The Sundance Film Festival has always been one of the premiere places for discovery, providing a launching pad for breakout films en route to mainstream acclaim and awards. But oftentimes, the best of Sundance — films that are truly original, fresh, and worthy — go on to smaller victory laps. These are the festival’s hidden gems, and though they might not be getting Oscar nods, they’re just as deserving of our attention. In advance of this year’s virtual fest, we’ve partnered with AMC+ to assemble a varied list of past Sundance stunners. Featuring early films from the likes of Miranda July and the Safdie’s to Spike Lee’s adaptation of a hit Broadway musical, all of these gems are available via AMC+ streaming platform.
“Daddy Longlegs”
The brothers Safdie are, by now, an indie household name — but a decade ago, they burst onto the map with this captivating dramedy.
“Daddy Longlegs”
The brothers Safdie are, by now, an indie household name — but a decade ago, they burst onto the map with this captivating dramedy.
- 1/29/2021
- by IndieWire Staff
- Indiewire
An eye-opening documentary about New York’s underground Lgbt ball culture
Sara Jordenö’s vivid documentary about New York’s underground ballroom scene glows with the heat of radical empathy. Jordenö casts her subjects – gay black and brown teens who find freedom in dance and drag – in warm reds and oranges, giving each individual their moment by fixing on their faces as they make direct eye contact with her camera.
The elephant in the room is Jennie Livingston’s 1990 vogueing documentary, Paris Is Burning, which casts a long shadow over the film. There are two main differences here: firstly, Kiki comes from the community it depicts (Twiggy Pucci Garçon, one of the film’s stars, has a co-writer credit). Secondly, while Paris Is Burning was mostly set against the backdrop of the Reagan era, Kiki takes place in Obama’s America. Inevitably, the dramatic stakes feel different; the urgency of...
Sara Jordenö’s vivid documentary about New York’s underground ballroom scene glows with the heat of radical empathy. Jordenö casts her subjects – gay black and brown teens who find freedom in dance and drag – in warm reds and oranges, giving each individual their moment by fixing on their faces as they make direct eye contact with her camera.
The elephant in the room is Jennie Livingston’s 1990 vogueing documentary, Paris Is Burning, which casts a long shadow over the film. There are two main differences here: firstly, Kiki comes from the community it depicts (Twiggy Pucci Garçon, one of the film’s stars, has a co-writer credit). Secondly, while Paris Is Burning was mostly set against the backdrop of the Reagan era, Kiki takes place in Obama’s America. Inevitably, the dramatic stakes feel different; the urgency of...
- 5/28/2017
- by Simran Hans
- The Guardian - Film News
“Kiki” premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Now, the Lgbtq voguing documentary will open in New York on March 1. Watch an exclusive clip below.
Read More: Documentary ‘Kiki’ Highlights The Crucial Community And Activism Of The Voguing Ballroom Scene
Directed by Swedish filmmaker Sara Jordenö, “Kiki” follows a group of queer youth of color, as they unite to form a safe gathering place in their hometown of New York City. Twiggy Pucci Garçon, an Lgbtq activist, model and figurehead in the voguing ball scene, is one of the subjects of the film. Other participants include Gia Marie Love, a trans woman who’s a former high-school debate champ; the effusive Chi Chi Mizrahi, another leader among the group; and Zariya, whom Chi Chi guides and protects as she struggles to find her home as a trans women.
Read More: Watch: Bow Down to the Fierce Voguing of Sundance Hit ‘Kiki...
Read More: Documentary ‘Kiki’ Highlights The Crucial Community And Activism Of The Voguing Ballroom Scene
Directed by Swedish filmmaker Sara Jordenö, “Kiki” follows a group of queer youth of color, as they unite to form a safe gathering place in their hometown of New York City. Twiggy Pucci Garçon, an Lgbtq activist, model and figurehead in the voguing ball scene, is one of the subjects of the film. Other participants include Gia Marie Love, a trans woman who’s a former high-school debate champ; the effusive Chi Chi Mizrahi, another leader among the group; and Zariya, whom Chi Chi guides and protects as she struggles to find her home as a trans women.
Read More: Watch: Bow Down to the Fierce Voguing of Sundance Hit ‘Kiki...
- 2/28/2017
- by Yoselin Acevedo
- Indiewire
The 32nd Independent Spirit Awards took place on Feb. 25 in Los Angeles. Many Oscar contenders — such as “Moonlight” and “Manchester by the Sea” — were nominated alongside smaller titles such as “American Honey” and “Chronic,” making for a truly unpredictable show.
Read More: 2017 Independent Spirit Awards: Who Will Win and Who Should Win — Critics Survey
The full list of nominees is below, with winners in bold.
Best Feature
“Moonlight”
“American Honey”
“Chronic”
“Jackie”
“Manchester by the Sea”
Best Director
Barry Jenkins –”Moonlight”
Andrea Arnold –”American Honey”
Pablo Larraín –”Jackie”
Jeff Nichols –”Loving”
Kelly Reichardt –”Certain Women”
Best Male Lead
Casey Affleck –”Manchester by the Sea” as Lee Chandler
David Harewood –”Free in Deed” as Abe Wilkins
Viggo Mortensen –”Captain Fantastic” as Ben Cash
Jesse Plemons –”Other People” as David Mulcahey
Tim Roth –”Chronic” as David Wilson
Best Female Lead
Isabelle Huppert –”Elle” as Michèle Leblanc
Annette Bening –”20th Century Women” as...
Read More: 2017 Independent Spirit Awards: Who Will Win and Who Should Win — Critics Survey
The full list of nominees is below, with winners in bold.
Best Feature
“Moonlight”
“American Honey”
“Chronic”
“Jackie”
“Manchester by the Sea”
Best Director
Barry Jenkins –”Moonlight”
Andrea Arnold –”American Honey”
Pablo Larraín –”Jackie”
Jeff Nichols –”Loving”
Kelly Reichardt –”Certain Women”
Best Male Lead
Casey Affleck –”Manchester by the Sea” as Lee Chandler
David Harewood –”Free in Deed” as Abe Wilkins
Viggo Mortensen –”Captain Fantastic” as Ben Cash
Jesse Plemons –”Other People” as David Mulcahey
Tim Roth –”Chronic” as David Wilson
Best Female Lead
Isabelle Huppert –”Elle” as Michèle Leblanc
Annette Bening –”20th Century Women” as...
- 2/26/2017
- by William Earl
- Indiewire
We may be two months into 2017, but this weekend feels like the time to finally bring 2016’s year in film to a close. With that in mind, at one of the independent film world’s biggest annual gatherings, we took the opportunity to ask some of this year’s nominees what they’d like to see in the months to come. Some spoke about their personal projects, while others looked toward the industry as a whole.
Overall, the consensus of the day’s honorees centered on inclusion. Regardless of the people behind these films, they all recognized the opportunity for film to showcase a wider view of the world.
Read More: 2017 Independent Spirit Awards: Full Winners List — Updating Live
Below are selected comments from our conversations with this year’s nominees.
Lily Gladstone, “Certain Women”
“This is the year of ‘Moonlight,’ so everything is going to be different after this.
Overall, the consensus of the day’s honorees centered on inclusion. Regardless of the people behind these films, they all recognized the opportunity for film to showcase a wider view of the world.
Read More: 2017 Independent Spirit Awards: Full Winners List — Updating Live
Below are selected comments from our conversations with this year’s nominees.
Lily Gladstone, “Certain Women”
“This is the year of ‘Moonlight,’ so everything is going to be different after this.
- 2/26/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
The 32nd annual Independent Spirit Awards, sponsored by Perrier-Jouët, kicked off Saturday at the Santa Monica Pier in California, honoring the best independent films of 2016.
Oscar contenders like Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight are both nominated for awards, alongside smaller films like American Honey and Chronic, making Saturday's awards ceremony truly anyone's game.
Related: Final Oscars Predictions 2017: Here's Who Should Win and Who Will Win the Biggest Awards!
Check back for updates to see who wins big.
Best Feature
American Honey
Chronic
Jackie
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight
Best Director
Andrea Arnold –American Honey
Barry Jenkins –Moonlight
Pablo Larraín –Jackie
Jeff Nichols –Loving
Kelly Reichardt –Certain Women
Best Male Lead
Casey Affleck –Manchester by the Sea
David Harewood –Free in Deed
Viggo Mortensen –Captain Fantastic
Jesse Plemons –Other People
Tim Roth –Chronic
Best Female Lead
Annette Bening –20th Century Women
Isabelle Huppert –Elle
Sasha Lane –American Honey
Ruth Negga –Loving
Natalie Portman –Jackie
Best Supporting...
Oscar contenders like Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight are both nominated for awards, alongside smaller films like American Honey and Chronic, making Saturday's awards ceremony truly anyone's game.
Related: Final Oscars Predictions 2017: Here's Who Should Win and Who Will Win the Biggest Awards!
Check back for updates to see who wins big.
Best Feature
American Honey
Chronic
Jackie
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight
Best Director
Andrea Arnold –American Honey
Barry Jenkins –Moonlight
Pablo Larraín –Jackie
Jeff Nichols –Loving
Kelly Reichardt –Certain Women
Best Male Lead
Casey Affleck –Manchester by the Sea
David Harewood –Free in Deed
Viggo Mortensen –Captain Fantastic
Jesse Plemons –Other People
Tim Roth –Chronic
Best Female Lead
Annette Bening –20th Century Women
Isabelle Huppert –Elle
Sasha Lane –American Honey
Ruth Negga –Loving
Natalie Portman –Jackie
Best Supporting...
- 2/25/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
We learned early last month that Nick Kroll and John Mulaney are co-hosting the Independent Spirit Awards, and now IndieWire can exclusively announce the presenters at this Saturday’s ceremony. Nine actors will be lending their talents to the proceedings: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Kerry Washington, Miles Teller, Samuel L. Jackson, Freida Pinto, Fred Armisen and Amanda Peet.
Read More: Independent Spirit Awards: Nick Kroll and John Mulaney Love Spending Every Waking Hour Together in New Promos
In addition, Gary Clark Jr. is serving as the one-man house band for the ceremony, the Spirit Awards’ 32nd. The awards will be broadcast live on IFC at 5 p.m. Est this Saturday. Full list of nominees below.
Read More: 2017 Independent Spirit Awards: Nick Kroll and John Mulaney to Co-Host Ceremony
Best Feature:
“American Honey”
“Chronic”
“Jackie”
“Manchester by the Sea”
“Moonlight”
Best Director:
Andrea Arnold, “American Honey”
Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight”
Pablo Larraín,...
Read More: Independent Spirit Awards: Nick Kroll and John Mulaney Love Spending Every Waking Hour Together in New Promos
In addition, Gary Clark Jr. is serving as the one-man house band for the ceremony, the Spirit Awards’ 32nd. The awards will be broadcast live on IFC at 5 p.m. Est this Saturday. Full list of nominees below.
Read More: 2017 Independent Spirit Awards: Nick Kroll and John Mulaney to Co-Host Ceremony
Best Feature:
“American Honey”
“Chronic”
“Jackie”
“Manchester by the Sea”
“Moonlight”
Best Director:
Andrea Arnold, “American Honey”
Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight”
Pablo Larraín,...
- 2/23/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Making its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last year, director Sara Jordenö’s “Kiki” is a strikingly intimate documentary that offers riveting, complex insight into a safe space created and governed by Lgbtq youth of color in New York City, who are… Continue Reading →...
- 2/8/2017
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
Nearly thirty years after the landmark documentary Paris is Burning, a new film is taking a modern look at ball culture in New York City. Sara Jordenö‘s Kiki, which premiered last year at Sundance Film Festival and will get a release later this month via IFC Films, profiles a handful of Lgbtq people who are deeply involved with the scenes. Ahead of the release, the first trailer has now arrived which looks to be a beautiful celebration of this culture.
We said in our review, “Director Sara Jordenö, a Swedish visual artist, made Kiki in collaboration with Twiggy Pucci Garçon, a self-described gatekeeper of the Kiki scene. Co-credited as screenwriters, it’s easy to picture Garçon leading Jordenö in observing the subculture and its constituents without ever becoming too invasive. The documentary favors a measured approach, watching the dancing from a distance and calculating when to move in closer.
We said in our review, “Director Sara Jordenö, a Swedish visual artist, made Kiki in collaboration with Twiggy Pucci Garçon, a self-described gatekeeper of the Kiki scene. Co-credited as screenwriters, it’s easy to picture Garçon leading Jordenö in observing the subculture and its constituents without ever becoming too invasive. The documentary favors a measured approach, watching the dancing from a distance and calculating when to move in closer.
- 2/6/2017
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
"Everyone's unique. And the Kiki scene is a place for young people to explore that uniqueness." IFC Films has debuted a trailer for a fantastic documentary titled Kiki, about the "Kiki" community of Lgbtq youths in New York City. Directed Sara Jordenö, the film profiles a community in NYC known as Kiki, where any young Lgbtq can find support and friendship, and their chosen form of expression is dancing. It's a very exuberant, hopeful documentary filled with personal stories and inspiring footage of the group taking on New York with some rad dance movies. I first saw this film at Berlinale last year, and it's outstanding, certainly worth your time. It's an intimate and affecting look at how communities can make a big difference. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Sara Jordenö's documentary Kiki, direct from YouTube: 25 years after Paris Is Burning introduced the art of voguing to the world,...
- 2/3/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
If you hear the word “vogue” and still think of Madonna, it’s all the more reason to put the upcoming documentary “Kiki” on your must-see list. A bona-fide movement in the Lgbtq community, it’s now breaking into the mainstream, and the film takes a close look at the scene.
Read More: The 20 Best Movies Of 2017 That We’ve Already Seen
Credited to both Kiki gatekeeper Twiggy Pucci Garçon and Swedish filmmaker Sara Jordenö, “Kiki” brings viewers a modern look at a world they might’ve last seen in 1990’s seminal “Paris Is Burning,” showing how it has evolved, and what it means to a whole new generation of performers.
Continue reading It’s Time To Vogue In New Trailer For Documentary ‘Kiki’ at The Playlist.
Read More: The 20 Best Movies Of 2017 That We’ve Already Seen
Credited to both Kiki gatekeeper Twiggy Pucci Garçon and Swedish filmmaker Sara Jordenö, “Kiki” brings viewers a modern look at a world they might’ve last seen in 1990’s seminal “Paris Is Burning,” showing how it has evolved, and what it means to a whole new generation of performers.
Continue reading It’s Time To Vogue In New Trailer For Documentary ‘Kiki’ at The Playlist.
- 2/2/2017
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Making its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last year, director Sara Jordenö’s “Kiki” is a strikingly intimate documentary that offers riveting, complex insight into a safe space created and governed by Lgbtq youth of color in New York City, who… Continue Reading →...
- 2/2/2017
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
I'm so glad that Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight" is getting lots of love from the Independent Spirit Awards. It is raw, honest, pure! One of my favorite films of the year! I also enjoyed "Jackie" but largely due to Natalie Portman's wonderful performance. Oh, I'm also loving "Manchester by the Sea!" I interviewed the cast at the Toronto International Film Festival, check it out here. Affleck and Hedges received nominations from the film among its many accomplishments. And I love Ruth Negga from "Loving!" She's nominated for Best Female Lead. Check out my interview with the actress where I told her we'll all remember her name by year's end!
Here's the complete list of the 2017 Independent Spirit Awards Nominations! We'll find out the winners on Feb. 25!
2017 Independent Spirit Awards Nominations
Best Feature:
.American Honey.
.Chronic.
.Jackie.
.Manchester by the Sea.
.Moonlight.
Best Director:
Andrea Arnold, .American Honey.
Barry Jenkins,...
Here's the complete list of the 2017 Independent Spirit Awards Nominations! We'll find out the winners on Feb. 25!
2017 Independent Spirit Awards Nominations
Best Feature:
.American Honey.
.Chronic.
.Jackie.
.Manchester by the Sea.
.Moonlight.
Best Director:
Andrea Arnold, .American Honey.
Barry Jenkins,...
- 11/23/2016
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Jenny Slate and Edgar Ramírez announced the 2017 Independent Spirit Award nominations live from the W Hollywood this morning, with “American Honey,” “Jackie,” “Manchester by the Sea” and “Moonlight” all doing especially well for themselves — each film was nominated for Best Feature, Director and several other awards. The ceremony itself will air on IFC on February 25. Here’s the full list of nominees:
Read More: Here’s How the Independent Spirit Awards Will Impact the Oscar Race: Analysis
Best Feature:
“American Honey”
“Chronic”
“Jackie”
“Manchester by the Sea”
“Moonlight”
Best Director:
Andrea Arnold, “American Honey”
Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight”
Pablo Larraín, “Jackie”
Jeff Nichols, “Loving”
Kelly Reichardt, “Certain Women”
Best First Feature:
“The Childhood of a Leader”
“The Fits”
“Other People”
“Swiss Army Man”
“The Witch”
Best Female Lead:
Annette Bening, “20th Century Women”
Isabelle Huppert, “Elle”
Sasha Lane, “American Honey”
Ruth Negga, “Loving”
Natalie Portman, “Jackie”
Best Male Lead:
Casey Affleck,...
Read More: Here’s How the Independent Spirit Awards Will Impact the Oscar Race: Analysis
Best Feature:
“American Honey”
“Chronic”
“Jackie”
“Manchester by the Sea”
“Moonlight”
Best Director:
Andrea Arnold, “American Honey”
Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight”
Pablo Larraín, “Jackie”
Jeff Nichols, “Loving”
Kelly Reichardt, “Certain Women”
Best First Feature:
“The Childhood of a Leader”
“The Fits”
“Other People”
“Swiss Army Man”
“The Witch”
Best Female Lead:
Annette Bening, “20th Century Women”
Isabelle Huppert, “Elle”
Sasha Lane, “American Honey”
Ruth Negga, “Loving”
Natalie Portman, “Jackie”
Best Male Lead:
Casey Affleck,...
- 11/22/2016
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Making its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, director Sara Jordenö’s “Kiki” is a strikingly intimate documentary that offers riveting, complex insight into a safe space created and governed by Lgbtq youths of color in New York City,… Continue Reading →...
- 8/19/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
Exclusive: The distributor has moved on Us rights to Sara Jordenö’s documentary following a deal with Submarine Entertainment.
Jordenö and Twiggy Pucci Garçon wrote Kiki, which explores the competitive voguing scene in New York City, where gruelling contests offer an insight into the daily lives of Lgbtq youth of colour.
The Story Ab and Hard Working Movies documentary is co-produced by Svt and Film Väst. Films Boutique handles international sales.
Kiki premiered at Sundance and went on to win the Teddy for best documentary/essay film at the Berlin International Film Festival as well as the Kathleen Bryan Edwards Award for Human Rights at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
Annika Rogell and Lori Cheatle produced and Tobias Janson served as executive producer.
“Sara Jordenö and Twiggy Pucci Garçon spent four revelatory years in the Lbgtq ballroom scene in New York City documenting the electrifying and empowering Diy culture that has continued to evolve in the...
Jordenö and Twiggy Pucci Garçon wrote Kiki, which explores the competitive voguing scene in New York City, where gruelling contests offer an insight into the daily lives of Lgbtq youth of colour.
The Story Ab and Hard Working Movies documentary is co-produced by Svt and Film Väst. Films Boutique handles international sales.
Kiki premiered at Sundance and went on to win the Teddy for best documentary/essay film at the Berlin International Film Festival as well as the Kathleen Bryan Edwards Award for Human Rights at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
Annika Rogell and Lori Cheatle produced and Tobias Janson served as executive producer.
“Sara Jordenö and Twiggy Pucci Garçon spent four revelatory years in the Lbgtq ballroom scene in New York City documenting the electrifying and empowering Diy culture that has continued to evolve in the...
- 8/18/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Fares Fares thriller The Nile Hilton Incident gets top grant of $1.3m while Ben Kingsley and Theo James thriller also among those backed.
The Swedish Film Institute has revealed the 29 projects to receive support in its latest round of funding.
The projects include Per Fly’s (Manslaughter) new political thriller, a transgender drama, a documentary about a female boxer and a murder thriller starring Fares Fares.
The projects backed by the Swedish Film Institute in the past three months are listed below, in descending order of amount granted:
Full list of backed projects:
The Nile Hilton Incident, wr/dir Tarik Saleh, prod Kristina Aberg. Thriller inspired by the true story of a Lebanese reality TV show winner who is murdered at a hotel in Dubai. Fares Fares stars. Sfi funding granted $1.3m (11m Sek)
Becker, wr/dir Martin Larsson, prod Erik Magnusson. Drama about a man’s quest for money and power in the southern Swedish village...
The Swedish Film Institute has revealed the 29 projects to receive support in its latest round of funding.
The projects include Per Fly’s (Manslaughter) new political thriller, a transgender drama, a documentary about a female boxer and a murder thriller starring Fares Fares.
The projects backed by the Swedish Film Institute in the past three months are listed below, in descending order of amount granted:
Full list of backed projects:
The Nile Hilton Incident, wr/dir Tarik Saleh, prod Kristina Aberg. Thriller inspired by the true story of a Lebanese reality TV show winner who is murdered at a hotel in Dubai. Fares Fares stars. Sfi funding granted $1.3m (11m Sek)
Becker, wr/dir Martin Larsson, prod Erik Magnusson. Drama about a man’s quest for money and power in the southern Swedish village...
- 3/9/2016
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Billed as a sort of follow-up to Jennie Livingston's Paris Is Burning, Sara Jordenö's debut feature takes us back to the heart of the New York's ballroom scene - only this time the director casts her lens over a very specific part of that enduring cultural scene. Having already screened at Sundance, Kiki focuses on a youth subsection of the vogue movement which people like Livingston and Madonna helped to make internationally famous back in the '90s. And the decision to make this documentary about a number of socially eminent figures such as Twiggy Pucci Garcon (who stars and helped co-write the film) also feels like a long overdue update on that Lgbtq community's thoughts and feelings, meaning this film sings out from the Panorama Documents programme...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 2/22/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Billed as a sort of follow-up to Jennie Livingston's Paris Is Burning, Sara Jordenö's debut feature takes us back to the heart of the New York's ballroom scene - only this time the director casts her lens over a very specific part of that enduring cultural scene. Having already screened at Sundance, Kiki focuses on a youth subsection of the vogue movement which people like Livingston and Madonna helped to make internationally famous back in the '90s. And the decision to make this documentary about a number of socially eminent figures such as Twiggy Pucci Garcon (who stars and helped co-write the film) also feels like a long overdue update on that Lgbtq community's thoughts and feelings, meaning this film sings out from the Panorama Documents programme...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 2/22/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Read More: Sundance 2016 Women Directors: Meet Sara Jordenö - 'Kiki' After dazzling Sundance audiences with its behind-the-scenes look at the Manhattan voguing ballroom scene, Sara Jordenö and Twiggy Pucci Garcon's documentary "Kiki" celebrated its success — and the end of Sundance — with a big party during the festival at the Kickstarter Green Room. The film's official synopsis reads: "Through a strikingly intimate and visually daring lens, 'Kiki' offers a riveting, complex insight into a safe space created and governed by Lgbtq youths of color, who are demanding happiness and political power. The film is an exciting coming-of-age story about agency, resilience, and the transformative art form of voguing." Check out some behind-the-scenes footage from the party above, which features some of the doc's cast putting their infectious skills to the test. Read More: Sundance Review: Documentary 'Kiki' Highlights The...
- 2/2/2016
- by Lauren Townsend
- Indiewire
Ball culture is alive and well in New York. Though the practice of young gay and trans people of color organizing themselves into Houses of support and meeting in dance and costume competitions has by no means entered the mainstream in the years since Paris is Burning brought popular attention to the scene, the participants have strengthened their place in their communities. It’s neither under nor wholly above ground — mostly normalized. One can go to a daytime vogueing class, and House members daylight as social justice activists. For all the progress America has made in Lgbtq rights, this subculture remains a vital refuge for many who have been otherwise alienated because of their sexuality or gender identity.
Director Sara Jordenö, a Swedish visual artist, made Kiki in collaboration with Twiggy Pucci Garçon, a self-described gatekeeper of the Kiki scene. Co-credited as screenwriters, it’s easy to picture Garçon leading...
Director Sara Jordenö, a Swedish visual artist, made Kiki in collaboration with Twiggy Pucci Garçon, a self-described gatekeeper of the Kiki scene. Co-credited as screenwriters, it’s easy to picture Garçon leading...
- 1/30/2016
- by Daniel Schindel
- The Film Stage
This complex documentary explores a fascinating subculture and adds substance and depth to a world that could otherwise be patronised
At last year’s Sundance there was a screening of Paris Is Burning, Jennie Livingston’s landmark film detailing the world of New York’s ballroom or voguing scene. It sparkled at the festival but also reignited a debate around who got to tell the story and who ultimately benefited from the film. Almost 25 years on from the debut of Paris Is Burning, Kiki tells the story of the modern scene in New York and takes a deep dive into the world beyond the ball.
Sara Jordenö, the Swedish documentary filmmaker and visual artist, is behind the camera this time and focuses on Kiki, which is a scene within the greater ballroom scene in New York which is run by Lgbtq people of colour. There are houses such as Juicy Couture,...
At last year’s Sundance there was a screening of Paris Is Burning, Jennie Livingston’s landmark film detailing the world of New York’s ballroom or voguing scene. It sparkled at the festival but also reignited a debate around who got to tell the story and who ultimately benefited from the film. Almost 25 years on from the debut of Paris Is Burning, Kiki tells the story of the modern scene in New York and takes a deep dive into the world beyond the ball.
Sara Jordenö, the Swedish documentary filmmaker and visual artist, is behind the camera this time and focuses on Kiki, which is a scene within the greater ballroom scene in New York which is run by Lgbtq people of colour. There are houses such as Juicy Couture,...
- 1/27/2016
- by Lanre Bakare
- The Guardian - Film News
It’s easy to call “Kiki” the 2016 “Paris is Burning.” There are similar scenes in "Kiki" of voguing and shit-talking down at the Chelsea piers that harken back to the ones that made Venus Xtravaganza an icon in Jennie Livingston’s groundbreaking 1990 documentary. The two films share a subject matter and approach in their ethnographic looks into the voguing ballroom scene in New York City, and the ways in which queer kids, specifically queer youth of color, discover their chosen families. However, there are a few key differences, and probably the most important one is right at the beginning of the film. It’s the credit reading “a film by Sara Jordenö and Twiggy Pucci Garçon.” Jordenö is the Swedish filmmaker who directed “Kiki,” and Twiggy is one of the film’s subjects, an activist and gatekeeper in the ball scene who shepherded Jordenö’s access and has a co-writing credit.
- 1/27/2016
- by Katie Walsh
- The Playlist
The lineup for the Berlinale's Panorama section is now complete. Today's additions include new work by Sérgio Andrade and Fábio Baldo, Aslı Özge, Alejandro Fernández Almendras, E J-yong, Rachid Bouchareb, Anna Muylaert, Alex Anwandter, Jordan Schiele, Ali Abbasi, Oliver Schmitz, Patric Chiha, Marcos Prado, Jan Gassmann, Sophia Luvarà, Sara Jordenö, Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan, Rob Cannan and Ross Adam, Lee Dong-ha, Fan Jian, Monika Treut—and Tomer Heymann, Barak Heymann and Alexander Bodin Saphir. The festival's 66th edition runs from February 11 through 21. » - David Hudson...
- 1/21/2016
- Keyframe
The lineup for the Berlinale's Panorama section is now complete. Today's additions include new work by Sérgio Andrade and Fábio Baldo, Aslı Özge, Alejandro Fernández Almendras, E J-yong, Rachid Bouchareb, Anna Muylaert, Alex Anwandter, Jordan Schiele, Ali Abbasi, Oliver Schmitz, Patric Chiha, Marcos Prado, Jan Gassmann, Sophia Luvarà, Sara Jordenö, Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan, Rob Cannan and Ross Adam, Lee Dong-ha, Fan Jian, Monika Treut—and Tomer Heymann, Barak Heymann and Alexander Bodin Saphir. The festival's 66th edition runs from February 11 through 21. » - David Hudson...
- 1/21/2016
- Fandor: Keyframe
Films include Shepherds and Butchers with Steve Coogan; Don’t Call Me Son from Anna Muylaert; and a documentary about a director and actress who were kidnapped by Kim Jong-il.
The Berlinale (Feb 11-21) has completed the selection for this year’s Panorama strand, comprising 51 films from 33 countries. A total of 34 fiction features comprise the main programme and Panorama Special while a further 17 titles will screen in Panorama Dokumente.
A total of 33 films are world premieres, nine are international premieres and nine European premieres. The 30th Teddy Award is also being celebrated with an anniversary series of 17 films.
Notable titles include Shepherds and Butchers from South Africa, which is set toward the end of Apartheid and stars Steve Coogan as a hotshot lawyer who faces his biggest test when he agrees to defend a white prison guard who has killed seven black men. What ensues is a charge against the death penalty itself, in a case...
The Berlinale (Feb 11-21) has completed the selection for this year’s Panorama strand, comprising 51 films from 33 countries. A total of 34 fiction features comprise the main programme and Panorama Special while a further 17 titles will screen in Panorama Dokumente.
A total of 33 films are world premieres, nine are international premieres and nine European premieres. The 30th Teddy Award is also being celebrated with an anniversary series of 17 films.
Notable titles include Shepherds and Butchers from South Africa, which is set toward the end of Apartheid and stars Steve Coogan as a hotshot lawyer who faces his biggest test when he agrees to defend a white prison guard who has killed seven black men. What ensues is a charge against the death penalty itself, in a case...
- 1/21/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Films include Shepherds and Butchers, starring Steve Coogan; Don’t Call Me Son from Anna Muylaert; and a documentary about a director and actress who were kidnapped by Kim Jong-il and forced to make films.
The Berlinale (Feb 11-21) has completed the selection for this year’s Panorama strand, comprising 51 films from 33 countries. A total of 34 fiction features comprise the main programme and Panorama Special while a further 17 titles will screen in Panorama Dokumente.
A total of 33 films are world premieres, nine are international premieres and nine European premieres. The 30th Teddy Award is also being celebrated with an anniversary series of 17 films.
Notable titles include Shepherds and Butchers from South Africa, which is set toward the end of Apartheid and stars Steve Coogan as a hotshot lawyer faces his biggest test when he agrees to defend a white prison guard who has killed seven black men. What ensues is a charge against the death penalty itself...
The Berlinale (Feb 11-21) has completed the selection for this year’s Panorama strand, comprising 51 films from 33 countries. A total of 34 fiction features comprise the main programme and Panorama Special while a further 17 titles will screen in Panorama Dokumente.
A total of 33 films are world premieres, nine are international premieres and nine European premieres. The 30th Teddy Award is also being celebrated with an anniversary series of 17 films.
Notable titles include Shepherds and Butchers from South Africa, which is set toward the end of Apartheid and stars Steve Coogan as a hotshot lawyer faces his biggest test when he agrees to defend a white prison guard who has killed seven black men. What ensues is a charge against the death penalty itself...
- 1/21/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Kate Plays ChristineThe lineup for the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, taking place between January 21 -31, has been announced.U.S. Dramatic COMPETITIONAs You Are (Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, USA): As You Are is the telling and retelling of a relationship between three teenagers as it traces the course of their friendship through a construction of disparate memories prompted by a police investigation. Cast: Owen Campbell, Charlie Heaton, Amandla Stenberg, John Scurti, Scott Cohen, Mary Stuart Masterson. World Premiere The Birth of a Nation (Nate Parker, USA): Set against the antebellum South, this story follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. After witnessing countless atrocities against fellow slaves, Nat devises a plan to lead his people to freedom. Cast: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, Mark Boone Jr. World PremiereChristine (Antonio Campos,...
- 12/7/2015
- by Notebook
- MUBI
Titles include Tallulah starring Ellen Page and Allison Janney, and Chad Hartigan’s Morris From America (pictured); Next strand also announced.Scroll down for full list
Sundance Institute has announced the 65 films selected for the Us Competition, World Competition and out-of-competition Next categories set to screen at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival (Jan 21-31) in Park City.
Us Dramatic Competition selections include Sian Heder’s Tallulah with Ellen Page and Allison Janney; Antonio Campos’ Christine; Clea DuVall’s feature directorial debut The Intervention; and Richard Tanne’s Southside With You, about Barack Obama’s first date with the First Lady.
Among the Us Documentary Competition selections are: Holy Hell by undisclosed; Jeff Feuerzeig’s Author: The Jt LeRoy Story; and Sara Jordenö’s Kiki.
The World Cinema Dramatic Competition entries include: Belgica (Belgium-France-Netherlands), Felix van Groeningen’s follow-up to The Broken Circle Breakdown; Manolo Cruz and Carlos del Castillo’s Between Sea And Land (Colombia); and Nicolette Krebitz’s Wild...
Sundance Institute has announced the 65 films selected for the Us Competition, World Competition and out-of-competition Next categories set to screen at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival (Jan 21-31) in Park City.
Us Dramatic Competition selections include Sian Heder’s Tallulah with Ellen Page and Allison Janney; Antonio Campos’ Christine; Clea DuVall’s feature directorial debut The Intervention; and Richard Tanne’s Southside With You, about Barack Obama’s first date with the First Lady.
Among the Us Documentary Competition selections are: Holy Hell by undisclosed; Jeff Feuerzeig’s Author: The Jt LeRoy Story; and Sara Jordenö’s Kiki.
The World Cinema Dramatic Competition entries include: Belgica (Belgium-France-Netherlands), Felix van Groeningen’s follow-up to The Broken Circle Breakdown; Manolo Cruz and Carlos del Castillo’s Between Sea And Land (Colombia); and Nicolette Krebitz’s Wild...
- 12/2/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
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