"The lines are the easy part. The hard part is the emotional journey." IFC Films has revealed the trailer for Ghostlight, an acclaimed indie drama that first premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. I caught it there and I have to say - this really is a gem, it surprised & moved me in many unexpected ways. Co-directors Alex Thompson & Kelly O'Sullivan's previous film, Saint Frances, received widespread praise on the regional festival circuit & national stage, including noms from the Indie Spirit Awards and The Gotham Awards. This is their latest film creation. When melancholic construction worker Dan finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater's production of Romeo & Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss. Stars newcomer Keith Kupferer as Dan,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
One of our early favorites of 2024, Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s Saint Frances follow-up Ghostlight premiered at Sundance and stopped by SXSW before coming to theaters next month from IFC Films. Ahead of the June 14 theatrical release, the first trailer has now arrived.
Here’s the synopsis: “When melancholic construction worker Dan finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss.”
John Fink said in his review, “A masterfully crafted work with nearly no false notes, Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s Ghostlight is a tender drama bearing profound moments of humor and small triumphs. The smartly constructed script by O’Sullivan buries the lede, revealing new narrative information with each layer as...
Here’s the synopsis: “When melancholic construction worker Dan finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss.”
John Fink said in his review, “A masterfully crafted work with nearly no false notes, Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s Ghostlight is a tender drama bearing profound moments of humor and small triumphs. The smartly constructed script by O’Sullivan buries the lede, revealing new narrative information with each layer as...
- 5/6/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
When Chicago-based filmmakers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson first came across our radar with their charming “Saint Frances,” it was clear we were witnessing the birth of a powerhouse pair of indie filmmakers. Even in that first film, which marked Thompson’s feature directorial debut and that O’Sullivan both wrote and starred in, what would become their signature was obvious: a canny combination of heart and humor that go beyond basic loglines.
“Saint Frances” was eventually nominated for three Gotham Awards and the Indie Spirits’ vaunted John Cassavetes Award, and when chatting with IndieWire about their delightful gem, the pair even admitted that simple plotlines don’t quite do their works justice. “Saint Frances” comes with what seems like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told...
“Saint Frances” was eventually nominated for three Gotham Awards and the Indie Spirits’ vaunted John Cassavetes Award, and when chatting with IndieWire about their delightful gem, the pair even admitted that simple plotlines don’t quite do their works justice. “Saint Frances” comes with what seems like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told...
- 5/6/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Chicago – The 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff) kicks off on Friday, May 3rd, with “Sing Sing” and continues through May 9th with an amazing cinema week featuring the best of the winter/spring bold face film fests, special guests, revivals and surprises! Click on 2024 Ccff for tickets and schedule.
The 11th Ccff
Photo credit: ChicagoCriticsFilmFestival.com
In “Sing Sing,” Divine G (Colman Domingo), who is imprisoned in New York State’s infamous Sing Sing prison, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other men who are incarcerated. The story uses actual incarceration actors alongside Domingo and the other professionals, and the guests for Opening Night includes director Greg Kwedar, and actors Clarence “Divine Eye’ Maclin, Paul Raci and Sean “Dino” Johnson.
Capsule Review: The redemptive power of pretending to be something else is on display in this remarkable tale, filtered through the intense experiences of both society’s...
The 11th Ccff
Photo credit: ChicagoCriticsFilmFestival.com
In “Sing Sing,” Divine G (Colman Domingo), who is imprisoned in New York State’s infamous Sing Sing prison, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other men who are incarcerated. The story uses actual incarceration actors alongside Domingo and the other professionals, and the guests for Opening Night includes director Greg Kwedar, and actors Clarence “Divine Eye’ Maclin, Paul Raci and Sean “Dino” Johnson.
Capsule Review: The redemptive power of pretending to be something else is on display in this remarkable tale, filtered through the intense experiences of both society’s...
- 4/30/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
IFC Films announced that Ghostlight, acquired by the studio out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival where it made its world premiere, will open in New York City and Chicago on Friday, June 14, 2024 before expanding nationwide the following week.
The film is co-directed by Chicagoans Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and written by O’Sullivan, and stars real-life family Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and Katherine Mallen Kupferer, as well as Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness).
The film follows Dan, a melancholic construction worker who finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss.
“We are beyond excited to be bringing this project that is so near and dear to our hearts to the big screen this summer,...
The film is co-directed by Chicagoans Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and written by O’Sullivan, and stars real-life family Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and Katherine Mallen Kupferer, as well as Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness).
The film follows Dan, a melancholic construction worker who finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss.
“We are beyond excited to be bringing this project that is so near and dear to our hearts to the big screen this summer,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The 27th Sonoma International Film Festival (March 20-24), as always, leaned into wine and food with the sold-out opening night U.S. premiere of Thomas Napper’s “Widow Clicquot” (Vertical Entertainment), starring Haley Bennett as the woman who saves the legendary winemaker’s legacy. The wine country film festival drew its highest audience attendance to date with a robust film slate programmed by artistic director Carl Spence (working with Executive Director Ginny Krieger), in his second year, including upcoming specialty fare like Luc Besson’s “DogMan” (Briarcliff Entertainment) starring Caleb Landry Jones in an incendiary performance, and Sony Pictures Classics’ raucous comedy “Wicked Little Letters,” starring Olivia Colman, along with a smattering of yummy wine and food events.
The five-day festival curated by Spence along with senior programmers Amanda Salazar and Ken Jacobson, showcased more than 100 films. Twenty-five countries were represented in this year’s lineup of 43 narrative features, 16 documentary features,...
The five-day festival curated by Spence along with senior programmers Amanda Salazar and Ken Jacobson, showcased more than 100 films. Twenty-five countries were represented in this year’s lineup of 43 narrative features, 16 documentary features,...
- 3/24/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
A masterfully crafted work with nearly no false notes, Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s Ghostlight is a tender drama bearing profound moments of humor and small triumphs. The smartly constructed script by O’Sullivan buries the lede, revealing new narrative information with each layer as we watch a nuclear family slowly come apart and, later, find solace in the wake of their son’s suicide. Anchored by a real-life family, the film feels as if it’s been meticulously workshopped with the same intimate collaboration that gave O’Sullivan and Thompson’s last feature, Saint Frances, its authentic nuances.
Dan Muller (Keith Kupferer) is first presented to us as a small-town construction worker with a short temper and family drama. He has a rebellious 15-year-old daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) and his marriage to Sharon (Tara Mallen) is on the rocks. Love holds the family together, and following an...
Dan Muller (Keith Kupferer) is first presented to us as a small-town construction worker with a short temper and family drama. He has a rebellious 15-year-old daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) and his marriage to Sharon (Tara Mallen) is on the rocks. Love holds the family together, and following an...
- 3/13/2024
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
Visit Films has added Sundance premiere Ghostlight, Latin music biopic Jenni and New York-set comedy Late Bloomers to its slate for next week’s European Film Market.
Visit will represent international sales rights for Ghostlight, directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson. Keith Kupferer, Tara Mullen, Katherine Mallen Kupfererv and Dolly de Leon star in the story of a construction worker who joins a local theater production of Romeo and Juliet.
IFC Films and Sapan Studio recently acquired North American rights to the film, which is produced by Ian Keiser, Alex Wilson, Pierce Cravens, Eddie Linker, Chelsea Krant and Alex Thompson.
Visit will represent international sales rights for Ghostlight, directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson. Keith Kupferer, Tara Mullen, Katherine Mallen Kupfererv and Dolly de Leon star in the story of a construction worker who joins a local theater production of Romeo and Juliet.
IFC Films and Sapan Studio recently acquired North American rights to the film, which is produced by Ian Keiser, Alex Wilson, Pierce Cravens, Eddie Linker, Chelsea Krant and Alex Thompson.
- 2/9/2024
- ScreenDaily
Coming-of-age stories are practically a sub-genre of their own. Coming-of-middle-age stories, however, tend to be, if not few and far between, then far more rare. That’s likely due to studio perceptions of what does and doesn’t sell: young adult-oriented films, yes, non-adult-oriented films, no. Ghostlight, Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s follow-up to 2019’s Independent Spirit Award-nominated Saint Frances, functions, at least in part, as a coming-of-middle story for its remarkably unremarkable central character, Dan Mueller (Keith Kupferer), a man torn by loss, grief, and outdated notions of masculinity. When we first meet Dan, a construction worker in a brightly colored vest and hard hat, he’s directing traffic on a busy Chicago street. From his faraway look, however, it’s evident Dan has other, potentially life-altering things in...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/5/2024
- Screen Anarchy
El éxito del terror indie en Sundance: “Talk to Me” pasa el testigo a “I Saw the TV Glow” en su 40ª edición.
El Festival de Cine de Sundance ha terminado y por ello os traemos nuestro análisis del festival. Un festival en el que anteriormente se estrenaron mundialmente películas muy aclamadas como “Brooklyn”, “Hereditary”, “Manchester By The Sea”, “Little Miss Sunshine”, “Get Out” o “Whiplash”. Y es que, esta temporada de premios aún no ha terminado y ya estamos con los ojos puestos en las películas de Sundance para ver cuál ha destacado y si alguna de ellas podría unirse a esta lista de películas aclamadas que tuvieron su estreno en el festival. Así que, pasemos al análisis.
Como siempre, para obtener una visión más clara acerca de las reacciones del festival, hemos optado por realizar un análisis utilizando como fuente los datos de Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic y Letterboxd.
El Festival de Cine de Sundance ha terminado y por ello os traemos nuestro análisis del festival. Un festival en el que anteriormente se estrenaron mundialmente películas muy aclamadas como “Brooklyn”, “Hereditary”, “Manchester By The Sea”, “Little Miss Sunshine”, “Get Out” o “Whiplash”. Y es que, esta temporada de premios aún no ha terminado y ya estamos con los ojos puestos en las películas de Sundance para ver cuál ha destacado y si alguna de ellas podría unirse a esta lista de películas aclamadas que tuvieron su estreno en el festival. Así que, pasemos al análisis.
Como siempre, para obtener una visión más clara acerca de las reacciones del festival, hemos optado por realizar un análisis utilizando como fuente los datos de Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic y Letterboxd.
- 1/31/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
The Sundance Film Festival has wrapped in snowy Park City, and Deadline was on the ground to watch all of the key films. Here is a compilation of our reviews from the fest, which include festival award winners like Daughters, the documentary that took the Festival Favorite Award, and A Real Pain, which won the Waldo Salt Screenwriter Award for its writer-director-star Jesse Eisenberg.
Other pics include several that were scooped up by distributors, led by Steven Soderbergh’s ghost story Presence selling to Neon, A Real Pain going to Searchlight, Ghostlight to IFC Films, and Netflix’s smash $17 million deal for It’s What’s Inside.
Check out the reviews below, click on the titles to read them in full, and keep checking back as we add more.
The American Society of Magical Negroes (L-r) Justice Smith and David Alan Grier in ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’
Section: Premieres
Director-screenwriter: Kobi Libii
Cast: Justice Smith,...
Other pics include several that were scooped up by distributors, led by Steven Soderbergh’s ghost story Presence selling to Neon, A Real Pain going to Searchlight, Ghostlight to IFC Films, and Netflix’s smash $17 million deal for It’s What’s Inside.
Check out the reviews below, click on the titles to read them in full, and keep checking back as we add more.
The American Society of Magical Negroes (L-r) Justice Smith and David Alan Grier in ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’
Section: Premieres
Director-screenwriter: Kobi Libii
Cast: Justice Smith,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Damon Wise, Valerie Complex and Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired the North American rights to “Ghostlight,” the second film from “Saint Frances” directors Alex Thompson & Kelly O’Sullivan which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film stars Keith Kupferer as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy.
Kupfarer stars alongside his wife, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who recently starred in the film adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” “Triangle of Sadness” star Dolly De Leon rounds out the main cast.
“Alex and I have long admired IFC Films’ fierce championing of independent cinema and are thrilled to be partnering with a leader in the space along with Sapan Studio to release ‘Ghostlight,” O’Sullivan said in a statement.
The film stars Keith Kupferer as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy.
Kupfarer stars alongside his wife, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who recently starred in the film adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” “Triangle of Sadness” star Dolly De Leon rounds out the main cast.
“Alex and I have long admired IFC Films’ fierce championing of independent cinema and are thrilled to be partnering with a leader in the space along with Sapan Studio to release ‘Ghostlight,” O’Sullivan said in a statement.
- 1/25/2024
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired North American rights to Sundance dramedy Ghostlight as the Sundance deals continnue to trickle in heading into the closing weekend.
Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan directed the story of a melancholic construction worker who joins a local production of Romeo And Juliet and addresses a recent tragedy when the play mirrors his own life.
Ghostlight debuted in Premieres on opening day and screens again on Friday and throughout the weekend. The real-life acting family of Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer star alongside Dolly De Leon.
IFC Films plans...
Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan directed the story of a melancholic construction worker who joins a local production of Romeo And Juliet and addresses a recent tragedy when the play mirrors his own life.
Ghostlight debuted in Premieres on opening day and screens again on Friday and throughout the weekend. The real-life acting family of Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer star alongside Dolly De Leon.
IFC Films plans...
- 1/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
IFC Films and Sapan Studio announced today that they have acquired the North American rights to Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan’s Ghostlight out of the Sundance premiere section.
The movie stars a real-life family of actors Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret) alongside Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness). A theatrical release is planned for this year.
Ghostlight centers on Keith Kupferer, in a star-making performance, as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy. The pic is currently 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Movie was produced by Thompson, Pierce Craven, Chelsea Krant, Ian Keiser, Eddie Linker and Alex Wilson. Variety had the break on Ghostlight.
The movie stars a real-life family of actors Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret) alongside Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness). A theatrical release is planned for this year.
Ghostlight centers on Keith Kupferer, in a star-making performance, as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy. The pic is currently 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Movie was produced by Thompson, Pierce Craven, Chelsea Krant, Ian Keiser, Eddie Linker and Alex Wilson. Variety had the break on Ghostlight.
- 1/25/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired the North American rights to “Ghostlight” following its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival, where the tender-hearted drama drew strong reviews.
The film is the sophomore feature from Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and follows their critically acclaimed 2019 debut “Saint Frances.” It stars a real-life family of actors — Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer — as well as Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon, a breakout for her turn in “Triangle of Sadness.” IFC Films plans to release the film in theaters later this year.
“Ghostlight” centers around Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” But as the onstage drama mirrors his own life, Dan and his family are forced to grapple with a recent tragedy. In his Variety review, Peter Debruge wrote that the story was “beautifully told,...
The film is the sophomore feature from Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and follows their critically acclaimed 2019 debut “Saint Frances.” It stars a real-life family of actors — Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer — as well as Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon, a breakout for her turn in “Triangle of Sadness.” IFC Films plans to release the film in theaters later this year.
“Ghostlight” centers around Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” But as the onstage drama mirrors his own life, Dan and his family are forced to grapple with a recent tragedy. In his Variety review, Peter Debruge wrote that the story was “beautifully told,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Live theater serves a therapeutic role for the actors involved in “Ghostlight,” an emotional “let’s put on a show”-style indie that, fittingly enough, came together during last year’s actors strike. The sensitive — but also considerably more conservative — follow-up project for “Saint Frances” screenwriter Kelly O’Sullivan and co-director (and partner) Alex Thompson celebrates the healing power of art, as a family shaken by its eldest son’s suicide uses a community theater production of “Romeo and Juliet” to work through emotions they haven’t been able to discuss openly at home.
O’Sullivan has a natural storytelling gift, coupled with a knack for comedy. Here, she takes elements that feature regularly in Sundance Film Festival dramas — grieving families, difficult teens, small-town communities — and rearranges them into a surprising and moving narrative. (Small wonder that the film was invited to premiere in Park City.) Some might reject that approach as being manipulative,...
O’Sullivan has a natural storytelling gift, coupled with a knack for comedy. Here, she takes elements that feature regularly in Sundance Film Festival dramas — grieving families, difficult teens, small-town communities — and rearranges them into a surprising and moving narrative. (Small wonder that the film was invited to premiere in Park City.) Some might reject that approach as being manipulative,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Getting impatient for Kenneth Lonergan to get his act together and make another great movie? Ghostlight should scratch that itch and more besides, being a funny, intelligent and yet at times almost unbearably sad movie that takes a searing family tragedy and spins it into a riveting redemption story that, while a little predictable in the more familiar second half, somehow never hits a false note. Although technically an ensemble piece, with a lovely cast of supporting players whose thespian antics will ring a bell with actors of all generations, it rests squarely on a powerhouse performance from Chicago stage veteran Keith Kupferer, whose career must surely about to enter a whole new phase, perhaps to the fill the void left by the late, great Brian Dennehy.
Directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, who caused a splash at SXSW in 2019 with Saint Frances, Ghostlight opens with a curtain-up, as...
Directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, who caused a splash at SXSW in 2019 with Saint Frances, Ghostlight opens with a curtain-up, as...
- 1/19/2024
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Sundance film festival: Triangle of Sadness star Dolly De Leon steals scenes in an endearing story of a real family wrapped up in a lo-fi staging of Romeo and Juliet
The film-makers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson know their way around the peaks and valleys of the everyday. Their breakout 2019 feature Saint Frances, written and starring O’Sullivan, sublimated what could be big strokes of drama – abortion, postpartum depression, getting older, lost time – into the unremarkable (on the outside) relationship between an aimless 34-year-old and her six-year-old nannying charge. The daily humors and challenges in one woman’s life were not particularly dramatic or arresting, but rendered with such curiosity and acceptance as to feel radical.
Ghostlight, the duo’s new feature premiering at the Sundance film festival, traffics in a similar leveling of mundanity and insight. (It’s also written by O’Sullivan.) There’s an appealing naturalness to the project,...
The film-makers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson know their way around the peaks and valleys of the everyday. Their breakout 2019 feature Saint Frances, written and starring O’Sullivan, sublimated what could be big strokes of drama – abortion, postpartum depression, getting older, lost time – into the unremarkable (on the outside) relationship between an aimless 34-year-old and her six-year-old nannying charge. The daily humors and challenges in one woman’s life were not particularly dramatic or arresting, but rendered with such curiosity and acceptance as to feel radical.
Ghostlight, the duo’s new feature premiering at the Sundance film festival, traffics in a similar leveling of mundanity and insight. (It’s also written by O’Sullivan.) There’s an appealing naturalness to the project,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Adrian Horton in Park City, Utah
- The Guardian - Film News
Is there a more exhaustively, and exhaustingly, tackled theme in American independent film than grief?
Festival lineups and arthouses are littered with stories — some somber, some quirk-laden — of loss and trauma, mourning and memory, learning to live and love again after the passing of a child, a spouse, a sibling, a parent. Despite sublime exceptions like Manchester by the Sea and Rachel Getting Married, a dispiriting majority are basically cinematic white noise; there’s a numbing, rinse-and-repeat sameness to all the emotional repression, breakthroughs and release. Trying to take a shortcut to our most painful feelings, these films have the contrary effect of activating our defenses or, worse, our indifference.
Luckily, there are portraits of grief that bulldoze past our resistance, and their own shortcomings, thanks to the sheer force of their sincerity. Ghostlight, from Chicago-based writing-directing team Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, is one of them. A dramedy about...
Festival lineups and arthouses are littered with stories — some somber, some quirk-laden — of loss and trauma, mourning and memory, learning to live and love again after the passing of a child, a spouse, a sibling, a parent. Despite sublime exceptions like Manchester by the Sea and Rachel Getting Married, a dispiriting majority are basically cinematic white noise; there’s a numbing, rinse-and-repeat sameness to all the emotional repression, breakthroughs and release. Trying to take a shortcut to our most painful feelings, these films have the contrary effect of activating our defenses or, worse, our indifference.
Luckily, there are portraits of grief that bulldoze past our resistance, and their own shortcomings, thanks to the sheer force of their sincerity. Ghostlight, from Chicago-based writing-directing team Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, is one of them. A dramedy about...
- 1/19/2024
- by Jon Frosch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Most reviews of Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s tender dramedy “Ghostlight” are likely to start with a definition of the title, but we’ll try to subvert that expectation a bit here.
Instead, we’ll open with a quote from this publication (and this very writer) on the pair’s uncanny knack for making gems that have loglines that don’t (that can’t) do justice to the tales they spin. The pair’s first feature, the similarly winning “Saint Frances,” packed what seemed like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told IndieWire in 2021, “We struggled with that line too. It’s so funny, every time we describe the movie, we just want to say like, ‘We know, but—’” (that’s O’Sullivan), with Thompson cutting in,...
Instead, we’ll open with a quote from this publication (and this very writer) on the pair’s uncanny knack for making gems that have loglines that don’t (that can’t) do justice to the tales they spin. The pair’s first feature, the similarly winning “Saint Frances,” packed what seemed like a downer of a description: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the 6-year-old she’s charged with protecting.” As the duo told IndieWire in 2021, “We struggled with that line too. It’s so funny, every time we describe the movie, we just want to say like, ‘We know, but—’” (that’s O’Sullivan), with Thompson cutting in,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Park City – Sometimes, the star of the movie isn’t the cast or the director. It’s not the cinematography or the score. Sometimes, you watch a film and realize you’re experiencing the unfurling of a pretty fantastic screenplay. That’s the case with “Ghostlight,” which debuted at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival today and was written by uber-talented screenwriter Kelly O’Sullivan.
Read More: Sundance 2024: The 23 Most Anticipated Movies To Watch
Co-directed by O’Sullivan and her “Saint Frances” collaborator Alex Thompson, “Ghostlight” shines a spotlight on Dan (Keith Kupferer), a blue-collar construction worker who can barely focus on his job.
Continue reading ‘Ghostlight’ Review: A Family Finds Solace In Community Theater [Sundance] at The Playlist.
Read More: Sundance 2024: The 23 Most Anticipated Movies To Watch
Co-directed by O’Sullivan and her “Saint Frances” collaborator Alex Thompson, “Ghostlight” shines a spotlight on Dan (Keith Kupferer), a blue-collar construction worker who can barely focus on his job.
Continue reading ‘Ghostlight’ Review: A Family Finds Solace In Community Theater [Sundance] at The Playlist.
- 1/18/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Fusion Entertainment has signed Keith Kupferer, the veteran stage and screen actor whose new film “Ghostlight” premieres this week at the Sundance Film Festival. Kupferer has also recently been cast in a recurring role in the new MGM+ series “Emperor of Ocean Park” from John Wells, which is currently in production in Chicago. The thriller series is based on the best selling novel by Stephen L. Carter.
“Ghostlight” centers on Dan (Kupferer), a melancholic middle-aged construction worker, who is grieving a family tragedy. Cut off from his devoted wife, Sharon (Tara Mallen), and talented but troubled daughter, Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), Dan finds comfort a local theater production of “Romeo & Juliet” featuring a company of amateur actors. “Ghostlight” is directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, who are also clients of Fusion Entertainment.)
Kupferer will also continue to be repped by the Grey Talent Group.
A seasoned stage performer,...
“Ghostlight” centers on Dan (Kupferer), a melancholic middle-aged construction worker, who is grieving a family tragedy. Cut off from his devoted wife, Sharon (Tara Mallen), and talented but troubled daughter, Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), Dan finds comfort a local theater production of “Romeo & Juliet” featuring a company of amateur actors. “Ghostlight” is directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, who are also clients of Fusion Entertainment.)
Kupferer will also continue to be repped by the Grey Talent Group.
A seasoned stage performer,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Just a few short hours before the first wave of films hit the big screen to kick off the milestone 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival, one of Hollywood’s most prolific producers offered high praise for what Robert Redford and his team started here in Park City.
“Sundance is a vital, vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, and I think it’s undervalued in that way,” said Jason Blum as he took the stage inside the Filmmakers Lodge on Thursday morning to moderate Sundance Scoop, a press conference and conversation that set the stage for this year’s fest. “Without Sundance, the United States would not be where it is in entertainment, and I really think not enough people make that connection.”
To be fair, Blum is the ultimate Sundance insider. He’s been attending the festival since 1992. One of his first major screenings was Ben Stiller’s...
“Sundance is a vital, vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, and I think it’s undervalued in that way,” said Jason Blum as he took the stage inside the Filmmakers Lodge on Thursday morning to moderate Sundance Scoop, a press conference and conversation that set the stage for this year’s fest. “Without Sundance, the United States would not be where it is in entertainment, and I really think not enough people make that connection.”
To be fair, Blum is the ultimate Sundance insider. He’s been attending the festival since 1992. One of his first major screenings was Ben Stiller’s...
- 1/18/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With their upcoming pic Ghostlight premiering this weekend at the Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker duo Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson have landed new reps signing with Gersh.
The film, which O’Sullivan wrote and co-directed with Thompson, who also produced, debuts in the Premiere section of Sundance on January 18.
Their previous film, Saint Frances, starring and written by O’Sullivan, and directed by Thompson premiered at SXSW in 2019, winning a Special Jury Prize for “Breakthrough Voice” and the Audience Award for Narrative Feature. Released in 2020, the film was one of the most acclaimed independent films of the year and was nominated for three Gotham Awards, an Independent Spirit Award, and named by the National Board of Review as one of the Top Ten Independent Films of the year.
O’Sullivan and Thompson will next collaborate on Mouse, a dramatic coming-of-age comedy written by O’Sullivan, which they will also co-direct...
The film, which O’Sullivan wrote and co-directed with Thompson, who also produced, debuts in the Premiere section of Sundance on January 18.
Their previous film, Saint Frances, starring and written by O’Sullivan, and directed by Thompson premiered at SXSW in 2019, winning a Special Jury Prize for “Breakthrough Voice” and the Audience Award for Narrative Feature. Released in 2020, the film was one of the most acclaimed independent films of the year and was nominated for three Gotham Awards, an Independent Spirit Award, and named by the National Board of Review as one of the Top Ten Independent Films of the year.
O’Sullivan and Thompson will next collaborate on Mouse, a dramatic coming-of-age comedy written by O’Sullivan, which they will also co-direct...
- 1/16/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Up, up and away! The Sundance Film Festival has announced the lineup for its 40th edition, which will take place in Park City, Utah, from Jan. 18–28, with the online component starting Jan. 25. The program includes Christopher Reeve doc “Super/Man,” two films apiece from indie darlings Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg, plus fresh projects from a handful of directors who launched their careers at Sundance years ago.
The veteran contingent includes Richard Linklater (who’ll bring both “Hit Man” and an episode of the “God Bless Texas” anthology series), the Zellner Brothers (whose starry “Sasquatch Sunset” winks to their low-budget 2011 Sundance short “Sasquatch Birth Journal 2”) and Steven Soderbergh.
Also on hand will be director Christopher Nolan, set to collect the inaugural Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award, an honor meant to boost his award-season profile while reminding the world that the “Oppenheimer” helmer brought “Memento” to Park City, Utah, way back in...
The veteran contingent includes Richard Linklater (who’ll bring both “Hit Man” and an episode of the “God Bless Texas” anthology series), the Zellner Brothers (whose starry “Sasquatch Sunset” winks to their low-budget 2011 Sundance short “Sasquatch Birth Journal 2”) and Steven Soderbergh.
Also on hand will be director Christopher Nolan, set to collect the inaugural Sundance Institute Trailblazer Award, an honor meant to boost his award-season profile while reminding the world that the “Oppenheimer” helmer brought “Memento” to Park City, Utah, way back in...
- 12/6/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Fusion Entertainment has signed on to manage Joanna Arnow, an acclaimed acclaimed writer, director, actor and editor whose narrative feature debut “The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed” impressed audiences and critics when it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in the Directors Fortnight section. The film was later acquired by Magnolia Pictures. It will be released domestically in 2024 after having its U.S. premiere this week at the New York Film Festival
This puts Arnow under the same management team as “Red Rocket” and “The Florida Project” filmmaker Sean Baker, who was an executive producer on the film.
Arnow also joins a roster of notable multi-hyphenates including “She Dies Tomorrow” filmmaker Amy Seimetz, “Cha Cha Real Smooth” director, writer and star Cooper Raiff, and”Saint Frances” writer and star Kelly O’Sullivan. Other notable Fusion management clients include: “Triangle of Sadness” breakout Dolly De Leon; writer-directors-producers Greg Kwedar and Clint Benley,...
This puts Arnow under the same management team as “Red Rocket” and “The Florida Project” filmmaker Sean Baker, who was an executive producer on the film.
Arnow also joins a roster of notable multi-hyphenates including “She Dies Tomorrow” filmmaker Amy Seimetz, “Cha Cha Real Smooth” director, writer and star Cooper Raiff, and”Saint Frances” writer and star Kelly O’Sullivan. Other notable Fusion management clients include: “Triangle of Sadness” breakout Dolly De Leon; writer-directors-producers Greg Kwedar and Clint Benley,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Alexandra McVicker has signed with Fusion Entertainment for management. McVicker, who is transgender, hails from Lexington, Kentucky. Prior to her transition, she was known for her breakout role on the HBO show “Vice Principals,” a dark comedy starring Danny McBride and Walton Goggins as conniving high school vice principals vying to run the school. As a recurring character on the second season, McVicker played a trouble student named Robin Shandrell whom Neal Gamby (McBride) decides to take on as a pet project during the school semester. McVicker also starred in Amazon’s 2019 pilot based on the acclaimed UK show “People Just Do Nothing”; the pilot was directed by “The Bear” creator Christopher Storer and McVicker played a former pro skater in the episode.
McVicker also acted in Paramount’s comedy “Action Point” alongside Johnny Knoxville, who plays a daredevil that designs a theme park alongside his friends. The film...
McVicker also acted in Paramount’s comedy “Action Point” alongside Johnny Knoxville, who plays a daredevil that designs a theme park alongside his friends. The film...
- 8/8/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Tribeca Festival has announced the lineup of its 2023 festival, which includes new films from actors Chelsea Peretti and David Duchovny and documentaries about Rock Hudson and news anchor Dan Rather.
This year’s event, which takes place from June 7-18, will feature 109 feature films from 127 filmmakers across 36 countries. There will be 93 world premieres, one international premiere, eight North American premieres, one U.S. premiere and six New York premieres.
Among the lineup, there are offerings from 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. For the first time, more than half of feature films in competition (68%) are directed by women, while 41% (45) of all feature films are directed by women. Additionally, 36% (39) of feature films are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.
This year’s festival also spotlights a number of films directed by actors, such as “First Time Female Director” by Peretti; “Maggie Moore(s)” by...
This year’s event, which takes place from June 7-18, will feature 109 feature films from 127 filmmakers across 36 countries. There will be 93 world premieres, one international premiere, eight North American premieres, one U.S. premiere and six New York premieres.
Among the lineup, there are offerings from 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. For the first time, more than half of feature films in competition (68%) are directed by women, while 41% (45) of all feature films are directed by women. Additionally, 36% (39) of feature films are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.
This year’s festival also spotlights a number of films directed by actors, such as “First Time Female Director” by Peretti; “Maggie Moore(s)” by...
- 4/18/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The 22nd edition of NYC’s Tribeca Film Festival appears to have star power to spare, with Michael Shannon, John Slattery, Chelsea Peretti, David Duchovny, Jennifer Esposito, Randall Park, real-life couple Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe and Steve Buscemi among those with new films premiering among the 100-plus features screening this year from June 7 through June 18.
A few interesting stats: There are 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. 41% of all feature films are directed by women and, for the first time, more than half of competition feature films are directed by women. And 39 of the feature films represented are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.
For the third year, the Tribeca Fest will include the “Expressions of Black Freedom” program, including a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which will highight the world premiere of “All Up in the Biz,” a documentary about hip-hop legend Biz Markie,...
A few interesting stats: There are 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. 41% of all feature films are directed by women and, for the first time, more than half of competition feature films are directed by women. And 39 of the feature films represented are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.
For the third year, the Tribeca Fest will include the “Expressions of Black Freedom” program, including a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which will highight the world premiere of “All Up in the Biz,” a documentary about hip-hop legend Biz Markie,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
Poland’s American Film Festival readies for its — lucky — 13th edition, unspooling Nov. 8-13 in Wrocław.
The fest, which will open with “Bones and All” and close with Florian Zeller’s “The Son,” will once again combine classics with contemporary titles, for instance pairing Nancy Buirski’s doc “Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy” with John Schlesinger’s Oscar-winner, or introducing retrospectives dedicated to Robert Altman and Nina Menkes.
Menkes — behind “Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power” — will also get Aff’s Indie Star Award. Previous recipients include Todd Solondz, David Gordon Green, Hal Hartley, Whit Stillman, Rosanna Arquette and John Waters, who came to Poland last year.
“It was amazing,” Waters tells Variety, and he was “pleasantly surprised and flattered” by the local audience’s knowledge of his work.
“They really knew who I was! My favorite thing happened during a Q&a, when this man, who looked like an old Communist,...
The fest, which will open with “Bones and All” and close with Florian Zeller’s “The Son,” will once again combine classics with contemporary titles, for instance pairing Nancy Buirski’s doc “Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy” with John Schlesinger’s Oscar-winner, or introducing retrospectives dedicated to Robert Altman and Nina Menkes.
Menkes — behind “Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power” — will also get Aff’s Indie Star Award. Previous recipients include Todd Solondz, David Gordon Green, Hal Hartley, Whit Stillman, Rosanna Arquette and John Waters, who came to Poland last year.
“It was amazing,” Waters tells Variety, and he was “pleasantly surprised and flattered” by the local audience’s knowledge of his work.
“They really knew who I was! My favorite thing happened during a Q&a, when this man, who looked like an old Communist,...
- 11/3/2022
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
There might be coming-of-age films about the preteen experience of going to Bar-mitzvahs, but what about the party starters in the background?
In Cooper Raiff’s second feature film, “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” the writer-director moves on from telling the stories of college life in “S—house” to what life is like after college. Raiff sticks to the feel-good coming-of-age genre in this Sundance success. “
Cha Cha Real Smooth,” premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, earning the festival’s Audience Award. After the film’s festival success, AppleTV+ purchased the film’s distribution rights for 15 million dollars, but now that it’s out, how exactly can you watch it? All those answers below.
Also Read:
‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ Film Review: Dakota Johnson in Charming Coming-of-Age Dramedy Is “Cha Cha Real Smooth” in Theaters or Streaming?
“Cha Cha Real Smooth” simultaneously premieres in select theaters and will be available to stream on AppleTV+ starting Friday,...
In Cooper Raiff’s second feature film, “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” the writer-director moves on from telling the stories of college life in “S—house” to what life is like after college. Raiff sticks to the feel-good coming-of-age genre in this Sundance success. “
Cha Cha Real Smooth,” premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, earning the festival’s Audience Award. After the film’s festival success, AppleTV+ purchased the film’s distribution rights for 15 million dollars, but now that it’s out, how exactly can you watch it? All those answers below.
Also Read:
‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ Film Review: Dakota Johnson in Charming Coming-of-Age Dramedy Is “Cha Cha Real Smooth” in Theaters or Streaming?
“Cha Cha Real Smooth” simultaneously premieres in select theaters and will be available to stream on AppleTV+ starting Friday,...
- 6/17/2022
- by Charna Flam
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
When medical resident James (Namir Smallwood) is assigned an acting class to improve his bedside manner, he bristles at the idea, describing it as “dishonest.” The teacher (David Cromer) gently pushes back. “Don’t your patients lie sometimes?” he asks. “They might,” James replies. “Their bodies usually don’t.”
The irony is that James will spend the bulk of Rounding obsessed with the idea that one specific body might be, if not lying, at least telling less than a complete truth — all while his own body betrays the fictions he tells himself, namely that he’s totally fine and in control. Those tensions make for a tense, occasionally terrifying thriller that’s hard to look away from, though what it’s ultimately trying to accomplish with all that energy isn’t always so clear.
Rounding opens with what will turn out to be...
When medical resident James (Namir Smallwood) is assigned an acting class to improve his bedside manner, he bristles at the idea, describing it as “dishonest.” The teacher (David Cromer) gently pushes back. “Don’t your patients lie sometimes?” he asks. “They might,” James replies. “Their bodies usually don’t.”
The irony is that James will spend the bulk of Rounding obsessed with the idea that one specific body might be, if not lying, at least telling less than a complete truth — all while his own body betrays the fictions he tells himself, namely that he’s totally fine and in control. Those tensions make for a tense, occasionally terrifying thriller that’s hard to look away from, though what it’s ultimately trying to accomplish with all that energy isn’t always so clear.
Rounding opens with what will turn out to be...
- 6/17/2022
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Not many filmmakers can boast a 99 Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes for their small-scale debut, as Alex Thompson earned with 2019’s “Saint Frances.” Fewer still follow up with an even stronger second act.
Thompson co-wrote “Rounding” with his physician brother Christopher, and their psychological freakout is possessed of an almost visionary intensity. He’s described this film as inspired by the B-movie thrillers he watched on TV as a kid, but that significantly undersells its lingering power.
Indeed, the B-movie moments — ominous threats, manifested demons — are the weaker spots in an otherwise taut and terrifying emotional nightmare.
Also Read:
‘Saint Frances’ Film Review: Unhappy Millennial Matures While Caring for Kindergartner in Festival Fave
Namir Smallwood (“American Rust”) is exceptional as James, an ambitious medical resident who falls off the fast track when one of his patients dies. Though his sympathetic mentor urges him to push on, a shell-shocked James insists...
Thompson co-wrote “Rounding” with his physician brother Christopher, and their psychological freakout is possessed of an almost visionary intensity. He’s described this film as inspired by the B-movie thrillers he watched on TV as a kid, but that significantly undersells its lingering power.
Indeed, the B-movie moments — ominous threats, manifested demons — are the weaker spots in an otherwise taut and terrifying emotional nightmare.
Also Read:
‘Saint Frances’ Film Review: Unhappy Millennial Matures While Caring for Kindergartner in Festival Fave
Namir Smallwood (“American Rust”) is exceptional as James, an ambitious medical resident who falls off the fast track when one of his patients dies. Though his sympathetic mentor urges him to push on, a shell-shocked James insists...
- 6/9/2022
- by Elizabeth Weitzman
- The Wrap
Chris Evans and Adam Kersh have launched Fusion Management, an artist-driven management company that will focus on actors, filmmakers and creators.
Their initial management roster features a number of notable clients with a particular focus on indie multi-hyphenates and auteurs. The list includes Sean Baker, who earned raves for “Red Rocket”; filmmaker and actor Amy Seimetz, the co-creator of “The Girlfriend Experience” on Starz and the star of “No Sudden Move”; Cooper Raiff, a writer, director, producer and actor whose film “Cha Cha Real Smooth” premiered at Sundance this week to critical acclaim; and Kelly O’Sullivan, the writer and star of the award-winning “Saint Frances.”
Evans, formerly a manager at One Entertainment, and Kersh, co-founder of Brigade Marketing, bring more than two decades of combined experience within the entertainment industry. The two want Fusion to be a landing ground for both established creators and emerging talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Their initial management roster features a number of notable clients with a particular focus on indie multi-hyphenates and auteurs. The list includes Sean Baker, who earned raves for “Red Rocket”; filmmaker and actor Amy Seimetz, the co-creator of “The Girlfriend Experience” on Starz and the star of “No Sudden Move”; Cooper Raiff, a writer, director, producer and actor whose film “Cha Cha Real Smooth” premiered at Sundance this week to critical acclaim; and Kelly O’Sullivan, the writer and star of the award-winning “Saint Frances.”
Evans, formerly a manager at One Entertainment, and Kersh, co-founder of Brigade Marketing, bring more than two decades of combined experience within the entertainment industry. The two want Fusion to be a landing ground for both established creators and emerging talent both in front of and behind the camera.
- 1/25/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
After receiving tons of accolades for his feature debut film Saint Frances, filmmaker Alex Thompson began the year shooting an under-the-radar sophomore feature in Chicago. A dramatic thriller with a hospital backdrop, Thompson cast the film pairing of Namir Smallwood (and actor making his debut and was schooled by the Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre) and Sidney Flanigan (who broke out in Eliza Hittman’s Never Rarely Sometimes Always). titled Rounding, Thompson reunited with cinematographer Nate Hursellers, and yes, Kelly O’Sullivan who co-wrote Saint Frances is also in the fold as a supporting player.
Gist: This follows a driven young medical resident (Smallwood) who transfers to a rural hospital for a fresh start.…...
Gist: This follows a driven young medical resident (Smallwood) who transfers to a rural hospital for a fresh start.…...
- 11/24/2021
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Namir Smallwood and Sidney Flanigan will star in “Rounding,” a new dramatic thriller from “Saint Frances” director Alex Thompson. “Rounding” follows a driven young medical resident (Smallwood) who transfers to a rural hospital for a fresh start. There, the demons of his past start to catch up to him when he becomes consumed by the case of a young asthma patient (Flanigan). The film was shot in secret in Chicago and just wrapped production.
Smallwood is an ensemble member at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He has also appeared in the television shows “Rust” and “Chicago Fire.” This is his feature film debut. Flanigan had critics raving with her work in “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” a drama about a young woman’s efforts to obtain an abortion. She was nominated for an Independent Spirit nomination for best female lead and won prizes from the Boston Society of Film Critics and the New York Film Critics Circle.
Smallwood is an ensemble member at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He has also appeared in the television shows “Rust” and “Chicago Fire.” This is his feature film debut. Flanigan had critics raving with her work in “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” a drama about a young woman’s efforts to obtain an abortion. She was nominated for an Independent Spirit nomination for best female lead and won prizes from the Boston Society of Film Critics and the New York Film Critics Circle.
- 3/5/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Riz Ahmed, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Michaela Coel win prizes.
Nomadland picked up its second and third awards in three days as it won best feature and the IFP Gotham Audience Award at the 30th annual Gotham Awards on Monday (January 11).
Searchlight Pictures’ drama directed by Chloé Zhao topped the National Society Of Film Critics vote at the weekend and is gathering impressive momentum during awards season and prevailed in a category where women directed every nominee.
In a strong night for British talent Riz Ahmed won best actor for Sound Of Metal, Kingsley Ben-Adir of One Night In Miami emerged victorious in the Breakthrough Actor contest,...
Nomadland picked up its second and third awards in three days as it won best feature and the IFP Gotham Audience Award at the 30th annual Gotham Awards on Monday (January 11).
Searchlight Pictures’ drama directed by Chloé Zhao topped the National Society Of Film Critics vote at the weekend and is gathering impressive momentum during awards season and prevailed in a category where women directed every nominee.
In a strong night for British talent Riz Ahmed won best actor for Sound Of Metal, Kingsley Ben-Adir of One Night In Miami emerged victorious in the Breakthrough Actor contest,...
- 1/12/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Gotham Film and Media Institute’s 30th annual Gotham Awards took place on Monday night and although the ceremony was virtual, the joy of the independent film world was still felt from the live event from Cipriani Wall Street in New York.
IFP Executive Director Jeffrey Sharp welcomed the virtual audience and the night featured a handful of in-person presenters including Renee Elise Goldsberry, Cristin Milioti, Hunter Schafer, Padma Lakshmi, Michael Shannon and Noma Dumezweni as well as remote presenters such as Zachary Quinto, Lupita Nyong’o, Anthony Mackie, Rebecca Hall and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre.
Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland took the honor for Best Feature and won the Gotham Audience Award. The Best Documentary was awarded to both Ramona Diaz’s A Thousand Cuts and Garrett Bradley’s Time. Fernanda Valadez’s Identifying Features nabbed the inaugural Gotham Award for Best International Feature.
On the acting side, Sound of Metal...
IFP Executive Director Jeffrey Sharp welcomed the virtual audience and the night featured a handful of in-person presenters including Renee Elise Goldsberry, Cristin Milioti, Hunter Schafer, Padma Lakshmi, Michael Shannon and Noma Dumezweni as well as remote presenters such as Zachary Quinto, Lupita Nyong’o, Anthony Mackie, Rebecca Hall and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre.
Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland took the honor for Best Feature and won the Gotham Audience Award. The Best Documentary was awarded to both Ramona Diaz’s A Thousand Cuts and Garrett Bradley’s Time. Fernanda Valadez’s Identifying Features nabbed the inaugural Gotham Award for Best International Feature.
On the acting side, Sound of Metal...
- 1/12/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2020 Gotham Awards have already made history, with all of this year’s best feature nominees directed by women. The ceremony, which will livestream on the Independent Filmmaker Project and Variety’s Facebook pages beginning at 8 p.m. Et, is sure to offer more of the same.
The 30th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards contenders are led by Kelly Reichardt’s “First Cow,” which received all four major noms: best feature, screenplay, actor and breakthrough actor. Eliza Hittman’s “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland,” Kitty Green’s “The Assistant” and Natalie Erika James’s “Relic” are also nominated for best feature.
In the best actor category, Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous nomination for his role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” The other nominees in the category include Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”), Jude Law (“The Nest”), John Magaro (“First Cow”) and Jesse Plemons (“I’m Thinking of Ending Things...
The 30th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards contenders are led by Kelly Reichardt’s “First Cow,” which received all four major noms: best feature, screenplay, actor and breakthrough actor. Eliza Hittman’s “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland,” Kitty Green’s “The Assistant” and Natalie Erika James’s “Relic” are also nominated for best feature.
In the best actor category, Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous nomination for his role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” The other nominees in the category include Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”), Jude Law (“The Nest”), John Magaro (“First Cow”) and Jesse Plemons (“I’m Thinking of Ending Things...
- 1/11/2021
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
The Gotham Awards for independent film are being handed out tonight, January 11. More than 1,200 Gold Derby users have been predicting the winners since nominations were announced in October, and their predictions have been combined to generate our official racetrack odds. Scroll down to see our forecasts in 10 categories, with the nominees listed in order of their odds and our projected winners highlighted in gold.
SEE2021 Gotham Awards nominations: All 5 Best Feature nominees directed by women
“Nomadland” is the favorite to win Best Feature at these awards, which it would add to its already abundant pile of plaudits. It has already been named the best film of the year by critics in Boston, Chicago, Indiana and Greater Western New York, not to mention the Alliance of Women Film Journalists and the National Society of Film Critics.
But this wouldn’t be the first time director Chloe Zhao claimed this prize. Her...
SEE2021 Gotham Awards nominations: All 5 Best Feature nominees directed by women
“Nomadland” is the favorite to win Best Feature at these awards, which it would add to its already abundant pile of plaudits. It has already been named the best film of the year by critics in Boston, Chicago, Indiana and Greater Western New York, not to mention the Alliance of Women Film Journalists and the National Society of Film Critics.
But this wouldn’t be the first time director Chloe Zhao claimed this prize. Her...
- 1/11/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Filmmakers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson know the official log line for their charming dramedy “Saint Frances” isn’t exactly inspiring: “After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, a deadbeat nanny finds an unlikely friendship with the six-year old she’s charged with protecting.”
“That log line, yeah,” O’Sullivan said with a laugh during a recent interview with Thompson. “We struggled with that line too. It’s so funny, every time we describe the movie, we just want to say like, ‘We know, but—'”
Thompson cut in: “It’s funny! It’s good!”
But that’s the sneaky power of the movie, starring and written by O’Sullivan and directed by Thompson, her partner both in work and life. The pair readily admit the log line smacks of cliche, but underneath that so often lurks the truth, one pulled directly from O’Sullivan’s own life. “It’s not...
“That log line, yeah,” O’Sullivan said with a laugh during a recent interview with Thompson. “We struggled with that line too. It’s so funny, every time we describe the movie, we just want to say like, ‘We know, but—'”
Thompson cut in: “It’s funny! It’s good!”
But that’s the sneaky power of the movie, starring and written by O’Sullivan and directed by Thompson, her partner both in work and life. The pair readily admit the log line smacks of cliche, but underneath that so often lurks the truth, one pulled directly from O’Sullivan’s own life. “It’s not...
- 1/7/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Chicago – In a world gone a bit madder and sadder, the films of 2020 were a welcome escape from the travails of weekly reality. Without theater exhibition by and large, films had to be experienced on smaller home screens, shrinking bold cinematography and emphasizing the story.
Reflected in my 10 Best Films Of 2020 are those storyteller films, the escapes that told tales of our possibilities and hope. In lieu of complete normalcy in 2021, let’s at least get back to the theaters.
I begin by ranking the 25th film favorites through the 11th, with the option to click on the highlighted titles for reviews or associated interviews… 25th - Eurovision Song Contest, 24th - Da Five Bloods (Delroy Lindo symbolized a whole war in his performance), 23rd - Wonder Woman 1984 (we have met the villains and they are us), 22nd - The Hunt (sharpest satire in the tool shed), 21st - The Nest...
Reflected in my 10 Best Films Of 2020 are those storyteller films, the escapes that told tales of our possibilities and hope. In lieu of complete normalcy in 2021, let’s at least get back to the theaters.
I begin by ranking the 25th film favorites through the 11th, with the option to click on the highlighted titles for reviews or associated interviews… 25th - Eurovision Song Contest, 24th - Da Five Bloods (Delroy Lindo symbolized a whole war in his performance), 23rd - Wonder Woman 1984 (we have met the villains and they are us), 22nd - The Hunt (sharpest satire in the tool shed), 21st - The Nest...
- 1/3/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The road for Alex Thompson’s “Saint Frances” began on March 11, 2019, at the South by Southwest Film Festival where it won the audience award and a special jury prize for breakthrough voice. Written by and starring Kelly O’Sullivan, the film was picked up by Oscilloscope Laboratories and released in theaters on Feb. 28, just weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic forced a nationwide lockdown. Since then, it’s picked up two nominations at the Gotham Awards, including breakthrough actor for O’Sullivan and the Bingham Ray breakthrough director prize for Alex Thompson. The film remains in the conversation for the awards season.
“Saint Frances” has been beloved by critics and journalists, garnering a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety‘s Peter Debruge named it his second favorite film of 2020 saying in part, “Saint Frances wasn’t directed by a woman, though its candid comedic voice is every bit the creation of screenwriter-star Kelly O’Sullivan,...
“Saint Frances” has been beloved by critics and journalists, garnering a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety‘s Peter Debruge named it his second favorite film of 2020 saying in part, “Saint Frances wasn’t directed by a woman, though its candid comedic voice is every bit the creation of screenwriter-star Kelly O’Sullivan,...
- 12/28/2020
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland” has earned seven nominations for 2020 honors from the Chicago Film Critics Association, followed by six each for Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods,” Kelly Reichardt’s “First Cow” and Charlie Kaufman’s “I’m Thinking of Ending Things.”
David Fincher’s “Mank” and Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman” took five nominations each. With 28 nominations, Netflix is the most recognized studio, followed by Amazon with 16 and and A24 with 15. Zhao and Fennell each earned three nominations.
The Best Director category is comprised entirely of women and people of color with Fennell, Lee, Steve McQueen, Reichardt and Zhao. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross achieved a double nomination in the same category, earning Best Original Score nominations for their work in both “Soul” and “Mank.” The late Chadwick Boseman earned nominations for Best Actor in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and Best Supporting Actor in “Da 5 Bloods.”
The...
David Fincher’s “Mank” and Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman” took five nominations each. With 28 nominations, Netflix is the most recognized studio, followed by Amazon with 16 and and A24 with 15. Zhao and Fennell each earned three nominations.
The Best Director category is comprised entirely of women and people of color with Fennell, Lee, Steve McQueen, Reichardt and Zhao. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross achieved a double nomination in the same category, earning Best Original Score nominations for their work in both “Soul” and “Mank.” The late Chadwick Boseman earned nominations for Best Actor in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and Best Supporting Actor in “Da 5 Bloods.”
The...
- 12/18/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) announced today the nominees for its 30th annual IFP Gotham Awards. Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow received the most nominations — Best Feature, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Breakthrough Actor. Other multiple nominees include Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, Radha Blank’s The 40-Year-Old Version, Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things, Eliza Hittman’s Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Natalie Erika James’s Relic and Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan’s Saint Frances. And, for the first time, all five of the Best Feature Nominees — The Assistant, First Cow, Never Rarely Sometimes Always and Relic — are directed by women. “We congratulate […]
The post First Cow Tops Nominees for 30th Annual IFP Gotham Awards; All Best Feature Nominees are Directed by Women first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post First Cow Tops Nominees for 30th Annual IFP Gotham Awards; All Best Feature Nominees are Directed by Women first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 11/12/2020
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) announced today the nominees for its 30th annual IFP Gotham Awards. Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow received the most nominations — Best Feature, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Breakthrough Actor. Other multiple nominees include Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, Radha Blank’s The 40-Year-Old Version, Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things, Eliza Hittman’s Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Natalie Erika James’s Relic and Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan’s Saint Frances. And, for the first time, all five of the Best Feature Nominees — The Assistant, First Cow, Never Rarely Sometimes Always and Relic — are directed by women. “We congratulate […]
The post First Cow Tops Nominees for 30th Annual IFP Gotham Awards; All Best Feature Nominees are Directed by Women first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post First Cow Tops Nominees for 30th Annual IFP Gotham Awards; All Best Feature Nominees are Directed by Women first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 11/12/2020
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
The longest awards season ever kicks off today with the announcement for the 2020 Gotham Awards nominees. The awards ceremony, backed by the Independent Film Project (IFP), is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. As always, the Gothams are the first stop on the awards season journey, which this year will last until the Oscars ceremony all the way on April 25. The 2020 Gotham Awards are set to take place January 11, 2021, over a month delay from when the ceremony’s usually held, on the first Monday after Thanksgiving.
While the Gotham Awards don’t always overlap with the Oscars, they often play a key role in elevating films into the overall awards conversation since the ceremony is the first of the season. Past acting winners like Adam Driver (“Marriage Story”), Awkwafina (“The Farewell”), Ethan Hawke (“First Reformed”), and Toni Collette (“Hereditary”) all had Oscar momentum following the Gothams, with Driver nabbing an Oscar nom for Best Actor.
While the Gotham Awards don’t always overlap with the Oscars, they often play a key role in elevating films into the overall awards conversation since the ceremony is the first of the season. Past acting winners like Adam Driver (“Marriage Story”), Awkwafina (“The Farewell”), Ethan Hawke (“First Reformed”), and Toni Collette (“Hereditary”) all had Oscar momentum following the Gothams, with Driver nabbing an Oscar nom for Best Actor.
- 11/12/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
First Cow collected four Gotham Awards nominations to lead the field in an awards year altered by Covid-19.
Kelly Reichardt’s period drama, released by A24, is up for feature, screenplay and acting awards. See the full list of nominees below. Other nominations were spread around — including the series awards, 41 titles in all got recognized in 10 categories. In addition to First Cow, the top feature category also includes The Assistant, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Nomadland and Relic.
The Gothams, which will be held January 11, typically kick off Oscar season in November. The usual rhythms of the season are different this year and most awards, including the Oscars in April, are likely to be conducted virtually due to safety concerns. The Gothams will be held at their longtime home, Cipriani Wall Street, but without in-person attendees.
Now in their 30th year, the awards are produced by the Independent Filmmaker Project.
Due to eligibility requirements,...
Kelly Reichardt’s period drama, released by A24, is up for feature, screenplay and acting awards. See the full list of nominees below. Other nominations were spread around — including the series awards, 41 titles in all got recognized in 10 categories. In addition to First Cow, the top feature category also includes The Assistant, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Nomadland and Relic.
The Gothams, which will be held January 11, typically kick off Oscar season in November. The usual rhythms of the season are different this year and most awards, including the Oscars in April, are likely to be conducted virtually due to safety concerns. The Gothams will be held at their longtime home, Cipriani Wall Street, but without in-person attendees.
Now in their 30th year, the awards are produced by the Independent Filmmaker Project.
Due to eligibility requirements,...
- 11/12/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Independent Filmmaker Project on Wednesday announced the slate for its upcoming Project Forum, to take place during its long-running signature event, IFP Week, running September 20 – 25. The sales and development forum — which is going fully virtual this year — includes 144 feature and series projects, and for the first time 36 audio projects.
Among the featured narrative projects are “Mouse” from Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, whose “Saint Frances” won Jury and Audience awards at last year’s SXSW. Producer Emile Lesclaux, who produced the Cannes Jury Prize-winning “Bacurau,” will be at the forum with “Heartless.”
Producers Cait Panesgroux and Elias Ribero, who produced the Sundance award winner “This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection,” will be there with “The Spirit Guest.” And “Short Term 12” producer Asher Goldstein will have “First Generation.”
Notable nonfiction producers will also be there with new documentary projects, including “Bitterbrush” from Oscar-nominated Su Kim, plus “Cain and Abel...
Among the featured narrative projects are “Mouse” from Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, whose “Saint Frances” won Jury and Audience awards at last year’s SXSW. Producer Emile Lesclaux, who produced the Cannes Jury Prize-winning “Bacurau,” will be at the forum with “Heartless.”
Producers Cait Panesgroux and Elias Ribero, who produced the Sundance award winner “This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection,” will be there with “The Spirit Guest.” And “Short Term 12” producer Asher Goldstein will have “First Generation.”
Notable nonfiction producers will also be there with new documentary projects, including “Bitterbrush” from Oscar-nominated Su Kim, plus “Cain and Abel...
- 7/29/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Writer and star Kelly O’Sullivan’s Saint Frances is as close as it gets in recent times to a realistic screen portrayal of what it is like being a female millennial at child-bearing age, navigating the pressures of societal expectations. Directed by Alex Thompson, this poignant satirical tale does not shy away from depicting life’s ‘messier’ moments either, but just incorporates them within the natural course of events in a matter of fact way. It also does not attempt to resolve any of the key issues raised by the start of the closing credits. It simply presents them as everyday occurrences for the viewer to past comment on, if needs be. However, as refreshingly honest and playfully eccentric as this piece of fiction feels, there are moments any parent watching might feel greatly stretch the imagination, in order to tell the story. This then detracts from its authenticity.
What...
What...
- 7/28/2020
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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