Sloan Science in Cinema Initiative Spotlights Three SFFILM Festival Titles

Posted on April 10, 2024 by admin

Today, SFFILM announced the program slate of the Sloan Science in Cinema Initiative at the 67th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM Festival) which runs April 24–28. Presented in partnership between the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and SFFILM, this year’s programs include three films and participation by Sloan Fellows and grant recipients at events throughout the Festival.

“We are thrilled to partner with SFFILM on our continuing Science in Cinema initiatives,” said Doron Weber, Vice President and Program Director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. “This year’s program features three original films, each of which recounts a very personal journey that links to broader scientific themes and addresses universal questions. We’ll be joined on the ground by the 2023 SFFILM Sloan Science in Cinema Fellows, and recipients of our Stories of Science Development Fund grantees who are all at the screenwriting phase of filmmaking. I am excited to have filmmakers from every part of the process together to benefit from each other and from audience interaction.”

Curated programs include three titles, selected by Jessie Fairbanks, SFFILM’s Director of Programming. “It is thrilling to present such a strong slate of Sloan titles at the festival.
Continue reading →

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.
Continue reading →

SFFILM Announces Full Lineup for the 67th San Francisco International Film Festival

Posted on March 27, 2024 by admin

Today, SFFILM announced the full lineup for the 67th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM Festival), the longest running film festival in the Americas.

This year’s program, curated from nearly 5,000 submissions and invitations, will screen exclusively in theaters in San Francisco’s Marina and Presidio neighborhoods, and in Berkeley from April 24–28. A selection of titles, curated from the full festival, will be presented from May 2–4 as SFFILM Festival Encore Days at the historic Roxie Theater.

“We have been boldly imagining a future where the San Francisco Bay Area is thriving in its celebration of and engagement with the arts and community,” said Anne Lai, Executive Director of SFFILM. “Film—always a reflection of and beacon for society—remains the gateway to a vibrant, healthy future of our culture and city.
Continue reading →

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.

Bleecker Street’s “Out of Darkness” Sets Release Date

Posted on January 31, 2024 by admin

“Out of Darkness” will be released exclusively in theaters nationwide on February 9, 2024. The film, which had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival and its North American premiere at Fantastic Fest, was nominated for five British Independent Film Awards this past year, with a win for breakthrough performance for Safia Oakley-Green.

“Out of Darkness” is a survival horror film following a group of six who have struggled across the narrow sea to find a new home. They are starving, desperate, and living 45,000 years ago. First they must find shelter, and they strike out across the tundra wastes towards the distant mountains that promise the abundant caves they need to survive.

But when night falls, anticipation turns to fear and doubt as they realize they are not alone. As relationships in the group fracture, the determination of one young woman reveals the terrible actions taken to survive.

Adding to the film’s authenticity, “Out of Darkness” is shot on location in the Scottish Highlands with the use of a bespoke language called “Tola,” which was developed specifically for the project by a linguist and an archaeologist.

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”
Continue reading →

Psychological Thriller “There Is A Monster” Sets Release Date

Posted on January 18, 2024 by admin

Gravitas Ventures will release the film on digital platforms on January 30, 2024.

The film follows a photographer (Jack) who keeps seeing a thing he calls a monster. He tells people it’s real, that it’s attacking him.

His wife Carol and best friend David wonder if maybe he’s losing his mind, because no one else can see it. But the damage being done to his body is very real and he has no way to make it stop.

“There Is A Monster” stars Joey Collins, Ena O’Rourke, and Jesse Milliner. The film was written, produced and directed by Mike Taylor. Taylor’s sister was afflicted with a horrible disease. It was her struggle that served as the genesis for the idea that became the film.