Film Festival Archives - Page 65 of 69

New Teaser Trailer for ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ is Unleashed

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Michael Petrelli — Leave a reply

If I wasn’t excited enough, Warner Bros. Pictures has to go and release a new teaser to get me all geeked up again! Check it out!

An apocalyptic story set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and almost everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order. There’s Max (Tom Hardy), a man of action and a man of few words, who seeks peace of mind following the loss of his wife and child in the aftermath of the chaos. And Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a woman of action and a woman who believes her path to survival may be achieved if she can make it across the desert back to her childhood homeland.

The movie also stars Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Nathan Jones, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Mad Max: Fury Road is the fourth film of George Miller’s Road Warrior franchise and is co-written and directed by Miller. The film opens in theaters on May 15th but will debut at Cannes Film Festival the day before.

First Trailer for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Zombie Drama ‘Maggie’ Released

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Michael Petrelli — Leave a reply

Lionsgate has released the first trailer for the upcoming zombie drama Maggie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Abigail Breslin and you can view it below!

The film, directed by Henry Hobson, centers around a teenage girl named Maggie (Breslin), who becomes infected by an outbreak of a disease that slowly turns the infected into cannibalistic zombies. During her transformation, her loving father Wade (Schwarzenegger) tries to come to terms with her affliction and stand by her in her final days.

The film is set to premiere April 22nd at the Tribeca Film Festival and open wide on May 8, 2015

https://youtube.com/watch?v=EWU0D9K1g5E%3Frel%3D0

‘Goodfellas’ back on the big screen as the closing night of the Tribeca Film Festival! Q&A with cast members after!

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

Robert De Niro as James Conway sitting in restaurant booth with Ray Liotta as Henry
Hill.

Goodfellas is one of my all-time favorite movies. Dare I say that I like it more than The Godfather? I do. Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are so perfect together. I can’t think of a better closing night movie. Don’t wait to buy the tickets once they are available!

The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, announced that the 25^th Anniversary of Martin Scorsese’s gangster film GoodFellas—remastered from a 4k scan of the original camera negative, supervised by Scorsese—will close its 14^th edition on Saturday, April 25, 2015. Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Ray Liotta and Paul Sorvino, the film was praised by The New York Times as “breathless and brilliant” and “both the most politically serious and most evilly entertaining movie yet made about organized crime.”

In honor of the 25^th Anniversary celebration, the film’s creators and cast members will reunite at TFF for a conversation following the film with Jon Stewart where they will discuss the acclaimed 1990 Academy Award-nominated classic based on the true-crime bestseller “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi. Closing night, co-sponsored by Infor and Roberto Coin, will take place at The Beacon Theatre. Tickets will be available to American Express Card Members on March 23 and to the public on March 28 via tribecafilm.com. The Tribeca Film Festival will take place April 15-26, 2015.

Ray Liotta as Henry Hill sitting with Lorraine Bracco as Karen Hill at nightclub.

“While TFF’s mission is centered around new stories and voices, we also seek to honor the creators and films that have shaped the cultural landscape,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder, Tribeca Film Festival. “GoodFellas is one of those pictures with an honest and stylized portrayal of the gangster lifestyle that has inspired a generation of filmmakers and television directors across genres. We are proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary at our closing night and introduce new audiences to one of Marty’s masterpieces.”

Martin Scorsese said, “I was so excited to learn that this picture, now 25 years old, would be closing this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Excited and moved. It was an adventure to get it on screen—we wanted to make a movie that was true to Nick Pileggi’s book and to the life of Henry Hill and his friends, which means that we broke some rules and took some risks. So it’s heartening to know that GoodFellas has come to mean so much to so many people. It’s wonderful to see one of your pictures revived and re-seen, but to see it closing Tribeca, a festival of new movies, means the world to me.”

“I was most proud of this film 25 years ago, and equally proud of it now. I’m very happy that it is our closing night film,” said Robert De Niro, co-founder, Tribeca Film Festival.

Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito, Ray Liotta as Henry Hill and Robert De Niro as James
Conway

GoodFellas explores the criminal life like no other movie. Following the rise and fall of a trio of gangsters over 30 years, it’s an electrifying, fact-inspired tale of living and dying. The film earned six Academy Award^® nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director and was named 1990s Best Film by the New York, Los Angeles and National Society of Film Critics. In 2000, GoodFellas was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the US Library of Congress.

On May 5, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will release GoodFellas 25^th Anniversary on Blu-ray^TM and Digital HD which will include a new documentary. “Scorsese’s GoodFellas” featuring interviews with Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta and more.

Visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival for more information about TFF’s 2015 programs and the full line-up of films.

6 Films to catch at this year’s New Directors New Films Festival

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Liz Whittemore — 3 Comments ↓

Last year’s fest was a total success in my opinion. I saw some of my favorite films of the entire year there; Buzzard, The Babadook, Fish and Cat, Dear White People, and the #1 film on my Top 10 for 2014, A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night. This year’s selections were just as eclectic in subject and style. Here is my personal list of things to consider at this year’s New Directors New Film Festival.

THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL

Minnie is a 15 year old with a coked out mom and little self esteem. When she takes her childish fantasies to an adult level by sleeping with her mother’s boyfriend, emotional hell breaks loose in form of a tape recorded diary and sketches turned animated thoughts. This film jumps off the screen with a breakout performance from Bel Powley as Minnie. She is funny, insightful, and an apparent old soul, all while still just a kid trying not to lose her shit. The added element of the animation only adds to the wonder of this film. Kristen Wiig plays Minnie’s absent mother. She is a revelation in this role. You know, those rare cinematic moments when you forget who the actor is because you’re so immersed in the performance, that it’s a winner. Alexander Skarsgård is the creepy object of Minnie’s affection. This is not a coming if age tale for our lead, but truly for the adults in the film. The Diary Of A Teenage Girl will remind you of your own sexual awakening. All the awkwardness, the curiosity, and frankly, the lies you were told by everyone around you. Rediscover your own past. Go ahead.

VIOLETJesse has been through a terrible trauma. He is despondent after the murder of his good friend, just feet from him at a local mall. Violet is a look into the world of survivor’s guilt. The camera work alone should get you through the door. Breathtaking closeups coupled with soft focus and exquisite sound editing creates a barrage of sense memory moments for both for Jesse and the audience alike. The uncomfortable silence (dialogue wise) is the key to this film. At a tight 82 minutes run, Violet is about what’s not being said.

WESTERNWestern is a documentary that takes us into the world of small town politics up against very large drug cartel violence in the two bordering towns of Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Mexico. Mayor Chad Foster puts on a brave face as violence escalates and threatens the harmony he’s worked so hard to procure in Eagle Pass. Mayor Jose Manuel Maldonado, tries his best to ease the minds of local constituents and the mass media alike. Local cattle rancher, Martin Wall’s, smile turns hard in the wake of a temporary USDA ban on livestock trade over the border. Each of these men is doing their darnedest to maintain peace, safety and the livelihoods of so many others. Pulling the curtain back on what feels like scenarios that only happen in the movies, is eye opening. You have to remind yourself that these folks are living, breathing people with families and loved ones. This documentary is unusually educational and will certainly restore your faith in humanity.

LISTEN TO ME MARLONThis doc opens up in a jarring fashion. Reminiscent of the floating head at Disneyland’s The Haunted Mansion, there we see and hear the disembodied “Head” and voice of Marlon Brando. Director, Stevan Riley has granted the world the access he gained to mountains of audio tapes made by Brando himself. Some are self hypnosis tapes in which he recalls childhood moments once kept very close to his chest. Through archival footage and Brando’s own voice, we delve into the personal life of the reclusive star. These confessional tapes reveal a side of this legend not many people were privy to. Acting was somewhat of a spiritual outlet. His charisma was endless, as was his passion for sex and affection. Receiving little from his alcoholic parents, Brando‘s ego was lifted by his enormous talent, perhaps too far for the likes of some. Although, as you listen to him speak, you gather that he was a rather astute, observant, reflective man who struggled with real abandonment issues that never truly get resolved for him. Tragedy followed him in his personal life and the genius and attention swallowed him hole at times. Listen To Me Marlon is a gorgeous portrait. When you stop taking notes during a film and just listen, as a critic, that is the moment of pure magic.

GOODNIGHT MOMMYGive a kid an inch, so they say, and they’ll take a mile. Twins Lukas and Elias have been awaiting the return of their mother. She has just completed facial reconstructive surgery. Longing for her love and affection, the boys are thrown into detective mode when Mom returns a different person. Face completely bandaged and rage on the surface, she forces the boys to maintain quiet and changes all the rules. Something clearly amiss, Lukas and Elias must find a way to make her admit who she really is, while facing the changes themselves. Much like last year’s The Babadook, psychological torture is in the cards. Can you stomach the tactics used by children when they don’t fully understand the consequences themselves? Goodnight Mommy will scare the hell out of you and make you squirm like never before.

DOG LADYFollowing a woman surrounded by a pack of discarded dogs, this film highlights the off-grid lifestyle to the nth degree. The film’s subject, played flawlessly by co-director Verónica Llinás, chooses to live on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in a what begins as a primitive lean-to, and progresses in sound structure along with the movie itself. We follow our lady through four full seasons as she forages for food and supplies. Her ingenuity is astounding, taking what is essentially trash and making a home for herself. She has absolutely zero dialogue. The sparse dialogue that does exist comes from what little human interaction she allows; taunting children, a clinic doctor, and a brief sexual encounter with a rather verbose rancher. This film is highly engrossing, perhaps causing the viewer to reassess the amount of material objects we carelessly cast aside. Her sense of survival and her clear warm spirit guide this film along it’s year long timeline. There is definitely something to be said about the it’s wide final shot. It will force you to come to terms with your true feelings of our Dog Lady.

You can find out more about these incredible films, and so many more, at NDNF. The Diary of a Teenage Girl opens tonight! Screenings during the fest take place at MoMa and FSLC.

TFF 2015: Tribeca Talks Free Events Starting In One Month!

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

“Tribeca Talks: Master Class” (Free event)

Adorama Rental Co. (ARC): The Producers

Independent producers are responsible for some of the greatest breakout hits in cinema history, have fought passionately for their art, and faced every logistical and financial challenge along the way. Cinematic mavericks divulge tales from the trenches and lessons they have learned along the way.

Panelists include Foxcatcher producer Anthony Bregman, Beasts of the Southern Wild producer Matthew Parker and Blue Valentine producer Alex Orlovsky. Moderated by The Hollywood Reporter’s Tatiana Seigel.

DATE: Thursday, April 16
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Get the Look

The look of a film can propel the story and understanding of a film in both subtle and bold ways. Academy Award-winning production & costume designer of films such as The Great Gatsby, Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge, Catherine Martin discusses her methods for creating some of the most instantly recognizable visuals on screen as well as how she has propelled this into businesses beyond the screen. With Vogue’s International Editor-at-Large Hamish Bowles.

DATE: Friday, April 17
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

CNN Films: Capture Reality

Nonfiction filmmaking has truly revolutionized itself in recent years through its visual language as it brings audiences stories which often seem too bizarre to be true. Leading documentary filmmakers expose how they choose their subjects and capture real life in new and innovative ways to shape the final story.

Panelists include Bobby Fischer Against the World director Liz Garbus, Big Men Director Rachel Boynton, and God Loves Uganda director Roger Ross Williams. Moderated by film critic Eric Hynes.

DATE: Monday, April 20
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Dolby Institute: The Sound of the Coens

From Fargo to The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men, the sounds of Coen brother films are exhilarating, incorporating an array of music composition and inflections of sound to add to the all-encompassing world of their movies.

Panelists include Composer Carter Burwell and Academy-Award Winning Sound Mixer Skip Lievsay, who will discuss the creative process behind their films as well as the collaborative relationship with Ethan & Joel which has endured and prospered across so many films. Moderated by Director of The Dolby Institute Glenn Kiser.

DATE: Tuesday, April 21
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

“Tribeca Talks: Script & Screen” (Free)
Hosted by Barnes & Noble

Act Your Age

From the malleable period in life called youth to grappling with growing older, age is never-ending subject matter to explore within the plot of a film and one that we have been drawn to exploring and viewing for as long as cinema has been in our lives. But what is it about these transformative years that is so transfixing?

Panelists include King Jack director Felix Thompson and Gored director Ido Mizrahy. Moderated by Variety’s Gordon Cox.

DATE: Friday, April 17
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble, Union Square (33 East 17^th Street)

The Beauty of Angst

Filmmakers have long delighted in exploring human angst on screen, and as an audience, we relish and revel in these stories. But what is the fine line of darkness that you can push boundaries towards before audiences turn away, and why are we so drawn to the anguish of others as an escape from reality?

Panelists include Meadowland director Reed Morano, Thank You for Playing co-directors David Osit and Malika Zouhali-Worrall, and Necktie Youth director Sibs Shongwe-La Mer. Moderated by Indiewire’s Eric Kohn.

DATE: Saturday, April 18
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble, Union Square (33 East 17^th Street)

This is the Real Life

Real life offers enough drama for the big screen, and writers and directors forever have been drawn to it. Through documentary and narrative form there are constant choices to be made in deciding which version of events to explore, and how to recreate moments from the immediate or far past for a present audience.

Panelists include The Adderall Diaries director Pamela Romanowsky, As I Am: The Life and Times of DJ AM director Kevin Kerslake, Men Go to Battle director Zachary Treitz and The Wannabe director Nick Sandow. Moderated by The Verge’s Ross Miller.

DATE: Sunday, April 19
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble, Union Square (33 East 17^th Street)

Monty Python Cast to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at 2015 Tribeca Film Festival

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

International Premiere of the new Python documentary MONTY PYTHON -THE MEANING OF LIVE and Special Screenings of MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN, and MONTY PYTHON’S THE MEANING OF LIFE to play at TFF April 24-26

The 2015 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, today announced a special celebration to mark the 40^th Anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail including a special screening of the film and the international premiere of the documentary Monty Python – The Meaning of Live directed by Roger Graef and James Rogan. In honor of the anniversary the Festival will also host special screenings of classic Python films Monty Python’s Life of Brian and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. The five surviving members of the legendary comedy group, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, will come together for the special presentation of Monty Python and The Holy Grail, which will screen on Friday April 24 at The Beacon Theatre. Tickets to the cult classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail go on sale on March 23 at www.tribecafilm.com. The 2015 Tribeca Film Festival will take place April 15-26 in downtown Manhattan.

Continuing its celebration of the Pythons, the Festival will debut Monty Python – The Meaning of Live. Directed by Roger Graef and James Rogan, this feature-length documentary offers unprecedented access to the preparations and staging of the Pythons’ 2014 reunion shows at The O2 in London and gives a fascinating insight into the personalities, relationships, and circumstances that made the Pythons into a global phenomenon. Dive into the history of Monty Python on stage and discover the genesis of some of its most well-known pieces, as they prepare for their final live show. The documentary will premiere on Saturday, April 25, Monty Python’s Life of Brian will screen on April 25, and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life on April 26. Each film presentation will be followed by a Q&A with some of the members of Monty Python.

“It is hard to believe that Holy Grail was first shown 40 years ago,” said Paula Weinstein, Executive Vice President, Tribeca Enterprises. “The film is so brilliant and the Pythons’ influence on contemporary comedy in cinema and television is so enduring that it feels as fresh today as it did decades ago. We are honored to welcome the Pythons to Tribeca and to share stories of their groundbreaking process with our audience through the international premiere of Monty Python – The Meaning of Live.”

“It’s amazing how lack of money saved us from mediocrity. We couldn’t afford real horses,” said Terry Gilliam.

Michael Palin said, “The Pythons are looking forward very much to the Tribeca Film Festival and the chance to meet anyone who can remember why we made Monty Python and The Holy Grail. All we know is that it was a documentary about coconuts that rather lost its way. If anyone at Tribeca can explain why we made it and didn’t call it Braveheart then our visit to New York will not have been wasted.”

Eric Idle continued, “I often had the feeling the movie might make a good Broadway musical….”

Monty Python and the Holy Grail, directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones (UK) – Special Screening. Monty Python re-creates England of 932 A.D in their first film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. When King Arthur enlists Knights to join his Round Table, they are inspired by God to go on a quest for the Holy Grail that is constantly interrupted by all manner of challenges.

Monty Python – The Meaning of Live, directed by Roger Graef and James Rogan (UK) – International Premiere, documentary. While perhaps best known for its eminently quotable films, Monty Python has performed its signature, surreal humor in live shows since the group’s earliest days. Dive into the history of Monty Python’s on stage and the genesis of some of its most well-known pieces as they prepare for their last-ever live shows at The O2, London in July 2014. Monty Python – the Meaning of Live is a hilarious and illuminating survey of what is takes to bring Monty Python to the stage.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian, directed by Terry Jones (UK) – Special Screening. Monty Python delivers an anarchic satire of both religion and Hollywood’s depiction of all things biblical with their second film. Brian Cohen, born in Bethlehem in the stable next door, by a series of absurd circumstances is caught up in the new religion and reluctantly mistaken for the promised messiah.

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, directed by Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam (UK) – Special Screening. Monty Python examines birth, life, death and fish in their third, final, and probably most tasteless yet funniest feature film that finally reveals The Meaning of Life.

CONNECT WITH TRIBECA: To keep up with Tribeca, visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival. Like the Tribeca Film Festival Facebook page atfacebook.com/TribecaFilm. Follow us on Twitter @TribecaFilmFest and on Instagram @tribeca and join the conversation by using the hashtag #TFF2015 or #TribecaTogether.

CONNECT WITH MONTY PYTHON on Facebook www.facebook.com/MontyPython or on twitter at @montypython and by using the hastag #MontyPython

Passes and tickets for the 2015 Festival

The new Spring Pass is on sale now at tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets. This pass will provide access to Spring Studios, throughout the Festival, including innovation talks, exhibitions, and special events, as well as a resource center, and creative workspace, with food, and drinks. This Pass will also provide reduced ticket prices for select special events. The Spring Pass costs $400, discounted to $300 if purchased before April 15. Pass holders can invite one guest to accompany them to Spring Studios each day of the Festival. An Individual Day Pass for Spring Studios costs $50, discounted to $40 if purchased before April 15.

Advance selection ticket packages and passes are now on sale for American Express Card Members, and on Monday, March 9 for the general public. All advance selection packages and passes can be purchased online at tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets, or by telephone at (646) 502-5296 or toll free at (866) 941-FEST (3378).

Single tickets cost $18.00 for evening, and weekend screenings, and $10.00 for weekday matinee screenings.

Single ticket sales begin Tuesday, March 31 for American Express Card Members, Sunday, April 5 for downtown residents, and Monday, April 6 for the general public. Single tickets can be purchased online, by telephone, or at one of the Ticket Outlets, with locations at Regal Cinemas Battery Park (102 North End Avenue), Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea (260 W. 23rd Street), and the Tribeca Film Festival creative hub at Spring Studios (50 Varick Street). The 2015 Festival will offer ticket discounts on general screenings and Tribeca Talks: After the Movie and Directors Series 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 helps filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enabling the international film community and general public to experience the power of cinema and promote New York City as a major filmmaking center. It is well known for being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established directors.

Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001, following the attacks on the World Trade Center, to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of the lower Manhattan district through an annual celebration of film, music, and culture, the Festival brings the industry and community together around storytelling.

The Tribeca Film Festival has screened more than 1,600 films from more than 80 countries since its first edition in 2002. Since inception, it has attracted an international audience of more than 4.9 million attendees, and has generated an estimated $900 million in economic activity for New York City.

Tribeca Film Festival: Free Program Storyscapes presented by Bombay Sapphire – April 16-19

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — 1 Comment ↓

This year’s Tribeca Film Festival is rapidly approaching. Liz and Melissa will be bringing you news, reviews and interviews from the best and brightest. Stay tuned! Read More →

In Case You Missed It: News & Trailers of the Week 3.13.13

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

News

Disney Announces ‘Frozen 2′ is Coming!

The Title of The First Stand Alone Star Wars Film Has Been Revealed!

Paramount’s ‘Rings’ Will be a Prequel to ‘The Ring’

Liam Neeson: “I’m Quitting Action Movies in Two Years”

XLrator Media Acquires ‘Tokyo Tribe’ For North American Distribution!

CW Announces Season Finale Dates for ‘Flash’ and ‘Arrow’ Plus Others

Production Begins on ‘Code of Honor’ Starring Steven Seagal

Ben Foster Cast in Da Vinci Code Sequel ‘Inferno’

Tim Burton to Make Live Action ‘Dumbo’ for Disney!

Stiller and Wilson Officially Announce ‘Zoolander 2′ at Paris Fashion Week!

7th Annual Reelabilities Film Festival New York – Special Guests Rory Culkin – Opens March 12th

HBO Now Announced at Live Apple Event – To Launch in Early April

3 New Movies You Can Rent Tonight – 3.10.15

Don’t Rent That, It Might Be Free – 8 New Releases On Netflix & Amazon Prime

Trailers, Features & Photos

New Featurette For the Upcoming ‘Furious 7′ Released

Pictures from The World Premiere of ‘Insurgent’ in London Last Night

‘Hotel Transylvania 2′ Teaser Trailer is Here!

This Week On The Reel Big Show – Disney Remakes with Special Guest Maymay of I’m A Storm Trooper

First Look at Matthew McConaughey in ‘The Free State of Jones’

First Photos of The Upcoming Maze Runner Sequel ‘The Scorch Trials’ Released!

New Poster and Episode Description Released for Upcoming ‘Flash’ Return

New Featurette for Netflix Series ‘Bloodline’ Released

New Trailer for Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ is Here!

Trailer for ‘San Andreas’ Starring Dwayne Johnson Released!

Watch the First Episode of Sony’s New Series ‘Powers’ Here!

New Trailer for Brad Bird’s ‘Tomorrowland’ Has Been Released

‘Game of Thrones’: Season Five Trailer is Here!

New Trailer for ‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ on Netflix Features More of Vincent D’Onofrio!

Netflix Announces May 21st Release Date for New Apocalyptic Series ‘Between’ – Photos

XLrator Media Acquires ‘Tokyo Tribe’ For North American Distribution!

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Michael Petrelli — Leave a reply

XLrator Media (Jimi: All Is By My Side, The Machine) has acquired North American distribution rights to the street-gang/martial arts action/hip-hop musical epic Tokyo Tribe, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). XLrator Media will release the film in Fall 2015 on its “TURBO” action label.

Tokyo Tribe was written and directed by Sion Sono, whose previous film Why Don’t You Play in Hell? won TIFF’s People’s Choice Midnight Madness award. Tokyo Tribe stars Ryohei Suzuki and Young Dais and is based on the manga by Santa Inoue. It was produced by Yoshinori Chiba, Kinya Oguchi and Nobuhiro Iizuka.

“Audiences have never seen anything like Tokyo Tribe and will be blown away by its originality, energy, and mind-blowing action and musical sequences that pay homage to everything from Quentin Tarantino to Scarface to West Side Story,” said XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon.

In a futuristic, alternate Tokyo made up of ghetto slums and nightclub playgrounds, territorial street gangs rule the city. The opposing factions – each with their own distinctive style — control different neighborhoods and crossing territorial lines leads to riots and rumbles. When a megalomaniacal gang leader tries to invade the other gangs’ turf, the city explodes into an all-out war.

The deal was negotiated by XLrator Media’s Barry Gordon with XYZ Films’ Nate Bolotin for Nikkatsu Corporation.

You can view the international trailer below:

7th Annual Reelabilities Film Festival New York – Special Guests Rory Culkin – Opens March 12th

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

Rory Culkin and RJ Mitte Announced as Special Guests at the 7th Annual Reelabilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival; Opening Night Event on March 12 on the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

At the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival, Liz and I saw the fantastic Gabriel, starring Rory Culkin (and Liz interviewed him!) You get another chance to see this amazing film at this year’s Reelabilities Film Festival.

Festival to play at over 35 venues throughout New York including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of the Moving Image and the New York Public Library, followed by National Tour

The largest edition of ReelAbilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival includes more celebrated guest speakers than ever before. Opening night at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will include a performance by The Voice season 7’s Blessing Offor and, following the NY premiere of The Finishers, Professor Annette Insdorf will engage in conversation with award-winning director, Nils Tavernier. Rory Culkin, whose lead performance in Lou Howes’ directorial debut, Gabriel, was named “electrifying” by Variety Magazine, will discuss his role in the film after the film’s screening at JCC Manhattan. The festival’s closing night event will include welcoming remarks from Breaking Bad‘s RJ Mitte along with a special comedy night featuring performers and comedians with disabilities.

Every film at the ReelAbilities film festival is followed by a conversation, as way of further engaging the community with the important topics presented in the films. Panel discussions and conversations follow each of the festival’s 100+ screenings and events presented throughout the New York Metro area.

For a full list of festival speakers, visit: http://ny.reelabilities.org/guestsReelAbilities will be marking the 25th anniversary of the ADA with a Friday night dinner and screening of three films: The Astronaut’s Secret, On Beauty, and Riding My Way Back, accompanied by a discussion on New York City’s path to disability rights with historian Warren Shaw and Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, moderated by Lawrence Carter-Long (Co-Host of TCM’s The Projected Image.) This is one of over a dozen special events that the festival will be hosting, which include a disability filmmaking workshop with DCTV, art exhibits, author talks, and more.A full list of festival events, visit:http://ny.reelabilities.org/eventsPresented by JCC Manhattan, ReelAbilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different abilities. The festival presents award-winning films in NY and 12 additional cities throughout the USA. Discussions and other engaging programs bring the community together to explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.

Leading the way in accessible film and culture, ReelAbilities is presented in all accessible venues, providing captions, audio description, ASL interpretation, CART (live captioning), and information in Braille.

Past festival guests include Sigourney Weaver, Mat Fraser, Geri Jewell, Danny Woodburn, John Hockenberry, Ben Lewin, and many others who have moderated and participated in post-screening conversations. These conversations are a core component of the festival, furthering audience understanding and consciousness about ideas raised in the films while providing a platform for in-depth discussions and audience interaction with filmmakers, actors, and issues portrayed in the films.

About The JCC in Manhattan
Located on 76th Street and Amsterdam, the JCC is a vibrant non-profit community center on the Upper West Side. The cornerstone of progressive programming in Manhattan, the JCC serves over 55,000 people annually through 1,200 programs each season that educate, inspire, and transform participants’ minds, bodies, and spirits. Since its inception, the JCC has been committed to serving the community by offering programs and services that reach beyond neighborhood boundaries. Programs at the JCC reach people at all stages of their lives, and serve the entire family and community.

3 New Movies You Can Rent Tonight – 3.10.15

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

[imdb id=”tt3093546″ plot=”short”]

I’ve been dying to see this ever since I missed it at New York Film Festival. Jason Schwartzman, Elisabeth Moss and Jonathan Pryce? Not to mention those in the trailer! Quirky to the nth degree, I say, Listen Up Philip!

I have yet to take advantage of my Amazon Prime membership, but I don’t have to pay for it, it’s free for Prime members!

http://youtu.be/Ke3yr27ERss

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John Hawkes has not stopped making those tiny gems and he’s brought a whole cast with him this time.

I swear this was on Netflix two days ago, but now I can’t find it.

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Liz reviewed this heart-stopper back in December. It’s from the producers of Headhunters, one of my favorite movies of 2011. (Now on Netflix)

10 years Later… ‘WTC View’ is being released on iTunes. Liz interviews Director Brian Sloan and star Michael Urie

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Everyone has their own story. Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when they found out about the planes hitting the towers. It was not a good day for our country. Sadness, confusion, fear all still come to mind when allowing ourselves to go back to that day. What many people outside New York will never understand, is what happened the days and months following the attacks on 9/11. WTC View, was released 10 years ago. Tuesday, March 3rd, it is finally available on iTunes. This film is a beautiful glance at the time after the world came to a stop in 2001. What we, as New Yorkers, felt, saw, smelled, heard, and had to process after a day that will never leave us. Read More →

‘Bluebird’ Starring Mad Men’s John Slattery & Lance Edmands’ Grand Jury & American Spectrum Prize Winner

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — 1 Comment ↓

Having gone to my fair share of film festivals, it is rare that I agree with the juries who award the prizes for “best of the fest.” They often see far more in films that I dismiss and frequently don’t give enough credence to those that I love, because as anyone knows my opinion is always correct (wink, wink). The one time I attended a fest that got it 100% was the 2004 Chicago International Film Festival when Nimrod Antal‘s mesmerizing Kontroll took home the Gold Hugo. Now, while I didn’t see every film at this year’s Indy Film Fest, Lance Edmands’ Bluebird was far and away my favorite of those that I saw and certainly worthy of the Grand Jury Prize, tops of the fest, as well as the American Spectrum Prize for the best film made by an American director (the Audience Award has yet to be awarded). So, bravo to the jury! Read More →

Jeremy’s Review: Michael Johnson’s ‘All the Wilderness’ Reminiscent of David Gordon Green’s Early Work in All the Good Ways

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Jeremy Harmon — Leave a reply

Watching movies is a crap shoot most times, most of the time not knowing what to expect especially from a first time writer-director. So, I love it when a film sneaks up on you and catches you when you least expect it. All the Wilderness is one of those films.With a similar tone and feel as David Gordon Green‘s early good stuff like All the Real Girls and George Washington, this film takes on a post-coming of age story in a fresh and interesting way. Read More →

Oscar Watch: ‘Theory of Everything’ – Watch Eddie Redmayne & Felicity Jones at the New York Film Festival

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

The Theory of Everything

5 NOMINATIONS

Actor in a Leading Role – Eddie Redmayne
Actress in a Leading Role – Felicity Jones
Music (Original Score) – Jóhann Jóhannsson
Writing (Adapted Screenplay) – Screenplay by Anthony McCarten
Best Picture – Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce and Anthony McCarten, Producers

New Trailer: ‘My Own Man’ – Original Documentary From Netflix & Executive Producer Edward Norton

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, will premiere the original documentary My Own Man, from executive producer Edward Norton on March 6, 2015. The film was written, produced and directed by David Sampliner (Dirty Work), and will premiere exclusively on Netflix in all territories where Netflix is available. Read More →

Hobbits, Vampires & Why You Should See ‘What We Do In The Shadows’ In a Theater

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

Even though I had seen What We Do In The Shadows, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to attend the Center For Communication screening and Q&A with the co-directors/co-writers/co-awesome Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement.

You may remember Clement from the sleeper HBO hit, The Flight of the Conchords with Bret McKenzie. Since then he’s been keeping busy with roles in Muppets Most Wanted and Men In Black 3. Waititi directed and starred with Clement in Eagle VS Shark, then gained notoriety with Boy, with 11 nominations and 6 wins at the New Zealand Film Festival.

Here’s the audio from Q&A:

With their signature deadpan (excuse the pun) style, the comedy works beautifully with a live audience, as there are roars of laughter and chuckles filling every moment. It’s both obvious and unexpected hilarity. The story loosely follows four vampire flatmates in the year leading up to the Unholy Masquerade, an annual gathering. Each character has their own unique charm and the supporting characters lend their own charm.

Taika Waititi

During the Q&A, the two revealed they first had the idea over 10 years ago and made a short film. They admit that the movie was “5 weeks of fun and 14 months of editing” explaining that one cut was heavy on story, but not funny, the other was hilarious, but no story.

Jemaine Clement

Clement also admitted that they owe their crew to Peter Jackson, as he let them use the second unit from The Hobbit, as well as camera equipment and some of the green screens.

The movie has already opened in New Zealand, and rather than sell to a U.S. distributor, they opted to create a Kickstarter campaign to raise the money to distribute to over 70 cities themselves. Their goal was met on February 13th and opened in New York and Los Angeles. The rollout continues to more cities every week.

The event was an advanced screening hosted by the Center For Communication with tickets free to students and faculty. After the screening a 30 minute Q&A was led by Indiewire, followed by a spread of cheeses and custom drinks.

With or Without Reading the Book, The Shocking Part About ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Is That We Liked It

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

Liz has read the book, but Melissa hasn’t. Here’s their individual takes on the movie they were totally surprised by.

Melissa Hanson aka Dial M For Melissa
Managing Editor / Podcast Producer
Growing up, Melissa’s favorite destination was always the video store and would agonize over whether to watch something new or to rewatch a favorite. Things have not changed.
Follow on Twitter @DialMForMelissa

I did not read the books. Once the hype started, I pretty much dismissed them and the movie announced. I had a few friends read it, and did try to read it myself, but couldn’t get past a few pages. All I knew was that there’s a “plain,” innocent girl and there’s a rich guy who’s into BDSM. Oh, and people (mostly women) are going nuts over it and it’s already selling out screenings. I didn’t really pay much attention to it and had zero interest in watching, but then, I saw Jamie Dornan is Christian Grey. This piqued my interest because he’s in the Netflix series, The Fall, which I absolutely love. Ok, so I’ll watch Fifty Shades of Grey.

Here’s the big shock: it’s actually a very interesting story of a man and woman who surprisingly talk about their relationship intimacy. It’s just disguised as sex. This could have been shown at a film festival and I wouldn’t have even known the difference.

Although it’s a little drawn out and definitely crawls in the third act, it keeps your interest. The dialogue starts out a little flat, but quickly picks up once the focus is just on Anastasia and Christian. The music and score is works beautifully. The remix of “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé is magnificent.

When it comes to the sex, it’s really nothing shocking. The most shocking parts are the conversations they have TALKING about the sex. If you want to see a shocking sex scene, just watch The Counselor and wait for Cameron Diaz to get on top of a car.

Liz Whittemore aka IndieBizLiz
Managing Editor / Girls on Film Podcast Host
Actor / Singer / Dancer / Writer / Producer / Adventurer / New Englander / AMDA Alum / Wifey / MBAMrs / Whovian / Literary Sponge / Odd Duck / Pot Stirrer / Awesome Gal
Follow on Twitter @Liz_Whittemore

Yes. I read the damn book. In fact, I read the book in a book club at Yale School of Management’s Partners Club. I know, I know, I know, I sound like a cliche. We most definitely read it because of the hype. It could not be avoided, the hype I mean. BDSM and hot sexy “Mummy Porn”? I mean, is there really a question as to why we chose it? I don’t think so. To be honest, as I’m sure you’ve heard by now, the writing is atrocious. E.L. James began this “novel” as Twilight Fan fiction. I’m not sure if Christian Grey was meant to resemble Edward Cullen or not, though I do know that Robert Pattinson was James’ first pick to fill the role. Let’s just say that the entire book is from the inner monologue of Anastasia, a fresh faced college grad and virgin. Although, from the inner monologue presented by the author, you’d think she was 11. The book was a tough read in respect to the repetitive nature of James’ phrasing. If I had to read “My Inner Goddess” one more damn time, I don’t know if I ever would have finished. The infamous “tampon” scene alone made me toss my kindle across the bed. I didn’t pick the book back up for another three weeks; I hate to leave something unread simply on principle. Thankfully, that was not included in the film. Now, shall we launch into said version? I think we shall…

Truth be told, I actually REALLY liked the film. I don’t even care what you think about me after that statement. I liked it. Had there been zero hype, had I not ever heard of the book, had I not read any articles anywhere, I would be one happy audience member. The structure of the film versus the book is a vast improvement. We skip through the garbage and head straight into a courtship with a twist. It has a very tongue and cheek, rom-com formula in the beginning. Dakota Johnson is charming and funny, just the way I imagined Ana to be, without the gushing jargon of a pre-teen. Jamie Dornan is a pretty good Christian Grey. He grew on me as the film rolled on. His presence is strong and quiet and I think his interpretation is a thoroughly thought out character study. It is certainly a performance that would easily progress with two additional scripts. The chemistry is a tad tough to read, but not altogether unbelievable.

When you get to the heart of the screenplay, this story is about an intimate relationship between two people. Real moments, real issues, something for everyone to relate to. The sex scenes, while relatively intense, are no more “porny” than anything else we’ve seen before in film. Johnson is full frontal nude for a good amount of time. And, don’t worry, you get plenty of Dornan abs, and just enough rock hard bum shots a girl can handle in a span of two hours (*not enough, sorry not sorry*.) The struggle of power between a man and a woman, both emotionally and physically, is beautifully set out on screen. I applaud Sam Taylor-Johnson for a fantastic job in both shot layout and a keen hand in knowing what will play well with the intended audience. Also, I would be remiss if I did not high five the screenwriter, Kelly Marcel. She takes an average narrative and spins it into what would be considered a great little indie flick in any other world. Try your best to separate the book and the film. I think as a reader, you will be very pleased with Fifty Shades of Grey. As a movie goer, it will put a smile on your face. Take it at face value, and go from there. I, for one, walked away a happy book-clubber and a very happy audience member.

SNL Documentary to Open the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

Connect with Live From New York! at www.livefromnewyorkmovie.com. Like the Facebook page at facebook.com/Livefromnewyorkmovie. Follow the film on Twitter at @lfnymovie and on Instagram @lfnymovie

Tickets for the opening will go on sale on March 23 for American Express Card Members at www.tribecafilm.com. General Public can buy tickets starting March 28. In the meantime, keep checking back for more TFF 2015 announcements.

The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, announced today that the world premiere of the documentary Live From New York!, will open the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival on Wednesday, April 15. “Saturday Night Live” has been reflecting and influencing the American story for 40 years. Live From New York! explores the show’s early years, an experimentthat began with a young Lorne Michaels and his cast of unknowns, and follows its evolution into a comedy institution. Archival footage is interwoven with stolen moments and exclusive commentary from “SNL” legends, journalists, hosts, crew and others influenced by the comedy giant. Live From New York! captures what has enabled “SNL” to continually refresh itself over nearly 800 episodes and keep America laughing for 40 years. Live From New York! is directed by Tribeca alum Bao Nguyen and produced by JL Pomeroy and Tom Broecker. Tickets for the TFF 2015 Opening Night Gala go on sale on March 23 at tribecafilm.com/festival. The Tribeca Film Festival runs April 15 to April 26.

“’SNL’s’ contribution to the arts and to pop culture has been—and continues to be—groundbreaking, and Live From New York! offers an inside look at the show’s inimitable ability to both reflect and impact American news, history and culture,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival. “This is the story of a creative journey from pilot to institution and a tribute to the moments that kept us laughing and talking long after the episodes aired. We are excited to welcome Bao Nguyen back to Tribeca to open our 14^thFestival with the world premiere of Live From New York!.”

“After 40 years, the timing just felt right,” said Lorne Michaels.

“The selection of Live from New York! to open the 14th Tribeca Film Festival is personally gratifying to me on several levels. Having hosted SNL three times, and guested on several occasions, I speak from a first-hand experience about “SNL’s” rightful place in our culture as well as a welcome addition to our Festival,” said Robert De Niro, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival.

“’Saturday Night Live’ is such a revered institution and we really wanted to make a film that reflected its significance not just to the American comedic tradition but also to American culture and society,” said director Bao Nguyen. “I want to thank Lorne Michaels for allowing us to film in the storied halls of Studio 8H. I’d also like to thank JL Pomeroy and Tom Broecker for trusting me with their creative vision. Finally, I can’t thank Tribeca enough for all their support. We couldn’t dream of a better place to world premiere Live From New York! than at New York City’s own Tribeca Film Festival.”

Sundance Hit ‘The Hunting Ground’ Release Date Moved Up

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

Although I thought The Invisible War was a worthy story to tell, I felt that documentary had too much emotion in it’s presentation. I look forward to seeing The Hunting Ground to see how they deal with a topic that hits closer to home. Read More →

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