The 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards were handed out Saturday in recognition of the best in indie films from 2019.
Willem Dafoe won the first award, Best Supporting Male, for his role in “The Lighthouse.” “Uncut Gems” won Best Editing, while the Best Documentary award went to “American Factory.” Best Cinematography went to Jarin Blaschke for “The Lighthouse.”
Kelly Reichardt was awarded The Bonnie Award, which recognizes a mid-career female director with a $50,000 unrestricted grant. The John Cassavetes Award, given to the best feature made for under $500,000, was given to “Give Me Liberty.”
Also Read: Independent Spirit Awards 2020: Aubrey Plaza's Best Jokes (So Far)
“Parasite” won Best International Film. Zhao Shuzhen won Best Supporting Female for her role in “The Farewell.” “Marriage Story” won Best Screenplay. Adam Sandler won Best Male Lead for his performance in “Uncut Gems” and Renée Zellweger received the Best Female Lead for her role in “Judy.
Willem Dafoe won the first award, Best Supporting Male, for his role in “The Lighthouse.” “Uncut Gems” won Best Editing, while the Best Documentary award went to “American Factory.” Best Cinematography went to Jarin Blaschke for “The Lighthouse.”
Kelly Reichardt was awarded The Bonnie Award, which recognizes a mid-career female director with a $50,000 unrestricted grant. The John Cassavetes Award, given to the best feature made for under $500,000, was given to “Give Me Liberty.”
Also Read: Independent Spirit Awards 2020: Aubrey Plaza's Best Jokes (So Far)
“Parasite” won Best International Film. Zhao Shuzhen won Best Supporting Female for her role in “The Farewell.” “Marriage Story” won Best Screenplay. Adam Sandler won Best Male Lead for his performance in “Uncut Gems” and Renée Zellweger received the Best Female Lead for her role in “Judy.
- 2/8/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Two dark and unruly films released by A24, Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse” and the Safdie brothers’ “Uncut Gems,” led all films in nominations for the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards, Film Independent announced on Thursday.
In the Best Feature category, “Uncut Gems” was joined by Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell,” Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” Chinonye Chukwu’s “Clemency” and Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story.”
“Uncut Gems” was the only film nominated in both the Best Feature and Best Director categories, though “Marriage Story” was nominated in the former category and was also voted the special John Cassavetes Award, which goes to a film’s director, cast and casting director.
Also Read: 'Marriage Story,' 'The Farewell,' 'Uncut Gems' Top Gotham Award Nominations
“Honey Boy” and “Give Me Liberty” received four nominations each, while “Hustlers,” “Clemency” and “Luce” received three.
As usual, the Spirit Awards’ system of...
In the Best Feature category, “Uncut Gems” was joined by Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell,” Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” Chinonye Chukwu’s “Clemency” and Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story.”
“Uncut Gems” was the only film nominated in both the Best Feature and Best Director categories, though “Marriage Story” was nominated in the former category and was also voted the special John Cassavetes Award, which goes to a film’s director, cast and casting director.
Also Read: 'Marriage Story,' 'The Farewell,' 'Uncut Gems' Top Gotham Award Nominations
“Honey Boy” and “Give Me Liberty” received four nominations each, while “Hustlers,” “Clemency” and “Luce” received three.
As usual, the Spirit Awards’ system of...
- 11/21/2019
- by Brian Welk and Steve Pond
- The Wrap
In today’s film news roundup, Molly Shannon’s “Wild Nights with Emily” and Motke Dapp’s “Other Versions of You” get distribution, Robert Patrick is up for a role as an FBI agent and “Nutcracker” writer Ashleigh Powell signs with CAA.
Acquisitions
Greenwich Entertainment has bought “Wild Nights with Emily,’ a dramatic comedy about Emily Dickinson starring Molly Shannon.
The film, which had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, was written and directed by Madeleine Olnek. Greenwich will release the film theatrically early next year.
Shannon’s role captures the vivacious, irreverent side of the poet that was covered up for years — most notably Emily’s lifelong romantic relationship with another woman, using Dickinson’s own words.
“Madeleine’s witty, madcap yet poignant and absolutely necessary version of Emily’s life is an Emily we’ve never seen before, but one that has been hiding in plain sight all along,...
Acquisitions
Greenwich Entertainment has bought “Wild Nights with Emily,’ a dramatic comedy about Emily Dickinson starring Molly Shannon.
The film, which had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, was written and directed by Madeleine Olnek. Greenwich will release the film theatrically early next year.
Shannon’s role captures the vivacious, irreverent side of the poet that was covered up for years — most notably Emily’s lifelong romantic relationship with another woman, using Dickinson’s own words.
“Madeleine’s witty, madcap yet poignant and absolutely necessary version of Emily’s life is an Emily we’ve never seen before, but one that has been hiding in plain sight all along,...
- 11/27/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Greenwich Entertainment has acquired distribution rights to Wild Nights With Emily, the dramatic comedy about Emily Dickinson that premiered at SXSW this year. Directed and penned by Madeleine Olnek, the pic stars SNL alum Molly Shannon and will be released in theaters in early 2019.
Shannon portrays the vivacious, irreverent side of the poet that was covered up for years — most notably Emily’s lifelong romantic relationship with another woman. The pic, supported by Harvard University Press and the Guggenheim Foundation, uses Dickinson’s own words to shed new light on the celebrated poet. Amy Seimetz (Alien: Covenant), Susan Ziegler (The Foxy Merkins) and Brett Gelman (Twin Peaks: The Return) co-star.
Olnek produced the film with Casper Andreas, Max Rifkind-Barron and Anna Margarita Albelo.
Cinetic Media’s Eric Sloss, on behalf of the filmmaker, negotiated the deal with Greenwich’s Ed Arentz.
Shannon portrays the vivacious, irreverent side of the poet that was covered up for years — most notably Emily’s lifelong romantic relationship with another woman. The pic, supported by Harvard University Press and the Guggenheim Foundation, uses Dickinson’s own words to shed new light on the celebrated poet. Amy Seimetz (Alien: Covenant), Susan Ziegler (The Foxy Merkins) and Brett Gelman (Twin Peaks: The Return) co-star.
Olnek produced the film with Casper Andreas, Max Rifkind-Barron and Anna Margarita Albelo.
Cinetic Media’s Eric Sloss, on behalf of the filmmaker, negotiated the deal with Greenwich’s Ed Arentz.
- 11/26/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Distributor plans early 2019 theatrical release.
Greenwich Entertainment has acquired Us rights to the Emily Dickinson drama and SXSW selection Wild Nights With Emily starring Molly Shannon.
Madeleine Olnek wrote and directed the feature about the life and love of the celebrated 19th century American poet and depicts her lesser-known vivaciousness and irreverence, including her lifelong romance with another woman.
The filmmakers secured permission from Harvard University Press to use Dickisnon’s own words in the film, and received research support from the Guggenheim foundation.
“Madeleine’s witty, madcap yet poignant and absolutely necessary version of Emily’s life is an...
Greenwich Entertainment has acquired Us rights to the Emily Dickinson drama and SXSW selection Wild Nights With Emily starring Molly Shannon.
Madeleine Olnek wrote and directed the feature about the life and love of the celebrated 19th century American poet and depicts her lesser-known vivaciousness and irreverence, including her lifelong romance with another woman.
The filmmakers secured permission from Harvard University Press to use Dickisnon’s own words in the film, and received research support from the Guggenheim foundation.
“Madeleine’s witty, madcap yet poignant and absolutely necessary version of Emily’s life is an...
- 11/26/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The heart of Paris beats for film industry in June. Industry Week is the professional part of the Champs-Elysées Film Festival.
The submissions for Us in Progress are now open till August 15th here.
This label includes the Us in Progress (USiP) and Les Arc Film Fesstival’s team presenting the Paris Coproduction Village and La Residence de la Cinefondation which welcomes a dozen young directors who come to Paris to work on their first or second fiction feature project for 4 and 1/2 months. All together, they offer 24 film projects at different stages, from development to post production. More than 200 professionals from the industry, producers, international sellers, distributors, etc. are welcomed.
This year Us in Progress broke out. It has become a top event for discovering American independent cinema not only for the Europeans invited to attend, but for Americans who find themselves in Paris for the event or who even...
The submissions for Us in Progress are now open till August 15th here.
This label includes the Us in Progress (USiP) and Les Arc Film Fesstival’s team presenting the Paris Coproduction Village and La Residence de la Cinefondation which welcomes a dozen young directors who come to Paris to work on their first or second fiction feature project for 4 and 1/2 months. All together, they offer 24 film projects at different stages, from development to post production. More than 200 professionals from the industry, producers, international sellers, distributors, etc. are welcomed.
This year Us in Progress broke out. It has become a top event for discovering American independent cinema not only for the Europeans invited to attend, but for Americans who find themselves in Paris for the event or who even...
- 7/26/2017
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Works-in-progress event will run June 20-22 in Paris.
Us indie directors Charlie Birns and Madeline Olnek will present features at the sixth edition of Us in Progress in Paris.
Due to take place June 20-22, the event is a joint initiative between the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, the Champs-Elysées Film Festival in Paris and Black Rabbit in New York.
A total of five feature-length fiction works and documentaries will be presented at the event including Birns’s surrogate mother drama Family Affairs, his debut feature after a trio of shorts.
Respected New York playwright and film-maker Madeleine Olnek will present her Emily Dickinson-inspired third feature Wild Nights With Emily.
Rough-cuts of the participating films will be presented to 40 European sales agents, distributors, festival programmers and producers.
The winning film will get post-production, acquisition and promotion services offered by a number of sponsors from the independent cinema scene in Paris.
Us in Progress...
Us indie directors Charlie Birns and Madeline Olnek will present features at the sixth edition of Us in Progress in Paris.
Due to take place June 20-22, the event is a joint initiative between the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, the Champs-Elysées Film Festival in Paris and Black Rabbit in New York.
A total of five feature-length fiction works and documentaries will be presented at the event including Birns’s surrogate mother drama Family Affairs, his debut feature after a trio of shorts.
Respected New York playwright and film-maker Madeleine Olnek will present her Emily Dickinson-inspired third feature Wild Nights With Emily.
Rough-cuts of the participating films will be presented to 40 European sales agents, distributors, festival programmers and producers.
The winning film will get post-production, acquisition and promotion services offered by a number of sponsors from the independent cinema scene in Paris.
Us in Progress...
- 5/22/2017
- ScreenDaily
What the trades tell us and what is fact are not mutually exclusive. 11th hour film submissions at the Sundance Film Festival do occur — the unfinished form are indeed a rarity, but I’ve seen it happen with fine down to the wire examples in the realm of Alex Ross Perry’s Listen Up Philip, Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash and Kris Swanberg’s Unexpected. Could this shot in NYC and Los Angeles nouveau Emily Dickinson depiction follow suit? Madeleine Olnek has mades ripples and waves at the festival first with 2011’s Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same followed up a weird double showing and vote of confidence (preeming at the 2013’s Sundance Next Weekend and then again at Sundance in 2014) for The Foxy Merkins. An auteur described by our Nicholas Bell as “a refreshing voice to behold in an era of repetitive storytelling and mediocre beats within the realm of independent film,...
- 11/24/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
QFest St. Louis continues with Who’S Afraid Of Vagina Wolf? at 7:00 pm Thursday May 1st
QFest St. Louis, the annual gay and Lesbian Film Festival presented by Cinema St. Louis runs through May 1st and all films will be screened at The Tivoli Theater (6350 Delmar in The Loop, University City, Mo)
QFest uses the art of contemporary gay cinema to spotlight the lives of Lgbtq people and celebrate queer culture. The 2014 event features an eclectic slate of contemporary Lgbtq-themed feature films, documentaries, and shorts. Tickets are now on sale for all shows.
Who’S Afraid Of Vagina Wolf? screens at 7:00 pm Thursday May 1st
Once an adventurous jet-setter and queen of the night, Anna realizes that a life that seemed charming and adventurous in her 20s has turned desperate and dire in middle age. Currently living in her friend’s backyard tool shed, Anna has a stalled filmmaking career and,...
QFest St. Louis, the annual gay and Lesbian Film Festival presented by Cinema St. Louis runs through May 1st and all films will be screened at The Tivoli Theater (6350 Delmar in The Loop, University City, Mo)
QFest uses the art of contemporary gay cinema to spotlight the lives of Lgbtq people and celebrate queer culture. The 2014 event features an eclectic slate of contemporary Lgbtq-themed feature films, documentaries, and shorts. Tickets are now on sale for all shows.
Who’S Afraid Of Vagina Wolf? screens at 7:00 pm Thursday May 1st
Once an adventurous jet-setter and queen of the night, Anna realizes that a life that seemed charming and adventurous in her 20s has turned desperate and dire in middle age. Currently living in her friend’s backyard tool shed, Anna has a stalled filmmaking career and,...
- 4/30/2014
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It's that time of year again -- or what used to be that time of year. NewFest is here (September 6-11). Yes, the celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and what-have-you cinema is back for its 25th anniversary. The main venue will be the Film Society of Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater, considered by some to be the best cinema in Manhattan, one that boasts a truly superior sound system.
(Anyone who ever attended NewFest when it was held at the New School with its second-rate visuals and third-rate resonance will rejoice.)
In the past, this deliciously raucous event has screened a mixed bag of semi-brilliant to much-less-so offerings, many you'll never ever get to see anywhere else on a "big" screen whether you reside in the Big Apple or in Idaho. On the plus side, watching a woefully dreadful movie with a roomful of knowing Glbtq cinephiles is often a hoot.
(Anyone who ever attended NewFest when it was held at the New School with its second-rate visuals and third-rate resonance will rejoice.)
In the past, this deliciously raucous event has screened a mixed bag of semi-brilliant to much-less-so offerings, many you'll never ever get to see anywhere else on a "big" screen whether you reside in the Big Apple or in Idaho. On the plus side, watching a woefully dreadful movie with a roomful of knowing Glbtq cinephiles is often a hoot.
- 8/26/2013
- by Brandon Judell
- www.culturecatch.com
Yesterday we posted our red carpet chats from last night’s Outfest Lgbt Film Festival Opening Night event in Los Angeles with Jonathan Groff and Director Kimberly Peirce but we have more from the star-studded event.
Besides Groff and Peirce, we chatted with newly married/Prop 8 Plaintiffs Paul Katami and Jeff Zarillo, Happy Endings star Casey Wilson (Ass Backwards), Groff’s co-star in C.O.G., Corey Stoll, as well as cast and crew from Outfest films Southern Baptist Sissies, Gbf and the documentary on the life of a film legend, I Am Divine.
Newlyweds Jeff Zarillo & Paul Katami
Ass Backwards stars Casey Wilson, June Diane Raphael & Director Chris Nelson
I Am Divine director Jeffrey Schwartz
Gbf’s stars Molly Tarlov & Michael J Willett with
writer George Northy & producer Steven Israel
Southern Baptist Sissies’ Leslie Jordan
Southern Baptist Sissies’ Emerson Collins
Southern Baptist Sissies creator Del Shores
C.O.G. co-star Corey Stoll
I Do...
Besides Groff and Peirce, we chatted with newly married/Prop 8 Plaintiffs Paul Katami and Jeff Zarillo, Happy Endings star Casey Wilson (Ass Backwards), Groff’s co-star in C.O.G., Corey Stoll, as well as cast and crew from Outfest films Southern Baptist Sissies, Gbf and the documentary on the life of a film legend, I Am Divine.
Newlyweds Jeff Zarillo & Paul Katami
Ass Backwards stars Casey Wilson, June Diane Raphael & Director Chris Nelson
I Am Divine director Jeffrey Schwartz
Gbf’s stars Molly Tarlov & Michael J Willett with
writer George Northy & producer Steven Israel
Southern Baptist Sissies’ Leslie Jordan
Southern Baptist Sissies’ Emerson Collins
Southern Baptist Sissies creator Del Shores
C.O.G. co-star Corey Stoll
I Do...
- 7/13/2013
- by Jim Halterman
- The Backlot
Now that Doma has been ruled unconstitutional, the City of Angels keeps the celebration going with The 31st Annual Outfest Film Festival showcasing the best in Lgbt filmmaking from the Us & across the world. Outfest has also been consistent in its support for the Latino gay & lesbian film community which, sad to say, is more than most Latino film festivals have shown (Really?! Still? I've never met your family but trust me, one of your primos is gay). This year Outfest solidifies that commitment by not only having an diverse range of gay themed or gay helmed films, but the opening night film is C.O.G written and directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, winner of the prestigious "Someone to Watch" Award at the 2010 Independent Spirit Awards for his writing and directorial debut film Easier With Practice. C.O.G is the first film adaptation of the highly esteemed author David Sedaris' work. Festivals like Outfest (and its life partner Newfest in NYC) exist to promote, share and foster Lgbt visibility in the media from all races and places. LatinoBuzz checked out the line-up at this years Outfest to see Wtf is Latino!
C.O.G – Dir. by Kyle Patrick Alvarez (USA)
David has it all figured out. His plan—more a Steinbeckian dream—is to spend his summer working on an apple farm in Oregon with his best friend, Jennifer. When she bails out on him, David is left to dirty his hands alone, watched over by Hobbs, the old farm owner and the first in a series of questionable mentors he encounters. First there’s Curly, the friendly forklift operator with a unique hobby, and then Jon, the born-again rock hound who helps David in a time of need. C.O.G tells the story of a prideful young man and what’s left of him after all he believes is chipped away piece by piece.
Pitstop – Dir. by Yen Tan (USA)
Recovering from an ill-fated affair with a married man, Gabe finds solace in the relationship he maintains with his ex-wife and daughter. On the other side of town, Ernesto evades life at home with his current live-in ex-boyfriend by spending much of his spare time in the hospital with an ailing past love. Impervious to the monotony of their blue-collar world, they maintain an unwavering yearning for romance.
Who's Afraid Of Vagina Wolf? - Dir. by Anna Margarita Albelo (USA)
As another birthday rolls around, forty-year-old filmmaker Anna returns to her never-changing list of resolutions: lose twenty pounds, get a girlfriend, and direct a feature film. This year, Anna plans to knock (at least) two of those resolutions out with one stone, as she begins writing a lesbian remake of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, devised to win the affections of her leading lady, Katia. With Anna planning to act opposite her beautiful crush, her two best friends, Penelope and Chloe, round out the four-person cast. Unfortunately, things don’t run smoothly, as egos begin to clash and crew members start sleeping with one another. Will Anna go yet-another year without accomplishing any of her resolutions?
Valencia - Dir. by Lares Feliciano, Dia Felix etc. (USA)
Valencia the novel put the experiences of an entire generation of lesbians on paper through the lens of one hard-loving and hard-drinking dyke. Punk rockers, riot grrls, and simple, artsy freaks suddenly had a heroine to look up to and a mecca to head toward. This highly anticipated film adaptation of Valencia gives a whole new generation of fabulous, artsy, genderqueer folks an opportunity to reinterpret and reinvent the tales of this iconic novel one chapter at a time.
Reaching For The Moon (Flores Raras) – Dir. by Bruno Barreto (Brazil)
Seasoned Brazilian helmer Bruno Barreto brings to life 1950s Rio in this beautifully drawn tale of poet Elizabeth Bishop and her love affair with architect Lota de Macedo Soares, the designer of Rio’s famed Flamengo Park. Based on the bestselling Brazilian novel Rare and Commonplace Flowers, the film follows Bishop as a creative block prompts her to accept the invitation of a college friend to stay with her and her partner, Lota, on a sprawling country estate. Quintessentially American Bishop is a fish out of water in her new lush and bohemian setting, until the instant chemistry between her and Lota boils over.
Animals – Dir. by Marçal Forés (Spain)
There are maladjusted teens, and then there’s Pol, whose best friend is a walking, talking stuffed bear who sounds like Hal, the evil computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey. (Ted, this ain’t.) As Pol tries to unravel the meaning behind a strange series of circumstances involving his gay friend, a local girl’s death, a sexy new transfer student and his English teacher (Martin Freeman, The Hobbit), he finds that nothing in this weird, weird world is what it seems. Evoking the strange and sometimes sinister mood of Donnie Darko, American Beauty, Elephant and Kaboom, Animals is like a mysterious dream you’ll want to have over and over again
Iglu (Igloo) – Dir. by Diego Ruiz (Chile)
Daniel, a young, handsome and talented illustrator, is deeply depressed in the aftermath of his relationship with an older man, his college professor. Salvation comes through his neighbor Paula, an agoraphobic therapist, with whom Daniel begins an intense relationship. Igloo explores a young man’s complex relationships with sexuality, intimacy and addiction, and how his memories and present day relationships help him embrace a new life. In his directorial debut, established Chilean actor Diego Ruiz plays the lead role of Daniel (he also co-wrote the script) in an imaginative and moving story of identity and self-acceptance.
La Partida (The Last March) – Dir. by Antonio Hens (Cuba)
Reinier works as a callboy in order to support his wife and child, but he ends up gambling most of his money away. Sex with men is strictly business until he befriends a cute soccer player named Yosvani, who works for his girlfriend’s father, a corrupt debt collector. When Reinier’s gambling habit gets him in serious trouble, Yosvani tries to convince Reinier to run away with him. Set in the bustling streets of Cuba, The Last Match offers a visceral romance ripe with unexpected turns and dangerous temptations.
Al Cielo (To Heaven) – Dir. by Diego Prado (Argentina)
In this breezy and beautifully crafted Argentine feature, a punk-loving teenager wrestles with the nerve-wracking uncertainty of first love. Torn between accepting the strict teachings of his church and embracing a handsome local guitarist, Andrés finds himself in existential limbo, unable to make a move without instantly regretting his choices. Balancing teen angst with warm observations, To Heaven concludes in strikingly romantic fashion, satisfying our expectations in ways only the best of coming-of-age dramas can do.
transVISIBLE:The Bamby Salcedo Story - Dir. by Dante Alencastre (USA)
An icon of L.A.'s transgender community, Latina activist Bamby Salcedo sparkles in Dante Alencastre’s candid documentary. Beginning with Bamby’s life on the drug-addled streets of Guadalajara and then journeying through her recovery and out-spoken activism, Transvisible’s riveting one-on-one interviews reveal a selfless HIV advocate and tireless transgender community spokeswoman. (Her work at the Children's Hospital, Los Angeles and as a coordinator for Angels of Change are just two of many notable causes.) Bamby’s story is one of inspiration and hope.
And rounding out the Latino hotness are the Short films...
Tableau (USA), You're Dead to Me (USA), Scaffolding (Spain), The Companion (Peru), Elliot King is Third (USA), Miguel Alvarez Wears a Wig (Greece/Spain) Rad Queers (USA).
OutFest runs July 11th-21st. For more info on Outfest please visit: www.Outfest.org
Written by Juan Caceres and Vanessa Erazo, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow @LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook.
C.O.G – Dir. by Kyle Patrick Alvarez (USA)
David has it all figured out. His plan—more a Steinbeckian dream—is to spend his summer working on an apple farm in Oregon with his best friend, Jennifer. When she bails out on him, David is left to dirty his hands alone, watched over by Hobbs, the old farm owner and the first in a series of questionable mentors he encounters. First there’s Curly, the friendly forklift operator with a unique hobby, and then Jon, the born-again rock hound who helps David in a time of need. C.O.G tells the story of a prideful young man and what’s left of him after all he believes is chipped away piece by piece.
Pitstop – Dir. by Yen Tan (USA)
Recovering from an ill-fated affair with a married man, Gabe finds solace in the relationship he maintains with his ex-wife and daughter. On the other side of town, Ernesto evades life at home with his current live-in ex-boyfriend by spending much of his spare time in the hospital with an ailing past love. Impervious to the monotony of their blue-collar world, they maintain an unwavering yearning for romance.
Who's Afraid Of Vagina Wolf? - Dir. by Anna Margarita Albelo (USA)
As another birthday rolls around, forty-year-old filmmaker Anna returns to her never-changing list of resolutions: lose twenty pounds, get a girlfriend, and direct a feature film. This year, Anna plans to knock (at least) two of those resolutions out with one stone, as she begins writing a lesbian remake of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, devised to win the affections of her leading lady, Katia. With Anna planning to act opposite her beautiful crush, her two best friends, Penelope and Chloe, round out the four-person cast. Unfortunately, things don’t run smoothly, as egos begin to clash and crew members start sleeping with one another. Will Anna go yet-another year without accomplishing any of her resolutions?
Valencia - Dir. by Lares Feliciano, Dia Felix etc. (USA)
Valencia the novel put the experiences of an entire generation of lesbians on paper through the lens of one hard-loving and hard-drinking dyke. Punk rockers, riot grrls, and simple, artsy freaks suddenly had a heroine to look up to and a mecca to head toward. This highly anticipated film adaptation of Valencia gives a whole new generation of fabulous, artsy, genderqueer folks an opportunity to reinterpret and reinvent the tales of this iconic novel one chapter at a time.
Reaching For The Moon (Flores Raras) – Dir. by Bruno Barreto (Brazil)
Seasoned Brazilian helmer Bruno Barreto brings to life 1950s Rio in this beautifully drawn tale of poet Elizabeth Bishop and her love affair with architect Lota de Macedo Soares, the designer of Rio’s famed Flamengo Park. Based on the bestselling Brazilian novel Rare and Commonplace Flowers, the film follows Bishop as a creative block prompts her to accept the invitation of a college friend to stay with her and her partner, Lota, on a sprawling country estate. Quintessentially American Bishop is a fish out of water in her new lush and bohemian setting, until the instant chemistry between her and Lota boils over.
Animals – Dir. by Marçal Forés (Spain)
There are maladjusted teens, and then there’s Pol, whose best friend is a walking, talking stuffed bear who sounds like Hal, the evil computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey. (Ted, this ain’t.) As Pol tries to unravel the meaning behind a strange series of circumstances involving his gay friend, a local girl’s death, a sexy new transfer student and his English teacher (Martin Freeman, The Hobbit), he finds that nothing in this weird, weird world is what it seems. Evoking the strange and sometimes sinister mood of Donnie Darko, American Beauty, Elephant and Kaboom, Animals is like a mysterious dream you’ll want to have over and over again
Iglu (Igloo) – Dir. by Diego Ruiz (Chile)
Daniel, a young, handsome and talented illustrator, is deeply depressed in the aftermath of his relationship with an older man, his college professor. Salvation comes through his neighbor Paula, an agoraphobic therapist, with whom Daniel begins an intense relationship. Igloo explores a young man’s complex relationships with sexuality, intimacy and addiction, and how his memories and present day relationships help him embrace a new life. In his directorial debut, established Chilean actor Diego Ruiz plays the lead role of Daniel (he also co-wrote the script) in an imaginative and moving story of identity and self-acceptance.
La Partida (The Last March) – Dir. by Antonio Hens (Cuba)
Reinier works as a callboy in order to support his wife and child, but he ends up gambling most of his money away. Sex with men is strictly business until he befriends a cute soccer player named Yosvani, who works for his girlfriend’s father, a corrupt debt collector. When Reinier’s gambling habit gets him in serious trouble, Yosvani tries to convince Reinier to run away with him. Set in the bustling streets of Cuba, The Last Match offers a visceral romance ripe with unexpected turns and dangerous temptations.
Al Cielo (To Heaven) – Dir. by Diego Prado (Argentina)
In this breezy and beautifully crafted Argentine feature, a punk-loving teenager wrestles with the nerve-wracking uncertainty of first love. Torn between accepting the strict teachings of his church and embracing a handsome local guitarist, Andrés finds himself in existential limbo, unable to make a move without instantly regretting his choices. Balancing teen angst with warm observations, To Heaven concludes in strikingly romantic fashion, satisfying our expectations in ways only the best of coming-of-age dramas can do.
transVISIBLE:The Bamby Salcedo Story - Dir. by Dante Alencastre (USA)
An icon of L.A.'s transgender community, Latina activist Bamby Salcedo sparkles in Dante Alencastre’s candid documentary. Beginning with Bamby’s life on the drug-addled streets of Guadalajara and then journeying through her recovery and out-spoken activism, Transvisible’s riveting one-on-one interviews reveal a selfless HIV advocate and tireless transgender community spokeswoman. (Her work at the Children's Hospital, Los Angeles and as a coordinator for Angels of Change are just two of many notable causes.) Bamby’s story is one of inspiration and hope.
And rounding out the Latino hotness are the Short films...
Tableau (USA), You're Dead to Me (USA), Scaffolding (Spain), The Companion (Peru), Elliot King is Third (USA), Miguel Alvarez Wears a Wig (Greece/Spain) Rad Queers (USA).
OutFest runs July 11th-21st. For more info on Outfest please visit: www.Outfest.org
Written by Juan Caceres and Vanessa Erazo, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow @LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook.
- 7/10/2013
- by Juan Caceres
- Sydney's Buzz
What a Dump! – Albelo’s Feature Witty Debut Anything But a Flop
Already amassing an impressive reputation with her short films and a pair of documentaries about gay life in Havana, you can add the adjective ‘charming’ to a long list of descriptors for Cuban-American director Anna Margarita Albelo with her feature film debut, Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf? Basically, a film about filmmaking, Albelo deftly transcends the possibly pretentious trappings of that behemoth Edward Albee/Mike Nichols production it’s so seriously in conversation with and blossoms into a witty, if sometimes formulaic narrative all its own. Apparently utilizing some autobiographical elements for inspiration, Albelo is clearly an exciting, endearing, and comic talent, and her delightful homage would make Eve Ensler and Virginia Woolf proud.
Opening with a Woolf quote, “For beyond the difficulty of communicating oneself there is the supreme difficulty of being oneself,” we meet Anna...
Already amassing an impressive reputation with her short films and a pair of documentaries about gay life in Havana, you can add the adjective ‘charming’ to a long list of descriptors for Cuban-American director Anna Margarita Albelo with her feature film debut, Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf? Basically, a film about filmmaking, Albelo deftly transcends the possibly pretentious trappings of that behemoth Edward Albee/Mike Nichols production it’s so seriously in conversation with and blossoms into a witty, if sometimes formulaic narrative all its own. Apparently utilizing some autobiographical elements for inspiration, Albelo is clearly an exciting, endearing, and comic talent, and her delightful homage would make Eve Ensler and Virginia Woolf proud.
Opening with a Woolf quote, “For beyond the difficulty of communicating oneself there is the supreme difficulty of being oneself,” we meet Anna...
- 7/9/2013
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Afternoon Delight: Cate Blanchett gets wicked in "Cinderella," Scarlett Johansson signs on for "Her"
Tags: Afternoon DelightCate BlanchettPeachesAnne HathawayHelena Bonham CarterScarlett JohanssonFortune FeimsterPassionRachel McAdamsNoomi RapaceIMDb
Good afternoon, happy Friday and happy first day of summer!
Happy birthday to True Blood’s Carrie Preston, Lana Del Rey, Meredith Baxter, Rebecca Black, Juliette Lewis and Lana Wachowski!
Director Lana Wachowski at the Los Angeles premiere of Cloud Atlas
Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images
Professional quarterback and out lesbian Sami Grisafe is retiring from football so she can focus on her dream; being the lead singer of The Sami Grisafe Band. Grisafe also plays the ukulele. (Thanks to Jen Sabella for the tip!)
Tomorrow night at 10 pm, Brian DePalma’s lady lovin' film Passion will (finally) make its U.S. premiere at the Provincetown Film Festival. After the screening, DePalma will stick around for a Q & A. The erotic thriller stars Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace and will be released in theaters on August 30.
Helena Bonham Carter will...
Good afternoon, happy Friday and happy first day of summer!
Happy birthday to True Blood’s Carrie Preston, Lana Del Rey, Meredith Baxter, Rebecca Black, Juliette Lewis and Lana Wachowski!
Director Lana Wachowski at the Los Angeles premiere of Cloud Atlas
Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images
Professional quarterback and out lesbian Sami Grisafe is retiring from football so she can focus on her dream; being the lead singer of The Sami Grisafe Band. Grisafe also plays the ukulele. (Thanks to Jen Sabella for the tip!)
Tomorrow night at 10 pm, Brian DePalma’s lady lovin' film Passion will (finally) make its U.S. premiere at the Provincetown Film Festival. After the screening, DePalma will stick around for a Q & A. The erotic thriller stars Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace and will be released in theaters on August 30.
Helena Bonham Carter will...
- 6/21/2013
- by Bridget McManus
- AfterEllen.com
Go Fish was the ultimate '90s lesbian indie flick. It sparked a trend and ignited the careers of the women involved. Where have they been and what have they been up to? Here's what we could track down.
V.S. Brodie (Ely)
The actress appeared as a karaoke singer in The Watermelon Woman with her Go Fish co-star Guinevere Turner and Cheryl Dunye in 1996 and didn't return to acting until last year's The Owls. She now lives in Paris.
Guinevere Turner (Max)
Since starring in Go Fish (her first film), Guinevere has went on to write scripts for American Psycho, The Notorious Bettie Page, BloodRayne and episodes of The L Word. She's currently working on Jamie Babbit's new film, Breaking the Girl.
Migdalia Melendez (Evy)
Migdalia wasn't really an actress — in fact, Rose Troche said she found her at a bar. Rose told Curve, "I was looking for a Puerto Rican character,...
V.S. Brodie (Ely)
The actress appeared as a karaoke singer in The Watermelon Woman with her Go Fish co-star Guinevere Turner and Cheryl Dunye in 1996 and didn't return to acting until last year's The Owls. She now lives in Paris.
Guinevere Turner (Max)
Since starring in Go Fish (her first film), Guinevere has went on to write scripts for American Psycho, The Notorious Bettie Page, BloodRayne and episodes of The L Word. She's currently working on Jamie Babbit's new film, Breaking the Girl.
Migdalia Melendez (Evy)
Migdalia wasn't really an actress — in fact, Rose Troche said she found her at a bar. Rose told Curve, "I was looking for a Puerto Rican character,...
- 10/6/2011
- by Trish Bendix
- AfterEllen.com
Tammy Lynn Michaels (ex-Mrs. Melissa Etheridge) has just landed the lead role in the indie film, Who's Afraid Of Vagina Wolf?. Based on a true story, Vagina Wolf? follows "the trials and tribulations of following your dreams in an outrageous parody of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Anna Margarita Albelo plays a desperate filmmaker on the brink of a nervous breakdown as she attempts to create her own all-female production, Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf? This re-claiming of an iconic film brings together an amazing and diverse group of filmmakers both in front of and behind the camera.
Read more on Exclusive: Tammy Lynn Michaels to lead Who’S Afraid Of Vagina Wolf?...
Read more on Exclusive: Tammy Lynn Michaels to lead Who’S Afraid Of Vagina Wolf?...
- 6/27/2011
- by Chase Whale
- GordonandtheWhale
Anna Margarita Albelo On this blog we have set mandates for ourselves to cover 'women in the biz' and also Latin American / Ibero filmmaking. Anna Margarita's next project was one of the six selected to participate in Miami Iinternational Film Festival's Encuentros Program for Ibero-American films in progress. The feature, working title Sweet 15, is about a Miami-bred Cuban-American girl's quest to have the best coming-of-age "quinceanera" party ever; shooting is scheduled for Fall 2011 in Miami. By guest blogger Peter Belsito Anna is a dynamic woman who is a filmmaker, journalist and proud Cuban American who hails from…...
- 3/18/2011
- Sydney's Buzz
Jc Calciano‘s Is It Just Me? (top); Nicole Conn‘s Elena Undone (middle); Roberto Moreira‘s Paulista (bottom) Jc Calciano‘s Is It Just Me?, Anna Margarita Albelo‘s Hooters!, Roberto Moreira‘s Paulista, and Nicole Conn‘s Elena Undone are some of the films screening at Outfest 2010 on Friday, July 16. Is It Just Me? is a West Hollywood-set romantic comedy that borrows plot elements from Cyrano de Bergerac: Blaine (Nicholas Downs) falls in love with Xander (David Loren) after chatting with him online. The glitch is that the profile picture Blaine saw was that of Xander’s hunky roommate Cameron (Adam Huss). Hooters! is a documentary about the making of Cheryl Dunye‘s The Owls, screened last weekend at Outfest. In Paulista, an actress (Sílvia Lourenço), a lawyer (Maria Clara Spinelli), and an author (Fábio Herford) look for love in the streets of bustling São Paulo. Elena Undone...
- 7/16/2010
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
A change of pace from labor unrest – a belated letter from Cannes, originally scheduled for print publication, but cut for space reasons.
Cannes, France – Here at Cannes, almost everybody has a home. Stars and directors are found on the red carpet, and producers and distributors inhabit the Film Market in the basement of the Palais, headquarters of both the Festival and the Market. Directors can also be found at Directors Fortnight, a sidebar to the main festival, and even critics have an event, called Critics Week, another sidebar.
But where are the screenwriters? Unfortunately, they don’t get even a weekend, let alone a fortnight. That’s perhaps not surprising in the country that originated the auteur theory, the idea that the director is the sole author of a film. But if screenwriters don’t garner the glamour, they nonetheless can be found at Cannes with a bit of searching.
Cannes, France – Here at Cannes, almost everybody has a home. Stars and directors are found on the red carpet, and producers and distributors inhabit the Film Market in the basement of the Palais, headquarters of both the Festival and the Market. Directors can also be found at Directors Fortnight, a sidebar to the main festival, and even critics have an event, called Critics Week, another sidebar.
But where are the screenwriters? Unfortunately, they don’t get even a weekend, let alone a fortnight. That’s perhaps not surprising in the country that originated the auteur theory, the idea that the director is the sole author of a film. But if screenwriters don’t garner the glamour, they nonetheless can be found at Cannes with a bit of searching.
- 7/7/2008
- by noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Handel)
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