Moving Bangladesh wins $20,000 Sloan Fast Track Grant.
Projects from the UK, Bangladesh, Greece and Trinidad & Tobago were among 15 selected for Film Independent’s 19th Fast Track Film Finance Market that took place online from November 15-18, the organisation said on Friday.
The four-day programme connected participating filmmakers with financiers, production companies, agents, managers and other film industry professionals from, among others, A24, Decal, Maven Screen Media, Searchlight Pictures, Venice Film Festival, and Hollywood agencies.
Recent Fast Track projects completed include Bing Liu’s 2019 Oscar-nominated documentary Minding The Gap; Hikari’s 2019 Berlinale jury prize and audience award-winning debut 37 Seconds; Kirill Mikhanovsky...
Projects from the UK, Bangladesh, Greece and Trinidad & Tobago were among 15 selected for Film Independent’s 19th Fast Track Film Finance Market that took place online from November 15-18, the organisation said on Friday.
The four-day programme connected participating filmmakers with financiers, production companies, agents, managers and other film industry professionals from, among others, A24, Decal, Maven Screen Media, Searchlight Pictures, Venice Film Festival, and Hollywood agencies.
Recent Fast Track projects completed include Bing Liu’s 2019 Oscar-nominated documentary Minding The Gap; Hikari’s 2019 Berlinale jury prize and audience award-winning debut 37 Seconds; Kirill Mikhanovsky...
- 11/19/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options—not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves–each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit platforms. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Afrofuturism
Curated by Ashley Clark, The Criterion Channel is putting the spotlight on Afrofuturism in a new series exploring, as Ytasha Womack writes, films that “combine elements of science fiction, historical fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, Afrocentricity, and magic realism with non-Western beliefs.” Along with a handful of shorts, the features include Space Is the Place (1974), Born in Flames (1983), The Brother from Another Planet (1984), Ornette: Made in America (1985), Yeelen (1987), Welcome II the Terrordome (1995), The Last Angel of History (1996), An Oversimplification of Her Beauty (2012), White Out, Black In (2014), Crumbs (2015), Once There Was Brasilia (2017), and Supa Modo (2018).
Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel
City Hall (Frederick Wiseman)
In the opening shot of Frederick Wiseman’s National Gallery,...
Afrofuturism
Curated by Ashley Clark, The Criterion Channel is putting the spotlight on Afrofuturism in a new series exploring, as Ytasha Womack writes, films that “combine elements of science fiction, historical fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, Afrocentricity, and magic realism with non-Western beliefs.” Along with a handful of shorts, the features include Space Is the Place (1974), Born in Flames (1983), The Brother from Another Planet (1984), Ornette: Made in America (1985), Yeelen (1987), Welcome II the Terrordome (1995), The Last Angel of History (1996), An Oversimplification of Her Beauty (2012), White Out, Black In (2014), Crumbs (2015), Once There Was Brasilia (2017), and Supa Modo (2018).
Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel
City Hall (Frederick Wiseman)
In the opening shot of Frederick Wiseman’s National Gallery,...
- 12/25/2020
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
With streaming dominating the industry — and suddenly becoming the “new normal” in a changing world — IndieWire is taking a closer look at the news cycle, breaking down what really matters to provide a clear picture of what companies are winning the streaming wars, and how they’re pulling ahead.
By looking at trends and the latest developments, Streaming Wars Report: Indie Edition offers a snapshot of what’s happening overall and day-to-day in streaming for the indie set. Check out the latest Streaming Wars Report for updates to the bigger players in the industry.
The pleasures of 2020 have been limited, a theme that will likely carry over to a muted holiday season not nearly as resplendent with the usual festive bounty. So many months into the pandemic, even the most ardent of film fans and television fanatics have likely long since burnt through their usual favorites and all the new...
By looking at trends and the latest developments, Streaming Wars Report: Indie Edition offers a snapshot of what’s happening overall and day-to-day in streaming for the indie set. Check out the latest Streaming Wars Report for updates to the bigger players in the industry.
The pleasures of 2020 have been limited, a theme that will likely carry over to a muted holiday season not nearly as resplendent with the usual festive bounty. So many months into the pandemic, even the most ardent of film fans and television fanatics have likely long since burnt through their usual favorites and all the new...
- 12/12/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Mubi, the premier streaming service for curated independent films, has revealed its picks for December. The selection of films coming exclusively to Mubi includes the world premiere of Benoit Toulemonde’s “Tripping With Nils Frahm,” an extraordinary musical trip that brings a unique concert experience to the screen, and “Cold Meridian,” the latest experimental short film by acclaimed director Peter Strickland. Mubi will also exclusively present “Liberté”, a period-piece provocation by visionary Catalan filmmaker Albert Serra as well as Kirill Mikhanovsky’s award-winning comedy “Give Me Liberty.” For those in the mood to relive the vibrant 90’s rave scene, Mubi is excited to present the streaming premiere of “Beats” from Scottish director Brian Welsh and executive producer Steven Soderbergh.
Also in December, Mubi is proud to launch a retrospective dedicated to prolific South Korean director Hong Sang-soo. Capturing the pleasures and perils of attraction in anti-romantic comedies, this selection includes...
Also in December, Mubi is proud to launch a retrospective dedicated to prolific South Korean director Hong Sang-soo. Capturing the pleasures and perils of attraction in anti-romantic comedies, this selection includes...
- 12/2/2020
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
The fifth annual International Film Festival and Awards Macao (Iffam) is set to take place Dec. 3-8, with online submissions opening June 15.
In a year when the coronavirus pandemic has shut down numerous film festivals and left cinemas shuttered worldwide, the theme for this year’s Iffam will be “A Celebration of Life and the Big Screen.” The festival will feature a specially curated section devoted to “films that define the out-of-home ‘big screen’ experience,” it said in a statement.
“It has been heartbreaking to see cinemas around the world closed this year, so Iffam would like to celebrate the return to cinemas and the joy of this beautiful communal experience,” said Iffam artistic director Mike Goodridge. “We can’t wait to see Macao audiences getting back into theaters.”
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, president of Iffam’s organizing committee and director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, acknowledged that...
In a year when the coronavirus pandemic has shut down numerous film festivals and left cinemas shuttered worldwide, the theme for this year’s Iffam will be “A Celebration of Life and the Big Screen.” The festival will feature a specially curated section devoted to “films that define the out-of-home ‘big screen’ experience,” it said in a statement.
“It has been heartbreaking to see cinemas around the world closed this year, so Iffam would like to celebrate the return to cinemas and the joy of this beautiful communal experience,” said Iffam artistic director Mike Goodridge. “We can’t wait to see Macao audiences getting back into theaters.”
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, president of Iffam’s organizing committee and director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, acknowledged that...
- 6/5/2020
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Festival will host a curated section devoted to films that define the out-of-home “big screen” experience.
International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) has confirmed that it is going ahead as a physical event in the city of Macao and has set its dates for December 3-8.
Reflecting the global battle against the Covid-19 pandemic, the theme of the festival will be “A Celebration Of Life & The Big Screen”.
The festival will screen a full programme of features and shorts, including a specially curated section devoted to films that define the out-of-home “big screen” experience.
Winners at last year’s Iffam included Give Me Liberty,...
International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) has confirmed that it is going ahead as a physical event in the city of Macao and has set its dates for December 3-8.
Reflecting the global battle against the Covid-19 pandemic, the theme of the festival will be “A Celebration Of Life & The Big Screen”.
The festival will screen a full programme of features and shorts, including a specially curated section devoted to films that define the out-of-home “big screen” experience.
Winners at last year’s Iffam included Give Me Liberty,...
- 6/5/2020
- by 89¦Liz Shackleton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
The films are: Portrait Of A Lady On Fire; A White, White Day; Give Me Liberty ; The Perfect Candidate and A Brother’s Love.
Göteborg Film Festival Film has teamed up with Swedish distributors to launch several new arthouse titles on its VOD platform Draken Film.
The films are: Portrait Of A Lady On Fire by Céline Sciamma; A White, White Day by Hlynur Pálmason; Give Me Liberty by Kirill Mikhanovsky; The Perfect Candidate by Haifaa Al Mansour and A Brother’s Love by Mona Chokri.
During the first six months, half of the revenues from new subscribers will go to independent Swedish arthouse cinemas,...
Göteborg Film Festival Film has teamed up with Swedish distributors to launch several new arthouse titles on its VOD platform Draken Film.
The films are: Portrait Of A Lady On Fire by Céline Sciamma; A White, White Day by Hlynur Pálmason; Give Me Liberty by Kirill Mikhanovsky; The Perfect Candidate by Haifaa Al Mansour and A Brother’s Love by Mona Chokri.
During the first six months, half of the revenues from new subscribers will go to independent Swedish arthouse cinemas,...
- 3/18/2020
- by 1101184¦Orlando Parfitt¦38¦
- ScreenDaily
Swedish distributors are joining forces with the Göteborg Film Festival’s VOD platform Draken Film to launch a series of upcoming arthouse movies online, and will use half of the proceeds to support local cinemas hit by the coronavirus crisis.
The first wave of films will include Céline Sciamma’s Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, Hlynur Pálmason’s A White, White Day, Kirill Mikhanovsky’s Give Me Liberty, Haifaa al-Mansour’s The Perfect Candidate, and Mona Chokri’s A Brother’s Love.
More from DeadlineNickelodeon Launches #KidsTogether To Help Kids & Families During The Coronavirus CrisisCentral Casting Closed Until Further Notice Amid Coronavirus PandemicNYSE Trading Floor Closing As Of Monday: Markets To Shift To Fully Electronic Mode
Draken has linked up with local releasers Folkets Bio and Smorgasbord Picture House and is in talks with more distributors about future releases. A representative of the VOD service told us that, with more cinemas closing daily,...
The first wave of films will include Céline Sciamma’s Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, Hlynur Pálmason’s A White, White Day, Kirill Mikhanovsky’s Give Me Liberty, Haifaa al-Mansour’s The Perfect Candidate, and Mona Chokri’s A Brother’s Love.
More from DeadlineNickelodeon Launches #KidsTogether To Help Kids & Families During The Coronavirus CrisisCentral Casting Closed Until Further Notice Amid Coronavirus PandemicNYSE Trading Floor Closing As Of Monday: Markets To Shift To Fully Electronic Mode
Draken has linked up with local releasers Folkets Bio and Smorgasbord Picture House and is in talks with more distributors about future releases. A representative of the VOD service told us that, with more cinemas closing daily,...
- 3/18/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In the wake of taking the John Cassvetees award at this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards for their comedy Give Me Liberty, the pic’s director/co-scribe Kirill Mikhanovsky and scribe Alice Austen have inked with Wme.
Give Me Liberty was nominated for four Film Independent Spirit Awards this year including Best Editing, Best Male Lead (Chris Galust) and Best Supporting Female (Lauren ‘Lolo’ Spencer). The movie made its world premiere at last year’s Sundance Film Festival and went on to screen in the Directors’ Fornight at last year’s Cannes. Made for less than $500K, Give Me Liberty centers around medical transport driver Vic who risks his job to shuttle a group of rowdy seniors and a Russian boxer to a funeral, dragging a young woman with Als, along for the ride. The pic notched a 91% certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Previously, Mikhanovsky wrote Gabriel and...
Give Me Liberty was nominated for four Film Independent Spirit Awards this year including Best Editing, Best Male Lead (Chris Galust) and Best Supporting Female (Lauren ‘Lolo’ Spencer). The movie made its world premiere at last year’s Sundance Film Festival and went on to screen in the Directors’ Fornight at last year’s Cannes. Made for less than $500K, Give Me Liberty centers around medical transport driver Vic who risks his job to shuttle a group of rowdy seniors and a Russian boxer to a funeral, dragging a young woman with Als, along for the ride. The pic notched a 91% certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Previously, Mikhanovsky wrote Gabriel and...
- 2/28/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Uncut Gems wins best lead actor, directing, editing.
Lulu Wang’s The Farewell was named best feature at the Spirit Awards in Santa Monica on Saturday (8) in a night that recognised female directing talent in stark contrast to tomorrow’s Oscars.
Olivia Wilde won best first film for Booksmart, and American Factory, co-directed by Julia Reichert, (alongside Steven Bognar), won best documentary.
Renée Zellweger won best actress for Judy and has virtually swept the boards this awards season ahead of Sunday’s expected win at the Academy Awards.
Adam Sandler was a popular winner for Uncut Gems, which took home...
Lulu Wang’s The Farewell was named best feature at the Spirit Awards in Santa Monica on Saturday (8) in a night that recognised female directing talent in stark contrast to tomorrow’s Oscars.
Olivia Wilde won best first film for Booksmart, and American Factory, co-directed by Julia Reichert, (alongside Steven Bognar), won best documentary.
Renée Zellweger won best actress for Judy and has virtually swept the boards this awards season ahead of Sunday’s expected win at the Academy Awards.
Adam Sandler was a popular winner for Uncut Gems, which took home...
- 2/9/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
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
The winners of the 2020 Independent Spirit Awards are being announced live during today’s ceremony, hosted for the second year in a row by Aubrey Plaza (fresh off rave reviews from Sundance for her performance in the indie “Black Bear”). Unlike the Oscars where Netflix is the most-nominated studio, the Spirit Awards are dominated in 2020 by A24. The indie distributor boats 18 nominations across four movies: “The Lighthouse,” “Waves,” “The Farewell,” “Uncut Gems,” and “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.” The Safdie brothers’ “Uncut Gems” and Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse” lead all movies with five nominations each. Both of these films are nominated for Best Feature along with Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell,” Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story,” and Chinonye Chukwu’s “Clemency.”
Last year’s big Spirit Award winner was Barry Jenkins’ “If Beale Street Could Talk,” which won prizes for Best Feature,...
Last year’s big Spirit Award winner was Barry Jenkins’ “If Beale Street Could Talk,” which won prizes for Best Feature,...
- 2/8/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The 35th annual Spirit Awards, honoring the best in independent cinema, took place Saturday in Santa Monica.
Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” won best picture, while Adam Sandler and Renee Zellweger took home the top acting prizes.
Full list of winners.
Best Feature
A Hidden Life
Clemency
The Farewell (Winner)
Marriage Story
Uncut Gems
Best Director
Robert Eggers – The Lighthouse
Alma Har’el – Honey Boy
Julius Onah – Luce
Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie – Uncut Gems (Winner)
Lorene Scafaria – Hustlers
Best First Feature
Booksmart (Winner)
The Climb
Diane
The Last Black Man In San Francisco
The Mustang
See You Yesterday
Best Female Lead
Karen Allen – Colewell
Hong Chau – Driveways
Elisabeth Moss – Her Smell
Mary Kay Place – Diane
Alfre Woodard – Clemency
Renée Zellweger – Judy (Winner)
Best Male Lead
Chris Galust – Give Me Liberty
Kelvin Harrison Jr. – Luce
Robert Pattinson – The Lighthouse
Adam Sandler – Uncut Gems (Winner)
Matthias Schoenaerts – The Mustang
Best Supporting Female
Jennifer Lopez...
Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” won best picture, while Adam Sandler and Renee Zellweger took home the top acting prizes.
Full list of winners.
Best Feature
A Hidden Life
Clemency
The Farewell (Winner)
Marriage Story
Uncut Gems
Best Director
Robert Eggers – The Lighthouse
Alma Har’el – Honey Boy
Julius Onah – Luce
Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie – Uncut Gems (Winner)
Lorene Scafaria – Hustlers
Best First Feature
Booksmart (Winner)
The Climb
Diane
The Last Black Man In San Francisco
The Mustang
See You Yesterday
Best Female Lead
Karen Allen – Colewell
Hong Chau – Driveways
Elisabeth Moss – Her Smell
Mary Kay Place – Diane
Alfre Woodard – Clemency
Renée Zellweger – Judy (Winner)
Best Male Lead
Chris Galust – Give Me Liberty
Kelvin Harrison Jr. – Luce
Robert Pattinson – The Lighthouse
Adam Sandler – Uncut Gems (Winner)
Matthias Schoenaerts – The Mustang
Best Supporting Female
Jennifer Lopez...
- 2/8/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Aubrey Plaza will return to host the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday in Santa Monica.
The 35th annual Spirit Awards are set to air live on the IFC Channel beginning at 5 p.m. Et/2 p.m. Pt. The network will live stream the ceremony on its website, though audiences will need a cable login to watch. TV subscribers can also watch the show live on IFC app’s, available on iOS and Android, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Xbox, and Android TV devices.
This year’s top Spirit Award nominees include Robert Pattinson’s “The Lighthouse” and Adam Sandler’s “Uncut Gems,” with five nods each. Shia Labeouf’s “Honey Boy” and Kirill Mikhanovsky’s scored four nominations.
“Uncut Gems,” Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” Chinonye Chukwu’s “Clemency,” Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” and Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” are up for best feature.
Here’s the full...
The 35th annual Spirit Awards are set to air live on the IFC Channel beginning at 5 p.m. Et/2 p.m. Pt. The network will live stream the ceremony on its website, though audiences will need a cable login to watch. TV subscribers can also watch the show live on IFC app’s, available on iOS and Android, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Xbox, and Android TV devices.
This year’s top Spirit Award nominees include Robert Pattinson’s “The Lighthouse” and Adam Sandler’s “Uncut Gems,” with five nods each. Shia Labeouf’s “Honey Boy” and Kirill Mikhanovsky’s scored four nominations.
“Uncut Gems,” Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” Chinonye Chukwu’s “Clemency,” Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” and Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” are up for best feature.
Here’s the full...
- 2/8/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options—not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves–each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit platforms. Check out this week’s selections below and an archive of past round-ups here.
Asako I & II (Ryūsuke Hamaguchi)
Full-fledged, complicated, rapturous romance is relatively rare in cinema nowadays, and one of the very best examples is Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s Asako I & II, which uses its doubled lovers as a way to reflect back upon its main character, in all of her doubts and uncertainties. Deeply rooted in its present moment, yet prone to flights of fancy as transportive and unreal as any in contemporary filmmaking, the film delights as much as it aches, staying in close step with the turns caused by the whims of the self and the other, moving back and forth in rapture. – Ryan S.
Asako I & II (Ryūsuke Hamaguchi)
Full-fledged, complicated, rapturous romance is relatively rare in cinema nowadays, and one of the very best examples is Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s Asako I & II, which uses its doubled lovers as a way to reflect back upon its main character, in all of her doubts and uncertainties. Deeply rooted in its present moment, yet prone to flights of fancy as transportive and unreal as any in contemporary filmmaking, the film delights as much as it aches, staying in close step with the turns caused by the whims of the self and the other, moving back and forth in rapture. – Ryan S.
- 1/17/2020
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Fyzal Boulifa’s Lynn + Lucy, Hamish Bennett’s Bellbird and Rodd Rathjen’s Buoyancy were also among the winners at the Asian gathering. Us-based Russian writer-director Kirill Mikhanovsky’s feature Give Me Liberty has emerged as the big winner of the Best Film Award at the fourth International Film Festival & Awards‧Macao (Iffam). Headed up by Iffam artistic director Mike Goodridge, the festival ran from 5-10 December and wrapped with the awards ceremony held at the Macao Cultural Centre. The Official Competition jury, chaired by Chinese director-producer-screenwriter Peter Chan Ho-sun, and comprising president and CEO of Vrega Ellen Eliasoph, Indonesian actress Dian Sastrowardoyo, Myanma director Midi Z and British actor Tom Cullen, handed the $60,000 award to Give Me Liberty, saying about their decision: “This is a farcical and poignant portrait of a day in the life of America’s challenged and disenfranchised. The film starts with hilarious, inexhaustible energy, and then weaves.
- 12/11/2019
- Cineuropa - The Best of European Cinema
The 2019 International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) closed yesterday (December 4) with an awards ceremony that saw Kirill Mikhanovsky’s English/Russian-language comedy Give Me Liberty named best film in the international competition. A jury presided over by Chinese filmmaker Peter Chan Ho-sun awarded its best director prize to Fyzal Boulifa for his debut feature Lynn + Lucy, and the best screenplay prize to Hamish Bennett for Bellbird. The acting awards went to Sarm Heng for Bouyancy and Roxanne Scrimshaw for Lynn + Lucy. Finally, the Macao Audience Choice Award also went to Rodd Rathjen’s Buoyancy. In the New Chinese Cinema competition, which was presided over by Cristian Mungiu, Xiaogang Gu’s Dwelling In The Fuchun Mountains was named best new Chinese-language film of the year. Best director went to Anthony Chen for Wet Season, best screenplay went to Johnny Ma for To Live To Sing, and the acting awards went to...
- 12/11/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Fyzal Boulifa won best director for UK title ‘Lynn + Lucy’.
The 4th International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) closed on Tuesday night (10) with the top award going to Us film Give Me Liberty directed by Kirill Mikhanovsky.
Stars such as Carina Lau and Juliette Binoche were on the red carpet for the festival, which showed 43 films including 10 in International Competition and six in the New Chinese Cinema Competition. It ran from December 5-10 in and around the Macau Cultural Centre.
Chinese filmmaker Peter Chan Ho-sun headed the jury for first and second-time directors in the international competition. He was joined...
The 4th International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) closed on Tuesday night (10) with the top award going to Us film Give Me Liberty directed by Kirill Mikhanovsky.
Stars such as Carina Lau and Juliette Binoche were on the red carpet for the festival, which showed 43 films including 10 in International Competition and six in the New Chinese Cinema Competition. It ran from December 5-10 in and around the Macau Cultural Centre.
Chinese filmmaker Peter Chan Ho-sun headed the jury for first and second-time directors in the international competition. He was joined...
- 12/10/2019
- by 134¦Jean Noh¦516¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Music Box Films has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Pablo Larraín’s (Jackie) Venice Film Festival drama Ema, starring newcomer Mariana Di Girolamo, Gael García Bernal (Mozart In The Jungle), and Santiago Cabrera (Big Little Lies).
Music Box plans to theatrically release the Sundance-bound drama in summer 2020. The deal was negotiated by Music Box President William Schopf and CAA Media Finance.
Ema charts a woman’s odyssey of personal liberation after a shocking incident upends her family life and marriage to a tempestuous choreographer.
“I feel proud and excited to be working again with Music Box Films, a wonderful company for a movie like Ema in the USA,” said feted Chilean director Larraín. “It’s truly amazing.” The distributor previously released the director’s 2015 film The Club.
“This is one of those films that you have to see to believe,” added Music Box Films’ President William Schopf. “Entirely singular,...
Music Box plans to theatrically release the Sundance-bound drama in summer 2020. The deal was negotiated by Music Box President William Schopf and CAA Media Finance.
Ema charts a woman’s odyssey of personal liberation after a shocking incident upends her family life and marriage to a tempestuous choreographer.
“I feel proud and excited to be working again with Music Box Films, a wonderful company for a movie like Ema in the USA,” said feted Chilean director Larraín. “It’s truly amazing.” The distributor previously released the director’s 2015 film The Club.
“This is one of those films that you have to see to believe,” added Music Box Films’ President William Schopf. “Entirely singular,...
- 12/10/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Kirill Mikhanovsky’s “Give Me Liberty” and Gu Xiaogang’s “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains won the best picture prizes in the international and Chinese cinema sections on Tuesday at the International Film Festival and Awards Macau (Iffam).
“This film shouldn’t have existed because there were so many obstacles. Everything was a miracle. Us being here is an utter miracle,” said Mikhanovsky, who took the stage with his producer Alice Austen to describe the frenzy of trying to shoot their film for a quarter of their original budget.
“If someone had asked us a year ago if we’d like to show our film in Macau, we’d have said man, you’re out of your mind,” he laughed, before thanking the festival. “This is such a gathering of minds and intellects and true lovers of cinema, which is very rare. You’ve truly crafted a one-of-a-kind global event.
“This film shouldn’t have existed because there were so many obstacles. Everything was a miracle. Us being here is an utter miracle,” said Mikhanovsky, who took the stage with his producer Alice Austen to describe the frenzy of trying to shoot their film for a quarter of their original budget.
“If someone had asked us a year ago if we’d like to show our film in Macau, we’d have said man, you’re out of your mind,” he laughed, before thanking the festival. “This is such a gathering of minds and intellects and true lovers of cinema, which is very rare. You’ve truly crafted a one-of-a-kind global event.
- 12/10/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood loves to imitate success: Superhero movies, remakes, sequels. However, it’s been almost 33 years since Marlee Matlin won her Oscar for “Children of a Lesser God.” So why haven’t studio executives demanded more actors with disabilities to play characters with disabilities?
Since 1988, one-third of Oscar’s 30 lead actor winners were portraying a character with a disability, from Dustin Hoffman through Eddie Redmayne. That’s 10 in just one category. In contrast, there have been only two winning actors with disabilities — two! — in Oscar’s entire 91 years: Harold Russell and Matlin.
This column was designed to put current Oscar hopefuls into historical context. But after Russell and Matlin, there are no more names to cite.
Hollywood stepped up its push for inclusion/diversity in 2015, and this year’s Oscar race includes more black and female filmmakers than ever before. However, there are very few films featuring people with disabilities (or...
Since 1988, one-third of Oscar’s 30 lead actor winners were portraying a character with a disability, from Dustin Hoffman through Eddie Redmayne. That’s 10 in just one category. In contrast, there have been only two winning actors with disabilities — two! — in Oscar’s entire 91 years: Harold Russell and Matlin.
This column was designed to put current Oscar hopefuls into historical context. But after Russell and Matlin, there are no more names to cite.
Hollywood stepped up its push for inclusion/diversity in 2015, and this year’s Oscar race includes more black and female filmmakers than ever before. However, there are very few films featuring people with disabilities (or...
- 12/4/2019
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Josh and Benny Safdie’s Uncut Gems and Robert Eggers’s The Lighthouse topped the nominations list with five nominations each as Film Independent announced today the 2019 Film Independent Spirit Award nominees. Chinonye Chukwu’s Sundance winner Clemency, Julius Onah’s Luce and Alma Har’el’s Honey Boy also received multiple nominations as did lesser-promoted films such as Kirill Mikhanovsky’s Give Me Liberty and Tom Quinn’s Colewell. And so did one festival sleeper that premiered in Tribeca before then going to Netflix: Stefan Bristol’s See You Yesterday. That particular Spirit blend of higher-profile titles mixed with smaller ones continues throughout the rest of the […]...
- 11/22/2019
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Josh and Benny Safdie’s Uncut Gems and Robert Eggers’s The Lighthouse topped the nominations list with five nominations each as Film Independent announced today the 2019 Film Independent Spirit Award nominees. Chinonye Chukwu’s Sundance winner Clemency, Julius Onah’s Luce and Alma Har’el’s Honey Boy also received multiple nominations as did lesser-promoted films such as Kirill Mikhanovsky’s Give Me Liberty and Tom Quinn’s Colewell. And so did one festival sleeper that premiered in Tribeca before then going to Netflix: Stefan Bristol’s See You Yesterday. That particular Spirit blend of higher-profile titles mixed with smaller ones continues throughout the rest of the […]...
- 11/22/2019
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Best international film nominees include Parasite, Portrait Of A Lady On Fire and The Souvenir.
Uncut Gems and The Lighthouse have emerged as the top contenders for this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards with five nods apiece while A24 leads the distributor pack on 18 nominations.
Adam Sandler from Uncut Gems will face off against The Lighthouse’s Robert Pattinson and others for best lead male and the Safdie brothers and Robert Eggers are among the best director nominees for each film, respectively.
Other best feature nominees announced on Thursday (21) are A Hidden Life, Clemency, The Farewell and Marriage Story.
Uncut Gems and The Lighthouse have emerged as the top contenders for this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards with five nods apiece while A24 leads the distributor pack on 18 nominations.
Adam Sandler from Uncut Gems will face off against The Lighthouse’s Robert Pattinson and others for best lead male and the Safdie brothers and Robert Eggers are among the best director nominees for each film, respectively.
Other best feature nominees announced on Thursday (21) are A Hidden Life, Clemency, The Farewell and Marriage Story.
- 11/22/2019
- by 31¦John Hazelton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Best international film nominees include Parasite, Portrait Of A Lady On Fire and The Souvenir.
Uncut Gems has emerged as the top contender among nominees for this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards, with the Adam Sandler drama getting nominations in five categories including best feature.
Other best feature nominees are A Hidden Life, Clemency, The Farewell and Marriage Story.
The Lighthouse also got five Spirit Award nominations and other films with multiple citations included Give Me Liberty and Honey Boy with four each and Clemency, Hustlers, The Last Black Man In San Francisco, Luce, Marriage Story and The Third Wife with three each.
Uncut Gems has emerged as the top contender among nominees for this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards, with the Adam Sandler drama getting nominations in five categories including best feature.
Other best feature nominees are A Hidden Life, Clemency, The Farewell and Marriage Story.
The Lighthouse also got five Spirit Award nominations and other films with multiple citations included Give Me Liberty and Honey Boy with four each and Clemency, Hustlers, The Last Black Man In San Francisco, Luce, Marriage Story and The Third Wife with three each.
- 11/21/2019
- ScreenDaily
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
The nominations for the 35th Independent Spirit Awards have been announced, and it was a big morning for “The Lighthouse” and “Uncut Gems.” The annual indie awards ceremony is presented by Film Independent and takes place the day before the Academy Awards on the beach in Santa Monica, California. The Spirit Awards have become known over the last decade for showcasing nominees that are a mix of underdog films and higher-profile awards contenders.
It’s important to note the Indie Spirit Awards has a budget ceiling of $22.5 million, meaning any movie made for more than this amount is ineligible for nominations. For this reason, Martin Scorsese’s Netflix-backed “The Irishman” was not eligible for 2020 nominations (the film had a budget north of $150 million). Netflix’s other top Oscar contender, Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story,” is eligible for Spirit Awards and landed a Best Feature nomination. As has become common over the last several years,...
It’s important to note the Indie Spirit Awards has a budget ceiling of $22.5 million, meaning any movie made for more than this amount is ineligible for nominations. For this reason, Martin Scorsese’s Netflix-backed “The Irishman” was not eligible for 2020 nominations (the film had a budget north of $150 million). Netflix’s other top Oscar contender, Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story,” is eligible for Spirit Awards and landed a Best Feature nomination. As has become common over the last several years,...
- 11/21/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The youth-focused festival has recruited 400 young jurors from 41 countries.
Palestinian director Elia Suleiman’s It Must Be Heaven opens an expanded seventh edition of Doha Film Institute (Dfi)’s youth-focused Ajyal Film Festival, which runs November 18-23.
For the first time, the event will also unfold in the new commercial venues of the Novo Cinemas on the Pearl island district and Vox Cinemas in the Doha Festival City Hall mall as well as its traditional home of the Katara cultural quarter.
“We’re excited to be holding screenings in multiple locations outside our traditional base of Katara,” festival chief and...
Palestinian director Elia Suleiman’s It Must Be Heaven opens an expanded seventh edition of Doha Film Institute (Dfi)’s youth-focused Ajyal Film Festival, which runs November 18-23.
For the first time, the event will also unfold in the new commercial venues of the Novo Cinemas on the Pearl island district and Vox Cinemas in the Doha Festival City Hall mall as well as its traditional home of the Katara cultural quarter.
“We’re excited to be holding screenings in multiple locations outside our traditional base of Katara,” festival chief and...
- 11/18/2019
- by 1100380¦Melanie Goodfellow¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
When disability lifestyle influencer Lauren "Lolo" Spencer was first approached about taking on a role in the film Give Me Liberty, there were plenty of unique qualities about the story to consider before saying yes.
Kirill Mikhanovsky and Alice Austen's script about a medical transport driver named Vic who speeds through the streets of Milwaukee amidst riots, trying to pick up and drop off scheduled clients while also transporting his Russian grandfather and émigré friends to a funeral, is chaotic in every sense of the word.
Yet it wasn't the dark comedy or the spiral of storylines ...
Kirill Mikhanovsky and Alice Austen's script about a medical transport driver named Vic who speeds through the streets of Milwaukee amidst riots, trying to pick up and drop off scheduled clients while also transporting his Russian grandfather and émigré friends to a funeral, is chaotic in every sense of the word.
Yet it wasn't the dark comedy or the spiral of storylines ...
- 11/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
When disability lifestyle influencer Lauren "Lolo" Spencer was first approached about taking on a role in the film Give Me Liberty, there were plenty of unique qualities about the story to consider before saying yes.
Kirill Mikhanovsky and Alice Austen's script about a medical transport driver named Vic who speeds through the streets of Milwaukee amidst riots, trying to pick up and drop off scheduled clients while also transporting his Russian grandfather and émigré friends to a funeral, is chaotic in every sense of the word.
Yet it wasn't the dark comedy or the spiral of storylines ...
Kirill Mikhanovsky and Alice Austen's script about a medical transport driver named Vic who speeds through the streets of Milwaukee amidst riots, trying to pick up and drop off scheduled clients while also transporting his Russian grandfather and émigré friends to a funeral, is chaotic in every sense of the word.
Yet it wasn't the dark comedy or the spiral of storylines ...
- 11/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taika Waititi’s provocative Nazi comedy “Jojo Rabbit” has been set as the opening night gala screening at the fourth edition of the International Film Festival & Awards Macao.
The festival packs together a competition section that includes recent festival favorites Gitanjali Rao’s animation “Bombay Rose,” and barely fictionalize modern-day slavery drama “Buoyancy,” by Rodd Rathjen, alongside gala screenings of “Shaun The Sheep 2: Farmageddon,” and Japan’s “Dance With Me,” by Shinobu Yaguchi.
A strong Chinese presence includes “Better Days,” by Derek Tsang; Cannes Critics Week film “Dwelling In The Fuchun Mountains,” by Gu Xiaogang; “To Live To Sing,” by Johnny Ma; and Singaporean director Anthony Chen’s “Wet Season.”
The World Panorama strand films by celebrated directors, includes “The Invisible Life Of Eurídice Gusmao,” winner of Un Certain Regard, “Little Joe,” for which Emily Beecham won best actress in Cannes, and “Proxima,” for which director Alice Winocour won...
The festival packs together a competition section that includes recent festival favorites Gitanjali Rao’s animation “Bombay Rose,” and barely fictionalize modern-day slavery drama “Buoyancy,” by Rodd Rathjen, alongside gala screenings of “Shaun The Sheep 2: Farmageddon,” and Japan’s “Dance With Me,” by Shinobu Yaguchi.
A strong Chinese presence includes “Better Days,” by Derek Tsang; Cannes Critics Week film “Dwelling In The Fuchun Mountains,” by Gu Xiaogang; “To Live To Sing,” by Johnny Ma; and Singaporean director Anthony Chen’s “Wet Season.”
The World Panorama strand films by celebrated directors, includes “The Invisible Life Of Eurídice Gusmao,” winner of Un Certain Regard, “Little Joe,” for which Emily Beecham won best actress in Cannes, and “Proxima,” for which director Alice Winocour won...
- 11/5/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Give Me Liberty filmmakers Alice Austen and Kirill Mikhanovsky have signed with Paradigm.
Austen, who was previously represented in the Theater division, co-wrote the feature with Mikhanovsky, which is based on his own personal experiences. The film, directed by Mikhanovsky, follows Vic, a young Russian immigrant who drives a medical transport van for people with disabilities in Milwaukee, over the course of one chaotic day. It features experienced actors and nonprofessionals in a darkly comedic portrait of marginalized individuals searching for the American dream in a struggling city. The film bowed earlier this year at Sundance and screened at the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival. Music Box Films acquired all U.S. rights to the film and was released in August. It earned actor Chris Galust a nomination for Breakthrough Actor at this year’s Gotham Awards.
Mikhanovsky’s film Sonhos de Peixe won the Prix...
Austen, who was previously represented in the Theater division, co-wrote the feature with Mikhanovsky, which is based on his own personal experiences. The film, directed by Mikhanovsky, follows Vic, a young Russian immigrant who drives a medical transport van for people with disabilities in Milwaukee, over the course of one chaotic day. It features experienced actors and nonprofessionals in a darkly comedic portrait of marginalized individuals searching for the American dream in a struggling city. The film bowed earlier this year at Sundance and screened at the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival. Music Box Films acquired all U.S. rights to the film and was released in August. It earned actor Chris Galust a nomination for Breakthrough Actor at this year’s Gotham Awards.
Mikhanovsky’s film Sonhos de Peixe won the Prix...
- 10/24/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Wichita's indie-filled celebration of cinema is hosting its 17th edition of the Tallgrass Film Festival in a few weeks and their full lineup is packed with goodness. A leader in the regional festival scene for bringing independent films to the Midwest, this year's festival is another great mix of festival faves and smaller films that easily slip through the cracks. We'll have plenty more to come as the festival start date of October 16 approaches, but until then, the full press release and lineup is below. The 17th Annual Tallgrass Film Festival announces lineup of feature films including Opening Night Gala selection of James Sweeney’s Straight Up, Stubbornly Independent presentation of Haroula Rose’s Once Upon A River and Closing Night Gala choice of Kirill Mikhanovsky’s...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 9/30/2019
- Screen Anarchy
Chicago – Moving from writing plays for the stage to writing for film may seem like a natural transition. But at the roots in each of these separate storytelling forms there are different ways of formulating the connection between dialogue and visuals. Alice Austen made this transition when she wrote – with director Kirill Mikhanovsky – the story and screenplay for “Give Me Liberty.”
Drive, He Said: Inside the Med Van in ‘Give Me Liberty’
Photo credit: Music Box Films
“Give Me Liberty” involves medical transport driver Vic (Chris Galust), who is perpetually late for his mostly handicapped clients, but it’s not his fault. Roads are closed for a protest, and no one else can shuttle his Russian grandfather and émigré friends to a funeral. The new route uproots his scheduled clients, particularly Tracy (Lauren “Lolo” Spencer in a breakout performance), a vibrant young woman with Als. As the day goes from hectic to off-the-rails,...
Drive, He Said: Inside the Med Van in ‘Give Me Liberty’
Photo credit: Music Box Films
“Give Me Liberty” involves medical transport driver Vic (Chris Galust), who is perpetually late for his mostly handicapped clients, but it’s not his fault. Roads are closed for a protest, and no one else can shuttle his Russian grandfather and émigré friends to a funeral. The new route uproots his scheduled clients, particularly Tracy (Lauren “Lolo” Spencer in a breakout performance), a vibrant young woman with Als. As the day goes from hectic to off-the-rails,...
- 9/19/2019
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Give Me Liberty director Kirill Mikhanovsky with producer/co-writer Alice Austen: "We didn't have the title for a very long time. In the process of the writing of scenes and simple plots, we're talking about more profound things, philosophizing, if you will." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Kirill Mikhanovsky and Alice Austen joined me in New York for an in-depth conversation on their madcap adventure Give Me Liberty, shot by Wyatt Garfield (Kent Jones's Diane), starring Chris Galust, Maxim Stoyanov, and Lauren 'Lolo' Spencer, with Arkady Basin, Zoya Makhlina, Darya Ekamasova, Sheryl Sims-Daniels, Atavia Gold Star, Steve Wolski, and Josette Daniels.
Lolo Spencer in New York for Give Me Liberty Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
We discussed how Maxim Stoyanov kept saying "Leonardo DiCaprio dies at the end of Titanic!", the evolution of the screenplay, Karl Ove Knausgaard and Alexis de Tocqueville, the determination it took to make Give Me Liberty, and...
Kirill Mikhanovsky and Alice Austen joined me in New York for an in-depth conversation on their madcap adventure Give Me Liberty, shot by Wyatt Garfield (Kent Jones's Diane), starring Chris Galust, Maxim Stoyanov, and Lauren 'Lolo' Spencer, with Arkady Basin, Zoya Makhlina, Darya Ekamasova, Sheryl Sims-Daniels, Atavia Gold Star, Steve Wolski, and Josette Daniels.
Lolo Spencer in New York for Give Me Liberty Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
We discussed how Maxim Stoyanov kept saying "Leonardo DiCaprio dies at the end of Titanic!", the evolution of the screenplay, Karl Ove Knausgaard and Alexis de Tocqueville, the determination it took to make Give Me Liberty, and...
- 9/2/2019
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Give Me Liberty star Lolo Spencer: "I want to be a symbol of representation. I want to represent the community authentically, the black community, womanhood, and being a person with a disability." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
In Kirill Mikhanovsky's unparalleled absurdly hilarious and decisive Give Me Liberty, co-written with Alice Austen, shot by Wyatt Garfield (Kent Jones's Diane), Lauren 'Lolo' Spencer's character Tracy is the voice of reason.
Vic (Chris Galust) is the driver of a medical van in Milwaukee. This particular day, nothing works as planned. His grandpa (Arkady Basin) insists on cooking his idiosyncratic chicken dish for breakfast in the home, where he lives with a group of emigre Russians his age. One of them, Lilya, had recently died, and there is no ride to the cemetery, so Vic has to step in and drive the rambunctious gaggle to the funeral, combining this with the scheduled...
In Kirill Mikhanovsky's unparalleled absurdly hilarious and decisive Give Me Liberty, co-written with Alice Austen, shot by Wyatt Garfield (Kent Jones's Diane), Lauren 'Lolo' Spencer's character Tracy is the voice of reason.
Vic (Chris Galust) is the driver of a medical van in Milwaukee. This particular day, nothing works as planned. His grandpa (Arkady Basin) insists on cooking his idiosyncratic chicken dish for breakfast in the home, where he lives with a group of emigre Russians his age. One of them, Lilya, had recently died, and there is no ride to the cemetery, so Vic has to step in and drive the rambunctious gaggle to the funeral, combining this with the scheduled...
- 8/26/2019
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
After “Late Night” failed to meet expectations despite a strong limited opening, Amazon Studios is trying again with another acclaimed Sundance comedy, “Brittany Runs a Marathon.” Released on five theaters in Los Angeles and New York this weekend, the film grossed $175,969 this weekend, averaging $35,194.
The film stars Jillian Bell, a party girl named Brittany, who takes up running after realizing that her late night escapades are taking a toll on her body. Paul Downs Colaizzo wrote and directed the film in his debut, earning a 88% Rotten Tomatoes score.
“Brittany Runs a Marathon” will expand to 25-50 screens in top 10 markets next weekend, a slower rollout than was given for “Late Night,” the Emma Thompson comedy written by Mindy Kaling. That film went wide a week after its NY/La opening and quickly fizzled out afterward, only grossing $15 million despite expanding to 2,220 screens.
Also Read: Gerard Butler's 'Angel Has Fallen...
The film stars Jillian Bell, a party girl named Brittany, who takes up running after realizing that her late night escapades are taking a toll on her body. Paul Downs Colaizzo wrote and directed the film in his debut, earning a 88% Rotten Tomatoes score.
“Brittany Runs a Marathon” will expand to 25-50 screens in top 10 markets next weekend, a slower rollout than was given for “Late Night,” the Emma Thompson comedy written by Mindy Kaling. That film went wide a week after its NY/La opening and quickly fizzled out afterward, only grossing $15 million despite expanding to 2,220 screens.
Also Read: Gerard Butler's 'Angel Has Fallen...
- 8/25/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Amazon Studios’ Brittany Runs A Marathon sprinted to a robust start in its first weekend, topping a mid-sized slate of new specialty openers. The Sundance premiere written and directed by feature newcomer Paul Downs Colaizzo and starring Jillian Bell grossed an estimated $175,969 in the three-day, averaging $35,194.
Brittany’s opening was cheered on by Q&As in Los Angeles by producers Tobey Maguire and Matthew Plouffe, whose Material Pictures financed the film, while Colaizzo and Bell were in New York for select post-showing chats. Amazon reported that Brittany Runs A Marathon was the “top performer for all opening theaters with sold-out showings, including AMC Lincoln Square, Arclight Hollywood and The Landmark.”
“This weekend is a great start and we are feeling very positive going into next weekend and the weeks to follow,” noted Julie Rapaport, co-head of Movies at Amazon Studios in a Sunday statement. “Audiences have laughed, cried and connected with...
Brittany’s opening was cheered on by Q&As in Los Angeles by producers Tobey Maguire and Matthew Plouffe, whose Material Pictures financed the film, while Colaizzo and Bell were in New York for select post-showing chats. Amazon reported that Brittany Runs A Marathon was the “top performer for all opening theaters with sold-out showings, including AMC Lincoln Square, Arclight Hollywood and The Landmark.”
“This weekend is a great start and we are feeling very positive going into next weekend and the weeks to follow,” noted Julie Rapaport, co-head of Movies at Amazon Studios in a Sunday statement. “Audiences have laughed, cried and connected with...
- 8/25/2019
- by Brian Brooks
- Deadline Film + TV
Brittany Runs a Marathon jumps into five New York and Los Angeles theaters this weekend ahead of a steady sprint nationwide in September. Amazon Studios picked up the title, starring Jillian Bell, following its Sundance premiere earlier this year. Fellow Sundancer Give Me Liberty from the festival’s Next section heads to select locations via Music Box Films, while IFC Films is opening literary drama-romance Vita & Virginia exclusively in Manhattan ahead of its L.A. bow and on-demand launch next week. Also in theaters as the summer vacation season begins its wind-down are horror film Tigers Are Not Afraid from Shudder and drama Hot Air with Neve Campbell, Steve Coogan and Judith Light via Freestyle Releasing.
Additional limited releases include Roadside Attractions’ Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles and Ammo Content’s Becoming Burlesque.
Brittany Runs a Marathon
Director-writer: Paul Downs Colaizzo
Cast: Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Lil Rel Howery,...
Additional limited releases include Roadside Attractions’ Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles and Ammo Content’s Becoming Burlesque.
Brittany Runs a Marathon
Director-writer: Paul Downs Colaizzo
Cast: Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Lil Rel Howery,...
- 8/23/2019
- by Brian Brooks
- Deadline Film + TV
Take it from me, someone who actually lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there are plenty of stories here that would make for an interesting film. Unfortunately, not many of the city’s tales would involve laughter, especially if you shoot the film during the nine months of the year where the weather is miserably cold. But somehow, someway, Kirill Mikhanovsky not only crafted a comedy set during the cold weather in Milwaukee but his film, “Give Me Liberty,” is actually great.
Continue reading ‘Give Me Liberty’ Exclusive Clip: A Medical Transport Driver Experiences A Hilariously Chaotic Day In New Comedy at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Give Me Liberty’ Exclusive Clip: A Medical Transport Driver Experiences A Hilariously Chaotic Day In New Comedy at The Playlist.
- 8/22/2019
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
If it wasn’t Vin Diesel (or Dwayne Johnson) behind the Fast & the Furious franchise, but rather a second-generation Russian-American living in a frigid Wisconsin, and if our protagonist’s goal wasn’t a victorious street race or bank heist, but rather dropping off handicapped people to their destination and his relatives to a funeral, you might have something like Give Me Liberty. One of our picks to see in theaters this month, the first trailer has now arrived.
I said in my Sundance review, “A kinetic, comedic journey taking place over a day, Kirill Mikhanovsky’s film is a bit too needlessly frenzy as it eventually runs out of steam, but is potent in its exploration of shared cross-cultural experiences.” With the film now receiving some trims for its theatrical release, we imagine a more satisfying experience is in store.
See the trailer below.
Medical transport driver Vic is late,...
I said in my Sundance review, “A kinetic, comedic journey taking place over a day, Kirill Mikhanovsky’s film is a bit too needlessly frenzy as it eventually runs out of steam, but is potent in its exploration of shared cross-cultural experiences.” With the film now receiving some trims for its theatrical release, we imagine a more satisfying experience is in store.
See the trailer below.
Medical transport driver Vic is late,...
- 8/6/2019
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The day in the life of a hapless, young medical transport van driver in Milwaukee doesn’t necessarily sound like the makings of a great comedy. However, in director Kirill Mikhanovsky’s “Give Me Liberty,” the life of young Vic is fodder for not only some truly hilarious comedic moments but also a quick glimpse at the social issues that affect the country today.
As seen in the first trailer for the film, there’s a lot going on during this hectic day for young Vic.
Continue reading ‘Give Me Liberty’ Trailer: Sundance Standout Comedy Follows A Day In The Life Of A Medical Transport Van Driver at The Playlist.
As seen in the first trailer for the film, there’s a lot going on during this hectic day for young Vic.
Continue reading ‘Give Me Liberty’ Trailer: Sundance Standout Comedy Follows A Day In The Life Of A Medical Transport Van Driver at The Playlist.
- 8/5/2019
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
How do you follow a stark drama about the struggles of a small Brazilian fishing village? If you’re Kirill Mikhanovsky, you wait 13 years and then direct a madcap dark comedy about driving people with disabilities around Milwaukee. The Russian director’s latest, “Give Me Liberty,” is a complex ensemble piece about a man who just can’t seem to make anything go right.
Chris Galust plays a Russian-American driver of a medical van, who shuttles an eccentric cast of characters around the city on the day of a riot. He is committed to driving a group of elderly Russians to a funeral, but he also wants to help a young black woman with Als, an Elvis-obsessed woman, and many more in this sprawling, chaotic movie.
The film, Mikhanovsky’s first feature since his 2003 debut “Fish Dreams,” draws from the director’s personal experiences. Before becoming a filmmaker, he worked...
Chris Galust plays a Russian-American driver of a medical van, who shuttles an eccentric cast of characters around the city on the day of a riot. He is committed to driving a group of elderly Russians to a funeral, but he also wants to help a young black woman with Als, an Elvis-obsessed woman, and many more in this sprawling, chaotic movie.
The film, Mikhanovsky’s first feature since his 2003 debut “Fish Dreams,” draws from the director’s personal experiences. Before becoming a filmmaker, he worked...
- 8/5/2019
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
The summer movie season is now winding down and, in a reversal of prevailing expectations, August brings one of the best slates of the entire year. From stellar documentaries to heartfelt stories of romance to a 14-hour epic, it’s an eclectic lineup before the busy fall season begins.
15. Apocalypse Now: Final Cut (Francis Ford Coppola; August 15)
This monthly rundown is usually reserved for new films, and Francis Ford Coppola’s latest project is no mere restoration, but rather a new “final cut” of Apocalypse Now–one that is getting an IMAX release. Nick Newman was at the world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, where he said, “More a reigned-in second stab than radical reworking, it suggests where he’d turned right or wrong, shows an affable stubbornness in the retention of lesser-liked pieces, and at day’s end maybe breeds further ambiguity as to what really shapes a masterpiece.
15. Apocalypse Now: Final Cut (Francis Ford Coppola; August 15)
This monthly rundown is usually reserved for new films, and Francis Ford Coppola’s latest project is no mere restoration, but rather a new “final cut” of Apocalypse Now–one that is getting an IMAX release. Nick Newman was at the world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, where he said, “More a reigned-in second stab than radical reworking, it suggests where he’d turned right or wrong, shows an affable stubbornness in the retention of lesser-liked pieces, and at day’s end maybe breeds further ambiguity as to what really shapes a masterpiece.
- 7/29/2019
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
“It’s this year’s Capernaum,” commented Wild Bunch sales chief Eva Diederix.
Wild Bunch is reporting sell-out sales for French filmmaker Ladj Ly’s incendiary Paris-set Palme d’Or contender Les Misérables,
The drama, capturing life in one of France’s tough outer-city suburbs, has been one of the buzziest titles at the festival, with Amazon scooping up Us rights the day after its premiere in Competition.
“It’s this year’s Capernaum,” commented Wild Bunch sales chief Eva Diederix, referring to Nadine Labaki’s 2018 grand jury prize winner which also sold like hotcakes last year.
In Europe, Les...
Wild Bunch is reporting sell-out sales for French filmmaker Ladj Ly’s incendiary Paris-set Palme d’Or contender Les Misérables,
The drama, capturing life in one of France’s tough outer-city suburbs, has been one of the buzziest titles at the festival, with Amazon scooping up Us rights the day after its premiere in Competition.
“It’s this year’s Capernaum,” commented Wild Bunch sales chief Eva Diederix, referring to Nadine Labaki’s 2018 grand jury prize winner which also sold like hotcakes last year.
In Europe, Les...
- 5/21/2019
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
May 15
– NewFest and NYC Pride, the official host of WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50, in partnership with Sva Theatre, announced its multi-day lineup of cinema and in-depth conversations for the 2019 edition of OutCinema from June 17 – June 19.
Each night features specially curated screenings followed by Q&As with the filmmakers and cast along with open bar after-parties. The three-day format encompasses the diversity of voices and perspectives within the Lgbtqia+ community while celebrating and commemorating the community’s commitment to our history.
“With the success of last year’s multi-day format for OutCinema, we’re thrilled to continue with the same structure for WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50,” said NYC Pride’s Executive Director, Chris Frederick, in an official statement. “This year’s film selections focus on diverse perspectives from our vibrant Lgbtqia+ community.”
“Given the momentous occasion of WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50, we’re delighted to showcases stories from New York City to a global audience with ‘Adam’ and ‘Wig,...
– NewFest and NYC Pride, the official host of WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50, in partnership with Sva Theatre, announced its multi-day lineup of cinema and in-depth conversations for the 2019 edition of OutCinema from June 17 – June 19.
Each night features specially curated screenings followed by Q&As with the filmmakers and cast along with open bar after-parties. The three-day format encompasses the diversity of voices and perspectives within the Lgbtqia+ community while celebrating and commemorating the community’s commitment to our history.
“With the success of last year’s multi-day format for OutCinema, we’re thrilled to continue with the same structure for WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50,” said NYC Pride’s Executive Director, Chris Frederick, in an official statement. “This year’s film selections focus on diverse perspectives from our vibrant Lgbtqia+ community.”
“Given the momentous occasion of WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50, we’re delighted to showcases stories from New York City to a global audience with ‘Adam’ and ‘Wig,...
- 5/15/2019
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire
Distributor plans theatrical release this summer for dark comedy.
Music Box Films has acquired Us rights to Kirill Mikhanovsky’s Give Me Liberty, which screens in Directors’ Fortnight and has been trimmed by 15 minutes from the original version that screened in Sundance.
The film follows a young Russian immigrant over the course of one day as he drives a medical transport van for people with disabilities in Milwaukee. Alice Austen wrote the screenplay and produced.
Music Box plans a theatrical release this summer on the dark comedy, which will receive its New York premiere in June as the Centerpiece film at BAMcinemaFest.
Music Box Films has acquired Us rights to Kirill Mikhanovsky’s Give Me Liberty, which screens in Directors’ Fortnight and has been trimmed by 15 minutes from the original version that screened in Sundance.
The film follows a young Russian immigrant over the course of one day as he drives a medical transport van for people with disabilities in Milwaukee. Alice Austen wrote the screenplay and produced.
Music Box plans a theatrical release this summer on the dark comedy, which will receive its New York premiere in June as the Centerpiece film at BAMcinemaFest.
- 5/14/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Music Box Films has acquired all U.S. rights to Give Me Liberty, the film from writer-director Kirill Mikhanovsky that bowed this year at Sundance and which next screens this weekend at the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival. The Cannes cut is 15 minutes shorter than pic’s Park City debut, and Music Box plans a summer 2019 theatrical release ahead of a digital bow.
The pic — co-written by Mikhanovsky (Fish Dreams) and Alice Austen and based on Mikhanovsky’s personal experiences — follows Vic, a young Russian immigrant who drives a medical transport van for people with disabilities in Milwaukee, over the course of one chaotic day. It features experienced actors and nonprofessionals in a darkly comedic portrait of marginalized individuals searching for the American dream in a struggling city.
“Kirill and Alice have created a visceral and compassionate film with an unconventional comic streak that uniquely captures the...
The pic — co-written by Mikhanovsky (Fish Dreams) and Alice Austen and based on Mikhanovsky’s personal experiences — follows Vic, a young Russian immigrant who drives a medical transport van for people with disabilities in Milwaukee, over the course of one chaotic day. It features experienced actors and nonprofessionals in a darkly comedic portrait of marginalized individuals searching for the American dream in a struggling city.
“Kirill and Alice have created a visceral and compassionate film with an unconventional comic streak that uniquely captures the...
- 5/13/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Music Box Films has acquired the U.S. rights to “Give Me Liberty,” Variety has learned. The deal comes on the eve of the film’s international premiere in the Directors’ Fortnight section at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
“Give Me Liberty” tracks a day in the life of Vic, a young Russian immigrant and medical transport driver for people with disabilities in Milwaukee. The movie is from writer-director Kirill Mikhanovsky and writer-producer Alice Austen. “Give Me Liberty” draws on Mikhanovsky’s personal experiences.
It debuted to strong reviews at Sundance, and will appear in tighter form in Cannes, with 15 minutes cut from its original two-hour-plus running time. The movie will have its New York premiere in June as the Centerpiece film at BAMcinemaFest. Music Box plans a theatrical rollout later this summer followed by a release on home entertainment platforms.
“Kirill and Alice have created a visceral and...
“Give Me Liberty” tracks a day in the life of Vic, a young Russian immigrant and medical transport driver for people with disabilities in Milwaukee. The movie is from writer-director Kirill Mikhanovsky and writer-producer Alice Austen. “Give Me Liberty” draws on Mikhanovsky’s personal experiences.
It debuted to strong reviews at Sundance, and will appear in tighter form in Cannes, with 15 minutes cut from its original two-hour-plus running time. The movie will have its New York premiere in June as the Centerpiece film at BAMcinemaFest. Music Box plans a theatrical rollout later this summer followed by a release on home entertainment platforms.
“Kirill and Alice have created a visceral and...
- 5/13/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Bam has released the full lineup for its 11th annual BAMcinemaFest, a “platform for both emerging and established filmmakers as well as unconventional and often overlooked films,” which will run this year from June 12 — 23. This year’s 12-day festival includes 18 NY premieres, one U.S. premiere, and three world premieres.
Gina Duncan, Associate Vice President of Film, told IndieWire of the programming picks, “We have the same goal every year: to present the best American independent cinema being made today. But this is the first year that I’ve felt the films fit together as a cohesive whole; they are linked by a naturalness, an intimate focus, and boundless creativity. As the larger film conversation continues to focus on record-breaking box offices, it feels defiant to present a program that centers film as art.”
This year’s festival will open on June 12 with the New York premiere of Lulu Wang...
Gina Duncan, Associate Vice President of Film, told IndieWire of the programming picks, “We have the same goal every year: to present the best American independent cinema being made today. But this is the first year that I’ve felt the films fit together as a cohesive whole; they are linked by a naturalness, an intimate focus, and boundless creativity. As the larger film conversation continues to focus on record-breaking box offices, it feels defiant to present a program that centers film as art.”
This year’s festival will open on June 12 with the New York premiere of Lulu Wang...
- 5/2/2019
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.