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.
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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.

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”
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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.

There Is A Monster Trailer from TaylorMike on Vimeo.

Dark Sky Films Sets Release For Hitchcock-Inspired Thriller “Laced”

Posted on December 13, 2023 by admin

The hitchcockian thriller starring Succession’s Hermione Lynch and Soap Fave Zack Tinker is set for release on digital platforms/VOD on January 12th.

LACED is a modern thriller/drama in the vein of Hitchcockian classics like Dial M for Murder and Rear Window. The film is set in a single location, and explores the claustrophobic nature of young love strung with toxicity and lies, and the cyclical nature of violence.

The cast includes Dana Mackin (Girl In The Picture, Winning Time, Quarantine the Musical), Hermione Lynch (Succession, Single Parents, Law and Order FBI), Zach Tinker (Fire Country, Days Of Our Lives, The Quarry, Big Sky, 13 Reasons Why, American Horror Story), Kyle Butenhoff (Dahmer Monster, SWAT, Mayans MC, Dear White People, Days Of Our Lives), Mel Fair (Amsterdam, The Menu, Breaking, King Richard), Joe Chambrello (911 Lonestar, NCIS, Days Of Our Lives).

It is written and directed by Kyle Butenhoff (Dahmer Monster, SWAT, Mayans MC, Dear White People, Days Of Our Lives).

In a remote cabin on the evening of a record-breaking blizzard, a young woman plots to poison her abusive husband in order to end their toxic relationship once and for all. When the poison fails to kill him, she not only has to quickly concoct a backup plan, but also contend with her husband’s increasing suspicion that his intensifying illness isn’t wholly accidental. And with the unexpected arrival of her brother, her carefully crafted scheme threatens to spiral ever further out of control. Now trapped together as the snow piles up, double-crosses and horrifying secrets threaten to ensnare each of them in their own spiderwebs of deception.

“The Monk and The Gun” Official Trailer Released

Posted on December 9, 2023 by admin

The second feature from Bhutanese filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji, “The Monk and the Gun”, has been released.

The Monk And The Gun follows the story of wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government: Democracy.

An elderly lama (Kelsang Choejey), recognizing that extraordinary change is about to sweep through his country, is troubled by the possible outcomes. He instructs his young disciple Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk) to set forth into the kingdom and bring him two guns before the full moon to “set it right.” The young monk is perplexed by his guru’s request, and his familiarity with guns is based solely on images from the only film available on television: James Bond. His quest brings him into contact with a scheming American gun collector Ron (Harry Einhorn), leading to a most unexpected outcome.

An American who travels into Bhutan in search of a treasure and crosses path with a young monk who wanders through the serene mountains, instructed by his teacher to make things right again.

Starring Tandin Wangchuk, Harry Einhorn, Tandin Phubz, Tandin Sonam, Pema Zangmo Sherpa, Deki Lhamo, Choeying Jatsho, the film is set for release on February 02, 2024

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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