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 First, consistently mind-blowing at IFW was ARTE's Michel Reilhac, who is really at the forefront of imagining ways in which cinematic content can extend beyond the screen. His current projects include a mobile app that will marry film scenes to the spots in the city they are filmed and a LARP (live action role-playing game) in which audience members inhabit the characters they've just viewed. Check out his IFW presentation here. Earlier in the week I posted "12 Tips for Filmmakers from Christine Vachon and James Schamus." They gave great advice, and now you can watch their complete talk. Our correspondent, Mary Anderson Casavant, was blown away by Margin Call director J.C. Chandor, his ability to speak extemporaneously, and by his candor and honesty. Anyone who is struggling to make it as a director has to listen to his speech. One of the IFP's secret weapons is its Senior Director of Programming, Milton Tabbot. He's knowledgeable, has deep roots in the community, and filmmakers love him. He's also quite modest and not given to self-promotion. That's why I was happy to see filmmaker Jeff Reichert give him a shout-out in a guest blog post yesterday. I really liked Alexandra Roxo's "The Potion to a Pitch"--a series of common-sense tips about pitching your project. Finally, we collaborated once more with Royal Bank of Canada, NYCmedia, and IFP to create six more "Future of Film" spots, which are airing now on WNYC as well as playing in the back of taxi cabs. I produced, Jamie Stuart shot, Heather Von Rohr edited, and T. Griffin did the music. If you don't plan on taking a New York City cab in the near future, you can watch them here. See you next week. Best, Scott Macaulay Editor |
 The Perks of Being a Wallflower Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best How to Survive a Plague Angela Davis on Free Angela & All Political Prisoners Fest Deadlines  
Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower focuses on Charlie (Logan Lerman), a teenage outcast whose life turns around when he meets two extroverted individuals (Ezra Miller and Emma Watson) who welcome him to their circle. Through their acceptance, Charlie is introduced to a new side of life and faced with even greater challenges. Adapting from his own best-selling book, Chbosky marks his return to directing with this highly anticipated coming of age film--nearly twenty years after his 1995 debut, The Four Corners of Nowhere. The Perks of Being a Wallflower also stars Paul Rudd, Dylan McDermott, Mae Whitman and Kate Walsh.
BROOKLYN BROTHERS BEAT THE BEST
In Ryan O'Nan's Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best, Alex (O'Nan), a down and out musician, decides to go on a road trip after getting dumped by his girlfriend. With nothing left to lose, Alex is joined on his impromptu quest by newfound accomplice and band-mate, Jim (Michael Weston), as they endure the road and play odd concerts using children's instruments. Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best premiered last year at TIFF where it charmed audiences with its endearing and funny story about music and friendship. Read Jim Allen's interview with O'Nan here.
HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE
David France's How to Survive a Plague is an insider look at the achievements of TAG (Treatment Action Group) and ACT UP in turning AIDS into a manageable disease. Incorporating never-before-seen footage from over two decades, the film reveals the inner workings of these groups who, despite not having any prior scientific experience, managed to bring hope to HIV victims around the world. How to Survive a Plague has garnered rave reviews for its informative and moving portrait of the fight against AIDS. Check out David France's conversation with Keep the Lights On director Ira Sachs from Filmmaker's Summer issue.
 
This week on the blog, Independent Film Week is covered from all angles, Ian Harnarine shares his TIFF experience, Kevin Canfield interviews Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg about Knuckleball!, and Scott Macaulay remembers Arthur "Sandy" Mandelberger (pictured left).
To read more posts from our blog, click here.   By Livia BloomRemarkable poise and dignity are among the characteristics that Free Angela & All Political Prisoners, the new documentary by director Shola Lynch (Chisholm '72), conveys most strongly about the professor, activist, icon and force of nature at its center. The subject of songs by musicians including The Rolling Stones and John Lennon and Yoko Ono, at the age of 68, Davis still glows with the charisma, warmth and fierce intellect that brings the film's extensive archival material--from personal letters to lectures to her extensive FBI files--to life. Lynch's film, whose producers include Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, is a valuable complement to studies of Davis's books and speeches, which remain all too resonant and relevant today. When Free Angela & All Political Prisoners premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Angela Davis was once again thronged by reporters and photographers, flashbulbs and staccato questions. Once again, she lifted her head, straightened her back, and stood tall. Read more  Newport Beach Film Festival Autumn Deadline: September 21 Earlybird Deadline: October 26 Special Thanksgiving Deadline: November 30 Regular Deadline: December 21 Late Deadline: January 18 WAB Deadline: January 25 Festival Dates: April 25 - May 2 Santa Barbara International Film Festival Regular Deadline: September 21 Late Deadline: November 2 Drop Deadline: December 7 Festival Dates: January 24 - February 3 Byron Bay International Film Festival Regular Deadline: September 27 Late Deadline: November 1 WAB Deadline: November 15 Festival Dates: March 1 - 10 |
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