If she only could, Sadie Sink might well have pushed for “Dear Zoe” to remain on the shelf that’s been holding it since it was made in 2019. Back then, this ungainly mashup between a YA romance and an old-fashioned Afterschool Special probably looked like a decent bet. Yes, it’s ill-conceived and overwrought. But it gave Sink a chance at her first leading film role, which is tough to turn down.
Since then, of course, Sink has become a small-screen star thanks to “Stranger Things,” and boosted her big-screen cred with a buzzy supporting role in Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming drama “The Whale.” All of which suddenly makes the return of this unfortunate effort a bit awkward.
There is a bright spot, however. Those who seek it out will be the exact audience to which it appears obsessively orchestrated: teenage Sadie Sink fans who adored the 2005 source novel by Philip Beard.
Since then, of course, Sink has become a small-screen star thanks to “Stranger Things,” and boosted her big-screen cred with a buzzy supporting role in Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming drama “The Whale.” All of which suddenly makes the return of this unfortunate effort a bit awkward.
There is a bright spot, however. Those who seek it out will be the exact audience to which it appears obsessively orchestrated: teenage Sadie Sink fans who adored the 2005 source novel by Philip Beard.
- 11/3/2022
- by Elizabeth Weitzman
- The Wrap
“Dear Zoe,” the coming-of-age drama starring “Stranger Things” actress Sadie Sink, has been acquired by Byron Allen’s Freestyle Digital Media and will hit theaters and digital platforms on Nov. 4, 2022.
Sink stars as Tess, a young woman grappling with the immeasurable and shattering death of her younger sister, Zoe (Mckenzie Noel Rusiewicz). As her mother (Jessica Capshaw), stepfather (Justin Bartha) and sister (Vivien Lyra Blair) each grieve in their own ways, Tess seeks support from two outsiders: her biological father, Nick (Theo Rossi) and Jimmy (Kweku Collins), a juvenile delinquent who lives in the neighborhood.
Directed by Gren Wells (“The Road Within”), “Dear Zoe” was scripted by Marc Lhormer (“Bottle Shock”) and Melissa Martin (“A Wedding For Bella”) based on the novel by Phillip Beard. Lhormer and Brenda Lhormer produced for their company Zin Haze Productions.
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Sink stars as Tess, a young woman grappling with the immeasurable and shattering death of her younger sister, Zoe (Mckenzie Noel Rusiewicz). As her mother (Jessica Capshaw), stepfather (Justin Bartha) and sister (Vivien Lyra Blair) each grieve in their own ways, Tess seeks support from two outsiders: her biological father, Nick (Theo Rossi) and Jimmy (Kweku Collins), a juvenile delinquent who lives in the neighborhood.
Directed by Gren Wells (“The Road Within”), “Dear Zoe” was scripted by Marc Lhormer (“Bottle Shock”) and Melissa Martin (“A Wedding For Bella”) based on the novel by Phillip Beard. Lhormer and Brenda Lhormer produced for their company Zin Haze Productions.
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- 7/21/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Dear Zoe, a drama film starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things), has been acquired by Byron Allen’s Freestyle Digital Media and is set to be released in select theaters and on demand beginning November 4, 2022.
Adapted from Philip Beard’s award-winning novel of the same name, director Gren Wells, and written by
Marc Lhormer and Melissa Martin is produced by Zin Haze Productions’ Brenda Lhormer and Marc Lhormer.
Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy), Jessica Capshaw (Grey’s Anatomy), Justin Bartha (The Hangover), Vivien Lyra Blair (Obi-Wan Kenobi), and rapper, songwriter, and producer Kweku Collins, round out the cast.
Dear Zoe follows Tess (Sadie Sink), her mother Elly (Jessica Capshaw), stepfather David (Justin Bartha), and little sister Emily (Vivien Lyra Blair) in the aftermath of the unimaginable loss of Tess’s other little sister, Zoe (Mckenzie Noel Rusiewicz). Struggling with a sea of emotions, Tess embarks on a journey where she finds...
Adapted from Philip Beard’s award-winning novel of the same name, director Gren Wells, and written by
Marc Lhormer and Melissa Martin is produced by Zin Haze Productions’ Brenda Lhormer and Marc Lhormer.
Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy), Jessica Capshaw (Grey’s Anatomy), Justin Bartha (The Hangover), Vivien Lyra Blair (Obi-Wan Kenobi), and rapper, songwriter, and producer Kweku Collins, round out the cast.
Dear Zoe follows Tess (Sadie Sink), her mother Elly (Jessica Capshaw), stepfather David (Justin Bartha), and little sister Emily (Vivien Lyra Blair) in the aftermath of the unimaginable loss of Tess’s other little sister, Zoe (Mckenzie Noel Rusiewicz). Struggling with a sea of emotions, Tess embarks on a journey where she finds...
- 7/19/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: TriCoast Worldwide has locked down international sales rights to the coming-of-age film Dear Zoe, starring Stranger Things‘ Sadie Sink, with plans to screen the pic for potential buyers and festival reps at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
The indie from director Gren Wells (The Road Within) is based on Philip Beard’s novel of the same name, which was selected by Booklist, a magazine of the American Library Association, as one of the ten best debut novels of 2005. It centers on Tess (Sink), who suffers an unimaginable loss alongside her family, and finds support from two surprising sources: her biological father (Theo Rossi)—a lovable slacker from the wrong side of the tracks—and the charming but dangerous juvenile delinquent next door (newcomer Kweku Collins).
Marc Lhormer and Melissa Martin adapted the screenplay for the film, which also stars Jessica Capshaw (Grey’s Anatomy), Justin Bartha (Godfather of Harlem) and Vivien Lyra Blair...
The indie from director Gren Wells (The Road Within) is based on Philip Beard’s novel of the same name, which was selected by Booklist, a magazine of the American Library Association, as one of the ten best debut novels of 2005. It centers on Tess (Sink), who suffers an unimaginable loss alongside her family, and finds support from two surprising sources: her biological father (Theo Rossi)—a lovable slacker from the wrong side of the tracks—and the charming but dangerous juvenile delinquent next door (newcomer Kweku Collins).
Marc Lhormer and Melissa Martin adapted the screenplay for the film, which also stars Jessica Capshaw (Grey’s Anatomy), Justin Bartha (Godfather of Harlem) and Vivien Lyra Blair...
- 5/10/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Lucky Grandma,” “The Remix: Hip Hop in Fashion” and “The Nomads” were among the winners of the Napa Valley Film Festival, which ran Nov. 13-17 in various towns in the valley.
The winner of the narrative feature was “Lucky Grandma,” presented by Zd Wines, which won a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of Meadowood Napa Valley. Shadybrook Estate presented doc “The Remix: Hip Hop in Fashion” with the best documentary feature award along with a similar amount from Meadowood Napa Valley, while “The Nomads” took the audience award.
The festival screened more than 80 films, including the 16 in Nvff’s core competition categories.
“The Nvff mission is to reward such films that connect and celebrate the art and passion of our culture and our life,” said festival CEO Tom Tardio. “Receiving such recognition from our esteemed selection of filmmakers, writers and industry professionals is a true acknowledgement of the filmmakers highly creative and extremely authentic storytelling skills.
The winner of the narrative feature was “Lucky Grandma,” presented by Zd Wines, which won a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of Meadowood Napa Valley. Shadybrook Estate presented doc “The Remix: Hip Hop in Fashion” with the best documentary feature award along with a similar amount from Meadowood Napa Valley, while “The Nomads” took the audience award.
The festival screened more than 80 films, including the 16 in Nvff’s core competition categories.
“The Nvff mission is to reward such films that connect and celebrate the art and passion of our culture and our life,” said festival CEO Tom Tardio. “Receiving such recognition from our esteemed selection of filmmakers, writers and industry professionals is a true acknowledgement of the filmmakers highly creative and extremely authentic storytelling skills.
- 11/20/2019
- by Shalini Dore
- Variety Film + TV
The Napa Valley Film Festival is a rather unique experience in the festival realm, and they have awards/honors that don’t fit the normal mold of what people may be used to seeing. This year, Matthew McConaughey received the Caldwell Vineyard Maverick Actor Tribute in celebration of his cinematic achievements. It probably isn’t much a stretch for many to figure out that he’s among the most likely candidates for such an honor.
Prior to the ceremony, McConaughey’s highly-anticipated Gold screened for festival patrons. Matthew’s wife, Camilla Alves, Producer Teddy Schwarzman and The Weinstein Company COO David Glasser, were also in attendance. After the screening Deadline Hollywood’s Mike Fleming hosted and moderated the on-stage conversation. Matthew was joined by his wife Camilla Alves.
Matthew McConaughey and Camilla Alves
Photo by Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup
McConaughey, is best known for his Academy Award®-winning role in Dallas Buyers Club,...
Prior to the ceremony, McConaughey’s highly-anticipated Gold screened for festival patrons. Matthew’s wife, Camilla Alves, Producer Teddy Schwarzman and The Weinstein Company COO David Glasser, were also in attendance. After the screening Deadline Hollywood’s Mike Fleming hosted and moderated the on-stage conversation. Matthew was joined by his wife Camilla Alves.
Matthew McConaughey and Camilla Alves
Photo by Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup
McConaughey, is best known for his Academy Award®-winning role in Dallas Buyers Club,...
- 11/11/2016
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
The Napa Valley Film Festival has announced that Samuel Goldwyn Films’ "Somm: Into the Bottle" will have its world premiere as the Opening Night Film on November 11, 2015. The film is writer/director Jason Wise’s highly anticipated follow-up to his 2013 acclaimed film "Somm," which provided viewers with an illuminating look into the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers and the massively intimidating Master Sommelier Exam. "Somm" also world premiered as the Opening Night Film at the Napa Valley Film Festival, at the festival’s second edition in 2012.
Through the eyes of the world’s greatest somms and winemakers, "Somm: Into the Bottle" raises the curtain on the seldom-seen world that surrounds the wine we drink by allowing viewers intimate access to the most accomplished sommeliers in the world, as well as to some of the most prestigious winemakers working today. By opening some of the world’s most rare bottles of wine, the viewer will understand how a wine ages, what happens in a cellar and exactly what oak in wine means. The film takes a look at how history has impacted wine, from the Romans, to Prohibition, to the World Wars and even current events such as the Napa Earthquake.
“We were honored in 2012 to host the world premiere of "Somm," so it makes it doubly sweet to be hosting the world premiere of the sequel, "Somm: Into the Bottle," said Nvff Executive & Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “If you know and love wine, you know that when you plant a new vineyard, it takes five years until the grapes are good enough to go 'into the bottle,' so we're thrilled to open our fifth annual Napa Valley Film Festival with such a prestigious film.”
Filmmaker Jason Wise, a 2015 Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, added: “The Napa Valley Film Festival provided an excellent launching pad for "Somm," and I’m very excited to be returning to where it all started with "Somm: Into the Bottle," I could not imagine premiering the film anywhere else, and I am proud to share it with the Napa community.”
The Napa Valley Film Festival’s Opening Night, Wednesday, November 11, will feature a pair of screenings of "Somm: Into the Bottle" . The premiere itself will screen at 5:00 p.m. at the Uptown Theater (1350 3rd St.) in downtown Napa, a historic art deco movie palace serving as the headquarter theater for the festival. Filmmaker Jason Wise will be in attendance, as will renowned sommeliers: Brian McClintic, Ian Cauble, Fred Dame, DLynn Proctor and Geoff Kruth, who are featured in the film and were also featured in "Somm." Admission will be granted to members of Nvff’s Patron Circle (memberships available) and other invited VIP guests. A limited number of individual tickets may also be available in advance. An encore screening at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Theater will be open to all festival passholders.
Nvff’s Opening Night Party will be held following the premiere screening at Napa’s Riverfront Promenade at the Napa River Inn.
A Forgotten Man Films production, "Somm: Into the Bottle" is directed by Jason Wise, written by Jason Wise and Christina Wise and produced by Jason Wise, Christina Wise and Jackson Myers. Executive produced by Diane Carpenter and William Fowler. Co-produced by Geoff Kruth. Original Somm cast members: Brian McClintic, DLynn Proctor, Dustin Wilson, Ian Cauble, Fred Dame, Geoff Kruth, Rajat Parr, Sabato Sagaria, plus sommeliers: Aldo Sohm, Paul Grieco, Madeline Puckette and famed winemakers: Jean Louis Chave, Peter Gago, Steve Matthiasson, Carole Meredith, Frédéric Panaïotis, Jean Trimbach, Silvia Altare and Aubert de Villaine share their insight and intimate knowledge of the industry in this captivating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most elusive businesses in the world.
Goldwyn plans an early 2016 release for the film. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/sommdocfilm.
Through the eyes of the world’s greatest somms and winemakers, "Somm: Into the Bottle" raises the curtain on the seldom-seen world that surrounds the wine we drink by allowing viewers intimate access to the most accomplished sommeliers in the world, as well as to some of the most prestigious winemakers working today. By opening some of the world’s most rare bottles of wine, the viewer will understand how a wine ages, what happens in a cellar and exactly what oak in wine means. The film takes a look at how history has impacted wine, from the Romans, to Prohibition, to the World Wars and even current events such as the Napa Earthquake.
“We were honored in 2012 to host the world premiere of "Somm," so it makes it doubly sweet to be hosting the world premiere of the sequel, "Somm: Into the Bottle," said Nvff Executive & Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “If you know and love wine, you know that when you plant a new vineyard, it takes five years until the grapes are good enough to go 'into the bottle,' so we're thrilled to open our fifth annual Napa Valley Film Festival with such a prestigious film.”
Filmmaker Jason Wise, a 2015 Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, added: “The Napa Valley Film Festival provided an excellent launching pad for "Somm," and I’m very excited to be returning to where it all started with "Somm: Into the Bottle," I could not imagine premiering the film anywhere else, and I am proud to share it with the Napa community.”
The Napa Valley Film Festival’s Opening Night, Wednesday, November 11, will feature a pair of screenings of "Somm: Into the Bottle" . The premiere itself will screen at 5:00 p.m. at the Uptown Theater (1350 3rd St.) in downtown Napa, a historic art deco movie palace serving as the headquarter theater for the festival. Filmmaker Jason Wise will be in attendance, as will renowned sommeliers: Brian McClintic, Ian Cauble, Fred Dame, DLynn Proctor and Geoff Kruth, who are featured in the film and were also featured in "Somm." Admission will be granted to members of Nvff’s Patron Circle (memberships available) and other invited VIP guests. A limited number of individual tickets may also be available in advance. An encore screening at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Theater will be open to all festival passholders.
Nvff’s Opening Night Party will be held following the premiere screening at Napa’s Riverfront Promenade at the Napa River Inn.
A Forgotten Man Films production, "Somm: Into the Bottle" is directed by Jason Wise, written by Jason Wise and Christina Wise and produced by Jason Wise, Christina Wise and Jackson Myers. Executive produced by Diane Carpenter and William Fowler. Co-produced by Geoff Kruth. Original Somm cast members: Brian McClintic, DLynn Proctor, Dustin Wilson, Ian Cauble, Fred Dame, Geoff Kruth, Rajat Parr, Sabato Sagaria, plus sommeliers: Aldo Sohm, Paul Grieco, Madeline Puckette and famed winemakers: Jean Louis Chave, Peter Gago, Steve Matthiasson, Carole Meredith, Frédéric Panaïotis, Jean Trimbach, Silvia Altare and Aubert de Villaine share their insight and intimate knowledge of the industry in this captivating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most elusive businesses in the world.
Goldwyn plans an early 2016 release for the film. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/sommdocfilm.
- 9/2/2015
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
The 5th Annual Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff), scheduled to take place November 11-15, has announced its Narrative and Documentary feature film line-ups for juried competition. The complete program of approximately 125 films, including special presentations, sneak previews of award season contenders, narrative and documentary shorts, and short features, as well as jury members, will be announced soon.
Directors of the Narrative and Documentary feature films in competition will participate in Nvff’s unique Artists-in-Residence Program presented in partnership with the incomparable Meadowood Napa Valley. Directors will stay at the luxury resort for six nights during the festival and are treated to special events and workshops with their competition group and industry mentors. Meadowood Napa Valley will also award $10,000 to the winning filmmakers in both the Narrative and Documentary competition categories at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 15.
“We experienced nearly a 50% jump in submissions this year, making it just that much more difficult to whittle down to our 10 narrative and 10 documentary feature films for our core competition,” said Nvff Executive & Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “We look forward to sharing these compelling real and imagined stories with our audiences in November, and to supporting these innovative filmmakers and getting to know them during their tenure with us as Artists-in-Residence at Meadowood."
Nvff has also announced that former USA Today Chief Film Critic Claudia Puig will be joining the festival team. She will serve as a consulting programming director and industry liaison for the balance of 2015, and then take on full responsibilities of program director at the beginning of the 2016 festival planning cycle.
“After 15 years as a film critic, I became increasingly intrigued by the film festival world and what makes compelling film programming,” said Puig. “Some of the best and most original movies I’ve seen have made their debut at film festivals. Joining the Napa staff is especially exciting - only in its fifth year, the Napa Valley Film Festival is growing by leaps and bounds with its ambitious, forward-thinking and innovative programming, panels and events. The combination of film, wine and a gorgeous location made this an easy choice for my new career path, and I look forward to working with Marc, Brenda and the entire Nvff team.”
Narrative Competition Section
Films in the Narrative competition section feature actors Alexis Bledel, Jamie Chung, Eliza Dushku, Lyndsy Fonseca, Bryan Greenberg, Rebecca Hall, Jeremy Jordan, Josh McDermitt, Kal Penn and Jason Sudeikis, among others. The 10 films selected include:
"Astraea" – When humanity is mysteriously wiped out, clairvoyant 14 year-old Astraea is led by her older brother through the snowy landscapes of a post-apocalyptic America. Astraea chronicles their trek to find and connect with other survivors along the way to the far northeast where their parents are believed to still be alive. Directed by Kristjan Thor.
"Honeyglue" – Morgan seeks out a new perspective and lifestyle after receiving a severe life-threatening medical diagnosis. After meeting Jordan, an artist whose avenues for personal expression far transcend her conservative and stale world, the two spend her last months on an adventurous journey of self-discovery. Directed by James Bird.
"It’s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong" – After a chance encounter in Hong Kong during which an ex-pat and a tourist seem to strike a romantic spark, Ruby and Josh are blessed with an equally coincidental second date. Unfortunately, the two seem to have found the perfect connections at the most inopportune times. Starring Bryan Greenberg and Jamie Chung. Directed by Emily Ting.
"Jane Wants a Boyfriend" – Jane, an aspiring costume designer on the autism spectrum, recruits her sister to help her find her first boyfriend. As she challenges the obstacles of her daily life in seeking a romantic connection, often failing, she also shows those closest to her that everyone deserves a chance at love. Starring Eliza Dushku. Directed by William Sullivan.
"Life in Color" – Mary, a failed nanny, and Homer, a floundering comedian, grapple with the harsh realities that preclude them from the success that appears to come so easily to others. The unlikely duo realizes that they can overcome their lack of home, job and purpose if they face defeat together. Starring Josh McDermitt and Katharine Emmer. Directed by Katharine Emmer.
"Lola’s Last Letter" – While completing her community service, a young woman continues to deal with the emotional trauma left over by the mistake that sent her to prison. As Lola’s camera captures details of her daily routine, the reason behind her resistance to moving on is revealed. Starring Valerie Brandy. Directed by Valerie Brandy.
"Moments of Clarity" – Two unlikely friends, Claire and Danielle, elude their protective parents and embark on a quest to repair an antique camera. A series of events lead to their adventure extending beyond their original plans, ultimately helping them both to better understand the worlds from which they had seemingly escaped. Starring Lyndsy Fonseca and Kristin Wallace. Directed by Stev Elam.
"Outliving Emily" – Twelve diverse actors portray the various stages of Tim and Emily’s anthologized marriage. Each pair uniquely captures the notable highs and lows that take place throughout the span of a life-long relationship, making their story highly relatable to couples everywhere. Starring Alexis Bledel, Zosia Mamet, Thomas Mann, Kal Penn, Jeremy Jordan, Phylicia Rashad and many more. Directed by Eric Weber and Sean Devaney.
"The King of New Orleans" – Larry’s story is chronicled from the passenger seat of his taxi cab. His regular commuters and new riders represent the various walks of life in the faded and haunted beauty of New Orleans. The compelling bond he creates with travelers and locals alike is forever changed by the heartbreaking effects of Hurricane Katrina. Directed by Allen Frederic.
"Tumbledown"– Hannah, the widow of an acclaimed folk musician, engages a New York professor to assist her in writing her late husband’s biography. Her emotions are thrown for a loop when he begins investigating the circumstances surrounding the untimely death. Starring Rebecca Hall and Jason Sudeikis. Directed by Sean Mewshaw.
Documentary Competition Section
"A Place to Stand" – Jimmy Santiago Baca was a seventeen-year-old petty thief and drug dealer when he was sentenced to five years in Arizona State Prison, one of the deadliest prisons in America. Baca began his incarceration violent, angry and illiterate. Against all odds, he taught himself how to read and write, discovering a passion for poetry that ultimately saved his life. Directed by Daniel Glick.
"Bounce: How the Ball Taught the World to Play" – Based on the book by anthropologist John Fox, “The Ball: Discovering the Object of the Game,” Bounce takes us to the far reaches of the globe and the deep recesses of our ancient past to answer the question: why do we play ball? Equal parts science, history and visual essay, the film follows the bouncing ball from animal play through professional sports to video games, exploring why we play and what play says about who we are and where we are going as a civilization. Directed by Jerome Thelia.
"Code: Debugging the Gap" –Code asks the questions: why is there a dearth of female and minority software engineers, what would society gain from having more women and people of color coding, and how do we get there? Code highlights breakthrough efforts that are producing a more diverse set of computer programmers. Directed by Robin Hauser Reynolds.
"King Georges"– Fiery French chef Georges Perrier is on a crusade to save his world-renowned 40-year-old Philadelphia restaurant, Le Bec-Fin, from closing. Times and tastes have changed – what was once cutting edge is now out of favor. "King Georges" is the story of a determined, tragi-comic figure, and his fight to keep culinary traditions alive. Directed by Erika Frankel.
"Life Under Siege: Exploring Gaza’s Secret Tunnels" – "Life Under Siege" is the story of a U.S.-Palestinian family divided by the siege on the Gaza Strip, and reunited under the cloak of the Arab Spring. Director Miriam Abu Sharkh’s travels to Gaza investigates the smuggling tunnels to Egypt, and attempts to forge relationships with her father and half siblings, whom she is only able to visit by result of monumental social movements. Directed by Miriam Abu Sharkh.
"Right Footed" – Despite being born without arms, Jessica Cox overcame both physical and emotional challenges to become fully independent. She learned to type with her toes, drive a car with her feet, and amazingly, fly an airplane. "Right Footed" follows Jessica as she transforms from a motivational speaker to a mentor, and eventually into a leading advocate for people with disability. Directed by Nick Spark.
"Romeo is Bleeding" – Donte Clark’s poetic voice was honed on the violent street corners of his struggling city of Richmond, California. Rather than succumb to the everyday pressures to just survive, Clark uses his artistic perspective – and a good dose of inspiration from the Bard – to create a personalized production of Romeo & Juliet as one man’s attempt to save his city from itself. Directed by Jason Zeldes.
"Since: The Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103" – When a terrorist-planted bomb destroyed Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in December 1988, 270 lives were ended and a heartbreaking new reality for thousands of relatives begun. Since follows the victims’ families on a 23-year quest for justice and the truth. Directed by Phil Furey.
"The Family Next Door" – He was the star Yale football player who went on to become an attorney. She was the beautiful cheerleader who became a loving, caring teacher. Their genes were perfect to start a dream family. Four children and seventeen years later, they are the family that no one wants to be: the family affected by autism, with drastically altered expectations, and yet with patience, grace, determination and unconditional love. Directed by Michael Messner and Barry Reese.
"The Uncondemned" – In 1997, a mismatched group of underdog lawyers embarked on a quixotic quest to have rape classified as an international war crime for the first time. "The Uncondemned" is the story of their fight for the first conviction and the story of the heroic Rwandan women who risked a wave of witness assassinations to testify.
Directors of the Narrative and Documentary feature films in competition will participate in Nvff’s unique Artists-in-Residence Program presented in partnership with the incomparable Meadowood Napa Valley. Directors will stay at the luxury resort for six nights during the festival and are treated to special events and workshops with their competition group and industry mentors. Meadowood Napa Valley will also award $10,000 to the winning filmmakers in both the Narrative and Documentary competition categories at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 15.
“We experienced nearly a 50% jump in submissions this year, making it just that much more difficult to whittle down to our 10 narrative and 10 documentary feature films for our core competition,” said Nvff Executive & Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “We look forward to sharing these compelling real and imagined stories with our audiences in November, and to supporting these innovative filmmakers and getting to know them during their tenure with us as Artists-in-Residence at Meadowood."
Nvff has also announced that former USA Today Chief Film Critic Claudia Puig will be joining the festival team. She will serve as a consulting programming director and industry liaison for the balance of 2015, and then take on full responsibilities of program director at the beginning of the 2016 festival planning cycle.
“After 15 years as a film critic, I became increasingly intrigued by the film festival world and what makes compelling film programming,” said Puig. “Some of the best and most original movies I’ve seen have made their debut at film festivals. Joining the Napa staff is especially exciting - only in its fifth year, the Napa Valley Film Festival is growing by leaps and bounds with its ambitious, forward-thinking and innovative programming, panels and events. The combination of film, wine and a gorgeous location made this an easy choice for my new career path, and I look forward to working with Marc, Brenda and the entire Nvff team.”
Narrative Competition Section
Films in the Narrative competition section feature actors Alexis Bledel, Jamie Chung, Eliza Dushku, Lyndsy Fonseca, Bryan Greenberg, Rebecca Hall, Jeremy Jordan, Josh McDermitt, Kal Penn and Jason Sudeikis, among others. The 10 films selected include:
"Astraea" – When humanity is mysteriously wiped out, clairvoyant 14 year-old Astraea is led by her older brother through the snowy landscapes of a post-apocalyptic America. Astraea chronicles their trek to find and connect with other survivors along the way to the far northeast where their parents are believed to still be alive. Directed by Kristjan Thor.
"Honeyglue" – Morgan seeks out a new perspective and lifestyle after receiving a severe life-threatening medical diagnosis. After meeting Jordan, an artist whose avenues for personal expression far transcend her conservative and stale world, the two spend her last months on an adventurous journey of self-discovery. Directed by James Bird.
"It’s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong" – After a chance encounter in Hong Kong during which an ex-pat and a tourist seem to strike a romantic spark, Ruby and Josh are blessed with an equally coincidental second date. Unfortunately, the two seem to have found the perfect connections at the most inopportune times. Starring Bryan Greenberg and Jamie Chung. Directed by Emily Ting.
"Jane Wants a Boyfriend" – Jane, an aspiring costume designer on the autism spectrum, recruits her sister to help her find her first boyfriend. As she challenges the obstacles of her daily life in seeking a romantic connection, often failing, she also shows those closest to her that everyone deserves a chance at love. Starring Eliza Dushku. Directed by William Sullivan.
"Life in Color" – Mary, a failed nanny, and Homer, a floundering comedian, grapple with the harsh realities that preclude them from the success that appears to come so easily to others. The unlikely duo realizes that they can overcome their lack of home, job and purpose if they face defeat together. Starring Josh McDermitt and Katharine Emmer. Directed by Katharine Emmer.
"Lola’s Last Letter" – While completing her community service, a young woman continues to deal with the emotional trauma left over by the mistake that sent her to prison. As Lola’s camera captures details of her daily routine, the reason behind her resistance to moving on is revealed. Starring Valerie Brandy. Directed by Valerie Brandy.
"Moments of Clarity" – Two unlikely friends, Claire and Danielle, elude their protective parents and embark on a quest to repair an antique camera. A series of events lead to their adventure extending beyond their original plans, ultimately helping them both to better understand the worlds from which they had seemingly escaped. Starring Lyndsy Fonseca and Kristin Wallace. Directed by Stev Elam.
"Outliving Emily" – Twelve diverse actors portray the various stages of Tim and Emily’s anthologized marriage. Each pair uniquely captures the notable highs and lows that take place throughout the span of a life-long relationship, making their story highly relatable to couples everywhere. Starring Alexis Bledel, Zosia Mamet, Thomas Mann, Kal Penn, Jeremy Jordan, Phylicia Rashad and many more. Directed by Eric Weber and Sean Devaney.
"The King of New Orleans" – Larry’s story is chronicled from the passenger seat of his taxi cab. His regular commuters and new riders represent the various walks of life in the faded and haunted beauty of New Orleans. The compelling bond he creates with travelers and locals alike is forever changed by the heartbreaking effects of Hurricane Katrina. Directed by Allen Frederic.
"Tumbledown"– Hannah, the widow of an acclaimed folk musician, engages a New York professor to assist her in writing her late husband’s biography. Her emotions are thrown for a loop when he begins investigating the circumstances surrounding the untimely death. Starring Rebecca Hall and Jason Sudeikis. Directed by Sean Mewshaw.
Documentary Competition Section
"A Place to Stand" – Jimmy Santiago Baca was a seventeen-year-old petty thief and drug dealer when he was sentenced to five years in Arizona State Prison, one of the deadliest prisons in America. Baca began his incarceration violent, angry and illiterate. Against all odds, he taught himself how to read and write, discovering a passion for poetry that ultimately saved his life. Directed by Daniel Glick.
"Bounce: How the Ball Taught the World to Play" – Based on the book by anthropologist John Fox, “The Ball: Discovering the Object of the Game,” Bounce takes us to the far reaches of the globe and the deep recesses of our ancient past to answer the question: why do we play ball? Equal parts science, history and visual essay, the film follows the bouncing ball from animal play through professional sports to video games, exploring why we play and what play says about who we are and where we are going as a civilization. Directed by Jerome Thelia.
"Code: Debugging the Gap" –Code asks the questions: why is there a dearth of female and minority software engineers, what would society gain from having more women and people of color coding, and how do we get there? Code highlights breakthrough efforts that are producing a more diverse set of computer programmers. Directed by Robin Hauser Reynolds.
"King Georges"– Fiery French chef Georges Perrier is on a crusade to save his world-renowned 40-year-old Philadelphia restaurant, Le Bec-Fin, from closing. Times and tastes have changed – what was once cutting edge is now out of favor. "King Georges" is the story of a determined, tragi-comic figure, and his fight to keep culinary traditions alive. Directed by Erika Frankel.
"Life Under Siege: Exploring Gaza’s Secret Tunnels" – "Life Under Siege" is the story of a U.S.-Palestinian family divided by the siege on the Gaza Strip, and reunited under the cloak of the Arab Spring. Director Miriam Abu Sharkh’s travels to Gaza investigates the smuggling tunnels to Egypt, and attempts to forge relationships with her father and half siblings, whom she is only able to visit by result of monumental social movements. Directed by Miriam Abu Sharkh.
"Right Footed" – Despite being born without arms, Jessica Cox overcame both physical and emotional challenges to become fully independent. She learned to type with her toes, drive a car with her feet, and amazingly, fly an airplane. "Right Footed" follows Jessica as she transforms from a motivational speaker to a mentor, and eventually into a leading advocate for people with disability. Directed by Nick Spark.
"Romeo is Bleeding" – Donte Clark’s poetic voice was honed on the violent street corners of his struggling city of Richmond, California. Rather than succumb to the everyday pressures to just survive, Clark uses his artistic perspective – and a good dose of inspiration from the Bard – to create a personalized production of Romeo & Juliet as one man’s attempt to save his city from itself. Directed by Jason Zeldes.
"Since: The Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103" – When a terrorist-planted bomb destroyed Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in December 1988, 270 lives were ended and a heartbreaking new reality for thousands of relatives begun. Since follows the victims’ families on a 23-year quest for justice and the truth. Directed by Phil Furey.
"The Family Next Door" – He was the star Yale football player who went on to become an attorney. She was the beautiful cheerleader who became a loving, caring teacher. Their genes were perfect to start a dream family. Four children and seventeen years later, they are the family that no one wants to be: the family affected by autism, with drastically altered expectations, and yet with patience, grace, determination and unconditional love. Directed by Michael Messner and Barry Reese.
"The Uncondemned" – In 1997, a mismatched group of underdog lawyers embarked on a quixotic quest to have rape classified as an international war crime for the first time. "The Uncondemned" is the story of their fight for the first conviction and the story of the heroic Rwandan women who risked a wave of witness assassinations to testify.
- 8/19/2015
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
We have added a set pictures from the event 2014 Napa Film Festival – ‘Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon’ Screening . Guests included Mike Myers, Marc Lhormer, Brenda Lhormer and Shep Gordon, Shep Gordon and Mike Myers, Willie Brown and Shep Gordon. Photos are copyright by Jonathan Shensa / PR Photos. Mike Myers attending the 2014 Napa Film Festival for the “Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon” Screening at the Uptown Theatre in Napa, CA, USA. Photo is copyright by Jonathan Shensa / PR Photos.
- 11/18/2014
- by James Wray
- Monsters and Critics
The 4th annual Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff), scheduled for November 12-16, 2014, announced its Narrative and Documentary feature film competition lineups as well as Jury members. The 2014 Festival will screen 22 feature films in competition. The full film program line-up, including out-of-competition special presentations, sneak previews of awards season contenders, and narrative, documentary and animated shorts, will be announced in September.
“Our thoughts are with everyone in the Napa Valley who have suffered losses from the recent earthquake,” said Co-Founder/Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “We are proud to be part of a community that rallies in support of each other in such a generous and big hearted way. As they say in the business, the show must go on.”
“This is an exceptionally strong year for both the Narrative and Documentary competition programs,” said Program Director Herb Stratford. “These filmmakers have created new works that provoke, inspire, educate and entertain. They are the heart of our program each year, which includes more than 100 new independent films and advance studio screenings, and we are excited to announce their participation in the festival.”
Directors of the Narrative and Documentary films in competition participate in Nvff’s unique Artists-in-Residence Program presented in partnership with the incomparable Meadowood Napa Valley. Directors stay at the luxury resort for six nights during the festival and are treated to special events and workshops with their competition group and industry mentors. Serving as faculty for a set of Master Classes at Nvff 2014 are producer Ted Hope ( Adventureland, 21 Grams); writer/director Joshua Michael Stern (Jobs, Swing Vote) writer/director Joe Carnahan (The Blacklist; The Grey, Smokin’ Aces); producer Pam Koffler (Killer Films); and producer J. Todd Harris ( The Kids are All Right; Bottle Shock); Ryan Harrington (Tribeca Film Institute); producer Jason Berman (Struck by Lightning, Luv); producer Anne Carey (Archer Gray Productions); executives Tom Quinn (RADiUS) and David Glasser (The Weinstein Company). Meadowood Napa Valley will also award $10,000 to the winning filmmakers in both the Narrative and Documentary competition categories at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 16.
Narrative Competition Section
Films in the Narrative competition section feature actors Anne Hathaway, Billie Joe Armstrong, Elizabeth Banks, Tate Donovan, Rachael Harris, Zoe Kravitz, Stephen Lang, Leighton Meester, Debra Messing, Dev Patel, Kyra Sedgwick, Chloe Sevigny and Paul Wesley, among others. The 12 films selected include:
"Thank You A Lot"- Music agent and manager Jack Hand has a bad reputation and an even worse track record. He has only two clients left: an indie band on the verge of a breakup and a part-time hip-hop artist. Jack’s future hinges on signing the one person he is barely on speaking terms with — his estranged father, a respected and reclusive country singer/songwriter. "East Side Sushi"- Juana‘s work – preparing fruit for the family’s sidewalk cart – is steady, but hardly her life’s calling. Despite the objections and concerns of her family, Juana decides to pursue her dream of becoming an expert sushi chef, to go where her heart tells her, not where she is expected to be. "Fall To Rise" - Principal dancer Lauren Drake is beautiful, talented and famous. When Lauren is released from her company after being sidelined by an injury, she quickly becomes frustrated with her new domestic lifestyle. At a performance by another dance company, she meets and teams up with Des, a former dancer who is also eager to have a second chance in the dance world. "Little Accidents" (Isa: William Morris Endeavor Entertainment) - In a small West Virginia town reeling from a recent tragic accident in the local mine, a fresh unfortunate incident in the woods leaves a young boy dead. Meanwhile Owen, an injured miner struggling to adjust to his new life aboveground, joins the search for the first boy who is presumed lost in the woods. "Like Sunday, Like Rain" - Reggie Kipper is a sweet, awkward cello prodigy, a composer and overall genius. He’s about to graduate from high school and enroll at MIT — and he’s is only twelve years old. Eleanor Fallon is a 23-year old struggling musician who meets Reggie when she is hired to be his au pair, and the unlikely duo embarks on a summer adventure that neither of them ever expected. "Sun Belt Express"- Allen King, a man living on the Arizona/Mexico border, finds out what his breaking point is when his ex-wife demands money, and his job teaching at a college south of the border evaporates. Allen then finds a unique way to supplant his income by transporting illegal aliens in the trunk of his car. "Sam & Amira" (Isa: Preferred Entertainment) - Sam is an army veteran struggling to assimilate into normal life stateside. He works a variety of odd jobs, tries his hand at stand-up comedy, and is recruited by his cousin into some shady investment dealings. Sam’s already complicated life is made more so by Amira, an Iraqi woman dealing with her own issues who is the daughter of an old army colleague. "Song One" (Isa: Lotus Entertainment) - Estranged from her family, Franny returns home when an accident leaves her brother comatose. Retracing his life as an aspiring singer-songwriter, she tracks down his favorite musician, James Forester. Against the backdrop of Brooklyn’s music scene, Franny and James develop an unexpected relationship and face the realities of their lives. "The Road Within" (Isa: Panorama Media) - Vincent has Tourette Syndrome. When his mother dies, he becomes obsessed with scattering her ashes by the ocean. Too much for his father to handle, Vincent is sent to a residential treatment center in Nevada where he befriends two other “inmates” struggling with their own personal issues. "Kinderwald" - Pennsylvania wilderness, 1885. John Linden, a hard-working German immigrant, is making a go of homesteading with his brother’s widow and her two young sons. John’s visually and spiritually idyllic world is thrown into utter chaos when the two boys go missing while off playing in the woods. "Wildlike" (Isa: Panorama Media) - Mackenzie is a fourteen-year-old girl whose father died last year. When her struggling mother checks herself into a recovery center, Mackenzie is sent from their Seattle home to live with her uncle in Alaska. At first he seems a supportive caretaker, but when his infatuation crosses a sexual line, Mackenzie runs away. With no one else to turn to, she shadows a solitary backpacker, Bartlett, a widowed man with scars of his own, into the beauty and danger of America’s last frontier.
Documentary Competition Section
"American Native" - For years, the legend of the Jackson Whites tribe has been told, passed down from generation to generation of New Jersey suburbanites. While the garish stories and tall tales have never been hard to find, the truth behind them has. Accessing the community is not easy; few outsiders have been able to penetrate the insular walls formed from centuries of discrimination. "Botso" - Dr. Botso Korisheli, 91 and still teaching music along with his unique philosophy, has a fascinating and unforgettable life story. Born in the former Soviet State of Georgia, Botso witnessed his father imprisoned under orders from Josef Stalin while his home was taken over by the Kgb. Forced to dig ditches for the Soviet army, Botso was then captured by the Germans. "Flying The Feathered Edge" - Robert A. “Bob” Hoover, age 92, is considered by many to be our greatest living aviator. Nicknamed “The Pilot’s Pilot” by his peers, Bob is largely unknown outside aviation circles despite his staggering array of accomplishments. Following a storied career during WWII as a fighter pilot, Bob continued to serve for years as one of our best test pilots. Mr. Hoover will be in attendance for screenings and Q&As. "Happy Valley" (Isa: Submarine Entertainment) - Few sports dynasties in the modern era have had a larger and longer-lasting profile than college football’s Penn State and its legendary coach Joe Paterno. State College, Pennsylvania, is in the heart of an area known as Happy Valley, ground zero of a proud football tradition for decades. When the shocking sex abuse scandal of assistant coach Jerry Sandusky rocked that town and college in 2011, the impact was unprecedented. "Havana Curveball" - At age 13 and preparing for his Bar Mitzvah, Mica takes to heart his rabbi’s injunction to help “heal the world.” Mica imagines himself a hero for other kids, and hatches a grand plan to send baseballs, bats and gloves to Cuba. Mica knows only that Cubans are poor and love baseball, and that Cuba “saved” his grandpa’s life when he was escaping from Nazi Germany. "States of Grace" - Dr. Grace Dammann’s life was forever altered when a driver crashed head-on into her car on the Golden Gate Bridge. After a seven-week coma and numerous surgeries, Grace miraculously regained consciousness, with her cognitive abilities almost entirely intact, but her body left shattered and severely disabled. "Underwater Dreams" - The epic story of four teenage boys from the Arizona desert who dare to go up against college engineering students from MIT. Inspired by two energetic high school science teachers, the boys build a robot from hardware store parts and enter an underwater robotics competition sponsored by Nasa. "An Honest Liar" - For as long as there have been magicians and illusionists, there have been doubters and debunkers making sure that the general public doesn’t get taken for a ride. One of the greatest illusionists of his era was “The Amazing Randi,” who made the shift from magic and escape acts to exposing the frauds who prey on unsuspecting victims. "Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank" (Isa: Preferred Content) - Few members of the U.S. Congress have ever been as polarizing and revolutionary as Barney Frank has been over the past 40 years. Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank examines the career, passions and legacy of our first openly gay Congressman. This rare and intimate documentary is entertaining, enlightening and thought-provoking. "#chicagoGirl: The Social Network Takes On A Dictator" (Isa: Preferred Content) - In #chicagoGirl, we meet freedom fighters in the streets of Homs and Damascus along with the stateside collection of exiles working to return Syria to a stable and human rights-respecting country. Will 21st century tools of change stand up to guns and violence and terror in the streets? Narrative Features Jury
Christine Vachon , (Producer, "Boys Don’t Cry," "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," "Far From Heaven")
Peter Baxter ( Co-founder/Director Slamdance Film Festival)
Dierk Sinderman (Hollywood Foreign Press Association)
Lisa Truitt ( Producer, James Cameron’s "Deepsea Challenge 3D,""Mysteries of Egypt")
Don Lewis (Producer; Editor Film Threat)
Documentary Features and Shorts Jury
Morgan Neville ("Twenty Feet From Stardom")
Tiffany Shlain ("The Tribe; Connected: An Autobiography About Love," "Death & Technology")
Freida Lee Mock ("Anita. G-Dog,""Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision," "Return with Honor")
Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine ("Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden,""Ballets Russes").
Narrative Shorts Jury
Joshua Michael Stern ("Jobs,""Swing Vote," "Neverwas")
Ralph Macchio (Actor, "The Karate Kid;" Director, "Across Grace Alley")
Neil Berkeley ("Beauty in Embarrassing;" Founder Brkl)
Animated Shorts
Bill Plympton (The King of Indie Animation)
Adam Glick (Amazon Web Services)
Ryan Tudhope (Atomic Fiction)
About The Napa Valley Film Festival
The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Napa, California. The ultimate celebration of film, food and wine, Nvff lights up the picturesque towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga at the most colorful time of year. Nvff features over 100 new independent films and studio sneak previews screening in 12 beautiful venues throughout four walkable villages, as 300 visiting filmmakers interact with audiences at screenings and intimate events. Attendees enjoy film panels & culinary demonstrations, wine tasting pavilions, the spectacular Festival Gala, Celebrity Tributes, Awards Ceremony, and an array of parties, VIP receptions and winemaker dinners and more. For information or to buy passes, visit NapaValleyFilmFest.org...
“Our thoughts are with everyone in the Napa Valley who have suffered losses from the recent earthquake,” said Co-Founder/Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “We are proud to be part of a community that rallies in support of each other in such a generous and big hearted way. As they say in the business, the show must go on.”
“This is an exceptionally strong year for both the Narrative and Documentary competition programs,” said Program Director Herb Stratford. “These filmmakers have created new works that provoke, inspire, educate and entertain. They are the heart of our program each year, which includes more than 100 new independent films and advance studio screenings, and we are excited to announce their participation in the festival.”
Directors of the Narrative and Documentary films in competition participate in Nvff’s unique Artists-in-Residence Program presented in partnership with the incomparable Meadowood Napa Valley. Directors stay at the luxury resort for six nights during the festival and are treated to special events and workshops with their competition group and industry mentors. Serving as faculty for a set of Master Classes at Nvff 2014 are producer Ted Hope ( Adventureland, 21 Grams); writer/director Joshua Michael Stern (Jobs, Swing Vote) writer/director Joe Carnahan (The Blacklist; The Grey, Smokin’ Aces); producer Pam Koffler (Killer Films); and producer J. Todd Harris ( The Kids are All Right; Bottle Shock); Ryan Harrington (Tribeca Film Institute); producer Jason Berman (Struck by Lightning, Luv); producer Anne Carey (Archer Gray Productions); executives Tom Quinn (RADiUS) and David Glasser (The Weinstein Company). Meadowood Napa Valley will also award $10,000 to the winning filmmakers in both the Narrative and Documentary competition categories at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 16.
Narrative Competition Section
Films in the Narrative competition section feature actors Anne Hathaway, Billie Joe Armstrong, Elizabeth Banks, Tate Donovan, Rachael Harris, Zoe Kravitz, Stephen Lang, Leighton Meester, Debra Messing, Dev Patel, Kyra Sedgwick, Chloe Sevigny and Paul Wesley, among others. The 12 films selected include:
"Thank You A Lot"- Music agent and manager Jack Hand has a bad reputation and an even worse track record. He has only two clients left: an indie band on the verge of a breakup and a part-time hip-hop artist. Jack’s future hinges on signing the one person he is barely on speaking terms with — his estranged father, a respected and reclusive country singer/songwriter. "East Side Sushi"- Juana‘s work – preparing fruit for the family’s sidewalk cart – is steady, but hardly her life’s calling. Despite the objections and concerns of her family, Juana decides to pursue her dream of becoming an expert sushi chef, to go where her heart tells her, not where she is expected to be. "Fall To Rise" - Principal dancer Lauren Drake is beautiful, talented and famous. When Lauren is released from her company after being sidelined by an injury, she quickly becomes frustrated with her new domestic lifestyle. At a performance by another dance company, she meets and teams up with Des, a former dancer who is also eager to have a second chance in the dance world. "Little Accidents" (Isa: William Morris Endeavor Entertainment) - In a small West Virginia town reeling from a recent tragic accident in the local mine, a fresh unfortunate incident in the woods leaves a young boy dead. Meanwhile Owen, an injured miner struggling to adjust to his new life aboveground, joins the search for the first boy who is presumed lost in the woods. "Like Sunday, Like Rain" - Reggie Kipper is a sweet, awkward cello prodigy, a composer and overall genius. He’s about to graduate from high school and enroll at MIT — and he’s is only twelve years old. Eleanor Fallon is a 23-year old struggling musician who meets Reggie when she is hired to be his au pair, and the unlikely duo embarks on a summer adventure that neither of them ever expected. "Sun Belt Express"- Allen King, a man living on the Arizona/Mexico border, finds out what his breaking point is when his ex-wife demands money, and his job teaching at a college south of the border evaporates. Allen then finds a unique way to supplant his income by transporting illegal aliens in the trunk of his car. "Sam & Amira" (Isa: Preferred Entertainment) - Sam is an army veteran struggling to assimilate into normal life stateside. He works a variety of odd jobs, tries his hand at stand-up comedy, and is recruited by his cousin into some shady investment dealings. Sam’s already complicated life is made more so by Amira, an Iraqi woman dealing with her own issues who is the daughter of an old army colleague. "Song One" (Isa: Lotus Entertainment) - Estranged from her family, Franny returns home when an accident leaves her brother comatose. Retracing his life as an aspiring singer-songwriter, she tracks down his favorite musician, James Forester. Against the backdrop of Brooklyn’s music scene, Franny and James develop an unexpected relationship and face the realities of their lives. "The Road Within" (Isa: Panorama Media) - Vincent has Tourette Syndrome. When his mother dies, he becomes obsessed with scattering her ashes by the ocean. Too much for his father to handle, Vincent is sent to a residential treatment center in Nevada where he befriends two other “inmates” struggling with their own personal issues. "Kinderwald" - Pennsylvania wilderness, 1885. John Linden, a hard-working German immigrant, is making a go of homesteading with his brother’s widow and her two young sons. John’s visually and spiritually idyllic world is thrown into utter chaos when the two boys go missing while off playing in the woods. "Wildlike" (Isa: Panorama Media) - Mackenzie is a fourteen-year-old girl whose father died last year. When her struggling mother checks herself into a recovery center, Mackenzie is sent from their Seattle home to live with her uncle in Alaska. At first he seems a supportive caretaker, but when his infatuation crosses a sexual line, Mackenzie runs away. With no one else to turn to, she shadows a solitary backpacker, Bartlett, a widowed man with scars of his own, into the beauty and danger of America’s last frontier.
Documentary Competition Section
"American Native" - For years, the legend of the Jackson Whites tribe has been told, passed down from generation to generation of New Jersey suburbanites. While the garish stories and tall tales have never been hard to find, the truth behind them has. Accessing the community is not easy; few outsiders have been able to penetrate the insular walls formed from centuries of discrimination. "Botso" - Dr. Botso Korisheli, 91 and still teaching music along with his unique philosophy, has a fascinating and unforgettable life story. Born in the former Soviet State of Georgia, Botso witnessed his father imprisoned under orders from Josef Stalin while his home was taken over by the Kgb. Forced to dig ditches for the Soviet army, Botso was then captured by the Germans. "Flying The Feathered Edge" - Robert A. “Bob” Hoover, age 92, is considered by many to be our greatest living aviator. Nicknamed “The Pilot’s Pilot” by his peers, Bob is largely unknown outside aviation circles despite his staggering array of accomplishments. Following a storied career during WWII as a fighter pilot, Bob continued to serve for years as one of our best test pilots. Mr. Hoover will be in attendance for screenings and Q&As. "Happy Valley" (Isa: Submarine Entertainment) - Few sports dynasties in the modern era have had a larger and longer-lasting profile than college football’s Penn State and its legendary coach Joe Paterno. State College, Pennsylvania, is in the heart of an area known as Happy Valley, ground zero of a proud football tradition for decades. When the shocking sex abuse scandal of assistant coach Jerry Sandusky rocked that town and college in 2011, the impact was unprecedented. "Havana Curveball" - At age 13 and preparing for his Bar Mitzvah, Mica takes to heart his rabbi’s injunction to help “heal the world.” Mica imagines himself a hero for other kids, and hatches a grand plan to send baseballs, bats and gloves to Cuba. Mica knows only that Cubans are poor and love baseball, and that Cuba “saved” his grandpa’s life when he was escaping from Nazi Germany. "States of Grace" - Dr. Grace Dammann’s life was forever altered when a driver crashed head-on into her car on the Golden Gate Bridge. After a seven-week coma and numerous surgeries, Grace miraculously regained consciousness, with her cognitive abilities almost entirely intact, but her body left shattered and severely disabled. "Underwater Dreams" - The epic story of four teenage boys from the Arizona desert who dare to go up against college engineering students from MIT. Inspired by two energetic high school science teachers, the boys build a robot from hardware store parts and enter an underwater robotics competition sponsored by Nasa. "An Honest Liar" - For as long as there have been magicians and illusionists, there have been doubters and debunkers making sure that the general public doesn’t get taken for a ride. One of the greatest illusionists of his era was “The Amazing Randi,” who made the shift from magic and escape acts to exposing the frauds who prey on unsuspecting victims. "Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank" (Isa: Preferred Content) - Few members of the U.S. Congress have ever been as polarizing and revolutionary as Barney Frank has been over the past 40 years. Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank examines the career, passions and legacy of our first openly gay Congressman. This rare and intimate documentary is entertaining, enlightening and thought-provoking. "#chicagoGirl: The Social Network Takes On A Dictator" (Isa: Preferred Content) - In #chicagoGirl, we meet freedom fighters in the streets of Homs and Damascus along with the stateside collection of exiles working to return Syria to a stable and human rights-respecting country. Will 21st century tools of change stand up to guns and violence and terror in the streets? Narrative Features Jury
Christine Vachon , (Producer, "Boys Don’t Cry," "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," "Far From Heaven")
Peter Baxter ( Co-founder/Director Slamdance Film Festival)
Dierk Sinderman (Hollywood Foreign Press Association)
Lisa Truitt ( Producer, James Cameron’s "Deepsea Challenge 3D,""Mysteries of Egypt")
Don Lewis (Producer; Editor Film Threat)
Documentary Features and Shorts Jury
Morgan Neville ("Twenty Feet From Stardom")
Tiffany Shlain ("The Tribe; Connected: An Autobiography About Love," "Death & Technology")
Freida Lee Mock ("Anita. G-Dog,""Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision," "Return with Honor")
Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine ("Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden,""Ballets Russes").
Narrative Shorts Jury
Joshua Michael Stern ("Jobs,""Swing Vote," "Neverwas")
Ralph Macchio (Actor, "The Karate Kid;" Director, "Across Grace Alley")
Neil Berkeley ("Beauty in Embarrassing;" Founder Brkl)
Animated Shorts
Bill Plympton (The King of Indie Animation)
Adam Glick (Amazon Web Services)
Ryan Tudhope (Atomic Fiction)
About The Napa Valley Film Festival
The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Napa, California. The ultimate celebration of film, food and wine, Nvff lights up the picturesque towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga at the most colorful time of year. Nvff features over 100 new independent films and studio sneak previews screening in 12 beautiful venues throughout four walkable villages, as 300 visiting filmmakers interact with audiences at screenings and intimate events. Attendees enjoy film panels & culinary demonstrations, wine tasting pavilions, the spectacular Festival Gala, Celebrity Tributes, Awards Ceremony, and an array of parties, VIP receptions and winemaker dinners and more. For information or to buy passes, visit NapaValleyFilmFest.org...
- 8/28/2014
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
The 4th annual Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff), scheduled for November 12-16, 2014, has unveiled its narrative and documentary feature competition line-ups and jurors.
The 2014 festival will screen 22 features in competition. The full film program line-up, including out-of-competition special presentations, sneak previews of awards season contenders, and narrative, documentary and animated shorts, will be announced in September.
Narrative Competition entries include Little Accidents, Thank You A Lot, Sun Belt Express and Like Sunday, Like Rain.
Among the documentary competition entries are Happy Valley, Havana Curveball, Underwater Dreams and #chicagoGirl: The Social Network Takes On A Dictator.
“This is an exceptionally strong year for both the narrative and documentary competition programmes,” said programme director Herb Stratford.
“Our thoughts are with everyone in the Napa Valley who have suffered losses from the recent earthquake,” said co-founder/artistic director Marc Lhormer. “We are proud to be part of a community that rallies in support of each other in such a generous...
The 2014 festival will screen 22 features in competition. The full film program line-up, including out-of-competition special presentations, sneak previews of awards season contenders, and narrative, documentary and animated shorts, will be announced in September.
Narrative Competition entries include Little Accidents, Thank You A Lot, Sun Belt Express and Like Sunday, Like Rain.
Among the documentary competition entries are Happy Valley, Havana Curveball, Underwater Dreams and #chicagoGirl: The Social Network Takes On A Dictator.
“This is an exceptionally strong year for both the narrative and documentary competition programmes,” said programme director Herb Stratford.
“Our thoughts are with everyone in the Napa Valley who have suffered losses from the recent earthquake,” said co-founder/artistic director Marc Lhormer. “We are proud to be part of a community that rallies in support of each other in such a generous...
- 8/27/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
As aftershocks continue to rock California’s wine country, the Napa Valley Film Festival unveiled its competition lineup today. “Our thoughts are with everyone in the Napa Valley who has suffered losses from the recent earthquake,” said fest Co-Founder/Artistic Director Marc Lhormer of Sunday’s temblor, the Bay Area’s biggest in a quarter-century. “We are proud to be part of a community that rallies in support of each other in such a generous and big hearted way. As they say in the business, the show must go on.” Here is the schedule of narrative and docu features vying for awards at the fourth annual event, which runs November 12-16 in Napa:
Narrative Competition Section
Thank You A Lot – Music agent and manager Jack Hand has a bad reputation and an even worse track record. He has only two clients left: an indie band on the verge of a...
Narrative Competition Section
Thank You A Lot – Music agent and manager Jack Hand has a bad reputation and an even worse track record. He has only two clients left: an indie band on the verge of a...
- 8/27/2014
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline
Days after the Napa Valley suffered a 6.0 magnitude earthquake, the Napa Valley Film Festival has announced its lineup, saying the show will go on. “Our thoughts are with everyone in the Napa Valley who have suffered losses from the recent earthquake,” said Co-Founder/Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “We are proud to be part of a community that rallies in support of each other in such a generous and big hearted way. As they say in the business, the show must go on.” Entries include Song One, starring Anne Hathaway, and Billie Joe Armstrong's Like Sunday, Like
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- 8/27/2014
- by THR staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This story first appeared in the Nov. 22 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Now in its third year, the Napa Valley Film Festival -- running Nov. 13 to 17 -- was founded by Brenda and Marc Lhormer, producers of Bottle Shock, a 2008 indie pic about the famous 1976 contest in France that put California wine, and Napa Valley, on the map. More than 100 movies are set to screen at the festival, and befitting its environs, THR turned to Christopher Sawyer -- sommelier and wine educator at Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar at The Lodge at Sonoma -- for advice. "My basic
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- 11/15/2013
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Marc and Brenda Lhormer are the Founders and current Heads of this wonderful event which we have attended, and worked at in various roles, since its beginning.
I always use this Fest when speaking as the best model of a regional Film Festival that I know. In other words I find it a perfect blending of high current level film culture, works and people from the biz and film production world with a community that is film centric, loyal and always hospitable to us 'outsiders'.
May I also add that personally the Northern California Wine Country (which the Fest uses superbly!!) is one of my favorite places anywhere for many years now.
I look forward to attending and supporting this great event this coming up version, November 13 – 17.
From their official announcement -
Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) Co-Founders and Directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer are proud to announce several of the festival’s star-studded headlining films, as well as the first set of honorees to be feted at the Celebrity Tribute Program, hosted by Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush. Showcasing the year’s best new independent films in 12 uniquely designed screening venues along with Napa Valley’s finest food, wine and hospitality, Nvff returns in full force with a five-day Festival spanning Napa Valley’s four postcard-perfect towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga, November 13 – 17.
On Opening Night, Wednesday, November 13, the Festival will present August: Osage County, based on the award winning play, and directed by John Wells, one of the most prolific writers, directors and producers for television, film and stage. The film stars the legendary Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, as part of a dysfunctional family returning to their home in Oklahoma. Sam Shepard, Juliette Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Julianne Nicholson, Margo Martindale, Chris Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch and Abigail Breslin round out the stellar supporting cast. Courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
Two-time Academy Award®–winner Emma Thompson and fellow double Oscar®-winner Tom Hanks will “wow” audiences with a Gala Presentation, on Thursday, November 14, of Saving Mr. Banks, directed by John Lee Hancock and inspired by the extraordinary, untold backstory of the long road Disney’s classic Mary Poppins took to make it to the big screen. The terrific supporting cast includes Colin Farrell, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, B.J. Novak, Rachel Griffith, Kathy Baker and Paul Giamatti. Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.
In addition to August: Osage County and Saving Mr. Banks, Nvff will unspool the following new films: The Immigrant, Directed by James Gray, this emotional film brings to life his obsession with social class, in particular the immigrant experience that relates to his Russian Jewish heritage. In search of a new start, Ewa Cybulski and her sister sail to New York from Poland. When they reach Ellis Island, doctors discover Magda is ill, and the two women are separated. Alone and desperate to unite with Madga, Ewa falls prey to Bruno, a charming but wicked man who forces her into prostitution. The arrival of Orlando the Magician restores her hopes for a brighter future. Starring Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix, and Jeremy Renner. Courtesy of RADiUS – TWC.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will be the Festival's Closing Night Film, Sunday, November 17. Directed by British filmmaker Justin Chadwick, this powerful film depicts the tumultuous history of Nelson Mandela and his harrowing life journey from rural childhood to anti-apartheid crusader to President of South Africa. Starring Idris Elba (The Wire) and Naomie Harris (Pirates of the Caribbean; Skyfall). Courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
Nebraska: Yet another remarkable film directed by Alexander Payne, Nebraska captures the effortless acting of an aging man (Bruce Dern) who is convinced he has won one million dollars and travels across two states with his estranged son (Will Forte) to claim his winnings. Payne captures real-life love and heartache through his breathtaking sceneries and script. Dern has already won the best acting prize at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Nebraska will screen as a Sneak Preview on Tuesday, November 12 at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena. Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
One Chance :starring James Corden, Alexandra Roach, Colm Meaney and Julie Walters, and produced by Simon Cowell, this is David Frankel’s sixth feature film. One Chance tells the remarkable true story of aspiring opera singer Paul Potts. Frankel’s previous work includes The Devil Wears Prada, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, Marley & Me, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Anniston, The Big Year, starring Jack Black, Steve Martin and Wilson, and Hope Springs, starring Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell. Courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
Philomena: The Festival is proud to screen Philomena as its Centerpiece Presentation. Celebrated Director Stephen Frears has always embraced a wide variety of styles, themes and genres. Philomena, based on the book 'The Lost Child Of Philomena' Lee by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, is the true story of an Irish woman who was taken in by nuns as a pregnant teenager. Condemned to a slavish life at the abbey, she is forced to give up her four-year-old boy to an American couple she never meets. Late in life, aided by a journalist, she sets out to find her son. Starring Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan (playing Sixsmith). Courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
“We are truly humbled and honored to be presenting these outstanding films prior to their end-of-year theatrical releases,” said Nvff Executive & Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “These star-studded movies are a nice complement to the over 100 new independent narrative and documentary features and shorts that comprise the main body of our film program. We invite everyone to join us in Napa Valley for a magical celebration at the most perfect time of year.” This year’s Celebrity Tribute Program on Friday, November 15 will be hosted by Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush who will take the stage at Lincoln Theatre in Yountville for the third year, and once again amuse and delight audiences while interviewing the talented honorees and sharing stories.
2013 Nvff Rising Stars: Miles Teller had the distinct honor and privilege of making his feature screen debut opposite Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart in the film Rabbit Hole based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. In this tragic family drama, directed by John Cameron Mitchell, Miles played ‘Jason Willette’, a bit of a loner teen who escapes into a world of comic books and science fiction but whose solitary life comes crashing into the couple played by Kidman and Eckhart. Miles’s career is really taking off.
He can currently be seen in theaters in the Sundance hit The Spectacular Now, opposite Shailene Woodley (The Descendants). Other recent film credits include 21 & Over, Project X, and Footloose. Next up are the comedy Get A Job and the fantasy action film Divergent.
Dianna Agron is on her way to becoming one of the most versatile, talented and sought-after young actresses in Hollywood. She is most widely known for playing Quinn Fabray on Fox’s hit television series “Glee” for which she has been nominated for three Teen Choice Awards. The “Glee” cast also won ‘Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble’ at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards and two Golden Globe Awards for ‘Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.’ Agron will next be seen in Luc Besson’s The Family, which follows the notorious Manzoni family when they relocate to Normandy under the witness protection program, where fitting in becomes challenging as their old habits die hard. Distributed by Relativity Media, the film also stars Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Tommy Lee Jones. The film was released on September 13, 2013.
Director Tribute: John Lee Hancock is a Director, writer and producer, and has established himself as a distinctive voice in filmmaking. His work on The Blind Side led to two Oscar nominations (Best Picture, Best Actress) and garnered Sandra Bullock her very first Oscar. Previous film credits include: The Alamo, which he directed and co-wrote; The Rookie which he directed; My Dog Skip which he co-produced; Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and A Perfect World both of which he wrote with Clint Eastwood directing. Hancock also serves as an advisor for the Sundance Institute’s Screenwriting Lab. Additional Tribute Honorees, special events and the full film lineup for the third annual Napa Valley Film Festival will be announced in late September and early October.
About the Napa Valley Film Festival and Cinema Napa Valley: The Napa Valley Film Festival is produced by Cinema Napa Valley, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Napa, California. The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) mission is to support the art of independent filmmaking and cinematic story-telling; enhance and diversify Napa Valley’s cultural landscape, and to provide educational opportunities in and out of the classroom for local students. The ultimate celebration of film, food and wine, Nvff, November 13-17, lights up the picturesque towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga at the most colorful time of year. Nvff features over 100 new independent films and studio sneak previews screening in 12 beautiful venues throughout the 4 walkable villages, as 300 visiting filmmakers interact with audiences at screenings and intimate events. Attendees enjoy film panels & culinary demonstrations, wine tasting pavilions, the spectacular Festival Gala, Celebrity Tributes, Awards Ceremony, and an array of parties, VIP receptions and winemaker dinners and more. For information or to buy passes, visit NapaValleyFilmFest.org or call 707-226-7500.
Major 2013 Sponsors include Cadillac (Official Automobile Sponsor), Amazon Web Services and Intel (Animated Short Film Category) and Sony Electronics. Leading Sponsors include Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Stella Artois, Meadowood Napa Valley (Artists-in-Residence Program), Terlato Family Wineries, ColorZone and Avms. Supporting Sponsors include V Estates, Sterling Vineyards, Domaine Chandon/Newton Vineyards, Union Bank, Delta Airlines and Classic Party Rentals. Top Media and Marketing Partners include: Traditional Home Magazine (Napa Valley Showhouse), More Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle/ sfgate.com, The Hollywood Reporter, Winecountry.com, Wine Spectator, Food Arts, NBC Bay Area, Mutineer Magazine, Brkly, and Comcast/Xfinity.
I always use this Fest when speaking as the best model of a regional Film Festival that I know. In other words I find it a perfect blending of high current level film culture, works and people from the biz and film production world with a community that is film centric, loyal and always hospitable to us 'outsiders'.
May I also add that personally the Northern California Wine Country (which the Fest uses superbly!!) is one of my favorite places anywhere for many years now.
I look forward to attending and supporting this great event this coming up version, November 13 – 17.
From their official announcement -
Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) Co-Founders and Directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer are proud to announce several of the festival’s star-studded headlining films, as well as the first set of honorees to be feted at the Celebrity Tribute Program, hosted by Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush. Showcasing the year’s best new independent films in 12 uniquely designed screening venues along with Napa Valley’s finest food, wine and hospitality, Nvff returns in full force with a five-day Festival spanning Napa Valley’s four postcard-perfect towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga, November 13 – 17.
On Opening Night, Wednesday, November 13, the Festival will present August: Osage County, based on the award winning play, and directed by John Wells, one of the most prolific writers, directors and producers for television, film and stage. The film stars the legendary Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, as part of a dysfunctional family returning to their home in Oklahoma. Sam Shepard, Juliette Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Julianne Nicholson, Margo Martindale, Chris Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch and Abigail Breslin round out the stellar supporting cast. Courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
Two-time Academy Award®–winner Emma Thompson and fellow double Oscar®-winner Tom Hanks will “wow” audiences with a Gala Presentation, on Thursday, November 14, of Saving Mr. Banks, directed by John Lee Hancock and inspired by the extraordinary, untold backstory of the long road Disney’s classic Mary Poppins took to make it to the big screen. The terrific supporting cast includes Colin Farrell, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, B.J. Novak, Rachel Griffith, Kathy Baker and Paul Giamatti. Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.
In addition to August: Osage County and Saving Mr. Banks, Nvff will unspool the following new films: The Immigrant, Directed by James Gray, this emotional film brings to life his obsession with social class, in particular the immigrant experience that relates to his Russian Jewish heritage. In search of a new start, Ewa Cybulski and her sister sail to New York from Poland. When they reach Ellis Island, doctors discover Magda is ill, and the two women are separated. Alone and desperate to unite with Madga, Ewa falls prey to Bruno, a charming but wicked man who forces her into prostitution. The arrival of Orlando the Magician restores her hopes for a brighter future. Starring Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix, and Jeremy Renner. Courtesy of RADiUS – TWC.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will be the Festival's Closing Night Film, Sunday, November 17. Directed by British filmmaker Justin Chadwick, this powerful film depicts the tumultuous history of Nelson Mandela and his harrowing life journey from rural childhood to anti-apartheid crusader to President of South Africa. Starring Idris Elba (The Wire) and Naomie Harris (Pirates of the Caribbean; Skyfall). Courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
Nebraska: Yet another remarkable film directed by Alexander Payne, Nebraska captures the effortless acting of an aging man (Bruce Dern) who is convinced he has won one million dollars and travels across two states with his estranged son (Will Forte) to claim his winnings. Payne captures real-life love and heartache through his breathtaking sceneries and script. Dern has already won the best acting prize at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Nebraska will screen as a Sneak Preview on Tuesday, November 12 at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena. Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
One Chance :starring James Corden, Alexandra Roach, Colm Meaney and Julie Walters, and produced by Simon Cowell, this is David Frankel’s sixth feature film. One Chance tells the remarkable true story of aspiring opera singer Paul Potts. Frankel’s previous work includes The Devil Wears Prada, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, Marley & Me, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Anniston, The Big Year, starring Jack Black, Steve Martin and Wilson, and Hope Springs, starring Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell. Courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
Philomena: The Festival is proud to screen Philomena as its Centerpiece Presentation. Celebrated Director Stephen Frears has always embraced a wide variety of styles, themes and genres. Philomena, based on the book 'The Lost Child Of Philomena' Lee by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, is the true story of an Irish woman who was taken in by nuns as a pregnant teenager. Condemned to a slavish life at the abbey, she is forced to give up her four-year-old boy to an American couple she never meets. Late in life, aided by a journalist, she sets out to find her son. Starring Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan (playing Sixsmith). Courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
“We are truly humbled and honored to be presenting these outstanding films prior to their end-of-year theatrical releases,” said Nvff Executive & Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “These star-studded movies are a nice complement to the over 100 new independent narrative and documentary features and shorts that comprise the main body of our film program. We invite everyone to join us in Napa Valley for a magical celebration at the most perfect time of year.” This year’s Celebrity Tribute Program on Friday, November 15 will be hosted by Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush who will take the stage at Lincoln Theatre in Yountville for the third year, and once again amuse and delight audiences while interviewing the talented honorees and sharing stories.
2013 Nvff Rising Stars: Miles Teller had the distinct honor and privilege of making his feature screen debut opposite Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart in the film Rabbit Hole based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. In this tragic family drama, directed by John Cameron Mitchell, Miles played ‘Jason Willette’, a bit of a loner teen who escapes into a world of comic books and science fiction but whose solitary life comes crashing into the couple played by Kidman and Eckhart. Miles’s career is really taking off.
He can currently be seen in theaters in the Sundance hit The Spectacular Now, opposite Shailene Woodley (The Descendants). Other recent film credits include 21 & Over, Project X, and Footloose. Next up are the comedy Get A Job and the fantasy action film Divergent.
Dianna Agron is on her way to becoming one of the most versatile, talented and sought-after young actresses in Hollywood. She is most widely known for playing Quinn Fabray on Fox’s hit television series “Glee” for which she has been nominated for three Teen Choice Awards. The “Glee” cast also won ‘Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble’ at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards and two Golden Globe Awards for ‘Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.’ Agron will next be seen in Luc Besson’s The Family, which follows the notorious Manzoni family when they relocate to Normandy under the witness protection program, where fitting in becomes challenging as their old habits die hard. Distributed by Relativity Media, the film also stars Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Tommy Lee Jones. The film was released on September 13, 2013.
Director Tribute: John Lee Hancock is a Director, writer and producer, and has established himself as a distinctive voice in filmmaking. His work on The Blind Side led to two Oscar nominations (Best Picture, Best Actress) and garnered Sandra Bullock her very first Oscar. Previous film credits include: The Alamo, which he directed and co-wrote; The Rookie which he directed; My Dog Skip which he co-produced; Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and A Perfect World both of which he wrote with Clint Eastwood directing. Hancock also serves as an advisor for the Sundance Institute’s Screenwriting Lab. Additional Tribute Honorees, special events and the full film lineup for the third annual Napa Valley Film Festival will be announced in late September and early October.
About the Napa Valley Film Festival and Cinema Napa Valley: The Napa Valley Film Festival is produced by Cinema Napa Valley, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Napa, California. The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) mission is to support the art of independent filmmaking and cinematic story-telling; enhance and diversify Napa Valley’s cultural landscape, and to provide educational opportunities in and out of the classroom for local students. The ultimate celebration of film, food and wine, Nvff, November 13-17, lights up the picturesque towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga at the most colorful time of year. Nvff features over 100 new independent films and studio sneak previews screening in 12 beautiful venues throughout the 4 walkable villages, as 300 visiting filmmakers interact with audiences at screenings and intimate events. Attendees enjoy film panels & culinary demonstrations, wine tasting pavilions, the spectacular Festival Gala, Celebrity Tributes, Awards Ceremony, and an array of parties, VIP receptions and winemaker dinners and more. For information or to buy passes, visit NapaValleyFilmFest.org or call 707-226-7500.
Major 2013 Sponsors include Cadillac (Official Automobile Sponsor), Amazon Web Services and Intel (Animated Short Film Category) and Sony Electronics. Leading Sponsors include Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Stella Artois, Meadowood Napa Valley (Artists-in-Residence Program), Terlato Family Wineries, ColorZone and Avms. Supporting Sponsors include V Estates, Sterling Vineyards, Domaine Chandon/Newton Vineyards, Union Bank, Delta Airlines and Classic Party Rentals. Top Media and Marketing Partners include: Traditional Home Magazine (Napa Valley Showhouse), More Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle/ sfgate.com, The Hollywood Reporter, Winecountry.com, Wine Spectator, Food Arts, NBC Bay Area, Mutineer Magazine, Brkly, and Comcast/Xfinity.
- 9/23/2013
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
The Napa Valley Film Festival continues to up its profile, with this year's lineup including August: Osage County, Saving Mr. Banks, Nebraska and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Other highlights of the third annual festival -- running Nov. 13-17 -- include One Chance, Philomena and The Immigrant. Founded by Brenda and Marc Lhormer, Nvff is designed to showcase the famous Napa Valley through screenings, wine tastings and culinary events. Movies play at a dozen locations stretching from Napa to Calistoga. Video: The Men of 'August: Osage County' Marvel at Meryl Streep's Acting and Home Cooking Osage County, based on the award-
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- 9/19/2013
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We have attended Napa Vff the last two years and really support the great work there of founders Brenda and Marc Lhormer.
The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) has announced that Amazon Web Services (Aws) will sponsor a new Animated Short Films category as part of this year’s Festival.
The new category will encourage animated short film submissions and allow the use of cloud technology through Aws to help bring the filmmakers’ vision to life.
Submitted animated short films must: be under 20 minutes in length; contain a significant amount of animation; utilize free trial credits provided by Aws for the purpose of accessing their products and services in order to complete the films; and be accepted through Without A Box (Wab) by June 30.
Completed films must be received by Nvff by July 31, 2013. Both Juried and Audience Award winners in the Animated Short Films category, sponsored by Aws, will be selected and announced at the Nvff Closing Night Awards Ceremony on Nov. 17.
The Jury Award winner will receive $10,000 in Aws credits. Details and requirements here.
The third annual Napa Valley Film Festival is Nov. 13 - 17, 2013.
Call 707-226-7500 for more information.
The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) has announced that Amazon Web Services (Aws) will sponsor a new Animated Short Films category as part of this year’s Festival.
The new category will encourage animated short film submissions and allow the use of cloud technology through Aws to help bring the filmmakers’ vision to life.
Submitted animated short films must: be under 20 minutes in length; contain a significant amount of animation; utilize free trial credits provided by Aws for the purpose of accessing their products and services in order to complete the films; and be accepted through Without A Box (Wab) by June 30.
Completed films must be received by Nvff by July 31, 2013. Both Juried and Audience Award winners in the Animated Short Films category, sponsored by Aws, will be selected and announced at the Nvff Closing Night Awards Ceremony on Nov. 17.
The Jury Award winner will receive $10,000 in Aws credits. Details and requirements here.
The third annual Napa Valley Film Festival is Nov. 13 - 17, 2013.
Call 707-226-7500 for more information.
- 5/26/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) Co-Founders and Directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer have announced the Jury and Audience Awards for the 2nd annual film festival. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema along with the Napa Valley’s finest food, wine and hospitality, the 2nd annual Nvff, from November 7 – 11, 2012, witnessed a significant increase in attendance over last year’s inaugural festival. Initial estimates range from a 33% to 50% increase; detailed final results will be shared as soon as they are available.
"Our esteemed Jurors and our audiences have recognized a diverse set of cinematic talent," remarked Nvff Executive and Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. "We are delighted with the response to this year's Program and look forward to hosting another batch of exceptional films and filmmakers next year."
Jury Awards for Narrative Features:
Best Narrative Feature ($10,000 Cash Prize presented by Meadowood Napa Valley; wine from Lail Vineyards)
Future Weather,written and directed by Jenny Deller
Special Jury Award for Cinematography (wine from Beaulieu (Bv) Vineyard)
Not Waving but Drowning, Cinematographer Nathan Levine-Haney
Special Jury Award for Acting (wine from Freemark Abbey)
Madeline Zima and Joel David Moore in Stuck, directed by Stuart Acher
Jury Awards for Documentary Films:
Best Documentary Feature (wine from Terlato Family Vineyards)
Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself, co-directed by Tom Bean and Luke Poling
Special Jury Award for Most Promising Documentary Filmmaker (wine from Hill Family Estate)
Matt Day, director ofShape of Things to Come,
Best Documentary Short Subject (wine from Alpha Omega)
The Last Ice Merchant (El Ultimo Hielero), directed by Sandy Patch
Jury Awards for Narrative Short Films:
Best Narrative Short (wine from Chappellet and Fortunati, respectively)
Co-winners: My Name Is Your First Love, written and directed by Rob Richert; The Pact, written and directed by Jason Pugatch
Special Jury Award for Social Impact (wine from Saintsbury)
Put It In a Book, directed by Rodrigo Garcia
Audience Awards:
Favorite Narrative Feature (wine from Behrens Family Winery)
Any Day Now, written and directed by Travis Fine
Favorite Documentary Feature (wine from Peju Province Winery)
Rising From Ashes, directed by T.C. Johnstone
Favorite Documentary Short Subject (wine from Chiarello Family Wines)
Necking, directed by Lindsay Lindenbaum
Favorite Narrative Short (wine from Allora Vineyards)
High Maintenance, written and directed by Shawn Wines
Favorite Lounge Feature (Narrative or Doc) (wine from Show from Trinchero Family)
Beware of Mr. Baker, directed by Jay Bulger
Mt. Veeder Peak Performance for Best Acting in a Narrative Feature ($1,000 Cash Prize and wine from Mt. Veeder Appellation)
Alan Cumming inAny Day Now, directed by Travis Fine; Cumming is donating his prize money to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts
The 2012 Napa Valley Film Festival Jury consisted of: Jury Co-President Leonard Maltin, respected film critic and historian – perhaps best known for his annual paperback reference “Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide” – currently teaching at USC School of Cinematic Arts; Jury Co-President Joe Carnahan, well-known writer/director of films such as The Grey, Smokin' Aces, andNarc; John Horn, Film Editor at the Los Angeles Times, where he has been on staff since 2002 and had previously been on staff at Newsweek and premier magazines; Sydney Levine, having thirty plus years in the film industry including being the first woman in international film distribution at 20th Century Fox; Lisa Schwartz, Executive Vice President of Distribution Operations and Business Development for Sundance Selects and IFC Films; Morrie Warshawski, who has worked in the nonprofit arts and culture sector for over thirty years and formerly served as the Executive Director of Bay Area Video Coalition in San Francisco; Paul Zaentz, a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania who started his movie-making career on the Academy Award winning film Amadeus; Lissa Gibbs, the Executive Director of the Napa Valley College Foundation; T.J. Martin and Dan Lindsay, Co-Directors/Co-Editors/Co-Cinematographers of the Oscar-winning documentary, Undefeated, a selection of the 2011 Nvff; Sheila Benson, the Principal Film Critic for the Los Angeles Times from 1981–1991. Affiliated with the National Society of Film Critics and the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, Sheila has served on juries at film festivals including Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance. Melanie Lynskey, accomplished and versatile actress, originally from New Zealand whose credits include: Win-Win, Up in the Air, The Informant, Away We Go, Flags of Our Fathers, Sweet Home Alabama and her first award-winning role was in Heavenly Creatures with Kate Winslet; Pat Saperstein, Associate Editor of Variety, where she coordinates festival coverage and daily news. Pat has served on juries at several festivals and has been on numerous panels; and Raj Mathai, NBC Bay Area’s news anchor and personality hosted the Awards Ceremony on Closing Night and received a bottle of Mumm Non-Vintage Brut Prestige. Additionally, the Jury Co-Presidents were presented with 3L bottles of wine: Leonard Maltin was given a Duckhorn 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon and Joe Carnahan was given a Cornerstone Cellars 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon.
On Friday, November 9, Access Hollywood's Billy Bush hosted the Celebrity Tribute Ceremony which was held at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville. Nvff honored James Marsden with the “Trailblazer” Tribute; the actor and singer is known for his roles in 30 Rock, Enchanted, Hairspray, and Robot & Frank, whose upcoming films include Two Guns, opposite Denzel Washington, and playing John F. Kennedy in The Butler. James was also presented with a bottle of Grgich Hills 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Nvff’s “Spotlight On” Tribute went to the seductive Alan Cumming, who has created indelible roles in The Anniversary Party, Sweet Land, the hit series The Good Wife, and his powerful performance in Any Day Now (2012 Nvff selection). Alan received a bottle of Ehlers Estate 2008 One Twenty Over Eighty with his award. Nvff presented two “Rising Star” Tributes: Imogen Poots, a talented young British actress who costars in A Late Quartet (Nvff 2012), who received a bottle of Chandon Non-Vintage Brut Classic along with her award; and Adam Driver who has a charming performance in the Nvff 2012 feature, Not Waving But Drowning, whoalso received a bottle of Chandon Non-Vintage Brut Classic with his award. Driver is best known for his roles in HBO's Girls, Angels in America, You Don’t Know Jack and J. Edgar, the latter opening the 2011 Nvff. Host Billy Bush also received a bottle of Allora Vineyards 2008 “Lusso” Cabernet Sauvignon.
In addition to all of the awards given to actors and films, the Nvff highlighted an impressive array of local restaurants from the area, which were recognized throughout the five-day festival in its “Foodspotting Contest.” This year's Master Foodspotter was Elissa Gordon, with almost 25 sightings. The “Silence of the Lamb Barbacoa Taco” from La Condesa was voted this year's "Best Menu Item," and received the most votes for the name and concept. Alexis Baking Co. was awarded the "Crowd Favorite" as they had the most photos, three of each of their five items.
The 3rd annual Napa Valley Film Festival will take place November 6 – 10, 2013. A special holiday pre-sale, through Dec. 15, 2012, offers Festival Passes for $190 (regularly $250) and Pass Plusses for $425 (regularly $500). Both Passes offer five-day access to film, food and wine events. Additionally, 4-pack tickets will be offered, perfect for holiday gift-giving: Four Festival Passes for $680 ($170 each – normally $250 – for a 32% total savings); Four Pass Plusses for $1,560 ($390 each – normally $500 – for a 22% percent savings). To experience the Festival at its most luxurious, Patron Circle membership starts at $2,500 per person (tax-deductible); join the Circle or renew your membership by Dec. 15, 2012 and receive a complimentary Festival Pass for a friend or family member. For more information or to purchase tickets at the best rates to be offered all year, please visit napavalleyfilmfest.org by midnight, December 15, 2012.
About the Napa Valley Film Festival & Cinema Napa Valley:
The Napa Valley Film Festival is produced by Cinema Napa Valley, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Napa, California. The festival's co-creators – and Cinema Napa Valley co-chairs – are Brenda and Marc Lhormer, producers and distributors of the feature film Bottle Shock about the historic upset victory by Napa Valley wines over the French at the1976 wine-tasting competition in Paris. Bottle Shock premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival before going on to international theatrical distribution. The husband-and-wife team also ran the successful Sonoma Valley Film Festival from 2001 through 2008. In addition to producing the annual film festival, Cinema Napa Valley presents special film programs throughout the year and provides support to student filmmaking programs in Napa Valley schools. To learn more, visit www.napavalleyfilmfest.org and follow www.facebook.com/NapaValleyFilmFestival.
"Our esteemed Jurors and our audiences have recognized a diverse set of cinematic talent," remarked Nvff Executive and Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. "We are delighted with the response to this year's Program and look forward to hosting another batch of exceptional films and filmmakers next year."
Jury Awards for Narrative Features:
Best Narrative Feature ($10,000 Cash Prize presented by Meadowood Napa Valley; wine from Lail Vineyards)
Future Weather,written and directed by Jenny Deller
Special Jury Award for Cinematography (wine from Beaulieu (Bv) Vineyard)
Not Waving but Drowning, Cinematographer Nathan Levine-Haney
Special Jury Award for Acting (wine from Freemark Abbey)
Madeline Zima and Joel David Moore in Stuck, directed by Stuart Acher
Jury Awards for Documentary Films:
Best Documentary Feature (wine from Terlato Family Vineyards)
Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself, co-directed by Tom Bean and Luke Poling
Special Jury Award for Most Promising Documentary Filmmaker (wine from Hill Family Estate)
Matt Day, director ofShape of Things to Come,
Best Documentary Short Subject (wine from Alpha Omega)
The Last Ice Merchant (El Ultimo Hielero), directed by Sandy Patch
Jury Awards for Narrative Short Films:
Best Narrative Short (wine from Chappellet and Fortunati, respectively)
Co-winners: My Name Is Your First Love, written and directed by Rob Richert; The Pact, written and directed by Jason Pugatch
Special Jury Award for Social Impact (wine from Saintsbury)
Put It In a Book, directed by Rodrigo Garcia
Audience Awards:
Favorite Narrative Feature (wine from Behrens Family Winery)
Any Day Now, written and directed by Travis Fine
Favorite Documentary Feature (wine from Peju Province Winery)
Rising From Ashes, directed by T.C. Johnstone
Favorite Documentary Short Subject (wine from Chiarello Family Wines)
Necking, directed by Lindsay Lindenbaum
Favorite Narrative Short (wine from Allora Vineyards)
High Maintenance, written and directed by Shawn Wines
Favorite Lounge Feature (Narrative or Doc) (wine from Show from Trinchero Family)
Beware of Mr. Baker, directed by Jay Bulger
Mt. Veeder Peak Performance for Best Acting in a Narrative Feature ($1,000 Cash Prize and wine from Mt. Veeder Appellation)
Alan Cumming inAny Day Now, directed by Travis Fine; Cumming is donating his prize money to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts
The 2012 Napa Valley Film Festival Jury consisted of: Jury Co-President Leonard Maltin, respected film critic and historian – perhaps best known for his annual paperback reference “Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide” – currently teaching at USC School of Cinematic Arts; Jury Co-President Joe Carnahan, well-known writer/director of films such as The Grey, Smokin' Aces, andNarc; John Horn, Film Editor at the Los Angeles Times, where he has been on staff since 2002 and had previously been on staff at Newsweek and premier magazines; Sydney Levine, having thirty plus years in the film industry including being the first woman in international film distribution at 20th Century Fox; Lisa Schwartz, Executive Vice President of Distribution Operations and Business Development for Sundance Selects and IFC Films; Morrie Warshawski, who has worked in the nonprofit arts and culture sector for over thirty years and formerly served as the Executive Director of Bay Area Video Coalition in San Francisco; Paul Zaentz, a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania who started his movie-making career on the Academy Award winning film Amadeus; Lissa Gibbs, the Executive Director of the Napa Valley College Foundation; T.J. Martin and Dan Lindsay, Co-Directors/Co-Editors/Co-Cinematographers of the Oscar-winning documentary, Undefeated, a selection of the 2011 Nvff; Sheila Benson, the Principal Film Critic for the Los Angeles Times from 1981–1991. Affiliated with the National Society of Film Critics and the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, Sheila has served on juries at film festivals including Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance. Melanie Lynskey, accomplished and versatile actress, originally from New Zealand whose credits include: Win-Win, Up in the Air, The Informant, Away We Go, Flags of Our Fathers, Sweet Home Alabama and her first award-winning role was in Heavenly Creatures with Kate Winslet; Pat Saperstein, Associate Editor of Variety, where she coordinates festival coverage and daily news. Pat has served on juries at several festivals and has been on numerous panels; and Raj Mathai, NBC Bay Area’s news anchor and personality hosted the Awards Ceremony on Closing Night and received a bottle of Mumm Non-Vintage Brut Prestige. Additionally, the Jury Co-Presidents were presented with 3L bottles of wine: Leonard Maltin was given a Duckhorn 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon and Joe Carnahan was given a Cornerstone Cellars 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon.
On Friday, November 9, Access Hollywood's Billy Bush hosted the Celebrity Tribute Ceremony which was held at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville. Nvff honored James Marsden with the “Trailblazer” Tribute; the actor and singer is known for his roles in 30 Rock, Enchanted, Hairspray, and Robot & Frank, whose upcoming films include Two Guns, opposite Denzel Washington, and playing John F. Kennedy in The Butler. James was also presented with a bottle of Grgich Hills 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Nvff’s “Spotlight On” Tribute went to the seductive Alan Cumming, who has created indelible roles in The Anniversary Party, Sweet Land, the hit series The Good Wife, and his powerful performance in Any Day Now (2012 Nvff selection). Alan received a bottle of Ehlers Estate 2008 One Twenty Over Eighty with his award. Nvff presented two “Rising Star” Tributes: Imogen Poots, a talented young British actress who costars in A Late Quartet (Nvff 2012), who received a bottle of Chandon Non-Vintage Brut Classic along with her award; and Adam Driver who has a charming performance in the Nvff 2012 feature, Not Waving But Drowning, whoalso received a bottle of Chandon Non-Vintage Brut Classic with his award. Driver is best known for his roles in HBO's Girls, Angels in America, You Don’t Know Jack and J. Edgar, the latter opening the 2011 Nvff. Host Billy Bush also received a bottle of Allora Vineyards 2008 “Lusso” Cabernet Sauvignon.
In addition to all of the awards given to actors and films, the Nvff highlighted an impressive array of local restaurants from the area, which were recognized throughout the five-day festival in its “Foodspotting Contest.” This year's Master Foodspotter was Elissa Gordon, with almost 25 sightings. The “Silence of the Lamb Barbacoa Taco” from La Condesa was voted this year's "Best Menu Item," and received the most votes for the name and concept. Alexis Baking Co. was awarded the "Crowd Favorite" as they had the most photos, three of each of their five items.
The 3rd annual Napa Valley Film Festival will take place November 6 – 10, 2013. A special holiday pre-sale, through Dec. 15, 2012, offers Festival Passes for $190 (regularly $250) and Pass Plusses for $425 (regularly $500). Both Passes offer five-day access to film, food and wine events. Additionally, 4-pack tickets will be offered, perfect for holiday gift-giving: Four Festival Passes for $680 ($170 each – normally $250 – for a 32% total savings); Four Pass Plusses for $1,560 ($390 each – normally $500 – for a 22% percent savings). To experience the Festival at its most luxurious, Patron Circle membership starts at $2,500 per person (tax-deductible); join the Circle or renew your membership by Dec. 15, 2012 and receive a complimentary Festival Pass for a friend or family member. For more information or to purchase tickets at the best rates to be offered all year, please visit napavalleyfilmfest.org by midnight, December 15, 2012.
About the Napa Valley Film Festival & Cinema Napa Valley:
The Napa Valley Film Festival is produced by Cinema Napa Valley, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Napa, California. The festival's co-creators – and Cinema Napa Valley co-chairs – are Brenda and Marc Lhormer, producers and distributors of the feature film Bottle Shock about the historic upset victory by Napa Valley wines over the French at the1976 wine-tasting competition in Paris. Bottle Shock premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival before going on to international theatrical distribution. The husband-and-wife team also ran the successful Sonoma Valley Film Festival from 2001 through 2008. In addition to producing the annual film festival, Cinema Napa Valley presents special film programs throughout the year and provides support to student filmmaking programs in Napa Valley schools. To learn more, visit www.napavalleyfilmfest.org and follow www.facebook.com/NapaValleyFilmFestival.
- 12/14/2012
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
A few weeks back I had the distinct pleasure of attending and serving on the jury of the premiere edition of Napa Valley Film Festival. I want to promote / publicize their 2nd outing later this year but first I want to use this forum to say why I think they at Napa – and events like them worldwide – are so important now.
The Problem with the Movies Today
Distribution is broke. Worldwide, not just here in the Us. This is not an attack on our many dear friends who work in that field but a statement of fact. Or, to put it another way, people cannot see the films they want and need to see. Likewise films cannot find their audiences. The ‘demographic’ that wants to see them – and pay for the pleasure to support the work and the filmmakers – are frustrated by the current chaos and disruption of the system.
There are two (relatively) small but vigorous and important areas in the Us and elsewhere where this ‘existential’ problem is being addressed, acted upon and various solutions being tried. This as the environment is shifting daily.To me the proliferation these days of festivals worldwide reflects basically a demand and hunger of the public to see what’s new, different and good in cinema.
Theaters I refer you to the good work of our friends at Art House Convergence. We attended the recent pre-Sundance Utah meeting and got to meet many friends from around the Us who are passionate about their local theaters and audiences and finding and showing those special films.
Festivals Years back in my boyhood there were maybe 3 Festivals- Cannes, Venice, New York. When I was in college at Madison in the ‘60’s we had the Film Society. Folding chairs, 16mm scratchy prints but we saw a lot that was different and new.There are 2 kinds of festivals. The ‘big four’ (Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, Sundance) and maybe 5 if you count in Venice, which I normally do not (important, busy but small and limited in mandate). These fests generally go after a certain type of film (Berlin is huge but it really made its name – and still maintains much of its prominence – for showcasing world Glbt cinema) and have power and reach in selection. They also have very active ‘market’ segments (business activity) both de jura (Berlin, Cannes) but also de facto (Sundance, Toronto). The press goes, the trade goes but despite their great influence and reach these fests can be pretty small events, relatively speaking. Cannes – 100 films or so. Sundance – 130 or so. Toronto and Berlin are larger but these are all ‘only’ 10 day events. The other kind, are the thousands of events worldwide, film festivals that have various mandates, mainly to serve regional or local audiences or tastes
So we come to the smashingly successful (after its first year) event in Napa. Their motto?? Film. Food. Wine. Catalysts for Conversation...They really delivered on all counts.
I was impressed by their films this past year but the parties were something special. Anyone who knows me knows we go to a lot of parties for work during the year. Daytime – meetings, films. Nighttime – 2nd shift, parties, more work, eat out of your hands.
I have to say that Napa was very civilized in this regard. The food was exceptional, the wine even better and it was all so comfortable. The locals attending (there were lots!!) were interesting people with much to say. It gave me pause. Napa Valley has been an area I have come to over many years and periods in my life and I thought I knew the place but this was new and special – and impressive.
I next quote freely from their press release announcing Nvff 2012 :
'The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) is now accepting film submissions for the second annual event. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema while embracing the epicurean pleasures of Napa Valley. Nvff unspools November 7 - 11, 2012 with a five-day series of events spread over four of the Napa Valley’s towns. The film festival welcomes submissions of any genre and will be selecting approximately 75 new films, including narrative features, documentaries, world cinema, short films, animation, and student works. Organizers are looking for films that will best entertain, inspire, educate and intrigue audiences.’
Nvff categories eligible for Jury and/or Audience Awards include:
-U.S. Narrative Feature -U.S. Documentary Feature -U.S. Narrative Short -U.S. Documentary Short Subject
Directors of films in competition for Best Narrative Feature participate in Nvff’s Artists-in-Residence program in partnership for the five nights of the festival and are treated to special events and workshops with their competition group and industry mentors.
Mentors who participated in the inaugural Nvff this past November included:
John Sloss of Cinetic Media (who also served as President of the Jury) Michael De Luca producer, (Butter starring Jennifer Garner also screened at the festival) J. Todd Harris, indie producer (Black Irish) James Cromwell, actor (The Artist, and Nvff Narrative Competition Selection, A Year In Mooring).
At 2011’s Closing Night Awards Ceremony, jury members Peter Belsito (Film Finders, indieWIRE) and film critic Kirk Honeycutt presented the $10,000 cash prize for Best Narrative Feature to Mamitas, filmmaker Nicolas Ozeki’s first feature. Meadowood Napa Valley will once again award the Best Narrative Feature Director with $10,000; as well, the Mt Veeder Appellation will present a $1,000 Peak Performance Award to the Best Actor in a Narrative Feature.
Filmmakers can submit films at Withoutabox.com beginning February 1. For early submission with discounted entry fees, deadline is February 29; regular submission deadline is April 16; late submission deadline is May 31; and the final extended submission deadline (for withoutabox members only) is June 28.
Visit www.napavalleyfilmfest.org for full details.
The festival's co-creators (and Cinema Napa Valley Founders) are Brenda and Marc Lhormer, producers and distributors of the feature film Bottle Shock, about the historic upset victory by Napa Valley wines over the French at the infamous 1976 wine-tasting competition in Paris. Bottle Shock premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival before going on to international theatrical distribution. The husband-and-wife team also ran the successful Sonoma Valley Film Festival from 2001 through 2008. In addition to producing the annual Napa Valley Film Festival, Cinema Napa Valley presents special film programs throughout the year and provides support to student filmmaking programs in Napa Valley schools.
The Problem with the Movies Today
Distribution is broke. Worldwide, not just here in the Us. This is not an attack on our many dear friends who work in that field but a statement of fact. Or, to put it another way, people cannot see the films they want and need to see. Likewise films cannot find their audiences. The ‘demographic’ that wants to see them – and pay for the pleasure to support the work and the filmmakers – are frustrated by the current chaos and disruption of the system.
There are two (relatively) small but vigorous and important areas in the Us and elsewhere where this ‘existential’ problem is being addressed, acted upon and various solutions being tried. This as the environment is shifting daily.To me the proliferation these days of festivals worldwide reflects basically a demand and hunger of the public to see what’s new, different and good in cinema.
Theaters I refer you to the good work of our friends at Art House Convergence. We attended the recent pre-Sundance Utah meeting and got to meet many friends from around the Us who are passionate about their local theaters and audiences and finding and showing those special films.
Festivals Years back in my boyhood there were maybe 3 Festivals- Cannes, Venice, New York. When I was in college at Madison in the ‘60’s we had the Film Society. Folding chairs, 16mm scratchy prints but we saw a lot that was different and new.There are 2 kinds of festivals. The ‘big four’ (Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, Sundance) and maybe 5 if you count in Venice, which I normally do not (important, busy but small and limited in mandate). These fests generally go after a certain type of film (Berlin is huge but it really made its name – and still maintains much of its prominence – for showcasing world Glbt cinema) and have power and reach in selection. They also have very active ‘market’ segments (business activity) both de jura (Berlin, Cannes) but also de facto (Sundance, Toronto). The press goes, the trade goes but despite their great influence and reach these fests can be pretty small events, relatively speaking. Cannes – 100 films or so. Sundance – 130 or so. Toronto and Berlin are larger but these are all ‘only’ 10 day events. The other kind, are the thousands of events worldwide, film festivals that have various mandates, mainly to serve regional or local audiences or tastes
So we come to the smashingly successful (after its first year) event in Napa. Their motto?? Film. Food. Wine. Catalysts for Conversation...They really delivered on all counts.
I was impressed by their films this past year but the parties were something special. Anyone who knows me knows we go to a lot of parties for work during the year. Daytime – meetings, films. Nighttime – 2nd shift, parties, more work, eat out of your hands.
I have to say that Napa was very civilized in this regard. The food was exceptional, the wine even better and it was all so comfortable. The locals attending (there were lots!!) were interesting people with much to say. It gave me pause. Napa Valley has been an area I have come to over many years and periods in my life and I thought I knew the place but this was new and special – and impressive.
I next quote freely from their press release announcing Nvff 2012 :
'The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) is now accepting film submissions for the second annual event. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema while embracing the epicurean pleasures of Napa Valley. Nvff unspools November 7 - 11, 2012 with a five-day series of events spread over four of the Napa Valley’s towns. The film festival welcomes submissions of any genre and will be selecting approximately 75 new films, including narrative features, documentaries, world cinema, short films, animation, and student works. Organizers are looking for films that will best entertain, inspire, educate and intrigue audiences.’
Nvff categories eligible for Jury and/or Audience Awards include:
-U.S. Narrative Feature -U.S. Documentary Feature -U.S. Narrative Short -U.S. Documentary Short Subject
Directors of films in competition for Best Narrative Feature participate in Nvff’s Artists-in-Residence program in partnership for the five nights of the festival and are treated to special events and workshops with their competition group and industry mentors.
Mentors who participated in the inaugural Nvff this past November included:
John Sloss of Cinetic Media (who also served as President of the Jury) Michael De Luca producer, (Butter starring Jennifer Garner also screened at the festival) J. Todd Harris, indie producer (Black Irish) James Cromwell, actor (The Artist, and Nvff Narrative Competition Selection, A Year In Mooring).
At 2011’s Closing Night Awards Ceremony, jury members Peter Belsito (Film Finders, indieWIRE) and film critic Kirk Honeycutt presented the $10,000 cash prize for Best Narrative Feature to Mamitas, filmmaker Nicolas Ozeki’s first feature. Meadowood Napa Valley will once again award the Best Narrative Feature Director with $10,000; as well, the Mt Veeder Appellation will present a $1,000 Peak Performance Award to the Best Actor in a Narrative Feature.
Filmmakers can submit films at Withoutabox.com beginning February 1. For early submission with discounted entry fees, deadline is February 29; regular submission deadline is April 16; late submission deadline is May 31; and the final extended submission deadline (for withoutabox members only) is June 28.
Visit www.napavalleyfilmfest.org for full details.
The festival's co-creators (and Cinema Napa Valley Founders) are Brenda and Marc Lhormer, producers and distributors of the feature film Bottle Shock, about the historic upset victory by Napa Valley wines over the French at the infamous 1976 wine-tasting competition in Paris. Bottle Shock premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival before going on to international theatrical distribution. The husband-and-wife team also ran the successful Sonoma Valley Film Festival from 2001 through 2008. In addition to producing the annual Napa Valley Film Festival, Cinema Napa Valley presents special film programs throughout the year and provides support to student filmmaking programs in Napa Valley schools.
- 3/2/2012
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Cinetic Media’s John Sloss will serve as President of the Jury for Inaugural Festival, November 9-13, 2011 Brenda and Marc Lhormer, producers of the 2008 Sundance hit movie Bottle Shock and founders of the Napa Valley Film Festival, have announced the composition of the Jury for their inaugural Festival, scheduled November 9 – 13, 2011. Heading the Jury is John Sloss, founder of the entertainment and media advisory firm Cinetic Media, Cinetic Rights Management, and the entertainment law firm Sloss Eckhouse LawCo Llp. Sloss recently co-founded Producers Distribution Agency, distributor of Exit through the Gift Shop and Senna. The Narrative…...
- 9/26/2011
- Sydney's Buzz
November 9 – 13 Napa Valley Film Festival's first edition looks like it will be a big beautiful event. Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) Co-Founders and Directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer have announced a roster of high profile films to be screened at the inaugural film festival. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema along with the Napa Valley’s finest food, wine and hospitality, Nvff makes its debut with a five-day festival spanning the Valley’s four postcard-perfect towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. The Festival will begin Wednesday, November 9 with a Sneak Preview screening of Clint Eastwood’s…...
- 9/26/2011
- Sydney's Buzz
Napa Valley Film Festival Announces 2011 Call for Entries Filmmakers are invited to submit for inaugural Film Festival November 9-13, 2011, featuring new independent films as well as Napa Valley’s finest food, wine and hospitality Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) Co-Founders and Directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer have announced they are now accepting film submissions for the first annual Napa Valley Film Festival. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema while embracing the epicurean pleasures of Napa Valley, Nvff will debut November 9-13, 2011 with a five-day festival spread over four of the Napa Valley’s postcard-perfect towns. Showcasing the best…...
- 5/18/2011
- Sydney's Buzz
Filmmakers are invited to submit for inaugural Film Festival November 9-13, 2011, featuring new independent films as well as NapaValley.s finest food, wine and hospitality
Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) Co-Founders and Directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer have announced they are now accepting film submissions for the first annual Napa Valley Film Festival. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema while embracing the epicurean pleasures of Napa Valley, Nvff will debut November 9-13, 2011 with a five-day festival spread over four of the Napa Valley.s postcard-perfect towns.
The Festival is welcoming submissions of any theme and will be selecting more than 50 new films, including narrative features, foreign films (world cinema), documentaries, short films, and student works. Organizers are looking for films that best entertain, inspire, educate and intrigue audiences. Categories eligible for Juried and/or Audience Awards include: Best U.S. Dramatic Feature, Best U.S. Documentary Feature, Best World...
Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) Co-Founders and Directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer have announced they are now accepting film submissions for the first annual Napa Valley Film Festival. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema while embracing the epicurean pleasures of Napa Valley, Nvff will debut November 9-13, 2011 with a five-day festival spread over four of the Napa Valley.s postcard-perfect towns.
The Festival is welcoming submissions of any theme and will be selecting more than 50 new films, including narrative features, foreign films (world cinema), documentaries, short films, and student works. Organizers are looking for films that best entertain, inspire, educate and intrigue audiences. Categories eligible for Juried and/or Audience Awards include: Best U.S. Dramatic Feature, Best U.S. Documentary Feature, Best World...
- 3/29/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Nvff pairs with renowned Chef Michael Chiarello and Napa Valley boutique wineries for a series of food and wine-infused special events sponsored by The St. Regis Deer Valley
Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) Co-Founders and Directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer have announced a series of launch events . sponsored by The St. Regis Deer Valley . taking place January 23 and 24 during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Featuring acclaimed Napa Valley Chef Michael Chiarello of Bottega restaurant and NapaStyle as well as 16 of Napa Valley.s finest wineries, the events are designed to introduce Nvff, an official Sundance Institute Associate, to Sundance Film Festival industry guests and attendees from around the world. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema while embracing the epicurean pleasures of Napa Valley, Nvff will debut November 9-13, 2011 with a five-day festival spread over four of the Napa Valley.s postcard-perfect towns.
.We couldn.t think of a more appropriate...
Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) Co-Founders and Directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer have announced a series of launch events . sponsored by The St. Regis Deer Valley . taking place January 23 and 24 during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Featuring acclaimed Napa Valley Chef Michael Chiarello of Bottega restaurant and NapaStyle as well as 16 of Napa Valley.s finest wineries, the events are designed to introduce Nvff, an official Sundance Institute Associate, to Sundance Film Festival industry guests and attendees from around the world. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema while embracing the epicurean pleasures of Napa Valley, Nvff will debut November 9-13, 2011 with a five-day festival spread over four of the Napa Valley.s postcard-perfect towns.
.We couldn.t think of a more appropriate...
- 1/12/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Freestyle to distribute 'Shock'
NEW YORK -- "Bottle Shock", the true story of a California winery family, will be distributed in North America by Freestyle Releasing.
Randall Miller's feature starring Chris Pine, Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman and Freddy Rodriguez premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival. It revolves around a vineyard owner (Pullman) and his slacker son (Pine) who join forces with a British winemaker (Rickman) to launch the 1976 Paris Tastings, which put the California wine industry on the map.
The film will be released this year in more than 250 theaters nationwide. Odd Lot International will handle foreign sales on the project at next month's Festival de Cannes, part of a two-picture rep deal with Freestyle.
Miller co-wrote the film with Jody Savin and Ross Schwartz. He also produced the film with Savin, J. Todd Harris, Brenda Lhormer, Marc Lhormer and Marc Toberoff.
Freestyle also is distributing Miller's darkly comic thriller "Nobel Son", which also stars Rickman and Pullman.
Randall Miller's feature starring Chris Pine, Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman and Freddy Rodriguez premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival. It revolves around a vineyard owner (Pullman) and his slacker son (Pine) who join forces with a British winemaker (Rickman) to launch the 1976 Paris Tastings, which put the California wine industry on the map.
The film will be released this year in more than 250 theaters nationwide. Odd Lot International will handle foreign sales on the project at next month's Festival de Cannes, part of a two-picture rep deal with Freestyle.
Miller co-wrote the film with Jody Savin and Ross Schwartz. He also produced the film with Savin, J. Todd Harris, Brenda Lhormer, Marc Lhormer and Marc Toberoff.
Freestyle also is distributing Miller's darkly comic thriller "Nobel Son", which also stars Rickman and Pullman.
- 4/17/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bottle Shock
Sundance Film Festival
PARK CITY -- When a film opens with the title, "Based on a true story", one wonders if the filmmakers are trying to bolster a flimsy premise with claims of authenticity.
But Bottle Shock, which had its world premiere at Sundance, enshrines an irresistible story that happens to be (mainly) true. It takes place in 1976, the year of the American Bicentennial, and in these cynical times, it is nice to be reminded of an American victory that is actually worth celebrating. This might not have been a momentous world achievement, but it was a gratifying victory all the same.
The contest takes place in the world of wine, in a time when California wines competed for the first time in a prestigious competition in France. One of the competitors was Chateau Montelena, a vineyard owned by Jim Barrett, who dropped out of the corporate rat race to pursue his dream of cultivating grapes. Jim is just one of the engaging characters in this tale of American hayseeds taking on French connoisseurs. Because of the wine backdrop, some will compare the film to Sideways, but the comparisons are not really fair. This is a different kind of movie, a classic underdog tale with lots of humor and heart. With the right handling, it could be a hit on the specialty circuit.
The film begins by introducing an intriguing ensemble. In the Napa Valley, Jim (Bill Pullman) is locked in constant battle with his slacker son, Bo (Chris Pine), who works for him at the vineyard. Another worker, Gustavo (Freddy Rodriguez), the son of a Mexican field hand, hopes to launch his own label. Both of the men are infatuated with Sam (Rachael Taylor), a new arrival in town. Meanwhile, in Paris, Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) hopes to revive his failing wine business by sponsoring a competition, and a friend encourages him to visit California to add a new gimmick to the contest.
The film is very leisurely in establishing all these characters -- a mite too leisurely. The first half would benefit from tighter editing. Another problem is that the characters -- the tyrannical father and the rebellious son, the snooty European wine connoisseur -- are a bit stock, and the personal stories are not as well developed as they might be. But the film keeps building in intensity, and the payoff sizzles.
As he showed in "Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School," director Randall Miller has real affection for actors, and he brings out the best in performers who haven't always had an opportunity to shine. (Miller wrote and produced both films with his wife, Jody Savin.) Pullman has his best role in years, and he captures the fury as well as the passion of a man in thrall to a dream on the verge of collapse. Pine has enormous charm, and Rodriguez confirms the promise he showed on HBO's Six Feet Under. Rickman also has one of his juiciest roles in recent years, and he's able to satirize British haughtiness without falling into caricature. Watch his reactions as he samples California cuisine -- first a vat of Kentucky Fried Chicken and then a glob of guacamole -- and you'll savor the mastery of a truly subtle actor. Two beautiful young actresses -- Taylor and Eliza Dushku as a ballsy bartender -- give equally winning performances.
Once the film gets past the exposition, it brings off a number of delectable scenes. A high point comes when Rickman and Pine inveigle a bunch of airline passengers to transport California wine in their carry-on bags. And the climactic competition, where the scrappy American interloper has to stand up against generations of French tradition, is as rousing as any finale you'll see this year. Cinematographer Michael J. Ozier magnificently captures the Napa countryside. This intelligent, affectionate, beautifully acted movie gives crowd-pleasers a good name.
BOTTLE SHOCK
Unclaimed Freight Prods.
Credits:
Director: Randall Miller
Screenwriters: Jody Savin, Randall Miller, Ross Schwartz
Story: Ross Schwartz, Lannette Pabon, Jody Savin, Randall Miller
Producers: Jody Savin, Randall Miller, Marc Lhormer, Brenda Lhormer, J. Todd Harris, Marc Toberoff
Executive producers: Robert Baizer, Erik Clyge, Art Klein, Dan Schryer
Director of photography: Michael J. Ozier
Production designer: Craig Stearns
Music: Mark Adler
Co-producer: Elaine Dysinger
Costume designer: Jillian Kreiner
Editors: Randall Miller, Dan O'Brien
Cast:
Steven Spurrier: Alan Rickman
Jim Barrett: Bill Pullman
Bo Barrett: Chris Pine
Sam: Rachael Taylor
Gustavo: Freddy Rodriguez
Maurice: Dennis Farina
Joe: Eliza Dushku
Mr. Garcia: Miguel Sandoval
Running time -- 110 minutes
No MPAA rating...
PARK CITY -- When a film opens with the title, "Based on a true story", one wonders if the filmmakers are trying to bolster a flimsy premise with claims of authenticity.
But Bottle Shock, which had its world premiere at Sundance, enshrines an irresistible story that happens to be (mainly) true. It takes place in 1976, the year of the American Bicentennial, and in these cynical times, it is nice to be reminded of an American victory that is actually worth celebrating. This might not have been a momentous world achievement, but it was a gratifying victory all the same.
The contest takes place in the world of wine, in a time when California wines competed for the first time in a prestigious competition in France. One of the competitors was Chateau Montelena, a vineyard owned by Jim Barrett, who dropped out of the corporate rat race to pursue his dream of cultivating grapes. Jim is just one of the engaging characters in this tale of American hayseeds taking on French connoisseurs. Because of the wine backdrop, some will compare the film to Sideways, but the comparisons are not really fair. This is a different kind of movie, a classic underdog tale with lots of humor and heart. With the right handling, it could be a hit on the specialty circuit.
The film begins by introducing an intriguing ensemble. In the Napa Valley, Jim (Bill Pullman) is locked in constant battle with his slacker son, Bo (Chris Pine), who works for him at the vineyard. Another worker, Gustavo (Freddy Rodriguez), the son of a Mexican field hand, hopes to launch his own label. Both of the men are infatuated with Sam (Rachael Taylor), a new arrival in town. Meanwhile, in Paris, Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) hopes to revive his failing wine business by sponsoring a competition, and a friend encourages him to visit California to add a new gimmick to the contest.
The film is very leisurely in establishing all these characters -- a mite too leisurely. The first half would benefit from tighter editing. Another problem is that the characters -- the tyrannical father and the rebellious son, the snooty European wine connoisseur -- are a bit stock, and the personal stories are not as well developed as they might be. But the film keeps building in intensity, and the payoff sizzles.
As he showed in "Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School," director Randall Miller has real affection for actors, and he brings out the best in performers who haven't always had an opportunity to shine. (Miller wrote and produced both films with his wife, Jody Savin.) Pullman has his best role in years, and he captures the fury as well as the passion of a man in thrall to a dream on the verge of collapse. Pine has enormous charm, and Rodriguez confirms the promise he showed on HBO's Six Feet Under. Rickman also has one of his juiciest roles in recent years, and he's able to satirize British haughtiness without falling into caricature. Watch his reactions as he samples California cuisine -- first a vat of Kentucky Fried Chicken and then a glob of guacamole -- and you'll savor the mastery of a truly subtle actor. Two beautiful young actresses -- Taylor and Eliza Dushku as a ballsy bartender -- give equally winning performances.
Once the film gets past the exposition, it brings off a number of delectable scenes. A high point comes when Rickman and Pine inveigle a bunch of airline passengers to transport California wine in their carry-on bags. And the climactic competition, where the scrappy American interloper has to stand up against generations of French tradition, is as rousing as any finale you'll see this year. Cinematographer Michael J. Ozier magnificently captures the Napa countryside. This intelligent, affectionate, beautifully acted movie gives crowd-pleasers a good name.
BOTTLE SHOCK
Unclaimed Freight Prods.
Credits:
Director: Randall Miller
Screenwriters: Jody Savin, Randall Miller, Ross Schwartz
Story: Ross Schwartz, Lannette Pabon, Jody Savin, Randall Miller
Producers: Jody Savin, Randall Miller, Marc Lhormer, Brenda Lhormer, J. Todd Harris, Marc Toberoff
Executive producers: Robert Baizer, Erik Clyge, Art Klein, Dan Schryer
Director of photography: Michael J. Ozier
Production designer: Craig Stearns
Music: Mark Adler
Co-producer: Elaine Dysinger
Costume designer: Jillian Kreiner
Editors: Randall Miller, Dan O'Brien
Cast:
Steven Spurrier: Alan Rickman
Jim Barrett: Bill Pullman
Bo Barrett: Chris Pine
Sam: Rachael Taylor
Gustavo: Freddy Rodriguez
Maurice: Dennis Farina
Joe: Eliza Dushku
Mr. Garcia: Miguel Sandoval
Running time -- 110 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 1/29/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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