"The paradox of going back [in time] is to have to succumb, once again, to that sense of yourself as totally inconsequential. So why on earth would I go back?" HBO has unveiled an official trailer for a documentary film titled You Were My First Boyfriend, directed and produced by Cecilia Aldarondo and co-directed by Sarah Enid Hagey. This premiered at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival this year, and it will be out to watch on HBO / Max streaming soon this November. "What if you could rewrite your adolescence?" is the predominant thought. You Were My First Boyfriend is a hybrid doc film that embarks on a fantastical quest to reconcile one woman's tortured teen years by revisiting her most formative and cringeworthy experiences. As she describes in this trailer, it's an attempt at an "exorcism" of the horrors of her time growing up, and the memories that still haunt her. I do...
- 10/25/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Director Cecilia Aldarondo looks back on her adolescence and examines how experiences from high school continue to impact her life in the documentary You Were My First Boyfriend. HBO’s released the first trailer for what’s described as a hybrid documentary that features recreations of key events from Aldarondo’s past.
“What if you could rewrite your adolescence? In this high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Aldarondo embarks on a fantastical quest to reconcile her tortured teen years. She revisits some of her most formative – and at times cringeworthy – childhood experiences, tracking down old crushes and reenacting visceral memories of youthful humiliation and desire, at times playing the role of her younger self and casting teenagers to play the kids in her life who still haunt her,” reads HBO’s synopsis. “Oscillating between present and past, humor and heartbreak, You Were My First Boyfriend is a hybrid...
“What if you could rewrite your adolescence? In this high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Aldarondo embarks on a fantastical quest to reconcile her tortured teen years. She revisits some of her most formative – and at times cringeworthy – childhood experiences, tracking down old crushes and reenacting visceral memories of youthful humiliation and desire, at times playing the role of her younger self and casting teenagers to play the kids in her life who still haunt her,” reads HBO’s synopsis. “Oscillating between present and past, humor and heartbreak, You Were My First Boyfriend is a hybrid...
- 10/25/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The documentary You Were My First Boyfriend, directed and produced by Cecilia Aldarondo and co-directed by Sarah Enid Hagey, premieres November 8th at 9:00 p.m. Et/Pt on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. The film had its world premiere at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival.
Synopsis: What if you could rewrite your adolescence? In this high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Aldarondo embarks on a fantastical quest to reconcile her tortured teen years. She revisits some of her most formative – and at times cringeworthy – childhood experiences, tracking down old crushes and reenacting visceral memories of youthful humiliation and desire, at times playing the role of her younger self and casting teenagers to play the kids in her life who still haunt her. Oscillating between present and past, humor and heartbreak, You Were My First Boyfriend is a hybrid documentary that takes seriously the power...
Synopsis: What if you could rewrite your adolescence? In this high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Aldarondo embarks on a fantastical quest to reconcile her tortured teen years. She revisits some of her most formative – and at times cringeworthy – childhood experiences, tracking down old crushes and reenacting visceral memories of youthful humiliation and desire, at times playing the role of her younger self and casting teenagers to play the kids in her life who still haunt her. Oscillating between present and past, humor and heartbreak, You Were My First Boyfriend is a hybrid documentary that takes seriously the power...
- 10/25/2023
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
The New York Latino Film Festival (Nylff), the nation’s premier Latino film festival, kicks off Latino Heritage Month from Sept. 15-24. It features an impressive roster of 116 films from nearly 20 countries. Watch a trailer for the festival above.
Held, once again, at Regal Union Square, Nylff will open with the New York City premiere of Amazon Prime’s film “Cassandro”, starring Gael Garcia Bernal. It follows the true story of a colorful gay wrestler from El Paso who rose to international stardom.
Presented by Kino Lorber, the Festival will screen Aristotle Torres’ debut feature “Story Ave”, starring Luis Guzman as an Mta transit worker held up by young graffiti artist Kadir (Asante Blackk).
HBO Documentaries will present “You Were My First Boyfriend”, the heartwarming story of Cecilia Aldarondo as she revisits her 1990s adolescence. Also showing is “Radical”, the story of actor Eugenio Derbez as a teacher in a...
Held, once again, at Regal Union Square, Nylff will open with the New York City premiere of Amazon Prime’s film “Cassandro”, starring Gael Garcia Bernal. It follows the true story of a colorful gay wrestler from El Paso who rose to international stardom.
Presented by Kino Lorber, the Festival will screen Aristotle Torres’ debut feature “Story Ave”, starring Luis Guzman as an Mta transit worker held up by young graffiti artist Kadir (Asante Blackk).
HBO Documentaries will present “You Were My First Boyfriend”, the heartwarming story of Cecilia Aldarondo as she revisits her 1990s adolescence. Also showing is “Radical”, the story of actor Eugenio Derbez as a teacher in a...
- 9/14/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Updated with the addition of The Holly and American Symphony to the FallDocs lineup.
The Holly, Julian Rubinstein’s documentary about conflict over a gentrifying neighborhood near Denver, and Matthew Heineman’s film American Symphony, about Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste, have been added to the IDA’s FallDocs screening series.
American Symphony will hold an in-person screening on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at the Culver Theater in Los Angeles, followed by a live Q&a with Heineman.
The Holly will hold an in-person screening on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Culver Theater, followed by a live Q&a with Rubinstein, main participant Terrance Roberts, and Aqeela Sherrills, anti-violence activist and co-founder of Community Based Public Safety Collective.
Earlier: Exclusive: The International Documentary Association announced the lineup for its prestigious FallDocs 2023 program, featuring a slew of Oscar contending nonfiction films as well as more than two dozen films that haven’t yet nailed down distribution.
The Holly, Julian Rubinstein’s documentary about conflict over a gentrifying neighborhood near Denver, and Matthew Heineman’s film American Symphony, about Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste, have been added to the IDA’s FallDocs screening series.
American Symphony will hold an in-person screening on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at the Culver Theater in Los Angeles, followed by a live Q&a with Heineman.
The Holly will hold an in-person screening on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Culver Theater, followed by a live Q&a with Rubinstein, main participant Terrance Roberts, and Aqeela Sherrills, anti-violence activist and co-founder of Community Based Public Safety Collective.
Earlier: Exclusive: The International Documentary Association announced the lineup for its prestigious FallDocs 2023 program, featuring a slew of Oscar contending nonfiction films as well as more than two dozen films that haven’t yet nailed down distribution.
- 8/31/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: HBO Documentary Films and The Gotham Film & Media Institute on Tuesday opened submissions for the second cohort of their Documentary Development Initiative, designed for storytellers who identify as Bipoc, LGBTQ+, and/or storytellers with disabilities.
Launched last fall, the program provides up-and-comers with resources for the development of thought-provoking, character-driven contemporary ideas for documentary films and limited series. Among those resources is a grant of $50,000 to each participant for research and creative development at an early stage. Ideas generated through the Initiative are offered to HBO on a “first-look” basis, giving the network the first opportunity to make an offer to develop them further.
“It has been a joy to watch the creative process unfold during the course of this past year’s development initiative,” said HBO’s SVP of Documentary Programming, Sara Rodriguez. “We are thrilled this essential program will continue to help elevate the voices in...
Launched last fall, the program provides up-and-comers with resources for the development of thought-provoking, character-driven contemporary ideas for documentary films and limited series. Among those resources is a grant of $50,000 to each participant for research and creative development at an early stage. Ideas generated through the Initiative are offered to HBO on a “first-look” basis, giving the network the first opportunity to make an offer to develop them further.
“It has been a joy to watch the creative process unfold during the course of this past year’s development initiative,” said HBO’s SVP of Documentary Programming, Sara Rodriguez. “We are thrilled this essential program will continue to help elevate the voices in...
- 8/1/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Corporate consolidation, along with shrinking publicity budgets and streaming services’ willingness to bury their own content, have made film festivals and series increasingly desirable to documentary filmmakers who are not only seeking distribution, but also to those nonfiction helmers who have found a platform for their work.
The rocky landscape has made the competition fierce for a slot at not only top-tier festivals, but also regional film events like New York’s Rooftop Films’ Summer Series.
Over the course of the last year, Rooftop Films president Dan Nuxoll received 3,500 film submissions for the nonprofit organization’s 27th annual Summer Series, which kicks off on May 25. Only 23 feature films were accepted. (Not all films have been announced.)
Fourteen of the 23 features Nuxoll chose are documentaries. include high profile docs like Chris Smith’s “Wham!” (Netflix), Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker’s “The Stroll” (HBO Documentary Films), Sacha Jenkins’ “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues...
The rocky landscape has made the competition fierce for a slot at not only top-tier festivals, but also regional film events like New York’s Rooftop Films’ Summer Series.
Over the course of the last year, Rooftop Films president Dan Nuxoll received 3,500 film submissions for the nonprofit organization’s 27th annual Summer Series, which kicks off on May 25. Only 23 feature films were accepted. (Not all films have been announced.)
Fourteen of the 23 features Nuxoll chose are documentaries. include high profile docs like Chris Smith’s “Wham!” (Netflix), Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker’s “The Stroll” (HBO Documentary Films), Sacha Jenkins’ “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues...
- 5/25/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
It’s almost summer in the city, and you might as well rot in the sun with some of the year’s best indie films.
Rooftop Films, one of the longest-running outdoor showcases for indie films globally, has revealed its 2023 lineup, which IndieWire shares exclusively below.
Throughout New York City parks and outdoor landmarks, the Summer Series runs May 25 through August 24 with over 45 events featuring new independent feature films, short film programs, and live performances. Highlights include screenings of Bill Pohlad’s Donnie and Joe Emerson biopic “Dreamin’ Wild,” Savanah Leaf’s A24 drama “Earth Mama,” Eva Longoria’s directing debut “Flamin’ Hot,” and Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo’s “Bobi Wine: The People’s President.”
But you can also catch festival favorites like Sundance Grand Jury Prize (World Cinema) winner “Scrapper” from writer-director Charlotte Regan, Laura Moss’s horror entry “birth/rebirth,” D. Smith’s Sundance Award-winning trans documentary “Kokomo City,...
Rooftop Films, one of the longest-running outdoor showcases for indie films globally, has revealed its 2023 lineup, which IndieWire shares exclusively below.
Throughout New York City parks and outdoor landmarks, the Summer Series runs May 25 through August 24 with over 45 events featuring new independent feature films, short film programs, and live performances. Highlights include screenings of Bill Pohlad’s Donnie and Joe Emerson biopic “Dreamin’ Wild,” Savanah Leaf’s A24 drama “Earth Mama,” Eva Longoria’s directing debut “Flamin’ Hot,” and Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo’s “Bobi Wine: The People’s President.”
But you can also catch festival favorites like Sundance Grand Jury Prize (World Cinema) winner “Scrapper” from writer-director Charlotte Regan, Laura Moss’s horror entry “birth/rebirth,” D. Smith’s Sundance Award-winning trans documentary “Kokomo City,...
- 5/4/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: UTA has signed director-producer Cecilia Aldarondo, whose third feature, You Were My First Boyfriend, premiered in Documentary Feature Competition at the SXSW Film Festival on Friday.
Related Story ‘John Wick’ Franchise Creator Derek Kolstad Signs With UTA Related Story 'Problemista' Review: Julio Torres Directorial Debut Starring Tilda Swinton Shows Us How To Become The Problem And The Solution – SXSW Related Story 'John Wick: Chapter 4' Review: Keanu Reeves Takes Franchise To New Levels Of Action, And Length – SXSW
The hybrid doc written and directed by Aldarondo and Sarah Enid Hagey is billed in SXSW’s official program as an examination of “the power of adolescent fantasy, the subtle violence of cultural assimilation, and the fun house mirror of time’s passage.” Aldarondo also produced the pic heading to HBO later this year, which sees her revisit her 1990s adolescence, a generation after she thought she’d left it all behind.
Related Story ‘John Wick’ Franchise Creator Derek Kolstad Signs With UTA Related Story 'Problemista' Review: Julio Torres Directorial Debut Starring Tilda Swinton Shows Us How To Become The Problem And The Solution – SXSW Related Story 'John Wick: Chapter 4' Review: Keanu Reeves Takes Franchise To New Levels Of Action, And Length – SXSW
The hybrid doc written and directed by Aldarondo and Sarah Enid Hagey is billed in SXSW’s official program as an examination of “the power of adolescent fantasy, the subtle violence of cultural assimilation, and the fun house mirror of time’s passage.” Aldarondo also produced the pic heading to HBO later this year, which sees her revisit her 1990s adolescence, a generation after she thought she’d left it all behind.
- 3/14/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
For over 30 years South by Southwest – styled SXSW, or “South By” for short – has been serving up films of a certain flavor: out-there, original, a bit of everything, everywhere, all at once.
Starting on Friday, hundreds of thousands will flock to Austin for 10 days of film, television, music, comedy, technology, exhibitions, interactive media, and conferences.
“There can be this great cross-pollination between [events] that makes what we program, and how [SXSW] feels, a little bit different,” Director of Film & TV Claudette Godfrey said in an interview with TheWrap. “It’s the audience from a normal film festival, plus a bunch of people who would maybe never have gone to a film festival only.”
The Film & TV program reflects both its local roots and international scope. Music, technology, pop culture and genre films are all well-represented in this year’s lineup of 250 projects.
Also Read:
‘Tetris’ Trailer: Taron Egerton Takes on Cold War...
Starting on Friday, hundreds of thousands will flock to Austin for 10 days of film, television, music, comedy, technology, exhibitions, interactive media, and conferences.
“There can be this great cross-pollination between [events] that makes what we program, and how [SXSW] feels, a little bit different,” Director of Film & TV Claudette Godfrey said in an interview with TheWrap. “It’s the audience from a normal film festival, plus a bunch of people who would maybe never have gone to a film festival only.”
The Film & TV program reflects both its local roots and international scope. Music, technology, pop culture and genre films are all well-represented in this year’s lineup of 250 projects.
Also Read:
‘Tetris’ Trailer: Taron Egerton Takes on Cold War...
- 3/10/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
High school is a battlefield, no one gets out unscathed. So why decide to enmesh yourself in that world for the sake of entertainment? Director Cecilia Aldarondo is no stranger to mining the past for new revelations. Her 2016 documentary “Memories of a Penitent Heart” focused on Aldarondo’s quest to learn more about her uncle Miguel, who struggled with identity and his sexuality within a strict Catholic upbringing. Now, the director turns the camera on herself for her HBO documentary, “You Were My First Boyfriend,” premiering Saturday at the SXSW Film Festival.
The documentary was a tough sell with its focus on Aldarondo’s own high school experiences and how, as a fortysomething adult, she still finds herself haunted by the emotional trauma she experienced during that time. The documentary is as funny as it is heartbreaking and for the filmmaker it’s stories like these that often hit audiences.
The documentary was a tough sell with its focus on Aldarondo’s own high school experiences and how, as a fortysomething adult, she still finds herself haunted by the emotional trauma she experienced during that time. The documentary is as funny as it is heartbreaking and for the filmmaker it’s stories like these that often hit audiences.
- 3/9/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
HBO Max today announced its in-person activation and presence at SXSW 2023 with the Coffeehouse, a premier and inclusive destination for SXSW attendees to access exclusive content from across the HBO and HBO Max portfolio.
Leveraging the cultural significance of the coffee house as a space for multicultural and counterculture communities to meet, discuss culture and exchange ideas, HBO Max is bringing the power of representation and storytelling to the forefront of the 2023 SXSW narrative.
The two-day activation is powered by HBO Max’s Human By Orientation and Pa’lante! multicultural marketing initiatives designed to elevate and celebrate the Lgbtqia+ and Latinx communities. Coffeehouse will serve as a safe space for all-day programming, finding community, and freely inhabiting Queer and Latinx identities.
Featuring various invite-only and public events, there will be discussions with appearances by some of the most influential storytellers and talent, the Coffeehouse celebrates diverse storytelling showcasing the ways...
Leveraging the cultural significance of the coffee house as a space for multicultural and counterculture communities to meet, discuss culture and exchange ideas, HBO Max is bringing the power of representation and storytelling to the forefront of the 2023 SXSW narrative.
The two-day activation is powered by HBO Max’s Human By Orientation and Pa’lante! multicultural marketing initiatives designed to elevate and celebrate the Lgbtqia+ and Latinx communities. Coffeehouse will serve as a safe space for all-day programming, finding community, and freely inhabiting Queer and Latinx identities.
Featuring various invite-only and public events, there will be discussions with appearances by some of the most influential storytellers and talent, the Coffeehouse celebrates diverse storytelling showcasing the ways...
- 3/3/2023
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
HBO Max will host its own coffeehouse at SXSW this year, featuring events centered around the streamer’s popular titles like “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus.”
The two-day activation is presented by HBO Max’s Human by Orientation and Pa’lante initiatives, which are designed to “elevate and celebrate the Lgbtqia+ and Latinx communities,” according to a press release. The coffeehouse will be open to the public on March 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on March 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The coffeehouse will host both invite-only and public events, including a HBO documentary filmmaker roundtable, “The Last of Us” fireside chat with Gabriel Luna and Variety‘s Selome Hailu, an acoustic performance by Ambar Lucid, a queer cocktail party and “The White Lotus” discussion with writer Evan Ross Katz and Variety‘s Adam B. Vary.
“We are excited to bring the HBO Max Coffeehouse to SXSW this year,...
The two-day activation is presented by HBO Max’s Human by Orientation and Pa’lante initiatives, which are designed to “elevate and celebrate the Lgbtqia+ and Latinx communities,” according to a press release. The coffeehouse will be open to the public on March 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on March 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The coffeehouse will host both invite-only and public events, including a HBO documentary filmmaker roundtable, “The Last of Us” fireside chat with Gabriel Luna and Variety‘s Selome Hailu, an acoustic performance by Ambar Lucid, a queer cocktail party and “The White Lotus” discussion with writer Evan Ross Katz and Variety‘s Adam B. Vary.
“We are excited to bring the HBO Max Coffeehouse to SXSW this year,...
- 3/3/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Festival runs March 10-18. Further selections to be announced in early February.
The world premiere of Paramount and eOne’s spring tentpole Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves will open the 30th edition of SXSW in Austin, Texas, on March 10.
The action fantasy quest story stars Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, and Regé-Jean Page and is directed and co-written by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. It opens in the US on March 31.
SXSW runs March 10-18 as an in-person event only. In addition organisers announced feature and short Competition entries, the Headliners and Midnighters line-ups, and select titles...
The world premiere of Paramount and eOne’s spring tentpole Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves will open the 30th edition of SXSW in Austin, Texas, on March 10.
The action fantasy quest story stars Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, and Regé-Jean Page and is directed and co-written by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. It opens in the US on March 31.
SXSW runs March 10-18 as an in-person event only. In addition organisers announced feature and short Competition entries, the Headliners and Midnighters line-ups, and select titles...
- 1/11/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The Gotham Film and Media Institute and HBO Documentary Films have set the inaugural cohort and mentors for their Documentary Development Initiative, first announced in June.
Those selected as participants are Zeshawn Ali, Brit Fryer, Juan Pablo González, Melanie Ho, Crystal Kayiza, Jasmín Mara López, Amber Love, Khaula Malik, Habiba Nosheen and Mobolaji Olambiwonnu. Creatives serving as mentors include Cecilia Aldarondo, Geeta Gandbhir, Tj Martin, Smriti Mundhra, Matt O’Neill, Sam Pollard, Alex Stapleton, Jennifer Tiexiera, Rudy Valdez and Matt Wolf.
Related Story Disney Directing Program Unveils 2022-2023 Participants Related Story Sidney Poitier Set For Posthumous Icon Tribute At 2022 Gotham Awards Related Story Oscar Contender 'All That Breathes': When Birds Fall From The Skies Of Delhi, Two Brothers Come To Their Aid
The Documentary Development Initiative was designed to bolster storytellers who identify as Bipoc, LGBTQ+ and/or storytellers with disabilities, by providing them with the resources necessary to develop thought-provoking,...
Those selected as participants are Zeshawn Ali, Brit Fryer, Juan Pablo González, Melanie Ho, Crystal Kayiza, Jasmín Mara López, Amber Love, Khaula Malik, Habiba Nosheen and Mobolaji Olambiwonnu. Creatives serving as mentors include Cecilia Aldarondo, Geeta Gandbhir, Tj Martin, Smriti Mundhra, Matt O’Neill, Sam Pollard, Alex Stapleton, Jennifer Tiexiera, Rudy Valdez and Matt Wolf.
Related Story Disney Directing Program Unveils 2022-2023 Participants Related Story Sidney Poitier Set For Posthumous Icon Tribute At 2022 Gotham Awards Related Story Oscar Contender 'All That Breathes': When Birds Fall From The Skies Of Delhi, Two Brothers Come To Their Aid
The Documentary Development Initiative was designed to bolster storytellers who identify as Bipoc, LGBTQ+ and/or storytellers with disabilities, by providing them with the resources necessary to develop thought-provoking,...
- 11/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
This review of “Cane Fire” was first published May 20, 2022.
Several years in the making, the documentary “Cane Fire,” from longtime editor turned director Anthony Banua-Simon, sees the light of day as native Hawaiians on social media platforms are urging the public at large to stop traveling to the state at a time when resources of all kinds, from water to housing, have become alarmingly scarce or impossibly unaffordable for the working-class locals, particularly the indigenous Hawaiian population.
An indispensable watch, Banua-Simon’s first feature focuses on the island of Kauaʻi and the history of its exploitation as a colony, which endures under the guise of statehood. First desired for its fertile soil (for sugar cane and pineapple plantations that employed underpaid and overworked migrants from Asia), the island later became a sought-after Hollywood location and, eventually, a paradisiacal tourist playground for the rich.
To unspool the painful past of this...
Several years in the making, the documentary “Cane Fire,” from longtime editor turned director Anthony Banua-Simon, sees the light of day as native Hawaiians on social media platforms are urging the public at large to stop traveling to the state at a time when resources of all kinds, from water to housing, have become alarmingly scarce or impossibly unaffordable for the working-class locals, particularly the indigenous Hawaiian population.
An indispensable watch, Banua-Simon’s first feature focuses on the island of Kauaʻi and the history of its exploitation as a colony, which endures under the guise of statehood. First desired for its fertile soil (for sugar cane and pineapple plantations that employed underpaid and overworked migrants from Asia), the island later became a sought-after Hollywood location and, eventually, a paradisiacal tourist playground for the rich.
To unspool the painful past of this...
- 6/2/2022
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
“Flee” won best feature at the International Documentary Association’s annual awards ceremony on Friday night.
Directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, “Flee” is also nominated for best documentary feature at this year’s Oscars. Leading the ceremony with the most wins, however, was “Summer of Soul,” which took home the best director prize for Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson as well as best music documentary and best editing.
The ceremony also handed out speciality awards, honoring Roger Ross Williams with the Career Achievement Award, Ronan Farrow with the Truth to Power Award, Cecilia Aldarondo with the Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award, Jean Tsien with the Pioneer Award and Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh with the Courage Under Fire Award.
Below, find the full list of winners.
Best Feature
“Flee”
Best Director
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson — “Summer of Soul”
Best Short
“A Broken House”
Best Curated Series
“Independent Lens”
Best Episodic Series
“My Love: Six...
Directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, “Flee” is also nominated for best documentary feature at this year’s Oscars. Leading the ceremony with the most wins, however, was “Summer of Soul,” which took home the best director prize for Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson as well as best music documentary and best editing.
The ceremony also handed out speciality awards, honoring Roger Ross Williams with the Career Achievement Award, Ronan Farrow with the Truth to Power Award, Cecilia Aldarondo with the Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award, Jean Tsien with the Pioneer Award and Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh with the Courage Under Fire Award.
Below, find the full list of winners.
Best Feature
“Flee”
Best Director
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson — “Summer of Soul”
Best Short
“A Broken House”
Best Curated Series
“Independent Lens”
Best Episodic Series
“My Love: Six...
- 3/5/2022
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The Danish animated documentary “Flee” has been named the best nonfiction film of 2021 at the International Documentary Association’s IDA Documentary Awards, which were streamed in a virtual ceremony on Friday night.
The film, in which director Jonas Poher Rasmussen uses animation to disguise the identity of an Afghan refugee who fled to Russian and then Denmark, scored an unprecedented trifecta when it was nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Documentary Feature, Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature Film categories.
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson won the IDA award in the Best Director category for “Summer of Soul,” his directorial debut. The film also won in the Best Music Documentary and Best Editing categories, making it the only film to win more than one award at the ceremony.
Other winners included Jimmy Goldblum’s “A Broken House” in the Best Short category, the series “Independent Lens” for Best Curated Series,...
The film, in which director Jonas Poher Rasmussen uses animation to disguise the identity of an Afghan refugee who fled to Russian and then Denmark, scored an unprecedented trifecta when it was nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Documentary Feature, Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature Film categories.
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson won the IDA award in the Best Director category for “Summer of Soul,” his directorial debut. The film also won in the Best Music Documentary and Best Editing categories, making it the only film to win more than one award at the ceremony.
Other winners included Jimmy Goldblum’s “A Broken House” in the Best Short category, the series “Independent Lens” for Best Curated Series,...
- 3/5/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Pov, PBS’ showcase of independent nonfiction films, has acquired Nicholas Bruckman’s Not Going Quietly and added the documentary to its season 34 lineup.
Centered on disabled activist Ady Barkan, Not Going Quietly debuted at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival and won its Audience Award for Documentary Feature and the Special Jury Recognition for Humanity in Social Action.
The film follows Barkan, a lawyer and rising star in the world of progressive activism who’s diagnosed with Als at age 32. After a chance encounter with a senator on an airplane, Ady assembles a motley crew of activists to travel across the country and campaign for a once-in-a-generation movement for universal healthcare access for all Americans.
Amanda Roddy produced the film for People’s Television, and Jay and Mark Duplass, Bradley Whitford, Mel Eslyn, Sam Bisbee, Jackie Bisbee, Wendy Neu, Nina Tassler, Joan Boorstein, Denise DeNovi, Ryder Haske, and Bruckman serve as executive producers.
Centered on disabled activist Ady Barkan, Not Going Quietly debuted at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival and won its Audience Award for Documentary Feature and the Special Jury Recognition for Humanity in Social Action.
The film follows Barkan, a lawyer and rising star in the world of progressive activism who’s diagnosed with Als at age 32. After a chance encounter with a senator on an airplane, Ady assembles a motley crew of activists to travel across the country and campaign for a once-in-a-generation movement for universal healthcare access for all Americans.
Amanda Roddy produced the film for People’s Television, and Jay and Mark Duplass, Bradley Whitford, Mel Eslyn, Sam Bisbee, Jackie Bisbee, Wendy Neu, Nina Tassler, Joan Boorstein, Denise DeNovi, Ryder Haske, and Bruckman serve as executive producers.
- 6/7/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
PBS’ Masterpiece and BritBox UK have renewed “Sanditon” for second and third seasons.
The critically acclaimed drama series based on Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel will premiere on BritBox and later air on ITV.
Season 2 of “Sanditon” will continue to follow heroine Charlotte Heywood as she returns to the coastal resort of Sanditon and engages in intriguing and romantic relationships with familiar and new characters.
“Sanditon” will begin filming later this year in and around Bristol, and casting will be announced in the future.
Justin Young, who wrote four episodes of Season 1, will develop the new seasons, serving as lead writer and executive producer. Andrew Davies, who originally created the show, will return as a writer and executive producer.
Charles Sturridge is lead director, Rebecca Hedderly serves as series producer and Ian Hogan produces. Executive producers are Belinda Campbell for Red Planet Pictures, Susanne Simpson for Masterpiece and Chloe Tucker for ITV/BritBox.
The critically acclaimed drama series based on Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel will premiere on BritBox and later air on ITV.
Season 2 of “Sanditon” will continue to follow heroine Charlotte Heywood as she returns to the coastal resort of Sanditon and engages in intriguing and romantic relationships with familiar and new characters.
“Sanditon” will begin filming later this year in and around Bristol, and casting will be announced in the future.
Justin Young, who wrote four episodes of Season 1, will develop the new seasons, serving as lead writer and executive producer. Andrew Davies, who originally created the show, will return as a writer and executive producer.
Charles Sturridge is lead director, Rebecca Hedderly serves as series producer and Ian Hogan produces. Executive producers are Belinda Campbell for Red Planet Pictures, Susanne Simpson for Masterpiece and Chloe Tucker for ITV/BritBox.
- 5/6/2021
- by Haley Bosselman, Ethan Shanfeld and Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Lissette Feliciano’s coming-of-age drama Women Is Losers to close festival on June 6.
The world premiere of 7th & Union will open the 2021 20th anniversary Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (Laliff) at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on June 2.
Anthony Nardolillo directed the Broken English production, starring Mexican actor Omar Chaparro in the story of two men who pursue their dream of providing a brighter future for their family. Ruben Islas’ Grandave Capital financed the feature.
Lissette Feliciano’s directorial debut and coming-of-age drama Women Is Losers set in 1960’s working-class San Francisco will close the festival on June...
The world premiere of 7th & Union will open the 2021 20th anniversary Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (Laliff) at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on June 2.
Anthony Nardolillo directed the Broken English production, starring Mexican actor Omar Chaparro in the story of two men who pursue their dream of providing a brighter future for their family. Ruben Islas’ Grandave Capital financed the feature.
Lissette Feliciano’s directorial debut and coming-of-age drama Women Is Losers set in 1960’s working-class San Francisco will close the festival on June...
- 5/6/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Minari, Sound Of Metal deliver best supporting actor prizes.
Nomadland was named best feature and Chloe Zhao best director while Carey Mulligan and Riz Ahmed took lead acting honours at the virtual 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Thursday night (April 22).
Searchlight Pictures’ Nomadland won four prizes on the night including Joshua James Richards for cinematography, and editing for Zhao, who was one of four women nominated in the directing category and has enjoyed a magnificent awards season.
Amazon Studios’ Sound Of Metal earned three awards for Ahmed, supporting actor Paul Raci, and first feature for Darius Marder.
Focus Features’ Promising...
Nomadland was named best feature and Chloe Zhao best director while Carey Mulligan and Riz Ahmed took lead acting honours at the virtual 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Thursday night (April 22).
Searchlight Pictures’ Nomadland won four prizes on the night including Joshua James Richards for cinematography, and editing for Zhao, who was one of four women nominated in the directing category and has enjoyed a magnificent awards season.
Amazon Studios’ Sound Of Metal earned three awards for Ahmed, supporting actor Paul Raci, and first feature for Darius Marder.
Focus Features’ Promising...
- 4/23/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Spirit Awards 2021 Winners List: ‘Nomadland,’ ‘I May Destroy You,’ Riz Ahmed, Carey Mulligan Win Big
“Mank” is the big leader at the 2021 Oscars with 10 nominations, but that wasn’t the case at the 36th Film Independent Spirit Awards. The nomination leader at this ceremony was Eliza Hittman’s acclaimed “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” which the Academy shut out from the Oscars. The same goes for other beloved Spirit Award nominees like “First Cow,” “Miss Juneteenth,” and “The Assistant.” In other words, the Indie Spirit Awards were a breath of fresh air in this elongated awards season where underdog indie contenders finally get their due in the spotlight.
“Minari” also preformed strong at the Indie Spirits, earning six nominations to match its six Oscar nominations. Fellow Oscar nominees “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Nomadland” each picked up five Spirit Award nominations. Netflix was the most nominated studio with 16 nominations, followed by Focus Features with 10 and A24 with 9.
“Nomadland” was the big winner, taking home the prizes...
“Minari” also preformed strong at the Indie Spirits, earning six nominations to match its six Oscar nominations. Fellow Oscar nominees “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Nomadland” each picked up five Spirit Award nominations. Netflix was the most nominated studio with 16 nominations, followed by Focus Features with 10 and A24 with 9.
“Nomadland” was the big winner, taking home the prizes...
- 4/23/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The last major awards show before the Oscars has finally arrived, the 36th Independent Spirit Awards. The virtual ceremony aired Thursday, April 22 on IFC at 7 p.m. Pt/10 p.m. Et and was hosted by “Saturday Night Live” star Melissa Villaseñor. The Spirit Awards celebrated the best in indie filmmaking for the 2020 calendar year, and this year they invited TV shows to the party, too. Don’t forget, only American-made fare with budgets under $20 million were eligible for consideration. Winners were chosen by all of Film Independent’s eligible members, including industry insiders and any movie fans who signed up for membership.
Heading into the ceremony, “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” was the nominations leader with seven overall bids. “Minari” came in right behind it with six noms, followed by “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Nomadland” (the Oscar front-runner) with five bids each. On the TV side, both “Little America” and...
Heading into the ceremony, “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” was the nominations leader with seven overall bids. “Minari” came in right behind it with six noms, followed by “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Nomadland” (the Oscar front-runner) with five bids each. On the TV side, both “Little America” and...
- 4/23/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards are finally upon us, after the nominations were announced three months ago, and the ceremony is taking place just a few days ahead of the Academy Awards. This year, the Spirit Awards won’t be held midday in a hangar in Santa Monica, but will instead live-stream on IFC on Thursday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. Pt/10:00 p.m. Et. In addition to the linear broadcast, the Spirit Awards will also stream simultaneously on AMC+. Following the broadcast, the full awards ceremony will be made available on demand across AMC+ and IFC platforms starting Friday, April 23. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by “Saturday Night Love” comedian Melissa Villaseñor.
If you’re cord cutter who doesn’t have cable, you can watch IFC live with one of these streaming services, many of which offer a free trial: Philo, fuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV,...
If you’re cord cutter who doesn’t have cable, you can watch IFC live with one of these streaming services, many of which offer a free trial: Philo, fuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV,...
- 4/21/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Previous winner Shaka King named honourary chair for this year’s Spirit Awards.
Film Independent has revealed the winners of its three emerging filmmaker awards, each of which comes with a $25,000 unrestricted cash grant.
Ekwa Msangi, director of 2020 Sundance competition entry Farewell Amor, gets the Someone to Watch Award for so far under-recognised “filmmakers of singular vision.” Other finalists for the award were David Midell, director of The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, and Bull director Annie Silverstein.
Gerry Kim, one of the producers of Mexican drama I’m No Longer Here, shortlisted for this year’s international film Oscar, wins the...
Film Independent has revealed the winners of its three emerging filmmaker awards, each of which comes with a $25,000 unrestricted cash grant.
Ekwa Msangi, director of 2020 Sundance competition entry Farewell Amor, gets the Someone to Watch Award for so far under-recognised “filmmakers of singular vision.” Other finalists for the award were David Midell, director of The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, and Bull director Annie Silverstein.
Gerry Kim, one of the producers of Mexican drama I’m No Longer Here, shortlisted for this year’s international film Oscar, wins the...
- 3/16/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
“Judas and the Black Messiah” director Shaka King has been named the honorary chair of the 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards, the nonprofit arts organization Film Independent announced on Tuesday. In a video posted on the Spirit Awards website, King launched his tenure in the job by revealing the winners of three cash grants worth a total of $75,000 to emerging filmmakers.
“Farewell Amor” director Ekwa Msangi received the Someone to Watch Award, which, according to Film Independent, goes to “talented filmmakers of singular vision who have not yet received appropriate recognition.” The other nominees in the category were “The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain” director David Midell and “Bull” director Annie Silverstein. King won this award himself in 2014 after making his feature debut, “Newlyweeds.”
Gerry Kim, the producer of this year’s Mexican Oscar entry, “I’m No Longer Here,” was named recipient of the Producers Award, which salutes “emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources,...
“Farewell Amor” director Ekwa Msangi received the Someone to Watch Award, which, according to Film Independent, goes to “talented filmmakers of singular vision who have not yet received appropriate recognition.” The other nominees in the category were “The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain” director David Midell and “Bull” director Annie Silverstein. King won this award himself in 2014 after making his feature debut, “Newlyweeds.”
Gerry Kim, the producer of this year’s Mexican Oscar entry, “I’m No Longer Here,” was named recipient of the Producers Award, which salutes “emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources,...
- 3/16/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Minari earns six nods including feature, director, two for supporting actress.
Focus Features’ Never Rarely Sometimes Always led the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations with six nods on Tuesday (January 26) including best film and director, and female lead.
A24’s Minari placed second on six nods including best feature in a field that includes Nomadland, First Cow, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Never Rarely Sometimes Always.
Women dominated the directing category as Eliza Hittman (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), Chloe Zhao (Nomadland), Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), and Kelly Reichardt (First Cow) picked up nods alongside the sole male, Lee Isaac Ching for Minari.
Focus Features’ Never Rarely Sometimes Always led the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations with six nods on Tuesday (January 26) including best film and director, and female lead.
A24’s Minari placed second on six nods including best feature in a field that includes Nomadland, First Cow, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Never Rarely Sometimes Always.
Women dominated the directing category as Eliza Hittman (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), Chloe Zhao (Nomadland), Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), and Kelly Reichardt (First Cow) picked up nods alongside the sole male, Lee Isaac Ching for Minari.
- 1/26/2021
- ScreenDaily
Minari earns six nods including feature, director, two for supporting actress.
Focus Features’ Never Rarely Sometimes Always led the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations with six nods on Tuesday (January 26) including best film and director, and female lead.
A24’s Minari placed second on six nods including best feature in a field that includes Nomadland, First Cow, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Never Rarely Sometimes Always.
Women dominated the directing category as Eliza Hittman (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), Chloe Zhao (Nomadland), Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), and Kelly Reichardt (First Cow) picked up nods alongside the sole male, Lee Isaac Ching for Minari.
Focus Features’ Never Rarely Sometimes Always led the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations with six nods on Tuesday (January 26) including best film and director, and female lead.
A24’s Minari placed second on six nods including best feature in a field that includes Nomadland, First Cow, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Never Rarely Sometimes Always.
Women dominated the directing category as Eliza Hittman (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), Chloe Zhao (Nomadland), Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), and Kelly Reichardt (First Cow) picked up nods alongside the sole male, Lee Isaac Ching for Minari.
- 1/26/2021
- ScreenDaily
“First Cow,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Minari,” “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” and “Nomadland” scored Best Feature Film nominations for the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards, with “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” leading the pack with seven nominations. “Minari” had six film nominations, and “Nomandland” wound up with five.
And for the first time Film Independent recognized the best in TV. “A Teacher,” “I May Destroy You,” “Little America,” “Small Axe” and “Unorthodox” all landed nominations for Best New Scripted Series. “Unorthodox” and “Little America” each scored three nominations.
Nominations for the 36th annual ceremony were announced Tuesday via Film Independent’s website and YouTube channel by Laverne Cox, Barry Jenkins and Olivia Wilde.
Though the awards are generally held the Saturday afternoon before the Oscars ceremony, the show has been moved up to a primetime slot on Thursday, April 22 and will air on IFC that will also be simulcast on AMC+ and...
And for the first time Film Independent recognized the best in TV. “A Teacher,” “I May Destroy You,” “Little America,” “Small Axe” and “Unorthodox” all landed nominations for Best New Scripted Series. “Unorthodox” and “Little America” each scored three nominations.
Nominations for the 36th annual ceremony were announced Tuesday via Film Independent’s website and YouTube channel by Laverne Cox, Barry Jenkins and Olivia Wilde.
Though the awards are generally held the Saturday afternoon before the Oscars ceremony, the show has been moved up to a primetime slot on Thursday, April 22 and will air on IFC that will also be simulcast on AMC+ and...
- 1/26/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The 2021 Independent Spirit Awards nominations were announced Tuesday, January 26. So who made the cut at these kudos, which celebrate the best in American independent films? Scroll down to see the full list of nominees for the 2021 Indie Spirits. Remember, only American-made movies with budgets under $20 million were eligible for consideration.
These Spirit contenders were decided by nominating committees that included film critics, film programmers, producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, actors, past nominees and winners, and members of Film Independent’s Board of Directors.
Winners will be chosen by all of Film Independent’s eligible members, including industry insiders and any movie fans who sign up for membership starting at $95 per year.
These awards have come to be a significant preview of the Oscars as the motion picture academy embraces more independent films. Five of the last 10 Spirit champs for Best Feature went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture.
These Spirit contenders were decided by nominating committees that included film critics, film programmers, producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, actors, past nominees and winners, and members of Film Independent’s Board of Directors.
Winners will be chosen by all of Film Independent’s eligible members, including industry insiders and any movie fans who sign up for membership starting at $95 per year.
These awards have come to be a significant preview of the Oscars as the motion picture academy embraces more independent films. Five of the last 10 Spirit champs for Best Feature went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture.
- 1/26/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
When Hurricane Maria blew across Puerto Rico in 2017, television news media descended to cover the disaster, filming the requisite scenes: wind lashing the island, infrastructure devastated, people desperate for rescue and relief.
But to filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo, the coverage felt as superficial as a light rain.
“It’s almost like a playbook of disaster imagery…While people were supposedly learning about Puerto Rico, they were really learning nothing about Puerto Rico,” Aldarondo insists. “And they, in fact, only serve to perpetuate some really toxic narratives about Puerto Ricans. For example, people as victims that are sort of waiting for aid or waiting for the government to save them, really fixating on Donald Trump throwing paper towels.”
Aldarondo presents a far more nuanced view of Puerto Rico in her award-winning documentary Landfall, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Doc NYC’s Viewfinders competition, and an Oscar contender this year.
“This...
But to filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo, the coverage felt as superficial as a light rain.
“It’s almost like a playbook of disaster imagery…While people were supposedly learning about Puerto Rico, they were really learning nothing about Puerto Rico,” Aldarondo insists. “And they, in fact, only serve to perpetuate some really toxic narratives about Puerto Ricans. For example, people as victims that are sort of waiting for aid or waiting for the government to save them, really fixating on Donald Trump throwing paper towels.”
Aldarondo presents a far more nuanced view of Puerto Rico in her award-winning documentary Landfall, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Doc NYC’s Viewfinders competition, and an Oscar contender this year.
“This...
- 1/15/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
The documentaries “Landfall” and “Five Years North” have won the top jury prizes at the 2020 Doc NYC film festival, the largest festival in the United States devoted to nonfiction filmmaking.
“Landfall,” director Cecilia Aldarondo’s portrait of a Puerto Rican community in the wake of Hurricane Maria, won the Grand Jury Prize in the Viewfinders Competition, with a special jury prize going to “Through the Night.” In the Metropolis Competition, made up of films about New York City, the top winner was “Five Years North,” Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple’s film about a Cuban-American Ice agent and a teenage Guatemalan immigrant. “Wojnarowicz” received a special award for its use of archival material.
Jury prizes in the Short List: Features section, which was made up of 15 films deemed by Doc NYC programmers to be likely awards contenders, were awarded to “Time” for directing, “Welcome to Chechnya” for producing, “Boys State...
“Landfall,” director Cecilia Aldarondo’s portrait of a Puerto Rican community in the wake of Hurricane Maria, won the Grand Jury Prize in the Viewfinders Competition, with a special jury prize going to “Through the Night.” In the Metropolis Competition, made up of films about New York City, the top winner was “Five Years North,” Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple’s film about a Cuban-American Ice agent and a teenage Guatemalan immigrant. “Wojnarowicz” received a special award for its use of archival material.
Jury prizes in the Short List: Features section, which was made up of 15 films deemed by Doc NYC programmers to be likely awards contenders, were awarded to “Time” for directing, “Welcome to Chechnya” for producing, “Boys State...
- 11/18/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Ten-day Doc NYC Encore runs through November 29.
Landfall and Five Years North are among the Doc NYC juried award winners announced on Wednesday (November 18), which just announced it will take the unprecedented step of extending its programme for 10 days.
Cecilia Aldarondo’s disaster capitalism film Landfall examines the relationship between the US and Puerto Rico and prevailed over 10 other selections to take the grand jury prize in the Viewfinders Competition.
A special jury recognition went to Loira Limbal’s Ethics Of Care: Through The Night.
The Metropolis Competition grand jury prize from 10 films exploring New Yorkers and New York City...
Landfall and Five Years North are among the Doc NYC juried award winners announced on Wednesday (November 18), which just announced it will take the unprecedented step of extending its programme for 10 days.
Cecilia Aldarondo’s disaster capitalism film Landfall examines the relationship between the US and Puerto Rico and prevailed over 10 other selections to take the grand jury prize in the Viewfinders Competition.
A special jury recognition went to Loira Limbal’s Ethics Of Care: Through The Night.
The Metropolis Competition grand jury prize from 10 films exploring New Yorkers and New York City...
- 11/18/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Puerto Rico is the oldest colony in the world. Think about that. The United States retains the island as an “unincorporated possession” without any national representation beyond a non-voting member of Congress. Inhabitants are therefore citizens without a voice. They have no say in who is elected President despite having a population larger than twenty Electoral College states. They are essentially slaves to a system that doesn’t care about them, helpless to prevent the federal government from coming ashore to wreak havoc whenever it decides. So it was no surprise when Donald Trump turned their lives into a photo opportunity post-Hurricane María. They asked him for water and electricity. He threw paper towels.
As documentarian Cecilia Aldarondo explains during her film Landfall, however, that storm was merely the straw that broke the camel’s back. Their economy had already been ravaged by budget cut after budget cut dictated by...
As documentarian Cecilia Aldarondo explains during her film Landfall, however, that storm was merely the straw that broke the camel’s back. Their economy had already been ravaged by budget cut after budget cut dictated by...
- 11/13/2020
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Doc NYC, America’s largest documentary festival and staple of the New York film community, announced the lineup for its 11th edition, running online November 11-19 and available to viewers across the US. The program includes new films about John Belushi, Pope Francis, Bill T. Jones, Jamal Khashoggi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Frank Zappa, and many more. The 2020 festival lineup includes 107 feature-length documentaries among over 200 films and dozens of events. Included are 23 World Premieres, 12 international or North American premieres, and 7 US premieres. Fifty-seven features (53% of the lineup) are directed or co-directed by women and 36 by Bipoc directors (34% of the feature program).
World Premieres at the festival include Nelson G. Navarrete and Maxx Caicedo’s “A La Calle,” Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker’s “The Meaning of Hitler,” Gong Cheng and Yung Chang’s “Wuhan Wuhan,” Sian-Pierre Regis’s “Duty Free,” Noah Hutton’s “In Silico,” Nancy Buirski’s “A Crime on the Bayou,...
World Premieres at the festival include Nelson G. Navarrete and Maxx Caicedo’s “A La Calle,” Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker’s “The Meaning of Hitler,” Gong Cheng and Yung Chang’s “Wuhan Wuhan,” Sian-Pierre Regis’s “Duty Free,” Noah Hutton’s “In Silico,” Nancy Buirski’s “A Crime on the Bayou,...
- 10/15/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
The first all-virtual edition of the Doc NYC festival of nonfiction films announced its 2020 lineup on Thursday, with 107 feature documentaries about everyone from John Belushi to Jamal Khashoggi and Pope Francis to Frank Zappa,
The lineup for the festival, which runs from Nov. 11 through Nov. 19 and will take place completely online, includes 23 world premieres, among them Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker’s “The Meaning of Hitler,” Nancy Burski’s “A Crime on the Bayou,” Gong Cheng and Yung Chang’s “Wuhan Wuhan” and Jeff Daniels’ “Television Event.”
Doc NYC, which launched in 2010, is the largest festival of nonfiction films in the United States. This year the festival transitioned to a completely online event separated into 14 themed sections, two of which are competitive sections that will award prizes.
The competitive Viewfinders section consists of 11 films, including films set in Venezuela (“A La Calle”), Puerto Rico (“Landfall”), the Dominican Republic (“Stateless”) and...
The lineup for the festival, which runs from Nov. 11 through Nov. 19 and will take place completely online, includes 23 world premieres, among them Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker’s “The Meaning of Hitler,” Nancy Burski’s “A Crime on the Bayou,” Gong Cheng and Yung Chang’s “Wuhan Wuhan” and Jeff Daniels’ “Television Event.”
Doc NYC, which launched in 2010, is the largest festival of nonfiction films in the United States. This year the festival transitioned to a completely online event separated into 14 themed sections, two of which are competitive sections that will award prizes.
The competitive Viewfinders section consists of 11 films, including films set in Venezuela (“A La Calle”), Puerto Rico (“Landfall”), the Dominican Republic (“Stateless”) and...
- 10/15/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Firelight Media, headed by veteran documentarian Stanley Nelson, has set the inaugural list of grant recipients for two programs designed to help develop documentary film projects.
Earlier this year Nelson launched the William Greaves Fund to help mid-career filmmakers get a lift toward producing their second film project. As Nelson told Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast in March, he knows how hard it can be to get going on a new project after pouring everything into a first labor of love.
“In our work within the Documentary Lab over the last decade, we have seen too many talented filmmakers of color leave the field because they cannot get proper support to make their next project. The William Greaves Fund is Firelight’s response to this persistent problem,” said Loira Limbal, Firelight’s senior VP of programs. “We’ve also consistently seen filmmakers of color struggle to get the resources they...
Earlier this year Nelson launched the William Greaves Fund to help mid-career filmmakers get a lift toward producing their second film project. As Nelson told Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast in March, he knows how hard it can be to get going on a new project after pouring everything into a first labor of love.
“In our work within the Documentary Lab over the last decade, we have seen too many talented filmmakers of color leave the field because they cannot get proper support to make their next project. The William Greaves Fund is Firelight’s response to this persistent problem,” said Loira Limbal, Firelight’s senior VP of programs. “We’ve also consistently seen filmmakers of color struggle to get the resources they...
- 8/21/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
2017’s Hurricane María was an undeniable disaster, borne most brutally by the thousands who died in Puerto Rico during the storm and those who were left to mourn them. But as Cecilia Aldarondo’s new documentary Landfall makes clear, there is nothing ‘natural’ about the devastation — before, during, and after the hurricane — that the people of Puerto Rico have had to endure. A haunting meditation on the aftershocks of crisis and the trauma of state failure, Landfall is an exquisite film, by turns tender and compassionate, cinematically adventurous and self-assured, and politically unflinching in its indictment of those moneyed interests […]...
- 5/28/2020
- by Brett Story
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
2017’s Hurricane María was an undeniable disaster, borne most brutally by the thousands who died in Puerto Rico during the storm and those who were left to mourn them. But as Cecilia Aldarondo’s new documentary Landfall makes clear, there is nothing ‘natural’ about the devastation — before, during, and after the hurricane — that the people of Puerto Rico have had to endure. A haunting meditation on the aftershocks of crisis and the trauma of state failure, Landfall is an exquisite film, by turns tender and compassionate, cinematically adventurous and self-assured, and politically unflinching in its indictment of those moneyed interests […]...
- 5/28/2020
- by Brett Story
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
The pandemic has brought the film industry to a standstill, leaving many director uncertain when they can get back to work. The last few weeks have been particularly hard for filmmakers from marginalized communities, especially those from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds.
No one probably knows this struggle better than award-winning documentarian Stanley Nelson and writer-producer Marcia Smith. The pair, who co-founded Harlem-based non-profit Firelight Media have been conducting outreach within their creative community. Using surveys and focus groups, the organization has been evaluating how filmmakers of color can move forward in an even more unstable economic environment than they are accustomed to.
“We did a survey and held several one-on-one conversations, with the purpose of trying to get a handle on how they were dealing with the current situation, what they thought of the future, and how we could play a role,” said Smith. “Much of the response was concern about...
No one probably knows this struggle better than award-winning documentarian Stanley Nelson and writer-producer Marcia Smith. The pair, who co-founded Harlem-based non-profit Firelight Media have been conducting outreach within their creative community. Using surveys and focus groups, the organization has been evaluating how filmmakers of color can move forward in an even more unstable economic environment than they are accustomed to.
“We did a survey and held several one-on-one conversations, with the purpose of trying to get a handle on how they were dealing with the current situation, what they thought of the future, and how we could play a role,” said Smith. “Much of the response was concern about...
- 5/15/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
[In the wake of the Tribeca festival's postponement this year, The Hollywood Reporter is reviewing select fest entries that elected to premiere digitally for critics.]
For those of us whose memory of Hurricane Maria boils down to footage of President Donald Trump scornfully tossing out paper towels to a crowd at a disaster relief center, Cecilia Aldarondo’s documentary Landfall offers up a welcome flipside: images of Puerto Ricans proudly and painfully trying to rebuild their island amid a failed local government, inadequate U.S. assistance and a horde of Silicon Valley vultures swooping in to carve up the remains. Premiering ...
For those of us whose memory of Hurricane Maria boils down to footage of President Donald Trump scornfully tossing out paper towels to a crowd at a disaster relief center, Cecilia Aldarondo’s documentary Landfall offers up a welcome flipside: images of Puerto Ricans proudly and painfully trying to rebuild their island amid a failed local government, inadequate U.S. assistance and a horde of Silicon Valley vultures swooping in to carve up the remains. Premiering ...
- 4/30/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
[In the wake of the Tribeca festival's postponement this year, The Hollywood Reporter is reviewing select fest entries that elected to premiere digitally for critics.]
For those of us whose memory of Hurricane Maria boils down to footage of President Donald Trump scornfully tossing out paper towels to a crowd at a disaster relief center, Cecilia Aldarondo’s documentary Landfall offers up a welcome flipside: images of Puerto Ricans proudly and painfully trying to rebuild their island amid a failed local government, inadequate U.S. assistance and a horde of Silicon Valley vultures swooping in to carve up the remains. Premiering ...
For those of us whose memory of Hurricane Maria boils down to footage of President Donald Trump scornfully tossing out paper towels to a crowd at a disaster relief center, Cecilia Aldarondo’s documentary Landfall offers up a welcome flipside: images of Puerto Ricans proudly and painfully trying to rebuild their island amid a failed local government, inadequate U.S. assistance and a horde of Silicon Valley vultures swooping in to carve up the remains. Premiering ...
- 4/30/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Body to offer $245,000 in support.
The International Documentary Association (Ida) announced on Thursday (28) 16 grants totalling $245,000 to films through its Enterprise Documentary Fund and Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund.
Eleven feature-length documentary projects have been selected as development grantees of the Enterprise Documentary Fund with awards totalling $150,000. The Fund aims to support projects that reframe contemporary and historical events.
A further five projects will receive $95,000 in support through the Pare Lorentz Doc Fund, which supports production and post production for films that illuminate issues in the Us. This year’s themes centre on land and water.
The 11 Enterprise Documentary Fund grantees are:...
The International Documentary Association (Ida) announced on Thursday (28) 16 grants totalling $245,000 to films through its Enterprise Documentary Fund and Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund.
Eleven feature-length documentary projects have been selected as development grantees of the Enterprise Documentary Fund with awards totalling $150,000. The Fund aims to support projects that reframe contemporary and historical events.
A further five projects will receive $95,000 in support through the Pare Lorentz Doc Fund, which supports production and post production for films that illuminate issues in the Us. This year’s themes centre on land and water.
The 11 Enterprise Documentary Fund grantees are:...
- 2/28/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
A&E IndieFilms and Sundance Institute have selected four recipients for their inaugural “Brave Storytellers Award,” an honor that is intended to provide financial support for documentary filmmakers. The winners are Cecilia Aldarondo, Jemka Autry, Margaret Brown, and Yoruba Richen.
Each honoree will receive $25,000 in seed funding, as well as year-round mentorship from staff of the Sundance Institute, a non-profit filmmaking organization. A&E IndieFilms will then work with Sundance Institute to support the recipients’ projects through development, production and distribution.
The projects being supported by the grants cover a range of subjects. Richen’s “American Reckoning” will grapple with the FBI’s recent series of investigations into hundreds of unsolved civil rights era murders. Autry’s “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” examines the prosecution of the jazz singer on drug charges. And Aldarondo’s “You Were My First Boyfriend” reexamines life in high school.
Brown’s project is dubbed “Africatown,...
Each honoree will receive $25,000 in seed funding, as well as year-round mentorship from staff of the Sundance Institute, a non-profit filmmaking organization. A&E IndieFilms will then work with Sundance Institute to support the recipients’ projects through development, production and distribution.
The projects being supported by the grants cover a range of subjects. Richen’s “American Reckoning” will grapple with the FBI’s recent series of investigations into hundreds of unsolved civil rights era murders. Autry’s “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” examines the prosecution of the jazz singer on drug charges. And Aldarondo’s “You Were My First Boyfriend” reexamines life in high school.
Brown’s project is dubbed “Africatown,...
- 1/25/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Tribeca Film Institute, Gucci and the Oath Foundation today announced the 2018 grant recipients for the Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund.
Six feature-length films that explore social issues, especially those affecting women and girls, will receive a total of $150,000.
The program, funded by Gucci with additional support from Oath Foundation, provides production and finishing finances, along with year-round support and guidance from Tfi.
In a decade of operation, the fund has supported 85 films, providing more than $1.4 million in grants. This year, the supported projects spotlight a range of diverse issues including: the resolve of three female political candidates who are challenging powerful incumbents in Congress; the U.S. opioid crisis; the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico; an unlikely alliance formed during a religious war; and the story of three women officers who are fighting to transform and restore a community’s trust in the police department.
The grantees were...
Six feature-length films that explore social issues, especially those affecting women and girls, will receive a total of $150,000.
The program, funded by Gucci with additional support from Oath Foundation, provides production and finishing finances, along with year-round support and guidance from Tfi.
In a decade of operation, the fund has supported 85 films, providing more than $1.4 million in grants. This year, the supported projects spotlight a range of diverse issues including: the resolve of three female political candidates who are challenging powerful incumbents in Congress; the U.S. opioid crisis; the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico; an unlikely alliance formed during a religious war; and the story of three women officers who are fighting to transform and restore a community’s trust in the police department.
The grantees were...
- 11/12/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
“I think we have this profound misrepresentation around personal films being small,” said Cecilia Aldarondo, one of three filmmakers of personal docs who spoke at Ifp Week 2017. The panel was called “When the Personal Gets Political and the Political Gets Personal.” In the case of all three filmmakers’ films, they’re both. “I’ve gotten so many responses from potential funders of people who think that way. They hear ‘personal’ and they hear ‘small.’ They think it won’t have an audience. With these projects, I think we’ve demonstrated that’s not the case. If we’re dealing with questions of social change and […]...
- 9/22/2017
- by Matt Prigge
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Kering has expanded its six year old role in cinema collaboration to supporting the ‘Women at Sundance’ this year which includes The Sundance Fellowship Program which provides year-long support to a diverse group of six selected female filmmakers.
Cecilia Aldarondo, Elyse Steinberg, Rebecca Green, Janicza Bravo, Elizabeth Wood, and Laurens Grant
Although the six women chosen as Sundance Fellows are at various stages in their careers, all are actively attempting to fulfill their potential and create sustainable careers in a highly competitive environment.
Support includes stipends to come to Sundance Film Festival where they begin with their journey working with Sundance staff defining clear and realistic goals for the fellowship year. Each Fellow is paired an industry leader as mentor and a distinguished professional life coach to guide her through her own personal and professional development over the course of the year. Among the many opportunities for networking and learning...
Cecilia Aldarondo, Elyse Steinberg, Rebecca Green, Janicza Bravo, Elizabeth Wood, and Laurens Grant
Although the six women chosen as Sundance Fellows are at various stages in their careers, all are actively attempting to fulfill their potential and create sustainable careers in a highly competitive environment.
Support includes stipends to come to Sundance Film Festival where they begin with their journey working with Sundance staff defining clear and realistic goals for the fellowship year. Each Fellow is paired an industry leader as mentor and a distinguished professional life coach to guide her through her own personal and professional development over the course of the year. Among the many opportunities for networking and learning...
- 1/27/2017
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Costa Rica International Film Festival (Crfic) has announced its complete lineup for its fifth edition. This year, 72 films have been chosen to represent the world’s best in independent cinema, with four world premieres and three Latin American premieres taking place, and over 60 features to be presented for the first time in the region.
“At Crfic we are interested in approaching the idea of artistic diversity; covering a broad spectrum of styles and proposals found in contemporary national and international cinema,” said Marcelo Quesada, Artistic Director for the Festival. “Our identity and our program is built around a free, coherent and risky cinema that moves away from the usual places and bring us closer to different voices and world visions from over 30 countries.”
Read More: Costa Rica Selects Esteban Ramirez’ ‘Presos’ as Oscar Submission
Taking place at the capital city of San José, the festival will run from December...
“At Crfic we are interested in approaching the idea of artistic diversity; covering a broad spectrum of styles and proposals found in contemporary national and international cinema,” said Marcelo Quesada, Artistic Director for the Festival. “Our identity and our program is built around a free, coherent and risky cinema that moves away from the usual places and bring us closer to different voices and world visions from over 30 countries.”
Read More: Costa Rica Selects Esteban Ramirez’ ‘Presos’ as Oscar Submission
Taking place at the capital city of San José, the festival will run from December...
- 11/30/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Plus: Land Of Mine triumphs at AFI Fest; Warner Bros confirms Machinima acquisition; Tooley Productions, Square One sign German deal; and more.
Women In Film has announced the recipients of its 31st annual Film Finishing Fund grant programme in support of films by, for or about women.
The narrative winners are: Solace by Tchaiko Omawale; Band Aid by Zoe Lister-Jones; Miracle by Egle Vertelyte; and The Darkest Days Of Us by Astrid Rondero.
Documentary recipients are: Amor Puro Y Duro by Catherine Gund and Daresha Kyi; Canary In A Coal Mine by Jennifer Brea; Farida And Gulnaz by Clementine Malpas; Mudflow by Cynthia Wade and Sasha Friedlander; Tribe by Jordan Bryon; and When A Girl Is Born by Sarita Khurana and Smriti Mundhra.
Martin Zandvliet’s Danish Oscar submission Land Of Mine won AFI Fest 2016’s World Cinema Audience Award, while Divines took the Breathrough Audience Award. The Future Perfect took New Auteurs Grand Jury Award. For the...
Women In Film has announced the recipients of its 31st annual Film Finishing Fund grant programme in support of films by, for or about women.
The narrative winners are: Solace by Tchaiko Omawale; Band Aid by Zoe Lister-Jones; Miracle by Egle Vertelyte; and The Darkest Days Of Us by Astrid Rondero.
Documentary recipients are: Amor Puro Y Duro by Catherine Gund and Daresha Kyi; Canary In A Coal Mine by Jennifer Brea; Farida And Gulnaz by Clementine Malpas; Mudflow by Cynthia Wade and Sasha Friedlander; Tribe by Jordan Bryon; and When A Girl Is Born by Sarita Khurana and Smriti Mundhra.
Martin Zandvliet’s Danish Oscar submission Land Of Mine won AFI Fest 2016’s World Cinema Audience Award, while Divines took the Breathrough Audience Award. The Future Perfect took New Auteurs Grand Jury Award. For the...
- 11/17/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.