Since 1993, the Film Independent Spirit Awards have been held at Santa Monica State Beach, and the dreamy California coast couldn’t be a more appropriate vibe for the unique award season event that’s all about shining a spotlight on some of the most interesting voices in cinema. Mixing up the film world’s indie glitterati is […]

The post 20 Sundance-Supported Films and Series Land Nominations for the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards first appeared on sundance.org.

Reinas- (Queens) Switzerland's International Oscar Entry.
Posted By Robin Menken
Swiss-Peruvian director Klaudia Reynicke’s quiet family drama is set in 1992, during the economic collapse in Peru, a national curfew and the constant attacks of the far-left terrorist group Sendero Luminoso (The Shining Path).
   An opening archival television news report features Peru’s minister of the economy announcing that in the next 24 hours, the price of milk will jump from 120,000 Peruvian intis to 330,000, the cost of sugar, now 150,000 intis, will double and the price of a baguette, 9,000 Peruvian inti, increases to 25,000 Peruvian inti overnight)
   Easy going Carlos (Gonzalo Molina), known as "el loco" works as a taxi driver and night watchman, and barters black market sugar and whatever comes to hand to get by.
   Estranged from his upper-middle class wife Elena (Jimena Lindo) and his growing girls- frisky teenager Aurora (Luana Vega) and younger sister Lucía (Abril Gjurinovic), Carlos shows up after along break and tries to spend time with his Reinas ("Queens.") Hurt by his long disappearance the girls are suspicious and wary, especially Aurora.
   Elena (Jimena Lindo), has landed a job in Minnesota and has seized the chance to escape Peru's downward spiral. Before she can leave with her girls she needs Carlos official signature to authorize their daughters leaving the country.
   It's the last few weeks before their trip and Carlos keeps postponing signing. Needing his signature and wanting his daughters to have time with him before the move to the safer U.S. Elena encourages him to spend time with the girls, and the wily teller of tall tales slowly wins them over.
   Carlos will say anything to deflect responsibility for his actions: he wrestled crocodiles in the jungle, and has the scar to prove it; he's a secret police agent (and has the papers to prove it), he's a Quechua speaking archeologist. Lucía is easier to convince.
   In a wry opening scene driver Carlos chats to his passenger. Claiming he's an actor, he lists off his roles in Hollywood productions, dropping the names of
Boris Karloff and Roger Corman, names which mean nothing to his good natured client.
   Gonzalo Molina's laidback charm, especially in two lovely trips to the beach, creates a sort of mystery about Carlos, which Reynicke maintains. He moved to his own internal beat, satisfied with his dysfunctional Peter Pan life.
    Carlos drives his old Lada across the dunes in a wonderful father daughter joyride which solidifies their new bond.
    Carlo's sadness emerges as he begins to bond with his 'Reinas'. Even his use of the nickname takes on a new  gravitas as he reluctantly starts to grow up. He struggles to avoid his habitual lying. The script suggests many reasons for his estrangement, including is possible political stance, but wisely lets it simmer undisclosed.
    Conflicted Lucia wants to stay with her mother. Aurora has serious unfinished business in Lima and decides to try and stay with Carlos.
    Clever shots and production values suggest the period in a contained way. Muted colors stylize he memory aspects of the period piece. There's an elegance to the home of wealthy Tita (played by Spain's Susi Sánchez), Carlos world is his beat up car and his uncle's warehouse.
    Subtleties

International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 runs its 55th edition. It is beeing held in Goa from 20th to 28th November. Film enthusiasts can log on to https://my.iffigoa.org/ 
 

IFFI 2024, 13: OOH La La Gala premieres and bouncers to protect the carpetbaggers

IFFI 2024, 13: OOH La La Gala prèmieres and bouncers to protect the carpetbaggers Gala premieres have become the most glamourous part of IFFI after it moved to Go, in 2004. They do draw audiences and photographers, but the regular film critic and film journalist is kept away from them. Camera and microphone men and women, who never bark but only byte, are the persons for whom this ceremony is engineered. Bouncers and other security personnel accompany the film team, as they are first l...

 

17.11.2024 | Siraj Syed's blog

IFFI 2024, 13: OOH La La Gala prèmieres and bouncers to protect the carpetbaggers

IFFI 2024, 13: OOH La La Gala prèmieres and bouncers to protect the carpetbaggers Gala premieres have become the most glamourous part of IFFI after it moved to Go, in 2004. They do draw audiences and photographers, but the regular film critic and film journalist is kept away from them. Camera and microphone men and women, who never bark but only byte, are the persons for whom this ceremony is engineered. Bouncers and other security personnel accompany the film team, as they are first l...

 

17.11.2024 | Siraj Syed's blog

IFFI 2024, 12: Creative Minds of tomorrow, and their five outstanding films

IFFI 2024, 12: Creative Minds of tomorrow, and th

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The critically acclaimed feature drama/thriller Noble Vision, based on the best-selling novel by Gen LaGreca, the film’s executive producer and scriptwriter, ​i​s available now to watch on Prime Video, Fandango at Home (Vudu), Hoopla, Roku, Plex and Tubi, as well as on InDemand/cable video on demand in the US and Canada 

Official Trailer: 

Noble Vision  had its West Coast theatrical premiere on September 10th at the Silicon Beach Film Festival at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood. Noble Vision has been the #1 Amazon Kindle best-selling novel in the categories of fiction, medical fiction and political fiction, and has received Writer’s Digest magazine’s International Book Award and the Illinois Women’s Press Association Fiction Award, among others. 

Award-winning actor/director/producer D. Paul Thomas (Of Things Past) was recently named Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dr. Warren Lang at the Red Movie Awards, held in Reims, France.

In the film, the beautiful dancer Nicole Hudson, played by ballerina Rayna Wilson in her first film role, is blinded in a tragic accident, and young neurosurgeon David Lang, played by Michael Rubenstone, is determined to help her. Nicole's only hope is the doctor’s revolutionary new procedure to repair damaged nerves. The treatment, however, does not have the required approval of the state's health system, CareFree, which is overwhelmed with cost overruns and the governor's politically motivated priorities. The doctor must take on the entire system to fight for his work, his ideals, and the woman who is capturing more than his medical interest. 

Afton Shepard and David Marlowe also star in the film. Shot entirely in Indiana, the film was co-directed by award-winning director Dan T. Hall (Old No. 587: The Great Train Robbery), and Philip Paluso (Wings for Maggie Ray).

“I have been committed to the Winged Victory Foundation’s mission to advance liberty through storytelling and the arts through all of my creative endeavors,” comments LaGreca. “With Noble Vision, first as a novel and now a film, we shine the spotlight on how political considerations can affect doctors and their patients, as well as the very timely issues of concern with regard to women and their own medical care.”

Passion, medicine, and politics collide in this nail-biting thriller. The arduous process of getting a new medical procedure approved by a bureaucracy plays havoc in the lives of a young neurosurgeon with a revolutionary cure for nerve injury and a beautiful ballerina who needs the treatment as her only hope. As the doctor battles a system stacked against him, his career and the life of his beautiful patient hang in the balance. 

Distributed in North America by Toronto-based Syndicado, the film has had great success on the festival circuit, presented with more than 25 awards at such top festivals as Indie Fest USA International Film Festival, Queen City Film Festival, Five Continents International Film Festival, International New York Film Festival, WRPN Women’s International Film Festival, LA Independent Women Film Awards, San Diego Movie Awards, California In

Celebrated truly indie-focused film festival will feature 77 Feature-length Narrative and Documentary films, Pilots and Shorts making World, North American, and US Premieres. Evan Oppenheimer’s PEAS AND CARROTS makes its World Premiere as the Opening Night selection, and Christina Elioupolos’ HERE’S YIANNI! is the Closing Night selection.

Photo: Peas and Carrots

Dances With Films announced the film lineup for the 3rd New York City edition of the bicoastal film festival juggernaut. December 5-8 will be packed with an incredible number of feature-length narratives, documentaries, pilots, and shorts making their world, North American, and US premieres as DWF showcases those new works as part of the only indie film-focused film festival with a foothold in both Los Angeles and The Big Apple. Evan Oppenheimer’s Peas and Carrots makes its world premiere on Opening Night, and Christina Elioupolos’ Here’s Yianni! is the Closing Night selection.

Among DWF NYC’s lineup of 141 films, including 22 narrative and midnight features, 9 documentary features, 18 television and streaming pilots, and 92 short films (76 combined narrative and midnight, with 16 documentaries). More than half of this year’s DWF NYC presentation will be making their world, North American or US premieres during the ambitious four-day film event in December. All screenings will take place at Regal Union Square (850 Broadway).

In addition to Oppenheimer’s Peas and Carrots, additional feature length films making their world premieres are Liam Le Guillou’s A Cursed Man, Victoria Kupchinetsky’s Calico Rebellion, Jason Mendoza’s Good Friday, Bari King’s Itch!, Mikaela Shwer’s The Kids Are Not Alright, Dom Cutrupi’s Lola Dust, William Tyler Wiseman’s Moonwater, Paul Bickel’s One Happy Place, Jarrett Jung’s Sergeant Pickle Breath And The Rooftop Warriors, and Kristen Hansen’s Sonny Boy. Andrew Bell’s Bleeding, and Howard Goldberg’s Double Exposure will make their North American Premieres, and Nicola Rose’s Magnetosphere will make its US Premiere at DWF NYC.

Pilots for TV and streaming series making their world premieres, include Sergio Camacho’s United Crafts Of America, Victoria Myers’ A Legend Is Hatched: I Become Famous... In My Own Mind, Lucy Hirschfeld’s Dropped, Christine Lakin’s The Fun In Funny, Christopher Gerson and Julie Kramer’s Gasbag, Dan Jones’ Hive, Olivia Lambert’s Like Comment Subscribe, Serena Schuler’s Makeshift Society, Karl Janisse’s Passage, Ana Breton’s Rat Czar, and Ruthie Marantz’s Raging Doll. 

Cited by Moviemaker Magazine as one of the 2024 “Coolest Film Festivals” in the world, Dances With Films’ rapid growth in New York City along with its current place as L.A.’s top film festival for platforming truly independent filmmaking, makes DWF the only film festival organization offering “discovery” titles in major film festival events in both of those

Supported by the Top 51 World Filmmakers Club

Ahead of the 17th Asia Pacific Screen Awards Ceremony on Saturday 30 November at The Langham, Gold Coast, the Asia Pacific Screen Academy, in partnership with Jewel Private Residences, is proud to announce the winners of three special awards. These awards, presented by the soon-to-launch Top 51 World Filmmakers Club, celebrate cinematic excellence, support emerging talent, and promote cultural diversity.

Awarded for an outstanding debut or sophomore performance, this year’s Best New Performer is Data Chachua, for his remarkable role in Panopticon (Georgia, France, Italy, Romania). Chachua’s portrayal of an introverted teen caught between his radicalised friend and his mother has been widely praised, marking an impressive feature film debut following his work on stage and television.

Data Chachua will participate in the Asia Pacific Screen Forum event Reel Connections presented by Essential Screen Skills (Thursday 28 Nov).

YOUNG CINEMA AWARD — Neo Sora for HAPPYEND Awarded in partnership with NETPAC, the Young Cinema Award recognises exceptional talent in emerging filmmakers. This year’s winner is Neo Sora for Happyend (Japan, United States of America), a film that has already garnered global attention, including a world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and a Centrepiece screening at TIFF. Neo Sora will participate in the Asia Pacific Screen Forum event Read more CRAZED FRUIT - Kurutta Kajitsu, 1956 An overlooked Japanese Masterpiece: Rick W / Tuesday, November 12, 2024 0 18  CRAZED FRUIT --  Kurutta Kajitsu, 1956. (狂った果実) Spending their summer on a trendy exotic beach, two brothers fall for the same beautiful girl, whose charm and looks may hide more than they they bargained for -- winding up in Murder by Motorboat!   A small postwar Japanese Masterpiece -- Perfection! "Kurutta Kajitsu"    (狂った果実 ).  1956, is a landmark of Japanese cinema that has more to say about postwar Japan and mid fifties movies in general than all the other films of that decade put together. Made by a fledgling studio director, Kô Nakahira, age 29 at the time of shooting, this is one of those inspired quickly made first efforts (shot in seventeen days) that turn out to be a small masterpiece.  In a streamlined running time of 86 minutes Nakahira and his incredibly well chosen band of young actors say everything that has to be said, and more, with no holds barred.  It's about a bunch of bored rich kids (The "Sun Tribe") who have motor boats and sailboats in prospering post-war Japan  to amuse themselves with at the summer seashore near Kamakura. The dialogue amongst them is typical teenage putdown banter. Two brothers, the older a cynical fast talking know-it-all wise guy with an exceptional singing voice (Natsuhisa) and the innocent naive younger one (Haruji) both fall in love with the same elusively beautiful young woman (Eri) leading to a deadly case of sibling rivalry.  Many scenes of water skiing set the pace and lingering shots on the faces of all three principles set the emotional tone throughout. Sex scenes while short and not particularly explicit are nevertheless hot for the time and still smolder today. One young lady sums a political discussion up by saying "We live in boring times. Let's eat". The film is packed to the seams with youthful energy but also a certain sociological and political savvy.  Of the four principle actors, the two brothers, the older Yujiro Ishihara, was 21, and his kid brother Masahiko Tsugawa, in a most remarkable performance, was only 16. Mie Kitahara the catlike femme fatale loved by both was 23, and Masumi Okada (ice cool go-between Frank) was 21.  This is practically a perfect film in the sense that hardly a frame could be excised or added without lessening the impact. Every shot makes its point unselfconsciously building to a smashing climax that leaves an unforgettable imprint.  Mind boggling  as the maddened younger brother callously runs his older brother over with his motorboat killing him in the water!  Forget about Kurosawa and Ozu. If you only see one Japanese film and want to really get some penetrating insights into Japanese culture this is the one to see.  PS. Tall gangling Yujiro Ishihara went on to become a major singing and film star on a level of popularity in Japan comparable to that of Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley in the United States and married co-star Mie Kitahara in real life in a relationship that lasted until his death in 1987.  Director Nakahira did nothing of note following this sensational debut. A one of a kind piece of  Kitahara has the hots for Yujiro in the movie and soon after married him in real life, a      marriage that lasted until the end of his life at age 53 -- abbreviated by lung cancer due to insanely heavy smoking.   Masumi Okada, was only half Japanese and had Caucasian good l Read more BIFF Brings Cinema and Culture to Nassau this November 13-17 Rick W / Saturday, November 9, 2024 0 24 Baha Mar, the Caribbean’s premier luxury resort destination, is proud to announce its role as the official host of the 19th Annual Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF). This year’s event, held from November 13-17, will celebrate the artistry and vision of Caribbean filmmakers, showcasing their work in a breathtaking setting that merges world-class luxury with Bahamian culture. “We are excited to celebrate the 19th annual Bahamas International Film Festival at Baha Mar, the leading destination for arts and culture in the Bahamas,” said Leslie Vanderpool, BIFF Founder and Executive Director. “Baha Mar’s dynamic community of artists and guests continually elevates the appreciation of the arts across the islands. This partnership is a perfect fit for our aspiring artists and visionaries.” Located in the vibrant heart of Nassau, Baha Mar is a beacon of luxury and cultural celebration, offering festival-goers a truly immersive experience. From curated encounters with the island’s native flamingos to authentic Bahamian culinary workshops at The Kitchen, guests can connect with the island’s essence in an extraordinary setting. Against the stunning backdrop of Baha Mar’s extensive art collections and two renowned galleries, this partnership with BIFF underscores the resort’s dedication to nurturing arts and culture, creating a meaningful platform for Caribbean filmmakers and a deeper appreciation of Bahamian heritage. “We are delighted to host the Bahamas International Film Festival, which aligns perfectly with Baha Mar’s vision to celebrate culture and creativity in the region,” said Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar. “BIFF brings an inspiring community of artists and film enthusiasts to Nassau, and together, we’re creating an experience that will elevate Bahamian film on the world stage and provide an unforgettable celebration of storytelling and talent.” Baha Mar is set to host an exclusive festival, commencing with the debut of the eagerly awaited biographical film, "They Call Me Peanuts". Celebrating the life of Peanuts Taylor, the event will feature live performances from first and second generation of John and Becky Chipman that perform at the former Drum Beat club and a performance from a rising singer-songwriter, KTYA, setting an energetic ambiance for a weekend dedicated to film. Participants can anticipate a variety of screenings, including "Ocean's Rose, Hazard", with a star-studded cast featuring Sosie Bacon, Dave Davis, and Alex Roe, and "Eddie Minnis: Ting An’ Ting", a tribute to the notable Eddie Minnis. The festival will conclude with a screening of "Old Guy", a film directed by the respected Simon West and produced by BIFF veterans Jib Polhemus, Norm Golightly, and Martin Brennan. This film, which boasts a prestigious cast including Christoph Waltz, Lucy Liu, and Cooper Hoffman, is set to release inQ1 of 2025. All screenings, totaling over forty, will take place at the Baha Mar New Providence Lawn Pavilion. Beyond the screenings, festival attendees can look forward to an array of engaging events,including insightful industry panels with film experts, celebrating the intersection of Caribbean culture and global cinema.   The BIFF panel event schedule is as follows: On Wednesday, November 13, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, a Masterclass by Dorian & Simone Missick will take place. The following day, November 14,features a Mix & Mingle session and Film For A Cause Presentation by Jon Fitzgerald, a leading film expert, from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. On Friday, November15, join Marj Galas of the Associations of Film Commissions Internatio Read more The Festival Beat N°1110 The Festival Beat N°1110 Rick W / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 0 50 THE FESTIVAL BEAT MAKER ! SHARING MOTION AND EMOTION SINCE 1995   WE ARE CURRENTLY UPGRADING OUR SERVERS AND DESIGNING A NEW VERSION OF OUR PLATFORM SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE DURING THE TRANSITION ! FOLLOW US :           With other 11 000 festivals worldwide which we cover: no wonder we have reached the '1000' mark for our newsletters count. We proudly share our knowledge of the Tallinn Black Nights Festival in focus circuit with our community and really hope our audience ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE. In case you missed any of these 1000+ newsletters ... you ll find them all here.     > Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in focus  Eight emerging film music professionals at Industy@Tallinn & Baltic Event Music Meets Film   Music Meets Film, part of Discovery Campus, the international education programme at Industy@Tallinn & Baltic Event, welcomes eight emerging film music composers and producers from around the world to its programme.  Music Meets Film has been running for over a decade, bringing together film music professionals worldwide. Since its upgrade last year, the programme has focused on young film composers - the next generation of film music talent. A total of 28 talents applied f...     17 titles included in Works in Progress at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event Works in Progress, which presents films in production or post-production looking for sales agents or festivals for international premieres, presents 17 projects in three categories: Baltic Event Works in Progress, International Works in Progress and Just Fi Read more Newport Beach Film Festival announced additional programming and honorees for their 25th edition : October 17-24 Newport Beach Film Festival announced additional programming and honorees for their 25th edition : October 17-24 Rick W / Thursday, October 17, 2024 0 44 Bobby Cannavale, Dave Holstein, Meg LeFauve, Margaret Qualley and Kiernan Shipka to Receive Additional NBFF Honors “The Last Showgirl” Added to Line-up; Cinematographer Panelists Announced Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) proudly announces additional honorees Bobby Cannavale (“Ezra”) who will be honored with the Artist of Distinction Award and Margaret Qualley (“The Substance”) who will be honored with the Spotlight Award. Both Cannavale and Qualley will be honored at the Festival’s annual Awards brunch taking place on Sunday, October 20. They will be recognized alongside previously announced honorees Nicolas Cage (Icon Award), Joan Chen (Career Achievement Award), Colman Domingo (Maverick Award), Marianne-Jean Baptiste (Artist of Distinction), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Artist of Distinction), George MacKay (Spotlight Award), June Squibb (Lifetime Achievement Award) and Diane Warren (Lifetime Achievement in Music).   In addition, the Festival will be honoring actress Kiernan Shipka with the Artist of Distinction Award at the newly added screening of “The Last Showgirl.” Director Gia Coppola and writer Kate Gersten will be in attendance and participate in a Q&A with Skipka following the screening. The film follows a seasoned showgirl who must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. The film also stars Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, and Billie Lourd. The film will screen on Sunday, October 20 at the Lido Theater.   The Festival will also be hosting a special screening of “Inside Out 2” on Saturday, October 19 at 1pm. Following the screening the Festival will honor co- screen writers Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein with the Artist of Distinction Award – Screenwriting. Holstein will accept the award during a conversation about the film. Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment show up.   Lastly, the Festival announced the panelists for their brand-new Masters of the Frame panel, highlighting the industry’s leading cinematographers. Confirmed cinematographers include Alice Brooks (“Wicked”) and Lawrence Sher (“Joker: Folie à Deux”). The panel will take place on Saturday, October 19 at 1pm.   Bobby Cannavale (Artist of Distinction) Bobby Cannavale can currently be seen starring in Tony Goldwyn’s “Ezra” which follows divorced stand-up comedian Max Bernal (Cannavale) who embarks on a cross-country road trip with his neurodivergent son, Ezra, that has a transcendent impact on both of their lives. This year, he can also be seen in William Goldenberg’s “Unstoppable” for Amazon alongside Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle which premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival. Cannavale will begin production next month on Amazon’s series Scarpetta starring and executive Read more RSS Load next 10 article(s) (37 left)Loading...