It feels like we’re about to be at a tipping point, Academy Award speculation wise. The fall film festival season is almost upon us, which will start to separate contenders from pretenders. Who and what that will be remains to be seen, though we mostly know the players that will appearing at upcoming fests. With the impending chaos, I might be doing a second update to predictions at the end of the month, but that’s up in the air right now. Today is an update though, of course. It’s presented without any real commentary, as whatever I write will be out of date pretty quickly. For now, just enjoy them and speculate on what changes will be coming in the next few weeks. Take a gander… Again, there isn’t a whole lot new to say right now, but when you look at these predictions, just try...
- 8/11/2017
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
The opening paragraphs of IndieWire’s review of “The Emoji Movie” may have read like a desperate cry for help, but the fact remains that movies are literally a light in the darkness, and that’s never been more true than it was (and continues to be) during the summer of 2017.
While the season tends not to be associated with high art, this hasn’t really been one of those years where the past has all that much bearing on the present. Things don’t make a lot of sense anymore, and that’s proven to be as true for pop culture as it has for every other aspect of our country. Generally speaking, that hasn’t been great news (the world is falling apart, we’re all gonna die, etc.). But when it comes to the multiplexes, people may have been happy to find that down is the new up.
While the season tends not to be associated with high art, this hasn’t really been one of those years where the past has all that much bearing on the present. Things don’t make a lot of sense anymore, and that’s proven to be as true for pop culture as it has for every other aspect of our country. Generally speaking, that hasn’t been great news (the world is falling apart, we’re all gonna die, etc.). But when it comes to the multiplexes, people may have been happy to find that down is the new up.
- 8/2/2017
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
President Donald Trump announced in a series of tweets that transgender people will no longer be allowed to serve in the military, and Twitter users are reacting.
Trump wrote in three tweets that the military “must be focused” and “cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.”
U.S. Army Pvt. Chelsea Manning called the move, “cowardice.”
so, biggest baddest most $$ military on earth cries about a few trans people but funds the F-35? sounds like cowardice #WeGotThis
— Chelsea E. Manning (@xychelsea) July 26, 2017
Writer and transgender activist Janet Mock, who transitioned in her teens,...
Trump wrote in three tweets that the military “must be focused” and “cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.”
U.S. Army Pvt. Chelsea Manning called the move, “cowardice.”
so, biggest baddest most $$ military on earth cries about a few trans people but funds the F-35? sounds like cowardice #WeGotThis
— Chelsea E. Manning (@xychelsea) July 26, 2017
Writer and transgender activist Janet Mock, who transitioned in her teens,...
- 7/26/2017
- by Julie Mazziotta
- PEOPLE.com
As the weather gets hotter and hotter, thoughts of the Academy Awards begin percolating in my mind. It’s always there, of course, but now, officially in the second half of the year, it feels time to get down to business, as it were. Summer counter programming is out and hoping to catch the eye of voters as they enjoy the months before they get down to awards season business. All this is to say that predictions are in flux. There are always differences from month to month, but from here on out, there could be more than usual. That’s just the name of the game. As you’ll see below, there’s some definite movement in my predictions. The big question mark for me right now is Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. Some have actually seen it, but no full reviews are out yet. That leads you to wonder...
- 7/14/2017
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
The film hails from the writer of American Sniper
The post A Look Inside Thank You For Your Service in New Featurette appeared first on ComingSoon.net.
The post A Look Inside Thank You For Your Service in New Featurette appeared first on ComingSoon.net.
- 6/21/2017
- by Spencer Perry
- Comingsoon.net
As temperatures rise, it may seem a bit silly to be thinking about what the Academy could do in the middle of the winter. Still, that’s what I do, so with the New York Film Festival announcing their Opening Night Selection, now feels like a good point to check in on Oscar. We’re still another month or so away from really having any sense of what the first half of the year has to offer, in terms of Oscars. Honestly, the only thing that so far seems like it could last the rest of the season is Brett Haley’s The Hero, specifically for Sam Elliott’s lead performance. He could certainly score a nomination in Best Actor. Aside from that, it’s looking like 2017 will be a second half sort of year. This time around, there’s some upward movement for Alexander Payne’s Downsizing, the inclusion...
- 6/16/2017
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
This Is Us gave back to some very important fans.
Stars Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Chris Sullivan and Susan Kelechi Watson recently teamed up with the Uso to visit the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.
The stars of NBC’s breakout hit drama took a tour of the base’s military units and even got a hands-on demonstration by the 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron before breaking bread with service members.
“It’s really such an honor to even be invited to be here. We jumped at the opportunity to do it,” said Kelechi Watson.
“We...
Stars Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Chris Sullivan and Susan Kelechi Watson recently teamed up with the Uso to visit the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.
The stars of NBC’s breakout hit drama took a tour of the base’s military units and even got a hands-on demonstration by the 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron before breaking bread with service members.
“It’s really such an honor to even be invited to be here. We jumped at the opportunity to do it,” said Kelechi Watson.
“We...
- 5/24/2017
- by Lanford Beard
- PEOPLE.com
Megan Leavey has earned an official "6 Certified" verification.
The Iraq War film, helmed by Blackfish director Gabriela Cowperthwaite and starring Kate Mara in the eponymous role, has been verified by the committee of service veterans and entertainment industry experts of the Got Your Six foundation, a nonprofit aimed at promoting more normalized depictions of veterans in film and television.
"Very proud to receive the Got Your 6 certification," Cowperthwaite said. "We all say 'Thank you for your service,' but what does that really mean? In many ways we're just not equipped as civilians to give [veterans] what they need. Megan Leavey...
The Iraq War film, helmed by Blackfish director Gabriela Cowperthwaite and starring Kate Mara in the eponymous role, has been verified by the committee of service veterans and entertainment industry experts of the Got Your Six foundation, a nonprofit aimed at promoting more normalized depictions of veterans in film and television.
"Very proud to receive the Got Your 6 certification," Cowperthwaite said. "We all say 'Thank you for your service,' but what does that really mean? In many ways we're just not equipped as civilians to give [veterans] what they need. Megan Leavey...
- 5/24/2017
- by Patrick Shanley
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As the Cannes Film Festival begins this week in earnest, it seems like a solid enough time to check in with some new Academy Award predictions. The festival may very well change the game, so as per the usual around this time, consider these predictions little more than a temporary placeholder. June will potentially look rather different than May, and so on, so simply keep that in mind. As for the specifics, you’ll be able to find that out shortly, but keep an eye on what Cannes has going on. They’re the belle of the ball currently, as it were. As the weather gets hotter, the potential contenders will start to reveal themselves, though as you know, it isn’t until the cold air returns that we really know what’s what. That’s just how it goes. What you’ll see below is a very slightly tinkered with update for this month.
- 5/19/2017
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Rap legends A Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes rescued the Grammy Awards from descent into unwatchable boredom with a devastating performance of Tribe’s “We The People” from the group’s new album “We Got It From Here… Thank You For Your Service.” But the stand out moment wasn’t the (excellent) song — it was the passionate intro by Busta calling out Donald Trump’s travel ban targeting Muslim immigrants. Also Read: Grammys: Who Is Gavin Grimm? Laverne Cox Shouts Out #StandWithGavin “I’m not doing the political clamor right now. I just want to thank president agent orange...
- 2/13/2017
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Say goodbye to Jack Pearson as we know him.
This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia shaved off his signature beard and mustache, which has become a staple look for his character, and it’s sparking some major theories as to what this could mean for Jack in the final four episodes of the season.
This week, the 39-year-old actor teased that big changes were afoot, showing off a physical transformation for Jack with a selfie in the hair and makeup trailer that he posted to Twitter.
Related: We May Have Witnessed the 'This Is Us' Moment Jack and Rebecca's Marriage Crumbled
“Thank you 1996 hair and goatee. Thank you for your service. See you next season!!” Ventimiglia wrote on Twitter, with the accompanying hashtag “#ThisIsJacksFacialHair.”
Director and executive producer Ken Olin went one step further, sharing glimpses at Ventimiglia’s fresh new cut and clean-shaven look on Thursday.
“The last 4 episodes of This Is Us will go...
This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia shaved off his signature beard and mustache, which has become a staple look for his character, and it’s sparking some major theories as to what this could mean for Jack in the final four episodes of the season.
This week, the 39-year-old actor teased that big changes were afoot, showing off a physical transformation for Jack with a selfie in the hair and makeup trailer that he posted to Twitter.
Related: We May Have Witnessed the 'This Is Us' Moment Jack and Rebecca's Marriage Crumbled
“Thank you 1996 hair and goatee. Thank you for your service. See you next season!!” Ventimiglia wrote on Twitter, with the accompanying hashtag “#ThisIsJacksFacialHair.”
Director and executive producer Ken Olin went one step further, sharing glimpses at Ventimiglia’s fresh new cut and clean-shaven look on Thursday.
“The last 4 episodes of This Is Us will go...
- 2/10/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Everyone’s favorite new TV dad Jack Pearson is without his signature mustache and beard — what does this mean?!
As the This Is Us cast continues to film the first season, the show’s star, Milo Ventimiglia, was spotted with a clean-shaven appearance in executive producer Ken Olin’s latest on-set teaser.
“The last 4 episodes of This Is Us will go places we’ve never been before. Here’s a taste,” Olin captioned Thursday’s footage, which revealed Ventimiglia without his scruffy facial hair, which brought back memories of his Gilmore Girls days.
The last 4 episodes of This Is Us...
As the This Is Us cast continues to film the first season, the show’s star, Milo Ventimiglia, was spotted with a clean-shaven appearance in executive producer Ken Olin’s latest on-set teaser.
“The last 4 episodes of This Is Us will go places we’ve never been before. Here’s a taste,” Olin captioned Thursday’s footage, which revealed Ventimiglia without his scruffy facial hair, which brought back memories of his Gilmore Girls days.
The last 4 episodes of This Is Us...
- 2/10/2017
- by Karen Mizoguchi
- PEOPLE.com
Jardo, a police dog who received blood from two canine donors last week after being shot by an armed suspect in Boise, Idaho, died on Wednesday.
In a heartbreaking Facebook message, the Boise Police Department shared on Thursday that they “lost a member of the Department last night.”
“Jardo served our community and though we were blessed with these few extra days to share with him, he ultimately gave his life in the protection of fellow officers,” Boise Police Chief William Bones said in the post.
The pup, who was thought to be recovering well following emergency surgery performed at...
In a heartbreaking Facebook message, the Boise Police Department shared on Thursday that they “lost a member of the Department last night.”
“Jardo served our community and though we were blessed with these few extra days to share with him, he ultimately gave his life in the protection of fellow officers,” Boise Police Chief William Bones said in the post.
The pup, who was thought to be recovering well following emergency surgery performed at...
- 11/18/2016
- by amyjamiesonweb
- PEOPLE.com
We Got It From Here, Thank You for Your Service is our Toyota People Pick of the Day
Come back every day at 8:30 a.m. Est to watch People Now streaming live from Time Inc. headquarters in New York City, and rebroadcast at 11:30 am Est. Get the absolute latest in celebrity news, real-life people stories & the best of fashion and food.
Want even more? Watch clips from yesterday’s People Now.
Come back every day at 8:30 a.m. Est to watch People Now streaming live from Time Inc. headquarters in New York City, and rebroadcast at 11:30 am Est. Get the absolute latest in celebrity news, real-life people stories & the best of fashion and food.
Want even more? Watch clips from yesterday’s People Now.
- 11/10/2016
- by peoplecomproducer
- PEOPLE.com
The season of amusing first pitches is over, but we still have puck drops.
The National Hockey League honored a furry fan on Sunday. To start off the game between the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames, Nero the bomb-sniffing dog dropped the ceremonial first puck.
The precious moment was part of the Ducks’ “Military Appreciation Night.” Corporal Nero is stationed at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. He is trained to find IEDs and other dangerous explosive devices before they can injure anyone.
He is a very good boy, and a very good puck dropper as well.
Thank you for your service Nero!
The National Hockey League honored a furry fan on Sunday. To start off the game between the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames, Nero the bomb-sniffing dog dropped the ceremonial first puck.
The precious moment was part of the Ducks’ “Military Appreciation Night.” Corporal Nero is stationed at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. He is trained to find IEDs and other dangerous explosive devices before they can injure anyone.
He is a very good boy, and a very good puck dropper as well.
Thank you for your service Nero!
- 11/7/2016
- by kellibendertimeinc
- PEOPLE.com
The 2016 Illuminate Film Festival, which will take place June 1 – 5, 2016 in Sedona, Arizona has announced the official line up of films for the 3rd annual event. The only film festival of its kind, the Illuminate Film Festival offers a collection of over 20 feature length and short films from around the world, exploring the year’s best in conscious cinema, as well as eye opening and thought provoking panels and conversations that will expand minds and inspire dialogue.
“We are proud to be the world’s premier film festival for conscious cinema” said the festival’s Executive Director Danette Wolpert, “and continue to attract movie-lovers, spiritual seekers and conscious lifestyle enthusiasts from over 25 states and 8 countries. In our third year, we will offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the world’s best life-affirming, mind-body-spirit focused films, experience radical transformation together and meet trailblazers in the emerging genre of conscious cinema.”
Illuminate will begin on June 1st, 2016 with a pre-Festival Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening of work-in-progress "Be More," a stirring documentary film narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, about seven activists who make it their mission to create a more compassionate world. Their goal: To transform the lives of seventeen teenagers in seven days. Filmmaker Justin Haulbrook will be in attendance.
Opening Film on June 2nd, 2016 will be "Maya Angelou and Still I Rise," which portrays the vibrant spirit of an American Legend - author, poet, Grammy-winner, civil rights activist and shining example of what it is to be empowered moment by moment in one’s life. Directed by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, the film features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones, Alice Walker and Hillary Clinton. Filmmaker Rita Coburn Whack will be in attendance.
The Festival’s Spotlight will be the emotional tour de force "Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru," directed by Academy Award® nominated Joe Berlinger. This film pulls back the curtain on the internationally renowned life and business strategist and his mammoth annual seminar, capturing the life changing transformations of the participants in real time. The Closing Film event will be a Sneak Peek of "Mantra: Sounds Into Silence," a film about the revolution underway in world Kirtan, yoga's call-and-response form of devotional music. Sneak peek clips of the film will be followed by a Q&A and live concert with world-renowned Kirtan sensation Jai Uttal. Filmmaker Georgia Wyss will be in attendance.
The Illuminate Film Festival will introduce the inaugural Conscious Visionary Award, an award honoring a pioneer in the world of conscious cinema, spirituality, and life achievement as a teacher and facilitator of human transformation. The award will be presented to the Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith for his unparalleled record of bringing hope, love and encouragement to millions of spiritual seekers, creating the Agape worldwide community of faithful parishioners, students, healers and teachers who carry his message forward, and his complete dedication to uplifting and inspiring humanity through his church, books, audio recordings and numerous film appearances.
Chaz Ebert has signed on as the keynote speaker for the Conscious Film Convergence and will speak on the role of transformational entertainment and its potential impact on humanity. Chaz, wife of the late Roger Ebert, is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including President of Ebert Productions and Chairman of the Board of The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and Producer of Ebertfest, the film festival now in its 18th year.
Other films in the lineup include:
"A New High" (2015), directed by Samuel Miron and Stephen Scott Scarpulla - Everyone defines their mountain. For the residents of a Seattle homeless shelter, it’s homelessness, addiction, abuse.... and the 14,400-foot Mt Rainier.
"The Connected Universe" (2016), directed by Malcom Carter – Returning after its sold out Sneak Peek at Illuminate 2015, this documentary featuring Nassim Haramein discovers the science behind the interconnection of all things in a magnificent, groundbreaking union of science and spirituality. (Private screening)
"From This Day Forward" (2015), directed by Sharon Shattuck – Filmmaker Sharon Shattuck examines the mystery at the heart of her upbringing – How her transgender father Trisha and her straight-identified mother Marcia stayed together against all odds – depicting a love that survived the most intimate of transformations.
More information Here
"Home Care" (2015), directed by Slávek Horák – The official 2016 Oscar entry for the Czech Republic, this appealing humanist tale follows Vlasta, a dedicated home nurse whose entire life is devoted to saving others, as she reluctantly ventures into spirituality and alternative medicine to find salvation for herself.
More information Here
"Icaros: A Visions" (2016), directed by Leonor Caraballo and Matteo Norzi - A film shaped like a shamanic journey utilizing the unique qualities of plant medicine, steeped in a psychoactive brew exploring fear and destiny in the jungle of the mind and the Amazon. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"Love, Sweat & Tears" (2016), directed by Scott Jacobs – Dr. Pamela Dee Gaudry is on a mission to “Save The Menopausal Vaginas of America!” In this documentary, Gaudry marries medical facts with profound insights from some of today’s influential spiritual leaders such as Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith and Rev June Gatlin, as well as riotous comedians Joan Rivers and Jenny McCarthy. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Teal" The Making of a Spiritual Teacher" (2016), directed by Paola Marino – Referred to as “The Spiritual Catalyst” and dubbed the next Wayne Dyer, Teal Swan’s extrasensory gifts and connection to the spiritual realm are a light in the perpetual darkness of the modern age. (Work-In-Progress World Premiere)
More information Here
"Orange Sunshine" (2016), directed by William A. Kirkley – During the early 1960’s, a group of family, friends, and surfers formed a church centered around psychedelics. For The Brotherhood of Eternal Love, the mission was to enlighten the world, and the law was but a mere interference. (Arizona Premiere)
More information Here
"Planting Seeds of Mindfulness" (2016), directed by Gregory Kennedy-Salemi and Stuary Jolley –Based on the teachings of world renowned Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, and featuring riveting music by Tina Turner, this live action-animated film about a teenager’s mindful journey is a powerful tool to help children, parents, teachers and communities develop the skills to promote peace within themselves and in the world around them. (World Premiere)
More information Here
"Pursuing Happiness" (2015), directed by Adam Shell – The desire to be happy is so intense that we spend an immeasurable amount of time and money in an effort to obtain it. This enchanting, revelatory documentary explores the happiest people in America and uncovers the secrets to their happiness.
More information Here
"Thank You For Your Service" (2016), directed by Tom Donahue – This gripping documentary about four Iraq War veterans struggling with Ptsd explores the healing aspects of meditation, native ceremony and equine therapy. Impactful interviews include former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, General David Petraeus and Mayor Rudy Guiliani. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The C Word" (2016), directed by Meghan O’Hara – Cancer is no laughing matter – but the archaic way we are battling it is. Executive produced and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film explores hidden science, the absurdity of the status quo, and introduces a vibrant cast of characters changing the cancer game. (Southwest Premiere)
More information Here
"The Highest Past" (2011), directed by Jon Fitzgerald – Seven motorcycle riders share the journey of a lifetime along some of the most dangerous roads in the world, guided by a modern yogi and guru. (Cinema Revisited)
More information Here
"Tree Story" (2015), directed by Ward Serrill – A series of short documentary films that explore the relationship between humans and trees from every conceivable angle: the scientific, the mythical, the practical, the cultural, and the spiritual. (Festival World Premiere)
"Vegan" Everyday Stories" (2016), directed by Glenn Scott Lacey – Explore the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread – they’re all vegan. Follow an ultramarthon runner, a cattle rancher’s wife and an 8 year-old girl through their profound transformations. Featuring interviews with Moby, Russell Simmons and Ed Begley Jr. (World Premiere)
More information Here
Short Films:
"The Avadhut" directed by Jonathan Dubsky, Fenulla Jiwan, Zottomer Kenatarac (World Premiere)
"Catching Fire" directed by Ward Serrill (World Premiere)
"Forgotten Ritual" directed by Mirjam Hlastan (Us Premiere)
"Holistic Life Foundation" directed by Chris Farina (Southwest Premiere)
"Sister Jaguar's Journey" directed by Sande Zeig
"Today I Acknowledge" directed by Jessica Hahner (Arizona Premiere)
Conscious Film Convergence Panels and Workshops:
Spotlight Conversation: Norman Seeff On Creativity: The Power of A Dream
As a photographer for the most prolific artists of our time - Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, Jim Henson, Steve Jobs, Martin Scorsese and Will.I.Am, to name a few, Norman Seeff knows something about the creative process. Through his innovative methodology, he has developed a body of content exploring the roots of creativity, innovation and optimal performance and has identified schematics describing the archetypes of the creative process that function across all creative disciplines.
Behind The ‘Seen’ – Investing In Transformational Entertainment
Through this intimate dialogue on film finance moderated by Simon Kilmurry (Executive Director, International Documentary Association), hear from three savvy individuals who are committed to bringing transformational entertainment to mainstream audiences about the art and science of financing conscious and cause-based cinema. Guests include Geralyn Dreyfous of Impact Partners/Gamechangers, and producers Jane Charles of Greater Good Entertainment ("Sold") and Ilan Arboleda of CreativeChaos (Thank You For Your Service).
Conscious Media & The Mainstream: Finding Your Audience
Media, industry outlets and tastemakers play an essential role in building buzz and excitement around new cinema titles as they seek to find their audiences, often defining their position in the marketplace. Join Corrine Bourdeau, President of 360 Degree Communications, Bill Goodykoontz, Film Critic Az Republic & Gannett News Service, Maya Zuckerman, Huffington Post writer, and Mark DeNicola of Collective Evolution as they reveal how to best leverage the media and how conscious cinema can be branded, marketed and presented to engage audiences and maximize box office.
Act of Transformation - A Screenwriter's Workshop
Emmy Award winning screenwriter Dev Ross conducts a workshop focused on the act of transforming a conscious concept into an engaging screenplay. First, Dev will discuss how a screenplay that sets out to raise consciousness can face inherent story problems, using Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” as a reference on how to avoid this mistake. Then, by using the model discussed in the first half, the audience will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of a three-act story outline based on audience-contributed ideas.
Distribution Therapy
Disabuse yourself from assumptions about what it’s like to tie the knot with a distributor! Get a rare chance to observe a series of conversations between filmmakers and their distributors. Join facilitator Shaeri Richards as she helps distributor-filmmaker pairs share their feelings in an entertaining format that will provide abundant wisdom on setting expectations, keeping the flame alive and when to call it quits with your distributor. Panelists: Nancy Gerstman, Co-founder/Co-president of Zeitgeist Films & filmmaker Jeremy Frindel ("One Track Heart"); Richard Lorber, CEO of Kino Lorber & producer Peter Rader ("Awake: The Life of Yogananda"); Richard Cohn, President of Beyond Words & filmmaker Patrick Solomon ("Finding Joe").
**New workshop announced!
Tools of Immersive Cinema – Virtual Reality Workshop with Sandy Smolan
Virtual Reality workshop by filmmaker Sandy Smolan entitled "Going Deep: Diving into Virtual Reality Content Creation." It will be an overview and demonstration of the technology used to create The Click Effect (Sundance 2016), a live-action, immersive Vr experience that follows two renegade marine science researchers as they attempt to free-dive a hundred feet below the ocean’s surface in a single breath to capture the “click” communication of dolphins and sperm whales.
The Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening will take place at The Collective in the Village of Oak Creek. Festival screenings will take place at the Sedona Performing Arts Center and the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Festival parties will be hosted by Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the Lodge at Sedona and Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen.
Illuminate Film Festival Major Sponsors
Principal: Science of Mind Magazine, ChocolaTree Organic Oasis & Sedona Chamber of Commerce
Producing: The Collective, The Lodge at Sedona, Sedona Real Inn & Suites, International Documentary Association, Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen & Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Supporting: Sedona Elite Properties, Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery,
Alive Mind Cinema, and Centers for Spiritual Living
Media Sponsors: Spirituality & Health Magazine, Om Times, Conscious Life News,
Collective Evolution and Sedona Now TV.
VIP All-Access passes offer unlimited access to all events, including opening and closing night gala presentations, spotlight screenings, Reel Healing “View & Do” screenings, VIP parties and receptions, and Conscious Film Convergence panels and conversations, and provide priority ticketing access into theaters. Early Bird passes on sale now! Cost until April 20 is $349 and $444 after. Conscious Film Convergence passes are $249.
To purchase passes, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com. Starting May 6, individual tickets can be purchased on a space-available basis. The full schedule of films exhibiting at the 2016 Illuminate Film Festival will be posted April 19. For more information, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com...
“We are proud to be the world’s premier film festival for conscious cinema” said the festival’s Executive Director Danette Wolpert, “and continue to attract movie-lovers, spiritual seekers and conscious lifestyle enthusiasts from over 25 states and 8 countries. In our third year, we will offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the world’s best life-affirming, mind-body-spirit focused films, experience radical transformation together and meet trailblazers in the emerging genre of conscious cinema.”
Illuminate will begin on June 1st, 2016 with a pre-Festival Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening of work-in-progress "Be More," a stirring documentary film narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, about seven activists who make it their mission to create a more compassionate world. Their goal: To transform the lives of seventeen teenagers in seven days. Filmmaker Justin Haulbrook will be in attendance.
Opening Film on June 2nd, 2016 will be "Maya Angelou and Still I Rise," which portrays the vibrant spirit of an American Legend - author, poet, Grammy-winner, civil rights activist and shining example of what it is to be empowered moment by moment in one’s life. Directed by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, the film features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones, Alice Walker and Hillary Clinton. Filmmaker Rita Coburn Whack will be in attendance.
The Festival’s Spotlight will be the emotional tour de force "Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru," directed by Academy Award® nominated Joe Berlinger. This film pulls back the curtain on the internationally renowned life and business strategist and his mammoth annual seminar, capturing the life changing transformations of the participants in real time. The Closing Film event will be a Sneak Peek of "Mantra: Sounds Into Silence," a film about the revolution underway in world Kirtan, yoga's call-and-response form of devotional music. Sneak peek clips of the film will be followed by a Q&A and live concert with world-renowned Kirtan sensation Jai Uttal. Filmmaker Georgia Wyss will be in attendance.
The Illuminate Film Festival will introduce the inaugural Conscious Visionary Award, an award honoring a pioneer in the world of conscious cinema, spirituality, and life achievement as a teacher and facilitator of human transformation. The award will be presented to the Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith for his unparalleled record of bringing hope, love and encouragement to millions of spiritual seekers, creating the Agape worldwide community of faithful parishioners, students, healers and teachers who carry his message forward, and his complete dedication to uplifting and inspiring humanity through his church, books, audio recordings and numerous film appearances.
Chaz Ebert has signed on as the keynote speaker for the Conscious Film Convergence and will speak on the role of transformational entertainment and its potential impact on humanity. Chaz, wife of the late Roger Ebert, is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including President of Ebert Productions and Chairman of the Board of The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and Producer of Ebertfest, the film festival now in its 18th year.
Other films in the lineup include:
"A New High" (2015), directed by Samuel Miron and Stephen Scott Scarpulla - Everyone defines their mountain. For the residents of a Seattle homeless shelter, it’s homelessness, addiction, abuse.... and the 14,400-foot Mt Rainier.
"The Connected Universe" (2016), directed by Malcom Carter – Returning after its sold out Sneak Peek at Illuminate 2015, this documentary featuring Nassim Haramein discovers the science behind the interconnection of all things in a magnificent, groundbreaking union of science and spirituality. (Private screening)
"From This Day Forward" (2015), directed by Sharon Shattuck – Filmmaker Sharon Shattuck examines the mystery at the heart of her upbringing – How her transgender father Trisha and her straight-identified mother Marcia stayed together against all odds – depicting a love that survived the most intimate of transformations.
More information Here
"Home Care" (2015), directed by Slávek Horák – The official 2016 Oscar entry for the Czech Republic, this appealing humanist tale follows Vlasta, a dedicated home nurse whose entire life is devoted to saving others, as she reluctantly ventures into spirituality and alternative medicine to find salvation for herself.
More information Here
"Icaros: A Visions" (2016), directed by Leonor Caraballo and Matteo Norzi - A film shaped like a shamanic journey utilizing the unique qualities of plant medicine, steeped in a psychoactive brew exploring fear and destiny in the jungle of the mind and the Amazon. (Southwest Premiere)
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"Love, Sweat & Tears" (2016), directed by Scott Jacobs – Dr. Pamela Dee Gaudry is on a mission to “Save The Menopausal Vaginas of America!” In this documentary, Gaudry marries medical facts with profound insights from some of today’s influential spiritual leaders such as Hon. Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith and Rev June Gatlin, as well as riotous comedians Joan Rivers and Jenny McCarthy. (World Premiere)
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"Teal" The Making of a Spiritual Teacher" (2016), directed by Paola Marino – Referred to as “The Spiritual Catalyst” and dubbed the next Wayne Dyer, Teal Swan’s extrasensory gifts and connection to the spiritual realm are a light in the perpetual darkness of the modern age. (Work-In-Progress World Premiere)
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"Orange Sunshine" (2016), directed by William A. Kirkley – During the early 1960’s, a group of family, friends, and surfers formed a church centered around psychedelics. For The Brotherhood of Eternal Love, the mission was to enlighten the world, and the law was but a mere interference. (Arizona Premiere)
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"Planting Seeds of Mindfulness" (2016), directed by Gregory Kennedy-Salemi and Stuary Jolley –Based on the teachings of world renowned Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, and featuring riveting music by Tina Turner, this live action-animated film about a teenager’s mindful journey is a powerful tool to help children, parents, teachers and communities develop the skills to promote peace within themselves and in the world around them. (World Premiere)
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"Pursuing Happiness" (2015), directed by Adam Shell – The desire to be happy is so intense that we spend an immeasurable amount of time and money in an effort to obtain it. This enchanting, revelatory documentary explores the happiest people in America and uncovers the secrets to their happiness.
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"Thank You For Your Service" (2016), directed by Tom Donahue – This gripping documentary about four Iraq War veterans struggling with Ptsd explores the healing aspects of meditation, native ceremony and equine therapy. Impactful interviews include former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, General David Petraeus and Mayor Rudy Guiliani. (Southwest Premiere)
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"The C Word" (2016), directed by Meghan O’Hara – Cancer is no laughing matter – but the archaic way we are battling it is. Executive produced and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film explores hidden science, the absurdity of the status quo, and introduces a vibrant cast of characters changing the cancer game. (Southwest Premiere)
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"The Highest Past" (2011), directed by Jon Fitzgerald – Seven motorcycle riders share the journey of a lifetime along some of the most dangerous roads in the world, guided by a modern yogi and guru. (Cinema Revisited)
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"Tree Story" (2015), directed by Ward Serrill – A series of short documentary films that explore the relationship between humans and trees from every conceivable angle: the scientific, the mythical, the practical, the cultural, and the spiritual. (Festival World Premiere)
"Vegan" Everyday Stories" (2016), directed by Glenn Scott Lacey – Explore the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread – they’re all vegan. Follow an ultramarthon runner, a cattle rancher’s wife and an 8 year-old girl through their profound transformations. Featuring interviews with Moby, Russell Simmons and Ed Begley Jr. (World Premiere)
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Short Films:
"The Avadhut" directed by Jonathan Dubsky, Fenulla Jiwan, Zottomer Kenatarac (World Premiere)
"Catching Fire" directed by Ward Serrill (World Premiere)
"Forgotten Ritual" directed by Mirjam Hlastan (Us Premiere)
"Holistic Life Foundation" directed by Chris Farina (Southwest Premiere)
"Sister Jaguar's Journey" directed by Sande Zeig
"Today I Acknowledge" directed by Jessica Hahner (Arizona Premiere)
Conscious Film Convergence Panels and Workshops:
Spotlight Conversation: Norman Seeff On Creativity: The Power of A Dream
As a photographer for the most prolific artists of our time - Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, Jim Henson, Steve Jobs, Martin Scorsese and Will.I.Am, to name a few, Norman Seeff knows something about the creative process. Through his innovative methodology, he has developed a body of content exploring the roots of creativity, innovation and optimal performance and has identified schematics describing the archetypes of the creative process that function across all creative disciplines.
Behind The ‘Seen’ – Investing In Transformational Entertainment
Through this intimate dialogue on film finance moderated by Simon Kilmurry (Executive Director, International Documentary Association), hear from three savvy individuals who are committed to bringing transformational entertainment to mainstream audiences about the art and science of financing conscious and cause-based cinema. Guests include Geralyn Dreyfous of Impact Partners/Gamechangers, and producers Jane Charles of Greater Good Entertainment ("Sold") and Ilan Arboleda of CreativeChaos (Thank You For Your Service).
Conscious Media & The Mainstream: Finding Your Audience
Media, industry outlets and tastemakers play an essential role in building buzz and excitement around new cinema titles as they seek to find their audiences, often defining their position in the marketplace. Join Corrine Bourdeau, President of 360 Degree Communications, Bill Goodykoontz, Film Critic Az Republic & Gannett News Service, Maya Zuckerman, Huffington Post writer, and Mark DeNicola of Collective Evolution as they reveal how to best leverage the media and how conscious cinema can be branded, marketed and presented to engage audiences and maximize box office.
Act of Transformation - A Screenwriter's Workshop
Emmy Award winning screenwriter Dev Ross conducts a workshop focused on the act of transforming a conscious concept into an engaging screenplay. First, Dev will discuss how a screenplay that sets out to raise consciousness can face inherent story problems, using Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” as a reference on how to avoid this mistake. Then, by using the model discussed in the first half, the audience will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of a three-act story outline based on audience-contributed ideas.
Distribution Therapy
Disabuse yourself from assumptions about what it’s like to tie the knot with a distributor! Get a rare chance to observe a series of conversations between filmmakers and their distributors. Join facilitator Shaeri Richards as she helps distributor-filmmaker pairs share their feelings in an entertaining format that will provide abundant wisdom on setting expectations, keeping the flame alive and when to call it quits with your distributor. Panelists: Nancy Gerstman, Co-founder/Co-president of Zeitgeist Films & filmmaker Jeremy Frindel ("One Track Heart"); Richard Lorber, CEO of Kino Lorber & producer Peter Rader ("Awake: The Life of Yogananda"); Richard Cohn, President of Beyond Words & filmmaker Patrick Solomon ("Finding Joe").
**New workshop announced!
Tools of Immersive Cinema – Virtual Reality Workshop with Sandy Smolan
Virtual Reality workshop by filmmaker Sandy Smolan entitled "Going Deep: Diving into Virtual Reality Content Creation." It will be an overview and demonstration of the technology used to create The Click Effect (Sundance 2016), a live-action, immersive Vr experience that follows two renegade marine science researchers as they attempt to free-dive a hundred feet below the ocean’s surface in a single breath to capture the “click” communication of dolphins and sperm whales.
The Launch Party and Free Outdoor Screening will take place at The Collective in the Village of Oak Creek. Festival screenings will take place at the Sedona Performing Arts Center and the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Festival parties will be hosted by Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, the Lodge at Sedona and Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen.
Illuminate Film Festival Major Sponsors
Principal: Science of Mind Magazine, ChocolaTree Organic Oasis & Sedona Chamber of Commerce
Producing: The Collective, The Lodge at Sedona, Sedona Real Inn & Suites, International Documentary Association, Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen & Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Supporting: Sedona Elite Properties, Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery,
Alive Mind Cinema, and Centers for Spiritual Living
Media Sponsors: Spirituality & Health Magazine, Om Times, Conscious Life News,
Collective Evolution and Sedona Now TV.
VIP All-Access passes offer unlimited access to all events, including opening and closing night gala presentations, spotlight screenings, Reel Healing “View & Do” screenings, VIP parties and receptions, and Conscious Film Convergence panels and conversations, and provide priority ticketing access into theaters. Early Bird passes on sale now! Cost until April 20 is $349 and $444 after. Conscious Film Convergence passes are $249.
To purchase passes, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com. Starting May 6, individual tickets can be purchased on a space-available basis. The full schedule of films exhibiting at the 2016 Illuminate Film Festival will be posted April 19. For more information, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com...
- 4/18/2016
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Title: Thank You For Your Service Director: Tom Donahue Genre: Documentary The U.S. military faces a mental health crisis of historic proportions. Only in recent years have people started to take action to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Director Tom Donahue addresses this issue with sagacity, sensibility and depth. ‘Thank You for Your Service’ takes aim at our superficial understanding of war trauma and the failed policies that result, through a documentary that interweaves the stories of four Iraq War veterans with candid interviews of top military and civilian leaders. Tom Donahue directed HBO’s ‘Casting By’ which was nominated for an Emmy in 2014, and was hailed as one of [ Read More ]
The post Exclusive Interview with Tom Donahue – Director of Thank You For Your Service appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Exclusive Interview with Tom Donahue – Director of Thank You For Your Service appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 4/8/2016
- by Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi
- ShockYa
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