Ryan Gosling To Receive SBIFF’s 16th Annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence In Film

Posted on November 12, 2023 by admin

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is honored to announce that Ryan Gosling will be receiving the 16th annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence in Film. Gosling’s incredible range as a performer can currently be seen in this year’s critically acclaimed cinematic standout, BARBIE. The prestigious award, which benefits Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s year-round educational programs, will be presented on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at a Black-Tie dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. This marks the second time since the passing of screen legend Kirk Douglas that the honor will be awarded.

“Ryan Gosling has long been both a dramatic and comedic force in front of the camera. This year, thanks to his universally hailed, triumphant performance as Ken in BARBIE – a film that truly demanded the attention of critics and moviegoers around the world – he has become a true cinematic powerhouse,” stated Executive Director, Roger Durling.

Seen as one of the most exciting actors of this generation, Gosling is a two-time Academy Award nominee for his work in “Half Nelson” and “La La Land,” and a four-time Golden Globe nominee and one-time winner for his role as Sebastian in “La La Land.” Over the course of his decades-spanning career, Gosling has additionally garnered numerous accolades, including winning a Film Independent Spirit Award, a National Board of Review Award and more, as well as nominations from BAFTA and the Screen Actors Guild.
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Sundance Institute and The Walt Disney Studios Launch Fund to Support Underrepresented Directors

Posted on November 7, 2023 by admin

Today, the nonprofit Sundance Institute and The Walt Disney Studios are proud to announce the establishment of the Project Advancement and Completion Fund, an initiative designed to provide grants to fiction directors from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. This fund aims to empower and uplift filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and genres, fostering a more inclusive cinema landscape.

The Project Advancement and Completion Fund will support nine directors currently engaged in fiction features through Sundance Institute’s esteemed artist programs. These talented filmmakers, hailing from a range of traditionally underrepresented communities, including women, AAPI, Black, Indigenous/Native, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, disability-identifying, and religiously marginalized individuals, will be granted the resources needed to bring their unique visions to life.

“After working with several Sundance filmmakers, we know how important it is for directors to develop their first independent feature films in order to take on larger projects at the studio level and we couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with Sundance Institute in an effort to help them do just that,” said Mahin Ibrahim, Director, Creative Talent Pathways, Representation & Inclusion Strategies. “At Disney, we believe in the power of diverse voices and storytelling, and this initiative reaffirms our commitment to empowering underrepresented talent in the industry.”
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Netflix Drops Trailer For Annette Bening and Jodie Foster Swimmer Biopic ‘Nyad’

Posted on September 10, 2023 by admin

TheThe biopic NYAD tell a remarkable true story of athlete Diana Nyad who, at the age of 60 and with the help of her best friend and coach, commits to achieving her life-long dream: a 110-mile open ocean swim from Cuba to Florida.

Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the film stars Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans, Annette Bening.

Last week on on September 1, the film had its world premiere at the 50th Telluride Film Festival.

“Nyad” is set to premiere in selected theaters on Oct. 20, followed by streaming on Netflix starting on Nov. 3.

Watch the full trailer below.

Focus Features Celebrates 30 Years of ‘Dazed and Confused’

Posted on July 13, 2023 by admin

Focus Features is commemorating the 30th anniversary of Richard Linklater’s critically acclaimed cult classic, DAZED AND CONFUSED, with a series of exclusive events and celebrations in honor of the beloved film’s enduring impact on cinema and culture today. Written and directed by Richard Linklater and originally released in September 1993, DAZED AND CONFUSED explores the last day of school—and one wild night—in the lives of high school students in 1976. The film features a stacked ensemble cast including Matthew McConaughey, Parker Posey, Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, and Anthony Rapp among many others. Anniversary celebrations first commenced in April timed to 4/20 when Focus hosted more than 100 anniversary screenings at theaters in major cities across the U.S, including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Austin, Washington DC, and New York City.

The DAZED fun will continue with a weekend of activity at San Diego Comic Con from July 20-23, including an immersive pop-up at the Interactive Zone where fans can purchase exclusive anniversary merch (only available at the Con), photo-opps featuring iconic scenes from the film, and themed giveaways. Fans can also relive the film through three separate screenings on Friday, July 21, Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 at the Digital Gym Cinema in downtown San Diego. During the Con, convention attendees can also enter a special sweepstakes to win a trip to Austin, TX, the film’s iconic setting, for a special DAZED reunion-filled weekend. The Criterion Collection’s 4K UHD DAZED AND CONFUSED Blu-Ray will also be available for purchase on site.

Additionally, Focus is partnering with Vidiots, L.A.’s legendary video store and film hub, recently relaunched at the historic Eagle Theatre, for a special DAZED AND CONFUSED takeover featuring two screenings in Vidiots’ newly renovated 271-seat, state-of-the-art cinema on Saturday, July 29th Fans attending screenings will be treated to a special commemorative movie poster as well as several DAZED-themed giveaways. Beer, wine, and munchies will be available for fans all day in Vidiots’ spacious lobby bar. Tickets for the Vidiots’ “Dazed Day” are on sale now.

DAZED Celebrations will culminate in a jam-packed cast reunion weekend in partnership with Austin Film Society on Sept 16th and 17th in Austin, TX. Kicking off on Saturday, September 16, the Round Rock Express will host a Dazed and Confused anniversary themed baseball game with exclusive merchandise, a pre-game panel discussion with members of the film’s cast and a first pitch thrown by Linklater. Then on Sunday, September 17, the Waterloo Greenway will present a special outdoor screening of the film at the Moody Amphitheater followed by a Q&A with Linklater and select cast. Tickets and more information about these Austin Film Society events can be found here. Exclusive DAZED AND CONFUSED anniversary merch will also be available for purchase through the Focus Features online store beginning July 24th.

Decentralized Pictures and Decrypt Studios To Discuss How Web3 Is Opening Doors For Indie Filmmakers

Posted on January 18, 2023 by admin

Decentralized Pictures and Web3 production company Decrypt Studios will present FILM3 On the Mountain in Park City on Saturday January 21. The event will feature a panel discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of blockchain technology for filmmakers, as well as a chance to network with leaders in film and television.

A 501c3 non-profit founded by Roman Coppola, Leo Matchett, Michael Musante, and American Zoetrope, Decentralized Pictures (DCP) is dedicated to elevating the voices of independent filmmakers through a fair blockchain protocol. DCP has launched partnerships with filmmaker/producer Kevin Smith and not-for-profit The Gotham to create financing awards for undiscovered talent.

At the conclusion of FILM3 on the Mountain, Steven Soderbergh will be on hand to announce the winner of the first Andrews/Bernard Award, which his production company Extension 765 launched on the DCP platform in 2022 to discover and support emerging talent in the film industry. The award will support three filmmakers with finishing funds for fiction features or shorts worth $100,000 each.

The winning projects are determined via transparent voting powered by blockchain technology on DCP’s film funding platform. The next two recipients will be voted on and announced later this year. To submit applications to be considered for these awards or to participate as a voter, please visit DCP’s website.

Angela Bassett To Receive 38th Annual SBIFF Montecito Award

Posted on December 1, 2022 by admin

Angela Bassett will be honored with the Montecito Award at the 38th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Bassett will receive the award on Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at an in-person conversation about her career leading up to this year’s performance in Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER directed by Ryan Coogler from Disney Studios.

“Ms. Bassett has had an illustrious career as an actor, director and producer and in WAKANDA FOREVER reminds us why she’s so greatly revered. She’s regal, fierce and commanding as Queen Ramonda. We bow down.” SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling stated.

Angela Bassett is an actress, director, and executive producer known for captivating, emotionally-tinged performances full of dignity in treasured films such as MALCOLM X, BOYZ IN THE HOOD, WAITING TO EXHALE, HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK, and of course, WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?, for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She has since made star-turns in the historic BLACK PANTHER, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-FALLOUT, BUMBLEBEE from Paramount, as well as the television hits 9-1-1, and MASTER OF NONE. Other recent projects include Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning animated feature SOUL, for which she lent her melodious voice for the character, Dorothea Williams; feature films OTHERHOOD and GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE from Netflix; and THE FLOOD from National Geographic, for which she received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Narrator. Further, she was nominated for two Emmys, including Outstanding Narrator for the IMAGINEERING STORY: THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW. Bassett recently wrapped production on the Netflix Originals feature film, DAMSEL, opposite Millie Bobby Brown.

The Montecito Award is named after one of the most beautiful and stylish areas in Santa Barbara. Past recipients include Penélope Cruz, Amanda Seyfried, Lupita Nyong’o, Melissa McCarthy, Saoirse Ronan, Isabelle Huppert, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Daniel Day-Lewis, Geoffrey Rush, Julianne Moore, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts and Javier Bardem.
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Cate Blanchett To Receive Honor At Palm Springs Film Festival

Posted on November 21, 2022 by admin

Focus Features

The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that Cate Blanchett is set to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award.

“Cate Blanchett is truly one of the best actresses of this generation, whose performances are always extraordinary no matter the role. In her latest film Tár, Cate perfectly embodies Lydia Tár as an orchestra conductor at the height of her career whose life begins to unravel,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. ” There is no one better suited for this role and it is our honor to present the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress, to Cate Blanchett.”

Two-time Oscar winner Blanchett will receive the honor during a ceremony at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Jan. 5, 2023.

Her film Tar saw its initial theatrical release Oct. 7 through Focus Features.

Blanchett was honored at the festival previously with the Desert Palm Achievement Award: Actress (2016) for Carol and Truth, Career Achievement Award and Ensemble Performance Award Babel (2007).

Cate Blanchett To Receive 38th Annual SBIFF Outstanding Performer Of The Year Award

Posted on November 8, 2022 by admin

Cate Blanchett will receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at the 38th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Blanchett will be honored on Friday, February 10, 2023 for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Lydia Tár in Todd Feld’s TÁR from Focus Features. Setting a historic record, this is the second time Blanchett will be feted at the festival as the Outstanding Performer of the Year.

In 2014, she received the honor for her role as Jasmine French in BLUE JASMINE. In 2008, she was crowned the Modern Master Award for her role as Queen Elizabeth in ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE and as multi-faceted Bob Dylan in I’M NOT THERE.

“Cate Blanchett is an artist that has nothing left to prove; she is one of the most brilliant actresses ever – yet she keeps challenging herself and proving over and over again that she’s the most outstanding performer!” SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling noted.

Cate Blanchett is an internationally acclaimed, Academy Award-winning actor, producer, artistic director, humanitarian, and dedicated member of the arts community. Blanchett plays the titular role and executive produces Todd Field’s highly anticipated feature film “TÁR,” which marks the writer-director-producer’s first film in over 15 years. The film was warmly welcomed at the Telluride Film Festival and Venice International Film Festival, where Blanchett was awarded the Coppa Volpi for Best Actress for her second time since I’m Not There. This fall, Blanchett will appear in Guillermo Del Toro’s latest film, “PINOCCHIO,” and the mockumentary hit series “Documentary Now!” She has now begun production in Australia on Warwick Thornton’s “The New Boy,” in which she stars and produces via the production company Dirty Films. She most recently wrapped production on “Disclaimer,” directed by Alfonso Cuaron, in which she also stars and executive produces. In 2021, Blanchett appeared in Adam McKay’s smash hit, Don’t Look Up, as well as Guillermo Del Toro’s Nightmare Alley.
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Film Review: The Struggle And Hope In “The Bicycle Thieves”

Posted on July 3, 2016 by admin

By Armando Inquig

The Bicycle Thieves lays bare the harsh reality of life in post-war Italy. Released in 1948, during a time of deep economic struggle, the film captures the raw aftermath of war with a simplicity that makes its message all the more powerful. Directed by Vittorio De Sica, it’s one of the defining works of Italian neorealism, and still widely considered one of the greatest films ever made.

The story follows Antonio Ricci, a down-on-his-luck man in Rome trying to provide for his family. Things start to look up when he finally lands a job putting up advertising posters — but the job depends on having a bicycle. His wife, Maria, sacrifices their bed linens to get the bike back from a pawn shop, and Antonio heads out to work, hopeful for the first time in a long while.

But his luck quickly turns. While he’s up on a ladder hanging a poster, someone steals his bicycle. He gives chase, but the thief vanishes into the crowd.

What follows is a long and often heartbreaking day as Antonio and his young son, Bruno, comb the city trying to find the bike. Their search takes them through different parts of Rome, each offering a glimpse into the city’s wide economic gap. At a bustling market full of stolen goods, they come up short. At one point, they find someone who may know the thief, and they track down a suspect. But Antonio can’t prove anything, and the man walks free.

As the day wears on, Antonio’s desperation grows. Eventually, in a moment of hopelessness, he tries to steal a bicycle himself — only to be caught in front of a crowd, and most painfully, in front of Bruno. The bike’s owner, seeing their situation, decides not to press charges.

The film ends with Antonio and Bruno walking away together, hand in hand, fading into the crowd. The bicycle — and the hope it once brought — is gone.

De Sica paints a painfully honest picture of what poverty can do to a person. Antonio is not a hero or a villain — just a man pushed to his breaking point by a world that doesn’t seem to care. His story still resonates, not because of the time or place, but because of the emotions it captures so clearly: struggle, pride, shame, and love.

The Bicycle Thieves is moving, human, and unforgettable.

The Criterion Collection recently released the film on Blu-ray in a 4K digital restoration. This special edition also includes a 2003 documentary on screenwriter and longtime De Sica collaborator Cesare Zavattini, directed by Carlo Lizzani.

Classic Film Review: A Detective’s Dilemma In Alfred Hitchcock’s “Sabotage”

Posted on August 25, 2015 by admin

By Armando Inquig

Although ‘Sabotage’ is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s lesser-known films, its darker elements mark it as a significant precursor to his later works.

Released in 1936, Sabotage is one of Hitchcock’s British productions before he moved to the US and transitioned into Hollywood. The film is narratively daring for its time, incorporating dark and tragic elements that Hitchcock would later become known for.

The film follows cinema owner Karl Verloc (played by Oscar Homolka), a man who engages in attacks against the city’s infrastructure. His wife, Mrs. Verloc (Sylvia Sidney), and her younger brother, Stevie (Desmond Tester), are unaware of his activities.

Detective sergeant Ted Spencer (John Loder) is assigned to investigate Verloc and infiltrate his life under the guise of a cinema patron. As Spencer delves deeper into his investigation, Mrs. Verloc gradually senses that something is wrong with her husband. It is soon revealed that Verloc, pressured by his co-conspirators, is planning to carry out a big sabotage act.

Verloc secretly instructs Stevie to deliver a film canister containing a lethal bomb, set to explode in the heart of London. Stevie is unaware of its contents and innocently agrees to transport the canister. But the bomb tragically detonates on a crowded bus, killing the young boy and sending shockwaves through the city. Mrs. Verloc is devastated by the loss of her brother and, in a moment of anger, she confronts Karl and ends up stabbing and killing him.

By now, Detective Spencer who seemingly developed feelings for Mrs. Verloc, is torn and conflicted. Will Detective Spencer abide by his obligations and turn Mrs. Verloc in, or will his emotions prevail and help her escape?

In true Hitchcockian fashion, the film navigates moral dilemmas about loyalty, guilt and justice, themes that became a hallmark of his storytelling style and continued throughout the rest of his career. His direction is steady, focused on the psychological complexities of the characters without devolving into conventional tropes.

“Sabotage” is released as “The Woman Alone” in the United States, and is now available in Blu-ray in the United Kingdom in a high-definition format.