Colman Domingo is on a remarkable run, and ahead of Oscar night and his nomination for “Rustin,” A24 has released the first trailer for his next moving drama, “Sing Sing.”
Greg Kwedar directed “Sing Sing,” which follows the true story of a leader of a theater troupe in prison and how they use acting to escape the realities of their incarceration, putting on a play all while Domingo’s character is seeking parole. The film is based on a real-life rehabilitation program, and the movie even features a cast that includes formerly incarcerated actors.
Domingo leads the cast that also includes Paul Raci, an Oscar nominee for “Sound of Metal.” And A24, which picked up the film out of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, has announced it is eyeing a theatrical release this July for the movie. It will have its U.S. premiere at the SXSW Film festival on Friday.
Greg Kwedar directed “Sing Sing,” which follows the true story of a leader of a theater troupe in prison and how they use acting to escape the realities of their incarceration, putting on a play all while Domingo’s character is seeking parole. The film is based on a real-life rehabilitation program, and the movie even features a cast that includes formerly incarcerated actors.
Domingo leads the cast that also includes Paul Raci, an Oscar nominee for “Sound of Metal.” And A24, which picked up the film out of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, has announced it is eyeing a theatrical release this July for the movie. It will have its U.S. premiere at the SXSW Film festival on Friday.
- 3/6/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
A24 has acquired theatrical distribution rights to “Sing Sing,” five days after the Colman Domingo-starring drama made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The indie banner confirmed the deal Friday evening.
Directed by Greg Kwedar, the film is inspired by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, following a group of inmates who collaborate on stage shows. Domingo, who was also represented at TIFF with the George C. Wolfe-directed biopic “Rustin” from Netflix, leads “Sing Sing,” joined by a cast that includes Paul Raci, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting turn in “Sound of Metal,” as well as Clarence Maclin and Sean San José.
“Sing Sing” was financed and produced by Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions, with Kwedar working with Clint Bentley to adapt the script from Brent Buell’s...
Directed by Greg Kwedar, the film is inspired by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, following a group of inmates who collaborate on stage shows. Domingo, who was also represented at TIFF with the George C. Wolfe-directed biopic “Rustin” from Netflix, leads “Sing Sing,” joined by a cast that includes Paul Raci, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting turn in “Sound of Metal,” as well as Clarence Maclin and Sean San José.
“Sing Sing” was financed and produced by Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions, with Kwedar working with Clint Bentley to adapt the script from Brent Buell’s...
- 9/15/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
A24 has acquired the domestic theatrical rights to “Sing Sing,” starring Colman Domingo, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and A24 is planning a 2024 theatrical release. The deal is reported to be in the seven figures.
In his review of the film, TheWrap’s Steve Pond wrote: “Written and directed by Greg Kwedar (‘Jockey’), the indie drama is a curious concoction that finds veteran actor Domingo playing a would-be playwright in a theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility; his fellow actors, with the notable exception of ‘Sound of Metal’ Oscar nominee Paul Raci, are, for the most part, former prisoners who took place in that actual program and are billed in the credits as playing themselves. The result isn’t seamless or slick, but there’s an urgency and a grit to it, and a sense of lives lost and occasionally regained.
The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and A24 is planning a 2024 theatrical release. The deal is reported to be in the seven figures.
In his review of the film, TheWrap’s Steve Pond wrote: “Written and directed by Greg Kwedar (‘Jockey’), the indie drama is a curious concoction that finds veteran actor Domingo playing a would-be playwright in a theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility; his fellow actors, with the notable exception of ‘Sound of Metal’ Oscar nominee Paul Raci, are, for the most part, former prisoners who took place in that actual program and are billed in the credits as playing themselves. The result isn’t seamless or slick, but there’s an urgency and a grit to it, and a sense of lives lost and occasionally regained.
- 9/15/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In competitive bidding, A24 has acquired U.S. theatrical rights to Sing Sing, the Greg Kwedar-directed drama that stars Colman Domingo. The film premiered at Toronto to rapturous reviews and A24 is plotting a 2024 theatrical release.
Financed and produced by Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions, Sing Sing revolves around a theater group that escapes the reality of incarceration through the creativity of staging a play, with a cast that includes actors who have been incarcerated. Clint Bentley & Kwedar adapted the script from Brent Buell’s play, Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code and John H. Richardson’s The Sing Sing Follies.
Bentley and Kwedar produced with Monique Walton. Colman Domingo, Raul Domingo, Michael Heimler, Teddy Schwarzman, Larry Kalas, Larry Kelly, Nancy Schafer, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, and John “Divine G” Whitfield are the exec producers.
CAA Media Finance brokered the domestic deal, and Black Bear is selling international territories.
Financed and produced by Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions, Sing Sing revolves around a theater group that escapes the reality of incarceration through the creativity of staging a play, with a cast that includes actors who have been incarcerated. Clint Bentley & Kwedar adapted the script from Brent Buell’s play, Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code and John H. Richardson’s The Sing Sing Follies.
Bentley and Kwedar produced with Monique Walton. Colman Domingo, Raul Domingo, Michael Heimler, Teddy Schwarzman, Larry Kalas, Larry Kelly, Nancy Schafer, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, and John “Divine G” Whitfield are the exec producers.
CAA Media Finance brokered the domestic deal, and Black Bear is selling international territories.
- 9/15/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards: ‘The Lost Daughter’ Takes the Top Prize (Complete Winners List)
The 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards were handed out Sunday at the Santa Monica Pier, with comedy power couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally serving as hosts.
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
- 3/6/2022
- by Missy Schwartz
- The Wrap
Deep into production on Clint Bentley’s feature directorial debut “Jockey,” star Clifton Collins Jr. reached an impasse: His agent kept calling him up with what the actor referred to as “money scripts,” and the long-time actor just didn’t have the time or the headspace to worry about other projects. Hell, he didn’t have time to worry about anything else but the tiny indie about a jockey nearing the end of his run in the lauded drama. The film premiered at Sundance 2020 after being picked up by Sony Pictures Classics, and has earned Collins the best reviews of his career, plus a recent Indie Spirit nomination for his performance.
“I’m like, ‘If I spend two hours reading another script, that’s two hours you’ve stolen from our budget. Because time is the only currency that cannot be replaced. And I’ll be damned if you take another dollar from this budget,...
“I’m like, ‘If I spend two hours reading another script, that’s two hours you’ve stolen from our budget. Because time is the only currency that cannot be replaced. And I’ll be damned if you take another dollar from this budget,...
- 1/6/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Directors often mine their past for their films. Clint Bentley returned to the world in which he grew up to make his lauded new film “Jockey.” During a recent Zoom conversation with Film Independent, Bentley noted that his father was a jockey and his film “started from that place of having a specific feeling I wanted to share through a movie. That was just the feeling of what it feels like to be on the backside of the racetrack. I felt there had been a lot of movies about racing, but none had really gotten that lifestyle across and then also showing the life of jockey, which I didn’t feel had been explored.”
“Jockey,” which premiered to strong reviews at Sundance, stars veteran character actor Clifton Collins Jr. (“Capote”) as Jackson, an aging jockey who bares the scars of his job. He’s broken his back several times and...
“Jockey,” which premiered to strong reviews at Sundance, stars veteran character actor Clifton Collins Jr. (“Capote”) as Jackson, an aging jockey who bares the scars of his job. He’s broken his back several times and...
- 1/1/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Distributor A24 and Zola led nominations as the Film Independent Spirit Awards revealed their 37th annual nods in a pre-taped presentation hosted by Beanie Feldstein, Regina Hall and Naomi Watts. The Spirit Awards are skedded for Sunday, March 6, 2022 — live and in-person this year back on the beach in Santa Monica, and broadcast on IFC.
A24’s Zola, by Janicza Bravo and based on a Twitter chain from a riotous road trip, was recognized for Best Feature Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Female Lead and Supporting Male. Mike Mills’ C’mon C’mon with Joaquin Phoenix took four nods including feature, director and screenplay. Accolades were rounded out by two nominations for Sean Baker’s Red Rocket, for Best Male Lead, Simon Rex ,and Best Supporting Female, Suzanna Son. The Humans, directed by Stephen Karam based on his one-act play, was nominated in cinematography.
Netflix and Neon took nine nods each, with...
A24’s Zola, by Janicza Bravo and based on a Twitter chain from a riotous road trip, was recognized for Best Feature Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Female Lead and Supporting Male. Mike Mills’ C’mon C’mon with Joaquin Phoenix took four nods including feature, director and screenplay. Accolades were rounded out by two nominations for Sean Baker’s Red Rocket, for Best Male Lead, Simon Rex ,and Best Supporting Female, Suzanna Son. The Humans, directed by Stephen Karam based on his one-act play, was nominated in cinematography.
Netflix and Neon took nine nods each, with...
- 12/14/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Jockey, which won the Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Special Jury award for star Clifton Collins Jr.’s acting, will hit New York and LA theaters on Dec. 29. Sony Pictures Classics acquired the film out of the Park City, Utah festival. The movie will expand across the country following its exclusive debut.
Directed by Clint Bentley and written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar, the film also stars Molly Parker, Moises Arias, Logan Cormier, and Colleen Hartnett.
In the film, an aging jockey (Collins) hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years – and injuries – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Arias), who claims to be his son and whom he takes under his wing, further...
Directed by Clint Bentley and written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar, the film also stars Molly Parker, Moises Arias, Logan Cormier, and Colleen Hartnett.
In the film, an aging jockey (Collins) hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years – and injuries – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Arias), who claims to be his son and whom he takes under his wing, further...
- 8/16/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor, producer and director Clifton Collins Jr. has signed with CAA.
Collins most recently starred in and executive produced the independent feature “Jockey.” The film premiered in competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, with Collins earning the Dramatic Special Jury Award for best actor.
Variety’s Peter Debruge referred to Collins’ work as a “career-best” role, writing that the actor, “walks like a jockey; he talks like a jockey; heck, he even rides like a jockey — which is a remarkable transformation for a character actor who’s been waiting far too long for such a shot in the saddle.”
To prepare to play Jackson Silva, an aging rider dealing with the physical and emotional baggage of his career, the actor shed 20 pounds to match the slender build of a professional jockey and pushed himself to embody the loner character.
“I cut myself off from the world,” Collins told...
Collins most recently starred in and executive produced the independent feature “Jockey.” The film premiered in competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, with Collins earning the Dramatic Special Jury Award for best actor.
Variety’s Peter Debruge referred to Collins’ work as a “career-best” role, writing that the actor, “walks like a jockey; he talks like a jockey; heck, he even rides like a jockey — which is a remarkable transformation for a character actor who’s been waiting far too long for such a shot in the saddle.”
To prepare to play Jackson Silva, an aging rider dealing with the physical and emotional baggage of his career, the actor shed 20 pounds to match the slender build of a professional jockey and pushed himself to embody the loner character.
“I cut myself off from the world,” Collins told...
- 8/16/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Award winner Clifton Collins Jr. plays ageing jockey vying for final taste of glory. Film premiered at Sundance.
Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has set a December 29 theatrical release for Toronto International Film festival selection Jockey from Clint Bentley.
Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker, Moises Arias, Logan Cormier, and Colleen Hartnett star in the story about an ageing jockey bidding to win one last title when a rookie arrives claiming to be his son.
Jockey premiered at Sundance at the start of the year where Collins Jr. won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury award. SPC will open the film theatrically...
Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has set a December 29 theatrical release for Toronto International Film festival selection Jockey from Clint Bentley.
Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker, Moises Arias, Logan Cormier, and Colleen Hartnett star in the story about an ageing jockey bidding to win one last title when a rookie arrives claiming to be his son.
Jockey premiered at Sundance at the start of the year where Collins Jr. won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury award. SPC will open the film theatrically...
- 8/16/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Another film acquisition has come down the pike out of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. This time, the title being picked up is the drama Jockey, pegged as one of the flicks most likely to be bought at the fest. The movie now has a home with Sony Pictures Classics, which has long been a good spot for independent dramas. Sundance is premiering the indie in literally moments, so we’ll see if it’s any good shortly, but this is a solid sign, at the very least. Sit tight, there’s plenty more acquisitions still to come out of this year’s virtual Sundance Film Festival. Even with out Park City as its locale, things are heating up! Deadline has the story: Sony Pictures Classics has picked up Clint Bentley’s Jockey on the second night of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, acquiring all worldwide rights to the film.
- 1/31/2021
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all worldwide rights to the film “Jockey,” which will premiere on Sunday in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section at the Sundance Film Festival.
Directed by Clint Bentley and written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar, the film stars Clifton Collins, Jr., Molly Parker, Moises Arias, Logan Cormier and Colleen Hartnett. The film is produced by Bentley, Kwedar and Nancy Schafer.
In the film, aging jockey (Collins) hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years – and injuries – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Arias), who claims to be his son and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.
In a statement, SPC described the...
Directed by Clint Bentley and written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar, the film stars Clifton Collins, Jr., Molly Parker, Moises Arias, Logan Cormier and Colleen Hartnett. The film is produced by Bentley, Kwedar and Nancy Schafer.
In the film, aging jockey (Collins) hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years – and injuries – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Arias), who claims to be his son and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.
In a statement, SPC described the...
- 1/31/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics has picked up Clint Bentley’s Jockey on the second night of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, acquiring all worldwide rights to the film.
Set to premiere on Sunday, Jan. 31 in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section, Bentley’s film follows an aging jockey who hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Molly Parker), who has come to possess what seems to be a championship horse. However, the years and injuries have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question the jockey’s ability to continue his lifelong passion. The arrival of a rookie rider (Moises Arias), who claims to be his son further complicates the jockey’s plans to fulfilling his dream.
“Filmmakers Clint Bentley (a formidable directing debut), co-writer Greg Kwedar and producer Nancy Schafer have made such a good movie, that is engaging, satisfying, visual, and precise cinematic storytelling,...
Set to premiere on Sunday, Jan. 31 in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section, Bentley’s film follows an aging jockey who hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Molly Parker), who has come to possess what seems to be a championship horse. However, the years and injuries have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question the jockey’s ability to continue his lifelong passion. The arrival of a rookie rider (Moises Arias), who claims to be his son further complicates the jockey’s plans to fulfilling his dream.
“Filmmakers Clint Bentley (a formidable directing debut), co-writer Greg Kwedar and producer Nancy Schafer have made such a good movie, that is engaging, satisfying, visual, and precise cinematic storytelling,...
- 1/31/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the worldwide rights to “Jockey,” a horseracing drama starring Cliff Collins Jr. that will make its premiere in competition at Sundance on Sunday.
The film is directed by Clint Bentley in his directorial debut and written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar. It stars Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker, Moises Arias, Logan Cormier and Colleen Hartnett.
Collins stars as an aging jockey who hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years — and injuries — have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. The arrival of a young rookie rider (Arias), who claims to be his son and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.
The main character in “Jockey” was written specifically for Collins and...
The film is directed by Clint Bentley in his directorial debut and written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar. It stars Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker, Moises Arias, Logan Cormier and Colleen Hartnett.
Collins stars as an aging jockey who hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years — and injuries — have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. The arrival of a young rookie rider (Arias), who claims to be his son and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.
The main character in “Jockey” was written specifically for Collins and...
- 1/31/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Clint Bentley’s feature debut “Jockey,” set to world premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition in Sundance, has been acquired by Berlin-based Films Boutique for international sales.
Written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar (“Transpecos”), “Jockey” stars Clifton Collins Jr. as Jackson, a seasoned jockey who has weathered decades of races on the riding circuit, and now finds himself facing what could be his last season due to his deteriorating health. With the help of Ruth (Molly Parker) and a promising new horse, Jackson starts to prepare for the upcoming championship, while reflecting on his legacy.
The film shot at a live racetrack and is inspired by Bentley’s own experiences, which give the film its authenticity and naturalism. Moises Arias also stars in the film.
“We discovered the work of Clint with his short ‘9 Races’ and we have been very impressed and touched by ‘Jockey,'” said Jean-Christophe Simon,...
Written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar (“Transpecos”), “Jockey” stars Clifton Collins Jr. as Jackson, a seasoned jockey who has weathered decades of races on the riding circuit, and now finds himself facing what could be his last season due to his deteriorating health. With the help of Ruth (Molly Parker) and a promising new horse, Jackson starts to prepare for the upcoming championship, while reflecting on his legacy.
The film shot at a live racetrack and is inspired by Bentley’s own experiences, which give the film its authenticity and naturalism. Moises Arias also stars in the film.
“We discovered the work of Clint with his short ‘9 Races’ and we have been very impressed and touched by ‘Jockey,'” said Jean-Christophe Simon,...
- 1/28/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Taking place January 28 through February 3 next year, the 2021 Sundance Film Festival will look quite different than ever before. After unveiling their screening plans, featuring a new online platform, drive-ins, screenings at independent arthouses around the country, and more, the lineup has now arrived.
The full 2021 slate of works includes 72 feature-length films, representing 29 countries and 38 first-time feature filmmakers. These films were selected from 14,092 submissions including 3,500 feature-length films. Of the feature film submissions, 1,377 were from the U.S. and 2,132 were international.
Check out the lineup below.
U.S. Dramatic Competition
The 10 films in this section are all world premieres.
Coda (Director and Screenwriter: Siân Heder, Producers: Philippe Rousselet, Fabrice Gianfermi, Patrick Wachsberger) — As a Coda – Child of Deaf Adults – Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music and her fear of abandoning her parents.
The full 2021 slate of works includes 72 feature-length films, representing 29 countries and 38 first-time feature filmmakers. These films were selected from 14,092 submissions including 3,500 feature-length films. Of the feature film submissions, 1,377 were from the U.S. and 2,132 were international.
Check out the lineup below.
U.S. Dramatic Competition
The 10 films in this section are all world premieres.
Coda (Director and Screenwriter: Siân Heder, Producers: Philippe Rousselet, Fabrice Gianfermi, Patrick Wachsberger) — As a Coda – Child of Deaf Adults – Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music and her fear of abandoning her parents.
- 12/15/2020
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
The Sundance Film Festival has announced its full slate for the 2021 edition, which will take place primarily as a virtual event through an online platform in addition to physical screenings at satellite locations across the country. The program includes 72 feature-length films, representing 29 countries, and 38 first-time feature filmmakers. Fourteen films and projects announced today were supported by Sundance Institute in development, through direct granting or residency labs. The festival runs January 28 through February 3, 2021.
This robust lineup features plenty of familiar names and faces, including Edgar Wright, Lucy Walker, Robin Wright, Betsy West and Julie Cohen, Siân Heder, Sion Sono, Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones, Ana Katz, Kevin Macdonald, and many more. More than half the lineup is first-time filmmakers, and they range from established actors like Rebecca Hall and Jerrod Carmichael to newcomers like Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. Sixty-six of the festival’s feature films, or 92 percent of the lineup announced today,...
This robust lineup features plenty of familiar names and faces, including Edgar Wright, Lucy Walker, Robin Wright, Betsy West and Julie Cohen, Siân Heder, Sion Sono, Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones, Ana Katz, Kevin Macdonald, and many more. More than half the lineup is first-time filmmakers, and they range from established actors like Rebecca Hall and Jerrod Carmichael to newcomers like Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. Sixty-six of the festival’s feature films, or 92 percent of the lineup announced today,...
- 12/15/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Keep up with the wild and wooly world of indie film acquisitions with our weekly Rundown of everything that’s been picked up around the globe. Check out last week’s Rundown here.
Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films have acquired the U.S. rights to Julie Halperin and Jason Cortlund’s suspense drama “Barracuda.” The film premiered in competition at SXSW and was nominated for a Grand Jury Award in the Narrative Feature category.
Read MoreGuillermo del Toro’s ‘The Shape of Water’ Trailer Breakdown: Sally Hawkins Befriends Doug Jones’ Man-Fish in Gorgeous Fairy Tale
Co-directed by Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin and written by Cortlund, “Barracuda” stars Allison Tolman, Sophie Reid, JoBeth Williams and Luis Bordonada and features live music performances by Butch Hancock, Bob Livingston, Colin Gilmore, The Mastersons, and The Harvest Thieves.
The film follows a woman named Merle (Tolman), whose life begins to splinter when...
Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films have acquired the U.S. rights to Julie Halperin and Jason Cortlund’s suspense drama “Barracuda.” The film premiered in competition at SXSW and was nominated for a Grand Jury Award in the Narrative Feature category.
Read MoreGuillermo del Toro’s ‘The Shape of Water’ Trailer Breakdown: Sally Hawkins Befriends Doug Jones’ Man-Fish in Gorgeous Fairy Tale
Co-directed by Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin and written by Cortlund, “Barracuda” stars Allison Tolman, Sophie Reid, JoBeth Williams and Luis Bordonada and features live music performances by Butch Hancock, Bob Livingston, Colin Gilmore, The Mastersons, and The Harvest Thieves.
The film follows a woman named Merle (Tolman), whose life begins to splinter when...
- 7/14/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
The film received world premiere in competition at SXSW.
Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films have secured Us rights to Julie Halperin and Jason Cortlund’s suspense drama Barracuda, previously titled La Barracuda.
The film centres on Merle, whose life begins to splinter when Sinaloa, the half-sister she never knew existed, appears on her doorstep in Texas. Initially distrustful of this enigmatic woman, a bond quickly forms between the two sisters.
As Merle allows Sinaloa into her life, Sinaloa reveals a quiet fury to Merle through her music. Sinaloa’s fierce attachment jeopardises Merle’s career aspirations, her relationship with her mother, and even her impending marriage. Merle fights to keep her world together while Sinaloa’s increasingly intense and erratic behavior threatens to erupt into something much darker.
Allison Tolman, Sophie Reid, JoBeth Williams and Luis Bordonada star in the film, which premiered in competition at this year’s SXSW .
David Hartstein and Nancy Schafer produced...
Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films have secured Us rights to Julie Halperin and Jason Cortlund’s suspense drama Barracuda, previously titled La Barracuda.
The film centres on Merle, whose life begins to splinter when Sinaloa, the half-sister she never knew existed, appears on her doorstep in Texas. Initially distrustful of this enigmatic woman, a bond quickly forms between the two sisters.
As Merle allows Sinaloa into her life, Sinaloa reveals a quiet fury to Merle through her music. Sinaloa’s fierce attachment jeopardises Merle’s career aspirations, her relationship with her mother, and even her impending marriage. Merle fights to keep her world together while Sinaloa’s increasingly intense and erratic behavior threatens to erupt into something much darker.
Allison Tolman, Sophie Reid, JoBeth Williams and Luis Bordonada star in the film, which premiered in competition at this year’s SXSW .
David Hartstein and Nancy Schafer produced...
- 7/11/2017
- ScreenDaily
This year, the Tribeca Film Festival will showcase more TV than ever before, along with robust virtual reality programming and immersive experiences, high-profile conversations with celebrities ranging from Barbra Streisand to Lena Dunham, musical performances from Aretha Franklin and Jennifer Hudson, and whole lot of panel discussions.
So what about the movies?
After years of struggling to find its footing in a highly competitive marketplace, Tribeca may have found its most successful bid for ongoing relevance. Now beginning its 16th edition, Tribeca has less to do with film and has staked its identity on becoming a major multiplatform media event.
Read More: Why ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Is the Most Anticipated Screening of the Tribeca Film Festival
A Revolving Door
Getting to this point has required a lot of trial and error. Tribeca has experimented with different ways of supporting filmmakers, including film distribution, and expanded its programming far beyond feature films.
So what about the movies?
After years of struggling to find its footing in a highly competitive marketplace, Tribeca may have found its most successful bid for ongoing relevance. Now beginning its 16th edition, Tribeca has less to do with film and has staked its identity on becoming a major multiplatform media event.
Read More: Why ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Is the Most Anticipated Screening of the Tribeca Film Festival
A Revolving Door
Getting to this point has required a lot of trial and error. Tribeca has experimented with different ways of supporting filmmakers, including film distribution, and expanded its programming far beyond feature films.
- 4/19/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
“Most Beautiful Island”
A short, stressful, and utterly spellbinding debut that transforms the immigrant experience into the stuff of an early Polanski psychodrama, “Most Beautiful Island” was a worthy winner of the SXSW Grand Jury Prize for best narrative feature, and might prove to be a breakthrough moment for a major new talent: Spanish actress Ana Asensio not only wrote, directed, and produced this fraught metropolitan thriller, she also appears in just about every frame.
It would be criminal to reveal too much about what happens to her character, a Manhattan immigrant who’s struggling to make a life for herself in the big city and in for the longest night of her life, but it’s thrilling to watch the anxiety of neo-realism as it slowly bleeds into something that resembles the suspense of the orgy sequence from “Eyes Wide Shut.” Creating a lucid sense of reality only so...
A short, stressful, and utterly spellbinding debut that transforms the immigrant experience into the stuff of an early Polanski psychodrama, “Most Beautiful Island” was a worthy winner of the SXSW Grand Jury Prize for best narrative feature, and might prove to be a breakthrough moment for a major new talent: Spanish actress Ana Asensio not only wrote, directed, and produced this fraught metropolitan thriller, she also appears in just about every frame.
It would be criminal to reveal too much about what happens to her character, a Manhattan immigrant who’s struggling to make a life for herself in the big city and in for the longest night of her life, but it’s thrilling to watch the anxiety of neo-realism as it slowly bleeds into something that resembles the suspense of the orgy sequence from “Eyes Wide Shut.” Creating a lucid sense of reality only so...
- 3/18/2017
- by Chris O'Falt, David Ehrlich, Eric Kohn, Kate Erbland and Steve Greene
- Indiewire
SXSW’s 2016 Audience Award winner “Transpecos,” from rookie director Greg Kwedar, has a new trailer. Samuel Goldwyn Films, which picked up the distribution rights to the border-patrol thriller back in April, has also announced the release date for the film.
The story follows three border patrol agents, rookie Davis (Johnny Simmons), seasoned Flores (Gabriel Luna) and callous, world-weary Hobbs (Clifton Collins Jr), who man a check point on a remote highway. On what feels like another routine stop, the contents of one car suddenly throws their lives out of control. As dark secrets are revealed, each passing hour will bring them closer to a nightmarish conclusion that could cost them their lives, in a world where the line between right and wrong shifts like the desert itself.
Watch: Exclusive Clip from SXSW Premiere ‘Transpecos’ Leaves You in the Desert
The screen play was co-written by Kwedar and Clint Bentley. The...
The story follows three border patrol agents, rookie Davis (Johnny Simmons), seasoned Flores (Gabriel Luna) and callous, world-weary Hobbs (Clifton Collins Jr), who man a check point on a remote highway. On what feels like another routine stop, the contents of one car suddenly throws their lives out of control. As dark secrets are revealed, each passing hour will bring them closer to a nightmarish conclusion that could cost them their lives, in a world where the line between right and wrong shifts like the desert itself.
Watch: Exclusive Clip from SXSW Premiere ‘Transpecos’ Leaves You in the Desert
The screen play was co-written by Kwedar and Clint Bentley. The...
- 7/14/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Spotlight Pictures has added 7 Chinese Brothers to its Cannes sales slate. The comedy from writer-director Bob Byington (Somebody Up There Likes Me) debuted at SXSW in March and will have a U.S. day-and-date release through Screen Media Films in August. Jason Schwartzman, Tunde Adebimpe, Eleanore Pienta, Stephen Root and Olympia Dukakis star. Producers are Seana Flanagan, Molly Christie Benson, and Nancy Schafer with executive producer Christos V…...
- 5/18/2015
- Deadline
If there is a little Listen Up Philip in the cocktail that will be known as 7 Chinese Brothers, it may have been due to cosmic fate, a lark, creative confidence, or a little of everything. Stars aligned for this trio in a rather convenient way; unbeknownst to Bob Byington, his sixth feature managed to lasso Jason Schwartzman prior to Alex Ross Perry grabbing the Rushmore star for his definitive breakout moment in Park City this past January. It is after those playdates, when production began in February in Austin, and if it has legs like Somebody Up There Likes Me did back in 2012 with a showing at SXSW and at Locarno (was a winner of the Special Jury Prize), then there might be a collective sense of deja vu for Park City patrons. Look for Schwartzman to play off thesps such as Stephen Root, Olympia Dukakis and Tunde Adebimpe, with Perry making another Byington-film appearance.
- 11/11/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Netflix plans to debut three original documentaries over the next few months. First up is The Battered Bastards Of Baseball. It chronicles how in 1973 Bonanza actor Bing Russell formed what at the time was America’s sole independent baseball team. Seen as a real-life version of the Bad News Bears, the Mavericks lasted three years before they were pushed out of Portland by the return of the major-league-backed Portland Beavers. The pic was co-directed by Chapman Way and Maclain Way, produced by Juliana Lembi, exec produced by Nancy Schafer and includes cast members Kurt Russell (Bing Russell’s son) and Todd Fields. It’s set to premiere July 11 on Netflix. Also on the slate is Mission Blue. It tells the story of legendary oceanographer, marine biologist, environmentalist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle and her impassioned campaign to save the world’s oceans from modern threats like climate change,...
- 5/9/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Our dear friend Illuminate Founder and Executive Director Danette Wolpert has such a great idea here for this new and exciting Festival in beautiful Sedona Arizona.
1st Mind-Body-Spirit Film Fest Offers World Premieres, View & Do Experiences, Healing Village, Workshops.
The inaugural Illuminate Film Festival will blend 22 transformative films, 15 enlightening speakers and workshops, a healing village and an innovative “view and do” experience for moviegoers to more deeply process and integrate what they see on screen while surrounded by Sedona’s stunning backdrop and transformative, healing qualities, May 29-June 1.
The first-of-its-kind mind-body-spirit film festival “is at the forefront of an exploding global conscious movement connecting the film industry to a growing, identifiable, interconnected community of conscious consumers,” said Illuminate Founder and Executive Director Danette Wolpert, who spent five years as Miami International Film Festival Associate Director. “While industry festivals currently exist for most niche genres, one, surprisingly, does not exist for mind-body-spirit. With conscious cinema on the verge of exploding, the time is now and the opportunity is unparalleled.”
Illuminate showcases paradigm-busting, consciousness-expanding narrative features, documentaries and shorts including inspirational human journey stories and themes related to wellness, self-discovery, consciousness, body-mind science, yoga, meditation, spirituality, organic and plant-based food movements and sustainable living.
The full selection of films, guests, events and workshop speakers will be announced in early April.
Among the confirmed commitments:
• The World Premiere of Death Makes Life Possible, presented by world-renowned author, speaker and executive producer Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Marilyn Schlitz, former President and CEO of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, the film’s co-director. This exceptional documentary explores ‘the inevitable’ and appeals to anyone with questions about life, death and what’s next.
• The Festival World Premiere of On Meditation, a fascinating portrait series that offers a rare glimpse into how meditation has transformed the personal and professional lives of notable figures including: director David Lynch, a longtime practitioner of Transcendental Meditation (Tm); film and television actor Giancarlo Esposito, (Do the Right Thing , The Usual Suspects, King of New York, and drug kingpin Gustavo "Gus" Fring on the AMC series Breaking Bad); three-time National Book Award-winner and prominent environmental activist Peter Matthiessen; six-term Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan, author of A Mindful Nation: How a Simple Practice Can Help Us Reduce Stress, Improve Performance, and Recapture the American Spirit; and esteemed Hatha Yoga master Elena Bower.
• The Sedona Premiere of When My Sorrow Died: The Legend of Armen Ra & the Theremin, followed by a soul-shifting performance/sound journey by Ra, the legendary Iranian-Armenian musician. Known for both his exceptional artistry and his eccentric theatrical appeal, Ra has performed in esteemed venues including the United Nations and Lincoln Center, and has appeared on CNN, HBO, MTV, VH1 and in Vogue, The New York Times, The New York Post, The Village Voice, Rolling Stone and Glamour. The film took home Best Film and Best Documentary awards at the Byron Bay International Film Festival.
• The world’s first Conscious Filmmaker Convergence, a half-day film industry program for notable and aspiring mind-body-spirit filmmakers featuring workshops and panels with Betsy Chasse, director of What the Bleep Do We Know?; Illuminate board member Nicole Guillemet, former Co-Director of the Sundance Film Festival and 360 Degree Communications, a leading boutique marketing firm whose projects include What Dreams May Come , The Way, Peaceful Warrior, The Cove ,Fuel , Finding Joe and The Celestine Prophecy .
Among others expected to make appearances or presentations at the Festival are Dr. Chopra, Armen Ra and Parashakti, founder of the Dance Liberation movement.
Additional festival features include:
• View & Do: A New Concept in Movie-Going: to enrich the movie-going experience and enable audiences to process what they witness on screen, the "Reel Healing Series" will include a comprehensive "View and Do" experience for participants to enjoy a hand-selected, soul-inspiring movie coupled with an immersive workshop by a skilled practitioner for a deeper integration of the movie's message.
• Healing Village: offering samplings and services of the region’s best health and wellness practitioners including massage therapists, meditation guides, Reiki specialists, sound healers, Ayurvedic consultants, astrologers and more. Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of traditional natural healing with origins in India.
Board of Advisors Brings Key Industry Experience
The Illuminate Board of Advisors includes highly experienced film-festival and film-industry professionals and experts including: • Nancy Schafer , former executive director, Tribeca Film Festival • Nicole Guillemet, former co-director, Sundance Film Festival and former director, Miami International Film Festival • Sarah McLean, founding director, McLean Meditation Institute • Steven C. Beer, entertainment and sports attorney • Bill Stankey, president, Westport Entertainment Associates representing clients including Joy Behar, Gayle King, Ty Pennington and Bob Greene.
Illuminate films will be screened at Sedona’s state-of-the-art Mary D Fisher Theater, Creative Life Center and the Sedona Performing Arts Center.
For more information, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com.
1st Mind-Body-Spirit Film Fest Offers World Premieres, View & Do Experiences, Healing Village, Workshops.
The inaugural Illuminate Film Festival will blend 22 transformative films, 15 enlightening speakers and workshops, a healing village and an innovative “view and do” experience for moviegoers to more deeply process and integrate what they see on screen while surrounded by Sedona’s stunning backdrop and transformative, healing qualities, May 29-June 1.
The first-of-its-kind mind-body-spirit film festival “is at the forefront of an exploding global conscious movement connecting the film industry to a growing, identifiable, interconnected community of conscious consumers,” said Illuminate Founder and Executive Director Danette Wolpert, who spent five years as Miami International Film Festival Associate Director. “While industry festivals currently exist for most niche genres, one, surprisingly, does not exist for mind-body-spirit. With conscious cinema on the verge of exploding, the time is now and the opportunity is unparalleled.”
Illuminate showcases paradigm-busting, consciousness-expanding narrative features, documentaries and shorts including inspirational human journey stories and themes related to wellness, self-discovery, consciousness, body-mind science, yoga, meditation, spirituality, organic and plant-based food movements and sustainable living.
The full selection of films, guests, events and workshop speakers will be announced in early April.
Among the confirmed commitments:
• The World Premiere of Death Makes Life Possible, presented by world-renowned author, speaker and executive producer Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Marilyn Schlitz, former President and CEO of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, the film’s co-director. This exceptional documentary explores ‘the inevitable’ and appeals to anyone with questions about life, death and what’s next.
• The Festival World Premiere of On Meditation, a fascinating portrait series that offers a rare glimpse into how meditation has transformed the personal and professional lives of notable figures including: director David Lynch, a longtime practitioner of Transcendental Meditation (Tm); film and television actor Giancarlo Esposito, (Do the Right Thing , The Usual Suspects, King of New York, and drug kingpin Gustavo "Gus" Fring on the AMC series Breaking Bad); three-time National Book Award-winner and prominent environmental activist Peter Matthiessen; six-term Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan, author of A Mindful Nation: How a Simple Practice Can Help Us Reduce Stress, Improve Performance, and Recapture the American Spirit; and esteemed Hatha Yoga master Elena Bower.
• The Sedona Premiere of When My Sorrow Died: The Legend of Armen Ra & the Theremin, followed by a soul-shifting performance/sound journey by Ra, the legendary Iranian-Armenian musician. Known for both his exceptional artistry and his eccentric theatrical appeal, Ra has performed in esteemed venues including the United Nations and Lincoln Center, and has appeared on CNN, HBO, MTV, VH1 and in Vogue, The New York Times, The New York Post, The Village Voice, Rolling Stone and Glamour. The film took home Best Film and Best Documentary awards at the Byron Bay International Film Festival.
• The world’s first Conscious Filmmaker Convergence, a half-day film industry program for notable and aspiring mind-body-spirit filmmakers featuring workshops and panels with Betsy Chasse, director of What the Bleep Do We Know?; Illuminate board member Nicole Guillemet, former Co-Director of the Sundance Film Festival and 360 Degree Communications, a leading boutique marketing firm whose projects include What Dreams May Come , The Way, Peaceful Warrior, The Cove ,Fuel , Finding Joe and The Celestine Prophecy .
Among others expected to make appearances or presentations at the Festival are Dr. Chopra, Armen Ra and Parashakti, founder of the Dance Liberation movement.
Additional festival features include:
• View & Do: A New Concept in Movie-Going: to enrich the movie-going experience and enable audiences to process what they witness on screen, the "Reel Healing Series" will include a comprehensive "View and Do" experience for participants to enjoy a hand-selected, soul-inspiring movie coupled with an immersive workshop by a skilled practitioner for a deeper integration of the movie's message.
• Healing Village: offering samplings and services of the region’s best health and wellness practitioners including massage therapists, meditation guides, Reiki specialists, sound healers, Ayurvedic consultants, astrologers and more. Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of traditional natural healing with origins in India.
Board of Advisors Brings Key Industry Experience
The Illuminate Board of Advisors includes highly experienced film-festival and film-industry professionals and experts including: • Nancy Schafer , former executive director, Tribeca Film Festival • Nicole Guillemet, former co-director, Sundance Film Festival and former director, Miami International Film Festival • Sarah McLean, founding director, McLean Meditation Institute • Steven C. Beer, entertainment and sports attorney • Bill Stankey, president, Westport Entertainment Associates representing clients including Joy Behar, Gayle King, Ty Pennington and Bob Greene.
Illuminate films will be screened at Sedona’s state-of-the-art Mary D Fisher Theater, Creative Life Center and the Sedona Performing Arts Center.
For more information, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com.
- 4/24/2014
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
We’ve been following the short film competition from Bombay Sapphire for some time now. Named The Imagination Series the competition gives filmmakers the chance to have their interpretation of a script written by Oscar winning screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher made in a short film.
The competition is now entering its second year and Adrien Brody has just been announced as one of the judges for this year’s event. The format remains the same: go to www.imaginationseries.com to view the script from Fletcher and find more information about how to submit your own concept to the judges. The competition closes on the 4th of August 2013 and as well as having your concept made into a short film it will play at the Tribeca Film Festival next year.
We spoke to Geoffrey Fletcher and fellow judge Nancy Schafer last year to get an idea of what they were looking...
The competition is now entering its second year and Adrien Brody has just been announced as one of the judges for this year’s event. The format remains the same: go to www.imaginationseries.com to view the script from Fletcher and find more information about how to submit your own concept to the judges. The competition closes on the 4th of August 2013 and as well as having your concept made into a short film it will play at the Tribeca Film Festival next year.
We spoke to Geoffrey Fletcher and fellow judge Nancy Schafer last year to get an idea of what they were looking...
- 6/21/2013
- by Michael Walsh
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Argo’s Oscar triumph will certainly enhance the careers of all those involved, none more so than its producer, director, and star, Ben Affleck. But it could also boost another filmmaker who has absolutely nothing to do with Argo, except a desire to bring to screen a part of the story that the acclaimed historical drama left out.
EW.com first told you about Science Fiction Land last fall, when its director, Judd Ehrlich, was seeking Kickstarter support to raise $50,000 to finish the project. (Mission: Accomplished.) To briefly recap here: Argo was based on the true-life tale of CIA agent...
EW.com first told you about Science Fiction Land last fall, when its director, Judd Ehrlich, was seeking Kickstarter support to raise $50,000 to finish the project. (Mission: Accomplished.) To briefly recap here: Argo was based on the true-life tale of CIA agent...
- 2/26/2013
- by Jeff Jensen
- EW - Inside Movies
Veteran film producer Paula Weinstein ("The Perfect Storm," "The Fabulous Baker Boys") has been brought on to join Tribeca Enterprises as its executive vice president, it was announced today. Former executive VP Nancy Schafer stepped down from the role last July. In her new role, Weinstein will develop and oversee the comany's international partnerships, work closley with Chief Creative Officer Geoff Gilmore on the Tribeca Film Festival and manage studio relations for the Tribeca and Doha Tribeca film festivals. Read More: Tribeca Executive Director Nancy Schafer Steps Down; Will Continue as Consultant Weinstein will also continue to oversee her production slate at Spring Creek Prods, the company she founded in 1990. She comes to Tribeca having held several studio production positions, including at Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, and United Artists, where she served as president. "I couldn’t be more excited to join Tribeca....
- 2/4/2013
- by Nigel M Smith
- Indiewire
Nancy Schafer announced today that she is stepping down as executive director of the Tribeca Film Festival and executive VP of Tribeca Enterprises. Schafer, who's been with Tribeca since 2002, has also held roles as a programmer and as the managing director before taking on her latest position. Her position will not be replaced. According to a Tribeca spokesperson, “We are not replacing her as we have a strong executive team who will absorb her responsibilities. We have always worked collaboratively across our senior staff.” Schafer became the festival's executive director in 2009. She joined the staff at the festival's inception as a programmer and later became the managing director. As senior VP, she led the artistic curation and business development for Tribeca’s business expansion, specifically with the Tribeca Film distribution label. In a first person article written exclusively for Indiewire, Schafer looked back on her time at...
- 7/12/2012
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
After a decade with Tribeca Film, today is Nancy Schafer's last day as executive director of the Tribeca Film Festival and executive VP of Tribeca Enterprises. She's written a piece about her time with the organization, watching its evolution and where it might go in the future. We're happy to publish it. ______________________________ For the past 10 years, I have been part of an excellent team at Tribeca. In what is a bittersweet move for me, I have decided to step down from my position as Executive Director of the Tribeca Film Festival and Executive Vice President of Tribeca Enterprises. In 2002, under the leadership of co-founders Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro and Craig Hatkoff, the Festival began and I was fortunate to be on the original team. The Festival started as a 5-day response to the attacks of September 11, designed to bring business back to downtown Manhattan and support filmmakers and artists.
- 7/12/2012
- by Nancy Schafer
- Indiewire
Note: This piece was originally published on Indiewire. Cross-posted with permission. After a decade with Tribeca Film, today is Nancy Schafer's last day as executive director of the Tribeca Film Festival and executive VP of Tribeca Enterprises. She's written a piece about her time with the organization, watching its evolution and where it might go in the future. We're happy to publish it. For the past 10 years, I have been part of an excellent team at Tribeca. In what is a bittersweet move for me, I have decided to step down from my position as Executive Director of the Tribeca Film Festival and Executive Vice President of Tribeca Enterprises. In 2002, under the leadership of co-founders Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro and Craig Hatkoff, the Festival began and I was fortunate to be on the original team. The Festival started as a 5-day response to the attacks of September 11, ...
- 7/12/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
Following our chat with screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher last week on his involvement with the film competition Bombay Sapphire are running this year (for more info click here) we spoke to one of the other creative forces behind the project, the director of the Tribeca Film Festival, Nancy Schafer.
What struck me about the involvement of both Fletcher and Schafer is the different qualities and experiences they bring. The premise is that writers and directors are asked to interpret a script written by Fletcher and to pitch their ideas to the panel. Coming from the background Schafer does, as well as being a champion of independent film, I wanted to find out what she was looking in the submissions, and if audiences are finding that there is life beyond the multiplex.
HeyUGuys – Can you tell us about your involvement in the Imagination series and can you tell us how you got involved in it?...
What struck me about the involvement of both Fletcher and Schafer is the different qualities and experiences they bring. The premise is that writers and directors are asked to interpret a script written by Fletcher and to pitch their ideas to the panel. Coming from the background Schafer does, as well as being a champion of independent film, I wanted to find out what she was looking in the submissions, and if audiences are finding that there is life beyond the multiplex.
HeyUGuys – Can you tell us about your involvement in the Imagination series and can you tell us how you got involved in it?...
- 4/30/2012
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The winners of the 11th annual Tribeca Film Festival's competition categories were announced Thursday night at a ceremony at the Conrad New York Hotel in New York City, where presenters included jury members Susan Sarandon, Michael Moore, Patricia Clarkson, Leelee Sobieski, Olivia Wilde, Jim Sheridan, Tff executive director Nancy Schafer, and Tff founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal.Narrative films "War Witch" and "Una Noche" were among the top honorees, continuing Tribeca's tradition of recognizing international actors and filmmakers. Both films featured nonprofessional actors who earned Tff acting awards for their revelatory lead performances."We salute the courage of the jury to award films that not only tell stories about real issues in the world, but are beautifully constructed and crafted," Tff artistic director Frederic Boyer said in a statement. "The amazing first-time performances by young actors are a tribute...
- 4/27/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Daniel Lehman)
- backstage.com
Over the past decade, the Tribeca Film Festival has developed into one of the biggest in the country. The 11th annual event, which runs April 18-29, includes 90 feature-length narrative and documentary films, 53 of which are world premieres. More than a third are by filmmakers directing their first features.“Tribeca is a festival of discovery,” says Nancy Schafer, Tribeca’s executive director. “Both the director and the acting talent in a film is of very high importance to us, because we want people to be able to come here and see the next actor or director who are going to be rising up through the indie world.”With input from festival personnel and prognostications of our own based on industry buzz, we predict which performances and features will be remembered at the fest this year.Competing for AttentionSchafer says that audiences on the lookout for breakout performances at the festival should pay attention.
- 4/16/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Daniel Lehman)
- backstage.com
Summit Entertainment A scene from “The Avengers,” the film that will close the Tribeca Film Festival
While the red carpets, late night parties and galas of the Tribeca Film Festival attract celebrities and eager moviegoers alike, the organization simultaneously hosts another, quieter festival known as a shadow festival. This alternative festival is geared to the business of film, hosting screenings and making producers and directors available to filmmakers, buyers and acquisitioners. It is during these private events that films are bought and sold,...
While the red carpets, late night parties and galas of the Tribeca Film Festival attract celebrities and eager moviegoers alike, the organization simultaneously hosts another, quieter festival known as a shadow festival. This alternative festival is geared to the business of film, hosting screenings and making producers and directors available to filmmakers, buyers and acquisitioners. It is during these private events that films are bought and sold,...
- 4/2/2012
- by Alexandra Cheney
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
The 2012 Tribeca Film Festival has announced the lineup for its Tribeca Talks panel series. A few of the talks include Susan Sarandon interviewing director Michael Moore as part of the Directors series; Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro and Judd Apatow participating in a special Tribute panel honoring the 100th anniversary of Universal Picture; and a conversation with artist Shepard Fairey, director Antonino D’Ambrosio, the MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer, playwright Eve Ensler and others as they discuss artistic expression. Tff also announced six new titles making their world premieres at the festival: "Freaky Deaky," "Future Weather," "Portrait of Wally," "Once in a Lullaby: The PS22 Chorus Story," "Wagner's Dream" and "Knife Fight." “One of my favorite things at Tribeca is the series of conversations that take place around the films and filmmaking,” said Nancy Schafer, Executive...
- 3/26/2012
- by Devin Lee Fuller
- Indiewire
Once a year, the Tribeca team jets across the country and welcomes our west coast friends at the annual Tribeca Film Festival Kickoff Party. On Monday night, our new hotel partners at Hilton Hotels and Resorts and Conrad Hotels and Resorts opened their doors at the world-famous Beverly Hilton for a night of film fun, festival previews, and poolside cocktails. On hand from the Tribeca/American Express side were producer and Tribeca Film Festival Co-Founder Jane Rosenthal, Chief Creative Officer Geoffrey Gilmore, Executive Director Nancy Schafer, Artistic Director Frederic Boyer, Director of Programming Genna Terranova, and Deborah Curtis, Vice President, Entertainment Marketing and Sponsorships, American Express.
- 3/24/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
Tribeca today announced the slate of free community events taking place during the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival, including the Tribeca Drive-In, the Family Festival Street Fair, and the Tribeca/Espn Sports Day. We are also pleased to welcome back the Tribeca/Nyfest Soccer Tournament for its second year. Tff 2012, presented by Founding Sponsor American Express, will take place in lower Manhattan from April 18-29. "Since its inception, the Tribeca Film Festival has strived to give back to the neighborhood and the city with free community events for New Yorkers and visitors of all ages," said Nancy Schafer, Tribeca Film Festival Executive Director. "We are thrilled to continue the tradition with Festival favorites like the Drive-In, Family Festival Street Fair and Tribeca/Espn Sports Day, and to challenge our industry colleagues, young athletes and soccer fans with the Tribeca/Nyfest Soccer Day tournament." Tribeca/Nyfest Soccer Day Saturday, April 21 9 am to 6 pm...
- 3/22/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
Tribeca today announced the slate of free community events taking place during the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival, including the Tribeca Drive-In, the Family Festival Street Fair, and the Tribeca/Espn Sports Day. We are also pleased to welcome back the Tribeca/Nyfest Soccer Tournament for its second year. Tff 2012, presented by Founding Sponsor American Express, will take place in lower Manhattan from April 18-29. "Since its inception, the Tribeca Film Festival has strived to give back to the neighborhood and the city with free community events for New Yorkers and visitors of all ages," said Nancy Schafer, Tribeca Film Festival Executive Director. "We are thrilled to continue the tradition with Festival favorites like the Drive-In, Family Festival Street Fair and Tribeca/Espn Sports Day, and to challenge our industry colleagues, young athletes and soccer fans with the Tribeca/Nyfest Soccer Day tournament." We save the best for last: as the Festival...
- 3/22/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
Tribeca today announced the slate of free community events taking place during the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival, including the Tribeca Drive-In, the Family Festival Street Fair, and the Tribeca/Espn Sports Day. We are also pleased to welcome back the Tribeca/Nyfest Soccer Tournament for its second year. Tff 2012, presented by Founding Sponsor American Express, will take place in lower Manhattan from April 18-29. "Since its inception, the Tribeca Film Festival has strived to give back to the neighborhood and the city with free community events for New Yorkers and visitors of all ages," said Nancy Schafer, Tribeca Film Festival Executive Director. "We are thrilled to continue the tradition with Festival favorites like the Drive-In, Family Festival Street Fair and Tribeca/Espn Sports Day, and to challenge our industry colleagues, young athletes and soccer fans with the Tribeca/Nyfest Soccer Day tournament." One of the most popular community components of the...
- 3/22/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
2012 Tribeca Film Festival announced the World Narrative and Documentary Competition film selections
HollywoodNews.com: The 2012 Tribeca Film Festival (Tff), presented by American Express®, today announced the World Narrative and Documentary Competition film selections, along with selections for the out-of-competition Viewpoints section—the program established last year that highlights personal stories in international and independent cinema. Forty-six of the 90 feature-length films were announced. The 11th edition of the Festival will take place from April 18 to April 29 at locations around New York City.
The Festival was curated by a new programming team this year. Frédéric Boyer has joined Tff as Artistic Director, having most recently served as Artistic Director and Head of Programming for the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival. Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises, has expanded his role in overseeing the Festival program. Genna Terranova has been promoted to Director of Programming and Cara Cusumano returns as Programmer.
“It’s been so gratifying to watch the new programming...
The Festival was curated by a new programming team this year. Frédéric Boyer has joined Tff as Artistic Director, having most recently served as Artistic Director and Head of Programming for the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival. Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises, has expanded his role in overseeing the Festival program. Genna Terranova has been promoted to Director of Programming and Cara Cusumano returns as Programmer.
“It’s been so gratifying to watch the new programming...
- 3/6/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
After a successful run at the Tribeca Film Festival, Grave Encounters, The Vicious Brothers' funny and disturbing ride through the world of paranormal television, is about to play once more on the East Coast as part of the Tribeca Cinema Series at Caesars Atlantic City. Read on for the scoop!
From the Press Release
Caesars Atlantic City and the famed Tribeca Film Festival are bringing cinema to the sand with the return of the Tribeca Cinema Series at Caesars Atlantic City from Thursday, July 7th through Sunday, July 10th. Guests at the New Jersey Shore destination will get a sneak-peek at some of the year’s most anticipated films that have been presented at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. All of the screenings are free to the public.
The Tribeca Cinema Series will redefine what it means to go to the movies with this unconventional and exciting event on the shore.
From the Press Release
Caesars Atlantic City and the famed Tribeca Film Festival are bringing cinema to the sand with the return of the Tribeca Cinema Series at Caesars Atlantic City from Thursday, July 7th through Sunday, July 10th. Guests at the New Jersey Shore destination will get a sneak-peek at some of the year’s most anticipated films that have been presented at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. All of the screenings are free to the public.
The Tribeca Cinema Series will redefine what it means to go to the movies with this unconventional and exciting event on the shore.
- 6/30/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
The names of the winners of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival awards were announced on Thursday, April 28, after a brief awards ceremony at the W Hotel near New York's Union Square. The banquet hall was packed with filmmakers, talent, and industry, as Tribeca Film Festival Executive Director Nancy Schafer and host Gideon Yago stepped onstage at the Awards Show - an event Yago dubs one of his 'personal favorite rites of spring.' The Festival Jury's decisions may have been made public a few weeks ago, but we want to make sure you had the chance to experience the glitz and glam of the Awards Show for yourself. Tune into the Live From... channel on Tribeca (Online) to watch the archived video of the awards in its entirety. See awards presented by Tribeca Enterprises' Chief Creative Officer Geoff Gilmore, Tribeca Jury Member and comedian Denis Leary, Tribeca founders Jane Rosenthal...
- 5/11/2011
- TribecaFilm.com
Over 430,000 people attended the screenings, panels, talks and events that comprised the 10th anniversary of the Tribeca Film Festival (Tff). The Festival, which ran between April 20 and May 1, 2011, held over 400 screenings and panels that had over 95% attendance rates; more than 115,000 people attended 93 feature films and 60 short films from 40 countries. Over 1,800 people attended the free panels and discussions at the Tff, while 4,200 people attended events sponsored by the Tribeca Film Institute. Nancy Schafer, the Executive Director of the Tff, said “We are lucky to have the best audiences in the world, and I was excited to see them respond...
- 5/8/2011
- by karen
- ShockYa
The 2011 Tribeca FIlm Festival names its Heineken Audience Award Winner… “Give Up Tomorrow.”
The film’s director receives a cash prize of $25,000 for the audience-voted honor.
For the official word, read below:
Give Up Tomorrow received a Special Jury Mention in the World Documentary Competition at this year’s Tff and played to rapturous response and standing ovations. The film was also supported by the Tribeca Film Institute’s Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund, and the filmmaker is an alumnus of the Tribeca Film Institute’s Tribeca All Access program.
The film tells the story of culinary student Paco Larrañaga, who, at 19 years old in 1997, was arrested for the kidnap, rape, and murder of two sisters on the provincial island of Cebu in the Philippines. Despite demonstrable evidence of his innocence, including 40 eyewitnesses and photographs placing him hundreds of miles from the scene, Paco’s legal ordeal was only just beginning.
The film’s director receives a cash prize of $25,000 for the audience-voted honor.
For the official word, read below:
Give Up Tomorrow received a Special Jury Mention in the World Documentary Competition at this year’s Tff and played to rapturous response and standing ovations. The film was also supported by the Tribeca Film Institute’s Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund, and the filmmaker is an alumnus of the Tribeca Film Institute’s Tribeca All Access program.
The film tells the story of culinary student Paco Larrañaga, who, at 19 years old in 1997, was arrested for the kidnap, rape, and murder of two sisters on the provincial island of Cebu in the Philippines. Despite demonstrable evidence of his innocence, including 40 eyewitnesses and photographs placing him hundreds of miles from the scene, Paco’s legal ordeal was only just beginning.
- 5/1/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
The 2011 Tribeca FIlm Festival names its Heineken Audience Award Winner… “Give Up Tomorrow.”
The film’s director receives a cash prize of $25,000 for the audience-voted honor.
For the official word, read below:
Give Up Tomorrow received a Special Jury Mention in the World Documentary Competition at this year’s Tff and played to rapturous response and standing ovations. The film was also supported by the Tribeca Film Institute’s Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund, and the filmmaker is an alumnus of the Tribeca Film Institute’s Tribeca All Access program.
The film tells the story of culinary student Paco Larrañaga, who, at 19 years old in 1997, was arrested for the kidnap, rape, and murder of two sisters on the provincial island of Cebu in the Philippines. Despite demonstrable evidence of his innocence, including 40 eyewitnesses and photographs placing him hundreds of miles from the scene, Paco’s legal ordeal was only just beginning.
The film’s director receives a cash prize of $25,000 for the audience-voted honor.
For the official word, read below:
Give Up Tomorrow received a Special Jury Mention in the World Documentary Competition at this year’s Tff and played to rapturous response and standing ovations. The film was also supported by the Tribeca Film Institute’s Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund, and the filmmaker is an alumnus of the Tribeca Film Institute’s Tribeca All Access program.
The film tells the story of culinary student Paco Larrañaga, who, at 19 years old in 1997, was arrested for the kidnap, rape, and murder of two sisters on the provincial island of Cebu in the Philippines. Despite demonstrable evidence of his innocence, including 40 eyewitnesses and photographs placing him hundreds of miles from the scene, Paco’s legal ordeal was only just beginning.
- 5/1/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
Today the Tribeca Film Festival awarded $185,000 in cash prizes for both narrative and documentary films. Some notable awards include: She Monkeys for Best Narrative, Artificial Paradises for Best Cinematography, Turn Me On Goddammit for Best Screenplay, and Carice van Houten as Ingrid Jonker in Black Butterflies for Best Actress. Check out the press release below for the full lineup of awards.
2011 Tribeca Film Festival Announces Awards
She Monkeys, Journals Of Musan, Bombay Beach And Like Water
Win Top Awards In Juried World Competitions
Festival Awards More Than $185,000 In Cash Prizes
[April 28, 2011 – New York, NY] – The 10th annual Tribeca Film Festival, co-founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, and presented by founding sponsor American Express, announced the winners of its competition categories tonight at a ceremony hosted at the W Union Square in New York City. The Festival runs through May 1, 2011.
The world competition winners for narrative and documentary films were chosen...
2011 Tribeca Film Festival Announces Awards
She Monkeys, Journals Of Musan, Bombay Beach And Like Water
Win Top Awards In Juried World Competitions
Festival Awards More Than $185,000 In Cash Prizes
[April 28, 2011 – New York, NY] – The 10th annual Tribeca Film Festival, co-founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, and presented by founding sponsor American Express, announced the winners of its competition categories tonight at a ceremony hosted at the W Union Square in New York City. The Festival runs through May 1, 2011.
The world competition winners for narrative and documentary films were chosen...
- 4/29/2011
- by Christopher Clemente
- SoundOnSight
"Talihina Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon" director Stephen Mitchell with Tribeca Film Festival executive director Nancy Schafer at the New York filmmakers' party at the Bowery Hotel in downtown Manhattan Tuesday night. Check out Schafer's thoughts on the 10th anniversary of the festival in iW. Mitchell will take part in the Tribeca-Apple Meet the Filmmaker series at the Apple Store in SoHo, co-hosted by indieWIRE beginning this Friday and continuing through next week.
- 4/21/2011
- Indiewire
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