RIIFF News & Updates

“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”

2012-01-30T08:59:00.001-05:00

“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” Nominated for Best Animated Short in 2011 Oscars

Moonbot Studios’ first original animated short film moves ahead in race for Academy Award

SHREVEPORT, LA – January 24, 2012– Moonbot Studios announced today that its animated short film, “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” directed by William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, is one of five animatedshort films that will be considered for outstanding film achievements of 2011 in the 84th Academy Awards,® which take place on February 26, 2012. The newly opened Moonbot Studios is based in Shreveport, Louisiana and The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is the company’s first released animation project.

Inspired, in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, BusterKeaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, “Morris Lessmore” is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques, including miniatures, computer animation, and 2D animation, award-winning author and illustrator William Joyce and co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a hybrid style of animation that harkens back to silent films and MGM Technicolor musicals.

“’The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore’ overwhelms me every time I watch it and it is exactly the kind of film I want to be a part of helping discover every year,” said Michael Rabehl, programming director of Cinequest. “It is a story that completely entertains and simultaneously focuses on the strength of its characters and story to reach our minds and our hearts. It’s an incredible visual journey that must be seen by everyone.”

“We made Morris Lessmore with passion, sweat and every nickel we could rub together,” said William Joyce, managing creative partner of Moonbot Studios. “To see it embraced by the Academy is the biggest smile imaginable.”

In tandem with the film, Moonbot Studios also created a best-selling, interactive “Morris Lessmore” iPad App available on iTunes for $4.99 in the App Store.Moonbot is also working on a hard copy book version of the story with Simon & Schuster that is due out in late 2012.

“‘Morris Lessmore’ has paved the way for a whole new class of storytelling,” said Brandon Oldenburg, co-founder of Moonbot Studios. “We envision a future where stories transcend boundaries between traditional film and written text to transform the art of storytelling into a seamlessmultimedia experience.”

Film Awards Won by “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”

To date, “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” film has drummed up fans all over the world taking home the following awards:

Cinequest Film Fest: Best Animated Short
Cleveland International Film Festival: Best Animated Short Film Award
Florida Film Festival: Audience Award for Best Short Film
Nashville Film Festival: Special Jury Prize for Imaginative Storytelling
Seattle International Film Festival: Golden Space Needle Award
Palm Springs International ShortFest: Audience Favorite Award
SIGGRAPH: Best in Show
Rhode Island International Film Fest: Grand Prize Winner
Burbank International Film Fest: Curator’s Choice Awards
Tacoma Film Festival: Best Animated Film
Austin Film Festival: Best Animated Short and Audience Award Winner
Chicago International Children’s Film Fest: 1^st Adult Jury Prize and 2^nd Children’s Jury Prize in the Animated Shorts category
Traverse City Film Fest: Best Short Film for Kids

What People Are Saying About “Morris Lessmore”

"It was a pleasure and an honor to have ‘The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,’ as part of the 2011 SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival. Chosen as Best-in-Show out of roughly 1,000 submissions, by the 2011 Computer Animation Festival Jury, ‘The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore’ was a beautiful story, wrapped in an elegant package of visually stunning animation."

– Joshua Grow, Program Director, 2012 SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival

“We were delighted to present this moving, inventive film as part of the 2011 Chicago International Children's Film Festival. The artistry of its animation and its clever use of film references created a depth of setting and character, opening eyes to a love of literature for the Chicago children who became part of the wondrous journey of Mr. Morris Lessmore.”

– Ann Vikstrom, Programming Director, Chicago International Children’s Film Festival

Academy Award Details

Forty-four films originally qualified in the animated short category and the winner of the top five will be announced live at The 84th Academy Awards on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

About Moonbot Studios

Founded in 2010, Moonbot Studios is an animation and storytelling company based in Shreveport, Louisiana. Moonbot Studios was co-founded, by award-winning artists and filmmakers, William Joyce, Brandon Oldenburg and veteran film producer Lampton Enochs. Moonbot Studios’ philosophy is to develop our stories as books, interactive applications, games with a compelling emotional narrative and exciting visual aesthetics. For more information, visit www.moonbotstudios.com, interact with them on Twitter @moonbotstudios, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moonbotstudios or on their blog at moonbotstudios.blogspot.com/.

Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians

2012-01-25T21:37:00.003-05:00

Written by Peter Walerysiak, Roger Williams University

You’ve seen movies relating to casinos and card counting. Who hasn’t? There’s gems like Ocean’s Eleven and The Hangover, and who could forget Rain Man and Casino? Casinos look rough, who would count cards if it leads to their fingers getting smashed and so forth? Well, it turns out the real world is a bit different than the movies, and there was a group of Christians who went forth and conquered it for a while.

Holy Rollers follows the “Church Team”, a blackjack team founded by two friends, Ben and Colin. At first it started out slow, but as they told their friends, more and more people climbed aboard the project. And as the original founders are Christian, so were the friends they told. Before long the team was entirely composed of Christian church-goers, pastors, and so on.

The Church Team knew what they were doing too. After their first full year of “work”, they pulled in over $1.5 million dollars from casinos around the country.

Director of Holy Rollers Bryan Storkel was beside the team as he filmed their progress over the course of about three years between 2006-2009.

“I first heard about the Church Team from my friend Colin” Storkel said. “He told me about it on numerous occasions and I finally decided to make a film about it. I think the tipping point (that made me go for it) was when we went to lunch one time and he showed me that he had $100,000 cash in his pockets. I was hooked.”

Card counting isn’t an illegal practice, it’s just frowned upon. When done correctly it gives you, the player, the advantage over the house (the casino).

But you’ll most likely ask yourself, isn’t gambling wrong within the practice of Christianity?

A common opinion on card counting held by the Church Team is that it’s not immoral or stealing from people, but rather playing as best as you can and using your mind to your advantage. Most believe that God is entirely present when they gamble.

Plus, many of the members view the casinos as hypocritical and view their work as stickin’ it to them. Think about it after all—all of the advertisements for Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun show people having fun and winning big, but in reality once you start to win big, you’re removed from the premises.

“I think card counting is great and I’ve done it myself” Storkel elaborates. “There is no cheating involved, it is simply learning the game and playing well using your brain. The fact that casinos ban it is very hypocritical. If they don’t want to offer the game, they don’t have to, but to offer it and then say that someone can’t play when they start winning is ridiculous.”

Storkel’s taken part in the practice, but it’s the Church Team shown in Holy Rollers getting kicked out of casinos time and again. Table managers at casinos around the country are constantly on guard for card counters.

Ken Reed, table manager at Fantasy Springs Casino, said in the film, “It’s the nature of our business, we got the money, and if we got the money, somebody’s going to try and take it.”

Even though Storkel isn’t the one being thrown of casinos, he had some adventures of his own. When asked if he faced any problems within casinos while taping, he shared a story.

“Oh yes… One time I was filming at a casino and had quite the experience. I was walking outside of the casino a block away and about 10 cop cars pulled up all around me. They jumped out of their vehicles and pointed their guns at me screaming, “Drop your weapon! Lower your gun!”

“Evidently someone had called in that they saw someone walking outside with a gun. They had seen my camera with the long shot-gun microphone and mistaken it for a weapon. That was a scary situation.”

Stories like that among the many in Holy Rollers make it an intriguing film to watch. As the film progresses, it becomes obvious that the members of the Church Team aren’t just people held together by blackjack, but by friendship. It’s not like the movie 21 where some kids from MIT band together and run casinos. Well, sure that was one outfit that co-founder Ben wore on one occasion, but there’s a real bond between the members of the team.

As the team grew, the team eventually let on their first non-Christian member. But since the new member’s acceptance, money begins to disappear from the bankroll. Members of the Church Team begin to accuse the newbie secretly and discord arises. The new member is eventually asked to leave, partly because of the money, but mostly that his presence was affecting the great level of trust and unity already held by current members.

As the Church Team continued to work, less money was generating throughout the years. Newer members weren’t as good at counting as the founders thought, and casinos were becoming more and more familiar with card counting and the members of the team. Bankrolls were becoming harder to fill, and things were winding down.

To some members of the team, gambling wasn’t gambling, but work that God watches over. But to one member, it started to become something else over the years. One of the long-time members, Mark, began to have second thoughts.

“As a Christian, you should leave a community better than when you found it” Mark told the camera. “My problem with blackjack is that…it doesn’t do anything.”

Mark continued to struggle between his two worlds of blackjack and religion throughout the film.

“Going to baptize someone then going to gamble? Poetic Justice” Mark said with a slight grin.”

But when it came down to it, Mark couldn’t carry on with the Church Team any longer. “I can’t say pursuing Blackjack is a righteous pursuit.”

Though the Church Team is no more, the founders found other ways to occupy themselves. Some still play blackjack, some host blackjack boot-camps, and some focus more upon religion. But the relationship that was strengthened through the Church Team still holds true—the same holds true for Storkel as well.

“I’ve been friends with Colin ever since second or third grade and we stay in touch. I live in a different state than the players on the team, but I definitely keep in touch with some of them…” Storkel said. “I just went to Poland with Dusty (team member and character in film). We went over there to screen the film and had a blast together.

Rhode Island's Road to the Oscar's: 5 Nominations and a Best Actress!

2012-01-25T08:41:00.002-05:00

84th Academy Awards® Nominations
Nominations were announced at 5:30 a.m. PST. on January 24, 2012

5 Films that Played Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival in 2011 vie for the Best in their Category, plus Rhode Island's own, Viola Davis is nominated for Best Actress:

• "Incident in New Baghdad" D. James Spione

• "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" D. William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg

• "Raju" D. Max Zähle and Stefan Gieren

• "The Shore" D. Terry George and Oorlagh George • Read the related news story

• "Time Freak" D. Andrew Bowler and Gigi Causey

RIIFF again hosts Oscar Night® America on Sunday, February 26th. Audiences will be able to watch the awards on the big screen at The Vets. For more information go to this URL:

http://www.film-festival.org/OscarNightAmerica.php

Screenplay competition seeking Rhody-based films - PBN.com - Providence Business News

2012-01-03T14:53:00.000-05:00

Screenplay competition seeking Rhody-based films - PBN.com - Providence Business News

Interview with Signe Taylor of "Circus Dreams"

2011-12-27T16:33:00.004-05:00

Interview undertaken by Colleen Connulty, Roger Williams University, December 2011.

Circus Dreams, 2011, captures the fun and excitement of Circus Smirkus, the only remaining youth traveling circus in the world. The film moves in chronological order following the young performers through auditions, casting, and throughout the season’s tour. From performers to coaches, everyone is featured throughout the film that captures the emotional highs and lows of the season. The organization desperately tries to save their tour, in danger of closing due to depleting finances. The troupers are pushed harder than ever in order to secure the future of the tour. With an underlying theme of following your dreams and staying true to oneself, Circus Dreams is an inspiration to all.

Circus Dreams

Director Signe Taylor, who holds an undergraduate degree from Barnard College and a Master’s degree in Documentary Film from Stanford University, finessed Circus Dreams into a heartwarming story of determination, friendship, and following one’s dreams. I had the opportunity to interview her and discuss the making of this fascinating documentary.

Q: “Why did Circus Smirkus inspire you to create a documentary?”

A: “When my daughter was 3 years old in 2003 I saw the Circus Smirkus show because her babysitter’s best friend’s niece was in the troupe. We went just to go, I was not a big circus fan and went to see what it was. The performance was amazing and the teenagers seemed really happy.”

While speaking with Signe Taylor, I discovered that she taught video production in high school and was really intrigued with how the circus created so much joy for the troupers. As a freelance producer for PBS show, “Zoom,” she would pitch 3-minute guest spots about kids pursuing their passions. Circus Smirkus seemed to be a perfect fit, with kids in the right age group for this segment. However, the show had already covered this topic, so while the idea stayed in mind, it was created a couple years down the road when Taylor moved to Vermont.

Q. How did you locate this group of performers?

A. It wasn’t hard for Taylor to locate the performers since she lived in the area. “I didn’t know that Circus Smirkus had suspended operation,” she told me. “In 2005 I saw the show, and when made contact in March of 2006 I was right in time. They were just about to have auditions. As I was interviewing, that’s when I learned they had suspended operations the previous fall. At first she was not sure what that meant in terms of the film – the budget was smaller so the show might not be good, but it was very dramatic.”

Q. Was it difficult to select specific performers to focus on throughout the film?

For example, why were clowns Joy, Molly, and Sam followed more closely than others?

A. “There were twenty-seven kids in the troupe. Some of it was whether the kids wanted to be filmed, - some were very receptive, some less receptive. To make a documentary like that, you’re filming them a lot, and it can make them self-conscious. All the kids were definitely performers, but some only wanted to perform in ring without someone filming them all the time. Some kids were very open to the camera. Some were receptive without being totally thrilled, so that narrowed it down. I wanted to focus on kids from all circus art; juggling, aerial, clowning, etc. Then in the editing room, the kids that I saw the most change in were primarily first year troupers that I focused on.”

Q: Did you find it difficult to follow the circus from location to location while they were on tour?

A: With a friendly laugh, Taylor responded with, “Yes! I have two kids and at that time my daughter was six and my son was two.”

Taylor continued to describe how she used a 27-foot RV, and had a camerawoman driving a SAAB mini caravan following the big circus caravan down the road. Logistically it was hard, moving every three to four days with the Circus. She had to pop up the RV, hook it up to water and electricity, and that on top of trying to capture a film was not easy. Luckily, her husband came and drove sometimes so she could film on-sight.

Q. Are you still in communication with any of the circus performers? If so, who?

A: “All the time, they are on Facebook. I get updates from them. I love being in touch with all the troupers, they are a big part of my life and my kids’ life. Facebook is an easy way to keep in touch. For a long time I was going back to the show every year and going to see the auditions, but none of the kids in the film are still in the troupe.

Q: How did you determine the flow of content in the film?

A: “I filmed in a chronological structure, and then when editing I tried to capture the emotion of each phase of the process over the course of the summer.”

Taylor’s film logically divides the tour into the nervous energy radiating from the troupers when they arrived at camp, the process of fitting in for the new kids, and the rest of the cast. She captured the trouper’s feeling of what it felt like to be performing in what seemed to them like the most amazing show in the history of the earth and what happened when it began running into problems. Such problems included being unable to perform necessary tricks and needing to change music with certain acts. She documented the process when it got rough, the first performance high, the emotions of the tour, and the highs and lows throughout the tour. She basically tried not to capture too many “downer” scenes and tried to intersperse happy scenes. Taylor explained to me how lots of documentaries are edited on information, and with Circus Dreams, she was really trying to edit the film on emotion. She wanted to communicate the emotion of that summer more than how many kids were there, what the different circus acts were, etc. She could have put more information, but knew that kids can go into information overload, so she didn’t want to edit in that manner since her target audience was teens and their families.

Q: Was there any research that needed to be done in order to create Circus Dreams?

A: “In some sense there was research, sort of knowing what Smirkus was, the kids and the process. I did that in 2003 when I first saw the show. To propose an idea for Zoom there needs to be a 5-page script, so I had it visualized in my mind and knew exactly what I wanted to shoot. I didn’t do a lot of research but a firm amount. But I learned a lot about the circus a long the way, which was not necessary for the film but helpful as a filmmaker in that world. There are other films I’ve worked on that are more research heavy.

Q: How does Circus Dreams compare with the other documentaries you have created such as Greetings From Iraq?

A: “It very emotionally difficult film to make. We’re talking about an issue-Operation Desert Storm which was deemed an unmitigated success.”

Taylor described how the United States felt really good about the war. However, her documentary served a specific purpose. Taylor describes the point of view of Greetings From Iraq, stating, “There’s all these kids starving to death in Iraq. Although the U.S and allied forces only hit military targets, what would happen if where you live the power went out? Especially in Iraq, which was a relatively well-developed country. So when the power went out, water went out, vaccines went out, children were dying of disease. I was telling the story and no one wanted to hear it. It was a very sad subject and a difficult message to be delivering. It took a long time to want to make my own documentary again and I wanted to focus on a happy subject!”

For an avid circus fan or for anyone pursuing dreams, Circus Dreams is an inspiration for all. With the uniqueness of the subject, it is definitely worth seeing. Creativity, passion, and excitement radiate from the film and make for an enjoyable, heartwarming documentary.

Interview with Risteard O'Domhnaill of "The Pipe"

2011-12-27T10:41:00.005-05:00

Undertaken by Dan Weidman, Roger Williams University, December 2011

The Pipe, Directed by Risteard O Domhnaill of native Ireland, is the documentary that has brought national attention to the Corrib Gas Pipeline controversy. It’s the tale of a community tragically divided by Shell Oil’s attempt to construct a pipeline in a remote area of Ireland that could bring economic prosperity or destruction of a way of life that has been shared by generations.

O’Domhnaill began filming the footage out of curiosity when he heard a massive police force was drafted into the area to break the blockade of the refinery construction site and escort constriction workers back on site. He would go down at seven in the morning and film locals as they were lifted, pushed, and often thrown out of the way to clear the gate. He started to get paid to have his images aired on the news, helping to influence his motive to make a documentary. His interest was sparked after the hype of the five men who were arrested in sent to ninety four days of jail for obstructing a court order calmed down, and did not really start filming until late 2006 and finished in 2009. Dissecting through over 400 hours of footage, O’Domhnail’s editor Nigel O’Regan was able to carve out a very clear and powerful narrative that takes the viewers on a real rollercoaster from start to finish.

There were numerous ways this story could have been told, and O’Domhnail took the perspective of the local people after several attempts to reach Shell officials failed and he did not want to try and tell their story. He had friends and relatives that worked on the construction of the refinery and was eager to get their perspectives to show the perspective from the people that supported the refinery because of the jobs it produced, while contrasting that with lives of local fisherman and farmers who protested the pipe. The director said he did feel the pressure of creating a documentary in this perspective because he wanted the film to avoid being called an “activist” documentary. He wanted the film to be an honest portrayal of the local community struggle. Some of the footage included community meetings where neighbors literally turned against each other to show the extreme low points and hurt people felt instead of just showing the heroic moments.

The Pipe is O’Domhnail’s first documentary and was created by accident. His only prior filming experience was when he a did a course in Film and Television while he was a teaching for a year and kept renting out the college cameras and used that experience to land a job in television. He finished the documentary in hope that the viewer would gain an appreciation of the struggles that were faced by the local community and use the same determination that the people of Rossport did to make a difference in their own communities because even small people can make a big difference even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Interview:

How long have you been directing?

This is my first film, I was shooting for about 3 years when I starting filming at the protest for news, which I explain below about the 'inspiration' to make the documentary.

What made you want to get into creating documentaries?

It was kind of by accident and I explain it below, but I did a night course in FIlm & TV while I was teaching in a high school for a year and then I just kept taking out the college cameras and using them and once the night course finished I got some work experience and then got a job in TV and it went from there!

When did you first hear about the controversy of Shell putting the pipe in Ireland?

In late October 2006, long after the hype of the summer of 2005 and the jailing of the Rossport 5 had died down (which kind of passed me by as I was so busy with other things), a massive police force was drafted into the area to break the blockade of the refinery construction site and escort construction workers back on the Shell gas refinery site. I was only three miles, living with my uncle on his farm and so used to go down to the road outside the refinery site at 7 o clock and film locals as they were lifted, pushed and often thrown out of the way to clear the gate outside the refinery. I would then go to work about 30 miles away, and on occasion some of my footage of the confrontations would be shown on the television news and I would get paid – not a very noble inspiration I’m afraid!

What inspired you to make this documentary?

I wouldn’t say I was ‘inspired’ to make this film. Indeed at the beginning I did not have a major interest in the subject as I was so busy with other things. In late October 2006, long after the hype of the summer of 2005 and the jailing of the Rossport 5 had died down, a massive police force was drafted into the area to break the blockade of the refinery construction site and escort workers back on site. I was only three miles away and so used to go down to the road outside the refinery site at 7 o clock and film locals as they were lifted, pushed and often thrown out of the way to clear the gate outside the refinery. I would then go to work about 30 miles away, and on occasion some of my footage of the confrontations would be shown on the news and I would get paid – not a very noble inspiration I’m afraid! The events outside of the refinery site did have an effect to me however. I knew many of these people to be ordinary decent members of the local community, and not thugs or worse, as they were being portrayed in the media. It became very bizarre when articles began appearing in certain papers about IRA (Irish Republican Army)‘guerilla units’ in the hills around Rossport ready to swoop down and terrorise anybody who supported the project. To people living locally it was laughable, but to people outside the parish they believed it! It was really at this point when I felt I needed to know why there was such distortion of the story.

How long did it take you?

I was shooting from late 2006 up until 2009 and spent about a year and a half (10 months editing and the other 8 months fighting fires!) I was very lucky to have a really good editor Nigel O'Regan who was able to cut through the 400 hours of footage and carve out a very clear powerful narrative which takes the viewer on a real rollercoaster from start to finish - keeping the viewer engaged while still being true to the real story, emotions and events of the controversy. My producer Rachel Lysaght was also key in keeping the show on the road and making sure that there were no obstacles in the way of Nigel and I in the edit.

There are probably 100 different ways of looking at this story, but from my perspective this was the only story I could make. Throughout the filming I did my best to involve Shell in the film and to get an interview with a representative from Shell, indeed I had friends and relatives who worked on the construction of the refinery and I was very eager to get their perspective. One of the big dilemmas in the are, which is economically deprived, is the desperate need for jobs for young people, even is these jobs may threaten the environment or other peoples way of life or human rights. Regularly when I was filming for the news broadcaster, I would come into contact with Shell’s head of communications – himself a former journalist with our national broadcaster. I maintained a good relationship with him but I could never get him on board to participate in the documentary nor even allow employees of Shell to talk to me on camera. In the end I had to draw a line in the stand and tell the story from the perspective of the local people, and not try to tell Shell’s story for them. Given Shell’s massive Public Relations resources and their very close links with the Irish media, I don’t think they had a problem with getting their story out to the wider public!

Telling the story from one side, the side of the local people, did put a lot more pressure on my, as I had to avoid the film becoming an ‘activist’ documentary glorifying the protesters. I therefore was very conscious that the weaknesses and mistakes of people on the protest side should be shown, and that the documentary would give a very honest portrayal of the local community’s struggle. Being someone who lived locally, my uncle being a farmer in the area, gave me great access to the community and I was able to capture all of the events, including the community meetings where neighbour literally turned against neighbour, and that helped hugely to show people the real hurt and pain at the centre of such struggles, not just the heroic high points.

What were some of the struggles you faced?

Initially I began filming the protests outside the refinery due to a mixture of curiosity and news value. However, the more I filmed, the more my curiosity increased as I struggled to reconcile what was going on, on the ground with what was being presented through the media. As I became sucked into the story, I began to spend more time with the local people as it was obvious to me that the people at the heart of the campaign - the farmers, fishermen, teachers and housewives – were ordinary decent members of the local community, and not extreme republicans and anarchists as some of the newspapers would have people believe. After about six months of filming, while at the same time working at my day job as a television cameraman and editor, I realized that I could not walk away from this story, as few people gave a sod about this small community on the edge of the Atlantic.

The politicians had turned their backs on these people and sent in the Gardaí to clean up their mess, while the media had either grown weary of the story and moved on or were trying to invent sensationalist stories about the protesters to suit their agenda. At this point I had to make a decision whether to move on with my career and commit to other work, or spend more time filming in Rossport. By choosing to spend more time in Rossport, my other work inevitably suffered. There were times when I asked myself why I was going out on cold wet wintry mornings at 7 o clock to film protest after protest with no end in sight. Was this just another lost cause and was I wasting my time persevering with this story? Most people were telling me that this was development and all development was good, and we must not criticize any developer because they were providing jobs. Indeed most people outside of the area did not feel that the objectors’ concerns were genuine, and that they were against the project because they had nothing better to do, and this was being reinforced by most of the media. It was hard, even though I knew that there was more to it than this, to keep up the enthusiasm to keep shooting.

A lot of time passed and nothing much seemed to happen, the protests descended into desperate and frustrating rows with the Gardaí, with many locals who had never been in trouble with the law before getting dragged through the courts and getting criminal records. And while the locals were locked in this daily unwinnable confrontation with the Gardaí outside, Shell were busily building away the refinery inside.

My enthusiasm steadily drained away over the next year or so until I did at times think that this story was just going to fizzle out quietly, and nobody would notice or even care. This was a real low point. Then, out of the blue, the head of the Norwegian Oil & Gas workers union turned up one morning outside of the refinery where the locals used to gather in a small trailer out of which they served tea and biscuits and maintained a presence outside of the gate. As Statoil were a partner with Shell in Corrib, he had heard about Corrib and wanted to see for himself what all of the fuss was about. Expecting to see eco-warriors and activists, he was surprised to see that these were just ordinary people with genuine concerns for their community. After sitting in the trailer drinking tea and talking with the locals, he resolved to invite a delegation over to Norway at the invitation of the union, who control the taps to Norway’s prosperity, to meet with the Norwegian government and Statoil. Although neither the Norwegian government or Statoil had agreed to the meeting, the union had no difficulty in making sure that these meetings went ahead. A delegation of community members, accompanied by Michael D Higgins, travelled over to Norway and carried with them a letter from the Parish priests also suggesting a path to compromise. When the delegation arrived back in Mayo, feeling empowered and energised by the immense reaction they got in Norway, they felt they should move on this momentum. However, not everybody was happy with this 'solo run' by the delegation and their attempt to change the direction of Shell to Sea from one of principle to one of compromise. The following community meeting descending into infighting and chaos, but it set in train a series of events, that put the people, and the story, on an unbelievably fascinating trajectory, and by being there at the heart of things capturing it all on film, I was swept along over the next year and a half and never looked back.

Looking back at some of the footage now, many of the situations appear very dangerous. However, at the time I never once felt my safety was in danger. Even though I was on a small fishing boat out in, at times, very rough seas, within metres of one the largest pipe laying vessels in the world and surrounded by Navy and Police boats, I knew that at every stage both Pat ‘The Chief’ O’Donnell, and the Garda water unit would never let anything happen to me despite all the was going on around me. What made me so confident about this, and allowed me concentrate on the filming and not have to watch my back, was that in 1996 Pat O Donnell and the Garda Water Unit put their own lives in mortal danger to rescue a local family who had become trapped in a cave in heavy seas. In an incredible rescue in which a local diver and a German national lost their lives, Pat O Donnell placed his boat at the mouth of the cave, lighting up the cave, while a Garda diver swam out from the cave with a rope. Pat pulled out the survivors in the damaged Garda rib to safety and onto the lifeboat, stationed further out. Tragically, many years later, following a heated protest, one of the Garda divers whom Pat had pulled out of the cave, stood up in court and gave evidence against Pat, who has just been released from prison on July 17th 2010.

Although I was pushed on the ground and baton-charged during the protests outside of the refinery, I took it all on the chin and was happy to accept the same treatment as was being meted out to the locals. One thing that did make me quite nervous was the private security that was drafted in to protect the pipeline. From early on, there were many concerns over these men who were acting in a quasi-paramilitary manner and allowed free reign by the police. What really freaked me out was the level of surveillance they carried out on the local community, and the fact that they were anonymous ‘heavies’ from God knows where did make me very nervous of the unknown – when it transpired that a group of these ‘heavies’ subsequently travelled to Bolivia to take part in an armed militia paid for the right wing Businessmen opposing the left wing government, the sense of alarm was confirmed.

What do you think you accomplished from making this documentary?

The aim would be that the film would provoke debate and focus discussion on the issues surrounding the Corrib Gas controversy. One of the casualties in this whole saga has been open and transparent examination of the facts surrounding Corrib, and often truth has been the victim. In the early stages of the edit, I tried to tackle some of the main causes of the conflict – alleged political corruption surrounding the licensing of Oil & Gas in Ireland, political interference with the planning process, failure of the regulators and manipulation of the media – however, even though I had done a massive amount of research and filming on all of these subjects, they were just too complex to even attempt to resolve within an 80 minute documentary. Instead I have tried to represent a strand of the story, and in my opinion the most powerful aspect of the story that forces on all sides of the argument conspired to suppress, both for the advantage of Shell, the government and the ideological extremists opposing the ‘Fianna Fáil/Shell’ consortium. By not judging the characters in the film, but letting them tell their own story honestly, my hope is that the viewer will make up his or her own mind, and then ask questions about the political, social and environmental issues surrounding the story. This has become especially relevant over the last two years with the failure of the political and regulatory systems in Ireland, and internationally with the issues surrounding the oil industry that have been brought to the fore with massive energy issues around the world, most notably the Gulf Oil Spill last year which had a devastating effect on the livelihoods of coastal communities along the southern coast of the United States.

My aim was always to tell the real story of the people in the path of the pipeline, with all of their strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures. This story had been completely lost among all of the hype, spin and media manipulation, by weak journalists and strong PR companies, and this resulted in coverage of the Corrib controversy being moved away from the locals struggle with Shell and onto outsider’s ideological battle with the state. If people in Ireland and abroad can finally witness the real story of the locals against Shell, that will be the greatest reward. Sometimes small communities feel very isolated in the face of huge developments, back up by their own government, and feel that there is nothing they can do despite feeling huge injustice. Local people who are not wealthy feel that they cannot get fair justice from the courts and often their politicians turn their own police force against them. What I hope ‘The Pipe’ shows other communities in similar situations is that small people can make a difference even in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds.

• "The Pipe" won First Prize, Best Feature Documentary at the 2011 Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival.

To learn more about the film, go to the website: http://www.thepipethefilm.com/

An Interview with Louis Crugnali, Writer and Actor in "The Mulberry Tree"

2011-08-10T19:30:00.013-04:00

Native Rhode Islander Louis Crugnali has written and starred in The Mulberry Tree, which shot in Rhode Island, makes its way home to screen at the Paff Theater tonight, August 10, 2011 at 9:00 p.m.

The Mulberry Tree tells the story of one young man’s experience working in a Rhode Island hospital and the relationship he develops with a convicted murderer who is spending his last days dying of AIDs on hospital detail. I recently had the opportunity to interview Louis and am pleased to share his thoughts on the film with you. Enjoy!

You’re a native Rhode Islander, but no longer living in Rhode Island. What made you decide to come back to the Ocean State to shoot The Mulberry Tree?

There were many reasons that led me back to shoot in Rhode Island. First and foremost, The story takes place here. I wanted the film to have that specific Rhode Island look and feel. Providence is the fourth main character in this film. Also, my producer graduated from PC and had a lot of connections when it came to securing locations. Finally, there was a great tax incentive for shooting here so that sealed the deal.

Where did you get the inspiration to write The Mulberry Tree? Is this a purely fictional work, or were you drawing on personal experience when you wrote the screenplay?

You try to write what you know. My Dad is a veteran Correctional Officer and he has told me various stories of things that happen on the job. He once told me of a time when he was assigned to hospital duty guarding a murderer who had contracted HIV. He watched him until he eventually passed away. I thought that was an interesting dynamic that could become a good story. The rest is pure fiction.

The idea of familial bond seems to play a large role in Mickey’s story. Were you looking to send a specific message with this theme, or did it just happen to fit in with the type of character you had in mind when writing Mickey?

I think we all strive to have a healthy relationship in that way. This is a story about redemption, about moving on from passed tragedies in life. I wasn’t necessarily trying to send a particular message. The interaction between the characters tells the story and the message one gets from that story may be different from one viewer to the next. I would never want a film have the same meaning to everyone that watches it. That would mean it’s too written, too contrived. I would hope that people would see the uplifting qualities that are there beneath the conflict?

You are both the writer and lead actor in The Mulberry Tree. How did you come to the decision to act in the film as well as write it?

I have acted for a long time, working in both television and film in LA and New York. I got to the point where a lot of struggling actors get when they are not getting consistent work. I always loved to write and new that I could further myself as an actor if I wrote something that could be a vehicle for myself and hopefully showcase my talent.

Do you identify more easily with being an actor or a writer? How do you think you approach each role differently?

There are a lot of similarities between the two. You pretty much just try to stay true to what emotion you are trying to convey. Being genuine is key. Writing gives you more freedom. You are in control of the process for the most part. You just write. As an actor, unless you are a star you are waiting for people to give you opportunities. You are relying on so many other outside parties to make things happen for you.

Joe Morton plays a character who has been in prison for most of his life, but due to the way he is portrayed, becomes a sympathetic character. What is your opinion of our correctional system? Do you believe it works to the ends of rehabilitation, or do you feel that it more often contributes to the deterioration of character?

I don’t think that I am qualified to make a general statement or answer in regards to our correctional system. I think it has its pros and cons. I do know that many of the inmates in various prison’s can become institutionalized and find themselves back in prison upon being released. Then again you hear of stories where inmates take the resources that are offered them while inside and acquire an education. It’s a give and take.

The Mulberry Tree screens tonight at 9:00 at the Paff Theater. Are you planning on sticking around for a few days and enjoying the Festival? What’s next for you?

I hope so. It will be great to not have to “work” anymore and just enjoy some new and interesting films as well as seeing old friends. I’m not one to sit around too long though. I’ll start to get itchy in a few days and I’ll find myself back in Brooklyn working on my next project.

An Interview with Filmmaker James Spione of "Incident in New Baghdad"

2011-08-04T11:00:00.029-04:00

On September 20, 2001 George W Bush addressed Congress and the American People and officially declared America's War on Terror, a war that has proven to leave the lives of those touched by it profoundly altered. Despite this, nearly ten years later, for many Americans the same war remains an enigma. Today we live with this juxtaposition, as certain individuals pursue the challenge of finding a way to link the two perspectives.

I recently had the opportunity to interview James Spione, whose critically acclaimed short documentary, Incident in New Baghdad, works to reach a place of greater awareness and empathy towards the ramifications of war. Incident in New Baghdad explores the story behind the infamous "Collateral Murder" video, leaked by the website Wikileaks on April 5, 2010. The deeply disturbing footage recounts a U.S. helicopter attack on a group of mostly unarmed individuals in the streets of Baghdad in July of 2007, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals including two Iraqi journalists, and two wounded children. James focuses on U.S. Army Specialist Ethan McCord's account of the incident as one of the first six American soldiers to reach the scene, and the struggle he now faces at home as he addresses his own PTSD and works to raise Americans' awareness of the implications of war.

Enjoy James' responses and the insight he provides into this perspective-altering film, and much thanks to James for all of his time, cooperation, and dedication to this very important cause!

Incident in New Baghdad will screen at the Metcalf Auditorium at the RISD Museum on Thursday, August 11 at 1:15 p.m. Tickets available at: http://riff.slated.com/2011/films/incidentinnewbaghdad_jamesspione_riff2011.

How did you get connected with US Army Specialist Ethan McCord?
When WikiLeaks released the so-called "Collateral Murder" video last year, I was completely shocked and saddened by what I saw. At that point I think I was responding more as a concerned citizen, not as a filmmaker. I wanted to find out as much as I could about what actually happened, but I was terribly disillusioned by what I was seeing and hearing from the mainstream American media at the time: the usual shallow "debate" approach that is all about predictable opinions and very short on facts and nuance. I was searching the web for more information and stumbled upon an interview Ethan did for a Wired blog. Here was an eyewitness to the events that day—not only that, but a heroic participant who saved the lives of two children on the scene—and yet no one in the American television and most of the print media would go near him. If dissent is rarely covered by the media in this country, dissent from a veteran is almost nonexistent. It just is not part of acceptable mainstream discourse.

So I made some calls, found a contact number, and two weeks later was on a plane to Wichita to interview Ethan. To this day, I am literally the only American film or television producer to put Ethan McCord's story out there. That is why it is so critically important for film festivals like RIIFF to champion independent work. You are providing a rare opportunity for audiences to see films like this, stories that just will not be addressed by the mainstream media. I am really grateful for the opportunity to have the people of Providence watch my film and discuss it.

When you decided to make Incident in New Baghdad, what was your intended purpose? Was your intent to tell the story of a disillusioned American soldier and let the discussion follow, or did you hope to stimulate a specific discussion about the particular incident that occurred in the Collateral Murder Video?
I think it was more gut instinct than that. Someone once said that you don't become a writer because you want to, you write because you have to. Well, that was the situation with this movie. I just felt a real urgency, I had to start making some sense of this event on my own. I thought what the helicopter video had revealed to the world was just incredibly important, a glimpse of the senseless brutality and almost banal cruelty of modern industrial warfare that is usually kept carefully hidden from the public, particularly in this country. It really is a perfect microcosm—pretty much everything you need to know about our Middle East wars are in that 39 minutes of footage. So I guess that was the original motivating factor. But then of course, once I met Ethan and talked to him at length, what came across so clearly was his unique character, the astonishing transformation he has gone through—from patriotic warrior to disillusioned vet to antiwar activist. That is an amazingly dramatic and profound journey, a gripping personal story with much wider implications for America and our place in the world.

My long-term goal has always been to do a feature documentary about this incident, from numerous points of view, examining the way many lives, both Iraqi and American, were irrevocably changed. But once I started working with Ethan's material, his amazingly frank and articulate interview and powerful photographs of the attack scene, it became clear that I already had a stand-alone short on my hands. So I began to finish this film as a short, as a stepping stone to an eventual feature project.

You talk about the idea of “psychic numbing”. How do we work towards a place of humanizing war? Obviously your film is one way and one step toward empathetic sentiment, but how do you outweigh the mass media’s largely sensationalized account of not only this war, but war in general?

Oh, man. I wish I had an answer for that. All I can say is that progress happens in small, incremental steps. I think most people know that war is wrong, that killing and slaughter is immoral. Why else would put so much effort into hiding the plain on-the-ground truth from ourselves? So part of the solution is for filmmakers and writers and photographers to put that unvarnished ugly truth out there any way we can. And it is not just professionals who can make a difference, now. I think the explosion of social networking and online communication is a very positive thing in terms of the accessibility of unedited information for people. You know, during this whole "Arab Spring" series of uprisings, I was getting much of my information from Facebook in almost real-time, from citizens on the ground in Tahrir Square and elsewhere. Amazing, unthinkable even a few years ago.

For that reason, I believe that the U.S. invasion of Iraq will be the last "stage-managed" war. Do you remember how that war started? The Pentagon assembled every journalist and TV camera on the roof of the Palestine Hotel across the Tigris from Saddam's Presidential compound, and right on cue, the missiles came in and the same image was beamed into every TV set across the U.S. and around the world—the spectacular destruction of Saddam's palace, the beginning of Shock and Awe. What an incredibly effective piece of propaganda. Well, those days are over. Today, within five minutes hundreds of citizens would be uploading photos and videos of what was really happening on the ground—the errant bombs and shrapnel, the dead women and children and old men, the screaming wounded, the shattered lives that are the reality of every war. Even if an invading country managed to black out wireless coverage for a while, people still have their cell phone cameras and flash cards. The truth would eventually get out, and faster than you think.

The film seems to come at this incident from two specific angles. One is the perspective of PTSD suffering Ethan McCord. The other is from the perspective of the innocent Iraqi civilians that suffered as a result of the incident. Do you feel that one is more instrumental in humanizing the war than the other?
Both angles are crucial for us to understand. The truth is, no matter what side of a war you are on, there is suffering and pain; in fact, Ethan's PTSD is a direct result of the anguish he feels about his involvement in a conflict that has killed and wounded so many innocents. So in a way the suffering on both sides is deeply connected. But of course, the profoundly damaging consequences visited upon the Iraqis is of paramount importance—that is why I want to expand this film, so that the voices of the too-often invisible victims of this war are clearly heard.

To the machinery of war, just about everyone is quite literally expendable to one degree or another. I sometimes think the infantryman is just a notch or two above an Iraqi civilian in terms of their disposability. That is the obscene dehumanization of war, it makes nearly everyone involved fodder for someone else's grand schemes.

As far as communicating this to an audience--here in America, veterans have enormous credibility to speak on these issues, if we only give them a platform. It is one thing for someone like me to get up and say war is cruel and immoral; it is quite another for a U.S. soldier from Wichita, Kansas to do so.

Ethan McCord is very candid when speaking of his experience in the Army. Are you aware of any backlash that he’s faced as a result of his decision to speak out?
Once you understand how threatening Ethan's convictions are to many in the military establishment, you begin to appreciate the depth of his courage in speaking out. He has been harassed both on line and in the real world, and he has endured numerous threats against both himself and his family. Many rank-and-file in the military are very resistant to change and take any criticism of U.S. actions extremely personally. It's sad, because Ethan has stated repeatedly that it is wrong to blame soldiers for incidents like this one. From day one, he has aimed his attacks squarely at the government policy that put himself and his comrades into this impossible situation.

Mr. McCord specifically speaks about his experience regarding his desire to seek counseling while in Iraq, and subsequently, the negative response he received when he voiced this desire. How important is it that the stigma against seeking counseling is diminished within the Army? Do you have any views on how we go about accomplishing this?
The military has a real conundrum on their hands with the explosion of PTSD among veterans. How can they honestly address the scale and seriousness of the problem, when its real roots are in the nature of war itself? PTSD is not some odd psychological condition; it is actually a completely normal reaction to doing unspeakable things and experiencing horrendous suffering, pain and loss. So in a way, to admit to the reality of PTSD is to acknowledge the terribly dehumanizing nature of war. I think that is why there is such institutional resistance to seriously addressing this issue—because the only real solution would be to stop having wars! And maintaining the public's perception of our wars as righteous and good is a very, very important idea to a whole lot of people—more important, it sometimes seems, than tending to the psychic wounds of our own veterans. The suicide rate for U.S. vets has been holding steady at around 18 per day for the last several years—a tally that far outnumbers those killed in action. It is an epidemic. And yet this alarming statistic seems to be as invisible to the American people as the suffering and death of the battleground.

You’re turning Incident In New Baghdad into a feature. Which pieces of the story are you looking to expand? How do you think that expanding these pieces may change the message or impact of the film?
I envision a film that follows a number of people, both American and Iraqi, whose lives were irrevocably changed that day. If possible, I would like the subjects to include other vets from Ethan McCord's infantry unit on the ground, some of whom I have been talking with over the past few months and whose interpretation of events differ substantially from Ethan's. I would also very much like to interview the families of both of the Reuters journalists who were killed in the incident; the two children, whose father died in front of them in the van, as well as their mother and uncle who now cares for them; and if possible, the 1-8 Cavalry Airborne gunner who pulled the trigger. I think it would be quite revealing to know what goes through the mind of an airborne gunner when faced with a fluid and confusing situation like the one depicted in the gun camera footage. My hope is that, by hearing from many of the first-hand participants of this tragic event, we may come to better understand the profoundly damaging consequences that ripple out through the lives of survivors over many years from just one so-called "engagement" in a war. And this gets us back to that idea of "psychic numbing;" it is so difficult for the human mind to understand the scale and scope of war's damage, and that makes it easy to tune out the staggering statistics. I suspect a full examination even of just this one incident would have an almost epic quality to it. And hopefully viewers would come away with an understanding, a deep feeling really, of what war really means.

We’re very excited to have you as a part of the Rhode Island International Film Festival this year. Any special plans during the Festival? We have an abundance of films pertaining to the trials and tribulations that war veterans face. Do you plan on doing any type of outreach while in Rhode Island?
For one thing, I am hoping to actually see some other films! One problem I had at Tribeca this year was that it was held in my home city of New York, which meant I had to fit the whole process into my regular daily schedule. So I am looking forward to traveling to Rhode Island, seeing lots of independent movies, connecting with other filmmakers, and visiting with my extended family that lives in the area.

Most of my outreach for this film continues to be in the online realm, through websites, social networking, Twitter—and blogs like this one!

I am so glad you are showing other films about veterans and their struggles. Our country's wars are now fought by a tiny percentage of the American population, and their voices need to be heard.

Incident in New Baghdad will screen at the Metcalf Auditorium at the RISD Museum on Thursday, August 11 at 1:15 p.m. Purchase your ticket now at http://riff.slated.com/2011/films/incidentinnewbaghdad_jamesspione_riff2011 or for more information call 401.861.4445.

For more information on Incident in New Baghdad visit http://incidentinnewbaghdad.com/index.html

GLBT Opening Night Celebration!

2011-08-03T13:23:00.002-04:00

RIIFF has become a major event for international film buffs and Rhode Islanders alike, but rarely does one attendee have the same experience as another. The Festival's manifold films and events practically require that each individual have an unique Festival Experience. One contributing element to our multifarious nature is the variety that GLBT films bring to the Festival, that combined, create a festival within the Festival!

Bell Street Chapel, the home of all things GLBT during the Festival, brings the fabulous, the forlorn, the fanciful, and above all the freshest GLBT films to RIIFF in our 15th annual year. On Wednesday August 10, help RIIFF kick off another exciting GLBT Festival with the Bell Street GLBT Opening Reception! The evening's events will begin at 6:00 and include a filmmaker reception with beer provided by Harpoon Brewery’s UFO Hefeweizen, and screenings of Giovanna Chesler's Bye Bi Love and J.T. Tepnapa's critically acclaimed, Judas Kiss. Along with Bell Street screenings additional GLBT screenings throughout the Festival will be held at The Vets and Paff Theater venues.

Join RIIFF and Bell Street Chapel for the GLBT Opening Night and get the most out of your Festival Experience! $15 Ticket includes $5 contribution to Options Magazine. Bell Street Chapel is located at 5 Bell Street, Providence, RI.

Joseph Procopio Returns to RIIFF!

2011-08-01T15:49:00.002-04:00

It is widely known that RIIFF prides itself on it's support of the independent filmmaker, the industry's young and often green talent. However, while Joseph Procopio is one of RIIFF's youngest accepted filmmakers, seeing that this year's Festival will be the 11th that Joe is participating in, I think it is safe to say that while young, he is not green.

17 year old filmmaker Joseph Procopio is building quite a resume. His 11 short films, which he scripted, directed, acted in and edited, have screened in over 100 film festivals in North America. He has earned 38 prizes for his work, including top honors at several festivals. In an industry as fickle as the movie business, Procopio’s success is impressive.

This year, Procopio will screen Onion Skin, like all of his previous films, at RIIFF. The film
is about a high school student who turns heads when he decides to avoid text-messaging a girl, and instead, elects to hand write her a letter to express his affections.

All of us here at RIIFF are thrilled to have Joe joining us once again in our 15th Annual Year! Onion Skin will screen at The Vets, Wednesday August 10, in RIIFF's "Reel Love" shorts package at 9:30 p.m. A hearty good luck to Joe from all of us here at RIIFF!

One More Week.....

2011-07-28T16:20:00.004-04:00

With each day the Film Festival draws closer and the excitement here at RIIFF is growing. Of course, it would be lying to say that excitement is the only thing growing. The deadlines, projects, phone calls, and number of emails are growing too! Today we are working on finalizing our program guide, and as I sat, reading through pages and pages of material, amidst the pressure of the clock ticking away and the hustle and bustle of my co-workers all around me, I found myself sitting at my desk with an interesting realization.

As I read through synopsis after synopsis, I was struck by the range of films represented in the Festival. Nearly every major region in the world is represented in some way, be it through the country of production, or the subject of a film. However, as I realized this, I simultaneously found myself coming to another conclusion as well. When a person decides to make a film, inspiration strikes from a place of importance. No one sets out to make a film about something that seems insignificant, rather, movies are made about issues that are deemed to be important.

So, what results with the combination of these two characteristics? One result is a fantastic film festival. A film festival that taken as one complex entity, takes the form of a snapshot of our world. With the diversity present in the festival, RIIFF has become a representation of the most imminent forces facing humanity around the world, at this moment in time. Which, as far as I can tell, makes for one special week.

Join RIIFF August 9th-14th and take part in the Festival Experience!

Dinner and a Movie.... But Better.

2011-07-27T14:20:00.006-04:00

Dinner and a movie. It's the classic date night combination. A little entertainment, be it light-hearted or dramatic, followed by a nice conversation and a meal. What could be better?

How about 7 movies and a meal comprised of samplings from over 7 different restaurants, with your beverage options coming from a diverse collection of over 5 different vendors? Plus the opportunity to meet the individuals behind the films, the chance to ask questions, make connections, and congratulate the filmmakers themselves. Sounds pretty great, but it gets better.

Take everything you're imagining and place it in The Vets theater, one of the most historic, beautiful, and illustrious venues in Providence. The theater looks great and so do you. It's an evening of film, food, and celebration; an evening that you should be part of. Featured restaurants include Andrea’s, El Rancho Grande, India, Nice Slice, Panera Bread, Sweet Lorraine’s Candy Shoppe, Narragansett Creamery, and Cabot Cheese. In addition, beverages will be provided by Empire Soda of Bristol, Newport Vineyards, Stella Artois, Harpoon Brewery, and Soul Cachaca!

Join RIIFF for an exciting and glamorous evening at The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence RI. $25 Ticket. For more information call 861.4445 or visit us at www.RIFilmFest.org

RIIFF Opening Night Soiree

2011-07-25T13:38:00.003-04:00

Growing up, I was always taught that libraries are special places, almost sacred. But a library isn't special because of the brick it's built with, or the wood the shelves inside are made of, or even the bindings and pages that create the books. A library is special because when you stand in a library, you stand amongst months of discussion and brainstorming, years of writing, lifetimes of thinking. It is the cumulation and enormity of the effort and thought that goes into each individual book, multiplied by the number of books present in just one room of a library that makes the library experience special.

The same is true of a film festival. The film festival is unique and special by way of its ability to bring the efforts, thoughts, and finally films of so many people, all together to one location. When one sits in a theater, watching films that have been produced at the cost of years of a filmmaker's life and efforts, the film festival venue adopts the same type of sacred space that the library has come to occupy. However, there is one thing that the Rhode Island International Film Festival offers that a library cannot offer so readily, and that is the creator, the individual behind the art... the filmmaker.

Join RIIFF for our 15th annual Opening Night screening and celebration and revel in the talent, artistry, and creation that is the Rhode Island International Film Festival. Seize the opportunity to meet and speak with the creators of the films screened, and enjoy delicious refreshments from local restaurants, including: Andrea's, El Rancho Grande, India, Nice Slice, and Panera Bread. More information to come about all the excitement of Opening Night, but that's all for now!

RIIFF's Opening Night Soiree takes place August 9th at The Vets beginning at 7:00 p.m. Call 401.861.4445 for more information!

Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend at Roots Cafe

2011-07-21T16:36:00.004-04:00

Craving a little Jamaican flair? If the heat here in Providence isn't enough to satisfy your island craving come join RIIFF at Roots Cafe for a special tribute to the one and only Bob Marley with the screening of Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend. Food and drink will be offered, along with a much needed escape to the island life! RIIFF is thrilled about our newfound collaboration with Roots Cafe and would love nothing more than for you to join us! Stay tuned for more details!

Anthony Quinn Screening: Lust for Life

2011-07-19T15:05:00.002-04:00

In life, there is generally that which belongs to the local, and that which belongs to the global. The local we feel sentimental about; it belongs to us and is a part of us. The global we feel awed by; it is bigger than us, something which extends beyond our own small plot in the world. But every now and again, we encounter the local that is global. It is with this encounter that life becomes truly exciting.

For the Rhode Island community, Anthony Quinn became one of these rare treasures. A Bristol resident, Anthony Quinn was the local man that caught the global spotlight. Experience this great man's work with RIIFF, as local libraries around the state screen a local man's films with a global impact. Start your experience with Quinn's Lust for Life, screening tomorrow, July 20th at Rogers Library, 525 Hope Street, Bristol, RI at 6:30 pm!

RIIFF ANNOUNCES FREE ANTHONY QUINN FILM SCREENINGS AT SELECT RI LIBRARIES

2011-07-15T16:02:00.003-04:00

Screenings to highlight the depth and versatility of one of Hollywood’s most revered actors!

In celebration of the life’s work of one of Hollywood’s most unsung actors, FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) announces a series of free film screenings of Anthony Quinn films at select libraries throughout Rhode Island.

Anthony Quinn had a prolific career in film, acting in nearly 200 movies in his 66-year career. A two-time Oscar winner for his roles in Lust for Life and Viva Zapata!, Quinn starred in memorable classics like Lawrence of Arabia, Zorba the Greek and the The Guns of Navarone. This year, on the 10th anniversary of his passing, RIIFF is honoring one of Hollywood’s most versatile and well-respected actors, sharing his timeless classics with a modern Rhode Island audience.

In the later years of his life, Quinn fulfilled his childhood ambition to become an artist. In 1996, Quinn moved to Bristol, R.I. to focus on his paintings and sculpture. While living in Bristol, the 86-year-old Quinn enjoyed taking bike rides along Poppasquash Road, exploring Bristol’s coast. Today, his seaside estate houses hundreds of pieces of his work. Some of his sculpture is exhibited in academic buildings at Roger Williams University in Bristol.

RIIFF will be hosting five screenings in select partnering libraries in July. All screenings are free and open to the public. The information on the screenings follows:

Film: Lust for Life
Where: Rogers Library, 525 Hope St. (Rt. 114) Bristol, R.I.
When: Wednesday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m.
More information at: www.rogersfreelibrary.org.

Film: Requiem for a Heavyweight

Where: East Greenwich Free Library, 82 Pierce St. East Greenwich, R.I.
When: Tuesday, July 26at 6 p.m.
More information at: www.eastgreenwichlibrary.org.

Film: Behold a Pale Horse

Where: Kingston Free Library, 2605 Kingstown Rd. Kingston, R.I.
When: Wednesday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m.
More information at: www.skpl.org.

Film: Zorba the Greek

Where: Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope St. Providence, R.I.
When: Thursday, July 28at 6:30 p.m.
More information at: www.provcomlib.org.

Film: The Secret of Santa Vittoria
Where: Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library, 1 Memorial Ave. Johnston, R.I.
When: Friday July 29 at 7 p.m.
More information at: www.mohrlibrary.org

Film: Vivi Zapata!
Where: Barrington Public Library, 281 Country Road, Barrington, R.I.
When: Sunday August 7 at 2 p.m.
More information at:

Special RIIFF Screening of Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone

2011-07-14T15:28:00.002-04:00

The bees are buzzing, the rivers are running, and the sun is shining! It's summertime and there's nothing better than enjoying the great outdoors! But then again, the Rhode Island International Film Festival is once more approaching; there are films to be viewed, performances to critique, and subject matter to ponder.... So how can one possibly enjoy both?

RIIFF is here to tell you the days of choosing between film fanatic and granola cruncher are over! Why not enjoy movies in the great outdoors? This August 13th RIIFF will host a free public screening of Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone at Grant's Block, home of Movies on the Block. Beginning at 7:00 local Providence band The Mighty Good Boys will be performing, followed by a screening of the film at dusk.

And... just in case nature and film isn't enough incentive, keep in mind that all attendees will receive a FREE wrist band for any of RIIFF's Sunday screenings on August 14th!

Summer, film, and the added bonus of access to MORE film? What could be better? Join RIIFF in our celebration of summer and the 15th Annual Rhode Island International Film Festival!

An Interview With Filmmaker M.T. Silva

2011-07-13T14:59:00.002-04:00

Atomic Mom is a documentary about two mothers, each with radically different experiences and perceptions of the atomic bomb that hit Hiroshima. M.T. Silva’s own mother, Pauline worked as a biologist during M.T Silvia’s childhood in the 1950’s for the U.S government at the Nevada testing site for atomic detonations. Obligated by government requirement to remain silent about her experiences, Atomic Mom is the first time Pauline reveals her harrowing experience from the 1950s.

Similar to Pauline, Atomic Mom serves as a platform for Hiroshima survivor Emiko Okada to share her account of the atomic bomb. Though the two women share a vehicle of narration, the stories they tell account for two very different experiences. A Hiroshima survivor that tragically lost her 12 year-old sister in the attack, Emiko shares her story and her work educating others on the importance of peace and disarmament.

Roger Williams University student Mae Planert recently interviewed Ms. Silva about her experience creating Atomic Mom. Enjoy this inside look into Atomic Mom!

Interview:
How do you approach a new project?
Response: I like to spend a lot of time incubating ideas in my head, then I start pitching them to my friends and see which ones stick. I will approach my next project very differently using all that I learned on Atomic Mom, i.e. I hope to be more organized and have more of it thought out rather than flying by the seat of my pants.

What part of the actual film making and piecing together of the film was your favorite part?
Response: I’ve always said that the soundtrack is my favorite part. The music in the film is an original score composed by my friends Marco D’Amrosio and Klaudia Promessi and performed by my talented musician friends that were willing to play for free. I really aimed to tell the story through the music. My pal Ben Burtt had original recordings of detonations from the Nevada Test Site that he sweetened for me, but I actually only used them a couple of times. I also really wanted to represent the juxtaposition of the US and Japan during the cold war so I used a lot of native American flute when looking over the Nevada testing site and the Japanese koto over the Hiroshima scenes.

Atomic Mom is such an intimate look into you and your mother’s relationship. Did you find it difficult to ask your mother about the experiences that haunted her for so many years?
Response: Initially it was difficult. She never really wanted to talk about it. But putting the camera in front of her gave us a vehicle for discussion and conversation that I don't think would have happened otherwise. The camera orchestrated the exchange.

After having kept her experiences a secret for 50 years and finally opening up, how did your mother react to your interest in making a documentary film about her time working as a scientist?
Response: She couldn't get over my interest in her life. It surprised her. The more I asked, the more she answered. Initially, I just wanted to get her story down for family history. I wasn't planning on making a documentary. I don't think either one of us knew what we were getting ourselves into. When she came back to Las Vegas to be interviewed by Mary Palevsky for the Nevada Test Site Oral History Project was the first time I did a professional shoot. When she entered the room and saw the set up with all the lights and camera etc. she was really taken aback yet gracefully went along for the week of shooting.

How did you approach Emiko Okada? What were your emotions when speaking to her for the first time?
Response: My day job was sending me to Japan and I decided to take a few extra vacation days and go to Hiroshima. About three weeks before I left, I emailed the Hiroshima Peace Museum asking if I could have permission to film inside the museum. My simple intention was to juxtapose the Hiroshima Peace Museum with the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas. They put me in touch with Tomoko Nishizaki from the Hiroshima Film Commission. She got me carte blanche to film in the museum and Peace Park. She also got the city of Hiroshima to waive any location filming fees. Tomoko asked me if I wanted to interview a survivor. I hadn’t thought about that. She asked me what kind of survivor did I want to interview? I was really uncomfortable with this question, I felt like I was shopping for a survivor. In the meantime, I had some of my journalist friends to dinner to coach me in interviewing skills and one of them suggested I find a mother and a daughter to make a parallel between my mother and I. I thought this was a fantastic idea and Tomoko found me Ms. Okada and her daughter Yukie.
I was very nervous to meet Ms. Okada, I felt ashamed as an American. She immediately put me at ease and we found a very special connection. She opened up to me in a way that surprised her. I was in awe of her, listening to her story, feeling her pain and sadness. I felt like it was a sacred moment that I was so fortunate to experience. When she asked me if she could hold my hand as we walked in Peace Park, and smiled broadly saying she couldn't believe she was holding hands with an American at ground zero, this was one of the most profound experiences of my life. It almost brought me to my knees.

What would you say was the most difficult part about the film making process?
Response: The editing was really difficult just because the story spanned over several decades and continents. Luckily I had the help of Jennifer Chinlund who is amazing and actually worked on Atomic Mom while simultaneously grieving the loss of her only child. She is an incredible woman and I laude Jennifer for the strength of the film.
Of course personally speaking there were some extremely difficult moments with my mother. As you can imagine, it was really hard for her to watch it. We went back and forth on some things and it got very emotional at times.
Has your mother seen Atomic Mom? What are her thoughts on it?
Response: My mother thinks that it’s too long. And she thinks that there’s too much of her in it and not enough about Ms. Okada. She has given me her blessing.

We thank Ms. Silva for her time and wish her luck with all of her projects. Be sure to look for Atomic Mom at the Rhode Island International Film Festival this August 9th-14th!

An Interview With Filmmaker Nefise Lorentzen

2011-06-28T15:23:00.004-04:00

As the activity surrounding this year's Festival begins to pick up, we thought it would be interesting to get some of the submitted filmmaker's thoughts on the work they've submitted, as well as an idea of where their inspiration comes from and where their aspirations may lead them. Over the coming weeks a series of interviews will be shared. We will begin with an interview with filmmaker Nefise Lorentzen who submitted her film, "A Balloon for Allah".

Norwegian-Turkish filmmaker Nefise Lorentzen sent letters to Allah by balloon as a little girl; now with her film "A Balloon for Allah", Lorentzen sends one more balloon with the wish to change women’s roles in Muslim culture. "A Balloon for Allah" follows Lorentzen as she drinks tea with Egyptian feminist Nawal El Saadawi, finds hope and inspiration in the life of 90-year-old author Gamal-al-Bamma, and meets a young Salafist. Throughout her journey Lorentzen not only learns of the depths of Islam, but also discovers correlations between the three Abrahamic religions and the oppressed social role of women.

Roger Williams University student Brittany Featherstone recently spoke with Nefise about her methods of production, her inspiration, and her goals as a filmmaker.

Of the ten documentaries you’ve directed, which do you feel is the most accomplished?

The first film I directed was my master thesis at the University of Oslo. It is called “Østerlandsreise” (Traveling to the East, 1995, 35 min). At that time I was very inspired by Edward Said’s Orientalism. I have read almost everything he has written. I guess there is nothing called coincidence; my teacher at the university asked me if I was interested in working on film footage of Georg Morgenstierne, a very well known Norwegian linguist. The footage was from Afghanistan and India of 1929. So I made a film where I used Edward Said’s reflections.

I have directed 9 documentaries and five episodes of fiction series for children’s TV. It is difficult for me to judge them. I see my self-accomplishments through them. I think at the beginning I did not connect with my creative part. I admire people with immense knowledge. Since my childhood I have always heard that I think in a funny way, a different way. The urge to be normal was quite strong, so my earlier documentaries are more informative than wondering or questioning.

Through Gender Me, a documentary about Islam and homosexuality, I received incredible pressure from my ex-producer. I felt that I was forced to make a film, which I knew that I would regret at the end. So one day I dreamt about Scheherazade, the main storyteller in the 1001 nights. In the dream she had a deal with me. “ If you leave your producer, I will tell you a secret, a new story which I have never told anybody. It is a story of gay Muslims. 1002nd night story.” I followed her advice and created an animated universe which is linked to the reality of gay Muslims. In that sense I can say that Gender Me is my most accomplished film because I listened to my dreams. It cost me five years of struggling and quite a lot of money. It is always worth it to listen to your inner voice.

The topics of your films are often very controversial. How and why do you choose the subject matter of your films?

When I was a child I was cross-eyed. I did not look like the princess of the mother. I know what it means to be different. I think this experience taught me how I can distinguish genuine empathy or fake- friendliness between each other. Since I used glasses since the age of 3 my cross-eyed problem has gone, but my body remembers the feeling of “exclusion” and “double communications”. Maybe that is the reason I am so attached with fragile stories. I am not using my camera as a voyeur but as a tool, which can bring up the inner strength of any human being.

You’re documentaries often draw from both literature and film. How are you able to accomplish this and why do you use this method of production?

Almost in all of my documentary films I use fictional elements. It’s not only because I like animations or alienation effects, but also because it lets me take a deep breathe. I am very strict about ethical usage of camera and very concerned about how I represent the other people’s life stories in my films. In that sense, I feel that there are several ethical dilemmas in documentary filmmaking. Using fictional elements and playing with metaphors has given me freedom to tell stories from a different perspective. I am a good listener; I do not only listen to the words, but also to the images behind the words. I do not think that reality is told by its nakedness is reality. Every word we use, every action we do has a hidden word and a hidden action. So, that is what I am searching for. Everything that people have swept under the carpet is my area of interest. When there is interpretation there is literature.

A true story always has several layers and several storytellers. What is left then? Where is the truth? I have an incredible attachment to the audience. I feel that all my work is related to finding a “key”. I mean it is like the key in the Alice in the Wonderland. So it is the audience, who creates the story or interprets the story. They use the “key” for finding new doors, new spaces in their lives. I do not exaggerate the meaning of films, because without the existence of the audience the film is just a tape, frame, etc. When I start a project I randomly choose my audience. It might be the lady selling hotdogs, a man sitting beside me at the boat, or a teenager studying his muscles in every mirror he meets. By coincidence I find them. In a sense I live very close to the audience.

When I was making Go Beyond Limits, a documentary about disable kids with immigrant background, I got in touch with a young girl, who had immense detest against immigrants and disabled people. Her only dream was to be rich and pretty. So she was my “precious” audience. Her despite towards the weak was a kind of self-hate. My goal was to make her love all the great kids in my film, even though they do not represent the strongest of all kinds. By doing that I gave her the key to love herself. Thanks to her I have managed to make a film, which shows the inner strength and the dreams of disabled kids. In drama/literature you always have the opposites. My filming process also has double stories. The first process is about engraving the life of protagonists and the second process is to find an intimate audience, not more than five people, which does not appear in the film, which has nothing to do with the topic I am passionately involved with, and will help me to find a dramaturgy of love.

What is it about making films that brings you joy and what type of process do you need to go through to make a film?

Since my childhood I knew that my heart belonged to theater. However, I could not dare to put all my cards into it. It was a kind of hobby. I have a BA in Political Science at the Bosphorous University in Istanbul and an MA in Media and Communication Studies at the University of Oslo, Norway. I have the discipline of academic training. Thank God! Two of my teachers, Petter Watkins (documentary filmmaker) and Bob Foss (film historian) have inspired me a lot. I realized that had I kept ignoring my urge to express myself through art, I could have been one of the unhappiest souls in the world. These two men have given me the “key” to being an artist instead of being an academician.

I deeply enjoy making films, mostly documentaries. I learn about life and develop my perspective about new themes. Sometimes I meet my own prejudices. I can tell you it is not the greatest experience one can have, but it is very necessary. When I filmed a young Salafist for my recent film A Balloon for Allah, I was very amazed by his shyness and his hospitality. I then asked myself why I was so surprised. According to him, a Muslim woman cannot marry a Christian man because Salafists assume that women do not have strong personalities, and therefore might be influenced by their husbands and might leave Islam and become apostles. And again, in Salafist understanding of Islam all the apostles should be killed. They assume that that was what Profet Muhammed said. Going back to the young Salafi sheik that I interviewed in my film, I assumed that he was going to be a very negative guy. I was wrong. He was very concerned about us. He even served us some juice. Of course his understanding of reality is very different than mine. However, we had a good time during filming. He was too shy to look at my eyes! Of course I enjoy making films, it gives me the opportunity to see life up side down. Making films is like reading a dramatic poem and Donald Duck cartoons at the same time. You don’t know if you will get angry or laugh.

My favorite part of producing documentary films is to meet people and find crossing roads in each other’s stories, and of course work together with my staff. In my recent films I have worked with the same cinematographer, animator, editor, sound editor, colorist, and composer. I think they know what I want quite well.

The least enjoyable part is the technical problems in the post-production. When the editing is finished and we send the film to sound editing and color correction and online and texting. I feel some kind of an uneasiness. It is like the baby is thrown in pieces. The moment we put all the files from the 3 or 4 different studious and make a final QT file, yes at that moment I do not see the film but I see each and every single frame. I am very perfectionist. This really kills me. In the pre-production and production I welcome any coincidences and any unexpected things but I have a totally different attitude in the final phase. I cannot accept any changes in any frames. I should admit that I also work with a great staff. They give 110% to the film. So my perfectionism is an epidemic!

What are your inner motivations for making documentaries? What are your goals for your films? What is the most important part of making a documentary film?

My inspirations are people and their stories. My aim in most of my films is to find love. It sounds so banal but I really think that all we need is love. I think the ideas find me. I believe in coincidences. I am not afraid of showing my fragility. Therefore people share their very intimate stories with me.

I think documentarists have a very important mission. The media is obsessed with indicating the racial, cultural, class, and ethnic differences. I intend to show the diversity rather than differences.

In my film, I Have Two Countries, a documentary series for kids, I wanted to show the life of cultural diversity. I filmed the experiences of my kids when we moved to Turkey for 6 months. It was interesting to be witnessing their struggle in combining Norwegian and Turkish identity. I do not believe in identity rhetoric. We are intelligent creatures we can mix with anything and everything. Identities are great hinders for our time. As a hetero woman, I do fight for the rights of my gay friends. Therefore I made Gender Me, a film about Islam and Homosexuality. Some of the gay groups did not like that, because I was not lesbian. A documentarist is an artist who wants to go beyond limits. She cannot be stopped.

How long does it take you to complete a documentary?

It really differs. I have used 5 years for Gender me, and 2 years for A Balloon for Allah. The most high speed project I have ever done was The Young Detectives ( 5 episodes fiction TV series for kids). I got the offer from NRK before Easter and delivered the film before Christmas. In this period I have both written the screenplay together with a co-writer, directed. My company has produced the film.

Why did you make A Balloon for Allah and how did you write it in a way that incorporated the message you wanted to be incorporated?

Again, the whole project has started with a dream. In the dream, I sent a balloon to Allah, and put all my wonder into it. Suddenly I saw a tent that looked like the Sufi tent in my grandmother's stories. Everything was there. The past, the present and the future.. ‘I had to find something… an emerald that could bring a new light to us women. I was free to go wherever I wanted. No one asked me if I had a valid residence permit or a valid passport. There I saw our origins, Adam and Eve: Playful, joyful and erotic. I also wanted to join them. Time almost stood still. I did not know what to do. Eve took an apple, and asked me, “What is your religion? Why didn’t I tell Eve that I'm Muslim? What kept me silent? (Was I ashamed of it?)Somehow, I had lost my language!’

There are so many prejudices about Islam. It is not so difficult to understand. When people think about Islam they only remember 9/11. Or their references are Iran or Afghanistan. Everything is so black and white. As an artist I feel responsible to show the double side of the coin.

How do you connect with the people that share their stories with you, and how do you represent those people accurately?

I am a filmmaker with an accent, living in-betweenness: Europe, Asia – Asia, Europe. I live with images and dreams, which belong to two different continents, and I tell stories in several broken, hybrid languages.
In the research process I read a lot and find people through books or Google. I am very optimistic. When I was making Gender me, I wanted to find a gay imam, but it was not so easy. I spend lots of time on the Internet. This is how I have found Imam Daayiee Abdullah, one of the few open gay imams in the world. He is a great mentor. We have established a great friendship after the film. We talk a lot through skype. He is a very important role model for many gay Muslims. When I write a manus I have no limits and no enemies. I have incredible optimism that everybody will help me. I am very lucky that I have an intellectual producer who has immense knowledge on gender politics. He is one of the few people whom I share my crazy ideas during the research process. I have also worked with producers who could only count pennies and dimes, and who have no interest in politic. A good film is a product of a good cooperation between the director and the producer!

Do you have any plans for the future that you’re willing to share? Is there any advice you would give to young aspiring filmmakers?

I have started to make a trilogy about Islam. I have done two of them. Gender me, Islam and homosexuality, A Balloon for Allah, Islam and feminism and I will finish the trilogy with Islam and masculinity. I have included many young filmmakers in my various projects. I give them responsibilities. I do not want them to serve coffee or tea to me or to some other experienced professionals in the staff. I would rather serve them. I test their egos. Some young filmmakers have incredible egos.
They give too much meaning to their work, and assume that the “audience” is stupid. That is very dangerous for the soul of an artist. The moment you loose respect to the other you sell your soul to the market. I am very stubborn and very dedicated when it comes to my visions. My job as a leader is to inspire all the members of the staff and let them give 110% of their creativity. All the young filmmakers I work with make an agreement with me that they will not accept my ideas without questioning. I like critical young minds, not silent opportunist minds.

We extend our thanks to Nefise Lorentzen for taking the time to answer our questions, and look forward to her upcoming work!

News "I Was Marty: An Interview With Ernest Borgnine"

2011-06-24T19:50:00.005-04:00

When the Rhode Island International Film Festival accepted Another Harvest Moon, it was clear that it was a film possessing the type of tenacity and high performance level that the Festival has come to be known for. Moreover, it was a film that clearly exemplified the type of performance that the world has come to expect from famed actor Ernest Borgnine; convincing, touching, and compelling, Ernest Borgnine’s performance achieved and moved beyond the standard of artistry that he set throughout his career. Following the acceptance of the film into the Festival, RIIFF was very proud to award Ernest Borgnine with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Today, RIIFF is thrilled to see Another Harvest Moon released in theaters across the nation! We are pleased to share the work of Huffington Post contributor Dan Lybarger, who recently interviewed Mr. Borgnine about both Another Harvest Moon and his career. Hope you enjoy his look back on a career that has lasted the better part of a century, and a hearty congratulations to Ernest Borgnine from all of us here at RIIFF!

I Was Marty: An Interview With Ernest Borgnine

Dan Lybarger

Oscar-winner Ernest Borgnine makes no secret about his age, but a quick look at his recent schedule makes it easy to wonder if no one has bothered to tell the Connecticut native that he was born Ermes Effron Borgnino in 1917. As he reminded me during the conversation we had by phone from Los Angeles last Tuesday, that makes him 94.
Last year, he was featured in RED with Bruce Willis and Dame Helen Mirren and even made a stop by Saturday Night Live, although Kenan Thompson didn't give him a chance to talk during "What Up with That?" Children who are too young to remember him as the sadistic Fatso Judson in From Here to Eternity, a leader of The Dirty Dozen, the title character in Marty, Lt. Commander McHale or outlaw Dutch Engstrom from The Wild Bunch, adore him as the over-the-hill superhero Mermaid Man from Spongebob Squarepants.

Thankfully, the youth of America won't have to know about his work in the amusingly regrettable The Devil's Rain, yet.

Borgnine has easily a half dozen films that are either completed or are getting ready to shoot. He spoke to me primarily about portraying a retired World War II Marine in Another Harvest Moon. While Borgnine might not be headed to a nursing home, his character Frank is recovering from a stroke and is struggling with diabetes and other ailments.

The once physically active man can't adjust to playing cards with his neighbors (Anne Meara, Doris Roberts and Piper Laurie) or his memories of battle in the Good War. Another Harvest Moon earned Borgnine a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Rhode Island International Film Festival. The movie is now hitting theaters across the nation today.

He's earned another Lifetime Achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild. From listening to him talk, it's obvious that the burly, jovial actor had to use all the talent he has to be convincing as a fellow at the end of his rope.

My nephews are really excited that I'm talking with Mermaid Man.
EVILLLLL! The kids scream and holler when I do that. To see their faces light up when they hear it from the distance and you can hear them say, "Oh, my God! It's him!" (laughs loudly) It's amazing.

You were in the Navy for 10 years. Is that correct?
That's correct, Dan.

What was it like to play a Marine in a new film?
You never knew that it was a Marine. I tell you that the armed services are the armed services, any way you look at it, whether it was Marines or Navy or Army. You're still a grunt in there if you know I mean.

In an earlier interview with you, you said that working on this film was one of your first exposures to nursing homes.
That's right. Guess what?

What?
I started a new (film in a nursing home) on Thursday, and it's called The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez. It's in another home. It's the damnedest thing you've ever read your life. It's going to be a really good. I just couldn't wait to start it. It's written by a guy named Elia Petridis. It's his first time around, and it's a thing that he wrote. I tell you you've never met such a wonderful man inall your life.

He's just like Delbert Mann was when he worked with me in Marty. That was his first picture, too. We worked together on television years and years before, and then all of the sudden we're working together on a picture called Marty.
Here I am working with another director who it's his first time around, and he's got one called The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez. How about that? And it's going to be in a home (laughs). I tell you we're going to make a western one way or another.

You've said that you missed making westerns.
I think they're marvelous. People don't know what they're missing out on with westerns. Believe me. Girl gets boy, boy gets girl, and they both end up on horseback and everything else.
As a kid I always looked forward on a Saturday just to watch them.

At the same time, one of your greatest movies, The Wild Bunch, takes a lot of those western ideas and turns them on their head.
Yeah, it really did. They really caught the shots on that one. It was the first time you saw people with bullets flying through them. They said, "Holy mackerel! This is for real." That director (Sam Peckinpah), he was the greatest.

If The Wild Bunch showed how all brutal violence can be, Another Harvest Moon demonstrates that people who've lived through that kind of violence can't escape from it easily. The character you play is still haunted by World War II.
Sure, absolutely. There's an awful lot of people who were still haunted by World War II. There's an awful lot of boys coming back from this (current) war itself that will never be good citizens again simply because of the fact that their spirit is broken, and they've lost their compunction for living.
And some of them just don't care, and an awful lot of things happen to people in war. An awful lot of people don't like to talk about war. And I don't blame them because it's a terrible thing.
I was never in battle personally. But I'll tell you one thing: It makes you think an awful lot. I pity those poor people today who have to go through what we go through, simply because there's no one at home who thinks, hey, we're still at war. To us, hey, it's a lark. We're thinking more about the depression than the people who are being killed overseas. It's terrible, and it's a shame. It really is.

Was it tough to play someone who's had a stroke because your health has been fairly good over the last few years?
I tell you, as far as I was concerned, one of the reasons I took this picture is because I said I've never had a stroke. I wondered what it means. I don't do anything like go to hospitals and check out things like that or what have you. I just did it on my own for what was right in that part.
It came out quite well. So, I'm very happy with it. I tell you, it must be a terrible shock to people who have to go through something like that and live through that.

This film has an unusually strong cast, with Anne Meara, Cybill Shepard and Doris Roberts. It's rare to see that many good people in a modest film like this.

Exactly. I think it's because it's a thing that we like to do. It was a good script, and it won a prize.
It was something different. It makes you think about how we treat people who are in the hospital and what we do about them and how we get along with them, the boredom they go through and the reactions they must have. It's just amazing. I guess that's how pictures are made, too.
They were wonderful. I knew Cybill Shepard when she had her own show (Moonlighting) and that wonderful Bruce Willis her, you know. It made a big star out of Bruce Willis and everything else, and she became a big star, too, for a long time.
I tell you, it's just wonderful people. You say to yourself, my goodness. Richard Schiff, there's another one. He gave a beautiful performance, I thought. Everybody who was in it did just marvelous.
We made it on a bunch of peanuts. We didn't get the kind of money here you get in Los Angeles. We did it because we thought it was something good. It's been going around, making the rounds for two and a half, three years almost, and it's getting better all the time. People who have seen this are liking it more and more. And they got a great review in Variety.

You've usually played blue collar roles, but your mother was an Italian countess. It's kind of ironic.
Why do you think?

Most of your characters are blue collar and have to scrape for everything they have. Even the good guys like Marty have to work hard and scrape for everything that they get.
That's right, and that's exactly what happened in my family. We had to work hard to get what we had. I remember the Depression days of 1929 and 1930 and 1933. It was a rough time, and we didn't live high on the hog simply because my mother was a countess. She was still poor. I knew what it was all about.
Believe me, I still think the people of today are getting away with murder even though they call it a depression. It's still not half the depression we had in my day.
They'd better be careful with what they do politically because we had somebody that was pretty good. We had a Roosevelt in there that made things happen. He backed the WPA, the Work Progress Administration, that put people to work. And they put people to doing things, and even if it was cleaning out a forest, they were working, and they were being paid. And they were being honest about it.
It led to people doing things that made a good impression later on, even in the things that happened in the acting field, where they brought all the people together, working and writing scripts. All this work began with the WPA.
Believe me, it was a wonderful thing, but I don't see anything like that happening this time at all. People are going from post to post trying to find a job and what have you. I pity the poor people of today. I really do because they don't stand a chance. There's nobody really looking out for them, and what are you going to do?

You have yet another movie set in a nursing home, don't you?
Yes (laughs). This one's called Nightclub. They made that on a shoestring. I like to give something back. It's one of those kind of things. I took short money, but you're giving something back, that's what counts. And if it does good, then we can go and make a buck somewhere.

As I mentioned before, The Wild Bunch is one my favorites. You and William Holden play these tough, mean thieves. But at the end of the movie, we love you.
Sure. That's it. That's the kind of persons that they were. You didn't care whether you liked us or not. It's just this idea that we were a bunch of crooks, but in the long run we had a lot of heart. And by the time we finished, you knew exactly what that heart meant when they wanted to save their own buddy (Jaime Sanchez). It was that kind of a picture. It was a wonderful picture.

What kind of movie has been tougher for you to make a small film like Marty or a big movie like The Wild Bunch or The Dirty Dozen?

Good question. The Dirty Dozen took an awful lot of people and everything else, and again, it was directed by a wonderful guy, Bob Aldrich. You have to look at yourself andsay look at the director and look at what they had to work with. Look at what they did with The Wild Bunch. Look at Sam Peckinpah and everything else. Two wonderful guys; two beautiful people, just giving it their all. That was the outcome. You can still talk about it even today, even 40 years later.

Another movie you're in that I adore is From Here to Eternity.
(starts laughing) I tell you I've got to be the meanest son of a bitch that ever walked in two shoes. I guess it worked out that way because for a long time I had this short hair. I did a U-turn on Ventura Boulevard, and I suddenly got stopped by the cops. He said, "You can't do that." And when he saw my card, he said, "Whoa. I've got the son of a bitch that killed Frank Sinatra."

One thing that's really interesting is that in real life both you and Sinatra were Italian, but your character was prejudiced against Italians.
Yeah. The greatest compliment I ever had in my life was one day, I was talking to Montgomery Clift. We were sitting all by ourselves in an empty studio, and we saw a door open. And a man and a woman walked in. We paid no attention. We went right on talking.
And suddenly I was engulfed in these huge arms. And the voice said, "You're the son of a bitch I've wrote about when I wrote that book."
And it was James Jones himself. And he said to me, "Keep at it, kid. I love what you're doing." I said, "Thank you very much."
There's a line in there in From Here to Eternity that absolutely absolved "Fatso" Judson. When (Clift and I) had that knife fight, I'm laying there, and he stays over the top of me. And he's looking down at me, and I said to him, "You've killed me. Why did you want to kill me?" Which would have absolved him. He was just doing his job. Right?
I'm saying that line for seven weeks because I didn't want anybody to think as I'm walking down the street, "Oh, you killed me. Why did you want to kill me?" There's always wise guys like that.
And so I studied it and studied it and tried to do it the right way, and I did it. OK.
Now, I'm watching the picture, and I'm all by myself. I'm thinking here comes the absolvment, and everything's going to be fine.
And the bastards had cut it!
And I said, "What the hell!" And then suddenly I realized they left me the bastard, the guy who was supposed to be the bad guy. And I said, "Holy mackerel. You couldn't ask for better."
And from then I did nothing but kill people until Marty came along.

Did people have trouble believing that you could be lovable as Marty?
That was me. I was Marty. Believe me, when they went to cast the picture, Bob Aldrich, who had read the script. They said to him, "Who on earth should play the part?" They couldn't get Rod Steiger, who had played that part on TV because he was doing Oklahoma!. He said,"I know of only one fellow: Ernie Borgnine."
"Ernie Borgnine? He's a killer for god's sake. What's the matter with you?"
He said, "No, he's an actor. He knows how to do it." They came up to me, and I realized they wanted me for the part all right. But they were only going to make half the picture and shelve it because they wanted to take a tax loss. Believe it or not.
So, when the time came, and we were shooting it in New York with no sets or anything else. And the taxman said, "No, you've got to finish shooting the picture, show it one night and then you can take a tax loss."
I made the whole picture for $5,000 and the promise for a seven-year contract with Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, which cost me half a million to get out of it (laughs). It goes on and on you know. Where else can I have found something that would get me nominated and get me an Academy Award, the British Academy Award and the Golden Globe? I tell you I won all kinds of awards that year.

I saw you recently in The Devil's Rain.
Have you really? I've played them all.

How difficult was it to make you look like a goat?
Well, it took four hours of makeup. I tell you it wasn't the easiest thing to eat with. You had that whole thing in your mouth and in your face. But we did it and it worked out. And I tell you, when I go to these autograph sessions, the people are just wild about it. They say, "I loved it. It was great."
And it was all made, believe it or not, with mafia money. I was owed about $25,000, but damned if I'm going to go ask for it.

Your best known role is still in McHale's Navy. How did it compare to when you were on active duty?
Well, I'll tell you. It's not the Navy; it's McHale's Navy. There was this gentleman who was our technical adviser. He was a lieutenant in the service. He said, "What are we shooting here?"
I said, "We're shooting McHale's Navy."
He said, "But it's not the Navy."
"It's not the Navy; it's McHale's Navy."
He said, "Don't call us. We'll call you."
One day I got a note from the front office and it said that you got a call from the Pentagon in Washington. I said, "Oh, my God. What have I done now?"
Sure enough, it was the Secretary of the Navy. And he called me in, and we had a lovely, lovely luncheon in his quarters there at the Pentagon. And I'm sitting there with a beer and everything else we had, and I had to find out.
I said, "Sir, why are we doing all this?"
He said, "It's because you're the best damn recruiter we ever had. We got more people into the reserve and the Navy because of McHale's Navy." That was wonderful.

You've just won the Screen Actors Guild lifetime achievement award. How did it feel when you were told you were going to win it?
Well, I couldn't say anything about it for a month. I had to give all kinds of interviews and take all kinds of pictures. I've never been through so much hell in my life. It was worth it because of the fact it was given to me by my peers. You couldn't ask for better than that. For a guy like me who had spent 10 years in the Service, who came out and just on my mother's say so -- she said, "Have you ever thought about being an actor? You're always making a darn fool of yourself in front of people. You want to give it a try."
And then, I became an actor. And can you imagine me getting a lifetime achievement award because of that? I have an awful lot of memories of what I had to go through. I could write another book. I've got one out now called Ernie. But I tell you, I might just write another book.

Unlike a lot of other people who receive awards like this, you still have an active career.
Absolutely. Like I said, I'm staring one Thursday. And I've got the lead in the damn thing.

You're also fresh off a hit with RED.
Who's a wonderful guy to work with? Bruce Willis. Son of a gun, the first time I ever saw him was on that Cybill Shepard show, and I said, by golly, I'd like to work with him. He's a go getter, and sure enough, he became a big star. I don't know what the hell has happened to him since RED. He suddenly disappeared off the face of the earth. I hope to goodness he's all right. I hope to goodness we get to do a sequel because I told him I want to carry a big gun.

Do you still do a lot of your own housework?
Absolutely. You've got to keep a nice house and everything else, so I do my own housework. I make my own bed. I do my own laundry. I do everything. I think it's wonderful because of the fact that my mother taught me. She said you never know if something might happen to your wife and you have to care for her.
So, I've never forgotten it. It doesn't make me a sissy in any way because I think I can hold my own. I'm just proud of the fact that I'm able to do so at 94.

Follow this link to the Huffington Post Interview: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-lybarger/i-was-marty-an-interview-_b_883667.html

News from David Ranghelli on "The Calling"

2011-03-28T18:51:00.002-04:00

Greetings...I trust you're well. I wanted to pass on some recent developments concerning my documentary The Calling.

The film has been gaining continued respect and appreciation on a national/international scope. We just screened at the San Diego Latino Film Festival...considered the SUNDANCE of Latino cinema...where our screening/discussion was a big hit...their Festival Programmer Lisa Franek even sent me the following email:

David:

We were very proud to show your film, and I heard people talking about it days later very positively. Thanks for participating in the festival!

Lisa

Due to our success The Calling is being invited to participate in other festival/academic events...

Tomorrow evening The Calling will be screened at DREW UNIVERSITY's Divinity School...here is link promoting the event:

http://www.drew.edu/news/2011/03/22/83894

And here are invitations we received from the Directors of two film festivals to be part of their events...

Dear Mr. David Ranghelli,

Congratulations on the successful reception of your film, The Calling at the 2011 San Diego Latino Film Festival. This is to invite The Calling to be showcased at the 2011 Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival (RRAFF) - the first exhibition forum in Los Angeles, Southern California and the West Coast to focus on the U.S. Latino experience in film and art. Please disregard the submission fee information and know that if you agree to showcase The Calling at RRAFF, the film's programming is guaranteed and will not be subject to the general submissions jury selection process.

Thank you.

John Ramirez, Ph.D.

Department of Television, Film & Media Studies
Professor of Media Studies

Director, Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival
www.reelrasquache.org

Shalom,
Greetings from Israel. This is an invitation to show your film "The Calling" to the 5th Tel Aviv SPIRIT Film Festival that takes place from November 2 to 5 2011 at Cinematheque Tel Aviv. This international spiritual film festival will give us a great opportunity to share your movie to the Israeli audience in a high quality and well covered film festival. Our invitation waves the festival application fee.

Best wishes
Harsita & Anamika Eshel
Founders & Art Directors
Tel Aviv SPIRIT Film Festival
www.spiritfestival.co.il

Once again...I wish to thank you for your support of my work...and best of luck with the next installment of the RIIFF! BTW, Providence College/Brown University/and the Providence Latino Film Fest may have us back in your area soon...I'll let you know how that develops...

Peace:

David

www.thecallingdocumentary.com

Marlyn Mason launches website

2011-02-24T14:03:00.003-05:00

I was just sent the link to Marlyn's site: http://www.marlynmason.com/index.html

Very cool.

Marlyn is part of the RIIFF family and just a very amazing human being!

The Graduates: The Little Film That Could

2011-01-17T18:30:00.000-05:00

Author: GraduatesMovie

New York, NY: The Graduates, made for a mere $95,000 opens in select cities this May.

Most indie films spend $95,000 before lunch on the first day. So how did director/producer Ryan Gielen squeeze an entire movie out of the tiny budget?

“We begged, borrowed and stole, literally,” says Gielen. “We didn’t actually steal, but we did get about $250,000 worth of free stuff from supporters, which is the only way we could make the film.”

The hysterical coming-of-age comedy is full of laughs and touching moments, and even won the prestigious Director Discovery Award at one of the country’s top film festivals, Rhode Island International Film Festival.

How is The Graduates faring in this tough economy?

“We’ve sold out ten festival and sneak preview screenings in a row, all by word-of-mouth,” says Gielen. “People need a laugh right now, and we’re thrilled to give it to them.”

Gielen and his brother Matthew Gielen (also a producer on The Graduates) are pioneering the way filmmakers use free social media and new media to spread the word about the film, selling out ten (10) sneak previews in a row.

“Indie filmmakers now have the ability to become small business owners,” says Gielen. “We’re not dependent on a studio to create a film or sell a film. Everyone would love that luxury, but the reality is that we must take control of our film’s fate, and free social media like Facebook and Twitter allow us to do that.”

One trick the filmmakers employ: giving away 1,000,000 free soundtracks to The Graduates, for free.

“Anyone who wants to get to know our film, or the bands involved can download our soundtrack for free, any time, anywhere,” says Gielen.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/movies-articles/the-graduates-the-little-film-that-could-885583.html

About the Author

The Graduates opens in select cities this May. The soundtrack can be downloaded from www.thegraduatesmovie.com/music

Trece Años (Thirteen Years) by Topaz Adize

2011-01-16T11:34:00.000-05:00

Guillermo Ivan returns to his family in Cuba for the first time in 13 years and experiences a greater divide than just distance.

Here is the complete short that played RIIFF in 2009, now posted online.

Trece Años (Thirteen Years) from Topaz Adizes on Vimeo.

"Bedfellows" set for release

2011-01-16T11:32:00.000-05:00

It's always great to see films that played at RIIFF move forward and achieve success!

Aspiring Vaughan filmmaker hoping for big break

2011-01-16T11:24:00.000-05:00

By Adam Martin-Robbins
http://www.yorkregion.com/print/929700
January 14, 2011

Filmmaker Joseph Procopio would love his career to unfold as it did for famed New Zealand auteur Peter Jackson.

“I hope I follow in his footsteps,” the 16-year-old Vaughan resident said. “He’s a very talented filmmaker.”

In fact, their paths have already followed a similar route.

Mr. Jackson, who is perhaps best known as director of the lauded Lord of the Rings trilogy, began making low-budget short films with his friends as a youngster. He churned out short films throughout his teenage years until getting his big break in his early 20s when his first full-length feature, Bad Taste, was accepted into the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival.

Joseph was nine when he made his first short film.

Inspired by watching countless hours of bonus features, he wrote, shot and starred in Nine Times Eight in 2004. It was well received on the youth film-festival circuit, garnering him five awards including best film at Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children.

He hasn’t looked back since. Joseph churned out nine more short films in the years following his debut.

In total, his films have been screened at 108 film festivals including the Toronto Student Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Rhode Island Film Festival. He’s won 38 prizes for his work.

The self-taught filmmaker is now busy working on the project he hopes will give his career a major boost — Onion Skin.

“It’s about the power of letter-writing,” Joseph said. “It’s a simple boy meets girl (story), but it has a more exaggerated aspect to it.”

Filmed in part at his school, Villanova College in King City, the movie follows Jeff (played by Zack Peladeau) as he tries to court his classmate Kaitlyn (Vanessa Quagliara) by writing her a letter the old-fashioned way.

“The whole story is interpreting and truly understanding the letter,” Joseph said.

The inspiration for the story came from letters mailed to Joseph by his relatives.

“When I receive a letter in my mailbox from my aunt, I feel warm when I read it,” he said.
Onion Skin is Joseph’s most ambitious project to date.

His past efforts had budgets in the hundreds of dollars, involved fewer than 10 cast and crew members and generally ran five to eight minutes in length.

He estimates this latest endeavour is going to cost between $8,000 and $10,000.

For the first time, Joseph held a casting call to find acting talent for this film. He also drummed up sponsors and enlisted someone with experience to do hair and makeup.

Onion Skin is expected to have a running time of between 11 and 15 minutes.

But the larger scale isn’t the only thing that sets this film apart from his past projects, he said.

“My stories now are way more mature than they were before,” Joseph said. “My stories before were very adolescent. They were still good stories, but they didn’t have the character development that they do now.”

Joseph hopes Onion Skin lands him a spot at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. He also hopes it grabs the attention of a production company willing to invest some money in one of the two feature film projects he’s currently working on.

His father, Frank, has been involved in each of Joseph’s films. He’s confident Onion Skin will lead to a breakthrough.

“I think the material is strong enough that we should be able to get him an agent,” Mr. Procopio said. “When we went to Palm Springs (film festival), when he was nine, the guy from Palm Springs said, ‘I can’t wait to see what he does when he’s 20.’ That was 10 films ago, so we’re dying for him to see this is where we arrived.”

If his big break doesn’t come, Joseph has a backup plan.

“I want to be a teacher when I grow up,” he said. “As much as I love filmmaking, unless it takes off, I want to become a teacher.”

Academy Award Short Listed Films: Animation and Live Action

2010-12-04T15:12:00.000-05:00

The most recent list of Films from which will emerge the Oscar® nominations:

Animated Short Films

“The Cow Who Wanted to Be a Hamburger,” Bill Plympton, director (Bill Plympton Studio)

“Coyote Falls,” Matthew O’Callaghan, director and Sam Register, executive producer (Warner Bros. Animation Inc.)
“Day & Night,” Teddy Newton, director (Pixar Animation Studios)

“The Gruffalo,” Jakob Schuh and Max Lang, directors (Magic Light Pictures)

“Let’s Pollute,” Geefwee Boedoe, story-design-animation (Geefwee Boedoe)

“The Lost Thing,” Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann, directors (Passion Pictures Australia)

“Madagascar, Carnet de Voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary),” Bastien Dubois, director (Sacrebleu Productions)

“Sensology,” Michel Gagne, director-producer (GAGNE International LLC)

“The Silence beneath the Bark,” Joanna Lurie, director (Lardux Films)

“Urs,” Moritz Mayerhofer, director (Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg)

Live Action Short Films

“Ana’s Playground,” Eric D. Howell, director (StoryForge, LLC)

“The Confession,” Tanel Toom, director (National Film and Television School)

“The Crush,” Michael Creagh, director (Purdy Pictures)

“God of Love,” Luke Matheny, director (Luke Matheny)

“Na Wewe,” Ivan Goldschmidt, director-producer (CUT!)

“Seeds of the Fall,” Patrik Eklund, director, and Mathias Fjellstrom, producer (Direktorn & Fabrikorn)

“Shoe,” Nick Kelly, director, and Seamus Byrne, producer (Zanita Films)

“The Six Dollar Fifty Man,” Mark Albiston and Louis Sutherland, directors (Sticky Pictures Ltd.)

“Sma Barn, Stora Ord (Little Children, Big Words),” Lisa James Larsson, director and Andreas Emanuelsson, producer (Bob Film Sweden AB)

“Wish 143,” Ian Barnes, director, and Samantha Waite, producer (Swing and Shift Films/Union Pictures)

NEWS FROM FILMMAKER VANESSA GOULD

2010-10-20T19:07:00.000-04:00

Dear friends from our film festival days:

I wanted to briefly share the sad news of Eric Joisel's passing last week in Argenteuil, France. Eric was the much-beloved Frenchman in Between the Folds.

His loss - at the pinnacle of his career - can only be described as immense. . . and felt in all corners of the world. However, we're finding some solace by celebrating and sharing the incredible artwork that he left us with.

Here is more information in today's obituary in the New York Times . (10/20/10)

Much love,
Vanessa
Director, Between the Folds

NEWS FROM FILMMAKER DAN HANNON

2010-10-20T18:44:00.000-04:00

'The Pond' is a Double Award Winner at the 2010 New Hampshire Film Festival

October 20, 2010 - THE POND, a narrative short film, has won the juried 2010 Best New Hampshire Short and overall 2010 Best Dramatic Short Awards at the 10th Annual New Hampshire Film Festival this past weekend. These awards come on the heels of the film's first award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Hannon attended the packed homecoming New Hampshire screenings accompanied by several members of the film's cast and crew. As one of the New Hampshire Film Festival's founding directors, Hannon felt doubly as honored to have the film recognized for its achievements by this year's awards juries and committees.

"This was such a momentous year for the festival, and all of us involved behind the scenes raised the bar especially high for the 10^th anniversary. Each and every year the event has successfully taken a step forward, but the difference between this year and last is miles!" Hannon said. "To already have the excitement of the festival itself buzzing around in my head, and then to win not one but two awards right here in the midst of my friends and family for 'The Pond' is a surreal feeling. I'm a tall guy as it is, but I'm walking even taller right now," he laughed.

THE POND is a moving and surprising story about a young woman distraught over the death of her husband, who sets about scattering his ashes in a place they had both loved and in doing so makes a discovery for which no one could ever be prepared. The richly cinematic film was shot entirely in the picturesque state of New Hampshire and represents the directorial debut of writer Dan Hannon, who also penned the original screenplay.

Joining the writer/director are the recognizable onscreen talents of Alicia Witt (NBC's "Friday Night Lights," 88 MINUTES, THE UPSIDE OF ANGER), David Morse (2010 Academy Award® Best Picture THE HURT LOCKER, THE GREEN MILE, PROOF OF LIFE) and Todd Rotondi (2010 Sundance Film Festival hit HOWL). The powerful story also attracted offscreen talents including producer Francine DiChiara, cinematographer Jendra Jarnagin and composer Justin R. Durban.

The 2010 New Hampshire Film Festival took place October 14-17 in Portsmouth, NH. To learn more about the festival, visit www.nhfilmfestival.com.

For more information about THE POND, and to view a teaser of the film, visit www.thepondmovie.com.

NEWS FROM FILMMAKER DAN COPLAN

2010-10-20T18:43:00.000-04:00

ENLIGHTENMENT’ COMES TO THE VOD/DIGITAL REALM

"Echos of Enlightenment," the critically acclaimed Winner of the Ajijic Film Festival and Telluride Indiefest is now available via video-on-demand and digital downloading from both Netflix and Amazon.com

An underdog film, it was made on a shoestring budget by a band of 60 people whose hearts and minds were captured by this fascinating story about a sleazy lawyer who stumbles upon enlightenment.

Here’s what some people who have seen it have to say:

"A great story told by a visionary!" Antwone Fisher.

"An original and admirable work that deserves to be seen by many!" Tom Luddy, Co-Director, Telluride Film Festival

"If you can't watch Echos of Enlightenment for the spiritual quest or the human search for meaning, watch it simply because it delivers a profoundly different experience than the run-of-the-mill film. Most likely, you will thank yourself, and you will find the film crossing your thoughts more than you might like to admit." Matt Hudson, The Dog Pile

" very philosophical, quirky, and unique. Very "un-hollywood" and that's good!" Barry Kibrick, Between The Lines, KLCS-TV, Los Angeles

"ECHOS resonates with mystery! A hauntingly strange film ... has the feel of the hit MEMENTO ... it keeps you guessing!" Michael Janusonis, The Providence Journal.

"...magic, mystery, and dimensions beyond our normal beliefs!" Vision Magazine

"A passionate, powerful tale of one man's search for meaning!" Timothy Rhys, MovieMaker Magazine.

"A thought provoking film! We rate it 8 out of 10, with 10 being the best!" Suzanne Woo, The Buddha’s Drum Magazine.

"Echos is a success!" J. Paul Peszko

, Whole Life Times

The story is told in the context of a wife's search for her missing husband, Daniel, who is pushed beyond the brink by bottom feeding clients and greedy creditors. You see, every day, somewhere in America, a middle-aged man leaves his home and his family, and never returns. Two months later, fed up with the police, the press, the FBI, Mary, his wife, retraces his every step and meets all the people Daniel touched before his disappearance and makes a startling spiritual discovery!

The film stars Christine Harte (Jamie Kennedy Experiment, The Invisible Man, The Bold & The Beautiful); Shannah Laumeister (Diamond Men, 61*, NYPD Blue); Jesse Goins (24, Becker, Soldier, Patriot Games, RoboCop); Luis Saguar (Nash Bridges, Flawless, 8mm); Dennis Hayden (Wild Bill, Die Hard); Stephen Furst (Animal House, Babylon 5); William Richert (A Night In the Life of Jimmy Reardon, Winter Kills); Gordon Noice (NYPD Blue); and, Jo Marie Payton (Will & Grace, Family Matters, Moesha). It was produced by Gloria Everett and Daniel J. Coplan; written and directed by Daniel J. Coplan; photographed by Howard Wexler with an original score by Charles Gregory Washington, and featuring the songs of Electrostatic and Nectarphonic.

For more info visit:

www.echoesthemovie.com, Netflix.com, or Amazon.com

H.P. LOVECRAFT WALKING TOUR

2010-10-19T21:59:00.000-04:00

Popular Annual tour will explore Lovecraft’s favorite Providence haunts

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence native and cult horror writer H.P. Lovecraft will be the subject of a a popular annual walking tour and film series during the annual FLICKERS: RI International Horror Film Festival (RIIHFF), October 21 – 24, 2010.

The life and work of Providence's best-known fantasy and horror author, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, will provide the backdrop for the tour, which will be lead by the Rhode Island Historical Society. Lovecraft's "Providence stories" (written between 1924 and 1935) are the inspiration behind the walk. Lovecraft wrote eloquently, and in great detail, about such landmarks as Prospect Terrace, the First Baptist Church, and Benefit Street houses. Participants will see the site of his former home, as well as locales mentioned in The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, The Haunter of the Dark, The Shunned House, and The Call of Cthulhu.

Following the tour, which begins at 3:00 p.m. and lasts for approximately 90 minutes, participants will be treated to ticket to see a film screening at the Bell Street Chapel Theatre good for anytime during the Festival.

“It is amazing how Lovecraft’s horror writing still resonates with audiences today,” commented Demetria J. Carr, Managing Director of the Rhode Island International Film Festival. “Providence provided the inspiration for his most chilling and terrifying stories. This walking tour is a wonderful opportunity for his fans to connect with the man behind the writer.”

The H.P. Lovecraft Walking Tour will cost $17per person, and includes a ticket to the Horror Festival. The Walking Tour can be purchased in advance by calling the RIIFF offices at 401.861.4445 or ordered directly online at http://www.film-festival.org/HPLovecraft10.php

EVENT DETAILS:
• H.P. LOVECRAFT WALKING TOUR
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 3:00 p.m. The tour departs from the John Brown House at 52 Power Street, Providence.

The life and work of Providence's best-known fantasy and horror author, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, provide the backdrop for this walking tour. The tour lasts 90 minutes.

Cost: Tickets are $17 per person, include a ticket to the Horror Festival and can be purchased online. The Walking Tour can be purchased in advance by calling the RIIFF offices at 401.861.4445 or ordered directly online at http://www.film-festival.org/HPLovecraft10.php

News from "Sea of Dust"

2010-04-11T20:19:00.000-04:00

Greetings Everyone,

Pauline and I are pleased to announce that the day we've all worked toward is finally at hand: SEA OF DUST has signed a North American distribution deal with Cinema Epoch. Let us repeat that: SEA OF DUST will be arriving in stores this fall!

It's been a long and (at times) frustrating climb to this point, so we'd like to thank you for your enduring support of the picture. We hope you know that any delays were the result of our commitment to providing SEA with the very best opportunity.

The Cinema Epoch deal was the result of a lot of great people's talent and effort. First and foremost, the amazing cast and crew that brought this strange little film into being. Secondly, the many supporters who refused to give up on the picture. Finally, the great management team at Circus Road, who were committed to obtaining the deal they felt the picture deserved.

The details of our distribution have yet to be made public, so we ask for your patience. There will be an exclusive announcement made through Fangoria shortly. As many of you are aware, the venerated horror magazine/website has been a tremendous supporter of SEA. Despite the film's eccentricities, Fango have champion it worldwide (including showcasing it at last year's Trinity of Terrors).

As for the DVD specifics: SEA OF DUST will arrive in a special edition format, complete with a Behind the Scenes documentary, slide show presentation, trailer/teaser collection, deleted scenes, and various other additions.

For those of you unaware, Cinema Epoch are one of the best distributed DVD labels in this hemisphere. Just as important, CE have shown a real dedication to art house fare, from the bizarre comic/horrors of Takishi Miike (GOZU, DEMON POND) to such high-profile historical dramas as GALLIPOLI. CE have also demonstrated a commitment to offering such independent material as Don Glut's I WAS A TEENAGE MOVIEMAKER, a documentary spotlighting the early work of the author/filmmaker.

Again, details on the SEA OF DUST package and release date will be made available soon. Please stop by our Facebook page and become a FAN to ensure continued updates! And do spread the word. The expansion of our Facebook and web page lists are essential to the success of the film!

Best,

Scott and Pauline

News from Evan Richards and "In a Day"

2010-01-26T22:55:00.000-05:00

Film was 2006 Winner, Grand Prize, Best Feature

Wanted to make a little announcement.

Off the successful run on IFC Films Festival Direct program, my feature
film debut (writer / director) "In A Day" is released on DVD today (Jan. 26, 2010)

"In A Day" is being distributed by IFC Films / MPI for purchase via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders and other sell-through websites.

"In A Day" can also be rented on Netflix and Blockbuster online.

The DVD contains:

a Behind-The-Scenes 'making of' called "86,400 Seconds"
a commentary / interview (with myself), conducted by amazing filmmaker T. Arthur Cottam.

"Charming and immensely likeable romantic comedies aren’t so common, so viewers should cherish this one from writer-director Evan Richards."

- latest review from Home Media Magazine.com

Official website: www.inadaymovie.com

Big thanks for those involved with the production!

And a general sincere and loving thank you for the support of "In A Day" and my career.

(Next feature film coming soon....)

Best,

Evan

News from "Team Taliban"

2009-11-09T00:10:00.000-05:00

Ben Kagen wrote us:

I wanted to pass along an exciting update regarding Team Taliban. The film was picked up by IndiePix films and is now available for download.

I wanted to say thanks again for the great festival. This is an exciting next step in the life of the film, and wouldn't have been possible without strong festival screenings.

Below is the link to the film's download page. I'd appreciate your help in passing the information along and spreading the word (newsletters, twitter, etc.).

http://www.indiepixfilms.com/film/4036#

Thanks so much!

Ben

Ben Kegan

News from Jon Bowden and "The Full Picture"

2009-11-02T08:48:00.001-05:00

The Full Picture is alive and well with two big events on the horizon. The first is AFM (American Film Market) down in sunny Santa Monica in Los Angeles County. AFM is the largest gathering of international buyers and sellers in the world and our best shot at securing distribution. I’ll be there, pressing palms and swilling coffee, November 7th through the 12th.

From there, I’ll be hitting the road and heading to the Red Rocks Film Festival outside of Zion National Park, Utah. Red Rocks was rated highly by MovieMaker Magazine this year so it’s sure to be worth the trip. In addition, we’ve been given the primetime screening of 8:45pm on Saturday, November 14th - the last night of the festival!

To help build interest around The Full Picture, I’ve posted four clips on YouTube. Please take a moment to watch and rate them. If you feel inclined to send them out to your friends or to post them to your facebook wall, please be my guest. If a dog pushing a skateboard can go viral, so could one of these clips. And for sure, one of these scenes will change the way you view sushi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv5Nw9E8xVI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_U1ITr8ZqQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10jbn3BEVI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_86NPOY7mMI

Thank you for your help in getting The Full Picture out into the digital world.

Enjoy,

Jon
www.thefullpicturemovie.com

News from Vanessa Gould of "Between the Folds"

2009-10-29T23:13:00.000-04:00

"Between the Folds" was recently picked up by PBS's Independent Lens, as well as by their Community Cinema national tour (for the month of November 2009). Additionally, the DVD is now for sale on our website!

http://www.greenfusefilms.com/

News from Stu Maddox

2009-10-23T14:13:00.000-04:00

I'm sure that you know about the big gay story this week: the feds opening a center for LGBT elders. Our two films on LGBT Aging issues

Bob and Jack's 52-Year Adventure and

Gen Silent (release date: 5/10)

are getting a boost from the news and I thought it would be a good chance to check in with everyone. (please check out the latest two entries on this page): http://stumaddux.com/BLOG.html

Have a great weekend!

Stu Maddux, Director Editor
http://stumaddux.com

SEA OF DUST JOINS FANGORIA’S TRINITY OF TERRORS

2009-10-15T21:39:00.000-04:00

NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT "SEA OF DUST"
“Trippy” Midnight Movie to Open Festival

New York, New York – SEA OF DUST is pleased to announce its October 30th appearance at Fangoria’s Trinity of Terrors (www.trinityofterrors.com) in Las Vegas, Nevada. SEA is scheduled to open the three day festival, with a Friday afternoon projection followed by a Panel Q&A with director Scott Bunt and star Tom Savini.

The multi-festival winning SEA OF DUST stars Tom Savini (FROM DUSK TIL DAWN, DAWN OF THE DEAD) as a historically-based Christian King kidnapping the souls of those he deigns unfaithful so he can force their participation in his religious crusade. Ably assisted by genre icons Ingrid Pitt (THE VAMPIRE LOVERS) and Stuart “Multiple Miggs” Rudin (SILENCE OF THE LAMBS), the tongue-in-cheek film also features the contribution of musician Stephen Malkmus (PAVEMENT).

“We’re truly humbled to be part of this event,” says Bunt. “It really is an amazing opportunity.”

Fangoria’s inaugural Trinity of Terrors will be held at the Palms Casino Resort (www.palms.com) on Halloween weekend, Friday, October 30th – Sunday, November 1st. Rock powerhouse Slipknot (www.slipknot1.com) will highlight the event, performing a special Saturday night concert. In addition, Trinity will offer an exemplary lineup of celebrity guests, including Bruce Campbell, Roger Corman, John Waters, and dozens of others.

This isn’t the first time Fangoria has championed the unabashedly “trippy nightmare” SEA OF DUST. Earlier this year, the magazine’s Weekend of Horrors took the film’s acclaimed trailer cross-country.

“We owe Fangoria a tremendous debt of gratitude,” says Bunt. “Publications often claim that they’re willing to embrace films outside the scope of conventional horror. Fangoria are one of the few that lives this credo.”

Visit the film’s official site (www.seaofdust.com) to see why SEA has been called “a humorous mix of Cronenberg, Bava and Hammer Films. What seems like a campy horror flick at first glance turns out to be much smarter” (BUTFF).

News from Alexia Kosmider

2009-10-06T07:37:00.000-04:00

This just in: October 5, 2009

George: I thought you or other members of RIIFF would like to know that our documentary Not Your Mama's Roller Derby, which premiered at the film fest this August received a contract with a distributor CRM---so obviously we and the film fest have lot of success stories--thanks again for help making this film successful!!!

best Alexia Kosmider

‘Gone Fishing’ wins the Producers Guild Of America Awards

2009-06-09T11:04:00.000-04:00

Sony Studios, Culver City, LA, the weekend of June 6th / 7th, hosted the very first Producers Guild Of America ‘Produced By Conference’, with 100 plus keynote guest speakers including James Cameron, Clint Eastwood and an army of other top industry experts and producers.

The event culminated in the very first PGA Producers Challenge on Sunday evening. With the finalists drawn from over 600 entrants from around the world, ‘Gone Fishing’ competed against four other films and won the coveted Best Film award. British Producer / Director Chris Jones was present to accept the award from Gale Anne Hurd, producer of films such as ‘Aliens’, ‘Terminator’ and most recently, ‘The Incredible Hulk’.

‘The judges were unanimous in selecting Gone Fishing as the winner and we all felt it was a wonderful film’ said one member of the jury. The prizes included a mentoring lunch with one of Hollywood’s top producers.

‘Gone Fishing’ has already won over 25 international accolades and was Oscar shortlisted in 2009.

Winning this award, from The Producers Guild Of America, is extraordinary!’ comments Producer / Director Chris Jones.

What makes the film unusual is the way in which it was financed and made. Chris Jones is the author of the hugely successful Guerilla Film Makers Handbook series (over 100,000 copies sold) and ‘Gone Fishing’ gave him the chance to reach out to that community of emerging film makers surrounding the books.

Says Jones, ‘I could not fund the film myself, so I chose to ask everyone I ever met for £50, including the film makers who had bought the book in the past. In return I promised I would do my best to make a world class movie, throw a great premiere and give them a credit on the movie… so we have 200 producers! I guess we were pioneers in the now accepted term of ‘crowd sourcing’ as a way of funding a film.’

‘We also promised to take everyone on our journey, and documented the whole process via a blog, including many hours of behind the scenes video. The blog has become its own entity now, attracting thousands of film makers every week.’ (www.chrisjonesblog.com)

Jones has already decided he will be back next year, ‘the conference was an amazing insight and I can’t afford to miss attending next year, it’s that essential’.

Chris Jones works out of the historic Ealing Film Studios in West London.

Contact us on mail@livingspirit.com
www.chrisjonesblog.com

News from Tim Hotchner of "Accelerating America"

2009-05-09T11:44:00.000-04:00

“Accelerating America” is now available (download/DVD) on Amazon. In the upcoming weeks the film will also be available on sites like Snag.

The film had its East Coast Premiere at RIIFF and won our top documentary award.

Here's the link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_e?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=accelerating+america&x=14&y=15

p.s. The film just got a write-up in IFC.com:
http://www.ifc.com/news/2009/05/summer-anywhere-but-a-movie-th.php

p.p.s. You can become a fan of the film on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Accelerating-America/84227511198

More from Rob Margolies on "Lifeline"

2009-03-14T08:46:00.000-04:00

Dear Cast, Crew, Family, and Friends,

A few updates for you!

First of all, don’t forget to see LIFELINES when it opens at the Quad Cinema in NY on April 3rd! Visit: www.LifelinesMovie.com for more info, show times, etc.! As soon as tickets are available online, I will send out another email with the link to purchase them...

I’m also pleased to announce that LIFELINES will be opening at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theater in LA on April 24th! If you live in the LA area, please mark your calendar and spread the word!

On the nights of April 3rd and 4th (Friday and Saturday) in NYC as well as April 24th and 25th (Friday and Saturday) in LA, there will be after parties to celebrate the film. There will be prizes to be won and free giveaways to those who can attend! Entry is free with purchase of a “Lifelines” movie ticket.

Last but not least, attached is the official LIFELINES theatrical poster! As a means to raise money for the promotion and advertising of LIFELINES in NY, LA, as well as other cities in the future, I am currently selling posters on my website. Please help support the movie by purchasing posters! Visit: www.LifelinesMovie.com for more info on purchasing posters! Click on the poster image. It will lead you to a secure checkout.

Thank you, and hope to see everybody soon!

News from Rob Margolies and "Lifelines"

2009-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

It is my pleasure to announce the theatrical release of LIFELINES (previously titled: WHEREVER YOU ARE).

WHEN: APRIL 3rd (playing everyday for at least two weeks with 5 show times daily).

WHERE: QUAD CINEMA (13th St. between 5th and 6th – New York, NY 10011 -- www.QuadCinema.com).

VISIT: www.DifferentDuckFilms.com for all information pertaining to LIFELINES.

Also, I am now on FACEBOOK to help promote the movie. If you are a Facebooker please search for the movie and myself. The group name may still be under WHEREVER YOU ARE, however, Facebook has been notified and they are going to be changing it to LIFELINES any day now...

After many months of hard work, patience, and success at film festivals, the movie has picked up some strong buzz. For the next two months I will be working very closely with Workhouse Publicity, doing everything possible to make this movie a success.

It would mean the world to me if all of you, who I know, told and/or took your own friends and families to go see the movie when it opens at the Quad! With positive critical support and great word-of-mouth, LIFELINES will widen its release and possibly play in 100+ theatres by the start of summer.

In a few weeks from now I will be sending out a reminder email along with the official, original poster (currently being created) as well as an electronic invitation, more information, and other goodies! If anyone knows of any public NY establishments that would hang a poster in their window or something, please let me know!

Thank you in advanced for all of your support and encouragement thus far.

News from Jon Bowden and "The Full Picture"

2009-01-14T18:33:00.000-05:00

"The Full Picture," winner of the grand prize for "Best Feature" at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, will have its West Coast Premiere and homecoming at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival this February! For those who have not been following the film, here's the pitch:

The Full Picture is an honest and often comical story about how the secrets we keep are more revealing than the truths we tell. The dramatic comedy revolves around Mark Foster, a seemingly regular guy who must introduce his girlfriend to his dysfunctional family while dodging her questions about the Fosters' sordid past.

Our dates are as follows:

Saturday, February 14th @ 7:15pm - Roxie Cinema, San Francisco (16th Street btw Mission & Valencia)
Sunday, February 15th @ 2:45pm - Roxie Cinema, San Francisco (16th Street btw Mission & Valencia)
Saturday, February 21st @ 9:30pm - Shattuck Cinemas, Berkeley (2230 Shattuck Ave.)

You can purchase your tickets here.

We are anticipating large crowds so please buy your tickets early. Also, please forward this email to anyone you know in the Bay Area who enjoys film, or might be interested in the festival. It should be a great night out!

If you are a facebook user, please sign up at The Full Picture's fan page here.

For information on the film, go to http://www.thefullpicturemovie.com/.

News from Vanessa Gould and "Between the Folds"

2009-01-14T16:41:00.000-05:00

We are very pleased to report that the award-winning documentary, "Between the Folds" is soon to be available for DVD purchase.

The film premiered at RIIFF in 2008 and was awarded the Viola M. Marshall Audience Choice Award Grand Prize for "Most Popular Film"

The packed screening at the RISD Museum in Providence demanded a second screening of this amazing and special film.

To find out more and to purchase your own copy of the film, please go to the film's website: www.greenfusefilms.com

"The Village Barbershop" Update from Chris Ford

2009-01-05T15:19:00.000-05:00

We just received word from Chris Ford, the director of "The Village Barbershop," and we could not be more excited:

THE FILM HAS BEEN PICKED UP FOR DISTRIBUTION BY MONTEREY MEDIA!

Here's what Chris wrote:

Dear Friends of the Barbershop,

All your hard work and kindness has paid off.

Thanks to everyone who has helped out, pitched in, dubbed, recorded, re-recorded, foleyed, mixed, re-mixed, edited, scored, sung, played, title treatmented, acted, gaffed, gripped, boomed, dressed, make-upped, production designed, art directed, fed-exed, invested in, screened, commented on, soundtracked, donated too and generally been annoyed by these emails:

There'll be a limited theatrical release starting January 16th. And by limited I mean limited: Chicago, Madison and Gallup.

Hopefully they'll be more and you can keep your eyes peeled here for locations and exact dates:

http://www.montereymedia.com/theatrical/contracts/village/contracts/village_locations.php

DVD release is scheduled for March 3rd and is available for pre-order on Amazon and others, but will also be available on Blockbuster, Netflix, and, if the gods shine favorable upon us,the mother of all DVD outlets - WalMart.

Fandango Pre-Release Page:
http://www.fandango.com/thevillagebarbershop_119496/movieoverview

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Village-Barbershop-John-Ratzenberger/dp/B001N2PRZW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1229570859&sr=8-2

Best Buy:
The Village Barbershop - DVD

Barnes & Noble
http://video.barnesandnoble.com/DVD/The-Village-Barbershop/John-Ratzenberger/e/012233479829/?itm=2

Film Distributor's Page (monterey media):
http://www.montereymedia.com/theatrical/films/village_barbershop.html

Join the facebook group:
Facebook | The Village Barbershop
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53216996046

"Eleven Minutes" acquired by here! Films

2008-12-19T08:18:00.000-05:00

This just reported on Indiewire by Brian Brooks"

here! Takes "Eleven Minutes"

Michael Selditch and Rob Tate's doc "Eleven Minutes" has been acquired by here! Films for worldwide rights the company announced Thursday. The film chronicles fashion designer and "Project Runway" winner Jay McCarroll's year-long journey while preparing his first independent runway show for New York's Fashion Week in Bryant Park, and the subsequent selling of his line to stores. here! acquired the film from Selditch and Tate and here!'s sister company Regent Releasing and here! Networks will distribute the film day-and-date in theatres and on the cable network starting February 20.

News from Maryanne Galvin:

2008-12-13T12:47:00.000-05:00

Maryanne has had a number of films screened at RIIFF over the years. Her last film at the Fest was "What's Going on UP There?

She reports that her latest work has been getting a fair amount of coverage in the Boston media. The film's title: "Interrogate This."

To see the coverge, following these links:

Three Takes on Virtual Filmmaking
Mon, 12/01/2008 - New England Film

New technologies allow filmmakers to manage projects, from preproduction through post, without seeing the whites of their collaborators’ eyes.

By Mike Sullivan

http://newenglandfilm.com/magazine/archives/2008/12/virtual

and

#2 Interrogate This
Local Action
The Boston Globe
Questions in a time of terrorism
Psychologist/filmmaker explores the ethics of interrogating suspects

by Joel Brown on Dec. 7, 2008

http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2008/12/07/

questions_in_a_time_of_terrorism/

To learn about Maryanne and her work, click here: http://www.mgproductions.biz/about-maryanne-galvin

News from Marc Mangum and "The Adventures of Food Boy"

2008-12-11T12:41:00.000-05:00

Marc, the producer/writer of the film "The Adventures of Food Boy" which screened at RIIFF 2008 (as part of our KidsEye™ Screenings) just sent us an update on what is happening with his film:

"I don't think I ever told you about our distribution and some other awards we won after RIIFF. Among the awards we won was Best Indie Feature for Kids 8-12 from Kids First.

"We did our own theatrical release which was very small, but a good experience. We signed a DVD distribution deal with Gaiam and they released our DVD in October in the US and Canada. The DVD is now available in many stores and online, and will be expanding into Wal-Mart and other retailers in Q1 of 2009.

"On the international side, we've already licensed the movie in Germany, Russia, Australia and several other territories. The movie will have its Asian TV premiere on Disney Channel Asia this weekend, and it will be on Disney Channel Australia early next year.

"We really appreciate the support of your festival, and look forward to working with you on future projects."

Here's a link to where people can buy the movie from our official website:
http://www.neoflix.com/store/COL70

And here's some additional nice news: Parenting magazine recently called The Adventures of Food Boy "Deliciously offbeat fun!"

News from Kevin Sheridan of "Leaving Barstow"

2008-12-11T12:06:00.000-05:00

Kevin writes that "Leaving Barstow" has had an excellent run on the Festival circuit. Here's what happened before and after this wonderful film, directed by Peter Paige, played RIIFF:

1. Newport Beach Film Festival - Audience Award
2. Breckenridge Film Festival - Best Supporting Actress
3. Rhode Island International Film Festival - Grand Prize Best Actor
4. Nevada City Film Festival - Audience Award Best Film, Jury Prize Best Feature
5. Big Bear Film Festival
6. Temecula Valley Film Festival
7. Red Rocks Film Festival
8. Indie World Fest Brazil
9. Eugene Film Festival - Best Narrative Feature
10. Mammoth Film Festival - Best Drama, Best Picture
11. Hell's Half Mile Film Festival
12. Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - Special Screening

Coming up:

Myrtle Beach Film Festival
Palm Springs International Film Festival

News from Evan Richards, the writer/director of 2007's Best Feature / Grand Prize winner "In A Day".

2008-12-03T10:33:00.000-05:00

IFC Films has picked up "In A Day" for their festival direct program!

Here's the link to the page and new trailer. Check it out!

http://ifcfilms.com/viewFilm.htm?filmId=1297

"In A Day" premieres December 10th on VOD!

News from Adam Matalon and "Seasons in the Valley"

2008-11-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

Seasons In The Valley wins "BEST FEATURE DOC" at

Queens International Film Festival

(2008) 84 Min Color Digital 1:66:1 5.1 Audio
Hollywood veteran Elliott Gould lends his distinct voice to this gentle and emotional film which chronicles the journeys of Jamaican migrant workers, the plight of New York apple farmers, and the bonds that have formed between these men as they struggle to maintain their existence in an emerging and fiercely competitive global economy.

I just wanted to reach out to those of you who have either supported this film or expressed interest since we premiered the film in Rhode Island this last August to let you know that Seasons In The Valley won the Best Feature Doc award at the 6th annual Queens Film Festival.

The premiere version has been cut from 87 to 84 minutes and we have been receiving overwhelming positive response from our audiences all intrigued by it’s symphonic look at the migrant immigration story, the inherent racism and the humanity in a battered agricultural region .

Press and reviews are beginning to come in including this wonderful new quote from Mel Allen Editor of Yankee Magazine. "I was profoundly moved by “Seasons in the Valley” and your dedication to a subject that so few know about. I loved the passionate photography you brought to the simple, little scene of ritual of bee pollination, and the faces and quiet dignity of the Jamaicans. I loved being there with them. You really wrote a novel with film, that would make Steinbeck proud."

The film will screen later this month as part of the NJ State Film Festival and is also slated to screen at several art houses including the Jacob Burns Film Center in Westchester NY

From the Directors of "Afterville"

2008-11-06T08:50:00.000-05:00

After showing at PIFAN, Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (S. Korea), OFF/ON Warszawa (Poland), Venice Circuito OFF (Italy) and Lund Fantastisk (Sweden), "AFTERVILLE" by Fabio Guaglione and Fabio Resinaro won GRAND Sci-Fi Prize at RHODE ISLAND Film Festival (USA) and entered programming in Italian Sci-Fi TV Channel STEEL by Mediaset Premium.

"AfterVille", co-produced by the all Italian joint venture of FastForward - BB Productions - Fabio&Fabio with the support of the Piedmont Film Commission of Turin, continued its journey around the world where it was recently awarded the prestigious "MELIES D'ARGENT" for BEST EUROPEAN SHORT MOVIE at 2008 SITGES FANTASTIC (one of the top Fantastic Film Festivals in the world).

Every MELIES D'ARGENT award-winning film competes for the 2009 "MELIES D'OR" Ceremony, the Grand Award that declares the Best European Motion Picture from the Fantasy Genre each year.

AFTERVILLE PROJECT:
http://www.afterville.com/themovie.html

"AfterVille" was also nominated for BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY at the GRAND OFF EUROPEAN FILM AWARDS that will be held in Warsaw on November 29th, 2008:

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY NOMINATION (EUROPEAN AWARDS)
http://www.grandoff.eu/info/filmy

In the next two months, "AfterVille" will be projected during a special Fabio&Fabio Night held in Nantes at UTOPIALES 2008 (November 1st), where a live orchestration by French Progressive Band called Escape from Mig-21 will accompany projection of "The Silver Rope", second short movie of the Italian Directing Duo that travelled the world in 2007 and was selected for Puchon Choice of PIFAN 2007 ("WORLD'S TOP 10 SHORT MOVIES OF THE YEAR).

"AfterVille" will then show at Molodist International Film Festival (Kyiv, Ukraine), Festival de Cine Fantastico de Malaga (Spain), Trieste SciencePlusFiction (Italy) and Leuven Short Film Festival (Belgium).

FABIO&FABIO NIGHT in NANTES:
www.utopiales.org/2008/spip.php?article68

To see the AFTERVILLE TRAILER, click here:
http://www.aftervillethemovie.com/trailer_hires.html

From Scott Bunt of "Sea of Dust"

2008-10-31T09:58:00.000-04:00

NOTE: Scott's film won the Grand Prize for "Best Feature Film" at the recent 2008 RI International Horror Film Festival.

Greetings Everyone,

Pauline and I would like to personally thank all of you who had opportunity to attend October 25th's U.S. Premiere of SEA OF DUST at the Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival. The event proved a tremendous amount of fun and we're pleased by the reviews that have already resulted. For those of you who were unable to attend, we've listed a number of these below (and will do our best to keep you updated as additional press comes in).

First up, Award Winning author K Patrick Malone, whose delirious books "Inside a Haunted Mind" and "The Digger's Rest" are available through Amazon.com, drums up his Hammer reminiscences at www.Horror-Web.com. His four-star review compares the film to "a comfort food," calling it "filled with fun, laughs, gore and a message...(SEA OF DUST) offers us baby boomer/post baby boomers a retro place in our collective psyches where we can just settle in and be comforted with a nice big box of popcorn and remember what it was like to be that kid again." Read his entire review here:
http://www.horror-web.com/reviews/YaBB.cgi?board=Indie;action=display;num=1225302140

Elsewhere on the web, the lovely and talented Rebecca Edmonston lavishes her own praise, indicating that SEA "brings you to places that are both visually astonishing and frighteningly seductive...SEA OF DUST is not at all the typical horror experience, which is what makes it so exceptional." Read her entire entry here:
http://www.reds-world.com/blog/2008/10/sea-of-dust-horror-at-its-best.html

And somehow...don't ask me for an explanation...our intrepid critic Edward X Young has managed to have SEA OF DUST included in today's Halloween edition of The New York Daily News as "One of the Twenty Scariest Horror Movies of All Time." Somebody slap us! We must be dreaming this, especially since the illustration is from an unrelated movie. But look carefully at the article's opening page and you'll notice the archetypal SEA still:
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/toplists/20_

scariest_horror_movies_of_all_time/20_scariest_horror_

movies_of_all_time.html

Obviously, it's been quite a week!

Best,
Scott and Pauline

News from Stewart Wade and "Tru Loved"

2008-10-08T10:02:00.000-04:00

We are very pleased to report that Stewart Wade's "Tru Loved" is now heading into general release.

The popular RIIFF film features a strong cast, solid writing and a great storyline:

Tru (Najarra Townsend), high school student from San Francisco, is uprooted from by her lesbian moms (Alexandra Paul and Cynda Williams) and moved to a conservative suburb. Her non-traditional family makes her an outsider until high school quarterback Lodell takes an interest in her.

Lo is closeted. Tru becomes a friend with whom he can be himself, unlike with his mom (Jasmine Guy), grandmother (Nichelle Nichols), and closest pals.

When Tru hears the closed-minded comments about homosexuality from Lo's friends, she establishes the school's first Gay-Straight Alliance. She meets Trevor, a smart and charming young man being raised by his gay uncle (Bruce Vilanch). Tru begins a romance and fights for social justice as her unconventional family faces familiar struggles. Tru Loved presents an innovative reinvention of the family film genre as well as an inventive approach to filmmaking that explicitly connects with social justice organizations and the communities they represent. The film?s originality derives from being among the very first gay-themed family films. Tru Loved updates traditional themes while it represents today's diverse families and complex social issues related to gay parenting, gay marriage, and gay-straight alliances in the context of a multiethnic cast. While it is virtually Disney-esque in its representation of the family film genre, the themes are distinctive as they relate to contemporary families and their issues.

Driven by a script that twists a familiar genre, Tru Loved is a fresh, groundbreaking film that offers unique opportunities for discovery and light-hearted entertainment.

"Tru Loved" Coming to Select Theatres during October:

10/17/08
IL
Chicago, Century Centre
2828 North Clark St.

10/17/08
NY
New York, Quad Cinema
34 West 13th St.

10/24/08
CA
Beverly Hills, Music Hall 3
9036 Wilshire Blvd.

10/24/08
CA
Pasadena, One Colorado
42 Miller Alley

10/24/08
CA
Santa Ana, So.Coast Village
1561 W. Sunflower Ave.

10/24/08
WA
Seattle, Landmark Metro
4500 9th Ave NE

10/31/08
CA
San Francisco, Lumiere
1572 California St.

10/31/08
CA
Berkeley, Elmwood Theatre
2966 College Ave.

"Greetings From The Shore" Held Over In Theatres AGAIN!!

2008-09-26T11:07:00.000-04:00

News from Greg Chwerchak:

Great news! Thanks to your support, "Greetings From The Shore" has been asked back AGAIN to movie theatres and will screen in multiplexes for a third consecutive week!!

"Greetings" was number one AGAIN in some theatres and its per screen average actually rose from opening weekend--a rare occurrence and indicator of fantastic word of mouth. The best thing, though, has been being at theatres when the film lets out and seeing people leave with huge smiles on their faces. It's one thing to set out to make a "feel-good" film; it's entirely another to watch people leave theatres "feeling good." Nothing's better than that. :)

This weekend, co-stars Paul Sorvino, David Fumero, and Kim Shaw will be appearing at theatres and signing complimentary posters and postcards for anyone with a ticket to that day's shows. If you're in the area of one of the theatres listed below, come say hello, see the film, and meet the actors!! We've had a wonderful time thus far meeting people and talking all about the Jersey Shore!

Please forward this email and encourage everyone you know to see "Greetings" this weekend. It's a rainy September weekend--perfect for a sunny summer film!! Go back to the Shore once more while its still on big screens!! Thanks for all of your support, everybody! I can't even tell you how great a ride this has been! :)

P.S. Big announcements on the horizon; we'll update you next week with all the great stuff that's going down!!

www.GreetingsFromTheShore.com

APPEARANCES & THEATRES (9/26 thru 10/2):

Clearview Mansfield Cinema 14 (Hackettstown, NJ) -- PAUL & KIM (Fri, 9/26 6-8pm)
AMC Loews Brick Plaza 10 (Brick, NJ) -- PAUL & DAVID (Sat, 9/27 3-5pm)
AMC Loews Seacourt 10 (Toms River, NJ) -- PAUL & DAVID (Sat, 9/27 6-8pm)
Frank Theatres Towne Stadium 16 (Egg Harbor Twp, NJ) -- PAUL & KIM (Sun, 9/28 4-7pm)

Clearview Mansfield Cinema 14 (Hackettstown, NJ 07840)
Clearview Bergenfield Cinema 5 (Bergenfield, NJ 07621)
Clearview Chester Cinema 6 (Chester, NJ 07930)
Clearview Cedar Grove Cinema 23 (Cedar Grove, NJ 07009)
AMC Loews Brick Plaza 10 (Brick, NJ 08723)
AMC Loews Seacourt 10 (Toms River, NJ 08753)
Frank Theatres Towne Stadium 16 (Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234)

News from Penny Peyser of TRYING TO GET GOOD - the Jazz Odyssey of Jack Sheldon

2008-09-25T08:37:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Our long-in-the-making jazz documentary, TRYING TO GET GOOD - the Jazz Odyssey of Jack Sheldon is now available for purchase through our website: TryingToGetGood.com! Some of you have already seen the movie and some already have bought a copy - but for those unfamiliar - please visit our site and view the trailer. We think / hope you'll find it "compelling and highly entertaining" as Leonard Maltin of ET did.

It's been a wonderful experience getting to know Jack Sheldon and meeting the A-list musicians in his life. And having Clint Eastwood and Billy Crystal chime in on what a character he is didn't hurt either. We think Jack is worth knowing - whether you're a musician or just someone whose "trying to get good" at whatever you do.

We've had a terrific time this year on the festival circuit and have been fortunate enough to pick up two Audience Awards and two Jury Prizes along the way. TRYING TO GET GOOD continues to be a learning experience for us as we take it out into the marketplace.

If you do see our movie - we'd love to hear your feedback!

Best,
Penny Peyser
Co-writer / director / producer

News From Ted Delaney

2008-09-02T13:38:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let you know I've launched a new blog. It does have a flavor of the columns I've enjoyed doing in past times.

www.edwardjdelaney.blogspot.com

Ted is looking for feedback and would welcome your comments!

Congratulations to filmmaker Jim Pasternak of "Certifiably Jonathan" and Christopher Watson of "The Rainbow Tribe"

2008-08-29T07:14:00.000-04:00

Los Angeles-based Feel Good Film Festival announced the award winners for its inaugural film festival. Jim Pasternak's "Certifiably Jonathan" won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feel Good Feature Film and Michael Berry's "Mira" was named as the winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feel Good Short Film. "Mira" also won the Audience Award for best short, while Christopher Watson's "The Rainbow Tribe" won the Audience Award for feature. Noah Edelson's "Hear, Boy!" won the Feel Good Screenplay Competition and Alyssa Suede won the Feel Good Original Song Competition for her song, "Falling From Mars.""Our first year exceeded everyone's most hopeful expectations from the number of great films we were able to program, the participation of the filmmakers, sponsors and vendors, to the tremendous audience support we had over the course of the weekend," said Festival Director Kristen Ridgway in a statement.

Both "The Rainbow Tribe" and "Certifiably Jonathan" played this year's RIIFF, with the later winning a Special Jury Prize!

Congrats are in order to Daniel Ragussis and "Haber"

2008-08-29T07:10:00.000-04:00

The Los Angeles Shorts Film Festival presented its "Best of the Fest" award over the weekend to writer-director Daniel Ragussis for his film "Haber," the story of Nobel Prize winner Fritz Haber. "I am honored to receive this prestigious award for a film that has consumed me personally and professionally," said the director of his win. As winner of the "Best of the Fest," the filmmakers received a $60,000 camera package and a qualification for an Academy Award nomination.

"Haber" won the Grand Prize for Best Student Film at this year's RIIFF.

News from David Dean Bottrell:

2008-05-30T08:04:00.000-04:00

David reports that he has a new blog which is drawing a fair amount of attention. We checked it out and aside from being highly entertaining, it is very engaging. The focus is the films and television industry and a bit more. Definitely worth your time.

PARTS AND LABOR

by David Dean Bottrell
http://www.partsandlabor.tv

News From John Lavall:

2008-05-26T13:11:00.000-04:00

Save the Date:

Please join us for an incredible evening of food, music and the

premiere of our latest documentary about the

PROFESA Secretarial Academy in Abeka Ghana

"Big World, Small World".

For more information visit

www.devlomedia.com

or feel free to contact john@devlomedia.com, Shawn@golongitude.org or jj@visionwink.com

News from Frederic Lumiere

2008-05-24T23:05:00.000-04:00

Three episodes back to back from the HERO SHIPS Series will air on the History International Channel on Monday, May 26, 2008 starting at 8:00 PM (EST)!

PRODUCED BY LOU REDA PRODUCTIONS

POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISION BY FREDERIC LUMIERE

8-9 PM (EST):
HERO SHIPS  USS Arizona (Watch) Although the Arizona fought only minutes in the battle in which she died, her afterlife as a tragic symbol epitomizes American naval sacrifice and courage. She is a national cemetery as a well as a national monument, with 900 of her December 7th crew entombed within her. As a special honor, survivors of the Pearl Harbor fleet are entitled to have their ashes buried within Arizona's ruins. Travel back to the ship for a final reunion with the last of her survivors and witness the entombing of a deceased survivor on the ship. Here her valiant story of fighting against insurmountable odds as we also take witness to her heroic past highlights and recent discoveries.

9-10 PM (EST):
HERO SHIPS USS Enterprise (Watch) The original Enterprise, CV-6, gained immortality as "The Fighting Lady" of WWII. A dwarf among modern carrier, the "Big E" was a main target of the Japanese at Pearl Harbor and barely away at sea when the blow fell. Miraculously spared, she became the war-long leader of America's naval counterattack, playing key roles in decisive battles of the war. Despite her glorious past she is sent to the scrap yard, but redemption comes in 1957 with the launching of CVN-65, her great namesake and the world's first nuclear-powered carrier. From then until now Enterprise has been a mainstay of American strength and today she remains on the high seas in the front lines of American's military engagements.

10-11 PM (EST):
HERO SHIPS LST - 325 "Landing Ship Tanks" weren't deemed noble enough even to have names. They were not thought of as warships even though they were always the first floating metal to touch fire-swept beaches from North Africa, to Sicily, to Normandy, and from the Philippines to Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The story of these ships is therefore one of an unsung hero, as it reveals not just the considerable war-long battle action of one ship, but exemplifies the collective saga of a design class that had absolutely no military precedent before the first keel was laid in June of 1942. We learn the dire necessity of these ships from crucial roles in D-Day--how the date was postponed to allow for more to be constructed, and how precariously close they came to disaster with the tragic story of Exercise Tiger, the botched D-Day dress rehearsal that claimed the lives of hundreds of LST sailors and put the entire mission in jeopardy.

News From Gregg Brown of "Shrinks"

2008-04-01T22:32:00.001-04:00

We are very excited to learn that Gregg's film will having its southeast premiere.

Here's what he wrote us:

"Shrinks" will be having it's southeast premiere at the oscar qualifying Florida Film Festival at 7pm eastern time this evening.

"Shrinks" won the 1st place award for comedy at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

I play the main character, and I wrote and directed the film.

Synopsis: "Shrinks" is the story of one very depressed guy Roman Lorber (Gregg Brown) seeking a mental health adjustment that leads him to the group practice of New York Psychiatry Associates – where he learns that a doctor needs his business as much as the next guy. Over the course of a single week, he interviews five different doctors and has a mini-breakthrough with each one. Roman learns to take life with a little more gusto and enthusiasm through the tough and ebullient practices of Dr. Jameson (Alanna Ubach). He learns to explore his sleeping dreams through the Freudian, and sexually forward interpretations of Dr. Eikenbeery (Richard Fiske). Dr. Gelfano (Steven Randazzo) introduces Roman to the harsh realities of life a la Albert Ellis. Dr. Shin (George Spaeth) teaches Roman to embrace his emotional side. Lastly, the existential musings of Dr. Gray (Robert X. Modica) are enough to hook Roman into beginning a longer commitment of therapy under his tutelage than he ever could have anticipated.

http://www.floridafilmfestival.com/films/016258.php

Here's a direct link to the trailer!

NEWS FROM CASPER ANDREAS

2008-03-30T11:08:00.000-04:00

A Four Letter Word to open in New York City at the Chelsea Clearview, the weekend of March 28th with special events on tap.

Screening times 12:15pm, 2:45pm, 5:15pm, 7:45pm, 10:15pm Fri & Sat only: 12:30am

According to Casper:

It is with great excitement that we are opening A Four Letter Word in theaters, starting with New York tomorrow Friday March 28. As a friend, colleague, or associate, I want to ask you to help us make our theatrical opening a success by coming out to see the film, or encourage your friends in New York to do so (Feel free to forward this email).

As you might know it is getting more and more difficult to open independent films in theaters. This is especially true for gay themed films. Our level of success in New York this weekend will determine how many additional cities we will be able to open in. I would love to see you at one of the screenings, and/or opening weekend parties!

CLEARVIEW CHELSEA CINEMAS
260 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 777-FILM

FREE DRINK at opening weekend parties!
Complimentary V2 Vodka cocktail with your ticket-stub
Meet and mingle with Casper Andreas and his stars -- including out actors Jesse Archer, Charlie David, JR Rolley, and Jeremy Gender at one of our opening weekend parties. Complimentary cocktail with ticket stub from any opening weekend screening. Powered by V2 Vodka.

Friday March 28. Doors open at 9PM
OPENING NIGHT PARTY!
HK Lounge
409 West 39th Street

Saturday March 29. 9PM
XES Lounge
157 West 24th Street
Performance by recording artist Brian Kent
(featured on the AFLW soundtrack)

Sunday March 30. 9PM
VLADA Lounge
331 w 51st Street
Vlada's infused Vodka Martinis -- $7 all night.

www.afourletterwordmovie.com

Congrats to Jeff Roth, director of "The Wonder of It All"

2008-03-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

We are very happy to report that director, Jeffrey Roth, creator of the amazing documentary, "The Wonder of It All," just completed a screening at the American Film Institute on Los Angeles.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin was in attendance and took part in a spirited Q&A.

Our sincere and well-deserved congratulations to Jeff!

Here are a few links to some photos from the LA premiere

http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====307633&nbc1=1

http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=80108085#

RIIFF Alumni News" "Eve of Understanding"

2008-03-17T20:59:00.000-04:00

Congrats to the our friends and creators of "Eve of Understanding."

DEBUT AWARD-WINNING INDIE FEATURE RELEASED ON DVD BY
VANGUARD CINEMA

A happy announcement. Eve of Understanding will be released on DVD next Tuesday, March 25, 2008 by Vanguard Cinema. he film will be available for rental on Netflix, Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery, and other independent video stores across the country. Additionally, it is available for purchase on Amazon.com, Barnes N Noble, direct from the filmmakers on their official site, and additional online outlets.

Eve of Understanding can now be pre-ordered or added to your Netflix queue. It will also be available for rental at Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery, as well as a lot of indie video stores across the country.

Written and directed by Alyson Shelton and Produced by Jen Prince, Debut Feature Captures One Woman’s Tragically Humorous Journey into Her Family’s Past.

Jen Prince (producer) hails from San Antonio, a UT Austin alum whose Texas roots show in the material she selects to produce. With an emphasis on regional filmmaking and celebrating the creative talent and resources of Houston, Austin and Dallas, Jen returned to Texas to shoot her debut feature Eve of Understanding. The film had it’s Texas premiere at the inaugural AFI Dallas International Film Festival and was one of three narrative films to receive recognition from the festival, bringing home a Special Jury Prize in the Texas competition. Eve of Understanding recently garnered Best Feature Film Awards at the Beverly Hills Hi-Def Film Festival and the Female Eye Festival in Toronto, and lead actress Rebecca Lowman has been awarded Best Actress awards for her breakthrough performance at three festivals. Writer/Director Alyson Shelton is an alum of the Northwestern University programs in Theatre and Creative Writing for the Media and Jen Prince and Alyson Shelton are graduates of the USC graduate film program.

Written and Directed by Alyson Shelton and Produced by Jen Prince, Eve of Understanding follows Donna, a woman trying her best to cope with her mother's recent passing, which is made all the more complicated by the bad decisions Donna has made in her own life. As she delivers the last notes and tokens there were left behind, Donna finds she can no longer hide from herself. Rebecca Lowman's strong, finely textured portrayal of a survivor anchors a film that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Eve of Understanding addresses the lies people tell themselves to survive and how those lies imprint themselves on their loved ones - indelibly.

“I love the main character Donna,” expresses Shelton, “because she rushes headlong through life unsure of her purpose, but with passion, and at the end it becomes clear what her purpose was all along - to find herself. I think it's something we can all identify with, but it's more than that. Donna's sent, by her deceased mother, to drop off tokens to Eve's loved ones. A reverse scavenger hunt of sorts. We're captivated by the twists and turns Eve creates from the grave. Eve couldn't truly love Donna in life, but in death she gives Donna the gift of honesty and full disclosure.” After their Midwest Premiere at the Waterfront Film Festival, the filmmakers received letters from survivors expressing their gratitude for the film's honest treatment of the aftermath of abuse.

The haunting original score is by Peter Senchuk, a graduate of the film scoring program at USC. Peter was named a Silver Medalist for “Best Use of Music in a Feature Film” for the Eve of Understanding score at the Park City Film Music Festival, Park City, Utah. It features vocals by Rebecca Lowman (DONNA). Shelton wanted the score to have a confessional, intimate feel and chose to have the actress actually sing on the score.

Eve of Understanding is a low-budget film following a unique process. In May 2005, Jen Prince, Alyson Shelton, Cody Shelton, Elizabeth Santoro, and Rebecca Lowman set off from Los Angeles, CA in a cargo van and Alyson’s Honda Accord on a 3700 mile journey that would take them to Katy and Austin, Texas and Sedona, Arizona.

With an emphasis on encouraging regional filmmaking, additional cast and crew were hired locally. “ Making Eve of Understanding independently with a core group of collaborative filmmakers allowed us the freedom to follow Alyson Shelton's unique structural vision and tackle some alternative content, “states producer Jen Prince.

“Alyson looks deeply into characters and trusts them, there is a raw and unflinching quality to her voice that impresses audiences and draws them in. She is a writer/director to watch.” Prince and Shelton are continuing their partnership beyond Eve of Understanding and are in post production on an epidosic internet series they’ve created, “Slug” and in development on their next feature and a documentary television pilot.

Mastered to HD with a 5.1 soundtrack, Eve of Understanding was awarded Best Feature Film at the Female Eye Film Festival in Toronto, where it was the opening night film. Eve of Understanding is also the winner, Best Feature Film at the Beverly Hills Hi- Def Film Festival and was named one of the top ten finalists at the Fylmz competition in Nashville. Rebecca Lowman was honored with Best Actress awards at the Boston Film Festival, the Fylmz Film Festival Nashville, and the Breckenridge Film Festival in Breckenridge, Colorado. The score was awarded a Silver Medal for Best Use of Music in a Feature Film at the Park City Film Music Festival. The film has also previously been exhibited at the Sedona International Film Festival, the MethodFest in Calabasas, CA (where Rebecca Lowman was nominated for Best Actress), the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan, Dances with Films in Los Angeles, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, FAIF in Los Angeles, 28th Annual Festival of Women and Cinema in Florence, Italy, the Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival in Georgia and has upcoming screenings in Chicago, Florida, Wales and Spain.

To order your copy, check out these links:

• Amazon.com
• Barnes N Noble.com
• Netflix
• Vanguard Cinema
(distributor)

IFFF Screenplay Competition Finalists Announced

2008-02-14T18:15:00.000-05:00

Congrats to RIIFF Board member and advisor, Duncan Putney!

This just came to us from the International Family Film Festival's Short Comedy Screenplay Competition:

Local Providence-based screenwriter Duncan Putney's sitcom pilot script “Passing the Bar” has been chosen as one of two finalist in the International Family Film Festival's Short Comedy Screenplay Competition. Duncan penned his script, set in a coffee/cocktail bar, over many cups of coffee at Tazza Cafe in downcity Providence, which provided him with some inspiration.

On Saturday, March 1st at 4:00pm the International Family Film Festival will present its Screenwriters Showcase & Awards Ceremony in the famous Charlie Chaplin Theater at Raleigh Studios. In this, the last round of the IFFF Screenplay Competition, finalists choose the best scenes from their scripts to present to industry elite - directors, managers, agents, producers and distributors – performed by professional actors. The IFFF winners for Best Screenplay will then be revealed. The categories are: Best Feature Drama, Best Feature Comedy, Best Feature Animation, Best Feature Sci-Fi/ Fantasy; and Best Short Screenplay Drama, Best Short Screenplay Comedy, Best Short Screenplay Animation and Best Short Screenplay Sci-Fi/ Fantasy. These scripts break any old-school idea that the family film genre means screenplay-lite! The screenplays, as with the films selected for the 13th Annual IFFF, range from the heart-wrenching to the light-hearted. In past festivals, producers have optioned five films from this single IFFF event!

All of the winners and finalist will be introduced to the public and have an opportunity field questions about their scripts at the IFFF Networking and Screenwriter’s Reception at 6:00pm in the Raleigh Studios Cantina. The reception is an excellent opportunity to network with literary lovers in an intimate professional setting.

Also not-to-be-missed is IFFF’s Panel Discussion, Screenwriting Family Films, hosted by members of the Writers Guild of America west, from 1-3pm. The family film genre is bursting with new material. According to Chris Shoemaker, IFFF’s Executive Director, “We are celebrating the kinds of stories and films everyone can enjoy – films with great conflict, great story telling and great emotion. The family film genre has it all.”

For more information go to www.iffilmfest.org .

Congratulations to Eric Latek!

2008-02-08T08:10:00.000-05:00

We just received some exciting news from Eric Latek, whose film "Sweet Dreams" was an award winner at RIIFF 2006:

(To read a review of the film, go to this link: http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=14187&more=1)

Hello My RIIFF Friends,

Just giving you some updates. We sold out at IFC for our NY City Premiere, and the response was completely amazing—so much so indiewire mentions it. And now have the major studios in look for distribution. We should have some major news coming up on Sweet Dreams, among another project.

You can goto www.indiewire.com or http://www.indiewire.com/ots/2008/02/ny_ny_2.html for the article. Also, The Reeler: http://www.thereeler.com/the_blog/hello_stranger.php

Hope all is well, keep up the great work.

The Very Best,
Eric Latek

Here's a quote from "The Reeler" about Eric's work:

"Among the feature-length highlights is first-time director Eric Latek's boxer chronicle Sweet Dreams (Feb. 5). "He's an example of a director who's working completely off the map of traditional film centers like New York or Los Angeles or even Boston or Washington, D.C. -- outside the traditional support network that exists in those types of cities," said Powers, who revived the film for STF after its acclaimed 2006 Full Frame Festival premiere and subsequent vanishing from the scene. "It has an incredible lyricism to it unlike any other documentary I can think of. His access and intimacy with these subjects is so close that it really does play out like a fiction film. ... He's working in a very singular vein; I don't see any other documentary filmmaker really working at this level of lyricism."

Interview courtesy of Image Icon Entertainment:

News From Mark Hefti: "Tomorrow Is Today" starts TODAY on pay-per-view!

2008-01-13T21:36:00.000-05:00

Hello Everybody!

If you have yet to see my film, "Tomorrow Is Today",
then here's your chance to see it on your very own TV!
Starting today, and running for nearly 3
months...."Tomorrow..." will be available On Demand if
you have Time Warner Cable, or Cox Communications.
Even if you have seen it, and you just feel like
ordering it one or 259 times...we would appreciate it.
Here's some more detailed info about where to find it:

"Tomorrow is Today" starring Mark Hefti (Fandom,
Ektopos) and Scout Taylor-Compton (Halloween 2007, An
American Crime) will be on pay-per-view (On Demand),
starting Sunday January 13th on Cox Communications and
Time Warner Cable. It will run for 3 months. The
film was directed by Frederic Lumiere and was written
by Mark Hefti"

For Cox, it will be under their Classic Movies section
with the categories "Classic Drama" and "Classic M-Z".
For

Time Warner, it will be on their Drama channel as part
of the More Movies On Demand service. The category on
TW will be "Potpourri".

Here is a list of the awards that we've won so far:

WINNER: DIRECTORIAL DISCOVERY AWARD, Rhode Island
International Film Festival (Frederic Lumiere)

WINNER: BEST PICTURE at the following festivals:
Phuket, Thailand Film Festival, Purple Violet Film
Festival, Garden State Film Festival, Tri-Media
Festival

WINNER: AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR (Mark Hefti) at
the Phuket Film Festival (Thailand)

WINNER: BEST ACTRESS AWARD (Scout Taylor-Compton),
Method Fest International Film Festival

WINNER: BEST SCORE (Guillaume Roussel), California
Independent Film Festival.

Check out the new trailer at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn8Lk2ag8Ac

For more info, and our longer trailer, go to:
http://www.tomorrowistoday.com
or http://www.myspace.com/tomorrowistodaymovie

Thanks, and let me know if you order it! :-)
Mark

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1473176/

Congrats to RIIFF Film Judge for Recent Gallery Exhibition

2008-01-12T14:18:00.000-05:00

Our hearty best wishes and congratulations to Bobby Doyle, one of our notable RIIFF film judges. His painting "Skiffs of Wickford" is part of an exhibition of Rhode Island artist on display at the government offices across from the RI State House. On Monday, January 14th, 2008 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. there will be a reception honoring the artists. We could not be more proud of honoring an individual so deserving.

THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES

2008-01-03T11:32:00.000-05:00

Opening 2008

In 2001, police in Poughkeepsie New York made a shocking discovery-ten bodies buried in the backyard of a residential house. Astonishingly, that was only the beginning.

Inside the home, police uncovered over 800 neatly organized videotapes detailing the exploits of one man's decade-long crime spree. The most disturbing part of the find, was that the killer had filmed all of the footage himself-from his first moments stalking his victims to their last seconds alive.

THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES examines the homicides-incorporating interviews from criminal experts, testimony from the only victim ever rescued alive, and chilling footage shot from the killer's own camera. All of which document the twisted path of a serial killer as never before.

Beginning in 1988, a wave of missing person reports and unsolved murders from New York to Pennsylvania, began to alarm law enforcement officials. Many of the strange disappearances and dead victims held similarities. Soon the authorities realized they were dealing with a serial killer. The hunt to identify and capture the killer was layered with troubling facts and haunting events, eventually ending at the house where the tapes were found. Unfortunately, the discovery left more questions than answers. Did the killer leave the tapes intentionally? Do the tapes hold hidden clues? Is he still active?

This film dares to show what has never been presented to the public before-the evidence, the puzzle, and the footage of THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES.

Official Website

News from Ursula Burton on "The Happiest Day of His Life"

2007-11-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE is premiering
on MTV's LOGO Channel
this Wednesday,
November 28, at 10 pm!!!

It's the third film in the show "THE CLICK LIST," where viewers rate the films online. Tivo, tape, or tune in; you can also watch it online at http://www.logoonline.com/shows/events/short_films/ a day later, as well as VOTE for the movie (5 stars is best!).

Other good news is that HAPPIEST DAY qualified for the live-action short category for the Oscars and screened at the Academy last week, where we heard it got a great reception.

FIVE SISTERS PRODUCTIONS
http://www.fivesisters.com
THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE -- "Tradition Like You've Never Seen It"

Assistant to Director Position Available

2007-11-10T10:50:00.000-05:00

Posted: Saturday November 10, 2007:

Position available immediately through mid-December

Julie Snyder, the Producer for indie film "Tanner Hall," sent me this email: "We begin filming on Monday and I need to find an assistant for my directors..paid job. They would be needed immediately and we shoot through Dec 19. Please note that the person needs to be very organized."

If you are interested, please contact: Julie Snyder Producer Tanner Hall, PO Box 1262, Newport, RI 02840, jsnyder424@aol.com

For more information, please call Julie at 401/662.0775

NEWS FROM "ON THE 50 YARD LINE"

2007-10-29T09:06:00.000-04:00

Over the last year, RIIFF has been working with the US-China Institute. From this relationship has sprung a partnership with the largest documentary festival in China: the Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival.

We now have a recipricol arrangement in place where select documentaries will be invited to screen at both festivals.

Following the successful completion of RIIFF '07, we selected several films to submit to China for the first partnership screening. One of the films was "From the 50 Yard Line." We could not be more pleased as the film had its World Premiere with RIIFF this year. Below is the acceptance letter to the filmmaker, Doug Lantz.

"I’m very delighted to inform you that your entry into GZ DOC 2007 Screening “From the 50 Yard Line” has been selected to be shown to both public audience and professional audience during the festival time. We will be organizing a tour screening (Docs on Tour) in 2008 in different cities around China as well. Docs on Tour is presently bringing documentaries to public audiences in major cities in China, like Shanghai and Guangzhou. A weekly screening, Sapphire Moving Images Salon, followed by themed discussion is being held presently in Guangzhou. More information about public screening can be viewed on our website www.gzdoc.com. It is planned to bring this Festival to more Chinese cities in 2008, and to Chinese audiences who rarely have the opportunity to view international documentaries."

Christina Xie
Assistant to Managing Director
Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival, China

Film Locations Needed in Rhode Island: News from Julie Snyder

2007-10-22T09:51:00.001-04:00

I'm producing a independent film in Providence called "Tanner Hall' . Its a boarding school coming of age story. The co-writer/co-directors are Tatiana von Furstenberg (Diane's daughter/Barry Diller's stepdaughter) and Francesca Gregorini (Barbara Bach's daughter/Ringo Starr's stepdaughter). They both went to Brown in the late 80's, early 90's. The pieces came together very quickly and we are presently in pre-production with our first date of principal photography being Nov 12.

There are a few things I am looking for ..so I thought I would ask around.

1) For filming

A) A house that has Interiors from the 1950's, 1960's or 1970's-- original wallpaper, colorful kitchen cabinets, and ideally even a sunken fireplace and vintage carpet in the family room..but we can be flexible. This would be a 1 day shoot and we woudl pay a location fee

B) a upstairs bedroom hallway with 3-4 bedroom off of it..we are still trying to find the boarding school dorm area..again a location fee would be paid

2) For Renting

1) 4-5 bedroom house furnished/unfurnished that Francesca and Tatiana can rent up til xmas. They would like to be on the east side... and woud rent it up to xmas

Our production offices are located in Nathan Bishop school in Providence. Please email me or call me if you have any leads

Thank you

Julie Snyder
Producer
Tanner Hall
PO Box 1262
Newport, RI 02840
jsnyder424@aol.com
401.662.0775

Local Authors to Hold Book Signing Event: an update from Jon Raben

2007-10-17T13:37:00.000-04:00

(Warwick, Rhode Island, USA) - Seventeen “first time published” Rhode Island authors will be appearing together along with award winning movie director/producer and publisher, Jonathan D. Raben of Cranston, at one big signing event THIS Friday Evening in Warwick, RI. His film Italian Americans and Federal Hill won the First Place - Viola M. Marshall Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary at this year's prestigious 2007 Rhode Island International Film Festival!

The event will be held at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1350B Bald Hill Road in Warwick, Rhode Island on Friday, October 19th from 7pm to 9pm. Admission is free.

This unique event for local published authors from throughout Rhode Island has been promoted by the authors themselves these past few weeks to get a possible step up in the local artists’ community and even the broader publishing world.

“This is more than just signing and selling some books,” declared Melissa Chiavaroli, Community Relations Manager for event sponsor Barnes & Noble in Warwick . “We are shining our spotlight on local talent whose first time published works might go unnoticed. A book signing event on this scale gives each author a unique opportunity to invite prospective publishers, agents, publicists, movie producers and even friends or relatives and make them aware of their achievement and their potential for future works.”

”People who may have thought about writing a book or making a movie can benefit from talking to and learning from these published authors who have made their first big step.” Chiavaroli said. “These authors/artists recently made it into publication or film, and can easily remember and relate the pitfalls of getting to that first plateau. Where else can you get this kind of personal first-hand and up-to-date information?”

“For example, Jonathan Raben’s film Italian Americans and Federal Hill and book has been very successful locally,” Chiavaroli said. “He will be here to discuss the making of his movie and also his plans for yet another! He’ll also be giving away movie posters and signing some as well. Those attending can benefit from his experience.”

Local first-time published authors who will be signing books, answering questions and promoting general discussion include Rhonda Alarie, Jeanne Archambeault, Henry D. Astarjian M.D., Ed Beard, Marc Blevins, Joan Creamer, Jeanne Dumas, Israel Helms, Dr. Billy Johnson, Horst Maurer, Barbara Morrison, Eva Pasco, Mike Pescione, Les Rolston, Ken Ryan Sr., Dee Dee Serpas, & CJ West. Their works range from mystery and romance to health and current affairs.

News from Carson Grant

2007-10-10T09:07:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to RIIFF alums Carson Grant and Michael Attardi and their recent selection for the Italian American Heritage Award that was presented over the weekend at the GIAA (Guild of Italian American Actor) Film Festival.

To read more about the award, please go to:

http://giaaus.blogspot.com/2007/10/first-annual-giaa-film-fest-winners.html

The Adam Schlachter Interview & Film Promo

2007-10-08T11:04:00.000-04:00

Adam won our top short film award in 2006. He's currently premiering his latest work at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. I thought his interview might be amusing along with the trailer for his feature length Horror film.

The Adam Schlachter Interview

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The 7 New Trailer

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Congratulations to Ted Delaney for the ongoing success of his latest documentary film

2007-09-29T09:58:00.000-04:00

Here are images taken from Ted Delaney's screening on Friday, September 28th, at the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival. Ted's film was the opening night presentation. The sold-out screening featured many of the Dubus children in attendance.

SOME BACKGROUND ON THE FILM:
In his directing debut, Edward (Ted) Delaney, professor of communications at Roger Williams University, brings the life of New England short-story writer Andre Dubus to the big screen in a new documentary.

The Rhode Island International Film Festival honored Professor Delaney by selecting the documentary, titled “The Times Are Never So Bad: The Life of Andre Dubus,” for its public World premiere during the six-day August event.

A serendipitous encounter and a longtime respect for Mr. Dubus inspired the solo film project. In April 2005, Andre Dubus III—Mr. Dubus’ son and author of “The House of Sand and Fog”—presented the PEN/Winship Fiction Award to Professor Delaney. When Professor Delaney learned that the elder Dubus had received the first such award 30 years earlier, he began formulating the idea for the documentary.

“There seemed a circularity to that, given I had looked at Dubus as a model of the kind of fiction writer I aspired to be,” Professor Delaney said. “He’s a writer’s writer. Incredible both with the language and his insights into the human condition.”
After his death in 1999, Mr. Dubus’ story “Killings” was adapted into 2001’s “In the Bedroom,” an Academy Award-nominated film for best picture starring Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson. And two of his short stories formed the basis for the 2004 film “We Don’t Live Here Anymore,” starring Mark Ruffalo and Laura Dern.

Through interviews with Mr. Dubus’ family, colleagues and friends, the 83-minute documentary explores the New England writer’s art and turbulent life—including a tragic highway accident that confined him to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.

IN THE FUTURE FOR TED:
Next up for Ted: the New England Film and Video Festival held at the Coolidge Corner Theatre (Screening Room) in Brookline, MA on Saturday, Oct 6 2007, 1:30 pm.

"Coffee Date" set for DVD release

2007-08-17T09:25:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to director Stewart Wade: his film "Coffee Date" which played at RIIFF 2006 has been picked up by TLA Video.

Here's the release we were sent:
(Philadelphia PA, July 24, 2007) TLA Releasing has acquired all North American non-theatrical entertainment distribution rights to COFFEE DATE (US, 2006) written and directed by Stewart Wade. The film will be released on DVD through the TLA Releasing label on September 25, 2007.

TLA Releasing acquired the film from Celebration Pictures, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Film and Music Entertainment, Inc, represented by Blayze Collins, with COFFEE DATE represented by Los Angeles-based Pierce Law Group, LLP who negotiated the deal. TLA was represented by Partner and Director of Acquisitions Richard A. Wolff and Pierce Law Group, LLP was represented by attorney David Albert Pierce and Producer’s Representative, Paul Hazen.

“COFFEE DATE is a light, refreshing comedy that plays with themes of sexual identity.” Said Wolff of TLA Releasing. “Stewart Wade is a talented director, whose films have become immensely popular after film festival and, in the case of COFFEE DATE, theatrical exposure.”

COFFEE DATE tells the comic story of all-around “straight” guy, Todd (Jonathan Bray) who ends up on a blind date with Kelly, (Wilson Cruz of Logo’s “Noah’s Arc”) a gay man; a result of a practical joke played by Todd’s brother, Barry (Jonathan Silverman of CBS’ “Close to Home”). But Todd and Kelly decide to take revenge on Barry by pretending to be boyfriends and the plan works too well. Barry quickly calls their mother, Mrs. Muller (Sally Kirkland) telling her that Todd is gay. And after a hilariously disastrous date with a sexy, younger woman, Todd begins to wonder if his feelings for Kelly could be more than he suspected. The cast also include comedian/actor Jason Stuart, actress Elaine Hendrix (“Joan of Arcadia”) and singer/actress Deborah Gibson.

“I am very pleased and excited that TLA Releasing is handling the DVD release of COFFEE DATE.” Said writer/director Stewart Wade. “As I work on my next feature (TRU LOVED, a story centering around the founding of a high school's first Gay-Straight Alliance), it's great to know that my earlier work is in good hands.”

Named as one of 2006 Outfest 2006 “Five in Focus,” Stewart Wade has had to stage plays produced (“Opening Night” and “Second Chance”), and multiple screenplays optioned (On The Line and Wish List). Coffee Date, the short film, screened at over 35 festivals worldwide, winning several major awards, including Best Short Film at the Honolulu International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the Madrid Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. Wade’s next feature TRU LOVED, starring Najarra Townsend (“Me and You and Everyone We Know”), Bruce Vilanch (“Hairspray”), Jane Lynch (“The 40 Year Old Virgin”), Elaine Hendrix (co-star of “Coffee Date”), Alexandra Paul (“Baywatch”), Alec Mapa (“Desperate Housewives”, Jasmine Guy (“A Different World”) and many others just wrapped principal photography.

For additional information about COFFEE DATE, visit coffeedatethemovie.com and tlareleasing.com

News from Evan Richards, the writer/director of last years Best Feature/Grand Prize winner "In A Day".

2007-07-28T12:57:00.000-04:00

...Wanted to let you know some nice news:

"In A Day" will be released theatrically in Los Angeles!

It opens August 24th - 30th. An exclusive one week engagement.

Laemmle Music Hall in Beverly Hills: www.laemmle.com

Official websites:

www.indaymovie.com
www.inadaymovie.blogspot.com

NEED's Annual Casting Issue - Deadline Approaches!

2007-07-05T08:26:00.000-04:00

The Deadline approaches! We are seeking headshot and bios for NEED's Annual Casting issue... deadline is 7/10/07 (at the latest). This is a free service to help promote performing artists (actors, musicians, dancers) and supporting agencies (photographers, teachers, coaches, PR) throughout New England and beyond to ~1000 casting agents, directors and agencies.

Early submissions are recommended for better chances of inclusion. Once the space is gone, no additional free inclusions will be accepted. We're looking for:

1) A headshot or hi-resolution photograph;
2) A short bio (not a resume... a bio), including your union affiliations (if any) and preferred method of contact.

To take less email time, please visit us online for complete information.

Space is limited, so don't put this off! And pass this along to anyone you think might be interested in participating! All materials (and/or questions) should be sent to jacneed@aol.com.

Enjoy the day!

JulieAnn

JulieAnn Charest Govang
President/CEO
JAC Publishing & Promotions
Publishers of New England Entertainment Digest
P.O. Box 88, Burlington, MA 01803
Office: 781-272-2066; Direct: 978-772-2545
www.jacneed.com

Podcasting with Mary Mazzio..

2007-05-29T09:04:00.000-04:00

Mary Mazzio - Mother’s Day Special
May 13th, 2007

On Spoiler Alert Radio’s hour long Mother’s Day Special, we explore the theme of motherhood with Mary Mazzio of 50 Eggs Productions, who discusses her three documentary films: A Hero For Daisy, Apple Pie, and Lemonade Stories and her unique approach to documentary filmmaking.

A Hero For Daisy is a film about Title IX pioneer and two-time Olympian Chris Ernst who through her protests for gender equity athletic facilities for women has opened the door to daughters everywhere. The film is dedicated to Daisy, Mary’s daughter.

Apple Pie is a film about professional athletes and their mothers from the aspect of their mother’s stories and the connections to their children’s lives.

Lemonade Stories is a film about renown entrepeneurs and their mothers, highlighting each mother’s impact on the entrepeneurial spirit and success of their sons and daughters.

Go to Http://spoileralertradio.com for the posdcast

Workshop Intensive: Crafting the Short Script

2007-05-24T15:52:00.000-04:00

Create your own mini-masterpiece. From proper formatting to screenplay terminology, this workshop will introduce participants to the art of crafting a short script, which is a good first step to writing that perfect feature project. Discover what fuels a story and how to create compelling characters. Draw on your hidden talents to sketch your ideas in storyboard fashion. Learn why all the work is in the outlining process. Listen to your inner protagonist, antagonist, and supporting cast as your script comes to life in a reading with workshop participants.

Award-winning screenwriter Dana Biscotti Myskowski has written a short film, an artist’s video, a planetarium-show script, corporate videos, children’s plays, and short and feature-length spec scripts. She has written for such publications as The SNReview, The Pitkin Review, and Hollywood Scriptwriter. She teaches workshops at colleges, conferences, businesses, and film festivals. She is currently studying in the low-residency MFA at Goddard College, where she is working on her latest screenplay. For more information visit www.greenchairpictures.com.

Date and Time: Saturday, June 16, 2007, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH
Cost: $125 NHWP members; $140 nonmembers
Class limit: 15
Recommended level: Beginning to Intermediate
Please visit our Web Site at: www.nhwritersproject.org

News on Filmmaker Eva Saks...

2007-05-15T07:30:00.000-04:00

Kodak's Film@11, Lunch@12 presents
presents AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER EVA SAKS

Join us as award-winning filmmaker Eva Saks presents a sampling of her
highly acclaimed work, including her brilliant New York City trilogy, CONFECTION/COLORFORMS/DATE; some of the delightful films she's created
for SESAME STREET, and her new 35mm PSAs VALENTINE'S DAY and DIRTY MARTINI, as well as discuss how her independent short films have led to work for Disney, Nickelodeon and PBS.

Wednesday, May 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at Eastman Kodak, 362 9th Ave (between 30th & 31st), NYC
(Take 9th Ave elevators to 2nd Floor)

Attendance is free but seating is limited and registration required. To register, click here
http://www.kodak.com/global/mul/motion/wrt/campaigns/EC00180/entry.jhtml
or call 800-863-5787.

News from Joce Donaghue...

2007-05-01T08:49:00.000-04:00

LOCAL FILMMAKERS’ EVENING
AT THE COURTHOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
MAY 8TH 7:30 PM

WHAT IS A STONE PILGRIM (2 ½ m.) Dir. by Patti Cassidy (resident of Jamestown, RI) The titular stone pilgrim is a passionate hunter of public sculpture, who triumphantly meets gods, celebrities, animals and timeless beauty wherever she goes. A mini documentary celebrating sculpture.

THE VIRGIN & THE DEMON (9 ½ m.) Dir. by Matthew Colicci (originally from Potowomut, RI) A young girl wakes up from one nightmare to another as she can’t remember how the blood stains got on her carpet. As she knocks over an empty whiskey bottle, a demon from her past reveals the acts she and her alter-ego committed and the motives behind these acts.

THE POD (18 m.) Dir. by Jeremiah Kipp (originally from Hopkinton, RI) With Caroline and Jonas’ relationship on the brink, Jonas returns home one night with the pod, a drug that couples take to strengthen their bond. After Caroline refuses to take the pod she finds a note from Jonas to “Call me when you take your dose.” More info: www.myspace.com/podmovie.

GONE FISHIN’ (7 m.) Dir. by Michelle LeBrun (resident of Providence, RI) This mini documentary takes us inside one of the most diverse meeting places in Providence, RI – Ocean State Tackle shop, where all religious, economic and racial backgrounds converge to share their joy for the adventure of fishing.

MARRIAGE AS GUM (2 m.) Dir. by Mike Messier (resident of Providence, RI) Actor Mike Messier interprets writer Jon Tuttle’s monologue from the play “Drift.” Filmed by Damien Langan in Camden, Maine in October 2006 as part of The Workshops film school of Rockport, Maine.

SCHTICKMAN (2 m.) Dir. by Mike Messier (resident of Providence, RI) Two one minute shorts of animated stick figure “Schtickman” giving a no holds barred comedic commentary on groupies and addictions.

SISYPHUS’ BOXES (15 m.) Dir by Anna Shapiro (resident of Providence, RI) In collaboration with artist Davyde X, performance artist Anna Shapiro journeys the streets, sidewalks, hallways and doorways of Providence (en route to and from AS220) while dragging a multitude of mylar-covered cardboard boxes. A seriously funny, absurd journey with some thought-provoking ideas on place, possessions, homelessness and displacement.

BALANCE (14 m.) Dir. by Chris Sparling (resident of North Providence, RI) An ordinary mother and father are faced with the unthinkable as their only son nears death. Struggling to find a balance between morality and mortality, the only thing they can do is what they think is right.

A PINE TREE (13 m.) Dir. by David Vidich (resident of Kingston, RI) This avant-garde piece from URI film student Vidich “explores the events that occurred two years ago in a field and in Middeltown, Ct. This is an exegesis into the realities of film, and a few interesting things do unfold.”

Admission donation: General $5, CCA Member $4, Student $2

NOTE: Due to the mature content or language of some of the films, no one under age 16 will be admitted.

THE COURTHOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS 3481 Kingstown Rd (Rte 138) 1 ½ miles west of URI, West Kingston, RI PH: 401-782-1018 www.courthousearts.org

News from Toni-Ann Baker...

2007-04-20T09:16:00.000-04:00

AUDITIONS -OPEN CASTING CALL

Two Sisters' Productions, Inc.
is now casting local actors in A Film by Eugene J. Celico,
Thunder Doyle
Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 in Pawtucket, RI

Two Sisters' Productions, Inc. is casting local actors to star in the feature film named Thunder Doyle, directed by Eugene J. Celico (The Tournament). Auditions are being held at the Production Office of Thunder Doyle at 44 East Avenue Extension, Suite 205, Pawtucket, RI 02860 on Friday, April 27th from 2-8pm
and Saturday, April 28th from 10-6pm. The director, Eugene J. Celico, will be present for all auditions.

Diane St. Laurent, of Two Sisters' Productions, Inc. and Casting Co-Director of the independent film Thunder Doyle says "we are thrilled that film producers continue to choose Rhode Island to make their films. Rhode Island offers so much in addition to the favorable tax credit. It offers an untapped talent pool of actors, writers and production professionals, not to mention historic and preferred locations never seen before on screen. Because of its size, Thunder Doyle will offer a great deal of opportunity right here in Rhode Island!"

The impressive Thunder Doyle cast already includes Vincent Pastore (Sopranos), David Proval (Mean Streets and Everybody Loves Raymond), Nick Puccio (Find Me Guilty), Tricia Gozzi, (Sex in the City) and also features our very own local boxing champion Vinny Pazienza in the lead role with
first time Rhode Island actor Kerry Souza!

OPEN CASTING CALL
for
THUNDER DOYLE
www.thunderdoylemovie.com

SAG & Non-Union Needed

Friday, April 27 from 2:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday, April 28 from 10:00am - 6:00pm

Location:
44 East Avenue Extension
Pawtucket, RI 02860
2nd Floor, Suite 205

Looking for Actors
(all ages, all types, all sizes)
Men of all nationalities
Women of all nationalities
Little People (Dwarfs)

Specifically
White women ages 20-35, 60-80
White men ages 30-70
Latin American men ages 25-45
African American men ages 25-60
Heavy set men ages 35-50
Male Boxers ages 20-35

Looking for Special Talent With
Boxing Skills
Circus or carnival acts
Acrobatic skills
Body builders

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Two Sisters' Productions, Inc.
P.O. Box 10088 Cranston, RI 02910
www.twosistersproduction.com
Contact Person:
Toni-Ann Baker (401) 474-1753
twosisters21@aol.com