“Cliff Walkers” U.S. Release Date Announced

Posted on April 8, 2021 by admin

CMC Pictures has announced that “Cliff Walkers” is set to be released on April 30, 2021 in the US.

This will bring director Zhang Yimou’s (RAISE THE RED LANTERN, THE GREAT WALL, SHADOW) historical spy thriller CLIFF WALKERS to theaters across North America and internationally on April 30, 2021. Marking the acclaimed director’s first foray into the spy genre, CLIFF WALKERS follows four Chinese special agents who embark on a secret mission in the 1930s puppet state of Manchukuo. After being sold out by a traitor, the team find themselves surrounded by threats on all sides. CLIFF WALKERS stars Zhang Yi (OPERATION RED SEA), Yu Hewei (I AM NOT MADAME BOVARY), Qin Hailu (THE PLUTO MOMENT) and Zhu Yawen (THE CAPTAIN, THE WITNESS).

Featuring Zhang Yi, Yu Hewei, Qin Hailu, Zhu Yawen, the film was written by Quan Yongxian.

Here is the film’s official synopsis:
Based on the script by Quan Yongxian, CLIFF WALKERS is director Zhang Yimou’s first foray into the spy genre. Set the puppet state of Manchukuo in the 1930s, the film follows four Communist party special agents who return to China after receiving training in the Soviet Union. Together, they embark on a secret mission code-named “Utrennya.” After being sold out by a traitor, the team find themselves surrounded by threats on all sides from the moment they parachute into the mission. Will the agents break the impasse and complete their mission? On the snowy grounds of Manchukuo, the team will be tested to their limit.

Vanishing Angle Set To Release Sundance Hit “Beast Beast”

Posted on April 4, 2021 by admin

The coming-of-age drama film, written and directed by Danny Madden, tells the story of three interwoven stories of youth navigating identity, first love, petty crime, and gun violence in a Southern, American town.

Brimming with energy and style, Beast Beast captures what it means to come of age in an era marked by technology and social media, where violent clashes awaken dormant passions and teenagers are faced with growing up all too quickly.

Directed by Danny Madden, the film stars Shirley Chen, Will Madden, and Jose Angeles. The films was executive produced by Alec Baldwin and Casey Bader. It also premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

“Beast Beast” is set to be released in select theaters on April 16, followed shortly by a digital released and on demand on May 4, 2021.

Dark Sky Films Acquires U.S. Distribution Rights To “Blood Conscious”

Posted on April 2, 2021 by admin

Dark Sky Films today announced it has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to BLOOD CONSCIOUS, the acclaimed new horror thriller from rising director Timothy Covell. The film, about a family discovering that their vacation getaway is the scene of mass murder, will be released in late summer in theaters and on VOD platforms.

The distribution agreement was negotiated on behalf of Dark Sky Films by Greg Newman and Giles Edwards, and by the film’s producer, Christina Behnke for Ben Cove Entertainment. The film will have its North American premiere at April’s Panic Fest in Kansas City.

A shocking tale reflecting racial and social tensions of our time, BLOOD CONSCIOUS centers on vacationers who turn the tables on a unhinged killer who claims to be fighting demonic forces. Kevin (Oghenero Gbaje, Beyonce’s Black Is King), his older sister, Brittney (DeShawn White, Motherless Brooklyn, The Deuce), and her fiancé, Tony (Lenny Thomas, Tyler Perry’s Ruthless), set off to their parents’ lakeside cottage expecting a leisurely weekend getaway. But their holiday turns into a trip from hell as they enter a scene of mass murder, where their parents and neighbors all lie dead.

Terror strikes when the armed killer (Nick Damici, Hap and Leonard) confronts them, claiming to be fighting demonic forces that have possessed them all. They pin him down and lock him up in the cellar, but soon he claims to not to be alone down there. As unexpected and traumatic events keep unfolding, Kevin, Brittney and Tony have to find a way to survive the night without turning on each other – or becoming possessed.

Writer-director Timothy Covell says: “I conceived BLOOD CONSCIOUS as a film that takes place the day after a slasher film. But instead of opening on the lone survivor of a campground massacre, we focus on the family who finds him, setting in motion a chain of paranoia that leads to even more bloodshed over the course of the ensuing night.” He adds, “Although it would be inaccurate to say BLOOD CONSCIOUS is about race, racism is very much present throughout the film.”

MPI’s Giles Edwards said, “Timothy Covell emerges as a major talent and we’re excited to be in business with him.”

Sci-Film Film “Enhanced” Trailer and Poster Released

Posted on March 5, 2021 by admin

Vertical Entertainment has released the debut trailer and poster for the forthcoming sci-fi action film ENHANCED.

The film follows private military officer George Shepherd (George Tchortov, THE EXPANSE, MOLLY’S GAME) who specializes in capturing mutant fugitives. A super mutant David (Chris Mark, THE BOYS) has emerged who is hunting other enhanced allies in order to gain power. George must join forces with an unlikely partner to end David’s mutant killing spree.

ENHANCED also stars Alanna Bale (CARDINAL, KILLJOYS), Adrian Holmes (NETFLIX’S V-WARS), Eric Hicks (BAD BLOOD) and Michael J. Delaney (MURDOCH MYSTERIES). The film is directed by James Mark, whose stunt credits include SHAZAM!, PACIFIC RIM and SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD.

Directed by James Mark, Enhanced is set for release on March 26, 2021 (VOD).

Here is the film’s synopsis:
George Shepherd is part of an elite private military unit that specializes in capturing mutant fugitives. When David, a super mutant, claims vengeance against the government, he gains power by eliminating his enhanced allies, getting stronger each time he kills others like him. On the cusp of total domination, George must join forces with an unlikely partner to end David’s killing spree.

Iconic Horror Film “Silent Night, Deadly Night” Slated For Reboot

Posted on March 2, 2021 by admin

Orwo Studios and Black Hanger Studios (JEEPERS CREEPERS: REBORN) announced today that they have acquired the remake rights to the seminal slasher film Silent Night, Deadly Night. The original film’s producers Scott Schneid and Dennis Whitehead of Wonderwheel Entertainment will join Orwo in bringing an exciting new vision of this cult classic to modern movie audiences in 2022.

The project was brought to Orwo by producer Anthony Masi of MasiMedia. Schneid, Whitehead, and Masi will produce along with Jake Seal, Terry Bird, and Jamie R. Thompson of Orwo Studios/Black Hangar. Orwo Studios is financing and representing the film for worldwide sales rights.

Declared as the most controversial film of the 80s – Silent Night, Deadly Night tells the story of a child who is traumatized after seeing his parents killed by a man dressed as Santa Claus. Years later, he dons a Santa suit himself and gets bloody revenge on the naughty list.

Wonderwheel says, “The continued desire for horror content and the ongoing success of the genre meant it was the perfect time to be able to offer up this chilling revival of the iconic title.” Masi adds, “We are thrilled to be working with the original producers as well as Orwo and Black Hangar and are committed to honoring nostalgia for the original while offering surprises for new audiences to discover and embrace.”

Dark Sky Films To Release “Concrete Plans” On March 5th

Posted on February 9, 2021 by admin

Dark Sky Films has announced that the March 5th VOD/Digital release of CONCRETE PLANS. See trailer and synopsis below.

The film stars Goran Bogdan (FX’s Fargo), Kevin Guthrie (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them films), Chris Reilly (Everest), Amber Rose Revah (TV’s The Punisher), Charley Palmer Rothwell (Dunkirk, Darkest Hour), Steve Spiers (Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace) William Thomas (Torchwood), James Lance (Apple TV’s Ted Lasso).

“Concrete Plans” was written and directed by William Jewell. The film features a score by Paul Hartnoll of the legendary Orbital.

Here is the film’s official synopsis:
A disparate and rugged crew of builders has been gathered to renovate an opulent mansion belonging to the last heir of a once-wealthy military family. The crewmen are each at their wit’s end – broke, living in squalor, and facing their own personal demons. So when it’s discovered that their employer plans to cheat them out of what might be their last chance at making ends finally meet, tensions begin to rise to a fever pitch. Soon one by one the men snap, turning first on their boss and then on each other, leading to an explosion of violence that will reveal their darkest motives and ensure that none of them will return home the same, if they return home at all.

“The Affair” Official Trailer and Poster Released

Posted on February 5, 2021 by admin

Vertical Entertainment has released the official trailer for their upcoming period drama THE AFFAIR, adapted from author Simon Mawer’s international best-seller, The Glass Room.

The film, directed by Julius Sevcik, is set in 1930s Czechoslovakia and stars Carice van Houten (GAME OF THRONES) and Hanna Alström (THE KINGSMAN franchise), as best friends who harbor forbidden romantic feelings for one another and follows the pair as their relationship is tested through various obstacles during World War II.

THE AFFAIR begins in 1930s Czechoslovakia, as newlyweds Viktor (Claes Bang) and Liesel Landauer (Hanna Alström) are filled with optimism and happiness in their new home. But all too soon, extramarital temptations bring out their darkest secrets and desires. As Liesel turns to her sensual friend Hana (Carice van Houten) for the passion she lacks in her marriage, Nazi troops enter the country, threatening the Landauer’s lives and the burning desire between the two women.

THE AFFAIR will be available On Demand on March 5, 2021.

Here is the film’s synopsis:

In 1930s Czechoslovakia, newlyweds Viktor and Liesel Landauer are filled with optimism and happiness in their new home. But all too soon, extramarital temptations bring out their darkest secrets and desires. As Liesel turns to her sensual friend Hana for the passion she lacks in her marriage, Nazi troops enter the country, threatening the Landauer’s lives and the burning desire between the two women.

Quarantined Illustrated Series, The Little Broomstick Rider

Posted on January 28, 2021 by admin

Created by Matteo Bernardini, the illustrated short series is set to have its world premiere at 2021 Slamdance Film Festival.

When a nine-year-old boy in 1620s Bavaria goes on trial for witchcraft, a flabbergasted court must decide the child’s fate.

Based on Ludwig Bechstein’s The Little Pitchfork Rider, THE LITTLE BROOMSTICK RIDER was born out of the objective creative impediment filmmaker Matteo Bernardini had to face during the lockdown generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Being aware he could not rely on casts and crews as he was used to and being confined to his own house, Bernardini decided to let his illustrations do all the acting and his hands do the rest of the work: the final result is a unique product, more of an “illustrations-coming-to-life experience” than a traditional animated series.

Armed exclusively with paper, pens, scissors and glue, Bernardini has brought his personal interpretation of 17th century Germany to life. Half fairy-tale, half-perhaps-a-bit-too-historically-accurate (and spiced with a hint of macabre humour), Bernardini’s maverick series takes DIY to the next level.

THE LITTLE BROOMSTICK RIDER will have its world premiere in the Episodes section at the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival.
Episode 1: The trial for witchcraft begins and the identity of the defendant is revealed.
Episode 2 : The court gets very peculiar information and perspective about the Satanic Arts.
Episode 3: The existence of a Dark Lord is discovered.
Episode 4: Vision of a Witches’ Sabbath.
Episode 5: Further evidence about the Dark Arts is provided, including singing demons and a great lemon cake.
Episode 6: Little Linhard learns about the court’s verdict: he will burn at the stake. Or so they think.

Bad Attitude: The Art of Spain Rodriguez

Posted on January 20, 2021 by admin

World Premiere at the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival

Moving, thought-provoking, both personal and political, Bad Attitude: The Art of Spain Rodriguez explores the controversial art and life of the legendary underground cartoonist through the lens of his wife, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Susan Stern.

From the propaganda comics of WWII, to the underground comics breakthrough in 1960s New York and San Francisco, to the graphic novels of today, Bad Attitude is an enthralling history of comics and a rousing call to art and activism. Featuring a roster of friends and family, Bad Attitude dives deep into Spain’s life with insight from comics luminaries R. Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Trina Robbins, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, and Ed Piskor, and features animation by Spain’s daughter, the New York-based artist, Nora Rodriguez.

“Bad Attitude is a love letter to my partner in art and life, Spain Rodriguez, but it is also a love letter to all activists, especially artist-activists,” says director Susan Stern. “I hope Bad Attitude creates a space for conversation about the art and social justice we are trying to make, the ways we fail, and how we can be forgiven.”

BAD ATTITUDE: The Art of Spain Rodriguez will have its world premiere in the Breakouts section at the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival.The documentaary is directed and produced by Susan Stern

Holocaust-Era Academy Awards Selection DARA OF JASENOVAC, Official Trailer Released

Posted on January 18, 2021 by admin

101 Studios has released the official trailer and poster for Serbia’s official Academy Awards selection for Best International Feature, DARA OF JASENOVAC, along with a featurette that takes a behind-the-scenes look at this first-ever feature film about theviolent Holocaust-era concentration camp complex Jasenovac. Directed and produced by Predrag Peter Antonijevic, DARA OF JASENOVAC personalizes this part of history that has been mainly concealed from the public, through the eyes of a young girl named Dara. To this day, there is still controversy surrounding on how many lives were actually taken at Jasenovac.

Set in 1940s Croatia, DARA OF JASENOVAC follows 10-year-old Dara (Biljana Cekic) as she comes face-to-face with the horrors of the Holocaust-era after she, her mother and siblings are sent to the concentration camp complex known as Jasenovac. Considered one of the most overlooked parts of history, Jasenovac is not run by the Germans but by the fascist Ustase who brutally murdered Jews, Serb and Roma people, which included many women and children.

As unspeakable atrocities start to unfold, Dara must summon tremendous courage to protect her infant brother from a terrible fate while she safeguards her own survival and plots a precarious path toward freedom.

DARA OF JASENOVAC opens in select theaters on February 5, 2021.

Here is the film’s synopsis
In 1940s Croatia, 10-year-old Dara (Biljana Cekic) comes face-to-face with the horrors of the Holocaust-era after she is sent with her mother and siblings to the concentration camp complex known as Jasenovac. Overseen by vicious emissaries of the fascist Ustase government, the facility, the only operational death camp during World War II not created or run by the Germans, is tasked with murdering Serbs, Jews and Roma people-and re-educating the few children deemed worthy of rehabilitation. As unspeakable atrocities unfold all around her, young Dara must summon tremendous courage to protect her infant brother from a terrible fate, to safeguard her own survival and to plot a precarious path toward freedom.