they “stereotype or stigmatize” the community. It’s the third study analyzing Hispanic and Latino representation from the Initiative’s researchers, led by founder Dr. Stacy L. Smith.
According to the report, Hispanic/Latino actors filled just 10 leading or co-lead roles across last year’s 100 top-grossing films, and eight of those 10 roles went to Hispanic/Latina actors. In the 16-year span studied, just 76 actors filled lead or co-lead roles; 44 were Hispanic/Latina; and five were Hispanic/Latinas aged 45 and older.
Overall, the study showed...
- 10/9/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
As far as the music documentary is an extension of a brand experience, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero provides an illuminating look behind the scenes, demystifying the artist while also existing within the spirit of their on-screen persona. A boundary breaker, Lil Nas X (birth name Montero Lamar Hill) embodies a seductive enigma, allowing his co-directors Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel to interview him in bed at one point. The artist rose to fame with his country rap single “Old Town Road” before coming out on Twitter/X in what some viewed as a betrayal. Estrada and Manuel thankfully save us from Rudy Giuliani’s podcast commentary after his unapologetically queer album Montero drops with its first single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).”
Lil Nas X’s identity has always been a lightning rod and the film’s TIFF premiere was allegedly delayed due to a bomb...
Lil Nas X’s identity has always been a lightning rod and the film’s TIFF premiere was allegedly delayed due to a bomb...
- 9/25/2023
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
Blink-182’s reunited classic lineup are finally ready to start sharing some more new music from their first album together in 12 years, with two new songs arriving today, “One More Time” and “More Than You Know.”
“One More Time” finds Blink indulging in a bit of endearing, well-earned pop-punk nostalgia. In the song, the band reflects on their splits and reunions over the years, acknowledging the strain that often falls on long-term relationships while also wishing it wasn’t always brushes with death that brought everyone back together. “I miss you,...
“One More Time” finds Blink indulging in a bit of endearing, well-earned pop-punk nostalgia. In the song, the band reflects on their splits and reunions over the years, acknowledging the strain that often falls on long-term relationships while also wishing it wasn’t always brushes with death that brought everyone back together. “I miss you,...
- 9/21/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
For their doc feature about music superstar Lil Nas X, filmmakers Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel didn’t want to do a typical concert doc.
With Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, which had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the filmmakers hoped to provide a viewing experience that both gave an inside look at the staging of his first tour while tracking Lil Nas X’s personal journey, including his decision to come out about his sexuality to both his family and fans.
His music, including “Montero (Cal Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby”, has become a culture war lightning rod, with protests outside of several of his concert venues and television performances garnering attention from right-wing news pundits. (The film’s TIFF premiere was delayed after a bomb threat was called in to the Roy Thomson Hall.) Nonetheless, his shows sold out and received critical acclaim for the musician,...
With Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, which had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the filmmakers hoped to provide a viewing experience that both gave an inside look at the staging of his first tour while tracking Lil Nas X’s personal journey, including his decision to come out about his sexuality to both his family and fans.
His music, including “Montero (Cal Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby”, has become a culture war lightning rod, with protests outside of several of his concert venues and television performances garnering attention from right-wing news pundits. (The film’s TIFF premiere was delayed after a bomb threat was called in to the Roy Thomson Hall.) Nonetheless, his shows sold out and received critical acclaim for the musician,...
- 9/12/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Directors Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel were thankful to have not learned about the bomb threat that delayed the TIFF premiere of their documentary “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” until after the screening had ended.
“We were just hanging out in the green room and my agent showed me the [headline] and I was like, ‘Oh, no, that’s not true. We were just here. That’s really funny that they posted that,’” said Estrada.
When he showed the report to the rapper and his bodyguard, “They were like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s true. I was like, ‘Oh, whoa.’ I showed it to Zac and we couldn’t believe that we were oblivious to this,” said the director. “I had gotten a couple texts from some friends in LA, and they were like, ‘Did you see the news?’ And I was like, ‘I actually didn’t know,’” said Manuel.
“We were just hanging out in the green room and my agent showed me the [headline] and I was like, ‘Oh, no, that’s not true. We were just here. That’s really funny that they posted that,’” said Estrada.
When he showed the report to the rapper and his bodyguard, “They were like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s true. I was like, ‘Oh, whoa.’ I showed it to Zac and we couldn’t believe that we were oblivious to this,” said the director. “I had gotten a couple texts from some friends in LA, and they were like, ‘Did you see the news?’ And I was like, ‘I actually didn’t know,’” said Manuel.
- 9/11/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Boundary-breaking rap star Lil Nas X who burst to sudden stardom with 2019’s country hip hop song “Old Time Road” and then truly burst out as himself in “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” has his sights on new music and making a film. And down the old time road, one shouldn’t be surprised if he puts out a folk or Brazilian funk record. He is an every-which-way creative type.
“I want to drop this good-ass, fire-ass music first and then I wanna be back out there [touring],” the 24-year-old said on Saturday, September 9th, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), during a 15-minute Q&a onstage with directors Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel, following the world premiere screening of the documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero.
Nas — born Montero Lamar Hill in Georgia — later answered a fan’s question about other genres he’d like to explore,...
“I want to drop this good-ass, fire-ass music first and then I wanna be back out there [touring],” the 24-year-old said on Saturday, September 9th, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), during a 15-minute Q&a onstage with directors Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel, following the world premiere screening of the documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero.
Nas — born Montero Lamar Hill in Georgia — later answered a fan’s question about other genres he’d like to explore,...
- 9/11/2023
- by Karen Bliss
- Consequence - Film News
Boundary-breaking rap star Lil Nas X who burst to sudden stardom with 2019’s country hip hop song “Old Time Road” and then truly burst out as himself in “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” has his sights on new music and making a film. And down the old time road, one shouldn’t be surprised if he puts out a folk or Brazilian funk record. He is an every-which-way creative type.
“I want to drop this good-ass, fire-ass music first and then I wanna be back out there [touring],” the 24-year-old said on Saturday, September 9th, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), during a 15-minute Q&a onstage with directors Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel, following the world premiere screening of the documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero.
Nas — born Montero Lamar Hill in Georgia — later answered a fan’s question about other genres he’d like to explore,...
“I want to drop this good-ass, fire-ass music first and then I wanna be back out there [touring],” the 24-year-old said on Saturday, September 9th, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), during a 15-minute Q&a onstage with directors Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel, following the world premiere screening of the documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero.
Nas — born Montero Lamar Hill in Georgia — later answered a fan’s question about other genres he’d like to explore,...
- 9/11/2023
- by Karen Bliss
- Consequence - Music
A world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival for Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero — a concert documentary capturing rapper and gay icon Lil Nas X’s first global tour — was delayed on Saturday night after a bomb threat was called in.
The festival in a statement said Toronto police converged on the red carpet outside Roy Thomson Hall just before 10 p.m. after a threat had been received as the pop star, who is a Black and queer performer, was headed into the gala screening along with the film’s directors.
But after a sweep of the King Street location to ensure the safety of fest-goers, the rap artist and his entourage was completed, the TIFF gala screening received a green light to go ahead.
“Earlier this evening, we were made aware by the Toronto Police Service of an investigation in the vicinity of the red carpet for the...
The festival in a statement said Toronto police converged on the red carpet outside Roy Thomson Hall just before 10 p.m. after a threat had been received as the pop star, who is a Black and queer performer, was headed into the gala screening along with the film’s directors.
But after a sweep of the King Street location to ensure the safety of fest-goers, the rap artist and his entourage was completed, the TIFF gala screening received a green light to go ahead.
“Earlier this evening, we were made aware by the Toronto Police Service of an investigation in the vicinity of the red carpet for the...
- 9/10/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The premiere of Lil Nas X’s documentary at the Toronto Film Festival was briefly delayed Saturday after someone called in a bomb threat. However, after the threat was deemed not credible, the screening — which the rapper attended — continued as planned, albeit after a “slight delay.”
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero was scheduled to debut at 10 p.m. at TIFF. However, Variety reports that Lil Nas X was about to exit his vehicle and walk the red carpet, the bomb threat was called in that “specifically targeted the rapper...
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero was scheduled to debut at 10 p.m. at TIFF. However, Variety reports that Lil Nas X was about to exit his vehicle and walk the red carpet, the bomb threat was called in that “specifically targeted the rapper...
- 9/10/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The story of Lil Nas X’s rise from internet shitposter to one of our most innovative pop stars testifies to the musician’s tenacity, strategy and unwavering faith in himself. The Georgia native was only 20 years old when “Old Town Road,” his infectious country-trap song, went viral in 2019. Videos of children, teens and adults belting “I’m gonna take my house to the old town road” mushroomed across the internet. More than writing a hit, Lil Nas X encapsulated a new kind of road to stardom.
It’s a shame, then, that Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel’s plodding documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero doesn’t probe its subject more. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, is an anthemic document organized around Lil Nas X’s tour of the same name and split into three loose acts. It articulates, quite well, the...
It’s a shame, then, that Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel’s plodding documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero doesn’t probe its subject more. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, is an anthemic document organized around Lil Nas X’s tour of the same name and split into three loose acts. It articulates, quite well, the...
- 9/10/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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