Tribeca Film Festival review: ‘KING JACK’ astounds.

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Kids are cruel. No matter what socio-economic background they come from, children can be just as vindictive and creative in their torture of one another as grown adults. In Felix Thompson‘s new coming of age narrative KING JACK, we route for one boy in particular. Pushed around by school bullies and antagonized by his older brother, Jack is a typical teenager simply trying to find his place in the world like any other. When Jack’s aunt becomes ill, a cousin moves into the house, displacing any sense of privacy. Given the task of looking after his younger relative only lessens his already weak facade of coolness. Stalked by one serious older bully and his cronies, Jack must come to terms with the cycle of hereditary violence and find out what courage and manhood truly mean.

Felix Thompson‘s does double duty as writer and director. Organically shot and tenderly written, Thompson brings real truth to a script that could have easily been formulaic. Moments of real fear and embarrassment come to life on screen. These are the moments that bring us back to a time that may not have been our favorite but were essential in shaping who we became as adults.

Young lead Charlie Plummer is a phenomenon. One would almost think this was a documentary with a performance so incredibly natural. It’s a gutsy role for an actor his age to take on, and he absolutely nails it. In fact, the entire cast is top notch. Not a single beat is missed. Again, a huge nod to Thompson’s ability to direct a cast mainly comprised of teens. Cory Nichols, as cousin Ben, gives a noteworthy performance. Cute, funny, and honest, I hope we see much more of him in the future.

KING JACK is successful on so many levels. Though, admittedly, at moments it is hard to watch. The film will resonate with anyone who has come home crying, anyone who has been called names, anyone who has felt alone. What makes KING JACK difficult to watch is the very thing that makes it great. I highly recommend you take the entire family to see this feature. Parents: It’s a great insight into what your kids experience with the added complication of technology. Kids: You might just find that Mom and Dad can relate to your life in ways you never thought possible.

You can still catch two more screenings of KING JACK at the festival!!

7:30 PM – FRI 4/24 REGAL CINEMAS BATTERY PARK 11-9

RUSH

2:30 PM – SUN 4/26 BOW TIE CINEMAS CHELSEA 8

RUSH

To find out more about this film, check out the Tribeca Film Festival Guide 2015

Tribeca Film review: Richard Gere gives and gives as ‘Franny’

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — 1 Comment ↓

Franny – tickets still available!

As someone who loves to give, I am aware there are boundaries of that giving that can make people feel uncomfortable. Although his heart is in the right place, Franny gladly crosses those boundaries. While there are several moments that hit an emotional nerve, it wasn’t enough to make up for the uneven story.

Richard Gere stars as Franny, a wealthy philanthropist who has become addicted to morphine after a tragic accident involving his best friends. He’s been very reclusive until their daughter, Olivia (Dakota Fanning) comes back into his life. Franny showers her and her new husband with everything they could ever want.

The movie has many themes and is unable to execute any of them fully. It shifts from being about family, to a story of addiction to what it means to give too much. Franny is clearly troubled from his past yet we’re only given a glimpse into any of it.

A missed opportunity was to really show how someone with so much wealth and resources can have their addiction overlooked. There were hints, but it inevitably failed. While Richard Gere delivers a powerful performance, it loses something by the lack of solid supporting cast storylines. It was ultimately predictable and flat.

3 docs you simply must see at the Tribeca Film Festival

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — 1 Comment ↓

The Birth of Saké – RUSH tickets available

Feeling stressed? Can’t get your mind to relax? Take a trip to Japan and follow a group of men who dedicate half of their year to making saké. The group of men eat, sleep, laugh and cry together all while preserving the centuries-old tradition.

The passion of the brewmaster Yamamoto and his young apprentice, Yasuyuki is where the heart of the story lies. They each care so much about not only the tradition, but the people they work with on a day-to-day basis.

The gorgeous imagery is enhanced by slowmotion and a calming score. Whether you’re a lover of saké or not, you’ll appreciate the amount of work that goes into its creation.

Orion is his iconic eagle suit. Photo credit Sun Records

Orion: The Man Who Would Be King – hurry, tickets still available!

Everyone has heard of Elvis, but only a fraction have heard of Orion aka Jimmy Ellis. When Jimmy Ellis sang, he sounded like the legendary Elvis. His talent was brought to new heights when Elvis died and people didn’t want to let go. Never an impersonator, Jimmy did capitalize on this coincidence and attempt stardom on his own.

Jimmy himself tells us his tale through audio interviews. Told with a candid and revealing, yet loving hand, Orion: The Man Who Would Be King is ultimately a story about fame sought, found and lost.

Whether you liked Elvis’ music or not, you’ll be captivated by a man who lived large and went after his dreams.

CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap – tickets are going fast!

When I was choosing classes for my first year of high school, I chose to take Technical Drafting. It seemed interesting to me. It never occurred to me that I’d be the only girl in the class. I was bullied every day. I was called unspeakable names behind the teacher’s back. I heard tales of how there were girls who had taken the class and dropped out. I’m sure I must have considered dropping the class, but I have no recollection of it.

I wasn’t the best in the class, but I was always willing to learn and tried my very best. My teacher, Mr Huff, was the kindest, most encouraging man and brought me to every tournament and entered me in every competition eligible. I rarely placed, but I got to see that there were girls in classes like mine at other schools. I was not alone.

Just before seeing this film I had made the decision to learn to code. In the few info sessions at bootcamps for code that I’ve attended, I can see that the gap is still there, but it’s much more encouraging than just twenty years ago.

Instead of focusing on one aspect of the gender gap in coding, this film really shows that everyone has something to give. The field of information technology is only getting bigger and we need all hands on deck. The more diverse the people building the future technologies are, the better the world is for it.

Tribeca Film Festival interview: ‘THE ADDERALL DIARIES’ director Pamela Romanowsky talks fated moments in making the film.

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Liz Whittemore — 2 Comments ↓

Stephen Elliott (James Franco) and Neil Elliott (Ed Harris)Anna Kooris

Director Pamela Romanowsky‘s debut feature is not a meek choice. Tackling the page to screen adaptation of Stephen Elliott‘s memoir THE ADDERALL DIARIES seems like something that was written in the stars. Speaking of stars, the film is lead by an outstanding performance by James Franco as a pill popping, destructive behavior addicted, emotionally ravaged man. Under the guise of writer’s block, Stephen lets himself become distracted by a murder case that seems to resonate with his memories of the past; memories that have made him a famous author so far. When his father’s ghost returns to haunt him, life spirals into an seemingly endless line of poor life choices. One person’s truth may not be what it seems.

On the heels of TRUE STORY, Franco plays Elliott with a ferocity that is totally organic. Hitting highs and lows so sharp, I can safely say I am impressed. Ed Harris portrays his strong willed father. A constant trigger throughout the film, this role was made for Harris, literally. Amber Heard is beautiful and honest as a NYT journalist fighting childhood demons of her own. Christian Slater is charming as ever and a master of emotional disguise as the subject Stephen longs to understand. Cleverly edited and stunningly shot, THE ADDERALL DIARIES is a sensory and emotional overload of a film. You will find something that connects with you, I guarantee it.

I was fortunate enough to sit down with Pamela Romanowsky and talk about the journey that became this project.

Liz: Just saw the movie and I really liked it. How did you happen upon Stephen’s novel?

Pamela: Well, there are two parts to this story. I first happened upon it because I live near a really great independent bookstore called “Word” in Greenpoint. I saw it in the window and that is often how I buy books, ” What does Word have?” So I just read it as a casual reader and loved it, thought about it a lot, it really stayed with me. It’s the kind of story that takes a lot of processing. Then separately from that, James Franco and I went to grad school together and are good friends and we hadn’t worked together yet. Then I had the opportunity to make the short with him for The Color of Time. We had a great creative connection and a great time working together. James approached me with The Adderall Diaries. I actually just found out yesterday that it was the first book he optioned.

L: He is such a fan of page to screen, all of which so far have been really successful. It’s such a bold move because it can go so wrong.

P: He picks Difficult books.

L: He really does.

P: It was a really great moment of synchronicity. He wanted to help me make my first feature and with a book we both loved.

L: I think his performance was one of his best and so clearly has a lot to do with your relationship. You had such a great cast full of talent. Ed Harris, what a juicy role for him. I also really enjoyed the juxtaposition of memories talk to me about the editing choices.

P: I developed the visual style with my DP who was also a collaborator from grad school. I met a lot of my people there. Bruce also shot my piece for The Color of Time so we had already talked about how to approach memories cinematically. We used steady cam alot because it felt organic. This is a character who is always in motion, and practically it allowed us to shoot quickly, to be intuitive, to find shots within the scene as we went. And the use of slow motion… you know memory is such a hard thing to describe to someone else but to me, the things that you tend to recall over and over are these small moments and details so it almost like you’re seeing it in slow motion.

L: it is incredibly effective. It is so aesthetically beautiful.

Did you guys have a lot of rehearsal time? Everything feels really organic. Yet there are some truly physically demand scenes.

P: I think as is often in indie film, but I had the advantage of knowing a lot of these actors and Ed, I met at the Sundance Directors Lab.

L: Had he been cast already or did he just come in and read for you?

P: No, he was my advisor at the lab. Coincidentally he was also the person I wrote this role for! His photo was on my writing board the whole time but I never actually thought I was going to get a chance to meet him. So when we were at Sundance, low and behold Ed Harris walks in and I was like ” Oh my God, Ed Harris is here!” It just happened that he was there, it just happened that he was my advisor, and it just happened to be the week I was shooting my father/son scene. So when he was leaving I had to tell him, “You know, thank you so much for helping me and so I wrote this role for you and I don’t know if you’d ever think about doing it but I am gonna keep asking you forever.” And truthfully I didn’t have a back-up plan, I didn’t see anyone else playing this role. It took me 9 months to talk him into it. So I had a lot of time to talk it over with him. It was the same with all the other actors. Rehearsal is really important so right before we would shoot each scene I would kick everyone out and we would run the scene through.

L: As soon as I walked out of the theater I said, “I have to buy this book now. I am completely intrigued. I have to read it.” It has so many relevant issues that even if you’ve never experienced them personally, you would gravitate towards this story. We all have our own way to interpret what our memories are. And I think the older you get and the longer you live with your interpretation, that becomes your truth. It was beautiful to see that on screen. Thank you so much for talking with me.

P: Thank You! Enjoy the rest of your fest!

L: You too! I look forward to talking to you for whatever comes next.

THE ADDERALL DIARIES ticket and showtime information can be found here in the Tribeca Film Festival Guide 2015.

TFF 2015 NARRATIVE FEATURE

Release Year: 2015

Runtime: 87 minutes

Directed By: Pamela Romanowsky

Country: USA

Elliott (James Franco), a once-successful novelist inflicted with writer’s block and an Adderall addiction strives to escape his problems by delving into the world of a high-profile murder case. Amber Heard, Ed Harris, and Cynthia Nixon co-star in this adaptation of Elliott’s best-selling memoir. | Read More

Tribeca Red Carpet Photos: Shia LaBeouf looking angry & Director Alma Ha’rel at ‘LoveTrue’

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

Alma Har'el, Love True - Photo Credit: Natalie Samuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Alma Har’el, Love True – Photo Credit: Natalie Shmuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Alma Har'el & Rafael Marmor, Love True - Photo Credit: Natalie Samuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Alma Har’el & Rafael Marmor, Love True – Photo Credit: Natalie Shmuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Shia LaBeouf, Love True - Photo Credit: Natalie Samuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Shia LaBeouf, Love True – Photo Credit: Natalie Shmuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Tribeca Red Carpet Photos: James Franco, Cynthia Nixon, Christian Slater, Amber Heard & Ed Harris in ‘The Adderall Diaries’

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

Amber Heard - The Adderall Diaries - Photo Credit: Natalie Samuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Amber Heard – The Adderall Diaries – Photo Credit: Natalie Shmuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Only RUSH tickets are available for The Adderall Diaries – as you can see it’s a star-studded cast! Look for Liz’s review and interview soon!

James Franco - The Adderall Diaries - Photo Credit: Natalie Samuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

James Franco – The Adderall Diaries – Photo Credit: Natalie Shmuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Ed Harris - The Adderall Diaries - Photo Credit: Natalie Samuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Ed Harris – The Adderall Diaries – Photo Credit: Natalie Shmuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Cynthia Nixon - The Adderall Diaries - Photo Credit: Natalie Samuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Cynthia Nixon – The Adderall Diaries – Photo Credit: Natalie Shmuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Christian Slater - The Adderall Diaries - Photo Credit: Natalie Samuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Christian Slater – The Adderall Diaries – Photo Credit: Natalie Shmuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Timothée Chalamet - The Adderall Diaries - Photo Credit: Natalie Samuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Timothée Chalamet – The Adderall Diaries – Photo Credit: Natalie Shmuel, Luna Rouge Pictures

Can’t make it to the Tribeca Film Festival? These movies have distribution and will be available to watch soon!

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — 1 Comment ↓

Misery Loves Comedy – VOD now, In theaters April 24th

Directed by Kevin Pollak. (USA) – New York Premiere, Documentary.
Kevin Pollak directs this insightful documentary that examines the quasi-obsessive need for a comic to connect with an audience.
Conducting interviews with some of the biggest names in comedy including Jimmy Fallon, Amy Schumer, Jim Gaffigan, Judd Apatow, Larry David, and more, Pollak delves into the psyche to find out what led them to life in stand-up, and ruminates on whether you must be miserable to be a comedian. A Tribeca Film release.

Good Kill – In theaters May 1st

Directed and written by Andrew Niccol. (USA) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative.
Major Tommy Egan (Ethan Hawke) is fighting a war from the safety of a Nevada trailer, but commitment to the mission comes at a price. Gattaca director Andrew Niccol reunites with Ethan Hawke for this timely drama about the human costs of advanced war technology. Co- starring January Jones and Zoe Kravitz. An IFC Films Release.

Hyena – In theaters May 1st

Directed and written by Gerard Johnson. (UK) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative.
Michael Logan (Peter Ferdinando) may be a corrupt, coke-addled cop, but he’s a bad lieutenant with a conscience. After years of dodging the same laws he was assigned to uphold, Michael suddenly finds himself trying to change while safeguarding a young Albanian woman from the sex trade. Equal parts grit and neon, Hyena blurs the line between cop and criminal and exposes the illicit underworld inhabited by London’s most ruthless policemen. A Tribeca Film release.

Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck – HBO May 8th

Directed by Brett Morgen. (USA) – New York Premiere, Documentary.
Kurt Cobain, legendary lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter of Nirvana, remains an icon 20 years after his death. This first-ever fully authorized documentary feature, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck is a raw and visceral journey through Cobain’s personal archive of art, music (both his most famous and some that’s never been heard), written word, and never-before-seen home movies with animation and revelatory interviews from his family and closest confidantes. An HBO Documentary Film in association with Universal Pictures presentation.

Maggie – In theaters May 8th

Directed by Henry Hobson, written by John Scott 3. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative.
There’s a deadly zombie epidemic threatening humanity, but Wade (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a small-town farmer and family man, refuses to accept defeat even when his daughter Maggie (Abigail Breslin) becomes infected. As Maggie’s condition worsens and the authorities seek to eradicate those with the virus, Wade is pushed to the limits in an effort to protect her. Joely Richardson co-stars in this post-apocalyptic thriller. Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions release.

Thought Crimes – HBO May 11th

Directed by Erin Lee Carr. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary.
Convicted yet then acquitted of conspiring to kidnap, rape, kill, and eat several women, NYPD officer Gilberto Valle quickly rose to infamy as New York’s own “Cannibal Cop”. With exclusive access to Valle, Erin Lee Carr’s unflinching documentary asks a fundamental question that challenges our beliefs about the criminal justice system, and even the very nature of right and wrong: can you be guilty of a crime you only thought about committing? An HBO Documentary Film.

Far From Men (Loin des Hommes) – In theaters May 15th

Directed and written by David Oelhoffen. (France) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative.
During the height of the Algerian War, an unlikely bond forms between a reserved French teacher (Viggo Mortensen) and the elusive dissident (Reda Kateb) he must turn over to the authorities. Based on a short story by Albert Camus, David Oelhoffen’s classically conceived period Western is a tense and timely study of war’s political and personal sacrifices. In French with subtitles. A Tribeca Film release.

Silas Selleck (Michael Fassbender) and Jay Cavendish (Kodi Smit-McPhee) in SLOW WEST, an A24 release.
Photography by Robbie Ryan

Slow West – In theaters May 15th

Directed by John Maclean. (UK, New Zealand) – New York Premiere, Narrative.
At the end of the nineteenth century, 16-year-old Jay Cavendish (Kodi Smit-McPhee) journeys across the American frontier in search of the woman he loves. He is joined by Silas (Michael Fassbender), a mysterious traveler, and hotly pursued by an outlaw (Ben Mendelsohn) along the way. Sundance 2015 World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic. An A24/DIRECTV release.

Cillian Murphy as Ivan
Photo by Allen Fraser, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Aloft – In theaters May 22nd

Directed and written by Claudia Llosa. (Canada, France, Spain) – New York Premiere, Narrative. In parallel narratives, single-mother Nana (Jennifer Connelly) has a mysterious experience at the hands of a traveling healer, years later her troubled son Ivan (Cillian Murphy) sets out in search of his now absent mother. Academy Award®–nominee Claudia Llosa’s (The Milk of Sorrow) decade-spanning family drama is a dreamlike rumination on faith, forgiveness, and family, set against an otherworldly frozen landscape. A Sony Pictures Classics Release.

Jimmy’s Hall – In theaters May 30th

Directed by Ken Loach, written by Paul Laverty. (UK, Ireland, France) – North American Premiere, Narrative.
James Gralton returns from exile and reopens a public dancehall, bravely pushing back against the sharply drawn religious and political margins of his time. Ken Loach (Winner, Palme-d’or 2006, The Wind that Shakes the Barley) paints a romantic drama about a leftist leader, and a 1930s Ireland that celebrates free speech and thought in the face of oppressive dogma. A Sony Pictures Classics Release.

Hungry Hearts – In theaters June 5th

Directed by Saverio Costanzo. (Italy) – U.S. Premiere, Narrative.
After a chance meeting and a whirlwind romance in New York City, Jude (Adam Driver) and Mina (Alba Rohrwacher) become pregnant. Convinced their child will be harmed by the pollutions in the outside world, Mina becomes consumed by protecting her baby, forcing Jude to recognize a terrible truth about why his son’s life could be in danger. A Sundance Selects Release.

Angry Sky – ESPN 30 for 30 June 8th

Directed by Jeff Tremaine. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary.
In the 1960s, truck-driver Nick Piantanida discovered skydiving, and set out to break the world record for highest parachute jump by taking a helium balloon to the edge of space. Over the course of a year, his dream to launch the first civilian space program drove him to obsession. An ESPN Films release.

The Wolfpack – In theaters June 12th

The Wolfpack, directed by Crystal Moselle. (USA) – New York Premiere, Documentary. Everything the Angulo brothers know about the outside world they learned from obsessively watching movies. Shut away from bustling New York City by their overprotective father, they cope with their isolation by diligently re-enacting their favorite films. When one of the brothers escapes, the world as they know it will be transformed. A Magnolia Release.

The Overnight – In theaters June 19th

Directed and written by Patrick Brice. (USA) – New York Premiere, Narrative.
Alex and Emily have just moved to LA with their young son. Eager to make new friends, they accept an invitation to a party from the father of their son’s playground mate. After the kids fall asleep, the “playdate” takes a bizarre turn in this racy and hilarious romp. Featuring Judith Godrèche, Taylor Schilling, Jason Schwartzman, and Adam Scott. A release by The Orchard.

Cartel Land – In theaters July 3rd

Directed by Matthew Heineman. (USA, Mexico) – New York Premiere, Documentary.
A portrait of two men, both leaders of small paramilitary groups that police different sides of the Mexican drug war. With unprecedented access, this film brings forward deep questions about the breakdown of order and entanglement of modern-day vigilante movements at a time when the government cannot provide basic security for its people. In Spanish and English with subtitles. A release by The Orchard.

Sleeping With Other People – In theaters August 21st

Directed and written by Leslye Headland. (USA) – New York Premiere, Narrative.
Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie star as two romantic failures whose years of serial infidelity and self-sabotage have led them to swear that their relationship will remain strictly platonic. But can love still bloom while you’re sleeping with other people? Writer/director Leslye Headland’s (Bachelorette) sexy romantic comedy co-stars Amanda Peet, Adam Scott, and Natasha
Lyonne. An IFC Films Release.

Down in the Valley – ESPN 30 for 30

Directed by Jason Hehir. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary.
How far would you go to save your hometown team? For many Sacramento residents, faced with the nearly certain relocation of their beloved Kings, no boardroom was too distant. One native son proved it. Follow former NBA superstar turned Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson as he battles owners and executives to keep the Kings at home, in this roaring testament to the passion and power of the small-market fan. An ESPN Films release.

Grandma – TBD

Directed and written by Paul Weitz. (USA) – New York Premiere, Narrative.
Reeling from a recent breakup and still mourning the loss of her longtime partner, once-famous poet Elle Reid (Lily Tomlin) is surprised to find her teenage granddaughter on her doorstep in need of $600 and a ride. The two embark on an all-day road trip that ends up rattling skeletons and digging up secrets all over town. Co-starring Julia Garner, Marcia Gay Harden, Judy Greer, Laverne Cox, and Sam Elliott. A Sony Pictures Classics release.

Scottish Highlands Photo credit: Kino Lorber

Steak (R)evolution – TBD

Directed and written by Franck Ribière, co-written by Vérane Frédiani (France) – International Premiere, Documentary.
Grass fed, grain finished, intricately marbled, and dry aged — the concept of what makes the best steak varies greatly, and it continues to evolve as we move toward more sustainable farming practices. In this gourmet, across-the-world road trip, chefs, farmers, butchers, journalists and other experts weigh in on the various factors at play to help us understand the (r)evolution taking place right now and the challenges ahead. In English, French with subtitles. A Kino Lorber release.

The Diplomat – HBO will air the film this fall in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the war in Bosnia and was one of Richard Holbrooke’s greatest foreign policy achievements.

Directed by David Holbrooke. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary.
With the insightful The Diplomat, David Holbrooke attempts the seemingly insurmountable: capturing the legacy of his larger-than-life father, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, revealing an inside view of US foreign policy from Vietnam to Afghanistan. Interviewing an impressive array of world leaders, David grapples with Holbrooke’s public versus private personas, creating a sensitive portrait of fatherhood, ambition, and the force required to affect change throughout the world. An HBO Documentary Film.

Tribeca Film Festival review: ‘COME DOWN MOLLY’ is a drug induced introspection

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Liz Whittemore — 1 Comment ↓

COME DOWN MOLLY– Narrative, Drama, Comedy

While I have never done mushrooms, myself, I do know a few people who have. I’ve heard it all. “I was chased by giants bugs!”, “I felt one with nature.”, “It’s totally backed by science now.” While the plot of Come Down Molly does revolve around a new mom taking a much deserved break to munch on some serious vegetation, honestly, the film isn’t really about drugs at all. It is is completely about identity. Oftentimes, new moms aren’t given a voice of their own. Feeling pressured by society to be perfect and to adore every single minuscule moment of their child’s life, they are merely human beings. Every mother needs time to herself to maintain a sense of sanity and a sense of self. Molly takes the day to reconnect with her key group of male childhood friends. Just before venturing out into the vast wilderness of The Rocky Mountains, the group partakes in some recreational mushroom delicacies. Most of the movie is spent wandering the open fields and streams laughing and reminiscing.

The dialogue feels super natural most likely due to the casting choices of Writer/Director Gregory Kohn. Molly’s friends consist of Greg’s closest actor buddies. The seemingly improvised, hilariously witty repartee is key in convincing the audience to go along with a documentary style narrative. Eléonore Hendricks‘ performance is beautiful and down to earth. She has an easy likability about her. Surrounded by the gentleman in the cast, sparks fly. The setting itself, is glorious. The quiet moments are some of the most prolific. Regardless of life experience, this film gives a solid voice to everyone struggling to maintain a sense of who they are and where they thought they’d be by now. Come Down Molly is a cinematic dream.

Directed by: Gregory Kohn

In this expressionist odyssey exploring the lonely side of entering adulthood, struggling new mother Molly (Eléonore Hendricks) joins her old high school group of guy friends at a secluded mountain home. Amidst tears, laughter, and mushrooms, they connect with nature, one another, and themselves.

Find out more about Come Down Molly at Tribeca Film Festival Guide 2015

Tribeca Film Festival review: ‘Among The Believers’ will test your faith.

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Liz Whittemore — 1 Comment ↓

Aziz testing a young student on his “studies”.

AMONG THE BELIEVERS– Documentary

9/11 turned the world on it’s head. What we think we know about religion has been bundled into talking points by one side of the coin. Captured by fear and ignorance we label quickly but never rush to understand. Among the Believers is a riveting documentary that takes the audience inside the infamous Red Mosques and into the mind of Abdul Aziz Ghazi, ISIS supporter, Taliban ally, and teacher of the jihadist movement to children all over Pakistan. Acting a s “dean” Aziz takes children from poor Pakistani families under the guise that he will house, clothe and educate their children for them. What’s really going on is the indoctrination of oftentimes infantile members of a society that doesn’t know any better. These children “study” the Quran from sunrise until 9pm everyday. Not until they are deemed worthy do they even understand the verses they are forced to memorize and chant incessantly. Religion does funny things to people and, no matter which religion, extremists are out there.

Young girls have few choices in Pakistan. If she is not educated, she is often married off.

This documentary is beautifully balanced with open minded Muslims living in the surrounding neighborhoods of the madrassah (Islamic seminaries) locations. Advocates like Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, speak out in public platforms, such as mass media outlets and lectures. The majority of Pakistan’s population is vehemently against the imposition of Sharia law throughout the country. The question continues to be; How do you fight religion?

As an audience member you will endure a visceral reaction to the ideas onscreen. You will feel a passionate push back in one way or another. Among The Believers is sometimes difficult to watch, but I understand that it is a rather important film.

www.amongthebelieversfilm.com

To Learn More About Screenings of Among The Believers, visit

Tribeca Film Festival Guide 2015

Directed By: Hemal Trivedi and Mohammed Ali Naqvi

An unsettling and eye opening exploration into the spread of the radical Islamic school Red Mosque, which trains legions of children to devote their lives to jihad, or holy war, from a very young age. With incredible access and chilling footage, Among the Believers is a timely and relevant look into the causes that have led to the growth of radical Islam in Pakistan and around the world.

Tribeca Film Festival reviews: ‘DEMOCRATS’ and ‘VIAJE’. Both are sweet and sour for drastically different reasons

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Liz Whittemore — 1 Comment ↓

Democrats- Documentary

In a place where the people are being silenced by the old regime, free speech is punished, in a country that has produced a landscape of mindless and terrified sheep, this absorbing documentary takes us behind the curtain of the political system in Zimbabwe. Politics is full of pretenders. They fully admit to glazing over the truth and using bullying tactics to coral followers like cattle. A broken system attempts to fix itself with the formation of a dual party constitutional committee. We are privy to embattled showdowns with one party busing on “locals” for support and the opposition party fighting for it’s people’s lives, literally. Can two men guide an entire country through peaceful transition?

This is a drastic portrait of how money and power control politics. Talking points, denial, broken promises are all things we understand in the United States, but in Zimbabwe, in the shadow of Mugabe, this is something altogether next level for these people. The lies and the violence are all on camera. Despite this, it is two steps forward and 20 steps back. Whichever side you happen to be, DEMOCRATS is a brave and brilliantly cut together piece of art. The filmmakers and all those involved must be saluted for standing for something in a place where nothing is the norm.

Directed and written by Camilla Nielsson
(Denmark)—North American Premiere

In the wake of Robert Mugabe’s highly criticized 2008 presidential win, a constitutional committee was created in an effort to transition Zimbabwe away from authoritarian leadership. With unprecedented access to the two political rivals overseeing the committee, this riveting, firsthand account of a country’s fraught first steps towards democracy plays at once like an intimate political thriller and unlikely buddy film. In English, Shona with subtitles.

Viaje- Narrative, Comedy

Lust at first sight is relatively common. Taking a chance on a stranger, these days, is pretty uncommon. Luciana and Pedro meet at a costume party and decide to leave together on a whim. Alcohol fueled inhibition leads to the prolonged weekend together camping. This film is about two people learning about each other, trusting each other, going with the flow. Relationships are complicated, but maybe, this one doesn’t have to be.

Viaje has some of the most genuine and funny dialogue I have heard in long time. When two people click, this is how they communicate. The chemistry between lead actors Kattia Gonzalez and Fernando Bolaños is palpable and delicious. They are passionate and natural and I could have watched them play off one another for ages. The film’s score is lively and fun. The camera work has a superb energy that keeps up with our vivacious leads. Shot is beautiful black and white and at a tight 70 minutes, Viaje is an honest picture of mature feelings and elegant understandings we face as we grow together and apart.

Directed By: Paz Fábrega

Country: Costa Rica

After meeting at a party, Luciana and Pedro spark up a spontaneous rendezvous when Luciana accompanies Pedro to a national forest on a work trip. Eschewing the fraudulent nature of traditional relationships, the pair explores the beauty in the nature that surrounds them as they indulge in the passions of their encounter and navigate the various meanings of commitment.

Find out more about these two films at Tribeca Film Festival Guide 2015

Tribeca Film Festival 2015 Has Begun! Drive-In Movies & Free Events!

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

Liz and Melissa are your eyes and ears of this year’s Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. They’ve got a headstart – Liz has already seen 24 and Melissa has seen 15! They’ll be attending the festival, watching movies and interviewing actors and directors. Make sure to follow them to see what they’re up to!

Follow the ladies on:

twitter: @lizwhittemore @dialmformelissa @reelnewsdaily
instagram: @indiebizliz @dialmformelissa @reelnewsdaily
facebook: @reelnewsdaily

What are you seeing this year?

TRIBECA DRIVE-IN FILMS

Clue – 30th Anniversary
Lady and the Tramp – 60th Anniversary
A Faster Horse

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

TRIBECA FAMILY FESTIVAL STREET FAIR: April 25, 10am – 6pm Greenwich Street / North of Chambers
Free Screening of: Back to the Future: April 25, 6pm at BMCC
Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day 1: April 23, 10am – 6pm Greenwich Street / North Chambers

Quick facts:

3,147 Feature submissions
- World Premiere: 67
- International Premiere: 4
- North American Premiere: 13
- U.S. Premiere: 5
- New York Premiere: 11
- Restoration: 1
Total Number of Feature Directors: 124
- Feature-Length Female Directors: 32
- Feature-Length Male Directors: 93
- First-Time Directors: 41
- First-Time Female Directors: 14
- First-Time Male Directors: 27
- Returning Directors: 62

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL begins tomorrow! RND has a few (40) recommendations

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

This year’s fest is bigger and better than ever! We’re very excited here at Reel News Daily to bring you the very best of what’s screening. Get ready for interviews, roundups, special events, and reviews coming your way. Here are the films we recommend… so far!

Follow the ladies on:

twitter: @lizwhittemore @dialmformelissa @reelnewsdaily
instagram: @indiebizliz @dialmformelissa @reelnewsdaily
facebook: @reelnewsdaily

Documentary Selections

INDIAN POINT

TFF 2015 DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Release Year: 2015
Runtime: 94 minutes
Directed By: Ivy Meeropol
Country: USA

Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant looms just 35 miles from Times Square. With over 50 million people living in close proximity to the aging facility, its continued operation has generated controversy for the surrounding community. In the brewing fight for clean energy and the catastrophic possibilities of complacency, director Ivy Meeropol weaves a startling portrait of our uncertain nuclear future.

SCREENING TIMES

FRI	4/17	5:30 PM	SVA Theater 2 Beatrice
SUN	4/19	3:45 PM	Regal Cinemas Battery Park 11-1
WED	4/22	3:30 PM	Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea 6
FRI	4/24	6:15 PM	Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea 4

Free Screening of ‘Back to the Future’ and other Free Events of the Tribeca Film Festival

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — 1 Comment ↓

Back to the Future

From the Oscar®-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis comes the original, groundbreaking adventure that sparked one of the most successful trilogies ever! Join us for a FREE screening and pre- show program celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film, and featuring special appearances and an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming documentary Back In Time.

6:00 PM – SAT 4/25

BMCC TRIBECA PAC

The Tribeca Family Festival once again invites you to the ultimate street fair and family celebration, where a dazzling array of FREE activities, performances and experiences unfold downtown in Tribeca.

Step onto the Tribeca Studios Backlot and into a filmmaking experience, watch a live chef demonstration from a local restaurant on our Tribeca Food Feast Stage, fly a kite, play video games in the Games for Change Public Arcade, create life-size bubbles in the Bubble Garden, get creative in our Arts & Crafts pavilions, dance to live music and put a smile on your face. It’s time to take to the streets of the neighborhood, so join us for a special day of fun!

FREE – Saturday – April 25th

Prune Nourry: Immersion, 2012 (From the Holy River series), Print mounted on radiology negative viewer, Edition 2/3 + 2 AP, 18 5/8 x 29 1/2 inches

Monday, April 13 – Saturday, April 25

Tribeca Film Festival Artists Awards exhibition, sponsored by CHANEL Works from Daniel Arsham, Robert Bordo, Elizabeth Colomba, Stephen Hannock, Prune Nourry, Jean Pagliuso, Clifford Ross, and Piers Secunda.

Free and open to the public, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A free exhibition of the work will be open to the public from April 13-25 between the hours of 9am- 5pm (closed on April 23), at the Tribeca Film Festival at Spring Studios, TFF’s new destination for festivalgoers, located at 50 Varick Street in Manhattan. The artwork will be on view throughout the Festival before being presented to the award-winning filmmakers on April 23.

Following is a complete list of the artwork that will be contributed:

Daniel Arsham: Ash Eroded Film Reel, 2014, Volcanic ash, shattered glass, hydrostone, unique, 14 x 14 inches
Robert Bordo: Caw (42), 2010, Tempera on paper, 11 1/4 x 15 3/4 inches
Elizabeth Colombo: Athena, 2015, Oil on canvas, gold leaf frame, 14 x 11 inches
Stephen Hannock: Rockets Over the Delta (Mass MoCA #218), 2015,Acrylic on panel, 8 1/8 x 6 3/4 inches
Prune Nourry: Immersion, 2012 (From the Holy River series), Print mounted on radiology negative viewer, Edition 2/3 + 2 AP, 18 5/8 x 29 1/2 inches
Jean Pagliuso: Black #19, 2009, Hand-applied silver gelatin on rice paper AP1, 23 ¾ x 19 ½ inches
Clifford Ross: Trees II, 2010, Archival Pigment Print on Wood Veneer, 22 ½ x 17 ½ inches
Piers Secunda: Taliban Relief Painting, 2013, Industrial floor paint, 48.2 x 49.6 x 1.6cm

The art exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information on the other programs at the Tribeca Film Festival at Spring Studios at 50 Varick Street and to purchase a Spring pass that provides full access to the space and events, visit www.tribecafilm.com.

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Thursday, April 16 – Sunday, April 19

Storyscapes presented in collaboration with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Gin – A juried section at the Festival showcasing groundbreaking exhibits in technology and interactive storytelling.

Free, reservation required; reservations accepted starting April 13 at tribecafilm.com, 12:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Get 2 Free Tickets for the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday April 24th – Courtesy of AT&T’s Film For All Friday

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — 1 Comment ↓

The trick is that you have to physically go into an AT&T store. Find a store in the NYC area here: https://tribecafilm.com/filmforall

FILM FOR ALL FRIDAY

AT&T is making screening tickets free on Friday, April 24.
From Monday April 6 to Thursday April 9 reserve your free tickets at participating company-owned AT&T stores in all five boroughs.

To reserve tickets at AT&T retail stores:
1. Visit an AT&T retail store (see list of participating stores below)
2. Select your film using the device provided
3. Enter your email
4. Click to reserve your tickets

Remaining Film For All tickets will be make available online beginning Friday, April 10 right here on tribecafilm.com

3 Ways to View ‘Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck’ – Tribeca Film Festival, Lincoln Center or HBO

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

KURT COBAIN: MONTAGE OF HECK is the first fully-authorized documentary made with the cooperation of Kurt Cobain’s family. It is a raw and visceral journey through Cobain’s life and provides no-holds-barred access to Kurt Cobain’s archives, home to his never-before-seen home movies, recordings, artwork, photography, journals, demos, personal archives, family archives and songbooks. The film features dozens of Nirvana songs and performances as well as previously unheard Cobain originals. Read More →

Tickets to the Tribeca Film Festival Now on Sale!

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Melissa Hanson — Leave a reply

Tickets are on sale now at tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets for the general public!

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

Single tickets can be purchased can be purchased online at tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets, or by telephone at (646) 502-5296 or toll free at (866) 941-FEST (3378) or at one of the Ticket Outlets, with locations at Regal Cinemas Battery Park (102 North End Avenue) and Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea (260 W. 23rd 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.

‘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.

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 →

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SCREENING TIMES

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FILM FOR ALL FRIDAY

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