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CALL FOR ENTRIES! The 2nd Annual North Hollywood CineFest is open for submissions!

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It's now a 7 day event and will showcase over 100 films in 2015!  Join the hottest new film festival in the greater Los Angeles area!  Located in the heart of the North Hollywood (NoHo) Arts District, this festival is a must-go!  All films are played in a real digital movie theater (not a screening room) and it offers a red carpet event, a party, and a number of symposiums talking about financing, distribution and new media.  Look out for celebrities here!  Last year we had a handful of surprise appearances as well as notable cast members from accepted films that made the event shine bright.  We take submissions by either Film Freeway or Withoutabox.

Do it now while the entry fee is cheap!  for more information and pictures from last year's event, go to our website.  www.nohocinefest.com

 


Keep On Keepin’ On Wins Tribeca 2014 Best New Documentary Director and Audience Award

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By Maria Esteves – April 27, 2014

The 13th Tribeca Film Festival Premiere Music Documentary KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON, directed by Alan Hicks was held at BMCC, New York, Saturday, April 19, 2014, 5:30PM. The premiere red carpet arrivals included producer Quincy Jones, award-winning musician Herbie Hancock, Academy Award winning actress Whoopi Goldberg, jazz singer Dianne Reeves, jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, cast members jazz pianist Justin Kauflin and Gwen Terry (Clark Terry's wife).

Live performances immediately followed the premiere documentary about the great jazz trumpeter Clark Terry with singer Dianne Reeves, Roy Hargrove on trumpet, Herbie Hancock and Justin Kauflin on piano. KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON is winner of TFF 2014 Best New Documentary Director ALAN HICKS and the Heineken Audience Award for Best Documentary.

 

"The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq," A film by Guillaume Nicloux (France), WINNER BEST SCREENPLAY at Tribeca Film Festival'14

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TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2014:

Special Jury Mention: The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq/”L’enlèvement de Michel Houellebecq” directed by Guillaume Nicloux (France). The announcement was made by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal.

Best Screenplay –”The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq”, written and directed by Guillaume Nicloux (France). Winner receives $5,000 sponsored by DreamWorks Animation. The award was given by Bart Freundlich.

Jury Comments: “This screenwriter put a bodybuilder, a gypsy, a prostitute, and a world renowned poet in handcuffs at a dinner table and made it feel right. When a film’s language feels so natural as to make the viewer completely forget that a screenplay was written, the writer deserves special acknowledgement.”

Award winning author, filmmaker, and poet, Michel Houllebecq, went missing on September 16, 2011. So began the controversy about this controversial writer. Was it a kidnapping? Was he delusional? Was it planned? You may ask, ‘How can this be a comedy?’

This comedy/drama began with Michel (played by himself), as an older, mellow writer walking around town, running errands and nonchalantly chatting with his neighbors. As he stepped off the elevator to open his apartment door, three large men followed him inside, put tape over his mouth, asked him to hold up the front page of the newspaper, took a polaroid photo of him, and transported him about an hour away to a French suburb.

When he got to their house, he found himself handcuffed to a bed, and hesitant to call for help to tend to his basic needs, ie. to smoke, use the bathroom and read. Flabbergasted, he quickly learned that the kidnappers were being extremely nice to him. Catering to his every need, they invited him to eat with them at the dinner table, to smoke cigarettes, hold conversations together, and even celebrate birthday parties wearing fun party masks. Showing their faces, they admitted to Michel who they were and why they did what they did. One admitted to being a gypsy, another, a body builder, another, a call girl, and then there was the older married Polish couple whose house it was. Patiently awaiting ransom money from the President of France, Francois Hollande, they just hang around.

Do they get the ransom money? Does Michel get freed?

Article by Sharon Abella

http://1worldcinema.com

One World Cinema

 

“Zero Motivation," Winner of the Nora Ephron Prize and The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature at Tribeca Film Fest '14

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Tribeca Film Fesival 2014:

 

World Narrative Competition: Israel, in Hebrew with subtitles.

The Nora Ephron PrizeZero Motivation, written and directed by Talya Lavie (Israel). Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by Coach, Inc. The award was given by Delia Ephron, Carol Kane, Natasha Lyonne, and Tanya Wexler along with Stephanie Stahl, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Strategy, Coach Inc.

The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature – Zero Motivation, written and directed by Talya Lavie (Israel). Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by AT&T, and the art award “Central Park, NY” by Tony Bennett. The award was given by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal joined by Esther Lee, SVP Brand Marketing/Advertising, AT&T.

Jury Comments: “The winner of this year’s Founder’s Award follows young women who must find their place and establish their identity in a world normally dominated by men and machismo. They do so with humor, strength and intellect. The filmmaker mirrors these same qualities. We believe a new, powerful, voice has emerged.”

“Zero Motivation” is about the daily occurrences among young and restless, female Israeli soldiers serving their mandatory military sentences on a remote base in the hot Israeli desert. They kill time playing computer games, filing paper, and chasing male soldiers.

The story starts off where one non-military girl dresses up as a soldier and sneaks on to the base to be closer to a boy that she likes. When she finds him kissing another girl, she kills herself.

Meanwhile, a blonde haired soldier, who believes she is now possessed by the dead girls ghost, starts acting like a zombie, and begins to follow around the only female virgin on the kibbutz. The virgin is trying to lose her virginity with a male soldier that is scheduled to leave the next day. The possessed zombie blonde follows the virgin around to make sure she is safe, and makes sure she makes the right decisions.

Very amusing.

Article by Sharon Abella

http://1worldcinema.com

One World Cinema

 

“Chef” Audience Award Winner at Tribeca Film Festival 2014

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Jon Favreau, wrote, directed, and starred in what might sound like a simplistic plot, yet is very funny and feel good. Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), is the chef in a top restaurant in Los Angeles. When a famous food critic, Ramsey Michel (Oliver Platt), who recently sold his blog to AOL for $10 million, makes it known that he is coming into the restaurant that night, Carl wants to get creative with the menu. The owner of the restaurant, Riva (Dustin Hoffman), does not like the idea of him changing the dishes, and tells him to stick to the menu and “play the hits”. “If you went to a ‘Rolling Stones’ concert and Mick Jagger didn’t play ‘Satisfaction’ wouldn’t you get upset? Play your hits. Stick to the menu.”

Well, the food critic doesn’t like the food served on the menu and takes to twitter to blacklist the chef stating that “Carl is gaining weight and must be eating all the food that is being sent back to the kitchen.”

Carl and Ramsey start a bad mouthing war on twitter, and it goes viral.

Ramsey decides to give the top chef another chance at a better tasting meal, however, a downward turn of events sends Carl’s life into a different, yet happier direction.

Cute film that will make you hungry.

Article by Sharon Abella

http://1worldcinema.com

One World Cinema

 

The winners of the 21st Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film

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In 2014 the Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) proved its reputation as a cultural highlight event and magnet for all animated film fans. With a new record of 85,000 visitors the previous year's figure was surpassed. The 21st edition of the ITFS surprised with numerous new locations like Renitenztheater, L-Bank and the New Castle. New programme highlights have been established – such as the extended Game Zone, the reorganization of the German Voice Actor Award as an independent gala event, as well as the introduction of industry event highlight "Stories and Series in the New Castle".


“We would have never thought that we could beat the record figures from last year“, says Dittmar Lumpp, Managing Director Organization and Finances of the ITFS, on the last day of the festival. “The ITFS has developed into a major cultural event, which extends far beyond the Stuttgart and Germany. I am particularly happy that new formats like the German Voice Actor Award have been received so well,” adds Ulrich Wegenast, Managing Director Programme of the festival. The two managing directors regard the strongly expanded Game Zone as a great success. "Let's Play" was the motto, and it was played extensively – whether on small consoles or on the big LED screen. In addition, there were presentations, exhibitions, workshops and talks revolving around the games theme.

The German Voice Actor Award did not only find a new venue with the Renitenztheater, but was also held as an impended event – “Animation Comedy” – for the first time. “In the past, the German Voice Actor Award has always been part of the big closing gala at the end of the festival. Thus, there was little opportunity to present the nominees in detail. We are very pleased that we were able to change that now,” says Dittmar Lumpp.

Under the title “Stories and Series in the New Castle” the ceremonies of German Screenplay Award and the prize for the best Tricks for Kids-Series were held in the festive White Hall of the New Castle in Stuttgart. The gala event was also the launch for the Animation Production Day, a co-production and co-financing market for German and international animation projects, jointly organized by the FMX and ITFS.

Last year’s added locations the Mercedes-Benz Museum (with the Animated Com Award and numerous events of the children’s film festival Tricks for Kids) and the Stuttgart zoo Wilhelma have proven successful.

Thousands of animated film fans gathered at the open air cinema and turned the Schlossplatz into Stuttgart’s living room. Despite the good weather and the admission free festival garden, the film programmes in the local cinemas were well attended; especially the screenings of the International Competition were regularly fully booked.

"And the winner is…“ On Sunday evening, April 27, 2014, the 21st Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film ended with the award ceremony. The awards (called Trickstar) are endowed with a prize money of over 70,000 euros. Guests included the Oscar-winners Chris Landreth, Thomas Stellmach and Alexandre Espigares, the Emmy-winner Eric Shaw as well as celebrities from politics, commerce and culture, such as the CEO of the MFG Film Funding in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Prof Carl Bergengruen or the CEO of the U. I. Lapp GmbH, Andreas Lapp.

 

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AWARDEES OF THE 21ST STUTTGART INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ANIMATED FILM

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Grand Prix
15.000 euros, sponsored by the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg and the City of Stuttgart
“Through the Hawthorn…“
United Kingdom 2013
Anna Benner, Pia Borg, Gemma Burditt

Lotte Reiniger Promotion Award for Animated Film
10.000 euros, sponsored by MFG Film Funding Baden-Wuerttemberg
“Home”
United Kingdom 2012
Luiz Stockler
Royal College of Art

SWR Audience Award
6.000 euros
“Mr Hublot”
Luxembourg 2013
Alexandre Espigares, Laurent Witz

**********
YOUNG ANIMATION
Award for the best student film
2.500 euros, sponsored by Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Wuerttemberg (LfK) and MFG Film Funding Baden-Wuerttemberg
“The Shirley Temple”
United Kingdom 2013
Daniela Sherer
Royal College of Art

Special Mention
“The Age of Curious”
United Kingdom 2013
Luca Toth
Royal College of Art

“Matzofim” / “Floats”
Israel 2013
Idan Barzilay, Mor Israeli
Bezalel Academy of Arts & Design

**********
ANIMOVIE
Award for the best animated feature film
“Kotonoha no Niwa“ / “The Garden of Words”
Japan 2013
Makoto Shinkai

**********
TRICKS FOR KIDS
Award for the best children’s animated short film
4.000 euros, supported by Studio 100 Media GmbH
“L´Automne de Pougne” / “Poppety in the Fall”
France 2012
Pierre-Luc Granjon, Antoine Lanciaux

Special Mention
"The Dam Keeper"
USA 2013
Robert Kondo, Dice Tsutsumi

Award for the best animated series for children
2.500 euros
“The Amazing World of Gumball: The Hero“
United Kingdom 2012
Mic Graves

**********
CARTOONS FOR TEENS
Award for the best animation for youths

2.500 euros, sponsored by Nippon Art GmbH and AV Visionen GmbH.
“Milles-pattes et crapaud” / “The Centipede and the Toad”
Anna Khmelevskaya
France 2013

Special Mention
Les deux vies de Nate Hill "/ “The Two Lives of Nate Hill”
France 2013
Jeanne Joseph

**********
TELE 5 “LEIDER GEIL” AWARD
5.000 euros, sponsored by TELE 5
“Pommes Frites”
Netherlands 2013
Balder Westein


**********
ANIMATED COM AWARD
Awards for the best applied animation in the fields of advertising, technology and spatial communication
Sponsored by Animation Media Cluster Region Stuttgart, Daimler AG, U.I. Lapp GmbH

Main prize
2.500 euros, sponsored by Animation Media Cluster Region Stuttgart
Vodafone “Add Power“
Germany 2013
Sebastian Strasser, Radical Media

Category Advertising
BBC Winter Olympics“Nature“
United Kingdom 2013
Tomek Baginski, Stink (Juice)

Category Technology
Watch Dogs “Exposed”
Hungary 2013
Istvan Zorkóczy, Digic Pictures

Category Spatial Communication
Frankfurt Book Fair “While you were Sleeping”
New Zealand 2012
Mike Mizrahi, Marie Adams, Inside Out Productions

Category Special Award of Daimler AG: “Future needs Derivation – Individual Mobility”
2.500 euros, sponsored by Daimler AG
“1900 - 2000”
France 2013
Caroline Le Duff, Gabrielle Locre, Agathe Pillot, Armelle Renac, Benoît Berthe, Vivien Risser, Supinfocom

Category Special Prize Lapp Connected Award
2.500 euros, sponsored by U.I. Lapp GmbH
“Jack“
Netherlands 2013
Quentin Haberham, HKU Hilversum

**********
48H ANIMATION JAM – CRAZY HORSE SESSION
Live competition award
“A Horse Throat“
Jenna Marks, David Barlow-Krelina (Canada)
In co-operation with M.A.R.K. 13, Landesanstalt für Kommunikation (LFK)

and MFG Film Funding Baden-Wuerttemberg

Special Mention
„Creation“
Islam Mazhar, Ahmad Abdelhameed (Egypt)

**********
GERMAN SCREENPLAY AWARD
2.500 euros, sponsored by Telepool GmbH    
“Latte Igel und der Wasserstein“ by Andrea Deppert and Martin Behnke

**********
GERMAN VOICE ACTOR AWARD
2.500 euros
Josefine Preuß as Mary Katherine (M.K.), “Epic“
FOX, USA 2013

**********
COMPETITION FOR PROJECTS Arab Animation Forum 2014 in cooperation with the Robert Bosch Stiftung
„Clean up the living-room we’ve got visitors coming“

Ghassan Halawani (Libanon)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

The 13th annual Tribeca Film Festival Awards

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The verdicts are in! The big winners at this year’s Festival include 'Zero Motivation,' 'Keep On, Keepin' On,' 'Point and Shoot' and 'Manos Sucias.'

The 13th annual Tribeca Film Festival, co-founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, and presented by AT&T, announced the winners of its competition categories tonight at a ceremony presided over by Pat Kiernan and hosted at the Conrad New York in New York City.

The world competition winners for narrative and documentary films were chosen from 12 narrative and 12 documentary features from 10 countries. Best New Director prizes were awarded to a first-time director for both narrative and documentary films, selected from a pool of 39 feature films throughout the program. Awards were also given for the best narrative short, best documentary short, and student visionary films in the short film competitions. This year’s Festival included 89 features and 57 short films from 40 countries, programmed by a team led by Tribeca’s Chief Creative Officer Geoff Gilmore, Artistic Director Frédéric Boyer, Director of Programming Genna Terranova, and Programmer Cara Cusumano.
 
This year the Festival introduced a new award, Best Narrative Editing sponsored by Manhattan Edit Workshop. Also announced at the awards were the Bombay Sapphire Award for Transmedia for the Storyscapes section, created in collaboration with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Gin, the Nora Ephron Prize, sponsored by Coach, Inc., and the Tribeca Online Festival feature and short film winners selected by the online audience. The winners of the Heineken Audience Awards, determined by audience votes throughout the Festival, will be announced on April 26.
 
“We are honored that such talented artists and storytellers chose to showcase their work at Tribeca,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder, Tribeca Film Festival. “I want to congratulate all our filmmakers and thank them for being with us for the 2014 festival.”
 
In addition to cash awards and in-kind services provided by sponsors includingAKA, AT&T, Allen and Deborah Grubman, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GinCNN Films,Coach, Inc.Company 3DreamWorks AnimationFLATT magazinePaul Hastings, LLPManhattan Edit WorkshopWarner Bros., the Festival presented the winners with original pieces of art created by eight contemporary artists, including Tim Barber, Tony Bennett, Stephen Hannock, Matthew Modine, Catherine Murphy, James Nares, Alexis Rockman, and Clifford Ross,  as part of the Artists Awards program sponsored by Chanel.

World Narrative Competition Categories

The jurors for the 2014 World Narrative Competition were Lake Bell, Steve Conrad, Brat Freundlich, Catherine Hardwicke and Ben Younger

 


The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature
Zero Motivation
Written and Directed by Talya Lavie

 

Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by AT&T, and the art award “Central Park, NY” by Tony Bennett. 
 
Jury Comments: “The winner of this year’s Founder’s Award follows young women who must find their place and establish their identity in a world normally dominated by men and machismo.  They do so with humor, strength and intellect.  The filmmaker mirrors these same qualities.  We believe a new, powerful, voice has emerged.”  

 

 


Best Actor in a Narrative Feature Film
Paul Schneider as Otto Wall
Goodbye to All That

Winner receives $2,500 sponsored by Allen and Deborah Grubman. 

 

Jury Comments: “This performance reminded us that even in the most ordinary settings, our lives can summon extraordinary humor, pain, awkwardness, and if we earn it …. dignity.”

 

 


Best Actress in a Narrative Feature Film
Valeria Bruni Tedeschi as Carla 
Human Capital

 

Winner receives $2,500 sponsored by Allen and Deborah Grubman. 
 
Jury Comments: “In her elegant portrayal of a profoundly conflicted wife and mother, this actress crafts a complex performance of a woman wrestling between love, family and obligation.  She layers both strength and fragility without self-consciousness, with a fearlessness to exercise both subtlety and restraint.”

 

 


Best Cinematography in a Narrative Feature Film
Güeros
Cinematography by Damian García
Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios

 

Winner receives $5,000, and $50,000 in post-production services provided byCompany 3. The award was given by Ben Younger.
 
Jury Comments: “The film perfectly captured the energy and hope of the youth in its nation’s capital.”

 

 


Best Screenplay for a Narrative Feature Film
The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq
Written and Directed by Guillaume Nicloux

 

Winner receives $5,000 sponsored by DreamWorks Animation. The award was given by Bart Freundlich.
 
Jury Comments: “This screenwriter put a bodybuilder, a gypsy, a prostitute, and a world renowned poet in handcuffs at a dinner table and made it feel right. When a film’s language feels so natural as to make the viewer completely forget that a screenplay was written, the writer deserves special acknowledgement.”

 

 


Best Editing in a Narrative Feature Film
Five Star
Edited by Keith Miller
Directed by Keith Miller

 

Winner receives $5,000 sponsored by Manhattan Edit Workshop

Jury Comments: “The winning film pulls the viewer into its world from its first decision -- to live in the subtle emotional cues of the character’s face for nearly four minutes.   The hypnotic pace keeps the stakes rising throughout.  The attention to detail in the transitions lets us know we are being guided by a true filmmaker.”

 

World Documentary Competition Categories

The jurors for the 2014 World Documentary Competition were David Edelstein, Nick Fraser, Andrea Meditch, Jenni Wolfson and Marina Zenovich

 


Best Documentary Feature
Point and Shoot
Directed by Marshall Curry

 

Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by CNN Films, and the art award “Stanley Kubrick, Director's Chair” by Matthew Modine. 

Jury Comments: “The award goes to a film that makes its own rules. Working with hundreds of hours of first-person—selfie—footage by Matthew Van Dyke, director Marshall Curry creates an unsettlingly ambivalent and often darkly amusing portrait of a generation hellbent on documenting itself. Do we celebrate the so-called “manliness” of its protagonist—or wonder what the hell he’s doing inserting himself into the middle of a violent revolution, like a Zelig with his own camera? It’s a question viewers will brood on—much as this jury did.” 

 

 


Special Jury Mention
Regarding Susan Sontag
Directed by Nancy Kates

 

 

 


Best Editing in a Documentary Feature
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Edited, Written & Directed by Sabine Lubbe Bakker & Niels van Koevorden

 

Winner receives $5,000. 

Jury Comments: “This year’s prize for editing celebrates a pair of filmmakers’ ability to give shape, rhythm, and even mythic beauty to a story that might have been, frankly, a sodden mess. For finding luster in the most unlikely places, the winners of this year’s prize for Best Documentary Editing goes to Sabine Lubbe Bakker and Niels van Koevorden for their bittersweet portrait of two Belgian boozers.”

 

Emerging Competition Categories

The jurors for the 2014 Best New Narrative Director were Jeff Goldblum, Nadine Labaki, Dorothy Lyman, Adepero Oduya and Mickey Sumner

 


Best New Narrative Director
Josef Wladyka
Manos Sucias

 

Winner receives $25,000 sponsored by Warner Bros., $50,000 in post-production services provided by Company 3, and the art award “The Ballad of the Great Eastern” by Stephen Hannock.         

Jury Comments: “We have chosen a filmmaker whose journey should truly be an (is an) example to all of us about the commitment to the process of researching and developing a film. Not only did this director spend several years immersed in a marginalized community in order to tell the story in the most truthful way possible, he impacted and contributed to that community. We felt this film was an eye and mind opener, that transported us to a different place, stimulating our thinking, allowing us to meditate on the relationship between violence and circumstance.”

 

 


Special Jury Mention 
Alonso Ruizpalacios
Güeros

 

The jurors for the 2014 Best New Documentary Director were Rebecca Cammisa, Heather Graham, Nate Parker, Doug Pray and Michael Stuhlbarg

 


Best New Documentary Director
Alan Hicks
Keep On Keepin' On

 

Winner receives $25,000, and the art award “Still Life with View of Hoboken and Manhattan” by Catherine Murphy. 

Jury Comments: “We have chosen to honor a filmmaker whose storytelling profoundly affected us all.  This director’s work was not loud, did not call attention to itself, it displayed no excess.  The filmmaking showed incredible focus, artistry, love and dedication.  It told one simple story and told it well.  This film has a beautiful soul, and to some extent it’s about soul. It inspired us, and we wish to honor its filmmaker so that they may continue to inspire others.”

Short Film Competition Categories

The jurors for the 2014 Narrative Short Film Competition were Alfonso Arau, Whoopi Goldberg, Christine Lahti, Sheila Nevins and Paul Wesley

 


Best Narrative Short
The Phone Call
Directed by Mat Kirkby

 

Winner receives $5,000 sponsored by Paul Hastings, LLP, and the art award “Water XIX” by Clifford Ross. 

Jury Comments: “This film demonstrates the sheer power of the human voice to convey compassion and understanding via a one-on-one telephone conversation. We have selected it for its simplicity and directness in showing how emotional bonds can be formed by empathetic communication and for its beautifully-measured performances.”

 

The jurors for the 2014 Documentary and Student Visionary Award Competitions were Lindsay Burdge, Toni Collette, Regina Dugan, Simon Kilmurry and Anton Yelchin

 


Best Documentary Short
One Year Lease
Directed by Brian Bolster

 

Winner receives $5,000 sponsored by FLATT Magazine, and the art award “Untitled” by James Nares. 

Jury Comments: “One Year Lease is a clever and humorously-constructed story that shows the tension of our human imperfections and our desire for connectedness, using an economy of language to construct a clear portrait of a woman we never see.”

 

 


Special Jury Mention
The Next Part
Directed by Erin Sanger

 

 

 


Student Visionary Award
Nesma's Birds
Directed by Najwan Ali and Medoo Ali

 

Winner receives $5,000 sponsored by AKA

Jury Comments: “Tough, intimate, and with a clarity of vision, the winning film is a story of a fiercely strong young woman who is unapologetically herself. The directors have finely crafted a film of coherence and texture.”

 

 


Special Jury Mention
Cycloid
Directed by Tomoki Kurogi

 

 

Storyscapes

The jurors for the 2014 BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Award for Transmedia were Paola Antonelli, Kira Pollack and Casper Sonnen

 


Clouds
Created by James George and Jonathan Minard

 

Winner receives $10,000, presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin

Jury Comments: “The winning Storyscapes project is a tentacular documentary that explores a network of ideas thanks to digitally rendered, ectoplasmic talking heads selected and 3D-scanned quotes and questions from the interaction design community. Coders riffing about code, captured through the lens of code. It does not get more meta and abstract than this, and yet it is also surprisingly real and moving.”

 

Nora Ephron Prize

 

 

The jurors for the 2014 Nora Ephron Prize were Delia Ephron, Natasha Lyonne, Carol Kan, Tanya Wexler and Meera Menon

 

 


Nora Ephron Prize
Talya Lavie, Zero Motivation

Winner receives $25,000, sponsored by Coach, Inc

 

Jury Comments: “In her unique and ambitious first feature, this filmmaker deftly handled such difficult themes as the military, sexism, love, ambition, and friendship. This filmmaker also pulled off the awesome feat of managing multiple characters and storylines.  In, what was definitely the most hilarious film we saw at the festival...the winning film is a fresh, original, and heartfelt comedy about life behind the scenes in the Israeli army.”

 

 


Special Jury Mention
Ilmar Raag, I Won't Come Back

 

Heineken Audience Awards

 

 

Heineken Audience Award: Narrative Feature
Chef

In Chef, after talented and dynamic chef Carl Casper’s (Favreau) social media-fueled meltdown against his nemesis food critic lands him without any job prospects, he hits the road with his son and his sous chef (John Leguizamo) to launch a brand new food truck business. Complete with lavish food imagery and a star-studded cast including Sofia Vergara, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman, Oliver Platt, and Amy Sedaris, Favreau’s fresh take on food and chef culture has poignant messages about the media-driven world in which we live and the real meaning of success.

 

 

Heineken Audience Award: Documentary Feature
Keep On Keepin’ On

Keep On Keepin' On chronicles eighty-nine year old trumpeting legend Clark Terry who has mentored jazz wonders like Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. Terry’s most unlikely friendship is with Justin Kauflin, a 23-year-old blind piano player with uncanny talent, but debilitating nerves. As Justin prepares for the most pivotal moment in his budding career, Terry’s ailing health threatens to end his own. Charming and nostalgic, Alan Hicks’ melodic debut celebrates an iconic musician while introducing an emerging star of equal vibrancy. It is a mentoring tale as inspirational as its subjects.

Tribeca Online Festival Categories:

The 2013 Tribeca Online Festival winners were voted on by visitors to tribecafilm.com.

 


Tribeca Online Festival Best Feature Film
Vara: A Blessing
Directed by Knyentse Norbu

Winner receives $10,000. 
 

 

 


Tribeca Online Festival Best Online Short
Love in the Time of March Madness
Directed by Melissa Johnson and Robertino Zambrano 

 

Winner receives $5,000, sponsored by Dianne B. Bernhard/Angela Bernhard Thomas/Art Spirit Films.


Screenings of all winning films will take place throughout the final day of the Festival, Sunday, April 27, at various venues and times. 

 

Silent Ones Winner Berlin Independent Film Festival

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RICKY RIJNEKE

Silent Ones by Ricky Rijneke winner Berlin Independent Film Festival

februari 18, 2014

The Berlin Independent Film Festival is at the epicentre for low-budget filmmaking in Europe. After 4 years working under the auspices of the European Film Festival, BIFF now launches one of the hottest indie festivals on the circuit.

The Berlin Independent Film Festival continues to champion low-budget filmmaking by giving special attention to new filmmakers and their first and second films.

http://www.welingelichtekringen.nl/anp/filmdebuut-rijneke-wint-hoofdprijs-in-berlijn

http://www.berlinfest.com/?page_id=1138

 


The Stanley Film Festival (SFF) announces its Awards

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-Spectrevision Founder, Elijah Wood, Daniel Noah and Josh Waller receive Visionary Award-

-Joe Dante receives the 2014 Stanley Film Festival Master of Horror Award-

-Taika Waititi & Jemaine Clement's mockumentary, What We Do In The Shadows 

wins Audience Award-

-Short film, Ghost Train, wins Jury Award-

-Wormbug wins Stanley Dean's Cup Jury and Audience Award - 

 

 

 The Stanley Film Festival (SFF), presented by Chiller and produced by the Denver Film Society, announced the audience and jury award winners and presented Joe Dante with the 2014 Stanley Film Festival Master of Horror Award at the Stanley Awards Horror Brunch. The Festival ran April 24 - 27 in Estes Park, Colorado.

 

The second annual Visionary Award was give to SpectreVision co-founders, Elijah Wood, Daniel Noah and Josh Waller. The team along with Director's Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night) and Craig MacNeil (The Boy) also hosted a panel, SpectreVisionaries, where they discussed the company's future and their unique perspective on the future of the horror genre.

 

The Stanley Dean's Cup showcased 8 short films from local, national and international students. The competition featured a Juried and Audience Award, with a $2,500 cash prize to the winning school, funded by The Stanley Hotel. The winner of both the Juried and Audience Award was Wormbug, directed by Arlen Konopaki. The award was established to encourage student filmmaker to pursue their creative ambitions while offering the financial means to help fund the winning school's educational programs.

 

 "From honoring a true master of horror, Joe Dante, to recognizing today's innovator's, as well as students, the Stanley Film Festival exists to bring horror lovers together," says Program Director, Landon Zakheim. "We are thrilled to host such a passionate group of filmmakers and fans at the beautiful Stanley Hotel for this event."

 

The Festival celebrated the best in horror cinema while providing a fully immersive experience, thanks to a unique horror immersion game, panels, special events and more. Throughout the 4 days, the festival screened over 20 feature films, 7 retro titles and 19 shorts, 8 student shorts with 23 countries represented.

 

The 2015 Stanley Film Festival Dates will be announced at a later a time. 

 

Awards were given out in the follow categories:

 

Audience Award for Feature Film

Winner: What We Do In The Shadows directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement 

Synopsis: Living with roommates can always pose quirky challenges. But when you're a vampire cohabitating with your fellow kind for a few hundred years, things get a bit tricky. From Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement (FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS) comes a hilarious mockumentary of a house of vampires trying to get back in touch with modern society.

 

Audience Award for Short Film

Winner: Here Be Monsters directed by Paul Glubb and Nic Gorman.

Synopsis: He only has one chance to live the last day of his life.

 

Jury Award for Short Film

Winner: Ghost Train directed by James Fleming and Kelly Hucker

Synopsis: An elderly man struggling to cope with his wife's dementia is drawn into a macabre cabaret restaurant where he becomes enchanted by the lead actress.

 

Stanley Dean's Cup Audience Award

Winner: Wormbug directed by Arlen Konopaki

Synopsis: After Henry swallows a bug in his sleep, very strange things start happening to him.

 

Stanley Dean's Cup Jury Award

Winner: Wormbug directed by Arlen Konopaki

Synopsis: After Henry swallows a bug in his sleep, very strange things start happening to him.

 

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Stanley Film Festival:  Set at the notoriously haunted and historic inspiration for Stephen King's THE SHINING, The Stanley Film Festival showcases the best in classic and contemporary horror cinema at the Stanley Hotel in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado. Operated by the Denver Film Society, the festival is a labor of love dedicated to crafting a more interactive experience for genre filmmakers and fans. Presenting emerging artists and established luminaries within the genre, the four-day event features live shows, installations, industry panels, the "Stanley Dean's Cup" student film competition, and spooky secrets within a frightening, yet elegant atmosphere that can function as a true horror summit for all.

 

The Stanley Hotel: Famous for its old world charm, The Stanley Hotel boasts spectacular views in every direction and is less than six miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. Multi-million dollar renovations have restored this 155-guestroom hotel to its original grandeur. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and member of Historic Hotels of America; only an hour away from Denver, it is ideal destination for a Colorado getaway.

 

The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 and it was just two years later that chief housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson was injured in an explosion while she was lighting acetylene lanterns in room 217. She survived the incident, but guests have reported sensing her presence in the room ever since. Other guests have reported lights flicking on and off, doors opening and closing and laughter and footsteps when no one else is around in other rooms and facilities throughout the hotel. The Stanley Hotel is consistently ranked the #1 haunted hotel in the world.

 

is an entertainment brand dedicated to delivering round-the-clock scares with its commitment to producing diverse and high-quality horror content.  Chiller's eclectic slate of adrenaline-fueled, soul-stirring entertainment includes a broad offering of original movies and specials, genre films, documentary and reality shows (Fear Factor) and some of the most thought-provoking and suspenseful series ever on television (The River, Dead Like Me, Tales from the Darkside, Outer Limits).  With its recently-created Chiller Films initiative, Chiller also produces feature films for select theaters and On-Demand.  Chiller network is currently available in over 42 million homes.  To learn more, visit: www.chillertv.com. Chiller. Scary Good.

 

The Denver Film Society: Founded in 1978, the Denver Film Society (DFS) is a membership-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural institution that produces film events throughout the year, including the award-winning Starz Denver Film Festival and the popular, summertime series Film on the Rocks. With a vision to cultivate community and transform lives through film, the Film Society provides opportunities for diverse audiences to discover film through creative, thought-provoking experiences.

 

The permanent home of the Denver Film Society, the Sie FilmCenter, is Denver's only year-round cinematheque, presenting a weekly-changing calendar of first-run exclusives and arthouse revivals both domestic and foreign, narrative and documentary - over 600 per year, all shown in their original language and format. DFS's one-of-a-kind programs annually reach more than 200,000 film lovers and film lovers-in-training. 

 

Grand Heritage Hotel Group: Founded in 1989 by John Cullen, Grand Heritage Hotel Group is one of the nation's premier owner operators of independent luxury hotels and resorts. Its properties are sought-after destinations that offer consistent luxury, quality and exceptional surroundings. Several Grand Heritage properties enjoy prestigious distinction as designated Historic Hotels of America. The company prides itself on the vision and strategic expertise of its leadership. Highly innovative and experienced professionals collectively boast more than 50 years of hands-on experience in all aspects of the hotel and hospitality business and are recognized for imaginative and entrepreneurial style. Grand Heritage owns and operates hotels in North America; it also operates Grand Heritage Hotels International Brand, which has a number of properties in Europe, The Middle East, India and North Africa.

 

 
 
 

 

 
 

 
 

 

MIRAGE ACADEMY: The Educational Film Program of the Mirage Int'l Film Festival

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MIRAGE ACADEMY

The Mirage Academy Program

Everyone at some point has been touched by the power of film. It reminds us of the wonderment that imagination can bring; the awe inspiring amazement of incredible visuals; and the emotional joy that only brilliant storytelling can achieve. These feelings reside at the core of the MIRAGE ACADEMY's mission, to offer deserving filmmakers of all ages and walks of life, an opportunity to learn from and work with the best our industry has to offer.

The MIRAGE ACADEMY program will bring filmmakers to Las Vegas, NV for an intensive educational program, to be held each year during the 3 weeks prior to the Mirage International Film Festival. The focus of the program is to give filmmakers the chance to develop and establish their careers.

Film Is Universal

The MIRAGE ACADEMY believes that giving deserving filmmakers the opportunity to learn and network with the best minds in our industry will not only help them, but helps us all. We all stand to gain from what these outstanding filmmakers will do given the opportunity. Along with the annual intensive workshop, the Academy seeks to offer financial support, in the form of development funds, completion funds and other financial instruments to help give filmmakers the means to make their projects a reality.

The creative team behind the MIRAGE ACADEMY is comprised of former production executives, independent producers and industry professionals who have all achieved varying levels of success. Many of us owe some measure of our success to getting the right break. Collectively we believe that the MIRAGE ACADEMY will provide countless passionate filmmakers their "break" through financial assistance, educational support and career guidance. The greatest gift you could ever give another person is the ability and means to help them pursue their dreams.

What We Need / Our Vision

To provide the needed support and positive impact for these up and coming filmmakers, we need your support and help in raising the funds! Please visit our Indiegogo page to learn more about our campaign, as well as the perks being offered in exchange for your gift of hope and opportunity for your fellow filmmakers.

The MIRAGE ACADEMY is seeking to raise $180,000 during this fund raising campaign. The funds will allow us to:

  • Host 100+ filmmakers at the annual MIRAGE ACADEMY; covering their travel, lodging and meals during the 3 week program. (72.5% of funding)
  • Provide deserving filmmakers with development, post production and festival attendance grants to support their creative vision, provide a forum to showcase their work and alleviate some of the financial burden most emerging independent filmmakers face. (7.5% of funding)
  • Host additional fundraising and networking events for Academy contributors, members and filmmakers to support the expansion of the Academy and our ability to positively impact thousands of careers. (10% of funding)
  • Staff, run and attract veteran filmmakers and industry titans to support and operate the Academy (10% of funding)

The MIRAGE ACADEMY is the educational arm of the Mirage International Film Festival. In addition to the educational programs and events held by the Academy, the festival will also offer incentives and perks to Academy contributors and serve as an annual venue for Academy graduates to showcase their work and expand their professional networks.

The Impact Of Your Support

The impact of the Academy will be immediate and prevalent. Contributions will go directly to help aspiring filmmakers reach their dreams. The world we live in is full of individuals that have the ambition and drive to succeed, but lack the access and means to achieve them. The goal of the Academy is not only to arm aspiring filmmakers with acumen and experience, but give them a platform to showcase their remarkable talents to industry titans and professionals that could nurture their budding careers.

Beyond the immediate impact, your contribution will serve as the catalyst for a filmmaker who in the future could produce a film that becomes the next great classic or serves as a means to invigorate other aspiring filmmakers to pursue their dreams. A contribution to this program is one that will ripple through the future of the film industry and live for generations to come.

Please visit our Indiegogo page to donate and learn more about the perks being offered in exchange for your gift of hope and opportunity for your fellow filmmakers.

 

For more information about the Mirage International Film Festival or the MIRAGE ACADEMY, please contact us at info@miragefilmfest.com or you can visit or website www.miragefilmfest.com.

FashionTV Presents Fashion Film Awards in cooperation with YouTube May 21 at the Majestic

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21 May FashionTV Presents the Fashion Film Awards in cooperation with YouTube
May 21 while the Festival is n full gear FashionTw will host live interviews with celebrities at The Majestic Salon Croisette
Host service
Presentation of product / brand in lobby of Majestic
Afternoon to Late – at the Salon de Croisette, Majestic Hotel
 
FashionTV will crown the winners of the FashionTV Fashion Films online nomination in the winner categories
The winners will receive the anticipated FashionTV Fashion Film Award
Awards Ceremony will be followed by a celebration party with VIPs, Cocktails and Models
 

Fashion Film Awards Winner Categories

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Animated Feature
Best Animated Short Film
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Director
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short Subject
Best Film Editing
Best Foreign Language Film
Best Live Action Short Film
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Best Picture
Best Production Design
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Visual Effects
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Original Screenplay
 
 

Ticket purchases:http://www.shopftv.com/events

FashionTV Fashion Films voting page: http://www.fashiontv.com/fashionfilmawards

Presentation : Download the PDF

 
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Winners announced | 2014 LAAPFF | Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

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“CICADA” and “THE ROAD TO FAME” TAKE TOP HONORS AT THE 30th ANNIVERSARY LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL

 

Golden Reel Award for Best Short Goes to “ABOVE THE SEA: by Keola Racela

 

Linda Mabalot New Directors/New Visions Award Goes to “MILKYBOY” by Arnold Arre

 

Project Catalyst Jury Prize is Awarded to “THE TIGER’S CHILD” from Abel Vang and Burlee Vang

 

The 2014 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) produced by Visual Communications celebrated the closing night of their 30th Anniversary edition on Thursday night with a private awards ceremony for the competition films, and the US premiere screening of FINAL RECIPE; a foodie romantic drama from Thailand, directed by Sundance alum Gina Kim and starring Michelle Yeoh (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) and Henry Lau (of noted K-pop group Super Junior M).

 

Director Dean Yamada was awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature for his feature debut CICADA, having previously won the Golden Reel Award for his short narrative film, JITENSHA (Festival 2010). The Festival’s Best Director Award went to Ham Tran (also a past Golden Reel Award winner for THE ANNIVERSARY, Festival 2003) for his romantic comedy, HOW TO FIGHT IN SIX INCH HEELS.

 

Additional Narrative Feature awards given out this evening are as follows:

Best Screenplay to J.P. Chan and his film, A PICTURE OF YOU. Actor Nikohl Boosheri was awarded Best Actor for her role as ‘Farah’ in Meera Menon’s FARAH GOES BANG.  And BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY went to Robert Lam for his work on Steven Kung’s film, A LEADING MAN.

In the documentary competition, director Hao Wu received the Grand Jury Prize for his film, THE ROAD TO FAME.  The film also received the Best Editor Award, presented to Hao Wu and Jean Tsien.

 

Best Director was awarded to Ursula Liang for her sports-minded documentary, 9-MAN. Best Cinematography went Esy Casey and Sarah Friedland for JEEPNEY.  A Special Jury Award was presented to director Dianne Fukami and Eli Olson, for their film STORIES FROM TOHOKU.

This year, the LAAPFF presented over 140 short films from directors across the globe. The dramatic and elegantly executed ABOVE THE SEA from Keola Racela received the Golden Reel Award, while Arnold Arre was honored with the Linda Mabalot New Directors/New Visions Award for his animated work MILKYBOY.

 

Rounding out the event was the presentation of the Project Catalyst Award. This is a program designed to recognize new projects with  $1,500 cash and $65,000 in post-production services by Tunnel Post for the best pitch. This year the Project Catalyst Grand Jury Prize went to Abel Vang and Burlee Vang, for their stirring project, THE TIGER’S CHILD. The screenplay won the Nicholls Screenwriting Fellowship Award in 2011. Honorable mention was given to Stephane Gauger and Feodor Chin for their project, CHINATOWN SQUAD.

 

Audience Awards for Best Narrative and Documentary Features will be announced on the Festival’s website on May 12, after all screenings are balloted and counted.

 

The 2014 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival kicked off on May 1 with the LA premiere of TO BE TAKEI, directed by Jennifer M. Kroot and produced by Gerry Kim and Mayuran Tiruchelvam. Since opening night, LAAPFF has screened at the Directors Guild of America in West Hollywood, the CGV Cinemas in Koreatown, and at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) in Little Tokyo.

 

Expanding outside of Los Angeles and Hollywood, Visual Communications will continue reaching out to audiences in the South Bay with the annual LAAPFF presence in Long Beach.  A program of feature films and shorts has been selected to screen during the Closing Weekend of the Festival on Saturday, May 10 at the historic Art Theatre of Long Beach. It will be a chance to see Film Festival award-winners and curated films from Pacific Islander, Filipino and Cambodian communities.  This year’s Festival in Long Beach will include: a twin-bill screening of new features from Pacific Islanders in Communications, FAMILY INGREDIENTS by Ty Sanga and HULA: MERRIE MONARCH’S GOLDEN CELEBRATION by Roland Yamamoto; Angela Sun’s PLASTIC PARADE: THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH; Masashiro Sugano’s CAMBODIAN SON; and Joel Quizon’s THE COTABATO SESSIONS.  

And, the Festival’s Encore Weekend in Little Tokyo will be anchored by the Los Angeles Premiere screening of Marissa Aroy’s DELANO MANONGS: FORGOTTEN HEROES OF THE UNITED FARM WORKERS MOVEMENT, and a special “return-engagement” of AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY: THE EVOLUTION OF GRACE LEE BOGGS, directed by long-time Festival fave Grace Lee.  For program information, a complete listing of sponsors and partners, and to purchase tickets, log on to www.vconline.org/festival or contact Visual Communications at (213) 680-4462 x59.  

 

The 2014 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is sponsored by:

PLATINUM: Directors Guild of America; NBC Universal / Comcast GOLD: Wells Fargo; BRONZE: Creative DCP; SAG/Indie; STAR: Friends Doing Good; The Famous Group; SAG/AFTRA; Tunnel Post; Union Bank; Writers Guild of America/west; RECEPTION: Ketel One; Stella Artois; IN-KIND: Bruce Cost Ginger Ale; Far Bar; FestPro; Creative Floral Designs; Final Draft, Inc.; Glico/Pocky; IKON Office Supplies; Molla Space; Movie Magic; Telepath Corporation; Uber; Volary Media; GOVERNMENT SUPPORT: Los Angeles County Arts Commission; Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles; California Arts Council; FOUNDATION SUPPORT: The James Irvine Foundation; California Community Foundation; Sony Pictures Entertainment; Weingart Foundation.

The Film Festival’s Venue Sponsors include: Directors Guild of America, CGV Cinemas, Japanese American National Museum, and the Art Theatre of Long Beach.  Media Sponsors for the 2014 Film Festival include: AngryAsianman.com; KPFK-FM; LA-18 KSCI-TV; LA Weekly; MYX TV; Variety 411; Yelp.

 

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL:

Visual Communications (VC), the nation’s premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, announced its program of outstanding films for the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) beginning May 1- 11, 2014 at the Director’s Guild of America (DGA), CGV Cinemas located in Koreatown, the Tateuchi Democracy Forum at JANM in Little Tokyo, and the historic Art Theatre of Long Beach.

—   30 —

 

LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL 2014

AWARDS

SHORT FILM AWARDS

GOLDEN REEL
ABOVE THE SEA – Keola Racela

LINDA MABALOT NEW DIRECTORS/NEW VISIONS

MILKYBOY – Arnold Arre

 

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM AWARDS

GRAND JURY AWARD

THE ROAD TO FAME – Hao Wu (Dir.)

BEST DIRECTOR
9-MAN - Ursula Liang

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

JEEPNEY - Esy Casey & Sarah Friedland

BEST EDITOR

THE ROAD TO FAME – Hao Wu & Jean Tsien

SPECIAL JURY AWARD

STORIES FROM TOHOKU – Dianne Fukami & Eli Olson

 

NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM AWARDS

GRAND JURY AWARD

CICADA – Dean Yamada

BEST DIRECTOR

HOW TO FIGHT IN SIX INCH HEELS – Ham Tran

BEST SCREENPLAY

A PICTURE OF YOU – J.P. Chan

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

A LEADING MAN - Robert Lam

BEST ACTOR

FARAH GOES BANG - Nikohl Boosheri

 

PROJECT CATALYST AWARDS

BEST PROJECT

THE TIGER’S CHILD – Abel Vang & Burlee Vang

HONORABLE MENTION

CHINATOWN SQUAD – Stephane Gauger & Feodor Chin

 

FILM STILLS / FILM WINNERS:

https://www.hightail.com/download/ZUcwb245R0ZxRTNOTzhUQw
 

 


 
 

History of Fear, The Overnighters and The Last Season Take Top Feature Prizes at 57th San Francisco FF

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The 57th San Francisco International Film Festival, presented by the San Francisco Film Society, announced the winners of the juried Golden Gate Award and New Directors Prize competitions at an event held at Rouge | Nick's Crispy Tacos. This year the Festival awarded nearly $40,000 in prizes to emerging and established filmmakers from 13 countries around the globe. For more than 50 years, SFIFF's Golden Gate Awards have honored deserving films independent of commercial concerns, heralding unsung excellence and exposing local and international audiences to unique and innovative works. For more information about competition categories and juries, visit sffs.org.

The New Directors jury was composed of Filmmaker Magazine Editor-in-Chief Scott Macaulay, Fandor cofounder Jonathan Marlow and writer Ella Taylor.

New Directors Prize: History of Fear, Benjamín Naishtat (Argentina/France/Germany/Qatar/Uruguay)
  --  Winner receives $10,000 cash prize

In a statement, the jury noted: "From an unusually strong slate of first films, the jury chose History of Fear, a slyly assured reflection on suburban paranoia from Argentine director Benjamín Naishtat. There may or may not be a predatory invasion (or two, or three) of a wealthy Buenos Aires enclave. But the movie's subject, rendered with one eyebrow subtly cocked, is the rising panic of its residents, an indiscreetly charmless bourgeoisie crippled by nameless terrors. Goosing both his characters and his audience with intimations of horror, Naishtat makes expert use of the implicit with a wit and visual flair unusual in a novice filmmaker."

Special Jury Recognition: White Shadow, Noaz Deshe (Italy/Germany/Tanzania), The Amazing Catfish, Claudia Sainte-Luce (Mexico)

"Special mention also goes to Israeli director Noaz Deshe's White Shadow, a viscerally stylish neo-noir about the victimization of albinos in an African country ruled by superstition; and to The Amazing Catfish, a warm and exhilaratingly unpredictable dramedy from Mexican filmmaker Claudia Sainte-Luce about the impact of a mysterious stranger on a family struggling with imminent tragedy."

The Golden Gate Award Documentary feature competition jury was comprised of filmmaker Rob Epstein, journalist Nathan Heller, and Film Society of Lincoln Center Co-Executive Director Lesli Klainberg.

Golden Gate Award Documentary Feature Winners

Documentary Feature: The Overnighters, Jesse Moss (USA)
  --  Winner receives $10,000 cash prize

The jury noted in a statement: "Jesse Moss' The Overnighters, which follows a pastor's efforts to house job-seekers in an insular North Dakota town, is exceptional as an exercise of narrative craft, as a feat of immersion journalism, and as an intimate portrait of one man's struggles. In driving to the heart of local discontent, the documentary is admirably fair-minded, yet it is Moss' alertness as a filmmaker that lets him stay close to the story as its subjects take unexpected, sometimes shocking, turns. The result illuminates a messy confluence of American interests: faith, altruism, family, opportunity, and the search for honest self-expression."

Bay Area Documentary Feature: The Last Season, Sara Dosa (USA)
  --  Winner receives $5,000 cash prize

The jury noted: "The Last Season, a remarkable documentary about rare-mushroom hunting in the Oregon woods, sweeps away the topsoil of the Pacific landscape to reveal the multilayered social legacy of distant wars. Along the way, it unearths affinities and affections that challenge common ideas about family. With integrity of craft, first-time director Sara Dosa here claims the high standard of Bay Area documentary filmmaking for a new generation."

Special jury recognition: Return to Homs, Talal Derki (Syria/Germany)

The jury noted: "Turning the stuff of headlines into intimate personal history, Talal Derki's Return to Homs uses extraordinary access -- footage from young rebels' private meetings and urban battles -- as a window onto the Syrian conflict. The film's light-footed coverage captures the spirit of an uprising driven by mobile technology, while its emotional immediacy brings to life one rebel's slow progression from peaceful protester to violent revolutionary. This is the rare film valuable both as a revelatory news document and as a moving story out of time: a private narrative that maps the broader course of conflict and idealism in the region."

The Golden Gate Award Short Film jury consisted of journalist Jonathan Kiefer, author Vendela Vida and filmmaker Diana Williams.

Golden Gate Award Short Film Winners

Narrative Short (tie): The Birds' Blessing, Serge Mirzabekiantz, (Belgium)
So You've Grown Attached, Kate Tsang (USA)
  -- Winners each receive $1,000 cash prize

Documentary Short: The High Five, Michael Jacobs (USA)
  -- Winner receives $2,000 cash prize

Animated Short: The Missing Scarf, Eion Duffy (Ireland)
  -- Winner receives $2,000 cash prize

Bay Area Short (tie): Santa Cruz del Islote, Luke Lorentzen (USA)
No One but Lydia, Rob Richert (USA)
  -- Winners each receive $1,250 cash prize

New Visions Short: Numbers & Friends, Alexander Carson (Canada)
  -- Winner receives $1,500 cash prize

The Family Film jury was teacher Donna Lee, writer Nicki Richesin and artist Jeena Wolfe.

Family Film: The Dam Keeper, Robert Kondo, Dice Tsutsumi (USA)
  --  Winner receives $500 cash prize
Family Film Honorable Mention: The Numberlys, WIlliam Joyce, Brandon Oldenburg (USA)

The Youth Works jury was Davis Avila, Sophie Edelhart and Julia Pollak, all local high school students.

Youth Work: Epitaph, Charles Blecker (USA)
  --  Winner receives $500 cash prize
Youth Work Honorable Mention: Bay Area Girls Rock Camp, Lily Yu, Judy Lee, Jeremiah Mellor (USA)

For tickets and information visit festival.sffs.org.
For film stills, visit the Festival press materials site.
For photos from the Golden Gate Awards event, go here (starting noon 5/8).

 
 

SFIFF57 Press Office:

        Bill Proctor           Jason Berger         Laura Molinari      Jackson Scarlett    

Publicity Manager    Publicity Coordinator        Publicist                   Publicist       

bproctor@sffs.org      jberger@sffs.org    lmolinari@sffs.org     jscarlett@sffs.org
 

57th San Francisco International Film Festival
The 57th San Francisco International Film Festival runs April 24 - May 8 at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, Castro Theatre and New People Cinema in San Francisco and the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley. Held each spring for 15 days, the International is an extraordinary showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation in one of the country's most beautiful cities, featuring 200 films and live events, 14 juried awards and nearly $40,000 in cash prizes, upwards of 100 participating filmmaker guests and diverse and engaged audiences with more than 65,000 in attendance.

San Francisco Film Society

Building on a legacy of more than 50 years of bringing the best in world cinema to the Bay Area, the San Francisco Film Society is a national leader in exhibition, education and filmmaker services. SFFS is headed by Executive Director Noah Cowan, with programmatic leadership by Director of Programming Rachel Rosen, Director of Education Joanne Parsont and Director of Filmmaker360 Michele Turnure-Salleo.

 The Film Society presents more than 100 days of exhibition each year, reaching a total audience of more than 100,000 people. Its acclaimed education program introduces international, independent and documentary cinema and media literacy to more than 10,000 teachers and students. Through Filmmaker360, the Film Society's filmmaker services program, essential creative and business services, and funding totaling millions of dollars are provided to deserving filmmakers at all stages of their careers.
 
The Film Society seeks to elevate all aspects of film culture, offering a wide range of activities that engage emotions, inspire action, change perceptions and advance knowledge. A 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, it is largely donor and member supported. Membership provides access to discounts, grants and residencies, private events and a wealth of other benefits.

For more information visit sffs.org

This press release is available online at sffs.org/press/releases

 

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The British Independent Film Festival 2014 Awards Nominations

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The British Independent Film Festival 2014

Tickets are selling out for all the screenings at this years festival and it is unsurprising considering the amount of talent on display. The Film Festival Guild is proud to announce the Official Nominations List for this years Awards Ceremony. 

BEST FEATURE FILM
THE RECKONING - BOOK TICKETS
KNOW HOW - BOOK TICKETS
TOP DOG - BOOK TICKETS
SLEEPING DOGS - BOOK TICKETS

 

BEST SHORT FILM 

All Short Films* - BOOK TICKETS

 

BEST DIRECTOR

Martin Kemp - Top Dog

John V. Soto - The Reckoning

Floris Ramaekers - Sleeping Dogs

 

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Sleeping Dogs

The Reckoning

Boxer on the Wilderness

 

BEST MUSIC

Sleeping Dogs

The Reckoning

Know How

 

BRITISH LION AWARD
(for exceptional achievement on a low budget)

Sleeping Dogs 

Puzzled

Mannequins

 

BEST ACTOR

Leo Gregory - Top Dog

Jonathan LaPlagia - The Reckoning

Michael Kareem Dew - Know How

 

BEST ACTRESS

Liberty Mills - Sleeping Dogs
Verity Mullan Wilkinson - Nobbly Carrot 7
Nadine Ponce - Mannequins

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Ricci Hartnett - Top Dog

Luke Hemsworth - The Reckoning

Mark Margolis - Bodies in Irreversible Detriment

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Viva Bianca - The Reckoning

Lorraine Stanley - Top Dog

Dannielle Brent - Top Dog

 

BEST NEW SCREENPLAY

DIVINE by Janice Hallett

 

Best New Screenplay - Honorable Mention

A DOSE OF REALITY by John Broadhead



TICKETS TO THE AWARDS CEREMONY ARE SELLING FAST AND CAN BE PURCHASED BY CLICKING HERE!

There are still a few tickets left to the VIP After Party - to party the night away in style at Ruby Blue Night Club - TICKETS HERE

*All Short Films are up for this Award, except 'Job' and 'Making Ends Meat' due to conflict of interest with the Festival Guild & the organisers.

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

Udine FAR EAST FILM Festival: the stock of the 16th edition

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The Eternal Zero, YAMAZAKI Takashi, Japan 2013, International Festival Premiere 

 

 

The Eternal Zero by Yamazaki Takashi wins the 2014 Golden Mulberry. Podium results for The Attorney and Philippine Barber’s Tale.

The sixteenth edition wraps up with a total of 55.000 viewers: 2013 threshold exceeded.

American producer Michael Werner: «Amazing Festival, cool town».

 

 

 

UDINE – Far East Film Festival viewers, who since 1999 have been the only judge and jury of the films in competition, have honored Japan: war melodrama The Eternal Zero by Yamazaki Takashi takes home the 2014 Golden Mulberry! First runner up is the much appreciated legal drama from South Korea The Attorney (also awarded with the 2014Black Mulberry by Black Dragon pass holders), while the bronze goes to Philippine melodrama Barber’s Tale (a ten minute round of applause for lead actress Eugene Domingo). Lastly, MYmovies web jury has (with an extremely high voting average) leaned toward Thermae Romae II by the one and only Takeuchi Hideki, director with capital D and… karaoke virtuoso!

After nine days of screenings and meetings at Teatro Nuovo “Giovanni da Udine” and colorfulraidsdowntown (this year, more than60 events linked to FEFF), it’s time to take stock of the sixteenth chapter. An edition that, ideally, can be recapped in the words of the great American producer and distributor Michael Werner, president of Fortissimo Films, presented with the 2014 Golden Mulberry Lifetime Achievement award: «This festival is really amazing and Udine is such a cool town. Also the audience reaction to the movie entries is nothing but a source of inspiration for my work and for those who, just like me, still believe in cinema». A loyal, a truly loyal, European and international audience, made by journalists, critics, students, experts, insiders and, above all, people wholove Far Eastern visions. Let’s not obviously forget the priceless help of 150volunteers who have been supporting the staff.

More numbers? Contrary to almost apocalyptic weather forecasts, the festival has basically reached and confirmed the 2013 excellent threshold: 50 thousand attending viewers, 1225 pass holders (coming from a total of 16 different nations), 125 thousand euro revenue (between tickets and passes). Also, several thousands have been the people movedaround by a busy schedule packed with events, simultaneously with the movie program, that, once again, reached the peak with the crowded Far East Cosplay Contest on April 27th.

A year ago, the fifteenth edition of the Far East Film Festival ended with a promise: «We will never give up! ». A promise holding two very different emotions: resentment for all the major budget cuts and pride for once again making it through. But FEFF 16 ends with this quote from the amazing South Korean action thriller Cold Eyes: «When you’re tired, you lose. When you’re crazy, you win. And we are definitely not tired. Let’s start again!». FEFF 17 is right around the corner.


DOCUMENTAMADRID 2014 announces its PALMARÉS

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My Name is Salt flyer

 

  

 

MY NAME IS SALT

THE FASCINATING IMAGES OF THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES GETTING SALT IN THE DESERT,

 

THE DOG

THE POWERFUL STORY OF REAL CHARACTERS THAT OVERCOME THEIR FICTIONAL AVATARS

 

IRANIEN

A FIRM STAND ABOUT THE DIALOGUE AND THE COHABITATION IN ANY CULTURE

 

 

This is the selection of the international jury for a Palmarés that takes us from India to the USA,

and through Iran

 

 

The audience rewards the bravery of the Syrian filmmaker in the tough feature of war in

RETURN TO HOMS

 

Also,

CANAL+ selects GABOR as the BEST SPANISH DOCUMENTARY of the year

 

THE  LATIN-AMERICAN CINEMA IS PRESENT IN THE PALMARES THANKS TO THE SHORTFILMS

 

ALL THE AWARDED FILMS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO WATCH AGAIN OVER THE WEEKEND IN CINETECAODAS

 

 

Danis Tanović Winner of the EU Prix MEDIA at the 67th Cannes Film Festival

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After Asghar Farhadi in 2012 and Thomas Vinterberg in 2013, the winner of the 2014 European Union  ‘Prix MEDIA’  is the Bosnian director Danis Tanović.

 

The ‘Prix MEDIA’ rewards a writer and producer for the film project with the best box-office potential submitted for development funding from Creative Europe's MEDIA programme.

 

Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner responsible for education and culture, will award this prize to Danis Tanović on Saturday 17th May, at the Cannes Film Festival. The director shares the award with co-scriptwriter Predrag Kojovic and producer Amra Baksic Camo for What Are You Looking At?, a story he describes as being "about a city in an indefinitely prolonged post-war period, without heroes and with its values hijacked by corruption and crime".

 

Commissioner Vassiliou said: "Danis Tanović is one of the finest film-makers of his generation. His latest film project is exceptional, with a compelling script that exudes a powerful sense of cultural identity and dynamism. After the worldwide success of his masterpiece 'No Man's Land' and other acclaimed movies, it is clear that he has created the basis for another wonderful film which I'm sure will move hearts and minds in equal measure. We wish him and his team every success."

 

Danis Tanović said: In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country of few but nonetheless good films, it is almost impossible to produce a film without access to various European initiatives and funds. Creative Europe and its MEDIA sub-programme are essential for our film industry. It took a lot of lobbying with the authorities for our country to join MEDIA. The support we have received as well as this award proves our reasoning was right.”

 

The film project – a brief synopsis

 

Sarajevo, not having any real heroes and no new values, has been steadily sinking into corruption and crime in the 20 years following the war. How is one to survive everyday life in a corrupted city that is slowly strangling its own citizens? Jasmin and Zlatko, ordinary Bosnian youngsters, find themselves in a fight with Keke, brother of Fahro, the main mobster in town.

 

Pushed into a corner, Jasmin calls up his older brother Đuro, an exiled war hero who comes back to town after 20 years to help his brother. What starts as a simple fight between boys soon becomes a war between former war heroes and newly established local mafia.

 

Danis Tanović: "For the first time in my life I have felt a need to do a story about the city I live in. Everything I love about it, everything I believe in is gradually falling apart before my very eyes. I do not believe that a revolution in the minds of my fellow citizens is possible, but I hope that this story will get them to start thinking."

 

Bosnian director Danis Tanović achieved worldwide success in 2001 with his first film No Man's Land which was selected for Cannes' official competition and received the Best Screenplay Award. More than 40 international awards, including the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, followed.

 

Set in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1993, during the heaviest period of fighting, the bittersweet anti-war movie marked a complete renewal of the war satire genre. The director, who studied in Sarajevo and Brussels, is also a professor in film directing at the Academy of Performing Arts (Akademija Scenskih Umjetnosti) in Sarajevo. Other notable films written and directed by Tanović include 11'09"1 September 11 (2002), Triage (2009) and Cirkus Columbia (2010). In 2003 Tanović was a member of the jury at Cannes Film Festival.

 

In 2013, his latest film, An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker won the Grand Jury Prize and the Silver Bear at the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival. 

 

Grand Awards Ceremony Gala celebrating 25 years of the Filmfest Emden-Norderney

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“Marina” and “Monsieur Claude and his Daughters” are the joint winners of the Bernhard Wicki Award

 

With more than 600 guests, the Grand Awards Ceremony Gala of the International Filmfest Emden-Norderney was completely sold out. During the ceremony 7 film awards and the Emden Acting Award were presented, with a total Festival purse of 55,500 Euro. Six film awards were decided on by the audience, with a jury selecting the winner of the new Creative Energy Award.

 

In the Bernhard Wicki Award the neck-and-neck race between the two winning films ended in a draw. Both films were equally favoured by Festival audiences. This means that for the first time, two films share the main award of the Filmfest Emden-Norderney.

 

The Awards Ceremony was attended by Dr. Annette Schwandner, Director of the Department of Culture of the Ministry for Science and Culture of the State of Lower Saxony, as well as Emden’s Mayor Bernd Bornemann, both of whom congratulated the Festival on its 25th anniversary in their speeches.

 

Bernhard Wicki Award

The Bernhard Wicki Award is the Festival’s main award. It is an audience award with a purse of 10,000 Euro. Fourteen films from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Croatia, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Serbia and the USA were nominated for the award.

 

The award went to:

“Marina” by Stijn Coninx, B/I 2013

and

“Monsieur Claude und seine Töchter” (“Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au bon dieu?”) by Philippe de Chauveron, F 2014

DGB Trade Union Award

Four films were nominated for this audience award for a film especially committed to socially relevant issues. The productions competing for the purse of 7,000 Euro dealt with quite different social topics, such as the legal equality of men and women, financial and economic intrigues or the life of young people in a social environment blighted by poverty.

 

The award went to:
“Sternstunde Ihres Lebens” by Erica von Moeller, D 2014

 

NDR Young Directors Award

The NDR Young Directors Award has a purse of 5,000 Euro and is presented to a director for his or her first or second German feature film. The audience chose the award winner from three nominated films.

 

The award went to:
“Bocksprünge” by Eckhard Preuss, D 2013

 

AOK Health Insurance Film Award

The AOK Film Award is presented to the director of a competition film that deals with the subject of health in a creative way. The audience decides who will take the award home, along with its purse of 5,000 Euro.

 

The award went to:
“The Optimists“ (“Optimistene”) by Gunhild Westhagen, N/S 2013

 

Creative Energy Award

For the first time this year the Creative Energy Award with its purse of 5,000 Euro was presented for exceptional individual achievement in the context of the production of a full-length feature film. The independent jury of experts chose the winner from four films nominated by the Festival management.

 

The award was shared equally by:

Stefan Weigl, screenplay author ”Zeit der Kannibalen”

Milena Maitz, producer “Zeit der Kannibalen”

 

Jury statement:
“The basis of the magic of the extreme chamber piece “Zeit der Kannibalen”, its genetic code so to speak, is the creative cooperation  between screenplay and production.

The close mutual interplay between these two crafts is the creative energy that makes this film possible and that has given it wings. This is why the Creative Energy Award goes to the producer Milena Maitz and the screenplay author Stefan Weigl”.

 

VGH East Friesian Short Film Award

The winner of the “Ottifant Camera”, a trophy designed by comedian Otto Waalkes, as well as the award purse of 2,500 Euro was chosen by the audience from among 12 films. The runner-up receives a prize of 1,000 Euro, the film in third place receives 500 Euro. Productions from Great Britain, Finland, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands took part in the competition.

 

1st Prize (2,500 Euro + Ottifant Camera)
“Pony Place” by Joost Reijmers, NL 2013

2nd Prize (1,000 Euro)
“Rúbaí” by Louise Ní Fhiannachta, IRE 2013

3rd Prize (500 Euro)
“Are You Albert” by Dan Hodgson, UK 2013

 

Engelke Short Film Award

The winner of the Engelke Short Film Award with its purse of 2,500 Euro was selected by young audiences from among six nominated films.

 

The award went to:

“Das Gewehr” by Florian Ross, D 2014

 

Emden Acting Award

The Filmfest Emden-Norderney honours not only individual films, but also exceptional acting achievements. The Emden Acting Award has been presented annually since 2011. The nationally and internationally successful actor August Diehl is this year’s award winner. The famous stage and screen actor was praised thus in this year’s eulogy: “It is something many actors dream of, but which our prize-winner has actually achieved – a career début that scores top marks on all counts. First film, first leading role, first success and first film award. The film was called “23 – Nothing is how it seems”.  After that, August Diehl was the talk of the town, he could choose his roles, both on the cinema screen and in the theatre. The figures that August Diehl so wonderfully portrays are mostly outsiders.  It is these complex roles that he is drawn to. Though somewhat reserved in terms of gesture, Diehl puts his entire heart and soul into all of his roles. And he is always good for a surprise, because he refuses to be type-cast.”

 

Emden Screenplay Award

The winner of the prestigious Emden Screenplay Award was selected from among 69 anonymously submitted screenplays by a jury nominated by the Grimme Institute. The award winner was named on 9th May at a special awards ceremony at the VHS-Forum Emden. The winner receives a prize of 10,000 Euro to be used exclusively for the realisation of new projects. The two other nominees also receive prizes of 1,000 Euro each. 

 

Emden Screenplay Award 2014 (10,000 Euro)

“Jonathan” by Piotr J. Lewandowski, Offenbach am Main – Drama

Nominations (1,000 Euro each)

“Alles Isy” by Max Eipp and Mark Monheim, Berlin – Drama

“Lucky Luusen” by Mark Monheim, Berlin and Martin Rehbock, Munich – Comedy

 

Special Award: A Writer's Workplace by the Sea

The prize presented in this unusual Special Award is a one-week stay on the island of Norderney at the theme hotel Inselloft, intended to promote work on new projects. The award was presented yesterday at the Festival’s Dune Talk event in the Kurtheater Norderney.

 

The award went to:

Sathyan Ramesh, screenplay author “Göttliche Funken”

 

The Festival takes place from 7th to 14th May. Further Information available at www.filmfest-emden.de and www.facebook.com/filmfestemden. Press releases are available as downloads at http://www.rische-pr.de/newsroom

 

Jim Gianopulos and actress Tracey Spiridakos ("Revolution") to present the Orpheus Awards

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8th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival June 4-8, Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood

Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox, Jim Gianopulos and actress Tracey Spiridakos ("Revolution") have been added as Orpheus Awards presenters at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Closing Night Gala on Sunday, June 8.  The Awards will be hosted by  Christos Vasilopoulos (“Banshee”) and newcomer Chrissa Loukas. 

As previously announced this year’s honorees will be acclaimed producers Anthony Katagas ("12 Years a Slave") and Steve Nicolaides ("When Harry Met Sally").  Actor/Comedian Angelo Tsarouchas will also be on hand to present.

Named for the legendary Greek poet and “father of songs”, the Orpheus Award is the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival’s annual prize intended to honor the best in Greek and Greek inspired cinema. Since the Festival’s inception in 2007 the awards night has become an integral event serving to highlight the art and artists who are changing the way we think about film.

BOXOFFICE for LAGFF is now open for Gold Pass Membership, individual screening and purchases online at www.itsmyseat.com/LAGFF.html

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ABOUT LAGFF The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival showcases new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide. Our foremost goal is to promote Greek cinema and cultural exchange while bridging the gap between Greek filmmakers and Hollywood. Orpheus Awards are given to the most outstanding new films in the dramatic, documentary and short film categories.  

ABOUT LAGFF SPONSORS The 2014 Los Angles Greek Film Festival is grateful for the support of numerous key sponsors,  Including:  

LAGFF is proud to receive the support of Greek National Tourism Organization. Visitgreece.gr is the official tourism web site for Greece, run by the Greek National Tourism Organization, where you’ll find information on the main tourist destinations, such as cities,  beaches, as well as activities, events and much more! (link:http://www.visitgreece.gr/)  

Platinum Patrons Patron Pabst Brewing Company, Hostess Brands and the Metropoulos Family. 

We are very proud to once again welcome the Pabst Brewing Company and the Metropoulos Family as a Platinum Patron of Los Angeles Greek Film Festival 2014 Pabst Brewing Company is an award- winning American company that was founded in 1844. It brews over two dozen brands of beer, including the much-loved Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR). The Company supports several community events and worthy organizations. This year, it presents LAGFF’s most high profile event, Closing Night.  

Today, Hostess Brands, LLC, continues to delight snack fans everywhere with a variety of new and classic treats like Ding Dongs®, Ho Hos®, Donettes®and Fruit Pies. 

They are honored to make the original creme-filled cakes that so many consider an irreplaceable part of American life.  

Silver Patrons

LAGFF is proud to welcome back G.P. Kolovos & Associates and the Kolovos Family,  a longstanding sponsor since the Festival's inception.  

Earth Friendly Products is the leader in the development and production of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies for household and commercial use, with over 150 products manufactured, distributed, and sold in the USA, Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia. All Earth Friendly Products are created with only replenish able and sustainable plant-based ingredients that are safe for people, pets, and the planet. The Company proudly adheres to its strict “Freedom Code”, a list of harmful and toxic ingredients that are not found in any its products.  

Earth Friendly Products has proudly received the 2010 GEELA Award for Sustainable  Business Practices, 2009 Green PatriotTM Green 100TM Designation and the Champion level recognition from the US EPA, through the Design for the Environment (DfE) Program’s Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative. The company’s solar division, Progressive Power Group, is just another example of how Earth Friendly Products is a sustainable business leader.  

Other Festival sponsors include: American Hellenic Council, Cinemax®, Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Hellenic American Medical and Dental Society of Southern California, West Coast Investors, Astro Burger, Hellenic University Club, and more. The Festival receives a grant from ELMA, an organization dedicated to promoting European Cinema in America; Media Sponsors include Greek Reporter, the Immigrant Magazine, KPFK, Mega Cosmos, Tolucan Times.


Editor Notes:

Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox, Jim Gianopulos is one of the longest tenured studio heads in the entertainment industry and is considered one of its most successful executives. While at Fox he has overseen a broad range of successful films and the studio’s most profitable years ever.  Mr. Gianopulos manages all feature film production marketing and distribution worldwide. During his tenure the studio’s successes have included Life of Pi, the Ice Age series, the X-Men series, Night at the MuseumTaken, the Star Wars Trilogy, The Day After Tomorrow, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Minority Report; as well as such critical triumphs as The DescendantsBlack Swan, and the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, among many others.  Mr. Gianopulos also has the unique distinction of having championed two of the biggest gambles, and the two highest grossing films of all time:Avatar and Titanic. He has been involved in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years. 

Tracy Spiridakos is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought after and engaging young actresses. She recently starred on the NBC series REVOLUTION (JJ Abrams’s series, LOST creator) in the role of “Charlie,” the female lead, opposite Billy Burke. REVOLUTION is set in a post-apocalyptic future when all electrical devices have stopped functioning and the United States is controlled by rival militias.

No stranger to the small screen, Tracy’s other notable television credits include: HELLCATS, PSYCH, FAST TIMES, THE BIONIC WOMAN, ALIENS IN AMERICA, & SUPERNATURAL.

Her film credits consist of: KILL FOR ME, THE NEW GIRL, RISE OF THE PLANETS OF THE APES, and THE BOY SHE MET ONLINE.

Anthony Katagas-Anthony Katagas is one of the most prolific producers working in American independent film. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture for his role in producing 12 Years a Slave, he has produced over 30 films in the last twelve years and worked with a variety of innovative and award-winning filmmakers, including John Hillcoat, Steve McQueen, Andrew Dominik, Paul Haggis, Brad Pitt, John Singleton, Wes Craven, James Gray, Vadim Perelman, Lasse Hallstrom, Ben Younger, Nanette Burstein, Deny Arcand, and Sofia Coppola.

Steve Nicolaides - Starting from the ground up, he worked in Saturday morning kids programing, gradually gaining experience to become a member of the DGA as a production manager.  As such, he managed nearly twenty movies-of-the-week, including Emmy-nominated films “Roe v. Wade”, “Berlin Tunnel 21”, “Will There Really Be a Morning”, “The Ordeal of Patty Hearst”, and “Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story”.! ! In 1984 he met director Rob Reiner and began a working relationship that included the films “The Sure Thing”, “Stand By Me”, “The Princess Bride”, “When Harry Met Sally”, “Misery”, and “A Few Good Men”.  ! ! In 1991 he produced John Singleton’s Academy Award-nominated “Boyz N The Hood”, and went on to work with John on “Poetic Justice” and “Shaft”.! ! Throughout the nineties and the 2000s he produced a number of box-office and critical successes, including “The Forgotten”, “The School of Rock”, “Nacho Libre”, “Buddy”, “Little Big League”, “The Deep End of the Ocean”, and finally “Beverly Hills Chihuahua.”! 

 

Estelle Parsons and Sydney Lucas 2014 Obie Award Winners

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By Maria Esteves - June 3, 2014
The 59th Annual 2014 Village Voice OBIE Awards (OBIES 2014) co-hosted by Award winning producer/actress Tamara Tunie, Spring Awakening, and Obie Award winner actor Hamish Linklater, The Crazy Ones, honoring theatrical excellence and achievements in Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway commenced Monday, May 19, 8:00 pm at the historical Webster Hall ballroom, New York. A gala reception with live music by The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn preceded the awards. The 2014 OBIES included a special performance of the new musical Fun Home by SYDNEY LUCAS. Lucas became the first in the history of the Obies to receive an award at age 10 for her performance. The Obie Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Kelli O'Hara went to ESTELLE PARSONS.

This year’s award presenters were Andy Karl, Betsy Aidem, Cristin Milioti, David Bar Katz, Harvey Fierstein, Kelli O'Hara, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Lena Hall, Lily Rabe and Stephen Trask.


59th Annual 2014 Village Voice OBIE Awards Cocktail Reception: OBIE Chairman, Michael Feingold, TheaterMania columnist, left, with Tony Award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long.


59th Annual 2014 Village Voice OBIE Awards: Performance OBIE winner LARRY PINE, Death of Walt Disney, and his wife Margaret.


59th Annual 2014 Village Voice OBIE Awards: OBIE Judges director of programming Nicky Paraiso, The Club at La MaMa, left, and OBIE Award winning writer/composer Kirsten Childs.


59th Annual 2014 Village Voice OBIE Awards: OBIE
Presenter actress Betsy Aidem, All The Way Broadway.

 

The Village Voice Obie Awards founded by Jerry Tallmer in 1955, acknowledge the best of Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway theatrical productions. The name OBIE derives from the abbreviation for Off-Broadway (O.B.). Past recipients include Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Denzel Washington, Edward Norton, Felicity Huffman, James Earl Jones, Kathy Bates, Kevin Kline, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Nathan Lane, Sigourney Weaver and Viola Davis. The judges may vote multiple OBIES in any category where outstanding achievement deserves recognition.

The winners of the 2014 OBIE Awards were judged by:

Kirsten Childs - Obie Award-winning writer and composer

Michael Feingold - Chairman emeritus chief theater critic, The Village Voice

Michael Sommers - Critic, New Jersey Newsroom

Nicky Paraiso - Director of programming, The Club at La MaMa

Rick Sordelet – Fight director; acting lecturer, Yale School of Drama

Tonya Pinkins - Obie and Tony Award-winning actress

This year’s OBIES included 32 awards within 11 categories. The following are the various awards and their winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award
ESTELLE PARSONS

Best New American Play

BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS for Appropriate, Signature Theatre and An Octoroon, SOHO REP.

Musical Theater

Author LISA KRON, composer JEANINE TESORI and director SAM GOLD for Fun Home, Public Theater

Direction

JAMES MACDONALD for Love and Information, New York Theatre Workshop

LIESL TOMMY for Appropriate, Signature Theatre 

OLIVER BUTLER for The Open House, Signature Theatre 

Performance

CHRIS MYERS for An Octoroon, SOHO REP

JOHANNA DAY for Appropriate, Signature Theatre 

JOHN EARL JELKS for Sunset Baby, Labyrinth Theater Company; Fetch Clay, Make Man, New York Theatre Workshop

JOHN ELLISON CONLEE for The (Curious Case Of The) Watson Intelligence, Playwrights Horizons

K. TODD FREEMAN for Fetch Clay, Make Man, New York Theatre Workshop

LARRY PINE for public reading of unproduced screenplay Death of Walt Disney, SOHO REP

MIA KATIGBAK for Awake and Sing, National Asian Association Theatre Company

SYDNEY LUCAS for Fun Home, Public Theater

Playwriting

WILL ENO for The Open House, The Signature Theatre

Best Design and Music

Video designer BEN RUBIN for Arguendo, Elevator Repair Service at Public Theater

Fight direction and choreography EMMANUEL BROWN and SONYA TAYEH for Kung Fu, Signature Theatre

Lighting design ERIC SOUTHERN for The Correspondent, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater

Ross Wetzsteon Award

ABRONS ARTS CENTER 

Sustained Excellence Award

MARYLOUISE BURKE in a performance

JUSTIN TOWNSEND of lighting design

Special Citations

MALLORY CATLETT for This Was the End, Chocolate Factory Theater Music

HEATHER CHRISTIAN, lighting JIYOUN CHANG and projection HANNAH WASILESKI for The World Is Round, BAM Fisher Theater

RATTLESTICK PLAYWRIGHTS THEATER and LUCY THURBER for The Hill Town Plays

OBIE Grants

600 HIGHWAYMEN 

48 HOURS IN HARLEM

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