IllumiNative has formed a new executive team to lead the Native woman-led racial and social justice organization in its expansion. Founder Crystal Echo Hawk joins as CEO, Michael Johnson as president, Angel Charley as inaugural executive director and Jennifer Van der Heide as vice president of advocacy and engagement.
Among other duties, the executive team will oversee the non-profit organization IllumiNative, Inc., and IllumiNative’s new media and production company IllumiNative Media, LLC.
“When I started this organization in 2018 I had no idea where it would take me, but the growth and impact we’ve achieved in the last five years has surpassed my wildest expectations,” said Hawk. “The creation of IllumiNative Media is a huge step for our organization and the future of Native representation, and will allow us to invest in and support Native creatives both in front of and behind the screen to raise cultural awareness and promote authentic Native storytelling.
Among other duties, the executive team will oversee the non-profit organization IllumiNative, Inc., and IllumiNative’s new media and production company IllumiNative Media, LLC.
“When I started this organization in 2018 I had no idea where it would take me, but the growth and impact we’ve achieved in the last five years has surpassed my wildest expectations,” said Hawk. “The creation of IllumiNative Media is a huge step for our organization and the future of Native representation, and will allow us to invest in and support Native creatives both in front of and behind the screen to raise cultural awareness and promote authentic Native storytelling.
- 6/4/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay and Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
IllumiNative, the Native woman-led racial and social justice organization, announced a new executive team to lead its next phase of expansion and growth. That includes oversight of the nonprofit IllumiNative Inc. and IllumiNative Media LLC, a new media and production company.
With a commitment to amplify Native voices and narratives, IllumiNative introduces Crystal Echo Hawk as Founder & CEO, Michael Johnson as President and Angel Charley as the organization’s inaugural Executive Director. Jennifer Van der Heide has also joined the team to lead a newly established department as VP Advocacy and Engagement.
IllumiNative Inc. was granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS in late 2023, and the new structure of self-governance, co-management and leadership will continue to focus on research, narrative change and capacity building to strengthen Native power. As part of IllumiNative’s commitment to creating space for Native voices in mainstream media, the organization is also introducing IllumiNative Media LLC,...
With a commitment to amplify Native voices and narratives, IllumiNative introduces Crystal Echo Hawk as Founder & CEO, Michael Johnson as President and Angel Charley as the organization’s inaugural Executive Director. Jennifer Van der Heide has also joined the team to lead a newly established department as VP Advocacy and Engagement.
IllumiNative Inc. was granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS in late 2023, and the new structure of self-governance, co-management and leadership will continue to focus on research, narrative change and capacity building to strengthen Native power. As part of IllumiNative’s commitment to creating space for Native voices in mainstream media, the organization is also introducing IllumiNative Media LLC,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
IllumiNative founder Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee) is bringing on colleagues as her Native justice organization grows.
Michael Johnson (Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota) is joining as president, Angel Charley (Pueblo of Laguna and Navajo Nation) as IllumiNative’s first-ever executive director and Jennifer Van der Heide as vice president of the new advocacy and engagement department.
“I am honored to join Crystal and the talented IllumiNative team as president as we embark on this journey of community-directed radical movement building and the acknowledgement and celebration of self-determination to increase the visibility of Native peoples,” Johnson said in a statement. “Research is IllumiNative’s DNA – it’s what the organization was founded on in 2018 and it continues to be the driving force behind our ability to create change and respond to the evolving needs of our communities, which is why we’ll be releasing brand new research this year to...
Michael Johnson (Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota) is joining as president, Angel Charley (Pueblo of Laguna and Navajo Nation) as IllumiNative’s first-ever executive director and Jennifer Van der Heide as vice president of the new advocacy and engagement department.
“I am honored to join Crystal and the talented IllumiNative team as president as we embark on this journey of community-directed radical movement building and the acknowledgement and celebration of self-determination to increase the visibility of Native peoples,” Johnson said in a statement. “Research is IllumiNative’s DNA – it’s what the organization was founded on in 2018 and it continues to be the driving force behind our ability to create change and respond to the evolving needs of our communities, which is why we’ll be releasing brand new research this year to...
- 6/4/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Mansa, the ad-supported streaming platform highlighting Black content for a global audience, has partnered with Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing on a licensing agreement to distribute a curated selection of Array’s independent feature films directly to audiences via the Mansa Streaming Service and on the Mansa Mix Fast channel.
The platform delivers a curated selection of films, TV shows, and Fast channels that showcase Black narratives from around the world. Since launching a year ago, Mansa has amassed a library of thousands of hours of content and is accessible on a growing list of distribution partners.
“Ava DuVernay is one of my closest friends and collaborators so I can’t overstate how meaningful this partnership between Array Releasing and Mansa is to me,” said David Oyelowo, award-winning filmmaker, actor, and co-founder of Mansa. “It’s not just about distributing films; it’s about amplifying the voices of those...
The platform delivers a curated selection of films, TV shows, and Fast channels that showcase Black narratives from around the world. Since launching a year ago, Mansa has amassed a library of thousands of hours of content and is accessible on a growing list of distribution partners.
“Ava DuVernay is one of my closest friends and collaborators so I can’t overstate how meaningful this partnership between Array Releasing and Mansa is to me,” said David Oyelowo, award-winning filmmaker, actor, and co-founder of Mansa. “It’s not just about distributing films; it’s about amplifying the voices of those...
- 5/13/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Peabody-winning narrative change collective, said Friday that it has acquired Débora Souza Silva’s documentary For Our Children. The deal is for U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand rights. It will make premiere on Netflix on May 10.
For Our Children unites the voices of resilience and solidarity in a poignant cinematic journey, chronicling the convergence of two mothers, Reverend Wanda Johnson and Angela Williams, whose lives have been forever altered by the scourge of police brutality against young Black men. The doc features appearances by other Black mothers who have lost their children to state-sanctioned violence, as well as civil rights leaders and activists Benjamin Crump and Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza.
To date the film has screened at various film festivals including the San Francisco International Film Festival, Toronto Black Film Festival, Freep Film Festival, Athena Film Festival,...
For Our Children unites the voices of resilience and solidarity in a poignant cinematic journey, chronicling the convergence of two mothers, Reverend Wanda Johnson and Angela Williams, whose lives have been forever altered by the scourge of police brutality against young Black men. The doc features appearances by other Black mothers who have lost their children to state-sanctioned violence, as well as civil rights leaders and activists Benjamin Crump and Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza.
To date the film has screened at various film festivals including the San Francisco International Film Festival, Toronto Black Film Festival, Freep Film Festival, Athena Film Festival,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Array Releasing has acquired “For Our Children” and has set a release date for May 10 on Netflix.
Written, directed and produced by Débora Souza Silva, the documentary chronicles the powerful convergence of two mothers, Reverend Wanda Johnson and Angela Williams, whose lives were forever altered by police brutality against young Black men.
“Array is proud to work with filmmaker Débora Souza Silva to tell the important stories of Reverend Johnson and Angela Williams and their ability to find hope and light in a world too often defined by division and despair,” said Array’s President Tilane Jones in a statement. “Through intimate storytelling and raw authenticity, ‘For Our Children’ illuminates the unbreakable bonds of love and resilience that bind us all.”
Silva’s work has been featured on PBS, BBC and Fusion. In 2021, she received the Creative Capital Award. She was also honored by the National Association of Black Journalists,...
Written, directed and produced by Débora Souza Silva, the documentary chronicles the powerful convergence of two mothers, Reverend Wanda Johnson and Angela Williams, whose lives were forever altered by police brutality against young Black men.
“Array is proud to work with filmmaker Débora Souza Silva to tell the important stories of Reverend Johnson and Angela Williams and their ability to find hope and light in a world too often defined by division and despair,” said Array’s President Tilane Jones in a statement. “Through intimate storytelling and raw authenticity, ‘For Our Children’ illuminates the unbreakable bonds of love and resilience that bind us all.”
Silva’s work has been featured on PBS, BBC and Fusion. In 2021, she received the Creative Capital Award. She was also honored by the National Association of Black Journalists,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: “This is a beautiful piece of art that I had no idea was going to resonate so deeply with me,” Regina King declared at last night’s overflowing tastemaker screening of Ava DuVernay’s Origin. “It’s a film about connectivity,” the Oscar winner added to the heavy hitter crowd. “I believe this is a film that will be studied in Anthropology classes for years and years to come.”
“Stunning, thank you,” King even more bluntly said of Origin to When They See Us vets DuVernay and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and wide applause from influential onlookers.
In a rare public appearance, the acclaimed actor and director took center stage with DuVernay and Ellis-Taylor Thursday to praise and delve into the film based on Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson’s 2020 bestseller Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents. The screening at West Hollywood’s London hotel was just the latest in a...
“Stunning, thank you,” King even more bluntly said of Origin to When They See Us vets DuVernay and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and wide applause from influential onlookers.
In a rare public appearance, the acclaimed actor and director took center stage with DuVernay and Ellis-Taylor Thursday to praise and delve into the film based on Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson’s 2020 bestseller Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents. The screening at West Hollywood’s London hotel was just the latest in a...
- 1/6/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Array Releasing has acquired “Frybread Face and Me,” and has set a release date for Nov. 24 in select theaters and on Netflix.
The film marks documentary filmmaker Billy Luther’s narrative feature debut. The President of Array Tilane Jones announced the news that the company had acquired rights in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland.
“Array is honored to partner with director Billy Luther in releasing his beautiful debut feature film to audiences which revels in the joys of adolescence,” said Jones. “Billy captures the sweet moments of his summers as a child with a Native American perspective that should be embraced and celebrated now more than ever.”
The coming-of-age story had its world premiere at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival with an international premiere at Toronto International Film Festival. It has been making the fall festival rounds including screenings at Mill Valley Film Festival and Middleburg Film Festival.
“Frybread Face and Me...
The film marks documentary filmmaker Billy Luther’s narrative feature debut. The President of Array Tilane Jones announced the news that the company had acquired rights in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland.
“Array is honored to partner with director Billy Luther in releasing his beautiful debut feature film to audiences which revels in the joys of adolescence,” said Jones. “Billy captures the sweet moments of his summers as a child with a Native American perspective that should be embraced and celebrated now more than ever.”
The coming-of-age story had its world premiere at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival with an international premiere at Toronto International Film Festival. It has been making the fall festival rounds including screenings at Mill Valley Film Festival and Middleburg Film Festival.
“Frybread Face and Me...
- 11/3/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Peabody Award-winning narrative change collective Array, has picked up rights to the Pj Raval doc Who We Become for the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland. The film will debut exclusively on Netflix on Friday, December 1.
World premiering earlier this year at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Who We Become follows three young Filipino women grappling with an emerging global pandemic while forging unexpected connections with their families. Discovering themselves in the process. A self-documented time capsule for turbulent times, capturing the unbreakable bond between Filipino family and community, the film is produced by Cecilia R. Mejia (Lingua Franca), with co-producers Erwin Falcon and Samantha Renshi Skinner, as well as executive producer Theresa Navarro.
“Array takes great pride in releasing this new work by a filmmaker who we have long admired,” said Array President Tilane Jones.
World premiering earlier this year at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Who We Become follows three young Filipino women grappling with an emerging global pandemic while forging unexpected connections with their families. Discovering themselves in the process. A self-documented time capsule for turbulent times, capturing the unbreakable bond between Filipino family and community, the film is produced by Cecilia R. Mejia (Lingua Franca), with co-producers Erwin Falcon and Samantha Renshi Skinner, as well as executive producer Theresa Navarro.
“Array takes great pride in releasing this new work by a filmmaker who we have long admired,” said Array President Tilane Jones.
- 10/24/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
After directing “Origin” — the feature adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” — Academy Award-nominee Ava DuVernay is feeling incredibly content.
In fact, when she appears over Zoom from her office at the Array creative campus in L.A. in late August, just a couple days ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, there’s a glow about her. And it doesn’t seem to be coming from a ring light.
Asked what she’ll take from the process of making “Origin” into her next project, DuVernay replies: “How did this change me? So much so that if I never made another film, the experience of making this one would be enough.”
The filmmaker turned 51 on August 24, the same day I previewed the film with a small group of critics and journalists. She spent the better part of her...
In fact, when she appears over Zoom from her office at the Array creative campus in L.A. in late August, just a couple days ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, there’s a glow about her. And it doesn’t seem to be coming from a ring light.
Asked what she’ll take from the process of making “Origin” into her next project, DuVernay replies: “How did this change me? So much so that if I never made another film, the experience of making this one would be enough.”
The filmmaker turned 51 on August 24, the same day I previewed the film with a small group of critics and journalists. She spent the better part of her...
- 9/7/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s new indie feature “Origin” had its world premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival as the fest was starting to wrap up on Wednesday, September 6. In the process, DuVernay made history as the first African American female filmmaker ever to have a movie perform at Venice in competition. The import of the moment as relates to festival gender diversity wasn’t lost on DuVernay – “Origin’s” writer and producer as well as its director – who on Wednesday told the Venice press corps in advance of the screening, “We are often told you cannot play international film festivals, no one will come, people will not come to your press conference, people will not come to the P&i screenings, you will not get into this festival, don’t apply.”
DuVernay credited the fact the film was made independently for her breaking the female color barrier at such a prestigious festival as Venice.
DuVernay credited the fact the film was made independently for her breaking the female color barrier at such a prestigious festival as Venice.
- 9/6/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Impact, the professional network for the entertainment industry founded by Oscar winning duo Brian Grazer and Ron Howard will team with Academy Award nominee Ava DuVernay’s personnel database dedicated to underrepresented candidates, Array Crew, to create the number one global hiring resource for the entertainment industry.
Together as one service, Impact and Array Crew will continue their joint mission to make hiring, collaboration and communication in the film and TV industries more efficient and inclusive with the goal of empowering the people who bring stories to life.
Array Crew is a platform designed to connect below-the-line professionals with special focus on the amplification of women, people of color and those from underrepresented backgrounds with producers, studio executives and department heads. Array Crew counts more than 11,000 verified industry professionals with over 900 films, television shows, commercials and video projects using the service since its founding by DuVernay in 2021.
Impact is...
Together as one service, Impact and Array Crew will continue their joint mission to make hiring, collaboration and communication in the film and TV industries more efficient and inclusive with the goal of empowering the people who bring stories to life.
Array Crew is a platform designed to connect below-the-line professionals with special focus on the amplification of women, people of color and those from underrepresented backgrounds with producers, studio executives and department heads. Array Crew counts more than 11,000 verified industry professionals with over 900 films, television shows, commercials and video projects using the service since its founding by DuVernay in 2021.
Impact is...
- 8/3/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Almost a thousand migrant children separated from their families at the U.S. border during the Trump administration have yet to be reunited with their parents, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Many other migrant parents might still be waiting to get their children back were it not for the efforts of Immigrant Families Together, a mom-led organization that sprang up in response to the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance policy.” The story of anguished parents helped by Ift is told in the documentary Split at the Root, directed by Linda Goldstein Knowlton. Today, Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing announced it has acquired rights to the film, with plans to debut it in select theaters and on Netflix on March 3.
“Split at the Root follows the emotional journey of mothers separated from their children at the U.S. border and the grassroots initiative that, against all odds, reunites those families,...
Many other migrant parents might still be waiting to get their children back were it not for the efforts of Immigrant Families Together, a mom-led organization that sprang up in response to the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance policy.” The story of anguished parents helped by Ift is told in the documentary Split at the Root, directed by Linda Goldstein Knowlton. Today, Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing announced it has acquired rights to the film, with plans to debut it in select theaters and on Netflix on March 3.
“Split at the Root follows the emotional journey of mothers separated from their children at the U.S. border and the grassroots initiative that, against all odds, reunites those families,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s distribution banner Array Releasing has unveiled the official trailer for “Mars One,” Gabriel Martins’ film which represents Brazil in the Oscar race.
The film world premiered at Sundance and will debut on select screens and on Netflix beginning Jan. 5. Array Releasing has nabbed the film for distribution in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
“Mars One” revolves around the Martins, a lower-middle-class Black family who are living in the margins of a major Brazilian city. A far-right extremist president has just been inaugurated, and the Martins feel the strain of their new reality as the political dust settles. Tércia, the mother, thinks she’s cursed after an unexpected encounter. Her husband puts all of his hopes into the soccer career of their son who secretly aspiring to study astrophysics and colonize Mars. Meanwhile, their older daughter falls in love with a young...
The film world premiered at Sundance and will debut on select screens and on Netflix beginning Jan. 5. Array Releasing has nabbed the film for distribution in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
“Mars One” revolves around the Martins, a lower-middle-class Black family who are living in the margins of a major Brazilian city. A far-right extremist president has just been inaugurated, and the Martins feel the strain of their new reality as the political dust settles. Tércia, the mother, thinks she’s cursed after an unexpected encounter. Her husband puts all of his hopes into the soccer career of their son who secretly aspiring to study astrophysics and colonize Mars. Meanwhile, their older daughter falls in love with a young...
- 12/15/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s distribution banner Array Releasing has bought “Mars One,” Gabriel Martins’ film which represents Brazil in the Oscar race.
The film world premiered at Sundance and will debut on select screens and on Netflix beginning Jan. 5. Array Releasing has nabbed the film for distribution in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
“Mars One” revolves around the Martins, a lower-middle-class Black family who are living in the margins of a major Brazilian city. A far-right extremist president has just been inaugurated, and the Martins feel the strain of their new reality as the political dust settles. Tércia, the mother, thinks she’s cursed after an unexpected encounter. Her husband puts all of his hopes into the soccer career of their son who secretly aspiring to study astrophysics and colonize Mars. Meanwhile, their older daughter falls in love with a young woman and ponders whether...
The film world premiered at Sundance and will debut on select screens and on Netflix beginning Jan. 5. Array Releasing has nabbed the film for distribution in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
“Mars One” revolves around the Martins, a lower-middle-class Black family who are living in the margins of a major Brazilian city. A far-right extremist president has just been inaugurated, and the Martins feel the strain of their new reality as the political dust settles. Tércia, the mother, thinks she’s cursed after an unexpected encounter. Her husband puts all of his hopes into the soccer career of their son who secretly aspiring to study astrophysics and colonize Mars. Meanwhile, their older daughter falls in love with a young woman and ponders whether...
- 12/2/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing has partnered with JetBlue on an exclusive in-flight pop-up channel, offering a curated selection of 12 independent features from artists of color and women directors.
The films will be accompanied by a special video introduction from DuVernay, debuting across select JetBlue aircraft on December 1. The in-flight partnership is the first for Array, which has acquired and distributed more than 40 independent features since 2011.
“Over the years, I’ve experienced transformative moments by watching films while flying. Something about the intimacy of being in the air as stories unfold has always appealed to me,” shared DuVernay. “We launched Array Releasing in 2011 as a way to connect audiences with indie cinema made by underrepresented filmmakers. Our hope is that JetBlue travelers will sit back and enjoy the magic of these films, exploring new visions and new voices while in the majesty of mid-air.”
“We are thrilled to take Array...
The films will be accompanied by a special video introduction from DuVernay, debuting across select JetBlue aircraft on December 1. The in-flight partnership is the first for Array, which has acquired and distributed more than 40 independent features since 2011.
“Over the years, I’ve experienced transformative moments by watching films while flying. Something about the intimacy of being in the air as stories unfold has always appealed to me,” shared DuVernay. “We launched Array Releasing in 2011 as a way to connect audiences with indie cinema made by underrepresented filmmakers. Our hope is that JetBlue travelers will sit back and enjoy the magic of these films, exploring new visions and new voices while in the majesty of mid-air.”
“We are thrilled to take Array...
- 12/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Indie filmmakers who are women and directors from the global majority will now have access to a new level of audience — literally.
Ava DuVernay’s distribution vehicle Array Releasing has partnered with JetBlue to launch a pop-up in-flight channel that will screen a dozen Array features.
“Over the years, I’ve experienced transformative moments by watching films while flying. Something about the intimacy of being in the air as stories unfold has always appealed to me,” DuVernay said in a statement. “We launched Array Releasing in 2011 as a way to connect audiences with indie cinema made by underrepresented filmmakers. Our hope is that JetBlue travelers will sit back and enjoy the magic of these films, exploring new visions and new voices while in the majesty of mid-air.”
Available starting today Thursday, each film will be preceded by a short video featuring DuVernay giving...
Indie filmmakers who are women and directors from the global majority will now have access to a new level of audience — literally.
Ava DuVernay’s distribution vehicle Array Releasing has partnered with JetBlue to launch a pop-up in-flight channel that will screen a dozen Array features.
“Over the years, I’ve experienced transformative moments by watching films while flying. Something about the intimacy of being in the air as stories unfold has always appealed to me,” DuVernay said in a statement. “We launched Array Releasing in 2011 as a way to connect audiences with indie cinema made by underrepresented filmmakers. Our hope is that JetBlue travelers will sit back and enjoy the magic of these films, exploring new visions and new voices while in the majesty of mid-air.”
Available starting today Thursday, each film will be preceded by a short video featuring DuVernay giving...
- 12/1/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing has acquired Ivan Herrera’s drama Bantú Mama for distribution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The company will be presenting the film — which has been named as the Dominican Republic’s 2023 entry for the Best International Feature Film Oscar — on select screens and on Netflix beginning November 17.
Bantú Mama follows a French woman of African descent who manages to escape after being arrested in the Dominican Republic. She finds shelter in the most dangerous district of Santo Domingo, where she is taken in by a group of children. By becoming their protégée and maternal figure, she then experiences an unimaginable change in her destiny.
“We are honored to distribute the Dominican Republic’s official Oscar submission,” said Array President Tilane Jones. “This deeply moving and vividly drawn drama, beautifully directed by Ivan Herrera and co-written with producer Clarisse Albrecht,...
Bantú Mama follows a French woman of African descent who manages to escape after being arrested in the Dominican Republic. She finds shelter in the most dangerous district of Santo Domingo, where she is taken in by a group of children. By becoming their protégée and maternal figure, she then experiences an unimaginable change in her destiny.
“We are honored to distribute the Dominican Republic’s official Oscar submission,” said Array President Tilane Jones. “This deeply moving and vividly drawn drama, beautifully directed by Ivan Herrera and co-written with producer Clarisse Albrecht,...
- 10/10/2022
- by Matt Grobar and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Array Releasing has acquired director Iliana Sosa’s documentary What We Leave Behind.
The Peabody Award-winning distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s narrative change collective has nabbed the U.S., Canadian, U.K., Australian and New Zealand rights to the film, which had its world premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival. The doc’s release will coincide with Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month, with a debut set for Sept. 16 on Netflix and select theatrical screens.
What We Leave Behind is an intimate and personal project for Sosa, who chronicles the final days of 89-year-old Julián Moreno after he decides to build a house in rural Mexico.
Tracing his decades back and forth on buses across the U.S.-Mexico border to visit his family, the documentary serves as a poetic love letter from Sosa to her grandfather Moreno. It’s...
Array Releasing has acquired director Iliana Sosa’s documentary What We Leave Behind.
The Peabody Award-winning distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s narrative change collective has nabbed the U.S., Canadian, U.K., Australian and New Zealand rights to the film, which had its world premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival. The doc’s release will coincide with Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month, with a debut set for Sept. 16 on Netflix and select theatrical screens.
What We Leave Behind is an intimate and personal project for Sosa, who chronicles the final days of 89-year-old Julián Moreno after he decides to build a house in rural Mexico.
Tracing his decades back and forth on buses across the U.S.-Mexico border to visit his family, the documentary serves as a poetic love letter from Sosa to her grandfather Moreno. It’s...
- 8/19/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Array, has acquired the distribution rights for indie drama “Learn to Swim” and has set a release date for Aug. 15 in select theaters and on Netflix.
“Learn to Swim” marks the feature directorial debut of Thyrone Tommy, who co-wrote the screenplay with Marni Van Dyk. Alona Metzer produced the film.
An official entry into last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, “Learn to Swim” focuses on two young jazz musicians: saxophone player Dezi (Thomas Antony Olajide) and singer Selma (Emma Ferreira). Although polar opposites — Dezi is experienced and closed off, Selma is inexperienced and spirited — sparks fly between the two, but their respective emotional baggage stands in the way between them and romance.
The contemporary jazz romance made the TIFF’s annual top 10 list in 2021 and was nominated for the Dgc Discovery Award at the Directors Guild of Canada Awards. The...
“Learn to Swim” marks the feature directorial debut of Thyrone Tommy, who co-wrote the screenplay with Marni Van Dyk. Alona Metzer produced the film.
An official entry into last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, “Learn to Swim” focuses on two young jazz musicians: saxophone player Dezi (Thomas Antony Olajide) and singer Selma (Emma Ferreira). Although polar opposites — Dezi is experienced and closed off, Selma is inexperienced and spirited — sparks fly between the two, but their respective emotional baggage stands in the way between them and romance.
The contemporary jazz romance made the TIFF’s annual top 10 list in 2021 and was nominated for the Dgc Discovery Award at the Directors Guild of Canada Awards. The...
- 8/2/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Peabody Award-winning narrative change collective, has picked up rights to the feature drama Learn to Swim for the U.S., the UK, Australia and New Zealand, slating it for release on select screens and on Netflix on August 15.
The first feature from director Thyrone Tommy dives into the world of contemporary jazz with a musical meditation on love and loss, following the doggedly private and talented saxophone player Dezi (Thomas Antony Olajide) and a vivacious, but less experienced singer named Selma (Emma Ferreira). When the two meet, sparks fly, but their respective emotional baggage and temperaments make the road to romance bumpy at best.
An official selection of the 2021 Toronto Film Festival, Learn to Swim was written by Tommy and Marni Van Dyk, with Alona Metzer producing.
“With Array Releasing’s summer acquisition of Learn To Swim, we are thrilled to...
The first feature from director Thyrone Tommy dives into the world of contemporary jazz with a musical meditation on love and loss, following the doggedly private and talented saxophone player Dezi (Thomas Antony Olajide) and a vivacious, but less experienced singer named Selma (Emma Ferreira). When the two meet, sparks fly, but their respective emotional baggage and temperaments make the road to romance bumpy at best.
An official selection of the 2021 Toronto Film Festival, Learn to Swim was written by Tommy and Marni Van Dyk, with Alona Metzer producing.
“With Array Releasing’s summer acquisition of Learn To Swim, we are thrilled to...
- 8/2/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: NFL fans are going to see Colin Kaepernick at the Super Bowl tomorrow.
Sort of.
Long a social justice thorn in the league’s paw, the ex-San Francisco 49ers quarterback isn’t taking the field at SoFi Stadium as the L.A. Rams take on the Cincinnati Bengals on February 13. However, a fictionalized version of the activist will be featured in the official program for Super Bowl Lvi, I’ve learned.
Specifically, Jaden Michael as a teenage Kap is featured in an ad from Ava DuVernay’s Array for the learning companion to the Netflix series Colin in Black & White, which launched back on October 29, 2021 on the streamer.
Coming after Kaepernick being essentially blacklisted by the NFL for his taking a knee stance in protest against racism and police violence back in 2016, the placement of the Array 101 ad in the 288-page Super Bowl program is a high-profile...
Sort of.
Long a social justice thorn in the league’s paw, the ex-San Francisco 49ers quarterback isn’t taking the field at SoFi Stadium as the L.A. Rams take on the Cincinnati Bengals on February 13. However, a fictionalized version of the activist will be featured in the official program for Super Bowl Lvi, I’ve learned.
Specifically, Jaden Michael as a teenage Kap is featured in an ad from Ava DuVernay’s Array for the learning companion to the Netflix series Colin in Black & White, which launched back on October 29, 2021 on the streamer.
Coming after Kaepernick being essentially blacklisted by the NFL for his taking a knee stance in protest against racism and police violence back in 2016, the placement of the Array 101 ad in the 288-page Super Bowl program is a high-profile...
- 2/12/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
For me, Black History Month is best illustrated by my 92-year-old grandmother Ella Queen Johnson’s recall of our family stories. She shares these stories knowing that the wider world lacks a true and full recognition of the African American family legacy. For most of her long life, she has known that she should not look for depth and dimension in film and television as it relates to families like ours. This is the very reason why she told our history to us herself. My grandmother is a dynamic woman who is not formally trained as a teacher or a historian, but nonetheless, she is both. I am drawn to distributing films created by indie Black filmmakers through Array as a continuation of her calling. By supporting storytellers in the telling of their truths, I am celebrating a great legacy and making my grandmother proud.
I was a young girl...
I was a young girl...
- 2/10/2022
- by Tilane Jones
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Array Releasing has acquired two new feature films from emerging South Asian female directors: Agam Darshi’s Donkeyhead, and Sujata Day’s Definition Please. The company has acquired distribution rights to both films in the U.S., UK, Australia and New Zealand, with the additional territory of Canada for Definition Please. Both films will debut January 21 on Netflix.
“Array Releasing is proud to distribute the work of Sujata Day and Agam Darshi, two promising South Asian women filmmakers who both wrote, directed and star in their directorial debuts,” Array president Tilane Jones said. “Definition Please and Donkeyhead beautifully showcase the dynamic talent of their creators while sharing the oftentimes humorous dynamics of tradition and culture that film lovers of all kinds can relate to, appreciate and celebrate.”
Definition Please follows Monica (Day), a former Scripps spelling bee champion who must reconcile with her estranged brother when he returns home...
“Array Releasing is proud to distribute the work of Sujata Day and Agam Darshi, two promising South Asian women filmmakers who both wrote, directed and star in their directorial debuts,” Array president Tilane Jones said. “Definition Please and Donkeyhead beautifully showcase the dynamic talent of their creators while sharing the oftentimes humorous dynamics of tradition and culture that film lovers of all kinds can relate to, appreciate and celebrate.”
Definition Please follows Monica (Day), a former Scripps spelling bee champion who must reconcile with her estranged brother when he returns home...
- 1/10/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Array Releasing Acquires Sterlin Harjo’s ‘Love and Fury’
Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Peabody Award-winning narrative change collective, announced its acquisition of award-winning filmmaker Sterlin Harjo’s documentary feature “Love and Fury.”
The company acquired North American, UK, Australian and New Zealand rights and will release the film on select screens and on Netflix beginning December 3rd. The announcement was made by Tilane Jones, President of Array.
“Array Releasing is proud to bring celebrated filmmaker Sterlin Harjo’s documentary film ‘Love and Fury’ to audiences around the world, just in time for Native American Heritage month,” said Jones. “This lovingly made film explores the complex artistry of multiple Native American artists’ while offering texture, nuance and insight into Native identities and perspectives.”
The film had its premiere at the Hot Docs International Documentary Festival, and was an official selection of the Seattle International Film Festival,...
Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Peabody Award-winning narrative change collective, announced its acquisition of award-winning filmmaker Sterlin Harjo’s documentary feature “Love and Fury.”
The company acquired North American, UK, Australian and New Zealand rights and will release the film on select screens and on Netflix beginning December 3rd. The announcement was made by Tilane Jones, President of Array.
“Array Releasing is proud to bring celebrated filmmaker Sterlin Harjo’s documentary film ‘Love and Fury’ to audiences around the world, just in time for Native American Heritage month,” said Jones. “This lovingly made film explores the complex artistry of multiple Native American artists’ while offering texture, nuance and insight into Native identities and perspectives.”
The film had its premiere at the Hot Docs International Documentary Festival, and was an official selection of the Seattle International Film Festival,...
- 11/24/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s narrative change collective, announced its acquisition of award-winning filmmaker Sterlin Harjo’s documentary feature Love and Fury.
The company acquired North American, UK, Australian and New Zealand rights and will release the film on select screens and on Netflix beginning December 3rd. On the same day, Array will also host a special screening of the documentary at the Array Creative Campus in Los Angeles.
The acquisition was negotiated by Gordon Bobb of Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein, and Lezcano on behalf of Array, and Nina Shaw of Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein, and Lezcano on behalf of Sterlin Harjo.
Love and Fury chronicles a cadre of Native artists as they work to amplify indigenous creativity in a post-colonial world and navigate their careers without seeking permission. The film made its world premiere at Hot Docs International Documentary Festival, and was an...
The company acquired North American, UK, Australian and New Zealand rights and will release the film on select screens and on Netflix beginning December 3rd. On the same day, Array will also host a special screening of the documentary at the Array Creative Campus in Los Angeles.
The acquisition was negotiated by Gordon Bobb of Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein, and Lezcano on behalf of Array, and Nina Shaw of Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein, and Lezcano on behalf of Sterlin Harjo.
Love and Fury chronicles a cadre of Native artists as they work to amplify indigenous creativity in a post-colonial world and navigate their careers without seeking permission. The film made its world premiere at Hot Docs International Documentary Festival, and was an...
- 11/23/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
As Ava DuVernay’s narrative change collective Array celebrates its 10th anniversary, the company has added six executives to its ranks: Anne-Marie McGintee, Mj Caballero, Jasmine Mazyck, Eric Fisher, Dià Brown and Meredith Shea.
Array president Tilane Jones announced the new hires, saying, “Array continues to expand our mission-driven work to amplify and elevate filmmakers of color and women of all kinds. Ava and I are thrilled to welcome these executives who share a dynamic commitment to narrative change and social impact.”
McGintee joins Array as vice president of scripted programming from Netflix, alongside former Blumhouse exec Caballero, who takes on the role of vice president of physical production. McGintee and Caballero will report to Array Filmworks president Paul Garnes.
Former Freeform executive Mazyck has been named director of publicity. Fisher joins Array as manager of digital production from iHeartRadio, while Brown joins as manager of social media from Warner Media.
Array president Tilane Jones announced the new hires, saying, “Array continues to expand our mission-driven work to amplify and elevate filmmakers of color and women of all kinds. Ava and I are thrilled to welcome these executives who share a dynamic commitment to narrative change and social impact.”
McGintee joins Array as vice president of scripted programming from Netflix, alongside former Blumhouse exec Caballero, who takes on the role of vice president of physical production. McGintee and Caballero will report to Array Filmworks president Paul Garnes.
Former Freeform executive Mazyck has been named director of publicity. Fisher joins Array as manager of digital production from iHeartRadio, while Brown joins as manager of social media from Warner Media.
- 10/7/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Upon its 10th anniversary as a successful agent of change in Hollywood, Ava DuVernay’s Array is adding six executives to the company.
Array’s new hires include Anne-Marie McGintee as the VP Scripted Programming, coming from Netflix, and Mj Caballero as VP Physical Production from Blumhouse. McGintee and Caballero report to Array Filmworks President Paul Garnes.
“Array continues to expand our mission-driven work to amplify and elevate filmmakers of color and women of all kinds,” Array President Tilane Jones said in making the announcement. “Ava and I are thrilled to welcome these executives who bring share a dynamic commitment to narrative change and social impact.”
Former Freeform executive Jasmine Mazyck now is Director of Publicity at Array, while Eric Fisher joins as Manager of Digital Production from iHeartRadio. Dià Brown joins as Social Media Manager. Mazyck, Fisher and Brown report to Array Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Tobler.
Lastly,...
Array’s new hires include Anne-Marie McGintee as the VP Scripted Programming, coming from Netflix, and Mj Caballero as VP Physical Production from Blumhouse. McGintee and Caballero report to Array Filmworks President Paul Garnes.
“Array continues to expand our mission-driven work to amplify and elevate filmmakers of color and women of all kinds,” Array President Tilane Jones said in making the announcement. “Ava and I are thrilled to welcome these executives who bring share a dynamic commitment to narrative change and social impact.”
Former Freeform executive Jasmine Mazyck now is Director of Publicity at Array, while Eric Fisher joins as Manager of Digital Production from iHeartRadio. Dià Brown joins as Social Media Manager. Mazyck, Fisher and Brown report to Array Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Tobler.
Lastly,...
- 10/7/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s arts and social impact collective Array is marking its 10th anniversary by celebrating six recent additions, announced today by president Tilane Jones.
Netflix original series executive Anne-Marie McGintee and Blumhouse director of physical production Mj Caballero have joined as vice president of scripted programming and physical production, respectively. Both report to Array Filmworks president Paul Garnes, who was elevated to his position this summer.
Jasmine Mazyck, a publicity manager at Freeform, moved over to Array to serve as director of publicity in June. She reports to chief marketing officer Jeff Tobler, as do new manager of digital production Eric ...
Netflix original series executive Anne-Marie McGintee and Blumhouse director of physical production Mj Caballero have joined as vice president of scripted programming and physical production, respectively. Both report to Array Filmworks president Paul Garnes, who was elevated to his position this summer.
Jasmine Mazyck, a publicity manager at Freeform, moved over to Array to serve as director of publicity in June. She reports to chief marketing officer Jeff Tobler, as do new manager of digital production Eric ...
- 10/7/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ava DuVernay’s arts and social impact collective Array is marking its 10th anniversary by celebrating six recent additions, announced today by president Tilane Jones.
Netflix original series executive Anne-Marie McGintee and Blumhouse director of physical production Mj Caballero have joined as vice president of scripted programming and physical production, respectively. Both report to Array Filmworks president Paul Garnes, who was elevated to his position this summer.
Jasmine Mazyck, a publicity manager at Freeform, moved over to Array to serve as director of publicity in June. She reports to chief marketing officer Jeff Tobler, as do new manager of digital production Eric ...
Netflix original series executive Anne-Marie McGintee and Blumhouse director of physical production Mj Caballero have joined as vice president of scripted programming and physical production, respectively. Both report to Array Filmworks president Paul Garnes, who was elevated to his position this summer.
Jasmine Mazyck, a publicity manager at Freeform, moved over to Array to serve as director of publicity in June. She reports to chief marketing officer Jeff Tobler, as do new manager of digital production Eric ...
- 10/7/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Sundance Institute Sets 10 Producers For 2021 Lab & Summit, Unveils Advisors & Industry Participants
On Wednesday, Sundance Institute named the fellows selected for its 2021 Producers Lab and Summit.
Producers and projects selected on the feature film side include Katie White (Caity), Deidre Backs (Fancy Dance), Duran Jones (The Incredible Heist of Hallelujah Jones), Shao Min Chew Chia (The Plutonians), and Austin Sepulveda (Sundown Town).
Those chosen for the Documentary Producers Lab are Jole Estrella Horwitz (All that is Solid (Todo Lo Sólido)), Darcy McKinnon (Commuted), Keith Wilson (I Didn’t See You There), Razi Jafri (Loyalty) and Ann Bennett (Razing Liberty Square).
Fiction producers serving as advisors at this year’s program include Mollye Asher (Nomadland), Amy Lo (Nancy), Paul Mezey (After Yang) and Laura Rister (The Tale). Nonfiction advisors will include Violeta Bava (Azor), Jannat Gargi (Vice Studios), Andrea Meditch (Fathom), and Tracy Rector (Nia Tero).
This year’s Producers Lab is set for July 25-29. The Producers Summit will take place between...
Producers and projects selected on the feature film side include Katie White (Caity), Deidre Backs (Fancy Dance), Duran Jones (The Incredible Heist of Hallelujah Jones), Shao Min Chew Chia (The Plutonians), and Austin Sepulveda (Sundown Town).
Those chosen for the Documentary Producers Lab are Jole Estrella Horwitz (All that is Solid (Todo Lo Sólido)), Darcy McKinnon (Commuted), Keith Wilson (I Didn’t See You There), Razi Jafri (Loyalty) and Ann Bennett (Razing Liberty Square).
Fiction producers serving as advisors at this year’s program include Mollye Asher (Nomadland), Amy Lo (Nancy), Paul Mezey (After Yang) and Laura Rister (The Tale). Nonfiction advisors will include Violeta Bava (Azor), Jannat Gargi (Vice Studios), Andrea Meditch (Fathom), and Tracy Rector (Nia Tero).
This year’s Producers Lab is set for July 25-29. The Producers Summit will take place between...
- 7/22/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Based on the novel by celebrated New Zealand author Patricia Grace, “Cousins” tells the story of three women bound by ancestry and separated by time. The film was helmed by Māori filmmaking duo Ainsley Gardiner and Briar Grace-Smith and debuted at number one at New Zealand’s box office when it was released earlier this year. Gardiner is best known as producer on the early films by Taika Waititi, including his acclaimed directorial debut “Eagle vs Shark.” Both Gardiner and Grace-Smith directed segments of the critically beloved 2017 drama “Waru,” which was directed cooperatively.
Here’s the official synopsis: “‘Cousins’ follows three Māori cousins—Mata, Missy and Makareta—who lead separate lives, yet are bound together forever. Orphaned Mata believes she has no whānau (family) and lives out her lonely childhood in fear and bewilderment. Back home on the land in New Zealand, driven and educated Makareta flees an arranged marriage...
Here’s the official synopsis: “‘Cousins’ follows three Māori cousins—Mata, Missy and Makareta—who lead separate lives, yet are bound together forever. Orphaned Mata believes she has no whānau (family) and lives out her lonely childhood in fear and bewilderment. Back home on the land in New Zealand, driven and educated Makareta flees an arranged marriage...
- 7/15/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Array collective, has picked up North America, UK and Ireland rights on the feature Cousins, helmed by Māori filmmaking duo Ainsley Gardiner and Briar Grace-Smith.
Pic debuted at No. 1 at the New Zealand box office when it was released earlier this year. It follows three Māori cousins—Mata, Missy and Makareta—who lead separate lives, yet are bound together forever. Cast includes Rachel House (Moana), Tanea Heke (No .2), co-director Briar Grace Smith (Waru), Ana Scotney (The Breaker Upperers), Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne (Hunt For The Wilderpeople), Hariata Moriarty (Savage), Mihi Te Rauhi Daniels, Te Raukura Gray and Keyahne Patrick-Williams.
Array will release on July 2 in U.S. select theaters, while the pic will steam on Netflix beginning July 22.
The acquisition was negotiated by Gordon Bobb of Del, Shaw on behalf of Array, and Gardner and Grace-Smith on behalf of the film.
“Cousins is a beautiful story exploring identity,...
Pic debuted at No. 1 at the New Zealand box office when it was released earlier this year. It follows three Māori cousins—Mata, Missy and Makareta—who lead separate lives, yet are bound together forever. Cast includes Rachel House (Moana), Tanea Heke (No .2), co-director Briar Grace Smith (Waru), Ana Scotney (The Breaker Upperers), Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne (Hunt For The Wilderpeople), Hariata Moriarty (Savage), Mihi Te Rauhi Daniels, Te Raukura Gray and Keyahne Patrick-Williams.
Array will release on July 2 in U.S. select theaters, while the pic will steam on Netflix beginning July 22.
The acquisition was negotiated by Gordon Bobb of Del, Shaw on behalf of Array, and Gardner and Grace-Smith on behalf of the film.
“Cousins is a beautiful story exploring identity,...
- 6/28/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Ava Duvernay’s distribution, arts and advocacy collective Array has partnered with Google to launch a new feature film grant benefiting emerging creatives from underrepresented communities.
The filmmaker selected for the Array + Google Feature Film Grant will receive $500,000 to fund their first full-length feature film. Additionally, the project’s production will be staffed by Array crew, the collective’s inclusive hiring database for below-the-line crew members.
“Having started my filmmaking journey by self-funding projects, this is a full-circle moment,” DuVernay said, announcing the partnership. “I’m pleased to partner with Google and Array’s grant advisory committee to identify an emerging writer/director to bring their vision to the screen. Inclusive storytelling is at the heart of Array’s mission and we’re proud to also provide access to Array Crew in order to further ensure that the set of the grantee’s film reflects the full array of the world around us.
The filmmaker selected for the Array + Google Feature Film Grant will receive $500,000 to fund their first full-length feature film. Additionally, the project’s production will be staffed by Array crew, the collective’s inclusive hiring database for below-the-line crew members.
“Having started my filmmaking journey by self-funding projects, this is a full-circle moment,” DuVernay said, announcing the partnership. “I’m pleased to partner with Google and Array’s grant advisory committee to identify an emerging writer/director to bring their vision to the screen. Inclusive storytelling is at the heart of Array’s mission and we’re proud to also provide access to Array Crew in order to further ensure that the set of the grantee’s film reflects the full array of the world around us.
- 6/2/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s Array and Google are partnering to award $500,000 in grant money to help an underrepresented artist or creator in making their debut feature film.
The half a million dollar Array + Google Feature Film Grant is meant to build a more equitable and inclusive artistic community of diverse storytellers and hopes to amplify the work of women and people of color. The partnership was brokered by UTA Marketing.
The recipient of the grant and a mentorship opportunity will be selected by people within the indie film community, including Gabrielle Glore, Francis Cullado, Crystal Echo Hawk, María Rauqel Bozzi (senior director of education & international initiatives at Film Independent) and Jio Mami.
“Having started my filmmaking journey by self-funding projects, this is a full-circle moment,” Array founder Ava DuVernay said in a statement. “I’m pleased to partner with Google and Array’s grant advisory committee to identify an emerging writer...
The half a million dollar Array + Google Feature Film Grant is meant to build a more equitable and inclusive artistic community of diverse storytellers and hopes to amplify the work of women and people of color. The partnership was brokered by UTA Marketing.
The recipient of the grant and a mentorship opportunity will be selected by people within the indie film community, including Gabrielle Glore, Francis Cullado, Crystal Echo Hawk, María Rauqel Bozzi (senior director of education & international initiatives at Film Independent) and Jio Mami.
“Having started my filmmaking journey by self-funding projects, this is a full-circle moment,” Array founder Ava DuVernay said in a statement. “I’m pleased to partner with Google and Array’s grant advisory committee to identify an emerging writer...
- 6/2/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Peabody has added six more members to its West Coast board of directors, including Lorrie Bartlett, co-head of talent, ICM; Channing Dungey, chairman, Warner Bros. Television Group; Alix Jaffe, executive VP of television, Village Roadshow Entertainment Group; Tilane Jones, president of Array; Charles D. King, founder and CEO of Macro; and Josh Sapan, president and CEO of AMC Networks.
The board of directors, separate from the board of jurors that decide the annual Peabody Awards, is made up of “prominent executives from leading media companies and networks,” the organization said. “The board provides expert counsel and stewardship, and advances Peabody’s commitment to outstanding and transformative storytelling.”
The board was first launched in 2015 to support the Peabody organization, which is based at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. It’s comprised of an East Coast and West Coast arm.
“We’re extremely proud...
The board of directors, separate from the board of jurors that decide the annual Peabody Awards, is made up of “prominent executives from leading media companies and networks,” the organization said. “The board provides expert counsel and stewardship, and advances Peabody’s commitment to outstanding and transformative storytelling.”
The board was first launched in 2015 to support the Peabody organization, which is based at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. It’s comprised of an East Coast and West Coast arm.
“We’re extremely proud...
- 5/26/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Consider your Mother’s Day viewing plans sorted. Hitting select theaters and streaming on Netflix staring Thursday, May 6 is Shantrelle P. Lewis’ feature directorial debut “In Our Mothers’ Gardens,” a loving, insightful, and inspirational look at the relationships between mothers and daughters. The documentary had its world premiere at the 2020 BlackStar Film Festival, winning the Shine Award for Best Film.
Last month, Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing picked up the film as part of its growing selection of films focused on films by people of color and women. Array’s president Tilane Jones explained the documentary’s obvious appeal in an official statement: “‘In Our Mothers’ Gardens’ is a beautiful tribute to the complex relationships between Black women connected by lineage and love. Released in celebration of Mother’s Day, we are honored to present Ms. Lewis’ feature debut highlighting important bonds between daughters, mothers and grandmothers told by a dynamic group of women.
Last month, Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing picked up the film as part of its growing selection of films focused on films by people of color and women. Array’s president Tilane Jones explained the documentary’s obvious appeal in an official statement: “‘In Our Mothers’ Gardens’ is a beautiful tribute to the complex relationships between Black women connected by lineage and love. Released in celebration of Mother’s Day, we are honored to present Ms. Lewis’ feature debut highlighting important bonds between daughters, mothers and grandmothers told by a dynamic group of women.
- 4/29/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Array Releasing has acquired the documentary “In Our Mothers’ Gardens,” which marks filmmaker Shantrelle P. Lewis’ directorial debut.
Array president Tilane Jones announced the acquisition on Thursday, along with news that the film will be released in select theaters and begin streaming on Netflix on May 6.
“’In Our Mothers’ Gardens’ is a beautiful tribute to the complex relationships between Black women connected by lineage and love,” Jones said in a statement. “Released in celebration of Mother’s Day, we are honored to present Ms. Lewis’ feature debut highlighting important bonds between daughters, mothers and grandmothers told by a dynamic group of women.”
The documentary debuted at the 2020 BlackStar Film Festival and subsequently earned the Shine Award for best film. The movie features interviews with #MeToo founder Tarana Burke; Tina Farris (tour manager for talent including The Roots and Chris Rock); cultural critic Dr. Brittney Cooper (Rutgers University); Rev. Dr. Theresa S.
Array president Tilane Jones announced the acquisition on Thursday, along with news that the film will be released in select theaters and begin streaming on Netflix on May 6.
“’In Our Mothers’ Gardens’ is a beautiful tribute to the complex relationships between Black women connected by lineage and love,” Jones said in a statement. “Released in celebration of Mother’s Day, we are honored to present Ms. Lewis’ feature debut highlighting important bonds between daughters, mothers and grandmothers told by a dynamic group of women.”
The documentary debuted at the 2020 BlackStar Film Festival and subsequently earned the Shine Award for best film. The movie features interviews with #MeToo founder Tarana Burke; Tina Farris (tour manager for talent including The Roots and Chris Rock); cultural critic Dr. Brittney Cooper (Rutgers University); Rev. Dr. Theresa S.
- 4/1/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing has acquired the documentary In Our Mothers’ Gardens, the feature film debut of director, curator, and author Shantrelle P. Lewis. The film is set to debut theatrically in select cities and on Netflix starting fittingly on Mother’s Day, May 6.
In Our Mothers’ Gardens celebrates the strength and resiliency of Black women and Black families through the complex, and often times humorous, relationship between mothers and daughters. The film pays homage to Black maternal ancestors while examining the immediate and critical importance of self-care, and the healing tools necessary for Black communities to thrive.
The film features a variety of interviews from #MeToo founder Tarana Burke; The Roots and Chris Rock tour manager Tina Farris; cultural critic Dr. Brittney Cooper of Rutgers University; Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames of Princeton University; holistic lifestyle maven Latham Thomas; photographer Adama Delphine Fawundu and NPR’s Senior Director for Programming Yolanda Sangweni.
In Our Mothers’ Gardens celebrates the strength and resiliency of Black women and Black families through the complex, and often times humorous, relationship between mothers and daughters. The film pays homage to Black maternal ancestors while examining the immediate and critical importance of self-care, and the healing tools necessary for Black communities to thrive.
The film features a variety of interviews from #MeToo founder Tarana Burke; The Roots and Chris Rock tour manager Tina Farris; cultural critic Dr. Brittney Cooper of Rutgers University; Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames of Princeton University; holistic lifestyle maven Latham Thomas; photographer Adama Delphine Fawundu and NPR’s Senior Director for Programming Yolanda Sangweni.
- 4/1/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The film “Taipei Suicide Story,” a drama about a “suicide hotel” in Taiwan, has won the top prize from the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival.
The film, written and directed by Keff, won the Narrative Grand Jury Prize Award as well as the Audience Award and the Acting Prize for the film’s star Tender Huang.
“Taipei Suicide Story” follows a receptionist at a suicide hotel who forms a fleeting friendship with a woman who can’t decide if she wants to live or die. The film was also a selection of Cannes 2020.
The Slamdance jurors described “Taipei Suicide Story” as a film that “is concise and emotionally effective as it portrays isolation with humanity and complex pathos.” The jury was composed of Carlos Aguilar, Kier-La Janisse and Jennifer Reeder, and the jury also gave an honorable mention to the film “A Family” directed by Jayden Stevens.
This year’s Slamdance was...
The film, written and directed by Keff, won the Narrative Grand Jury Prize Award as well as the Audience Award and the Acting Prize for the film’s star Tender Huang.
“Taipei Suicide Story” follows a receptionist at a suicide hotel who forms a fleeting friendship with a woman who can’t decide if she wants to live or die. The film was also a selection of Cannes 2020.
The Slamdance jurors described “Taipei Suicide Story” as a film that “is concise and emotionally effective as it portrays isolation with humanity and complex pathos.” The jury was composed of Carlos Aguilar, Kier-La Janisse and Jennifer Reeder, and the jury also gave an honorable mention to the film “A Family” directed by Jayden Stevens.
This year’s Slamdance was...
- 2/26/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The Slamdance Film Festival unveiled winners for its 27th edition Thursday, with the compact drama Taipei Suicide Story directed by Keff taking both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award for narrative features and the best actor prize during a virtual awards ceremony.
The drama is about a receptionist at a suicide hotel in Taipei who forms a friendship over the course of one night with a guest who can’t decide if she wants to live or die. The pic, which also was in the official Cinéfondation selection of the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, runs 45 minutes.
Tender Huang, who plays the hotel receptionist, was named best actor during the ceremony wrapping this year’s edition, which ran as a virtual edition February 12-25.
“A film that is concise and emotionally effective as it portrays isolation with humanity and complex pathos,” the jury said in its comments about the pic today.
The drama is about a receptionist at a suicide hotel in Taipei who forms a friendship over the course of one night with a guest who can’t decide if she wants to live or die. The pic, which also was in the official Cinéfondation selection of the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, runs 45 minutes.
Tender Huang, who plays the hotel receptionist, was named best actor during the ceremony wrapping this year’s edition, which ran as a virtual edition February 12-25.
“A film that is concise and emotionally effective as it portrays isolation with humanity and complex pathos,” the jury said in its comments about the pic today.
- 2/26/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Agnieszka Polska receives $25,000 Agbo Fellowship.
Taipei Suicide Story was a big winner at the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival virtual awards ceremony on Thursday (February 25), taking narrative feature grand jury prize, audience and acting awards.
Keff directed the Taiwanese film about a receptionist at a suicide hotel who forms a fleeting friendship with a guest who can’t decide whether to live or die. Award-winner Tender Huang stars.
Fredrik S. Hana’s Code Name: Nagasaki (Austria) won the documentary feature grand jury prize, while the George Starks Spirit of Slamdance Award went to Chelsea Christer, director of Bleeding Audio (USA).
The...
Taipei Suicide Story was a big winner at the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival virtual awards ceremony on Thursday (February 25), taking narrative feature grand jury prize, audience and acting awards.
Keff directed the Taiwanese film about a receptionist at a suicide hotel who forms a fleeting friendship with a guest who can’t decide whether to live or die. Award-winner Tender Huang stars.
Fredrik S. Hana’s Code Name: Nagasaki (Austria) won the documentary feature grand jury prize, while the George Starks Spirit of Slamdance Award went to Chelsea Christer, director of Bleeding Audio (USA).
The...
- 2/25/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Ava DuVernary’s company and narrative change collective Array has named Warner Bros. veteran Jeff Tobler as its new chief marketing officer.
Tobler will report to Array president Tilane Jones and founder DuVernay. He will be responsible for leading all aspects of brand, marketing and communications strategy across the quartet of companies that includes Array Filmworks, Array Alliance, Array Crew and Array Releasing. His new role will begin on March 1, and he will be based out of Array’s creative campus in Echo Park’s Historic Filipinotown.
Tobler spent a decade at Warner Bros. Worldwide Television and most recently led communications strategy as SVP of television publicity, communications and social media for the studio. In that role, he oversaw global publicity, communications and social media for scripted programming, as well as strategic business communications. Earlier in his career, he had roles at The CW, The WB and NBC.
“I’ve...
Tobler will report to Array president Tilane Jones and founder DuVernay. He will be responsible for leading all aspects of brand, marketing and communications strategy across the quartet of companies that includes Array Filmworks, Array Alliance, Array Crew and Array Releasing. His new role will begin on March 1, and he will be based out of Array’s creative campus in Echo Park’s Historic Filipinotown.
Tobler spent a decade at Warner Bros. Worldwide Television and most recently led communications strategy as SVP of television publicity, communications and social media for the studio. In that role, he oversaw global publicity, communications and social media for scripted programming, as well as strategic business communications. Earlier in his career, he had roles at The CW, The WB and NBC.
“I’ve...
- 2/24/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Jeff Tobler is exiting his role as SVP, Television Publicity, Communications and Social Media for Warner Bros. Worldwide Television for a new opportunity. He is joining the narrative change collective Array as Chief Marketing Officer. Reporting to Array President Tilane Jones and founder Ava DuVernay, Tobler will be responsible for leading all aspects of brand, marketing and communications strategy across the quartet of companies that includes Array Filmworks, Array Alliance, Array Crew, which launched last week, and Array Releasing. Tobler starts on March 1 and will be based on the Array Creative Campus in Echo Park’s Historic Filipinotown.
The appointment extends Tobler’s relationship with DuVernay. He worked with the renowned filmmaker at Warner Bros. TV where she has been under a mega overall deal.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeff on a number of campaigns at Warner Bros., and I know firsthand the creativity, strategy and...
The appointment extends Tobler’s relationship with DuVernay. He worked with the renowned filmmaker at Warner Bros. TV where she has been under a mega overall deal.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeff on a number of campaigns at Warner Bros., and I know firsthand the creativity, strategy and...
- 2/24/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Television veteran Jeff Tobler has been named chief marketing officer for Array, the creative collective founded by filmmaker Ava DuVernay.
In his new role, Tobler will lead all aspects of brand, marketing and communications across the four companies assembled under the Array banner: Array Filmworks, Array Alliance, Array Crew and Array Releasing.
Tobler will report to DuVernay and Array president Tilane Jones.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeff on a number of campaigns at Warner Bros., and I know firsthand the creativity, strategy and passionate commitment he will bring to Array,” said DuVernay. “As we continue to grow in our production, distribution and advocacy of artists, Jeff’s keen understanding of branding, communications and digital strategy will be a key part of our next chapter.”
Tobler spent the last decade at Warner Bros. Television, where he most recently led communication strategy for the studio as senior VP,...
In his new role, Tobler will lead all aspects of brand, marketing and communications across the four companies assembled under the Array banner: Array Filmworks, Array Alliance, Array Crew and Array Releasing.
Tobler will report to DuVernay and Array president Tilane Jones.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeff on a number of campaigns at Warner Bros., and I know firsthand the creativity, strategy and passionate commitment he will bring to Array,” said DuVernay. “As we continue to grow in our production, distribution and advocacy of artists, Jeff’s keen understanding of branding, communications and digital strategy will be a key part of our next chapter.”
Tobler spent the last decade at Warner Bros. Television, where he most recently led communication strategy for the studio as senior VP,...
- 2/24/2021
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s Array has hired its chief marketing officer.
Longtime Warner Bros. TV communications exec Jeff Tobler will depart the studio and take on his new role heading marketing for DuVernay’s collective. The highly regarded exec will begin March 1 and report to Array president Tilane Jones and DuVernay.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeff on a number of campaigns at Warner Bros., and I know firsthand the creativity, strategy and passionate commitment he will bring to Array,” said DuVernay. “As we continue to grow in our production, distribution and advocacy of artists, Jeff’s ...
Longtime Warner Bros. TV communications exec Jeff Tobler will depart the studio and take on his new role heading marketing for DuVernay’s collective. The highly regarded exec will begin March 1 and report to Array president Tilane Jones and DuVernay.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeff on a number of campaigns at Warner Bros., and I know firsthand the creativity, strategy and passionate commitment he will bring to Array,” said DuVernay. “As we continue to grow in our production, distribution and advocacy of artists, Jeff’s ...
- 2/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ava DuVernay’s Array has hired its chief marketing officer.
Longtime Warner Bros. TV communications exec Jeff Tobler will depart the studio and take on his new role heading marketing for DuVernay’s collective. The highly regarded exec will begin March 1 and report to Array president Tilane Jones and DuVernay.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeff on a number of campaigns at Warner Bros., and I know firsthand the creativity, strategy and passionate commitment he will bring to Array,” said DuVernay. “As we continue to grow in our production, distribution and advocacy of artists, Jeff’s ...
Longtime Warner Bros. TV communications exec Jeff Tobler will depart the studio and take on his new role heading marketing for DuVernay’s collective. The highly regarded exec will begin March 1 and report to Array president Tilane Jones and DuVernay.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeff on a number of campaigns at Warner Bros., and I know firsthand the creativity, strategy and passionate commitment he will bring to Array,” said DuVernay. “As we continue to grow in our production, distribution and advocacy of artists, Jeff’s ...
- 2/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: Tilane Jones, President of inclusive film collective Array, was honored with the Slamdance Founders Award on Saturday during a virtual presentation. The award is Slamdance’s highest accolade and Jones is the fifth recipient to receive the award. Previous winners include Chris Nolan, The Russo brothers and Steven Soderbergh.
The Founders Award is given to an individual that supports the filmmaker community of Slamdance well into their careers.
“Tilane has helped our community of artists grow through recognizing talent, launching and sustaining careers,” said Peter Baxter, President and co-founder of Slamdance. “We recognize she has worked tirelessly, with great dedication to nurture emerging artists who become the next generation of filmmakers. We want to thank Tilane and her company Array for her ongoing support of these artists, inspiration and being part of Slamdance’s community. For these reasons, we are honored to present Tilane Jones with Slamdance’s Founders Award.
The Founders Award is given to an individual that supports the filmmaker community of Slamdance well into their careers.
“Tilane has helped our community of artists grow through recognizing talent, launching and sustaining careers,” said Peter Baxter, President and co-founder of Slamdance. “We recognize she has worked tirelessly, with great dedication to nurture emerging artists who become the next generation of filmmakers. We want to thank Tilane and her company Array for her ongoing support of these artists, inspiration and being part of Slamdance’s community. For these reasons, we are honored to present Tilane Jones with Slamdance’s Founders Award.
- 2/13/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The Black List founder Franklin Leonard kicked off the virtual Sundance panel “Array 10: A Decade of Disruption” by chatting with Array founder and Emmy-winning Ava DuVernay, President Tilane Jones and VP of Public Programming Mercedes Cooper about the origin of the narrative change collective which puts shine on creators and artists of color as well as women filmmakers.
Leonard and DuVernay reminisced about special dinners of Sundance past where, at the first one DuVernay hosted included “more Black folks in the room than at Sundance” as a whole. The conversation shifted to a dinner party icebreaker which Leonard loves to ask his guests: “What is your guilty pleasure movie?”
Cooper claimed the classic Mahogany as her guilty pleasure while Jones said Breakfast at Tiffany’s was hers — DuVernay quickly intervened.
“These are not guilty pleasures ladies!” said DuVernay. “A guilty pleasure is a film you slightly feel hesitant to share — which I will share.
Leonard and DuVernay reminisced about special dinners of Sundance past where, at the first one DuVernay hosted included “more Black folks in the room than at Sundance” as a whole. The conversation shifted to a dinner party icebreaker which Leonard loves to ask his guests: “What is your guilty pleasure movie?”
Cooper claimed the classic Mahogany as her guilty pleasure while Jones said Breakfast at Tiffany’s was hers — DuVernay quickly intervened.
“These are not guilty pleasures ladies!” said DuVernay. “A guilty pleasure is a film you slightly feel hesitant to share — which I will share.
- 2/1/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s Array has announced six executive additions and the promotion of veteran exec Mercedes Cooper ahead of the narrative change collective’s 10th anniversary.
Founded in 2011 by DuVernay, Array is a multi-platform arts and social impact collective, made up of Array Releasing (the film distribution arm), content company Array Filmworks, Array Creative Campus (the hub for programming and production) and the non-profit group Array Alliance.
“Ava and I are thrilled to welcome these dynamic executives to the Array team as we enter our 10th year of mission-driven, narrative change work,” Tilane Jones, president of Array, said in a statement. “And it is a true thrill to elevate our long-time colleague Mercedes Cooper whose dedication and vision is unparalleled.”
A nine-year veteran of the company, Cooper has been promoted to vice president of public programming. Cooper joined the company in 2011, serving as an assistant before going on to head efforts as director of marketing.
Founded in 2011 by DuVernay, Array is a multi-platform arts and social impact collective, made up of Array Releasing (the film distribution arm), content company Array Filmworks, Array Creative Campus (the hub for programming and production) and the non-profit group Array Alliance.
“Ava and I are thrilled to welcome these dynamic executives to the Array team as we enter our 10th year of mission-driven, narrative change work,” Tilane Jones, president of Array, said in a statement. “And it is a true thrill to elevate our long-time colleague Mercedes Cooper whose dedication and vision is unparalleled.”
A nine-year veteran of the company, Cooper has been promoted to vice president of public programming. Cooper joined the company in 2011, serving as an assistant before going on to head efforts as director of marketing.
- 1/12/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
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