VIRTUAL ARCADE PRESENTED BY AT&T

Virtual Arcade debuts at the 2016 Festival, helping to expand the immersive entertainment slate with thirteen additional VR experiences from some of the leading creators and emerging voices in this new medium. The selections, available April 18-23, include:

ALLUMETTE

Project Creators: Eugene Chung, Jimmy Maidens, Penrose Studios

An orphan girl, living in a fantastical city in clouds, endures tragedy. Lighting enchanted matches, she relives her past and grasps at future hope. The story is a meditation on the sacrifices people make for the greater good. Crafted by Penrose Studios, ALLUMETTE is set in a fully-immersive, virtual reality world.

THE ARTIST OF SKID ROW

Project Creator: Molly Swenson, Tyson Sadler, Hayley Pappas/RYOT
Key Collaborators: Bryn Mooser, LAMP

Ramiro Puentes is an outstanding artist – photographs, paintings, sculpture, poetry. But more than that, he’s risen from crippling poverty and used art to reimagine the streets of Skid Row.

ASHES

Project Creator: Jessica Kantor/supported by Vrideo

Playing with movement, space and time, ASHES shares the tragic story of two lovers, told specifically for 360-headset environment. Director/Producer Jessica Kantor draws upon her classical ballet training to bring us this unique piece inspired by choreographer Pina Bausch, known for telling stories through dance.

THE CRYSTAL REEF

Project Creator: Cody Karutz and Lauren Knapp/Stanford University
Key Collaborator: Jeremy Bailenson

A rocky reef off the coast of Italy demonstrates the future of climate change. Meet Dr. Fio Micheli, the marine scientist who studies this reef, and dive underwater with her to learn about ocean acidification and how human-produced carbon dioxide will turn all the world’s oceans into what scientists are calling “the ocean moonscape.”

 

THE CRYSTAL REEF: INTERACTIVE

Project Creator: The Virtual Human Interaction Lab (VHIL)
Key Collaborator: Stanford University

Experience climate change firsthand in this fully immersive virtual reality experience. Use your hands to swim and examine marine life as you become a scientist and discover “ocean acidification.” Dive through a digital replica of the reefs of Ischia, Italy and learn about how these reefs are a “crystal ball” that show the future of all the world’s oceans.

 

DRAGONFLIGHT

Project Creators: Michael Conelly, Will Telford, Keith Goldfarb, Lyndon Barrois/Blackthorn Media

A spectacular dragon embarks on a hero’s journey to do battle against a duplicitous sorcerer and protect the world from the second coming of his ancient and powerful progenitor. DRAGONFLIGHT is the debut project of VR studio Blackthorn Media, an Academy and Emmy Award-winning team of story-tellers, visual effects veterans, programmers and artists.

HARD WORLD FOR SMALL THINGS

Project Creator: Janicza Bravo/Wevr
Key Collaborators: Wevr, Seed&Spark, Han West

Award-winning film and theater director Janicza Bravo ventures into the world of VR with an exploration of the circumstances and lives affected by a single tragedy in Los Angeles. Drawing from a real-life experience, Bravo and studio collaborators Wevr craft a remarkably powerful narrative that culminates in a devastating conclusion.

Read an interview with Janicza Bravo about making Hard World for Small Things and tackling social justice through film, at TribecaFilm.com.

HOLIDAYS: CHRISTMAS VR

Project Creators: Distant Corners/John Hegerman, Scott Stewart, Amanda Mortimer, Gabriela Revilla Lugo, Wevr

When a man stoops to dangerous new lows to get his son the ultimate VR headset for Christmas, he finds out more about himself and his family than he ever wanted to know. From writer/director Scott Stewart (LEGION, PRIEST) and starring Emmy Award-winning actor Seth Green and Clare Grant, CHRISTMAS is part of Distant Corners’ HOLIDAYSanthology feature created by John Hegeman and produced in association with XYZ Films.

Read an interview with Christmas VR filmmaker Scott Stewart about tapping into virtual reality's potential in the horror genre, at TribecaFilm.com.

INVASION

Project Creators: Eric Darnell, Maureen Fan/Baobab Studios

Directed by Eric Darnell (Antz and Madagascar), this interactive and animated film follows menacing aliens with vastly superior technology who come to claim the Earth and destroy anyone in their way. Despite incredible odds, Earth's citizens rise up and defeat the evil aliens. Surprisingly, these Earthly citizens are not humans but a pair of the cutest, meekest and cuddliest creatures of our planet -- two fluffy white bunnies.

KANJU

Project Creator: Stephanie Riggs / Azimyth Creation Studios
Key Collaborators: The Nantucket Project, Harbers Studios

Journey across Africa in search of Kanju, “creativity born of struggle.” Visit a floating school rising from the slums of Makoko. Witness President Obama's historic speech in Nairobi from the press pit. This uplifting, immersive documentary seamlessly layers traditional narrative techniques and 360o live action. Feel the power of storytelling merged with technology and rediscover Africa as the bright continent.

KILLER DEAL

Project Creators: Irad Eyal, Aaron Rothman, Anthony C. Ferrante, iMan Productions, Better VR Studios
Key Collaborator: Ian Ziering

Directed by Anthony C. Ferrante (Sharknado 1, 2 & 3), Killer Deal follows a struggling machete salesman who runs into trouble when his discount hotel room comes with an unwelcome guest. A very unwelcome guest. The experience takes all the things we love about over-the-top horror and puts the viewer right in the middle of the “splash zone.”

Read an interview with Killer Deal filmmaker Anthony C. Ferrante about tapping into virtual reality's potential in the horror genre, at TribecaFilm.com.

MY MOTHER'S WING

Project Creators: Gabo Arora, Ari Palitz/Vrse.works
Key Collaborators: Chris Milk, Patrick Milling Smith, Samantha Storr

In Gaza, foundations are built, destroyed, and built again. This virtual reality experience follows the struggle and strength of a mother coping with the death of her two children in the 2014 war.

Read an interview with My Mother's Wing co-creator Gabo Arora about working with the United Nations to expand virtual reality's potential, at TribecaFilm.com.

OLD FRIEND

Project Creator: Tyler Hurd/Wevr

Lose yourself in a vibrant psychedelic dance party brimming with joyful insanity. VR filmmaker Tyler Hurd and Wevr present a fun animated VR music video experience for Old Friend by Future Islands. Gaze upon the elegant dance routines and enjoy the blissful absurdity. Unhinge yourself, feel the ridiculousness and dance like everyone is watching.

SEEKING PLUTO'S FRIGID HEART

Project Creator: New York Times Key Collaborators: Lunar Planetary Institute, Universities Space Research Association

Seeking Pluto’s Frigid Heart is a stereoscopic VR experience that brings viewers to Pluto. Watch the New Horizons spacecraft zoom through space, soar over rugged mountains and bright plains, and stand on Pluto’s unique surface as its largest moon hovers over the horizon.

THE CLICK EFFECT

Project Creators: Sandy Smolan, James Nestor
Annapurna Pictures, Vrse, Vrse.works, The New York Times Op-Docs, The Sundance Institute

Free-dive one hundred feet below the ocean’s surface to discover the “click” communication of dolphins and sperm whales. The Click Effect is a live-action VR experience from Annapurna Pictures, Vrse.works, Sandy Smolan, and James Nestor; the first in a series of immersive journalism experiments commissioned by New Frontier at Sundance Institute, published by The New York Times Op-Docs.

GRATEFUL DEAD: TRUCKIN’

Project Creator: Jaunt VR
Key Collaborators: Ryan Wiederkehr, Patrick Meegan, Joey Santana, Dennis “Wiz” Leonard, Cliff Plumer

A sneak peek VR experience of the Grateful Dead's historic "Fare Thee Well" final tour. Mixed in Dolby Atmos, the audience is given unprecedented access to the bands performance of the hit song "Truckin", from a vantage that is otherwise impossible to experience.

COLLISIONS

Project Creator: Lynette Wallworth
Key Collaborators: Nyarri Morgan (featured); Nicole Newnham (producer); Curtis Taylor (narrator); Karryn de Cinque (editor); Patrick Meegan (director of photography); Jaunt VR

From acclaimed Australian artist/filmmaker Lynette Wallworth, Collisions is a virtual reality journey to the homeland of indigenous elder Nyarri Morgan and the Martu tribe in the Western Australian desert. It explores the dramatic collision between Nyarri's traditional world view and the cutting edge of Western science and technology, when he witnessed firsthand and with no context, an atomic test.

 

PERSPECTIVE 2: THE MISDEMEANOR

Project Creators: Rose Troche, Morris May
Key Collaborators: Amy Lo, Charles Ottoway

When two young men are stopped by a police officer in Brooklyn, a simple misdemeanor spirals out of control. A gripping drama shot live-action in 360 degrees and weaving between four distinct points-of-view, The Misdemeanor highlights the subjectivity of memory and personal experience with an ambitious approach to narrative storytelling in virtual reality.

 

Conversation with Daniel Burman from THE TENTH MAN #TFF2016

Daniel Burman from THE TENTH MAN - conversation with Art Shrian, from myNewYorkeye, at Tribeca Film Festival 2016

Director Daniel Burman (All In, TFF 2012) returns to Tribeca with THE TENTH MAN, continuing to wrestle with notions of identity, home and the intricacies of the father-son relationship. This well-observed comedy is at once a heartfelt valentine to the El Once district, Burman’s own Jewish upbringing and his continuing desire to use cinema as a means of self-exploration.

THE TENTH MAN tells the story of Ariel, a man who returns to his childhood neighborhood in Buenos Aires, a Jewish district named El Once, after a long stay in New York City. In the process of trying to meet his father Usher, and getting entangled in his charitable commitments, Ariel also reconnects with his own Jewish roots. But Usher appears to be staving off a meeting with his son; instead he keeps roping him into a number of small assignments during the course of which Ariel meets Eva who volunteers for Usher’s charity. Eva’s radiant inner strength and independent spirit inspires Ariel to come to grips with the religious customs of his Jewish community as well as the traditions that once divided him and his father and rethink his own identity.

THE TENTH MAN (EL REY DEL ONCE) (Section: International Narrative Competition)

Director: Daniel Burman (Lost Embrace, All In)

Starring: Alan Sabbagh (Focus), Julieta Zylberberg (Wild Tales), Usher, Elvira Onetto, Adrian Stoppelman, Elisa Carricajo

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2016 - PUBLIC SCREENING SCHEDULE:

Friday, April 15 at 6:15PM at Regal Cinemas Battery Park 06 (US PREMIERE)

Sunday, April 17 at 3:15PM at Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea 04

Tuesday, April 19 at 3:30PM at Regal Cinemas Battery Park 01

Wednesday, April 20 at 9:30PM at Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea 06

Running Time: 82 Minutes/ Language: Spanish / Country: Argentina

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Berlin Film Festival 2016 (Opening Night Film-Panorama Section)

KINO LORBER will release THE TENTH MAN theatrically in New York and major cities in August 2016.

https://www.kinolorber.com/film/thetenthman

Conversation with Justin Tipping of KICKS #TFF2016

Art Shrian from myNewYorkeye, in conversation with Justin Tipping, director of KICKS. #KICKSfilm KICKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/kicksfilm KICKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kicksfilm/ SYNOPSIS: When his hard-earned kicks get snatched by a local hood, Fifteen-year old Brandon and his two best friends go on an ill-advised mission across the Bay Area to retrieve the stolen sneakers.

Art Shrian had an opportunity to talk with wonderful director Justin Tipping at the Tribeca Film Festival, where he had premier of his debut feature film KICKS. Let me warn you, he  is a director to lookout for. His debut feature shows what a talent house he is. He's also the debutant writer, with his co-writer Joshua Berine-Golden, and the story is as wonderful as the film. It entertains, it's funny, it's dramatic, its thriller and it's good. Very well edited, with amazing music as well, that you could practically call it a musical. Watch the interview above for more insight from the man himself!

In director Justin Tipping's feature debut Kicks, nothing is as simple as it seems. Fifteen­-year-­old Brandon longs for a pair of the freshest sneakers that money can buy; assuming that merely having them on his feet will help him escape the reality of being poor, neglected by the opposite sex and picked on by everyone ­­ even his best friends. Working hard to get them, he soon finds that the titular shoes have instead made him a target after they are promptly snatched by local hood, Flaco. Seemingly the embodiment of menace, Flaco harbors complexities of his own that will be revealed when Brandon goes on a mission to retrieve his stolen sneakers with his two best friends in tow

Boasting a strong ensemble cast, and featuring a memorable lead performance by newcomer Jahking Guillory, the film transcends a deceptively traditional hero's journey to deliver an entertaining and sobering look at the realities of inner city life, the concept of manhood and the fetishization of sneaker culture. Visually and thematically rich, with an amazing soundtrack of both hip hop classics and Bay Area favorites, Kicks creates an authentic and original portrait of a young man drowning in the expectations of machismo.

This summer Focus Features will be taking us on a new journey with the July release of their anticipated film KICKS. 


Cast: Jahking Guillory, Christopher Jordan Wallace, Christopher Meyer, Kofi Siriboe, Mahershala Ali

#KICKSfilm

KICKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/kicksfilm
KICKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kicksfilm/

Tribeca Talks: Kickstarter as audience engagement #TFF2016

The process of running a Kickstarter campaign is about so much more than just raising funding: it's be an opportunity to introduce yourself and your film to a whole new audience of fans, industry, and press. Hear directly from a few of Kickstarter's 17 Tribeca Film alumni about how they utilized Kickstarter to build and engage an audience, and to help launch their films into the world. 

Panelists include directors Kahane Cooperman (Joe's Violin), Kel O'Neill (The Ark), and Sophia Takal (Always Shine) - who went through Kickstarter to find funding and audiences ahead of their premieres at Tribeca.

Moderated by Dan Schoenbrun and Liz Cook (Kickstarter)

Read more here: https://tribecafilm.com/festival/events/kickstarter-as-audience-engagement

FREE Tribeca Talks: Unscripted & Immersive @ Samsung 837 #TFF2016

This innovative talks series is designed to give audiences a direct line to storytellers and creators on the front lines of the cutting edge of storytelling. Tribeca Talks: Unscripted & Immersive will be taking place at Samsung 837, a first of-its-kind technology playground and cultural hub.

Guests will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiential elements, including a VR Tunnel and the world’s largest multimedia display.

  • Thursday, 4/14, 6:30-7:30PM

Tribeca Talks: Unscripted & Immersive – Behind the scenes: The New York Times’ Virtual Reality 

Seeking Pluto’s Frigid Heart is a stereoscopic VR experience that brings viewers to Pluto. Watch the New Horizons spacecraft zoom through space, soar over rugged mountains and bright plains, and stand on Pluto’s unique surface as its largest moon hovers over the horizon. 

Join the editorial team behind The New York Times’ virtual reality as they discuss this new world of storytelling and preview clips of Seeking Pluto’s Frigid Heart, premiering as part of Tribeca 2016’s Virtual Arcade. 

Panelists:

Jake Silverstein – Editor In Chief, The New York Times Magazine

Sam Dolnick – Associate Editor, Digital

Steve Duenes – Assistant Masthead Editor

Jenna Pirog – Virtual Reality Editor, The New York Times Magazine

  • Friday, 4/15, 6:30-7:30PM

Tribeca Talks: Unscripted & Immersive - Making of Invasion! - Exploring Empathy and Agency in VR - 

“Invasion!” is an animated real-time VR interactive film directed by Eric Darnell, the director and writer for Madagascar and all Madagascar sequels. In this session, Eric is joined by “Invasion!’s” Executive Producer, Supervising Animator, and Art Director to take a behind the scenes look at the creative process.  From creating a character that becomes an avatar for the viewer, to telling a story that allows the viewer a sense of control, to creating characters that “interact” with you, to art direction that inspires the viewer to actively compose his or her own ‘shots’, to juggling different technical and creative needs of real-time versus 360 platforms, this panel shares insights and explains how a production team created “Invasion!” a ground-breaking short to life. 

Eric’s VR animation studio, Baobab Studios, brought together a coalition of industry experts and advisors to aid in Invasion’s creation: animation innovator Glen Keane (“The Little Mermaid,” “Tangled”); DreamWorks Animation Co-President Mireille Soria; David Anderman, Chief Business Officer of Jaunt and former Lucasfilm COO; Pixar Animation Studios co-founder and alpha channel co-inventor Alvy Ray Smith; Pacific Data Image co-founder and former DreamWorks Interactive CEO Glenn Entis; and Twitch co-founder and COO Kevin Lin. 

Panelists:

Eric Darnell, Director, Baobab Studios

Maureen Fan, Executive Producer, Baobab Studios

Maciej Gliwa, Animation Supervisor, Baobab Studios

Cody Gramstad, Art Director, Baobab Studios

  • Saturday, 4/16  6:30-7:30PM

Tribeca Talks: Unscripted & Immersive - LoveTrue Director Alma Har'el in Conversation with Michael Cera

After winning Tribeca’s Best Documentary Feature Award in 2011 for her remarkable debut, Bombay Beach, Alma Har'el returns with the premiere of her anticipated sophomore feature. This genre-bending documentary brings Har’el’s signature poetic imagery and fascination with performance in nonfiction to three complimentary stories that seek to demystify the fantasy of true love, set to a hypnotizing score by Flying Lotus and executive produced by Shia LaBeouf. 

Panelists:

Har’el will be interviewed by Michael Cera about her process and unique vision, and share clips from her brand new film premiering in Tribeca’s Documentary Competition.

  • Monday 4/18, 5:00PM

Tribeca Talks: Unscripted & Immersive - The Artists of Vrse: A Conversation with Chris Milk (Vrse/Vrse.works Founder), Gabo Arora & Ari Palitz (My Mother’s Wing) and Sandy Smolan & James Nestor (Click Effect)

Chris Milk’s virtual reality company Vrse aims to tell extraordinary stories that connect humanity on a deeper level.  Join Chris and fellow Vrse.works creators Gabo Arora, Ari Palitz, Sandy Smolan and James Nestor as they discuss virtual reality as the last medium, the empathy machine, and the process of unlocking a powerful language of storytelling that is still vastly undiscovered

Panelists: 

  • Chris Milk (Vrse/Vrse.works Founder)
  • Gabo Arora (My Mother’s Wing)
  • Ari Palitz (My Mother’s Wing)
  • Sandy Smolan (Click Effect)
  • James Nestor (Click Effect)

Samsung 837

837 Washington St

Admission: FREE

Visit below for more details:

https://tribecafilm.com/festival/events?type_of_events=57081532d4558f800d000001

JURIES ANNOUNCED FOR 2016 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

Jurors Include Mike Birbiglia, Danny Glover, Judy Greer, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sheila Nevins, Laura Poitras, Parker Posey, Jean Reno, Liev Schreiber, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Jennifer Westfeldt, Roger Ross Williams and Jessica Yu

*** 

The 15th annual Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, today announced its jurors – a diverse group ofindustry leaders, including award-winning actors, acclaimed filmmakers, writers, entrepreneurs, artists and cultural leaders. The jury will be divided among eleven competitive Festival categories. The winning films, filmmakers, actors, and storytellers in each category will be announced at the TFF Awards Night ceremony on Thursday, April 21 at 42 W NY.  The 2016 Festival runs from April 13 –24.  

The eight TFF juries for the film and experiential storytelling categories will award $155,000 in cash and prizes. Announced last month, ten of the winners will also receive a work of original art by an acclaimed artist as part of the Tribeca Film Festival Artists Awards program, sponsored by CHANEL.

“The Festival’s goal is to bring diverse minds together to spark conversation,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder, Tribeca Film Festival, and Executive Chair, Tribeca Enterprises. “Our jurors are as unique and multi-faceted as the films they will judge.”

In addition to the main competition juries, the Festival announced the five jurors for the new Tribeca X Award, sponsored by GE, which celebrates branded storytelling and recognizes the intersection of advertising and entertainment.  The Tribeca X Award winner will also be announced during the April 21 TFF Awards Night ceremony. As previously announced, seven jurors will choose the winners of the first ever Tribeca Snapchat Shorts program, sponsored by Samsung Electronics America, which spotlights the best Snapchat stories from across the U.S.  The Tribeca Snapchat Shorts winners will be announced on Sunday, April 17.

Following is a list of all 2016 Festival jurors and their respective categories:

Feature Film Competition Categories

The jurors for the 2016 US Narrative Competition section, sponsored by AKA Hotel Residences, are:

  • Anne Carey: Anne Carey is an Independent Spirit Award-winning producer and President of Production at Archer Gray.  As independent producer, Carey has collaborated with seminal filmmakers such as Ang Lee, Mike Mills, Liz Garbus and Mari Heller. Recent credits include Mr. Holmes and The Diary of a Teenage Girl and the upcoming 20th Century Women.
  • James Le Gros: Independent Spirit Award-nominated and SAG Award-nominated actor whose credits include Drugstore Cowboy, Living in Oblivion, Safe, Lovely & Amazing, Zodiac, “Ally McBeal,” “Mildred Pierce,” “Girls” and the upcoming Certain Women.
  • Chris Nashawaty: Chris Nashawaty has been a writer at Entertainment Weekly since 1993, and the magazine's film critic since 2013. He is the author of Crab Monsters, Teenage Cavemen, and Candy Stripe Nurses: Roger Corman, King of the B-Movie. 
  • Mya Taylor: Mya Taylor is an actress and singer best known for her acclaimed role as Alexandra in Sean Baker's award-winning 2015 film Tangerine.  For her performance, she was the recipient of an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress, designating her the first transgender actor to win at the awards show.
  • Jennifer Westfeldt: Jennifer Westfeldt is a Tony-nominated actress and filmmaker, best known for writing and starring in the indie hits Kissing Jessica Stein and Friends With Kids (which marked her directorial debut).

The jurors for the 2016 International Narrative Competition section are:

  • Hany Abu-Assad: Hany Abu-Assad was born in Nazareth, studied in Holland, and makes movies globally. His movies Paradise Nowand Omar were both nominated for Oscars. 
  • Jean Reno: Jean Reno is a renowned French actor who gained international recognition with pivotal roles in films such as Mission Impossible opposite Tom Cruise, Ronin opposite Robert De Niro, and The DaVinci Code opposite Tom Hanks. Reno will next appear on the big screen in The Promise, a film directed by Terry George, and The Last Face, directed by Sean Penn.
  • Lydia Dean Pilcher: Lydia Dean Pilcher is founder of Cine Mosaic, and producer of over 35 features including a long term partnership with director Mira Nair. Recent films include the upcoming Queen of Katwe for Disney, The Lunchbox, and Academy Award nominated Cutie & the Boxer.
  • Sam Taylor-Johnson: Sam Taylor-Johnson is an internationally renown artist working mostly in the photographic medium. She is also a critically acclaimed film director who has recently become the highest grossing box-office female director of all time. Film credits include Nowhere Boy, Fifty Shades of Grey and Love You More.
  • Danny Glover:  Actor, producer and humanitarian, Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen and on stage for more than 30 years. His film credits range from the blockbuster Lethal Weapon franchise to smaller independent features. Glover co‐founded NY based Louverture Films, has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program and is currently serving as UNICEF Ambassador.

The jurors for the 2016 World Documentary Competition section, sponsored by Bira 91, are:

  • Laura Poitras: Laura Poitras is a filmmaker best known for her post-9/11 trilogy and Citizenfour. Her exhibition Astro Noise is at the Whitney museum until May 1, 2016. She is co-creator of Field of Vision (https://theintercept.com/fieldofvision/), and is editing a film about Julian Assange.
  • Douglas Tirola: Douglas Tirola is an award-winning director and producer whose work includes Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead, Kate Plays Christine, Hey Bartender and Making the Boys.  He is President of New York based production company, 4th Row Films.
  • Roger Ross Williams: Academy Award winner, Roger Ross Williams, is the director of the acclaimed films Music By Prudence, God Loves Uganda and the recent Sundance award winning Life, Animated.

The jurors for the 2016 Best New Narrative Director Competition are:

  • Hill Harper: Actor, author & humanitarian, Hill Harper…. Star of "Concussion", "1982" & CBS's ‘Limitless'.
  • Col Needham: Col Needham is the founder and CEO of IMDb, the #1 movie website in the world.
  • Ry Russo-Young: Ry has been making independent films for eleven years; her work has premiered and won awards at several international film festivals. She is currently in post-production on her fourth feature, Before I Fall based on the best-selling young adult novel of the same name. You Won’t Miss Me won a Gotham Independent Film award in 2009. Nobody Walks, co-written with Lena Dunham, won a special Jury Prize at Sundance. Ry has received accolades from the New York State Council on the Arts, the Tribeca Film Institute, the LEF Foundation, and the Sundance Institute.

The jurors for the 2016 Albert Maysles Award (Best New Documentary Director Award) are:

  • Jason Biggs: Jason Biggs was most recently seen starring on Broadway in the critically acclaimed “Heidi Chronicles” opposite Elisabeth Moss. He can also be seen in the Emmy nominated Netflix series, “Orange is the New Black.”
  • Karen Cooper: Since 1972 Karen Cooper has been Director of Film Forum, presiding over the growth of this NYC non-profit cinema. Cooper and Mike Maggiore co-program the theater’s NYC premieres.
  • Sebastian Silva: Chilean writer, director Sebastian Silva has been one of the rare talents to win international acclaim very early in his career. His work has been recognized and awarded at the Golden Globes and Sundance on multiple occasions. He recently directed and acted in his film Nasty Baby which premiered at Sundance.

Short Film Competition Categories

The jurors for the 2016 Narrative Short Film Competition are:

  • Mike Birbiglia: Mike Birbiglia is a comedian, writer, actor and director. He is currently starring in his third critically acclaimed one-person show, Thank God for Jokes Mike’s forthcoming feature film, Don’t Think Twice, which he wrote, directed, and stars in, will be released in 2016.
  • Chloe Grace Moretz: Chloe Grace Moretz made her debut at age seven and has starred in more than 35 films since then. From TV, films, theatre to lending her voice for animated films, Chloe has done it all. Her recent releases include The Fifth Wave, If I Stay and The Equalizer. She has been recognized for her performances by leading publications and has won various awards as well.
  • Sheila Nevins: Sheila Nevins, the President of HBO Documentary films is one of the most awarded producers of all time.  Her awards include 31 Primetime Emmys, 34 News and Documentary Emmys, 40 George Peabody Awards and a 2005 Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The jurors for the 2016 Documentary and Student Visionary Competitions are:

  • Maria Cuomo Cole: Maria Cuomo Cole is an award-winning producer of the feature documentary, Newtown, which premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.  In her career, she has tackled such relevant subjects as gun violence, homelessness, veterans’ PTSD, Domestic Violence and sexual assault.
  • Mark Conseulos: Actor and producer, Mark Conseulos will next be seen in the feature films Nine Lives, All We Had and the TV series “Queen of the South.” Recent credits include Kingdom and Alpha House. 
  • Jessica Yu: Jessica Yu is an Oscar-winning director of documentaries, shorts, and scripted films, including Breathing Lessonsand Last Call at the Oasis, and TV shows like “American Crime” and “Parenthood.
  • Parker Posey, also known as “Queen of Indies” recently appeared in Woody Allen’s Irrational Man and also co-starred with Louis CK in the critically-acclaimed series, “Louie.”
  • Alan Yang: Alan Yang is the co-creator of the Netflix series “Master of None.” Previously, he was a writer and producer for “Parks and Recreation,” for which he was nominated for an Emmy in 2015. 

Storyscapes

The jurors for the 2016 Storyscapes Competition, presented by AT&T, are:

  • Jessica Brillhart: Jessica Brillhart is the Principal Filmmaker for Virtual Reality at Google.
  • Jigar Mehta: Jigar Mehta is passionate about entrepreneurship and intersection of media. As the lead of digital operations at Fusion, he strives towards creating impactful online experiences. Formerly as the lead of engagement at AJ+ Jigar helped the news brand reach 2.2 billion Facebook views.
  • Saschka Unseld: Saschka Unseld is a German-born writer and director. After directing multiple award winning short films, including the 2013 Pixar short The Blue Umbrella, he co-founded Oculus Story Studio where he now works as a Creative Director, exploring the future of VR storytelling. He’s currently finishing up his upcoming VR experience, Dear Angelica.

 Nora Ephron Prize

 The jurors for the 2016 Nora Ephron Prize, sponsored by Coach, are:

  • Rachael Leigh Cook:  Rachael Leigh Cook is an American actress best known for her roles in She’s All That, Josie And The Pussycats,Into The West and Perception. She has also appeared in many critically acclaimed films alongside Hollywood’s biggest stars.
  • Judy Greer: Judy Greer is a prolific actress of film and television that has appeared in over 80 roles to date including in The Descendants, Jurassic World, Ant Man, 13 Going on 30 and many more.
  • Mary Stuart Masterson: Founder of Stockade Works, a net zero film and technology studio in Kingston, NY, Mary Stuart Masterson’s film, TV and theater career has received acclaim both as an actor and director. Her directorial debut, The Cake Eaters, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2007.

Tribeca X Award

 The jurors for the 2016 Tribeca X Award. sponsored by GE, are:

  • Laurie Anderson: Laurie Anderson is a multi-media artist and lives in New York.
  • Scott Carlson: Scott Carlson is the man of many talents. Over the period of 20 years, he has worked at several agencies and co-founded Van’s General store. He is a renowned storyteller from the advertising industry who has mastered fine arts, films, digital media and pop-culture.
  • Judy McGrath: Emmy award-winning MTV Networks veteran Judy McGrath has championed creating content for young adult consumers. In 2013 she founded Astronauts Wanted, a next gen digital studio and a joint venture between McGrath and Sony Music Entertainment.
  • Liev Schreiber: Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominee Liev Screiber is one of the finest American actors who was recently seen in Oscar and Golden Globe award-winning film, Spotlight. He has also won Tony award for his Broadway performance. In 2005, he made his feature directorial debut with Everything is Illuminated.
  • Hank Willis Thomas: Hank Willis Thomas is a New York based photo conceptual artist working primarily with themes related to identity, history and popular culture. He was recently appointed to the Public Design Commission for the city of New York. 

Tribeca Snapchat Shorts

The jurors for the 2016 Tribeca Snapchat Shorts, sponsored by Samsung, are:

  • Jessica Alba: Jessica Alba is an actress, advocate and New York Times bestselling author.  She is founder and chief creative officer of The Honest Company and Honest Beauty.
  • Steve Aoki: Steve Aoki is a Grammy-nominated international producer/ DJ, electronic music entrepreneur, and founder of the trendsetting record label, events/ lifestyle company and apparel line Dim Mak.
  • Steve Buscemi: Steve Buscemi is an American actor, writer, director and producer. He starred in the HBO drama “Boardwalk Empire,” which garnered him a Golden Globe Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy nominations. He is currently appearing in Louis C.K.'s critically acclaimed web series “Horace and Pete.”
  • DJ Khaled: DJ Khaled is an American record producer, radio personality, DJ and record label executive.
  • David Gordon Green: David Gordon Green is a director that made such films as George Washington, All the Real Girls, Pineapple Express, Your Highness, Prince Avalanche, Joe, Manglehorn, Our Brand is Crisis and the HBO series “Eastbound and Down.” Green is currently working on the Amazon series “Red Oaks,” the HBO series “Vice-Principals” and the film Stronger.
  • Vashti Kola: Vashtie Kola is an accomplished music video director, designer & DJ from NYC. She’s directed videos for artists like Justin Bieber & Kendrick Lamar; designed collaborations with Puma and Brand Jordan; and DJs worldwide
  • Marc Mathieu: Marc Mathieu is chief marketing officer of Samsung Electronics America responsible for marketing the company’s portfolio of mobile, virtual reality, home entertainment and home appliances as well as signature services including, the Milk platform and Samsung Pay.
  • Shay Mitchell: Shay Mitchell is most recognizable for her leading role on ABC Family’s hit show “Pretty Little Liars.” She will next be seen in Mother’s Day opposite Jennifer Aniston. She recently released her first novel BLISS.

*Visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival for more information about TFF’s 2016 programs and the full line-up.

2016 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE PUBLIC!

Tickets for the 15th annual Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, go on sale for the general public on Tuesday, March 29 at 11am EST, including screenings of 101 feature documentaries and narratives, and 74 shortfilms, along with a line-up of exclusive talks, unique special events and can’t miss performances. Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone, or at the TFF Ticket Outlet at Bow Tie Chelsea Cinemas 9 and Brookfield Place. The 2016 Tribeca Film Festival will run from April 13 – 24.

The Festival’s film slate includes projects from noted filmmakers and celebrated actors including All We Had, the feature film directorial debut from Katie Holmes; the world premiere of The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea starring Jessica Biel and Jason Sudeikis; and Youth In Oregon, a family dramedy starring Billy Cudrup, Christina Applegate and Josh Lucas. Docs explore hot topics including drone warfare in National Bird, and Herbalife in Betting on Zero; and character explorations including Burden, which explores the life of provocative artist Chris Burden, and Pistol Shrimps, which provides an inside look at a group of women who play recreational basketball, including Aubrey Plaza and her comedic teammates. New this year are Special Screenings as part of the first ever Tribeca Digital Creators program featuring Milo Ventimiglia, Grace Helberg, Hannah Hart and the Gregory Brothers on April 21 at the Festival Hub.

In addition to films, the Tribeca Talks line-up includes discussions with passionate creators and industry leaders including Tom Hanks, Tina Fey, Francis Ford Coppola, Idina Menzel, Patti Smith, Alfonso Cuarón, and Joss Whedon.  TFF’s first ever TV program, Tribeca Tune In, features conversations and screenings with the creators and stars of television shows including “Broad City,” “The Good Wife,” “Grace and Frankie,” “Six Feet Under,” and series premieres of“Roots,” “Animal Kingdom,” and HBO’s “The Night Of.” 

Tickets are now also available for the Festival’s special events including the world premiere of the documentary I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, followed by a special performance by Steve Aoki at the Beacon Theatre on April 15; a screening of Michael Rapaport’s film Hard Lovin’ Woman, followed by a performance by Juliette Lewis at the Festival Hub on April 15; the world premiere of Geezer followed by a performance by Billie Joe Armstrong on April 23 at the Festival Hub; and the 40th anniversary celebration of Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver including a screening of the film followed by a conversation between Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, andPaul Schrader, moderated by Kent Jones, at the Beacon Theatre on Thursday, April 21. Tickets for Beacon Theatre events are available at beacontheatre.com or via Ticketmaster at 866-858-0008.

Individual tickets to TFF’s line-up of experiential programming taking place at the Tribeca Festival Hub, housed at Spring Studios located at 50 Varick Street are also available including access to the Storyscapes multimedia installations and Virtual Arcade VR presentations, which take you from riding on a dragon’s back in “Dragonflight,” to the stage of the Grateful Dead’s final tour in “Grateful Dead: Truckin.” Additional innovation programming includes two different daylong conversation series (one with futurists and another with daring women leaders), gaming experiences, special events, talks and performances.

TICKET COSTS:

Ø  Single tickets for film and TV screenings and talks from $10 – $40

Ø  Tickets with a timed slot for experiential storytelling are $40

Ø  Daylong conference passes $150

Ø  Tribeca Festival Hub pass $550

Ø  All Access pass $1,250

TO PURCHASE TICKETS:

➢ Online: TribecaFilm.com

➢ Telephone: 646-502-5296

➢ In person: Pre-Festival, at Bow Tie Chelsea Cinemas 9, 260 W 23rd St. or Brookfield Place, 250 Vesey Street (2nd Floor Concierge Desk).  During the Festival, every screening venue will have a fully operational Box Office

TAXI DRIVER TO HAVE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT THE 15th ANNUAL TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

Director Martin Scorsese to join stars Robert De Niro,  Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, and writer Paul Schrader for post-screening conversation

The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, announced today that Martin Scorsese’s powerful psychological thriller Taxi Driver will celebrate its 40th Anniversary on April 21 at the 15th edition of the Festival. Starring Robert DeNiro, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Leonard Harris, Peter Boyle, and Cybill Shepherd, Directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Paul Schrader and produced by Michael Phillips and Julia Phillips, the 1976 film was nominated for four Academy Awards®, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Robert De Niro; and two Golden Globes. One of TIME Magazines “all-TIME 100 Movies,” Taxi Driver was called “a brilliant nightmare,” by the Chicago Sun-Times and praised by the Village Voice as “a phenomenon from another day and age.”

Following the anniversary screening at the Beacon Theatre, Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, and Paul Schrader will take part in a special conversation moderated by Kent Jones. Tickets will be available beginning March 24 at 10am EST by visiting beacontheatre.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 866-858-0008. The evening is sponsored by Infor. The Tribeca Film Festival will take place April 13-24.

“Taxi Driver is one of the most brilliantly disturbing movies ever made, and why I chose to go into film. It's had an indelible impact on pop culture, and its performances rank among the most memorable in cinema,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder,Tribeca Film Festival, and Executive Chair, Tribeca Enterprises. “It's a great honor to have the original cast at the Festival and to present this masterpiece to a new generation.”

"It’s odd to think that four decades have passed since we shot Taxi Driver on the streets of a very different New York City. It was made in a surge of energy, starting with Paul’s one-of-a-kind script, and I was working with an extraordinary group of artistic collaborators as anyone could ever hope for—Jodie, who was 13 years old at the time, and Bob gave the picture something precious, dangerous, and altogether remarkable. I’m honored to take part in the celebration of the film’s 40th anniversary at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival,” said Martin Scorsese.

“It’s a great honor for TFF to revisit Taxi Driver. I’m very proud to have worked on this film with Marty, Jodie, Harvey, Cybill, Paul, Michael and Julia as well as the extraordinary cast and crew. I remain equally proud today," said Robert De Niro, Festival co-founder.  

An alienated and quiet loner, taxi driver Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) works the night shift in Manhattan.  After failing to land a date with Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a beautiful campaign aide for presidential candidate Palentine (Leonard Harris), an encounter with a 12- year old prostitute, Iris (Jodie Foster), and her pimp, Sport (Harvey Keitel), convinces Travis that the world is a rotten place.  And as his frustration mounts, he assembles a cache of guns and then learns how to use them…with deadly accuracy.

Sony Pictures digitally restored and re-mastered Taxi Driver to 4K from the original negative, which was shown in a limited theatrical release.  Taxi Driver is currently available on Blu-ray and digital from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival for more information about TFF’s 2016 programs and the full line-up of films.

CONNECT WITH TRIBECA:

Facebook: Facebook.com/Tribeca, Twitter: @Tribeca, Instagram: @Tribeca, Snapchat: TribecaFilmFest, Hashtag: #Tribeca2016

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL®ANNOUNCES TRIBECA TALKS® LINEUP

The 2016 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, today announced its lineup of panels and conversations with some of the industry’s most critically and commercially successful filmmakers, artists, and executives including J.J. Abrams, Andrea Arnold, Anthony Bourdain, Francis Ford Coppola, Katie Couric, Alfonso Cuarón, Jodie Foster, Ricky Gervais, Catherine Hardwicke, Donna Karan, Baz Luhrmann, Patti Smith, Joss Whedon, Olivia Wilde, Samantha Bee, and more. The Tribeca Talks program will run during the 15th edition of TFF, taking place April 13–24.

Tribeca Talks: Directors Series, intimate one-on-one discussions with acclaimed directors, this year includes Alfonso Cuarón, Jodie Foster with Julie Taymor, Joss Whedon in conversation with Mark Ruffalo, J.J. Abramsspeaking with Chris Rock, Andrea Arnold, and Baz Luhrmann with Nelson George. New to this year’s Festival is Tribeca Talks: Storytellers, which features pioneering creators who work across mediums to tell their stories. Francis Ford Coppola, Idina Menzel and Patti Smith join previously announced participants Tom Hanks and Tina Fey for the program. Also debuting for 2016 is Tribeca Talks: Daring Women Summit Powered by the Li.st, a day of conversations with some of the most influential women in arts and technology who will share stories from their illustrious careers and unconventional paths to success, as well as their support and mentorship of other women in their respective fields. Participants include Google Entertainment Industry Educator in Chief Julie Ann Crommett, producer and actress Olivia Wilde, fashion designer Donna Karan, Fresh Off the Boat Showrunner Nahnatchka Khan, among others. 

TFF also announced five additional feature films and two previously announced titles that will screen during the Festival as part of the Tribeca Talks: After the Movie series, which gives audiences a chance to listen to and participate in a conversation with filmmakers, actors, and influencers following screenings of their films.  The program features the world premiere of Special Correspondents and a discussion with writer and director Ricky Gervais, actor Eric Bana, and additional cast, and the world premieres of documentaries I Voted? with writer/director Jason Grant Smith and executive producer Katie Couric, Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent with subject and chef Jeremiah Tower and executive producers Anthony Bourdain and Lydia Tenaglia, and Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe with the creators and subjects of the film. Equity will have its New York premiere, followed by a conversation with director, and winner of the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival’s Nora Ephron Prize Meera Menon. Also featured as part of Tribeca Talks: After the Movie series are the previously announced Contemporary Color, followed by a conversation with directors Bill and Turner Ross led by David Byrne, and Starring Austin Pendleton, featuring a panel with star and subject Austin Pendleton and actors from his career as an actor and director. 

“Storytelling is an expansive medium with the power to advance conversations and issues long after the credits roll,” said Paula Weinstein, Executive Vice President, Tribeca Enterprises. “The Tribeca Talks series gives audiences the chance to continue those conversations as well as hear from legendary figures in film, music, and more.”

This year’s Tribeca Talks series offers audiences the opportunity to hear from some of the top storytellers in the world about their craft, recent and upcoming projects, and innovations across mediums. Additional programs include returning favorites “Tribeca Talks: Master Class,” conversations focusing on a specific sector of the filmmaking process and other special “Tribeca Talks” events including Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival conversations. 

The full schedule for the 2016 Tribeca Talks series follows:

Tribeca Talks: Directors Series, sponsored by Amazon Studios with media support from

Entertainment Weekly

Some of the most distinctive directors discuss their careers and highlights, from Jodie Foster discussing her TV endeavors and the upcoming Money Monster, to Joss Whedon’s cult hits “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” to the Avengers series, J.J. Abrams on Star Trek and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Andrea Arnold’s Red Road and Fish Tank, Alfonso Cuarón’s Y Tu Mamá También and Gravity, and Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming TV show “The Get Down” and stylistic Moulin Rouge. 

J.J. Abrams with Chris Rock

Multi-faceted filmmaker J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, “Felicity”, “Lost”) will discuss the turns and triumphs of his career with comic actor and fellow filmmaker Chris Rock.

DATE: Friday, April 15

TIME: 6:00PM

LOCATION:  John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

Andrea Arnold

One of the freshest voices in cinema today, British filmmaker Andrea Arnold sits down for a conversation about her work from her debut feature Red Road to the highly acclaimed Fish Tank. 

DATE: Monday, April 18

TIME: 2:00PM

LOCATION:  SVA 2

Joss Whedon with Mark Ruffalo

Joss Whedon, director of The Avenger films and creator of cult classics “Angel” and “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” will talk to esteemed actor and collaborator Mark Ruffalo about his distinguished career.

DATE: Monday, April 18

TIME: 6:00PM

LOCATION:  SVA 1

Jodie Foster with Julie Taymor

Jodie Foster has culminated her experience as an actress into directing and will explore how she has forged a position as an esteemed filmmaker in both film and television through a conversation with filmmaker Julie Taymor

DATE: Wednesday, April 20

TIME: 5:30PM

LOCATION:  Festival Hub

Baz Luhrmann with Nelson George

Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann has one of the most distinctly recognizable visual styles in cinema today and discusses creating work which merges both classic and modern worlds through films from The Great Gatsby to Moulin Rouge.

DATE: Saturday, April 23

TIME: 6:00PM

LOCATION:  SVA 1

Alfonso Cuarón with TBD

From the indie hit Y Tu Mamá También to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Gravity Alfonso Cuaron and will discuss his ability to create truly unique cinematic worlds.

DATE: Wednesday, April 20th

TIME: 6:00PM

LOCATION: SVA 1

Tribeca Talks: Storytellers, sponsored by Dean & DeLuca with media support from

Entertainment Weekly

Celebrating passionate creators with a desire to tell stories in a multitude of ways - these pioneers never stay in just one lane.  From Patti Smith turning songwriting into novel writing; to Tom Hanks acting, producing and directing; Tina Fey, writing, acting, producing and creating shows, Idina Menzel performing in TV, film and originating roles in theaters as well as songwriting; and Francis Ford Coppola discussing his passion for food and wine in addition to filmmaking.

Patti Smith

From cultural music icon to novelist Patti Smith has always been ahead of the curve and never afraid to pull punches, she will converse on her career and force field of creativity.

DATE: Thursday, April 14

TIME: 3:00PM

LOCATION:  SVA 2

 

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel has trail blazed a career in film, television and theater not only being there for the inception of stage shows and the roles she has made iconic, but also performed in a variety of mediums and showcased her abilities as a songwriter.

DATE: Monday, April 18

TIME: 4:00PM

LOCATION:  SVA 1

 

Tina Fey with Damian Holbrook

Known for developing smart comedy through her writing and performances in film and television, the former head writer of SNL has also created fan and critic favorite TV shows “30 Rock” and “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”

DATE: Tuesday, April 19

TIME: 6:00PM

LOCATION:  John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

 

Francis Ford Coppola with Jay McInerney

Francis Ford Coppola has given us some of the most memorable films on the big screen but is also a food and wine aficionado with a lifestyle brand.  Francis Ford Coppola Presents encompasses a series of cafes as well as his winery in Sonoma County, CA.

DATE: Wednesday, April 20

TIME: 4:00PM

LOCATION: SVA 1

 

Tom Hanks with John Oliver

In addition to being one of the most beloved actors, Tom Hanks has also produced and directed an astounding number of films and will discuss his passion for great stories.  Political commentator and television host John Oliver leads a conversation with Hanks discussing his prolific career

DATE: Friday, April 22

TIME: 6:00PM

LOCATION:  John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

 

Tribeca Talks: After the Movie

Contemporary Color

In the summer of 2015, legendary musician David Byrne staged an unprecedented event at Brooklyn's Barclays Center to celebrate the art of color guard—synchronized dance involving flags, rifles, and sabers—by pairing regional color guard teams with performers, including St Vincent, Nelly Furtado, and Ad-Rock. More than a concert film, Contemporary Color is a cinematic interpretation of this one of a kind live event, courtesy of visionary filmmakers Bill and Turner Ross.

After the movie: A conversation led by David Byrne with Bill and Turner Ross, with special appearances by color guarders.

DATE: Thursday, April 14

TIME: 9:00PM

LOCATION:  John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

 

Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent (sponsored by CNN Films) 

The Last Magnificent explores the exceptional, adventurous life of Jeremiah Tower, one of the most controversial, outrageous, and influential figures in the history of American gastronomy. Yet his name has largely been obliterated from history. Featuring interviews by Mario Batali, Anthony Bourdain, Martha Stewart, and Ruth Reichl, this delicious documentary for the culinary set tells the story of the rise and fall of America’s first celebrity chef.

After the movie: Subject and Chef Jeremiah Tower and Executive Producers Anthony Bourdain and Lydia Tenaglia

DATE: Saturday, April 16

TIME: 3:00PM

LOCATION:  John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

 

I Voted?

How do you know that your vote is recorded as intended in an election?  After South Carolina candidate Alvin Greene overwhelmingly won the Senate Primary despite having not campaigned, a pandora's box of questions opened regarding the voting process - particularly in a digital age where we rely on computer systems to act with integrity despite the use outdated and unregulated technology.

After the movie: Writer Director Jason Grant Smith, Executive Producer Katie Couric and more.

DATE: Thursday, April 21st

TIME: 5:30PM

LOCATION:  SVA 2

 

Equity

High-powered Wall Street banker Naomi Bishop (Anna Gunn) has been passed over for a promotion again. If she can successfully launch her next high profile IPO, she’ll be back on top. To get the job done, she must bypass her ambitious assistant (Sarah Megan Thomas) and an aggressive US prosecutor (Alysia Reiner) watching her every move, in TFF Nora Ephron Prize winner and alumnus Meera Menon’s financial thriller. A Sony Pictures Classic release.

After the movie: Director Meera Menon, and other female directors discuss their experience in the industry.

DATE: Tuesday, April 19

TIME: 6:00PM

LOCATION:  SVA 2

                                     

Starring Austin Pendleton

Austin Pendleton is that quintessential character actor you might recognize. We follow Austin as he reflects on his life and craft, while his A-list peers discuss his vast influence, dogged determination, and what it means to be an original in today's celebrity-obsessed world.

After the movie: Star and subject Austin Pendleton discusseshis career with fellow actors, including Olympia Dukakis, Peter Saarsgaard, George Morfogen, and Denis O’Hare.

DATE:   Thursday, April 21

TIME: 2:30PM

LOCATION:  SVA 2

 

Special Correspondents

American politics and media are aptly satirized in this feature by firebrand comedian Ricky Gervais. A pretentious radio journalist and his ineffectual technician botch an assignment in South America, and decide to fabricate an on-the-scene report while hiding out in a New York City apartment. This scheme spirals out of their control when their escalating story becomes a national headline.  A Netflix Original Film.

After the movie: A conversation with writer/director Ricky Gervais, actor Eric Bana, and additional cast

DATE: Friday, April 22

TIME: 8:00PM

LOCATION:  John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

 

Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe

The most vitriolic debate in medical history takes a dramatic turn when senior scientist turned whistleblower, Dr. William Thompson of the Centers for Disease Control, turns over secret documents, data, and internal emails confirming what millions of devastated parents and “discredited” doctors have long-suspected – vaccines do cause autism. 

After the movie: a conversation with creators and subjects of the film.

DATE:   Sunday, April 24

TIME: 2:00PM

LOCATION:  SVA2

 

Tribeca Talks: Daring Women Summit Powered by the Li.st

DATE: Wednesday, April 20

TIME: 10:30AM - 5PM

LOCATION:  Festival Hub

 

This day of first-hand storytelling celebrates today’s most influential women in arts and technology who have risen to the top of their respective fields by eschewing traditional career trajectories in creating their own paths. Not only have these women broken ceilings to succeed for themselves, but most importantly they have created opportunities for other women along the way through direct support and mentorship, forging job opportunities for others and creating content where women can see themselves and the possibilities of what they themselves could become.

These creative minds refused to take no for an answer, taking on outsized risks, despite the conventional wisdom. These women in tech and entertainment are bold, they are driven by innovation, and they have reservoirs of expertise and life lessons to share.

Speakers include Producer and Actress Olivia Wilde, Fashion Designer Donna Karan, Full Frontal’s  Samantha Bee, actress & activist Rosie Perez, The Li.st founder Rachel Sklar, HelloGiggles co-founder Sophia Rossi, Google Entertainment Industry Educator in Chief Julie Ann Crommett, ‘Fresh off the Boat’ Showrunner Nahnatchka Khan, actress Mya Taylor, PYPO Creator Stephanie Laing, Chief Content Officer for Refinery 29 Amy Emmerich, New York Public radio’s President & CEO Laura Walker, WNYC’s Death, Sex & Money Anna Sale, actress LaLa Anthony and many more.

 

Tribeca Talks: Master Class (Free event)

Dolby Master Class

Leading sound and music pioneers discuss the complexities of creating sound and music for film.  Check website for panelists.

DATE: Friday, April 15

TIME: 3:00PM

LOCATION:  SVA 2

 

Prepping to Shoot with Catherine Hardwicke (sponsored by Nexxus New York Salon Care)

Twilight, Lords of Dogtown and Thirteen Director Catherine Hardwicke takes you inside preproduction - from creating a workable shot list to constructing lookbooks, shaping locations and building relationships with cast and crew alike - she offers tips and tricks as well as showcasing her personal work materials.

DATE: Sunday, April 17

TIME: 3:00PM

LOCATION:  SVA 2

 

Inside Casting

Esteemed Casting Director Ellen Lewis and Ellen Chenoweth have worked with some of the greatest directors including Martin Scorsese, Mike Nichols, Jim Jarmusch, the Coen Brothers, George Clooney and Stephen Spielberg. They will divulge the process of casting and discovering some of today’s most recognizable faces.  Moderated by Bernard Telsey.

DATE: Saturday, April 23

TIME: 2:30PM

LOCATION:  SVA 2

 

Tribeca Talks - Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival Conversations, sponsored by Mohegan Sun

Elections and “Scandal"  

Debuting their latest Elections short documentary A More Perfect Union, Nate Silver (FiveThirtyEight editor-in-chief), Micah Cohen (FiveThirtyEight politics editor) and guests discuss how the Rev. Wright revelations affected the 2008 Democratic primary between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, how the media handled the story, and what lessons the episode holds for the 2016 election.

DATE: Wednesday, April 20

TIME: 2:30PM

LOCATION:  SVA2

 

·         A More Perfect Union, directed by Eric Drath. (USA) – World Premiere. From the discovery of Reverend Jeremiah Wright's inciting sermons to Obama’s ‘A More Perfect Union’ speech, this short film uses interviews, archives, and a timeline to illustrate the behind-the-scenes drama during a make-or-break moment in the 2008 presidential campaign.

 

O.J.: Made in America with Ezra Edelman and TheUndefeated.com

O.J. Simpson remains one of the most resonant figures in American history.  Undefeated.com editor in chief Kevin Merida moderates a discussion with the film’s director Ezra Edelman, managing editor Raina Kelley and senior culture writer Kelley Carter about ESPN Films’ O.J.: Made in America and its attempt to make sense of both the racial context surrounding the trial 20 years ago, and a life and career still being debated today.

DATE: Sunday, April 24

TIME: 5:30PM

LOCATION:  SVA 2

 

Special “Tribeca Talks” Event

 

Free Like the Birds

Sophie Cruz, a six year old girl fights to keep her family together as the threat of deporting her parentslooms over her. Determined to keep her family together she travels to Washington DC, breaks through police barricades, and talks to the Pope. A girl on a mission. 

After the short film: An in depth conversation with prominent activists about immigration

DATE: Thursday, April 21

TIME: 8:30PM

LOCATION: SVA 2

 

From Film to Game

In the entertainment industry's constantly changing landscape, the lines between mediums are starting to blur. We are witnessing the intersection of gaming and filmmaking to create a new form of storytelling that revitalizes traditional narratives. 

 

Join BioShock’s Ken Levine, Her Story creator Sam Barlow, and filmmaker Will Gluck in a discussion about how content creators are bridging the gap between video games and TV to generate compelling experiences that put the viewer in the driver's seat.

DATE: Monday, April 18

TIME: 8:00PM

LOCATION: Festival Hub

 

Panelists and moderators are subject to change. 

For the most updated schedule, visit www.tribecafilm.com

 

About the Tribeca Festival Hub

The Tribeca Festival Hub is located at 50 Varick Street. For 10 days, the Festival Hub is abuzz with activity that engages the senses, providing a hands-on opportunity to experience the best in storytelling and what happens when it collides with the latest technology. From groundbreaking virtual reality to inspiring films, tv and talks with the best storytellers in the world and can’t-be-missed interactive installations, festival goers converge on the hub to be inspired. The Festival Hub Pass is currently on sale, tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets

 

Passes and tickets for the 2016 Festival 
Passes, including the Hudson and Festival Hub Passes, are on sale now at tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets. The Festival Hub Pass provides access for one to all public events at the Festival Hub at Spring Studios throughout the Festival, including interactive and virtual reality installations, the Virtual Arcade, Tribeca Storyscapes and DEFCON exhibits, Interactive Day and Imagination Day, select Tribeca Talks events, special screenings, live music and performances, as well as Pass Holder Lounges with food and drinks. It also provides access to the Disruptive Innovation Awards, two screening vouchers redeemable for evening/weekend or matinee-priced tickets, discounted rates on festival screening tickets, and an invitation to a Tribeca Film Festival Filmmaker Party. The Festival Hub Pass costs $550. 

 

The Hudson Pass provides access for one to all public events at the Festival Hub, as well as Pass Holder Lounges with food, and drinks. It also provides access to all evening/weekend and matinee screenings, all Tribeca Talks, the Disruptive Innovation Awards, and a Tribeca Film Festival Filmmaker Party. The Hudson Pass costs $1,250.

Single ticket sales begin Tuesday, March 29 and can be purchased at tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets, by telephone at (646) 502-5296 or toll free at (866) 941-FEST (3378), or at one of the Ticket Outlets, located at Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea (260 W. 23rd Street), and Brookfield Place (250 Vesey Street).  Single tickets cost $20.00 for evening and weekend screenings, $10.00 for weekday matinee screenings, $30 for Tribeca Tune In series and $40.00 for Tribeca Talks panels and special screenings. The 2016 Festival will offer ticket discounts on general screenings and Tribeca Talks panels for students, seniors and select downtown Manhattan residents. Discounted tickets are available at Ticket Outlet locations only. 

 

About the Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival, now in its 15th year, brings together visionaries across industries and diverse audiences to celebrate the power of storytelling. A platform for independent filmmaking, creative expression and immersive entertainment, Tribeca supports emerging and established voices, discovers award-winning filmmakers, curates innovative and interactive experiences, and introduces new technology and ideas through panels, premieres, exhibitions, and live performance.

 

Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2001, following the attacks on the World Trade Center, Tribeca has evolved from an annual event to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan to a gathering place for filmmakers, artists, innovators, and the global creative community. Through programs that embrace storytelling in all of its expansive forms – from film and music to video games and online work, TFF reimagines the cinematic experience and explores how art can unite communities.

 

About the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival Sponsors

As Presenting Sponsor of the Tribeca Film Festival, AT&T is committed to supporting the Festival and the art of filmmaking through access and innovation – aiming to make this the most interactive film and storytelling festival in the country, where visitors experience the Festival in ways they never imagined. As one of the largest communications and entertainment companies, AT&T helps millions connect with entertainment, mobile, high speed Internet and voice services – virtually everywhere.

 

The Tribeca Film Festival is pleased to announce its Signature Sponsors: #ActuallySheCan by Allergan, Accenture, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Bai Beverages, Bira 91, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), CHANEL, DEAN & DELUCA, EFFEN® Vodka, ESPN, Hendrick’s Gin, IBM, Infor, IWC Schaffhausen, The Lincoln Motor Company, NBC 4 New York, National CineMedia, New York Magazine, Nexxus New York Salon, Samsung, Spring Studios New York, Thompson Hotels, and United Airlines.

 

IMAGES FOR PRESS:  Film stills for the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival are available at www.image.net. If you are not an image.net media user yet, please register using referral code 2604. If you have any issues or your need is time sensitive please contact blin@TribecaFilmFestival.org 

CONNECT WITH TRIBECA:

  • Facebook: Facebook.com/Tribeca
  • Twitter: @Tribeca
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  • Snapchat: TribecaFilmFest
  • Hashtag: #Tribeca2016

#WFA2016 #WFASoDiverse| Winter Film Awards Indie Film Festival coming soon! February 18-26 2016 !

FEB 18-26 - NEW YORK CITY

86 AWESOME FILMS FROM 26 COUNTRIES
COOL DISCUSSION PANELS - FANTASTIC PARTIES EVERY NIGHT

 

Dear Friends & Fans of Winter Film Awards -

Winter Film Awards Independent Film Festival starts this week!
Check out the Festival Schedule here!

This year's Indie Film Fest runs Feb 18-26 in New York City with a jam-packed schedule of screenings, discussion panels, networking events and after-parties. 86 films by emerging filmmakers from 26 countries — awesome FREE discussion panels — $5 matinees — daily screenings of fantastic films — free rocking parties every night! 

Hollywood continues to ignore women and people of color, but Winter Film Awards celebrates everyone! “I think that when everybody’s story is told, then that makes for better art, that makes for better entertainment. It makes everybody feel part of one family.” — President Obama. 

Tickets on sale now!
Feb 19-25 Screenings & Discussion Panels at Cinema Village
Feb 18 8-11PM, Open Bar 8-9PM Opening Reception at The Attic
Feb 26 8-11PM Gala Awards ceremony & Red Carpet at Club 230Fifth

* FREE Parties every night
* FREE Discussion Panels
* Feb 23 6-7:30pm "Getting the Best Sound in your Indie Film" with NYCPost Group
* Feb 24 6-7:30pm "NY State's Support for Filmmakers" with NYS Governor's Office
sponsored by Jungle Software. Each attendee receives a free copy of the Rate Book!
* Feb 25 6-7:30pm "NYC's Great Benefits for Filmmakers" with NYC Mayor's Office

* Feb 22 2-5:25pm Animation Afternoon Matinee - $5
* Feb 25 Bloody Thursday - All Horror - All Day
* Screenings each night and all weekend $10/adv, $15/door
* All screenings $5 w/Student ID

We look forward to seeing you at our celebration!

Best regards,
The Winter Film Awards Team

#sagawards|#SimplyPerfect| Patrón Tequila and Ultimat Vodka Cocktails Featured at 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® Ceremony and Post-Awards Gala

Patrón tequila and Ultimat vodka cocktails will be featured at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. The specially created cocktails also will be part of the Post-Awards Gala, which is co-hosted by PEOPLE and the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

Patrón has created two signature cocktails with ultra-premium Patrón tequila, and one drink featuring Ultimat vodka, for the star-studded SAG Awards events. The “Patrón 22” in honor of the Awards’ 22nd year, is prepared with 100 percent agave Patrón Silver tequila, fresh pineapple and fresh lime juice. The other Patrón cocktail, aptly called “The Actor,” includes Patrón Reposado tequila (aged more than two months in oak barrels), Patrón Citrónge liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. The “Ultimat Award” cocktail is created with Ultimat vodka, Patrón Citrónge liqueur, cranberry juice, lime and simple syrup.

“It’s truly limitless the number of inventive cocktails that can be created with Patrón tequilas, and events like the Screen Actors Guild Awards are the perfect venue to showcase this versatility,” said Patrón’s mixology manager David Alan, who helped create the cocktails for the evening. “It’s a privilege to again be part of this prestigious celebration, and we look forward to raising a glass of Patrón in a toast to the outstanding performances and talented actors honored at the Awards this year.”


For more information, please visit:

#sagawards | Ken Howard and JoBeth Williams to Announce This Year's Stunt Ensemble Honorees During the SAG Awards® Red Carpet Pre-Show

The 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® Red Carpet Pre-Show Will Stream Live on
Saturday, Jan. 30, from 6 p.m. (ET) / 3 p.m. (PT)

***

SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard and SAG Awards® Committee Chair JoBeth Williams will announce the honorees for Outstanding Action Performances by Film and Television Stunt Ensembles from the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® red carpet, SAG Awards Executive Producer Kathy Connell announced today.

Honorees in these categories, which recognize memorable television and film stunt ensemble action performances during calendar year 2015, will be announced from the red carpet during the SAG Awards Red Carpet Pre-show, when Howard and Williams open the envelopes sealed by the independent election teller and reveal which ensembles received the most votes. The announcement will be webcast live on sagawards.tntdrama.com, sagawards.org and People.com beginning at 6 p.m. (ET) / 3 p.m. (PT).

The nominees for the Screen Actors Guild Awards were selected by two separate film and television nominating panels. each composed of 2,200 SAG-AFTRA members from across the United States. All 116,741 SAG-AFTRA members who were in good standing as of Dec. 1, 2015 are eligible to vote for the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in all categories. Final voting information was sent to eligible members on Dec. 16, and ballots must be received by the Screen Actor Guild Awards’ official teller Integrity Voting Systems by noon (PT) Friday, Jan. 29, 2016.

The nominees for this year’s Outstanding Action Performances by Film and Television Stunt Ensembles are:

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture

“EVEREST” (Universal Pictures)
Gordon Alexander
Nellie Burroughes
Annabel Canaven
Jamie Edgell
Annabel Elizabeth-Wood
Peter Ford
Nic Goodey
Rob Jarman
George Kirby
Sarah Lochlan
Tony Lucken
Belinda McGinley
Erol Mehmet
Chris Newton
Chris Pollard
Tom Rodgers
Ian Van Temperley
Simon Whyman
Jamie Windsor

“FURIOUS 7” (Universal Pictures)
Dean Bailey
Freddie Bociegues
Dave Castillo
John Cienatiempo
Eric Cord
Lateef Crowder
Wally Crowder
Phil Culotta
Scott Dale
Elizabeth Davidovich
Catlian Dechelle
Nicolas Dekay
Jayson Dumenigo
Debbie Evans Leavitt
Lance Gilbert
Tim Gilbert
Andy Gill
Jack Gill
Myles Humphus
Jeff Imada
Jace Jeans
Linda Jewell
Dennis Keiffer
Steve Kelso
Lauren Mary Kim
Henry Kingi
Hank Kingi, Jr.
John Koyama
Joel J. Kramer
Joel Michael Kramer
Paul Lane
Oakley Lehman
Matt Leonard
Terry Leonard
Sam Loc
Victor Lopez
Jay Lynch
Tara Macken
Roman Mitichyan
Heidi Moneymaker
Renee Moneymaker
Robert Nagle
Tree O'Toole
Allan Padelford
Norbert Philips
Steve Picerni
Denney Pierce
Spiro Razatos
Tanoai Reed
Jimmy N. Roberts
Troy Robinson
Joe Ross
John Rottger
Mike Ryan
Tim Trella
Scott Wilder
Travis Wong

“JURASSIC WORLD” (Universal Pictures)
Terry Ahue
Dean Bailey
Gary Baxely
Hunter Baxley
Brandon Beckman
Randy Beckman
Tim Bell
Hannah Betts
Chad Bowman
Jeff Cadiente
Bonnie Campanella
Dave Castillo
Jacob Chambers
Whitney Coleman
Tim Connolly
Jacqueline Cryan
Paul Darnell
Craig Davidson
Rockey Dickey
Tony Donno
Eddie Fernandez
Tait Fletcher
Craig Frosty Silva
Darin Fujimori
Jeff Galpin
Danny Graham
Kenan Harkin
Reid Harper
Regis Harrington
Jen Harris
Karen Harris
Charlie Haugk
Randy Haynie
Daniel Hernandez
Robert Houllion
Michael Jamorski
Keith Jardine
Allen Jo
Noah Johnson
Zero Kazama
Brian Kealeana
Danny Kim
Martin Klebba
Eric Lasko
Matthew Lefevour
Victor Lozano
Jess Lundgren
Mike Majesky
Eddie Matthews
Tony McFarr
John Meier
Carolina Mogollon
Vanessa Motta
Chris O'Hara
Holly O'Quinn
Ales Ordelt
Chris Palermo
Jason Patterson
Guy Pere
Kara Petersen
Gary Price
Austin Priester
Chad Randall
Rush Randle
Suzanne Reed
Greg Rementer
Meredith Richardson
Jason Roberts
Brittany Romatowski
R.A. Rondell Rondell
Rich Rutherford
Jon Sakata
Eric Salas
Kazim Saul
Filipe Savahge
Bill Scharpf
Mark Semos
Jared Shaw
Brendan Shea
Aden Stay
Patrick Stenberg
Eric Stratemeier
Taryn Terrell
Matt Thompson
T. Jay Thompson
Keoni Watson
Nico Woulard
Katie Wright

“MAD MAX: FURY ROAD” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Keith Adams
Shea Adams
Lee Adamson
Michael Addison
Genevieve Aitken
Russell Allen
Cameron Ambridge
Guy Andrews
Eugene Arendsen
Keir Beck
Artur Berezin
Tristan Carrigan
Kabelo Chaletsane
Raelene Chapman
Dayna Chiplin
Malcolm Cochrane
Jared Cohen
Doug Coleman
Hein De Vries
Sebastian Dickins
Paul Doyle
Steve Dunlevy
Kelsey Egan
Morgan Evans
Sean February
Brenda Firmani
Shaun Ford
Sam Foster
Stephen Gall
Bruce Garland
Warren Germishuys
Liam Gherlenda
Paul Goodwin
Dane Grant
Scott Gregory
Steve Griffen
Tad Griffith
Peter Hill
Daniel Himschoot
Katja Hopkins
Natascha Hopkins
John Iles
Russell Ingram
Olivia Jackson
Rob Jones
Ingrid Kleining
Nathan Lawson
Schalk Louw
Cody Mackie
Craig Macrae
Monelisi Magadia
Eduardo Marques
Rob Marshall
Russ McCarol
Rocky McDonald
Ian Meiring
Roland Melville
Darren Mitchell
Tomoki Miyamoto
Craig Morgan
Malibongwe Mqamelo
Aaron Muchanya
Anneli Muller
Stephen Murdoch
Guy Norris
Harlan Norris
Harrison Norris
Richard Norton
Chris Patton
Brett Praed
Thapelo Ramatlhodi
Mark Rayner
Greg Robinson
Mick Roughan
Vince Roxburgh
Inge Sildnik
Yasca Sinigaglia
Ben Smith-Petersen
Michael Soloman
Gillian Statham
Tyrone Stevenson
Ian Stock
Greg Stuart
Glenn Suter
Riley Suter
Matt Taylor
Mark Tearle
Jacob Tomuri
Reon Van Der Watt
Fleur Van Eden
Matthew Van Leeve
Annette Van Moorsel
Karl Van Moorsel
Mick Van Moorsel
John Walton
Mark Wickham
Judd Wild
James Wilkey
Vernon Willemse
Stuart Williamson
Tim Wong
Lawrence Woodward
Avril Wynne

“MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION” (Paramount Pictures)
Scott Armstrong
George Bailey
Oliver Bailey
Randy Beckman
Kieran Clarke
Lucy Cork
Ben Dimmock
Wade Eastwood
Rick English
Chris Gordon
Rob Hunt
David Knight
Mike Li
Adrian McGaw
Robert Nagle
Jorian Ponomareff
Jimmy Roberts
Nik Schodel
Wolfgang Stegemann
Mens-Sana Tamakloe
Jenny Tinmouth
David Van Zeyl
Marlow Warrington-Mattei

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series

“THE BLACKLIST” (NBC)
Airon Armstrong
Kevin Ball
Chris Barnes
Nitasha Bhambree
Michael Brennan
Bryce Burke
Jared Burke
Kachina Dechert
Neimah Djourabchi
Paul Drechsler-Martell
Stefanie Flores
Ed Gabree
Christopher Gombos
Tony Guida
Gene Harrison
Greg Harvey
Chad Hessler
Cort L. Hessler III
Donald Hewitt
Scott Kelly
Pete Klein
Drew Leary
Luke Lesko
Roberto Lopez
Terence Lorino
Stephen Mann
Mike Matera
Chazz Menendez
Luis Moco
Declan Mulvey
James Newman
Josiah Nolan
Christopher Parke
Ashley Pynn
Jodi Pynn
Bob Roseman
Akos Schenek
Hannah Scott
Derrick Simmons
Brian Smyj
Matt Triplett
Thad Turner
Aaron Vexler

“GAME OF THRONES” (HBO)
Boian Anev
Richard Bradshaw
Jonathan Cohen
Christopher Cox
Jacob Cox
Matt Crook
Rob DeGroot
Levan Doran
Clint Elvy
James Embree
Bradley Farmer
Richard Hansen
Bobby Holland-Hanton
Radoslav Ignatov
Borislav Iliev
Rowley Irlam
Erol Ismail
Milen Kaleychev
Paul Lowe
Jonathan McBride
Sian Milne
David Newton
Radoslav Parvanov
Ian Pead
Jan Petrina
Rashid Phoenix
Andy Pilgrim
Dominic Preece
Marc Redmond
Paul Shapcott
Ryan Stuart
Pablo Verdejo
Calvin Warrington-Heasman
Annabel E Wood
Danko Yordanov
Lewis Young

“HOMELAND” (Showtime)
Marco Albrecht
Boris Backes
Georg Ebinal
Jörg Ellmer
Wanja Götz
Matthias Günther
Ralf Haeger
Florian Hotz
Niklas Kinzel
Alrik Kreemke
Charlene Kreemke
Stefan Langel
Wolfgang Lindner
Bruno Montani
Piet Paes
Leo Plank
Markus Ranglack
Asuka Tovazzi

“MARVEL'S DAREDEVIL” (Netflix)
Airon Armstrong
Bryce Biederman
Damien Bray
Chris Brewster
Timothy Thomas Brown
Scott Burik
Bryce Burke
Jared Burke
Mike Burke
Chris Cenatiempo
Gui DaSilva Greene
Steve DeCastro
Jake Eavey
Pete Epstein
Roy Farfel
Mark Fichera
Aja Frary
Tim Garris
Shane Geraghty
Samuel Glen
Roberto Gutierrez
Greg Harris
Craig Henningsen
Donald Hewitt
Don Hewitt, Sr.
Alex Huynh
Steve Izzi
Aaron Joshua
Mindy Kelly
Aidan Kennedy
Pete Klein
Thomas LaMarche
Danny Le Boyer
Drew Leary
Matt Leonard
Luke Lesko
James Lew
Eric Linden
Carlos Lopez
Roberto Lopez
Samantha MacIvor
Hans Marrero
Ian McLaughlin
Jason Mello
Luis Moco
Declan Mulvey
Panuvat Anthony Nanakornpanom
Jason Ng
Jim Ng
Josiah Nolan
Victor Paguia
Chris Place
Tom Place
Stephen Pope
Simon Rhee
JC Robaina
Joe Ross
Philip J. Silvera
Canine Sinclair
Evan Taylor
Shawnna Thidodeau
Trampas Thompson
Aaron Vexler
Luke Vexler
Jen Weissenberg
Adam Wood

“THE WALKING DEAD” (AMC)
Laura Beamer
Marcelle Colletti
Stephan Conroy
Raven Daniel
Elizabeth Davidovich
Keith Davis
Nick Dekay
Greg Dela Riva
Anthony Dirocca
Ian Eyer
Rachel Gelfeld
Damita Jane Howard
Duke Jackson
Cal Johnson
Ashley Martin
Marque Ohmes
Ryan Olsen
Meredith Richardson
Baylin Ripenkroger
Andy Rusk
Felipe Savahge
Dalton Simons
Savannah Simons
Chris Tardieau
Nikki Tomlinson
Casey Zeller

NOTE: Credits for the Stunt Ensemble Nominees are not final.  All names are subject to verification. 

For more information about the SAG Awards®, SAG-AFTRA, TNT and TBS, visit sagawards.org/about.

GUILLERMO DEL TORO, JOHN KRASINSKI, ANG LEE JOIN ACADEMY PRESIDENT CHERYL BOONE ISAACS FOR OSCARS(R) NOMINATIONS IN 24 CATEGORIES

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Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Guillermo del Toro, John Krasinski and Ang Lee will announce the 88th Academy Awards® nominations in all 24 Oscar® categories at a special two-part live news conference on Thursday, January 14, at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.  The Oscars® will air Sunday, February 28, live on ABC. 

At 5:30 a.m. PT, del Toro and Lee will announce the nominees in the following categories: Animated Feature Film, Cinematography, Costume Design, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Song, Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Sound Editing and Sound Mixing.

At 5:38 a.m. PT, Krasinski and Boone Isaacs will take the stage to unveil the nominations for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Directing, Film Editing, Foreign Language Film, Original Score, Best Picture, Production Design, Visual Effects, Adapted Screenplay and Original Screenplay.

The Nominations Announcement is a live news conference where more than 400 media representatives from around the world will be gathered. The event will be broadcast and streamed live on www.oscars.org/live.

Nominations information for all categories will be distributed simultaneously to news media in attendance and via the official Oscars website, www.oscar.com.

A director, writer and producer, del Toro may be best known for “The Devil’s Backbone,” the “Hellboy” films, “Pan’s Labyrinth,” which earned him an Oscar nomination for Original Screenplay, and “Crimson Peak.”  He also is the creator of the television series “The Strain.”

Krasinski’s role in the Emmy®-winning series “The Office” catapulted him into the public eye in 2005.  His feature credits include Paramount’s “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” and “Promised Land,” which he also co-wrote and produced.  He directed and stars in “The Hollars,” premiering at Sundance this month.

Lee, a two-time Oscar winner, directed and produced the 2000 Best Foreign Language Film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and earned Directing Oscars for “Brokeback Mountain” and “Life of Pi.”  His latest film, “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” is currently in post-production.

The 88th Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

GLOBAL LIVE STREAM AVAILABLE AT: OSCARS.ORG/LIVE

For more information, please visit:

#SAF|#sagawards|SAG Awards® Red Carpet Bleacher Seats Up for Bid Through January 17

Auction Benefits the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Children’s Literacy & Assistance Programs

The SAG Awards® Red Carpet Bleacher Seat Auction, the second in a trio of online auctions benefiting the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, begins today at 9 p.m. (ET) / 6 p.m. (PT) at sagawards.org/auction. Film and television fans will be able to bid on over 100 bleacher seats, from which they can see their favorite stars walk the SAG Awards Red Carpet and have the opportunity to take pictures and request autographs during the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® arrivals on Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. Special VIP positioning includes front row seats with a terrific view of the red carpet procession and the stars interacting with the news media and fashion photographers. The auction closes Sunday, Jan. 17 at 9 p.m. (ET) / 6 p.m. (PT).

Proceeds from the SAG Awards Red Carpet Bleacher Seats Auction support the Foundation’s signature children's literacy programs: BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) and Storyline Online (storylineonline.net) where professional actors read to close to 6 million children in classrooms and online every month. The auction also supports the Foundation's Catastrophic Health Fund and Emergency Assistance Program for performers in need.

On Saturday, Jan. 30 the SAG Awards Red Carpet Pre-show, including the announcement of the outstanding television and film stunt ensemble action performances honorees, begins at 6 p.m. (ET) / 3 p.m. (PT) and will be webcast live on sagawards.tntdrama.com, sagawards.org and People.com. The live simulcast of the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on TNT and TBS begins later, at 8 p.m. (ET) / 5 p.m. (PT).

The SAG Awards Ceremony Auction, the final auction in the series of online fundraisers, is scheduled to begin Friday, Jan. 29. Featured items donated by this year’s nominees and presenters will include autographed scripts, posters, wardrobe and props. Opportunities to visit sets will also be offered, as well as experiential packages from studios, sponsors and entertainment media outlets.

For more information, visit:

THE 2016 OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL (FEBRUARY 17-21) ANNOUNCES FULL SCHEDULE

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The 2016 Oxford Film Festival announced the full schedule and complete slate of films for this year’s edition. A record breaking 144 films (25 features, 119 shorts and music videos) representing 14 countries were selected for the film festival taking place February 17-21 in Oxford, Mississippi. A series of special filmmaker panels including a talk with film and television star Joey Lawrence will be offered for Mississippi filmgoers to attend, 21 short films will screen for the first time anywhere, and 21 alumni filmmakers will see their latest work screen at Oxford with as many as 80 filmmakers planning to attend the popular film festival.
 
Narrative feature films in competition this year include; Claire Carré’sEMBERS; A.D. Calvo’s THE MISSING GIRL; Kostadin Bonev’s THE SINKING OF SOZOPOL; John W. Mann and Jon Gunn’s THE WEEK; and Rupert Glasson’s WHAT LOLA WANTS. Documentary features in competition are; Gerald Peary’s ARCHIE’S BETTY; Nick Brandestini’s CHILDREN OF THE ATTIC; Ryan Kelley’s DIXIE; Neal Broffman’s HELP US FIND SUNIL TRIPATHI; and Sara Kaye Larson and Joann Self Selvidge’s THE KEEPERS. The presentation of the Oxford Film Festival’s Hoka Awards will take place on Saturday, February 20 at The Lyric (1006 Van Buren Avenue).
 
Oxford Film Festival Executive Director Melanie Addington said, “The Oxford Film Festival continues to grow and this year’s selections – both in subject matter, representation from around the world, and the sheer number of films chosen – reflects that. As always, we are celebrating our ‘home grown’ filmmakers and their work, but we are also screening films with provocative subjects, from different cultures and a myriad of genres in our effort to deliver a broad spectrum of experiences in the theater to our eager Mississippi film fans. We also are thrilled at the idea of having so many filmmakers attend the festival this year to be here in-person, see their work screened, and be available to talk to the public about their movies.”
 
Highlights among the feature film selections include “can’t-miss” documentaries like; Amy Berg’s devastating documentary AN OPEN SECRET about the sexual abuse of minors in Hollywood; Les Blank’s A POEM IS A NAKED PERSON, his long-awaited profile of musician Leon Russell; Abigail Disney’s THE ARMOR OF LIGHT, which takes a look at an evangelical preacher’s efforts to discuss gun control; the world premiere of local filmmaker Rex Jones’ LONGLEAF: THE HEAR OF PINE, which traces the history and current status of the South’s primeval forest; and Joanne Grant’s Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker, which looks at the life of the civil rights figure.
 
On the narrative front, standouts include; Tony Bloodworth’s thriller FORCED MOVE  and Mark Potts’ superhero comedy SPAGHETTI MAN which will both make their world premieres; 5-Second Films’ 80’s slasher films parody DUDE BRO PARTY MASSACRE III which is sure to be a crowd pleaser; Johnny Remo’s SAVED BY GRACE stars Joey Lawrence as a bitter ex-cop trying to come to terms with a tragic past with the help of a new relationship which brings some grace into his life; Max Myers’ SLIP, TUMBLE, AND SLIDE features Scott Wilson and Katherine Ross in a story about overcoming addiction through faith, music and love; an encore screening of John Stuart Wildman’s critically acclaimed grindhouse genre film THE LADIES OF THE HOUSE starring Anime voice talent Brina Palencia and former adult film star Michelle ‘Belladonna’ Sinclair; and a special presentation of the restored JONATHAN DEMME PRESENTS MADE IN TEXAS short film compilation about the punk rock scene of the 70s and early 80s, originally screened in 1981.
 
The series of panels offered are headed by a “Conversation with…Joey Lawrence” where he will discuss his career including his experiences being a teen idol and his new faith-based film SAVED BY GRACE, and include additional compelling panel subjects subjects such as “Casting Character Actors”, “Producing Films in Mississippi”, “Casting Child Actors”, “Dissecting Hollywood’s Diversity Problem”, “How to Get Film Critics to review Your Film”, and “Independent Black Film Collective”.
 
World premieres and star wattage dot the ambitious slate of short films screening at Oxford this year. Among the 21 world premieres are; Michaela O’Brien’s Anatomical Gifts; Jeremy Jensen’s Araignee; George Gross’ BOOKER WRIGHT’S MASHUP; Damein Wash’s Bottle of Sunshine; G.B. Shannon’s  Broke Dick Dog; Kimberly Burleigh’s CANNOT PREDICT NOW; Eileen Myers’ THE FAVOR; Thad Lee’s FIDDLER’S GREEN; Jordan Liebwitz’s Hit & RUN; Sajad Abbas’ THE IRAQI SUPERMAN; Tate Moore’s Kudzu Kings 20th Anniversary; Michael Jackson Chaney’s LITTLE STICKER; Tim O'Grady’s MO’ BOUT JOE; James Martin’s THE NEW ORLEANS SAZERAC; Nancy Maria Balach and Katie McLaughlin’s Ole Miss Rebel Blues; Alice Walker’s Once A Month; Jason Rochelle’s One Star Delta Night; Calum Macdiarmid’s PREACHERMAN; Gloria Chung’s River Moon Black Birds; Roberta Munroe’s THE SIBLING CODE; and Gloria Chung’s Take the Bus on a Hot Summer Day.
 
Recognizable faces popping up among the short film selections include; Alex Karpovsky in Michael Tyburski’s Actor Seeks Role; Alvaro Ron’s THE RED THUNDER features the trio of television stars Allie Grant (“Weeds”), Miles Heizer (“Parenthood”), and Karen Strassman (“Silicon Valley”); Jeff Tan’s MOTHER’S DAY stars Academy Award-winner Melissa Leo; and Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender are producers of David Victori’s ZERO.
 
2016 will mark a banner year for Oxford filmmaking alumni. Among the seemingly countless local filmmakers seeing their work screen at the festival for the second or third, etc. time are; ARCHIE’S BETTY director Gerald Peary Archie’s Betty (FOR THE LOVE OF MOVIES/2010); BROKE DICK DOG director G.B. Shannon (FRESH SKWEEZED/2012, PRETTY MONSTERS/2012, SONGS IN THE KEY OF DEATH/2013 and more); (Down Down Down director Coop Cooper (The Best Day/2012); Fallen Star AJC & The Envelope Pushers director Clay Hardwick; Fiddler’s Green director Thad Lee (Bill Lilly Builds a Greenhouse/2011); Fitting the Description in North Portland director Jarratt Taylor (THE NEW DEBUTANTES/2012); The Happy Song director Coop Cooper (The Best Day/2012); Hit & Run director Jordan Liebowitz (BINGO NIGHT/2015); THE HOUSE IS INNOCENT director: Nicholas Coles (TOWN PLANNER/2005);  INTERSECTION director Brendan Beachman (STASIS/2009); Life is Super Gr8 director: Wade Vanover (REPEATER/2015); LIVING WITH H.I.V. director Kathryn A. Rodenmeyer (UPROOTED/2005); Nirvana: A Short Film About Lung Cancer director J. Michael Hicks (PICTURE SHOW/2014); River Moon Black Birds and TAKE THE BUS ON A HOT SUMMER DAY director Gloria Chung (TAKE 5 WITH MEMORY V/2015); Rock Me Slow director Edward Valibus (Songs in the Key of Death/2014); Snow Day director: Drew Smith (BOOK OF NOAH/2008 and BEING AWESOME/2014); STAGRASSLE PARANORMAL director Glenn Payne (A HORROR MOVIE/2015); and ’Til Death director Matthew Graves (Dummy/2007, The Show Must Go On/2012, Barry/2015).
 
Tickets and passes are available for purchase to attend the 2016 Oxford Film Festival.

For more information please visit: http://www.oxfordfilmfest.com.
 

FILMS AND DESCRIPTIONS

 
Feature Films
 
A Poem is a Naked Person (2015)
Director: Les Blank
Country: USA, Running Time: 90 min
An ineffable mix of unbridled joy and vérité realism, A Poem Is a Naked Person presents the beloved singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Leon Russell as filmed by documentarian Les Blank between 1972 and 1974. This singular film about an artist and his community never got an official theatrical release and has attained legendary status. Now, after more than forty years, it can finally be seen and heard in all its rough beauty.
 
An Open Secret (2015)
Director: Amy J. Berg
Country: USA, Running Time: 98 min
An Open Secret is an expose of the systemic and ongoing sexual abuse of minors in Hollywood and the investigation into the now infamous Digital Entertainment Network (DEN).
 
Archie’s Betty (2015)
Director: Gerald Peary
Country: USA, Running Time: 79 min
An independent documentary search for the real-life characters behind Archie comics.
 
THE ARMOR OF LIGHT (2015)
Director: Abigail Disney
Country: USA, Running Time: 88 min
What price conscience? Abigail Disney's directorial debut, The Armor of Light, follows the journey of an Evangelical minister trying to find the courage to preach about the growing toll of gun violence in America.
 
Babysitter (2015)
Director: Morgan Krantz
Country: USA, Running Time: 80 min
A dysfunctional L.A. family hires a mysterious babysitter who changes their lives.
 
Children of the Arctic (2015)
Director: Nick Brandestini
Country: Switzerland, Running Time: 93 min
Children of the Arctic is a portrait of Native Alaskan teenagers coming of age at America's northernmost edge. As their climate and culture undergo profound changes, they strive to be both modern American kids and the inheritors of an ancient whaling culture.
 
Dixie (2015)
Director: Ryan Kelley
Country: USA, Running Time: 93 min
The song “Dixie” has haunted the United States for over 150 years. Written in 1859 by a blackface minstrel, the song became the national anthem for the confederacy during the American Civil War. Modern musicians, both black and white, have reinterpreted the song and offered new insights into what it means to be an American, and what the future holds for America's most dangerous song.
 
Dude Bro Party Massacre III (2015)
Directors: Tomm Jacobsen, Michael Rousselet, Jon Salmon
Country: USA, Running Time: 102 min
Behold comedy troupe 5-Second Films’ hysterical twist on 1980’s slasher flicks. In the wake of two back-to-back mass murders on Chico’s frat row, loner Brent Chirino must infiltrate the ranks of a popular fraternity to investigate his twin brother's murder at the hands of the serial killer known as Motherface.
 
Embers (2015)
Director: Claire Carré
Country: USA, Running Time: 85 min
After a global neurological epidemic, those who remain search for meaning and connection in a world without memory. Five interwoven stories explore how we might learn, love and communicate in a future that has no past.
 
FORCED MOVE (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Tony Bloodworth
Country: USA, Running Time: 79 min
A man discovers a series of brutal murders while on his daily jog.  Realizing his home is next in the path of the killers, he races against time to save his family.
 
Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker (2015)
Director: Joanne Grant
Country: USA; Running Time: 63 min
Documentary reveals the instrumental role that Ella Baker, a friend and advisor to Martin Luther King, played in shaping the American civil rights movement. By looking at the 1960s from the perspective of Baker, the "godmother of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee," Fundi adds an essential understanding of the U.S. civil rights movement.
 
Help Us Find Sunil Tripathi (2015)
Director: Neal Broffman
Country: USA; Running Time: 75 min
A family's search for their missing son and the hunt for suspects in a terror attack tragically converge in Help Us Find Sunil Tripathi, a film about truth and community in the age of social media.
 
Jonathan Demme Presents Made in Texas (2015)
Country: USA; Running Time: 103 min
The film presentation is a series of six restored short films from Austin, Texas made during the high energy, punk rock ‘70s and ‘80s. Demme originally curated this program in 1981 and the films have been restored and presented as they were from the original screening.
 
THE KEEPERS (2015)
Directors: Sara Kaye Larson, Joann Self Selvidge
Country: USA, Running Time: 70 min
The Keepers is a portrait of the personalities and work of zookeepers shot with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access at the Memphis Zoo. A bittersweet, nonjudgmental look at what it means to find a place for yourself, working a job that you love.
 
Ladies of the House (2015)
Director: John Wildman
Country: USA; Running Time: 93 min
Film follows the events surrounding a birthday outing with two brothers and a friend which turns into a horrific fight for survival after they become trapped in a house with a "family" of malevolent women who enjoy a pin-up lifestyle and a special diet.
 
LongLeaf: The Heart of Pine (2015) – World Premiere
Director: Rex Jones
Country: USA; Running Time: 54 min
A cultural and natural history of the South's ancient primeval forest. Towering stands of old-growth longleaf pine (pinus palustris) once covered over 90 million acres while stretching from southern Virginia to eastern Texas. Today, the total acreage is about two million, with only about two thousand of that considered old growth.
 
THE MISSING GIRL (2015)
Director: A.D. Calvo
Country: USA, Running Time: 89 min
The Missing Girl tells the story of Mort, the lonely and disillusioned owner of a comic book shop, and Ellen, the emotionally disruptive, aspiring graphic novelist he's hired. The story involves the search for a girl who isn’t missing and the discovery that it's never too late for late bloomers.
 
Saved by Grace (2015)
Director: Johnny Remo
Country: USA, Running Time: 82 min
A retired police officer (Joey Lawrence), despondent over the loss of his family, contemplates a dramatic decision which will change his life forever, until he meets a mysterious woman who, through her personal stories, gives him a reason to re-examine what is most important to him.
 
Searching for Hell (2015)
Directors: Pawel Nazaruk, Tomasz Adamski, Darek Barecki, Yuki Nakamura, Gloria Kurnik, James Kenney
Country: USA, Running Time: 77 min
Hell exists. It’s just not what you think it is. The world’s first full-length documentary film in virtual reality cinema.
 
THE SINKING OF SOZOPOL (2015)
Director: Kostadin Bonev
Country: Bulgaria, Running Time: 100 min
An aging man goes back to Sozopol and brings along his memories and ten bottles of vodka. It is clear that when the vodka is over, something must happen. Something that will change his life forever. Because when hope is gone, a miracle is the last resort.
 
Slip, Tumble and Slide (2015)
Director: Max Myers
Country: USA; Running Time: 96 min
A family struggles to help the father (Scott Wilson) stop drinking and regain the close ties he once had to his sons and to his wife (Katherine Ross). With love, faith and music the come together as a family.
 
Spaghetti Man (2015) - World Premiere
Director: Mark Potts
Country: USA, Running Time: 88 min
Clark doesn't care about you. He doesn't care about the world. He barely cares about himself. But after an incident with an old bowl of spaghetti and a malfunctioning microwave, he becomes a superhero that can fight crime with the power of spaghetti. However, you have to pay him.
 
Texas Heart (2015)
Director: Mark David
Country: USA, Running Time: 100 min
Film tells the story of Peter Franklin, a crooked lawyer who's caught up in a loveless existence, loses a critical case for the mob, and runs off to hide out in a backwoods Texas town. There he encounters a compelling story involving a mentally-challenged young man who is accused of killing a beautiful girl. Frank soon faces an agonizing choice:  ignore the case in order to remain anonymous and far from the prying eyes of the mob or reach out and try to save the young man.
 
THE WEEK (2015)
Directors:  John W. Mann, Jon Gunn
Country: USA, Running Time: 97 min
Dick Romans is a washed up TV host whose wife leaves him the day before their ten-year anniversary celebration. Alone with his thoughts, his dog, and a ton of booze, Dick decides to go through with the week-long party... by himself. The seven event-filled days become his reluctant vision quest, filled with odd characters, awkward romance, and some long-overdue self-examination.
 
WHAT LOLA WANTS (2015)
Director: Rupert Glasson
Country: USA, Running Time: 81 min
17-year old Lola Franklin runs away from home but allows the world to believe she has been kidnapped. Intent on making her way across country, she meets a boy her age in a New Mexico diner. They fall instantly in love. But when Marlo learns of the reward for Lola's safe return, he must confront his own past and decide whether to take Lola back home to collect the reward or help her continue her mysterious journey.

Short Films and Music Videos

 
A King’s Betrayal (2015)
Director: David A Bornstein
Country: USA; Running Time: 8:27 min
The final 24 hours in the life of a Piñata, as told from the Piñata's perspective.
 
A Place Within a Place (2015)
Director: Edward Ramsay-Morin
Country: USA, Running Time: 2:22 min
Starting as a study in form and variability, this film soon developed into a meditation on isolation, transformation, presence and absence. It is composed from photographs of 400 exit holes from cicada nymph tunnels.
 
Actor Seeks Role (2015)
Director: Michael Tyburski
Country: USA; Running Time: 19 min
An aspiring method actor (Alex Karpovsky) in New York City resorts to medical acting, a part-time gig performing the symptoms of various illnesses for student doctors.
 
Affections (2015)
Director: Bridey Elliott
Country: USA; Running Time: 16:08 min
A comedy about isolation and loneliness, Affections follows a young woman, adrift, seeking intimacy in the most unlikely places.
 
American Virgin (2015)
Director: Tamzin Merchant
Country: USA; Running Time: 16:44 min
Allie is desperate to attend Juilliard summer school but her family can't afford it. With the help of her older cousin Ty, she decides to sell her most valuable asset…her virginity.
 
Anatomical Gifts (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Michaela O'Brien
Country: USA; Running Time: 5:58 min
An intensely patterned silent film spanning three generations of palpable minds. All medical imagining is sourced from the related grandmother, mother, and filmmaker.
 
Araignee (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Jeremy Jensen
Country: USA; Running Time: 1:22 min
Two talented spiders compete against each other. Who will be the best weaving master?
 
Atchafalaya (2015)
Director: Brian C Miller Richard
Country: USA; Running Time: 21 min
With his marriage on the rocks, Game Warden Henri Judice is forced to investigate a mysterious call-out deep in the Louisiana swamp before a devastating hurricane tears through the area.
 
THE BESPOKE TAILORING OF MISTER BELLAMY (2015)
Director: Alexander Jeffery
Country: USA, Running Time: 16:14 min
At the integration of the job market in 1964 Louisiana, a posting for a janitorial position at a local law firm and the discovery of an old sewing machine ignites a buried passion in old Mister Bellamy.
 
THE BLACK DEFINITION (2016)
Director: Michael Fant
Country: USA, Running Time: 11:03 min
Seven black male students discuss the racial climate in America today, including stereotypes, police brutality and progression.
 
Blazing Sun (2015)
Director: Fred Castadot
Country: Belgium; Running Time: 24 min
Under the leaden sky of a summer day, Eric goes to work to defend a great issue. But, blinded by stress, Eric is forgetting the most important thing...
 
BOOKER WRIGHT’S MASHUP (2016) - World Premiere
Director: George Gross
Country: USA, Running Time: 2:50 min
A musical video mashup of Booker Wright's infamous 1966 monologue on NBC News' TV documentary, Mississippi: A Self Portrait.
 
Bookin' (2015)
Directors: John Kirkscey and Billie Worley
Country: USA, Running Time: 18:03 min
Two Memphis jookers and two ballet dancers fuse their distinct dance styles to a soundtrack that mixes hip-hop beats and cello at a famous Memphis juke joint.  Shot in Memphis, Tennessee at the historic Earnestine & Hazel's.
 
Borrowed Time (2015)
Director: Lou Hamou-Lhadj, Andrew Coats
Country: USA, Running Time: 6:45 min
A weathered Sheriff returns to the remains of an accident he has spent a lifetime trying to forget. With each step forward, the memories come flooding back. Faced with his mistake once again, he must find the strength to carry on.
 
Bottle of Sunshine (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Damein Wash
Country: USA, Running Time: 2:58 min
A boy, all clean and dressed up, is denied ice cream and forbidden to get dirty by his mother. She leaves him on the bench as she goes into a shop. Then, a little girl appears.
 
Bottomless (2015)
Director: Véronique Vanblaere
Country: USA, Running Time: 2:03 min
A Belgian woman seeks citizenship in the United States, and finds that her experiences are bottomless.
 
THE BRAVEST, THE BOLDEST (2015)
Director: Moon Molson
Country: USA, Running Time: 16:53 min
A young mother in a Harlem housing project realizes the arrival of two uniformed soldiers brings news she can't bring herself to accept.
 
Broke Dick Dog (2016) - World Premiere
Director: G.B. Shannon
Country: USA, Running Time: 11 min
Three newly acquainted brothers confront their long absent and indifferent father.
 
THE BUTTON KING (2015)
Director: Ava Lowrey
Country: USA, Running Time: 8:04 min
Dalton Stevens is a folk artist from Bishopville, South Carolina. An insomniac, he stumbled on his art by accident – developing a hobby of covering things with buttons when unable to sleep late at night. Now in his late 80’s, Stevens has been creating folk art with buttons for over 20 years, becoming known as “The Button King.”
 
Call Me Cappy (2015)
Director: Maja Holzinger
Country: USA, Running Time: 17:34 min
Wally, a bowling alley manager in his 60s, leads a perfectly uneventful life. One day, he receives a piece junk of mail informing him that he has won a tropical cruise. Wally slowly becomes more and more intrigued by the idea of seeing the ocean for the first time.
 
Cannot Predict Now (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Kimberly Burleigh
Country: USA, Running Time: 4:38 min
Cannot Predict Now is a short experimental 3D computer animation.  It features a spherical form that continuously evolves to perform its function as a predictor of the future.
 
THE CUT (2016) - North American Premiere
Director: Jeroen Pool
Countries: UK, Netherlands, Running Time: 5:22 min
The Italian hairdresser Rodrigo has outspoken views on hairdressing and beauty. For him outer beauty, the sculpture, is inextricably linked with inner beauty, the soul. Anyone can cut hair, but hairdressing is about truly understanding and connecting with the person whose hair you are cutting.
 
Cut/Chop/Cook (2015)
Director: Joe York
Country: USA, Running Time: 13:37 min
CUT/CHOP/COOK profiles Rodney Scott of Scott's Bar-B-Q in Hemingway, South Carolina. Says Scott, "We only cook with wood and I'm so sure that we only cook with wood because we go out and chop it ourselves." This film was produced by the University of Mississippi's Media & Documentary Projects Center & the Southern Foodways Alliance, with funding from the Union Square Hospitality Group.
 
cyberGenesis (2015)
Director: André Silva
Country: USA, Running Time: 13 min
CYBERGENESIS is a fantastical, animated journey (segments of which have been creatively crowd-sourced) that imagines a future creation myth, crafted by cyber consciousness from bits and pieces of humanity's online legacy.
 
Delta Flavor (2015)
Director: Alison Fast
Country: USA, Running Time: 8 min
Artisan ice cream maker Hugh Balthrop of Sweet Magnolia Ice Cream Co. invents small-batch recipes like Delta Pecan, Muscadine Gelato and Sweet Tea Sorbet, linking small farmers with major markets, and mentoring youth into first time apprenticeships.
 
Down Down Down (2016)
Director: Coop Cooper
Country: USA, Running Time: 3:25 min
A music video by Steve Kolbus and the Clarksdale Blues Revue. Shot on location, live at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
 
El Portal (2015)
Director: J. Robinson
Country: USA, Running Time: 7:52 min
EL PORTAL is an experimental documentary about the Cedar Motor Lodge in El Portal, California (population: 474). Combining vintage analog home videos with footage shot this summer, the film spans twenty-five years, weaving together the complicated and tragic story of the lodge with the filmmaker’s family history.
 
Fallen Star AJC & THE ENVELPE PUSHERS (2016)
Director: Clay Hardwick
Country: USA, Running Time: 8 min
FALLEN STAR is what happens when you make it to the top. This music video combines three original songs into a cinematic narrative, following AJC into a world of bitter famedom. Of course, making a deal at the crossroads has its costs.
 
The Faucet (2016) - U.S. Premiere
Directors: Danny Klimetz, Samip Raval
Country: USA, Running Time: 4:28 min
A gentleman just wants to wash his hands…
 
THE FAVOR (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Eileen Myers
Country: USA, Running Time: 10:36 min
The film explores what it means to be a daughter, a husband and ultimately a partner. Ellen and Ralph have differing views on how to handle Ellen's dying mother's imminent passing. Finding a weathered photograph of her mother in happier times, Ellen is convinced this youthful love is what her mother needs to make her death easier.
 
FIDDLER’S GREEN (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Thad Lee
Country: USA, Running Time: 5:55 min
A song about a mysterious afterworld for people who are too bad for Heaven and too good for Hell.
 
FINDING CLEVELAND (2016)
Director: Larissa Lam
Country: USA, Running Time 12:24 min
Finding Cleveland is a documentary short film that follows Charles Chiu and his family on an emotional journey as they take a trip to Cleveland, Mississippi to visit the grave site of Charles’ father, KC Lou.
 
Fitting the Description in North Portland (2015)
Director: Jarratt Taylor (OFF Alum: The New Debutantes, 2012)
Country: USA, Running Time: 25:44
Recently, the students of Roosevelt High School received a wake up call after a fellow student was tased by the police in the St. John's neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. The stories they had been hearing about police violence weren't just news stories from another town about people they didn't know. These events were now happening in their backyard.
 
Flash (2015)
Director: Alberto Ruiz Rojo
Country: Spain, Running Time: 7 min
When a man looks at the photo strip he just took of himself in a photo booth, he cannot believe what he sees
 
Freedom Fighters (2016)
Director: Wade Patterson
Country: USA, Running Time: 16:53 min
The newest recruit of a right-wing militia finds himself at odds with the charismatic leader when the group tries to take a government official hostage.
 
Fulfilament (2015)
Director: Rhiannon Evans
Country: UK, Running Time: 7:33 min
Travel around the brain with a little, lost thought and discover what it takes to make a great idea.
 
The Gift (2016)
Director: Gabriel Robertson
Country: USA, Running Time: 12:48 min
To celebrate his eleventh birthday, a young boy selects his gift - little knowing that his choice will change the world.
 
Golden Shot (2015)
Director: Gokalp Gonen
Country: Turkey, Running Time: 8:40 min
Rusty machines, living in their small houses, imagine that the sun will come and take them to the sky someday. A small light keeps them alive and dreaming. But one of the machines wants to see the sun itself and has a plan for that.
 
THE GUESTS (2015)
Director: Shane Danielsen
Country: Australia, Running Time: 10:31 min
Alone in a strange new city, awaiting her husband’s return, a new mother has some unexpected visitors.
 
The Happy Song (2016)
Director: Coop Cooper
Country: USA, Running Time: 5:25 min
A music video by Blackwater Trio. Three lonely people having a bad day receive a mysterious invitation to an event which will change their lives.
 
Helen Turner, Pitmaster (2015)
Director: Joe York
Country: USA, Running Time: 14:01 min
Some folks think barbecue is a man’s world. But in Brownsville, Tennessee, it’s synonymous with a woman named Helen Turner. Mrs. Turner was the winner of the SFA’s 2012 Ruth Fertel Keeper of the Flame Award.
 
High Water Mark (2015)
Director: Tom Varisco
Country: USA, Running Time: 3:12
This short film contrasts sound recordings of the media’s dire Hurricane Katrina coverage with stunning views of a rebuilt New Orleans 10 years after.
 
Hit & Run (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Jordan Liebowitz
Country: USA, Running Time: 6:40 min
After a car accident disrupts their plans, two low level drug dealers scramble to dispose of the evidence only to discover their unwitting victim may be far more dangerous than they first imagined.
 
Honey and the Hive (2015)
Director:  Austin Alward
Country: USA, Running Time: 12 min
An adopted child uses her imagination to carve out a place for herself in the family where she feels she doesn’t belong.
 
THE HOUSE IS INNOCENT (2015)
Director: Nicholas Coles (OFF Alum: Town Planner 2005)
Country: USA, Running Time: 12:15 min
Meet Tom and Barbara, the proud new owners of a serial killer’s house — the most infamous residence in Sacramento, California. The middle-age couple soon realizes it's going to take more than a fresh coat of paint to whitewash their home's macabre history.
 
Hum (2015)
Director: Tom Teller
Country: USA, Running Time: 8:30 min
A solitary dish-washing robot living out his life in the back room of a restaurant is enlightened to the world that exists beyond his four walls. With the help of a small friend he breaks free of confinement to pursue his dream of exploration.
 
Hut Hut (2015)
Directors: Michael Allmon and Courtney Sandifer
Country: USA, Running Time: ???
Mike, a pre-teen scruffy loner, meets his neighbor, Bubba, who interrupts his solitude with unexpected companionship and life lessons.
 
Intersection (2015)
Director: Brendan Beachman
Country: USA, Running Time: 19:40 min
Two road construction workers flag for non existent vehicles on a remote intersection. The monotony of their day is smashed by the violent arrival of an object from the sky.
 
The Iraqi Superman (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Sajad Abbas
Country: Iraq, Running Time: 6 min
A tormented young man constructs an ingenious device to rescue his father from Abu Ghraib prison. What he finds there is far from his expectations, revealing the mistreatment and torture of prisoners. His hopes and dreams for a brighter future are dashed upon finding his father.
 
Jackdaw (2015)
Director: Travis Champagne
Country: USA, Running Time: 14:50 min
A father mourns on the one-year anniversary of his wife’s disappearance.
 
Kingdom of Garbage (2015)
Director: Yasir Kareem
Country: Iraq, Running Time: 9 min
Zahraa dreams of going to school. Instead she and her brother, Hassan, must scour a landfill site for valuable materials to provide for their poor family, competing against the other scavengers. When a trade between Zahraa and the self proclaimed ‘King of Garbage’ goes wrong, the sibling’s relationship is tested to breaking point – can the two overcome Zahraa’s innocent mistake?
 
Kudzu Kings 20th Anniversary (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Tate Moore
Country: USA, Running Time: 17:34 min
Kudzu Kings celebrate 20 years as a band at a special one night show at the Lyric Oxford.
 
Last Night (2016)
Director: Michael Ewing
Country: USA, Running Time: 13:42 min
A late night bar “conversation” among three friends reveals, in surprising ways, that actions have consequences.
 
LAYERS (2016)
Director: Christina Huff
Country: USA, Running Time: 12:45 min
Two Mississippians talk about their lives as artists. Claire Whitehurst talks about her art and her stylistic choices, while Jonathan Kent Adams talks about his struggles with his homosexual identity within his art. Using layers within their art is a very big theme for both artists, connecting these two talented artist's stories into one narrative.
 
Life is Super Gr8 (2015)
Director: Wade Vanover
Country: USA, Running Time: 14:58 min
LIFE IS SUPER GR8 provides a glimpse into the history and workings of the Super Gr8 Film Festival in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The first festival of its kind, each year Super Gr8 gives over 40 local filmmakers the rare opportunity to shoot either a color or black/white super 8mm film using vintages cameras. Features interviews with festival founders and a diverse cast of filmmakers, including Elwood "Trip" Madison, the poster designer for the 2016 Oxford Film Festival.
 
THE LIGHT THIEF (2015)
Director: Eva Daoud
Country: Spain, Running Time: 19 min
What’s left of love if its soul is stolen? What’s left of a person if love is stolen? The bitter tale of victims and their executioners, as they all exchange turns.
 
THE LIONS MOUTH OPENS (2015)
Director: Lucy Walker
Country: USA, Running Time: 28 min
A courageous young Scottish actress takes the boldest step imaginable to confront her risk of having inherited the fatal, incurable Huntington's Disease.
 
Little Sticker (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Michael Jackson Chaney
Country: USA, Running Time: 5 min
A couple arrives home after a tragic loss. As they process their situation they engage in very different methods of grieving and struggle over how to address the remnants of a kitschy family icon. Ultimately they come to terms with the possibility of reconciliation and remembrance.
 
LIVING WITH HIV (2014)
Director: Kathryn A. Rodenmeyer
Country: USA, Running Time: 28:09 min
Mississippi, the 'buckle' of the Bible Belt, ranks 7th in the U.S. for prevalence of HIV infection. Young African American men are the fastest growing group to become infected with HIV. In "Living with HIV," those infected with HIV share their stories and how they are living with this incurable condition.
 
LOCKED OUT: A MISSISSIPPI SUCCESS STORY (2015)
Director: Sean W. Malone
Country: USA, Running Time: 26:53 min
Locked Out chronicles the struggles and success of Melony Armstrong, an entrepreneur who fought state restrictions to become the first professional African hair braider in Mississippi. Her victory struck down laws which required aspiring natural hair professionals to endure years of expensive licensing that only benefited the cosmetology schools and didn't teach anything about hair braiding or natural hair.
 
Losing It (2015)
Director: Nathaniel Katzma
Country: USA, Running Time: 19:32 min
Mackenzie and Alexander discover they are pregnant while on tour with their band and are forced to make a decision that feels far beyond their years.
 
MO' BOUT JOE (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Tim O'Grady
Country: USA, Running Time: 24:51 min
"Outsider" artist Joe Wrenn of Charleston, Mississippi is featured in this 25-minute documentary. We glimpse into his life and his amazing and storied paintings.
 
Mother’s Day (2015)
Director: Jeff Tan
Country: USA, Running Time: 6:51 min
Tragedy forces Mary (Academy Award Winner Melissa Leo) and her son Jay (Gabriel Furman) to say goodbye forever.
 
Needle Town (2015)
Director: Kaspar Synnevåg, Henrik Hylland Uhlving
Country: Norway, Running Time: 3 min
Heroin addict Cato is stealing books to fund his drug habit. He has fallen in love with Goth Girl, who works at the local book shop. But the mall cop Crab Claw is about to make his life difficult.
 
THE NEW ORLEANS SAZERAC (2016) - World Premiere
Director: James Martin
Country: USA, Running Time: 20:28 min
Film is a short documentary that explores the expansive history and modern applications of the classic cocktail through interviews with historians, authors, experts, and bartenders.
 
Night of the Slasher (2015)
Director: Shant Hamassian
Country: USA, Running Time: 11:16 min
A 'shot-in-one-take' slasher film about a teenage girl who must commit horror movie sins by drinking alcohol, doing drugs, and having sex in order to lure a masked killer and exact revenge.
 
Nirvana: A Short Film About Lung Cancer (2015)
Director: J. Michael Hicks
Country: USA, Running Time: 15:54 min
Inspired by the director's own personal journey.  After running away from her home, a young cancer patient meets a grieving widower in a dilapidated cemetery. Lost in their own tragedies, the two converse about life, death and the spiritual self.
 
Ole Miss Rebel Blues (2016) - World Premiere
Directors: Nancy Maria Balach, Katie McLaughlin
Country: USA, Running Time: 4:52 min
The “Ole Miss Rebel Blues” celebrates music, football, and the social culture of Oxford, Mississippi. This Mississippi music video was created, produced, and performed by established artists (University of Mississippi faculty and alumni), who worked side by side with current UM students and children from the Oxford community.
 
Olilo (2015)
Director: Ao Li
Country: USA, Running Time: 5:40 min
Olilo is a 2D animation that tells the story of an introverted girl held captive by her own semi-transparent personal space. Created through a combination of traditional frame-by-frame and digital drawing as well as key frame animation, the film focuses on love and its capacity to transform all things.
 
On Surgery (2015)
Directors: Russell Sheaffer, Aaron Michael Smith
Country: USA, Running Time: 7:36 min
The visuals for On Surgery are an attempt to replicate the physical process of bone surgery on the body of 16mm film stock.  By wetting raw, unprocessed 16mm color negative film and then separating out the photosensitive emulsion from the base of the film using a medical scalpel and then reapplying the layers, the only images visible are representative of the scars left on the film.
 
Once A Month (and Behind the Scenes documentary) (2015) - World Premiere
Director: Alice Walker
Country: USA, Running Time: 25 min
Tom and Tina have their friends Bob and Betty over once a month for dinner, but this is the first time they have gotten together since Bob's death. When Betty arrives, Tom and Tina realize that the evening may be a little more "lively" than expected.
 
One Minute for Katrina (2015)
Directors: Serafima Serafimova, Max Halley
Country: UK, Running Time: 1 min
One Minute for Katrina marks the 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The animation offers people a chance to reflect and remember those who lost their lives and many who continue to be affected.
 
One Star Delta Night (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Jason Rochelle
Country: USA, Running Time: 3:40 min
A love story in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. A night where everything is just right. Where a romantic night turns into a beautiful relationship.
 
Oxford Canteen (2015)
Directors: Brett Mizelle and Heather Richie
Country: USA, Running Time: 5:44 min
Oxford Canteen profiles the Oxford eatery of the same name. Working in a 10×15-foot kitchen (a converted storage closet) in the Lyric Theater, chef-owner Corbin Evans turns out lunch specials like brisket grilled cheese, seasonal salads, and New Orleans–style ya-ka-mein. He serves the fare through a window, and diners can take their orders to go or sit at cantilevered tables drilled into the exterior wall of the building.
 
Paperous (2015)
Director: Miles Carby
Country: USA, Running Time: 8:11 min
Michael, unnoticed, but ever-observant, is going through a transformation brought on by the divorce of his parents. In this coming of age adventure, he fights to preserve the only life he knows.
 
Perfect Houseguest (2015)
Directors: Ru Kuwahata, Max Porter
Country: USA, Running Time: 1:35 min
A house is visited by a clean, organized, well-mannered guest.
 
Phantom Limbs (2015)
Director: Reed O'Beirne
Country: USA, Running Time: 2:44 min
A cameraless film created from animated MRI scans to evoke an enveloping world of light breaking upon the mind. Peering deep into our psychic home, Phantom Limbs engineers a link between inner space and the human spirit. Set to music by Seattle band, St. Kilda.
 
THE PLASTIC BAG (2016) - US Premiere
Director: Jørgen Johansen
Country: Norway, Running Time: 1 min
Two strangers share a moment with a plastic bag.
 
Preacherman (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Calum Macdiarmid
Country: USA, Running Time: 7:04 min
Music video featuring Melody Gardot, based on the story of civil rights hero Emmett Till.
 
PREGGO (2015)
Director: Kristin Slaysman
Country: USA, Running Time 7:52 min
Sam is thirty, single, broke and nine months pregnant in NYC. So... everything is fine.
 
THE PRESENT (2015)
Director: Jacob Frey
Country: Germany, Running Time: 4:20 min
Jake spends most of his time playing video games indoors until his mum decides to give him a present.
 
THE PUDDLE (2015)
Director: Serdar Yilmaz
Country: Turkey, Running Time: 9:51 min
A man in the flea market (Mihran Tomasyan) walks while checking walls covered with old posters and counters full of stuff with prying eyes. Due to the incarnating object that he sees on one of the counters just carries him away into another reality.
 
Put Down (2015)
Director: Rick Limentani
Country: UK, Running Time: 10 min
John is a socially awkward man in a downward spiral of debt, until a lucky accident propels him into a new career as a black-market pet exterminator. In these difficult times, some families can no longer afford a pet. John has some inventive ways to help them.
 
Ready to Roll (2015)
Directors: Molly Nemer and Alexandra Lampert
Country: USA, Running Time: 1:39 min
In READY TO ROLL you’ll meet Earline Hall, formerly of the beloved Biscuit Pit in Grenada, Mississippi, and now the biscuit maven at My Guys in Oxford. It’s hard to describe Ms. Hall’s biscuits except to say that they are just right in every way, albeit petite enough that you’re going to want at least two. She attributes their taste to a mixture of sweet milk and buttermilk.
 
THE RED THUNDER (2015)
Director: Alvaro Ron
Country: Spain, Running Time: 6:26 min
Sarah (Allie Grant), a nerdy teenager, needs her mom's brand new car to go on a date with Danny (Miles Heizer), the boy she is in love with. Her mom, Dr. Thun (Karen Strassman), an absent minded podiatrist, is concerned about Sarah driving by the dangerous streets of downtown Los Angeles. She tells her daughter she may need her car if one of her patients has an emergency, but Sarah decides to disobey her mom and steal the car. Little does she know the vehicle is actually part of a secret Dr. Thun keeps and this discovery will change Sarah's life forever.
 
River Moon Black Birds (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Gloria Chung
Country: USA, Running Time: 7:20 min
An experimental documentary on recent hurricane landfalls (2009-2014, eastern seaboard of the United States).  "An alarm sounds over a quiet river.  Supermoons are burning.  Blackouts across the city.  Storm winds carry tropical birds."
 
Rock Me Slow (2016)
Director: Edward Valibus
Country: USA, Running Time: 3:40 min
Alone with her just her thoughts, a bottle of bourbon, and her music, Faith Evans Ruch dwells on heartbreak and sorrow.
 
Roots (2015)
Director: Alison Fast
Country: USA, Running Time: 12 min
Holly Springs conservationists awaken magic, history and a sense of "place" during the Strawberry Plains Audubon Hummingbird Festival, only to uncover the startling roots of ecological resilience in the heart of community.
 
Roubado (2015)
Director: Erica A. Watson
Countries: France, USA, Running Time 18 min
ROUBADO tells the story of Alain Castelo, an introverted Afro-Portuguese teen growing up in the south of France. As he suffers his parents' recent breakup, the only solace he can muster is his penchant for photography.  When his mother's new live-in boyfriend crosses the line, his eyes are opened to the world and he can no longer hide behind the viewfinder of his vintage camera.
 
Ruremarm (2016)
Directors: Melvin Robinson (Theca Jones), Joecephus Martin
Country: USA, Running Time: 3:12 min
Skipp Coon makes the street his congregation. 
 
SCRABBLE (2015)
Director: Cristian Sulser
Country: Switzerland, Running Time: 11:25 min
Scrabble addresses the secret desire to break out of the routine of a loveless relationship and illuminates with irony the depths of humanity behind a traditional façade – using a simple board game.
 
THE SEAFARER AND THE MOONLIGHT (2015)
Director: James Dastoli
Country: USA, Running Time: 2:30 min
An ancient mariner does battle with a behemoth from the deep.
 
SI (2015)
Director: Samantha Smith
Country: USA, Running Time: 4:34 min
A magical tale that follows Si, a temperamental 6-year old, who gets a goldfish from her parents after begging for a puppy.
 
THE SIBLING CODE (2015) – World Premiere
Director: Roberta Munroe
Country: USA, Running Time: 6:45 min
In the midst of choosing between a traditional Miyazaki funeral and letting the ashes be one with the wind, Austin and Sheryl duke it out.
 
Snow Day (2015)
Director: Drew Smith
Country: USA, Running Time: 3:06
Nothing's more exciting to a kid in Memphis than the one snow day they get a year. But when a bully tries to ruin it for one five-year old, he decides to get even.
 
Spare Rooms (2015)
Director: Matthew T. Bowden
Country: USA, Running Time: 17 min
1985. The rural Midwest. When a same-sex family's teenage son, Will, invites his friend Walker to stay overnight, Will's parents, Rae and Marie, create elaborate plans to appear in the closet. But when those plans backfire, they discover the key to a good lie is in its details.
 
Spearhunter (2015)
Directors: Adam Roffman, Luke Poling
Country: USA, Running Time: 13:50 min
Deep in the wilds of rural Alabama, a spear-hunter proclaims himself the world's greatest and erects a museum dedicated to his own obsession. In this atmospheric and darkly funny documentary, an offbeat cast of lovers, acolytes, and critics of the megalomaniacal spear-hunter remember his distinctive tactics both for killing and for leaving a legacy.
 
Stargrassle Paranormal (2016)
Director: Glenn Payne
Country: USA, Running Time: 27:50 min
Welcome to Stagrassle! Meet the Colonel, Penny, Enzo and Bernice, their friends and foes, the ghosts that haunt them and Larry, the man that documents their misadventures.
 
Stitch (2014)
Director: Alison Fast
Country: USA, Running Time: 9 min
An Oxford-Tupelo company specializing in bespoke, custom-raw-denim, helps to revive the garment industry in northeast Mississippi, tapping local talent, and promising growth and job creation for Mississippi.
 
Stockholm (2015)
Director: Álvaro Martín
Country: Spain, Running Time: 9 min
Writing a school report about your father’s occupation can be a challenge, especially when his work is disturbing.
 
Swallowed Whole (2015)
Director: Heidi Kumao
Country: USA, Running Time: 4:06 min
Swallowed Whole is a somber, animated, experimental film about surviving extreme isolation and physical limitations as a result of traumatic injury.
 
Sweetly Broken (2015)
Director: Chung Lam
Country: Czech Republic, Running Time: 5:25 min
It's what happens when a boy puppet gets separated from the girl puppet of his love and the lengths he goes to to reunite with her.
 
Take the Bus on a Hot Summer Day (2016) - World Premiere
Director: Gloria Chung
Country: USA, Running Time: 4:40 min
A bus ride through Midtown. A reverie of blurred colors, kaleidoscopic movements and muffled sounds on a hot summer day in the city.
 
Take with Water (2015)
Director: Tara O'Sullivan
Country: USA, Running Time: 9:55 min
After her first one night stand, Emma navigates the awkward and unfamiliar world of casual sex and learns to embrace her sexuality.
 
THEY CRAWL AMONG US! (2015)
Director: Sihanouk Mariona
Country: USA, Running Time: 12:30 min
A stop-motion documentary about life in New York City — as told by its pests!
 
THREE FINGERS (2015)
Director: Paul D. Hart
Country: USA, Running Time: 12:30 min
A young female Marine war veteran navigates her disintegrating life until there is nothing left but to make a choice.
 
Til Death (2016)
Director: Matthew Graves
Country: USA, Running Time: 10:05 min
On the dark and stormy night of his fiancée's funeral, a grieving man, so overwhelmed at the thought of never seeing the love of his life again, decides to bring her home.
 
TUMBLE DRY LOW (2015)
Director: Jefferson Stein
Country: USA, Running Time: 7 min
A little girl and her father deal with loss in East Texas.
 
TWISTED (2015)
Director: Stuart Bowen
Country: USA, Running Time: 5:53 min
The Good, The Bad and the Inflatable.  School reunions are strange for anyone, but especially our socially awkward hero. When the girl of his middle school dreams makes her appearance known, he will stop at nothing to win her over...even if it means going into a unique and totally bonkers balloon battle with his old bully and school nemesis one last time.
 
VANCOUVER ZOETROPE (2016) - North American Premiere
Director: Jeffery Chong
Country: Canada, Running Time: 5 min
Vancouver’s iconic Burrard Bridge is recognized for its monumental design and aesthetic details. This film reveals a hidden architectural feature of the bridge that is only visible to motorists.
 
VIOLA: A MOTHER’S STORY OF JUVENILE JUSTICE (2015)
Directors: Sarah Fleming, Joann Self Selvidge
Country: USA, Running Time: 7:55 min
A mother shares personal stories about her life and her struggles with her son Edward, who has been involved with the juvenile justice system in Memphis, Tennessee.
 
VISH (2015)
Director: Danny Klimetz
Country: USA, Running Time: 5:30 min
Vish was shot and edited by Danny Klimetz. Danny is a photographer based in Oxford, Mississippi and his skills transferred impressively to video in this profile of chef Vishwesh Bhatt of Snackbar.
 
WEST OF ELVIS (2015) -  Audience Awards Winner
Director: Louis Bourgeois
Country: USA, Running Time: 8:05 min
West of Elvis is the last documentary made of Paul MaCleod, the curator of Graceland Too, arguably the largest and strangest collection of Elvis memorabilia in the world.
 
WHAT’S IN A NAME (2015)
Director: Daniel Robin
Country: USA, Running Time: 12:15 min
What's in a Name is about sculpting identities, both in terms of how the world sees us and how we view ourselves. These themes are woven into the juxtaposition of two stories that form a dialogue across generations. The question of Jewish identity and authenticity of culture is examined through home movies, archival footage, interviews and abstract recreations.
 
Women and Work (2016)
Director: Jonathan Pekar
Country: USA, Running Time: 3:23 min
A music video that celebrates the great Southern band Lucero’s music and character.
 
XO (2015)
Director: Brian Ratigan
Country: USA, Running Time: 3:30 min
Fearing her own memories, a girl begins the cerebral journey of longing for escape before completely fading away.
 
YALO (2015)
Director: Alison Fast
Country: USA, Running Time: 10 min
A small town craft brewery hits it big, producing bold new tastes like Miss-iss-IPA, River Ale and small-batch, bourbon barrel-aged stout, in what is formerly a dry county. YALO showcases the persistent rise of creative entrepreneurs in Water Valley, and the importance of small businesses to revitalize Main Street.
 
YOU CAN STAY HERE (2016)
Director: John Veron
Country: USA, Running Time: 2:59 min
In a school that is no longer a school, a man is pursued by a boy who is no longer a boy.
 
ZERO (2015)
Director: David Victori
Country: Spain, Running Time: 29 min
A boy and his father are emotionally and physically separated on the day earth intermittently loses gravity. The boy is wrestling with questions about his mother's death, while his father desperately tries to find his son as the world is rising and collapsing around him.

SEX IN PUBLIC AT OUTsider 2016 FESTIVAL REVEALS UPCOMING EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

OUTsider, Queer Multi-Arts Festival and Conference,

 Returns to Austin on February 17-21, 2016

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Austin, TX — OUTsider, a mischievous non-profit queer multi-arts festival and conference, celebrating creative nonconformity and cross-disciplinary play, will take place February 17-21, 2016 in Austin, TX. OUTsider ventures into its second edition with a bold new theme: “Sex in Public.” Following the legalization of gay marriage, this theme promises an imaginatively “undomesticated” spectacle of multi-disciplinary art that puts the sex back in homosexuality, while friskily queering bodies, bedrooms and behaviors.

OUTsider will honor erotic icon and self-proclaimed “post-porn modernist” Annie Sprinkle and her partner, ecological sex (“eco-sex”) artist Beth Stephens, with the second annual OUTsider Legacy Award. For the festivities, Sprinkle and Stephens will deliver a performative lecture on their sinsational work, spanning porn, performance, activism and visual art. This lecture will be followed by an ECOSEX WALKING TOUR: Sprinkle and Stephen’s guided tour of the ecosexy sites of Manor Road, inviting audience members to experience the fun as they shift the metaphor from “Earth as mother,” to “Earth as lover!,” learning 25 ways to make love to the Earth, finding the e-spot and exploring the eroticism of nature through the senses.

“OUTsider is delighted to honor Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens with our 2016 Legacy Award,” states Curran Nault, OUTsider Artistic Director. “The playful daring and oddball charm of their work champions the same spirit that drives OUTsider. We’re tickled pink to have them here in Austin, sharing their boldly uncommon work with our festival audience.” 

Opening Night of OUTsider 2016 will feature a glitter-tasseled array of burlesque, headlined by the electrifying Oakland-based artist La Chica Boom, who evokes hyper-raciality/sexuality/gender to arouse provocative questions about coloniality, compulsory whiteness and Mexicanidad. Opening Night will also witness the unveiling of this year’s Installation Centerpiece, THE NEW RULES OF FLAGGING, a multi- screen video installation and exhibition conceived and curated by Los Angeles garage-aesthetic artist Jonesy. FLAGGING pays interactive homage to the infamous “gay hanky code”: a color coded system of handkerchiefs used among gay male casual sex-seekers in the 1970s to indicate preferred sexual activities, fetishes and positions.

“La Chica Boom and Jonesy are two of the most provocative queer artists working today, particularly on matters of sex and sexuality,” says Nault. “La Chica Boom effectively wows audiences with her spectacular, bodily performances, while also managing to make them think deeply about race, politics and culture. And, Jonesy seduces audiences into sexy and surreal landscapes that allow them to experience the world anew. These two remarkable talents fearlessly embody this year’s ‘Sex in Public’ theme.”

OUTsider’s full festival program, sexy and otherwise, will be announced in early January, and will include everything from a multi-disciplinary art event exploring stories of queer Southern migration from diverse perspectives of gender, geography and race (Y’ALL COME BACK), to an early career retrospective of renowned Chicana performance artist, and famed WORK OF ART contestant, Nao Bustamante. OUTsider 2016 will also mark the return of the enormously popular academic-cum-artist series “Conference on the Couch,” featuring panels on such things as queer art and gentrification, the often thin line between art and porn, and much more.

Badges for OUTsider go on sale on Tuesday, November 17th, as part of a crowdfunding campaign on Generosity by Indiegogo. Aiming to raise $10,000 to cover the high costs associated with artist travel, lodging and operational fees for a DIY non-profit without corporate sponsors, OUTsider has enlisted the help of wacky “televangelist” duo Reverie and Randee—played by local performance artist Paul Soileau (CHRISTEENE) and filmmaker PJ Raval (BEFORE YOU KNOW IT). Reverie and Randee will release a series of wild videos in conjunction with the campaign, and will host a live telethon at the campaign’s end: Sunday, December 6th at Salvage Vanguard Theater (2803 E. Manor Road, Austin, TX). This telethon will also be broadcast live online.  

HIGHLIGHTED ARTIST BIOS

Annie Sprinkle was a NYC prostitute and porn star for twenty years, then morphed into an artist and sexologist. She has passionately explored sexuality for over forty years, sharing her experiences through making her own unique brand of feminist sex films, writing books and articles, visual art making, creating theater performances, and teaching. Annie has consistently championed sex worker rights and health care and was one of the pivotal players of the Sex Positive Movement of the 1980’s. She got her BFA at School of Visual Arts in NYC was the first porn star to earn a Ph.D. She’s a popular lecturer whose work is studied in many colleges and Universities. For the past 12 years she has been collaborating on art projects with her partner, artist and UCSC professor, Elizabeth Stephens. They are movers and shakers in the new “ecosex movement,” committed to making environmentalism more sexy, fun and diverse. In 2013, Sprinkle proudly received the Artist/Activist/Scholar Award from Performance Studies International at Stanford, and was awarded the Acker Award for Excellence in the Avant Garde. 

Elizabeth M. "Beth" Stephens is an American artist, sculptor, filmmaker, photographer, professor and former Chair of the Art Department at UC Santa Cruz. Stephens, who describes herself as "ecosexual", collaborates with her partner since 2002, ecosexual artist, radical sex educator, and performer Annie Sprinkle. In 2013, Stephens produced and directed Goodbye Gauley Mountain: An Ecosexual Love Story, a film addressing Mountaintop removal mining near her birthplace and its effects on the environment and nearby communities. Her work has been shown internationally, including at Museum Kunstpalast (Düsseldorf), El Ojo Atomico Antimuseo de Arte Contemporáneo (Spain) and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 

Xandra Ibarra is an Oakland-based performance artist from the El Paso/Juarez border who performs and works under the alias of La Chica Boom. She uses hyper-raciality/sexuality/gender as an experience based mode of inquiry into her relationship with coloniality, compulsory whiteness and Mexicanidad. Ibarra uses video, objects, photography and sex acts to evoke comedic and melancholic racial and sexual expectation. Her aim is to amplify gendered and racialized iconography and make such problematic constructions via spectacle more transparent to the spectator—what she calls spictacles—camp spectacles of degeneracy and power. As a community organizer, Ibarra’s work is located within immigrant, anti-rape and prison abolitionist movements. Since 2003, she has actively participated in organizing with INCITE!, a national feminist of color organization dedicated to creating interventions at the intersection of state and interpersonal violence. She currently organizes with FUSE, a national grassroots collective founded by sex workers of color. She lectures courses at San Francisco Art Institute and presents her academic and performance work at various bars, theaters, hole in the wall places, Universities and institutions. Ibarra’s work has been featured at El Museo de Arte Contemporañeo (Bogotá, Colombia), Popa Gallery (Buenos Aires, Argentina), Joe’s Pub (NYC), PPOW Gallery (NYC), Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (SF), and The Burlesque Hall of Fame (Las Vegas) to name a few.

Jonesy lives in Los Angeles. He studied photography and video at Tyler School of Art and while at Tyler fell under the spell of punk rock and started making music. In 2009 at Basso in Berlin, Germany, he did a collaborative multimedia installation and performance with former bandmates from the seminal San Francisco band Fagbash chronicling their rise as a band amidst the queer rock movement of the 1990's. Since 2008, he has been creating a series of animated short films that have screened internationally at the Oberhausen Film festival, the Toronto Film Festival, MIX NYC, aGLIFF, Outfest Los Angeles and others. Recent screenings and exhibitions have taken place at Yale University, the Hammer Museum, POPA Buenos Aires, an Outfest commissioned live piece in 2013 and the headline program at the Portland Experimental Film Festival. His work has been reviewed in Artforum, Frieze, Art Review, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times and X-tra magazine. 

Nao Bustamante is a Chicana multimedia and performance artist, from the San Joaquin Valley in California, Her work largely explores issues of ethnicity, class, gender, performativity, and the body. She first trained in postmodern dance before moving into the realm of performance in the mid-1980s. She has been called "the doyenne of the Bay Area’s underground cultural scene.” She holds a BFA/MA from the San Francisco Art Institute and currently serves as Associate Professor of New Media and Live Art at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

She has exhibited, among other locales, at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, the New York Museum of Modern Art, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Sundance International Film Festival, Outfest International Film Festival, El Museo del Barrio Museum of Contemporary Art, First International Performance Biennial, Deformes in Santiago, Chile and the Kiasma Museum of Helsinki. In 2001 she received the prestigious Anonymous Was a Woman fellowship and in 2007 named a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellow, as well as a Lambent Fellow. In 2014/15 Bustamante was the Queer Artist in Residence at UC Riverside and in 2015 she was a UC MEXUS Scholar in Residence preparing for a solo exhibit at Vincent Price Art Museum in Los Angeles. Bustamante competed in the first season of Bravo's Work of Art: The Next Great Artist. 

OUTSIDER INFORMATION

OUTsider is an Austin-based 501c(3) non-profit that celebrates the bold originality and creative nonconformity of the LGBTQI and Ally communities through the presentation of provocative, overlooked and out-of-the-box film, theater, dance, performance art, music, writing and visual art. Through its annual festival and conference, OUTsider brings together queer artists, audiences and scholars from around the globe to exchange ideas, ignite conversations, transcend boundaries and experience new pleasures through artistic discovery. 

The second annual OUTsider will take place February 17-21, 2016 at the Salvage Vanguard Theater (2803 E. Manor Road, Austin, TX), as well as other venues on and around Manor Road in Austin.

Badges for the festival can be purchased through Generosity by Indiegogo: bit.ly/OUTsider2016. 

Badges will be on discount, starting at $35 ($25 for students), until the end of the campaign: December 6, 2015. Badges grant access to all performances at the festival. Tickets for individual shows will be available at the festival on a case-by-case basis, pending seat availability.

OUTsider

info@outsiderfest.org

www.outsiderfest.org

bit.ly/OUTsider2016

FSLC and The Jewish Museum announce 25th annual New York Jewish Film Festival main slate

The Film Society of Lincoln Center and The Jewish Museum will present the 25th annual New York Jewish Film Festival (NYJFF) at the Film Society’s Walter Reade Theater and Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, January 13-26, 2016. The festival is one of the oldest and most influential Jewish film festivals worldwide, unique in New York City, and one of the longest running partnerships of two major New York cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1992, the NYJFF has presented more than 675 films from 43 countries, of which 320 were world, U.S., or New York premieres, and many have gone on to win awards and gain wider distribution.


This year’s lineup includes 38 features and shorts from 12 countries—21 screening in their world, U.S., or New York premieres—providing a diverse global perspective on the Jewish experience. The 25th edition will feature a retrospective of film highlights from previous festivals, a poster exhibition, a panel discussion, and other special programming in honor of the New York Jewish Film Festival’s silver anniversary to be announced shortly along with the complete festival schedule.

The New York Jewish Film Festival opens on Wednesday, January 13 with the U.S. premiere of Yared Zeleke’s Lamb, the first Ethiopian film to be an Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival and the country’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar. This feature debut focuses on young Ephraim, who is sent by his father to live among distant relatives after his mother’s death. But when his beloved sheep must be sacrificed for the next religious feast, the boy will do anything to save the animal and return home.

Closing Night on January 26 will feature A Tale of Love and Darkness, Academy Award winner Natalie Portman’s debut as screenwriter and director. Based on Amos Oz’s international best-seller, the film recounts the time Oz spent with his mother, Fania (Portman), who struggled to raise her son in Jerusalem at the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of the State of Israel.

Screening in its U.S. premiere is a special presentation of Amos Gitai’s Rabin, the Last Day, a thought-provoking thriller investigating the brutal 1995 assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin through a masterful combination of dramatized scenes and news footage of the shooting and its aftermath, shedding light on an ever-growing crisis of the impunity of hate crimes in Israel today.

Catherine Tambini’s documentary Art and Heart: The World of Isaiah Shefferreceives its world premiere, celebrating founder and artistic director of Symphony Space Isaiah Sheffer and his indelible influence on music, theater, television, and culture across three decades in New York. Also receiving its world premiere is Sarah Kramer’s short Period. New Paragraph., a loving portrait of a father by his daughter, as well as an homage to a past era.

Sam Ball’s The Rifleman’s Violin will receive its New York premiere as part of a special musical event. In this documentary short, violinist Stuart Canin recalls the private performance he gave at the request of Harry Truman to break the tension at post-World War II negotiations with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. Following the film, Canin will recreate his performance with pianist Thomas Sauer before an on-stage discussion with Canin, producer Abraham Sofaer, director Sam Ball, and Stanford University historian Norman Naimark.

A trio of documentaries receiving New York or U.S. premieres examine three individuals whose lives intersected with the world of film. Marianne Lambert’s documentary I Don’t Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman, a U.S. premiere, dives into the 40-film oeuvre of the late Jewish Belgian pioneer, who traced a worldwide path of rugged avant-garde and political art from Brussels to Tel Aviv, Paris to New York. Barry Avrich’s The Man Who Shot Hollywoodexplores the life of Yasha Pashkovsky, a Jewish Russian immigrant photographer who practiced his art anonymously during Hollywood’s golden age and amassed 400 portraits of movie stars, including Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Gary Cooper, and Shirley Temple. Tatiana Brandrup’s Cinema: A Public Affair charts the rise and fall of the Moscow State Central Cinema Museum under the leadership of Russian film historian Naum Kleiman, who founded the institution in 1989 as the Soviet Union was collapsed and gave rise to the perestroika reform movement.

See below for the full lineup.

This year’s New York Jewish Film Festival was selected by Florence Almozini, Associate Director of Programming, Film Society of Lincoln Center; Rachel Chanoff, THE OFFICE performing arts + film; Jaron Gandelman, Curatorial Assistant for Media, Jewish Museum and Coordinator, New York Jewish Film Festival; Jens Hoffmann, Deputy Director, Exhibitions and Public Programs, Jewish Museum and Curator for Special Programs, New York Jewish Film Festival; Dennis Lim, Director of Programming, Film Society of Lincoln Center; and Aviva Weintraub, Associate Curator, Jewish Museum and Director, New York Jewish Film Festival.

The New York Jewish Film Festival is made possible by the Martin and Doris Payson Fund for Film and Media. Generous support is also provided by Mimi and Barry Alperin, The Liman Foundation, Sara and Axel Schupf, Monica and Andrew Weinberg, and through public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Most of the New York Jewish Film Festival’s screenings will be held at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater, located at 165 West 65th Street, between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway. Some of the special programs will take place at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, 144 West 65th Street, between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway.
NYJFF tickets will go on sale Tuesday, December 22. A pre-sale to Film Society and Jewish Museum members will begin Thursday, December 17 at noon. Tickets are $14; $11 for students and seniors (62+); and $9 for Film Society and Jewish Museum members. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Film Society's Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center and Walter Reade Theater box offices, 144 & 165 West 65th Street. For our free event ticket policy and complete festival information, visit www.NYJFF.org.



FILM DESCRIPTIONS & SCHEDULE



Opening Night
Lamb
Yared Zeleke, Ethiopia/France/Germany/Norway, 2015, DCP, 94m
Amharic with English subtitles   
Yared Zeleke’s remarkable feature debut tells the story of young Ephraim, who is sent by his father to live among distant relatives after his mother’s death. Ephraim uses his cooking skills to carve out a place among his cousins, but when his uncle decides that Ephraim’s beloved sheep must be sacrificed for the next religious feast, the boy will do anything to save the animal and return home. Lamb is the first film from Ethiopia to be included in the Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival and the country’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar. U.S. Premiere
Wednesday, January 13, 3:30pm & 8:00pm

Closing Night
A Tale of Love and Darkness
Natalie Portman, Israel/USA, DCP, 98m
Hebrew with English subtitles
Based on Amos Oz’s international best-seller, A Tale of Love and Darknessrecounts the time Oz spent with his mother, Fania (Natalie Portman), who struggles with raising her son in Jerusalem at the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of the State of Israel. Dealing with a married life of unfulfilled promises and integration in a foreign land, Fania battles her inner demons and longs for a better world for her son. 
Tuesday, January 26, 3:30pm & 8:45pm

Art and Heart: The World of Isaiah Sheffer
Catherine Tambini, USA, 2015, HDCAM, 52m
One of New York’s great Renaissance men, Isaiah Sheffer left an indelible mark on music, theater, television, and culture across three decades in the Big Apple. He was the founder and artistic director of Symphony Space, the originator of Bloomsday on Broadway, and the comic genius behind the Thalia Follies. He hosted the popular WNYC Radio program Selected Shorts and earned an Emmy nomination for his Road to the White House series on NBC. He was a husband and a father, and a mentor to many. Art and Heart: The World of Isaiah Sheffercelebrates his life through interviews with Morgan Freeman, Stephen Colbert, Leonard Nimoy, and many others. World Premiere

Screening with:
The Man Who Shot Hollywood
Barry Avrich, Canada, 2015, DCP, 12m
Yasha Pashkovsky was a Jewish Russian immigrant and photographer who practiced his art anonymously during Hollywood’s golden age. Unable to keep up with the swift business pace of the West Coast, Pashkovsky photographed movie stars and stored the prints under his bed. By 1950 he had amassed 400 portraits of movies stars, including Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Gary Cooper, and Shirley Temple, which went undiscovered until 2001, the year of his death at age 89. This short compiles and releases these gems as part of an inquiry into Pashkovsky’s motivations and the glamour of anonymity. New York Premiere
Thursday, January 14, 1:30pm & 6:30pm

Ben Zaken
Efrat Corem, Israel, 2014, DCP, 85m
Hebrew with English subtitles
Shlomi Ben Zaken lives with his mother, brother, and 11-year-old daughter on a run-down housing estate in the small Israeli city of Ashkelon. As a single parent of a troubled child, he confronts a series of hardships and difficult decisions: space is tight in the apartment, work life is stagnant, and social services threaten to break up the family. Efrat Corem’s remarkable debut feature is a sensitive and austere portrait of a father and family attempting to redefine themselves against all odds.New York Premiere
Monday, January 18, 6:45pm
Wednesday, January 20, 1:30pm

Carvalho’s Journey
Steve Rivo, USA, 2015, DCP, 85m
Carvalho’s Journey tells the extraordinary story of Solomon Nunes Carvalho, an explorer and artist who photographed the sweeping vistas and treacherous terrain of the American West in the mid-19th century. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Carvalho was a middle-class portrait painter and an observant Sephardic Jew who had never saddled a horse. Everything changed in 1853 when he joined the famed explorer John C. Frémont on his Fifth Westward Expedition, a 2,400-mile journey from New York City to California. Carvalho’s experience as a Jew on the Western trail was unprecedented, and his photography provides a clear window into the interethnic cultural exchanges that shaped America in the era of Manifest Destiny.New York Premiere
Monday, January 25, 1:00pm & 6:00pm

Cinema: A Public Affair
Tatiana Brandrup, Germany, 2015, DCP, 100m
Russian, German, and Hebrew with English subtitles
In 1989, as the Soviet Union was collapsing and giving rise to the perestroika reform movement, Russian film historian Naum Kleiman founded the Moscow State Central Cinema Museum. Within a decade, the museum accrued more than 150,000 titles in its electronic catalog and became a haven for artistic and intellectual discourse in the new political era. It was a tragic and symbolic gesture, then, when the cultural ministry scandalously closed the museum and dismissed Kleiman amid nationwide censorship. Tatiana Brandrup’s new documentary charts the rise and fall of the museum under Kleiman’s legendary leadership. New York Premiere
Tuesday, January 19, 8:45pm
Wednesday, January 20, 4:00pm

Hot Sugar’s Cold World
Adam Bhala Lough, USA, 2015, DCP, 87m
Hot Sugar’s Cold World is a fly-on-the-wall portrait of Nick Koenig, a New York–based record producer who works under the name Hot Sugar. He constructs beats using only sounds from the world around him, and many of his days are spent in search of new and exotic samples. After his girlfriend, the rapper Kitty, goes on tour and they break up, Koenig heads to Paris, where he stays in the apartment of his late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. Featuring appearances by the legendary filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, the astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and former members of Das Racist.
Saturday, January 23, 9:30pm

How to Win Enemies
Gabriel Lichtmann, Argentina, 2015, DCP, 78m
Spanish with English subtitles
In Argentinean filmmaker Gabriel Lichtmann’s zany caper about betrayal and revenge, Lucas, a young Jewish lawyer and an avid consumer of detective fiction, meets Bárbara in a café, and is instantly smitten. She is smart, beautiful, and shares his taste in literature. But the morning after the two go home together, Lucas wakes up to find Bárbara—and his financial savings—gone. Inspired by the heroes of his favorite crime novels, Lucas sets out to crack the case with just a few clues but no shortage of wits. New York Premiere
Thursday, January 21, 3:30pm & 8:30pm

I Don’t Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman
Marianne Lambert, Belgium, 2015, DCP, 67m
French with English subtitles
From Brussels to Tel Aviv, Paris to New York, the late experimental filmmaker Chantal Akerman traced a worldwide path of rugged avant-garde and political art. Her celebrated 1975 film Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelleswas declared by The New York Times upon its release as the “first masterpiece of the feminine in the history of the cinema.” Now, the documentary I Don’t Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman dives into the 40-film oeuvre of the Jewish Belgian pioneer. U.S. Premiere
Wednesday, January 20, 6:30pm

The Law
Christian Faure, France, 2015, DCP, 90m
French with English subtitles
In the fall of 1974, the French health minister Simone Veil was in charge of a daunting task: to pass a law legalizing abortion in France. Christian Faure’s riveting courtroom drama follows Veil, an Auschwitz survivor, in her heroic battle on behalf of her country’s women. She faces fierce resistance from the Catholic Church and the opposing party, but refuses to back down even in the face of increasingly aggressive personal attacks. Emmanuelle Devos delivers a brilliant performance in the lead role. New York Premiere

Preceded by:
Period. New Paragraph.
Sarah Kramer, USA, 2015, Digital projection, 14m
Period. New Paragraph. is a loving portrait of a father by his daughter. It’s also an homage to a past era and an encounter with someone who has to let go of what they love. Technology can change; the tools of our work can change; and yet nothing can change our passion for the things we love to do. In the case of 85-year-old Herb Kramer, he is forced to confront the end of his career and his mortality as he winds down his legal practice, closing the office he has worked in for the last 40 years. World Premiere
Monday, January 18, 4:00pm
Tuesday, January 19, 4:00pm

Natasha
David Bezmozgis, Canada, 2015, DCP, 93m
Russian and English with English subtitles    
Mark Berman is the son of Russian immigrants and a typical teenager: hormone-fueled, mischievous, and prone to slacking. One fateful summer, his uncle’s Russian fiancée moves to Canada with her daughter, Natasha, and Mark is tasked with introducing her to the new neighborhood. Before long, the two teenagers fall for each other and a forbidden summer romance begins. Mark learns of Natasha’s troubled and promiscuous life in Moscow, and together they build a web of secrecy that ultimately leads to tragedy. Adapted from the director David Bezmozgis’s award-winning book Natasha and Other Stories. New York Premiere
Thursday, January 14, 4:00pm
Saturday, January 16, 7:00pm

Projections of America
Peter Miller, Germany/USA/France, DCP, 2015, 52m
English, French, and German with English subtitles
During the darkest hour of World War II, a team of idealistic filmmakers were commissioned by the American government to create 26 short propaganda pieces about life in the United States. The Projections of America series presents stories of cowboys and oilmen, farmers and window washers, immigrants and schoolchildren, capturing both the optimism and the messiness of American democracy. The creation and dissemination of these works is the subject of this documentary, which includes pristine new transfers of the films, as well as interviews with their directors, audience members, and critics. New York Premiere

Preceded by:
The Autobiography of a Jeep
Irving Lerner, USA, 1943, Digital projection, 9m
This 1943 propaganda film was produced by the U.S. Office of War Information as part of their series of documentaries released throughout World War II. Told from the perspective of a jeep, the utilitarian military vehicle that exemplified America’s can-do attitude, the film received a particularly enthusiastic response in France, where it had its first screenings soon after D-Day. The Autobiography of a Jeepwas directed by documentarian Irving Lerner, a left-leaning filmmaker who would eventually be caught up in the Hollywood blacklist, and written by Newbery Award winner Joseph Krumgold.
Wednesday, January 13, 1:30pm & 6:00pm

Special Presentation:
Rabin, the Last Day
Amos Gitai, Israel/France, 2015, DCP, 153m
Hebrew with English subtitles
On the evening of November 4, 1995, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was shot down at the end of a huge political rally in Tel Aviv. The killer apprehended at the scene turned out to be a 25-year-old student and observant Jew. Investigation into this brutal murder reveals a dark and frightening world—a subculture of hate fueled by hysterical rhetoric, paranoia, and political intrigue, made up of extremist rabbis who condemned Rabin by invoking an obscure Talmudic ruling, prominent right-wing politicians who joined in a campaign of incitement against Rabin, militant Israeli settlers for whom peace meant betrayal, and the security agents who saw what was coming and failed to prevent it. Twenty years after the death of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, acclaimed filmmaker Amos Gitai sheds light on an ever-growing crisis of the impunity of hate crimes in Israel today with this thought-provoking political thriller, which masterfully combines dramatized scenes with actual news footage of the shooting and its aftermath. U.S. Premiere
Saturday, January 16, 9:30pm
Sunday, January 17, 12:45pm

Musical Event:
The Rifleman’s Violin
Sam Ball, USA, 2014, Digital projection, 14m
In July 1945, Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin convened in Berlin to negotiate the fate of the world in the aftermath of World War II. The agenda included the division of Europe between East and West and the ongoing war with Japan (which would end less than a month later with America’s nuclear strike). To break the ice in these tense discussions, Truman requested a private performance by the young virtuoso violinist Stuart Canin, who had fought as a GI on the front lines earlier that year. In Sam Ball’s short documentary, a 90-year-old Canin recalls his performance with wit and verve. The Rifleman’s Violin was produced by Abraham D. Sofaer for the Potsdam Revisited: Overture to the Cold War multimedia project created by Citizen Film in partnership with the Hoover Institution Archive at Stanford University - www.potsdamrevisited.org.
The screening of The Rifleman’s Violin will be followed by a reconstruction of the performance by violinist Stuart Canin and pianist Thomas Sauer as well as an on-stage discussion with Canin; the film’s producer Abraham Sofaer; director Sam Ball; and Stanford University historian Norman Naimark.
Sunday, January 24, 1:00pm
   
Song of Songs    
Eva Neymann, Ukraine, 2015, DCP, 76m
Russian with English subtitles
This exceptional Ukrainian feature tells a story that begins with the blossoming of simple childhood love in a shtetl in 1905. Shimek and Buzya’s bond is pure and uncomplicated, but Shimek leaves it behind to seek a life outside his father’s house. When he hears years later that Buzya is to be married, he comes home to find that nothing—in the town or in his heart—has changed, and yet everything somehow seems different. Song of Songs is a poignant tale of love, return, and the transience of youth. New York Premiere
Thursday, January 21, 1:00pm & 6:00pm

Those People
Joey Kuhn, USA, 2015, DCP, 89m
On Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a young painter, Charlie, has spent much of his life in unrequited love with his best friend, Sebastian, a charismatic and reckless partier who lives alone in his family’s townhouse now that his father has been imprisoned for Bernie Madoff–esque crimes and his mother abandoned them both in the wake of the scandal. Joey Kuhn’s feature debut vividly depicts a social circle in crisis, set against the glorious backdrop of autumnal New York.
Sunday, January 24, 6:00pm

Tito’s Glasses
Regina Schilling, Germany, 2014, DCP, 90m
German, Italian, and Croatian with English subtitles
In the documentary adaptation of Adriana Altaras’s best-selling autobiography,Altaras, the daughter of Jewish Croats who fought the Nazis alongside Tito finds herself leading a normal, if somewhat frazzled, domestic existence in Berlin with her husband and two soccer-crazed sons. When her parents die, she inherits their apartment and begins to sort through decades of letters and photographs, revealing a gold mine of family secrets, persecution, and political heroism. Past and present meld as Altaras compassionately narrates the small details of life and family as a 20th-century European Jew. New York Premiere
Tuesday, January 19, 1:00pm & 6:15pm

Wedding Doll
Nitzan Gilady, Israel, 2015, DCP, 82m
Hebrew with English subtitles
Hagit, a young woman with a mild mental deficiency, works in a toilet-paper factory and lives with her mother, Sarah, a divorcée who gave up her life for her daughter. When Hagit embarks on her first romantic relationship, she keeps it a secret from her overbearing mom. Israeli director Nitzan Gilady sparkles in his feature debut, a richly detailed family drama for which Asi Levi’s performance as Sarah earned her the Best Actress prize at the 2015 Jerusalem Film Festival. U.S. Premiere
Monday, January 25, 3:30pm & 8:30pm

For more information, visit:

NewFest, the New York LGBT Film Festival, Announces 2015 Audience Award Winners

NewFest, in Partnership with Outfest and HBO, Concludes their 27th Annual Festival And Announces Audience Award Winners – THOSE PEOPLE (Narrative Feature), THE SAME DIFFERENCE (Documentary Feature), TREMULO (Narrative Short) and IN THE HOLLOW (Documentary Short).

The 2015 NewFest, New York’s LGBT Film Festival, concluded its 27th anniversary year at the Bow Tie Chelsea Theater - and the recently completed screening room at the LGBT Community Center - with a sold-out screening of GIRLS LOST. The highly successful six-day festival screened nearly 100 films to a number of sold-out audiences and included a centerpiece gala screening of Todd Haynes' CAROL, a star-studded World Premiere of new trans series "Her Story" followed by a discussion moderated by Laverne Cox, a MasterClass discussion with award-winning filmmaker Ira Sachs, NewFest's first ever Queer Horror Night, and an enlightening panel discussion on the evolution of transgender representation in modern media.

Following the Closing Night Gala screening, NewFest announced the 2015 Audience Award winning films:

THOSE PEOPLE, directed by Joey Kuhn, won the Audience Award for Outstanding Feature Film for its crowd-pleasing depiction of a complicated romance between two young men in the gilded halls of Manhattan's high society. Those People will be distributed by Wolfe Releasing in 2016.

THE SAME DIFFERENCE, directed by Nneka Onuorah, won the Audience Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature. The film, which shines a light on the all-too-often ignored problem of homophobia and gender discrimination within the African-American lesbian community, broke NewFest records, selling out four screenings to audiences eager to finally see the issue addressed onscreen and within the lively panels that followed each screening. The Same Difference will be distributed by Women Make Movies in 2016.

TREMULO, directed by Roberto Fiesco, won the Audience Award for Outstanding Narrative Short, thanks to its tender and beautifully realized depiction of a brief encounter between two young men in Mexico. A feature version is currently in the works.

IN THE HOLLOW, directed by Austin Bunn, won the Audience Award for Outstanding Documentary Short. Bunn, the screenwriter of last year's Kill Your Darlings, masterfully combined documentary and narrative techniques to place audiences at the center of a horrific crime against two gay women.
 
Speaking on behalf of the programming team, NewFest's senior programmer Adam Baran also singled out Martin Edralin's narrative short HOLE and Blair Fukumura's documentary short BEDDING ANDREW for special recognition, for using brave, emotionally stirring methods to tell the often-overlooked stories of gay men with disability and their need for physical and emotional support.
 
“Our 27th annual festival marked a year of huge growth for NewFest,” noted NewFest Executive Director Robert Kushner. “As a new generation of filmmakers comes through with exciting new stories and means of telling them, it's clear that LGBT audiences continue to seek community through shared experiences onscreen. We're extraordinarily happy that NewFest can play a role in that.”

For more information, please visit: http: outfest.org

THE HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY HALEKULANI CELEBRATES ITS 35th ANNIVERSARY

Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) presented by Halekulani will celebrate its 35th anniversary. The festival dates take place from November 12 through November 22, primarily all on the island of Oahu.

HIFF will present 181 films, with 17 US, 14 International and 32 world premieres from 41 countries this year. The Festival, which is to be held during mid-November, serves as a festival of discovery for new talent in the Pacific Rim; a “yearbook” of the very best films that have played on the festival circuit; and a new destination to present awards buzz titles that are vying for industry attention during the height of “awards season.”

Anderson Le, Director of Programming, said “The 35th HIFF continues the tradition of symbolizing the best from East and West by presenting high profile films in our Opening, Centerpiece and Closing Night galas.”

The 35th HIFF kicks off with South Korea’s official entry to the Oscar Foreign Language category with award winning director Lee Joo-ick’s THE THRONE. The story at the center of this lush historical drama is the struggle between the long-ruling King Yeongjo (Song Kang-ho from SNOWPIERCER) and his son, Sado (Yoo Ah-in) and the real life incident of the king’s decision to lock up his son in a wooden barrel — in which the royal heir died after eight days.

Set in 1950s New York, two women from very different backgrounds (Rooney Mara as a young shop clerk and Cate Blanchett as a sophisticated, but unhappy housewife) find themselves in the throes of love in CAROL, the Festival’s Centerpiece Film. World premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, where Mara won Best Actress, the Todd Haynes drama will assuredly generate awards buzz this season.

The Festival closes with a romantic drama based on real events, the U.S. premiere of Mabel Cheung’s A TALE OF THREE CITIES, an epic period drama about individuals overwhelmed by the times, their trajectories shaped by rapidly changing circumstances beyond their control. Lau Ching-wan and Tang Wei (LUST, CAUTION) play ill-fated lovebirds who meet during the backdrop of the final days leading into WWII. The film is based on the epic love story of Jackie Chan’s parents. 

Halekulani Corporation, HIFF’s key presenting sponsor, will again present the Festival’s coveted HALEKULANI GOLDEN ORCHID AWARDS for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and for the first, time, Best Narrative Short Film. This year’s crop of nominated films consist of exciting new perspectives from emerging filmmakers in the Asia Pacific and award-worthy socially conscious documentaries that have premiered at major film festivals including Sundance, Cannes, Venice and Toronto. Also new is an attached $5000 cash prize for both the Best Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature categories.

“We are honored to continue our partnership with Halekulani, as presenting sponsor, as well as title sponsor of the Golden Orchid Awards,” says Robert Lambeth, the Festival’s Executive Director. “Once again, the best in filmmaking from around the world is represented in the nominated films. For example, we are honored to screen the U.S. premiere of AMERICAN EPIC, a new series by executive producers Robert Redford, T Bone Burnett, and Jack White. Mixed together with films from the Pacific Rim by emerging and established directors, we are honored to celebrate the power of cinema, from its rich tradition to its cutting edge innovation.”

NARRATIVE FEATURE NOMINEES: 

HONOR THY FATHER (Philippines)

Director: Erik Matti

Kaye and Edgar is a pair of married white-collar swindlers, who have cashed in on promoting an investment scheme to their friends and fellow Pentecostal parishioners. But when they run afoul of their latest victims, their devout investors turn on them. When the tension erupts into violence, Edgar decides to seek the aid of his criminally inclined family.

THE KIDS (Taiwan)

Director: Sunny Yu

Bao-Li has just started 8th grade when he comes to the rescue of Jia-Jia, an older girl he immediately falls in love with, and soon enough they are in a relationship. When Jia-Jia becomes pregnant, Bao-Li drops out of school to support his new family and become the breadwinner, sometimes by any means necessary. But when he discovers that his mother has gambled away all of their savings, the young family heads toward a path of self-destruction. 

MADONNA (South Korea)

Director: Shin Su-won

Nurse’s aide Hae-rim and Doctor Hyuk-gyu are ordered to keep hospital CEO Chul-ho on life support and wait for a donor match. On one of her daily rounds, Hae-rim discovers a comatose patient named Mi-Na who, miraculously, is a match. The CEO’s cold-blooded son makes a deal with Hae-rim to go find Mi-Na’s family and bribe them to sign the consent form. Through her search, Hae-rim unravels Mi-Na’s tragic life and a dark secret that reflects her own past.  

MIDORI IN HAWAII (USA)

Director: John Hill

Midori is a struggling wedding photographer living in Hawaii. When Seiko and Kyo-chan, Midori’s judgmental sister and brother in-law visit from Japan, Midori’s small world is thrown off balance. As the sisters travel the Big Island together, old grudges and long forgotten psychological scars begin to resurface. The tension builds until the true reason for Seiko’s visit is finally revealed, forcing Midori to choose between family responsibilities or continuing to pursue her dream.

PALI ROAD (USA)

Director: Jonathan Lim

A young doctor wakes up from a car accident and discovers she is married to another man and living a life she can't remember. Her search for the truth to her past life will lead her to question everyone around her and her entire existence. Shot entirely in Hawaii and starring Chinese superstar Michelle Chen, TWILIGHT’s Jackson Rathbone and Sung Kang (FAST FIVE), PALI ROAD is a story for the search for true love between two worlds. A US-China co-production shot entirely on location in Hawaii. 

ROBBERY (Hong Kong)

Director: Fire Lee

A twenty-something punk fancies himself a total player, but the best job he can find is overnight clerk at a convenience store. The other clerk is a cute chick and you’re thinking “rom com,” but then there’s a robbery, a gangster, a shoot-out and a night they won’t forget, if they survive it! An anarcho-absurdist blood-soaked grand guignol indie flick with attitude to burn, this is the perfect high paced youth movie from Hong Kong.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE NOMINEES:

AMERICAN EPIC (USA)

Director: Bernard MacMahon

AMERICAN EPIC is the extraordinary story of 1920s record companies that toured America with a recording machine, to capture the emerging and diverse music known as American roots. The filmmakers retrace this journey today, to rediscover the families whose music was recorded long ago; music that would lead to the development of Hopi, Hawaiian slack key, Tejano, Cajun and Delta Blues. These seminal musicians are revealed through previously unseen film footage, unpublished photographs, and exclusive interviews.

CROCODILE GENNADIY (USA)

Director: Steve Hoover

Gennadiy calls himself 'Pastor Crocodile.' He's known throughout Ukraine for his years working to rehabilitate drug-addicted kids. But he's also a vigilante who uses any force necessary to carry out his moral vision. Gennadiy believes he has made Mariupol a better place, but now, the violence in Ukraine threatens everything.

HEBEI TAIPEI (Taiwan)

Director: Li Nien Hsiu

Born in China, drifting from place to place since childhood, Li Chung-Hsiao has survived war and poverty. War robbed him of him returning to his hometown and his dreams are filled with only scenes of violence in the streets of his youth. With these memories as a guide, his daughter sets out to retrace his tumultuous life. This is the dramatic memoir of a foul-mouthed, insolent, yet somehow lovable man.

IN FOOTBALL WE TRUST (USA)

Director(s): Tony Vainuku, Erika Cohn

A contemporary American story, IN FOOTBALL WE TRUST transports viewers deep inside the tightly-knit and complex Polynesian community in Salt Lake City, Utah, one of the chief sources for the modern influx of Pacific Islander NFLers. With unprecedented access and shot over a four-year time period, the film intimately portrays four young Polynesian men striving to overcome gang violence and near poverty through the promise of American football.

REMAKE REMIX RIP-OFF (Turkey)

Director: Cem Kaya

Turkey in the 1960s and 70s was one of the world’s biggest film producers even though its industry was vastly unknown internationally. In order to keep up with demand, screenwriters and directors were copying scripts and remaking movies from across the globe. Name any Western hit film; there is a Turkish version to it, from THE WIZARD OF OZ to STAR TREK. What they lacked in equipment and budget they compensated for with sheer zeal and excessive use of manpower.

THE SEVENTH FIRE (USA)

Director: Jack Pettibone Riccobono

When Rob Brown, a Native American gang leader on a remote Minnesota reservation, is sentenced to prison for a fifth time, he must confront his role in bringing violent drug culture into his beloved Ojibwe community. As Rob reckons with his past, his seventeen-year-old protégé, Kevin, dreams of the future - becoming the biggest drug dealer on the reservation. Terrence Malick presents this haunting and visually arresting nonfiction film about the gang crisis in Indian Country.

“There’s a wealth of award winning and critically acclaimed films that we are honored to present across a broad cross-section of our festival program, especially in our European Spotlight, Awards Buzz, and Gala Presentations.” says Anna Page, HIFF’s Associate Director of Programming. “As a film festival close to the end of the calendar year, we are fortunate to present the very best films from Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Venice and Toronto.”

Awards favorites and the most acclaimed films from the film festival circuit include the following:

45 YEARS (UK)

Director: Andrew Haigh

Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay turn in award winning performances as a couple in trouble. There is just one week until Kate Mercer’s forty-fifth wedding anniversary and planning for the party is going well, until a letter arrives for her husband. The body of his first love has been discovered, frozen and preserved in the icy glaciers of the Swiss Alps. Jealousy and what ifs plague the couple. By the time the party is upon them, there may not be a marriage left to celebrate.

DHEEPAN (UK)

Director: Jacques Audiard

Dheepan is a Sri Lankan Tamil warrior who flees to France, along with a young woman and little girl, as they pose as a family (this allows easier asylum). Soon, the makeshift family is sent to live in a housing block outside Paris, where Dheepan earns a job as the local caretaker. But violence continues to follow him when he realizes the block is territory for a drug gang. Winner of the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes.  

JAFAR PANAHI’S TAXI (Iran)

Director: Jafar Panahi

Taxi passengers express their views and opinions as filmmaker Jafar Panahi (currently under house arrest and charged for conspiring to create anti-Islamic propaganda) drives through the streets of Tehran. Thus the stage is set for a series of deft seriocomic episodes that bring Panahi (who exudes a warm presence) into contact with a diverse cross-section of Tehran society, all captured from the fixed p.o.v. of the taxi’s dash-cam.  

KRISHA (USA)

Director: Trey Edward Schultz

After years of absence, Krisha (played to the hilt by former Hawaii resident Krisha Fairchild) reunites with her family for a holiday gathering. She sees it as an opportunity to fix her past mistakes, cook the family turkey, and prove to her loved ones that she has changed for the better. Only Krisha’s delirium takes her family on a dizzying holiday that no one will forget. The film won both the Grand Jury and Audience Awards at SXSW this year.

MOUNTAINS MAY DEPART (China)

Director: Jia Zhang-ke

Jia Zhang-ke’s latest is an epic tale about Tao and the men who come in and out of her life. We begin in 1999, where Tao finds herself pursued by two young men. We jump to 2014, where Tao is a divorcee and trying to come to make peace with the fact that her young son may be better off with his rich father, who intends to immigrate to Australia. We end in 2025, centering on Tao’s now college-age son.

MUSTANG (France, Germany, Turkey)

Director: Deniz Gamze Ergüven

Early summer. In a village in northern Turkey, Lale and her four sisters are walking home from school, playing innocently with some boys. The immorality of their play sets off a scandal that has unexpected consequences. The family home is progressively transformed into a prison; instruction in homemaking replaces school and marriages start being arranged. The five sisters who share a common passion for freedom, find ways of getting around the constraints imposed on them.

RIGHT NOW WRONG THEN (South Korea)

Director: Hong Sang-soo

The delightful new film from Festival favorite Hong Sang-soo (IN ANOTHER COUNTRY) presents two variations on a potentially fateful romantic encounter between a filmmaker and a painter, tracing each to its own very distinct outcome. The film won the Golden Leopard at this year’s Locarno Film Festival.

SON OF SAUL (Hungary)

Director: László Nemes

Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes, and one of the most talked about films of the year, SON OF SAUL is an excoriating look at evil in Auschwitz. During World War II, a Jewish worker (Géza Röhrig) at the Auschwitz concentration camp tries to find a rabbi to give a child a proper burial. Grim and unyielding, this explosive film is also Hungary’s official entry to the Academy Awards.  

YELLOW FLOWERS ON THE GREEN GRASS (Vietnam)

Director: Victor Vu

A coming of age story set in the Vietnamese countryside during the late 1980s — Thieu and Tuong are brothers that share a strong bond. Unbeknownst to Tuong, Thieu is constantly jealous of his younger brother’s personal and academic achievements. This leads to an act of violence, which leaves Tuong paralyzed and bedridden. In coming to terms with his own conscience, Thieu attempts to redeem himself and discovers the true meaning of brotherhood. 

YOUTH (Italy, France, Switzerland, UK)

Director: Paulo Sorrentino

Oscar winning actor Michael Caine plays Fred, an acclaimed composer and conductor, who brings along his daughter (Rachel Weisz) and best friend Mick (Harvey Keitel), a renowned filmmaker on holiday.  While Mick scrambles to finish the screenplay for what he imagines will be his last important film, Fred has no intention of resuming his musical career.  The two men reflect on their past, each finding that some of the most important experiences can come later in life.

The Festival is celebrating the life and legacy of one of the greatest directors of all time and the maestro of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. The HITCHCOCK SPOTLIGHT presented by the Vilcek Foundation will encompass a 70th anniversary presentation of SPELLBOUND starring Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman. After the screening, there will be an extended Q&A session with the late director’s granddaughters, Tere Carubba and Mary Stone, who will discuss their grandfather’s familial legacy and a personal and intimate perspective on one of the most famous film directors of the 20th century, who defined cinema. In addition, HIFF will present the Hawaii premiere of Kent Jones’ documentary HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

“In honor of the contributions that so many immigrants have made to American cinema over the years, HIFF 2015 will spotlight one of the most influential immigrant filmmakers, Alfred Hitchcock,” says Robert Lambeth, HIFF’s Executive Director. This spotlight is a special sidebar of the New American Filmmakers program presented by the Vilcek Foundation, which highlights the contributions of gifted immigrant filmmakers to contemporary American cinema. HIFF is proud to once again partner with the Vilcek Foundation to present the 9th annual New American Filmmakers program. 

SPELLBOUND (1945) w/ Tere Carubba and Mary Stone (Hitchcock’s granddaughters)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

In this special 70th anniversary screening, SPELLBOUND tells the story of a psychiatrist protects the identity of an amnesia patient accused of murder while attempting to recover his memory.

HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT (2015)

Director: Kent Jones

In 1962, Alfred Hitchcock and Francois Truffaut locked themselves away in Hollywood for a week to excavate the secrets behind the mise-en-scène in cinema. Based on the original recordings of this meeting—used to produce the mythical book “Hitchcock/Truffaut”—this film illustrates the greatest cinema lesson of all time. Director Kent Jones also interviews the top filmmakers working today as they discuss how this seminal book influences their work. 

CREATIVE LAB and Creative Lab at HIFF provide a rich environment for international creative collaboration and building new business relationships through a global lens. In the past, HIFF and Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division, have developed key relationships with industry partners including the Writers Guild of America-West (WGAW), Producers Guild of America (PGA), Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) and Screen Actors Guild/AFTRA (SAG-AFTRA). Creative Lab furthers the professional development of creative entrepreneurs and increases the growth of commercially viable content for acquisition/distribution.

“Passionately dedicated to the success of filmmakers, I am happy to announce three new programs launched under the aegis of Creative Lab at HIFF -- The Ebert Foundation Young Critic’s Program in honor of Roger Ebert’s legacy support of HIFF, the Oscar Documentary Lab lead by Oscar winning filmmakers Freida Lee Mock and James Moll, and the 1st Annual Asia Pacific Entertainment Finance Forum presented by Winston Baker,” says Robert Lambeth, HIFF’s Executive Director.

In association with Winston Baker, the leading producer of film finance forum around the world, HIFF is launching the new Asia Pacific Entertainment Finance Forum (APEFF) in Honolulu during the Festival with networking and kickoff reception on November 18, the full-day conference on November 19, and ending activities and sessions on November 20.

The PEFF s omprehensive rogram nlike ny inance onference eing ffered oday! hrough ombination f eynotes, resentations, nd anel iscussions, ndustry eaders ill ddress nvestment, inancing nd rowth trategies ithin he ilm, V nd aming ectors, as well as a focus on breaking into the China market and co-production packaging with the intent to shoot on location in Hawaii. The conference will be held at one of HIFF’s major sponsors, The Modern Honolulu Hotel.

Registration for APEFF is currently open, with special discounts for Hawaii residents. To register for the conference (limited seating only), head over to http://www.hiff.org/asian-pacific-entertainment-finance-forum-apeff/

Oscar Documentary Lab: Anatomy of Oscar Docs

Presented by two Oscar-winning documentarians, Freida Lee Mock (MAYA LIN, ANITA) and James Moll (THE LAST DAYS, FOO FIGHTERS: BACK AND FORTH), this four-hour lab offers an in-depth analysis of recent Academy Award-winning documentaries to reveal what makes them great and what we might apply to our own films.

Roger Ebert Foundation Young Film Critics Program

In a swiftly changing media environment, informed writing and criticism on cinema is vital to a strong film culture and industry. This program’s mandate is to broaden and strengthen film criticism culture in Hawaii and teach young writers classical, as well as current methods and tasks in critical thinking and writing by reviewing films and interviewing filmmakers in a live film festival setting. Chicago-based film critic, academic and filmmaker Kevin B. Lee will mentor eight local young writers. 

HIFF’s Executive Director Robert Lambeth concludes, “Set against the stunning backdrop of the cosmopolitan crossroads of the Pacific, the 35th Hawaii International Film Festival presented by Halekulani will once again present an array of compelling programs, glamorous parties, and the best of international cinema.” 

Tickets go on sale on October 16 for HIFF Ohana members and on October 19 to the general public.

What: 35th Hawaii International Film Festival presented by Halekulani

When:  November 12 – 22, 2015

Where: Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theatres & IMAX, Consolidated Koko Marina at Koko Marina Shopping Center, Courtyard Cinema at Ward Villages, Consolidated Ward 16

Ticket Prices:  $14 general public, $12 seniors, military, students, children, $10 HIFF Ohana members (HIFF’s film membership body)

Ticket Purchases: Online at Hiff.org, in person – HIFF box office, phone: (808) 447-0577

For more details, please visit: hiff.org

The 13th Annual New York Korean Film Festival Announces Upcoming Program

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The 13th Annual New York Korean Film Festival showcases Korea doing what it does best: the crime thriller, the romantic fantasy, and feverish erotica. The Peninsula’s filmmakers bend genre cinema to a uniquely Korean pulse and purpose, making the country’s national film industry the most vibrant in East Asia. The thrilling complications of love and crime steal the show in this year’s lineup, as partnerships go south and fickle passions lead to betrayal. Resistance fighters navigate the intrigue of colonial-era Korea, love affairs are smothered as quickly as they are kindled, and hard-boiled cops dig at the ugly truth in a collection of both massive blockbusters and favorites from the international festival circuit, with five New York premieres and one international premiere.

The 13th Annual New York Korean Festival will run from November 6-November 11, 2015, at the Museum of the Moving Image. This will be the first year Museum of the Moving Image will serve as a partner and the venue for the New York Korean Film Festival, building on past collaborations with the Korea Society and Subway Cinema.

The Korea Society has also invited an exceptional group of Korean guests, including star director Ryoo Seung-Wan and producers Kang Hye-jung and Park Jung (Veteran); directors Shin Suwon (Madonna), Lee Do-yun (Confession), Kang Hyo-jin (Wonderful Nightmare), Oh Seung-uk (The Shameless), and Hong Won-chan (Office); and actress Koh Ah-Sung.

The New York Korean Film Festival is a program of The Korea Society, the Museum of the Moving Image, and Subway Cinema.

Major support is provided by the Korea Foundation.

ALL SCREENINGS WILL BE HELD AT THE MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE

The Museum is located at 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, Queens, NY, 11106.

Opening Night tickets: $20 ($12 for TKS members, MOMI Film Lover and Dual members / free for Silver Screen members and above).

All other NYKFF tickets are $12 ($7 for TKS members, MOMI Film Lover and Dual members / free for Silver Screen members and above).

Advance tickets will be available online at movingimage.us beginning October 21.

OPENING NIGHT

Office (오피스)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 6:30 P.M.

New York Premiere

With director Hong Won-chan and star Ko Ah-sung in person

Followed by a reception in the Museum lobby and cafe

Dir. Hong Won-chan. 2015, 111 mins. B.R. With: Ko Ah-sung, Park Seong-woong, Bae Seong-woo. After gruesomely murdering his family, a midlevel manager (Bae Seong-woo) dutifully returns to the office, haunting the building like a vengeful ghost and turning the otherwise bland workspace into a house of terror. Legitimately alarmed, his colleagues nonetheless sing his praises to the police—a hint that there’s more to the matter than a disgruntled employee suddenly snapping. Described as “hearty genre entertainment” by Variety, this Cannes “Midnight Madness” selection is a perfect outlet for young leading actress Ko Ah-sung.

“Workplace blues wrought large and crimson red.” — Clarence Tsui, The Hollywood Reporter
“Razor-sharp satire on petty politics in the corporate world [...] laced with wickedly bitchy dialogue” — Maggie Lee, Variety
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Hong Won-chan was the screenwriter for Confession of Murder (2012), The Yellow Sea(2010), The Scam (2009), and The Chaser (2007—a selection at Cannes), before making his directorial debut with Office.

The youngest of three sisters, Ko Ah-sung started acting at an early age and played the memorable role of the daughter in Bong Joon-ho’s The Host (2006). Her film credits includeThe Beauty Inside (2015), Thread of Lies (2014), Snowpiercer (2013), Duet (2012), After the Banquet (2009), A Brand New Life (2009), Radio Dayz (2008), and The Happy Life (2007). 

Trap (덫, 치명적인 유혹)

International Premiere

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1:00 P.M.

Dir. Bong Man-Dae. 2015, 107 mins. DCP. With Yoo Ha-joon, Han Je-in, Kang Yong-gyoo.

Maladjusted screenwriter Jeong-min (Yoo Ha-joon) travels to the countryside to rethink his life and concentrate on his career. But instead of working on his screenwriting, he finds transgressive distraction in the person of temptress Yumi (Han Je-in). The frontier between reality and fantasy blurs as Jeong-min’s mind and body are engulfed in a fatal attraction to the innocent-faced but dangerous Lolita, leading him to increasingly poor life decisions. A standout entry in the filmography of softcore erotic meister “Playboy” Bong Man-Dae. 

Confession (좋은 친구들)

With director Lee Do-yun in person

New York Premiere

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 3:15 P.M.

Dir. Lee Do-yun. 2014, 114 mins. DCP. With Ji Sung, Ju Ji-hoon. Since a tragic mountain incident in high school, Min-soo (Lee Kwang-soo), Hyun-tae (Ji Sung) and In-chul (Ju Ji-hoon) have remained best friends through thick and thin. But when two of them agree to burn down an illegal gambling hall for the insurance payout, the spilt blood of loved ones unearths the bitter ghosts of a dark past. Soon, the group of childhood friends turn on each other in the bleakest of fallouts. Lee Do-yun’s debut feature has been compared with the slow-burning noir of Sidney Lumet’s final film, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.

“The film’s stupendous execution and the compelling characters successfully drive the film forward.” -Jason Bechervaise, Screen International

Lee Do-yun was born in South Korea. He directed the short films We. Trippers and Neighbor.Confession, his first feature, had its international premiere in Toronto last year. 

The Shameless (무뢰한)

With director Oh Seung-uk in person

New York Premiere

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 6:00 P.M.

Dir. Oh Seung-uk. 118 mins. DCP. With Jeon Do-yeon, Kim Nam-gil, Park Sung-Woong. In Oh Seung-uk’s highly anticipated return to the director’s chair since his debut masterpieceKilimanjaro in 2000, Cannes award-winning actress Jeon Do-yeon plays a bar hostess in love with a suspected murderer. Kim Nam-gil (The Pirates) is outstanding as a detective who plays a game of seduction with a dangerous woman. Selected for the Un Certain Regard program at the Cannes Film Festival, The Shameless is an unforgettably stylish noir.

“A mellow pleasure to be slowly savored, this polished work should be welcomed at festivals” — Maggie Lee, Variety

Oh Seung-uk (b.1963) began his career as an assistant director of Lee Chang-dong, co-writing his debut feature Green Fish. In the late '90s, he co-wrote the landmark romanceChristmas in August and Park Kwang-su's ambitious historical drama The Uprising. Oh made his debut as a director with the crime thriller Killimanjaro in 2000. The Shameless is his long-awaited second feature.

Assassination (암살)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 8:55 P.M.

Dir. Choi Dong-hoon. 2015, 140 mins. B.R. With Jeon Ji-hyun, Lee Jung-hae, Ha Jung-woo. Choi Dong-hoon's follow-up to his 2012 hit The Thieves was Korea’s biggest box office hit of the year. Drawing inspiration from 1980s Hong Kong action comedies and South Korea's little-known 1960s Manchurian Westerns, Assassination follows the journey of three resistance fighters as their mission takes them to the Manchurian countryside, pre-war Shanghai, and Japanese-occupied Seoul to assassinate an evil Japanese governor and his Korean acolyte. Boasting an all-star cast led by screen-goddess Jeon Ji-hyun and superstar Lee Jung-jae,Assassination is “a sensationally entertaining mash-up of historical drama, Dirty Dozen style shoot-‘em-up, spaghetti Western-flavored flamboyance, and extended action set pieces that suggest a dream-team collaboration of Sergio Leone, John Woo and Steven Spielberg” according to Variety’s Joe Leydon.

Madonna (마돈나)

With director Shin Su-Won in person

New York Premiere

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2:00 P.M.

Dir. Shin Su-won. 2015, 121 mins. DCP. With Seo Young-hee, Kwon So-hyun, Kim Young-min.

After her festival hit Pluto (2012), a critically acclaimed high-school drama about bullying and murder which won a Special Mention at the 2013 Berlinale, director Shin Su-won delivers a shocking, noir-tinged tale of privilege and poverty: a nurse's aide uncovers and tries to prevent the horrific use of a brain dead pregnant street-walker for a heart transplant to a rich patient.

Director Shin Su-Won was a middle school teacher before she began a directing career. Her short, Circle Line, won the Canal+ Prize for Best Short Film at Cannes 2012, and her debut feature, Passerby #3 (2010), won awards at the Tokyo International Film Festival and Jeonju International Film Festival. Her films include Modern Family (2012) and Pluto (2013).

The Beauty Inside (뷰티 인사이드)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 5:00 P.M.

Dir. Baik (Baek Jong-yeol), 2015, 127 mins. B.R. With Han Hyo-joo, Park Seo-jun, Mun Suk, Lee Dong-hwi, Lee Mi-do. Since his 18th birthday, Woo-jin wakes up each morning as a different person in a new body. Sometimes he’s old, sometimes he’s young, sometimes he’s not Korean…or even a man. But inside, he remains the same down-to-earth, honest cabinet maker devoted to his craft. And each day he fights to connect with the woman he loves (Han Hyo-joo, in a luminous, standout performance). Beneath the slick romantic fantasy and the gorgeous cinematography, the film asks real questions about identity and true love.

“Blessed with a MLB roster’s worth of veteran character players (Kim Sang-ho, Kim Min-jae, Jo Dal-hwan), and buzzy young stars”—Elizabeth Kerr, The Hollywood Reporter

Veteran (베테랑)

With director Ryoo Seung-wan in person

U.S. Festival Premiere

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 7:45 P.M.

Dir. Ryoo Seung-wan. 2015, 123 mins. DCP. With Hwang Jung-min, Yoo Ah-in, Yoo Hae-jin. In this instant action/comedy classic—a massive theatrical hit earlier this summer—hardboiled detective Seo Do-cheol (top actor Hwang Jung-min can throw—and take—a punch) and his misfit team defend the powerless against the vicious scion of a prominent family (played with villainous delight by heartthrob Yoo Ah-in, in a widely acclaimed performance).

Ryoo Seung-wan was born in Onyang, South Korea. His films include The Berlin File (2013),The Unjust (2010), Dachimawa Lee (2008), The City of Violence (2006), Crying Fist (2005),Arahan (2004), No Blood No Tears (2002), and Die Bad (2000). He won “Best Director” at the Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2011.

Wonderful Nightmare (미쓰 와이프)

With director Kang Hyo-jin in person
New York Premiere

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 7:00 P.M.

Dir. Kang Hyo-jin. 2015, 125 mins. DCP. With Uhm Jung-hwa, Song Seung-heon, Seo Shin-Ae. Heaven makes a clerical error, so ambitious lawyer Yeon-woo (played by superstar Uhm Jung-hwa) returns to Earth to find herself married to a salaryman and mother to a rebellious teenager and know-it-all six-year-old. A sharp, hilarious satire about the shift in gender roles in contemporary Korean society that struck a deep chord with local audiences.

Director Kang Hyo-jin’s independent feature, Kill’em with Bare Hands (2004), won the audience award at the Seoul Independent Film Festival. His films include Dirty Blood (2012),Twilight Gangsters (2010), and Punch Lady (2007).

For more information, please visit