Semi-autobiographical “PURE O” Trailer And Release

Posted on April 5, 2024 by admin

In PURE O, a rehab counselor (Daniel Dorr, Fury, 20th Century Women) questions his sanity when he is diagnosed with a crippling form of OCD known as Pure Obsessional. With the help of his friends, a therapy group, and his addiction recovery clients, he discovers the life-affirming power of community in order to fight through the darkest moment of his life.

The film is set for digital release on major platforms Friday, April 12, and atrically in Los Angeles Friday April 5.

PURE O marks the directorial debut of veteran actor-musician-filmmaker Dillon Tucker, who has drawn from his own struggle with OCD to create a singular cinematic portrait of American life. Featuring subtle, natural light-filled cinematography by Tucker’s longtime creative collaborator, Ricky Fosheim, and a vibrant soundtrack of original songs by Tucker.

Along with Daniel Dorr, the film also stars Hope Lauren (CW’s The Republic of Sarah), Landry Bender (Best Friends Whenever, Hulu’s Looking for Alaska, The Sitter, Fuller House), Jeffery A. Baker

Said Dillon, ‘Pure O is a semi-autobiographical account of my life around the time I was diagnosed with OCD while working as a counselor at a drug and alcohol rehab. It is a true ensemble piece that shows how mental health affects not only the sufferer, but also the loved ones who surround them. This film is a story about the power of human connection and how vulnerability is the greatest form of courage.

PURE O was nominated for the Grand Jury award at 2023 SXSW, and received critical acclaim. Script Magazine called it “vulnerable, honest, and remarkably, it feels real, “ and Signal Horizon said the film is “ one of the most poignant and optimistic films I have ever seen.”

Oscar Micheaux and the Birth of Black Independent Cinema 15-Film Festival Opens May 3 at Film Forum

Posted on April 3, 2024 by admin

Oscar Micheaux and the Birth of Black Independent Cinema, an 18-film festival, including 7 new restorations, of work by the prolific independent director whose pioneering explorations of contemporary Black life paved the way for generations, will run at Film Forum from Friday, May 3 through Thursday, May 9.

Operating on shoestring budgets, Oscar Micheaux (1884-1951) directed and produced more than 40 films between 1919 and 1948, shifting from silent to talkies, and depicting such complex and taboo subjects as religious hypocrisy, interracial marriage, police violence, and lynching, often with all-Black casts and producers. His work explored the Black experience with nuance and depth, often challenging the negative stereotypes so commonly portrayed in films of the era. Micheaux’s films were the first made by a Black filmmaker to be shown in white cinemas, and they were often hugely successful, with Micheaux working directly with theater owners to finance, distribute, and market them.
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Dark Sky Films Sets Release of “The Glenarma Tapes”

Posted on March 20, 2024 by admin

Dark Sky Films has set the release of its upcoming horror thriller “The Glenarma Tapes” to VOD and digital on April 2nd.

Directed by Tony Devlin, the film stars Warren McCook, Sophie Hill, Ryan Early and Emily Lamey. It is written by Tony Devlin & Paul Kennedy.

THE GLENARMA TAPES tells the story of teenager GORDY and his best friend JIMMY attempting to make the best film ever by following a day in the life of Gordy. Just an average day where Gordy tends to his little sister, goes to college, helps his Mum, pines over a potential girlfriend and smokes a pack of cigarettes… Not very exciting, until they overhear their annoying teachers plotting a wild weekend in the forest. Perfect timing for the boys to have an adventure of their own…by following them! Throw in Gordy’s love interest – the smart and streetwise ELEANOR and her no-nonsense friend CLARE and we have our Fab Four.

Off they set on a rickety old bus to the village of Glenarma, over sixty miles away from home. But what does every great adventure need? Supplies! Upon reaching the one-horse town and finding a dilapidated gas station, the gang encounter the strange yet articulate local shopkeeper EUGENE DONNELLY. Eugene proceeds to inform the young students of the tale of ‘Harry Half-a-Head’ – setting the scene for the unknown territory that lies ahead.

With their bags full, the gang make the 4-mile trek to the forest with the help of some “borrowed” wheels. A chase ensues but Gordy and his friends reach the gates of the Glenarma Forest safely…only to find the place is closed up. After a brief discussion on what to do next, the sound of an approaching vehicle nails the evening plans down. Taking cover, the students observe their teachers – MALLON and HOLMES, exit the unmarked car and make their way into the forest. Showtime!

Equipped with infra-red head cams, the youngsters follow the faculty members into the forest but soon lose sight of them. Darkness is coming and temperatures drop. Supplies are low and Gordy’s cigarette lighter is of no help when attempting to create a fire. Time to go home they decide. Catching your teachers having an affair on camera is no longer as appealing as they once believed.

However, when they begin to retrace their steps back through the forest, they uncover their teachers’ campsite and discover their educators are involved in a ritual sacrifice with a number of other people. When THE HUNTSMASTER initiates the hunt, the gang are discovered and must make it out of the forest alive before their teachers track them down and silence them forever…

Fast forward two years later and footage detailing their movements on the day they disappeared is uncovered during a police operation outside Belfast. With DETECTIVE TODD in charge, the case begins to unravel, lives are changed, there is a shocking discovery and we learn the truth of what occurred that fateful night through THE GLENARMA TAPES.

Trailer For “The Black Guelph” Drama Film Released

Posted on March 14, 2024 by admin

“The Black Guelph” is directed and written by Josh Connors, and stars Graham Earley, Paul Roe, Tony Doyle, Denise McCormack, Lauren Larkin, and John Connors.

See below for the latest trailer for the movie.

The film is set to have screenings in US theaters on Friday, March 22, 2024 in New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, Baltimore.

Here is the film’s official synopsis:

“The Black Guelph” dives into the corrupt chaos of a small-time drug dealer, Canto, who yearns to escape the clutches of his criminal life. However, his aspirations for redemption get complicated when his estranged father reemerges, igniting a tumultuous journey of forgiveness and self-discovery. As Canto grapples with his grimly choices, the film unfolds as an unyielding critique of power dynamics and societal corruption.

The film’s riveting narrative and poignant performances, notably Graham Earley’s portrayal of Canto, have captivated audiences worldwide, and securing him the esteemed Seymour Cassel Award for Outstanding Performance. With its compelling storyline and powerful performances, “The Black Guelph” stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of cinema in confronting pressing societal issues.

Larry Fessenden’s “Blackout” From Dark Sky Films Sets Release On Theaters + Digital Platforms

Posted on February 18, 2024 by admin

Written and directed by Larry Fessenden, the horror thriller stars Alex Hurt, Addison Timlin, Motell Gyn Foster, Joseph Castillo-Midyett, Ella Rae Peck, Rigo Garay, John Speredakos, Michael Buscemi, Jeremy Holm, Joe Swanberg, Kevin Corrigan, Barbara Crampton as Kate; with James Le Gros and Marshall Bell.

“Blackout” is set to open for a one week exclusive NYC theatrical engagement at IFC Center on March 13th, which will feature special cast appearances and a Q&A. The film will be released nationwide on digital platforms and VOD on April 12th.

It marks the long-awaited reunion of Dark Sky Films and Larry Fessenden’s Glass Eye Pix, two iconic horror companies responsible for Ti West’s The House of The Devil and The Innkeepers, Jim Mickle’s Stake Land and Adrian Garcia Bogliano’s Late Phases.

Here’s the film’s official synopsis:

Painter Charley (Alex Hurt, Minyan, TV’s New Amsterdam) wakes up in an upstate motel where he appears to have been living for some time. After he packs and leaves he encounters various people in the small town where everybody knows your name. Charley is saying goodbye to the estranged love of his life, Sharon (Addison Timlin, Submission, TV’s American Horror Stories), and settling his affairs with a manic urgency that culminates with a call to a friend, Earl (Motell Gyn Foster, Marriage Story, A Dog’s Way Home), saying: “You better be ready, I’m coming.”

But Charley never makes it to his friend’s house: When the sun goes down he has convulsions while driving his car, goes off the road and ends up in a ditch. Charley, it seems, is a werewolf. He attacks his rescuers and moves through the outskirts of town at night wreaking havoc. But the next day he can’t remember the things he’s done. Now the tight-knit town must rally to find out what is tearing it apart: mistrust, fear, or a vicious monster.

Sundance Institute Announces 2024 Merata Mita Fellow and Inaugural Graton Fellow

Posted on January 20, 2024 by admin

Libby-Hakaraia-and-Tazbah-Rose-Chavez Today the nonprofit Sundance Institute announced the filmmakers selected to receive the 2024 Merata Mita Fellowship and the inaugural Graton Fellowship for Artists from California-Based Tribes. The Merata Mita Fellowship is an annual fellowship named in honor of the late Māori filmmaker Merata Mita (1942–2010) to support Indigenous women-identified artists endeavoring to direct their first feature film. This year’s Merata Mita Fellowship will go to Libby Hakaraia (Ngati Kapu, Ngati Raukawa au ki te tonga). The recently announced Graton Fellowship, created to support Indigenous artists from California-based tribes, both federally and non federally recognized, will go to Tazbah Rose Chavez (Dinè, Nüümü, San Carlos Apache). Both fellows were recognized at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival Native Forum Celebration Presented by NBCUniversal Launch and Nia Tero at The Park in Park City, Utah.

“It feels incredibly meaningful to have Libby and Tazbah as the recipients for the Merata Mita and Graton Fellowships respectively this year. It’s also a bit of a spiritual homecoming too,” said Adam Piron, Director, Sundance Institute Indigenous Program. “Both are established artists with deep ties to their communities, the histories that these fellowships are rooted in, and we’re thrilled to be supporting their upcoming projects with these incredible opportunities and I’d also like to thank Chairman Greg Sarris, the community of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and our donors for making this possible”
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Cinema Tropical Awards: Argentina’s TRENQUE LAUQUEN Named Best Latin American Film of the Year

Posted on January 9, 2024 by admin

The Argentine feature Trenque Lauquen by Laura Citarella was announced as the winner of the top award for Best Latin American Film of the Year at the 14th Annual Cinema Tropical Awards, which were announced this evening in a special event at Film at Lincoln Center in New York City.

The Chilean filmmaker Manuela Martelli was the winner of the Cinema Tropical Award for Best Director for her debut feature Chile ‘76, while the Costa Rican feature, I Have Electric Dreams (Tengo sueños eléctricos) by Valentina Maurel was announced winner of the award for Best First Film. The jury gave the award for Best Documentary to The Trial (El juicio) by Ulises de la Órden.

In the U.S. Latinx Cinema competition, the winner of the award for Best Film was the fiction film Story Ave, the debut feature by Aristotle Torres.

The Latin American winners of this year’s Cinema Tropical Awards were selected by a jury panel composed of Mónica Castillo, Senior Film Programer Curator at the Jacob Burns Film Center; Mara Fortes, Senior Curator at the Telluride Film Festival; María Paula Lorgia, Artistic Director of the San Diego Latino Film Festival; Marian Luntz, Film Curator at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and Manuel Santini, Senior Manager, Programming at Film at Lincoln Center.
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Trailer and Poster For “The Settlers” Released

Posted on January 4, 2024 by admin

Debut writer-director Felipe Gálvez asserts himself as a revelatory new cinematic voice with The Settlers, a searing and indelible take on the Western. Blending historical specificity with vivid visual style, this Cannes Un Certain Regard FIPRESCI Prize winner creates a singular immersive vision, arresting in both content and form.

The film follows three horsemen at the turn of the 20th century who embark on an expedition across the Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the behest of a wealthy landowner, tasked with securing his vast state-appointed property. Accompanying a reckless British lieutenant and an American mercenary is mestizo marksman Segundo, who comes to realize, amidst rising tensions within the group, their true mission is to murderously “remove” the indigenous population.

Set against stunning mountain landscapes, Chile’s Best International Feature Film entry to the 96th Academy Awards is a visceral reckoning with national myth and the attendant violence. Painterly yet piercing, this acclaimed frontier epic turns a bold eye to the past, daring to reimagine its depiction in the present and for the future.

Felipe Gálvez (b. 1983) is a Chilean filmmaker, writer and editor based in Paris. The Settlers (2023) is his debut feature. His previous works includes the short film Rapaz (2018), which also premiered in Cannes as part of the Critics’ Week program. His other short films have been awarded by festivals around the world. As an editor, Felipe collaborated with filmmakers such as Marialy Rivas, Kiro Russo and Alex Anwandter, among others.

2024 Sundance Film Festival Announces 91 Projects Selected For 40th Edition

Posted on December 7, 2023 by admin

2024-Sundance-Film-Festival-91-Projects-For-40th-Edition

Top L–R: Girls State, Seeking Mavis Beacon, The American Society of Magical Negroes, Layla.
Center L–R: Being (the Digital Griot), Freaky Tales, Love Me, Presence.
Bottom L–R: Porcelain War, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat, In the Land of Brothers, A Real Pain.

Yesterday, the nonprofit Sundance Institute announced the 82 films, eight episodic titles, and a New Frontier interactive experience selected for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The Festival will take place January 18–28, 2024, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, with a selection of titles available online nationwide from January 25–28, 2024. This year marks the 40th edition of the Festival, bringing together audiences in Utah and beyond to celebrate Sundance’s rich history of supporting engaging new stories and groundbreaking independent artists. In-Person Ticket Packages and Passes and Online Ticket Packages and Passes are currently on sale and single film tickets go on sale January 11 at 10 a.m. MT.

To kick things off, the Festival will begin at noon MT on January 18 with premieres in Park City, showcasing the range of offerings in this year’s lineup across categories. Adding to the festivities, on the evening of January 18, the Institute will host the Opening Night Gala: Celebrating 40 Years Presented by Chase Sapphire®. The fundraiser will benefit the year round artist support work of the Sundance Institute.

Films will debut in Park City starting January 18, with additional showings in Park City and Salt Lake City over the course of the Festival. Select titles also become available online beginning January 25, including all Competition titles (U.S. Dramatic, U.S. Documentary, World Cinema Dramatic, World Cinema Documentary, and NEXT), as well as additional selections from the feature, episodic, and shorts programs. Audiences can experience the curated online selection exclusively via festival.sundance.org. The online program, as noted below per listing, will allow fans of independent storytelling across the country to enjoy a sampling of the Festival lineup from wherever they are. The short film selections and 40th edition programming for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival will be announced on December 12.

“From the first edition in 1985, Sundance Film Festival has aimed to provide a space to gather, celebrate, and engage with risk-taking artists that are committed to bringing their independent visions to audiences — the Festival remains true to that goal to this day,” said Robert Redford, Sundance Institute Founder and President. “It continues to evolve, but its legacy of showcasing bold work that starts necessary conversations continues with the 2024 program.”

“The Institute takes great pride in the role the Festival plays in advancing our mission to support artists creating audacious work,” said Joana Vicente, Sundance Institute CEO. “This year is especially significant as we look back on our history of showcasing stories that surprise and delight, spark empathy and reflection, and honor our shared humanity. We’re all thrilled for this opportunity to celebrate the power of storytelling as we gather in January to introduce captivating works from acclaimed filmmakers and discover more new voices.”

“Sundance’s passion and power shines through its programming. Curation is Sundance’s secret sauce and we’re energized by the range of films, stories, and artists we’ve watched and selected from around the world,” said Eugene Hernandez, Director, Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming. “This Festival has had a vital history of first impressions: introductions to new talent, new friends, new worlds — our commitment to our artists and our audiences is fundamental to our work. Our programming team, lead by Kim Yutani, has curated 11 days of exciting new voices and stories for the many audiences we serve whether they’re joining us in Utah or experiencing the Festival offerings from afar. Sundance 2024 will be a special year for discovery and community.”
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30th Slamdance Film Festival Announces 2024 Lineup

Posted on December 4, 2023 by admin

The 30th Slamdance Film Festival, the artist-led “by filmmakers for filmmakers” organization, has announced its full film lineup for 2024. Celebrating 30 years of discovering industry-changing talent, the festival will come full circle, returning to the Yarrow Hotel in Park City, where it all started.

Kicking off with a screening of Oscar-winning filmmaker Carol Dysinger’s epic documentary One Bullet, this year’s festival will showcase an accessible lineup of 32 features, of which 17 are World Premieres, 75 shorts, and five episodics. On-site screenings and events will be held in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah from January 19-25th and online screenings will be available on the Slamdance Channel from January 22-28th.

“Our 2024 Slamdance lineup is a testament to filmmakers who dare to push their stories to the very edge of filmmaking, making it deeply personal yet globally resonant,” said Festival Director Taylor Miller. “Their raw passion and risk-taking echo our commitment to exploring uncharted territories of cinematic expression. This year, we proudly host the most inclusive and accessible festival we’ve ever had, staying true to the core objectives I aimed to cultivate with our programmers when I took this job.”

A celebration of emerging filmmaking talent from around the world, this year’s lineup consists of 113 films – 17 of which are World Premiere features – hailing from 20 countries including Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Palestine, Russia, and the UK (United Kingdom) among others. The 2024 programming was selected from more than 9,000 submissions, 1,729 of which were features. As in previous years, all films selected in the Narrative Features and Documentary Features competition categories are directorial debuts without U.S. distribution, with budgets of less than $1 million.
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