Exclusive: Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson (Showtime’s Attica) is teaming up with Jacqueline Olive (Lincoln’s Dilemma) to direct the feature documentary, The Color of Cola.
The film now in production is based on Stephanie Capparell’s 2008 book, The Real Pepsi Challenge: How One Pioneering Company Broke Color Barriers in 1940s American Business. It sheds light on the experience of the all-Black sales team at Pepsi, which was the first of its kind for any major corporation—following their journey through the Jim Crow South after being tasked with tapping its African American market.
The stories of Black pioneers are not unfamiliar, but oftentimes go untold. Nelson and Olive’s doc aims to elevate one such story exploring a time when corporate America did not include Black professionals, and the Black experience was stereotypically portrayed. The extraordinary efforts of the individuals on Pepsi’s sales team mirror the courage of many...
The film now in production is based on Stephanie Capparell’s 2008 book, The Real Pepsi Challenge: How One Pioneering Company Broke Color Barriers in 1940s American Business. It sheds light on the experience of the all-Black sales team at Pepsi, which was the first of its kind for any major corporation—following their journey through the Jim Crow South after being tasked with tapping its African American market.
The stories of Black pioneers are not unfamiliar, but oftentimes go untold. Nelson and Olive’s doc aims to elevate one such story exploring a time when corporate America did not include Black professionals, and the Black experience was stereotypically portrayed. The extraordinary efforts of the individuals on Pepsi’s sales team mirror the courage of many...
- 3/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sony Pictures TV has put in development National Enquirer: The Untold Story!, a limited series inspired by the 2019 feature documentary Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer, produced and directed by Mark Landsman. The project hails from Black List scribe Kenny Kyle (Just the Facts), Landsman, who will executive produce, and Seth Gordon (United We Fall), who is attached to direct and executive produce via his Exhibit A Film as part of his overall deal with Spt.
With source material from Scandalous used as a jumping off point for the limited series, the project is described as “a sizzling and immersive exposé of the National Enquirer’s own “Untold Story.” You can watch a trailer of Scandalous below the story.
Written by Kyle, the limited series will center on the men and women who made up the notorious tabloid’s leadership and ranks. From its mafia-linked founder Gene Pope,...
With source material from Scandalous used as a jumping off point for the limited series, the project is described as “a sizzling and immersive exposé of the National Enquirer’s own “Untold Story.” You can watch a trailer of Scandalous below the story.
Written by Kyle, the limited series will center on the men and women who made up the notorious tabloid’s leadership and ranks. From its mafia-linked founder Gene Pope,...
- 8/20/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Storyville has acquired U.K. rights to Scandalous, the documentary about U.S. tabloid the National Enquirer.
Storyville, which struck the deal with Agc International, will broadcast the film on BBC Four this month.
The documentary, from director Mark Landsman, charts the publication’s impact on journalism, business, culture and politics. After purchasing the New York Enquirer in the 1950s with funds from his godfather (and reputed mob boss) Frank Costello, Generoso Pope, Jr. rebranded and renamed the publication the National Enquirer. Scandalous explores how Pope, Jr. turned the racing and sporting newspaper into a mass market tabloid stuffed with scandal, medical oddities, conspiracy theories, celebrity gossip and paparazzi photos of the rich and famous, from Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and Princess Diana to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
The film dissects why the paper thrived, the impact of its sharp turn into partisan politics, and why the tabloid...
Storyville, which struck the deal with Agc International, will broadcast the film on BBC Four this month.
The documentary, from director Mark Landsman, charts the publication’s impact on journalism, business, culture and politics. After purchasing the New York Enquirer in the 1950s with funds from his godfather (and reputed mob boss) Frank Costello, Generoso Pope, Jr. rebranded and renamed the publication the National Enquirer. Scandalous explores how Pope, Jr. turned the racing and sporting newspaper into a mass market tabloid stuffed with scandal, medical oddities, conspiracy theories, celebrity gossip and paparazzi photos of the rich and famous, from Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and Princess Diana to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
The film dissects why the paper thrived, the impact of its sharp turn into partisan politics, and why the tabloid...
- 6/3/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures distributed in Us.
BBC Storyville has acquired UK rights from Agc International to Scandalous, the documentary about notorious tabloid the National Enquirer.
BBC Storyville will broadcast the film on BBC Four in June.
Mark Landsman’s film explores the publication’s impact on journalism, and the business, cultural and political landscapes.
Generoso Pope Jr. bought the sports newspaper then known as the New York Enquirer in the 1950s with funds from his godfather and reputed mob boss Frank Costello.
Scandalous looks at how Pope Jr. transformed it into a magazine dedicated to scandal, medical oddities, conspiracy theories, celebrity...
BBC Storyville has acquired UK rights from Agc International to Scandalous, the documentary about notorious tabloid the National Enquirer.
BBC Storyville will broadcast the film on BBC Four in June.
Mark Landsman’s film explores the publication’s impact on journalism, and the business, cultural and political landscapes.
Generoso Pope Jr. bought the sports newspaper then known as the New York Enquirer in the 1950s with funds from his godfather and reputed mob boss Frank Costello.
Scandalous looks at how Pope Jr. transformed it into a magazine dedicated to scandal, medical oddities, conspiracy theories, celebrity...
- 6/3/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
BBC documentary strand ‘Storyville’ has picked up U.K. rights to a film on tabloid The National Enquirer from Agc International.
Co-produced by CNN Films, Agc Studios and This is Just a Test, “Scandalous” traces the National Enquirer’s evolution from when it was first founded by Generoso Pope Jr. — who bought racing and sports newspaper New York Enquirer in the 1950s and rebranded the publication as the National Enquirer — to its current status as one of the world’s most sensational tabloid brands.
Directed by Mark Landsman, “Scandalous” explores how Pope Jr. grew the publication into a mass-market tabloid chock full of various scandals, medical oddities and conspiracy theories, celebrity gossip and paparazzi photos. The doc features interviews with former staff and other media observers, who discuss the tabloid’s success, the impact of its segue into partisan politics, and why the National Enquirer began catching and killing stories...
Co-produced by CNN Films, Agc Studios and This is Just a Test, “Scandalous” traces the National Enquirer’s evolution from when it was first founded by Generoso Pope Jr. — who bought racing and sports newspaper New York Enquirer in the 1950s and rebranded the publication as the National Enquirer — to its current status as one of the world’s most sensational tabloid brands.
Directed by Mark Landsman, “Scandalous” explores how Pope Jr. grew the publication into a mass-market tabloid chock full of various scandals, medical oddities and conspiracy theories, celebrity gossip and paparazzi photos. The doc features interviews with former staff and other media observers, who discuss the tabloid’s success, the impact of its segue into partisan politics, and why the National Enquirer began catching and killing stories...
- 6/3/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix announced the cast and creator of “Dead to Me” will host a live table read in celebration of its Season 2 premiere, and Paramount Network released the trailer of “Yellowstone” Season 3.
Dates
CNN Films has announced “Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer,” will premiere May 17 at 10 p.m. Et / 7 p.m. Pt. In this documentary, filmmaker Mark Landsman explores the origin and evolution of the most notorious U.S. tabloids in history. In interviews with Landsman, several former staffers of the Enquirer explain the formula for the tabloid’s success. “Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer” is a This Is Just A Test production, and is executive produced by CNN Films and Agc Studios.
Food Network has announced its new series “Amy Schumer Learns to Cook” will premiere May 11 at 10 p.m. The network is turning the cameras and directing...
Dates
CNN Films has announced “Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer,” will premiere May 17 at 10 p.m. Et / 7 p.m. Pt. In this documentary, filmmaker Mark Landsman explores the origin and evolution of the most notorious U.S. tabloids in history. In interviews with Landsman, several former staffers of the Enquirer explain the formula for the tabloid’s success. “Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer” is a This Is Just A Test production, and is executive produced by CNN Films and Agc Studios.
Food Network has announced its new series “Amy Schumer Learns to Cook” will premiere May 11 at 10 p.m. The network is turning the cameras and directing...
- 5/6/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
Enquiring minds want to know what’s behind the renewed fascination with The National Enquirer. The supermarket tabloid has made a lot of news recently on everything from owner David Pecker’s dealings with President Donald Trump, Jeff Bezos’ private war to prevent the publication of X-rated images, and the recent documentary Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer from director Mark Landsman.
Rambling Reporter has learned that there’s more where that came from.
Arts District Entertainment — the production company headed by Roger Birnbaum and Eli Roth with head of development Michael Besman — has optioned Paul David ...
Rambling Reporter has learned that there’s more where that came from.
Arts District Entertainment — the production company headed by Roger Birnbaum and Eli Roth with head of development Michael Besman — has optioned Paul David ...
- 11/30/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The National Enquirer has been a supermarket staple for decades. In “Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer,” director Mark Landsman explores the paper’s beginnings as an allegedly mafia-funded enterprise into a gory murder rag, then its evolution into a sensational tabloid covering all things sex and scandal.
Landsman first became interested in the paper after having dinner with a friend’s father who worked at The National Enquirer in the 1970s and hearing his wild stories of its heyday.
“His stories were incredible,” Landsman said following a screening of his film at the International Documentary Association’s annual screening series in Los Angeles. “He’s a phenomenal raconteur. And as he kept talking about the tactics that they employed and the sort of blurred lines of ethics, I began to get really intrigued.”
With the help of the aforementioned family friend, Landsman contacted dozens of former employees,...
Landsman first became interested in the paper after having dinner with a friend’s father who worked at The National Enquirer in the 1970s and hearing his wild stories of its heyday.
“His stories were incredible,” Landsman said following a screening of his film at the International Documentary Association’s annual screening series in Los Angeles. “He’s a phenomenal raconteur. And as he kept talking about the tactics that they employed and the sort of blurred lines of ethics, I began to get really intrigued.”
With the help of the aforementioned family friend, Landsman contacted dozens of former employees,...
- 11/29/2019
- by Jean Bentley
- Indiewire
When grocery store shoppers snag a copy of Weekly World News (the rag responsible for the refuses-to-die “Bat Child” hoax), they know they’re getting fake news. But when they pick up the National Enquirer, it’s a far more ambiguous prospect.
Enquirer headlines are deliberately provocative, shouting details of the private lives of real people — including Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Oprah Winfrey — from their strategic perch in checkout aisles across America. Over the course of nearly seven decades, the tabloid crushed the aspirations of at least one presidential contender (by publishing the photo that exposed Gary Hart’s extramarital affair) and crusaded to elect another, running negative coverage of Donald Trump’s political opponents, which the candidate conveniently referenced in his 2016 campaign.
A hard-hitting — and at times hard-to-stomach — documentary from “Thunder Soul” director Mark Landsman, “Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer” subjects the tabloid to the...
Enquirer headlines are deliberately provocative, shouting details of the private lives of real people — including Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Oprah Winfrey — from their strategic perch in checkout aisles across America. Over the course of nearly seven decades, the tabloid crushed the aspirations of at least one presidential contender (by publishing the photo that exposed Gary Hart’s extramarital affair) and crusaded to elect another, running negative coverage of Donald Trump’s political opponents, which the candidate conveniently referenced in his 2016 campaign.
A hard-hitting — and at times hard-to-stomach — documentary from “Thunder Soul” director Mark Landsman, “Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer” subjects the tabloid to the...
- 11/16/2019
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
"Look at the Enquirer in the realm of pop culture, rather than journalism." Magnolia Pictures has debuted an official trailer for the documentary Scandalous, directed by doc filmmaker Mark Landsman. Scandalous is the sensational true story of The National Enquirer, the infamous tabloid with a prescient grasp of its readers darkest curiosities. The film is a thrilling, eye-opening look at how this newspaper fed into the desires of many Americans to become obsessed with the rich, famous, and powerful people. "From its coverage of Elvis's death, to Monica Lewinsky and the O.J. Simpson murder trial, the National Enquirer rattled the foundations of American culture and politics, sometimes allegedly using payoffs and blackmail to get its scoops." This looks entertaining but also very frightening, a glimpse into how one paper can manipulate the minds of many, and turn them into addicts for gossip and scandal. Enjoy. Here's the first official trailer...
- 9/25/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Directed By Mark Landsman Sex! Gossip! Scandal! For over 60 years, the National Enquirer has pumped out salacious, shocking stories, stretching the limits of journalism and blurring the lines between truth and fiction. Scandalous is the sensational true story of the most infamous tabloid in Us history, a wild, probing look at how one newspaper’s prescient grasp of its’ readers darkest curiosities led it to massive profits and influence. From its coverage of Elvis’s death, to Monica Lewinsky and the O.J. Simpson murder trial, the National Enquirer rattled the foundations of American culture and politics, sometimes allegedly using payoffs and blackmail to get its scoops. With rare archival footage and revelations as wild as National Enquirer headlines themselves, Scandalous examines our obsession with the rich, famous and powerful, and the tabloid that has fed those obsessions for generations of Americans. For More Info: Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram #ScandalousFilm...
- 9/25/2019
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
The trailer for Scandalous, an upcoming documentary on the infamous American tabloid the National Enquirer, is out Tuesday. Directed by Mark Landsman, the film is in theaters November 15th.
Scandalous traces the 60-year history of the National Enquirer and offers an inside look at how it filled its pages with sex, gossip and scandal, using unethical and occasionally illegal tactics such as blackmailing, paying sources and disguising their reporters. Through interviews with former and current employees of the tabloid, the documentary looks at some of the Enquirer‘s most notorious stories,...
Scandalous traces the 60-year history of the National Enquirer and offers an inside look at how it filled its pages with sex, gossip and scandal, using unethical and occasionally illegal tactics such as blackmailing, paying sources and disguising their reporters. Through interviews with former and current employees of the tabloid, the documentary looks at some of the Enquirer‘s most notorious stories,...
- 9/24/2019
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
One of the most impactful publications in the history of America is getting the documentary as “Scandalous” sees The National Enquirer put under the microscope. Directed by Mark Landsman, whose work includes other documentaries such as “Thunder Souls” and “Los Jets,” the new film will see him tackle a publication that had a big impact on journalism, business, culture, and politics.
Continue reading ‘Scandalous’ Trailer: Mark Landsman’s Thrilling Documentary Takes On The Infamous National Enquirer at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Scandalous’ Trailer: Mark Landsman’s Thrilling Documentary Takes On The Infamous National Enquirer at The Playlist.
- 9/24/2019
- by Harry Frazer
- The Playlist
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to the romance-drama “Two of Us,” the feature directorial debut of France-based Italian filmmaker Filippo Meneghetti.
Magnolia is planning a theatrical release early next year. The films follows two older women, played by Barbara Sukowa and Martine Chevallier, who live across the hall from each other in the same apartment building but have kept their romance hidden for decades.
The film held its world premiere as part of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Discovery program. Variety’s Mark Keizer said in his review that the film is “an affirmation of our universal desire for emotional intimacy and how the right connection can overcome all social and physical limitations. The fact that the relationship is between two lesbians well into their retirement years only makes the film even more quietly groundbreaking.”
“Two of Us” was written by Meneghetti, Malysone Bovorasmy and Florence Vignon.
Magnolia is planning a theatrical release early next year. The films follows two older women, played by Barbara Sukowa and Martine Chevallier, who live across the hall from each other in the same apartment building but have kept their romance hidden for decades.
The film held its world premiere as part of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Discovery program. Variety’s Mark Keizer said in his review that the film is “an affirmation of our universal desire for emotional intimacy and how the right connection can overcome all social and physical limitations. The fact that the relationship is between two lesbians well into their retirement years only makes the film even more quietly groundbreaking.”
“Two of Us” was written by Meneghetti, Malysone Bovorasmy and Florence Vignon.
- 9/9/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Awards contenders “Just Mercy” and “Ford v Ferrari” have been selected for showings at the Hamptons International Film Festival.
Legal drama “Just Mercy,” starring Michael B. Jordan, will be the opening night film on Oct. 10 at Guild Hall. “Just Mercy” is based on the case of Walter McMillan, an African-American death-row prisoner who was exonerated in 1993 after being convicted five years earlier for a 1986 murder in Alabama. Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, took on McMillan’s cause in 1988 in his first case as an attorney.
Jordan stars as Stevenson while Jamie Foxx portrays McMillan in the Warner Bros.’ film. The cast includes Brie Larson, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, Rob Morgan and O’Shea Jackson, Jr. Destin Daniel Cretton directed from his adaptation of Stevenson’s memoir. “Just Mercy” will premiere at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival and open in limited release on Dec.
Legal drama “Just Mercy,” starring Michael B. Jordan, will be the opening night film on Oct. 10 at Guild Hall. “Just Mercy” is based on the case of Walter McMillan, an African-American death-row prisoner who was exonerated in 1993 after being convicted five years earlier for a 1986 murder in Alabama. Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, took on McMillan’s cause in 1988 in his first case as an attorney.
Jordan stars as Stevenson while Jamie Foxx portrays McMillan in the Warner Bros.’ film. The cast includes Brie Larson, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, Rob Morgan and O’Shea Jackson, Jr. Destin Daniel Cretton directed from his adaptation of Stevenson’s memoir. “Just Mercy” will premiere at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival and open in limited release on Dec.
- 8/23/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures Acquires National Enquirer Documentary ‘Scandalous’ From CNN Films and Agc Studios
Enquiring minds will want to know that Magnolia Pictures has acquired the North American rights to “Scandalous,” a documentary about tabloid the National Enquirer and its founder Generoso Pope, Jr, the distributor announced Thursday.
Mark Landsman (“Thunder Soul”) directed the documentary that highlights the Enquirer’s impact on journalism, business, culture and politics throughout the years, dating back to how its founder transformed a racing and sporting magazine into a household name for scandal and gossip.
This Is Just a Test Media produced the film, and CNN Films and Agc Studios executive produced. CNN Films will retain North American broadcast rights, while Agc International, the international sales and distribution arm of Agc Studios, will oversee international distribution rights. Magnolia is planning a Nov. 15 theatrical release.
Also Read: Hudson News CEO James Cohen to Buy National Enquirer for $100 Million (Report)
After purchasing the New York Enquirer in the 1950s with funds...
Mark Landsman (“Thunder Soul”) directed the documentary that highlights the Enquirer’s impact on journalism, business, culture and politics throughout the years, dating back to how its founder transformed a racing and sporting magazine into a household name for scandal and gossip.
This Is Just a Test Media produced the film, and CNN Films and Agc Studios executive produced. CNN Films will retain North American broadcast rights, while Agc International, the international sales and distribution arm of Agc Studios, will oversee international distribution rights. Magnolia is planning a Nov. 15 theatrical release.
Also Read: Hudson News CEO James Cohen to Buy National Enquirer for $100 Million (Report)
After purchasing the New York Enquirer in the 1950s with funds...
- 8/15/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to “Scandalous,” a deep dive into the history of the National Enquirer, an influential tabloid that’s covered everything from celebrity breakups to alien landings. Directed by Mark Landsman (“Thunder Soul”), the film looks at the publication’s impact on journalism, culture, and politics.
“Scandalous” follows Generoso Pope, Jr., the man who purchased the New York Enquirer in the 1950s and rebranded and renamed the publication the National Enquirer. Pope used funds supplied by his godfather, reputed mob boss Frank Costello to make the purchase and charts the publication’s metamorphosis from a racing and sporting newspaper into a grocery store tabloid filled with stories of medical oddities, conspiracy theories, and paparazzi photos.
“The real story behind the National Enquirer is like a classic monster movie from the 1950s where initially the creature doesn’t intend to harm anyone, but is soon wreaking havoc on the population,...
“Scandalous” follows Generoso Pope, Jr., the man who purchased the New York Enquirer in the 1950s and rebranded and renamed the publication the National Enquirer. Pope used funds supplied by his godfather, reputed mob boss Frank Costello to make the purchase and charts the publication’s metamorphosis from a racing and sporting newspaper into a grocery store tabloid filled with stories of medical oddities, conspiracy theories, and paparazzi photos.
“The real story behind the National Enquirer is like a classic monster movie from the 1950s where initially the creature doesn’t intend to harm anyone, but is soon wreaking havoc on the population,...
- 8/15/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Cowles, formerly an executive at Dmg Entertainment whose producing credits include 2017’s Blockers and Chappaquiddick, has joined Alldayeveryday, the production company now expanding its auspices into scripted entertainment.
Cowles will be based in Los Angeles and become an Alldayeveryday partner alongside John Kaplan, Arrow Kruse, Michael Karbelnikoff, working with them and executive producer Peter Kline across the company’s entertainment slate. He brings with him a management roster of writer-directors clients including Patrick Aison, F. Scott Frazier, Chris Borrelli, Taylor Allen & Andrew Logan (Chappaquiddick), Justin Malen, and Ryan O’Nan.
Before Dmg, he worked in production for Judd Apatow and Scott Rudin among others.
“Over the years, Allday has been defined by passionate directors and creative collaborators who lead with a strong artistic point-of-view,” said Kaplan, Allday’s president.
Cowles will be based in Los Angeles and become an Alldayeveryday partner alongside John Kaplan, Arrow Kruse, Michael Karbelnikoff, working with them and executive producer Peter Kline across the company’s entertainment slate. He brings with him a management roster of writer-directors clients including Patrick Aison, F. Scott Frazier, Chris Borrelli, Taylor Allen & Andrew Logan (Chappaquiddick), Justin Malen, and Ryan O’Nan.
Before Dmg, he worked in production for Judd Apatow and Scott Rudin among others.
“Over the years, Allday has been defined by passionate directors and creative collaborators who lead with a strong artistic point-of-view,” said Kaplan, Allday’s president.
- 11/9/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Spirit Awards, announced on Sunday the jury and audience award winners for the 2012 Festival at the Awards Brunch, hosted by Chaya Downtown for the third year. Actors Jon Heder and Ari Graynor were on hand to present the awards. The La Film Fest, presented by Film Independent and Host Venue Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14 and presenting media sponsor Los Angeles Times, ran from Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, June 24 in downtown Los Angeles.
“Every single filmmaker in this year’s Festival deserves kudos for their artistry and compelling stories. Our juries had such gems to choose from in each competition and the winners truly represent what we hold dear.diversity and uniqueness of vision,” said Festival Director Stephanie Allain.
The two top juried awards of the Los Angeles Film Festival are the Narrative Award and Documentary Award,...
“Every single filmmaker in this year’s Festival deserves kudos for their artistry and compelling stories. Our juries had such gems to choose from in each competition and the winners truly represent what we hold dear.diversity and uniqueness of vision,” said Festival Director Stephanie Allain.
The two top juried awards of the Los Angeles Film Festival are the Narrative Award and Documentary Award,...
- 6/25/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
HollywoodNews.com: Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Spirit Awards, announced the jury and audience award winners for the 2012 Festival at the Awards Brunch, hosted by Chaya Downtown for the third year. Actors Jon Heder and Ari Graynor were on hand to present the awards. The La Film Fest, presented by Film Independent and Host Venue Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14 and presenting media sponsor Los Angeles Times, ran from Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, June 24 in downtown Los Angeles.
“Every single filmmaker in this year’s Festival deserves kudos for their artistry and compelling stories. Our juries had such gems to choose from in each competition and the winners truly represent what we hold dear—diversity and uniqueness of vision,” said Festival Director Stephanie Allain.
The two top juried awards of the Los Angeles Film Festival are the Narrative Award and Documentary Award,...
“Every single filmmaker in this year’s Festival deserves kudos for their artistry and compelling stories. Our juries had such gems to choose from in each competition and the winners truly represent what we hold dear—diversity and uniqueness of vision,” said Festival Director Stephanie Allain.
The two top juried awards of the Los Angeles Film Festival are the Narrative Award and Documentary Award,...
- 6/24/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Film Independent today announced the jurors for the 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival. The Narrative jury will consist of "Natural Selection" actress Rachael Harris (who we interviewed at Laff last year), filmmaker Robert Townsend, and critic Sheri Linden. The Documentary jury is comprised of producers Heather Rae and Karin Chien and filmmaker Mark Landsman ("Thunder Soul"). Film critic and author Ernest Hardy, Spirit Award-nominated cinematographer Nancy Schreiber ("Your Friends And Neighbors," "The Celluloid Closet") and writer/director/editor Javier Fuentes León ("Contracorriente"), who won the Audience Award at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival round out the shorts jury. This jury will deliberate on the cash prizes during the festival's run from June 14-24. The competition and audience award winners will be announced at the Awards Brunch held at Chaya Downtown on the last day of the festival. ...
- 6/7/2012
- by Austin Dale
- Indiewire
Wrekin Hill Entertainment Stan Lee
Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock’s latest pop doc, “Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope,” follows several fans, two aspiring illustrators, a comic book shop owner and a costume maker through a frantic San Diego Comic-Con International weekend in 2010.
To make the film, Spurlock partnered with filmmaker Joss Whedon (“The Avengers”), film critic Harry Knowles and former Marvel Comics president Stan Lee.
Meeting Lee was a geek dream fulfilled for Spurlock, who grew up reading Spider-Man comics.
Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock’s latest pop doc, “Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope,” follows several fans, two aspiring illustrators, a comic book shop owner and a costume maker through a frantic San Diego Comic-Con International weekend in 2010.
To make the film, Spurlock partnered with filmmaker Joss Whedon (“The Avengers”), film critic Harry Knowles and former Marvel Comics president Stan Lee.
Meeting Lee was a geek dream fulfilled for Spurlock, who grew up reading Spider-Man comics.
- 4/6/2012
- by Dennis Nishi
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Chicago – Mark Landsman’s “Thunder Soul” is an exceedingly good film about a great man. Conrad O. Johnson Sr. worked for 37 years as a band teacher, and his unconventional educational methods in the classroom led his Houston high school students to unlikely international stardom in the early ’70s. Their success was so extraordinary that one wishes the filmmakers had probed a little further into their story.
The film, which racked up multiple audience awards at festivals such as South by Southwest, is more interested in celebrating the spirit of the Kashmere Stage Band than providing much insight into their innovative technique. What we can glean from the footage is that Johnson taught through empowerment. He told his students that they could play funk like the best professionals in the business as long as they believed in their own abilities. He demanded immense feeling in the their music, and that same...
The film, which racked up multiple audience awards at festivals such as South by Southwest, is more interested in celebrating the spirit of the Kashmere Stage Band than providing much insight into their innovative technique. What we can glean from the footage is that Johnson taught through empowerment. He told his students that they could play funk like the best professionals in the business as long as they believed in their own abilities. He demanded immense feeling in the their music, and that same...
- 2/14/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Films about inspirational teachers driving their students to achieve beyond what they believed themselves capable pour out of Hollywood and independent studios every year. Rightfully so, because teachers deserve that kind of recognition. Such stories become even more powerful when it’s a true story, and that’s exactly how Thunder Soul manages to distinguish itself from the average entry in the genre and become something special. Filmed as a documentary, Thunder Soul follows the students of Houston’s Kashmere High School who were renowned worldwide as a jazz band that turned heads and rivaled the sound of professional groups. Mark Landsman’s documentary checks in with the students of the Kashmere Stage Band 35 years later and gives them the chance to retrospect and try to get the band back together. The story of the Kashmere band is remarkable, the memories of their teacher that opened up their potential are heartwarming,...
- 2/11/2012
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
Every single year come awards season, it's always upsetting to see the blatant misfires on the Academy's short list of films eligible for the Best Documentary Oscar. Just last year [1], the big story wasn't so much that Exit Through the Gift Shop or Restrepo were up for the award, it was that films like Catfish, Best Worst Movie and Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work were snubbed. This year it's more of the same. Much more. Fifteen films have been chosen that will be narrowed down to five to tangle for the Oscar itself and on that list are several exceptional documentaries: Bill Cunningham New York, Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory and Project Nim (above) just to name a few. Not on the list, however are Constance Mark's Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, Steve James’s The Interrupters, Werner Herzog‘s Into the Abyss, Errol Morris' Tabloid, Ian Palmer's Knuckle,...
- 11/19/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
Mark Landsman’s Thunder Soul hits theaters this Friday, so in lieu of a traditional interview we asked him, what five documentary films influenced him as a filmmaker during the creation of Thunder Soul.
I find it challenging whenever anyone asks me to list a ‘top five’ of anything--especially movies--because I love a lot of them for a lot of different reasons--it’s tough to do a process of elimination. But in thinking about it, in terms of the top five docs that have made the greatest impact on me as a filmmaker and most influenced my current project, Thunder Soul, I think it’d be these. I offer them up knowing that there are many more that live in the brain drive and influence me even when I not realizing it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jet-Ubwk5l8
The Times of Harvey Milk (Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Freidman, 1984)
In...
I find it challenging whenever anyone asks me to list a ‘top five’ of anything--especially movies--because I love a lot of them for a lot of different reasons--it’s tough to do a process of elimination. But in thinking about it, in terms of the top five docs that have made the greatest impact on me as a filmmaker and most influenced my current project, Thunder Soul, I think it’d be these. I offer them up knowing that there are many more that live in the brain drive and influence me even when I not realizing it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jet-Ubwk5l8
The Times of Harvey Milk (Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Freidman, 1984)
In...
- 10/3/2011
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent
Title: Thunder Soul Director: Mark Landsman The glut of studies — seemingly released almost weekly — showing the slippage and relatively poor international ranking of American high school students in core academic subjects like math, science and history is troubling, certainly, and indicative of a need to redouble efforts in those areas. But as anyone who still has a honest connection to their adolescence will admit, the role of extracurriculars and artistic electives is often integral to a teenager’s sense of engagement and self-worth, and certainly the type of well-roundedness that helps produce open-minded individuals who can work well with others. Not everyone has the aptitude to be a professional singer, musician, artist or...
- 9/26/2011
- by bsimon
- ShockYa
The 1960s and 1970s are littered with countless soul and funk bands that are largely forgotten today. Some made genuinely exciting music; others, mediocre tracks with stellar moments, used as source material by hip-hop producers decades later. Only one can lay claim, though, to still being in high school when their greatness was first revealed.
In "Thunder Soul," a new documentary on legendary Texas high school group Kashmere Stage Band, director Mark Landsman gives a history lesson for funk and soul enthusiasts while documenting a touching reunion and tribute for the band’s charismatic leader.
Before Kashmere Stage Band, high school bands primarily looked to jazz standards as the basis for their catalogues. It was safe, anodyne and toothless, but pleasing to the mainly white audience. Under the tutelage of Music Director Conrad "Prof" Johnson, Ksb brought new life to an old format, mixing jazz with funk and soul and adding elaborate,...
In "Thunder Soul," a new documentary on legendary Texas high school group Kashmere Stage Band, director Mark Landsman gives a history lesson for funk and soul enthusiasts while documenting a touching reunion and tribute for the band’s charismatic leader.
Before Kashmere Stage Band, high school bands primarily looked to jazz standards as the basis for their catalogues. It was safe, anodyne and toothless, but pleasing to the mainly white audience. Under the tutelage of Music Director Conrad "Prof" Johnson, Ksb brought new life to an old format, mixing jazz with funk and soul and adding elaborate,...
- 9/23/2011
- by Jason Newman
- NextMovie
Winner of the 2010 Audience Award for Best Feature Documentary at the SXSW Film Festival, Mark Landsman's “Thunder Soul” follows the alumni of Houston’s Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for their 92-year-old band leader, Conrad "Prof" Johnson. It's a rousing true story that's been generating steam on the festival circuit since its SXSW debut. Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx is ...
- 9/23/2011
- indieWIRE - People
Winner of the 2010 Audience Award for Best Feature Documentary at the SXSW Film Festival, Mark Landsman's “Thunder Soul” follows the alumni of Houston’s Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for their 92-year-old band leader, Conrad "Prof" Johnson. It's a rousing true story that's been generating steam on the festival circuit since its SXSW debut. Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx is ...
- 9/23/2011
- Indiewire
Winner of the 2010 Audience Award for Best Feature Documentary at the SXSW Film Festival, Mark Landsman's “Thunder Soul” follows the alumni of Houston’s Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for their 92-year-old band leader, Conrad "Prof" Johnson. It's a rousing true story that's been generating steam on the festival circuit since its SXSW debut. Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx is ...
- 9/23/2011
- indieWIRE - People
Clips from Mark Landsman's Thunder Soul, narrated by Jamie Foxx. Docu on Conrad O. Johnson and the Kashmere Stage Band. The Roadside Attractions' documentary opens on September 23rd in limited areas and tells the true story of Conrad O. Johnson and the legendary Kashmere Stage Band. It was afros, pleated pants and platform shoes; James Brown, Sly Stone and Bootsy Collins. It was the ’70s, and an inner-city Houston high school was about to make history. Charismatic band leader, Conrad “Prof” Johnson would turn the school’s mediocre jazz band into a legendary, world-class funk powerhouse. Now, 35 years later, his students prepare to pay tribute to the man who changed their lives, the 92-year-old Prof. Some haven’t played their horns in decades, still they dust off their instruments determined to retake the stage to show Prof and the world that they’ve still got it.
- 9/22/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Clips from Mark Landsman's Thunder Soul, narrated by Jamie Foxx. Docu on Conrad O. Johnson and the Kashmere Stage Band. The Roadside Attractions' documentary opens on September 23rd in limited areas and tells the true story of Conrad O. Johnson and the legendary Kashmere Stage Band. It was afros, pleated pants and platform shoes; James Brown, Sly Stone and Bootsy Collins. It was the ’70s, and an inner-city Houston high school was about to make history. Charismatic band leader, Conrad “Prof” Johnson would turn the school’s mediocre jazz band into a legendary, world-class funk powerhouse. Now, 35 years later, his students prepare to pay tribute to the man who changed their lives, the 92-year-old Prof. Some haven’t played their horns in decades, still they dust off their instruments determined to retake the stage to show Prof and the world that they’ve still got it.
- 9/22/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Company Acquires Jennifer Westfeldt.s Directorial Debut
Out Of The Toronto International Film Festival
Stellar Ensemble Cast Includes
Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig,
Maya Rudolph, Chris O.Dowd, Megan Fox and Edward Burns
Santa Monica, CA (September 21, 2011) – Lionsgate today announced the acquisition of Red Granite Pictures. Friends With Kids, directed by Jennifer Westfeldt, following its debut screenings at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. The announcement was made jointly by Steve Beeks, Lionsgate.s President and co-coo, Joe Drake, co-coo and Motion Picture Group President, and Jason Constantine, President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.
The release will be handled jointly by Lionsgate and partner company Roadside Attractions, similarly to past collaborations such as Everything Must Go, and the upcoming Margin Call, with Roadside Attractions spearheading domestic theatrical distribution and Lionsgate handling all other U.S. rights including home entertainment and television.
Riza Aziz and Joey McFarland.s Red Granite Pictures...
Out Of The Toronto International Film Festival
Stellar Ensemble Cast Includes
Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig,
Maya Rudolph, Chris O.Dowd, Megan Fox and Edward Burns
Santa Monica, CA (September 21, 2011) – Lionsgate today announced the acquisition of Red Granite Pictures. Friends With Kids, directed by Jennifer Westfeldt, following its debut screenings at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. The announcement was made jointly by Steve Beeks, Lionsgate.s President and co-coo, Joe Drake, co-coo and Motion Picture Group President, and Jason Constantine, President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.
The release will be handled jointly by Lionsgate and partner company Roadside Attractions, similarly to past collaborations such as Everything Must Go, and the upcoming Margin Call, with Roadside Attractions spearheading domestic theatrical distribution and Lionsgate handling all other U.S. rights including home entertainment and television.
Riza Aziz and Joey McFarland.s Red Granite Pictures...
- 9/21/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
New trailer and image from the Thunder Soul documentary on Conrad O. Johnson and the Kashmere Stage Band. Roadside Attractions' Thunder Soul tells the true story of Conrad O. Johnson and the legendary Kashmere Stage Band. It was afros, pleated pants and platform shoes; James Brown, Sly Stone and Bootsy Collins. It was the ’70s, and an inner-city Houston high school was about to make history. Charismatic band leader, Conrad “Prof” Johnson would turn the school’s mediocre jazz band into a legendary, world-class funk powerhouse. Now, 35 years later, his students prepare to pay tribute to the man who changed their lives, the 92-year-old Prof. Some haven’t played their horns in decades, still they dust off their instruments determined to retake the stage to show Prof and the world that they’ve still got it. The documentary opens September 23rd and is helmed by Mark Landsman.
- 6/30/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
New trailer and image from the Thunder Soul documentary on Conrad O. Johnson and the Kashmere Stage Band. Roadside Attractions' Thunder Soul tells the true story of Conrad O. Johnson and the legendary Kashmere Stage Band. It was afros, pleated pants and platform shoes; James Brown, Sly Stone and Bootsy Collins. It was the ’70s, and an inner-city Houston high school was about to make history. Charismatic band leader, Conrad “Prof” Johnson would turn the school’s mediocre jazz band into a legendary, world-class funk powerhouse. Now, 35 years later, his students prepare to pay tribute to the man who changed their lives, the 92-year-old Prof. Some haven’t played their horns in decades, still they dust off their instruments determined to retake the stage to show Prof and the world that they’ve still got it. The documentary opens September 23rd and is helmed by Mark Landsman.
- 6/30/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
New trailer and image from the Thunder Soul documentary on Conrad O. Johnson and the Kashmere Stage Band. Roadside Attractions' Thunder Soul tells the true story of Conrad O. Johnson and the legendary Kashmere Stage Band. It was afros, pleated pants and platform shoes; James Brown, Sly Stone and Bootsy Collins. It was the ’70s, and an inner-city Houston high school was about to make history. Charismatic band leader, Conrad “Prof” Johnson would turn the school’s mediocre jazz band into a legendary, world-class funk powerhouse. Now, 35 years later, his students prepare to pay tribute to the man who changed their lives, the 92-year-old Prof. Some haven’t played their horns in decades, still they dust off their instruments determined to retake the stage to show Prof and the world that they’ve still got it. The documentary opens September 23rd and is helmed by Mark Landsman.
- 6/30/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Trailers are an under-appreciated art form insofar that many times they’re seen as vehicles for showing footage, explaining films away, or showing their hand about what moviegoers can expect. Foreign, domestic, independent, big budget: I celebrate all levels of trailers and hopefully this column will satisfactorily give you a baseline of what beta wave I’m operating on, because what better way to hone your skills as a thoughtful moviegoer than by deconstructing these little pieces of advertising? Some of the best authors will tell you that writing a short story is a lot harder than writing a long one, that you have to weigh every sentence. What better medium to see how this theory plays itself out beyond that than with movie trailers? One Hundred Mornings Trailer You'll have to excuse the tardiness of bringing this gem to light as those living on the Emerald Isle had this...
- 5/13/2011
- by Christopher Stipp
- Slash Film
The U.K team only have one film in the Cannes competition in Takashi's Miike's Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, but its the more than one item in Hanway Films upcoming slate that has me salivating. They've got Steve McQueen's Shame, Andrea Arnold's Wuthering Heights and David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method all in the oven. If there is a break-in at the Hanway offices this week, I don't want anyone thinking it was me. Here's the full list for ya: A Dangerous Method by David Cronenberg - Completed Hara-kiri: Death Of A Samurai by Takashi Miike - Completed Shame by Steve McQueen - Production 13 Assassins by Takashi Mike - Completed Chico And Rita by Fernando Trueba - Completed Distant Thunder by Mark Deeble - Pre-Production Essential Killing by Jerzy Skolimowski - Completed Girls' Night Out by Michael Hoffman - Pre-Production Kon Tiki by Joachim Roenning - Pre-Production...
- 5/13/2011
- IONCINEMA.com
Watch a new movie clip from Thunder Soul, Roadside Attractions' documentary directed by Mark Landsman. Thunder Soul tells the true story of Conrad O. Johnson and the legendary Kashmere Stage Band. It was afros, pleated pants and platform shoes; James Brown, Sly Stone and Bootsy Collins. It was the ’70s, and an inner-city Houston high school was about to make history. Charismatic band leader, Conrad “Prof” Johnson would turn the school’s mediocre jazz band into a legendary, world-class funk powerhouse. Now, 35 years later, his students prepare to pay tribute to the man who changed their lives, the 92-year-old Prof. Some haven’t played their horns in decades...
- 2/28/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Watch a new movie clip from Thunder Soul, Roadside Attractions' documentary directed by Mark Landsman. Thunder Soul tells the true story of Conrad O. Johnson and the legendary Kashmere Stage Band. It was afros, pleated pants and platform shoes; James Brown, Sly Stone and Bootsy Collins. It was the ’70s, and an inner-city Houston high school was about to make history. Charismatic band leader, Conrad “Prof” Johnson would turn the school’s mediocre jazz band into a legendary, world-class funk powerhouse. Now, 35 years later, his students prepare to pay tribute to the man who changed their lives, the 92-year-old Prof. Some haven’t played their horns in decades...
- 2/28/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
With all the "Black Swan" hoopla, am I the only one who thinks that the film, while well-made, is not deserving of all these hyper-crazed adulations? Portman was good, but I prefer Annette Bening's understated performance in "The Kids Are All Right." Or heck, Jennifer Lawrence's "Winter's Bone" performance could easily outdance Portman's delusional ballerina portrayal any day.
And "Winter's Bone," celebrating its true independent spirit, was virtually snubbed at last night's Independent Spirit Awards. Sure, the excellent supporting cast was honored with Dale Dickey winning Best Supporting Female and John Hawkes for Best Supporting Male, but the engaging and deeply haunting Debra Granik movie (with the most nominations totaling to seven nods) lost out to...you guessed it, Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan." (Check out my "Winter's Bone" movie review right here)
And yes, I do admire Aronofsky, I thought "The Wrestler" was one of his personal...
And "Winter's Bone," celebrating its true independent spirit, was virtually snubbed at last night's Independent Spirit Awards. Sure, the excellent supporting cast was honored with Dale Dickey winning Best Supporting Female and John Hawkes for Best Supporting Male, but the engaging and deeply haunting Debra Granik movie (with the most nominations totaling to seven nods) lost out to...you guessed it, Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan." (Check out my "Winter's Bone" movie review right here)
And yes, I do admire Aronofsky, I thought "The Wrestler" was one of his personal...
- 2/27/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Tune in to IFC tonight at 10:00 p.m. Et/Pt to catch all the action at the 2011 Film Independent Spirit Awards, with actor and comedian Joel McHale hosting.
Highlights include: Joel getting caught in a 127 Hours situation with only Dale Dickey, “Banksy” and John Waters to help him out; See how this year’s best feature nominees stack up against porn and the big studios; Catch the Spirit Awards’ version of a dead people montage; and more! The show was produced by Film Independent in association with Dick Clark productions, Inc.
The Spirit Awards was the first event to exclusively honor independent film, and over the past 26 years, has become the premier awards show for the independent film community, celebrating films made by filmmakers who embody independence and originality.
The following is a complete list of the winners:
Winners List
Best Feature: 'Black Swan'
Best Director: Darren Aronofsky,...
Highlights include: Joel getting caught in a 127 Hours situation with only Dale Dickey, “Banksy” and John Waters to help him out; See how this year’s best feature nominees stack up against porn and the big studios; Catch the Spirit Awards’ version of a dead people montage; and more! The show was produced by Film Independent in association with Dick Clark productions, Inc.
The Spirit Awards was the first event to exclusively honor independent film, and over the past 26 years, has become the premier awards show for the independent film community, celebrating films made by filmmakers who embody independence and originality.
The following is a complete list of the winners:
Winners List
Best Feature: 'Black Swan'
Best Director: Darren Aronofsky,...
- 2/27/2011
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
With all the emerging talent on display at this year's Spirit Awards, it's easy to get caught up in what's new and next in terms of the films we'll be seeing in the future, but what's often overlooked is the surfeit of new places and experiences that has been on display in independent cinema over the course of the past year. Actors routinely take audiences into emotional terrain where they haven't been before, but in 2010, it was often the surroundings that shared the spotlight.
In "Winter's Bone," director Debra Granik showed off a side of America that's rarely seen onscreen with the poverty-stricken rural community that exists as its own insular world in the mountains of Missouri and Best First Feature nominee "Get Low" showed the majesty of Tennessee during the '30s. "The Kids Are All Right" and "Greenberg" reveled in both sides of Los Angeles, demonstrating the way...
In "Winter's Bone," director Debra Granik showed off a side of America that's rarely seen onscreen with the poverty-stricken rural community that exists as its own insular world in the mountains of Missouri and Best First Feature nominee "Get Low" showed the majesty of Tennessee during the '30s. "The Kids Are All Right" and "Greenberg" reveled in both sides of Los Angeles, demonstrating the way...
- 2/25/2011
- by IFC
- ifc.com
121 films later… another installment of the Pan African Film Festival (Paff) in Los Angeles, CA, came to a close on Wednesday, the 23rd, with the announcement of its filmmaker awards.
Prizes were handed out for the following categories: Best Narrative Feature, Best First Feature Film, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, and Audience Favorite awards.
I was extremely pleased to see João Daniel Tikhomiroff’s Besouro win the Best Narrative Feature prize. It’s a film we’ve touted on this blog for the last 2 years, since initially hearing about it. The film is still without North American distribution, as far as I know, and it needs all the press and push it can get. I hope it’s eventually picked up – even if it’s a straight-to-dvd release.
Ava DuVernay’s I Will Follow received the well-deserved Best First Feature Film award.
And the Jamie Foxx-executive produced Thunder Soul,...
Prizes were handed out for the following categories: Best Narrative Feature, Best First Feature Film, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, and Audience Favorite awards.
I was extremely pleased to see João Daniel Tikhomiroff’s Besouro win the Best Narrative Feature prize. It’s a film we’ve touted on this blog for the last 2 years, since initially hearing about it. The film is still without North American distribution, as far as I know, and it needs all the press and push it can get. I hope it’s eventually picked up – even if it’s a straight-to-dvd release.
Ava DuVernay’s I Will Follow received the well-deserved Best First Feature Film award.
And the Jamie Foxx-executive produced Thunder Soul,...
- 2/25/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Last week was full of melancholy and death-centered narratives, and this week—I got some more of both, along with some daring relationship dramas. It was both brutal and beautiful.
—-
Rabbit Hole ~ Directed by John Cameron Mitchell
This is Mitchell’s third directorial effort (after Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Shortbus), and despite my ambivalence about Nicole Kidman, my hopes were high for this one. Based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer-winning play and scripted by the author, Rabbit Hole proved even better than I expected. This melancholy tale of parents (Kidman and Aaron Eckhart) mourning the death of their young son is deftly told with subtlety and humor. It’s the best thing Kidman’s done in years, and proved once again Mitchell is a master of mixing heartbreaking drama with incisive humor.
After the screening, the film’s cinematographer, Frank G. DeMarco, dropped by and revealed some...
—-
Rabbit Hole ~ Directed by John Cameron Mitchell
This is Mitchell’s third directorial effort (after Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Shortbus), and despite my ambivalence about Nicole Kidman, my hopes were high for this one. Based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer-winning play and scripted by the author, Rabbit Hole proved even better than I expected. This melancholy tale of parents (Kidman and Aaron Eckhart) mourning the death of their young son is deftly told with subtlety and humor. It’s the best thing Kidman’s done in years, and proved once again Mitchell is a master of mixing heartbreaking drama with incisive humor.
After the screening, the film’s cinematographer, Frank G. DeMarco, dropped by and revealed some...
- 2/14/2011
- by Kristy Puchko
- The Film Stage
Music doc Thunder Soul is a heartfelt celebration of Funk and the transformative powers of a great teacher. Mark Landsman's doc, which won an audience award at SXSW and Los Angeles Film Fest, among other fests last year, also earned an Indie Spirit nomination. It's about how in the 1970s one teacher turned Houston's Kashmere High School jazz band into a tight-grooving funk award-winner, years in a row. (Think Glee on Funk steroids.) Landsman follows the alumni from Kashmere, who after 35 years, travel home to play a tribute concert for 92-year-old Conrad Johnson. Now new exec producer Jamie Foxx is "presenting" Thunder Soul to help bring attention to the Roadside Attractions release (September). "I can’t wait to share Thunder Soul with the world so ...
- 2/4/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Best Documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop" It's hard to know whether street artist Banksy's feature documentary is what it claims to be—a doc about an obsessive man who falls in love with the world of street art (where artists place their work in public, risking arrest for vandalism), fashioning himself as the most financially successful street artist in history—or is Banksy's best prank to date. The film follows the life of buffoonish French expatriate Thierry Guetta, a happy-go-lucky proprietor of an overpriced hipster-wear store in West Hollywood with the curious habit of videotaping everything that happens to him. Guetta persuades his cousin, a street artist known as Space Invader, to become the subject of a "documentary," which leads Guetta to other street artists like Obama icon-maker Shepard Fairey and ultimately to the white whale of street artists: the ultra-secretive Banksy (interviewed in silhouette, of course...
- 1/20/2011
- backstage.com
Cool! "Winter's Bone" Dominates Independent Spirit Awards Nominations! See Complete List of Nominees
I'm so glad that "Winter's Bone" has been receiving all the accolades. I love this film when it was shown in limited release last summer. The backwoods drama won big at the Gothams Awards winning Best Feature and Best Ensemble, and now, it dominated the Independent Spirit Awards with seven nominations including Best Feature, Director for Debra Granik, Screenplay for Granik and Anne Rosellini, Female Lead for Jennifer Lawrence, Supporting Female for Dale Dickey, Supporting Male for John Hawkes, and Cinematography for Michael McDonough. ("Winter's Bone" Movie Review)
"Winter's Bone" will compete against "127 Hours," "Black Swan," "Greenberg" and "The Kids Are All Right" for best picture.
Related Links:
"127 Hours" interviews with James Franco, Danny Boyle, and Simon Beaufoy
"Greenberg" Movie Review and Interviews with Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig, and Rhys Ifans
"The Kids Are All Right" Movie Review and Interviews with Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson, and...
"Winter's Bone" will compete against "127 Hours," "Black Swan," "Greenberg" and "The Kids Are All Right" for best picture.
Related Links:
"127 Hours" interviews with James Franco, Danny Boyle, and Simon Beaufoy
"Greenberg" Movie Review and Interviews with Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig, and Rhys Ifans
"The Kids Are All Right" Movie Review and Interviews with Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson, and...
- 11/30/2010
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
North American distribution rights to Mark Landsman's acclaimed music documentary "Thunder Soul" have gone to Roadside Attractions. Roadside is planning a spring 2011 release for the film, produced by Snoot Entertainment. Winner of the 2010 Audience Award at the South by Southwest Film Festival, "Thunder Soul" follows the alumni from Houston's Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for their 92-year-old ...
- 11/8/2010
- Indiewire
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